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Year 9 - English

Refining and improving an essay on 'Small Island'

'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 create and use specific feedback to improve your essays.

Key Notes

  • An essay should establish, develop and sustain an argument.
  • Using a checklist can help to create specific feedback.
  • Thesis statements and topic sentences should link and focus on writer's intentions.
  • Quotations should be included and analysed considering a range of methods and audience reactions.
  • Using specific sentence structures and phrases can help to rewrite essays.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • establish: to set up, create or introduce
  • sustain: in writing, this means to effectively develop and continue to build on ideas
  • elevate: you are elevating something if you are making it higher, or in the case of writing making it better
  • cohesive: in writing, the structure is cohesive if it is clear how the parts fit together. It has a clear introduction, middle and conclusion

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Once an essay is completed it's not worth thinking about again.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

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

An essay should establish, develop and sustain an argument. Using a checklist can help to create specific feedback.

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

to set up, create or introduce.

3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.

Mistake: Once an essay is completed it's not worth thinking about again. Correction: How does rewriting support the writing of future responses? Consider the strategies, tips and phrases explored. Revisiting our own essays can make feedback become really personalised and allow you to work and focus on your own targets.

More Lessons In This Unit

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