Practice essay writing.
27 July, 2010
Significant experiences in people’s lives provide opportunities for growth and
development.
Write a persuasive argument to support this statement.
Introduction, including
 thesis (a summary statement that succinctly answers the question.)
 both texts you are using and their composers
 a summary of what you are going to say in your essay.
Body
 TEE(E)L paragraphs for each point you are going to make.
The progression of moving ‘into the world’ provides opportunities that can lead to
growth and development. This change in an individual’s life is shown through
significant experiences that force the individual to step out of their comfort zone
and into the new world. Scene 10 in Billy Elliot is a scene that demonstrates the
protagonist, Billy Elliot, confronting his father and family and dancing on the
table. Daldry uses close up shots and editing between Billy, his family and Mrs
Wilkinson, his teacher to show the tension between them and to emphasise the
panic they are all in as Billy continues to confront his family’s comfort zone. The
use of editing shots shows that Billy is caught between two worlds – the world of
his ordinary life and tradition and the new world of dancing. The experience for
Billy was significant: it allowed Billy to challenge the expectations of his family
and provided him with an opportunity for growth and development.
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Overcoming gender stereotypes is essential
Example – scene 4, Billy joins the ballet class.
the eye level camera shot show dancers’ feet and shoes,
Billy’s boxing boots stand out – on the verge of moving into his new world
Breaks gender stereotypes.
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Opportunities provided – seemingly insignificant to important.
Scene 4 – emotional, physical, mental growth, translated into personal growth
Explain the example
Link back to the question.
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Development of one’s self.
Scene 16 – moving away.
Close up shots – Billy waving. Glass is a barrier, allowing him to move on.
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Billy’s experience dance gives opportunity
Emotional strength and determination
Overcomes stereotypes
Scene 5 – close up shot of Jacky’s anger
Scene 14 – midshot of Jacky pushing Billy back into the audition, tone of
encouragement.
Billy strong enough to influence his family, father encouraged his to have th
experience and move ‘into the world’.
Opportunity to attend ballet school shows growth
Jacky a barrier t obegin.
Billy learns to block out barriers.
Dinner table, Billy challenges dad. The next point of development.