VCE English Language Quotations and Examples: Where do I even find ‘em?

[dmitridr]

This post was written by me on VCEStudyGuides.com: http://www.vcestudyguides.com/vce-english-language-quotations-and-examples-where-do-i-even-find-em

One of the biggest issues plaguing many VCE English Language students is the inability to source credible and relevant quotations for their SACs or essays. Why are quotations and examples so important for your assessment? The reason is simple: without quotations to back up your point, your argument may appear to be invalid and unreliable. In order to achieve the highest grade possible in English Language, you need to have a plethora of quotations and examples.

Tip: You should start compiling your quotations and examples list NOW! This will undoubtedly put you ahead of the pack.

The first issue around quotations and examples is the usability of them. Firstly, have these examples and quotations been grossly overused so as to become somewhat of a cliché? For example, when students talk about slang in their essays, they may be inclined to use ‘LOL’, which while being a valid example, it is indeed an overused and clichéd one. Part of being an excellent student in VCE English Language is the ability to source your own UNIQUE quotations and examples. Why you ask? It’s simple: if you have unique quotations and examples it shows the assessors you have researched extensively on your own, while also displaying your own unique abilities.

The second issue around quotations and examples is the relevance and credibility of them. Examiners have often noted in past exams that students make excessive use of media examples, yet fail to link them back to the topic or indicate their relevance within the essay. While media examples are allowed, they must be used appropriately and relevantly. Examiners have often recommended that students also source quotes and examples from linguists and other credible sources. While providing media examples, you must also provide linguist examples to back up or prove your point.

So now you know why we need them, you now need to know where to find them. Firstly, my online course has a quotations list which can provide you with a complete list of quotes from both media sources and linguists. Secondly, I would recommend you go through the ‘Green Book (Kirsten Fox’s VCE English Language Study Guide), and highlight any key quotes or examples you see in the essays or stimulus material. Thirdly, I would consult Google and Google News, and search for quotes relevant to the topic. For example, you may decide to find some modern quotes on euphemisms or political correctness. So to do this, you may decide to go to Google News and type in ‘political correctness’ and you will see a plethora of modern articles on the topic. This would therefore be your source of credible quotes and examples (make sure you can verify it!).

Well, there you have it! You can see why it’s important to have relevant and modern quotes, and where you can find them! In my future posts, I will be sure to create an article on HOW to incorporate these quotes or examples into your essays, so stay tuned!

I am sure there are other ways people find relevant quotes and examples... comment below if you know another way!

[point]

Hi!,

In our essays I was wondering is there a difference in credibility in using contemporary examples from our own knowledge or using quotes and examples from media articles. Do you even recommend using contemporary ones?

Thanks in advanced!

[Tyleralp1]

What's the stance on "making up" quotes from Linguists and the like? Can examiners really distinguish a real one from a made up one?

For instance, I used to say something like: "According to senior linguists [real/fake name], this particular effect [fake example] can be noted. Examples include [insert made up stuff]"

In Year 11, pulling a move like that worked wonders. But would I get easily caught out by VCE examiners?

[dmitridr]

Hi!,

In our essays I was wondering is there a difference in credibility in using contemporary examples from our own knowledge or using quotes and examples from media articles. Do you even recommend using contemporary ones?

Thanks in advanced!

Hi there! It's not that you want to use one or the other, it's more to do with you using both types of examples. Drawing on what is happening in modern society will no doubt put you in good stead with the examiners as this shows you are aware of what is happening around you! For example, you see my other post on a euphemism I spotted a few weeks ago: 'Politically motivated violence' a euphemism for 'terrorism'?

[dmitridr]

What's the stance on "making up" quotes from Linguists and the like? Can examiners really distinguish a real one from a made up one?

For instance, I used to say something like: "According to senior linguists [real/fake name], this particular effect [fake example] can be noted. Examples include [insert made up stuff]"

In Year 11, pulling a move like that worked wonders. But would I get easily caught out by VCE examiners?

While it may have worked in Year 11, I would definitely not recommend you do that in Year 12. While I am not sure how they check the credibility of each quotation, it would definitely be in your best interest not to simply make them up. There are plenty of quotes you can find out there, so it shouldn't be an issue

I hope that helped!

[Eiffel]

While it may have worked in Year 11, I would definitely not recommend you do that in Year 12. While I am not sure how they check the credibility of each quotation, it would definitely be in your best interest not to simply make them up. There are plenty of quotes you can find out there, so it shouldn't be an issue

I hope that helped!

Dim, how many quotes do you think is "enough". I have a fair amount of quotes as it stands, but what sort of quotes do we need. I have your typical, slang, nonstandard/standard english, euph/dysph etc, but what should we be looking for?

[point]

Hi there! It's not that you want to use one or the other, it's more to do with you using both types of examples. Drawing on what is happening in modern society will no doubt put you in good stead with the examiners as this shows you are aware of what is happening around you! For example, you see my other post on a euphemism I spotted a few weeks ago: 'Politically motivated violence' a euphemism for 'terrorism'?

Thanks for this! 

[dmitridr]

Dim, how many quotes do you think is "enough". I have a fair amount of quotes as it stands, but what sort of quotes do we need. I have your typical, slang, nonstandard/standard english, euph/dysph etc, but what should we be looking for?

'Enough' is relative. It's more about the quality, uniqueness and usability of the quotes which matters more than just having a huge list of quotes. You should also take into account how well you can memorise quotes because after all you cannot bring it into the exam or SACs!

I hope this helps