Brighton Secondary School

Year 9 Think Bright English - Ms Shattock

Whale Rider Essay

Your task: Write a 600-800 word analytical essay on one of the following topics:

In Whale Rider, how does the director use filming techniques to highlight Pais
courage?

In the film, Pai says, I was not the leader my grandfather was expecting. And by
being born, I broke the line back to the ancient ones. How does the director of
Whale Rider use film techniques to challenge the idea that only men make good
leaders?

Pai isnt the hero her grandfather wants, but shes the one the community needs.
Discuss how the director of Whale Rider uses film techniques to present Pai as a
hero.

Tradition is a cradle that support us, but it can also become a cage that imprisons
us. Discuss how great leaders like Pai both embrace and challenge tradition with

Draft due: Wednesday Week 9

Good copy due: Wednesday Week 10

TIPS FOR YOUR ESSAY:

Layout:
Stick to the word limit.
Follow the structure studied in class for analytical essays.
Use the TEEL structure for your paragraphs.
Do not use subheadings or dot points. Your essay needs to be in in written full
sentences with a formal tone.
Do not use the word I. Do not simply explain the plot or give your opinion on the film.

Assessment Criteria:
Year 9 Achievement Standard A B C D E
Receptive modes (listening, reading and viewing)
Use examples from the text to analyse and explain how techniques are
used to influence an audience.
Productive modes (speaking, writing and creating)
Use TEEL to explore ideas within paragraphs, and structure texts
appropriately with an introduction, body paragraphs and conclusion.
Create texts that explore themes and respond to issues.
Edit for effect, using a sophisticated vocabulary, correct grammar,
spelling and punctuation.
Comments:

Grade:
Three things I will remember to do in my next task of this Corrections:
type:
1.
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3.