A comma if you use signal verbs like says states explains etc.

Can i start my introduction with a quote. It gives you an exclusive opportunity to introduce what you will be discussing in the paragraph. Some people will never be what they think they are. You are appealing to the authors of that original quotes for support and use their authority.

A quote seemingly unrelated to your point distracts your readers rather than drawing them in. To start with a quote is not wrong but you may do better as onomatomaniak suggested to think of an engaging first sentence that makes the reader think you have something interesting to say. Any quotation must clearly relate to your topic including a quote used as an introductory hook.

Some tutors even suggested you shouldnt even begin at the start. If you write your essay about some scientific trends and innovations refer to the quotes of famous scientists. Moreover writers should explain when a prominent person spoke quoted words and their intended meaning.

I think the opening line is the hardest one to write so I often say leave it until last and just try and get something down on paper Dont spend too long on the introduction. Naming other authors when youre introducing their views into your work can be done with quotations or paraphrases. In terms of punctuation you can introduce a quote with.

See the full list in the next chapter A colon if you use a complete sentence before inserting the quotation. When to introduce quotes or paraphrases when you want to use an author as an authoritative voice to introduce an authors position you may wish to discuss. Start With Interesting Statements.

Be careful not to confuse a colon with a semicolon. Beginning an essay with a quote is a good idea. You need to start with a topic sentence at ideas the beginning of ever paragraph.