Transcript Text Response Essays

Text Response
Essays Year 9
Introduction
 Introduce
the text, stating its main theme
 State your contention
 Signpost your key points
Sample Introduction

The inspiring historical novel Runner by Robert
Newton is set in the slums of Richmond,
Victoria in 1919. It tells the story of Charlie
Feehan who lives in poverty but then drags
himself out of his poor life and through his
determination, builds a better way for himself.
Charlie’s success is ultimately due to his
determination. However, other factors also
cause him to flourish. It was chance that
caused him to be chosen and the loyalty
from his family and friends that made him
prosper.
Body Paragraph - TEEL
 Topic
sentence – a sentence that
summarises the point of the paragraph.
 Expanding sentence – develop, expand
on the topic sentence – say more about
it.
 Evidence – provide three examples with
short quotes in them.
 Link – connect the idea of the paragraph
back to your contention.
Sample body paragraph

Charlie’s success is primarily due to his determination. In many
areas of his life, he uses determination to overcome poverty and
the many discomforts of his life. The Feehans were very poor and
“to be poor is to be cold.” But Charlie was determined to not give
in; he “refused to let it take [him].” When Charlie first ran for Squizzy
he was determined to win. He would do anything to succeed. He
never gave in, even when he was behind. “[He] was still a
chance.” It was Charlie’s legs that brought him through it in the
end, like he said at the start; “They [are] runner’s legs. Legs that
would one day carry [him] out of the slums for good.” And they did.
Through his determination to be successful he ran to win, he ran for
life and he ran for money. When Charlie quit running for Squizzy he
started training for the Ballarat Mile. He was determined to win and
so convinced, that he made Mr Redmond bet all the money he
earned from Squizzy, on himself, telling him to “put the lot on [his]
nose.” Charlie took his winnings home and used the money to buy
the wood yard. These events were all caused by his determination
to fix up his life.
Conclusion
 Restate
your contention.
 End with a quote from the text which sums
it all up.
Sample conclusion
 Therefore,
the combination of luck and
chance, along with assistance from those
close to Charlie all aided his
determination to make it. Charlie’s life in
the slums was never going to go
anywhere. He overcame what was to be
his destiny and forged a new way out. His
legs saved him. But the over-riding reason
that led to his success was his pure
determination to win.