50 in English - Feel free to ask questions.

[Alwin]

Where is that mentioned?

It's in Yang's post 2 up from yours,

It is a good exercise to prepare multiple essays for each of the main prompts you will face in the exam. For the context essay, as is written in my guide, each context has four main prompts whereby any exam prompt will be some variation of the same theme.

@dpagan I get the idea that you might have to buy his writing guide to find out (I don't mean to claim Yang is being secretive or marketing his products, I don't think I he will disclose everything in his book on AN otherwise why would people buy it. ofc he might post anyways in which case I take that all back). But as part of my revision I took the time to looks at a number of prompts and group them into categories.

My context is Whose Reality, so I grouped prompts into Memory, Conflicting multiple realities, Distinction between reality and fantasy etc etc

Again, Yang probably has it all covered (for all four contexts) in his writing guide

[Yang Li]

Hi liam,

I would recommend students study for both texts. That way, you can be sure of getting a prompt that you can show your skills in. However, I do understand that most students are not that passionate about reading and analysing all their texts. in that case, it is better to know one text really well, rather than have a flimsical knowledge of two.

Hi dpagan & Damoz,

The four main prompts are very quickly covered in my video on Youtube. They are explained in more detail on my guide, which I give to my students.

Copies will be available to be bought on the 11th this month at Hawthorn Secondary College at 5pm during the practice exam I'm running for my students (and a few others).

All the best,

Yang

[acciodraco]

Hi Yang,

I have a question concerning the text response. Unless you've posted it somewhere, do you have any guidance on what should go in the introduction and especially the conclusion of a text response essay? Also, is the 'TEEL' formula in the body good enough for an essay to make it into the upper tier?

Thank you

[Yang Li]

Hi AD,

I have a general formula for my students on my guide for every paragraph of the context essay.

That said, you are looking for the following in an intro:
- Clear answer to the prompt
- Explanation of the context
- Defining key words (this is a skill; as a direct definition is boring)

The conclusion is NOT a reiteration of the intro. You can include a variety of things, usually exposing the most interesting point that underlies your answer to the prompt. This really needs to be taught; or many examples given. See my video or get your hands on my guide

I would describe TEEL as a basic skill. As you get better, you may find TEEL too restricting; and play with the formula somewhat. This is especially true if you want to write a great context essay; as you need much more exposition then in a text response.

All the best,

Yang

[acciodraco]

Hi Yang,

Thanks for the response, I appreciate it.

However, I apologise if I wasn't clear enough, but I was actually referring to the text response - reading and responding essay (not context).

Thank you 

[Yang Li]

Hi AD,

Apologies, I think I had too many contexts questions and I assumed.

For the text response, the intro is mainly for:
1. Answering the prompt
2. Explaining your answer briefly
3. Signposting your contentions

The conclusion is much the same as my previous post; and TEEL can be followed more closely than in a context essay. Many students are not able to write quality topic sentences though; and often either restrict themselves or come across as vague. Similarly, it is a skill to mould the explanation and evidence in one; often in the same sentence. Doing so allows you to be concise; but also calls for more skills in formation of syntax and use of vocabulary. Students also often mistake the linking sentence for the topic sentence of the following paragraph. The link doesn't have to be that strong. The important thing is that one flows to another naturally. It is a matter of syntax more than content.

All the best,

Yang

[PB]

Hey Yang,
I have heard from some sources that an introduction from Language Analysis is not necessary. One simply needs to state the writer, Title, tone and contention before diving straight into analysis (in the very same paragraph). I am not sure how true this is as the concept is so different from what I have learnt from my teachers.
Do you know if it is true? Because if so, it would obviously be so much more time efficient! THanks.
Regards,
Iain

[Alwin]

Hey Yang,
I have heard from some sources that an introduction from Language Analysis is not necessary. One simply needs to state the writer, Title, tone and contention before diving straight into analysis (in the very same paragraph). I am not sure how true this is as the concept is so different from what I have learnt from my teachers.
Do you know if it is true? Because if so, it would obviously be so much more time efficient! THanks.
Regards,
Iain

