Introductions and conclusions in a 'Small Island' essay
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can use a three part structure to create an effective introduction and conclusion.
Key learning points
- An introduction and conclusion should follow a three part structure.
- An excellent introduction should start with a general statement about the text.
- An introduction should then have a more specific statement about the focus of the question, followed by a thesis.
- A thesis statement should include a clear, overarching argument referring to the writer's purpose.
- A conclusion should summarise, evaluate and consider the timeless nature of the text.
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
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.
Teacher tip
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.
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
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
5 Questions
Q1.What year was the novel 'Small Island' first adapted for stage and performed?
Q2.What are the historical events that are most prominent in 'Small Island'?
Q3.When writing about literary texts we need to consider themes. What is a theme?
Q4.What is the purpose of a thesis statement in an essay?
Q5.Match the different elements of an essay to the correct definition.
overarching argument to an essay, supported by whole text
states the paragraph's main idea
quotations which require analysis
quotation which does not require analysis
comes to a conclusion about the paragraph's main idea
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of these is not part of a three part structure for an introduction?
Q2.Which of these is not part of a three part conclusion structure?
Q3.If something is described as 'timeless' it...
Q4.Which adjective beginning with 'U' describes a text which, regardless of time period or circumstance, audiences can relate to?
Q5.Which of these words are not conclusive discourse markers?
Q6.Which of these is an example of a complex sentence with a fronted subordinate clause?
To help you plan your 9 English lesson on: Introductions and conclusions in a 'Small Island' essay, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 9 English lesson on: Introductions and conclusions in a 'Small Island' essay, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 3 English lessons from the 'Small Island' unit, dive into the full secondary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.