“In this essay I will” is not wrong, but academic writing often sounds more direct when the sentence names what the essay does: “This essay examines…,” “This essay argues…,” or “This essay evaluates….” The best verb depends on the task.
Match the Opening Verb to the Essay Task
- General examination: This essay examines…
- Argument: This essay argues that…
- Discussion: This essay discusses…
- Evaluation: This essay evaluates…
- Comparison: This essay compares…
This essay examines…
A strong general-purpose opening when the essay investigates a topic or question.
Example: “This essay examines the factors that shaped the policy response.”
This essay explores…
Useful for a broad or interpretive discussion where several aspects are considered.
Example: “This essay explores how memory is represented in the novel.”
This essay argues that…
Best when the essay advances a clear central claim.
Example: “This essay argues that the reform had unintended effects on access.”
This essay discusses…
Neutral and suitable when the task is explicitly to discuss an issue.
Example: “This essay discusses the advantages and limitations of remote working.”
This essay considers…
Useful when weighing several issues, perspectives, or explanations.
Example: “This essay considers three explanations for the change.”
This essay evaluates…
Best when judging quality, effectiveness, strengths, or weaknesses.
Example: “This essay evaluates the effectiveness of the intervention.”
This essay analyzes…
Appropriate when breaking down evidence, text, data, or an argument in detail.
Example: “This essay analyzes the imagery used in the final chapter.”
This essay assesses…
Good when judging evidence, impact, significance, or extent.
Example: “This essay assesses the impact of the policy on small businesses.”
This essay compares…
Use when the structure centers on similarities and differences.
Example: “This essay compares the two models of leadership.”
This essay investigates…
Suitable for a focused question that is examined systematically.
Example: “This essay investigates why turnout declined after 2010.”
This essay outlines…
Best when the task is mainly explanatory or descriptive rather than argumentative.
Example: “This essay outlines the main stages of the process.”
This essay focuses on…
Useful for defining scope clearly.
Example: “This essay focuses on the social consequences of the reform.”
The aim of this essay is to…
A formal way to state purpose explicitly.
Example: “The aim of this essay is to assess the evidence for the proposed explanation.”
The purpose of this essay is to…
Similar to “the aim,” but slightly more explicit and formal.
Example: “The purpose of this essay is to compare two competing theories.”
In this essay, I argue that…
Keeps the first person while making the claim more specific and academically useful.
Example: “In this essay, I argue that the apparent contradiction can be resolved.”
You Do Not Have to Avoid the First Person
Whether I is appropriate depends on the discipline, assignment, and style guidance. “In this essay, I argue…” can be clear and direct when first person is permitted.
Avoid Empty Signposting
The opening is stronger when it tells the reader what the essay will actually do. Replace vague wording such as “I will talk about” with a precise verb such as analyze, compare, evaluate, or argue.