Essay writing on novels or films (texts)

YOU DO NOT JUST TELL EVERYTHING YOU KNOW ABOUT THE BOOK OR FILM

YOU MUST HAVE AN OPINION ON THE TOPIC, STATEMENT OR QUESTION

JOT DOWN THE KEY WORDS IN THE TOPIC ASK QUESTIONS ABOUT THE TOPIC

Practise with this topic.: In the film “Whale rider” Koro is stuck in

the past and this prevents his community from moving forward. Discuss.

What is your opinion of this topic? Brainstorm the statement - Agree or disagree. Is Koro stuck in the past? Is he at fault for being inflexible (someone who will never change or bend the rules) and only believing girls can rule? If he had changed earlier (been more flexible and open and accepted the leader in front of his eyes) would things have got as bad as they did? Why is his community stuck? (No leader) Is he to blame? Does he have a blind spot? Is he too stubborn and bossy?

What is wrong with his community? Is it too stuck in old fashioned ways? Do we always have to follow the old ways? Why has Hemi’s dad dropped out and hoons around in a hotted up car with his mates? Why isn’t Hemi’s dad there for him? Why has Porourangi moved away to Germany? Why has Rawiri put on weight, given up the fighting stick and seemingly not shown leadership? Does Koro himself get stuck? (he has bad depression and stays in bed). Why are the village boys so weak?

Next as with all opinions or points of view you have to be able to explain your opinion. Here you might define the key terms in the statement or question and explain exactly what the topic means. You give your opinion and explain it in relation to the statement or topic or question about the film.

All arguments and a text response is an argument must have some evidence and proof to support the opinion.

Next you have to support your opinion with evidence and examples. The way you do this is by giving examples from the film and giving some key quotes from the film that demonstrate your point of view.

TOPIC OPINION EXPLAIN EVIDENCE & EXAMPLES (proof) LINK back to topic