Teaching how to write an essay on the novel 'The Absolutely True Diary of a Part Time Indian' written by Sherman Alexie.

1. 1.1: The Absolutely True Diary of a
Part Time Indian By Sherman Alexie
Everything you need to know to write
‘Excellence’ essays

2. Your Exam and Essay at the end of the
Year
You will write one essay of at least 250
words on at least one written text that you
have studied in class. The essay will
provide opportunities to gain Achievement,
Merit, and Excellence grades. You will be
assessed on how well you understand
and use evidence from the text(s) you
studied to support your discussion.

3. ACHIEVED
Show understanding of specified aspect(s) of studied written text(s) using supporting
evidence.
Make sure you:
○ select a question you understand, that you know something about, and is suited to
your text
○ underline keywords in the question to help you focus on exactly what you are being
asked to do.
○ use keywords to help put the question into your own words
○ brainstorm your answer so you don’t write about the plot from beginning to end
○ have at least one central idea to be discussed in 4–5 clear paragraphs
○ address both parts of the question adequately
○ include the title and author in the introduction
○ structure paragraphs by using topic sentence, explanation, and example from the
text
○ use accurate quotations, examples, and details from the text
○ have a conclusion
○ think about how the text makes you feel
○ show you have read and understood the main ideas, events, and characters in the
text
○ write over 200 words.

4. Merit
Show convincing understanding of specified
aspect(s) of studied written text(s) using supporting
evidence.
Make sure you:
○ reach Achievement
○ directly address the question
○ include keywords throughout the essay
○ plan your answer and expand your ideas
○ address both parts of the question equally
○ use relevant details from text
○ make relevant conclusions
○ write over 300 words.

5. Excellence
Show perceptive understanding of specified aspect(s) of studied
written text(s) using supporting evidence.
Make sure you:
○ reach Achievement with Merit
○ show how all elements of the text (plot, setting, character, and
style) work together to present the message
○ apply your knowledge to suit the question
○ develop a discussion around the text and the question
○ demonstrate a deep and full understanding of the text
○ choose a main theme that can be fully discussed and linked to
other themes in the text
○ use appropriate vocabulary confidently to explain your ideas
○ make mature observations and respond personally to the text
○ make conclusions throughout the essay to give a unique and /or
an original response
○ write over 400 words.

6. Planning your essay
● Choose your question carefully. Make sure
you can write a whole essay about it.
● Underline or highlight the keywords of
the question and put it in the centre of your
plan. This will keep you on track.
● Choose 3 key moments in the film that best
answer the question. These will be your
body paragraphs
● Make notes on techniques, quotes, film shots
and their effect.
● Number your notes in a logical order. You are
ready to start writing :)

7. WHAT ARE ASPECTS?
▪ These are the PARTS that the writer
USES to communicate IDEAS to you.
EXAMPLES
• purposes and audiences
• ideas (eg character, theme, setting)
• language features (eg figurative
language, syntax, style, symbolism,
vocabulary)
• structures (eg part text, whole text,
narrative, beginnings and endings).

8. Examples of what your QUESTIONS will look like…...
1. Describe a challenging setting in the text.
Explain how this setting was challenging to one or more characters or
individuals.
1. Describe at least one idea that changed your perspective (point of view).
Explain how this idea changed your perspective.
1. Describe the beginning and / or ending of the text.
Explain how the beginning and / or ending was important to the text as
a whole.
1. Describe at least ONE idea that was memorable in the text
Explain why the idea was memorable in the text as a whole
1. Describe at least one important message that was revealed by a
character or individual in the text.
Explain why it was important that the character or individual revealed
this message.
1. Describe at least one important event in the text.
Explain how this event had a positive OR negative effect

9. There are ALWAYS 2 parts to the question!
You must answer BOTH parts of the question to pass!!!!!
Example Question
4. Describe at least ONE idea that was memorable in the text
Explain why the idea was memorable in the text as a whole
So you need to:
a) Describe at least ONE(At Least ONE- means you are
able to pick MORE than one- ALWAYS be careful to
READ the question carefully!)
b) Say why the idea was memorable in the text as a
whole
c) (YOU need to DEFINE what this means to YOU
BEFORE you start your plan- MEMORABLE- (worth
remembering or easily remembered, especially because
of being special or unusual.)

10. PLAN- Dividing the question into THREE points!
1. Pick THREE ideas and state WHY each one is memorable.
2. Pick THREE characters and display HOW they demonstrate the
idea and HOW t was memorable.
3. Pick One IDEA and state how it was memorable in THREE
different ways.
4. How the author use THREE aspects to display this idea and
stating why that was memorable.
IDEA = ‘The impact of poverty and how the characters overcome their
challenges by displaying great courage.
3 aspects Alexie uses to show the idea
For example-
a) Characterisation
b) Character development
c) Symbolism
Why were they memorable?

11. Introductions
• Impress markers with an assertive
argument, mature vocabulary, thoughtful
quote...
• Set up your thesis (argument) and establish
points to explore in direct response to ALL
aspects of the question.
• Display confidence with language eg:
using synonyms for keywords in the question.
• Display confidence with context, genre etc to
make wider generalisations about the text.

