How to write a short texts essay

Step one
Choose the right question. For example, a question on characters would not suit the poems we have studied. Make sure you can answer all parts of the question. If you choose a question that involves words like “think differently” or how your “opinion has changed” make sure you clearly state what you thought before, what you think now, and what made you change your mind. Remember “analyse how” means “what methods has the author used” – it is the perfect opportunity to bring in some language techniques.

For example, the question “For each of the texts, analyse how the writers presented a positive or negative view of society” would be suitable for the three poems we have studied.

Step two
Plan. Do not start writing before you have planned how you will approach the question. It is not “everything I know about the poems” but an analysis of an aspect of the poetry studied. You will need supporting evidence; jot down a few quotes while you remember them.

One possible essay plan could be:
Introduction – titles, authors, topic, summary of poems
Paragraph 1 – analysis of “The Womb”: negative view of humanity, destroying land
Paragraph 2 – analysis of “The Road Builders”: positive view of humanity, admirable qualities of builders
Paragraph 3 – contrast poems, give reasons for their different perspectives, relate to NZ society today
Conclusion – sum up main ideas, reflect on what you’ve learned from poetry study

Step three
Write your essay. Remember to underline or use quotation marks for titles of poems, leave a space between paragraphs, and use two or three quotes to support your ideas in each paragraph.

“The Womb” by Apirana Taylor presents a negative view of humanity by personifying the land to show how it has been destroyed by settlers. “The Road Builders” by Denis Glover, on the other hand, presents a positive view of humanity through metaphorical language. He shows us how difficult it was to build roads, and admires the unacknowledged builders.

Taylor’s poem “The Womb” shows humanity in a negative light. The reader feels guilty and ashamed when confronted with direct language such as “your fires burnt my forests”. Taylor uses personification in lines such as “your ploughs… scarred my face” to show how human action has damaged the land. The narrator in the poem is the land; by using the possessive adjectives “your” Taylor is able to present his point of view that humanity is a destructive force.

Remember the aim of this essay is to compare two poems; it shouldn’t read like two separate essays. Link paragraphs together to show a logical progression of ideas, for example “On the other hand…” “In contrast…” “A different perspective is shown…” “Although on a similar theme…”

In contrast, Glover’s poem “The Road Builders” presents a positive view of humanity. He uses words with positive connotations, for example “skill”, “strength”, “wonder” and “admirable” to present the road builders in a favourable light. Glover also uses personification, however unlike Taylor his references to “stubborn clay” put the land in a negative light. The extended metaphor in the second verse comparing road building to a war (legion, fighting, scarring) shows us that it was a difficult task, but men were triumphant due to their skill, strength and patience. Glover’s poem shows pride in the achievements of humanity.

So far it’s an Achievement level; we have analysed specified aspects of two poems. To get to a Merit or Excellence level, you should show an awareness of themes and author’s purpose; show your position as a reader; make links beyond the text.

Although both poems deal with the theme of man’s relationship with nature, they show very different perspectives. Taylor writes from a Maori cultural perspective, where the land is personified in the form of Papatuaanuku. He expresses anger at the way traditional Maori beliefs and values have been disregarded by European “settlers and farmers”, and shows us the desecration of the land with graphic images such as “charred bones” and “scarred my face”. Glover, however, shows us the European point of view. He sees humanity as a positive force, bringing order from chaos, “fighting the tangled bush” to make a better future for their descendants. This conflict is something that New Zealand society is still struggling with, as seen in Waitangi Day protests or arguments over ownership of the foreshore and seabed.

Apirana Taylor’s poem “The Womb” and Denis Glover’s poem “The Road Builders” present contrasting yet valid views of humanity. By studying them the reader learns that we must gain greater awareness of, and respect for, cultural viewpoints other than our own to avoid conflict in New Zealand society.

This example essay is 413 words long; your essay should be at least 300 words long, and to develop your ideas in sufficient depth, you should be aiming for 400-500 words. However, do not waste time in an exam or test by counting your words! You should have a good idea from your practice essays how long an essay should be. The marker will not count your words; they will only look at your ideas.