Category: High School

Writing a narrative in just one hour can be a daunting task, but with some preparation and focus, it is possible to produce a compelling story within a short period of time. 

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to write a narrative in one hour:

1. Choose a topic: Select a topic for your narrative. It could be a personal experience, a childhood memory, or a fictional story. Try to choose a topic that you are familiar with and that has a clear beginning, middle, and end.
2. Create an outline: Spend a few minutes creating an outline for your story. This will help you stay focused and cover all the elements of a narrative, such as character development, plot, and setting.
3. Set a timer: Set a timer for one hour and begin writing. Try not to worry about spelling, grammar, or punctuation at this stage. Just focus on getting your thoughts down on paper.
4. Start with a hook: Begin your narrative with a hook that captures the reader’s attention. This could be a surprising fact, a powerful quote, or a vivid setting description.
5. Build the plot: Develop the plot of your story by introducing the characters, establishing the setting, and creating a conflict. Remember to show, not tell, and use sensory details to make the story come alive.
6. Create tension: Keep the reader engaged by creating tension and suspense in your narrative. This could be through a series of obstacles that the protagonist must overcome, or a twist in the plot that the reader doesn’t see coming.
7. Write the ending: Conclude your narrative with a satisfying ending that ties up all the loose ends. It could be a happy ending, a bittersweet one, or a cliffhanger that leaves the reader wanting more.
8. Edit and revise: Once your timer goes off, take a few minutes to edit and revise your narrative. Look for spelling and grammar errors, and ensure the story flows smoothly. If you have time, consider getting feedback from a friend or colleague.
9. Finalize your draft: Make any necessary changes to your narrative and finalize your draft. Save your work and pat yourself on the back for a well-done job! By following these steps, you can write a compelling narrative in just one hour. Remember to stay focused, be creative, and have fun!

Study Guide: 1984

Author Details:

“1984” is a dystopian novel written by George Orwell (real name Eric Arthur Blair) and published in 1949. Orwell was an English writer known for his critique of totalitarianism and advocacy for democratic socialism. He is also famous for his novels “Animal Farm” and “Homage to Catalonia.”

Historical Context:

“1984” was written and published in the aftermath of World War II and during the Cold War, a time of great political turmoil and fear. Orwell’s novel reflects the anxieties of the time, particularly about the rise of authoritarianism and the dangers of totalitarianism. The novel’s themes of government surveillance, propaganda, and the suppression of individual freedoms resonate strongly in contemporary society.

Key Themes:

1. Totalitarianism and the abuse of power
2. Government surveillance and control
3. The power of language and propaganda
4. The dangers of conformity and groupthink
5. The importance of individuality and personal freedom

Key Events:

Winston Smith, a low-ranking member of the ruling party in the totalitarian state of Oceania, begins to question the government’s propaganda and surveillance methods.

Winston meets Julia, a fellow dissenter, and they begin a secret love affair.

Winston and Julia are eventually caught by the government and subjected to torture and brainwashing in the Ministry of Love.

Winston ultimately betrays Julia and fully embraces the party’s ideology, losing his individuality and becoming a loyal subject of the totalitarian state.

Key Quotes:

“War is peace, freedom is slavery, ignorance is strength.” – Party Slogan

“Big Brother is watching you.” – Party Slogan

“If you want to keep a secret, you must also hide it from yourself.” – Winston Smith

“The choice for mankind lies between freedom and happiness and for the great bulk of mankind, happiness is better.” – O’Brien

“Nothing was your own except the few cubic centimetres inside your skull.” – Winston Smith

Questions:

How does the novel explore the theme of totalitarianism, and what are the consequences of living in a society governed by an all-powerful state?

What is the role of government surveillance and propaganda in the novel, and how do they contribute to the suppression of individual freedom?

How does the novel illustrate the power of language and propaganda, and what techniques does the party use to manipulate the truth?

What is the significance of Winston’s relationship with Julia, and how does it reflect the novel’s themes of individuality and personal freedom?

