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Year 9

Introductions and conclusions in a 'Small Island' essay

I can use a three part structure to create an effective introduction and conclusion.

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New
New
Year 9

Introductions and conclusions in a 'Small Island' essay

I can use a three part structure to create an effective introduction and conclusion.

Download all resources
Share activities with pupils

Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. An introduction and conclusion should follow a three part structure.
  2. An excellent introduction should start with a general statement about the text.
  3. An introduction should then have a more specific statement about the focus of the question, followed by a thesis.
  4. A thesis statement should include a clear, overarching argument referring to the writer's purpose.
  5. A conclusion should summarise, evaluate and consider the timeless nature of the text.

Common misconception

Introductions and conclusions aren't important.

An effective introduction means you can impress your reader from the outset and clearly layout your overarching argument for your essay.

Keywords

  • Thesis - the overarching argument to an essay, supported by the entire text

  • Overarching - an argument which is overarching encompasses all the main ideas or themes of a text

  • Timeless - something that does not change as a result of time or fashion

  • Universal - an adjective used to describe a text which, regardless of time period or circumstance, audiences can relate to

This lesson is about writing introductions and conclusions, but it is also about redrafting and self-assessment. Consider how you will make sure students evaluate their work appropriately.
Teacher tip

Equipment

You will need access to a copy of the play 'Small Island' written by Andrea Levy and adapted for the stage by Helen Edmundson

Content guidance

  • Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour

Supervision

Adult supervision recommended

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

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Starter quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
What year was the novel 'Small Island' first adapted for stage and performed?
Correct answer: 2019
2009
1999
1989
1979
Q2.
What are the historical events that are most prominent in 'Small Island'?
The Titanic set sail
Correct answer: WWII
WWI
Correct answer: The Empire Windrush docked at Tilbury
Q3.
Complete this quote from Scene 11 in 'Small Island'. "HORTENSE: And he will be..."
Correct Answer: loved
Q4.
When writing about literary texts we need to consider themes. What is a theme?
a narrative arc
exploration of stage directions
characterisation
Correct answer: an idea that is explored in a text in a number of different ways
Q5.
What is the purpose of a thesis statement in an essay?
To introduce the main characters.
To provide supporting detail.
Correct answer: To state the overarching argument supported by the entire text.
To conclude the essay.
Q6.
Match the different elements of an essay to the correct definition.
Correct Answer:thesis,overarching argument to an essay, supported by whole text

overarching argument to an essay, supported by whole text

Correct Answer:topic sentence,states the paragraph's main idea

states the paragraph's main idea

Correct Answer:main quotation,quotations which require analysis

quotations which require analysis

Correct Answer:supporting quotation,quotation which does not require analysis

quotation which does not require analysis

Correct Answer:concluding sentence,comes to a conclusion about the paragraph's main idea

comes to a conclusion about the paragraph's main idea

Exit quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
Which of these is not part of a three part structure for an introduction?
A sentence focusing on the theme or character.
A thesis statement.
A sentence about the whole text.
Correct answer: Supporting detail and analysis.
Q2.
Which of these is not part of a three part conclusion structure?
Correct answer: A comment to introduce your overarching argument.
An evaluative comment.
A sentence about what the text teaches us or gets us to think about.
Sentence to summarise what you have said.
Q3.
If something is described as 'timeless' it...
is considered futuristic.
is considered old fashioned.
Correct answer: does not change as a result of time and fashion.
has no sense of the passing of time.
Q4.
Which adjective beginning with 'U' describes a text which, regardless of time period or circumstance, audiences can relate to?
Correct Answer: universal
Q5.
Which of these words are not conclusive discourse markers?
Correct answer: However
In conclusion
Correct answer: Initally
Ultimately
Q6.
Which of these is an example of a complex sentence with a fronted subordinate clause?
Hortense is described as...
Levy represents this through...
Correct answer: In the presentation of Gilbert, Levy suggests that...
Hortense is the epitome of...