VCE English Question Thread

[Swagadaktal]

Weapons - cold, mechanical instruments designed to inflict harm by those who control them. Unfortunately, in many cases, the guise of defence is purported while the responsibility of those who yield such instruments is unnervingly abrogated in the pursuit of power, control and intimidation - a propensity which thrives off the innocence and acquiescence of those their used to protect.

I actually had to google 3 of those words.. damn

[Pawnpusher]

I actually had to google 3 of those words.. damn

Same :') i always got told that examiners dont like using their dictionaries.. cant argue with a 50 tho

[Swagadaktal]

Same :') i always got told that examiners dont like using their dictionaries.. cant argue with a 50 tho

is that what it takes to get a 50?
coz my vocab isnt that deep its just good enough for l.a and text responses :3

[keltingmeith]

is that what it takes to get a 50?
coz my vocab isnt that deep its just good enough for l.a and text responses :3

Man, don't stress - you have a whole year still to develop a deeper vocabulary.

[Champ101]

is that what it takes to get a 50?
coz my vocab isnt that deep its just good enough for l.a and text responses :3

I wouldn't worry too much about your vocabulary, it is important but focus on the complexity of your ideas first and how clearly and succinctly you convey those ideas. Your vocabulary will improve naturally the more you read and the more you write. Just look out for 'uncommon' words and try use them in your pieces of writing. As Euler said it's only the start of the year.

[appleandbee]

is that what it takes to get a 50?
coz my vocab isnt that deep its just good enough for l.a and text responses :3

Your vocabulary doesn't need to be pretentious or overly deep, it justs needs to be sophisticated. Also LA vocalubary doesn't need to be that sophisticated, you just need to explain your points well and know your terminology. I think there is a stickied post by DJA on TR expression on the English boards.

As for text response vocabulary, read high-scoring essays and other stuff to learn new words (write the words in a notebook and learn how to use them in a sentence). Also read study guides (even as someone who detests text study guides, I must say VATE is really good and Insight is okay) and literary commentary (these are the best but they are more common for older texts like Wuthering Heights and Shakespeare, you may be able to find some on Academia.com and Paris Review) on your selected texts for specific vocab and terminogy that complements your text.

_{No 50er but I got 20/20 for text response in the exam}

[literally lauren]

Hey guys, just letting you know that the first post in this thread has been updated to include more answers to common areas of concern, and they've now been sorted within each section, so you can browse through specific sub-categories within 'Text Response', 'Context' etc.

Hopefully this'll make things more navigable so that you can browse through past responses and then ask additional questions if you need. As always, if there's anything English-y that you need clarification with (for a pre-existing or entirely new question,) then drop it in this thread and someone'll help you out

(The English Q and A thread turns one year old today :'D they grow up so fast!)

[heids]

Meaning no offence to Champ101, I reckon the original TS was better, simply because it was simpler and clearer.  I wouldn't recommend trying to imitate that complex/wordy style because it sounds just a touch pretentious and confusing (I explain my reasoning in detail here).  But I got the 43 and they got the 50, so

I liked Swagadaktal's though - very clear, crisp and to the point. (y)

[Swagadaktal]

Meaning no offence to Champ101, I reckon the original TS was better, simply because it was simpler and clearer.  I wouldn't recommend trying to imitate that complex/wordy style because it sounds just a touch pretentious and confusing (I explain my reasoning in detail here).  But I got the 43 and they got the 50, so

I liked Swagadaktal's though - very clear, crisp and to the point. (y)

omg bangali stop that sweet talk of yours, if I was a diabetic I wouldn't be able to handle you

[heids]

omg bangali stop that sweet talk of yours, if I was a diabetic I wouldn't be able to handle you

Remember that I just criticised someone else (soz), so it's clearly not sugary flattery

(still undecided about whether you were complimenting me or not LOL)

[Swagadaktal]

Remember that I just criticised someone else (soz), so it's clearly not sugary flattery

(still undecided about whether you were complimenting me or not LOL)

It's a compliment boo

[Splash-Tackle-Flail]

I actually had to google 3 of those words.. damn

Don't worry I had to google 3 of them too!

[huehue]

Hello everyone! Can someone please tell me how language analysis is changing next year? I've been told that it's more argument focused but not sure what that means. Thanks

[teacher28]

I've been told that it's more argument focused but not sure what that means. Thanks

It's a subtle though significant change that the assessment commentary has been hinting at for a couple of years now making reference to aspects such as the logic or reason behind the argument. Remember that VCAA is a fickle creature!  What was enough last year or the year before may be simply the foundation in 2016.

This suggests that analysis is now more focused on analysing HOW the 'language' (words, visual texts, syntax, order of supporting points, for example) attempts to elicit THE AUDIENCE'S ACCEPTANCE of and or AGREEMENT with the SUPPORTING ARGUMENTS and therefore the CONTENTION.

This approach shifts attention away from simple investigation of what devices are being used, how  and why, and places the focus on a holistic view.

To achieve this come back to the over-riding point of view a couple of times through your analysis and make further reference to the supporting arguments that work to buttress the contention using phrases such as "highlights the point that...", "reinforces the main point of view expounded by ..." or "underlines the main argument that...".

[teacher28]

Weapons - cold, mechanical instruments designed to inflict harm by those who control them. Unfortunately, in many cases, the guise of defence conceals the responsibility of those who yield such instruments, responsibility which is ultimately abrogated in the pursuit of power, control and intimidation - a propensity which thrives off the innocence and acquiescence of those their used to protect.

Like bangali_lok, I mean no offence either, Champ 101, but I agree with the point that you can propose a sophisticated idea without using too many BIG words. I also agree that while most teachers welcome the opportunity to expand their vocabulary, examiners do not want to be hitting the dictionary  every few seconds.

When so-called sophisticated word-use turns elegance into bling a strict paring down and tightening up is called for. If you were one of my students I would have edited thus:

"...responsibility which is ultimately destroyed by the desire to control and intimidate -- a tendency which thrives on the weakness of the  innocent and submissive whom the powerful have a duty to protect."

(...those their used to protect.")

I do, however, like the innovative syntax of your introductory sentence!

"Weapons -- cold, mechanical instruments designed to inflict harm by those who control them."