Respond critically to text(s) studied (3.1, 3.2, 3.

3)
Content notes
Content notes are the questions, learning activities, extra reading, and notes you should
have completed in class when studying written text(s). Texts will be discussed in general
terms, so apply these suggestions to the text(s) you have studied. At this level critical
response involves the close examination and understanding of how and why the writer has
chosen to express ideas in a certain way and that all aspects of a text work together to
support the author's purpose. Think critically about how one aspect of the text such as
language influences or impacts on another aspect such as theme or character.

Key aspects to study

plot and structure

setting and context

style and techniques
characterisation
theme and purpose
conflict
symbolism and imagery.

Ways to study the content

Read the text closely and ask questions to help you really understand the text.
Summarise important sections of the text(s) into your own words.
Answer plot questions using detailed references and quotations from the text(s).
Make flashcards to learn important quotations.
Draw diagrams and flowcharts to show the relationship between different aspects
such as conflict and character, or language and theme.

Plot and structure

The plot is the order of events and the structure is how the text(s) and the ideas have been
organised and put together for the greatest impact. You need a detailed knowledge of
important events so you can select appropriate and specific examples and quotations to use
in your answer.

How the plot has been structured

Crisis and resolution the problem(s) and the choice(s) a character(s) has to make
as a result. A catalyst (problem) usually sets up the chain of events leading to the
resolution. Note when and how the problem happened and the choices the character makes
to resolve it. The process of choosing helps to move the plot forward so they can deal with
other complications.

Rising tension builds to a peak or climax where the issue is confronted or it may be
a moment of truth where the main character realises their mistakes.
Chronological a linear narrative with a beginning, middle, and end told in the order
the events occurred.
Cyclical the text(s) begins and ends at the same point, the character has come a full
circle on their journey.
Flashbacks may be used to explain past events or motives for character's actions.

Subplot a storyline based on a minor character that can cross over with the main
plot and character storyline.

Key points to study

The beginning or introduction list important points such as how characters are
introduced and developed, any repetition of key sentences or ideas, how the opening
impacts on the rest of text(s).

A turning point is a moment in the text(s) where a character changes because they
were faced with an important decision. Note when this happened, what lead up to the
turning point and what the result was.
Key scenes or important detail what do these sections show the reader about the
overall ideas of the text(s)? What techniques have been used to create and develop ideas
and tension?
The ending or conclusion list important points such as how the characters have
changed and developed throughout the text(s). Note how the beginning and end are
similar and/or different. Is there a 'twist' or are we left hanging without a clear resolution?
How satisfactory is the ending? What is implied beyond the ending hope or futility?

Why these methods are effective for your text(s)

After describing how your text(s) has been structured give specific reasons as to why this
has been done to create maximum impact. Think about how characters and themes have
been revealed.

Ways to study the plot

Timeline organise important events in chronological order from beginning to end of

the text(s) by writing keywords or quotations. Identify the problem, choices, complications,
resolution of the plot. Consider how the plot affects other elements of the text(s), such as
development of character, motivation, and theme.

Graph the changing level of tension (emotional climax) by measuring the

appropriate amount of stress when an important event occurs.
Summarise important sections of your text(s). Read over your summary and highlight
important themes, feelings, actions and choices to understand how the plot has been
developed.
Cause and effect What caused a significant event to occur? What are the
consequences of this event?

Other keywords for plot and structure: events, turning point, crisis, incident, episode,
sequence, scene, catalyst, conflict, confrontation, climax, tension, resolution, denouement,
outcome, action, beginning, end, sub plot.

Setting and context

The setting is where and when the text(s) takes place and context is the situation or
circumstances in which the events occur. There could be one major setting or several
important settings within your text(s). Think about where the main action takes place by
describing the country, region, city, town, village, or building. Think about when the main
action takes place by describing the time period or era, political, economic, and/or historical
context. All this information gives the reader an understanding of how the setting and
context is like a backdrop influencing the events, characters, atmosphere, and themes of the
text(s) by highlighting certain beliefs and values of that society.

Key points to study

Select 13 important settings from your text(s) and answer the following:

How and why the setting changes in the text(s)?

