I am not Esther

I am not Esther
Unit Plan
TER, Term 2, 2016

I am not Esther

Contents:
Pre-reading
Discussion Questions
Creative writing opener and plot diagram
Predict
KWS chart
Reading
Close reading and discussion questions
Vocabulary
Plot diagram
Crossword
Character
Chapter 1: Initial impressions
Chapter 2: Bullies
Chapter 2: Kirby
Chapter 4: Three-level guide
Chapter 7 / 8: Drama scripts
o A: Going to school
o B: At the dinner table
o C: In the girl's bedroom
o D: Aunt Naomi gets sick
o E: The ambulance arrives
o F: At the hospital
Venn diagram
Style / Structure
Method of narration
Plot structure
Theme
Brainstorm
Quotes
Conflict chart
Getting ready for the exam
Study notes
Character notes
Character development map
SOLO taxonomy
Previous exam questions: Character
Summative Exam (BDSC, 2014, Y10 End of Year exam)
Web resources

I am not Esther

I am not Esther

Pre reading

I am not Esther

Discussion questions
Do you fit in?

How do you make sure

you fit in?

What happens if you

look different to
people?

How do you
adjust to new
routines?

How do you feel if you do

not fit in?

What might you

do if you don't fit
in?

I am not Esther

Creative writing opener

Write a story based on one of the following scenarios:

Your parent(s) tell you that you will need to live with your uncle for a while because they have an
unfulfilled dream they want to achieve
Your parent(s) tell you that you are all leaving town to go and live in Wellington. You have to leave
everyone and everything you are familiar with and go with them.

Use the following diagram to help you plan:

I am not Esther

Creative writing plot diagram

I am not Esther

Predict

Using the pictures, predict what you think the novel, "I am not Esther" might be about.

I am not Esther

KWS Chart
What do you already know about the novel, "I am not Esther"?
What would you like to find out? Where might you go to start finding out that knowledge?

I am not Esther

I am not Esther

Reading

I am not Esther

Close reading and discussion questions:

Chapter 1 2
(pp. 7 57)
Comprehension:
Discussion:
1. What triggers Kirbys mother into telling her 1. Why do you think Kirby just goes along with
that theyre moving to Wellington after
her mothers actions? What do we know
Christmas?
about their relationship?
2. Where is Ellen really going?
2. What images and perceptions do you have
3. What is the name of the sect Uncle Caleb
about religious communities? Where do
and his family belong to?
these ideas come from?
4. How does Uncle Caleb deal with Kirby/
6. How would you act in Kirbys situation at the
Esthers disobedience?
Pilgrim house?
5. Why is Magdalene worried that Esther is
going to die?
Chapter 3 4
(pp. 58 84)
Comprehension
Discussion
1. What is Kirby looking for in Uncle Calebs
1. What do you think the great experiment is
study?
that is referred to in the letters Kirby finds in
2. Who discovers her there?
Uncle Calebs study?
3. Why do the family drive so many different
2. How much do we know of Miriams story?
cars?
3. On p. 81 Kirby says always it was the men
4. What game do Rebecca and Rachel play at
who controlled what the women could do.
the shop?
Do you agree? What other examples back
5. What happens to disrupt the family picnic
up your view?
by the lake?
Chapter 5 6
(pp. 66 103)
Comprehension
Discussion
1. What event will take place when Kirby/
1. Both Kirbys mother and Mrs Fletcher say
Esther turns sixteen, according to Charity
that you cant love anyone when you cant
and Damaris?
love yourself. What do they mean?
2. Why do some members think its a good
2. What is Daniels role in the family, and how
idea for the community to move to Nelson?
does this affect his decision? Is Kirby right
3. Why doesnt Daniel want to marry Damaris?
when she says it will be worse for him than
4. How does Esther/Kirby save Aunt Naomi?
for her (p.101)?
5. What is the new baby called?
3. Damaris says she likes to keep the Rule it
makes her feel safe in the love of the Lord.
Is Kirby arrogant to think she is right and
Damaris and Charity are wrong?
Chapter 7 8
(pp. 134 173)
Comprehension
Discussion
1. What wakes Kirby in the middle of the night
1. At the end of chapter 7, Kirby says a prayer
when there is a crisis at the hospital?
for Zillah. Is that significant? Why?
2. What does Mrs Fletcher tell Kirby about her
2. Why do the Council of Elders disapprove of
mother?
state (and university) education? Should
3. Why has Uncle Caleb been stood down from
they be allowed to move to Nelson and set
the Council of Elders?
up their own school?
4. What happens when Daniel refuses to marry
Damaris?
5. What does Kirby decide to do with her
Esther clothes?
Chapter 9 10
(pp. 174 207)
Comprehension
Discussion
1. Who is Rory Ashton?
1. Is Kirby right in thinking Louisa and Gemma
2. Who do Kirby and Daniel go and live with?
couldnt understand what she had been
3. Where does Kirby find her mother?
through? Why?
4. Why does Kirby make herself so incredibly
2. Is Daniel right in saying that Kirby should
busy?
not see Maggie again that it would split
5. How does she see The Children of the Faith
her loyalties p.181)?
one last time?
3. Why is Kirby so afraid of being honest with
her mother and the psychologist about her

