'The educational importance of the Internet has been seriously over-rated.' Discuss in relation to either education in general or a particular educational sector.

First sentence

The assignment topic must be located within the general subject or field of study (eg social welfare, hospitality management, literature). It gives the broad view, noting the place of the particular topic within it. Use words from the question.

Good move: The Internet appears increasingly essential to many areas of the modern life, yet its educational importance has been challenged as 'seriously over-rated'.

Bad move: I think the Internet is great but some people feel it is over-rated.

Second sentence

This sentence gives short definitions of terms, with the source referenced. If definitions are long, use the next paragraph (the start of the body of the essay).

Good move: The Internet is a 'network of networks' connecting millions of people around the globe through their computers (Ebbs & Horey, 1995, ppp3-8): it offers both resources and virtual interaction to those who have access on a grand scale.

Bad Move: The internet is the best computer tool developed in recent history.

Third sentence

Limits the scope of the topic by marking it clear which specific aspects you will be covering in your essay, whilst acknowledging other aspects in brief. It's difficult to cover too wide an area of discussion.

Good move: Firstly, although the internet is fundamental in today's educational sector, it will be argued that the Internet's role in education is less significant than the teacher's role. Secondly, the lack of face- to face peer interaction when using the Internet limits the students affective development and therefore the development of their people skills.

Bad Move: Education is perceived as fundamental to public and private sectors, be it academia or business, yet it includes affective development and people skills which ideally require the real life interaction a computer cannot give.

Fourth sentence

Your thesis/argument statement ends the introduction, making your stand/ decision on the issue clear to the reader. It is an opportunity to 'pack a punch' and express your firm understanding of the topic. Effective ways of saying your piece can give your essay that creative edge that gets your reader interested and confident in your contribution.

Good move: The overall educational opportunities offered by Internet access may not be over-rated, but in the intrapersonal and interpersonal sectors of education's role through which people learn to relate to themselves and to others, it is both disturbingly, and seriously, 'over-rated'.

Bad Move: In conclusion, the Internet is 'over-rated' in terms of educational importance.