How to write a strong introduction to a history essay?

The introduction is key to making your essay stand out. Mastering a technique for writing introductions will help your confidence in essay writing generally, as you set out a clear structure and argument from the start. Begin by directly addressing the question, either by agreeing, disagreeing, or challenging it. You want to show your reader that you are engaging with the question, and it will be particularly impressive if you are able to reflect on the question itself - why is it an important question to ask? Is it too simplistic? Explain the structure of your essay in a few lines, ideally with three points or themes which you intend to examine - 'signposting' them, so that it is clear to the reader what the main body of the essay is made up of. Finally, state your thesis and briefly explain why you think this is the most convincing argument. Ensure that your introduction is concise and clear so as to capture your reader's curiosity. *Tip: It will be extra impressive to the reader if you outline in a couple of sentences the most prominent schools of thought / historiography on your subject.

TL
Answered by Tsiona L. History tutor

26736 Views

See similar History A Level tutors

Related History A Level answers

All answers ▸

How do I structure a history essay well?


How important is it to include examples of outside reading in your personal statement?


To what extent is it reasonable to suggest that the expansion of the Royal Navy in the years 1763-1914 was the result of political imperatives?


What was the short term significance of tanks and their usage in World War One?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences