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VCE Stuff => VCE English Studies => VCE Subjects + Help => VCE English & EAL => Topic started by: choc_bananas on October 25, 2007, 05:51:02 pm

Title: What texts are you revising for the exam?
Post by: choc_bananas on October 25, 2007, 05:51:02 pm
What texts are everyone revising for the English exam?

i am revising:

Nineteen-Eighty Four (definite part 2)
A Man For All Seasons (either part 1 or part 2)
Citizen Kane (for part 1 if A Man For All Seasons fails me)

:-)

I also studied 'In The Lake of the Woods' but it was painfully simple.. so i chose not to do it.
Title: What texts are you revising for the exam?
Post by: Ahmad on October 25, 2007, 05:57:05 pm
Romulus + Look Both Ways. If one is to fail me, I shall perish.
Title: What texts are you revising for the exam?
Post by: choc_bananas on October 25, 2007, 06:17:23 pm
i would love to only revise two texts but i don't have the balls!

Plus I really enjoy Citizen Kane so it's not altogether difficult to study.
Title: What texts are you revising for the exam?
Post by: bilgia on October 25, 2007, 06:32:35 pm
hamlet & im not scared
Title: Re: What texts are you revising for the exam?
Post by: Eriny on October 25, 2007, 07:03:56 pm
Quote from: "choc_bananas"

I also studied 'In The Lake of the Woods' but it was painfully simple.. so i chose not to do it.


How exactly is 'In the Lake of the Woods' "painfully simple"? I'm not saying it's an amazingly advanced text, but compared to other texts on the list, In the Lake of the Woods is okay. There's quite a bit you could analyse in there and a range of different readings you could apply to it.
Title: What texts are you revising for the exam?
Post by: choc_bananas on October 25, 2007, 07:14:13 pm
i wouldn't dispute that there are simpler texts, but in comparison to 'Nineteen Eighty Four' and 'A Man For All Seasons' it doesn't really challenge me. But hey, maybe it's due to my teacher...
Title: What texts are you revising for the exam?
Post by: Ahmad on October 25, 2007, 07:18:06 pm
Matter of fact is if you look at anything for long enough you'll find depth.
Title: What texts are you revising for the exam?
Post by: enwiabe on October 25, 2007, 07:26:18 pm
Quote from: "choc_bananas"
i wouldn't dispute that there are simpler texts, but in comparison to 'Nineteen Eighty Four' and 'A Man For All Seasons' it doesn't really challenge me. But hey, maybe it's due to my teacher...


Are you... actually serious? I'm finding it difficult to reply to this civilly. Having analysed ITLOTW in class, it is far more subtly complex than many books. The individual struggle of Wade with PTSD that represents an entire generation of sufferers, coupled with the flaws of the human condition and the fact that the entire book is shrouded in mystery make it an exceedingly complex read. Hell, there are 7 alternate endings! You're telling me that isn't a complex book? :S I think you have a fairly poor grasp of literature, to be honest.
Title: What texts are you revising for the exam?
Post by: choc_bananas on October 25, 2007, 08:59:51 pm
i'm not a fan of postmodern literature. is this a crime?
Title: What texts are you revising for the exam?
Post by: enwiabe on October 25, 2007, 09:03:23 pm
Calling it simple when it clearly is not is ignorant. :-/ It's not a crime but it does convict you of lacking intelligence.
Title: What texts are you revising for the exam?
Post by: Khangfu on October 25, 2007, 10:07:52 pm
The Quiet American
Inheritance

Looks like im one of the few doing 2 text
Title: What texts are you revising for the exam?
Post by: enwiabe on October 25, 2007, 11:30:19 pm
Minimum of Two (diemotherfuckerdie)
Blueprints for a Barbed-Wire Canoe (notsobadactuallyquiteniceandgoodforgettingmarks)

But yeah, two Aussie texts. If I get an essay question on setting I'm going to kill something. I can completely see it happening though. :(
Title: What texts are you revising for the exam?
Post by: asa.hoshi on October 26, 2007, 05:57:33 am
Inheritance - Part 1 or Part 2
1984 - Part 1 or Part 2

It really depends on the questions on the exam.
Title: What texts are you revising for the exam?
Post by: choc_bananas on October 26, 2007, 07:21:41 am
Quote from: "enwiabe"
Calling it simple when it clearly is not is ignorant. :-/ It's not a crime but it does convict you of lacking intelligence.


