Tackling the ‘biggies’ ! 1F – Summary Task 2D – Writer’s Effect 3 – Extended Writing Summary Task 1F Paper: Let’s read…! Let’s read…! The Question… Annotating (do this, plz!) 1 Scheduling can intimidate new students 1 Beginners watched by more advanced students 1 Watched/unfairly critiqued Annotating (do this, plz!) 2 2 Oversubscribed dance classes = little personalised help 3 3 4 All students need a chance to shine 4 Avoid drawing comparisons 5 Parents can bring a sense of unhealthy competitiveness Avoid misleading information The Response 9 ideas / 130 words Firstly, one reason why some students may be hesitant to attend dance classes is due to the way studios schedule their classes, often resulting in beginners feeling self-conscious and unfairly critiqued by more experienced dancers awaiting their session. Additionally, oversubscribed dance classes can leave some students feeling like they are not receiving personalised attention to improve their skills. Secondly, it is important to give all students, regardless of their ability, a chance to showcase their talent in the front row, without feeling inadequate compared to stronger dancers. Moreover, new students can also be discouraged by drawing comparisons with talented younger students or allowing competitive parents into the class. Lastly, it's crucial to ensure that the website accurately reflects what the dance class offers to avoid misinforming potential students. Writer’s Effect 2D Paper: Oct/Nov 21 (0500/12) Let’s read…! Let’s read…! Let’s read…! The Question… Annotating (do this, plz!) Exp: sharp fast noises Imp: Never-ending / impossible Imp: Desperation / Hydrate / Challenging Exp: Begging for water Exp: Long bends in the road Exp: Tarmac quickly absorbing water Imp: Tarmac punishing him / Brutal / Sinister Imp: Father knows last stretch will be painful and challenging Exp: Challenging route / Hostile Imp: Daunting / Impossible to defeat Exp: Fumes irritating his nose Imp: Teasing / Torturing him to force him to give up The Response The overall effect of the language creates an image of the father’s desperation for water as he struggles to drink from his water bottle whilst trying to ride his bike at the same time. Firstly, the writer describes that the father’s ‘bottle crackles as [he] squeezes it’. The writer’s use of the verb ‘crackles’ refers to the sharp fast noises created caused by the father’s tight grip on the bottle. Additionally, it highlights the father’s desperation for water; he is trying to squeeze as much water out as possible and as quickly as possible in order to hydrate himself. It’s clear that the bicycle ride is both physically and mentally exhausting for the father. Secondly, the writer describes the ‘greedy asphalt’. The writer’s use of imagery refers to tarmac quickly absorbing the water as a result of the hot weather. Moreover, it suggests that everything seems to be working against him, including the terrain. It’s almost as if the tarmac is seeking to punish him by greedily gobbling up all of the wasted water as a way of mocking him and making the ride even more unbearable. Lastly, the writer describes that the father will be ‘crying out’ for water once he nears the end of the summit. The writer’s use of the phrase refers to the fact that the father will be begging for water closer to the finishing line. Furthermore, this suggests that the father knows that the end will be a long and painful struggle and even the slightest drop of water will be needed to give him the power to complete the difficult bicycle race. The overall effect of the language creates an image of the father feeling as though the incline up the hill is becoming incredibly difficult and that there’s little hope of reaching the top. Firstly, the writer describes that the ‘steep road ahead meanders lazily through the trees’. The writer’s use of imagery refers to there being long bends in the road, rather than the route being a straight line. Additionally, it suggests that the road seems neverending and is doing everything within its power to slow the cyclists down; it’s almost as if the road is enjoying watching the cyclists struggling to navigate the difficult terrain. Secondly, the writer describes the ‘unforgiving gradient’. The writer’s use of the adjective ‘unforgiving’ refers to the incline being incredibly challenging, almost hostile. Moreover, it suggests that the incline seems to stretch on as far as the eye can see, making the incline seem both daunting and impossible to defeat. Lastly, the writer describes the ‘wisps of warm exhaust fumes tickling’ the father’s nostrils. The writer’s use of imagery refers to the fumes from the car irritating his nose. Furthermore, it suggests that the nearby car is only making the incline even more difficult; it’s as though the fumes are playfully teasing him in an attempt to make the father give up on the last stretch. Extended Response 3 Paper: Let’s read…! Let’s read…! Let’s read…! The Question… Annotating (do this, plz!) Keep things simple / don’t be too ambitious Plan route / allow enough time to visit different locations and take a variety of photos New found appreciation for the beauty of our world World at nighttime is more intimate, quieter, magical Moon illuminating sky / sheer beauty Striking silhouettes / something you don’t get to see during the day Annotating (do this, plz!) Your senses come alive and notice the smallest of details / magical Attuned to your senses / transformative