Essay WritingFor Area of Study

THE CRITERIA

•Analyse▫Identify components and the relationships

between them, draw out and relate the implications

Ideas of the text Techniques & Structure

Explain the effect on meaning in relation to AOS

Explain

•Relate cause and effect•Make relationships between things

evident – use connective devices (in handout)

•Provide the why and how•PRETEND THE READER KNOWS

NOTHING ABOUT THE TEXT AND YOU ARE TEACHING THEM!

Assess

Make a judgement of value or quality

Show the relationship to the concept

•Answer the “So What?” question

Must Do’s for an essay

•Demonstrate an understanding of the concept by answering the question and supporting it with your thesis

•Have a clear line of argument•Establish a viewpoint•Have a sustained response•Synthesise your discussion

To do this you must have a thesis that is maintained through your essay!

The Thesis

•Develop a number of theses on the Area of Study:

Your thoughts on the topic How it relates to your text Create mind maps with links to your ideas A couple of sentences summarising your

position Base it on a particular aspect of your Area of

Study

Identity

•Home is often referred to as ‘where the heart is’. With its assurance of security, shared values and unconditional acceptance, ‘home’ transcends the physical boundaries of place to represent a metaphysical and emotional sense of identity.

Acceptance

•An individual’s quest for acceptance is inextricably linked to the development of self as what allows us to truly belong is the ability to be free to be ourselves. This can mean that the individual risks going against the grain “alienating” themselves in order to belong.

Experiences

•Connection to place evokes an emotional attachment through shared experience, cultural significance and a sense of heritage. Our search for who we are is fuelled by a need to find a place in the world where we belong.

Aspects of Belonging (please add to this list)•Place•Emotions•Identity•Experiences•Acceptance/Non

acceptance•Social•Religious/Spiritual•Heroism

Write your own thesis!!

How the thesis becomes the Introduction•Your thesis is adapted and integrated with

the keywords and concepts of the question.

•This argument for/against the question can be supported with references to the general concepts of the texts studied. Two or three main points can be referred to.

•Techniques do not necessarily have to be mentioned

Here’s a question, make your thesis and introduction!•People, places and emotions make us feel

alienated. How does this occur in your texts?• “You may shoot me with your words,

You may cut me with your eyes,You may kill me with your hatefulness,But still, like air, I'll rise.”

Alienation can cause us to become stronger through identification with others who are alienated. Discuss how this occurs in your texts.

Body

•Put your ideas in order of importance. 1. Choose the best examples2. Explain how it supports your idea3. Analyse how the composer creates

meaning (techniques)4. Integrate supporting quotes5. Demonstrate the relationship to your

thesis/question

Points of Comparison

•Characters•Perspectives•Purpose of the text•Ideas•Techniques

Conclusion

•Do not repeat your introduction•Demonstrate the importance of your

thesis•Do not say “In conclusion”

Tips for Success

•Use topic sentences•Use the correct terms for techniques –

don’t guess!•Differ your sentences•Be definite! Do not say “possibly” or

“could” •Use the Author’s last name•AVOID SUPERFICIAL LIMITED TEXTS

Words from the rubric – What do they mean for your text?

• List the main character’s experiences of each of these aspects of Belonging:

• Relationships • Acceptance• Understanding• Values• Places• Societies• Ideas• Events/experiences• Connections

To note from the rubric - Texts on Belonging

•Texts explore many aspects of belonging, including the potential of the individual to enrich or challenge a community or group.

•Belonging explores connections made with people, places, groups, communities and the larger world.

Romulus, some ideas

•Madness – who perceives us as mad? Why do we go mad?

•Love – its destructive power. What happens when your relationship breaks down?

Techniques and examples

•Techniques explain why the quote has the effect you are discussing. Consider especially building empathy/apathy with the audience. Our reaction to the characters and their situation influences their sense of belonging.