I am not Esther
feelings?

Vocabulary
For each chapter:
1. Write out the sentence that each word from the boxes bellow occurs in. Underline the word and
write a definition for the word IN THAT CONTEXT.
2. Write a 2 sentence summary of the plot.
3. Write 1 question the chapter raises.
4. Write one prediction about what will follow.
Chapter 1
Marionette
Efficient
Frenetic
Tentatively
Wince
atonement
Chapter 3
Appalling
Repented
Dissident
Travail
Buzzard
Endured
Chapter 5
Lenient
Transgressed
Betrothal
Sumptuous
Riveted
Chapter 7
Diversion
Negotiations

Chapter 9
Antagonistic
Hauled
Contaminator
Mimicked
Eviction
Psychiatric

Chapter 2
Blasphemy
Spiralling
Flippant
Unassuming
Chaste
Eerie
Chapter 4
Recite
Dredge
Infamy
Frivolous
Intently
Keening
Chapter 6
Giddy
Immensely
Skewered
Resume
Iniquity
Expunged
Chapter 8
Flounced
Welter
Impropriety
Exceedingly
Affliction
Decrees
Chapter 10
Collided
Abandoning
Relapse
Savagely
Reserved
Devout

I am not Esther

Plot diagram: I am not Esther

I am not Esther

Crossword
Complete the crossword below:

Helpful words: A hundred; Africa; Airmail; Antagonistic; Ashamed; Bawling; Bruises; Contaminator; Cry;
Duckie; Fletcher; Jim; Los Angeles; Louisa; McDonalds; Nina; Psychiatric; Rory; Wednesday; Wellington

I am not Esther

Crossword Answers
Complete the crossword below:

Helpful words: A hundred; Africa; Airmail; Antagonistic; Ashamed; Bawling; Bruises; Contaminator; Cry;
Duckie; Fletcher; Jim; Los Angeles; Louisa; McDonalds; Nina; Psychiatric; Rory; Wednesday; Wellington

I am not Esther

I am not Esther

Character

I am not Esther

Chapter 1 - Character: Initial impressions

Join the character to the characteristic that best describes that character.
For each characteristic, provide an example from the text to show how the character displayed that
characteristic. Write one sentence to explain why the character acted in that particular way at that point
in the text.
Colour in, or decorate, each figure to represent the character

Characteristics
Caring
Kind
Sensible
Emotional

Kirby

Determined
Formal
Secretive
Religious
Trusting

Kirbys mum (Ellen/Martha)

Afraid
Ambitious
Resourceful
Regretful
Sociable

Uncle Caleb

Organised

I am not Esther

Character: Chapter 2 - Bullies

Uncle Caleb bullies Kirby into accepting their way of live by preying on her good
nature.

