CHINESE CINDERELLA Wednesday, 14 October 2015

FIRST STEPS: Which words in the abstract stand out? Read, number and search for “new” words. How is the writing given an ominous atmosphere at the opening? Annotate the heading – who is Cinderella? What does this knowledge lead you to expect about the article? Annotate… This is an autobiography – note this and consider what you expect from that genre of literature.

FOCUS 1 RELATIONSHIPS Adeline’s feelings before she meets her father Evidence Her first reaction on hearing that he wants to see her. She is overwhelmed. How she suggests her father’s room is somewhere uniquely special, a place to be revered, an inner sanctum to which few, if any, are admitted. 1. The Holy of Holies. 2. A place to which I had never been invited. 3. Her feelings on entering her father’s room. 1. She knocks timidly

Relationships continued Adeline’s feelings as she meets her father. Evidence He is commanding – as indicated by the repetition and use of exclamation. 1. Use of exclamation marks 2. He orders her to Sit down! and repeats it. 3. He is reassuring Their relationship lacks warmth and closeness He appears to be relaxed and at ease, in contrast to her tension She is desperate to please her father and her reaction to his pleasure is overwhelming

Relationships 3 Adeline’s feelings as she meets her father Evidence She emphasises her timidity She emphasises that she is wary of him

Language for effect: TechniqueIntended effect Slips into the present tense.Emphasises her timidity and the strength of her worry. Use of repetition by her father.Indicates either impatience or vigour. Use of punctuation and short sentences. Develops the reader’s understanding of character. Use of triple rhetorical question; all written in the present tense Use of cliché Use of numbers rather than names for children The passage starts in the past tense, moves through the present tense and ends with the past tense

POSSIBLE TASKS 1-3 PEE paragraphs answering the following question: How does Adeline Yen Mah present her relationship with her family? Related to this passage: Consider the following two statements: ‘Boarding schools teach young people to become confident and well-rounded adults.’ ‘Sending young children away to boarding school is cruel and unnatural.’ Write arguing in favour of one of these statements. Describe what your dream is for your future, and how it would feel to be granted your dream.