English Language 3/4 (NO UNITS 1/2 PRIOR)

[Avid]

Hello everyone,
I am currently doing English 1/2 and right now, I am having an extremely bad time. This being, every time we are confronted with essays and writing in class and such, I can't think of anything. I find myself unable to start, analyse or interpret to standard. Last year, I was relatively decent, however, I just can't pick it up this year. Empirical subjects like Methods, Biology etc. have always been my strong suit, but since English wasn't so much of a difficult hurdle before, I did not consider switching at all. I finally came to realise the huge weight that the English subjects carry and at this rate I don't think I'd be able to do very well.

But why am I considering English language? From what I've come across, it is apparently a more "logical" approach to English that I think I'll not only enjoy more, but do better in. I've seen some of the assessments and I do find it more compelling than the content in English. I know you also shouldn't pick subjects based on scaling, but 4 compared to -1 is very, very tempting. Anyway, I've been thinking about it, and he only problem stopping me is the fact that I do not have any prior experience in this subject. A lot of people have been telling me it is too late to change.

With the above circumstances, what do you guys think of doing English Language 3/4, without 1/2?
Thank you

[Joseph41]

Hey there! Welcome to ATAR Notes.

I'm sorry to hear about your experience with English this year.

But why am I considering English language? From what I've come across, it is apparently a more "logical" approach to English that I think I'll not only enjoy more, but do better in.

Sounds like a good reason to make the switch to me!

I know you also shouldn't pick subjects based on scaling, but 4 compared to -1 is very, very tempting.

I haven't done EngLang since 2012, but does it really scale that much?

You're right, though - IMO this isn't really something to consider. If you think about it, a lot of students who don't really care about their ATARs, study scores and whatnot probably do English by default, whereas you wouldn't really be competing against such students in English Language. That's obviously a *huge* generalisation and has massive holes in the argument, but it's at least a counter to the "but EngLang scales up!" trail of thought (or is that train of thought?).

I do not have any prior experience in this subject. A lot of people have been telling me it is too late to change.

I tooootally disagree. EngLang 1/2 is cool, but not crucial for 3/4. The only thing that you might have missed out on a little bit is the use of metalanguage, and familiarity with the subsystems of language. But that shouldn't be too bad to pick up even *before* next year starts, so as I see it, you're laughin'.

I've majored in Linguistics (basically an extended version of English Language), and heaps of people pick that up (at uni) without any experience, either. From what you've said, I'd certainly be going with your gut and picking up English Language.

[ciaran3105]

I'm doings 3/4 language this year after doing 1/2 English, definitely able to pick it up, maybe just spend some extra time in the first couple of months getting up to speed with Metalanguage than you're set.

I was averaging D's is year 11 English but I didn't study because I hated it, I'm getting B+ to A's this year but I am studying more than last year. I've found Langauge much more engaging and interesting as a lot of the content is actually relevant to real life unlike reading a book and picking out its symbols and themes.

It's all up to personal preference though.

Good luck