There are a number of methods you can adopt when you begin your composition, depending on the type of essay you intend to write. The narrative essay could begin with a sudden startling revelation, capturing the reader’s attention at once. The argumentative essay could begin with a short anecdote or perhaps a proverb illustrating the stand you are about to take. The descriptive essay might begin by giving relevant details.

Compare the effect of the two beginnings of an essay on ‘Mountains’:

1. There are different kind of mountains; big and small ones, steep and sloping ones, cold and hot ones.
2. I shall never climb another mountain as long as I live.

The second example is more direct, therefore, likely to arouse the readers’ interest and make them wonder why you have come to the particular decision. They will want to read on in order to find out.

Conclusion

The closing paragraph of your composition is equally important, since it will provide the final impression of your work. Many good essays are ruined because they trail off into dull insignificance as the writer seems to run out of inspiration by concluding with a few weak and meaningless words. You must avoid ending abruptly so that the reader is not left wondering as to what has happened. Examiners complain from time to time that essays have been ended as if candidates had suddenly disappeared before they had time to complete their work. Avoid such extremes in your concluding paragraph. Various endings suggest themselves as suitable for particular type of essays.