English Question examples (from last task)

Question 1

Question 1

Answer 1

Explain how setting is constructed to reinforce key themes in the film.
In responding to this question, you should consider:
•Identify specific settings in the film – real or imagined
•Discuss the film conventions used to portray the settings
•Identify at least two key themes from the text
•Show how the key themes are related to the settings

Question 2

Question 1 thesis statements

Answer 2

• By using a multitude of different props, lighting and sets, the pair are able to show the conformity of the Matrix system and how truly life as it is.
• The Matrix displays many different themes about the world around us.
• Throughout the film, a number of codes and conventions have been used to construct settings that open our eyes to the themes of the film.
• This has been shown through the use of symbolism, dialogue, camera angles and characterisation.
• The key themes are related to the setting of this film.
• Through the use of symbolic visual and audio codes The Matrix questions the idea of freedom and the unknown in society.

Question 3

Question 1 thesis statement 2

Answer 3

• Read through the thesis statements provided
• Assess how well each one
• Relates to the topic
• Articulates how the candidate will answer the question
• Displays careful consideration of language, spelling and expression
• Provide some specific feedback on each statement providing one way it could be improved.
• Which thesis is the most effective? Why?
• What skill or idea will you now apply to writing your own thesis statements?

Question 4

Question 1 thesis review

Answer 4

•By using a multitude of different props, lighting and sets, the pair are able to show the conformity of the Matrix system and how truly life as it is.
•Identifies the film conventions, mentions conformity as the theme, needs to improve written expression, no mention of setting though it is implied.
•The Matrix displays many different themes about the world around us.
•Far too generalised, must identify the themes and how they are displayed, no mention of setting.
•Throughout the film, a number of codes and conventions have been used to construct settings that open our eyes to the themes of the film.
•Too generalised, this is a regurgitation of the question rather than how it will be answered.
* This has been shown through the use of symbolism, dialogue, camera angles and characterisation.
Mentions engages parts of the question but it is unclear what exactly is shown- the themes and which settings are relevant.

Question 5

Q1 thesis review

Answer 5

• The key themes are related to the setting of this film.
• Repeats the question rather than answering it.
• Through the use of symbolic visual and audio codes The Matrix questions the idea of freedom and the unknown in society.
• Identifies the HOW (symbolic and audio codes) and mentions possible themes. It is difficult to link audio codes with the construction of setting.
• Key themes in The Matrix are men versus machine choice.
• Only identifies themes and does not engage all parts of the question.
• Humans seem to be the main source of power of this happening and it encourages viewers to think about what the world is becoming.
• It is unclear how this thesis will answer the question and this is further complicated by the weaknesses in the expression.

Question 6

Q1 intro example

Answer 6

Different settings can be created to construct different themes in films. This can be seen through the 1999 film, The Matrix, written by the Wachowski siblings. Through different, very thought out and precise settings, the Wachowskis are able to represent two main themes. By using a multitude of different props, lighting and sets, the pair are able to show the conformity of the Matrix system and how truly lifeless it is.

Question 7

Q1 body1 example

Answer 7

The setting in The Matrix also creates the theme of individuality, this is shown through camera angles. When Neo goes to work a long shot of all the offices show that they are the same little clean pristine office cubicles. This symbolises that no one is unique and they all are conformed to the same personality. Then when Neo is in his own a birds eye view reveals his individuality. Through the camera shot we can see all of his computers, technology, books and more with the nearest sitting in the middle of it all. Him sitting in the middle of all his personal belongings is a symbol of who he is as a person and that we need to have individuality to grow as ourselves. Individuality is reinforced through the setting in this film using camera angles to symbolise how you need to be your unique self.

Question 8

Q1 body 2 example

Answer 8

Through set design, writers and producers of films are able to construct large ideas. Neo, or by day, Mr Anderson works an office job at Metacortex as a respectable programmer. When Mr Anderson’s cubicle is first shown to the viewers, it is clear that there is a lack of personal items. Compared to Nero’s room, there is also no clutter or mess. Through set design producers gave the office workplace a bland an organised tone. Through lighting almost everything in the cubicle looks the same, only varyating through different shades. An over the shoulder shot of the office is taken when near stadiums and, we can see how every cubicle looks identical and they are all arranged logically and organised. This represents the conformity of the Matrix everyone is the same and everything is organised.

