How to organize and write the essay

Transcription

1 How to organize and write the essay

2 Avoid This! Level Grade for Express Description of analytical skills 1. Comprehension F to D Superficial understanding of the text demonstrated largely through paraphrase. Some misreading Candidate does not respond fully to the demands of the question Description of writing skills Inappropriate substantiation Manages to communicate with some difficulty Expression may be hampered by lack of clarity

3 Most of you fall under this category Level Grade for Express Description of analytical skills 2. Interpretation C Shows sound basic understanding of the text and how to respond to it The question is addressed There is some evidence of analysis and evaluation through these may be brief, mechanical or naïve Description of writing skills Shows some engagement, and substantiates with appropriate references to the text The candidate communicates clearly and puts forward a coherent argument

4 Level Grade for Express Description of analytical skills Description of writing skills 3. Analysis B Competent grasp of subject matter Evidence of analysis which is likely to reflect conscientiousne ss rather than sophistication Answer is related to the question but may not address some of the key issues Evidence of close reading though may not be sustained Candidate makes a personal response to the text, often providing relevant substantiation Answer pursues a thorough, though rather unsophisticated argument Work is generally coherent and clear, though it may lack polish and subtlety of expression

5 Aim for this in Secondary 4 Level Grade for Express Description of analytical skills 4. Insight A Intelligent grasp of subject matter. Answer demonstrates a freshness of insight. Good analysis and evaluation of content and presentation. Ability to critically appreciate the text Well focused on the question and address most of its key issues Description of writing skills Active and close engagement with the text. Sensitive and informed personal response. Ideas developed effectively and well supported by textual evidence Answer reflects a highly coherent argument and clarity of thought and expression

6 Method How can we demonstrate each of these levels in the essay? Comprehension What it is about Its genre/theme Its mood Its themes and issues

7 Interpretation You need to go beyond a superficial reading and begin to question specific words, ideas or values posed by the text. Practice: Those Winter Sundays by Robert Hayden

8 Those Winter Sundays Sundays too my father got up early and put his clothes on in the blueblack cold, then with cracked hands that ached from labor in the weekday weather made banked fires blaze. No one ever thanked him. I d wake and hear the cold splintering, breaking. When the rooms were warm, he d call, and slowly I would rise and dress, fearing the chronic angers of that house, Speaking indifferently to him, who had driven out the cold and polished my good shoes as well. What did I know, what did I know of love s austere and lonely offices? Why the poet chose to set the poem in winter rather than summer? Could this be to convey a certain mood? Could he be implying something about his family since Sunday represents rest day or family day?

9 Analysis Detailed analysis of the text Identifying techniques purpose of the technique and how it affects the reader Practice: In Memoriam VII by Alfred Tennyson

10 In Memoriam VII Dark house, by which once more I stand Here in the long unlovely street, Doors, where my heart was used to beat So quickly, waiting for a hand, A hand that can be clasped no more Behold me, for I cannot sleep, And like a guilty thing I creep At earliest morning to the door. On the bald street breaks the blank day Alliteration, heavy b consonant sound is repeated why? Tone, or changes in tone? He is not here; but far away The noise of life begins again, And ghastly through the drizzling rain On the bald street breaks the blank day.

11 Skills in the organisation of an essay 1. The introduction 2. The Body 3. The conclusion

12 The Introduction Always start your essay with a statement which immediately answers the question and which states your standpoint. Examine how the sense of tension is created in the text. The sense of tension is gradually built up as the text progresses. Even though the tone is light-hearted in the beginning, a disturbing sense of coming disruption intensifies. This is created through the use of various techniques in the text such as lighting, mood, choice of words and setting.

13 The Body Use the PEEL principle: point, evidence, elaboration, and link. Point Evidence Elaboration Link Begin the first sentence of a paragraph with a point that answers the question. What is your impression of character X? My impression of character X is My view of character X is Every major point should be supported by evidence from the text. Direct quote Paraphrase The more evidence you provide, the stronger your point Explain how your evidence links to and proves the point you have made. My impression of character Y is that he is an insecure person. For example, he constantly looks around him and clutches a stick as if expecting someone to pounce on him at any moment. His constant uncertainty shows the degree of tension and anxiety within him. Link your point back to the question. As such, my impression of character Y is that he remains insecure due to his obvious uncertainty.

14 Compare the following statements. Which is better? Example A When Romeo sees Juliet for the first time, he falls in love with her. For example, he says Did my heart love till now? Forswear it sight / For I ne er saw true beauty till this night. When Romeo sees Juliet, he realizes that she is probably the most beautiful girl he has seen and thus becomes deeply attracted to her. Example B When Romeo sees Juliet for the first time, the evidence that his love is an infatuation is clear. For example, the phrase true beauty in the lines Did my heart love till now? Forswear it sight / For I ne er saw true beauty till this night appears to be an exaggeration as it is hard to believe how anyone can understand true beauty so quickly. Furthermore, this infatuation is based on his sight he loves her for her external beauty rather than appreciating her for her personality or character.