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

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

These are quotations which support your topic sentence, and that require analysis.

These are quotations which support your topic sentence, but don’t require analysis.

The final sentence of a paragraph. It draws together the main idea in the paragraph, and links to writer’s intentions.

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

English

In 'Leave Taking: the power of education', pupils explored how a lack of Black representation in education and literature impacts sense of identity. In 'Leave Taking: an intersectional analysis', pupils focus on the specific experiences of Black Women in the play.

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

In this unit, pupils do a deep dive into the role of education in 'Leave Taking'. They first look at how education is presented, and how Viv and Del experience it differently. They then think about what Pinnock might be communicating about education, before preparing and writing an essay about it.

Modern text: first deep dive

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, poverty, deprivation.

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

writing down all the quotations you know off by heart

When planning for an essay on 'Leave Taking', what is the first step of the planning process?

include main quotations and supporting quotations

make clear the paragraph is coming to an end

When writing about 'Leave Taking', your main body paragraphs will include concluding sentences. What should a good concluding sentence do?

This won't be a thesis until it includes quotations.

Formal education isn't important to Del so this thesis is incorrect.

This is not a thesis as it is not supported by the entire text.

A pupil said, "Here is my thesis about education in 'Leave Taking': Pinnock uses Scene Five to explore the importance of formal education to Del." How would you correct them?

She felt that nature was unreliable and dangerous.

She was raised in a wealthy farming community.

Her survival depended on the success of the land.

She believed hard work didn’t matter in rural life.

In Scene Four of 'Leave Taking', Enid says she grew up in extreme poverty. What does Enid’s comment about relying on the land during her upbringing suggest about her past?

When writing about 'Leave Taking', you should start your essay with a thesis statement. A thesis statement is an overarching argument to an essay, supported by a reading of the {{ }} text.

overarching argument to an essay, supported by the whole text

the first sentence of a paragraph stating its main idea

quotations which support your topic sentence and need analysis

quotations which support your topic sentence but don't need analysis

the final sentence of a paragraph, focusing on writer's intentions

drawing together your main ideas and thesis

When writing an essay on 'Leave Taking', it's important to know some key terms that will help structure your planning and response. Match the key terms to their definitions.

They have conflict when Viv declares she wants to be an obeah woman.

They have conflict about when and where Viv can go out at night.

They have conflict over the importance of knowing your cultural identity.

They have conflict over the idea of a gap year.

They have conflict about how to engage with the Pastor and religion.

In 'Leave Taking', how does Pinnock explore intergenerational conflict between the characters of Enid and Viv?

expresses interest in going to the West Indies owing to Brod's influence

studies for her A Levels whilst Enid cleans the house; Viv isn't allowed to help

has a heart to heart with Enid about her upbringing

Starting with the first, put these plot points relating to the character of Viv from 'Leave Taking' in chronological order.

disagrees with Viv about the value of knowing about obeah or Jamaica

leaves home after a violent fight with Enid; moves in with Mai

Mai offers insight into Del's experiences with formal education

learns about Mai's son who, like Del, longed to "escape"

learns that her father used to abuse her mother

passes Mai's obeah exams and becomes an obeah woman; her first client is Enid

Starting with the first, put these plot points relating to the character of Del from 'Leave Taking' in chronological order.

In 'Leave Taking', Brod and Enid disagree in terms of some of their ideas and values. As such, how might you describe Brod's function?

In 'Leave Taking', Brod influences Viv in terms of her rejection of the formal education system. As such, how might you describe Brod's function?

Content guidance

Contains strong language

Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

Adult supervision recommended

Starter Quiz