FIRST PARAGRAPH – WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?
- A good first paragraph will create a good first impression in the marker’s mind.
- It is the key and guide to the rest of the answer.
- It will give you confidence to compile the rest of the answer.
- It connects you to the requirements of the question.
What to include in the first paragraph?
- Poet / Collection / school of poetry / Chronological references / major thematic concerns (relation to milestone events in history / poet’s personal life / movements in the world etc.)
- Relevance of poet’s work to the question ( How closely does his work reflect elements of the question )
- Connector sentence
- Therefore, this essay elaborates/ explores/examines how ……..
- This critical answer discusses
- This essay is an exploration of
- The key issue/s discussed in this answer is ………..
What not to include in the first paragraph ?
- Elaborate background /personal details of the poet or the writer.
- A synopsis of the text