How to Start a Global Statement Essay

At the beginning of any essay, a writer needs to "hook" the reader. If the first few sentences do not grab the reader's attention, she will stop reading. A global statement is the group of sentences in the opening paragraph of an essay that act as an attention-grabber and a statement of purpose for your writing. Just as important as the "hook," though, is choosing a topic you care about, because if you do not care about the subject, neither will your audience.

Take notes about what is meaningful about the paper, both for you and a general audience to gauge the strength of the topic. For instance, if you are writing about a voyage you took through the Sahara desert that changed your life, ask what really happened on the trip that made you change. Point out how the trip forced you to reconsider endurance and perseverance, for example.

Address the main ideas of the essay by discussing the main points you intend to make to your reader in the first few statements of your essay. If you are writing a persuasive essay about the positive influence of peace parades, point out at least three reasons in the statement that reflect the power of the events. For instance, peace marches promote community action, conflict-resolution and power in numbers.

Articulate your vision for the essay by writing a sentence that sums up the main point of your writing.

Funnel the concept by imagining that the introductory essay is a funnel into which you are pouring your essay. Each sentence should transition from a broader concept to a more narrow one. At the "tip" of the introduction paragraph, move to the most specific sentence. Use a transitional phrase, such as "therefore, in this essay, or in general" to move to the thesis statement.

Write the thesis by composing an articulate sentence that clarifies the points you will address and ushers the reader into the essay. Go into more detail about your topic and the basic answers to why your topic is important to you.