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Question Stems

The document provides a guide for writing essay prompts related to character and theme analysis in literature. It includes rephrasing of essay stems, selecting specific characters or themes for questions, and brainstorming ideas to support arguments. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of understanding the purpose behind characters' roles and the messages conveyed through themes in the text.

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25 views4 pages

Question Stems

The document provides a guide for writing essay prompts related to character and theme analysis in literature. It includes rephrasing of essay stems, selecting specific characters or themes for questions, and brainstorming ideas to support arguments. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of understanding the purpose behind characters' roles and the messages conveyed through themes in the text.

Uploaded by

cphilp
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

ESSAY QUESTION STEMS

Analyse the significance of (Character/theme).

Analyse the role of (Character/theme).


1.
What comment does the novel make on (theme)?
2.

1. Re-write the above essay prompt sentence stems in your own


language. If you need to look up the meaning of the words, please do
so.

E.g.

To what extent does Golding criticise (theme)?

How much does Golding criticise (theme)?

2. Choose a character or theme for each question stem in the box above.
The last one must be a theme. And write yourself a question.

E.g.

To what extent does Golding criticise Human nature?

Or

To what extent does Golding criticise civilisation?

3. Underline the important parts of the question that must be


answered.

E.g.

To what extent does Golding criticise civilisation?

4. Consider what the prompt asks you to do.

For example, if the prompt is asking you to analyse the significance of


something then you need to closely examine the importance of that
thing in relation to the purpose of the text.

If this is a character – how are they used by Golding to reveal


something to the audience? e.g. To convey a theme or represent an
idea?
How do the character’s actions important to furthering the plotline and
what effect do their actions have on others?

What greater message is Golding trying to communicate about society


through this character’s actions or attitudes or values?

If a theme – What is the message that Golding is conveying


through this theme?

How does it relate to other themes in the novel?

What does it tell us about humanity?

Why is it important?

BRAINSTORM IDEAS BEFORE YOU WRITE YOUR CONTENTION!

Analyse the role:

A role suggests something playing a part or being used purposefully


for a reason (to advance a theme or message). When you get this stem,
you need to frame your answer in relation to purpose.

What comment….

This type of stem requires you to decide what the perspectives of the
text are about a particular theme.

What is being said?

What is the point made?

Again, it all comes down to THE BIG IDEAS – THE MESSAGES OF THE
TEXT!

You can approach a brainstorm for this question by thinking of all the
characters, quotes, events, use of aesthetic features and stylistic
devices and CAVABS that support this theme. Then once you have
brainstormed, categorise these into sub-arguments.

e.g. Boys are fearful of the unknown (attitude), Boys kill Simon because of
fear (event). The idea of the beast is a result of their fear and exploited by
Jack (character). The dark is used to symbolise fear and irrationality (AF
and SD) – Fear can be a dangerous emotion.

5. Now BRAINSTORM the questions you created and then write a


contention for each using the words from the question to make
sure you answer it!

You should have three contentions.

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