Introductory Essays

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We will be  discussing introductory essays in this chapter, those easy yet important essays that kickstart a certain course. With these essays you need to get your character across and express to your grader what you are really there for. These Essays are pretty simple, therefore easy to write, and this chapter is short as there are only a few tips I can give to up the grade.

 The real key to getting those extra marks in this department is flaunting your basic understanding of the subject. Slip in any extra information you already know and even if you dislike the subject, say you are interested and 'wish to know more'. Compare it to the Harry Potter lessons we read in the books and say how good it is getting a full insight to the subject. Really get yourself across and reflect on some of your memories from muggle or wizarding childhood. You need to interest the reader.

Professors give questions for you to answer within the essays, as readily known. Remember to answer all questions of the prompt, as this ups you grade. Here are the three most common questions that surface for the essay prompt:

• Tell me about yourself
• What would you like to see on this course?
• What is you relationship with this subject?

1) "Tell me about yourself."

Obviously you do not need much guidance with that one! All I can say is-be inventive. Imagine up your lifestyle for the wizarding world-don't go that far into the details, but make it interesting. All professors tell you this, you do't want people to be bored out of their brains reading your introduction, you want them to be interested. Now, what about the second?

2)"What would you like to see on this course?"

For this question, I suggest reading through the syllabus set for the course (usually found in the first lesson), and digging into your memories for any spells\other subjects (eg: for potions they would ask which potions you would like to see). If you're a muggle-born like me, you may find it useful doing some research in what spells\other subjects so you know what you may like.

3)"What is your relationship with this subject?"

This is a great place to weave your history into the question. If you're a muggle-born you may not have that much knowledge of the subject you are writing about, but you can mention about the books you read on the subject, or the information on it you found after you were told you were a witch\wizard. If you're from a wizarding family you can always mention tales of your experience of that subject, to keep your essay amusing. It's a good idea to keep a theme for introductory essays that displays your character in your words, whether you want to be amusing or plainly informative. Chose a style that depicts your character, and if your, say, usually formal and intelligent in your writing, don't chose to try and come across humorous or amusing, otherwise your words will most likely sound fake and flat.

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So, those are the typical questions your going to come across, just remember to always answer all of them. Don't go drivelling on, however, as you need to keep it short, simple but also come across interesting at the same time. It's important to really have an affect on the grader, especially if you want feedback. Make them remember your essay.