Match the explanations to the different aspects of bullying. What other explanations can you add?
Makes them kneel
Keeps them there a long time
Makes them pray together
Ignores the emotional pain of others

I am not Esther

Character: Chapter 2 - Kirby

Find examples from Chapter 2 to show how Kirby is good natured

When writing about characters, we need to explain why they do certain things.
Complete the following table to explain why Kirby does these things.
Outward action

Inner emotion

Kirby held out her

To comfort Magdalene
arms towards
because she was crying
Magdalene
Match the
explanations to the
different aspects of bullying. What
Kirby calls can you add?
other explanations
Magdalene
"Princess"
Makes them
kneel
Keeps them there a long time
Makes
them
pray
together
Kirby
says
"Holy
cow!"
Ignores the
emotional pain of
others
Kirby clowned
around for
Magdalene
Kirby leaves her top
blouse buttons
undone
Kirby picked up the
basket of washing

Reasons why
Magdalene was upset
Magdalene was only 5
Kirby is a caring person
Kirby is sensitive

I am not Esther

Chapter 4: 3-level guide

Justify your answer with examples from the text.
Statement
Kirby is not in
Whanganui
The cult is called
"Circle of
Fellowship"
Kirby's mum's
gear is hidden in
the garage
Miriam is a bit
older then Kirby
Uncle Caleb lied
to the family
about what
happened to
Miriam
Kirby blames her
Mother for making
her like a refugee
Miriam's artistic
tendencies
caused her to
leave the family
home
The whole family
misses Miriam
Maggie becomes
like a limp rag
doll because she
is sick.
Ghosts exist
Parents should
leave their
children crying for
hours.
When parents
leave their
children, they
should keep in
touch.

True /
False

Why / Why not?

I am not Esther

Understanding Character:
Drama scripts

I am not Esther

Drama script A:
Going to school
(pg 80 81)
Using the script provided, prepare and present a mini-drama based on the events happening in the
novel.
6 roles:

Magdalene; Naomi; Kirby; Damaris; Charity; Ms Chandler

Maggie

I am going to school today Esther.

Naomi

Let me braid your hair today Esther. You must keep to the Rule while you are at
school. It is very important. Do you understand?
Yes Aunt Naomi.

Kirby
Naomi

There! That is as seemly as I can make your hair. Do not forget your scarf. Daniel
will take Magdalene to school, but I would like you to collect her and the boys
afterwards.

Kirby

Yes Aunt!

Kirby
Damaris
Kirby
Charity
Kirby
Damaris

Ive never worn a skirt before I came here.

But what did you wear to school last year?
Shorts or track pants. We could wear them or a skirt. Im allergic to skirts,
We do just enough to stop us getting teased
Dont you mind breaking the Rule?
We prayed about it and it came to us that the Lord was not offended.

Damaris
Kirby
Charity
Ms Chandler
Kirby
Ms Chandler
Kirby
Ms Chandler

Did you not go before you left home?

Theres mirrors in toilets! I want to see if Im still here.
We will wait for you
Now, who are you?
Kirby Greenland
Your name isnt on my list.
Oh. Esther Pilgrim. Is that there?
Yes, thats here. Now, what is your name, young woman? Are you Esther, or are
you Kirby?
She is Esther Pilgrim, Ms Chandler.

Charity

Reflection:

What was it like to be your character?

What were some difficulties you found in becoming someone different?
What were some things you related to in the way the character dealt with things?

I am not Esther

Drama script B:
At the dinner table
(pg 88 89)
Using the script provided, prepare and present a mini-drama based on the events happening in the
novel.
4 Roles:

Caleb; Rachel; Abraham; Luke

Others can sit in on the dinner table scene as Naomi, Magdalene, Rebecca and Daniel
Caleb
Rachel

You will call her Miss or Mrs. She is either married or not. I suggest you call her
Miss.
Yes father

Make up your own script to fill this gap. Luke had the same teacher as last year and Abraham had
a new one.
Abraham
Caleb
Abraham
Caleb
Kirby
Caleb
Kirby
Caleb
Kirby
Caleb
Kirby
Caleb
Caleb

Shes cool!
Do not use unseemly language, Abraham. Try again, if you please.
Miss Rivers is a very nice person.
You wore your hair unbraided today, Esther.
Yes
At least you are honest. But in future, you will keep your hair braided. The women
of our faith are modest in thought and appearance. Braided hair does not draw
attention to itself.
Its my hair and Ill wear it how I like!
Resume your seat child. That was a most unseemly display. We will pray for you
after the meal.
No! I wont be prayed over! I wont wear my hair in a dumb plait it looks ghastly
and I hate it! No dumb man is going to lust after my hair, its the most stupid rule I
ever heard!
Go to your room and wait until I call you for prayer. You will spend tomorrow in the
discipline room and you will braid your hair.
If you think my hair is a temptation then theres a way round that!
Go to your room and wait!
Do not talk to your sister!

