Step #8: Go back and read what you've written. This will personalize the letter and get the reader involved with you right away. If you're writing a letter, incidentally, try as much as possible to address it to a particular individual. Your opening sentence is your chance to mold that impression. There's ample research showing that first impressions are essential in framing how other people judge your competence. Psychology is very useful in this stage of the game. Then, when you end the essay, reinforce that initial point by restating it in somewhat different words. If you're writing a cover letter, you're also responding to a question- perhaps one that is implicit: "Why should we hire you?" Answer that question, and your reader will want to learn more. If it is an essay or short-answer question, and you are asked to describe why you want whatever you're trying to get, then state this clearly and directly. Now, getting serious, think about what question you are trying to answer. Your essay, and your reader, will thank you. If you feel that way, write your opening statement like that- and then delete it. Many people think the opening statement should be an eye-catching phrase, a quote, or some cute play on words. You want to tell a complete story in this letter or essay, so your beginning should open the circle that your ending will close.
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