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How to answer a question for Senior English

How to answer a question for Senior English. Or… how to write an “Analytical report (or essay) ” for English. FIRST: the question…. How does Defoe use the idea of the island and castaway to shape and reflect cultural values? Are these still relevant today ?

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How to answer a question for Senior English

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  1. How to answer a question for Senior English Or… how to write an “Analytical report (or essay)” for English

  2. FIRST: the question… How does Defoe use the idea of the island and castaway to shape and reflect cultural values? Are these still relevant today? …………………………………………………………………………. STEP 1. UNPACK THE QUESTION!

  3. STEP 1– UNPACK THE QUESTION • HOW = what narrative and language forms and features • USE = apply / employ / utilise / draw-on / bring into play • IDEA OF AN ISLAND = island as a metaphor • SHAPE = outline / model / form / illustrate / show • CULTURAL values (SOCIAL values)= about…religion, traditions, celebrations, political alliances, system of government, family values, art, food, fashion, theatre, music… (an social “expectations”, divisions of wealth, leisure activities, family structure, education, city vs rural)

  4. STEP 2: RE-WRITETHE QUESTIONin the “long way” using specific and ‘simple’ words – andin a way in which an 8 year old might understand the question…

  5. STEP 2: RE-WRITE THE QUESTION What narrative and language forms and features* does Defoe use… in creating the “island as a metaphor” (on which Crusoe has been stranded)… to show and explore (support and challenge) the…religion, traditions, celebrations, political alliances, system of government, family values, art, food, fashion, theatre, music… (an social “expectations”, divisions of wealth, leisure activities, family structure, education, city vs rural). Is the “island as a metaphor” concept still relevant to the individual today?

  6. THEN…Answer the ‘separate parts’ of the question…. Before you can compose your final thesis statement…

  7. BRAINSTORM - “island as a metaphor” (on which Crusoe has been stranded)… • Crusoe is stranded alone on an island of ‘being accountable for his own individual choices” • Crusoe is stranded alone on an island of “cultural and social values and beliefs” • Crusoe is stranded alone on an island of “religious, personal and spiritual discovery” – which weathers the uncertain winds of cultural and social change. • Crusoe is stranded alone on an island of self-determination – floating in a unpredictable ocean of “ambiguous cultural and social values” • Crusoe is stranded alone on the island….

  8. BRAINSTORM - Religion ? • Value = human life is sacred??? It is a sin to kill a man??? • Quote = “…………………………………………………… …………………………………….” (pg # __) • Language forms and features* in the quote: • Effect of the LFFs*: • LINK TO THESIS: Like the storms which battle against an island, the personal battle with religious (ethical) values shape not only Crusoe’s journey of self-discovery – but his very survival on the island.

  9. BRAINSTORM - Traditions ? • Value = • Quote = “…………………………………………………… …………………………………….” (pg # __) • Language forms and features* in the quote: • Effect of the LFFs*: • LINK TO THESIS: Like the rocks that give stability to an island, the regular practice of social / cultural traditions give strength to Crusoe’s self-discovery and sense of identity

  10. BRAINSTORM – social order ? • Value = • Quote = “…………………………………………………… …………………………………….” (pg # __) • Language forms and features* in the quote: • Effect of the LFFs*: • LINK TO THESIS:

  11. BRAINSTORM – Clothing and etiquette? • Value = • Quote = “…………………………………………………… …………………………………….” (pg # __) • Language forms and features* in the quote: • Effect of the LFFs*: • LINK TO THESIS: Like the tides against an island, the power of revived religious values shape not only Crusoe’s journey of self-discovery – but his very survival on the island

  12. THESIS STATEMENT

  13. STEP 2 – WRITE THE THESIS STATEMENT

  14. STEP 4 = write a thesis statement

  15. STEP 4 = write a thesis statement How do you start your thesis statement? Where do you start? You go back to the question! Use the words in the actual essay question and – use these words (plus your own from your “unpacked” bank of words) and write the answer to the question.

  16. Your THESIS STATEMENT is the “glue” that holds your essay together. If you DON’Tkeep going-back to your THESIS STATEMENT… you will end up going “off track” and you’ll start “waffling on about the story… instead of analysing the techniques. If youDO keep going back to your THESIS STATEMENT… you’re essay will be well-structured and you will answer the question clearly and accurately.

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