HSC STANDARD ENGLISH 2020 Paper 2 Close Study

HSC STANDARD ENGLISH 2020 Paper 2 Close Study of Literature Section II The Truman Show

DISTINCTIVE QUALITIES OF A TEXT The ‘distinctive qualities’ of The Truman Show • The distinctive qualities of a text are things that make it unique. • Consider themes and ideas. • Consider the plot, setting and characters. • Consider particular literary techniques. • Consider use of the film form. • If you had a collection of films from a variety of directors, what would make Peter Weir’s The Truman Show different from the others? What are the 'distinctive qualities' that would make this film stand out?

CONSIDER THE GENERAL ASSESSMENT CRITERIA FOR THIS SECTION Your answer will be assessed on how well you: demonstrate understanding of a text’s distinctive qualities and how these shape meaning organise, develop and express ideas using language appropriate to audience, purpose and context

SPECIFIC MARKING GUIDELINES How qualities of Peter Weir’s film communicate his commentary on the relationship between freedom and control. (You have to answer the question. ) Using textual knowledge. (You have to know and use the film. ) Expressing ideas using language appropriate to audience, purpose and form. (You have to control and exploit the essay form. )

THE MODULE DESCRIPTION IS CRUCIAL In this module, students develop an informed understanding, knowledge and appreciation of a substantial literary text. Through their development of considered personal responses to the text in its entirety, students explore and analyse the particular ideas and characteristics of the text and understand the ways in which these characteristics establish its distinctive qualities. Students study one text chosen from the list of prescribed texts. They engage in the extensive exploration and interpretation of the text and the ways composers (authors, poets, playwrights, directors, designers and so on) portray people, ideas, settings and situations in texts. By analysing the interplay between the ideas, forms and language within the text, students appreciate how these elements may affect those responding to it. Students produce critical and creative responses to the text, basing their judgements on a detailed knowledge of the text and its language features. Through reading, viewing or listening, students analyse, assess and comment on the text’s specific language features and form. They express increasingly complex ideas, clearly and cohesively, using appropriate register, structure and modality. They draft, appraise and refine their own texts, applying the conventions of syntax, spelling and grammar appropriately. Through their analyses and assessment of the text and their own compositions, students further develop their personal and intellectual connections with, and enjoyment of the text, enabling them to express their informed personal interpretation of its significance and meaning.

IN ESSENCE informed understanding, knowledge and appreciation considered personal responses particular ideas and characteristics of the text distinctive qualities the ways composers portray people, ideas, settings and situations in texts the interplay between the ideas, forms and language detailed knowledge of the text and its language features specific language features and form personal and intellectual connections informed personal interpretation of its significance and meaning

THE QUESTION How do the distinctive qualities of Peter Weir’s film communicate his commentary on the relationship between freedom and control? In your response, make detailed reference to your prescribed text.

QUESTION ANALYSIS What is the directive term? How What does this mean? The way in which something is done

OTHER KEY TERMS Distinctive qualities see Slide 2 communicate to give information; get across commentary What Peter Weir says – his message relationship How freedom and control are connected freedom Self-determination. Not simply being able to do whatever you want. The concept is cultural and contextual. The film makes this clear. Freedom of opportunity should apply equally to all members of a society. control The power to influence or direct people's behaviour or the course of events. In The Truman Show there is a profound and disturbing power imbalance.

SOME SPECIFIC SUGGESTIONS. Take the time to write a plan/scaffold. Find the obvious response to the question. You will always be required to consider what the film is about and how Peter Weir uses the film form to communicate his ideas. This is a question about the nature of freedom and control. The two concepts are obviously connected. You must consistently address them throughout your essay. Themes such as modern media, commercialism, religion, etc are important, but you must relate them to freedom and control. Consistent relevance is essential. Peter Weir’s film is not neutral. He is not exploring freedom and control in an abstract sense; he is making pointed commentary on problems that he sees in our modern world. Be quite clear and confident about this. Did you actually state what Peter Weir is saying? The film’s ‘distinctive qualities’ include all that is listed on Slide 2, but themes have been specified in the question – freedom and control. Plot, setting and character are unique qualities of the film. Humour, satire and symbolism are central to how Weir communicates his ideas. Specific film techniques such as the use of the camera, lighting, editing and sound represent Weir’s use of the film form. You cannot discuss all of these ‘distinctive qualities’, but you needed to consider a range of aspects to demonstrate your knowledge and understanding. Obviously, well-chosen examples are essential.

MORE SELF-ASSESSMENT… What are the THREE best features of your essay? What are THREE areas where you could make most improvement?

How well-prepared were you for this question? How can you improve upon this in the future?