Your introduction is a very important part of any essay or assignment. It lets the reader know what to expect. There is no formula for a perfect introduction. Different assignments and different subjects will require different approaches. Irrespective, you do need to show the reader that you:
This list is not prescriptive, but it does provide an idea of things you might choose to include:
You might think that your introduction should be written first, but it doesn’t have to be. You do need to have a plan to work to, but sometimes it's easier to write the final version of your introduction after you've completed your assignment. This way you can be sure that your assignment does exactly what your introduction says it's going to do.
Some students find it helpful to start with the conclusion as a brief 'answer' to help focus their response to the question. Read more about writing a conclusion.
This example is from an introduction from a 3rd year Law essay. The work is typical of good writing in Law but be aware that other disciplines may have different expectations particularly in the tone and style of writing.
What's the purpose of the main body?
The main body of your essay or assignment is where you present a clear and logical response to the question. This is often called your argument.
You do this by:
using a series of well-structured paragraphs, each of which focuses on one main point
making reference to your sources in order to support your argument
organising your paragraphs in a clear and logical sequence to provide a coherent argument that directly responds to the question
Paragraph structure
Each paragraph is itself a short story, usually focusing on one main point.
Opening topic sentence
Each paragraph starts by telling the reader what that point is. Sometimes this is a single sentence known as the ‘topic sentence’. It is effectively the introduction to the paragraph.
Evidence and evaluation
Further sentences are used to explain the point being made. This involves using good quality evidence to support your point and explain why it is relevant to your overall argument. You will need to cite relevant literature from your reading and research.
Aim to evaluate the evidence you present. As your knowledge and writing skills develop, you will become more confident at taking a critical approach. Avoid repeating points made in previous paragraphs.
Implications and linking
The paragraph is drawn to a close by emphasising the significance of the point to the overall argument. It may link back to question or to the next paragraph if the point is being developed further. This helps with the overall flow of your writing.
Example
Note that guidance can vary from subject to subject, so you should check your module handbook or ask your tutor about any specific guidance about paragraph structure for your module.
Below is an example of a well-structured paragraph from a 2nd year History essay. The work is typical of good writing in History but be aware that other disciplines may have different expectations. For example, this paragraph includes a detailed review of various scholarly opinions and interpretations; other subjects might require a leaner writing style to be adopted. Irrespective, the general principles will be the same and the example does show that the student is:
responding to the specific demands of the question
presenting an interpretation that relates to the published work of others
constructing a well-organised and persuasive argument
Academic writing: paragraph structure (example) This example of a well-structured paragraph was written by a 2nd year History student. It includes:
• a clear introduction in the form of a topic sentence.
• good use of relevant literature to support the points being made. The student repeatedly draws the reader back to the overall argument as they not only explain the point but also critically evaluate the evidence.
• an effective conclusion which emphasises the main point being made in relation to the question. It also links to the next paragraph as the point is being developed further.
Question: “How was political prophecy treated in texts which refer to it during the reign of Henry IV?”
What is signposting?
Signposting involves using words or phrases that help the reader understand the structure and meaning of your writing. Signposting guides the reader through your written argument. It starts in your introduction and should be used throughout the assignment.
Macro-level signposting is used to lead the reader through the main points of the argument and the overall structure of the assignment. It is mainly used in the introduction, conclusion and opening sentences of the main body paragraphs.
e.g.
The purpose of this essay is to...
This paper will demonstrate...
Having discussed the arguments in favour of...
Micro-level signposting involves the use of short phrases or linking words. These help to create ‘flow’ in your writing by drawing connections between the ideas or points being made.
e.g.
Consequently,
As a result,
Alternatively,
Examples of signposting
Click on the drop-down options below expand them and see some examples of signposting.
Introductions
(examples taken from a 3rd year Law essay)
In the introduction you might use macro-level signposting to introduce the argument you are going to present:
"This essay submits that the law limiting a child to two legal parents in England and Wales is incoherent, outdated and in need of reform to allow up to four legal parents."
You might also use macro-level signposting to let the reader know what topics will be covered and to explain how you are going to structure your writing:
"This essay commences by outlining the current two-parent model for establishing legal parenthood. It then argues how the competing biological and social considerations in different factual settings force legal parenthood to conform to a heteronormative nuclear paradigm which is not representative of all families."
Main Body & Paragraphs
(example taken from a 2nd year History essay)
In the main body, you should start each paragraph with a topic sentence. This macro-level signposting will let the reader know what the main focus of the paragraph is. Elsewhere in the paragraph you might use micro-level signposting. Words or short phrases can be used to guide the reader through your writing by linking ideas and letting the reader know the direction your argument is taking.
