A successful opening line has two characteristics: it is arresting, i.e. it grabs the marker’s attention; and it is relevant to the topic title. However, though your first line is clearly very important, you do not have to write it first.

Many writers, whether tackling academic papers, articles for journals or just describing their own work, find it easier to get into the main body of their text before grappling with the first line. In fact, as you start your assignment, not only does the first line not have to be perfect, but nothing else in the introduction has to be perfect either. After all, when you begin an assignment, you are simply writing an assignment map. Later on, as you develop your thesis or argument, you will almost certainly want to amend or alter your first paragraph and try different first lines. Eventually, of course, you will have to settle on a first line and these examples, explanations and exercises are designed to help.

One very big tip: whether the essay title is long or short, read it from start to finish, then read it again. Underline key words. If you do not read and understand the title properly, you cannot write a relevant essay. Irrelevance loses marks. Learning to be relevant is key to success in the jobs market, which is why we take it so seriously.