Why must you attack me on a personal level? Because of my opinions on a text?!

I'm not going to argue with you. Everyone is welcome to their own opinions.
Title: Re: What texts are you revising for the exam?
Post by: Pencil on October 26, 2007, 09:41:36 am
I'm studying 2, and I haven't really thought about whether to do part 1 or 2, I actually don't approach the two types of questions that differently tbh.
Title: What texts are you revising for the exam?
Post by: melanie.dee on October 26, 2007, 09:45:21 am
im doing 2, a man for all seasons and look both ways. and i havnt started studying for either yet. uh oh. i havnt decided part 1 or part 2 either. i study for them both in the same way i suppose so wahtever
Title: What texts are you revising for the exam?
Post by: Odette on October 26, 2007, 09:49:01 am
I'm preparing 3 texts; Romulus My Father, The Accidental Tourist and Lantana. I most likely will end up answering questions about Romulus My Father and The Accidental Tourist.
Title: What texts are you revising for the exam?
Post by: squance on October 26, 2007, 11:02:27 am
1984
Romulus My Father
Possibly the Quiet American

Eek!!! One more week tilll the English exam!!!!!!
Title: What texts are you revising for the exam?
Post by: choc_bananas on October 26, 2007, 11:14:43 am
Quote from: "squance"
1984
Romulus My Father
Possibly the Quiet American

Eek!!! One more week tilll the English exam!!!!!!


1984 ftw!

i got full marks on my SAC for 1984, i am hoping i can replicate that performance on the exam! :-)
Title: What texts are you revising for the exam?
Post by: BA22 on October 26, 2007, 04:02:30 pm
Minimum of Two
Hard Times

part one and two respectively

Practice exam monday
Title: What texts are you revising for the exam?
Post by: melanie.dee on October 26, 2007, 05:23:36 pm
gaar im currently trying to write a man essay, and struggling horribly
Title: What texts are you revising for the exam?
Post by: choc_bananas on October 26, 2007, 08:26:13 pm
whats the question? I might be able to help. :-)
Title: What texts are you revising for the exam?
Post by: melanie.dee on October 26, 2007, 08:33:46 pm
'there's nothing wrong with richard rich. he makes the most of difficult circumstances.' discuss

its not really that i cant do it. iv written a plan and my ideas, i just really cant motivate myself to actually write it haha. but there it is anyway, incase anyone wants to try it. if i finally get aorund to doing it, i might post it up for some criticism
Title: What texts are you revising for the exam?
Post by: choc_bananas on October 27, 2007, 02:21:17 pm
i would challenge that topic by exploring how/why he does the things he does (ie Machiavellian philosophy). I would also look at the consequences of his actions (perjury - loss of self) and then make a comparison with the motives/actions of More to argue that More's behavior was more 'admirable' then Rich's. (Rich - gains Attorney General of Wales - looses self respect. More - looses life - maintains sense of 'self').

..or something like that. i might try writing it in a few days and post it when i'm done. :-)

i think the main thing with a topic like that is not to agree entirely with the statement and to broaden the discussion to include characters other than Rich.

:-)
Title: What texts are you revising for the exam?
Post by: ninwa on October 27, 2007, 02:48:25 pm
I'm relying on 1984, and Accidental Tourist. Our school also did Lantana this year but I find it really hard to write an essay of any depth on it, seeing as to me it's not a very deep film* ... also I find it extremely boring hence I'm not gonna touch it


*just my opinion, sorry if it offends anyone :P
Title: What texts are you revising for the exam?
Post by: Odette on October 27, 2007, 03:02:46 pm
Quote from: "ninwa"
I'm relying on 1984, and Accidental Tourist. Our school also did Lantana this year but I find it really hard to write an essay of any depth on it, seeing as to me it's not a very deep film* ... also I find it extremely boring hence I'm not gonna touch it


