The best HSC essays will develop a consistent and coherent argument that focuses both on their prescribed text and related text(s). Whilst you will engage deeply with your prescribed text in class, it will be up to you to select and analyse your related text.
Remember, the best responses will compare and contrast their texts. This means you will analyse not just the similarities, but also the differences, and use these distinctions to inform your arguments. Use our Short-Answer Response and Life of Pi pages for more in depth details about literary and visual techniques to help you analyse texts.
Here are a few questions you can ask yourself when analysing your related text to help develop a stronger argument.
1. What types of discovery are conveyed in my text?
Does a spiritual discovery take place, or perhaps a physical discovery? You will use these ideas to argue how different types of discovery presented in the text can affect its meaning.
2. What themes are in my related text?
Are there overarching themes in your text that either support or refute what takes place in your prescribed text? How do these themes relate to the concept of Discovery?
3. What are some techniques used in my text and how do they affect its meaning?
Does your text use a lot of imagery, or is it a metaphor for something deeper? How do these techniques combine to present an idea of discovery that is the same or different to your related text?