SPM NOVEL ESSAY

CAPTAIN NOBODY

HOW TO SCORE THIS SECTION?

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Section D

Questions 33 – Novel essay (15 marks)

- Tests you on your understanding of the novel and

your ability to make your own analysis of the key
issues in the novel.

Tips:
 Make sure you have read the novel AT LEAST
ONCE.
 Highlight the key words/phrases.
 Plan your essay well
 Be CONSISTENT with your TENSE! Recommended:
PRESENT TENSE
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5 paragraphs WHAT DO YOU NEED

IN A
 Para 1 – introduction
BODY PARAGRAPH?
 Para 2 – point 1
 Para 3 – point 2 P – POINT
 Para 4 – point 3
E – EVIDENCE
 Para 5 - conclusion
E – ELABORATION

O – OPINION
EXAMPLE 1
“We must have courage to do the right thing”
Based on the novel that you have read, provide incidents from
the novel that support this statement.

SAMPLE INTRODUCTION

Based on the novel Captain Nobody written by Dean Pitchford

that I have studied, the story is about a kid named Newton Newman or more
popularly known as Captain Nobody. Throughout his journey to transform
from the unknown, he showcases his courage to do the right thing in a
variety of situations. These situations include climbing the dumpster to get
the drum for Cecil, saving Ferocious the ferret, and climbing the water
tower to save Reggie Ratner.

 A proper opening
 A brief description of the novel
 Addressing the question + summary of the points
SAMPLE BODY PARAGRAPH

Firstly, Newt demonstrates courage by climbing the dumpster to get

the drum for his best friend, Cecil. At first, Newt who is afraid of
heights does not want to do so. He is worried it may crush Cecil if it slips
and drops. However, Cecil convinces Newt that only Captain Nobody can
do the job. So, Newt decides to fulfil his friend’s wish although it is
difficult for him. In my opinion, Newt shows his courage to do the right
thing here which is to assist his friend. If I were Newt, I would do the same
thing to make my friends feel happy.

 Address the question again + mention your point

 Add details of the evidence
 Your opinion on the evidence (be CRITICAL here!)
SAMPLE CONCLUSION

In a nutshell, as we can see from the evidence above shown by

Newt, we must have courage to do the right thing. By doing so, it will help
us to grow stronger and face challenges in life.

 Summarise by pointing out what you have learnt from the evidence
EXAMPLE 2
From the novel that you have learnt, describe an event that
changes the life of a character and how the event affects his /
her life and the people around him/her. Support your answer
with close reference to the text.

SAMPLE INTRODUCTION

Based on the novel Captain Nobody written by Dean Pitchford

that I have studied, the story is about a boy named Newton Newman who
goes through many difficulties and challenges in order to be recognised by
the people around him. The event that changes Newt’s life is when, with the
help of his best friends JJ and Cecil, he creates an original superhero
costume using Chris’ old clothes. This event has affected his life by making
him more confident. The characters around him also experience the impact
as the costume enables Newt to save Ferocious the ferret and also Reggie
Ratner.

 A proper opening
 A brief description of the novel
 The character whose life is changed; Newt
 The event
 How the event affects Newt and other characters
SAMPLE BODY PARAGRAPH

When Newt wears his Captain Nobody costume, he feels strong

and confident. For instance, because he is wearing the costume, Newt is
able to climb a tall dumpster in order to retrieve a big bass drum for his
friend Cecil even though he is afraid of heights. Cecil, who has always
wanted to have a drum is beyond happy to finally own one with the help
of Captain Nobody. So, by creating his Captain Nobody costume, Newt who
is at first a timid person has changed into a person who can conquer his
fears and fulfil his friend’s wish.

 Address the event again + how it affects Newt

 Add evidence + details
 Your opinion on the evidence (be CRITICAL here!)
SAMPLE CONCLUSION

In a nutshell, based on the evidence above, I think I have made

my point clear why I believe that creating the costume is an event that has
changed Newt’s life as well as the people around him. The costume boosts
Newt’s confidence which result in the rescue of not only human but also
animal.

 Summarise the event and its effects