ATAR Notes: Forum
VCE Stuff => VCE English Studies => VCE Subjects + Help => VCE English & EAL => Topic started by: DiMennzzaa on August 14, 2012, 06:29:52 pm
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For example do you have to start your introduction with lyrics from a song or write your piece in a letter to the editor style or diary entries or use really unknown social parallels to make your piece really stand out....
...or can you just do a simple, well-balanced, deeply explored expository piece and still get a good mark?
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Hey I do the latter and get good marks. I often start with a quote that reflects the prompt (from someone well known) or a personal anecdote
And my teacher says try not use obscure parallels, as it still should be something most people can relate too, maybe just try something not everyone uses...
The thing I say to everyone is don't be bored by your own writing, have fun!
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I've had great successes and terrible failures with creative context pieces. They either work superbly, or they don't at all with me.
I find that expository pieces are much safer to write, but more difficult to gain an outstanding score, so you need to have ideas that are previously unheard of to the assessor, have a succinct yet grandiose vocabulary and writing style, to get that esteemed 9/10+.
I have heaps of fun writing creative pieces, I don't particularly have fun, although I do enjoy, writing expository pieces.
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For example do you have to start your introduction with lyrics from a song or write your piece in a letter to the editor style or diary entries or use really unknown social parallels to make your piece really stand out....
...or can you just do a simple, well-balanced, deeply explored expository piece and still get a good mark?
You can do a simple, well-balanced, deeply explored expository and still get a good mark - like my pretty mediocre expository managed to get 8.5/10 on the Exam and another expository of mine got 46/50 for a SAC - so you can defs pull it off.
Obviously choose the style that suits you and allows you to show off your knowledge of the text, control of language and vocabulary. I know a lot of students choose the wrong form - for example, a lot of artistic writers choose expository because they think that form is "safer" and hence, they end up getting a lower mark than they could have got. Whereas I know other students who really can't write creative pieces (they sounded dry, boring, uncreative) even though they knew their text well and their phrasing and language was quite good - so you have to choose what suits you best - there isn't a "one-size-fits-all".
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My two pretty standard expository essays (text responses framed within the context of exploring Encountering Conflict) got me 29/30 and 30/30 and quite a few other high scorers for the SAC wrote in a similar fashion.
This is the 29/30 essay: Re: English Work Examples Directory. Not very creative at all.
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A good creative beats a good expository ten out of ten times. But that doesn't mean you can't score highly with an expository. It is just a bit more difficult.
Just remember in the end, it is the ideas that they are looking for and if you can nail that bit in a presentable manner, you will get a good mark regardless. Learn to be creative and original with your ideas first if you want to stand out more.
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A good creative beats a good expository ten out of ten times. But that doesn't mean you can't score highly with an expository. It is just a bit more difficult.
Do you actually have any evidence to support this statement?
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A good creative beats a good expository ten out of ten times. But that doesn't mean you can't score highly with an expository. It is just a bit more difficult.
Not only is this untrue, it's not even what this thread is asking. The topic is whether or not you have to have a creative approach to an expository piece ie. with the structure, framing, etc, in order to score highly in this style.
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If you have read the whole thing, and not take it out of context, you would probably understand that the above serve only as a point I am trying to make. That being, although a creative or different approach/style if done well, will get you the exceptional marks, it is fundamentally important to understand first and foremost, that the foundation of all good essays remains to be the depth and quality of the ideas explored.
No i don't have empirical evidence or stats if that is what you are looking for. It is my honest opinion, from the experiences that I have had, and from what my tutor have taught and told me time and time again.
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No i don't have empirical evidence or stats if that is what you are looking for. It is my honest opinion, from the experiences that I have had, and from what my tutor have taught and told me time and time again.
Then it's not true - because I know many 10/10 essays which were written as an Expository style - furthermore, why does Expository continue to be popular amongst students if it's that hard to score well in. Just because your tutor told you something doesn't mean that it's true.
He might be telling you that because he thinks you are more suited to writing creative pieces...etc.
In my view and according to what I've read (Assessor's Reports...etc.) you should choose the form you are most comfortable writing with.
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So you are saying, if there is two ten out of ten pieces, one a creative and another an expository, then they are both equally good? Well, that logic doesn't work because we all know the standard marking is that every piece is marked from a scale of a 10, or a 100, or whatever. Both may deserve the mark of a 10/10 in the given cohort, but that does not mean both pieces are equal in quality.
"furthermore, why does Expository continue to be popular amongst students if it's that hard to score well in."
Because it is more accessible and perhaps because writing a good creative which links to the prompt and the ideas which it requires is just too damn difficult under one hour. Why do you think most ESL students pick Expository in the exam? Because it is relatively easy to write a decent expository, than it is to write a decent creative. And why? Because creative pieces usually need more thought, and therefore more time, and it is more demanding in the language department. Why is that so? Perhaps, in part, it is because of the culture, or the era where we live in, a time where students are more comfortable with consistent, formulaic and systemic type assessments.
" Just because your tutor told you something doesn't mean that it's true. "
Honestly, I don't know where you are heading. If you want to go to the philosophy bit about truth and knowledge and start question your very existence, that is one thing. But from my knowledge, this is an advice thread, and we give advice as we see fit- as best and as honestly as we can. Like I have said before, I have only given a strong expression of my honest opinion.
"In my view and according to what I've read (Assessor's Reports...etc.) you should choose the form you are most comfortable writing with."
You said it yourself, and I agree. You just answered your previous question. They are more comfortable with it, however, as a consequence, the competition is likely to be stronger to write a standout expository piece.
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Do you think its better in the exam to write a hybrid or creative context as opposed to expository due to the examiners reading so many expository from text response/lang analysis? As in to not bore them any more? Or is it better just to play to your strengths if that's expository?
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@rachaelcool: Play with your strengths.
I have a question:
What language features can enhance a piece to be more creative?
I know I can fiddle with the form, the tense, the way it is written, the voice, add imagery, add multiple perspectives, and weave it with the prompt and stimulated text...but what else can I do?
I consider myself an artistic writer as I am terrible at expository, and when I even try persuasive my pieces are not balanced (as I sit on my own polemic and act as if I am a dictator....). I have tried persuasive...it just doesn't work, but I like to write one once in awhile just to change it up. Anyways...are there any ways to make a creative piece MORE creative? I read quite a bit so I add ideas that I have seen from other's writing, but I was wondering if anyone had any tips. ;D
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You can be an artistic writer even if you're writing expository/persuasive...
That being said, your question is a tough one! I think tone of voice is the major feature of creative writing, so try to fiddle with that. From passive to confronting, etc, that's how you'll really connect with the audience.
Try to be spontaneous with your writing too. I think if you try to be 'too creative' it can come across as contrived and artificial. Maybe try to use your own experiences to guide your content and then let your imagination run wild a little? Think of ideal situations or romanticised notions of how situations can turn out. I know for me, I reflect on pretty much all of my daily events and think about how they could have progressed, from zombie apocalypses to my own tragic death to going to Narnia haha.
But yeah, it's hard. Creative writing is all about how you can manipulate writing to say the same thing in different ways and hence portray different meanings. Prey on the emotion of the reader.
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@rachaelcool: Play with your strengths.
I have a question:
What language features can enhance a piece to be more creative?
I know I can fiddle with the form, the tense, the way it is written, the voice, add imagery, add multiple perspectives, and weave it with the prompt and stimulated text...but what else can I do?
I consider myself an artistic writer as I am terrible at expository, and when I even try persuasive my pieces are not balanced (as I sit on my own polemic and act as if I am a dictator....). I have tried persuasive...it just doesn't work, but I like to write one once in awhile just to change it up. Anyways...are there any ways to make a creative piece MORE creative? I read quite a bit so I add ideas that I have seen from other's writing, but I was wondering if anyone had any tips. ;D
Have you read a lot of S. King? I always find things I've picked up from his books coming through in my stories. I like to switch from thid to first person writing as well. In one of my SACs I used 2nd person (for the first time lol). It mixes it up a little and lets you explore your given theme pretty well.
