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March 29, 2024, 01:09:12 pm

Author Topic: Don't know whether to pick Eng Lang or Mainstream Eng alongside Lit  (Read 2488 times)  Share 

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BK21567

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Hi, I'm a year 10 student who's planning to do two VCE English subjects next year. I want to pursue a career revolving around writing for movies/tv-shows etc. However, I'm not sure which subject will benefit me more: doing Mainstream Eng or Eng Lang alongside Lit. On one hand, mainstream revolves around texts and analysis but I feel like the stress in year 12 would be too much for me. On the other hand, Eng Lang focuses a lot on language conventions which maybe benefit me to create more interesting pieces of writing and since there are only 2 exams + short answer questions, it's more preferable. However, I am not sure if Eng Lang even has that much of a benefit to a person who wants to do screenplay writing. So, people who do these VCE English subjects, what do y'all think would be the most beneficial?

Nice Garry

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Re: Don't know whether to pick Eng Lang or Mainstream Eng alongside Lit
« Reply #1 on: August 25, 2020, 01:44:48 pm »
+4
I think it's personal choice. If you're considering 2 englishes, it does show you're strong in the subject. It also depends on your other subjects and whether you can manage it. Ultimately, it should be what you feel will benefit you the most, since Language is more on the context, which I'm planning to do next year. Hope you can find a choice   ;)
« Last Edit: August 25, 2020, 01:50:08 pm by Nice Garry »
2020: 1/2 Biology
2021: 3/4 HHD, 3/4 Biology, 1/2 Chemistry, 1/2 Specialist Maths, 1/2 Methods, 1/2 English Language

Bri MT

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Re: Don't know whether to pick Eng Lang or Mainstream Eng alongside Lit
« Reply #2 on: August 25, 2020, 01:56:23 pm »
+4
As someone who studied eng lang in year 12, lit in year 11 & normal the rest of highschool, I think eng lang can benefit everyone in their understanding of English and how to use it. If not being sure whether it's applicable is the only thing holding you back then imo go for it :)

AngelWings

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Re: Don't know whether to pick Eng Lang or Mainstream Eng alongside Lit
« Reply #3 on: August 25, 2020, 05:53:15 pm »
+3
English Language is effectively an introductory linguistics subject. If metalanguage, grammar, what occurs in language to create identity (particularly the Australian identity) and Australian English appeal to you, then English Language is probably more for you.

While I do agree that Eng Lang can benefit anyone, I would also caution that it is arguably harder than mainstream English; you’re coming at this fresh and it’s all new content, whereas mainstream is more similar to what you’ve probably done from Years 7-10.

since there are only 2 exams + short answer questions, it's more preferable.
...but you have less time to do it.
For the record, Eng Lang final exam: 2 hrs writing (15 mins reading) - 2 essays + Short Answer Questions
English (mainstream): 3 hrs writing (15 mins reading) - 3 essays.
So it’s actually a more rushed exam if you do Eng Lang compared to English. (I wouldn’t use the exam as the deciding factor though. Instead, I would use whether the content is more interesting to you.)
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