Born a Crime
Can you quote Trevor Noah saying something that's not in the book?
No, all quotes must come from the text
Why did the boy go to work on the cattle station?
He had "something big locked up inside of him", and was searching for resolution of his inner conflict. He sought to "become a man" and face the "beast within".
How many topics will there be to choose from?
2
Are short quotes good?
Yes, they're great. Long quotes can see you slipping in to re-telling the story.
Which is the topic sentence in your paragraph construction ..What, How or Why?
What
What is the main purpose of 'Born a Crime'?
To share Noah's lived experience of growing up mixed race under apartheid (and post-apartheid) South Africa, and to explore broader themes of racism, identity, resilience, family and injustice.
What is meant by multi-modal?
A text that employs a number of modes, eg. image, text, music.
If you get a topic with a quote in it, should you refer to the quote?
Yes, you should discuss the way in which the quote was addressing a key idea in the topic as part of your answer.
Can you get a topic that invites discussion of two concepts and their relationship?
Yes, for example, relationships and telling the truth, and you don't just write about both ideas separately, you need to focus on how they are linked and connected.
How do you substantiate an argument?
A close reading on the text, a wide range of evidence, be clear on the ideas, issues and concerns that the topic focusses on.
What was the epilogue called and what was it about?
'My Mother's Life" It reflects on Patricia and describes the resilience, independence, strong Christian faith, and refusal to be broken by apartheid. Shows that the book is not only Trevor's story, but his mother's too.
How did the old Aboriginal woman impact the boy?
With her message about the pain Aboriginal people had endured, and her message about truth telling.
How do you indicate to the examiner which topic you have written on?
Colour in the box with the number of the topic
Should I study more quotes than were on the quote bank made for me?
Yes, the more diverse your quotes the more directly you can respond to the prompt
Should you discuss minor characters?
Yes, they are there for a reason. Discussing them can provide a more nuanced, detailed response, and will show your understanding of the text.
What are three examples of metalanguage we would refer to in Born a Crime?
Prologue, memoir, anecdote, non-linear structure, voice, imagery, humour/ satire, chapter prefaces
What are three examples of metalanguage we would refer to in RFAB?
Fragmented narrative, first-person perspective, juxtaposition, symbolism, motif, tone, panel layout, colour palette, visual metaphor, contrast
Essay topics invite students to explore specific ideas and relationships. Strong responses are built on accurate interpretation of what the topic is asking. True or false?
True
Can I integrate quotes into my sentences?
Yes but make sure you use your own words to explain them
How much of your HOW should be plot examples and evidence?
Half/most, followed up with analysis explaining the meaning and how it relates to the prompt
Who said this?
"The higher power is in control, not the government, not the law"
Patricia Nombuyiselo Noah
How does Ottley critique the Australian culture of masculinity?
Through characters like the boys father, his friends, and Shakey, Ottley depicts men who appear "tough" but are inwardly broken.
If you get a prompt that says "do you agree" or "to what extent do you agree?" it is an invitation to challenge the proposition where warranted. True or false?
True
Can you over-quote?
Yes :)
How do authors convey their ideas?
Through structure, setting, language and form. Via characterisation, narrative voice and imagery. Using symbolism, tone, contrast and resolution.