On topic: Paul is right. Definitely write to your strengths/enjoyments. I wouldn't bother considering what 'usually' scores highest etc. I've never written an expository context essay in my life and don't plan on starting. Many people have recommended that I don't do a story and write an expository piece because it's easier or 'what if you get writer's block?' but honest to God, easy is a subjective term, statistics on the highest scoring responses aren't worth much, because writing to what scores the highest average mark doesn't mean you'll be up there. Do what you enjoy and are good at.
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"I consider myself an artistic writer as I am terrible at expository, and when I even try persuasive my pieces are not balanced (as I sit on my own polemic and act as if I am a dictator....). "
There is nothing wrong with that. There is nothing wrong with being different. Don't get sucked in by today's conformist culture. I think we have reached a point, where the fiction can be dispensed with completely, and that candid acknowledgements be made with respect to the differences that exist with human values and beliefs. General rule is to critique the idea, but don't vilify the person who holds it.
Again, I think a large part of being creative is the ability to let go of certainties, and instead learn to question and reflect. Find that critical spot in you, work your guts out and while people may disagree with your ideas, never give them enough space to be critical of the fact that you are in any way, inferior to them.
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"I consider myself an artistic writer as I am terrible at expository, and when I even try persuasive my pieces are not balanced (as I sit on my own polemic and act as if I am a dictator....). "
There is nothing wrong with that. There is nothing wrong with being different. Don't get sucked in by today's conformist culture. I think we have reached a point, where the fiction can be dispensed with completely, and that candid acknowledgements be made with respect to the differences that exist with human values and beliefs. General rule is to critique the idea, but don't vilify the person who holds it.
Again, I think a large part of being creative is the ability to let go of certainties, and instead learn to question and reflect. Find that critical spot in you, work your guts out and while people may disagree with your ideas, never give them enough space to be critical of the fact that you are in any way, inferior to them.
OFFTOPIC: Btw, if you want to quote, hit the quote button on the side of the comment. It'll be a bit easier to follow that way:)
ON TOPIC: Yes I know. I'm not getting sucked into expository writing or persuasive (unless it improves!) for that matter. I'm just a creative thinker. I love writing stories, and that is what I am good at. I just was wondering of ideas that could help my pieces become more creative... Like writing styles that I could use to polish off a great piece with its ideas?
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So you are saying, if there is two ten out of ten pieces, one a creative and another an expository, then they are both equally good? Well, that logic doesn't work because we all know the standard marking is that every piece is marked from a scale of a 10, or a 100, or whatever. Both may deserve the mark of a 10/10 in the given cohort, but that does not mean both pieces are equal in quality.
No, the logical assumption is that two pieces which receive a 10/10 will generally be of the same quality.
"furthermore, why does Expository continue to be popular amongst students if it's that hard to score well in."
Because it is more accessible and perhaps because writing a good creative which links to the prompt and the ideas which it requires is just too damn difficult under one hour. Why do you think most ESL students pick Expository in the exam? Because it is relatively easy to write a decent expository, than it is to write a decent creative. And why? Because creative pieces usually need more thought, and therefore more time, and it is more demanding in the language department. Why is that so? Perhaps, in part, it is because of the culture, or the era where we live in, a time where students are more comfortable with consistent, formulaic and systemic type assessments.
Well if writing a good creative is more difficult, then you have just contradicted yourself, because it, hence, might actually be easier to write a 10/10 expository piece - according to your logic. I disagree, creative pieces do not necessarily require more thought. They require a different type of thinking, yes, but not more thought. If you want to write a good expository piece - i.e. a 10/10 piece - you would have to put much thought into that as well.
" Just because your tutor told you something doesn't mean that it's true. "
Honestly, I don't know where you are heading. If you want to go to the philosophy bit about truth and knowledge and start question your very existence, that is one thing. But from my knowledge, this is an advice thread, and we give advice as we see fit- as best and as honestly as we can. Like I have said before, I have only given a strong expression of my honest opinion.
What I'm trying to say is that we "hear" a lot of things, I can tell you that writing an expository piece is better, but that doesn't mean that what I've said is necessarily true. The direction in which I am heading is that when we say something, we should source it - especially advice - because somebody might read what you wrote and believe that what you said is true, even though it might have been possibly for you (or your tutor) to have just made it up - because you didn't provide any sources.
