Exam Smarts
How many sections are in the VCE English exam?
What is 3 - A, B, C.
Name the two texts we have studied for Section A.
Hughes' Selected Poetry and Jackson's We Have Always Lived in the Castle.
What is our Framework of Ideas for Section B?
Protest.
What is the main task in Section C?
Analyse how argument and language are developed in a text to persuade audience(s).
What should you bring to the English exam?
Approved pens, pencils, eraser, highlighters, ruler and permitted stationery in a clear container. Unmarked English dictionary if you would like.
Name five analytical verbs stronger than shows or suggests.
Reveals, exposes, challenges, critiques, interrogates, undermines, etc.
How long is the exam, including reading time?
3 hours and 15 minutes.
What is the first decision you must make when you open Section A?
Which text and prompt you will respond to.
(Decide which text already!)
What two things must you draw on in the Section B exam task?
The title and at least one stimulus.
What three questions should guide your analysis and a paragraph at a minimum?
WHAT is argued? HOW is persuasion constructed? WHY might it influence the audience?
What should you do if you encounter an unfamiliar prompt?
Break down its key words and develop your own understanding and interpretation of the text in response before writing.
Name three ideas connected to protest that you could explore in Section B.
Solidarity, resistance, injustice, power, collective action, sacrifice, change, etc.
Which section have you been advised to complete first, and why?
Section C, because Analysing Argument is the most demanding.
What are the three main things an introduction should establish?
Text and author, contention, and main interpretations.
Name three forms of writing (or text types) you might use in Section B.
Speech, letter, narrative, reflective piece, feature article, etc.
What is the difference between a contention and an argument?
The contention is the overall position; arguments are the reasons supporting it.
Why is memorising a whole essay a risky strategy?
It may not respond directly to the exam prompt. Make sure you can adapt your ideas.
In 20 seconds, explain what makes a strong contention in Section A.
A clear, arguable, nuanced interpretation that responds directly to the prompt.
What should you do before writing a response to any section?
Unpack the task and plan your response.
What is the difference between describing a text and analysing it?
Analysis explains how the writer constructs meaning and why it matters.
What should you be deliberate about in Section B?
Your writing choices
(purpose, ideas, audience, text features, context)
Why should you identify specific, intended audience(s)?
To explain how persuasive choices appeal to their values, interests and concerns.
What should you do if you realise halfway through a paragraph that you've drifted from the prompt?
Refocus your analysis on the contention and the prompt's key terms. (This could help you make a connection you hadn't thought of!)
Name three ways a writer could use an image or images to persuade an audience.
Symbolism, composition, framing, colour, juxtaposition, facial expressions, etc.
What is the single most important thing to practise before the exam?
Planning - repeat, planning - and writing responses under timed conditions. Repeat.
Why should you organise body paragraphs around ideas (or interpretations of the text) rather than individual poems or events?
To develop a sustained argument that responds directly to the prompt.
What is the difference between just writing about protest and exploring the idea of protest?
Exploring its causes, tensions, consequences, contradictions or possibilities through purposeful writing.
What is the difference between identifying a persuasive technique and analysing its effect?
Analysis explains how the choice advances the argument and positions the audience.
What should you prioritise if you are running out of time?
All three sections are equally weighted. So address all required sections, maintain a clear argument and prioritise meaningful analysis over unnecessary length. Keep introductions brief, and only write conclusions if they add something meaningful to your response. Never sacrifice a developed body paragraph to write a conclusion.
You have 30 seconds to convince the class that planning is more important than memorising an essay.
Award points for a convincing argument that demonstrates how planning supports flexible, relevant responses.