Question 9

Q1 conclusion example

Answer 9

In the film The Matrix, the use of symbolism, dialogue and camera angles has constructed settings that help us identify the main themes. Conformity versus individuality, reality versus dreamworld, and technology taking over our law is all major themes in the film and are perfectly displayed through film conventions. Although we all want to fit in and be lights and although we all like technology, we must make sure these things do not take over our lives and ruin them.

Question 10

Q2

Answer 10

Explain how the film encourages audiences to question aspects of their own life.
In responding to this question, you should consider:
• How implies discussion of film conventions
•“encourages audiences” means you need to identify the specific reaction of the audience
• Specify aspects of your own life you question

Question 11

Q2 thesis statements examples

Answer 11

• This clever storyline helps viewers to question the world around and encourages them to rethink aspects of the own life as to if our society is real or artificial.
• Therefore, conveyed in the interrogation scenes, how the audience is made to question certain aspects of life are revealed.
• Using dialogue and camera shots we begin to question our lives to.
• Through dialogue and actions the movie encourages us to validate certain aspects of our own lives and how we affect the environment around us.
• Through the use of camera angles audio and the use of symbolism the matrix encourages the audience to question aspects of their own life.
• The Wachowski siblings use a range of codes and conventions to make us think and question aspects of our life.
• Through the use of cinematography and literary devices the matrix encourages viewers to question aspects of their own life.
• Through the use of dialogue, camera angles and symbolism, the film encourages audiences to question whether we are destroying our environment.
• The siblings use codes and conventions to really question the audience about aspects of their own lives.

Question 12

Q2 thesis example review

Answer 12

• This clever storyline helps viewers to question the world around and encourages them to rethink aspects of the own life as to if our society is real or artificial.
• Tries to engage all parts of the question, but could specify the HOW a little more effectively. The expression needs work.
• Therefore, conveyed in the interrogation scenes, how the audience is made to question certain aspects of life are revealed.
• Needs to specify what aspects of our lives we question. This thesis restricts the candidate to discussing only the interrogation scene.
• Using dialogue and camera shots we begin to question our lives to.
• Lacks specificity. What aspects of out lives? The way this is worded implies one of the characters questions their lives also.

Question 13

Q2 intr example

Answer 13

Often during our life, we as human beings question aspects of our lives and how we are living. We may judge ourselves based on other people or judge ourselves as a society. In the 1999 film The Matrix directed by the Wachowski brothers, we look at this film and start to question aspects of our own lives. The Matrix is a film about a man named Thomas Anderson who lives two lives throughout the movie. One, he is a worker for a software company, another where he is a program hacker that goes by the name of Neo. He is taken by a man named Morpheus and is shown what the Matrix is to find out whether he truly is the One. Through the use of film conventions such as dialogue and camera in the Matrix we are forced to analyse our lives and judge ourselves on how we live it.

Question 14

Q2 body 1 example

Answer 14

In the film the siblings use emotive language from agent Smith to get us to question how we are affecting our surroundings. When Morpheus is being interrogated by agent Smith, he uses highly emotive words to describe the human race such as “virus”, “a plague” or “a cancer”. These emotive words accompanied with a close-up to amplify his emotion provoke the viewer’s thoughts on how they are living their life and affecting the environment around them. To agent Smith’s highly descriptive words and actions the viewer is encouraged to question their relationship with the environment.

Question 15

Q2 body 2 example

Answer 15

Throughout various sequences within the film, we are showing that Neo and Morpheus hold drastically different values. Morpheus continued to be convinced that Neo is ‘The One’, as Morpheus is an individual that is shown to be somebody that believes in fate. When Morpheus and Neo first engaged in conversation at the beginning of the film, Neo firmly stated “I don’t like the idea that I’m not in control of my own life.” This signifies the differences when it comes to core values that those two individuals hold the use of speech gives the viewer a clear insight into Neo’s value.

Question 16

Q2 conclusion example

Answer 16

As an audience we question different aspects of our life in various situations and what we value as human beings. The Matrix presents us all with a variety of questionable philosophical questions that leave the audience thinking how it relates to our society. Through the use of dialogue and camera shots the audience are given a look into how duality between misery and happiness, freedom versus control and simple self belief fighting back against control, all play a part in our everyday life. We are forced to contemplate all aspects we fit into our everyday life.

