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HSC Stuff => HSC Subjects + Help => HSC English Stuff => Topic started by: jamonwindeyer on October 13, 2016, 01:07:07 pm

Title: Paper 2 Preparations
Post by: jamonwindeyer on October 13, 2016, 01:07:07 pm
(http://i.imgur.com/IKT44tP.jpg)

Well, Paper 1 is done and dusted. How is your hand feeling? Do you think you did well or do you think it could have done better? Any regrets? You should go and celebrate your successes and vent about your frustrations in this thread here, then come back and forget about it all. Why? Because you are only halfway done. Paper 2 is tomorrow! Here are the things you must be doing as part of your Paper 2 prep.

1.   FORGET ABOUT PAPER 1
So let’s stress this again; Paper 1 is done. This should be exciting! Your first HSC exam, behind you, and you survived!

A big mistake that lots of people make in Paper 2 is walking in still worrying about Paper 1. Worrying that they lost marks in their Creative, worried about missing a conclusion in their essay, all that sort of stuff.

Part of your Paper 2 prep should involve getting all of these sorts of thoughts out of your head. You need to head in with a fresh slate. Stressing about an exam that’s already done is not going to do you any favours!

Even if you think you royally screwed up Paper 1, it probably isn’t as bad as you think. I promise, it is all good. Just relax, put it aside, and focus on moving forward and smashing out Paper 2!

2.   PLAN A WHOLE BUNCH OF ESSAYS
Paper 2 is a massively demanding exam. Your hand will get put through some punishment, so it is best to rest it as much as possible while doing your Paper 2 prep. So what’s the best way to work while still resting for the next day? Essay plans.

Yes, we talk about these heaps, but that’s because they work.

Planning out an essay involves just writing down your Thesis, your main ideas, and maybe even your quotes and techniques in dot points, in response to an essay question. This is all very relaxed; grab a past question and plan a response leisurely while you listen to music! Keep it chilled. The goal here isn’t speed, it’s about you considering how you would formulate a response to the question. How would you adapt your essay? How would you organise your ideas?

Paper 2 prep is all about making sure you are ready for as many curveballs as possible, because you’ll probably get at least one. Essay plans are the best way to prepare for these, without killing your hand and your brain in the process.

3.   MEMORISE YOUR QUOTES/ESSAYS
I know there are people out there who won’t have memorised their quotes and essays by the night before Paper 2. I’m guilty of it too; I was still memorising quotes for Module B the night before my exam (and it’s bloody lucky I did, because they ended up specifying a speech…)

Don’t feel despair if you are still memorising. Heaps of people are in the same boat, just hop to it! Write your quotes out, read them from a summary sheet, whatever you need to do to make them stick. Same goes for essays; just do whatever you need to do to get them locked into your head.

Paper 2 prep can seem like trying to squeeze an elephant through the eye of a needle; there’s so much to do but not much time. But you’d be massively surprised just how much you can memorise in one night, if you work consistently and keep your brain fresh.

4.   HAVE A PLAN
Elyse talked about the importance of a plan for Paper 1 yesterday, and I’ll do the same for Paper 2. In fact, it is probably even more important here.

Take 15 minutes in your Paper 2 prep time to consider what order you want to do the exam in. Do you want to do it in order to keep it simple? Want to start with Module C because you know you will smash it! Want to start with Module C because you know you will hate it? No right or wrong answers to these questions, but head in with it set in your mind! You’ve spent all your time on Paper 2 prep, worked hard for so long; make sure you can put it into practice when it counts!

5.   PREPARE EARLY FOR TOMORROW
Don’t forget, even with all your Paper 2 prep, to do the essentials. Ditch the pen you used yesterday and replace it with a fresh one, or add another to your ‘exam pack.’ Make sure you’ve got breakfast ready for the morning. Bottle of water (with no label), phone on silent, wallet and keys. Mad mix tape of ‘get pumped’ songs for the car (no joke, I had a CD I burned specifically for this). Get it all ready tonight so you can keep it relaxed in the morning.

And on top of that, get your rest. Seriously, you are about to do something really tough. There’s no sugarcoating that. Treat your body right and get a good night sleep so that you go into that exam with your best foot forward.  If you are a more math-inclined guy like me, the essays might be boring enough – Don’t make it worse by trusting your tired self to do your exam for you!

6.   BE HAPPY, BE CONFIDENT
Let’s end with the best news you’ll hear all week:

This is the last English exam you will ever sit. Like, EVER.

