Consider the two paragraphs below. Which paragraph is more appropriate as an introductory paragraph?

Question

Paragraph A

This essay showed that economic, cultural, social and religious factors drive GBV in communities. The state’s failure to implement GBV-related policies and legislation also contributes to the problem. Legislation cannot operate in isolation. The full context must be taken into account, including how interventions aimed at addressing GBV are implemented and evaluated.

Paragraph B

Gender based violence is defined in various ways by different researchers and organisations. It is the general term used to capture violence that occurs as a result of the normative role expectations associated with each gender, as well as the unequal power relationships between the genders within the context of a specific society (Bloom 2008: 14). On the whole, South Africa has made strides in uplifting women in the country. However, despite this progress, GBV still remains unacceptably high. Cultural, religious, social and economic factors play a role in driving GBV. It is the aim of this essay to critically discuss the causes of GBV so that sound interventions can be developed to deal with it.

A.
Paragraph A

B.
Paragraph B

Answer 1

Paragraph B is more appropriate as an introductory paragraph because it provides a definition of gender-based violence and acknowledges the progress made in South Africa, while also stating that GBV remains a significant issue. It also clearly states the aim of the essay, which is to discuss the causes of GBV in order to develop interventions. Paragraph A, on the other hand, jumps straight into discussing the factors and policies related to GBV without providing background information or setting the context for the essay.