How to answer an essay question

Or… how to write an analytical essay

REMIX THE RUBRIC

• • __________________________________________________ demonstrate understanding of a and how these

shape meaning

text’s distinctive qualities organise, develop and express ideas using language appropriate to audience, purpose and form ___________________________________________________ demonstrate knowledge and analysis skill in naming and explaining a text’s language forms and features … and how these

show the ideas, concerns, characters and events in the text

The first dot-point of the rubric is the blue-print (map) for the thesis statement of your essay

Now… for the essay question… 2011 HSC Exam Question Discuss how Owen’s perspective on human conflict is conveyed in his poetry. In your response, make detailed reference to at least TWO poems set for study. The prescribed poems are: * The Parable of the Old Man and the Young * Anthem for Doomed Youth * Dulce Et Decorum Est * Futility * Disabled * Mental Cases

STEP 1 – UNPACK THE QUESTION

• • • • • DISCUSS = examine / consider / debate / show

different perspectives of / review HOW = what language/poetic forms and features PERSPECTIVE = viewpoint / view / evaluation / opinion / side HUMAN = individual / social / public / civil / community / group CONFLICT = war / battle / argument / difference of opinion / struggle disagreement

What is HUMAN CONFLICT?

• • • • •

inner conflict within a person a difference of opinion between 2 people a difference of values and beliefs among different groups of people (Govt. and public) When one person of group challenges another person or group A violent fight between individuals, groups or countries

STEP 2 – REWRITE THE QUESTION IN THE FULL… PLAIN-ENGLISH… VERSION:

Examine and analyse the poetic forms and features Owen uses to show different viewpoints about different human conflicts.

STEP 3 – WRITE THE THESIS STATEMENT Example 1.

In his poems Dulce et Decorum est and Anthem for Doomed Youth, Wilfred Owen uses poetic forms and features to show ideas and perspectives about the realities and the horrors of a range of human conflicts during WWI.

STEP 4. Check your thesis statement to • make sure it “matches” the rubric!

__________________________________________ demonstrate knowledge and analysis skill in naming and explaining a text’s language forms and features … and how these

show the ideas, concerns, characters and events in the text

_____________________________________

In his poems Dulce et Decorum est and Anthem for Doomed Youth, Wilfred Owen uses poetic forms and features to show ideas and perspectives about the realities and the horrors of a range of human conflicts during WWI.