‘Encountering Conflict’ Revision Lecture

Lecture Outline Exam requirements Exam criteria What you need to do How to study and revise for this section of the exam The context: Encountering Conflict The BIG ideas The Rug-maker of Mazar-e-Sharif Paradise Road Using your context file How to generate and develop ideas How to break down a prompt Examiners’ tips Practice prompts

Section B of the Exam You will be required to write an extended response to a ‘prompt’ or visual which will express some ideas related to ‘Encountering Conflict’. You will need to nominate one text as the basis of your piece of writing, however, this does not mean that you limit yourself to using evidence from this one text alone. You must use the core ideas conveyed by the prompt statement in some way. You do not need to resolve the prompt or write a written explanation. You may include other, related, material about the broader context (from your context file). You should make the style, structure and content suitable to the purpose of your writing and the audience you are writing for. You should aim to write between 800 and 1000 words. Section B is worth one-third of the exam marks.

Exam Criteria for Section B Understanding and effective exploration of the ideas and arguments relevant to the prompt/stimulus material Effective use of detail and ideas drawn from the selected text as appropriate to the task Development in the writing of a coherent and effective structure in response to the task Showing an understanding of the relationship between purpose, form, language and audience Controlled use of language appropriate to the purpose, form and audience

What you need to do Identify your strengths as a writer and choose a best style for the exam (imaginative, expository and persuasive) Know the form, language, voice and relevant ideas you are going to express Focus on the prompt; it’s a springboard for ideas. You do not have to resolve the prompt (offer a solution) or write a written explanation It’s about COMPLEX ideas and good WRITING SKILLS. It’s about generating and developing the ideas from the core of the texts The ideas are much more important than the number of examples used! (Quality >Quantity)

What you need to do You must: identify the core ideas in the prompt, then decide what you are going to do with it generate sophisticated, significant and complex ideas use the texts as sources of relevant ideas (NOT JUST EXAMPLES) use aspects of the texts which enhance or develop ideas about the context plan, structure, sequence and proof-read have a voice and a clear purpose

What not to do Do not recycle your practice or SAC writing pieces Do not memorise or make up formulaic responses Do not simply take the prompt at face value (eg: blindly agree with it). Instead, challenge, substantiate and develop it further. Do not write without breaking down the prompt, brainstorming and planning thoroughly Do not include examples as your topic sentences Do not include examples without explanations and links to the prompt Do not forget to allow time to proofread

How to study for this section of the exam… Summarise your notes on encountering conflict, including ideas and evidence from your class texts and specific examples from your context file under headings indicating the types, causes, resolutions/reactions and consequences of encountering conflict (the next few slides include aspects of each of these that need to be considered) . You may wish to include some key points/questions from the BIG ideas section of this presentation under relevant headings. This summary can take the form of a study sheet, poster or cue cards. Next, test yourself (or better yet, get a study buddy and test each other) on this information every night in preparation for the exam. Practice deconstructing all aspects of a prompt and planning responses. Practice generating, developing and substantiating relevant ideas. Ensure you write several practice responses and receive feedback from your teachers. Take feedback on board and make necessary changes to your writing

Encountering Conflict Encountering conflict asks you to question the types, causes, consequences and how we resolve conflict. Types of conflict: Internal/Personal Cultural Interpersonal Physical Familial Generational Social Class Racial International Civil/National Community or neighbourhood Conflict over land Environmental/Nature Religious Political

Encountering Conflict You also need to think about how conflict arises. What are the causes of particular types of conflict, or conflict in general? The causes may range from: ~ ignorance and prejudice ~ differences of opinions and beliefs ~ differences of values and philosophies ~ self interest and fear ~ the struggle for power ~ justice or truth We could also argue that conflict is an inevitable part of human life and cannot be avoided.

Encountering Conflict You also need to think about the consequences of conflict. Is conflict ever a good thing? When? How do individuals or a society as a whole, respond and react to conflict? The way an individual or a community group responds to conflict reveals a lot about them, especially their strengths and weaknesses. What are the lasting consequences of conflict for individuals, families and communities? Conflicts rarely end once the war or fight is over. What are the repercussions of conflict? There are winners and losers in every conflict who remain affected long after the conflict is over. How are people affected emotionally or psychologically? The consequences may range from trauma and physical and emotional pain to more positive outcomes, such as change, opportunity and growth.

Encountering Conflict You also need to think about responses to conflict and how conflicts are resolved. How do individuals or a society resolve major conflict? Does the way an individual or a community group respond to conflict affect the chances of an effective resolution? What factors enhance the effective resolution of conflicts? Can we achieve a win-win situation in resolving a conflict? What happens when a major conflict cannot be resolved?

Encountering Conflict One thing is certain; people are changed by experiences of conflict.

Conflicts involve a clash of ideas, interests, The BIG IDEAS Conflicts involve a clash of ideas, interests, and expectations a. Can a conflict have more than one cause? b. Is fear a source of conflict? c. Is the cause of conflict between nations similar to the cause of a conflict between two individuals? d. What role do different values play in the creation of conflict?

People’s responses to conflicts vary The BIG IDEAS People’s responses to conflicts vary a. Is a person’s response to conflict always dictated by the cause of the conflict? b. Are there cultural factors that might contribute to different responses to conflict? c. Is what we call ‘manners’ really an informal system designed to limit instances of conflict between individuals? d. ‘Turn the other cheek’ is a popular saying suggesting that when we are faced with conflict we should turn away and resist reacting or responding. Is this more difficult to do than it sounds?

