Writing an English Advanced Module A Essay

[jamonwindeyer]

For an integrated essay is it okay to just do 2  body paragraphs?

Hey! No hard and fast rule here, but you do need to hit a certain level of detail for essays, integrated or not. If your paragraphs are on the longer side, then perhaps okay! But then you risk paragraphs being too long, so it's a tough balance.

I suppose my answer is, there is a reason that most essays use three paragraphs. It is tried and true but that doesn't mean you have to do it! It totally depends on the essay and the writer

[jonkhalil99]

Hey! Some quick feedback:

Spoiler

An exploration of intertextual connections between a pair of texts offers new insights and in turn, enhances our understanding of values, purpose and contexts. Good links to the Module! A comparative study of Shakespeare’s historical play-text, ‘Richard III’ (1592) and Al Pacino’s docudrama, ‘Looking for Richard’ (1996) undoubtedly illuminate the values of the rightful use of power, and of truth and integrity. I'd like some more detail HERE, on these concepts, perhaps start with something that ties these together, then say that a comparative study enhances our understanding of THESE things? The implicit and explicit relationships between the texts powerfully convey that as ways of thinking are regularly modified, the milieu of the contemporary text will inevitably shape and reshape the meaning of the older text we interpret, adapt and transform. Beautiful. The sustenance of content and common preoccupations in Pacino’s docudrama fundamentally displays that the values reflected in Shakespeare’s play-text remain relevant to a post modern society, although the texts were produced centuries apart, Pacino’s experimentation with form is essentially what makes the text accessible and relatable to a modern audience. Fabulous.Both playwright and director effectively employ acts of representations such as, figuration, rhetorical devices and cinematography, in order to … (elements of question).

Without seeing the question, I'd read this and go, "Yeah, this person is probably going to get a Band 6 range mark for this essay." You clearly understand the module really well! I'd only say to add some detail to the START that relates to the ideas of power, truth and integrity; perhaps link them all together somehow and make your first sentence focusing on this?

To see what I mean (and for your topic sentences question), check out my Module A exemplar, you can download it here it might give you some ideas!!

Jamon thank you heaps!!! I really appreciate your help!!
I'll have a look through the guide and if i have any other questions I'll be sure to send them through!!

[vyca]

Should these paragraphs be organised thematically?

[ssarahj]

Should these paragraphs be organised thematically?

They definitely can!! But make sure you have a clear idea/argument regarding each theme, for example, if your theme is "power", your idea might be "abuse of power can make individuals act immorally.......". 

[elysepopplewell]

Should these paragraphs be organised thematically?

I organised some of my paragraphs thematically, and then I had a paragraph on each text that was actually about manipulation of form/medium. You can read my essay here if it is any help!

[lha]

my texts are tennysons poetry and tirra lirra by the river by jessica anderson. I have two values that i am talking about in my essay, for the first value im analysing tirra lirra and "lady of shallot" (tennysons poem) and for the second value im doing tirra lirra and the other two poems by tennyson. I was wondering, do i have to talk about all three poems for each value or is what im doing okay?

[jamonwindeyer]

my texts are tennysons poetry and tirra lirra by the river by jessica anderson. I have two values that i am talking about in my essay, for the first value im analysing tirra lirra and "lady of shallot" (tennysons poem) and for the second value im doing tirra lirra and the other two poems by tennyson. I was wondering, do i have to talk about all three poems for each value or is what im doing okay?

What you are doing is definitely okay, as long as you have equal weighting between your two 'texts' then you are 100% sweet!

[lha]

What you are doing is definitely okay, as long as you have equal weighting between your two 'texts' then you are 100% sweet!

Alright thank you!

[christopherk8]

can they ask us to compare/contrast the characterisations in both texts

[elysepopplewell]

can they ask us to compare/contrast the characterisations in both texts

Certainly can!

[jamonwindeyer]

can they ask us to compare/contrast the characterisations in both texts

Welcome to the forums Chris!! as Elyse said, they could, and perhaps link it to representing the contexts of each text

[Emerald99]

If you can't think of anything to compare two texts on in an integrated paragraph, could you compare a technique+explanation in text 1, to the context of text 2 ?

[elysepopplewell]

If you can't think of anything to compare two texts on in an integrated paragraph, could you compare a technique+explanation in text 1, to the context of text 2 ?

I did this for one of my essays! Works just fine. I talked about how a motif was used in two of my texts and that was a connection I used to create an integrated approach

[Ayyddaan]

Is there a difference between OPPRESSION and CONTROL?

[jamonwindeyer]

Is there a difference between OPPRESSION and CONTROL?

By definition, yes:

oppression: prolonged cruel or unjust treatment or exercise of authority.
control: the power to influence or direct people's behaviour or the course of events.

But realistically the difference is minimal, so you can treat them equally or differently in an essay as you please!! Usually you can define key words like this to have the implications that you want them to