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Author Topic: VCE English Question Thread  (Read 847294 times)  Share 

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literally lauren

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Re: VCE English Question Thread
« Reply #15 on: January 17, 2015, 08:31:09 pm »
+4
I had a go at thinking, and have come up with a revised contention for my practice essay on "This Boy's Life". Am I on the right track?

Prompt: Discuss the conflict between Jack's desire for freedom and his desire to belong.

Original contention: Jack has an internal conflict between wanting to be free and wanting to belong.

Contention after thinking: Jack's desire to belong, despite it requiring him to betray his true self, suggests that he does not truly wish to be free – but to be free of the person that he was. (modeled after Lauren's example)
Way better contention, man! Well done!
Notice how the second one is much stronger, not just because it's longer, but because it's got more content contained within it. You're not simply saying 'Jack has a conflict,' you're saying 'Jack wanting to belong required a betrayal of his identity, meaning he wanted to be free of his former self.' You've incorporated much more of the prompt, and you've opened up several more angles of inquiry.
With that said, don't be limited by this contention either. There are still some concepts you could examine (eg. what kinds of internal conflict does Jack experience, and how do they manifest themselves? Does one of these desires (freedom or belonging) win out in the end? Why do they come into conflict in the first place? etc.)
None of these are required, but don't feel you're stuck dealing with what you can sum up in a sentence. Cover as much as you can with the contention, but expand it later if you need to. :)

As for language analysis, I believe I know 'what' to write - I'm fairly good at identifying the techniques used by the writer - however am constantly struggling to find a way of fabricating a piece of writing that isn't just:

technique --> effect on audience

technique --> effect on audience

etc, etc etc,

Literally my essays just look like dotpoints right now, which obviously doesn't earn you the high scores.

Any suggestions in how I can generate more fluidity in my writing?
Alrighty: your current issue is that you're only using what and how statements. So you clearly need to involve the why component in some capacity, which I'll explain below, but just to clarify:
The what section is more than just the technique, and how is more than just the effect. You don't need to list a precise technique every time, you could simply quote, refer to tone, or comment on language generally. You definitely don't need to explain or define the technique; it's more about the language of the article than anything else. For the how section, think about integrating the context/ background information as well (where relevant.) You could also 'split the audience,' ie. comment on how language might affect different people in different ways. Don't delve too far into this, and don't make judgements without evidence, but if you're given the information, then you're allowed to use it for analysis.
For instance, let's say you were analysing a leaflet about the dangers of fast food, and there was a paragraph talking about how it damages your health. If you've been told this leaflet was distributed amongst a vegan yoga club, then the effect would be one of self-congratulations and pride. Whereas, if they were handed out at every Maccas and KFC in town, then clearly the author is angling to elicit more shame, regret, and humiliation.

Now let's unpack that troublesome 'why.'
The purpose of this component is to link your discussion back to the author's contention, thereby making it clear to the assessor that you understand how the language is persuasive and you're not simply pointing it out and leaving it at that. If the author is using a specific device in an attempt to elicit a certain response, why would he want audience members to feel this way, or believe a certain idea?
On the surface it's a fairly obvious question to answer, but it can require a lot of practice before you are able to tread the line between giving too much detail, and not enough.
Simply put, your analysis at the moment is as follows:
Author does this --> audience feels this    x repeat
What you need to do is round it off at the end like such:
Author does this --> audience feels this. Author does this for these reasons.

eg.
'The use of the childish epithet "liar liar, pants on fire" is designed to engender readers' scorn for the subject of the author's ridicule. This sense of scorn and disapproval for dishonesty is directed at the man inferred to be lying, therefore the author's unequivocal branding of him as a "liar" with firey pants forms part of a scathing attack upon the man's character.'

I think there are some other examples in previous posts. Let me know if this still isn't making sense and I might be able to explain this further.

knightrider

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Re: VCE English Question Thread
« Reply #16 on: January 18, 2015, 12:57:19 pm »
0
Hi Lauren in regards to the attachment below.

Does it mean that students doing units 3 and 4 English in 2017 will have a new study design.

