50 in English - Feel free to ask questions.

[Yang Li]

Hi maree,

There really is no limit to the number of real life examples you can give, as long as it; along with the evidence present in your texts; is in proportion to the amount of discussion regarding the context. In your case, you will be exploring themes related to conflict.

It is my honest opinion that a ratio of about 60/40 with the majority being discussions relating to the context, and the minority being evidence from texts, history etc. is often the optimum. It is also important to relate your evidence directly with the idea you are discussing, thereby distinguishing it from a text response.

E.g.
"...Holden Caulfield is a character filled with anguish and angst..." - should not be in your context essay
"...Holden Caulfield from Catcher in the Rye perfectly illustrates an individual facing such an identity crisis..." - should be in your context essay (this is for Identity and Belonging)

All the best,

Yang

[Yang Li]

Hey guys,

Exams are on the horizon for all of us. I'll be going dark in a week or so to study for mine.

If you have any last-minute questions, feel free to ask now

Good luck for exams!

Yang

[Yang Li]

Hi BasicAcid,

Cheers mate. I appreciate it

All the best for your exams,

Yang

[sin0001]

Hey Yang,
Was wondering  whether you recommend labelling persuasive techniques in Language Analysis, long as we don't solely rely on them in our analysis and still include close analysis of language used. Or is it perhaps better to always quote the article instead of labelling any techniques? Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't the use of metalanguage part of the criteria for Section C?
Thanks!

[PB]

sin,
In case yang doesn't reply, I will just tell you what I have been told. Your priority is to make sure you have adequate, close analysis of the language. When the examiner's report tells you not to simply list off techniques they are not saying you shouldn't list them at all, but rather that they shouldn't substitute your analysis. 
So the best thing you want to do is include both 1. Analysis 2. Try to incorporate the techniques (to show an understanding of metalanguage as you said).
1. is indispensible  2. can be discarded without much effect.
Regards,
PB

[Yang Li]

Hi sin001,

PB is spot on. Students will definitely be awarded for using metalanguage. However, if it comes at the expense of true analysis, students will be punished instead.

For example, it is not enough to say "...the writer uses rhetorical questions..."; you must say "...the writer uses the rhetorical question to position readers to..." etc.

All the best,

Yang

[sin0001]

Ahh okay, that's what I thought; nice to finally confirm this. Thanks PB and Yang

[akeergar]

Hey Yang,
what are your views on doing two in-depth paragraphs for text response instead of the traditional three?
Would you lose marks or be at a disadvantage?

[NOnga]

hey yang how would u state the persuasive technique the writer uses with subtlety

[Yang Li]

Hi akeegar & NOnga,

I would avoid the 2 body paragraph structure. Although there are no specific criteria stating its invalidity, examiners are still likely to mark you down for it.

In LA, you don't really need to be "subtle" about how you state the writer's technique or intent. The important thing is variety. For example, you can use some of the following:

"By using _____ words such as _____, ______ and ______, the writer positions readers to feel a sense of _______."
"Intending to create _______ in the reader, the writer uses _______ to __________________."
"The writer's _____________ induces readers to _________."

There are many more. The important thing is to vary your sentence structure, whilst staying true to analysing use of language and the effect on the reader/audience.

All the best,

Yang

[akeergar]

Thanks Yang!

[NOnga]

Hi akeegar & NOnga,

I would avoid the 2 body paragraph structure. Although there are no specific criteria stating its invalidity, examiners are still likely to mark you down for it.

In LA, you don't really need to be "subtle" about how you state the writer's technique or intent. The important thing is variety. For example, you can use some of the following:

"By using _____ words such as _____, ______ and ______, the writer positions readers to feel a sense of _______."
"Intending to create _______ in the reader, the writer uses _______ to __________________."
"The writer's _____________ induces readers to _________."

There are many more. The important thing is to vary your sentence structure, whilst staying true to analysing use of language and the effect on the reader/audience.

All the best,

Yang

thanks yang

[lala1911]

My context is Identity and Belonging.
I've created a few pre-prepared paragraphs for the exam which can be adjusted depending on the prompt.

I'm just curious, would you say its good to have a final paragraph on society? I've always written on society pressures.. in both of my SACs and in my practice exam and it's always that paragraph where I get ticks ticks ticks ticks. I kind of feel as if I have a vested interest in it too.. as I've actually bothered to do some research into it to get some evidence/ideas.

I really want to use this paragraph: "However, society pressures individuals to change their identity".. then explain, although what are the chances the prompt won't relate to it? As far as I know, prompts will never really relate to society.. its basically one of those paragraphs that 'challenge the prompt'

cheers

[Yang Li]

Hi Lala,

I wouldn't worry at all about that paragraph. Society is in fact, often the most macro version of the "group" and therefore, almost always going to be right on topic in I&B.

All the best!

Yang

[maree271]

Freaking out about the english exam. Weakest subject but has to count in my top 4! I can write good pieces, but not consistently! Sometimes ill write a good context piece, then if i try again it is pathetic! Half the time I cant even finish a L.A piece...any help?
A's on all sacs...if i get a c on the exam (with an average cohort) what SS am i looking at?