Writing an Introduction for IB exam

agenda

• How to write intro with compare/contrast question

• Examples

• 30 minutes in-class writing• Time left over: movie

Answering the question

In Class Writing Prompt : Intro only

• Compare two novels or two stories – 1 story from The Turning + another novel– 2 stories from The Turning

• Choose:• #8: Symbols…• #12: Successful characterization takes us to

heart of the reader.

UNPACK THE QUESTION

• Deconstruct • Need to compare both works• Argue the positive not the negative

– (what something is, rather than what it is not.)

– Literary elements and features– Whatever you use make sure you explain the

effect…why the poet or author uses it.

Exam question

• Successful characterization involves taking the reader to the heart, to the inner core, of an imagined person.” In two works of your study, discuss by what means and with what degree of success authors have tried to take you to the heart of their characters.

Character Development

Techniques authors use to develop characterCharacter+desire+action=plot-character must take action (can’t be passive)

(agent of their own change)-Character must occasionally make mistakes-Must have strengths and weaknesses-external and internal conflictsTransformation or epiphany

Direct and Indirect Characterization

• Direct characterization tells the reader about a character

• indirect characterization shows a character in action and leaves the reader to infer the rest.– Dialogue– Interior thoughts

Raju? How does Narayan take us to the heart of his character?

1. Braided pov creates delicate balance between sympathy and judgment:

a Third person(allows more objective view of character) b. First person (more subjective, creates sympathy)

2. Creates a Flawed charactera. Emerging from jail

b. covets another man’s wife

Which other character could you use?

Other characters? Techniques?

• Vic ( Abbreviation, Damaged Goods, On Her Knees)

– Changing pov- how does that reveal character?– Non-linear story telling–

• Mrs. Ramsay– Stream of consciousness– Internal conflict– actions

• Lily: soc/internal-external conflict-actions

• Paul D/ Sethe– fragmented story telling. Circular narrative– Actions

Symbols/Motifs (recurring subject, feature, idea, image, shape)

• How have either or both of these devices been used and, in your opinion, how successfully, in tow of the works you have studied.

Symbols/motifs• The Turning CarTelephone boothLandscape

WaterSwampSky

Defects HookfireEarringsThe pastBlack swan

To The Lighthouse Water-wavesAlphabetLily’s paintingLighthouseShawlBoar’s head

BelovedBeloved124Tin boxMilkTrees

The Guide

Crocodile-jewelryJailEmpty potRailroad

Intro

• Address question right away• Preview novel 1 main idea• Preview novel 2 main idea• Thesis that includes both novels.

Thesis Statement example on question about setting

• Woolf and Narayan use specific settings to reveal the tension between community needs and indiidual desires, and to show that transformation and self-fulfillment of character is specifically linked to a particularized time and place.