Ross Said:

When you are are writing a documented essay, using the MLA style can you start the introduction?

We Answered:

You can start an essay almost any way you want. However, if you want the opening to be effective, your "attention grabber" should be pretty short. A short story might end up being pretty lengthy, and might actually end up boring your reader before you even get started.

If you can keep it to 1-3 sentences, and then blend it into your introduction, go for it.

There is something else you should remember though; unless specifically instructed otherwise, essays should remain impersonal. You should avoid the words "my, I, we, our, etc etc".

Based on the topic of the essay, it sounds like your teacher may have intended for you to make this essay a little personal... but you might want to double-check the assignment just in case.

Paul Said:

In what writing style are magazine articles written in? Bassic essay style or something different?

We Answered:

It's called expository writing. That is the style used to write magazine articles. It is writing to inform the reader about a topic.

Gene Said:

I'm writing an essay,can someone please simplify what "Chicago Style" is? Put it in plain English?

We Answered:

There are whole books written on this subject, so I'd recommend referring to one of those. I doubt anyone here wants to write out the entire set of guidelines for you.

Justin Said:

Can you help me write a Essay using the APA writing style?

We Answered:

YES!! Go to the Online Writing Lab (OWL) at Purdue University:
http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resour…

They have comprehensive writing tips on APA Formatting and Style. Very cool and useful site.

And nothing is cooler than the "Citation Machine"
http://citationmachine.net/index.php?new…

Just plug in your info where it prompts you, and voila!

Daisy Said:

How to have a fascinating writing style when writing essays, etc?

We Answered:

Well, improving your writing style is something you generally do over time, but a good trick is to write outside the box!
Try re-writing older stories you have or writing backwards. They are challenges that can get your mind really pulsing, and usually can help you with creating your own, unique style.
Also, have you tried writing stories from all perspectives?
There are three perspectives.
Third person is where you write as a person looking into the the story, and use character names.
First person is where you write looking through the eyes of a main character.

And then... there is the dreaded second perspective. It is the most rare and most difficult way to write, as you throw the reader into the story, addressing the main character as 'you'. It makes things very intimate and interesting, and usually can catch the eye of anyone, even someone who doesn't normally like to read.
An example of this would be the Children's Goosebumps books.