Introductions and conclusions in a 'Small Island' essay | English

Starter quiz

What year was the novel 'Small Island' first adapted for stage and performed?
- 2019 ✓
- 2009
- 1999
- 1989
- 1979
What are the historical events that are most prominent in 'Small Island'?
- The Titanic set sail
- WWII ✓
- WWI
- The Empire Windrush docked at Tilbury ✓
Complete this quote from Scene 11 in 'Small Island'. "HORTENSE: And he will be..."
- 'loved' ✓
When writing about literary texts we need to consider themes. What is a theme?
- a narrative arc
- exploration of stage directions
- characterisation
- an idea that is explored in a text in a number of different ways ✓
What is the purpose of a thesis statement in an essay?
- To introduce the main characters.
- To provide supporting detail.
- To state the overarching argument supported by the entire text. ✓
- To conclude the essay.
Match the different elements of an essay to the correct definition.
- thesis
  
  ⇔
  
  overarching argument to an essay, supported by whole text ✓
- topic sentence
  
  ⇔
  
  states the paragraph's main idea ✓
- main quotation
  
  ⇔
  
  quotations which require analysis ✓
- supporting quotation
  
  ⇔
  
  quotation which does not require analysis ✓
- concluding sentence
  
  ⇔
  
  comes to a conclusion about the paragraph's main idea ✓

Which of these is not part of a three part structure for an introduction?
- A sentence focusing on the theme or character.
- A thesis statement.
- A sentence about the whole text.
- Supporting detail and analysis. ✓
Which of these is not part of a three part conclusion structure?
- A comment to introduce your overarching argument. ✓
- An evaluative comment.
- A sentence about what the text teaches us or gets us to think about.
- Sentence to summarise what you have said.
If something is described as 'timeless' it...
- is considered futuristic.
- is considered old fashioned.
- does not change as a result of time and fashion. ✓
- has no sense of the passing of time.
Which adjective beginning with 'U' describes a text which, regardless of time period or circumstance, audiences can relate to?
- 'universal' ✓
Which of these words are not conclusive discourse markers?
- However ✓
- In conclusion
- Initally ✓
- Ultimately
Which of these is an example of a complex sentence with a fronted subordinate clause?
- Hortense is described as...
- Levy represents this through...
- In the presentation of Gilbert, Levy suggests that... ✓
- Hortense is the epitome of...

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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.

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.

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