GRADE 11
ENGLISH HL
COMPLETE STUDY RESOURCE
, Diamond Boy
By Michael Williams
#1
Introduction
These notes and activities will guide you through the novel and prepare you for your tests and exams.
The resource pack should be used in conjuction with the Oxford edition of the text as it includes
comprehensive questions on the chapters, with suggested answers provided online. The text also
provides thought-provoking questions in the margin which alert you to specific aspects of the text:
characterisation, style, plot, themes etc.
Having a good overview of the text you are studying ensures more confidence when selecting and/or
completing an exam question.
You can prepare for your exam by making sure you have a good understanding of the Plot, the
Character and the Themes.
#2
The Plot
• What is the text all about? What happens?
• What causes conflict and how is it resolved?
• What is the height of the conflict?
• Is it personal, found in the action or do the
circumstances or setting contribute to the drama?
TAKE NOTE:
It is a good idea to draw a timeline of the full action,
identifying the points of conflict and their resolution. Make as
many notes around the timeline as possible.
, Why is it Important to Know the Plot?
❖ By knowing and understanding the plot, you can
immediately place a contextual extract in context.
❖ You are then able to recall what happens before or after the
extract. This is important as it is very probable that the
extract has been selected because it forms part of a dramatic
event, results in one, or follows on from one.
❖ When writing an essay, specifics of what happens can be
vital in shaping your opinion and argument.
REMEMBER:
The Oxford text provides a wide range of questions to guide you
through the plot.
#3
The Characters
• You need to get to know the characters. You read about what
they do, but you also need to read between the lines.
• What do their actions and words tell you about them?
• What do other people say about them?
• What are their motivations?
• Are they honest or are they not what they appear to be?
• Are they flat or round characters? Do they grow, change or
develop, or do they stay the same?
REMEMBER:
Remember to include quotes to support your opinions as you may need these
if you decide to complete an essay question rather than a contextual question.
, Why is it Important to Know
About the Characters?
❖ The focus of your contextual question may be related to how
and why characters are reacting in a particular way.
❖ If you understand the characters, and have an opinion of
them, you will be guided to answer the question accurately
BUT do remember to look at the question carefully as it may
be specific to the extract, or it may require you to consider
the character in terms of the full text.
❖ Understanding what makes characters ‘tick’ can offer
excellent guidance when completing an essay.
TAKE NOTE:
For each character, use the CHARACTER TEMPLATE page provided below,
where you can jot down details as you read the novel, and then summarise the
development or change (if any) in the character. Adapt the template to suit
your needs.
ENGLISH HL
COMPLETE STUDY RESOURCE
, Diamond Boy
By Michael Williams
#1
Introduction
These notes and activities will guide you through the novel and prepare you for your tests and exams.
The resource pack should be used in conjuction with the Oxford edition of the text as it includes
comprehensive questions on the chapters, with suggested answers provided online. The text also
provides thought-provoking questions in the margin which alert you to specific aspects of the text:
characterisation, style, plot, themes etc.
Having a good overview of the text you are studying ensures more confidence when selecting and/or
completing an exam question.
You can prepare for your exam by making sure you have a good understanding of the Plot, the
Character and the Themes.
#2
The Plot
• What is the text all about? What happens?
• What causes conflict and how is it resolved?
• What is the height of the conflict?
• Is it personal, found in the action or do the
circumstances or setting contribute to the drama?
TAKE NOTE:
It is a good idea to draw a timeline of the full action,
identifying the points of conflict and their resolution. Make as
many notes around the timeline as possible.
, Why is it Important to Know the Plot?
❖ By knowing and understanding the plot, you can
immediately place a contextual extract in context.
❖ You are then able to recall what happens before or after the
extract. This is important as it is very probable that the
extract has been selected because it forms part of a dramatic
event, results in one, or follows on from one.
❖ When writing an essay, specifics of what happens can be
vital in shaping your opinion and argument.
REMEMBER:
The Oxford text provides a wide range of questions to guide you
through the plot.
#3
The Characters
• You need to get to know the characters. You read about what
they do, but you also need to read between the lines.
• What do their actions and words tell you about them?
• What do other people say about them?
• What are their motivations?
• Are they honest or are they not what they appear to be?
• Are they flat or round characters? Do they grow, change or
develop, or do they stay the same?
REMEMBER:
Remember to include quotes to support your opinions as you may need these
if you decide to complete an essay question rather than a contextual question.
, Why is it Important to Know
About the Characters?
❖ The focus of your contextual question may be related to how
and why characters are reacting in a particular way.
❖ If you understand the characters, and have an opinion of
them, you will be guided to answer the question accurately
BUT do remember to look at the question carefully as it may
be specific to the extract, or it may require you to consider
the character in terms of the full text.
❖ Understanding what makes characters ‘tick’ can offer
excellent guidance when completing an essay.
TAKE NOTE:
For each character, use the CHARACTER TEMPLATE page provided below,
where you can jot down details as you read the novel, and then summarise the
development or change (if any) in the character. Adapt the template to suit
your needs.
