You're meant to lapse into your essay. But have a title, byline, rhetorical questions, and perhaps even an anecdote, linking to your main ideas.
For instance, as a segueway into a belonging feature article, talk about being on the train, and seeing some girl being rejected by her friends whilst travelling to school. Cliched, I know, but if it's in an exam, the fact that you've even attempted to use an anecdote will score you points.