General Approaches:
* Hook the reader: Grab their attention with a surprising fact, a thought-provoking question, or a vivid anecdote.
* Introduce the topic: Clearly state the main subject of the essay.
* Establish context: Provide background information or set the scene.
* State your thesis: Briefly present your main argument or point of view.
Examples:
Hook:
* "The average person spends 2.5 hours per day on their phone." (surprising fact)
* "What if everything we thought we knew about the universe was wrong?" (thought-provoking question)
* "The rain poured down in sheets, blurring the city lights into streaks of neon." (vivid anecdote)
Introduce the topic:
* "The development of artificial intelligence has raised numerous ethical concerns."
* "Shakespeare's Hamlet is a complex and multifaceted character."
* "The American Civil War was a pivotal event in the history of the United States."
Establish context:
* "In the wake of the Industrial Revolution, cities began to grow at an unprecedented rate."
* "For centuries, philosophers have debated the nature of consciousness."
* "The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on societies around the world."
State your thesis:
* "This essay will argue that the use of artificial intelligence in warfare poses significant moral and ethical dilemmas."
* "Despite his flaws, Hamlet's tragic downfall is ultimately a result of his own indecisiveness."
* "The Civil War was a turning point in American history, leading to the abolition of slavery and the reunification of the nation."
Ultimately, the best first sentence is the one that is both engaging and effective in setting the tone for the rest of your essay. Experiment with different approaches and choose the one that best fits your purpose and style.