Writing the introduction
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Flip to reveal answersThe three moves of a Paper 1 intro?
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Question
The three moves of a Paper 1 intro?
Answer
Identify the text, state your thesis, signpost your argument.
Question
How long should the intro be?
Answer
Three or four sentences.
Question
What does ‘identify the text’ mean?
Answer
Name its type, purpose and audience.
Question
What is the thesis?
Answer
Your one-sentence answer to the focus, which the essay proves.
Question
What does ‘signpost’ mean?
Answer
Preview your 2–3 main points so the structure is clear.
Question
Two things to AVOID in an intro?
Answer
Plot summary and grand ‘throughout history’ openings.
Question
Which criteria does a good intro set up?
Answer
C (organisation) and A (understanding) from the first line.
Question
Most important single sentence?
Answer
The thesis.
Question
Should you retell the text?
Answer
No — identify it, don't summarise it.
Question
Why signpost?
Answer
So the examiner sees your line of argument coming.
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