For controversial things such as this, it's always best to provide some sort of source - either from Assessment Reports, Assessors themselves...etc.
"In my view and according to what I've read (Assessor's Reports...etc.) you should choose the form you are most comfortable writing with."
You said it yourself, and I agree. You just answered your previous question. They are more comfortable with it, however, as a consequence, the competition is likely to be stronger to write a standout expository piece.
No, pieces are marked against all other pieces in general, not just out of their own specific type. For example, your piece might be a very good creative piece, but if there are heaps more expository pieces better than yours, you still won't get that 10/10. The sample space is all context pieces not just context pieces of your particular type - or are you lacking the mathematical understanding to comprehend the point which I am trying to make?
What you should be aiming for, however, is to write a standout piece in general, not a standout creative or standout expository piece. This is because expository pieces are compared to creative pieces during marking, they aren't separated. Furthermore, assessors give out 10/10 according to criterion, not how much you stand out, thus, you should be looking at the form with which you will write best. I have written both expository pieces and creative pieces on SACs in the past, and I have done equally well in both - so I am by no means biased towards any particular form. I just have issues with what you are advising.
ON TOPIC: Yes I know. I'm not getting sucked into expository writing or persuasive (unless it improves!) for that matter. I'm just a creative thinker. I love writing stories, and that is what I am good at. I just was wondering of ideas that could help my pieces become more creative... Like writing styles that I could use to polish off a great piece with its ideas?
My advice would be to try and analyse books which you think show good creativity and artistic writing. Also you should separate ideas and technical writing. First of all, in order to write a good creative story, you need to have good ideas. So you need to brainstorm and imagine scenarios about your context. This involves time and a lot of thinking.
In terms of technical writing, I think using concise and accurate words is important, so is using nice sentence structure. You want your essay to be easily read! But yeah, I just try to model my own writing off good authors. That's what I've done in the past and it's worked for me.
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I personally find creative writing a lot easier than expository. With creative writing there's a certain freedom to let yourself go and just put thought into words without worrying about the weight of each sentence, because no one can really dispute what you've written. It's not necessarily more difficult to write a creative piece in a short period of time than an expository piece either, because there's more to worry about in terms of structure and sequencing of ideas with the latter, which means you have to be careful in how you build your analysis (or exposition).
The reason that I choose to write expository pieces rather than creative for context, however, is that with creative pieces how the piece will be received by the examiner is more subjective and less assured. Plus I believe that my best expository pieces would be better than my best creative pieces. If you read a high scoring expository response the things that stand out are the complexity of ideas and language, the structure and flow of ideas and depth of analysis. Some students are able to write these to such a standard that they could be of a university/academic level. With a creative piece it needs to be a cohesive unit to stand out. How the writer manages to communicate with the audience through creative writing is completely subjective, there's no way that you can say an outstanding creative piece will always trump a top level expository/persuasive essay because they're judged on different criterion and comes down to the individuals appreciation of various form.
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1. Not the same quality. Similar quality. And you have conceded.
2. Wrong. I said, it is relatively easier to write a decent expository and get a decent mark 6-7, than it is to write a decent creative, decent in the sense that the examiners can see where you are heading and is able to identify and link some of the ideas within your creative piece to the prompt. Point is, given the nature of creative pieces, and how very subjective it sometimes can be, a lot of people who chose creative either bombs it in the exam or does it very well. It is good that you are disagreeing. But what are you disagreeing to? I simply said creative writing USUALLY requires more thought than expository because the structure for an expository essay is more or less, already there.
3. Ok start sourcing every time you post something to do with VCE that may reasonably lead someone to the inference that it is an advice. And then make sure that source gets linked back to the VCAA or someone along those lines. Got it. And it is controversial that creative is generally more challenging than expository for students of our time and those who write great creative pieces are usually the ones who get the exceptional marks. I can see where this is going.
4. Stop misrepresenting my propositions. Seriously, stop doing that. I never said anything about that. The pieces are obviously not categorised as expo or creative or persuasive. What I am saying is that an assessor is likely to look more favorably at a rather good creative piece especially after she/he has marked 30 expository pieces. It stands out MORE. And don't go into all those crap about how assessors are impartial and stuff. They are humans getting paid according to how much papers they mark. Enough said.