How does the setting influence a characters feelings, actions and relationships?
Identify and explain the techniques used to describe the mood and atmosphere of the
setting.
How can the setting represent or symbolise an idea?
How does the context challenge the values and beliefs of the reader?

Ways to study the setting

Outline the main setting, including important physical details, write quotes with
descriptive detail, and how the character reacts to their surroundings.

Positive and negative chart the benefits and restrictions, limits and freedom the
context has on the main character(s).
Chart how the setting changes from the beginning, middle, and end of the text.
How does setting effect the main characters development?
Evaluate to what extent the setting supports the theme.
How does the setting provide insight into another world? How does this allow the
reader to understand their own world better?

Other keywords for setting and context: time, era, period of time, location, social
factors, historical details, political influence, situation, circumstances, place, values of
society, social conflict.

Style and techniques

The style is the way a text is written. Think about the combination of words used to create
interest and show the voice of the author. Style mainly focuses on how language has been
used to express and develop plot, setting, character, and theme. Tone is the feeling or
attitude of the writer to the subject matter. Changes in tone will be shown through language
and influence how the reader responds to the ideas in the text. Think about how the style
and the tone of writing work together to reinforce the writer's purpose.

Key points to study

Language techniques look at how figurative language has been used to describe and
develop plot, setting, character, theme and symbols in the text. Think about other
language techniques such as repetition, listing, and extended metaphor.

Narrative point of view who is telling the story and how does this influence what the
reader experiences and feels towards the text? The writer will choose and/or change the
point of view to control the relationship between the reader and character and to support
their purpose.
o
First person 'I' the reader is directly included in the text.
o
Second person 'you' the reader is included.
o
Third person 'they', 'them' the reader is distanced from the text.

Dialogue identify repeated language patterns in a character's speech. Look at the types of
words used and how they speak. What does this show you about their personality?
Irony is used to compare and contrast characters by highlighting strengths and
weaknesses, to show conflict, and themes.

Ways to study style

Select 13 important pages from the text and close read to identify any language
techniques and choices in language, structure and form. Explain how each technique adds
to your understanding of the plot, setting, character, and theme.

Identify the narrative point of view to understand how the author presents their story.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of this technique?
Distinctive voice list techniques and characteristics of the author's writing that make
their work stand out from the rest.

Other keywords for style and technique: writer's voice, distinctive voice, word choice,
convincing, presentation, use of language, methods, devices, features, aspect, narrative
point of view, structure, or layout of text.

Characterisation
Characterisation is the way the characters in the text(s) are presented so the reader is
guided to make certain judgments that reinforce the themes of the text. Characterisation is
shown by the words, actions, and reactions of a character, how other characters speak about
them, how they deal with conflict, their thoughts and feelings, and direct authorial comment.
It is through the characters that the reader understands different emotional and personal
experiences and the themes of the text.
When looking at how a character changes or develops think about relationships, conflict of
ideas or personalities.

Key points to study

Major character describe their physical and personal qualities, any strengths and
weaknesses and how they deal with an important issue.

How relationships are created and developed between main and minor characters?
How are the characters revealed or developed? Think about style and language
features.
Conflict with other characters or within a character.

Ways to study characters

What language techniques have been used to make the character seem real?
Identify 3 examples of when the main character showed or lacked responsibility,
honesty, insight, or self-knowledge. How do these qualities show changes in the character?
Compare the qualities and circumstances of the main character and a significant
minor character. How does this relationship affect each individual?
How do some characters reflect or conform to stereotypes or values of society?
How does the point of view impact on the reader's understanding and response to
characters?
How has change in character(s) been used to show insight into the human condition?

Other keywords for characterisation: protagonist, major character, minor character,

subject, participant, individual, important, relationship, challenge, weakness, strength,
change, develop, decision, lesson, conflict, issue, qualities, traits, profile, identity,
stereotype.

Theme and purpose

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The theme of the text(s) is the message the author is trying to get across to the reader
throughout the text(s). The purpose can be the reason for writing the text so the writer can
teach the reader an important lesson about life or challenge existing views. There may be
one main theme and several related minor themes in a text. Think of theme as a set of
beliefs and values from which judgements on the characters, setting and actions can be
made.

