Band 6 Essay Introduction Structure
Although introductions are not rigid in their structure, a recommended introduction scaffold is the following:
- Overarching thesis: This is your overall general answer to the question. Think about how you would answer the question if you were only given one sentence to do so. Here, your argumentation should be clear and concise. Having a strong thesis statement will set the tone for your entire essay.
- Introduction of text: In this step, you must introduce the text that you’ll be analysing in your essay. Make sure to include the full name of the author, the text title, the date of publication, as well as the context.
- Application of thesis to text: This is achieved by specifying how the question is answered for the particular prescribed text. In order to do this, make sure to think of your overall thesis in light of the text’s themes.
- Signposting of arguments: This is where you provide the roadmap to your argumentation. Think about the content and purpose of the text.
- Reference to rubric: Make sure to mention some key rubric terms eg. human experiences, textual conversations etc.
- Identification of audience impact: Refer to the impact it has on the audience eg. challenges perspectives, affirms beliefs, consolidates stability etc.
Keep in mind that this is just a recommendation. Feel free to let your creative juices flow and switch up the order of the steps if need be!
Comparative Essay Introduction Structure
When it comes to comparative essays, the key lies in the student’s ability to compare and contrast the prescribed texts. That means that the student must identify similarities and differences when it comes to the way that the texts approach the concept outlined in the question. A sample outline of a comparative essay introduction is as follows:
- Overarching thesis: This will be a general answer to the question without specifically addressing a particular text (see below for example).
- Introduction of text A and Application of thesis: In this step, you must introduce the former text (the one that has been composed first), applying the thesis to it. Make sure to include the full name of the author, the text title, the date of publication, as well as the context.
- Introduction of text B and Application of thesis: In this step, you must introduce the latter text (the one that has been composed last), applying the thesis to it. Make sure to include the full name of the author, the text title, the date of publication, as well as the context.
- Signposting of arguments: This is where you provide the roadmap to your argumentation.
- Reference to rubric: Make sure to mention some key rubric terms all throughout eg. human experiences, textual conversations etc.
- Identification of audience impact: Refer to the impact it has on the audience (refer above for examples).
English Essay Introduction Examples
Sample One:
Existential concerns transcend contexts, and the exploration of textual and contextual resonances reveal the core values which define the human spirit. Margret Edson’s 1995 drama W;t selectively appropriates John Donne’s C17th poetry, unveiling perspectives on love and redemption which are shown to collide contextually to a significant extent yet ultimately affirm the futility of intellectualising existential anxieties, to reflect upon the importance of human connection. Consequently, intertextual reading allows for a deeper understanding of both texts as the context and content of each text sparks a conversation with the other, imploring the responder to reflect upon the representation of each perspective. Sample Two: Through a comparative study, audiences may dissect the resonant or dissonant perspectives on notions that connect texts in an ever-evolving textual conversation. Such perspectives are reflected in Keats’ striking poetic oeuvre (1818-1820) which provides an insight into the Regency period and Romantic zeitgeist, as well as Campion’s postmodern biopic “Bright Star” (2009), which reframes the image of Keats and his love for Fanny, through a feminist lens thus shedding light on the ideas of art and the human condition. Hence, through an evaluative examination of this intertextual relationship, audiences may observe and appreciate the multiplicity of ideas that spring from universal certainties.
Sample Three:
William Shakespeare’s historic morality play King Henry IV Part 1 (1597), facilitates an insight into the dichotomy between Christian humanism and Medieval Scholastic cosmology, through the witty manipulation of an Elizabethan standpoint and interpretation of Tudor historical events. In doing so, Shakespeare effectively interweaves the motifs of honour and time with the contextual concerns of succession and rebellion. Hence, Shakespeare’s response to Machiavellian calamities, sheds light on the significance of the Aristotelian chivalric codes of grace and truth, which act as a portal into his effective character manipulation and critique of the status quo.
Sentence Starters for Essays
When it comes to starting an essay, it must be noted that the first sentence, otherwise referred to as the thesis statement, will depend on the question. However, in case you get stuck, here are some sentences which may help:
- The human experience of (insert question specific), allows for significant insight into the complexity of human behaviour and motivations.
- A parallel analysis of texts, gives rise to intricate conversations between texts regarding (themes).
- By critically dissecting valued texts, audiences are able to appreciate the mimetic qualities of (composer’s ‘text’). In that way (talk about the impact/effect that this has in relation to what the question is asking)
At the end of the day, when writing an introduction, it really comes down to being able to understand the question and know the text(s) really well. By following the above outline, you’ll be one step closer to composing your perfect HSC introduction!
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