starting point

Từ điển Oxford Advanced Learner 8th

ˈstarting point [starting point starting points] BrE NAmE noun
1. ~ (for sth) a thing, an idea or a set of facts that can be used to begin a discussion or process
•The article served as a useful starting point for our discussion.
2. the place where you begin a journey

Example Bank:
•Your paper provides a useful starting point for the discussion.
•The TV documentary served as a useful starting point for our discussion.