An introduction and conclusion could follow a three part structure.
An excellent introduction could start with a general statement about the text.
An introduction could then have a more specific statement about the focus of the question, followed by a thesis.
A conclusion could consider the timeless nature of the text.

Common misconception

The general statement about the text in the introduction can be any fact you know about it.

The general statement, the first sentence of your introduction, should still connect to the essay question.

Keywords

Thesis - The overarching argument to an essay, supported by the entire text.
Theme - An idea that is explored multiple times in a text.
Timeless - A text that remains relevant no matter the time period.
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 need access to a copy of Winsome Pinnock's 'Leave Taking' published by Nick Hern Books.

Content guidance

Contains strong language
Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

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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Worksheet

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Starter quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.

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

She wants to return to Jamaica.

She encourages Viv to go to the West Indies.

Correct answer: She is an obeah woman.

Correct answer: She migrated to England.

Correct answer: She has a son.

Q2.

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

as a "way to make money"

Correct answer: as "science"

Correct answer: as a "calling"

as "voodoo"

Correct answer: as a "gift"

Q3.

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

Correct Answer:Scene One,meets the Matthews family; Enid wants a reading

meets the Matthews family; Enid wants a reading

Correct Answer:Scene Five,Del has moved in with her; Mai explains aspects of obeah

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

Correct Answer:Scene Six,Gives Enid advice; tells Del about her son

Gives Enid advice; tells Del about her son

Correct Answer:Scene Seven,Brod passes out in her house

Brod passes out in her house

Correct Answer:Scene Eight,Conducts Del's obeah exams; learns she is fatally ill

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

Q4.

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?

Like Enid, Mai feels guilty.

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

Correct answer: 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.

Q5.

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

Correct Answer:Mai and Enid,client and consultant, but it seems to develop to friendship

client and consultant, but it seems to develop to friendship

Correct Answer:Mai and Del,develops to one of trust and respect

develops to one of trust and respect

Correct Answer:Mai and Viv,distant, but Mai is a source of interest to this character

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

Correct Answer:Mai and Brod,brief; they only meet in one scene

brief; they only meet in one scene

Q6.

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 ".

Correct Answer: anywhere, Anywhere, "anywhere", Anywhere., anywhere.

Exit quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.

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.

1 - a sentence about the text as a whole

2 - a sentence about the given theme or character

3 - a thesis statement

Q2.

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.

1 - specific response to your thesis

2 - focus on writer’s overall purpose

3 - impact of text today

Q3.

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?

a summary of the plot

mention of dramatic methods

language analysis

supporting quotations

Correct answer: a thesis statement

Q4.

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?

supporting quotations

analysis of dramatic methods

an explanation about how much you liked the text

Correct answer: a focus on Pinnock's intentions

autobiographical detail about Pinnock

Q5.

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

Correct Answer: recently, recently, recently, recently, recently

Q6.

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."

Correct Answer: regardless, "regardless", Regardless, Regardless., regardless.