Reflection:

What was it like to be your character?

What were some difficulties you found in becoming someone different?
What were some things you related to in the way the character dealt with things?

I am not Esther

Drama script C:
The girls in the bedroom
(pg 90)
Using the script provided, prepare and present a mini-drama based on the events happening in the
novel.
4 or 5 Roles: Rebecca; Rachel; Maggie; Naomi; Caleb; Rachel; Abraham; Luke
Kirby
(whispering)
Rebecca
(whispering)
Kirby
Rebecca
Rebecca
Rachel
Kirby
Rachel
Kirby
Rebecca
Maggie
Naomi

Please can you look out for Magdalene tomorrow? Give her a hug and stuff?
Your hair is a mess!
An ungodly mess!
Beulah would have narked on you. Shes a cow that girl.
Sorry! But watch out for her. She is fifteen and thinks she can boss us all because
she will be getting married next month.
Poor Eli! Except that he is so wet, he deserves her.
I dont know her. So how can I watch out for her?
Yes you do! She is the one at the fellowship meeting who thought she was too old
to come outside with us.
Oh! Skinny with buck teeth and pretty hair.
Outward appearance does not matter. It is the purity of the should that should
concern you, child.
The price of a good woman is above rubies. What does that mean? How much was
Rubys price?
Good night girls. Say your prayers and may God keep you until morning.

Reflection:

What was it like to be your character?

What were some difficulties you found in becoming someone different?
What were some things you related to in the way the character dealt with things?

I am not Esther

Drama script D:
Aunt Naomi gets sick
(pg 97)
Using the script provided, prepare and present a mini-drama based on the events happening in the
novel.
3 roles:
Kirby
Naomi
Kirby
Naomi
Naomi
Kirby
Man
Kirby
Kirby
Kirby
Man
Kirby
Man

Kirby; Naomi; Man

Aunt? I am going to stay with you today.
Thank you, Esther. I do not feel very well, it will be good to have you here.
Should I get a doctor?
No. I will try to sleep a little. I am glad you are here.
Moaning.
Stop! Please stop and help me!
Whats up, kid?
Its my aunt. I think shes dying and theres no phone!
Ambulance
Oh, thank you!
You want me to come in and wait with you?
My aunt would be upset. She is very religious and she would think it was wrong.
Dont ask me why.
Okay then. Hope shell be all right.

Reflection:

What was it like to be your character?

What were some difficulties you found in becoming someone different?
What were some things you related to in the way the character dealt with things?

I am not Esther

Drama script E:
The ambulance arrives
(pg 98)
Using the script provided, prepare and present a mini-drama based on the events happening in the
novel.
3 Roles:
Kirby
Tony
Kirby
Tony
Kirby
Tony
Kirby
Tony
Kirby
Tony
Kirby
Tony
Kirby
Tony
Kirby
Tony
Tony

Kirby; Tony; One other ambulance person

In here, my aunt is in here.
How long has she been sick?
Sunday. She didnt seem very well on Sunday.
What date is the baby due?
March, I think. Im not sure.
Youre not sure?
Its the religion. They prayed. They said shed be all right. They wont tell me
anything.
Shell have to have a Caesarean. Will that be a problem?
No. I dont think so.
Good. Well take here to hospital. Can you come? Well need to know how to
contact her husband.
Sit there
Shes very sick, isnt she?
Yes, but well have her to hospital double quick.
Whats wrong with her? My uncle wont tell me. Hell say I dont need to know but
I do!
Shes very ill. Its called pre eclamptic toxaemia. Johns radioed the hospital to tell
them to have specialists waiting. Theyll take her straight to theatre.
They only use the siren when its real bad dont they?
Yes, thats right. Youd best be prepared. This is an extreme emergency. Your aunt
is very, very ill.
Theyre looking after her. How do we get hold of her husband? You did well, lassie.
All we can do now is wait.