That statement alone should make you super energised and ready to cheer for joy! Trust me, you will love the feeling of walking out of Paper 2, it is so incredibly liberating to be saying goodbye to high school English essays once and for all.

So this is it! Your retirement match, your lap of honour, your farewell address.

Given that it is your last one, be confident! Be happy! Be excited, be all sorts of good and wonderful things. Because you know what? You worked bloody hard to be sitting there right now, ready to finally end 13 years of English lessons. And do you really want this, the grand finale, everything you’ve worked for, to fizzle out in an anti-climax?

Hell no you don’t.

Let’s finish this guys. And let’s do it with a bang!  ;D

Register for an account here and ask us any last minute questions below!
Title: Re: Paper 2 Preparations
Post by: studybuddy7777 on October 13, 2016, 05:23:34 pm
This sounds so much like an RBT/fatigue ad lol..
"Dont trust your tired self" and After English, you are going to need a Plan B :D

Great guide though!! I especially royally screwed up Paper 1 but I've had a rant and now thats all behind me :P

Hopefully Paper 2 is kind..

Goodluck for tomorrow everyone!!
Title: Re: Paper 2 Preparations
Post by: snoe on October 13, 2016, 06:59:09 pm
"This is the last English exam you'll sit"
EXT 1 RIP-

But thank you.
Title: Re: Paper 2 Preparations
Post by: jakesilove on October 13, 2016, 07:00:11 pm
"This is the last English exam you'll sit"
EXT 1 RIP tho

Bud, you chose extension 1, you did that to yourself :P (nah massive props to you, I could never manage more than 2 units of English)
Title: Re: Paper 2 Preparations
Post by: AFix on October 13, 2016, 07:02:35 pm
Does anyone know if Paper 1 and Paper 2 are both equally weighted?
Title: Re: Paper 2 Preparations
Post by: kavinila on October 13, 2016, 07:04:21 pm
thankfully, this is a plan I can work by considering I don't like memorising essays as such.
thanks Jamon, this really helps, especially to know that memorising an essay isn't the only way to get by.

Good luck to you all! :)
Title: Re: Paper 2 Preparations
Post by: snoe on October 13, 2016, 07:04:52 pm
Bud, you chose extension 1, you did that to yourself :P (nah massive props to you, I could never manage more than 2 units of English)

(Oh how I know it)
My fantastic life decisions strike again. :')

(Well, you seem to manage quite a lot of everything else  :P so back at ya)
Title: Re: Paper 2 Preparations
Post by: RuiAce on October 13, 2016, 07:06:15 pm
Does anyone know if Paper 1 and Paper 2 are both equally weighted?
I'm fairly sure no. I think they just add the marks to give a total mark out of 105, then use a calculator (i.e. excel or something) to convert it to a mark out of 100.

(Correct me if I'm wrong)
Title: Re: Paper 2 Preparations
Post by: Sssssrr on October 13, 2016, 07:08:15 pm
I'm fairly sure no. I think they just add the marks to give a total mark out of 105, then use a calculator (i.e. excel or something) to convert it to a mark out of 100.

(Correct me if I'm wrong)

Paper 1 is worth 40% Paper 2 is worth 60%
Title: Re: Paper 2 Preparations
Post by: RuiAce on October 13, 2016, 07:11:36 pm
Paper 1 is worth 40% Paper 2 is worth 60%
I remember I used to believe that. Think someone told me otherwise at one point.

Paper 1 being weighted 40% doesn't really make the /45 convenient. Although I still wouldn't be surprised is that were true. Elyse?
Title: Re: Paper 2 Preparations
Post by: jakesilove on October 13, 2016, 07:19:51 pm
I remember I used to believe that. Think someone told me otherwise at one point.

Paper 1 being weighted 40% doesn't really make the /45 convenient. Although I still wouldn't be surprised is that were true. Elyse?

I'm fairly sure the papers are weighted 40/60, but I can't find a proper source confirming that! Typical Board of Studies being all mysterious and shit
Title: Re: Paper 2 Preparations
Post by: RuiAce on October 13, 2016, 07:21:42 pm
I'm fairly sure the papers are weighted 40/60, but I can't find a proper source confirming that! Typical Board of Studies being all mysterious and shit
Tbh I wouldn't be surprised if it were. My memory's gone a bit fuzzy in this area.
Title: Re: Paper 2 Preparations
Post by: jakesilove on October 13, 2016, 07:22:23 pm
Tbh I wouldn't be surprised if it were. My memory's gone a bit fuzzy in this area.

