The introduction

Your introduction should:

• establish and explain your argument
  
  
• define any complex words in the question
  
  
• give any background information – such as plot summaries – necessary for your argument to make sense
  
  
• be one or two paragraphs long.

The best introductions quickly establish the argument and grab the reader's attention. Although all introductions need to follow a similar formula, there are ways to make your introduction a bit different and more interesting.

Starting with a quote

Starting your introduction with a dramatic quote illustrates your argument and makes your reader want to keep reading. It also helps set the tone or the historical context, and establishes key figures for discussion.

Using analogies and anecdotes

Good use of analogies and anecdotes can be really impressive. Using them in your introduction shows straight away that you've thought about how the topic relates to other issues. It's an easy way to make your introduction memorable.