How does the novel address issues of conformity and groupthink, and what is the role of the thought police in maintaining conformity?

What is the significance of the torture and brainwashing that Winston undergoes in the Ministry of Love, and how does it contribute to the novel’s themes of power and control?

What is the significance of the character of O’Brien, and what is his role in Winston’s transformation?

How does the novel address issues of memory and history, and what is the role of the party in controlling the past?

What message does the novel convey about the importance of individual freedom and the dangers of totalitarianism?

When it comes to writing research questions for primary school assignments, it can be a bit overwhelming to know where to start. However, by following a few simple steps, you can create practical research questions that will help guide your child’s research and ensure that they can complete their assignment successfully.

Step 1: Identify the Topic

The first step in creating research questions is to identify the topic that your child will be researching. This can be done by looking at the assignment instructions or by brainstorming with your child to determine what topic they are interested in exploring. Once you have identified the topic, you can start to think about the specific questions that your child will need to answer to complete the assignment.

Step 2: Brainstorm Questions

The next step is to brainstorm a list of questions related to the topic. These open-ended questions should encourage your child to think critically about the topic. For example, if the topic is “The Solar System,” some possible questions could include:

1. What are the different planets in our solar system?
2. How do the planets in our solar system differ from each other?
3. What is the sun and how does it relate to the planets in our solar system?
4. What are some of the biggest mysteries about our solar system?

Encourage your child to think creatively and come up with as many questions as possible. This will give them a range of options when it comes time to start their research.

Step 3: Refine the Questions

Once you have a list of questions, it’s time to refine them to make sure they are focused and specific. This will help ensure that your child’s research is targeted and that they can find the information they need to answer the question. For example, instead of the broad question “What are the different planets in our solar system?” you might refine it to “What are the characteristics of each planet in our solar system?”

Step 4: Prioritise the Questions

Not all questions are created equal, and it’s important to help your child prioritize the questions they will be researching. Some questions may be more important to the assignment than others, or your child may be interested in exploring certain topics. Work with your child to prioritize the questions and determine which ones they will focus on for their research.

Step 5: Write the Research Questions

Now that you have a list of focused and prioritised questions, it’s time to write them out clearly and concisely. Ensure that each question is written in a way that is easy for your child to understand and specific enough to guide their research. For example, a well-written research question might look like this: “What are the characteristics of each planet in our solar system, and how do they differ from each other?”

Step 6: Revise and Refine

Once you have written the research questions, take some time to revise and refine them. Make sure they are clear, specific, and focused and that they will guide your child’s research in a meaningful way. You may also want your child to review the questions and make any necessary revisions or additions.

By following these simple steps, you can help your child create practical research questions that will guide their research and ensure that they can complete their assignment successfully. Remember to encourage your child to think creatively and ask questions to help them explore their topic in depth. With a little bit of guidance and support, your child will be able to complete their assignment with confidence and success.

Fahrenheit 451 Study Guide

Author Context:

Fahrenheit 451 was written by Ray Bradbury, an American science-fiction writer who was born on August 22, 1920, and passed away on June 5, 2012. He was a prolific writer, having authored more than 500 works, including novels, short stories, and plays. Bradbury was known for his imaginative storytelling and his ability to create vivid and memorable worlds in his writing. Fahrenheit 451 is one of his most well-known works and is considered a classic of the science fiction genre.

Historical Context:

Fahrenheit 451 was published in 1953, during a time of political and social upheaval in the United States. The Cold War was in full swing, and the threat of nuclear war was very real. The novel reflects the fears and anxieties of the time, as well as the growing concern about censorship and government control. In addition, the rise of television and the decline of reading as a leisure activity was a major concern for Bradbury and is reflected in the novel.

