Practice Task: Jasper Jones Reflective/Personal Response
Prompt:
In Jasper Jones, truth is dangerous, but so is denial. Discuss how
characters in the play struggle with whether to reveal or hide the truth. How
does the tension between knowledge and denial shape relationships and
decisions in Corrigan? What does the play suggest about the risks of speaking
out versus staying silent: both in its 1960s setting and in broader, real-world
contexts today?
Word length: 650–800 words
1. Underline/highlight key words and command words in the prompt
statement
Find Synonyms for key words
Dangerous Denial truth Discuss
Unsafe Refutation Reality Conversa
te
Hazardous Rebuttal Fact Talk
about
Threateni Contradicti Certaint Debate
ng on y
MenacingDecline PrinciplArgue
e
https://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/assessment/vce/glossary-command-terms
2. Brainstorm ideas
PART A Complete mini-prompt questions
a. How do characters in the play struggle with whether to reveal or hide the
truth.
Jasper struggles between the choice of hiding or revealing the truth about
Laura Wishart due to fear of her death being turned around on him,
because of the racism normalized in Corrigan.
b. How does the tension between knowledge and denial shape relationships
and decisions in Corrigan?
c. What does the play suggest about the risks of speaking out versus staying
silent: both in its 1960s setting and in broader, real-world contexts today?
PART B Brainstorm ideas to complete the table below
Historical context 1960s Australia
Conservative rural values – appearances over confronting uncomfortable
truths
Silence around domestic/ social issues
Social consequences for truth/tellers
Modern example?
Jasper Broader contemporary and
Jones historical
When is truth
dangerous?
Denial / silence
1. Key quotes, find 5 more quotes that relate to truth and silence
(You must use 1-2 quotes per paragraph)
Jasper on police and prejudice:
“They’ll say it’s me that did this.”
Reveals why speaking up is risky for him.
ESSAY PLANNER
Introduction (~100-150 words)
Goal: Introduce the theme, the world of Corrigan, your main insight (contention)
and three key ideas
Sentence Starters
Jasper Jones examines how the choice to tell or conceal the truth can both
protect and harm.
In 1960s rural Corrigan, silence is often seen as necessary to preserve
reputation, order, and tradition.
This tension between truth and ignorance is not unique to Corrigan; similar
dilemmas arise in [insert modern or historical contexte.g., whistleblowers,
truth-telling in political scandals].
The play suggests that the choice to speak out or remain silent shapes
relationships and can either challenge or reinforce injustice.
Sample Intro outline
Jasper Jones explores how ..
In 1960s rural Corrigan, …
This tension is still seen today in …
The play suggests that …
For me, this raised questions about …
BP1: Understanding the world of the text (~150-170 words)
Goal: Show Corrigan’s values and link them to real-world history.
Sentence Starters
Corrigan’s social code rewards those who remain silent, especially when
truth could cause scandal or conflict.
This is shown when [describe a key moment—e.g., the town’s refusal to
question Laura’s disappearance].
The words/actions "..." suggest that silence is seen as safer than honesty.
This mirrors 1960s Australia, where communities often avoided public
discussion of [e.g. racism, corruption].
Similar patterns can be seen today in [modern example—e.g.,
organisations covering up misconduct].
Sample paragraph outline
Corrigan’s community accepts
This is shown when
The words/actions “…..” suggest …
This reflects 1960s Australia, where …
Similar patterns can be seen today in ….
Personally, I was struck by how …
BP2: Interpretation of Textual Meaning ( ~150-170 words)
Goal: Analyse how a character’s struggle with truth reveals the theme.
Sentence Starters
……. struggles with whether to tell the police about Laura’s death.
For example, when … he realises the cost of revealing the truth.
The playwright uses [symbolism/irony/ motif] to emphasise [meaning e.g.,
the weight of responsibility].
This moment shows that telling the truth can carry personal risk, yet
silence can allow harm to continue.
In the real world, this is mirrored in [modern or historical example e.g.,
journalists exposing corruption, truth-telling commissions].
Sample paragraph outline
…..struggles with whether to speak out because
For example, when …
The playwright uses … to show …
This mirrors the real-world example of …
It made me consider …
BP3: Comparative Analysis & Broader Connections (~150–170 words)
Goal: Compare Corrigan’s silence with a real-world example.
Sentence Starters
The town’s refusal to confront the truth about Laura is similar to …
In both cases, protecting reputation was seen as more important than
justice.
The play shows this in [quote or describe scene], while the real-world
example shows it in [brief description].
This comparison highlights how fear of consequences can maintain
harmful systems.
Sample paragraph outline
Corrigan’s silence about …is similar to …
In both cases, …
The play shows this in … while the real world shows it in …
This reveals that ….
I realised that …
BP4/ Reflection and Insight (~100–120 words)
Goal: Explain why the theme still matters today.
Sentence Starters (you can use first person, when appropriate)
Jasper Jones reveals that silence can be as dangerous as lies.
By showing the consequences of hiding the truth, the play urges
audiences to see the cost of avoiding uncomfortable realities.
The story reminds me that change often depends on those willing to risk
speaking out.
This makes the play both a portrayal of the past and a warning for the
present.
Sample paragraph outline
Jasper Jones shows that
By revealing …, the play urged me to …
This makes the story a portrait of the past and a warning for the present.
Personally, I was left thinking about …
Conclusion (~120 words)
Restate your contention in a new way and summarise your key ideas/insights/
reflections
Checklist Before You Write
1-2 short, in-line quotation per body paragraph (BP)
Metalanguage used at least twice (motif, irony, symbolism)
Linking words to connect ideas (Additionally, furthermore,
similarly/contrastingly)
At least one historical and one contemporary link
