How can you start off an essay?

Have a main idea and thesis statement if the essay is for a grade make sure you have correct punctuation and spelling.

Have an introduction, in this you should explain what the essay is about and basic information about it.

And don't forget spell check.

I like starting these intros with saying my topic and then having a catchy saying like starting a science fair project you can say "For years we have lived with [product] but did you really know that it could be harmful?" that is a good way and a way i start mine with.
For A Writing Essay

To start an essay always start with a hook that grab the reader's attention. A good hook has either onomatopoeia (vroom, splat), a question (Whats the most delectable food?), or alliteration (Shelly has seventeen shells she shared them with Sammy & Sarah. Once you have this tell the reader what you are talking about (I love ice cream). Now preview your your three things about your topic. Last you need a topic sentence (Ice cream rocks!). So there you have it, your first paragraph!