It is important to think carefully about which signposting words you are using so that you guide the reader most effectively through your writing.
Macro-level signposting in the extract above
‘The presentation of the story this way suggests Walsingham was proclaiming his support for the regime’ is the topic sentence, the opening sentence of the paragraph. It is used to tell the reader what the focus of the paragraph is.
Micro-level signposting in the extract above
‘Whilst this may have been the case’ and ‘However’ are used to signal that a contrasting point is about to be made.
‘Essentially’ is used to refine the point being made.
‘It could be argued’ is used to draw the reader’s attention to the argument being presented.
‘Significantly though’ is used to emphasise the importance of the point being made.
‘This suggests’ is used to introduce the writer’s own opinion, using tentative or hedging language.
The student then goes on to link with the next point by using ‘If this were the case’ and ‘it could be considered’.
Tentative language
‘This suggests’, ‘it could be argued’, 'if this were the case’ and ‘it could be considered’ are examples of ‘tentative’ or ‘hedging’ language. This presents a cautious approach on the part of the student and should be used when the claims you are making cannot be proved. It is an important way of presenting a convincing argument.
Signposting – Short phrases and linking words
Below is a selection of short phrases and linking words that you might use to signpost in your writing. This is not an exhaustive list; it’s simply a few ideas to help you to get started.
Macro-level
Leading the reader through the structure and key content.
Micro-level
Using short phrases or linking words to help to create ‘flow’ in your writing.
Introduction
Macro-level: Tell the reader what you’re going to say (content and argument).
e.g. This essay submits that…
This essay argues that…
This report aims to…
The aim of this assignment is to…
The purpose of this assignment is to…
This essay will critically examine…
Introduction
Macro-level: Tell the reader how you’re going to say it (structure).
e.g. This essay commences by outlining… it then argues… next it… and lastly it…
This essay will first explore… it will then… it will conclude by…
Firstly this essay analyses… secondly… thirdly… finally…
Main body
Macro-level: Each paragraph should start with a topic sentence, clearly introducing the main focus of the paragraph.
Micro-level: short phrases or linking words that help to create ‘flow’ in your writing.
Introducing an alternative view
However…
In comparison…
Alternatively…
Conversely…
Nevertheless…
Despite this…
While this may have been the case…
Emphasising a point
Importantly…
Significantly…
Indeed… University of Exeter Study Zone (2020)
Furthermore…
Moreover…
Adding to a point
Similarly…
In addition…
Furthermore…
Also…
Another…
Presenting examples
For example…
In the following example…
As shown in the figure below…
That is to say…
Such as…
For instance…
Summarising
Therefore…
Thus…
In short…
In conclusion…
The evidence supports the thesis that…
On the whole…
Conclusion
Macro-level: Remind the reader of what the key points of the argument were.
e.g. In conclusion…
To summarise…
This report has shown…
The evidence presented demonstrates that…
This essay aimed to… and has established…
What Is the purpose of a conclusion?
Your conclusion draws the assignment to a close by briefly reinforcing the key points, effectivelyuniversityofexeteruk.sharepoint.com summarising your response to the question. As such there should be a strong link between your conclusion and the assignment question.
What to include
You may choose not to include all of these components, but you do need to make sure your conclusion achieves its purpose.
Direct reference to the assignment question, including your ‘answer’
A brief summary of the key points made
A discussion of the significance of the key points
An indication of areas for development or for future research
The implications or impact of your findings
What not to include
New information. The conclusion is not the place to add in something you forgot to include earlier.
References. In most disciplines you are not expected to reference sources again in the conclusion. However, some will require you to make reference to the literature you have cited in the assignment. Check with your lecturer if you are unsure.
Getting started
Many students write their conclusion last, as it appears in the assignment, but some students find it helpful to start with their conclusion. Once you have interpreted the question, a brief two or three sentence ‘answer’ to the question can form the basis of your conclusion and help you focus your response.
Example
This example conclusion is taken from a 3rd year Law essay. The work is typical of good writing in Law, but remember that other disciplines may have different expectations.
As we saw in the example introduction, the student uses a strong and authoritative voice. Other subjects may favour a more cautiously worded conclusion, but they will still expect students to:
present an effective ‘answer’ to the assignment question
provide a brief summary of the key points made
include a discussion of their significance
University of Exeter LibGuide is licensed under CC BY 4.0