Whereas students doing English  3/4 in 2016 will have the same study design  as before.
« Last Edit: January 18, 2015, 01:08:13 pm by knightrider »

literally lauren

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Re: VCE English Question Thread
« Reply #17 on: January 18, 2015, 04:08:03 pm »
+4
Thank you for bringing this up! I'd given up refreshing the VCAA page every week or so since I figured they wouldn't release any more details until later this year.
Okay, so I just read through all these new documents and my soul wants to die.
Yes, apparently this year is NOT the last year under the current system because VCE English teachers can't use numbers.

So the class of 2017 will be the first to experience the new system, meaning that next year during the transitional phase, Year 11s and Year 12s will be studying something different.
you'd think if that was the plan all along they'd say 'the accreditation period will end in 2017' but who needs logic when you're a curriculum authority -.-

Cheers to another year of Context! *facedesk*


On the plus side, the Literature course makes slightly more sense than the current one.
I'm still mad though  >:(

cosine

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Re: VCE English Question Thread
« Reply #18 on: January 18, 2015, 05:08:13 pm »
0
Okay, so I think i have a good understanding of the text i am reading now, well its a play...

So what now? I have read some online summaries, plots, character profiles and stuff... what do i do now?

Thank youuuu (ps, i dont know why, but im starting to like english, wtf....?)
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2015: VCE (ATAR: 94.85)

RazzMeTazz

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Re: VCE English Question Thread
« Reply #19 on: January 18, 2015, 05:31:50 pm »
0
I was wondering if anyone could please distinguish between

1.) Campaign meeting
2.) Conference
3.) Convention
4.) Forum
5.) Summit

I am trying to choose the setting for my oral presentation, to see which will be best suited to my persona (Aboriginal welfare expert) but I'm unsure of which one would be most appropriate?

I have googled these, but I was still a little confused, as some seem a bit similar?

Thanks, any help would be appreciated!

JackSonSmith

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Re: VCE English Question Thread
« Reply #20 on: January 18, 2015, 09:12:30 pm »
0
I was wondering if anyone could please distinguish between

1.) Campaign meeting
2.) Conference
3.) Convention
4.) Forum
5.) Summit

I am trying to choose the setting for my oral presentation, to see which will be best suited to my persona (Aboriginal welfare expert) but I'm unsure of which one would be most appropriate?

I have googled these, but I was still a little confused, as some seem a bit similar?

Thanks, any help would be appreciated!

I would think that either a conference or forum would be best suited to your presentation. They, to me - carry the connotation of an open discussion about an issue. Summits sound a bit more global ie. "economics"/"health issues". Of course these are just my own interpretations of these words.
« Last Edit: January 18, 2015, 09:16:24 pm by JackSonSmith »
2014: Psychology
2015: English | Methods | Chinese SL | Specialist | Physics 

2016: Bachelor of Commerce - The University of Melbourne

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RazzMeTazz

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Re: VCE English Question Thread
« Reply #21 on: January 18, 2015, 09:29:37 pm »
0
I would think that either a conference or forum would be best suited to your presentation. They, to me - carry the connotation of an open discussion about an issue. Summits sound a bit more global ie. "economics"/"health issues". Of course these are just my own interpretations of these words.

Thanks! Yeah I was thinking conference as well, however since this is a persuasive speech, I wasn't sure if such speeches are given at conferences?


knightrider

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Re: VCE English Question Thread
« Reply #22 on: January 19, 2015, 12:16:43 am »
0
Thank you for bringing this up! I'd given up refreshing the VCAA page every week or so since I figured they wouldn't release any more details until later this year.
Okay, so I just read through all these new documents and my soul wants to die.
Yes, apparently this year is NOT the last year under the current system because VCE English teachers can't use numbers.

So the class of 2017 will be the first to experience the new system, meaning that next year during the transitional phase, Year 11s and Year 12s will be studying something different.
you'd think if that was the plan all along they'd say 'the accreditation period will end in 2017' but who needs logic when you're a curriculum authority -.-

Cheers to another year of Context! *facedesk*


On the plus side, the Literature course makes slightly more sense than the current one.
I'm still mad though  >:(

Thanks Lauren for clarification. :)
i was just wondering what did you mean by  this part."because VCE English teachers can't use numbers."