*just my opinion, sorry if it offends anyone :P


Lol i agree with you about Lantana...
Title: What texts are you revising for the exam?
Post by: joechan521 on October 27, 2007, 08:40:30 pm
Quote from: ninwa
I'm relying on 1984, and Accidental Tourist. Our school also did Lantana this year but I find it really hard to write an essay of any depth on it, seeing as to me it's not a very deep film* ... also I find it extremely boring hence I'm not gonna touch it


*just my opinion, sorry if it offends anyone :P


im doing lantana and i hate it, what a shit film.
Title: What texts are you revising for the exam?
Post by: pepsi on October 27, 2007, 08:57:33 pm
Quote from: "ninwa"
I'm relying on 1984, and Accidental Tourist. Our school also did Lantana this year but I find it really hard to write an essay of any depth on it, seeing as to me it's not a very deep film* ... also I find it extremely boring hence I'm not gonna touch it


*just my opinion, sorry if it offends anyone :P


omg but your essay on Leon's character was very good though! - the one on BoS. you seem to have very good English from ur constructive criticism and such.. how i wish im good at English as well..

struggling to write a full essay... and judgment day is fast approaching =_+
Title: What texts are you revising for the exam?
Post by: Defiler on October 28, 2007, 09:50:42 am
Howdy... hope this forum works out for you enwiabe, BoS just isn't for the VCE-ers.

I am only preparing two texts, possibly a liability - but they are both good texts with enough depth to see me through (I'm Not Scared & The Quiet American).
Title: What texts are you revising for the exam?
Post by: ninwa on October 28, 2007, 11:21:45 am
Quote from: "pepsi"
Quote from: "ninwa"
I'm relying on 1984, and Accidental Tourist. Our school also did Lantana this year but I find it really hard to write an essay of any depth on it, seeing as to me it's not a very deep film* ... also I find it extremely boring hence I'm not gonna touch it


*just my opinion, sorry if it offends anyone :P


omg but your essay on Leon's character was very good though! - the one on BoS. you seem to have very good English from ur constructive criticism and such.. how i wish im good at English as well..

struggling to write a full essay... and judgment day is fast approaching =_+



Aww, thanks!

What part of an essay are you struggling with?
Title: What texts are you revising for the exam?
Post by: pepsi on October 28, 2007, 12:33:04 pm
I find it hard to do part 2 essays. I know a lot about the characters and such, but when it come to theme, i find it hard to elaborate and write:(

like i can answer questions about leon, valerie, romulus, christine - specific characters and how to struggle with life and stuff
but when it comes to question such as love, loss of trust, etc i find it hard to anaylse.

and is there any tips to improve your expressions and structure? i dont think my expression is very good arggh

your tips on breaking down the essay question and providing an example of it was really good.

arrgghh im still procrastinating - needa get back to studying!!
Title: What texts are you revising for the exam?
Post by: joechan521 on October 28, 2007, 01:13:04 pm
pepsi i found it hard to write essays too, now im just looking at more topics and do a plan for each, it gives me some ideas on what to write for each.    and just to remind everyone only 4 days left
Title: What texts are you revising for the exam?
Post by: Ahmad on October 28, 2007, 01:16:12 pm
Quote from: "joechan521"
pepsi i found it hard to write essays too, now im just looking at more topics and do a plan for each, it gives me some ideas on what to write for each.    and just to remind everyone only 4 days left


Oh thanks.. *gulp*  :(
Title: What texts are you revising for the exam?
Post by: melanie.dee on October 28, 2007, 01:23:58 pm
gar 4 days :( i still havnt managed to finish a single text essay :cry:
Title: What texts are you revising for the exam?
Post by: choc_bananas on October 28, 2007, 01:26:22 pm
Quote from: "pepsi"
I find it hard to do part 2 essays. I know a lot about the characters and such, but when it come to theme, i find it hard to elaborate and write:(


lol. im the opposite! I can write a very complex essay discussing themes/issues/attitudes but when it comes to characterization and such I find it difficult to discuss the text in a perceptive way - when i try to add complexity i get scared that im venturing into part 2 territory!


