Introduction
An introduction should have
1. A response to the question that includes a reference to the author and the book.
2. A very brief summary of the text in response to the question. (A nutshell)
3. A thesis that outlines what your main idea is, and the way that you are going to answer the question. (Lists the three points for the body paragraphs)
Example of an introduction.
In the novel Whisper, Keighery tells the story of Demi, a young woman who, after losing her hearing, faces a very difficult journey to eventually find self-acceptance in her life. At 14 Demi was diagnosed as profoundly deaf and this has left her feeling like she doesn’t fit comfortably into her old life as a ‘hearie’ or her new life as a deaf person. Over her journey Keighery uses point of view, characterisation and use of language to present the contrast of her two worlds and her journey to finding self-acceptance of her place in this new world.
Body Paragraphs
Topic Sentence
Explanation – Preface to Quote
Example
Explanation
Link
An example of a strong paragraph:
Narrative convention – 1st Person Narrative Point of View
Sample of a Strong Body Paragraph.
Keighery’s powerful use of 1st person divulges the true emotions, feelings and conflicts that demi embarks on through the story. Due to her unexpected diagnoses that brought on deafness, Demi commences her new schooling life at the local deaf school. But Demi is not completely content at this new school, stating: “I remind myself I am just here to learn. I just have to get good marks” (p. 20). This comment reveals that she doesn’t truly plan on enjoying this new school; she will only focus on working hard and doesn’t expect it to provide fun for her. Nevertheless, by the conclusion of the novel, Demi has accepted that the school is an amazing part of her new life: “I think about how I had to battle to get mum to agree with me to change schools. And how it was so worth it” (p. 225). These meaningful comments from Demi allow Keighery to present her significant journey as the novel progresses to the confident and capable character we see at the end of the story.
Sample of a Good Body Paragraph
Keighery’s use of 1st person point of view allows the reader to fully understand the emotions and the conflicts that Demi faces. Since her diagnosis she has constantly questioned whether she should have remained with her hearing friends or moved to her new deaf friends. As she leaves Stavros’s party she comes to a decision, “I’m not the same as these people, these people who can still hear.” (p. 17). This comment from Demi using 1st person shows the reader a moment when Demi faces the reality of the difference between herself and her old friends. Demi has struggled to figure out where she fits in the world and by using 1st person point of view Keighery allows us to see, hear and feel what Demi is experiencing, so that we can accompany her on her journey.
Narrative convention –Characterisation
Keighery has used characterisation to show how friendship has influenced her journey across the story. When Demi’s friends first found out she was deaf they were always there for her, but after a while the hearing characters forgot about Demi and were quite thoughtless. At Nadia’s sleepover, Nadia carelessly turned off the light not thinking about Demi. Demi was angry. “I was blocked out now…they were probably whispering their night’s secrets but how would I know.” (p. 37). Keighery’s choice of the character’s actions made Demi realise that her hearing friends were not her true friends anymore but her deaf friends were. Her deaf friends made her realise that “it’s not just about having friends who sign, it’s about having friends who know the things that happen when you’re deaf – how they can make you feel” (p. 193). Keighery’s use of characterisation sets Demi up on a journey that changes her life and makes her realise her true friends are the ones who understand and don’t judge.
Sample of a weak paragraph
1st person point of view is used by the author in the novel. Demi has a bad time at the party and she feels like she doesn’t fit anymore. We see this in the quote: “I’m not the same as these people, these people who can still hear.” She doesn’t feel the same as the friends who can still hear. 1st person point of view shows us her journey.
Conclusion
· Rephrase thesis
· Summarise your points
· Make a comment about the way the author has used the narrative conventions to shape the reader’s response (Say how and why).
An example of a good conclusion:
Keighery has used the narrative conventions of 1st Person Point of view, characterisation and symbolism to highlight the challenges that teenagers with disabilities face on a daily basis. The use of 1st Person Point of view allows the reader to appreciate and understand the adversity a faced by the protagonist, Demi. The characters that she meets help her to manage her new situation and come to a point of self-acceptance despite the challenges that she initially faces. Symbolism has effectively used to signpost the changes that have occurred for Demi and encourages us to appreciate the enormity of the journey she faces. As a consequence, the reader has new insights into the issues of marginalisation and discrimination and makes me empathise with those in my life who face significant challenges, especially if it is a disability.
If there is a setting, choose a significant setting in the book such a Stravos or Stella’s party and then highlight and show how Demi feels.
Show the narrative 1st point of view from Demi and show how she feels throughtout the book DEVELOPMENT
Choose one character to show how they are characterized probably Demi and show how she feels etc.
WHAT DOES EACH EVIDENCE SUGGEST INTAMACY AND THAT THEY ARE COMFORTABLE TOGETHER?
ALSO Integrate the quotes into a sentence An example of this was on page 106 on the football game, where Demi thinks “I’m glad that Ethan remembers me, and I’m glad that’s it’s only him and me sharing this joke.” Or Another example of characterization that highlights Demi’s and Ethan’s relationship in the text is on page 222, where Demi and Ethan “sit down again, [their] backs against the tree, [their] legs touching.”
Discuss how keighry has used one or more narrative conventions to explore themes in whisper
Thesis: Keighery has used Setting, 1st point of view and characterisation to explore themes in whisper.
Avoid saying characterization techniques – just say characterization
Try to vary up your evidence sentences, as most of them start with “An example…” The sentences are just as effective without this
Last sentence of conclusion – try to avoid the personal perspective unless the question is explicitly asking you to.
