VCE English Question Thread

[userrrname]

Hey... i just have a question. Since we're allowed to take our own dictionary into the exam, I was wondering if I'm allowed to fold the flaps of a few pages to help me remember where words are or some words. Would this be violating anything? Would it be considered cheating?

[sophomania]

Hey... i just have a question. Since we're allowed to take our own dictionary into the exam, I was wondering if I'm allowed to fold the flaps of a few pages to help me remember where words are or some words. Would this be violating anything? Would it be considered cheating?

No I wouldn't do that! Since you're not allowed to mark your dictionary, it might be considered cheating :/

[dsabeta]

Not sure if anyone would be able to help me out on this, but I'm a bit concerned about the translation of my text for the exam.
My school is doing Medea, and on the booklist (very stupidly) prescribed the wrong translation (Vellacott) for students to buy - I, however, had purchased the book myself from a bookshop, which is the Davie translation. Once school had started, my teacher realised that my version was actually the correct version that was specifically prescribed on the VCAA text list.
This initially wasn't seen as a very big deal, until we had an experienced external assessor come in to give us feedback on a trial exam she had marked for us. My friend (the only other person who has the correct translation) asked about this, and the assessor said that the markers typically go off the main version and tend to stick to that one. She also mentioned that the chances of all assessors having knowledge of the other translation is highly unlikely.
I've been working off of the Vellacott translation for my SACs and so forth, but as the exam approaches I'm unsure whether to base my quotes off of my copy (the correct translation) or not? I'm a bit worried that the examiners will be unaware of the quotes from the other translation, and will think that I'm pulling random quotes from thin air.. is this crazy to think?
I know this might seem like a silly question which has a self-explanatory answer, but any advice would be really helpful rn

[PhoenixxFire]

I’m unsure of how strict VCAA is on exact quotes when there are different translations (might be someone else on here who knows though) but definitely try and use quotes from the VCAA approved translation from now on.

Really sucks that your school messed that up!

[sdfg]

Not sure if anyone would be able to help me out on this, but I'm a bit concerned about the translation of my text for the exam.
My school is doing Medea, and on the booklist (very stupidly) prescribed the wrong translation (Vellacott) for students to buy - I, however, had purchased the book myself from a bookshop, which is the Davie translation. Once school had started, my teacher realised that my version was actually the correct version that was specifically prescribed on the VCAA text list.
This initially wasn't seen as a very big deal, until we had an experienced external assessor come in to give us feedback on a trial exam she had marked for us. My friend (the only other person who has the correct translation) asked about this, and the assessor said that the markers typically go off the main version and tend to stick to that one. She also mentioned that the chances of all assessors having knowledge of the other translation is highly unlikely.
I've been working off of the Vellacott translation for my SACs and so forth, but as the exam approaches I'm unsure whether to base my quotes off of my copy (the correct translation) or not? I'm a bit worried that the examiners will be unaware of the quotes from the other translation, and will think that I'm pulling random quotes from thin air.. is this crazy to think?
I know this might seem like a silly question which has a self-explanatory answer, but any advice would be really helpful rn

Either translation is fine. Vellacott was the original translation and they changed it to Davies afterwards, but some schools weren't happy because they've been teaching Vellacott all along so VCAA now accepts both translations. This is the reason why you won't find VCAA prompts for Medea which includes a quote from the play - cause it would unfairly disadvantage students who didn't study the translation the quote is from - unlike prompts for other texts which might.

So yeah, don't worry - you're fine.

Edit: From VCAA.

[smamsmo22]

Hi, just a question/advice request about language analysis.

I often receive feedback that I don't include enough analysis of 'specific language' and its (usually emotional) impact on the reader I was just trying to gain a better understanding of this/ how to fix this. Does this mean referring more to the impact of specific words and devices? Sorry this is so unclear but if anyone can direct me to tips/info about being more specific with language and literary devices that would be helpful I think 

[Lear]

https://atarnotes.com/forum/index.php?topic=164759


This helped me immensely and I think it is exactly what you are looking for!

[smamsmo22]

https://atarnotes.com/forum/index.php?topic=164759


This helped me immensely and I think it is exactly what you are looking for!

