Unpacking the

Essay Question

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.

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.


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


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.


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 dont interpret it or develop an original thesis.
Those students who genuinely and explicitly address the
question throughout their essay stand OUT.


2. You need to answer the
question you get on the day.

Sounds obvious?
Address the specific keywords
and avoid a prepared
sounding response

6. Your conclusion is another
opportunity to convince the
marker that you have
explicitly answered the
question. BUT dont just
repeat your intro Its all
about new ways of
interpreting the question.
Lets put
this theory
to work

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.






Relationships are essential to finding
a true sense of belonging.






Connections
Interconnectedness
Between individuals
Family
Community
Communality
Togetherness

Agree or disagree?
To what extent?

Genuine
Authentic
Real


acceptance
Inclusivity
unity
Cohesion
understanding
universality

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 Skrzyneckis
poetry and the film The Wild One.
Arghhhhhhhh!!!! No
original interpretation
or thesis
Just repeats the
question! Argghhh!!

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 Skrzyneckis suite of
poems and Holsteads film The Wild One.
Uses a variety of
synonyms linked to
the question Yay!
Clear and original
thesis that links to
the question Yay!


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.
So

Over to you.
Lets start by creating
thesis statements in
response to topics
associated with belonging.

Write a one or two line
statement in response to
the following











Belonging is the cornerstone to finding identity
in an individual.

To what extent is this true of your texts?

1. Spend one minute annotating the question and brainstorming
synonyms.
2. Shape your opening sentence use your own belonging
concepts and link them to the question.
3. Check to improve your use of high modality (persuasive) and
sophisticated vocabulary.
4. Finish the introduction (total of 5 minutes).







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.








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.






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.






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.






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.






Practice Question Five

A sense of belonging requires an understanding
of ones past.

To what extent is this evident in your core text
and one related text of your own choosing.


You have 3 minutes. Go.