effect / calming Chilly weather / wrap up warm so that you are comfortable taking photos Practise using specialist equipment at home Can be more challenging due to specialist equipment / end result will be something to treasure Meet talented photographers / make friends / share photos / tips / routes etc. Annotating (do this, plz!) Transported into a whole new world / memories that will last a life time Take a bag to carry all equipment in / be organised The Response Wow! What an amazing turnout! It’s so wonderful to be standing in front of so many talented photographers. We are all here for one reason: our passion for photography! Today, I'm here to talk about nighttime photography - something that will change your life, your craft, and the way you see the world around you. First of all, I know what you must all be thinking: ‘what's so special about nighttime photography?' Well, just think about all the distractions that you come across during the day: traffic, kids running around, crowds of people walking around aimlessly. It can be challenging to focus, right? That's where nighttime photography comes in. It allows you to immerse yourself in a quieter and more intimate world where you can focus on capturing whatever it is that catches your eye. With practice, you'll be able to take amazing shots that you'll cherish forever. For me, the biggest draw of nighttime photography is when the moon illuminates the sky and surrounding buildings. The light bounces off the architecture so beautifully, leaving you in complete awe. Plus, taking photos at night allows you to see things you wouldn't normally see during the day, like striking silhouettes. Nighttime photography also has a transformative effect on you, making you more attuned to your senses and aware of even the smallest of details. And, as you know, amazing photography is all about capturing those small details and telling a story. Now, I don't want to discourage you, but nighttime photography can take a little longer to get the perfect shot. Arguably, it requires more practice and expertise and you may find yourself having to fiddle around with your camera, particularly the lens a few times, to ensure you get the right shot. However, with the luxury of time and minimal distractions, the end result can be truly magical. Now, let’s swiftly move on to the important part: how to prepare for going out to do night-time photography. First of all, I can’t stress this enough, guys: keep things simple, especially when you are first starting out. Don’t overcomplicate things and don’t be too ambitious, particularly when planning your route. You want to make sure that you have dotted all your i’s and crossed all your t’s – little things like thinking about transport and making sure you have ample time to take a variety of photos at different locations. This leads me nicely onto my next point: don’t forget to pack well in advance. It would be handy to procure a bag to hold all of your equipment in, especially all of the lenses you will be carrying. Don’t forget the basics as well: a torch and a mobile phone - a charged mobile phone! Accidents can happen when you are trying to get that perfect shot at nighttime, and you need to always think about your own safety. Before even going out on your first nighttime jaunt to take photos, I would also endeavor to practise using any specialist equipment you have at home – make sure you know how to navigate all of the features on your camera. Some of the newer models have an overwhelming amount of cool features, so find a few spare hours, sit down, and have a play with your camera while the sun is still up. Finally, and sorry to be a bore, don’t forget warm clothing. It obviously can get very chilly at nighttime. You may allocate one hour, and before you know it, you have been outside for hours, and the temperature has dropped significantly. Wrap up warm and take some awesome photos! Right, so we are almost at the end of my rather loquacious speech. If you still aren’t sold on the idea, let me finish with why I personally think nighttime photography can be such a special experience. It goes without saying that it truly is a breathtaking experience – you are momentarily catapulted into a whole new world where your only focus is you and your camera, and the beauty of the natural world that seems to envelop you. I promise you that you will find a completely new appreciation for our world and everything that makes it so magical. There’s also something terribly calming to the soul when out at nighttime taking photographs – your senses come alive, and you are gifted with an experience that will stay with you forever. You notice the slightest rustle of nearby leaves, you can hear crickets chirping, and you can feel the breeze tickle your rosy cheeks – you become one with nature! Now, I know for some of you, the appeal of night-time photography is definitely the solitary element. I love it when no one else is around; I feel completely at ease. But I have also met some great friends and incredibly talented photographers while out at night taking photographs. You see, no matter where you live, there will be ‘known spots’ for taking photos, and you are bound to bump into a few other budding photographers. Say ‘hi!’, share photos and ideas, make a new friend; it’s all part of the experience! So, there you have it, guys! If you have any questions, feel free to hang around at the end, and I’ll be happy to answer them.
