Understanding questions and writing thesis statements on ‘Small Island’
I can understand the expectations of an essay question and write an effective thesis statement.
Understanding questions and writing thesis statements on ‘Small Island’
I can understand the expectations of an essay question and write an effective thesis statement.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Annotating an essay question is a good way to understand the focus.
- A thesis is a clear overarching argument supported by the whole text.
- An effective thesis statement will focus on the big ideas and make reference to the whole text.
- Topic sentences start each paragraph and will focus on a specific character or moment in the text.
Common misconception
That planning is not something that needs to be practiced.
What are the benefits of practising planning over writing whole essay responses? Not only is planning a very important part of the writing process, but an efficient way to practise essay writing.
Keywords
Idealistic - viewing something as perfect even if the reality suggests something different
Thesis - the overarching argument to an essay supported by the entire text
Topic sentence - the first sentence of a paragraph; it states the paragraph’s main idea
Aspiration - a hope or ambition of achieving something
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).
Video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
Analyse Edmundson’s use of language and structure
What are the writer’s intention?
What ideas are there around these concepts in Act 1?
Overarching argument, supported by the whole text.
It states the paragraph’s main idea.
References to the text which support your topic sentence.
Quotations which support argument and require analysis.
The final sentence of a paragraph.
Sums up your essay’s overall thesis.