Now I'm getting multiple, reliable sources telling me different things. God dammit BOSTES, pick up your game
Title: Re: Paper 2 Preparations
Post by: jakesilove on October 13, 2016, 07:25:58 pm
Now I'm getting multiple, reliable sources telling me different things. God dammit BOSTES, pick up your game

Can confirm: Paper one is worth 40%, Paper two is worth 60%

Source HERE, page 18.
Title: Re: Paper 2 Preparations
Post by: taylahines on October 13, 2016, 07:30:08 pm
"This is the last English exam you'll sit"
EXT 1 RIP-

But thank you.


Extension 1 please be kind to us 😢
Title: Re: Paper 2 Preparations
Post by: Sssssrr on October 13, 2016, 07:49:08 pm
on the topic of paper 2, do you guys have some good words i can throw into my essays to really nail the concepts of the modules. Currently i have transcending contexts and those kind of statements for module b, and constructs, bias and represents for module c
let me know
thanks!
Title: Re: Paper 2 Preparations
Post by: marynguyen18 on October 13, 2016, 07:51:00 pm
thank you Jamon
Title: Re: Paper 2 Preparations
Post by: mmmm675 on October 13, 2016, 07:52:57 pm
I have a quick question! I know BOSTES state that 2 units of English must count, but I do 4 units. Worse comes to worse, can just my two extension units count and not my advanced?
Thanks!
Title: Re: Paper 2 Preparations
Post by: joey9911 on October 13, 2016, 07:54:06 pm
i actually f**king love ATARNotes so much. I said it once, but I'll say it again. thanks for all that you guys do..
Title: Re: Paper 2 Preparations
Post by: RuiAce on October 13, 2016, 07:56:08 pm
I have a quick question! I know BOSTES state that 2 units of English must count, but I do 4 units. Worse comes to worse, can just my two extension units count and not my advanced?
Thanks!
Yes. This is actually possible.

If you look up the UAC tables, surprisingly only 98% of people appear to have English Adv count towards their ATAR. This suggests that Ext 1 and Ext 2 stepped in for it.
Title: Re: Paper 2 Preparations
Post by: jozzl on October 13, 2016, 08:07:20 pm
quick question
for module B should I write a comparison paragraph (as I doing speeches). I'm doing one for Module A because its comparison of texts and C has a related so..?
Title: Re: Paper 2 Preparations
Post by: RuiAce on October 13, 2016, 08:10:01 pm
quick question
for module B should I write a comparison paragraph (as I doing speeches). I'm doing one for Module A because its comparison of texts and C has a related so..?
Mmm... I'm welcoming differing opinions.

If you want to link between multiple texts that's fine, however I'd say no to direct comparison. In Module B, you treat all of your speeches as one whole text. It is a critical study, and you're more interested in fully evaluating the extent of (the essay question goes here) and how it is portrayed by the speeches altogether.

I don't think I see harm in doing so, but it doesn't feel like it's facing the right way for the Module B rubric.
Title: Re: Paper 2 Preparations
Post by: jozzl on October 13, 2016, 08:20:05 pm
Thank you!
I do have another question (sorry) I was doing a past paper and i came across a question like this for module A.
Does the treatment of power and control in Metropolis and Nineteen Eighty-Four reflect the texts’ similarities or reinforce their distinctive qualities?
i wanted to know if I should continue my essay in the same structure, 1984, metropolis and then combined paragraph, however should i include connections to each other throughout or minimise it to that last paragraph?
Title: Re: Paper 2 Preparations
Post by: jamonwindeyer on October 13, 2016, 09:15:59 pm
i actually f**king love ATARNotes so much. I said it once, but I'll say it again. thanks for all that you guys do..

Ily Joey <3
Title: Re: Paper 2 Preparations
Post by: jamonwindeyer on October 13, 2016, 09:17:37 pm
on the topic of paper 2, do you guys have some good words i can throw into my essays to really nail the concepts of the modules. Currently i have transcending contexts and those kind of statements for module b, and constructs, bias and represents for module c
let me know
thanks!

