Writing Extended Responses

What is an extended response? We refer to an essay as an extended response. An extended response is not a text type but rather indicates that your response must be long. There are a number of different text types, for instance, explanations, expositions and discussions. In Year 12, a long response is 3-5 pages. Also, in Year 12, your extended responses must be integrated and synthesised.

In English, you need to write analytical and persuasive essays. The analytical essay goes beyond simple summary and description. Rather than telling the reader the facts of the situation, the analytical essay demands that you examine information and evaluate it. Put another way, the analytical essay does not simply ask what, where and when; it asks why and how. In a persuasive essay, you take a position in response to the question, and attempt to convince the reader to support your position.

What is an integrated and synthesised response? An integrated response means that you need to utilise your prescribed text and your related texts in a way that each element of the extended response links together. A synthesised response refers to two things: 1) When you compare, contrast and link different parts within the one text. 2) When you compare, contrast and link different parts of your prescribed text and related texts.

Planning an Essay Essay Question: “Whether discovering something for the first time, or rediscovering something, it is our attitude towards the process of discovery that is most important” Demonstrate how your prescribed text and ONE other related text of your own choosing represent this interpretation of discovery.

Planning an Essay Steps: Understand the question a) Underline key words b) Words are usually taken from the rubrics 2) Compose a thesis a) A thesis is a 2-3 sentence statement that answers the question b) A thesis is not a general statement but rather it is a specific statement that outlines your position in relation to the question. 3) Compose a set of ideas that support your thesis 4) You need to select 2 or 3 related texts a) These texts must be chosen by you b) There are examples on our Weebly site c) Your texts must be unique and different from others in your class. 5) Identify quotes from your texts that support your ideas and thesis. 6) Start writing – happy learning!

Question: How have the composers depicted different ideas about Australia? In your response, refer to at least TWO poems studied in class.

Questions for poems What is the poem about? What does the poem tell you about Australia? Why do think the poet wrote this poem? Select two quotes from the poem you would like to use in your essay. Identify one technique in each quote.

Homework Students are to read the poems ‘The Man from Ironbark’ and ‘The Ballad of the Drover’ and complete the following questions: What is the poem about? What does the poem tell you about Australia? Why do think the poet wrote this poem? Select two quotes from the poem you would like to use in your essay. Identify one technique in each quote.