How do I write an effective introduction?

Introductions are a key way for you to signpost to the examiner what you are going to talk about in the main body of your essay. Whilst they're important and can seem tricky to master, there are a few tick box things that you can do to make writing them very straightforward. It may seem obvious but you should absolutely directly reference the text and its author (remember to use their full name on first reference- e.g In Arthur Miller's 'All My Sons'). Don't reel off every fact you know about the text- when it was first published and performed etc. Sometimes providing brief context to the text can be useful but you shouldn't explore anything in length in your introduction. Hint at what you are going to discuss in your essay without giving the game away. Here is a list of the key things to include:Introductory sentence including text and author and theme/ character question refers to What direction your essay will take in relation to this (include all main ideas for paragraphs to give overview of essay)Round off with a sentence that links back to the question in light of your argumentAn introduction should be short and concise, providing only essential information and some pointers towards what you will discuss. The examiner will want to be able to see the arch of your essay and feel as though you know what direction you are taking your essay in (planning is therefore essential!)