Teaching and Learning Points:
- Note the reference to the SCSA glossaries. These can be found at:
Glossary of Key Words Used in the Formulation of Questions
https://senior-secondary.scsa.wa.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0017/1030157/Glossary-of-key-words-used-in-the-formulation-of-questions.pdf
Syllabus Glossary
The key words are found at the back of the document below.
https://senior-secondary.scsa.wa.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0015/1122117/English-ATAR-Year-11-Syllabus-for-teaching-from-January-2025_pdf.PDF
- You’ll also note that I’ve highlighted the KEY WORDS, particularly the word ‘discuss’ which is a COMMAND WORD. Make sure you identify the command words in your questions and ensure you understand what they’re asking you to do.
- You’ll also note that I highlighted the word ‘representations’. I looked this word up in the SCSA syllabus glossary and made sure I knew what this word meant BEFORE I attempted the question.
Sample Introduction
- This introduction uses the following structure:
Global Sentence
Introduce genre, text, author, date published
Overview of text/summary of plot relevant to the question
Dominant themes and ideas relevant to the question
Thesis statement- which should be focused and specific. Your response to the question
- The introduction above aims to use ALL of the key terms in the question to demonstrate to my examiner that I’ve read the question, that I’m exploring ALL the key terms of the question AND I understand what they mean.
- You’ll note words at the end like ‘powerful text’. Here I’ve used an adjective to sharpen my thesis statement by adding a value judgement to demonstrate my personal engagement with the text. I could’ve equally used ‘confronting’, ‘profound’ or ‘challenging’ to achieve the same effect. There are other examples in the introduction. See if you can find them.
- Note the key terms highlighted in the introduction.
Your turn. Use the example above to write your own introduction. Make sure you identify the structure and apply it to your own ideas.
Speak to me if you need a hand.