Quote from: "pepsi"
and is there any tips to improve your expressions and structure? i dont think my expression is very good arggh


At this point you should be trying to stick with your own 'style'. If you focus too much on your expression now you may just stress yourself out. Your writing style should be developed by this point, if you try to change it now your writing might suffer.

all i can say is don't make generalizations and don't simply tell the plot. Make sure you have evidence and only use words that you feel comfortable with.

keep your structure logical. Remember you are making an argument so your structure should develop your contention in a clear and logical manner.

conclude strongly but don't simply restate your contention/arguments. Try to finish with a perceptive statement about the text that summaries your contention.

Quote from: "pepsi"
arrgghh im still procrastinating - needa get back to studying!!


lol. me too! OMG 4 DAYS!
Title: What texts are you revising for the exam?
Post by: Ahmad on October 28, 2007, 01:27:06 pm
Why not? Not enough conviction?

Edit: Someone posted above me, this is to mel
Title: What texts are you revising for the exam?
Post by: choc_bananas on October 28, 2007, 01:29:26 pm
Quote from: "melanie.dee"
gar 4 days :( i still havnt managed to finish a single text essay :cry:


i'm the same! I can't bring myself to finish writing! I always decide i will go revise the text more/learn more quotes.
Title: What texts are you revising for the exam?
Post by: melanie.dee on October 28, 2007, 01:32:15 pm
i dont knoww, my writing just isn't flowing very well at the moment, and i cant seem to get out what i want to say very well :( not a good time to be stuck in a severe rut, i know. im having severe issues finding the right words and expression for what i want to say! gar i used to be so good at this, it used to flow so easily. what happened :cry: im hoping the pressure of the actual exam will force me to get it done, but what if it doesnt?
Title: What texts are you revising for the exam?
Post by: BA22 on October 28, 2007, 01:35:16 pm
Quote from: "melanie.dee"
i dont knoww, my writing just isn't flowing very well at the moment, and i cant seem to get out what i want to say very well :( not a good time to be stuck in a severe rut, i know. im having severe issues finding the right words and expression for what i want to say! gar i used to be so good at this, it used to flow so easily. what happened :cry: im hoping the pressure of the actual exam will force me to get it done, but what if it doesnt?


do you have a friend on msn now doing english?

Something i've gotten people to do is respond to stimulus material i've given them and start from there, therefore you become actively aware of the thought process required to begin an essay
Title: What texts are you revising for the exam?
Post by: choc_bananas on October 28, 2007, 01:36:01 pm
Quote from: "melanie.dee"
im hoping the pressure of the actual exam will force me to get it done, but what if it doesnt?


it will. :-)

You will write non-stop for 3 hours and it will seem like 15 minutes. You will walk out and struggle to understand why you what you were so scared about. The whole thing will seem of little significance once its done.

as long as u are prepared there is nothing else u can do but try ur best. A little bit of stress is good for motivation but too much is counterproductive. Try to be confident as it will show in your writing. :-)

and dont forget - everyone is in the same boat!
Title: What texts are you revising for the exam?
Post by: Ahmad on October 28, 2007, 01:38:44 pm
Quote from: "melanie.dee"
i dont knoww, my writing just isn't flowing very well at the moment, and i cant seem to get out what i want to say very well :( not a good time to be stuck in a severe rut, i know. im having severe issues finding the right words and expression for what i want to say! gar i used to be so good at this, it used to flow so easily. what happened :cry: im hoping the pressure of the actual exam will force me to get it done, but what if it doesnt?


Fear during the exam forces everyone to write, even people who can barely write at all...

Maybe you're trying to use sophisticated language rather than what's natural to you?
Title: What texts are you revising for the exam?
Post by: melanie.dee on October 28, 2007, 01:53:30 pm
i dont know, i think im writing in my natural style, it just that nothing seems to be coming to me at the moment. oh dear. i suppose id be better off getting my ideas organised and making sure i thoroughly know my texts and ideas, and hope that the inspiration comes together on friday. and if not :?

iv just attacked a friend on msn to talk about english hahaha. maybe this will work.

i might post my semi finished horrible language analysis in another thread and get some opinions on how bad it really is haha.