An example of a more effective introduction to the essay

Sample essay 1: 'Dr. Faustus is a morality play without a moral.' Discuss.

This is the introduction to the essay:

'In forming an answer to this question there are two aspects which must be considered. Firstly we must decide whether Dr. Faustus is a morality play; I will do this by discussing the play’s form, content and subject matter in an attempt to categorise the play. I will also offer an alternative argument by saying that the play is in fact a tragedy. Secondly we must decide whether or not it has a moral; to do this I will consider the tone of certain parts of the play, in particular the Chorus’ speeches as well as the speech of other characters.'

Q. Why is this effective?

TUTOR'S REPLY

This serves as an effective introduction to the essay in that it demonstrates that the essay question has been analysed and interpreted (i.e. whether or not Dr. Faustus is a morality play, and whether or not it has a moral), and also outlines what the essay is going to do (i.e. to argue that the play is a tragedy).

NB: It should be stressed that this example only illustrates one possible way of going about writing an introduction. Other essay introductions might be of a different length to this or not indicate from the outset the particular point of view which is going to be argued - but they are still effective.

 Click here to see another example of an effective introduction to an essay