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March 28, 2024, 08:56:46 pm

Author Topic: Year 12 Comparative Argument Analysis SAC  (Read 3331 times)  Share 

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NR88

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Year 12 Comparative Argument Analysis SAC
« on: March 19, 2022, 10:26:18 pm »
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Hi all, looking for some advice.

Currently doing a practice SAC on Comparative Argument Analysis. The article is approx 1.5 pages long and has a short comment in agreement with the article. I have been instructed by my teacher to do 2-3 paragraphs on the article, and then 1 paragraph on the comment and how it's arguments compare to the article. All makes sense.

However, I have been told by an external source that as this is a comparative analysis SAC, ALL paragraphs have to compare what is said by both writers and how they are similar/different in argument.

Teacher has stated that it is inefficient to have 3-4 comparing paragraphs but external source has said that I will not get full marks because I am not comparing throughout, which is required by curriculum apparently. Both are VCAA examiners for later exams.

Wanting some advice on how this SAC is supposed to be completed because I have conflicting opinions.

Thanks

TSEtuition

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Re: Year 12 Comparative Argument Analysis SAC
« Reply #1 on: March 24, 2022, 02:48:20 pm »
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Hi all, looking for some advice.

Currently doing a practice SAC on Comparative Argument Analysis. The article is approx 1.5 pages long and has a short comment in agreement with the article. I have been instructed by my teacher to do 2-3 paragraphs on the article, and then 1 paragraph on the comment and how it's arguments compare to the article. All makes sense.

However, I have been told by an external source that as this is a comparative analysis SAC, ALL paragraphs have to compare what is said by both writers and how they are similar/different in argument.

Teacher has stated that it is inefficient to have 3-4 comparing paragraphs but external source has said that I will not get full marks because I am not comparing throughout, which is required by curriculum apparently. Both are VCAA examiners for later exams.

Wanting some advice on how this SAC is supposed to be completed because I have conflicting opinions.

Thanks

Hi NR88! What conflicting advice you've been given! For the SAC, this is pulled directly from the study design: [Students] compare different written texts presenting argument on similar ideas or issues, considering different ways authors use language to express arguments. https://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/Documents/vce/english/2016EnglishEALSD.pdf (page19)

It's quite broad in the design, so I believe what you've been told by your teacher (and I assume your tutor?) is simply a matter of preference and personal style. The main thing that you need to take into consideration here is: how can you best compare and 'consider' how the authors are using language/arguing? This is going to be different for everyone, depending on their strengths and style as a writer - some people do really well going super in depth for a period of time, and then drawing on what they've said in the final parts of the essay and using that to form the basis of comparison (ie what your teacher said), while others do the juggling act really well and truly shine in jumping between the two texts (ie what your 'external source' said). We personally don't push our students one way or another and prefer to let our students do what feels most natural to them, but we do recommend the first approach if the student isn't a strong writer because it's a simpler approach and there are fewer opportunities to go wrong because you're not switching back and forth between the two texts.

I hope that helps! :)
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joe444

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Re: Year 12 Comparative Argument Analysis SAC
« Reply #2 on: May 30, 2022, 09:27:01 pm »
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If the exam required full comparison throughout, why does it have only one article half the time?

Read the 2019 exam report.  They described full comparison as "awkward" and a "he said, she said" approach.

Language Analysis is the worst taught task in all of VCE.  Anyone who tells you that a full comparison is needed is wrong, or that persuasive techniques are needed, is WRONG.

Joe (teacher since 1998, examiner since 2006).
« Last Edit: May 31, 2022, 10:55:26 am by joe444 »

joe444

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Re: Year 12 Comparative Argument Analysis SAC
« Reply #3 on: May 31, 2022, 10:50:25 am »
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Actually, here is what Jacqueline Moore (head of assessment) said in 2018 at the markers' conference:

'In the event that a Section C task contains more than one article, comparison is not an essential component, and therefore does not appear in the assessment criteria.  Students may offer comparisons by way of their analysis, but should not make it the focus of their analysis.'

That's pretty much word-for-word what she said.