CLASS FOCUS:
- Making clear points
- Establishing three points per essay
- Collecting quotes that evidence the family theme
When Avicii died in 2018, we lost an artist capable of brightening the darkest day. We’re so grateful for the music he left behind. Uplifting and poignant, Avicii’s best tracks give us the best feeling and offer us the platform to be the best essay writers.
Start today’s class by watching this tribute to the superstar DJ/humble songwriter:
TASK 1
Watch the ‘Hey Brother’ video and read the lyrics.
‘Hey Brother‘
Hey, brother, there’s an endless road to re-discover
Hey, sister, know the water’s sweet but blood is thicker
Oh, if the sky comes falling down for you
There’s nothing in this world I wouldn’t do
Hey, brother, do you still believe in one another?
Hey, sister, do you still believe in love, I wonder?
Oh, if the sky comes falling down for you
There’s nothing in this world I wouldn’t do
What if I’m far from home?
Oh, brother, I will hear you call
What if I lose it all?
Oh, sister, I will help you out!
Oh, if the sky comes falling down for you
There’s nothing in this world I wouldn’t do
Hey, brother, there’s an endless road to re-discover
Hey, sister, do you still believe in love, I wonder?
Oh, if the sky comes falling down for you
There’s nothing in this world I wouldn’t do
What if I’m far from home?
Oh, brother, I will hear you call
What if I lose it all?
Oh, sister, I will help you out!
Oh, if the sky comes falling down for you
There’s nothing in this world I wouldn’t do
TASK 2
Find quotes from ‘Hey Brother’ that support each of the below statements:
- Avicii presents family members as supportive of each other.
- Family is shown to be closely connected.
- Avicii suggests that being part of a family requires strength.
TASK 3
Watch ‘The Nights’ video and read the lyrics.
‘The Nights’
Once upon a younger year
When all our shadows disappeared
The animals inside came out to play
Went face to face with all our fears
Learned our lessons through the tears
Made memories we knew would never fade
One day my father—he told me
“Son, don’t let it slip away”
He took me in his arms, I heard him say
“When you get older
Your wild heart will live for younger days
Think of me if ever you’re afraid”
He said, “One day you’ll leave this world behind
So, live a life you will remember”
My father told me when I was just a child
“These are the nights that never die”
My father told me
“When thunder clouds start pouring down
Light a fire they can’t put out
Carve your name into those shining stars”
He said, “Go venture far beyond the shores
Don’t forsake this life of yours
I’ll guide you home no matter where you are”
One day my father—he told me
“Son, don’t let it slip away”
When I was just a kid I heard him say
“When you get older
Your wild heart will live for younger days
Think of me if ever you’re afraid”
He said, “One day you’ll leave this world behind
So, live a life you will remember”
My father told me when I was just a child
“These are the nights that never die”
My father told me
“These are the nights that never die”
My father told me
My father told me
TASK 4
Find quotes from ‘The Nights’ that support each of the below statements:
- Avicii presents family members as supportive of each other.
- Honesty and trust are shown to be important aspects of the family unit.
- Avicii suggests that family members encourage and inspire each other.
TASK 5
Watch the ‘Half The Man’ video and read the lyrics.
Since I can remember
Since I was a child
You gave me all you could and all you had
Now that I am older and now that I am grown
I see how hard you worked to make our house a home
If I turn out half the man you are I’ll be happy with my life
Show me how to raise a family, and how to treat a wife
You put food on the table so that I was able
To follow every one of my dreams
If I turn out half the man you are, I’ll be doing alright
You said don’t let life get in your way
That would never get me down
Love as if there’s no tomorrow to stand to be a man
I can’t always make it easy but I’ll always lend a hand
Through whatever comes together you and I will understand
If I turn out half the man you are I’ll be happy with my life
Show me how to raise a family and how to treat a wife
You put food on the table so that I was able
To follow every one of my dreams
If I turn out half the man you are I’ll be doing alright
And I know that I’m still hurting
But I hope I make you proud
At the man that I’m becoming and the man I am now
And I know that I’ll keep learning
Never told you this before
You’re not only just a father
To me you’re so much more
To me you’re so much more
If I turn out half the man you are I’ll be happy with my life
Show me how to raise a family and how to treat a wife
You put food on the table so that I was able
To follow every one of my dreams
If I turn out half the man you are I’ll be doing alright
And I love, l love, I love, I love
I love, I love you so
And I love, l love, I love, I love
I love, I love you so
And I know that I’ll keep learning
TASK 6
Find quotes from ‘Half The Man’ that support each of the below statements:
- Avicii presents the family leaders as setting a good example.
- Selflessness and hard work are shown to be important aspects of the family unit.
- Avicii suggests that family members inspire each other.
TASK 7
It’s time to consider the family relationships within one (or more) of the texts you’re studying at GCSE or A-Level.
Pick three of the statements below OR come up with three statements of your own (OR take a mix and match approach – use one or two of our statements as well as one of two of your own). Then write down at least one quote to prove the truth of each statement.
If you want to push yourself, aim to write down two quotes to support each statement – that way you’ll have an even more complete plan for any ‘family’ essay you might face in the future. Remember that each statement essentially serves as the point for one paragraph. Three points equal three paragraphs.
Statements:
- (Writer’s name) presents family members as supportive of each other.
- Family is shown to be closely connected.
- (Writer’s name) suggests that being part of a family requires strength.
- (Writer’s name) presents family members as supportive of each other.
- Honesty and trust are shown to be important aspects of the family unit.
- (Writer’s name) suggests that family members encourage and inspire each other.
- (Writer’s name) presents the family leaders as setting a good example.
- Selflessness and hard work are shown to be important aspects of the family unit.
- (Writer’s name) suggests that family members inspire each other.
Okay, that’s almost it for this class. Just have a think about what you’ve achieved today – and send us your notes so that we can assess your progress!
Watch the powerful Avicii documentary here.
Then develop your ability to link context and language analysis with Against The Current.