Module B: Critical Study of
Texts… ???
A single text study – the evaluation
of ideas and indicative
expression… ???
A serious full-on detailed reading of
a single text.
To find and name and describe and
explain and assess the ways the writer
has tried to show his thoughts, beliefs
and important ideas about life!
A critical study requires “critical
thinking”
This module requires students to explore and evaluate a specific text and its reception
in a range of contexts … ???
• Students will act like a detective and
pull-apart the text to see what makes
it “work” (or… how it doesn’t work).
• Then, once you have collected all the
evidence and clues and information you
can find… you will have to figure-out
how people in different contexts would
react to the ideas, events and opinions
of the composer (and the text).
• Also, the students will figure-out why
different people react in different
ways,
a range of contexts … ???
Module lens (from English syllabus)
Time AND place (history) lenses - see ideas
of the text in a HISTORICAL CONTEXT
Culture lenses – see ideas of the text in a
CULTURAL CONTEXT
Social lenses – see ideas of the text in a
SOCIAL CONTEXT
It develops students’ understanding of
questions of textual integrity
• is the text – and it’s characters… settings… events…
ideas… values… assumptions… etc
– consistent, dependable, trustworthy, honourable and…
– believable, credible, sincere, …
within the context (historical, social, cultural) of the text,
the author and the responder??
This means that you have to ask questions about
the characters… settings… events… ideas…
values… assumptions of the text - composer and responder.
For example…
• Is Hamlet – and it’s characters… settings… events…
ideas… values… assumptions… relationships…etc
– consistent, dependable, trustworthy, honourable and…
– believable, credible, sincere, …
within the context (historical, social, cultural) of the play,
the author and the responder??
For example – “In Shakespeare’s Hamlet, to what
extent is treachery and revenge shown as significant
elements of human nature?”
Students explore the ideas expressed in the text
through analysing its construction (second person
narrative and present continuous “ing), content
(imagery, description, figurative language techniques)
and language (working class Aussie vernacular!). ***
They examine how particular features of the text contribute to textual integrity.
They examine how particular features of the text contribute to textual integrity.
Hamlet portrays real and fake insanity – from wild grief to seething rage - and
explores themes of treachery, revenge, incest, and moral corruption.
• How?
They research others’ perspectives of the text and test these against their own
understanding and interpretations of the text.
Students discuss and evaluate the ways in which the set work has been read, received
and valued in historical and other contexts.

They extrapolate (infer, estimate value,
predict) from this study of a particular
text to explore questions of textual
integrity and significance.

Students develop a range of imaginative,
interpretive and analytical compositions
that relate to the study of their specific
text. These compositions may be realised
in a variety of forms and media.
Section II — Module B: Critical Study of Texts
20 marks Attempt ONE question from Questions 3–9 Allow
about 40 minutes for this section
Answer the question in a SEPARATE writing booklet.
Extra writing booklets are available.
In your answer you will be assessed on how well you:
__________________________________________
 demonstrate an informed understanding of the ideas
expressed in the text
 evaluate the text’s language, content and construction
 organise, develop and express ideas using language
appropriate to audience, purpose and form
__________________________________________