I meant what I said. But more important, I do mean what I do not say. And I have issues with how you are trying so hard in misrepresenting my words so that you can fault me.
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I meant what I said. But more important, I do mean what I do not say. And I have issues with how you are trying so hard in misrepresenting my words so that you can fault me.
He's taken your words pretty literally and represented them so, IMO
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Try and be a bit civil or I'll just close this thread. I think the OP's question has been answered satisfactorily.
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I think with creative its possible to emotionally override the examiner with a touching anecdotal or story rather than an expository piece which could redeem yourself from any possible errors (and everyone likes stories) therefore they could be just slightly less critical on marking if they have been moved by your story
I'm pretty sure this worked for me when I wrote about being Eurasian with Growing Up Asian as my text - I remember writing things like "im not a whole... but rather two halves loosely woven together" and it made my teacher cry (LOL.)
but dont do things superficially, play to your strengths if you think expository is for you but this is just my 2 cents about writing creatively.
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Can I write persuasive style for context?
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Can I write persuasive style for context?
Yes. The three most commonly accepted styles are expository, persuasive and creative, and then you have hybrids.
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Can I write persuasive style for context?
Yes. The three most commonly accepted styles are expository, persuasive and creative, and then you have hybrids.
Do we get marks off when it is not clear if the essay is expository or persuasive?
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Do we get marks off when it is not clear if the essay is expository or persuasive?
Hmmm, can you possibly write a hybrid Persuasive and Expository? I don't think so. Just because an expository discusses ideas whereas a persuasive persuades the reader to take on a point of view.
Btw, I think persuasive is very difficult to write, many students write persuasive and it just ends up sounding like an expository.
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I've heard that in terms of an expository piece, you don't need to be creative. They are going to be marking SO many exams and there will be repeats on the type of issues or events referred to in the essays. What is more important is being able to explore a prompt, apply it to the text and then further apply it to other examples. If you are able to do this properly then it should be a high marking piece.
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It's more about being original than creative. But yes, having a 'creative' spin on things will help. The examiners just don't want to see any formulaic responses.
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For the context piece, if we choose to write a persuasive piece, can we write it in first person?
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Yes.
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For the context piece, if we choose to write a persuasive piece, can we write it in first person?
Well, can you write a persuasive piece in first person? Why are you asking us about your own abilities? We don't know what you can and can't do.
If you meant may you write it in first person - then yes - you may write it in first person on the exam.
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For the context piece, if we choose to write a persuasive piece, can we write it in first person?
Well, can you write a persuasive piece in first person? Why are you asking us about your own abilities? We don't know what you can and can't do.
If you meant may you write it in first person - then yes - you may write it in first person on the exam.
That's nitpicky...
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Hahaha, yeah I know, but I thought it was funny because we're on an English board, plus my methods teacher hammered the difference between can and may into my head because she got annoyed every time someone in the class asked "can I go to the toilet" or "can I borrow your calculator"...etc. :P
She would be like "you can go to the toilet of course, but you may not" :P
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Hahaha, yeah I know, but I thought it was funny because we're on an English board, plus my methods teacher hammered the difference between can and may into my head because she got annoyed every time someone in the class asked "can I go to the toilet" or "can I borrow your calculator"...etc. :P
She would be like "you can go to the toilet of course, but you may not" :P
Callow?
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For the context piece, if we choose to write a persuasive piece, can we write it in first person?
Well, can you write a persuasive piece in first person? Why are you asking us about your own abilities? We don't know what you can and can't do.
If you meant may you write it in first person - then yes - you may write it in first person on the exam.
Seriously...I barely comment on here but I continuously see these comments from you- but that's web forums I guess.
Also think the attack (and it did sound like an attack) on the lovephysics guy/girl (and/or both) was a bit harsh...It was only an opinion, and not everyone (including yourself) backs up their opinions.
Personally I've been told a good creative piece will score higher than a good expository piece too- and even that it is harder to write an expository piece that will be looked at as a 9/10 alongside creative. My school spent a whole class on this very topic (I wont say fact) which include VCE assessors also. I also think it makes sense, context writing is about showing your skills as a writer, not entirely your analytical strengths. Creative writing ALLOWS for more depth than expository, which in turn shows the depth of your ability to write something in an hour.
