Text Response
Year 12 English
SAC Preparation
This Boy’s Life
Tobias Wolff
Essay Writing
• This is how I feel about Maths, so I
understand if you feel the same way
about English!!! 
Let’s place it in context
Focus of questions in the past
• 16 – characterisation
• 4 – relationships
• 4 – narrative style/voice
• 2 – language
• 8 – values/notions
• 10 – boarder issues
Your study and preparation can’t just favour characters or
themes. You need to analyse the ways in which the text is
constructed to create meaning.
Style of Questions
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Text response questions are deceivingly simple.
Some students tend to ignore certain parts of a
question by convincing themselves it isn’t relevant.
This is a no, no. The topic question is the focal point.
It is imperative that you solve all aspects of the topic.
Propositional: a position/stance/view to be challenged
Discuss: incorrectly prompts students to talk and not
form a contention
Quotation: question is focussed around a quote. The
quote is essential and must be examined. Why has it be
used? What is the purpose? What is the significance?
Direct: how/why/to what extend. These are often
perceived as simple. It still requires a carefully and
logically structured argument.
Expected Qualities
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You need to demonstrate an understanding of
the implications of the topic. You need to
employ an appropriate strategy to deal with it
and explore its complexity.
You need to demonstrate a close and
perceptive reading.
Read your text more than once. Each time
will provide you with new insights.
You cannot reply on one text to write on for
the exam for text response and context.
Every topic question/prompt is complex. If the
prompt does not suit your writing there is a
huge risk your response will appear generic
or not address the focus at all. Many feel as
though you can adapt the prompt to suit your
own interpretations. This is a big no, no.
Expected Qualities
Mid-range response
Upper-range response (9-10)
Demonstrates an adequate
knowledge of the text.
Demonstrates a close and
perceptive reading of the text,
exploring complexities of its
concepts and construction.
Develops a response to the topic,
supported appropriately by
elements of the text.
Demonstrates an understanding of
the implications of the topic, using
an appropriate strategy for dealing
with it, and exploring its complexity
from the basis of the text.
Presents a generally organised
piece of writing using language
which is mostly accurate and
appropriate.
Develops a cogent, controlled and
well-substantiated discussion
using precise and expressive
language.
Breaking down the question
1. Choose the one you feel most comfortable
with
2. Underline the key
words/phrases/terminology/concepts
3. Ensure you understand them: use a
dictionary and come up with some
synonyms
4. Ask yourself… what is the question asking
me to write about?
5. Rephrase the topic in your own words to
ensure you understand it.
6. Frame a clear contention. Do you agree or
disagree?
7. Start planning your essay
Planning
• You must plan your essay. It helps you to answer the question
and to assist you with the structure of your piece
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“In order to answer this topic, what do I have to think and write
about?”
What are the key ideas of the question?
What are the main things you need to answer/discuss for this
topic/question?
You need to aim to include the following:
• Character – development/relationships
• Themes relating to the question
• Social/cultural/historical/political context of the text
• Authorial choices (textual structures/features/conventions)
• Author’s values (implied point of view/meaning(s))
Writing a plan
Introduction
Paragraph One
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Topic Sentence – clear statement of main point
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Example/evidence – quotes, brief description of key events.
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Explanation – interpretation of the evidence presented in relation to the
topic and the main point of the paragraph
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Link – to next point/topic question
Paragraph Two
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Topic Sentence
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Example/evidence
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Explanation
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Link
Paragraph Three
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Topic Sentence
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Example/evidence
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Explanation
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Link
Conclusion
QUESTION
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
Text Response Essay Planner
Introduction/Paragraph 1
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1
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Paragraph 4
T
Paragraph 5
T
Paragraph 2
T
Paragraph 3
T
E
E
E
E
E
E
E
E
L
L
L
L
3
T
E
E
ph 6Conclusion/Paragraph
6
E
E
L
L
L
Introduction
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Address the topic in your own words
This paragraph provides an overview of the
entire essay. It is a road map that briefly
discusses the main points of your essay.
Look carefully at what you are wanting to write
about in your essay. How can you briefly
discuss this in your introduction? Make sure you
don’t use too much detail. Make sure you have
formulated your opinion.
Your introduction sets the scene. It introduces
the topic and should clearly outline your main
point and reasons. Do not list the main points of
your introduction.
Paragraphs
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T: Each body paragraph must begin with a topic
sentence that highlights your main point. It must
relate to your evidence.
E: Explain your topic in more detail – provide an
analysis.
E: It is important that you choose the most
appropriate examples to support your view.
– Don’t make a comment unless you can
support it with evidence from the text
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L: Link with the previous paragraph/topic
question. You are reminding your reader why
this paragraph is important in relation to the
topic question.
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The body paragraphs should outline your most
important reasons in order of priority.
Conclusion
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Think simply about the meaning of the word.
What conclusions have you come to with your
discussion/arguments? What is the overall point
you wish to make in response to the topic?
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You have made a ‘point’ in each paragraphrevisit these in the conclusion in a way that
brings them together- the culmination of your
ideas.
