Exam Essays Reading the topic and writing introductions.

Analytical Essays These topics demand a detailed and specific analysis of the text in terms of how it has been constructed by the author to allow them to convey their central purpose or message. These topics demand a detailed and specific analysis of the text in terms of how it has been constructed by the author to allow them to convey their central purpose or message. The author must always be present in these essays as the text’s creator. The author must always be present in these essays as the text’s creator. You must refer to all aspects of the text’s construction, not just its content. You must refer to all aspects of the text’s construction, not just its content.

Analytical Essays Reading the topic

Analytical Essays When unpacking an analytical topic you should always do so with an eye to acknowledging the author as creator When unpacking an analytical topic you should always do so with an eye to acknowledging the author as creator

Analytical Essays Some examples

Analytical Essay The lives of the characters in Look Both Ways touch each other at some point, yet the overwhelming feeling is one of isolation and loneliness. The lives of the characters in Look Both Ways touch each other at some point, yet the overwhelming feeling is one of isolation and loneliness. You are being asked to analyse Watt’s directorial decision to intersect the stories of all of the characters and why she has done this whilst also emphasising characters’ aloneness. You are being asked to analyse Watt’s directorial decision to intersect the stories of all of the characters and why she has done this whilst also emphasising characters’ aloneness. In essence the question is asking you to analyse how the structure of the film contributes to characterisation. In essence the question is asking you to analyse how the structure of the film contributes to characterisation.

Analytical Essay Introduction

Analytical Essays An analytical introduction should as always: An analytical introduction should as always: –Provide definitions –Have a clear contention –Set argumentative direction But they should do so with an emphasis on: But they should do so with an emphasis on: –The text’s construction –The author’s purpose

Introduction Sarah Watt has constructed her film Look Both Ways so that the lives of the characters echo the intersection of the railway lines around which they all congregate. The accident which kills Julia’s husband provides the catalyst for the characters to examine their lives and even though they are united by this one event, initially each of them feels alone in their journey. By the end of the film, however, Watt shows that making connections and building relationships can enable characters to reconcile their fears and uncertainties. Sarah Watt has constructed her film Look Both Ways so that the lives of the characters echo the intersection of the railway lines around which they all congregate. The accident which kills Julia’s husband provides the catalyst for the characters to examine their lives and even though they are united by this one event, initially each of them feels alone in their journey. By the end of the film, however, Watt shows that making connections and building relationships can enable characters to reconcile their fears and uncertainties.

Thematic Essays These topics demand a clear focus on the values that underpin a text. These topics demand a clear focus on the values that underpin a text. The line of argument must be based on what values the text endorses, rejects or ignores. The line of argument must be based on what values the text endorses, rejects or ignores. Textual evidence is still very important as a way of showing how the reader can discern the author’s values. Textual evidence is still very important as a way of showing how the reader can discern the author’s values.

Thematic Essays Reading the topic

Thematic Essays When unpacking thematic topic you should always be clearly focused on discerning what value you are being asked about and where the text positions itself with regards to that idea. When unpacking thematic topic you should always be clearly focused on discerning what value you are being asked about and where the text positions itself with regards to that idea.

Thematic Essay Look Both Ways shows that fear can stop people from living fully. Look Both Ways shows that fear can stop people from living fully. –The underpinning value is about the connection between people’s fears and what it means to have a full life. –What does the text say about how one impinges on the other? –In essence the question is asking you to what the film values about life.

Thematic Introductions A thematic introduction should as always: A thematic introduction should as always: –Provide definitions –Have a clear contention –Set argumentative direction But they should do so with an emphasis on: But they should do so with an emphasis on: –The underpinning value raised by the question –Where the text stands on that value

Introduction Most viewers when they watch Look Both Ways would not find it difficult to relate to the fears and anxieties experienced by the characters; fears such as death, loneliness and commitment, basically a fear of living unloved. The film suggests that allowing these fears to dictate our passage can debilitate us and prevent us from living lives that are fulfilled. Ultimately, however, it privileges the view that examining our values and reflecting on our uncertainties can empower us to pursue a full life. Most viewers when they watch Look Both Ways would not find it difficult to relate to the fears and anxieties experienced by the characters; fears such as death, loneliness and commitment, basically a fear of living unloved. The film suggests that allowing these fears to dictate our passage can debilitate us and prevent us from living lives that are fulfilled. Ultimately, however, it privileges the view that examining our values and reflecting on our uncertainties can empower us to pursue a full life.