Key Themes:

• Censorship and Government Control: The novel portrays a society where books are banned and the government has complete control over what people can read, watch, and think. This theme raises important questions about the role of government in regulating information and the dangers of censorship.
• Importance of Free Thought: The novel emphasizes the importance of individual thinking and the power of ideas to shape the world. The protagonist, Montag, is initially part of the system that suppresses free thought but ultimately comes to value the ability to think and question for himself.
• Alienation and Loneliness: The novel also explores the theme of alienation and loneliness in a society where individuality is suppressed. Many characters, including Montag, feel isolated and alone in a world where everyone is expected to conform to the same set of values and beliefs.

Key Quotes:

1. “We need not to be let alone. We need to be really bothered once in a while. How long is it since you were really bothered? About something important, about something real?” – This quote, spoken by the character Faber, emphasizes the importance of being able to think critically and be bothered by the issues that matter.
2. “It was a pleasure to burn.” – This opening line of the novel sets the tone for the story and establishes the idea that destruction and violence are celebrated in the society of Fahrenheit 451.
3. “We cannot tell the precise moment when friendship is formed. As in filling a vessel drop by drop, there is at last a drop which makes it run over; so in a series of kindnesses there is at last one which makes the heart run over.” – This quote speaks to the importance of human connection and the power of small acts of kindness to create meaningful relationships.
4. “Stuff your eyes with wonder, live as if you’d drop dead in ten seconds. See the world. It’s more fantastic than any dream made or paid for in factories.” – This quote, spoken by the character Granger, emphasizes the importance of living life to the fullest and experiencing the wonder and beauty of the world around us.
5. “There must be something in books, things we can’t imagine, to make a woman stay in a burning house; there must be something there. You don’t stay for nothing.” – This quote, spoken by Montag, highlights the power of books and the way they can inspire people to take risks and stand up for what they believe in.

Study Guide: Children of Men

Director Details:

“Children of Men” is a 2006 dystopian science fiction film directed by Alfonso Cuarón. Cuarón is a Mexican filmmaker known for his visually stunning and critically acclaimed films, including “Y Tu Mamá También,” “Gravity,” and “Roma.” “Children of Men” was adapted from the 1992 novel of the same name by P.D. James.

Historical Context:

“Children of Men” is set in a near-future world where human fertility has mysteriously declined, and no children have been born for 18 years. The film was released in 2006, at a time when the world was grappling with the consequences of the 9/11 attacks, the Iraq War, and the global refugee crisis. The film’s themes of authoritarianism, xenophobia, and the search for hope in a bleak world resonate strongly with contemporary audiences.

Key Events:

• Theo Faron is approached by his former lover, Julian Taylor, to help transport a young woman, Kee, to safety. It is revealed that Kee is pregnant, and her child may be the first in 18 years.
• Theo and Kee are pursued by various groups, including the government, the military, and a radical immigrant rights group. They eventually find refuge with a group of sympathetic activists called the Human Project.
• In a stunning long-take sequence, Theo navigates a war-torn city to transport Kee and her newborn baby to the Human Project’s ship.

Key Quotes:

“As the sound of the playgrounds faded, the despair set in. Very odd, what happens in a world without children’s voices.” – Miriam

“I can’t really remember when I last had any hope, and I certainly can’t remember when anyone else did either. Because really, since women stopped being able to have babies, what’s left to hope for?” – Theo Faron

“The world was stunned today by the death of Diego Ricardo, the youngest person on the planet, the youngest person on Earth was 18 years, 4 months, 20 days, 16 hours, and 8 minutes old.” – News Anchor

“It’s hard to know what to do, isn’t it? When faced with such hopelessness. But that’s when you gotta dig deep and find a reason to carry on.” – Jasper

Questions:

How does the film explore themes of hopelessness and despair in a world without children?

What is the role of government and military forces in the film, and how do they contribute to the dystopian world depicted in the film?

How does the relationship between Theo and Kee develop throughout the film, and what is the significance of their journey to safety?

What is the role of technology in the film, and how does it both help and hinder the characters’ efforts to survive?

What is the significance of the Human Project, and what hope does it offer for the future?