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Your contention should be clear. Remind the
reader how the points in the paragraphs
answers the main question.
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Finish strongly- make an effective lasting
impression on the reader.
What makes a
good essay?
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The basis of a good essay is that it answers the
question
A good essay Should be written in 3rd person, not 1st.
No ‘I’, ‘my’, ‘I think’ ...
It should also develop an argument logically - so that
one point follows on from the other.
A good essay will start with your comment/idea in
response to the topic, then find a specific example to
support what you are saying
A good essay will avoid irrelevant information that
distracts from the main argument and will not re-tell
the story.
Use words that you understand and are comfortable
with. It is far better to say what you have to say simply
than to attempt to dress up your information in flowery
prose.
Finally, a good essay is edited!
Linking words
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You can use these at the beginning of paragraphs and when adding another
piece of evidence within a paragraph
Firstly, secondly, thirdly / Finally
In addition/additionally / Moreover / Similarly / Furthermore
Briefly
Nevertheless
However / On the other hand / Whereas / In contradiction/on the contrary /
Despite / Whereas / Yet / Conversely
Therefore/thus / As a consequence/consequently
Undoubtedly / Without a doubt
By/in comparison
Whilst/while
For this reason
In summary
Only Use Formal Language!
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Following is a list of some of the main differences
between informal and formal writing:
Informal: May use colloquial words/expressions (kids, guy,
awesome, a lot)
Formal: Avoid using colloquial words/expressions (substitute
with children, man/boy, wonderful, many)
Informal: May use contractions (can't, won't, shouldn't).
Formal: Avoid contractions (write out full words - cannot, will
not, should not).
Informal: May use clichés (loads of, conspicuous by
absence)
Formal: Avoid clichés (use many, was absent)
Informal: May use abbreviated words (photo, TV)
Formal: Avoid using abbreviated words (use full versions like photograph, television)
Informal: May use short and simple sentences.
Formal: Longer and more complex sentences are preferred
(short simple sentences reflects poorly on the writer)
Informal: Difficulty of subject may be acknowledged and
empathy shown to the reader.
Formal: State your points confidently and offer your argument
firm support.
Using Quotes
• We see proof of this idea when…
• Evidence like, “…” implies…
• This idea is supported by...
• The incident where … suggests …
• For example
• For instance
Trying to get Wolff in there? Try these:
• The author’s point of view emerges when…
• The author views … in a positive/negative light when he/she…
• On a philosophical level, the author argues … through ….
• The character is used to express values such as …
• The character is forced to develop new values when/because…
• The author has constructed the character to represent ideas about…
Using Quotes
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An embedded quote is simply a quote that flows naturally
within your own writing and is not just ‘dropped in’. When you
read an embedded quote it will almost sound like part of your
own sentence.
This is an example of an INCORRECT, dropped in quote:
Juror 8 is a character who believes in freedom of expression.
He said this quote: "People have to express themselves one
way or another"
This is an example of an embedded quote:
Juror 8 is a character who believes that, "People need to
express themselves one way or another“
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Just think of embedding as weaving a quote into your own
writing to create a more appealing final product.
If a quotation does not flow fluently as part of a sentence, it
should be introduced by a colon. For example:
Mompellion’s retort to Anan reveals his increasing cynicism
about the value of believing in a God: ‘Let her speak direct to
God to ask for forgiveness for her conduct. But I fear she will
find Him a poor listener, as many of us here have done.’
Time Management
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A guide to manage your time: 90 Minutes
15 minutes to plan
65 minutes to write
10 minutes to proof read
Editing
Questions to ask yourself when
proofreading:
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Have I answered the question properly?
Is my essay clearly structured?
Does my argument make sense?
Are my paragraphs and arguments
connected and coherent?
• Are my examples and quotes relevant to
and supportive of my answer?
Your cheat sheet
• To include Quotes only (full quotes are
okay)
• You are not to include any notes on
vocabulary, characters, essay writing,
or structure of your piece.
• It must be handwritten.
• It would be a good idea to divide your
quotes into the themes of the novel or
characters – use highlighting to your
advantage. Highlight similar ideas
across your page.
• You may use a dictionary during the
SAC but no thesaurus.
Over to you…
Create a detailed plan for the following
topics:
‘The relationship between Jack and
his mother is complicated. Discuss.
And
The only person Toby can truly rely
upon is his mother. Do you agree?
Before you begin, break down the question!
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Sample
• Topic: The relationship between Jack and his mother is complicated.
Discuss.
• Throughout Tobias Wolff’s memoir This Boy’s Life, it is clear that
Rosemary and Jack lead an unconventional relationship. The two of
them depend on each other; although the roles of caretaker and
child seem to be reversed, with Rosemary relying on Jack for
comfort and guidance, and Jack exploiting this benevolence.
Rosemary’s leniency and reluctance to punish Jack means that he is
often undisciplined. However tragic their circumstances though, their
unwavering dreams and unrealistic fantasies unite them and
ultimately restrict them, making their relationship complicated.