What Should an Introduction Do?
For longer analytical questions, your introduction is a roadmap for your argument. It should:
• Answer the question directly.
• Consider the full date range.
• Define key terms, such as turning point or significant.
• Introduce the main factors you will compare.
• Consider both sides and reach a clear judgement.
Example Question
“The Progressive Era was the biggest turning point for trade and labour unions in the period 1866–1990.” How far do you agree?
This question asks you to compare the Progressive Era with other developments across the whole period, including the New Deal and the Wagner Act of 1935.
What Is a Turning Point?
A turning point is a development that significantly changes a group’s position, influence or direction.
Ask yourself:
• How much did the Progressive Era change trade unions?
• Were other developments more significant?
• Which had the greatest and most lasting impact?
Example of a Strong Introduction (if you had all the time in the world)
The Progressive Era (c.1890–1920) was an important turning point for trade and labour unions because it marked a growing willingness by the government to recognise and regulate the relationship between employers and organised labour, while Progressive reformers also drew greater attention to poor working conditions and the demands of workers. However, its impact was limited, as unions still faced significant opposition from employers, courts and government, and many workers remained outside effective union organisation. The New Deal period, particularly the Wagner Act of 1935, arguably represented a more significant turning point because it gave organised labour much stronger legal protection and contributed to a dramatic expansion of union membership and influence. Later developments, including the decline of organised labour after the Second World War and the growing challenges to unions by 1990, also demonstrate that the Progressive Era did not permanently transform the position of trade and labour unions. Therefore, while the Progressive Era was an important stage in the development of organised labour, the New Deal was a more significant turning point because it produced a bigger and more lasting change in the legal and political position of unions.
A realistic example of an introduction you could write under exam time constraints:
The Progressive Era (c.1890–1920) was an important turning point for trade unions because reformers highlighted poor working conditions and encouraged greater government involvement. However, unions still faced significant opposition from employers, courts and government, and many workers remained non-unionised. The New Deal, particularly the Wagner Act of 1935, was a more significant turning point because it provided stronger legal protection and increased union influence. Later, we see the decline of organised labour after the Second World War and the growing challenges to unions by 1990, demonstrating that the Progressive Era did not permanently transform the position of trade and labour unions. Therefore, although the Progressive Era helped advance organised labour, the New Deal brought bigger and more lasting change.
Why does this work?
• It answers the question.
• It considers developments across the period.
• It supports and challenges the statement.
• It explains the significance of each development.
• It reaches a clear judgement.
Example of a Weak Introduction
The Progressive Era was a time of change in America, from around 1890 to 1920. Trade unions wanted better pay and conditions. There were strikes, and the government introduced reforms. The New Deal was also important. In this essay, I will discuss trade unions.
What’s missing?
This introduction lists information but does not define the turning point, compare developments across 1866–1990 or reach a clear judgement.
Five Common Mistakes
1. Repeating the question: Present your own argument instead.
2. Including too many facts: Save detailed evidence for your main paragraphs.
3. Ignoring the dates: Consider the entire period specified.
4. Avoiding a judgement: Explain which development mattered most and why.
5. Writing “In this essay I will…”: State your argument rather than describing your plan.
A Simple Formula
🤔Remember:
Context → Definition → Comparison → Judgement
Before writing, ask yourself:
What am I trying to prove?
A strong introduction shows that you can do more than recall facts: you can use them to build an argument and answer the question.
