What is always included at the beginning of an essay?

The beginning of an essay is crucial for setting the stage for the reader, and the introduction serves this purpose effectively. It provides the necessary context for the topic being discussed, outlines the main argument or thesis, and often presents a brief overview of the points that will be covered in the body of the essay. This section is designed to engage the reader's interest and provide a clear direction for the essay's content. Including an introduction is fundamental to effective writing, as it frames the discussion and prepares the reader for what is to follow.

The other options, while important elements of an essay, do not serve as the initial framework. A counterargument typically appears later in the essay to address opposing views, the conclusion summarizes the findings and reflections at the end, and body paragraphs develop the main points but come after the introduction. Thus, the introduction is the essential component that always appears at the start, laying the groundwork for the entire piece.