How do I write a successful introduction?

Introductions can be the most daunting part of an essay; however, the good news is, the more you practise, the easier they become. The best method to use when writing a successful introduction, both thoroughly and efficiently, is to break it down.

First and foremost, remember your introduction serves to let the reader know exactly what your essay will be about, without simply revealing everything first!

One of the first thing you can do is briefly focus on the two most important parts of the question:

• Circle WHAT it is asking you to do: is it asking you to 'analyse', or 'explore', or explain 'how' something is crafted by the author? This will help create the focus of your introduction (and consequently your response), and will show your full attention to the question!

• Next, underline the KEY WORDS in the question that will let the reader know exactly what you will be discussing later on. This could be "madness" in 'Macbeth', or "loneliness" in 'Of Mice and Men'. All of this lets an examiner know that your answer will be focused, and relevant to the question.

Lastly, state your argument. Based on HOW and WHAT you will discussing, boldly state how you as an individual will explore this. Why is loneliness in Steinbeck's novel significant? This demonstrates your unique response to the question, and clearly introduces your essay.