Plan of Investigation

My group chose this theme, Dancehall Culture because we agreed that dancehall culture has made a
significant contribution to the Jamaican society. However, my narrowed focus is ‘Jamaican Dances,’
which highlights the dances in Dancehall, since many of these dance styles are catchy, interesting and as
a result, has put Jamaica on the world map. As a student of English, doing a research on this topic will
allow me to improve my communication skills and have a more understanding of context clues.
Moreover, sources for the information are online journal entry, a video from a popular Jamaican dancer,
and an interview with an inspiring dancehall dancer. Grammatical skill will help with structuring
sentences while close reading skill will be used to interpret the sources.
 REFLECTION 1

Before I began my research on Jamaican dances, I thought there was not so many dancehall moves and
this led to me wanting to know the culture of Dancehall dances. In addition, I was under the impression
that it was practiced only in Jamaica. However, my initial thoughts have been reshaped while doing this
investigation.

My first source, an online journal entry, entitled, ‘Popular Jamaican Dance Steps and Dance Moves’,
highlights the culture of dances in Dancehall. Moreover, it exposes the early stages of Jamaican dance
moves. There are many contemporary dances that have been rocking Jamaican Dancehall and Jamaica in
general from the last few decades. Consequently, because of this informational entry, I now have an
insight that there are countless dancehall dances that have been spawned in the past.

My second source, a video clip of a popular Jamaican dancer, known as ‘Chin,’ who is also a freestyler
and choreographer. This source emphasizes the fact that dancehall moves are practiced worldwide.
After watching this video, I was no longer in doubt of persons practicing Jamaican dances
internationally.

My final source, an audio visual of another popular Jamaican dancer, ‘Dancing Rebel,’ likewise, ‘Chin’ is
a freestyler and choreographer. This source proves that persons in Jamaica have a love for Dancehall
dances that they would go the extra mile to do it.
Reflection 2

Language is universal, we use language to communicate, express our creativity and provide directions.
Language is also utilized to argue a point. I was given the task to examine the use of language in the
three sources that I examined, and my overall analysis indicates that it was utilized effectively.

Firstly, the entire online journal, is written in Standard English. It is evident that the writer uses this
language because she is catering to a universal audience, and since it is an informative piece many
readers will be exposed to the central message she wants to emphasize, which is popular dance moves
and dance steps. Also, the use of bold sub-headings was applied because this type of organization makes
the article reader friendly, by highlighting what is to come in each segment of the article for example,
‘The Bogle.’

Secondly, the video is instructional and creates an atmosphere of learning which ultimately leads to a
mood of happiness, enjoyment, and concentration. The music that is utilized creates fast paced rhythm
that encourages the learning of movement. Also, rhythm, this device was effective as the instrumentals
of the music in this video had me moving. In addition, the device repetition was used as all dance moves
were done two times. This device was used properly as it enhanced the dance moves of the dancers.

Lastly, in the interview, the use of evidence, storytelling and credibility urges an atmosphere of active
listening, humor also it evokes laughter and happiness. The use of evidence was evident when the
interviewer was stating things that happened, it was appropriately used, and knowledge is learnt about
the person being interviewed. In addition, storytelling was used when the person being interviewed,
talked about his past life and what he plans on doing in the future. Humor was a well-used device
whereas both persons were laughing and enjoying each other company.
Reflection 3

This English School-Based Assessment, I believe has assisted me in many ways and I am
thankful. Doing my English SBA has helped me to be more consistent in fulfilling my tasks on
time, improve my communication skills and enhance my vocabulary.
In the process of doing this SBA, I learned how to complete tasks promptly yet accurately. I
have managed to complete each task effectively as I learned the value of productivity through
prioritizing. Moreover, this School-Based Assessment has helped me to be a great researcher
and guided me on the way to develop an understanding why the things are, the way they are. It
has also allowed me to be more efficient on my tasks and has allowed me to ‘get the work
done’.
My communication skills have been improved also my ability to work as a member of a group.
Moreover, it has helped me to develop a forward thinking about an issue through the immense
understanding of diverse views. In addition, while working in a group positive criticism helps me
broaden my perspective.  My experience was one that I extremely enjoyed, and I look forward
to working in more groups in the future.
As a student of English, knowledge of strange words and how to use them in the appropriate
context was achieved. Also, I can analyze and determine figures of speech of words. Through
this research, I am well-educated on noticing context clues. In addition, through commitment
and cooperation I was capable to develop better penmanship.
The Plan for Oral Presentation
This oral presentation was of the poem genre, likewise, the title of the poem is ‘Fun in
Dancehall.’ This piece talks about Jamaican dancers, their lifestyle, also, what they plan on
achieving. Moreover, I listed some of the most popular dancehall dances from the past and, the
present, likewise as I named some dancehall artists who also engage in dancing. The main
literary devices used are Simile, Alliteration, Tone, and Imagery. However, no props were used
in this presentation.
Sources
https://www.my-island-jamaica.com/jamaican_dance_steps.html
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=38e2ZYZ18is
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pxGYl3NvcoQ