The paragraph is the basic unit of an essay, and the opening paragraph is the most important. By the end of the opening paragraph your thesis should be clearly stated, the limits of the discussion set, and the terms of the question addressed. A restatement or paraphrase of the essay question is a weak opening. Show that you have given serious thought to the question. Each subsequent paragraph opens with a topic sentence that indicates what the paragraph will be about.
Examples are more effective by weight than by number.
A few well-chosen examples are worth more than many loosely connected ones. Also, be sure to prepare for the example with a few introductory comments and follow up with some further explanation. Don't just drop an example like an incendiary device and leave it to take effect. Determine what that effect will be by your comments. It is assumed that the thoughts and opinions not attributed to others are your own.