The Oasis - Exploring Issues Through Language

Australian curriculum content descriptions:

Year 9 English:

• Interpret, analyse and evaluate how different perspectives of issue, event, situation, individuals or groups are constructed to serve specific purposes in texts (ACELY1742)
• Explore and explain the combinations of language and visual choices that authors make to present information, opinions and perspectives in different texts (ACELY1745)

Year 10 English:

• Identify and analyse implicit or explicit values, beliefs and assumptions in texts and how these are influenced by purposes and likely audiences (ACELY1752)
• Use comprehension strategies to compare and contrast information within and between texts, identifying and analysing embedded perspectives, and evaluating supporting evidence (ACELY1754)

Year 11 English:

Unit 1

• explaining the ways text structures, language features and stylistic choices are used in different types of texts (ACEEN005)
• analysing how vocabulary, idiom and rhetoric are used for different purposes and contexts (ACEEN006)
• the use of imaginative, persuasive and interpretive techniques (ACEEN010)
• combining visual, spoken and written elements where appropriate (ACEEN013)
• using evidence-based argument (ACEEN014)

Unit 2

• explaining the relationship between purpose and context (ACEEN021)
• analysing the style and structure of texts including digital texts (ACEEN022)
• analysing the ways language features, text structures and stylistic choices shape points of view and influence audiences (ACEEN024)
• analysing how attitude and mood are created, for example, through the use of humour in satire and parody. (ACEEN027)
• the impact of language and structural choices on shaping own and others’ perspectives (ACEEN028)
• selecting and applying appropriate textual evidence to support arguments (ACEEN035)

Year 12 English:

Unit 3

• analysing and evaluating how similar themes, ideas or concepts are treated in different texts.(ACEEN043)
• the ways language patterns can create shades of meaning (ACEEN047)
• making innovative and imaginative use of language features (ACEEN051)
• sustaining analysis and argument (ACEEN053)

Unit 4

• undertaking close analysis of texts (ACEEN060)
• the ways points of view and values are represented (ACEEN067)
• using appropriate language and stylistic features to sustain a personal voice and point of view(ACEEN069)
• synthesising ideas and opinions to develop complex argument (ACEEN071)
• substantiating and justifying their own responses using textual evidence (ACEEN072)

Syllabus Outcomes: EN5-1A, EN5-2A, EN5-8D.

General capabilities: Critical and Creative Thinking, Ethical Understanding, Literacy.

Unit of work: THE OASIS- English

Time required: 120 minutes (or 2x 60 minutes)

Level of teacher scaffolding: Medium – facilitate discussion.

• Student Worksheet – one copy per student OR computers/tablets to access the online worksheet
• Device capable of presenting a website to the class
• Access to THE OASIS documentary on Vimeo. Butcher’s paper, ‘AGREE’ and ‘DISAGREE’ signs, string or masking tape.

This resource has been adapted from ‘Teaching Social Issues Through English’ developed with the English Teachers Association NSW and the ‘Youth Homelessness Matters Resource’ developed by Janice Atkin. You can find these resources here.