I agree. I usually start with the first paragraph, but if I am unable to complete the first paragraph (where I state my stand), I just go into the body. I usual

I agree. I usually start with the first paragraph, but if I am unable to complete the first paragraph (where I state my stand), I just go into the body. I usually have the outline on a piece of paper, and probably erase the whole word doc a few times. On this topic: I don't like setting an upper bound for word limit. The longest essay I have ever written was 15 pages because I had so much to write...