1. PART 1: Writing a comparative essay
Year 9 English

2. What is a compare and contrast essay?
You are to compare and contrast two pieces of text (………………………………..) and discuss the similarities and differences between them.
The director has made choices about what scenes and characters are important and how this is to be conveyed to an audience.
Your job is to identify (find out) what has changed from the original novel.
What are some of the similarities between the film and the novel?
What were the differences in character?
What are the obvious differences between the film and the novel?

3. Planning
Read the book and take note of the plot, the description of characters, the setting.
View the film and take note of the obvious differences between the film and novel.
Decide on a particular section of the film/story that you would like to concentrate on analysing.
Re-read the equivalent section of the novel and take clear notes about how the author used language to make meaning.
Review the section of the film you have decided to concentrate on. Pay particular attention to the ways in which the director has used VISUAL elements to make meaning.
Be specific about the similarities, differences, additions and omissions (what has been left out) between the two versions.

4. Use this table to plan your work
Aspect 1
Aspect 2
Aspect 3
Novel
Film
Character:
Dialogue:
Setting:
For each of the ‘aspects’ becomes a paragraph in your main essay. Each
paragraph discusses one aspect of the texts and compares and contrasts its
depiction.

5. Writing the essay The introduction
Identifies which two texts are going to be compared for the purposes of the task.
Acknowledges that one text is an interpretation of another and not a reproduction.
Makes a comment about how close the adaptation (the film) is to the original text (the novel).

6. The body paragraphs
One main idea per paragraph. (Go back to your table, each of your main aspects should be used as an idea for a paragraph).
Explore how the aspect is depicted (shown) in the novel.
Use supporting evidence (quotes) to show how the LANGUAGE has changed from the novel to the film.
Draw attention to the similarities and differences in the depiction of the scene/character/setting between the novel and film.
Remember to leave a line between each paragraph.

7. Conclusion Do not introduce new ideas.
Make general comments about how realistic the film was.

8. PART 2: Oral presentation
You will need to prepare a 2 minute oral presentation on a review of the film.
You will need to talk about the strengths and weaknesses of the film compared to the book.
You will need to refer to at least 2 scenes from the film and compare them to the novel.
Use the following questions to guide your presentation:

9. Questions for the oral presentation
Remembering: Describe a key scene in the novel. Explain why you like it. Understanding: What do you think are some of the main ideas raised in the film? How did the film makers use music and special effects? How did these help the story? Applying: What do you think John Marsden would say about the film adaptation of his novel? Analysing: Did the actors perform well? What made it a good performance? Evaluating: Do you think war is a good or a bad thing? Why? Why not? What influence will war have on our lives? Creating: If you were a film maker, what would you change in the film? How effective was the film in discussing some of the main ideas in the novel? You could also do a P,N,I on the film.

10. Due dates
The comparative essay is due on Thursday 16th June. You will have 3 periods in class to work on this.
The oral presentations will take place on Thursday 23rd June. You will have 2 periods in class to work on this task.
If you do not think you will be able to finish the work by these dates speak to me BEFORE the work is due.