Introductions and conclusions in a ‘Leave Taking’ essay on the character of Mai
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can create sophisticated introductions and conclusions to an essay about the character of Mai in Winsome Pinnock’s ‘Leave Taking’.
Key learning points
- 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.
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.
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.
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 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
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
5 Questions
Q1.Mai is one of the five characters in 'Leave Taking'. What do we know of Mai?
Q2.In 'Leave Taking', how does Mai describe obeah?
Q3.Match the scenes in which Mai appears in 'Leave Taking' to their plot points.
meets the Matthews family; Enid wants a reading
Del has moved in with her; Mai explains aspects of obeah
Gives Enid advice; tells Del about her son
Brod passes out in her house
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?
Q5.Mai is a character in 'Leave Taking'. Match her relationships with the other characters to their descriptions.
client and consultant, but it seems to develop to friendship
develops to one of trust and respect
distant, but Mai is a source of interest to this character
brief; they only meet in one scene
Assessment exit quiz
5 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.
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.
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?
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?
Q5.In her introduction to 'Leave Taking', Pinnock says that the play remains relevant because it feels like some of the speeches were written " ".
To help you plan your 10 English lesson on: Introductions and conclusions in a ‘Leave Taking’ essay on the character of Mai, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 English lesson on: Introductions and conclusions in a ‘Leave Taking’ essay on the character of Mai, 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 4 English lessons from the Leave Taking: a sense of belonging unit, dive into the full secondary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.