How to answer a question for Senior English

FIRST: the question… How does Defoe use the idea of the island and castaway to shape and reflect cultural values? Are these still relevant today? …………………………………………………………………………. STEP 1. UNPACK THE QUESTION!

STEP 1 – UNPACK THE QUESTION HOW = what narrative and language forms and features USE = apply / employ / utilise / draw-on / bring into play IDEA OF AN ISLAND = island as a metaphor SHAPE = outline / model / form / illustrate / show CULTURAL values (SOCIAL values) = about…religion, traditions, celebrations, political alliances, system of government, family values, art, food, fashion, theatre, music… (an social “expectations”, divisions of wealth, leisure activities, family structure, education, city vs rural)

STEP 2: RE-WRITE THE QUESTION in the “long way” using specific and ‘simple’ words – and in a way in which an 8 year old might understand the question…

What narrative and language forms and features* does Defoe usein creating the “island as a metaphor” (on which Crusoe has been stranded)… to show and explore (support and challenge) the… What narrative and language forms and features* does Defoe use… in creating the “island as a metaphor” (on which Crusoe has been stranded)… to show and explore (support and challenge) the…religion, traditions, celebrations, political alliances, system of government, family values, art, food, fashion, theatre, music… (an social “expectations”, divisions of wealth, leisure activities, family structure, education, city vs rural). Is the “island as a metaphor” concept still relevant to the individual today? STEP 2: RE-WRITE THE QUESTION

THEN… THEN… Answer the ‘separate parts’ of the question…. Before you can compose your final thesis statement…

BRAINSTORM - “island as a metaphor” (on which Crusoe has been stranded)… Crusoe is stranded alone on an island of ‘being accountable for his own individual choices” Crusoe is stranded alone on an island of “cultural and social values and beliefs” Crusoe is stranded alone on an island of “religious, personal and spiritual discovery” – which weathers the uncertain winds of cultural and social change. Crusoe is stranded alone on an island of self- determination – floating in a unpredictable ocean of “ambiguous cultural and social values” Crusoe is stranded alone on the island….

BRAINSTORM - BRAINSTORM - Religion ? Value = human life is sacred??? It is a sin to kill a man??? Quote Quote = “…………………………………………………… …………………………………….” (pg # __) Language forms and features* Language forms and features* in the quote: Effect of the LFFs*: Effect of the LFFs*: LINK TO THESIS: LINK TO THESIS: Like the storms which battle against an island, the personal battle with religious (ethical) values shape not only Crusoe’s journey of self-discovery – but his very survival on the island.

BRAINSTORM - BRAINSTORM - Traditions ? Value = Quote Quote = “…………………………………………………… …………………………………….” (pg # __) Language forms and features* Language forms and features* in the quote: Effect of the LFFs*: Effect of the LFFs*: LINK TO THESIS: LINK TO THESIS: Like the rocks that give stability to an island, the regular practice of social / cultural traditions give strength to Crusoe’s self-discovery and sense of identity

BRAINSTORM – BRAINSTORM – social order ? Value = Quote Quote = “…………………………………………………… …………………………………….” (pg # __) Language forms and features* Language forms and features* in the quote: Effect of the LFFs*: Effect of the LFFs*: LINK TO THESIS: LINK TO THESIS:

BRAINSTORM – BRAINSTORM – Clothing and etiquette? Value = Quote Quote = “…………………………………………………… …………………………………….” (pg # __) Language forms and features* in the quote: Language forms and features* in the quote: Effect of the LFFs*: Effect of the LFFs*: LINK TO THESIS: LINK TO THESIS: Like the tides against an island, the power of revived religious values shape not only Crusoe’s journey of self-discovery – but his very survival on the island

THESIS STATEMENT

STEP 2 – WRITE THE THESIS STATEMENT

STEP 4 = write a thesis statement

How do you start your thesis statement? Where do you start? You go back to the question! Use the words in the actual essay question plus Use the words in the actual essay question and – use these words (plus your own from your “unpacked” bank of words) and write the answer to the question. STEP 4 = write a thesis statement

Your THESIS STATEMENT is the “glue” that holds your essay together. DON’Tkeep going-back If you DON’T keep going-back to your THESIS STATEMENT… you will end up going “off track” and you’ll start “waffling on about the story… instead of analysing the techniques. DO keep going back If you DO keep going back to your THESIS STATEMENT… you’re essay will be well-structured and you will answer the question clearly and accurately. Your THESIS STATEMENT is the “glue” that holds your essay together. DON’Tkeep going-back If you DON’T keep going-back to your THESIS STATEMENT… you will end up going “off track” and you’ll start “waffling on about the story… instead of analysing the techniques. DO keep going back If you DO keep going back to your THESIS STATEMENT… you’re essay will be well-structured and you will answer the question clearly and accurately.