openingworldslitcoursework


 * __[[image:openingworlds.jpg align="right"]]'Opening Worlds' Coursework (10%)__**

As part of your Literature portfolio you will need to produce an essay discussing two different stories in the 'Opening Worlds' anthology. This is worth 10% of your overall grade. The question that has been set for you is:


 * "How do the writers show the effects of poverty in ‘Pieces of Silver’ and ‘The Red Ball’?"**

To answer this question effectively, you must refer to BOTH stories, having a knowledge of the social, cultural and historical context in which they were written and **use quotations to analyse** the writers' use of **language and imagery**. You must also have an effective introduction and conclusion which makes comparisons between the two essays and shows an understanding of the **social, cultural and historical background of BOTH stories.**

Download the 'Coursework Brief' planning sheet to give you some pointers and ideas for your response:

Download an 'A' grade model answer to help you with your coursework:



Download the Powerpoint used in lesson to help you plan your response:


 * Here is a 7 Step Guide to creating a C+ grade answer:**

1) Have you got a good introductory paragraph that 'frames' your answer and clearly states your intentions by using key words directly from the question? Have you also understood what the question wants you to do? 2) Have you got a good understanding of the content/characters of the short stories and can you comment on the effects of the content/characters in relation to the themes? 3) Have you constructed a clear plan that is relative to the nature of the question you are answering and found **points** to make about **BOTH** stories in relation to the question? 4) Have you backed up your points by selecting appropriate "quotes" and **evidence** from the text and **explained** them in relation to the question using your own words? 5) Have you structured your work into appropriate pargraphs that are connected together and flow? 6) Have you got an effective conclusion that attempts to answer the question, summing up all your evidence and possibly exploring similarities/differences between the two stories in relation to the question? 7) Have you used appropriate vocabulary, shown that you have excellent spelling and demonstrated that you can use a range of different punctuation? (never forgetting "quotation marks!")


 * __For the Pieces of Silver, you will need to discuss:__**
 * How the writer shows a contrast between the attitudes of the pupils and the teachers (pupils are ‘nervous’ and ‘stiff’ and teachers ‘saunter’ and ‘smile’). What does this suggest to us about their daily lives? Do they enjoy life?
 * How the writer shows that the teachers are uncaring and show no understanding towards the pupils’ circumstances. Comment on there being a ‘culture clash’ of the privileged and the deprived.
 * How the writer shows a difference between the Dovecots’ house and that of the retiring headmaster. Comment on how this also suggests this gap between the prviliged and the deprived within society.
 * How ‘the system’ treats the boys cruelly and sometimes violently. Do the punishments fit the crime during the inspection? Comment on Sealy highlighting the idea of those in positions of wealth and power punishing the poor and powerless.
 * How the writer uses irony to emphasise the absurdity of the poor giving their money to the rich.
 * How the writer uses food to show the difference between the rich and poor. The Dovecots’ “one substantial meal” and Dave Dovecot saying how the retiring head has a ‘belly sittin so pretty wi’ fat”. Comment on Mrs Dovecot and how Sealy paints a picture of her to us. What does this show us?
 * How Clement and Evelina only go singing in the ‘wealthier’ part of town. Comment on economic divisions within the town the effects they have.
 * Clement’s final act of generosity (sharing the money). What does this suggest to us about how he has been brought up? What do you think Sealy was trying to show about the effects of poverty by adding this ending?


 * __For The Red Ball, you will need to discuss:__**
 * How the story is about a family trying to ‘better’ itself. Bolan’s parents want to give him a better education with a secure future so they move from a mud hut in Tunapuna to a barrack room in Port of Spain, also borrowing money for the move. Comment on how poverty can make people always hope for ‘better in the future’ and encourage them to make sacrifices in the hope of helping the next generation out of poverty.
 * The appearance of Bolan (described as ‘skinny’ throughout). Comment on malnourishment because of poverty.
 * The family’s hard living conditions and circumstances – they have little money saved and the rent keeps rising. Comment on how this might make life even more unbearable for the poor.
 * How society is divided: Bolan’s Dad resents having to work for white people. Comment on the poor resenting the richer whites leading to social tension.
 * The pride of the dad when he returns to Tunapuna (he wants to look smart) and Bolan’s pride in front of the other boys. Comment on how even though they are poor they want to hide it and put on a front. Why would they do this?
 * The fact that Bolan feels like a burden to his parents – the father even questions his decision to have a child. Comment on why they might feel like this.
 * For more information on the stories and to enhance your knowledge, click on the links below:**

The Red Ball

Pieces of Silver