We are Learning...

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We are Learning...

• How to write an effective introduction.

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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.

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Example Introduction

• Poem Revelation by Liz Lochhead
• Essay Question
• Choose a poem which is mainly about one persons
  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.

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• A poem that is mainly about one persons
  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 poets 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.

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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.

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Essay Question 1

• Choose a poem in which the speakers personality
  is gradually revealed.
• Show how, through the content and language of the
  poem, aspects of the character gradually emerge.

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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.

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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 characters fate in the play as a
  whole.

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• 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 Proctors fate in the play is a
  direct result of this duality in his character.

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Essay Question 4

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

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• 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 Proctors
  obsessive quest for redemption, such as
  character, setting, and turning point, and I will
  show how Proctors obsession enables me to
  understand the decisions he makes that ultimately
  lead to his death.