'Wordle' word cloud. To create your own, click HERE.

Think about it. What does the word 'belonging' mean to you? If you define it using any number of dictionaries including, but not limited to:

• Dictionary.com
• The Free Dictionary
• Cambridge Dictionary
• Your Dictionary.com
• Oxford Dictionary

You will find each agree on the following definitions:
1. Being a part of something, an adjunct, attachment or accessory. EG: This lead belongs to that computer.
2. Being the property of, being owned by someone. EG: These mansions belong to millionaires.
3. Being suitable or fitting (especially in a way that is pleasing). EG: This painting belongs on that wall; This student does not belong in that class.
4. Being a member of a club or group. EG: He belongs to the local cricket team.
5. Having a sense of relationship with a person, group, society or place. EG: The old woman knew she belonged to this country town; it was a part of her soul, her identity.

'Belonging' begins with these basic definitions and explores the idea of how these are represented in texts. Read through the following cloze passage, adapted from the HSC syllabus as published by the NSW Board of Studies, to begin thinking about the breadth of this concept.

If you examine the above cloze passage and the two graphics on this page you can begin to see that 'Belonging', as an Area of Study asks you to:

• Think about the language and vocabulary of 'belonging' - and, even more importantly, to use it in your own creative responses. Have a close look at the Wordle word cloud at the top of this page. Using a thesaurus, see what other associated words and ideas you can come up with. Which of these words/ideas are represented in the texts YOU are studying?
• Consider all the different connections that we share as human beings. Begin by examining the whiteboard representation of 'Belonging...Exploring the Connections' below. Which of these aspects apply to the texts you are studying? How is the idea of 'belonging' portrayed in the text - is it a positive or a negative thing? Do characters accept, confront or enhance the groups they belong with? How?
• Look at the dichotomy of 'belonging' versus 'not-belonging' - who belongs? Who doesn't belong? How? Why? Does the composer position us to feel empathy with one over the other? How?
• Consider the text's language features, that is, the 'HOW' of the text. Refer back to the '3 Steps to Text Analysis' to think about how the composer uses language features to explore the idea of belonging.
• Be aware of your personal response to the text - how does the text connect with you, or allow you to 'belong' to its world? Can you relate to situations portrayed? Are the characters likeable to you - and why? Is the language accessible to you? Are the ideas and themes relevant to you? How has the composer achieved this?

You will find the complete list of prescribed texts that teachers can select from at the NSW Board of Studies - see pp.10-11. Remember, however, that you are only required to study ONE prescribed text from this list. It is also important to note that you cannot choose a text that is 'prescribed' as one of your related texts - check with your teacher if unsure.

For suggestions on selecting a related text, see here.