Writing Introductory Paragraphs

Starting with a question. Who said in order to be considered beautiful you need to be stick thin? Why can’t all sizes be beautiful? These difficult questions give rise to more difficult questions that modeling agencies are struggling to answer. Society has created the stigma that in order to become a high-demand supermodel you need to be able to pull off a size zero. Fortunately, shows like America’s Next Top Model have given hope to many regular, everyday women by allowing contestants of all sizes to compete.

Start with a quotation or dialogue. “To the average woman, I’m not a plus—I’m not bigger than the average woman. But in the modeling industry I’m far bigger, and I actually have a figure,” says Whitney Thompson, winner of Cycle 10 on America’s Next Top Model (RealityTvWorld). To the typical American woman, a size ten is considered natural. However, the majority of the women walking the runway probably average a size two.

Place your subject in a historical context. America’s Next Top Model gives ordinary young women the chance to compete for a one hundred thousand dollar modeling contract with Cover Girl Cosmetics. The show captures the grueling process of trying to make it into the modeling industry, as well as the drama between competitors. Contestants are not only judged on their ability to rock the catwalk, but in public speaking and determination as well. Supermodel Tyra Banks, along with her team of fashion experts including photographer Neil Barker and Jay Manuel judge the girls (CW).

Open with an anecdote. A little girl watches television and suddenly comes across a commercial showing a tall, skinny model. Unknowingly, the girl begins to equate herself to the model. “Why am I not as pretty as she is?” she asks herself, “Why can’t I be skinny like her?” Everyday the little girl compares herself in the mirror, hoping that one day she may grow up to be as small and beautiful as the woman she saw on television. The only problem is, the girl she...