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Page 174

Writing ■ Developing the First Draft

Carefully develop each part of your essay, following these guidelines.

Beginning The beginning should grab your reader’s attention and state your thesis. Begin your essay with one of the attention-getting ideas that follow. Then write your thesis statement using the formula below as a guide.

  • Start with an amazing fact:

    The first record of the northern lights comes in a 30,000-year-old cave painting in France.

  • Start with a powerful anecdote:

    Imagine being a Viking warrior after battle and seeing the Valkyries sweep down to carry your fallen friends away. . . .

  • Start with an intriguing question:

    Have you ever seen the glowing curtain of our planetary defense?

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