Thesis statements
What is a thesis statement?
A clear main argument that directly responds to the essay question.
Who directed One Night the Moon?
Rachel Perkins.
Who is Emily?
The young daughter of Jim and Rose whose disappearance drives the narrative.
What is an individual human experience?
An experience, feeling or situation experienced by a person, such as grief, fear or personal growth.
You overtake the person in second place in a race. What position are you now in?
Second place.
What are two important features of a strong thesis statement
Uses key words from the question
Presents a clear argument
What event drives the main plot of the film?
The disappearance of Jim and Rose’s daughter, Emily.
Who is Albert?
An Aboriginal tracker who offers his knowledge and skills to help find Emily.
What is a collective human experience?
An experience shared by a group or community, shaped by common circumstances or relationships.
How many months have 28 days?
All 12 months.
Improve this thesis: “One Night the Moon is about racism.”
Perkins’ One Night the Moon exposes how racial prejudice prevents individuals from recognising the value of different cultural perspectives.
Why does Jim reject Albert’s offer to help find Emily?
Jim’s racial prejudice and belief in his own knowledge of the land prevent him from accepting Albert’s expertise.
How does Rose respond differently from Jim to Albert’s assistance?
Rose is willing to seek Albert’s help, whereas Jim rejects him because of his prejudice.
Name three human qualities or emotions explored in One Night the Moon.
Examples include empathy, prejudice, grief, fear, courage and compassion.
An electric train travels north while the wind blows south. Which way does the smoke go?
Nowhere. An electric train does not produce smoke
What is wrong with this thesis? “The film uses music, characters and camera angles to show human experiences.”
It lists techniques and broad ideas without presenting a clear argument about what the film communicates.
How does music contribute to the storytelling?
Songs communicate the characters’ emotions and perspectives, developing the conflict and themes of the film.
What do Jim’s actions reveal about his character?
His pride, racial prejudice and desire for control prevent him from recognising Albert’s knowledge.
What does it mean to explore human motivations and behaviour?
To examine why people act in particular ways and how their beliefs, emotions and circumstances influence their actions.
You see a boat full of people. It hasn't sunk, but when you look again, you can't see a single person. Why?
Everyone on the boat is married, so there isn't a single person.
Write a thesis responding to: How does One Night the Moon explore the importance of empathy?
Example: Perkins demonstrates that empathy enables individuals to recognise the value of different perspectives, while prejudice can create divisions that have devastating consequences.
How does Rachel Perkins use the tragic ending of One Night the Moon to challenge the audience’s understanding of prejudice, cultural differences and human responsibility?
Perkins uses the tragic ending to expose the devastating consequences of racial prejudice and the rejection of Aboriginal knowledge. Jim’s refusal to accept Albert’s expertise demonstrates how rigid cultural beliefs and personal pride can prevent individuals from recognising alternative perspectives, ultimately highlighting the importance of empathy, respect and reconciliation
How does the contrast between Jim and Albert develop the film’s central conflict?
Their contrasting perspectives reveal the consequences of racial prejudice and the failure to respect Aboriginal knowledge and cultural perspectives.
What does it mean to reflect on identity, culture and conformity?
To consider how people understand themselves, how cultural beliefs shape their perspectives, and how social expectations influence their choices and behaviour.
A man pushes his car to a hotel and immediately loses his fortune. Why?
He is playing Monopoly.