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

An idea that is explored multiple times in a text.

A text that remains relevant no matter the time period.

An adjective used to describe a text which, regardless of time period or circumstance, audiences can relate to.

Introductions and conclusions in a ‘Leave Taking’ essay on the character of Mai

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

a sentence about the given theme or character

Good introductions for an essay on 'Leave Taking' could follow a three part structure. Starting with the first, put the three part structure into the correct order.

Good conclusions for an essay on 'Leave Taking' could follow a three part structure. Staring with the first, put the three part structure into the correct order.

A pupil wrote an introduction to a 'Leave Taking' essay which included a general statement about the text, and a general statement about the essay's chosen theme. What is their introduction missing?

an explanation about how much you liked the text

A pupil wrote a conclusion to a 'Leave Taking' essay which included a response to their thesis and a focus on the impact of the text today. What is their conclusion missing?

In her introduction to 'Leave Taking', Pinnock says that the play remains relevant because "some of the speeches feel like they were written {{ }}."

In her introduction to 'Leave Taking', Pinnock says that the play remains relevant because of "Enid's predicament - the plight of many immigrants {{ }} of where they came from."

She encourages Viv to go to the West Indies.

Mai is one of the five characters in 'Leave Taking'. What do we know of Mai?

In 'Leave Taking', how does Mai describe obeah?

meets the Matthews family; Enid wants a reading

Del has moved in with her; Mai explains aspects of obeah

Gives Enid advice; tells Del about her son

Conducts Del's obeah exams; learns she is fatally ill

Match the scenes in which Mai appears in 'Leave Taking' to their plot points.

Mai says she knows her son feels at home anywhere so she is not worried.

Mai accepts how she brought up her son and why.

Mai wishes her son still lived with her and that she could ask him.

Mai feels guilty, but only tells Del, not Enid.

In Scene Six of 'Leave Taking', Enid reveals to Mai that she feels guilty about the way she raised her children. How does Mai feel about how she raised her son?

client and consultant, but it seems to develop to friendship

distant, but Mai is a source of interest to this character

Mai is a character in 'Leave Taking'. Match her relationships with the other characters to their descriptions.

In Scene Six of 'Leave Taking', Mai tells Del about her son and his desire to "escape" Britain where he doesn't feel at home. But, Mai tells Del, if "You at peace with yourself, you at home {{ }}".

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.

Introductions and conclusions in a ‘Leave Taking’ essay on the character of Mai

Lesson outcome

Content guidance

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