1. Unpacking the Essay Question

2. What is a thesis or line of argument?
A thesis is just a fancy word for an argument or overall point of view. Your opening thesis statement basically needs to state an argument that you will develop and provide evidence for throughout your essay. There is no need for this to be complex, but better essays generally will have a thesis that responds to the question without using the exact wording of the question.

3. Mastering the Introduction and Thesis Development
A thesis or line of argument should reflect your perspective and understanding of what you have been studying. It will be used to shape and direct your response and will be supported and/or challenged by your prescribed text and (if relevant) texts of own choosing. A thesis creates a cohesive framework or structure enabling you to integrate your response.

4. HSC Markers are looking for -
Before approaching the body of the essay, readers often create first impressions as to the quality and integrity of the essay by simply analysing the thesis statement. HSC markers, search for the attributes of:
Validity: clear connection to the question
Originality
Angle of argument
Sophisticated and appropriate use of vocabulary
Clarity of written expression

5. A good introduction will always…
Start with a thesis that DIRECTLY RESPONDS TO THE QUESTION.
You have 40 minutes to write an essay so there is no time to start with philosophical musings about the topic or write random things you happen to remember about the module you are writing about.

6. How on earth do I get MY essay to address the question enough so the markers are happy?

7. The problems for most students…
Many students (and I mean, a LOT) ignore the question… completely.
Many students repeat a section of the question… once. In the intro. And then we never hear another thing about it…
Some students repeat a section of the intro a few times… but don’t interpret it or develop an original thesis.
Those students who genuinely and explicitly address the question throughout their essay stand OUT.

8. So how can YOU fix the problem?

9. 1. You need to annotate the question and identify the keywords.

10. 2. You need to answer the question you get on the day. Sounds obvious
2. You need to answer the question you get on the day. Sounds obvious? Address the specific keywords and avoid a “prepared sounding response”…

11. 3. Your thesis needs to have some substance
3. Your thesis needs to have some substance. You CAN introduce your own ideas – but link them to the question.

12. 4. Try to brainstorm several synonyms for each keyword so that when you address the question it doesn’t sound repetitive (it’s all about a “happy balance”…)

13. 5. Every body paragraph – ask yourself – Have I addressed an aspect of the question? Have I used language (or synonyms) from the question?

14. 6. Your conclusion is another opportunity to convince the marker that you have explicitly answered the question. BUT don’t just repeat your intro… It’s all about new ways of interpreting the question.

15. Let’s put this theory to work…

16. Let’s start with a question…
“Relationships are essential to finding a true sense of belonging.”
Discuss in relation to your core text and one related text of your own choosing.

17. Annotated question and synonyms…
Agree or disagree? To what extent?
“Relationships are essential to finding a true sense of belonging.”
acceptance
Inclusivity
unity
Cohesion
understanding
universality
Connections
Interconnectedness
Between individuals
Family
Community
Communality
Togetherness
Genuine
Authentic
Real

18. DON’T… Just repeats the question! Argghhh!!
“Relationships are essential to finding a true sense of belonging.” Discuss
Relationships are essential to finding a true sense of belonging. This can be seen in Skrzynecki’s poetry and the film “The Wild One”.
Just repeats the question! Argghhh!!
Arghhhhhhhh!!!! No original interpretation or thesis

19. DO…
Uses a variety of synonyms linked to the question – Yay!
“Relationships are essential to finding a true sense of belonging.” Discuss
The complex nature of the concept of belonging means that a genuine sense of acceptance can be found in different circumstances for different people, however, many individuals find their strongest sense of unity within diverse and sometimes unexpected relationships. This is evident in Skrzynecki’s suite of poems and Holstead’s film “The Wild One”.
Clear and original thesis that links to the question – Yay!

20. Why is this a good intro?
Shows you know something about the concept of belonging
Refers to the question without using all the exact words
Is broad enough to allow you to develop convincing arguments, and then counter-arguments
Uses definitive words such as “means” and “can be” instead of using words such as may or might . This makes it sound convincing and argumentative (high modality), which is a good thing as the purpose of an essay is to persuade.

21. So… Over to you.

22. Let’s start by creating thesis statements in response to “topics” associated with belonging. Write a one or two line statement in response to the following…

23. Belonging and self identity

24. Belonging and sense of place

25. Belonging and choices

26. Belonging over time

27. Belonging and community

28. Belonging and alienation

29. Belonging and personal experiences

30. Belonging and a cultural sense of self

31. Now, use this thesis brainstorm to help you interpret and respond in an introduction to the following questions.

32. Let’s start slowly…
‘Belonging is the cornerstone to finding identity in an individual’.
To what extent is this true of your texts?
Spend one minute annotating the question and brainstorming synonyms.
Shape your opening sentence – use your own belonging concepts and link them to the question.
Check to improve your use of high modality (persuasive) and sophisticated vocabulary.
Finish the introduction (total of 5 minutes).

33. Sample thesis
‘Belonging is the cornerstone to finding identity in an individual’.
To what extent is this true of your texts?
Achieving a genuine sense of cultural and communal acceptance is pivotal for an individual to discover their true identity.

34. Let’s keep practising…
Practice Question One
Belonging to a certain entity is the result of a particular identity.
Discuss in relation to your core text and one related text of your own choosing.
You have 5 minutes. Go.

35. Let’s keep practising…
Practice Question Two
Belonging relies on both conformity and individuality.
To what extent is this true in your core text and one related text of your own choosing?
You have 4 minutes. Go.

36. Let’s keep practising…
Practice Question Three
Belonging and not belonging is determined by the relationships an individual has with others and the world.
Discuss in relation to your core text and one related text of your own choosing.
You have 4 minutes. Go.

37. Let’s keep practising…
Practice Question Four
‘Belonging is an instinctive human need in all of us.’
To what extent is this evident in your core text and one related text of your own choosing.
You have 3 minutes. Go.

38. Let’s keep practising…
Practice Question Five
‘A sense of belonging requires an understanding of one’s past.’
To what extent is this evident in your core text and one related text of your own choosing.
You have 3 minutes. Go.