Final answer:
Trevor Noah and Lily Tran effectively grab attention with introductory anecdotes and engaging approaches at the start of their works, capturing the reader's interest and generating curiosity about the content that will follow.
Step-by-step explanation:
When assessing how a story begins, we look at aspects like if it starts with a captivation element such as an introductory anecdote, which is an effective strategy employed by many writers, including Lily Tran in her essay, and in popular media such as The Daily Show with Trevor Noah.
Trevor Noah’s story begins with an engaging approach that immediately captures the reader's attention. A narrative that starts by using dialogue or describing a vivid event can draw readers in effectively.
This technique, known as in media res, which means starting in the middle of the action, sets an exciting tone from the very beginning, making the audience eager to understand the background and outcome of the events described.
Authors might also use rhetorical questions to spark curiosity and encourage readers to think deeply about the subject matter.
An effective introduction is analogous to an elevator pitch; it must be concise yet compelling enough to spark interest in the conversation or in the topic discussed within a short timeframe.
As discussed, there are multiple ways to begin a story, each aiming to engage readers and establish a connection with them, setting the stage for the argument or narrative that unfolds.