How can I write an impactful introduction?

The introduction is the starting point of an essay and when attempting to present a strong argument it is important that you begin with an impactful introduction.  The purpose of an introduction is to summarise your overall line of argument including the sub-points that you will make in your essay paragraphs, providing a clear map of your essay to the reader. An impactful introduction starts with a strong first sentence and we are going to explore how you can achieve this.  The first sentence of your introduction is by far the most important. It is the first part of your essay that an examiner will read, meaning that to achieve an impactful introduction you must grab their attention by using your first sentence to outline your argument in a strong and decisive way. For example, if I were writing an answer to the essay question: ‘Explore the presentation of marriage in Othello.’ I would not start my introduction with a simple sentence such as: ‘This essay will explore the variety of ways in which Shakespeare presents marriage in Othello.’ Although this sentence interacts with the question, it is not telling the reader about any of my opinions around the ways in which Shakespeare presents marriage, or revealing my argument. In addition to this the sentence uses the stereotypical sentence starter ‘this essay will explore’- which I can guarantee will be received with a yawn from your examiner!  I would begin my essay using bold and argumentative language as well as incorporating a more complex overall argument into my first sentence. For example: ‘Shakespeare’s Othello delivers a nuanced presentation of marriage as an institution that is easily perverted and corrupted by the stifling hierarchy of Jacobean society.’ In this opening sentence it is clear about what my overall argument is- something that I will be repeating and reemphasising throughout the entirety of the essay- whilst my use of adjective reveals my deeper understanding of the text. The use of strong language and interaction with the language of the question are two things that you should do throughout your introduction to ensure that it is impactful and decisive.