• 5.2 Introductions

    • Introductions

      Writing is all about communicating ideas. Your introduction is there to set the context and explain to the reader what they will learn from reading your assignment. 

      Example essay introduction

      Read the example introduction then select the statements from the options underneath which best describe the it. 

      Topic: Evaluate one method to reduce levels of plastic in the oceans.  
      In 2016, the National Environmental Research Council published a report in which it regarded micro-plastics, tiny pieces of plastic that have degraded from larger plastic products, as the "single most significant danger" to marine wildlife inhabiting the waters around Great Britain.  Similarly, a study conducted by University of Belfast found that micro-plastics from single-use carrier bags were found in the stomachs of almost all sharks, fish and whales that had washed onto Irish beaches, and are contributing to a significant decline in marine wildlife populations (Campbell, 2017).  It is clear from these findings and others that plastics in the ocean are a great danger to marine wildlife, particularly those originating from single-use plastics, such as carrier bags.  Although the introduction of a mandatory charge for plastic bags was implemented in the UK in 2015, millions of bags are still purchased each month, and many still end up in British rivers, lakes and seas (Marine Conservation Society, 2017).  This essay will argue that banning single-use plastic carrier bags from UK supermarkets is a key step to reducing plastics in British waterways and protecting marine wildlife.


      Features of an introduction

      Drag and drop the common features of an introduction onto the corresponding section of text. 




    • Checklist for your introduction

      Ask yourself the following questions about your introduction:

      • Have you grabbed the attention of the reader?
      • Have you defined any terms which need to be explained to the reader?
      • Have you explained the context you will be focussing on?
      • Have you explained how you will answer the question or respond to the task?
      • For an essay: Have you stated your main argument?
      • For a report: Have you clearly stated the aims and objectives of the report?

◄5.1 Getting Started5.3 Paragraphs►