Using a Quotation as a Grabber - Examples

Beginning your essay with a quotation that is relevant to your topic is another way to start an introduction. This method can often stimulate the audience's interest through humor or other devices, while also suggesting that you have thought about--and researched--your topic. Use quotations whose length and complexity are appropriate to the length and complexity of your essay. Avoid opening with a quotation from a dictionary or a cliche.

In the following examples, notice how dull thesis statements have been improved by the use of quotations:

 

---

 

Back to Step 6: Write the Introduction