Hi All. I'm 67 and very new to Essay writing and like most newbies, am having some difficulty constructing the opening Essay paragraph for the Assignment Topic:- "Describe how Emotional Intelligence influences Interpersonal Communication". I understand that using the essence of the Topic wording is one way of constructing a good opening paragraph/statement? Any guidance will be most welcome!
For your first sentence you will want to open with a rhetorical opening strategy such as a rhetorical question, anecdote, declarative statement, or a definition. Using a combination of 2 is desirable, but never more than two. This is to attract your reader. Next, you will introduce the 3 points you will be supporting in the three body paragraphs that follow. Finally, in last or second last sentence, you will introduce the thesis of your essay. Make sure the thesis is arguable, matters to your audience outside of the world of literature, and has been effectively supported by the body paragraphs. Good luck and I know you can do it!
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I want to suggest that the first sentence might be like the star on the top of the xmas tree. Or to use a more culturally neutral metaphor, it is the icing on the cake. You can just write freely about how Goleman's "emotional intelligence" makes a difference in how people communicate, and then you can can go back and add a sentence at the beginning that will really give an intriguing hint about the concept you want to convey.
OR
The first sentence can be your source of inspiration. Do not write an essay. Just write one sentence. Read, and read, and read about emotional intelligence, and wait for that perfect sentence to come to mind. If it is rhythmic, if it is compelling... you will be motivated to write, and the reader will be motivated to read.
I think you should use the second option. Wait until you think of a sentence that is so filled with meaning that it could be a whole essay all by itself. Answer the question in a perfect sentence, and spend the rest of the essay explaining what you mean.
:-)
Hi Dude,
many thanks for the guidance and tips. It is a little daunting but I'm getting a little more familiar with Essay concepts and terminology. If it's allowed in this forum, I'll let you know how I get on with this first Assessment.
Hi Kevin,
I'm still getting used to Posting/replying on the Forum and when I answered your reply directly, the message was that I could only edit the post so, I've added into here if that's OK.
I had not thought about tackiling the exercise that way. I've had a short try out and even that has opened my mind/eyes.
Thanks heaps. I feel far more confident in tackling this Assessment now. It's only 500 words but the first few were looking to be the most problematical. I believe that I have a handle on the content OK. My next hurdle will be constructing a final paragraph conclusion which will impress my Tutor!
Awesome, Ken. Good luck with that. If you have time, please help a few of the essayists who could benefit from your advice. A lot of kids here could use your help! We're lucky to have you.
