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Year 9 - English

Planning and writing a 'Small Island' essay

'Small Island'

Unit Summary

In this unit, pupils explore the playtext adaptation of Andrea Levy's novel 'Small Island'. They first explore the transition from novel to stage, before reading the playtext in full and exploring key scenes in detail. They then plan and write an essay on the theme of 'hope' in the text.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to plan and write a developed, analytical response.

Key Notes

  • You need to include an introduction and thesis statement about the writer's intention.
  • Each paragraph begins with a topic sentence, also based on the writer's intention.
  • Form is important - we need to consider stagecraft and the ways in which the novel was adapted.
  • Comment on a range of methods, including characterisation and setting.
  • Planning is an important part of the writing process.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • thesis: The overarching argument to an essay, supported by the entire text.
  • characterisation: The process of creating and developing characters. This can be through dialogue and physical description.
  • logical: In essays, this means your points will be well sequenced.
  • stagecraft: Using theatrical techniques to write and produce plays. This includes things like setting and lighting.
  • dramatic techniques: Refers to the specific techniques used in plays to create theatrical effects e.g direct address.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Many students often think that planning isn't a useful step in the writing process and that it takes too long.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Explain this English learning goal in two key points.

You need to include an introduction and thesis statement about the writer's intention. Each paragraph begins with a topic sentence, also based on the writer's intention.

2. Define this language term and use it in a sentence. 'thesis'

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

3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.

Mistake: Many students often think that planning isn't a useful step in the writing process and that it takes too long. Correction: How might planning help to organise our thoughts into a coherent response? How can planning improve the efficiency of the writing process?

More Lessons In This Unit

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