"How do I write an introduction?"

Writing an introduction is very difficult to get to grips with at first but once you've mastered the basic technique, it is easily applicable to a range of essays, topics, and subjects beyond English Literature. It's all a matter of clear thought processes, and equally clear articulation.

First, think about your answer to the question posed at its most simple. State that answer plainly - let the examiner know from the first moment where you're going in the essay to follow. Next, think about the path you're going to take to reach that one sentence answer you've provided - what sort of arguments will you make, what points will you raise, and what specific elements of a text will you refer to? Make the path of your essay plain to the examiner, in plain English. Finally (and optionally), is there a particular approach you're going to take to the question? If, for example, you might want to look at the question from a feminist perspective, then you should make that plain in your introduction also.

 And there you have it, a quick skeleton you should bear in mind when approaching your essays. But most important of all, make your introduction your own - don't feel bound to the structure, just make sure you are consistently letting your reader know where they should expect to be headed!