1. Achievement Standard: 90726 (3.7) Complete independent research on a language or literature topic and present conclusions in writing Internal Assessment Credits: 4 Due: Week 6 Term 3 NOTE: Use the report you write for this task as the basis for your seminar presentation for A.S. 3.6 in Week 8.

2. Assessment Criteria Achievement Propose research questions that expand understandings of a topic. 3 QUESTIONS Select relevant information from a range of referenced sources. RESEARCH LOG; BIBLIOGRAPHY Present well-supported conclusions in an appropriate written format. REPORT of 700 – 1000 WORDS Merit Propose research questions that expand understandings of a topic. Select relevant information from a range of referenced sources. Present, in an appropriate written format, well-supported conclusions that include judgements that are convincing and well organised. Excellence Propose research questions that expand understandings of a topic. Select relevant information from a range of referenced sources. Present, in an appropriate written format, well-supported conclusions that consistently develop perceptive and integrated judgements.

3. Our Task is: In Search Of an idea or theme presented in texts. STEPS TO TAKE 1.Focus on one or more texts featuring themes that are important to writers and directors. 2.Using text(s) studied in class as a starting point, investigate one of these themes based on several texts you have chosen. 3.Develop at least THREE research questions that expand understandings of your topic. 4.Select relevant information from a range of referenced resources. RESEARCH LOG – USE SAME LAYOUT AS IN EXEMPLARS 5.Write a report of at least 700 words, making connections between the texts and developing judgements about the importance or significance of your chosen theme. REPORT MUST HAVE A BIBLIOGRAPHY USING CORRECT REFERENCING FORMAT. Suggest you use APA citation style. Check it out at: http://library.canterbury.ac.nz/services/ref/apa/

4. In Search Of Check out the complete task and Not Achieved, Achieved, and Merit exemplars at: http://www.tki.org.nz/r/ncea/eng3_7Bv4_25jan06.doc

5. Some ideas for research themes ThemesPossible Class texts Other texts (you must have at least one additional text) 1. Exploring social values Heavenly Creatures; American Beauty Texts must be of sufficient literary quality for Level 3 study. Choose from: o Film/ television o Fiction – stories/ novels o Poetry o Drama o Non-fiction: biography/ articles o Oral texts: speeches/ radio documentaries/ interviews 2. The nature of evil Heavenly Creatures; The Pianist 3. The concept of a personal journey towards freedom Heavenly Creatures; American Beauty; The Pianist 4. How our external environment affects our individual lives Heavenly Creatures; American Beauty; The Pianist 5. How personal choices affect others around us Heavenly Creatures; American Beauty 6. Appearance versus reality Heavenly Creatures; American Beauty 7. ?

6. What kinds of questions work well? In what ways is the theme of …. presented effectively in these texts? What do we understand about the theme of … from these texts? To what extent does … influence the characters actions in these texts? How important is … to the personal growth of the main characters in these texts? What similarities are there in the way the theme of … is presented in these texts? What differences are there in the way the theme of … is presented in these texts? What do these texts reveal about the nature of New Zealand society at that time? o What are three ways in which the theme of … is shown in these texts? o What does the main character X learn about … in the text? o What are some of writer/ director Ys main themes as shown in these texts?