Reflection:

What was it like to be your character?

What were some difficulties you found in becoming someone different?
What were some things you related to in the way the character dealt with things?

I am not Esther

Drama script F:
At the hospital
(pg 99 - 101)
Using the script provided, prepare and present a mini-drama based on the events happening in the
novel.
3 Roles:
Kirby
Daniel
Kirby
Daniel

Kirby
Daniel
Daniel
Caleb
Caleb
Daniel
Caleb
Daniel
Caleb
Kirby
Caleb

Kirby; Daniel; Caleb

Oh Daniel, Im so pleased to see you!
How is it that you knew she was ill? You were at school!
Make up your own script to fill the gap
Uncle Caleb will kill me
This has shown me I cannot live this way, Kirby. I knew my mother needed help. I
told my father, but he said he had prayed and all would be well. So I did nothing. It
was not my place. If you had thought the same way, then my mother would have
no chance of life. She might even be dead at this very moment.
Daniel, she is very ill.
Make up your own script to fill the gap
Thank you for what you did Kirby. I could not have borne it if my mother had died
there, alone. I knew she was too ill to leave. I knew it.
Caleb comes back.
Is she.?
She is very ill, but they think she will recover. We and the Fellowship will pray for
her.
Kirby collapses into a chair
The Lord works in mysterious ways, Esther. You were the means by which He saved
my wife. We will pray and give thanks when we return home.
The child? What of the baby?
The child is ill. It is a girl and she is being cared for. I have seen her and blessed
her.
Father, what happened? What made my mother so ill? She has never been ill
before with a baby.
Daniel, you know we are not concerned by such questions. All that concerns us is
that the Lord has been pleased to spare your mother. The fate of your sister is still
in His hands. We will pray for the strength to accept His will
May we visit my aunt?
You may go and say a prayer by her bedside. She is unconscious still from the
operation.

Reflection:

What was it like to be your character?

What were some difficulties you found in becoming someone different?
What were some things you related to in the way the character dealt with things?

I am not Esther

Character: Venn Diagram

Kirby struggles to maintain her identity during the novel.
What are some of the things that are uniquely 'Kirby' and uniquely 'Esther'? What are some of the things
that bisect both of her identities? How does Kirby remind herself of who she is?

I am not Esther

Character: Venn diagram alternative

I am not Esther

I am not Esther

Style

I am not Esther

Method of narration
Style questions are about HOW the story is written. It includes the type of language used, the method of
narration and how time is dealt with, e.g. chronologically or using flashbacks. You need to be able to
describe aspects of the style, and say WHY the author wrote the story this way.
I Am Not Esther is written in _______ person narration, which means the story is told by a character in the
story, in this case ________.
This positions the reader to see everything from ___________s point of view and shapes our view of
events around what Kirby sees and understands.
An example from chapter one of how the reader uses first person narration to show us Kirbys reaction to
The Children of the Faith when she first arrives is ....

An example from p 74 which shows that Kirby has noticed that there are some good things about the
Faith is.....

An example from p 76 that shows Daniels discomfort from Kirbys perspective is ....

An example from p 87 or 88 where the first person perspective shows us the growing internal conflict
Kirby experiences when she thinks about leaving the children who she has come to love is.....

An example for p 166 that shows Kirbys frustration at the rules of the Faith is.....

Kirbys perspective also shows us the horror of the moment when Daniel announces his decision to leave,
e.g...

Why do you think the author chose a 14 year old girl from outside of the Faith to narrate this story about
a religious sect?
How would the story be different if it was told from Uncle Calebs point of view?

I am not Esther

How is the plot structured to keep us reading?

In I am Not Esther by Fleur Beale, the plot is structured in a series of revelations about characters and by
posing questions which are made more mysterious before they are answered.
One character about whom we find out more as the plot goes on is Daniel. When we first meet Daniel he
is....

The first clue that Daniel may not be fully in agreement with his parents on all matters is....

Later we find out that Daniel wants to....

Finally, these steps lead to the climax, when Daniel......

Another character who is progressively revealed to us throughout the plot is Miriam.

