Back to the full dot-point answer
NSWEnglishQuick questions
Common Module: Texts and Human Experiences
Quick questions on Anomalies and paradoxes in human behaviour: HSC English Common Module
5short Q&A pairs drawn directly from our worked dot-point answer. For full context and worked exam questions, read the parent dot-point page.
What is anomaly?Show answer
An anomaly is a single moment of behaviour that does not fit the pattern the text has established. The text has trained the responder to expect one thing from a character, and the character does another. The anomaly is meaningful precisely because the text has set up the expectation it then breaks.
What is paradox?Show answer
A paradox is broader. It is a contradiction that runs through the text and that the text refuses to resolve. The protagonist both loves and resents the same person. An act of cruelty is also an act of care.
What is q1?Show answer
Analyse how ONE language feature in your prescribed text signals an anomaly in human behaviour. Refer to a specific quotation. [5 marks]
What is q2?Show answer
"Texts earn their place in the Common Module by refusing to resolve the contradictions they uncover." To what extent does this statement reflect your reading of your prescribed text? [20-mark essay]
What is q3?Show answer
Compare how your prescribed text and ONE related text of your own choosing represent paradoxes in human motivation. [20 marks]
Have a question we have not covered?
This dot-point answer is short enough that we have not extracted many short questions yet. Read the full dot-point answer or ask Mo, our study assistant, in the chat for follow ups.