Understanding questions and writing thesis statements on ‘Small Island’
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can understand the expectations of an essay question and write an effective thesis statement.
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.
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
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.
Teacher tip
Task A has the potential to be a group task. Different groups could focus on different questions before sharing their ideas. Students could then pick which question they would like to focus on when they write their thesis statements.
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
Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.In 'Small Island', which character is scared they will be left behind?
Q2.Which word beginning with 'A' describes the hope or ambition of achieving something.
Q3.Which one of these sentences does not use a fronted adverbial to develop the comment?
Q4.Which one of these sentences does not use a comparative conjunction?
Q5.Starting with the first, put these events from Act 1 of 'Small Island' in chronological order.
Q6.Complete this quote from Act 1 Scene 7 in 'Small Island': "England is my ..."
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What are the key words in this essay question: How does Edmundson explore the themes of power and identity in Act 1 of 'Small Island'?
Q2.Match the key words from the essay question to what it is asking you to do.
Analyse Edmundson’s use of language and structure
What are the writer’s intention?
What ideas are there around these concepts in Act 1?
Q3.What is the purpose of a thesis statement in an essay?
Q4.What is the function of a topic sentence in a paragraph?
Q5.Which of these create a checklist for an excellent thesis statement?
Q6.Match the features of an essay to its description.
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.
To help you plan your 9 English lesson on: Understanding questions and writing thesis statements on ‘Small Island’, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 9 English lesson on: Understanding questions and writing thesis statements on ‘Small Island’, 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.