Introduction and Topic
Year 8 Parvana Text Response Essay
Being able to write a text response essay is a key skill. So what exactly does a text response essay do and why do we write them?
Imagine that you have been given the following topic: In the novel Parvana, the characters experience a number of changes. What are these changes and how do they come about?
Planning the essay: Planning your essay is crucial* as it enables you to have clear, concise* and structured approach to your response. (*crucial-very important or significant,*concise- using as few words as possible to give the necessary information)
In this case the topic is asking you to decide which of the characters change, in what ways they have changed and what has caused this to happen. The topic implies that they change from something to something.
Your turn! To find out what your essay question is asking, try to deconstruct it by defining the meanings of the key words. 1. Circle the key words in the topic 2. Look up the definition in dictionary and think of synonyms for they key words Key word | Dictionary definition | Synonyms | experience | knowledge and skill that is gained through time spent doing a job or activity | Knowledge, skill, understanding | | | | | | | | | |
3. List the characteristics of characters or concepts described by the word Key word | Character | Characteristics (from… to ….) | Experience | Mrs Weera | Changes form coach, leader, bossy, motivational to nurturing and supportive | | | | | | |
4. If the topic is not a question, turn it into one.
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5. Tick the appropriate response to the question
Agree completely Agree partly Disagree completely Disagree partly
6. Once you have worked out exactly what the topic is asking you
Being able to write a text response essay is a key skill. So what exactly does a text response essay do and why do we write them?
Imagine that you have been given the following topic: In the novel Parvana, the characters experience a number of changes. What are these changes and how do they come about?
Planning the essay: Planning your essay is crucial* as it enables you to have clear, concise* and structured approach to your response. (*crucial-very important or significant,*concise- using as few words as possible to give the necessary information)
In this case the topic is asking you to decide which of the characters change, in what ways they have changed and what has caused this to happen. The topic implies that they change from something to something.
Your turn! To find out what your essay question is asking, try to deconstruct it by defining the meanings of the key words. 1. Circle the key words in the topic 2. Look up the definition in dictionary and think of synonyms for they key words Key word | Dictionary definition | Synonyms | experience | knowledge and skill that is gained through time spent doing a job or activity | Knowledge, skill, understanding | | | | | | | | | |
3. List the characteristics of characters or concepts described by the word Key word | Character | Characteristics (from… to ….) | Experience | Mrs Weera | Changes form coach, leader, bossy, motivational to nurturing and supportive | | | | | | |
4. If the topic is not a question, turn it into one.
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5. Tick the appropriate response to the question
Agree completely Agree partly Disagree completely Disagree partly
6. Once you have worked out exactly what the topic is asking you