Perfect 50 in four subjects in 2012, happy to share advice

[vickychen667]

Some people find focusing on only one text allows them to gain a much more in-depth understanding of the text but then that is just limiting yourself to only two possible essay topics in Section A, which can be risky if neither of the given topics suit you. In your cas, perhaps just work on WYPBQP considering you seem to enjoy it more than Cosi. With just over a month out from your English exam, don't stress and try to cram Cosi if it's simply just not your text. Good luck!

[vickychen667]

If you've been practising expository and persuasives and your marks are pretty consistent, then perhaps stick with them and continue to refine and polish those styles of context writing. It's not too late to try something new, such as a creative piece, if you are up for it. It really depends on how much time you have to spare to explore some other writing styles.

[tcstudent]

Hi Vicky Chen, From this exact time till the exam for english, did you try and write at least something on english everyday??, also how can i avoid my essay topic sentences from appearing weak to the examiner as i've been told by my teacher who went to a vcaa teacher meeting, and was told that all assessors look at your prompt and then look at the topic sentences to instantly identify whether your written piece will be weak, moderate or strong?

thank you, great work on 50, did you repeat all your subjects from year 11 or just had a passion ?

[vickychen667]

It's important to divide your time up among all your subjects so if that means writing something for english every day or every two days, then by all means go for it. Keep practising topic sentence writing, read good essays from other students, discuss ways of improving with your teacher... all those ways will definitely help
However, I am not quite sure what you essay writing is like at the moment because I haven't seen anything you have written, so it is hard for me to pin point the ways in which you can improve.

[PB]

Hey Vicky!
Thanks so much for opening yourself up to give advice to the AN community! I was just wondering if you had any special tips that really helps you in your approach to exams. For example, I have heard of and tried the log book technique where you note down every mistake you make under each exam (it is actually quite helpful!).
Also, you mentioned reading good essays from other students - would it be possible for you to share some of your essays with me/us (preferably King Henry IV part I).
Thanks Vicky! You are an absolute bauws! 

[vickychen667]

Sure, try out the log book technique and see if it helps you! I never really stuck one single technique, to be honest - my revision and exam study process was pretty laid back. I think at the end of the day, the most important thing is to not stress and stick to what you know works best for you

[vickychen667]

Hey there! The exams are inching closer. Hope you are all studying well and rolling those practice essays out (it gets easier, promise), but make sure you balance all that hard work with some light and refreshing relaxation as well!

[PB]

Hey Vicky,
Just one more question. Do you think it is necessary to prepare a plan B for Context? I am not sure if I have the time to, and if I do it probably won't be very good What would you recommend?
Regards
PB

[acciodraco]

Hi Vicky,

I was wondering, for the text response, do you have any guidance of what should go into the intro and especially the conclusion? Also, would approaching the body paragraphs purely with the 'TEEL' method allow me to score highly?

Thank you!

[vickychen667]

Memorising essays in advance can be risky as it is not guaranteed that the the topic on the exam will mould perfectly into your memorised piece of writing. It is perhaps better to commit a wide range of ideas for topic sentences and examples, on which you can easily expand during the exam.

[vickychen667]

In the introduction, make sure it sounds interesting, yet manages to simultaneously blend the given topic with the text and introduce the key ideas which you intend to explore. In the conclusion, keep it relatively short and sharp, just briefly summarising your main ideas. With the body, if the TEEL method is waht you are familiar with and something that you have used to write great essays in the past, then it is perhaps best to stick with that. As long as you formulate coherent and sophisticated sentences to express your thoughtful points and you thoroughly explore all facets of the topic, the essay should be graded well.

[charstephenson]

Does anybody know how to predict my English study score? I got straight A  sac scores but think I am only capable of achieving a B  on the exam, any ideas? Thanks :)

[tahn]

Hey Vicky
I am currently studying to write on The Quiet American for my context essay, and was wondering if you'd be able to share what external examples you used in your essay? I was planning on writing about 'McCarthyism'  in relation to Pyle, and have a few other examples to use depending on what the prompt is. Also, would you suggest that I write about QA in my opening paragraph, or should I open with external examples to avoid sounding like a text response essay?
Thanks

[Lasercookie]

Split topics into
'Moving on' from VCE once you get into a uni course
Studying over summer holidays
Cramming chemistry
and moved to the appropriate boards.