Hey! A few key words that spring to mind for ADVANCED modules (not as sure about Standard so not super confident saying):

Module A - Contexts, universal, values, comparison, appropriation, contemporary
Module B - Textual integrity, construction, form, values, themes
Module C - Representation, Construction, Bias, Audiences

:) :)
Title: Re: Paper 2 Preparations
Post by: jamonwindeyer on October 13, 2016, 09:18:47 pm
quick question
for module B should I write a comparison paragraph (as I doing speeches). I'm doing one for Module A because its comparison of texts and C has a related so..?

Hey! Not super important in this Module ;D Rui nailed it above :)

Thank you!
I do have another question (sorry) I was doing a past paper and i came across a question like this for module A.
Does the treatment of power and control in Metropolis and Nineteen Eighty-Four reflect the texts’ similarities or reinforce their distinctive qualities?
i wanted to know if I should continue my essay in the same structure, 1984, metropolis and then combined paragraph, however should i include connections to each other throughout or minimise it to that last paragraph?

The more comparisons the better, threading extra through your first two definitely won't hurt you and can definitely improve your mark! :)
Title: Re: Paper 2 Preparations
Post by: samsam0001 on October 13, 2016, 09:25:52 pm
Thank you for the reassurance that it is all going to be okay! Just wondering.. how many pages do you think I should aim for for each module?
Title: Re: Paper 2 Preparations
Post by: jakesilove on October 13, 2016, 09:28:12 pm
Thank you for the reassurance that it is all going to be okay! Just wondering.. how many pages do you think I should aim for for each module?

This is one of the questions I get asked about english literally all the time, and my answer is always the same; if you're writing more than two-three pages, you're in the clear. Beyond that, it becomes less about length, and more about quality. Seriously, don't stress about how much you're writing, because even the above isn't a hard and fast rule. A friend of mine wrote so small that she only did a page and a half for each essay; she got a solid band 6. Writing a 10 page long piece of bullshit is never going to get you as good a mark as a three page, thoughtful piece.
Title: Re: Paper 2 Preparations
Post by: jozzl on October 13, 2016, 10:09:16 pm
A friend of mine wrote so small that she only did a page and a half for each essay; she got a solid band 6.
Thank you for this! all my teachers are always attacking me for writing less than three pages but my handwriting is extremely small!
Title: Re: Paper 2 Preparations
Post by: liya1234 on October 16, 2017, 06:12:20 pm
Hi, currently i'm just struggling to figure out how to spend my time tonight. I'm pretty prepared for Mod A and Mod C (might need to brush up on my memorising) but I'm not quite sure how to be prepared for Module B Hamlet. I have an adaptable essay but I don't know many quotes/analysis beyond it in case they ask something specific that I haven't covered (which is likely). I'm not sure if it would be more useful at this point to learn more quotes etc or if i should go through the play again to get a broader understanding of the text and be able to answer the question conceptually better (also this would be more helpful if they end up quoting a section of the play which I have heard from some people will be likely this year). Hamlet is so broad and there are so many things to ask it just seems impossible to tackle so idk.
Thanks for all the great advice so far!
Title: Re: Paper 2 Preparations
Post by: claireob on October 16, 2017, 06:17:40 pm
Quick question, when referring to a text do I need to underline the title or put it in quotations?
I've been told to do both options.
Title: Re: Paper 2 Preparations
Post by: elysepopplewell on October 16, 2017, 06:25:30 pm
Quick question, when referring to a text do I need to underline the title or put it in quotations?
I've been told to do both options.

Well you're not really quoting the title, so I'd opt for the underlining option, which is what I did in my own HSC :) There's no requirement according to anything official NESA documents to do it, I think it's just bridging the fact that it is best practice to put it in italics, but you can't do that in a written exam! :)
Title: Re: Paper 2 Preparations
Post by: elysepopplewell on October 16, 2017, 06:29:22 pm
Hi, currently i'm just struggling to figure out how to spend my time tonight. I'm pretty prepared for Mod A and Mod C (might need to brush up on my memorising) but I'm not quite sure how to be prepared for Module B Hamlet. I have an adaptable essay but I don't know many quotes/analysis beyond it in case they ask something specific that I haven't covered (which is likely). I'm not sure if it would be more useful at this point to learn more quotes etc or if i should go through the play again to get a broader understanding of the text and be able to answer the question conceptually better (also this would be more helpful if they end up quoting a section of the play which I have heard from some people will be likely this year). Hamlet is so broad and there are so many things to ask it just seems impossible to tackle so idk.
Thanks for all the great advice so far!

