Comparative Study of Frankenstein and Blade Runner: Context and Meaning

1. Preparing for your assessment taskComparative Study of Text and ContextFrankenstein/ Blade Runner

2. Focusing on the question • In what ways does a comparative study accentuate the distinctive contexts of Frankenstein and Blade Runner? • Your essay should focus on: • Considering the texts in their contexts and comparing values, attitudes and attitudes they convey. • Coming to a heightened understanding of the relationship, meaning and significance of each text. • Demonstrating how language forms and features and structure of texts shape meaning and influence response.

3. Looking at HSC Feedback • “These responses embedded an evaluation of the relationship between text and context in the analysis of the texts” • “incorporated an analysis of the ways in which a comparative study invited deeper understanding of the concepts suggested by the question” • “clear understanding of how context influenced the values and ideas in both texts”

4. Looking at the marking outcomes (1) • Argues skilfully the ways in which a comparative study accentuates the distinctive contexts of the prescribed texts. • List five ways this is achieved and how you could do this.

5. Looking at the marking outcomes (2) • Demonstrates skilfully an understanding of the relationship between texts and contexts using well-selected and detailed textual references. • List five ways this is achieved and how you could do this.

6. Looking at the marking outcomes (3) • Composes a perceptive response using language appropriate to audience, purpose and form. • List five ways this is achieved and how you could do this.

7. Activity: • In groups you will be asked to brainstorm the context, general textual form and features and values/ ideas for your two texts. As you do this, you may want to consider how these factors link.

8. Crafting a thesis statement • The ideas/understanding you have gained from your study of both texts in terms of context, values and ideas. • These ideas/concepts become the framework and drivers for your response. • Your thesis integrates your response! • Respond immediately to the question or statement. You could agree or challenge it. • Develop a thesis or line of argument that relates to the question or statement and sustain this throughout your response. • Use both texts to support or challenge your thesis. • Developed and supported by judicious textual analysis.

9. Exercise • Craft 3 viable thesis statements you could possible use for your essay. • Write some example topic sentences to go with it.

10. How to structure your response • Introduction – thesis statement; broad contextual overview linking to thesis • Body paragraphs – thematic approach; emphasis on Frankenstein • Conclusion • Exercise write a plan for your essay.

11. Getting that top result – hints and tips • Read top sample responses. • Expand vocabulary. • Be aware of contextual influences and movements. • Complex sentence structure is a must, with use of indefinite clauses. • Nominalisation. • Structure paragraphs appropriately – use the TXXXXC model. • Cohesion is a must – connectives, reference words, word association. • Focus on conceptual approach. • Evidence – use the best, not the easiest piece. • End off with a strong statement. • Draft, draft and draft!!!

12. Reviewing the scaffold • Review the scaffold provided. This is only one way to do it. • Trace the thesis statement. • Choose one paragraph and annotate the structure of it. • Highlight all parts where connectives occur. • Look at vocabulary. • Reflect: How could you use this for your piece???