This book is a superb all-in-one guide to success GCSE English Language and English Literature - GCSE English 2003

Starting your essay
Section One — Writing Essays

You need to write a clear and punchy introduction to your essay — no waffle allowed.

Start With a Good Introduction

In your introduction you must introduce the overall point that your essay is making — and do it clearly.

The introduction gives a brief answer to the question.

The rest of the essay expands on your answer and gives evidence for it.

Q. Why do you think Harper Lee chose Scout as the narrator in To Kill A Mockingbird!

Grab the Reader’s Attention at the Start

There are three ways to make the introduction grab the examiner's attention:

Q. Is testing beauty products on animals justified? Write an essay giving your opinion.

1) Use strong, emotive language to get your opinion across, especially in persuasive essays.

Testing beauty products on animals is an unforgivable and unjustifiable evil in this so-called age of technology. It is a bitter reminder of the human race's obsession with vanity.

2) Say something controversial. You'll only lose marks if you can't back it up.

3) Start with a short, quirky statement for immediate impact.

A good introduction will really impress an examiner

Examiners have to mark lots of papers. If you can make yours stand out from the start, they'll want to give you marks for making their job less dull. It's worth trying to make it really good.