Conflict occurs between the powerful and the powerless The BIG IDEAS Conflict occurs between the powerful and the powerless a. Must the pursuit of power always have a negative impact? b. Do you think that those in positions of power are more or less likely to incite conflict to get what they want? c. Are there always two valid sides to every conflict?

Conflicts may be difficult to resolve The BIG IDEAS Conflicts may be difficult to resolve a. What types of conflict are the most difficult to resolve? b. Do you think that there are some conflicts that can never be resolved? c. Consider the solutions to some recent conflicts you have experienced. Do you feel the solutions were just and right?

Conflict can be a catalyst for change The BIG IDEAS Conflict can be a catalyst for change a. Is it possible to live in a society without conflict? b. Is conflict something we should always avoid? c. Have you ever experienced conflict when standing up for yourself or someone else? d. What have you learned or gained from the experience?

How to use your context file Think of specific, original examples of encountering conflict that relate to the causes, types, reactions to/resolution and consequences of encountering conflict. These examples must illustrate/explore different ideas related to encountering conflict. As you know, these examples can be from other texts, from the ‘real world’ or real life, or can take the form of quotes or philosophical ideas/models. Make sure you use specific examples (Eg: Don’t discuss World War I in a general sense, discuss a particular example/anecdote/situation that occurred as a result of World War I and link it to the ideas present in the prompt).

How to develop ideas… Do not simply agree with a prompt or take it at face value—this shows you are not engaging deeply with the ideas related to the context. Instead, aim to challenge, compare/contrast and develop particular concepts to achieve depth of ideas. You can do this by looking at various dimensions of the prompt or by looking for particular phrases or exceptions that are not entirely true in all cases of encountering conflict. Put conditions on the amount you agree/disagree with and what the prompt says. Eg: For the prompt ‘Conflict is a destructive force in our lives’, consider situations where conflict has been constructive or has resulted in innovation or regeneration –remembering to include the particular circumstances or situations which lead to this and use this to guide your response to the prompt.

How to develop ideas… Prompt Ideas/ examples Challenge Modified response ‘In times of conflict ordinary people can act in extraordinary ways’

How to break down a prompt Underline the key words What is the prompt saying? (Paraphrase in your own words) Ask questions of the key words. What are the core concepts in the prompt? How do the core concepts link/relate to ideas from the broader context? How do the core concepts link/relate to ideas from ‘The Rug-maker of Mazar-e-Sharif’ and ‘Paradise Road’? How do the core concepts link/relate to ideas from local, national and personal contexts?

2012 Exam Prompt ‘It is difficult to remain a bystander in any situation of conflict.’ Task Complete an extended written response in expository, imaginative or persuasive style. Your writing must draw from at least one selected text for this Context and explore the idea that ‘it is difficult to remain a bystander in any situation of conflict’.

Paraphrase: It’s not easy to stand and watch a conflict without becoming involved in some way. 2. Ask questions of the key words: Difficult – How difficult? When is it difficult? Why is it difficult? Bystander – Who? When? Why? Where? Situation of conflict – All situations? What types? When? Where? Why? How are they caused?

3. What are the core concepts in the prompt? It’s human nature to help someone in need. The bystander is just as guilty as the perpetrator. 4. How do the core concepts link to ideas from the broader context, the texts, and local, national and personal scenarios? How we deal with conflict can affect the outcome (Najaf and Adrienne) Dealing with conflict can change us. (Japanese prisoners of war) Dealing with conflict makes us stronger. (Najaf) Doing good deeds to help others in need can come back to you, when needed. (Najaf is offered help in Australia)

Major Conflicts World Wars I and II Vietnam War Tiananmen Square Iraq War Afghanistan War The Holocaust The Stolen Generation Earth Quakes and Floods Israeli and Palestine conflict Bullying

Major Conflicts Personal crises Domestic violence Workplace tensions Power struggles, including gender Peer conflicts Parent/child conflicts Sibling rivalry Gender conflicts

Prompts to Practise ‘It is the victims of conflict who show us what is really important.’ (2009 Exam) ‘In times of conflict ordinary people can act in extraordinary ways.’ 2008 exam 'The way a person deals with conflict has a direct impact on its resolution.' ‘Conflict can challenge one’s values.’ ‘People are shaped by conflict.’ ‘One conflict always contains the seeds of another.’ ‘Conflict is a destructive force in our lives.’ ‘Major conflicts often arise from minor misunderstandings.’

Examiners’ Tips Read the previous year’s Examiners’ Reports so you know what they want and expect. Read lots of different styles and forms of writing. Practise writing in your best style. Make sure that your writing has a distinct ‘voice’.

Examiners’ Tips Become knowledgeable about major world conflicts and their consequences Explore the ideas that are represented in the prompt. Think critically about the ideas in the prompt.

Examiners’ Tips The transference of ideas from the texts is critical. Use the texts to explain complex ideas, not as simple examples. Use more than one source to illustrate the ideas in the prompt. Compare and contrast examples to illustrate particular ideas.

Examiners’ Tips Show awareness of your purpose, audience and the form of your writing. The feature article is an excellent hybrid style which meshes expository, persuasive and personal; it allows you to include anecdotes and personal experiences. Start with an anecdote, a scenario or a rhetorical question when writing a speech to ‘hook’ your audience in.

Thank you for attending… Good luck in the exam!