Auralee

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Re: VCE English Question Thread
« Reply #23 on: January 19, 2015, 12:22:23 pm »
0
Hi Lauren! Thanks for your advice... I'm still a little bit stuck on this but hopefully I'll get better with time.

StupidProdigy

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Re: VCE English Question Thread
« Reply #24 on: January 19, 2015, 05:18:17 pm »
0
Hey Lauren!
I'm kinda confused with my why I'm meant to read the white tiger at my school this year because I can't find it or a prompt for it on the 2014 exam? Just searching for some clarification. Thankyouuuu! :)
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IndefatigableLover

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Re: VCE English Question Thread
« Reply #25 on: January 19, 2015, 05:21:03 pm »
+2
Hey Lauren!
I'm kinda confused with my why I'm meant to read the white tiger at my school this year because I can't find it or a prompt for it on the 2014 exam? Just searching for some clarification. Thankyouuuu! :)
2015 is the first year that White Tiger is implemented for the English Exam :)
http://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/documents/vce/english/vce_engeal_text_list.pdf

A small summary within the above document by VCAA:

Quote
Adiga, Aravind, The White Tiger, Atlantic Books, 2008 (1)
Set in modern-day India, The White Tiger follows Balram Halwai from his early life of rural poverty to his eventual
success as an entrepreneur and wealthy urbanite. Narrated as a series of letters to Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao, the
novel charts Balram’s journey out of the slums populated by the poor and lower castes, and celebrates his eventual
triumph as he breaks free from a life of servitude and obeisance. The novel explores the divisions between the rich
and the poor, and considers how social structures operate to reinforce class hierarchy. Adiga’s darkly comic novel
also raises questions about the reliability and integrity of the narrator, and asks whether success is ever possible
without moral compromise.

StupidProdigy

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Re: VCE English Question Thread
« Reply #26 on: January 19, 2015, 05:25:09 pm »
0
2015 is the first year that White Tiger is implemented for the English Exam :)
http://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/documents/vce/english/vce_engeal_text_list.pdf

A small summary within the above document by VCAA:
Ohhh! Thankyou so much! I'm excited for that then, I loved the book 👍
Thanks again
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literally lauren

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Re: VCE English Question Thread
« Reply #27 on: January 19, 2015, 07:57:50 pm »
+6
Okay, so I think i have a good understanding of the text i am reading now, well its a play...

So what now? I have read some online summaries, plots, character profiles and stuff... what do i do now?
If you feel confident enough in your understanding of the text, you might look into reading some analyses (depending on which play you're studying, there might be proper academic analyses out there, or you may just have to use VCE level essays; both have their advantages.)
More importantly though, ask yourself 'is there anything I find difficult about the text?' Because now is a great time to clear those issues up. Or, more broadly than T.R. ask yourself what you find concerning about English. eg. does the idea of timed responses freak you out/ can you not fathom how to write an oral presentation/ do you not understand what Context even is? and who could blame you
Even the Study Design won't contain a comprehensive list of everything you need to know, so familiarise yourself with the criteria, and then fine-tune any problems or misconceptions afterwards. Ask yourself the question 'where should I go from here?' because that'll be way more beneficial than me simply suggesting a possible direction :)
(ps, i dont know why, but im starting to like english, wtf....?)


I was wondering if anyone could please distinguish between

1.) Campaign meeting
2.) Conference
3.) Convention
4.) Forum
5.) Summit

I am trying to choose the setting for my oral presentation, to see which will be best suited to my persona (Aboriginal welfare expert) but I'm unsure of which one would be most appropriate?