Hi Iain,
obviously I'm not Yang, but at most schools (including my own) encourage including the issue at hand - background information in essence. eg for the VATE 2013 exam I began my analysis with something like:
Given Melbourne's rapid recovery from the Global Financial Crisis, many of Melbourne's citizens have turned their attentions to their vision of Melbourne in the future (background info). A recent opinion piece (form) entitled ______ (title) published in ______ (whatever it was, I forgot already lol) encouraged Melbournians to aspire for a "New York"-like skyline (contention). Mr Urban (author, cliché name ikr) affirms in a ____ tone that ____ etc etc establishing all the other points


It might be a stylistic thing, but I don't think so. It sounds "nicer" if I put it at the start, but Yang will have much more input (and experience) in this area

[BasicAcid]

Hey Yang, in text responses and context writing, is a conclusion just a summary of your ideas presented in a manner that makes it seemed to be resolved?
I thought it was time to impress the examiner the most because right after they read your conclusion they will give your piece a mark but apparently I was wrong.

What do/did you do in your conclusions?

[PB]

Hey Alwin,
Yes that is what my school teaches too. Thats why I was asking yang if the aforementioned style (no intoduction) was legit.
Regards,
PB
 

[Yang Li]

Hi PB,

I agree with Alwin on that one. The leniency in the marking of "no intro" essays comes from the fact that many English examiners also mark EAL papers; and EAL students do not need to write an introduction.

It looks like you are quite familiar with the main elements needed in an introduction. Although it seems to make the introduction superfluous, it is important to leave a good impression at the very beginning of your essay. The LA essay is such an unimaginative essay to begin with, that it seems irrational not to take advantage of the intro and conclusion to make your essay stand out.



Hi BasicAcid,

The conclusion in the context essay is definitely used to impress the examiner. That doesn't mean the introduction of new ideas though - watch out for that. Many students are content with reiterating the introduction in a "conclusive" tone. That is not enough to score well.

I always encourage my students to articulate the most interesting underlying point in your answer to the prompt, amongst other techniques. Personally, my favourite method of concluding a context essay is to quote a famous thinker, although this technique requires more general knowledge.

All the best to you both,

Yang

[Tom Thornton]

Hi, thanks for this !

Just wondering what your thoughts are on creating one broad context essay and using it to apply it to a variety of prompts. I was advised by a lecturer to do so, but I'm worried that I'll get a prompt that won't allow me to use the essay at all.

[Alwin]

Hi, thanks for this !

Just wondering what your thoughts are on creating one broad context essay and using it to apply it to a variety of prompts. I was advised by a lecturer to do so, but I'm worried that I'll get a prompt that won't allow me to use the essay at all.

Hey a.b,

I used to be opposed to the pre-prepared essay. It comes with many issues, such as getting the wrong prompt etc. However, my mind has changed somewhat on the matter, especially for context essays.

It is a good exercise to prepare multiple essays for each of the main prompts you will face in the exam. For the context essay, as is written in my guide, each context has four main prompts whereby any exam prompt will be some variation of the same theme.

In essence, it is not the rote learning that should be taking your time, but the preparation of ideas and the logical flow of your contentions. If you "memorise" such things, you'll never get stuck in the exam.

All the best,

Yang

There's also this: Question on pre-written essays

Happy reading, so you have something to do while you wait for Yang to reply

[Yang Li]

Hi Tom,

One broad context essay will probably not be enough. Obviously, that depends on how well prepared the essay is. I would encourage everyone, especially if you're not studying conflicts or I&B, to prepare at least four essays.

It is a great idea to keep practising paragraphs and "memorising" the ideas and logical flow of those paragraphs. That way, you can "mix and match" when you get into the exam and answer the prompt directly and comprehensively.

All the best,

Yang

[maree271]

Hi Yang
I am keen on doing expository for my context piece on conflict. Just how many real life examples should be included? Do you suggest staying away from the main ones of Martin Luther King, hitler, etc?
Also, when drawing on texts; what is the best way to do so?
If I speak about the two texts I studied on the one essay, will this limit me?

Thank you