Personally, I'd go for the broader approach to cover more bases, it seems like the smarter option. If you pick up some extra quotes on the way - excellent!
Title: Re: Paper 2 Preparations
Post by: CowMouldy on October 16, 2017, 07:14:02 pm
Thanks so much for this, gonna really help calm me down for tomorrow :P
Title: Re: Paper 2 Preparations
Post by: jaippreetha on October 16, 2017, 07:23:10 pm
For Module A is there a possibility that they'll nominate a short story from Dubliners (the prescribed text) without an extract?
Title: Re: Paper 2 Preparations
Post by: erinyyyyy on October 16, 2017, 07:54:57 pm
Just wondering if it’s necessary to have two related texts for module C? I’m doing Judith Wrights poetry and I do have a second related but I’d rather not spend too much time on it if it won’t be needed.
Title: Re: Paper 2 Preparations
Post by: Korrasami on October 16, 2017, 07:57:44 pm
A quick question, is it okay if I can abbreviate the titles of my texts? I know formally introducing it at the start is crucial, but would I be penalised if I abbreviated the titles if they're too long?
Title: Re: Paper 2 Preparations
Post by: Mathew587 on October 16, 2017, 08:08:29 pm
A quick question, is it okay if I can abbreviate the titles of my texts? I know formally introducing it at the start is crucial, but would I be penalised if I abbreviated the titles if they're too long?
Yes you can do that. You have to specify what the abbreviations mean though before using them i.e. LIFE OF PI [LOP]. After specifying it once, preferably in the intro, use that same abbreviation throughout. :)
Title: Re: Paper 2 Preparations
Post by: elysepopplewell on October 16, 2017, 08:12:00 pm
Just wondering if it’s necessary to have two related texts for module C? I’m doing Judith Wrights poetry and I do have a second related but I’d rather not spend too much time on it if it won’t be needed.

Can't say it's necessary - previously they've only asked for one! :)

A quick question, is it okay if I can abbreviate the titles of my texts? I know formally introducing it at the start is crucial, but would I be penalised if I abbreviated the titles if they're too long?
Yes you can do that. You have to specify what the abbreviations mean though before using them i.e. LIFE OF PI [LOP]. After specifying it once, preferably in the intro, use that same abbreviation throughout. :)
Correct - but I do recommend that if your title isn't long that you just write it. The notes from the marking centre in 2015 said people should avoid unwieldy abbreviations, and I think that if it's only going to save you one second to write out the whole thing, then you should do it. Just my personal preference! :)
Title: Re: Paper 2 Preparations
Post by: anthonycirillo on October 16, 2017, 10:32:21 pm
Hey for W.B. Yeats' poetry I'm just wondering what the technique is called to label "a lonely impulse of delight" for an Irish airman foresees his death? thanks xx
Title: Re: Paper 2 Preparations
Post by: Dante1091 on October 16, 2017, 11:01:43 pm
Quick question,

How should we spend reading time productively tomorrow in Paper 2

Also, I'm afraid I might have forgotten to put my student number today in Paper 1, what will happen now?
Title: Re: Paper 2 Preparations
Post by: jamonwindeyer on October 16, 2017, 11:12:44 pm
Hey for W.B. Yeats' poetry I'm just wondering what the technique is called to label "a lonely impulse of delight" for an Irish airman foresees his death? thanks xx

Hmm, maybe personification (an impulse can't be lonely), even just loaded word choice? :)

Quick question,

How should we spend reading time productively tomorrow in Paper 2

Also, I'm afraid I might have forgotten to put my student number today in Paper 1, what will happen now?

I'd be reading all the questions (duh) and then start planning in your head! Try and have plans for your paragraph topics and your Thesis for at least a couple of the essays you'll need to write by the end of the time ;D

No stress about the student number, they'll cross reference to figure it all out ;D
Title: Re: Paper 2 Preparations
Post by: iktimal on October 17, 2019, 11:09:46 pm
Hey guys, I need help relaxing, I am so anxious about tomorrow. There's so much speculation about the questions being curveballs that I'm stressing out so much. I memorized all my quotes, but I have this constant feeling that I'm underprepared like they are just going to throw me a question that's gonna mess everything up. I really need some advice on how to relax, I am very nervous about tomorrow.....
Thanks!
Title: Re: Paper 2 Preparations
Post by: Albus on October 17, 2019, 11:28:18 pm
Is it wrong if I'm basing most of my paragraphs in both essays on context and textual form (not many quotes) ?!?!