How does the film address issues of immigration and xenophobia, and what is the role of the Fishes, the radical immigrant rights group?

What is the significance of the long-take sequence, and how does it contribute to the film’s themes of desperation and hope?

What message does the film convey about the importance of human connection and compassion in a world that has lost its humanity?

 

The epic adventure of teaching your child to read can be a rollercoaster. 

Sight words instruction is a fantastic way to support phonics instruction. Phonics assist students with reading in general, but English can be a tricky language to learn solely through phonics. Sight words allow a child to increase their familiarity with the high frequency words he will encounter most often when reading.

What are sight words?

Sight words are the words that appear the most in our reading and writing. These words might not have an “image” that accompanies them. They are high-frequency and must just be memorised to be understood. These words can be difficult for children to memorise if they are solely focused on phonetic awareness. 

What are common sight words?

1. a
2. after
3. again
4. and
5. at
6. away
7. because
8. been
9. before
10. big
11. boy
12. by
13. came
14. come
15. could
16. dad
17. didn’t
18. do
19. down
20. for
21. friend
22. from
23. gave
24. get
25. girl
26. give
27. goes
28. good
29. had
30. have
31. he
32. her
33. him
34. his
35. how
36. I
37. if
38. in
39. into
40. is
41. it
42. like
43. little
44. looked
45. love
46. made
47. make
48. me
49. mum
50. my
51. not
52. of
53. off
54. on
55. one
56. our
57. out
58. over
59. people
60. play
61. run
62. said
63. saw
64. say
65. school
66. see
67. she
68. should
69. so
70. stayed
71. that
72. the
73. their
74. them
75. then
76. there
77. they
78. this
79. to
80. too
81. upon
82. two
83. up
84. us
85. use
86. very
87. was
88. we
89. went
90. were
91. what
92. when
93. where
94. which
95. who
96. why
97. will
98. with
99. you
100. your

How to support your child with their sight words

Learning words is not just about reading and saying them over and over again until they are committed to memory. Getting creative with sight words helps your child’s understanding and in turn, creates more fluency when reading. 

Here are my top three activities for sight words. 

1. Create a book

Using a program like Canva, you can create a custom book with your child where they can choose pictures that they associate with the word. This creates deep engagement with the words as they learn to associate the word with their book. I like this as a creative tool to really get your child thinking about seeing these words written. 

2. Get handsy

Many children find it easier to learn kinesthetically rather than visually or through audio. A fun way to engage this sense is to have the child make the words using playdough or pipe cleaners. 

3. Read every day

It may sound like a chore, but spending five minutes a day reading is going to pay off in dividends. Try some sight words books and see how your child is beginning to use these sight words more fluently. 

 

NAPLAN is an annual assessment for all students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9. It tests the types of skills essential for every child to progress through school and life. The tests cover skills in reading, writing, spelling, grammar and punctuation, and numeracy. The assessments are undertaken every year in the second full week in May. 

NAP sample assessments occur annually on a rolling basis. In 2021, ICT literacy was due to be assessed, having been deferred from 2020 due to COVID-19. However, the ICT literacy test has been deferred again, to 2022, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2019, civics and citizenship was tested and in 2018, science literacy was tested.

NAPLAN Practice Tests Year 3

ACARA

2016	2015	2014	2013
Language Conventions	Language Conventions	Language Conventions	Language Conventions
Numeracy	Numeracy	Numeracy	Numeracy
Writing Prompt	Writing Prompt	Writing Prompt	Writing Prompt
Writing	Writing	Writing	Writing
Reading Magazine	Reading Magazine	Reading Magazine	Reading Magazine
Reading	Reading	Reading	Reading

2012-2016

2008-2011

National Assessment Program

Year 3 Example Tests	Marking
Reading Reading Magazine Language Conventions Numeracy Writing Prompt 1 Writing Prompt 2	Reading Answers Language Conventions Answers Numeracy Answers

