Cultural Assumptions
VAB
Slang
Letter Writing
100

Outback a symbol of Australian Identity

Assumption: The outback represent (list 2 things)

freedom, resilience, and mateship.

The workers’ isolation and the dusty, red environment emphasize traits like endurance and toughness — key aspects of the Australian national identity.

100

Name an attitude that Nancy has...

She's independent and confident - Standing up in male-dominated settings

100


Oo'roo means...

Goodbye

100

Structure of an informal letter.

The address goes where? 

At the top left-hand side

200

Loyalty and Mateship

Assumption: Australians value camaraderie over hierarchy.

Examples below - teacher discretion

  • The miners, though from different countries and backgrounds, are united through shared experience and loyalty to Red Dog.

  • The film celebrates working-class solidarity — everyone looks out for each other, and the dog embodies that spirit.

200

Name a value of Jocko's

He values family and belonging

200

Fair dinkum means...

Really, what a surprise!

200

Who's address is at the top?

The person writing the letter

300

The “Larrikin” Spirit

Assumption: Australians admire rebellion mixed with good humour. An example of a character who shows this and how

Example - Red Dog is independent, cheeky, and loyal — the classic Aussie larrikin archetype.

Could be others so teacher discretion. 

300

Name a belief that Peeto has ....

Men need to be seen as strong, like drinking and rock music 

300

Dunny means...

toilet

300

Is punction require after the Dear Nancy? If so, what?

Yes, a punctuation mark is required.

It is a comma

400

Working-Class Identity

Assumption: Hard work, practicality, and humour define Australian character. How does the film show this?

Examples - could be others

  •  mining lifestyle as tough but noble

  •  respect for manual labour and ordinary people,  which is central to the national ethos.

400

State either a value or an attitude that Vanno has in Red Dog.

Value - Vanno values loyalty and camaraderie — he deeply cares for his fellow workers and for Red Dog. 


Attitude -Vanno’s attitude is cheerful and upbeat, often using humour to deal with hardship or loneliness. 

400

Chuck-a-sickie means...

Takes a day off

400

What is a salutation? 

Give a formal and informal example

The greeting used in a letter 

Dear mum and dad - Standard

G'day mate - informal 

Who it May Concern - formal

500

Stoicism and Emotional Restraint

Assumption: True Australian masculinity is expressed through action, not words.

Examples

  • male characters show affection and grief indirectly, through loyalty to Red Dog 

  • emotional strength is best shown through deeds

500
Identify either a value or an attitude that Thomas has in Red Dog.

Values - Thomas comes to value human connection and empathy.

Attitude - His willingness to listen and learn reflects an attitude of personal growth and acceptance. Open-minded.

500

Grog or 'a bevie' means...

alcohol

500

Give an example of how you could start an informal letter to a friend.

What have you been up to ol' friend? It's been some time since we've spoken.

The funniest thing happened the other day which I couldn't wait to tell you...

Teachers choice...