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