Thank you! I've read this before but I'll definitely read again; it's definitely helpful (:

This probably sounds contradictory to my first but my analyses often lack discussion of the more 'traditional' literary devices; mine are usually centred around language and phrases. I know listing literary devices isn't the point of a language analysis but I feel like i should do it more. Does anyone have any tips about being specific with the impact of literary devices on the readers? Like.. I can identify rhetorical questions etc, but I feel that I sound too vague when describing their impact (i.e. heightens the concern of the reader by asking them to acknowledge their own habits..) idk. Hope that makes some sort of sense!!

[lst1103]

Does anyone have any strategies to recognise arguments within articles for Section C? I struggle with this for some reason and it takes me far too long to detect them.

[Lear]

What helps me is reading it like a normal person, not a year 12 frantically trying to think about what their paragraphs should be based upon. I identify what this person is contending (what should happen, what you should believe, what you should do etc) and then think why?
For example, say the piece was on the need for more space exploration.
This person thinks that we should pursue space exploration because....... A1
Another reason is that ..... A2
Perhaps the biggest reason is that .... A3

[Deliaaa454]

Hi, can anyone give me a rough estimate of what I need to score on the final exam for a 35+ study score?
I'm currently ranked just above average in my cohort (ranked about ~150 in the state) and has a B average for unit 3 and B+ for unit 4.
Thanks in advance.

[marauder52]

How does one deal with the uncertainty of what prompts will be given on the exam?
I would say I am a decent english student but this is starting to get to me. I feel as though no matter how many quotes I memorise the prompts on the exam could absolutely screw me over. Especially for a play like Medea. There's just so much to know. How can one ensure all bases are covered?

[Fergus6748]

How does one deal with the uncertainty of what prompts will be given on the exam?
I would say I am a decent english student but this is starting to get to me. I feel as though no matter how many quotes I memorise the prompts on the exam could absolutely screw me over. Especially for a play like Medea. There's just so much to know. How can one ensure all bases are covered?

Heya, I dont do VCE, but I can give it a crack. The best thing to do would be to go over you text to find the 3-4 strongest themes within it. Then sift througha bunch of past questions and write essay plans using the concepts. Since they are just concepts you should be able to adapt them to the question. Hope this helps!

[ailenewu]

a 'key player' = something the author positions in a certain way to strengthen their contention
then, discuss the various language features that support that sub-argument.

So for the sample piece on the facebook page, I had:
   - Paragraph 1: the importance of biodiversity and why it is vulnerable and in need of preservation (+ 1st visual, since it deals with this same sentiment)
   - Paragraph 2: the dangers of inaction and the damaging repercussions this can have
   - Paragraph 3: the need for honest reappraisal of the situation and for a genuine commitment to tangible goals (+ 2nd visual, since it can be linked to this idea too)

https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/04/opinion/metoo-law-legal-system.html
http://theconversation.com/beyond-metoo-we-need-bystander-action-to-prevent-sexual-violence-91741

i just read some posts on using 'key players' as a way to structure a language analysis response for the english exam (section c) - ahhhh why did i not see this earlier?! i just wanted to do a little practice to make sure i have the whole concept down pact before wed. the articles above are the ones we had to do for a sac in school, and i've tried to identify the key players and how i would structure the arguments below:

1. survivors of sexual harassment
2. men in general (??)
3. women in general (??)
or i would group number 2 and 3 and make it the public of Australia/USA in general, but my teacher has told me to never mention 'the general public' as it is too vague...
3. the government bodies that can change laws

would these be the main players you would focus on? i'd love to know how you would approach these articles!

[clarke54321]

How does one deal with the uncertainty of what prompts will be given on the exam?
I would say I am a decent english student but this is starting to get to me. I feel as though no matter how many quotes I memorise the prompts on the exam could absolutely screw me over. Especially for a play like Medea. There's just so much to know. How can one ensure all bases are covered?

The uncertainty you are experiencing is a very natural feeling! I felt exactly like this at this time last year.

Given that you feel quite confident in your writing abilities, and understanding of quotes, I'd encourage you to systematically work your way through a list of Medea prompts . That is, try and pair up prompts that could effectively pen the same essay. After a while, you will realise that you have very distinctive categories. Even where you have outliers, think hard to determine how you can manipulate the prompt to make it work for one of your categories. This does not mean that you aren't answering the question. It just means you are defining the scope of the question, so that you are able to write an essay that suits one of your main interpretations. This is how I used my time leading up to the exam. Above all, it gives you the security that no matter what VCAA throws at you, you'll be able to respond well.

All the very best for the exam