Academic Introductions

Should you include this in an essay introduction:
a definition of any unfamiliar terms in the title

• yes

• no

Answer explanation

yes, but this should be brief

Should you include this in an essay introduction:
lots of detail about what you will write in the essay

• Yes

• No

Answer explanation

a brief outline is enough

Should you include this in an essay introduction:
a provocative idea or question to interest the reader

• Yes

• No

Answer explanation

This is good in journalism but not good in academic writing

Should you include this in an essay introduction:
a quotation from someone famous

• Yes

• No

Answer explanation

This is not appropriately academic. It can be good in journalism.

Should you include this in an essay introduction:
Your aim or purpose in writing

• Yes

• No

Should you include this in an essay introduction:
background or context to the topic

• No

• Yes

Should you include this in an essay introduction:
an outline of the main ideas

• Yes

• No

Should you include
a subtitle - 'Introduction' ?

• Yes

• No

• Maybe

Answer explanation

In short essays you do not need to use subtitles. You do need to use them when you write longer essays.

Should you include this in an essay introduction:
your personal opinion on the subject of the essay

• Yes

• No

Answer explanation

Unless it is a reflective essay