This doesn't mean creative is the way to go, because an awful creative piece is still awful. In this way, playing to the strengths is the right way to do it - However if you're hands are tied between the two styles, I (personally) would either try to hybrid, or to lean more towards creative writing. Take a look at the 2011 assessor's report for English, particularly for Whose Reality and it'll show between the mid-range and upper-range responses.
But seriously, when it comes down to it...Practise with both and stick with the one you prefer...Simple.
To answer the OP directly, I think creative characteristics in your writing is a lot more engaging than a standard expository response (which can sometimes be dull and dry.) Things like use of anecdotes and analogies when giving your response goes a long way in separating your expository piece from the likes of ones that get read over by assessors with no second thought, because it's "too standard", albeit the ideas are good.
But, I should emphasize this to avoid having my head hunted by certain users. This is entirely "MY OPINION."
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For example do you have to start your introduction with lyrics from a song or write your piece in a letter to the editor style or diary entries or use really unknown social parallels to make your piece really stand out....
...or can you just do a simple, well-balanced, deeply explored expository piece and still get a good mark?
Simple answer, you piece must be ORIGINAL. This will make your piece STAND OUT. Whether that be through writing creatively as a form, or be through writing a straight expository that explores the prompt in fascinating ways, it doesn't really matter, as long as it's original.
In terms of the forms, I has always told that the best 10/10 pieces were in this order: creative > creative/expos hybrid > expos > persuasive. No evidence to support it, except that I've been told this by multiple teachers and successful students. The logic behind it simple: which is it easier to be original about? Creative pieces are nearly always highly original (as they should be) whilst at the other end of the spectrum, we have persuasive which just through its form, is a restricted way to approach the prompt.
Just my 2 cents, but the most important thing is to be original imo :)
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Seriously...I barely comment on here but I continuously see these comments from you- but that's web forums I guess.
Also think the attack (and it did sound like an attack) on the lovephysics guy/girl (and/or both) was a bit harsh...It was only an opinion, and not everyone (including yourself) backs up their opinions.
Personally I've been told a good creative piece will score higher than a good expository piece too- and even that it is harder to write an expository piece that will be looked at as a 9/10 alongside creative. My school spent a whole class on this very topic (I wont say fact) which include VCE assessors also. I also think it makes sense, context writing is about showing your skills as a writer, not entirely your analytical strengths. Creative writing ALLOWS for more depth than expository, which in turn shows the depth of your ability to write something in an hour.
This doesn't mean creative is the way to go, because an awful creative piece is still awful. In this way, playing to the strengths is the right way to do it - However if you're hands are tied between the two styles, I (personally) would either try to hybrid, or to lean more towards creative writing. Take a look at the 2011 assessor's report for English, particularly for Whose Reality and it'll show between the mid-range and upper-range responses.
But seriously, when it comes down to it...Practise with both and stick with the one you prefer...Simple.
To answer the OP directly, I think creative characteristics in your writing is a lot more engaging than a standard expository response (which can sometimes be dull and dry.) Things like use of anecdotes and analogies when giving your response goes a long way in separating your expository piece from the likes of ones that get read over by assessors with no second thought, because it's "too standard", albeit the ideas are good.
But, I should emphasize this to avoid having my head hunted by certain users. This is entirely "MY OPINION."
"It was only an opinion" - well you can't exactly have opinions here, because they're potentially misleading. There are many things I can give opinions about as well - I can easily say that Expository is far better than Creative. But I won't say that because I know it's not substantiated by evidence. Whenever I try to write something to do with how exams are marked, I always have sources to back up what I say - don't believe me? Well check out the Maths and Physics boards and look at the exam tips that I provide, I can always source them back to a reputable source, whether it be a book, a study guide or the Examiner's Report - so don't go around accusing me of giving opinions - because they are not opinions. Cheers.
No, what can't you get? Ffs, a good creative piece will score higher than a good expository because that creative piece was better than the expository. That's my reasoning of the situation anyway, either way - find an examiner's report which suggests that writing a creative is better. I will bet my bottom dollar you won't be able to find any evidence because, boo-hoo, I've already looked.