Question 17

Q3

Answer 17

Explain how film conventions are used to construct characters with contrasting values.
In responding to this question, you should consider:
• You must discuss the film conventions that reveal the values of characters
• Show the link between the film conventions and the characterisation
• Discuss at least two characters with opposing values

Question 18

Q3 thesis statements

Answer 18

• The representation of conflicting values between these characters is showing through speech symbolism characterisation and action.
• Through the use of dialogue, camera angles and symbolism the audience is able to identify the characters contrasting values.
• Through the use of dialogue and symbolism the matrix reveals the values and links between each character in how they co-operates or contradict each other’s motives.
• The contrasting values of characters in the matrix are constructed through dialogue and symbolism.
• Throughout the movie the characters values are shown and constructed three using many conventions will express the differences between each character.

Question 19

Q3 Thesis review

Answer 19

• The representation of conflicting values between these characters is shown through speech symbolism characterisation and action.
• Attempts to answer the question, specified the characters in the previous sentence. Might be improved by using the word ‘construction’.
• Through the use of dialogue, camera angles and symbolism the audience is able to identify the characters contrasting values.
• Specifies the film conventions but not the other parts of the question.
• Through the use of dialogue and symbolism the Matrix reveals the values and links between each character in how they co-operates or contradict each other’s motives.
• Attempts to answer the question, the thesis is unclear.

Question 20

Q3 intro example

Answer 20

All conflict in the world can always be linked back to opposing values. This is the case in The Matrix (released in 1999 and directed by the Wachowski siblings) regarding the values of the protagonists versus the antagonists. The Matrix depicts the story of Thomas Anderson or ‘Neo’ a computer hacker, living an average life in the city. However, Neo’s life changes when he comes to discover the truth about the world he knows, and the intriguing question, what is the Matrix? As Neo learns more about the Matrix, he crosses paths with those who do not share his values. The contrasting values of characters in the matrix is constructed through dialogue and symbolism.

Question 21

Q3 body 1 example

Answer 21

The characters in the Matrix are all very unique but some do share values that have been constructed using the conventions such as audio, symbolism and relationships. Neo and agent Smith are quite different but do have a few similar values they share, such as leaving the matrix world at the end when Agent Smith takes his earpiece out which is “unplugging” him from the machines controlling him, the actually tells Morpheus himself that he “hates this place, this zoo, this prison” and the he “must get free” this is exactly what Neo wants too but not in the same way as Agent Smith. The symbolism of taking out the earpiece connecting him to that world does show the audience how the values of a character are put together and are different to other characters.

Question 22

Q3 body 2 example

Answer 22

Neo and Cypher’s conflicting values are portrayed through dialogue and symbolism. Neo values the truth about the matrix and the real world, however Cypher would much rather not know anything about the matrix. Neo’s priority of knowledge is proven when he is offered the red or blue pill, blue symbolising ignorance and red symbolising further knowledge. Although Neo has already experienced trauma, due to his association with the matrix, he still chooses the red pill, therefore going forth to learn more. Cypher is not the same. He knows more than the, but still wishes he didn’t. This is evident when he says to Neo “why didn’t I take the blue pill?” Cypher later on in the film betrays Neo and Morpheus to meet up with Agent Smith and devise a plan to make them fail. He says to Smith, “do you know what I’ve learned? Ignorance is bliss.” This dialogue refers to the fact that one cannot be bothered by something they have no awareness of. Cypher values himself and his own contentment, rather than those he used to call his family. Neo values knowledge, and his crew. Symbolism and dialogue conveys the opposing values of Neo and Cypher.

Question 23

Q3 conclusion

Answer 23

Within a constructed world known as ‘the Matrix’, it is shown that Neo and Morpheus both fight for truth and freedom of reality whereas Agent Smith contradicts these ideals with a belief of turning the human world into a conformed and mindless network. Although both Morpheus and Neo realised the truth behind the Matrix, Smith had valued the system so much as to hunt down an attempt to exterminate them through shooting Neo in torturing Morpheus.