Inhaltsverzeichnis

Start with ...

a short anecdote, that quickly leads into the topic
an interesting question - which is then answered by you
a personal statement / your main thesis (which often directly results from a "Discuss"-Topic given to you)and a reason why you think it is important
a surprising fact/statistic that asks for an explanation or supports your main thesis
a short definition of the problem you are asked to discuss as you see it
a short analysis of the message/your understanding of the quotation you are to discuss

introduces the topic quickly and clearly (+)
gives readers an idea of what direction the essay will take (+)
provides an overview of the structure/line of argument (+)
implies/poses a question and creates an expectation/interetst in the readers (+)
states general truths/defines what needs no definition (-)
asks questions/announces answers but does not give them (-)