Explain the steps through which her role in the plot is developed.
One question that is developed throughout the novel is the mystery of what has happened to Kirbys
mother.
At first we think....

This seems strange because...

The mystery deepens when Kirby gets a letter from her mother, because....

A further development is when Mrs Fletcher, the guidance counsellor......

The answer is revealed when.....

Therefore, Beale develops the plot with progressive revelation of characters and complication of the
questions she raises at the start. This makes the plot interesting and encourages us to keep reading and
find out what will happen next

I am not Esther

I am not Esther

Theme

I am not Esther

Theme Brainstorm
Themes are the main ideas which are explored within a text. Use the brainstorm below to write down
your thoughts about the themes in "I am not Ether". You can add themes of your own, too! Don't forget
to also write down some specific times in the text where you have seen that theme shown

Potential themes might include: Obedience; identity; faith; family; courage; making sacrifices;
following your dreams; rites of passage.

I am not Esther

Quotes
Who says the following quotes, and what theme do they emphasise?
Quote
1.

Who was I now? Who I used to be was disappearing and

there were only bits of me left that sometimes I caught
sight of in puddles or dark windows.

2.

Who was I? I wasnt sure I knew any more.

3.

I stopped abruptly and turned around. Im going to stay

with her. She shouldnt be by herself.

4.

I can make no pledge. I can no longer stay in the

Fellowship.

5.

The women of our faith never cut their hair. They wear it
long and in a single braid. That way it does not tempt the
eyes of their men to stray.

6.

Go to your room and braid your hair in a godly manner.

7.

My father says it will be easier to keep the rule if the

children are not exposed to evil influences as they are
growing up.

8.

Why would you not want to be married? It is what all girls

of our faith want.

9.

I looked into a future where there would be nobody who

thought the same way I did.

10. She keeps the faith and lives by the rule. She will make
an excellent wife.
11. It made me angry and because of that I grabbed hold of
enough courage to go back in.
12. I shoved hard at the swing. They werent going to change
me.
13. I was me. Not some robot they programmed.
14. I hacked at the plait, sawing the knife backwards and
forwards across my hair.
15. I had prayed. Me, who didnt believe in God.
16. We ate our lunch and people walked past and stared at
us.
17. Her husband sat on his chuff and let that poor girl run
after him.
18. Id never seen such a grey man. His hair was grey, his
clothes were grey, his shoes were grey. I couldnt see his
eyes they were lost under a frown and wrinkles.
19. Your mother has repented and is making atonement for
her years of sin.
20. I ask to be able to be given permission to study at
university... I ask the community to give me permission to
become a doctor so that I may serve you all.
21. You have no idea how free I feel! I thought I would be
frightened without the Rule but it is wonderful.

Character

Theme

I am not Esther

Conflict chart
Conflict
between.
...
Kirby and
Ellen

Internal or
external
conflict?
Both because
Kirby is in
conflict with
her mum,
but also with
herself over
being able to
face up to
her feelings

What happens

How is it resolved

Kirby is called in to see the

psychologist at the hospital
before her mum is
discharged. She tries to
pretend that everything is OK
and that she is ready to take
her mum home and look
after her, when actually she
is extremely angry at her
(Ellen) for abandoning her
(Kirby). Kirby breaks down
and screams that she hates
her mum.

The psychologist
and Ellen persuade
Kirby to admit her
feelings, and it is
decided that Kirby
will go on living with
her aunt and uncle
for a while before
moving back in with
her mother.

This incident
is related to
the theme.....
Identity

Family
relationships
Religion

Because.....
Kirby is caught between her desire to be her
mothers caregiver, and to be looked after
like a child herself.
Kirby and her mother have a complex
relationship that greatly affected by Ellens
past, but in the end their love for each other
overcomes the difficulties.
The effects of the Children of the Faith in
Ellens childhood have very long lasting
effects in this situation.

I am not Esther

Conflict chart
Conflict
between.
...

Internal or
external
conflict?

What happens

How is it resolved

This incident
is related to
the theme.....

Because.....

