How to write an interesting introduction
(or how not to bore your examiner!)
by www.learnenglishonline.org
Imagine: A man is sitting in a dark room, even though it is a beautiful day outside. His neck is aching, his back is hurting - not surprising, as he has been sitting at his desk for the last four hours, marking essay after essay, although he would far rather be out enjoying the lovely weather. Slowly, he picks up another exam. Slowly - because they are all so boring.
He starts reading the essay - your essay - when suddenly he sits up. This one is different, he thinks, this one is good...
This really happens - I know, I used to be an IELTS examiner! Most students are concerned only with their grammar, and not with the content. The result? Very boring essays. However, when an examiner does get an interesting essay, he's really impressed - and you get higher marks.
To write an interesting essay you need an interesting introduction - get your examiner's attention from the first line.
Test it
To show you how to write interesting introductions, we've taken the essay question below and written 8 different openings for it.
The problems in modern society today are caused by a lack of discipline at home from an early age. Discuss, giving your opinion. |
Match the following openings to the different ways of starting an essay listed below:
A. Children should be beaten regularly, and beaten until they bleed, if they are to become good people. This is the view that seems to be held by some extremists. In fact, though, a balance has to be maintained between the need to maintain reasonable discipline, and the need to protect the rights of the child.
B. Before considering the importance of discipline, it is worth discussing just what discipline is, as it seems to mean different things to different people.
C. Children are the foundation of our future society. So if we want to have a good future, we must build a solid foundation – by looking after our children, not by disciplining them.
D. “Physical discipline is not the answer to children's behavioural problems, and can lead to children becoming physically and mentally damaged.” (Soft V.2001 p.102 ).
E. In the nineteenth century children were supposed to be seen and not heard. A softening of attitudes followed in the first half of the twentieth century, with children encouraged to speak more, and voice their opinion – respectfully, of course. Swearing at the table would never have been dreamed of!
F. “Discipline children! The poor little things. We should give them anything they want. They should never be allowed to hear the word No!” So might say the typical modern parent – but is this really the way to bring up children?
G. Discipline. It's something that all of us have encountered, whether from teachers or from parents. But how good are you, or would you be, at disciplining your own children?
H. Just why do some parents think they can bring up children without any discipline at all? Such an approach just leads the children to a life of crime.
Different ways of starting an essay.
1. Starting with a rhetorical question. (A rhetorical question which you ask – and then answer yourself.)
2. Historical approach.
3. Defining terms
4. Reference to authority.
5. Metaphor/simile.
6. Making essay sound real or immediate through use of dialogue
7. Addressing reader.
8. Starting with a shocking/controversial statement – which you can then argue or disagree with.
Useful Phrases
Complete the phrases with the words in the box. All the phrases were used above.
maintained | view | encountered | considering |
1. This is the _____ that seems to be held by…
2. In fact, though, a balance needs to be _______ between…
3. Before _______ the importance of…it is worth discussing…
4. It's something that all of us have _______