Key points to study

What are the themes your text(s) presents?

Who is involved with these themes?

How have these themes been shown and developed?
What have the characters learned from dealing with this theme?
What is the theme showing us about our world and values?

Ways to study theme

Choose 5 important quotations which show a theme and complete the chart below:

Quotation:
Character who said it:
Context where said:
Meaning of quotation:
What it shows about characters:
Theme and explanation:
What does the title mean? Where in the text(s) does it appear? What characters and themes
are connected with the title?
How has the theme been shown to the reader and how effective are these techniques?
Conflict is used to reveal themes. Choose a significant event that shows conflict developing
for an important character in your text:

How has structure and/or character(s) been used to show the themes?
Compare and contrast the way the theme has been explored in your texts.
How have symbols and language been used to develop themes?
How does the writer present issues such as truth, justice, prejudice, pain, passion in
the text(s)?
How does the writer use themes to comment or criticise society?

Other keywords for theme and purpose: idea, message, challenge, issue, lesson,
concern, human nature, human condition. Conflict and character both help to show the
theme.

Conflict and symbol

Conflict is when there is a strong disagreement because of different motivations, beliefs, and
points of view between characters. Internal conflict is when an individual character struggles
to make sense of changes, challenges, and differences in their life and the outside world.
Conflict is often central to any dramatic text and helps to develop and reveal the strengths
and weaknesses of characters, themes, and the purpose of the text(s).

How has conflict been used to highlight strengths and weakness in our own society?

A symbol is an object or image that is used to represent an idea. Not all texts use
symbolism, however, when used it can be repeated throughout the text(s) as an effective
way to express a complex idea.

Key points to study

What symbols are used in the text(s)?

What does each symbol mean and who is connected with it?
How effective is each symbol?

Ways to study symbol

Close read the opening or close of a chapter, or a moment of high tension looking
for any symbols mentioned or used by certain characters.

Chart:

o
o
o
o
o

What is the object/image?

Where and when is the object shown?
Who is connected with the object?
What does the object mean or show us about the character?
How does the symbol show the themes?

Other keywords for symbol: symbolism, symbolic, significant object, motif, image.

3.4 Respond critically to oral or visual text studied

Production techniques
Production techniques are the features used to make the text(s) interesting and unique.
Techniques may include: music, dialogue, lighting, graphics, colour, special effects,
soundtrack, camera work, layout, use of space, oral and visual production techniques, or use
of links. By looking at the production techniques closely you will gain a better understanding
of how the text has been produced in order to present the themes, characters, settings, and
plot. See Film Terms for a brief explanation why a technique may be used. The attitude of
the director towards the character helps to set the mood or feeling of the text. Think about
how the techniques and the mood of text work together to make the production convincing.
Key points to study

Structure how the text and the ideas have been put together. Look at the overall
structure of the text(s), the order of scenes, sequencing, and transitions.

Narrative point of view who is telling the story and how does this influence what the
audience experiences and feels towards the text? The director will choose and/or change
the point of view to control the relationship between the audience and the character to
support their purpose. Changes in perspective can be shown by techniques such as voice
over and camera shots, like the point of view shot. See Film Terms. Narrative style refers
to how the subject matter is presented to the audience.
Dialogue identify repeated language patterns in a character's speech. Look at the
types of words used and how they speak. What does this show you about their personality
and background? Think about how the voice is used to show subtle changes in emotion,
accent used to show social status and background, and gesture to show response to other
characters.

Ways to study production techniques

Select 13 important scenes from the text(s) and close view/listen to identify any
production techniques. Explain how each technique adds to your understanding of the plot,
character and themes.

Identify the changes in narrative point of view to understand how the director
presents the story. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this technique?
Use the chart below to identify specific production techniques used in a scene. Briefly
summarise the scene noting what happens in the beginning, middle, and end.

Action characters involved

Camera/production techniques
Dialogue/monologue
Sound effects and music
Lighting/atmosphere/mood
Costume/props

How have these techniques been used to create interest?

Other keywords for techniques: methods, devices, features, aspect.

Refer to www.studyit.org.nz for additional resources.

"Nothing will come of nothing."

King Lear
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