Essay Writing
The UK Essay Introduction: Seven Lines That Earn Marks
What goes into a first-class UK essay introduction, line by line.
Why your introduction matters disproportionately
Markers form a first impression of your essay within the first 100 words. A weak introduction primes them to look for problems; a strong one earns them benefit of the doubt for the rest.
The seven-line template
1) Context. 2) Why the question matters. 3) Definition of key terms. 4) Scope of your essay. 5) Your thesis. 6) Brief signposting of your argument. 7) Transition to body.
Common mistakes
Generic openers ('Throughout history, humanity has...'), defining the obvious, refusing to commit to a thesis, and signposting that just lists section titles. Examiners want substance from line one.