Tuesday 29 July 2008

Make a sense of introduction

-Looking at the information on both the websites – what should a good introduction contain?

A good introduction should include a few general statements about the subject (background)define the topic or key term. Then try to explain the purpose of the essay. It should also include a statement of the specific subdivisions of the topic. to your essay and to attract the reader's attention. In addition, it should


-On the University of Manchester page, look at the suggested language for different sections of the introduction. Which verb tenses are most commonly used in each section? (write down a verb tense and an example for each…)

Establishing the importance of the topic: Present Simple Tense
X is a common disorder characterised by ......

Establishing the importance of the topic (time frame given): Present Perfect Tense
In recent years, there has been an increasing interest in ......

Highlighting a problem or controversy in the field of study: Present Perfect Tense
More recently, literature has emerged that offers contradictory findings about .....

Highlighting a knowledge gap in the field of study: Present Perfect Tense
Most studies in X have only been carried out in a small number of areas.

Focus and aim: Present Simple Tense
The aim of this paper is to determine......

Outline of structure: Present Perfect Tense
The essay has been organised in the following way.


-What is the introduction a chance for you to do?
Make a first impression


-Why do you think planning is important when you are writing an introduction?

Make a plan before writing can help you arrange your idea and make sure your introduction include all sections.


-Look at the example essay question
: "Is the present level of immigration in the United Kingdom beneficial to the country?" Read the introduction (below the plan). You should be able to see that the introduction contains all the elements from your answer to question 1 in the Section A. Also, notice the use of verb tenses.

  • Immigration is an emotive subject…Present Simple Tense
  • has refocused...Present Perfect Tense
  • has largely consisted...Present Perfect Tense


1 comment:

Steve said...

I love this picture of the building of the eiffel tower you've posted. It so perfectly encapsulates what an introduction is.