2. WHAT IS A DIGITAL ESSAY
A digital essay is an essay which is created digitally
using digital and video media files.
In a digital essay you can use sounds and moving
images to illustrate your ideas.
By creating a digital essay you can now share your
ideas on the internet.
Digital essays take the essay out of the classroom
into the real world.
3. TASK
Choose an interesting novel to read.
After reading your novel you will create a book
review in the form of a digital essay.
You will use either iMovie or Windows moviemaker
to create your digital essay.
4. PLANNING
Plan your digital essay by writing a draft copy first which you will then
record. Write a minimum of five paragraphs.
Use the hamburger model as your essay structure
-Introduction
-Body paragraph one
-Body paragraph two
-Body paragraph three
-Conclusion
5. INTRODUCTION
Paragraph 1
Here you want to provide basic information about the book, and a
sense of what your review will be about. You should include:
1. Title /Author
2. Publication Information: Publisher, year, number of pages
3. Genre
4. A brief plot summary
5. Your opinion of the book
6. BODY ONE
Paragraph 2
In this paragraph you want to discuss what you thought about
the setting and the characters
1. Setting: Identify and describe the main setting of the novel.
Use quotes from the book to demonstrate your ideas.
2. Characters: Identify and describe 2-3 characters.
Use quotes from the book to demonstrate your ideas.
7. BODY TWO
Paragraph 3
In this paragraph you will discuss what you thought about the
theme and overall atmosphere of the book.
1.Theme: identify the main theme in the novel. Describe an event which
clearly shows this theme.
2.Atmosphere/mood: describe a scene from the novel and explain what
the mood/atmosphere is. How did you know that this was the
atmosphere/mood?
8. BODY THREE
Paragraph 4:
In this section you analyse or critique the book. You can write about
your own opinions; just be sure that you explain and support them
with examples.
Some questions you might want to consider:
• Did the author achieve his or her purpose?
• Is the writing effective, powerful, difficult, beautiful?
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of the book?
For non-fiction, what are the author's qualifications to write about the subject?
Do you agree with the author's arguments and conclusions?
9. CONCLUSION
Paragraph 5:
Briefly conclude by pulling your thoughts together.
-You want to say what impression the book left you with, or
emphasise what you want your reader to know about it.
-What is your overall response to the book? Did you find it
interesting, moving, dull?
-Would you recommend it to others? Why or why not?
10. ADDING SOUND AND IMAGES
After you have completed your draft, find some images that will go with
your book review.
1.Add images that help to portray the aspects of the novel, for example you could
find images of people who may look like the characters in your book.
2.Add a soundtrack to go behind your voice as you read your review. The sound
should help to represent the mood/atmosphere of the novel. For example, if your
book is a horror you may choose spooky music/sound to play in the background.
3. Read your book review and record it. Make sure that the images match what you
are talking about.
11. FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
1.How long should it be?
Aim for at least 250 words.
2. Can I work with someone else?
Yes! Only 1 other person though.
3. What will I be marked on?
Paragraphing, ideas, use of good examples, overall presentation, you
must show that you have an opinion and an understanding of the novel
4. Will the mark go on my report?
Yes.
12. SUBMISSION
Due: Term 2 Week 4
E-mail or iMessage the final essay to your teacher.
Export your digital essay to You Tube.
Tweet the link to your video.
Include your video in your blog.
