What do paragraphs typically start with?

Paragraphs typically start with an introduction to the topic, which serves as the main idea or the primary point that will be elaborated upon in the rest of the paragraph. This introductory sentence, often called the topic sentence, sets the stage for the reader by clearly indicating what the paragraph will discuss. It helps to capture the reader's interest and provides a roadmap for the content that will follow, guiding them through the relevant information or arguments.

The other options, while they represent different elements or techniques one might find within a paragraph, are not the conventional starting point. For instance, starting with a question can engage the reader, but it is more common for the primary structure of a paragraph to begin with a clear statement of the topic. Supporting statements are typically found in the body of the paragraph, where the introduction is built upon with additional details or evidence. Conclusions, on the other hand, summarize ideas and generally appear at the end of a paragraph, not at the beginning.