Example Exam Paper
Example Excellence Answer
for other exemplars use the NCEA link to the left
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What do I have to do?
Write an essay in response to one question which you select from a choice of 6.
The questions usually ask you to analyse* the film techniques in relation to specific elements of the text.
* Definition of "ANALYSIS" is a detailed examination of the elements or structure of the film.
The elements you are asked to analyse include the following list (which you are usually reminded of on the exam paper):
The questions usually ask you to analyse* the film techniques in relation to specific elements of the text.
* Definition of "ANALYSIS" is a detailed examination of the elements or structure of the film.
The elements you are asked to analyse include the following list (which you are usually reminded of on the exam paper):
What is the recommended essay structure?
The introduction should answer the question as if it were a sentence answer. It should answer both parts of the question.
EXAMPLE QUESTION:
Edward Zwick, the director of Blood Diamond uses the film techniques of speedy acting and painful sound effects, dark shadows, cynical dialogue and pained facial expressions to clearly show the theme that everyone has the potential for redemption in this film. Danny Archer is shown initially as a diamond smuggler with very few morals but as the film develops, he grows in moral strength and the film ends with his redemption as he risks his own life to save Solomon's son, Dia Vandy. Ultimately, Danny pays the highest price, that of his own life, in order to save the lives of the other two. He dies contributing to assist a greater good, that of exposing the corruption behind the blood diamond trade.
EXPLANATION OF INTRODUCTION: This introduction clearly shows the examiner that the writer has understood and is attempting to answer the question which has been asked. It states the visual and sound effects which will be covered in the essay (and hopefully suggests the paragraph structure through this format too). It also sets up the theme which will be discussed in the essay, that of redemption - the opportunity to be saved from sin.
EXAMPLE QUESTION:
- Analyse how visual or sound effects were used to emphasise a theme in the visual or oral text(s).
Edward Zwick, the director of Blood Diamond uses the film techniques of speedy acting and painful sound effects, dark shadows, cynical dialogue and pained facial expressions to clearly show the theme that everyone has the potential for redemption in this film. Danny Archer is shown initially as a diamond smuggler with very few morals but as the film develops, he grows in moral strength and the film ends with his redemption as he risks his own life to save Solomon's son, Dia Vandy. Ultimately, Danny pays the highest price, that of his own life, in order to save the lives of the other two. He dies contributing to assist a greater good, that of exposing the corruption behind the blood diamond trade.
EXPLANATION OF INTRODUCTION: This introduction clearly shows the examiner that the writer has understood and is attempting to answer the question which has been asked. It states the visual and sound effects which will be covered in the essay (and hopefully suggests the paragraph structure through this format too). It also sets up the theme which will be discussed in the essay, that of redemption - the opportunity to be saved from sin.
PLANNED STRUCTURE FOR REMAINDER OF ESSAYThis paragraph sets up a structure for the next three paragraphs as follows:
Paragraph 2 - Danny as a 'sinner' at the start of the film - beyond redemption + film techniques in this scene.
Paragraph 3 - Danny showing signs of change - suggesting the possibility that he can be saved + film technique in this scene.
Paragraph 4 - Danny 'redeemed' showing goodness as he dies - suggesting that despite his sinful life, he might be 'redeemed' in his afterlife + film techniques in this scene.
Paragraph 2 - Danny as a 'sinner' at the start of the film - beyond redemption + film techniques in this scene.
Paragraph 3 - Danny showing signs of change - suggesting the possibility that he can be saved + film technique in this scene.
Paragraph 4 - Danny 'redeemed' showing goodness as he dies - suggesting that despite his sinful life, he might be 'redeemed' in his afterlife + film techniques in this scene.
Revision Activity 1 - Write a practice paragraph or practice essay
Using the film clips below to prompt your memory of the film.
