Practice Exam
Task and Thesis:
“Writing a novel is like travelling the universe on foot. The art of the novelist is to provide reasons
for the traveller to take the next step, and the next, till an unknown destination is achieved.”
– Dennis R. Miller
Utilising your knowledge of momentum devices, discuss this idea in relation to the selected section
of your class-studied novel.
How are Narrative Devices utilised in this extract to provide the steps which Miller requires to
complete his definition of a novel?
Year 11 Essay Structure
Title:
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Representative of the theme of your essay
Should be more meaningful than ‘Momentum in “The Kite Runner”
Capital letters
Introduction:
Sample thesis: “Selective revelation is the key. Once the reader is hooked, he must be played
with various lures attractive enough to land him panting and spent on the deck.” Utilising your
knowledge of momentum devices, discuss this idea in relation to the selected section of your
class-studied novel. How are Narrative Devices utilised in this extract to (prove the thesis
statement)?
1. First sentence should be a response to the given quote, and a general statement about momentum
and its effect. For example:
“Selective revelation is the key” to any author’s planning of a novel. The momentum or driving force of the novel must
be controlled so that interest is maintained till the very end. If effective, the reader will finally be left “panting and
spent”, excited by and satisfied with what they have read.
2. Include title and type of novel and author. For example:
In the absence of momentum, plotlines are as uninviting and lifeless as the portrayal of Afghanistan featured in Khaled
Hosseini’s bildungsroman novel, “The Kite Runner”.
3. General statement about the given extract and significant theme/s of the novel. For example:
The widely-read social and cultural commentary documents the life of protagonist, Amir, who attempts to atone for a
horrific mistake made as a child. The skilful manipulation of narrative devices can be seen in climax of the novel, when
Amir’s chooses to confront his past sins head on.
4. Create a clear thesis statement based on the given quote – ie. how momentum is developed
(through narrative devices) to support the theme. Re-use words from question/topic to show that
you are definitely answering subject of essay accurately. Do not say, “This essay will…”
Here, Hosseini shapes a plethora of narrative devices including setting, symbolism and characterisation to evoke a
variety of emotions in the reader, furthering the momentum of the novel and luring them further into Amir’s quest for
redemption.
5. Include, somewhere, a general statement identifying that the reader empathises with Amir and is
anxious to see whether or not he will achieve redemption. For example:
The reader empathises with Amir and is consequently anxious to discover whether or not Amir will be successful in his
journey of atonement.
Body:
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3-4 body paragraphs - should be arranged sequentially, according to narrative devices (plot and
characterisation must be discussed throughout).
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Choices include:
 Plot (turning-point, past events recollected, complication, continual flashback, high points of
tension, climax, resolution)
 making meaning devices (symbolism, pathetic fallacy, motif, imagery, tone)
 types of characterisation (through actions, reactions, reported thought, description)
 dialogue
 narrator’s point of view (first person)
 setting and cultural context
Structure each paragraph as follows:
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Topic sentence which identifies narrative device, momentum and theme.
3 -5 sentences - explanation of narrative device (using quotes) revealing the change or conflict
(momentum)
Statement explaining how this momentum positions the reader to support the theme
Discussion of another narrative device/s (if it ties in cohesively with argument)
Used words from thesis to show question is being continuously addressed
Concluding sentence linking to the thesis
Conclusion:
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General sentence regarding momentum and the story of Amir
Restatement of thesis
Ending statement (possibly linking to title) that reiterates the theme of your essay – strong quote?
May involve your reading of Hosseini’s perspective on Afghanistan.
DON’T decide to summarise everything you’ve just said.
DON’T tell us what we already know: “In this essay I have set out to prove that the thesis which
says….”
DON’T try to cram in “everything I forgot to say”.
General Exam Tips:
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Explain (detail) a narrative device and analyse (show) how that develops momentum to support the
theme.
Use key words from the thesis throughout
Formal writing – no slang or contractions
Third person – use ‘we’ sparingly
Present tense
The Kite Runner needs to be underlined or in inverted commas
Be specific when referring to an event
Refer to the novel as the novel (not book or story)
Use cohesive ties throughout – between ideas and paragraphs (also, furthermore, in addition,
clearly, similarly, therefore, consequently, contrastingly etc.)
On the day:
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Read the question carefully – underline key words and form them into a thesis statement.
Read the extract carefully
Annotate the extract in detail according to narrative devices and theme
Brainstorm ideas and create a plan – note down 2-3 pieces of evidence for every paragraph