I have googled these, but I was still a little confused, as some seem a bit similar?
1.) Campaign meeting = ever seen a news interview with a politician who's just won an election and is standing in a room full of screaming groupies who'd applaud anything he/she said? That's the kind of audience that would be at a campaign meeting; you're essentially 'persuading' people who already believe you (or else, why would they be a part of the campaign?) :P
2.) Conference = more of an open, moderate discussion with a balanced audience. This is a pretty broad term though, so it could apply to a variety of different scenarios.
3.) Convention = pretty much interchangeable with a conference; though conventions are more likely to have 'themes' or 'agendas,' perhaps attracting an audience with certain dispositions or proclivities.
4.) Forum = very generic term, could be anything.
5.) Summit = etymologically this is meant to be a meeting between heads of government, or international representatives, though the meaning has widened in modern usage. This is probably too global for your issue though.

Most of the (minor) distinctions are within the kind of audience you're speaking to, so I'd say a Conference or Forum would be the most ideal. Though I highly doubt any assessor would penalise you for saying you're speaking at a conference when it sounded more like something at a convention :P It's good that you're thinking about the context, but I wouldn't get too wrapped up in semantics :)

Thanks Lauren for clarification. :)
i was just wondering what did you mean by  this part."because VCE English teachers can't use numbers."

Just me being petty. Apparently the claim that the study design ends in 2014 actually means the Class of 2017 will be the first ones to go through the new system is something that makes perfect sense to VCAA, since they've offered no clarification as to the constant extensions.
Nvm... if I start ranting I won't stop. Just focus on which ever Study Design will apply to you and don't worry about whatever VCAA logic is :)

Hey Lauren!
I'm kinda confused with my why I'm meant to read the white tiger at my school this year because I can't find it or a prompt for it on the 2014 exam? Just searching for some clarification. Thankyouuuu! :)
Yeah, like IL said, it's a totally new text so there are very few resources available at the moment. At some stage throughout the year I'll update this thread once some samples start cropping up. There'll also be some original ones in around about August/September, or possibly over the June break depending on how busy I get :)

g1mp1e

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Re: VCE English Question Thread
« Reply #28 on: January 22, 2015, 08:18:04 pm »
0
Hey Lauren,

With regards to your lecture today, particularly with language analysis, I've previously been told to structure my ideas into different effects on stakeholders, and the different tonal shifts/language/etc. used for each stakeholder and how they vary according to whom the writer is "talking to". (e.g. in Martin Luther King's speech, he addresses the American people, the American government, and his fellow black Americans - and so you would structure your paragraphs around these three groups of targeted audiences). However, as you said today, we should perhaps aim to split our paragraphs into ideas and concepts raised. My question is, could you explain your way of splitting it into ideas and concepts a bit further, and would you recommend using one or the other, or can you use a mix of the two? If so, how would you go about doing this?

Awesome lecture today by the way!

Much thanks! :)

M_BONG

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Re: VCE English Question Thread
« Reply #29 on: January 23, 2015, 12:13:32 am »
+2
Hey Lauren,

With regards to your lecture today, particularly with language analysis, I've previously been told to structure my ideas into different effects on stakeholders, and the different tonal shifts/language/etc. used for each stakeholder and how they vary according to whom the writer is "talking to". (e.g. in Martin Luther King's speech, he addresses the American people, the American government, and his fellow black Americans - and so you would structure your paragraphs around these three groups of targeted audiences). However, as you said today, we should perhaps aim to split our paragraphs into ideas and concepts raised. My question is, could you explain your way of splitting it into ideas and concepts a bit further, and would you recommend using one or the other, or can you use a mix of the two? If so, how would you go about doing this?

Awesome lecture today by the way!

Much thanks! :)
Both are commonly used. The stakeholders approach was the one I used because ANY article will have numerous stakeholders. Stakeholders don't have to be a person - it's just something the author has an opinion on. Eg. racism could a stakeholder in Luther King's speech. It's really easy to identify and it's effective because there is clear separation in what you are analysing.

For example, this is how you would use the stakeholder approach would work.
Body paragraph one: American society (analyse everything said about this)
Body paragraph two: Racism; repeat above
Body paragraph three: Racist people; repeat above.

I think Lauren's idea of splitting things into ideas and concepts (the 'argument' approach) is also quite good - although it might be tricky to sort things into arguments if it's not immediately clear what the author is arguing about. Also, it is a bit arbitrary because you run the risk of analysing arguments not techniques, if you don't master it well.