I am not Esther

I am not Esther

Getting ready for the exam

I am not Esther

Study notes

I am not Esther

Character notes
Character
Kirby/Esther

Main
characteristic
s

Main themes

Important
experience

Conflict

Change

Feelings /
ideas /
attitudes

Techniques

I am not Esther

I am not Esther

Character map
Use the graphic organiser below to make notes about how Kirby changed through the text:

I am not Esther

Explaining characteristics using SOLO

Pre-structural: We don't know anything!

Before we started reading the novel, I told you we were going to read a book. You had no idea who or what
it was about. You might have guessed that one character was called 'Esther', from the title. However, in that
title, she also denies that she is Esther so it would be difficult to explain her characteristics.

Uni-structural: We can describe one of Kirby's characteristics.

In the first paragraph, we learn that the protagonist, or central character of the book, is obviously a caring
schoolgirl because she shows concern for her crying mother. By the second paragraph, we know her name
is Kirby. So, we can make the statement that:
Kirby is a caring teenager.
Quote: I rushed to her and threw my arms around her.

Multi-structural: We can describe several of Kirby's characteristics.

After we started reading the novel, even as soon as Chapter 1, we start to learn more and we can describe
more of her characteristics from the information we are given. Example: The quotes below from Chapter 1,
suggest that Kirby is quite a mature and well-adjusted young lady.
Kirby is caring, sensible and has a sense of humour.
Quotes: "Not since you took over the budget" (Kirby's Mum); "What's wrong, what's the matter?" (Kirby to
her mum); "And we'd both chorus, 'But I doubt it!' and collapse in a heap of giggles" (Kirby and her mum)

Relational: We can relate the characters/characteristics to each other and/or

to some deeper meaning.
Reading a bit deeper, but using the same 3 quotes, we can start to interpret a bit more about Kirby's
relationship with her mother. Logically, we can say:
1. That Kirby is more sensible than her mother (because she is managing the budget).
2. That Kirby's mother is emotional (or else she wouldn't be crying) and that Kirby, although only a
teenager, has a strong and supportive personality to be able to cope with this.
3. That something (and we don't know what yet) has upset Kirby's mother.
4. That Kirby and her mum are used to having fun together because they are obviously in the habit of
saying the phrase 'But I doubt it!' to each other and it is a regular joke between them.
The quotes show that she has a loving and trusting relationship with her mother for these mature
interactions to occur.
Kirby has developed her sense of humour as a way of coping with her
over-emotional and somewhat incapable mother.

I am not Esther
Extended Abstract: We can relate the characters from the novel to
something in our own experience/the world or to a current or historical
person/event. Predict outcomes based on knowledge and logical
interpretation.
So, we quickly have a good understanding of two characters in the book and we can logically interpret
something about their relationship. Next, we need to be able to relate this to our knowledge of the world.
You might say, "But Miss, I'm a boy! How do I know about girl's relationships with their mother?" However,
most of us can relate to the idea of helping someone who is upset, even if it is not your parent or caregiver.
You can always find something to help you understand an idea in a book and if you can't then you need to
research this part of it.
We can think about what we know about parent/child relationships and explain what is 'normal'. You might
say "Usually the parents manage the budget and help the teenager when they are crying!" So then, we can
say, "Hmmm....why is the relationship between Kirby and her mother the wrong way round?" Somebody
else might say...."In Science, when things are the wrong way around, we use the word 'inverted'!" So, we
can come up with the following explanation which has greater value and interest for someone reading our
writing:
Normally, the parents care for the children. However, Kirby's relationship with her mother is
inverted. She has become the responsible one in their family and is caring for her mother. This
could be stressful for her but because she is a strong person, she seems able to cope. Her
actions are heroic and her mother would be lost without her.

I am not Esther

Previous exam questions:

Character Questions
Here are some questions that have been used in previous exams. It is HIGHLY UNLIKELY that these same
questions will be on your exam at the end of the year. However, these questions still provide good
writing practice.
It is good technique to practice writing exams using exemplar questions like these, but it is not good
practice to memorise a pre-prepared answer to the exam question.
For each of these questions, draw a square around the task the question is asking you to perform (the
adjective) and underline the thing you will do to achieve that task (what you will write about). The first
one has been done for you.

