Hello!!
I have a question about introductions...
So we've been taught that our intro should be at least 1/2 page to 3/4 page long. We've also been told to have a two-part thesis statement: 1st part being a strongly worded statement that states your point of view/stance on the question or topic, 2nd part being a "sub-thesis" which elaborates on your thesis and defines key aspects or concepts within the question.
Are we meant to include an introduction to the prescribed text, text type, author etc within this thesis statement and elaboration?
If so, what is LEFT for us to say in this introduction? How are we meant to have a solid detailed introduction without going too much into each of our points we will make in the body?
Basically, what are the key things to include in an intro paragraph other than what is covered by the thesis statement?
Hey, Mariam2002!
Welcome to the forums
Firstly, don't fret if you write less than what they've recommended to you for the introduction. I think that defining an introduction based on the length of it isn't wise because, as a surface reason, everyone has different handwriting sizes and, on a deeper level, it's always more about quality than quantity when it comes to English. It's not so much how long the introduction is but rather whether you cover all the essential points you need to in order to create a solid platform for your essay to build upon.
I also am a two-part thesis advocate because it allows you to firmly establish your judgement which will be the foundation for the rest of your essay. I think that you shouldn't introduce the prescribed text until the third sentence of the introduction because it makes more sense to me that you would raise how your text will be explored to assist you in justifying your judgement on the question and signpost your key arguments (i.e your themes) at the same time. I like for the last sentence of an introduction to highlight what exactly the purpose of the text is and how it impacts audiences that engage with it. This can really nail what your overarching goal for the essay will be without introducing any material from your actual arguments. Here's a sample introduction that I wrote for
Billy Elliot which I used in the English Standard Revision lecture which might help illustrate my structure better!
Sample Introduction
To what extent does the exploration of human experience in Billy Elliot invite you to reconsider your understanding of commitment?
Motivations and behaviours, which are innately complex, can greatly impact the nature of an individual’s adherence to their beliefs, values and attitudes. Through representing these anomalies, paradoxes and inconsistencies, composers can enable us to reconsider our understanding on commitment. This notion is explored in Stephen Daldry’s film Billy Elliot (2000), whereby ideas surrounding commitment are thematically explored through the challenges that arise from passion, stereotypes and acceptance. Examining the character motivations and behaviours of the film can, in turn, encourage us to similarly reflect on how we perceive and understand commitment.
As just a separate note, the two things you shouldn't be having in your introduction are techniques (because you'll be using them later in the analysis UNLESS the question specifically asks you to evaluate how a language form or feature such as mise-en-scene or characterisation has been constructed within the text) and the words "Hence", "Therefore", "Thus" etc. (because you haven't actually proven anything yet so these connectives don't hold any meaning). Hope that helps!
Angelina