13. INTRO- QCAS-remember!
QUOTE/ NEUTRAL SENTENCE
CONTEXT SENTENCE
(TITLE/AUTHOR/ENCOURAGES US
TO THINK ABOUT….)
ARGUMENT
SUMMARY

14. Describe at least ONE idea that was memorable in the text
Explain why the idea was memorable in the text as a whole
QUOTE/ Neutral Sentence
1. QUOTE/ Neutral Sentence: A sentence
stating generally agreed facts on the topic.
The aim of the sentence is not to convince
the reader of anything - merely to start the
essay in an informative way.
Example - Van Gough once said, “What would
life be if we had no courage to attempt anything?”

15. 2. Context Sentence
1. Context Sentence: A sentence placing your essay
topic in its broader context. Show the examiner that
you understand the topic and know something about
it.
Example:
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie, a
heartbreaking and heartwarming novel, tells the story of a teenage
boy navigating his way through life on his Spokane Indian
Reservation. While Junior is full of optimism and curiosity, the
reservation is struggling daily, due to the effects of decolonisation and
post-colonization. These are the catalyst to the issues which have
oppressed there people for years, both socially and politically.

16. Argument Sentence
1. Argument Sentence: A sentence that
clearly states your argument (your point of
view) – what your essay is going to present
(3 POINTS). From this sentence, the
examiner will know exactly what you are
going to write about in your essay, and the
side of the argument you are taking. You
can start with phrases like: ‘This essay will
show…” or “This essay will argue…” Use
the KEYWORDS from the question here!

17. Argument Sentence cont….
Example:
One memorable idea, displayed through the
aspects of: characterisation, character development
and symbolism in this text, is the impact of poverty
and how the characters overcome their challenges
by displaying great courage. It was memorable
because it changed my perspective on how poverty
is not a choice, it is the impact of the choices those
in power made. It shows that some cultures are
truly struggling in this world and we can often turn a
blind eye towards it.

18. Sum Up Sentence
1. Use the KEYWORDS from your Quote- to tie it
in here too. For longer essays – a concluding
sentence which sums up your essay. This is
optional, but it is your chance to drive home
the point that you intend to argue in your
essay. To write your fourth sentence, you can
make a strong statement, or, if you like, use
words like ‘Overall…’ or ‘In sum… ’ to
introduce your final sentence.

19. Sum Up Sentence cont…...
Example: Overall, it pulls on our
heartstrings and gives us an insight into the
life of an underprivileged, optimistic and
damaged teenage boy. Here, Junior finds
the courage to attempt to escape the rez and
seek a better life.

20. Intro FULL EXAMPLE
Van Gough once said, “What would life be if we had no courage to attempt
anything?”. The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman
Alexie, a heartwarming novel, tells the story of a teenage boy navigating his
way through life on his Spokane Indian Reservation. While Junior is full of
optimism and curiosity, the reservation is struggling daily, due to the effects
of decolonisation and post-colonization. These are the catalyst to the issues
which have oppressed there people for years, both socially and politically.
One memorable idea, displayed through the aspects of: characterisation,
character development and symbolism in this text, is the impact of poverty
and how the characters overcome their challenges by displaying great
courage. It was memorable because it changed my perspective on how
poverty is not a choice, it is the impact of the choices those in power made.
It shows that some cultures are truly struggling in this world and we can
often turn a blind eye towards it. Overall, it pulls on our heartstrings and
gives us an insight into the life of an underprivileged, optimistic and
damaged teenage boy. Here, Junior finds the courage to attempt to escape
the rez and seek a better life.

21. Task- Write your own following QCAS
- Pick ONE of the questions from SLIDE 8.
- Write a practise essay Introduction using QCAS
- QUOTE/ NEUTRAL SENTENCE
- CONTEXT SENTENCE
(TITLE/AUTHOR/ENCOURAGES US
TO THINK ABOUT….)
ARGUMENT
SUMMARY

22. BODY Paragraph Structure
• Build a TEEPEE for each
paragraph.

23. Paragraph Structure
• T = topic sentence (Magic Sentence
Link)
• E = example/quote
• E = explanation/ Link back to 2nd part
of question
• P= purpose (author/director’s purpose)
• E = effect (both on the characters/text and reader)
• E = evaluation (make connections, comments outside
the text. Go beyond the lines.)

24. Paragraphs continued - Evaluate
• Relate the text and its ideas/characters to
contemporary society - why is it worth studying?
What does it have to ‘teach us’ today?
• Consider the effect on you/us -what do we as readers
get out of the text?
• Evaluate the effectiveness of the text and your
examples in achieving the director’s purpose and/or
in relation to the question.
• Incorporate awareness of literary criticism (critical
texts, reviews, including quotes from
author/director/actors) and elements of genre.
• Mature vocabulary and varied sentence structure
adds elements of interest and ‘life’ to an essay.

