How can I achieve higher marks in English

[KristyDanielle]

Hi everyone,

I'm in Year 12 (VCE Units 3/4) and throughout all the SAC's I have completed this year so far, I have not achieved the marks I want. I've been getting low B's in almost everything. I know that's not too bad but I know I can do better. I just feel like I am trying SO hard and it never pays off! I get the same score every time. I feel deflated and disheartened. I have been an A grade English student in the past and can't work out why I'm not achieving any A's this year!

I've been seeing my teacher regularly for helpful feedback but I suppose I need some general advice on how I can apply this feedback into my work. I know I can do better but it's not happening! I hope someone understands what I mean. I need to be reaching an A grade to get the high ATAR score I am hoping for.

Thank you

[studynotes]

just bludge you actually get higher marks (talking from experience) worked hard for my lanaguage analysis achieved only 15/20 did nothing for my context and somehow pulled off a 27/30 

[nacho]

You should try reading some of the other member's work, here (and even submit your own): English work submission and marking
and try reading some guides written : English Work Examples Directory

still have the whole year to get better, are you getting B's across the board? (Language analysis, context AND text response) ?
you'll find LA is really formulaic and easy to get after a bit of practice.
What score in English are you aiming for btw?

Have you considered getting a tutor?
Liz fear is a great tutor, details:
http://www.xlcr.com.au/

[charmanderp]

Language analysis isn't formulaic, it's logical. English isn't about finding a formula to write essays, it's about developing a piece which is creative and unique in its approach.

[paulsterio]

Language analysis isn't formulaic, it's logical. English isn't about finding a formula to write essays, it's about developing a piece which is creative and unique in its approach.

Very true, I wrote a formulaic LA for my exam last year, and I paid the price dearly, 5/10 for that piece, my study scored took a massive hit as well D:

[pi]

English isn't about finding a formula to write essays, it's about developing a piece which is creative and unique in its approach.

In all respect, I disagree. I think text response is the only section that requires genuine talent to do well at, as there is no real memorisation or formula that works well for most students. Personally, I found LA to be formulaic and Context to be much easier if you have a few pieces cemented in your head (the ideas, themes, quotes, or even the whole piece). And I know a fair few people who would agree with me there.

Language analysis isn't formulaic, it's logical.

If your formula is inherently logical (ie. you've actually put a bit of thought into how it can adapt to wide range of articles/blogs/whatever), then you should be fine.

I was taught a formulaic approach during tutoring, and pretty much everyone was fairly comfortable with LA after giving it a go on a variety of sources.


Although, as I sad before on one of the threads, it's up to you. Some people enjoy writing something different every time they approach a LA, but in all honesty, those students are those who have a fair bit of natural talent in English as it is. For a student like me, who before yr12 was a fairly average English student, I found that using things like a formulaic approach really aided my understanding of the task and also my resultant mark.

[paulsterio]

You're too much of a science student Rohit, all about the formulas

[Jenny_2108]

In LA, I think we just find the best way which suits each individual. Formula or not ain't a big problem though when you do the sacs under pressure. At the beginning, I also learnt a bit formulaic sentences and tried to remember but then I found it was useless for me because I was so nervous and worried, then couldnt remember what I prepared before. I just read the article and analysed whatsoever I felt reasonable and connected to the persuasive techniques. You may have some formula or sample of sentence structures for the technique but the analysing part about effects to audiences/ writer's purpose, you need to direct follow the piece's content

[paulsterio]

The formula vs. natural response is debated too much for its own good, do what's good for you, different people are suited to different methods, that's just what I think

[charmanderp]

I concede that formulas are valuable, but when you start to rely too much on someone else's writing style, you're going to land yourself in hot water.

[nacho]

Perhaps i should rephrase, Liz Fear's guide to L.A is a structure, as is TEEL (which she invented).
My teacher, an ex-examiner loved my L.A's and their structure and was constantly giving me 9/10 and 10/10s for them.

In the case of an A+ student who already has their own style that seems to be working (although i think all well written L.A's will essentially have the same structure) then it's fine to continue on with that.
However, in the case of OP who is looking to improve his/her marks, a formulaic approach wouldn't do any damage, because a B~ students' writing will typically lack backbone and coherency, all which can be solved by a magical formula