How to write an introduction to a
Higher Critical essay
Use the
Title
Author
Refer to question
Techniques
Formula
For example, here’s a recent past paper
CE question:
5. Choose a novel in which a character
reaches a crisis point.
Explain briefly how this point is
reached and go on to discuss how the
character’s response to the situation
extends your understanding of
him/her.
REMEMBER – you’re not introducing
the novel/poem you’re introducing
your essay answer!
My intro would be:
A novel in which a character reaches a
crisis point is The Catcher in The Rye by
JD Salinger. The main character,
Holden Caulfield, faces a crisis of
confidence when he reaches the brink
of adulthood causing the extreme
reaction of a nervous breakdown.
Salinger deepens our understanding of
the character by using techniques such
as setting, symbolism, characterisation,
narrative style and by his unusual
choice of language.
Here it is broken down: Title Author
Refer to question Techniques
A novel in which a character reaches a
crisis point is The Catcher in The Rye by
JD Salinger. The main character,
Holden Caulfield, faces a crisis of
confidence when he reaches the brink
of adulthood causing the extreme
reaction of a nervous breakdown.
Salinger deepens our understanding of
the character by using techniques such
as setting, symbolism, characterisation,
narrative style and by his unusual
choice of language.
Remember that a good introduction
also works as an effective essay plan –
take a paragraph for each point you
have raised in your introduction!
Now have a go at writing introductions
for the following questions on the next
slide using any text you have studied.
PROSE
6. Choose a novel in which a central
character is flawed but remains an
admirable figure.
Show how the writer makes you aware
of these aspects of personality and
discuss how this feature of
characterisation enhances your
appreciation of the text as a whole.
7. Choose a novel or short story in
which the writer explores feelings of
rejection or isolation or alienation.
Explain how the writer makes you
aware of these feelings and go on to
show how this exploration enhances
your appreciation of the text as a whole.
8. Choose a novel in which the
narrative point of view is a significant
feature in your appreciation of the text.
Show how the writer’s use of this
feature enhances your understanding
on the central concern(s) of the text.
POETRY
3. Choose a poem in which the creation
of mood or atmosphere is an important
feature.
Show how the poet creates the mood or
atmosphere, and discuss its importance
in your appreciation of the poem as a
whole.
5. Choose a poem in which the poet
explores one of the following emotions:
anguish, dissatisfaction, regret, loss.
Show how the poet explores the
emotion and discuss to what extent he
or she is successful in deepening your
understanding of it.
10. Choose a poem which is strongly
linked to a specific location.
Show how the poet captures the
essence of the location and exploits this
to explore an important theme.