25. Go BEYOND THE LINES - and (L )
evaluate using one of...
● Link to another quotation
● Link it to the historical context
● Unpack the connotations of words in the
quotation
● Connect it to another similar text
● Explore what is says about human nature
● Offer an alternative interpretation
● Explain your personal response
● Link to the author’s purpose
● Consider how the text sits within its genre

26. Essay Planning Grid
Key words
(from question)
Topic
Topic
sentences
Examples and
Explanations
Quotes/
detail
Purpose and
Effect
Author’s
purpose,
techniques,
craft
Evaluation
Beyond the
text/ literary
criticism
element
Point 1
Point 2
Point 3

27. Planning
Technique/ Topic
Statement
Example Explanation
Alexie selects
characterisation to
illustrate that
sometimes we need
to break from
traditions and
customs in order to
be successful.
We are introduced to the
memorable idea of poverty
when Junior sacrifices his
tribe and culture in the
search for greater education
and a brighter future. “But we
Resveration Indians don’t get
to realize our dreams. We
don’t get those chances or
choices. We’re just poor.
That’s all we are.”
The Reservation puts
limitations on dreams and
Junior knew in order to be
successful; he needed to
get out of this
environment. A once
alienated boy, now a
strong-willed, driven man,
showing courage to
escape a difficult world.
This was memorable
because stepping out of
your comfort zone is
difficult in our society as
we can often feel
ostracised if we choose a
different path than others.

28. Purpose
(Director’s)
Effect (On film/
audience
Evaluation (Make comments/
outside word)
Alexie purposely
makes this
happen to
enhance the
idea that you
need the
courage to start
something new.
Courage gives
us the ability to
try new things
and take the first
step, despite our
fears.
This influences the
reader to take the
first step towards
something new
because even if you
only take that first
step, you are one
step closer than
where you were
yesterday.
We can link this idea to post-
colonialism today due to the
oppression Native Americans
face daily. It is tough to show
courage and strive for
excellence as it is frowned
upon in their communities, as
a result of years of despotism
and white superiority and
dominance.

29. TEEPEE Paragraph Complete
Alexie selects characterisation to illustrate that sometimes we need to break from
traditions and customs in order to be successful. We are introduced to the
memorable idea of poverty when Junior sacrifices his tribe and culture in the
search for greater education and a brighter future. “But we Resveration Indians
don’t get to realize our dreams. We don’t get those chances or choices. We’re just
poor. That’s all we are.” The Reservation puts limitations on dreams and Junior
knew in order to be successful; he needed to get out of this environment. A once
alienated boy, now a strong-willed, driven man, showing courage to escape a
difficult world. This was memorable because stepping out of your comfort zone is
difficult in our society as we can often feel ostracised if we choose a different path
than others. Alexie purposely makes this happen to enhance the idea that you
need the courage to start something new. Courage gives us the ability to try new
things and take the first step, despite our fears. This influences the reader to take
the first step towards something new because even if you only take that first step,
you are one step closer than where you were yesterday. We can link this idea to
post-colonialism today due to the oppression Native Americans face daily. It is
tough to show courage and strive for excellence as it is frowned upon in their
communities, as a result of years of despotism and white superiority and
dominance.

30. Conclusions
• Should be about four sentences.
• Recap the main points of your argument, in
DIFFERENT words (synonyms).
• Present your personal response/evaluation to
the question of character, setting, theme…
This does not need to be an “I” statement. If
you write, ‘Romanek’s moving portrayal of…’
you are showing your opinion.
• How to write a great conclusion

31. Conclusions
1st sentence
Make a strong, opening statement that
summarises your topic.

32. Example 1st sentence
Overcoming fear and allowing a change in your life
can be intimidating, however, finding the courage
within, can, in fact, change your life.
What persuasive statement can we make about our
text that relates to your chosen question?

33. 2nd sentence
Use the language of the question to
relate the topic generally to the film

34. Example 2nd sentence
The reader is challenged to think about what
courageous decisions they have made to
overcome obstacles and where it has led them to.
The reader is challenged to think about
……………….………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………
through the writer’s………………………………………….

35. 3rd sentence
Say what effect the film has had on you or something that
you learned.
I learnt that being bold with your decisions and having great
courage can change your life, and to always keep a sense of
hope. This book taught me that no matter your bank balance,
postcode or colour of your skin; it will never define who you are
and who you’ll become. The idea of poverty is memorable to
me because it shows that by showing great courage to
overcome such obstacles it can lead to great things, despite
where you’ve come from.

36. Example 3rd sentence
The film has made me realise that.....
I have learned that it is important to .....
It appears that ........
I was shocked to learn that......

37. General
The 3-step method is not the only way to write intros
and conclusions. It is the most basic way.
You will get better as the year goes by, and towards
the end of the year you will perhaps be able to design
your own equally effective intros and conclusions.
The big no-no!!!
Never start your intro "In the film.... It is a sure way
to lose the reader's interest!

38. Conclusion: fill in the gaps
In conclusion, the writer’ highlighted the idea that ..........
...............................................aspects of
..........................................................................
helped us to understand
that................................These aspects also allowed us
to see how………………………………..
........................................................................
........................................................................
The text showed the readers...................................
........................................................................ .
Part time Indian really made the audience think about
..........................................................................
................