Introductions are important.
But you don't have to write them first. In fact, many students prefer launching right into the body of the essay before they tackle intros and conclusions. But that still leaves the very beginning. Begin with a quotation . Just make sure you explain its relevance Begin with a question Begin with an acknowledgment of an opinion opposite to the one you plan to take Begin with a very short narrative or anecdote that has a direct bearing on your paper Begin with an interesting fact Begin with a definition or explanation of a term relevant to your paper Begin with irony or paradox Begin with an analogy .