Pymble Ladies CollegeTrial Examination 2012Paper 1Text One Postera) Analyse TWO ways the composer utilises visual devices to emphasise that belonging is an individual experience. The composer effectively uses visual devices to emphasise that belonging is an individual experience through the repetitive silhouette of the figure, which paradoxically conveys the different perceptions of belonging. The varied colours and portrayals of the same figure highlight this complex notion, revealing how belonging is a divergent experience for all individuals. Furthermore, the predominant use of dark colours throughout the visual text emphasises the adversity of social exclusion, as it conveys a sense of pessimism and despair.

Text Two Feature Articleb) What aspect of belonging does Hanna Hindstrom consider in her feature article? In her feature article, Hindstrom considers the power of the media in establishing the discriminatory and often violent barriers that obstruct a refugees sense of belonging to the asylum country.

c) Discuss the effect of TWO techniques that enable her to represent her viewpoint. Hindstrom effectively represents this viewpoint through the effective manipulation of literary techniques. She highlights how the use of social media today can exacerbate existing social barriers that undermine a cohesive sense of national identity, achieving this through direct quotations from these sites: the so-called Rohingya are liars, one pro-democracy group said on Twitter. Furthermore, the empathic and powerful language used in the statement no doubt Burmans nascent media freedom has played a key role in stirring up religious tensions, with the use of superlative terms emphasising her belief in the power of social media in creating social barriers. Thus, the composer successfully portrays the idea that the media have a significant influence in establishing and perpetuating racial prejudices.

Text Three Autobiography Extractd) How does the composer evoke the significance of empathy to belonging? The composer effectively evokes the significance of empathy to belonging through the clever use of literary techniques. The use of personal anecdotes affirms the composers belief in the power of empathy to creating a sense of belonging, where a lack of compassion and understanding undermines our relationships: I had trouble distinguishing the heroine or coward of those terrible war scenes in my mind. Likewise, the antithesis of the heroine and the coward reiterates how a lack of empathy can distort an individuals sense of belonging. This is reaffirmed through the paradoxical statement I knew, in a confused way. Furthermore, rhetorical questions are effectively used throughout the text to convey the sense of disorientation and dislocation that emerges from a lack of empathy, as the composer states But I begin to see. What is one of the first signs of a disintegrating life? The signficance of empathy in establishing a profound and meaningful experience of belonging is illuminated in the truncated statement, It was also impossible, except on the surface, where the superlative language also embodies the composers firm belief in the importance of compassion. Furthermore, the contemplative and questioning tone of the statement Perhaps if I had not run away so hard, I might have worked out some things I am only now beginning to see highlights the composers regret over his own distorted experience of belonging as a result of his lack of empathy. Thus, the composer successfully illustrates the power of empathy in establishing an affirmative experience of belonging.

Texts One, Two and Threee) Compare and contrast the representations of belonging in any TWO of these texts. In your discussion, comment on the ideas, form and features of both texts. 6Texts Two and Three both represent unique and complex ideas of belonging through the effective use of forms and language features. Text Two reveals how racism is the most prominent and fundamental barrier to producing a holistic and national sense of belonging. The symbolism of the darkness of discrimination illustrates the adversity of these prejudices in obstructing an experience of belonging, as the composer discusses the shadow on the countrys democratic progress. Furthermore, the use of superlative language, in the statement the countrys worst sectarian violence in decades, highlights the profound and detrimental nature of xenophobia, whilst also illuminating the dangers associated with this racism. Furthermore, the references to the derogatory and insulting slurs, including kalar, reveal the widespread and collective nature of racism in Burma. The composers astonishment and dismay is conveyed in the shocked tone of the statement the sheer level of racism against them in Burmese society, enforced by a government policy of discrimination and abuse. Thus, through the manipulation of form and feature, Text Two explores how racism prolongs the existence of isolation, thereby undermining national identity and pride. Furthermore, Text Three highlights the innate sense of isolation that emerges from our inability to understand or appreciate the past, which thereby undermines our experience of belonging, a notion that is revealed through the effective use of form and feature. The personas incapacity to empathise with his parents, who are Holocaust survivors is embodied in the statement we failed to see our life from her perspective. This lack of understanding then distorts his experience of belonging, resulting in a deep sense of disillusionment. This is embodied in the accumulation of negative images, including obsessive thoughts and guilty at causing them any further pain. Likewise, this alienation is illustrated by the truncated statement we were not particularly happy children, which heightens the sense of unhappiness and discontentment felt by the persona as a result of his inability to empathise with his parents struggles. The repetition of we resented reiterates this concern. Thus, Text Three illuminates the inherent isolation that arises from an individuals incapacity to understand the past, resulting in a very adverse experience of belonging. Ultimately, Texts Two and Three represent the diverse nature of belonging through the effective use of form and feature. They each highlight divergent yet relevant notions related to an individuals experience of belonging.