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A good introduction provides an outline of the points the essay will cover.

Writing an Introduction

Strong introductions win markers fast. State your main answer in one clear sentence, then signpost how your paragraphs will prove it.

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Fascinating Fact:

Your introduction answers the question in one clear line, then sets the path your essay will follow.

In GCSE English, an effective introduction gives a precise answer and a brief route map. It shows the examiner you understand the task and how your evidence will support your line of argument.

Key Terms

Thesis statement: The single sentence that answers the question directly.
Signposting: Short hints that show the order of the points you will make.
Line of argument: The logical path your essay follows from claim to conclusion.

Frequently Asked Questions (Click to see answers)

How do I write a strong introduction for GCSE English?

Answer the question in one clear sentence, then add one or two brief signposts to the points you will develop in the main paragraphs.

Should I include quotations in my introduction?

Usually no. Save quotations for body paragraphs where you can analyse them. The introduction sets your claim and plan in clear prose.

How long should an introduction be in an exam essay?

Two to three sentences are enough. Aim for about 40 to 60 words that state your thesis and outline the structure.

Try These Related Quizzes

1 .

Which of the following is true?

The best introductions have only two sentences: one for the topic, one for the argument

A good introduction provides an outline of the points the essay will cover

A good introduction leaves out the argument, instead saving it for the conclusion

The best introductions start with an anecdote, waffle for a while and then mention the topic

A brief outline in the introductory paragraph guides your reader through your essay and, therefore, your argument

2 .

Out of the following, which would be the preferable length for an introductory paragraph?

One sentence

Two sentences

Four or five sentences

A full A4 page

It would be very difficult to do the job of an introduction in one or two sentences. A full A4 page will always be too long an introduction at GCSE

3 .

Your argument must...

answer the essay question

contain no more than twenty words

be aggressive

be stated in the most complicated language you can manage

4 .

In An Inspector Calls, what is the effect created by Inspector Goole's manner of showing each character the photo of Eva Smith? - Which key words should be mentioned in an introductory paragraph written in answer to this question?

Effect, character

Character, Eva Smith

What, manner

An Inspector Calls, effect, Inspector Goole, shows/showing, character, photo, Eva Smith

While you should not copy the full question, you can rephrase it in your answer. Exam questions say precisely what they intend, which means that most of the words in the question are very important

5 .

An essay's argument is...

the main quotation from the text

a disagreement between the author of the essay and the examiner

the main point which it makes about the topic

a disagreement between the author of the essay and the author of the text

Your argument is your answer to the essay question, which will be the main point you wish to make. The rest of the essay should be structured to refer back to and support this point

6 .

Which of the following is NOT one of the purposes of an introductory paragraph?

To tell the reader everything you plan to say in the essay

To encourage the reader to continue reading

To let the reader know the topic of the essay

To state your argument

If you said everything you had to say in the introduction, there would be no reason for the reader to finish the essay

7 .

How does Shakespeare compare love and friendship in The Merchant of Venice? - Which key words should be mentioned in an introductory paragraph written in answer to this question?

Shakespeare, compare, love

Shakespeare, The Merchant of Venice

Shakespeare, love, friendship, The Merchant of Venice

love, friendship

'Compare' would not be absolutely essential because it would be possible (and perhaps preferable) to use a synonym for the word

8 .

Pupils are often taught to write 'In this essay, I will ....' -- Which of the following would make the most elegant replacement for this construction?

This essay will argue that there are similarities and differences between 'Dulce et Decorum Est' and Act I, Scene 2 of Macbeth

I will argue that, although 'Dulce et Decorum Est' shares its gruesome depiction of the battlefield with Act I, Scene 2 of Macbeth, the poem differs in tone from the glorification of violence expressed in the play

Although 'Dulce et Decorum Est' shares its gruesome depiction of the battlefield with Act I, Scene 2 of Macbeth, the poem differs in tone from the glorification of violence expressed in the play

There might be similarities and differences between 'Dulce et Decorum Est' and Act I, Scene 2 of Macbeth

Sometimes pupils think it sounds more humble to say 'I think...' or 'I will argue'. It is better to state your argument plainly and clearly. The reader (your teacher or examiner) will know that your argument is what you think and that your essay is what you wish to argue

9 .

Your introduction should mention the subject of your essay. This is also called the...

point

argument

topic

evidence

Your topic might be a play, two poems to compare, an author, a theme, a character, the use of language in a text, etc. Whatever your topic is, your introductory paragraph must mention it

10 .

One of the most important purposes of an introductory paragraph is to 'hook' the reader. This can be achieved by...

using an interesting or surprising fact

beginning with a quotation

beginning with a rhetorical question

Any of the above

You can find more about this topic by visiting BBC Bitesize - Organising information and ideas

Author: Sheri Smith (PhD English Literature, English Teacher & Quiz Writer)