· 4 min read
Your introduction is the first thing your marker reads, and it sets their expectations for everything that follows. For most assignments, four elements are enough.
The four-part formula
- Context: one or two sentences explaining why the topic matters.
- Focus: what exactly this assignment will examine.
- Argument: your main position or answer to the question.
- Roadmap: how the assignment is organised.
An example
Question: Evaluate the impact of social media marketing on small businesses.
Social media has become one of the most affordable marketing channels available to small businesses (context). This assignment evaluates its impact on customer reach, sales and brand perception for small retailers (focus). It argues that social media offers significant benefits, but only when businesses invest consistent time and a clear strategy (argument). The discussion first examines reach, then sales outcomes, then the risks to brand reputation, before drawing conclusions (roadmap).
That's 80 words, and the marker already knows exactly what to expect.
Tips
- Avoid dictionary definitions as an opening line ("The Oxford Dictionary defines marketing as...").
- Don't start too broadly ("Since the beginning of time...").
- Keep it proportionate: about 10% of the word count.
- Write it last, once you know what your assignment actually argues.
- Mirror the question's wording so the marker can see you are answering it.
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