Planning a text response and constructing an essay

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You have written paragraphs on the film text Remember The Titans, and some of you have written an entire essay.

This is called a text response.

Structure :

Introduction

Body paragraph 1

BP 2

BP 3

Conclusion

Students may write less or more than three body paragraphs.

Students may do this independently or with the teacher and students in class. 

Body Paragraphs follow the TEE structure.

Topic sentence

Exploration

Evidence 

Edit   Delete - Last Modified By: JCA at 9/09/2014 7:45:28 PM

 

ESSAY WRITING

CHALLENGE YOURSELF by writing more than two body paragraphs!

WRITE :

An introduction

3 or more Body Paragraphs

Conclusion 

Edit   Delete - Last Modified By: JCA at 9/09/2014 7:51:33 PM

 

CRITERIA Essay on The Black Dog Gang by Robert Newton

1. Demonstrate understanding of ideas, themes and characters  / 10

2. Use evidence for example quotes and discussion of key events  / 5

3. Appropriate essay structure including at least two body paragraphs and knowledge of TEE structure / 5

4. Use correct sentence structure, vocabulary and punctuation  / 5

25 Marks 

 

Edit   Delete - Last Modified By: JCA at 9/09/2014 7:43:51 PM

 

ESSAY TOPIC :  

Frankie’s father says, ‘There are some things in life ya can’t do nothing about’ when Frankie is worried about Rory Collins’ brutal treatment of Mickey.

Does Robert Newton’s novel only support the view that life is unfair and unjust?

 

ACTIVITY 1

First brainstorm problems and conflicts :

Here are three examples : 

1. Rory Collins is an abusive father and husband – torments Mickey in many ways, punches his wife and always frightening and threatening

       2. Mr Hardcastle has too much power over the boys.

        3. Mr Hardcastle is a protestant (English) and hates Irish Catholics (Frankie, Mickey and most of the boys)

       Think of as many as you can.

ACTIVITY 2

SHARE your ideas with the class.

CHECK your notes for more.

 

ACTIVITY 3

Resolutions 

Consider how some of these problems and injustices are resolved throughout the novel (if they are) and by the end.

Examples :

1. Frankie discovers Mr Hardcastle is a hypocrite and defeats him, stopping him from humiliating and beating the boys.

2. Mickey kills his father (this is very extreme and was in self-defence) 

SHARE with the class.

ACTIVITY 4

SHAPING YOUR ESSAY 

Are you going to agree or disagree with the essay topic, or a bit of both.

For example, your introduction could be :

Robert Newton's novel, The Black Dog Gang, set at the turn of the century in the poverty stricken area of the Rocks, Sydney, shows that life can be unjust for the poor. (add a bit more for example women and children had no rights etc) However, through the determination of good people and the members of the Black Dog Gang, many problems are overcome. While life is not perfect, in many ways justice is achieved by the close of the novel.

 

QUESTIONS

Which ideas are you going to write about? 

You will need to consider your topic sentences - your teacher can help you.

Some students may choose to work on this independently or with others.

CHECK RESOURCE BELOW

Start sorting out your ideas and look at the resource below to help you. 

 

CHECK LEARNING BITE 30 for more information.