We are Learning...

1. We are Learning... How to write an effective introduction.

2. The three-step formula • 1. Identify the name of the text and the author. Use words from part 1 of the question. • 2. Briefly summarise the text and explain why the chosen text is suitable for the question. • 3. Explain what you are going to be writing about in the rest of your essay. Refer to words in part 2 of the question.

3. Example Introduction • Poem:Revelation by Liz Lochhead • Essay Question: Choose a poem which is mainly about one person’s experience. Describe the experience and show how the poet uses particular words and phrases to help to make it clear to you how the person feels about the experience.

4. A poem that is mainly about one person’s experience is Revelation by Liz Lochhead. In the poem, the poet describes how a young girl has an encounter with a frightening bull, and this experience changes her life forever.In my essay, I will discuss how the poet’s use of techniques such as metaphor, juxtaposition and symbolism help to create a vivid impression of the encounter and convey how the young girl feels about her life-changing experience.

5. Remember!! • Your introduction should be so closely related to the words of the question that you should be able to work out what the question is just by reading it.

6. Essay Question 1 Choose a poem in which the speaker’s personality is gradually revealed. Show how, through the content and language of the poem, aspects of the character gradually emerge.

7. Essay Question 2 • Choose a poem in which the poet explores one of the following emotions: anguish, dissatisfaction, regret, loss. Show how the poet explores the emotion and discuss to what extent he or she is successful in deepening your understanding of it.

8. Essay Question 3 Choose a play in which a central character is heroic yet vulnerable. Show how the dramatist makes you aware of both qualities and discuss how they affect your response to the character’s fate in the play as a whole.

9. A play in which a central character is heroic yet vulnerable is “The Crucible” by Arthur Miller. The play is set during the Salem witch-trials in the late 17th century and centres around John Proctor, a man whose adultery leads him to make decisions on his quest for redemption which illustrate both his heroic and vulnerable qualities as a man. In my essay I will discuss the dramatic techniques used by Miller, such as character, setting and turning point, to depict the heroism and vulnerability of Proctor as he strives to gain redemption and forgiveness for his sins, while also trying to maintain his reputation as a good Christian. I will also explain how Proctor’s fate in the play is a direct result of this duality in his character.

10. Essay Question 4 • Choose a play in which a central character behaves in an obsessive manner. • Describe the nature of the character’s obsessive behaviour and discuss the influence this behaviour has on your understanding of the character in the play as a whole.

11. A play in which a central character behaves in an obsessive manner is “The Crucible” by Arthur Miller. The play is set in the strictly theocratic society of Salem during the witch-trials in the late 17th century, and centres around John Proctor and his obsession with regaining the self-respect and goodness he lost by betraying his wife and family through adultery. In my essay I will discuss the dramatic techniques used by Miller to depict Proctor’s obsessive quest for redemption, such as character, setting, and turning point, and I will show how Proctor’s obsession enables me to understand the decisions he makes that ultimately lead to his death.