Guide to spelling, punctuation and grammar

U
SEFUL WORDS AND PHRASES FOR USE IN
C
RITICAL
T
HINKING TASKS
argument
drawing an
analogy
making an
assumption
bias
conclusion
conflict
consistency
context
corroboration
counter-
argument
credibility
criterion
data
definition
dilemma
evidence
expertise
hypothetical
inference
inconsistency
intermediate
conclusion
interpretation
irrelevant
judgement
language
neutrality
perception
principles
relevance
reputation
vested
114
H
OW TO WRITE ESSAYS

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14
SAMPLE ESSAY 9: 
A FILM STUDIES ESSAY
An essay on film studies is different from essays on literature in that you
cannot quote directly from a film. A quotation from a film would mean
showing an extract from the film itself. You can, however, describe a
relevant scene or shot and refer to particular movies to back up the
points you are making. Film studies are particularly prone to the use of
‘jargon’, but nevertheless it is important to be able to discuss films using
generally-accepted terminology within the subject area. It is therefore
essential that you familiarise yourself with these terms and are able to
use them with confidence.
Assignment: Explain the ‘auteur theory’ in film criticism and make
a case for or against it, using examples of particular film directors.