Academic Research Booklet

Introductions A good introduction will set the tone for the rest of the essay. Work through the prompts below and use the exemplars on the next pages to make sure you include everything you need to get top marks!

1

Introduce the topic

2

Explain the significance of the topic

3

Provide necessary background/ context

4

Narrow the focus

EE : state the exact research question and explain the reasoning behind it

EPQ : state the research question or project aim and explain the reasoning behind it.

5

EE ONLY

EPQ ONLY

6 Show awareness that the issue can be debated or interpreted in different ways

EE : outline the approach to research clearly and in detail. Be explicit about your use of primary vs. secondary resources.

EPQ : outline the approach to research briefly (1 sentence, 2 max) as this will be covered in detail in the literature review.

7

EE ONLY

EPQ ONLY

8 Summarise the key themes or areas to be explored: what aspects of the topic will the essay focus on?

9 Indicate the line of enquiry or argument (without concluding): Signal what kind of answer or direction the investigation is likely to explore.

10 Briefly signpost the structure: how you have broken up the essay, what you have included and excluded