Write an example paragraph or essay and get feedback on your writing skills:
Write an example paragraph or essay and get feedback on your writing skills:
PARAGRAPH 2
- will define redemption and explain why Danny appears "beyond redemption" using detail of film techniques of speedy acting and painful sound effects from the scene: |
PARAGRAPH 3
- will show that Danny is changing, perhaps softening (warm lighting) but that he still has a hard side to his personality (cynical dialogue). PARAGRAPH 4
- will explain that Danny shows a good side to his personality and might be redeemed by the honour shown in the actions he takes just before dying through the techniques of dialogue and facial expressions. (Could include quote from Benjamin Kapanay about 'goodness'.) |
Revision Activity 2 - Prepare an Essay Plan
Choose a theme and work with the question below to create an outline plan for your film essay (using bulleted notes only).
Get feedback on your ideas.
Get feedback on your ideas.
EXAMPLE QUESTION:
- Analyse how visual or sound effects were used to emphasise a theme in the visual or oral text(s).
List of some themes in Blood Diamond
Conflict resolution is difficult
Corruption is worldwide Corruption is indiscriminate Cruelty of war Diamonds are of greater value than life Ethical situations are ever present in Africa Family is everything Futility of civil war Greed for power, power for greedHuman greed Human rights abuse Improper use of children in war Life is cheap in war zones Life is cruel |
Love can be found in strange places
Manipulation of others for our own selfish causes Never ending cycle of violence No way out of the poverty cycle People in power lack true moral ethics Redemption is possible for everyone Relationships are the greatest treasure Responsible consumerism Social responsibility The world contributes to poverty Violence is at the heart of humanity War transcends a country boundaries What actually is ethical behaviour? |
Revision Activity 3 - Choose Your Own
Select a question from the list of options below and either draft up an essay plan or write a practice paragraph or essay.
Other links for revision purposes
Relating Ideas to Our World
In order to get excellence for this assessment, you need to link your understanding to an idea that you have observed in the world around you today. This week, we will focus on researching a particular topic and preparing a presentation for the class on what you have found.
In today's lesson, we will work in groups on topics related to themes in the film. Each group needs to prepare a powerpoint or a website to showcase what you have learnt on your topic which will be presented to the class on Thursday afternoon. Your presentation needs to have at least one interactive element e.g. you ask the class a question, give a quiz, ask them to fill in a questionnaire etc.
Organise your group at the outset so that you are clear who is researching and who is presenting. You have 2 lessons to prepare for this.
An example of what you might present is included below. You must be accurate in quoting your information sources.
You must submit your presentation electronically as well.
In today's lesson, we will work in groups on topics related to themes in the film. Each group needs to prepare a powerpoint or a website to showcase what you have learnt on your topic which will be presented to the class on Thursday afternoon. Your presentation needs to have at least one interactive element e.g. you ask the class a question, give a quiz, ask them to fill in a questionnaire etc.
Organise your group at the outset so that you are clear who is researching and who is presenting. You have 2 lessons to prepare for this.
An example of what you might present is included below. You must be accurate in quoting your information sources.
You must submit your presentation electronically as well.
Example of ResearchAmnesty International is a global organisation of people who fight against injustices and work to promote human rights. Their research suggests that whilst the war in Sierra Leone has reduced fighting and subsequent trade in blood diamonds, there is still evidence of smuggling diamonds from neighbouring Liberia and Côte d'Ivoire. They believe that despite the diamond industry making promises to self-regulate, the Kimberley Process is still not fully implemented or effective around the world today. This suggests that the problems still exist despite being highlighted and promoted through the film Blood Diamond.
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Questions to Ask at the Jewellery Store
So that you can help contribute to the Kimberley Process, ask these questions at your local Jewellery Store:
1. How can I be sure that none of your jewellery contains conflict diamonds? 2. What is your primary source for diamond jewellery? 3. Can I see a copy of your company's policy on conflict diamonds and/or a written guarantee from your suppliers that your diamonds are conflict-free? 4. How often do consumers ask you about conflict diamonds? |