The introduction sets up the entire essay. Under the new criteria, it must show:
the focus of the investigation
the context of the question
the pathway (subject focused or interdisciplinary)
the research methods that will be used
the line of argument the essay will follow
The introduction is not long, but it must be purposeful.
Open with Context
Students should briefly explain:
what the topic is
why it is worth investigating
what concepts or ideas the essay connects to
Do NOT tell a long story, give too much history, or make generic statements.
Example: This investigation explores how different representations of trauma shape readers' perceptions of identity in contemporary fiction.
2. State the Research Question Clearly
This must appear early and be written exactly as it appears on the title page.
Example: To what extent does the representation of collective trauma in X and Y influence the reader's understanding of identity?
3. Explain the focus and boundaries
Students must demonstrate that the question is manageable and precise.
This means defining:
the specific texts/cases/materials chosen
the timeframe (if relevant)
the exact angle being investigated
what will not be included
Example: This essay focuses on two novels published after 2010 and analyses how specific narrative strategies shape the portrayal of trauma.
Identify the Pathway and Subjects (2027 Rule)
Students must show clearly:
the subject (for subject focused pathway) OR the two subjects + interdisciplinary frameworks (for interdisciplinary subjects)
Example Subject Focused: This is a Literature essay.
Example Interdisciplinary: This interdisciplinary essay uses Literature and Global Politics within the framework on Culture, Identity, and Expression.
This is NEW and required in Criterion A and B.
Students must explain how they will answer the question.
Examples:
literary/visual/textual analysis
statistical comparison
experimental method
qualitative or quantitative approach
theoretical frameworks
primary vs secondary research
Example: This investigation uses close textual analysis supported by secondary critical sources.
Example (Science): The investigation uses an experimental method with controlled variables and quantitative data analysis.
Example (Interdisciplinary): The analysis combines political discourse analysis and visual semiotics to interpret how images shape public meaning.
This is the single MOST important NEW feature.
Students must indicate the direction of their reasoning, not the conclusion. This is not a “spoiler”. It is guidance for the reader. It should briefly explain:
how the essay will be organised
the broad approach the argument will take
how the evidence will be used
Example: The essay first examines how narrative perspective shapes meaning, then analyses the symbolic use of environment, and finally evaluates how the two texts differ in constructing identity.
One or two sentences only. Explain why the question matters academically.
Example: Understanding how these techniques shape identity offers insight into how contemporary literature responds to collective trauma.
A strong introduction will:
introduce the topic and its context
state the research question clearly
define the focus and scope of the investigation
identify the pathway (subject or interdisciplinary)
outline the research methods
set out the planned line of argument
explain the significance of the investigation
Example (Subject Specific) History: This essay investigates the extent to which the Women’s Suffrage Movement influenced parliamentary debates on voting reform in Britain between 1908 and 1914. The research question is: To what extent did the actions of the Women’s Social and Political Union contribute to changes in parliamentary attitudes towards suffrage reform between 1908 and 1914? The focus is limited to parliamentary speeches, selected newspapers and WSPU materials to create a manageable and clearly defined case study. This is a History essay. The investigation uses historical interpretation supported by primary sources and modern historiography. The argument first evaluates the strategies used by the WSPU, then examines parliamentary responses, and finally considers the broader political context that shaped the debates. This study is significant because it assesses how far pressure groups were able to influence constitutional change in early twentieth century Britain.
Example (Interdisciplinary) Biololgy + Physics: This essay investigates how changes in pH affect the rate of catalase activity in plant tissue. The research question is: How does pH influence the rate of catalase mediated decomposition of hydrogen peroxide in potato tissue? The focus is limited to a narrow pH range that reflects physiological and environmental conditions relevant to plant cells. This is an interdisciplinary essay using Biology and Chemistry within the framework of Evidence, Measurement, Innovation. The investigation uses a controlled experimental method to measure oxygen production at different pH levels and applies chemical principles to explain how pH affects enzyme structure and reactivity. The argument begins with the biochemical basis of catalase function, analyses the observed reaction rates and evaluates the chemical reasoning that accounts for the changes. This study is significant because it illustrates how chemical environment shapes biological processes at the molecular level.
1. Introduce the topic and context
This essay investigates…
The focus of this study is…
This topic is important because…
This area of inquiry matters within the field of…
2. State the Research Question clearly
The research question guiding this essay is: “…”
This question aims to explore/examine/evaluate…
3. Define the focus and scope
This investigation is limited to…
The study will focus on…
The scope has been narrowed by…
This essay does not examine…
4. Identify the subject or interdisciplinary pathway
Subject-focused:
This is a [subject] essay.
Interdisciplinary:
This is an interdisciplinary essay that uses [subject 1] and [subject 2] within the framework of [framework name].
5. Outline the research methods
The research method used in this essay is…
This investigation applies…
Data will be collected from…
The analysis draws on…
This approach is appropriate because…
6. Present the line of argument
(Your “roadmap” of how thinking will unfold)
The essay will begin by…
It will then examine…
The analysis will focus on…
Finally, the essay will evaluate…
Together, these steps will allow the essay to answer the research question by…
7. State the significance of the investigation
This investigation is significant because…
Understanding this issue contributes to…
The findings may help extend understanding of…
This essay investigates [topic], which is important because [context or relevance]. The research question guiding this investigation is: “[insert RQ]”. The study is limited to [scope], which allows the investigation to remain focused and manageable.
This is a [subject / interdisciplinary] essay.
If interdisciplinary: It uses [subject 1] and [subject 2] within the framework of [framework name].
The research method used in this essay is [method], supported by [theories, models, data types]. The essay will begin by [step 1], then examine [step 2], and finally evaluate [step 3]. Following this sequence will make it possible to answer the research question clearly and effectively.
This investigation is significant because [impact of study].