Text Response Essay

Getting the low down…

Types of Questions

There are three different sorts of questions that you might get when doing a text response essay.

A statement on the text followed by a task instruction.

For example:

The Sword in the Stone shows us how ridiculous the chivalric code is. Discuss.

Discuss – what does this require?

Debate, question or explain a topic, giving evidence, reasons and explanations for and/or against the topic.

A direct quote followed by a task instruction or question.

For example:

“Only fools want to be great.” To what extent do you agree with this statement?

Do you agree?

Present your own interpretation of the topic, giving evidence, reasons and explanations etc.

A direct question on an aspect of the text.

For example:

What is the authorial purpose of the Questing Beast?

*Authorial purpose means what was the authors purpose

HOW? - Explain, outline or describe the ways in which the text illustrated the topic by drawing on textual evidence, structures and features and metalanguage.

WHY? - Explain reasons to support the idea represented in the topic

Preparation

Underline key words, phrases. Use your dictionary to identify any words you are unsure of.If there is a quote identify the context. Consider why it is significant. Write out a list of synonyms for any key words (Remember what we talked about in regards to lexical cohesion)

Prepare Your Mind

Ask yourself: “To answer this question properly what do I need to think and write about?”

Consider the following:Characters (Development and relationships)Themes or IssuesAuthorial Purpose

Contention

A contention is your point of view, stance, position or argument in response to a topic. Generally there are 4 positions you can take:Yes: Complete agreementYes, however… : Partial agreement, whilst presenting other considerations in relation to the topicNo: Complete disagreement, present other viewNo, however…: Partial disagreement, present other considerations of topic

Contention

Your contention should be clearly expressed in one sentence.

If possible use different words to the topic question.

Essay Plan

Jot down a quick planner. (Trust me it is time well spent.)

- Write Contention- Briefly outline your first reason/point.

- Evidence to support first reason- Briefly outline your second reason/point.

- Evidence to support second reason- Etc.

Introduction

Your introduction should immediately establish your contention and then the main points of your essay in order.

OR

Tell them what you are going to tell them!

Possible Features Of Your Introduction*These might not all be appropriate for your essay

Sentence introducing author and text –In the novel The Sword in the Stone, T.H White explore…A clear sentence stating your contention –The novels central theme is…An outline of the main points –This is revealed through (first point). Additionally (second point). Finally (third point) also supports (contention)

Quotes

It is great to contextualise a quote within your introduction that is relevant to the topic.

Through the character of Big Jack, T.H.White explores the question relating to tyrannical government that “might is right.”

The Body

The aim of the body is to develop your contention from the beginning to the end.

Remember that each paragraph is based around a new idea.

Aim for 2 or 3 good paragraphs.

Paragraphs (TEEL)

Topic Sentence The first sentence of your paragraph states the idea that you are going to be discussing. DO NOT describe a character or scene from the text.

EvidenceNow you use your quotes, paraphrases or a brief description.

ExplanationNow go into more detail about how the evidence relates to the point of the paragraph.

LinkThis is the last sentence of the paragraph and you can link it back to the topic sentence or your main contention.(This sentence is contestable, a lot of people don’t link it to anything. They just use it to conclude their paragraph.)

Conclusion

This is essentially a restatement of your contention and a summary of your main points.

Things to remember:No new ideas!Make sure you restate your contention!Don’t ask rhetorical questions!

In a Nutshell

Intro – Tell them what you are going to tell them

Body- Tell them

Conclusion – Tell them what you told them.