Smeebu

http://www.smeebu.com/old

Numeracy	Spelling	Grammar and Punctuation
Year 3A Year 3B	Year 3A Year 3B	Year 3A Year 3B

NAPLAN Practice Tests Year 5

ACARA

2016	2015	2014	2013
Language Conventions	Language Conventions	Language Conventions	Language Conventions
Numeracy	Numeracy	Numeracy	Numeracy
Writing Prompt	Writing Prompt	Writing Prompt	Writing Prompt
Writing	Writing	Writing	Writing
Reading Magazine	Reading Magazine	Reading Magazine	Reading Magazine
Reading	Reading	Reading	Reading

2012-2016

2008-2011

 

National Assessment Program

Year 5 Example Tests	Marking
Reading Reading Magazine Language Conventions Numeracy Writing Prompt 1 Writing Prompt 2	Reading Answers Language Conventions Answers Numeracy Answers

 

Smeebu

http://www.smeebu.com/old

 

Numeracy	Spelling	Grammar and Punctuation
Year 5A Year 5B	Year 5A Year 5B	Year 5A Year 5B

 

NAPLAN Practice Tests Year 7

ACARA

2016	2015	2014	2013
Language Conventions	Language Conventions	Language Conventions	Language Conventions
Numeracy (Calc) Numeracy (Non Calc)	Numeracy (Calc) Numeracy (Non Calc)	Numeracy (Calc) Numeracy (Non Calc)	Numeracy (Calc) Numeracy (Non Calc)
Writing Prompt	Writing Prompt	Writing Prompt	Writing Prompt
Writing	Writing	Writing	Writing
Reading Magazine	Reading Magazine	Reading Magazine	Reading Magazine
Reading	Reading	Reading	Reading

2012-2016

2008-2011

National Assessment Program

 

Example Tests	Marking
Reading Reading Magazine Language Conventions Numeracy (Calc) Numeracy (Non Calc) Writing Prompt 1 Writing Prompt 2	Reading Answers Language Conventions Answers Numeracy Answers

Smeebu

http://www.smeebu.com/old

 

Numeracy	Spelling	Grammar and Punctuation
Year 7A Year 7B	Year 7A Year 7B	Year 7A Year 7B

NAPLAN Practice Tests Year 9

 

ACARA

2016	2015	2014	2013
Language Conventions	Language Conventions	Language Conventions	Language Conventions
Numeracy (Calc) Numeracy (Non Calc)	Numeracy (Calc) Numeracy (Non Calc)	Numeracy (Calc) Numeracy (Non Calc)	Numeracy (Calc) Numeracy (Non Calc)
Writing Prompt	Writing Prompt	Writing Prompt	Writing Prompt
Writing	Writing	Writing	Writing
Reading Magazine	Reading Magazine	Reading Magazine	Reading Magazine
Reading	Reading	Reading	Reading

2012-2016

2008-2011

 

National Assessment Program

Year 9 Example Tests	Marking
Reading Reading Magazine Language Conventions Numeracy (Calc) Numeracy (Non Calc) Writing Prompt 1 Writing Prompt 2	Reading Answers Language Conventions Answers Numeracy Answers

Smeebu 

http://www.smeebu.com/old

 

Numeracy	Spelling	Grammar and Punctuation
Year 9A Year 9B	Year 9A Year 9B	Year 9A Year 9B

 

As an English tutor, I see grammatical issues worsening as the years go on. 

One can put this down to the way it is taught in schools or the relative difficulty of grammar. Still, I genuinely believe that texting culture, Spell Check and general malaise have something to do with this. 

However, as children venture through primary school and then into high school and university, they are still making the same grammatical errors. Whilst Spell Check can fix up the letters of a word being jumbled, it cannot resolve common grammar issues. 

I truly believe that grammar must become a key focus in our schools and our homes. 

Recently, my student told me that he does not consider grammar and punctuation relevant. Whilst this momentarily broke my heart, it also offered me a teaching opportunity. I proceeded to teach him about a sad grandma and a pesky panda.