Secondly, I disagree - I have read many strong expository pieces, very well written, in just amazing language - you can't argue that creative writing allows more depth - that is just a false statement, both forms can offer depth.
Also lastly, I do agree with you - stick with the one you prefer, at least that shows you have some sense and just don't blindly listen to mere hearsay.
Headhunting? You have got to be kidding me, since when did I attack anybody as a person? I have the full right to attack an idea if I don't agree with it - which was the case here. I know somebody who wrote an expository and got 10/10. They wrote a standard expository - with few creative elements - it was slightly more laid-back than a text response, but defs not hybrid. I fully stand by the view that creative is not necessarily better than expository.
Note that I said "not necessarily" - just saying so I don't get accused and downvoted by assholes who think they can just downvote whatever they want.
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In terms of the forms, I has always told that the best 10/10 pieces were in this order: creative > creative/expos hybrid > expos > persuasive.
Tell that to Andrew Bolt!
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Seriously...I barely comment on here but I continuously see these comments from you- but that's web forums I guess.
Also think the attack (and it did sound like an attack) on the lovephysics guy/girl (and/or both) was a bit harsh...It was only an opinion, and not everyone (including yourself) backs up their opinions.
Personally I've been told a good creative piece will score higher than a good expository piece too- and even that it is harder to write an expository piece that will be looked at as a 9/10 alongside creative. My school spent a whole class on this very topic (I wont say fact) which include VCE assessors also. I also think it makes sense, context writing is about showing your skills as a writer, not entirely your analytical strengths. Creative writing ALLOWS for more depth than expository, which in turn shows the depth of your ability to write something in an hour.
This doesn't mean creative is the way to go, because an awful creative piece is still awful. In this way, playing to the strengths is the right way to do it - However if you're hands are tied between the two styles, I (personally) would either try to hybrid, or to lean more towards creative writing. Take a look at the 2011 assessor's report for English, particularly for Whose Reality and it'll show between the mid-range and upper-range responses.
But seriously, when it comes down to it...Practise with both and stick with the one you prefer...Simple.
To answer the OP directly, I think creative characteristics in your writing is a lot more engaging than a standard expository response (which can sometimes be dull and dry.) Things like use of anecdotes and analogies when giving your response goes a long way in separating your expository piece from the likes of ones that get read over by assessors with no second thought, because it's "too standard", albeit the ideas are good.
But, I should emphasize this to avoid having my head hunted by certain users. This is entirely "MY OPINION."
"It was only an opinion" - well you can't exactly have opinions here, because they're potentially misleading. There are many things I can give opinions about as well - I can easily say that Expository is far better than Creative. But I won't say that because I know it's not substantiated by evidence. Whenever I try to write something to do with how exams are marked, I always have sources to back up what I say - don't believe me? Well check out the Maths and Physics boards and look at the exam tips that I provide, I can always source them back to a reputable source, whether it be a book, a study guide or the Examiner's Report - so don't go around accusing me of giving opinions - because they are not opinions. Cheers.
No, what can't you get? Ffs, a good creative piece will score higher than a good expository because that creative piece was better than the expository. That's my reasoning of the situation anyway, either way - find an examiner's report which suggests that writing a creative is better. I will bet my bottom dollar you won't be able to find any evidence because, boo-hoo, I've already looked.
Secondly, I disagree - I have read many strong expository pieces, very well written, in just amazing language - you can't argue that creative writing allows more depth - that is just a false statement, both forms can offer depth.
Also lastly, I do agree with you - stick with the one you prefer, at least that shows you have some sense and just don't blindly listen to mere hearsay.
Headhunting? You have got to be kidding me, since when did I attack anybody as a person? I have the full right to attack an idea if I don't agree with it - which was the case here. I know somebody who wrote an expository and got 10/10. They wrote a standard expository - with few creative elements - it was slightly more laid-back than a text response, but defs not hybrid. I fully stand by the view that creative is not necessarily better than expository.
Note that I said "not necessarily" - just saying so I don't get accused and downvoted by assholes who think they can just downvote whatever they want.
