Should an essay be past / present / future tense?

Former Member

I know we're supposed to write in the third person, but I'm doing my introduction (plan of action: introduction / plan today, 1/3 tomorrow, 1/3 sun, 1/3 mon and finish / polish on tuesday ready for wednesday) and I'm talking in the future tense kind of, saying 'This essay will discuss'. Should it be 'This essay discusses'. Or what. I am crap at this writing lark lol.

Former Member

this essay discusses - but i don't think it matters that much as long as you are consistent - becuase once you get writing it you will probably need to switch between different tenses. SO for example xyz in the past showed whilst ABC is planned in the future......

ETA - i nearly always go back and revise my introduction at the end and it will become more apparent then what you need to write

Former Member

Yea I know what you mean, I hate my introductions but you need to get it down before you can start! Mine is awful (but I won't post it because I got warned if you do that you can get done for academic misconduct?!?)