 

My student was perplexed that a simple line flick could dramatically change someone’s life. And so, it was an effective use of my time. 

Here are three ways that you can help improve your child’s grammar at home:

1. Story-telling in past, present and future

Encourage your child to tell you their daily stories in “past tense” from a young age. Ask them about specific verbs they have conjugated into past tense, i.e. “Ben, how would you say ‘ran’ if you were doing it right now?”. 

2. Read, read, read!

I cannot stress the importance of reading. It is so fundamentally important for you to be reading with your child every day until they can complete the task independently. There are so many exceptional children’s books, so finding content will not be a problem. Why not check out your local library to improve your child’s grammar?

3. Silly stories

Have your child write you “silly” stories that still make grammatical sense. For example, “the purple bunny farted and flew into the sky because it was so forceful”. There are chances to look at nouns, verbs, adjectives and other grammatical elements in silly sentences!

For my students, I always use a service such as Grammarly. Grammarly is a fantastic tool that “reviews spelling, grammar, punctuation, clarity, engagement, and delivery mistakes. It uses AI to identify and search for an appropriate replacement for the error it locates”. 

I use Grammarly myself as a student and teacher because I believe it gamifies the process of correcting your work. Students are engaged when they see their writing score turn from a 60 to an 85, and it encourages them to take more care in their writing in the future. 

Most students use the free version of Grammarly, but there is also a premium version that elevates language use even further.

Students can use it when they are typing emails to their teachers, writing assessments or generally communicating. It will create a habit of checking their grammar and writing in a way that provides them with alternatives and support. 

You can try Grammarly today by clicking the image below.

 

When I started using Canva I didn’t realise the potential that it had to change the way we learn and work. Over time I’ve realised that Canva can be a really powerful tool for teachers and students alike.

What is Canva?

Canva is a tool created by two Perth locals that helps individuals create templated designs from thousands of options in an online platform or through the app. It allows you to use stock photos, different fonts and other elements used by graphic designers around the world. Canva has been used a lot in the business world for social media graphics, presentations and for other important Mitchell marketing materials. But Canva also has great applications for students who are trying to take their skills to the next level. Here are some of the reasons why I love Canva as a resource for students.

Number 1: Practice with web interfaces

As digital natives this next generation of learners have become so accustomed to using web based interfaces to create wonderful and spectacular things. As part of the Australian curriculum, there is a requirement for students to learn how to use multiple different digital interfaces as part of their learning journey. I think Canva is a fantastic resource for students to learn how to design different elements that they will be required to create in their adult lives. They can create PowerPoint presentations, logos for their small businesses, social media graphics, to-do and checklists, important materials for their lives and anything else that they wish to create. Learning to use these design tools will help them in the long-term to become more familiar with how web interfaces and web tools can help them in their career.

Number 2: Improve aesthetics of assessments 

There have always been no students that go above and beyond in the presentation of their assignments for school. Whilst this is often not necessarily part of the rubric that is being marked, it is often looked upon favourably by teachers demonstrating the extra effort the students use to make their work look professional and sophisticated. Students can use Canva to create the finishing touch on their poetry, narrative writing, even their reports. It can really be used to make everything look 10 times better. I personally used it as a resource with one of my students to create a book of sight words to help him learn the meaning behind the words instead of just an arbitrary spelling. He really loves using the system because he could choose the picture that he wanted to associate with the site word and could make it look however he wanted with the appropriate colours and symbols.

No. 3: Artistic Prowess

There are some students who just light up when they are allowed to do art in school. They really get stuck into painting and they love creating different pictures from inside their mind. This is something that we should be encouraging as a standard because art is so powerful and so important in the modern world. Canva can be used as a tool for students to present their artistic designs in a different manner. They can create digital artwork or posters using the software and can even create posters to hang on their walls doors all for their study notes.

Sign up for a free trial for Canva today and see what you can create!

Disclaimer: Perth English Tutor is an affiliate of Canva