Thinking about writing

Today we took a step away from Trainspotting and started to look at our next task: producing a piece of writing.

I split folk up into groups and asked everyone to put together an essay that was, literally, in pieces. The idea of this was for you to work out the logical sequencing of ideas in the essay and to identify elements like the introduction and conclusion. Of course, some visually astute students noticed that I didn't cut it up very well and achieved this quite quickly by using their jig-saw skills rather than their language analysis skills.

We also chatted briefly about what we mean by an essay. There were some thoughtful suggestions on this: for example: something based on fact; something that has an argument. Does anyone know the origin of the word "essay"? That in itself gives us an idea of what an essay is. And does an essay need to be written?

I also asked you, in groups, to come up with what you regarded as the aspects of a good essay. You did this very well and came up with an excellent set of criteria. These related to the technical aspects of writing (grammar, spelling, punctuality! (or punctuation as I like to call it)); structure; the development of an argument or idea; good introductions and conclusions; strong planning and research.

Thanks to Roxine for making sense of all the different ideas and structuring your ideas and James and Joe for the photos of your work (I'm thinking of submitting these for the Turner Prize).

Trainspotting adjectives

Here are the adjectives that you used to describe Trainspotting in your discussions ........

Funny, interesting, partly-disgusting, frightening, depressing, dark, realistic, imaginative, rough, unforgiving, stylised, grim, stunning soundtrack, very thought-provoking, very engaging, challenging, satirical, powerful, graphic, sinister, dangerous journey, grisly, horrific, gratuitous, honest, original, casual, intense, youthful, bizarre, horrible, disturbing, good, surreal, gritty, fast-paced, controversial, aggressive, Scottish, hilariously funny, rollercoaster rush, unforgettable, astonishing, fearless, charming, opinionated, moving, vibrant, gritty, bleak, black, unreserved, anti-establishment, sharp, witty, entertaining, poetic, sleazy, intense, grimy, psychedelic, Ewen-McGregor-ish, eye-opening, vivid, imaginative extroverted, cocky, catastrophic, original, creative, sad, desperate, criminal ...

These are great. Also they can be used as a useful word-bank for writing about film.

If I've left any out you can add them as a comment.

Conkrete Jungle Productions

Graeme sent me a link to his and Joe's production company Conkrete Jungle Productions - you should all ceheck it out if you haven't already. You'll find two short films on the site.

I really like the scripting, acting and editing.

See what you think for yourself:

http://conkretejungleproductions.com/

Discussions - Part 2

Today we continued with the discussions on Trainspotting. What I have found interesting is that none of the discussions of have been the same, although we have touched on common points. Each discussion explored the ideas and opinions brought up by people in the different groups.

In a very general sense toady we talked about the adjectives used to describe the film. Here are some from today: vibrant, poetic, violent, surreal, aggressive, fearless, graphic, gritty, eye-opening, catastrophic, cocky ... I'll add the ones on from last week when I get my hands on them.

We also talked about the degree to which the film was real and surreal at the same time, the representation of drug use, the representation of Scotland, the technical achievements of the film, and people's general opinion of the impact of the film.

Thanks to everyone who came in for the discussions - they were very useful to help clarify what people felt about the film.

Have a good break.

Starting the discussions

Thanks to everyone who turned up as scheduled today for the group discussions.

We had three interesting, but different, discussions about the issues and stylistic elements of the film.

We will continue with the discussions next week. Remember you don't need to come in next week, if you were here this week. However, if you missed today, then you need to come in next week.

If you have any queries on this, drop me an email: jerryoneill@stevenson.ac.uk

Preparing for discussions

Today I outlined our plans for the next couple of weeks. For the next two weeks there will be seminar-type discussions based around our thoughts and study of Trainspotting.

I gave out a handout which outlined what needs to be done in preparation for the discussion. Everyone should prepare notes around the following topics:

- Choose five adjectives to describe this film.

- How is Scotland represented in this film?

- Does this film glamourise drug-use?

- Discuss a scene which you find memorable or effective.

- Discuss a performance which you found memorable or effective.

- Discuss the use of colour or music in this film.

You need to have notes to take part in the discussion.

We also looked at the idea of critical thought and expression by looking at a method based around statements, evidence and comment: SEC (see previous post).

I've divided the class into five groups. Three groups will be in next week, two the week after.

Below you'll see a schedule for each group. Please ensure that you turn up at 15 minutes prior to the discussion (apologies for the poor quality of the image).