The Context Study

VCE ENGLISH

UNITS 3 & 4

CONTEXT

The term context is usually defined as the circumstances or environment in which an event occurs.

For the purposes of our Area of Study however, the term context is more of a central idea or topic that you need to keep in mind when reading each text. Everything we read, watch or learn about needs to be thought about within and in relation to the context of Encountering Conflict.

As you read each text, ask yourself the following questions:

• What has this text got to say about Encountering Conflict?

• What types of conflict are explored in the text?

• What are the causes of the various conflicts?

• How do the characters encounter, deal with and react to conflict?

• What are the consequences of the conflicts?

HINT: These questions would help you with your context journal annotations too!

AREA OF STUDY: CREATING AND PRESENTING

• This area of study is made up of several tasks. The outcome during units 3 and 4 requires students to:

“Draw on ideas and/or arguments suggested by the chosen Context – Encountering Conflict – to create written texts for a specified audience and purpose; and to discuss and analyse in writing their decisions about form, purpose, language, audience and context.”

THE CONTEXT STUDY

• The aim of the study is to create writing related in some way to the defining context or focus, which in our case is Encountering Conflict.

• The process for developing pieces of writing in AOS 2 involves working from core texts to your own writing.

• You will explore writing in a variety of different styles and genres, and for different purposes.

• You will work through a number of specific exercises in class, and are encouraged to undertake your own investigation of text/writing associated with this study.

• You will come to understand the metalanguage specific to the context and the writing you study, workshop and create yourself.

Writing

You may develop writing in a variety of styles

and formats: • Narrative • Newspaper article • Research paper • Play • Speech • Collection of short pieces • Exposition/essay • Letter/s

• Satire/parody

• Report

• Diary (could be a blog)

• Persuasive essay/speech

WRITING

… for different purposes.

to inform

to confront, or alarm to explore your feelings, or hopes, or fears

to ridicule or mock

to predict

to admire

to express or provoke regret or nostalgia

to criticise

Metalanguage and explanations

• You need to become familiar with both the language that

is specific to the Context AND the language that is

concerned with the techniques and strategies used by

the writers to generate writing and communicate ideas.

• You will need to construct written explanations of how

you arrive at the style and format you choose for your

writing. You should aim to show your understanding by

using the language appropriate to the context, literature,

themes and ideas!

The exam

• The exam will focus on the context by requiring that you

write a response to a “prompt” which will express some

ideas related to the context.

• You will need to nominate a core text as the basis for

this, and must use the “prompt” statement in some way.

• You should make the style, structure and content

suitable to the chosen purpose and form of your writing.

• The context section is worth one-third of the exam mark.

Encountering Conflict - what does it mean?

encounter (verb)

1.to come upon or meet with, esp. unexpectedly: to

encounter a new situation.

2. to meet with or contend against (difficulties,

opposition etc.)

Encountering Conflict - what does it mean?

• conflict (noun) 1. a fight, battle, or struggle, esp. a prolonged struggle; strife.

2. controversy; quarrel: conflicts between parties.

3. discord of action, feeling, or effect; antagonism or opposition, as of interests

or principles: a conflict of ideas.

5. a striking together; collision.

6. incompatibility or interference, as of one idea, desire, event, or activity with

another: a conflict in the schedule.

7. psychiatry: a mental struggle arising from opposing demands or impulses.

Exploring the Context

Quotes

•You can broaden your understanding of the term by looking

further afield. A good starting point is to collect some famous

quotes and consider what ideas about conflict are raised by

each. Here's one to get you started and thinking:

Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865) - President of the United States

We see conflict as a positive dimension in our everyday lives and

a life without encountering conflict would deprive us of creative

energy, impetus for progress and the opportunity to deepen our experience in life. However, the important thing is to be able to

deal with the emotions which arise in ourselves and in others

when faced with conflict.

•What ideas about conflict and dealing with conflict are

expressed here?

EXPLORING THE CONTEXT

Media

•The media is also an obvious place to look for current conflicts.

Grab a newspaper or visit one of their websites. Consider (and

note in your conflict journal): • What type of conflicts are currently occurring?

• What factors instigated the conflict?

• Who is experiencing the conflict?

• How are different people and stakeholders reacting to and dealing with

the conflict?

• Do any current real world conflicts relate to one of our texts (The Rugmaker

of Mazar e Sharif AND The Quiet American)? How?

You can also draw on your own personal experiences as well as other texts you read (and that your teacher provides you

with) throughout the year!

START EXPLORING THE CONTEXT!