IB Bites! Presents “Introduction Essentials” — A 2-Step Guide to improving the impact of your commentary essay

"IB Bites!" is a concise video series by Lead Academics that delivers bite-sized insights to help students and teachers excel in IB, and will also benefit AP, A-Level, and iGCSE students. In this episode, the focus is "Introduction Essentials" - a 2-step guide to crafting top-quality commentary essay introductions.

Using a May 2023 IB Language and Literature past paper, The Guardian newspaper article "No diet, no detox", as an illustrative example, the video walks viewers through the key components of a strong introduction:

The Rhetorical Situation (Background):

• Establishing the relevant context (e.g. "the New Year's resolution and diet culture")

• Identifying the audience's existing beliefs (e.g. "diet and detox are sole paths to good health")

• Stating the writer's purpose in challenging that belief

• Noting the medium used to convey the new message (e.g. an online article)

The Thesis Statement: Explaining how the article's formal features (e.g. title, visuals) and stylistic devices (e.g. tone, diction, figurative language) work in concert to persuade the reader and promote the new belief.

The video emphasizes that there is no single "right" way to structure the thesis, as long as it effectively addresses the text's key features and persuasive techniques in relation to the essay prompt.

Throughout the video, clear explanations and concrete examples help viewers master the art of writing impactful introductions for commentary essays.

Viewers are encouraged to engage by liking, commenting, and sharing the video to help spread this valuable information to others who could benefit. Whether preparing for IB, AP, A-Level, or iGCSE exams, this "Introduction Essentials" episode from IB Bites is a must-watch for students and teachers seeking to elevate their essay-writing skills.