The overarching argument to an essay, supported by the entire text.

The first sentence of a paragraph. It states the paragraph’s main idea.

The tools a playwright uses to create drama. Examples are setting, stage directions, dialogue and language choices.

Quotations which support your topic sentence, and that require analysis.

Quotations which support your topic sentence, but don’t require analysis.

Planning an essay on the theme of belonging in Winsome Pinnock's  ‘Leave Taking’

English

In 'Leave Taking: A Sense of Belonging', pupils explore the themes of immigration and identity in the play. In 'Leave Taking: The Power of Education', pupils explore how a lack of representation in literature and other educational materials negatively impacts on sense of self.

in 'Small Island', pupils explore the themes of identity, race, colonisation - shedding light on the experiences of Jamaican immigrants in post-war Britain. In 'Leave Taking: A Sense of Belonging', pupils explore the experiences of second generation immigrants and the difficulties they face in 1980's Britain. 

Modern text: first study

Expressions that are regarded as coarse or otherwise unacceptable, including swear words and rude words.

Discriminatory behaviour or images, whether on the grounds of race, gender, disability, religion or belief or sexual orientation, or otherwise.

Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour

Subjects which particular individuals may be sensitive to, eg, adoption, migration, bereavement or death, divorce.

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

correct - so you can analyse in sufficient detail

correct - jumping around the play is confusing

correct - but you can include more than one quotation in your introduction

incorrect - you should include multiple quotations per paragraph

incorrect - you should include three quotations in every paragraph

What would you say to a pupil who told you, "You should include just one quotation per paragraph when writing an essay on 'Leave Taking'"?

Imagine an essay question on 'Leave Taking' was, "How does Pinnock use the character of Viv to explore ideas about education?" What does the word 'How' tell you must be included in your essay?

Overarching argument to an essay, supported by whole text

First sentence of paragraph; states paragraph’s main idea

The tools a playwright uses to create drama

Quotations which don’t require analysis

You will write a number of essays on 'Leave Taking'. Match the essay term to its definition.

so that you can analyse each word and make your paragraph more detailed

Essays about 'Leave Taking' will include main body paragraphs. These main body paragraphs will include quotations. What is the purpose of quotations in a main body paragraph?

Brod is presented as isolated when he says Enid "turn me outta the house".

Pinnock explores the effects of isolation through Brod's dependence on Enid.

Ultimately, Brod could help examine the isolation felt by those who migrate.

Pinnock uses many dramatic methods when creating the character of Brod.

Imagine a question on 'Leave Taking' was, "How does Pinnock use the character of Brod to explore ideas of isolation?" What would serve as the strongest topic sentence?

Pinnock says she was "fascinated" by the character of Enid.

Enid feels shame, guilt, unhappiness and despair throughout the play.

Pinnock shows Enid feels shame when Brod teases about her "crack foot-bottom".

Pinnock connects Enid's feelings of shame with her impoverished upbringing.

Pinnock uses dramatic methods to present Enid's shame, like "howl of pain".

Imagine a question on 'Leave Taking' was, "How does Pinnock use the character of Enid to explore ideas of shame?" What would serve as the strongest topic sentence?

Del moves out of home in Scene Two of 'Leave Taking'. Where does she end up living?

'Leave Taking' is a play. Pinnock employs dramatic methods to convey her messages. Which of the following are dramatic methods?

somewhat close, but mistrustful of each other

Match the description of the relationship to the pairs of characters from 'Leave Taking'.

In Scene Seven of 'Leave Taking', Mai realises that Del has the gift of obeah. She says, "And now I {{ }} it plain plain."

In Scene One of 'Leave Taking', the Matthews family prepares to leave Mai's house. The stage directions read, "Enid and Viv go. Del {{ }} back."

knowing what belongs to you - explored when Del steals from Mai

feeling a sense of security - explored when Del feels "hunted" by the police

feeling you are accepted somewhere - explored when Del faces discrimination

feeling you long to be someone else - explored when Viv criticises Enid

feeing you belong to someone else - explored through Enid's husband

The idea of belonging is very important to 'Leave Taking'. What does this word mean in the context of the play?

Content guidance

Contains strong language

Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

Adult supervision recommended

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

Planning an essay on the theme of belonging in Winsome Pinnock's ‘Leave Taking’

Lesson outcome

Content guidance

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.