Is this a good opening paragraph for the subject "What is an American?" my teacher isn't picky...
start: What is an American? There is no right or wrong answer. Some people may think that Americans are selfish or uncaring. Other people may think they are unselfish and caring. The actual dictionary definition is, "A citizen of the United States of America.
Here are some excellent websites about writing introductions -- what to do and what not to do!
http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/intros.htm
http://leo.stcloudstate.edu/acadwrite/intro.html
http://nutsandbolts.washcoll.edu/beginning.html
Usually it's best NOT to write the introduction first. Make sure you have a really good thesis statement and outline. Write the body of the paper in detail. Then write the intro and conclusion.
The opening paragraph you provided for the subject "What is an American?" is a decent start, but it could benefit from some improvement. Here's a revised version:
"Defining what it means to be an American is a complex and subjective matter. Perspectives on this topic can vary widely, as individuals may hold differing opinions based on their observations and experiences. While some may perceive Americans as selfish and uncaring, others may view them as unselfish and compassionate. According to the dictionary, an American is simply identified as a citizen of the United States of America. However, the true essence of the term goes beyond this narrow definition, encompassing a multitude of cultural, historical, and individual perspectives that shape the identity of an American."
By incorporating a more nuanced approach and addressing the multiple dimensions of the topic, this revised paragraph provides a stronger foundation for further exploration and analysis of what it means to be an American.