Settle down buddy..You say you don't attack other users but you call me an asshole as well as question my "sense".
You DO give opinions, the question is asking for opinions- you don't have any proof in what you're saying just like I don't have any, because for topics such as these you can't state an outright fact.
I listed my sources, that's as good as I can..I also didnt say expository couldn't score well, just as a creative piece can be awful, an expository piece can be excellent.
The bottom line is that we disagree on something, I definitely think a strong creative piece will be looked better upon as opposed to a strong expository piece, I also believe both can equally score 10/10 regardless. I will stand by that too.
I also see where you're coming from, you've been through the exam process and obviously done your research and you have your opinions based on that- but they are not facts, just as mine are not.
So please, stop acting like a child- just because someone disagrees with you doesn't mean you have to repudiate whatever they say...Just like you they may have done their research, as I have. Its an internet forum-settle down, sit back and learn to accept what other people have to say, and that you may (or may not) be wrong, or at least not entirely right.
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Hiya~!
When I'm writing my context expository piece, does my introduction have to be very structured? Like is it necessary for me to state my contention at teh beginning, then list my 3 main arguments, or can my introduction just be a whole anecdote?
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Hiya~!
When I'm writing my context expository piece, does my introduction have to be very structured? Like is it necessary for me to state my contention at teh beginning, then list my 3 main arguments, or can my introduction just be a whole anecdote?
It depends on what form your expository piece is. Is it an essay or an article or a speech or what? But I think, of the three AoS, this definitely gives you the most independence to decide the appropriate structure of your essay. Personally my expository essays possess a conclusion which builds a contention without giving more than a little bit away about my main points.
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I am just writing a normal expository essay but with some creative elements like metpahors and anecdotes (sorry I don't know what AoS) is. Usually I learn that we have to state our contention and 3 main arguments in our introduction, but i've seen a lot ofcreative/expostiryo essays with just an anecdote for the intro, no listing of main points or nothing.
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Obviously your introduction has to introduce the ideas which you will be discussing. It doesn't have to be a formal text-response-esque introduction, but do keep in mind the purpose of the introduction. This means that no matter how you write your introduction - whether as an anecdote or as a formal, structured intro, you will need to, in some way, begin introducing and exploring what you will discuss in the body.
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i have a small query: If a context piece has to be very creative, what specific language devices can be used to enhance the creativity? I'm thinking structurally, not really wordy.
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I think using the word "creative" is very deceptive. On the surface, you can be 'creative' by implementing a story about chicken talking to a fly who was actually 10 feet tall and had human arms.
I don't think this is the form of creativity, the examiners actually want. What I think the examiners actually want the concept of 'show, not tell.' What do I mean by this? It means to drop little hints throughout the narrative. Rather than say, She was crying - her tears oscillated between melding against her skin and dripping onto her black shoes.
You could say, She asked, "Ken, do you want a tissue?" He stood, his arms stiff, his back hunched. "Ken, are you okay?"
Inevitably, what you want is not creativity specifically, but the way you draw a simple/complex idea and communicate it in a way that is not cliche. It needs to be original in the sense that you are delivering it to the reader for them to discover, and explore with you the character, setting and themes.
Everyone has their particular style to it. It'd defeat the purpose of creative writing, if it was mechanical. "Show, not tell" need not be in a serious format, it can be funny, comical, serious, deep, simple. But for the writing itself, it needs to draw in a lot of elements in which you are asked to explore.
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I don't think this is the form of creativity, the examiners actually want. What I think the examiners actually want the concept of 'show, not tell.' What do I mean by this? It means to drop little hints throughout the narrative. Rather than say, She was crying - her tears oscillated between melding against her skin and dripping onto her black shoes.
You could say, She asked, "Ken, do you want a tissue?" He stood, his arms stiff, his back hunched. "Ken, are you okay?"
Inevitably, what you want is not creativity specifically, but the way you draw a simple/complex idea and communicate it in a way that is not cliche. It needs to be original in the sense that you are delivering it to the reader for them to discover, and explore with you the character, setting and themes.
I'm so glad you said that, from reading a lot of people's essays I'd been starting to think that the former example was what the examiners are looking for; i.e. big words used awkwardly.