1. Describe a positive or negative experience that happened to a character or individual in the text.
Explain how the writer used the experience to help you understand the character or individual.
2. Describe a character or individual in the text whom you found interesting. Explain how the writer
made the character or individual interesting to you.
3. Describe an important change that happened to one character or individual in the text. Explain
why this change was important.
4. Describe an important character or individual in the text. Explain why he or she was important.
5. Describe at least 2 techniques used to make a character or individual in the text interesting.
Explain why these techniques made the character or individual interesting.
Note: techniques could include language, structure and/or narrative point of view.
6. Describe a choice made by a character or individual in the text. Explain how this choice brought
about a change in that character or individual.
7. Describe an experience or event that was important to a character or individual in the text.
Explain why this experience or event was important to that character or individual
8. Describe a strong relationship between at least 2 characters or individuals in the text. Explain
how this relationship helped you understand these characters or individuals.

Create an essay map for each of these questions.

Choose the question you feel best prepared to answer and write a SEXY paragraph plan for each of the
paragraphs in the essay map. Check and edit the SEXY paragraph plan so that you know you are
answering the question in the best way.
You guessed it! Write that essay for your homework.

I am not Esther

Summative Exam: Response to texts

Instructions:
In this section there are THREE categories with a range of questions. Choose ONE essay question from
TWO different categories (short text, extended text or visual text)

You are to write an essay answer on TWO different texts that you have studied in class this year (a
novel or play; a short story or poem; a film or television program)
Head up your page with your name, your English teacher's code and the title and author
of the text you have chosen to write about.
Write the essay number at the top of the page in the left margin
Plan your essay before you begin to write and use the SEXY method to structure your essay.
Remember to include evidence/quotes from the texts in the main body paragraphs.

Marking criteria for an extended / short or visual text essay:

Not achieved
Begins to show
understanding of
aspect(s) of a text

Achieved
Shows understanding of
specified aspects of a
text.

Does not use supporting

evidence
Plot heavy with little
understanding of essay
question

Uses some supporting

evidence
Answers some parts of
the essay question

Merit
Shows convincing
understanding of
specified aspects of a
text.
Uses supporting
evidence
Answers both parts of
the essay questions

Excellence
Shows perspective
understanding of
specified aspects of a
text.
Uses supporting
evidence with purpose
Clearly answers both
parts of the essay
question

I am not Esther

Summative Exam: Response to texts

Category One: Short text (Using ONE poem or short story)
1. Describe a challenge or conflict that a character faced in your short text and say what you
learned from this
2. Describe an important idea in a story or poem you have studied this year and say why you think iit
is important.
3. Write about why you would recommend your short text to other Year 10 students to read.
4. Sometimes the way a story or poem is written helps depen our understanding of what the story or
poem is about. Choose two of the following features and explain why you think the author used
them:
First or third person narration
Dialogue (speaking by
characters)

Alliteration
Climax

Rhyme or Rhythm
Surprise moment or
ending

Metaphor or simile
Repetition

Category Two: Extended text (Novel, Play or Non-Fiction text)

5. Describe a character you adimired in your text and explain why you admired them
6. Describe an important moment in your text and explain why this moment was important.
7. Sometimes a text can teach us a lesson about life. What lesson did you learn form the text you have
studied this year and explain why it was impotant to you as the reader.
8. Describe an important setting (setting can be time, place or social background) in your text and
explain why this setting was important.

Category Three: Visual text (Film or television program)

9. Describe a character you admired in your visual text and explain why you admired them.
10.Describe an important idea or issue in your visualtext and explain why you think it was a
worthwhile idea or issue for your visual text to include.
11.Descrie the setting used in your visual text and explain why it was important (setting can include
time, place or social background)
12.Explain the importance of two or three of the following productions features used in your visual
text and explain why they were important to your visual text
Camera shots / angles
Music

Voice over
Costumes

Lighting
Color

I am not Esther

Web resources
http://www.randomhouse.co.nz/content/teachers/TN_IAmNotEsther_Mar12.pdf
http://seniorsecondary.tki.org.nz/English/Snapshots/Snapshot-9

References:
Jones, K. (2016). Teaching with Crossword Puzzles. Retrieved from
http://www.vocabulary.co.il/2007/09/teaching-with-crossword-puzzles/