Why doesn't VCAA run the 3hr English exam over two days?

[charmanderp]

I wrote 1 practice essay last year, and that was in February. Definitely not about the quantity. You can write thousands of essays and not improve at all, writing a C at best, simply regurgitating the material you learn in class not truly comprehending what it means to consult an essay question and construct an argument, etc. Or you can write 5 and spend a lot of time in between them assessing what you did well and what you did poorly and how you can improve and really understand what the task requires, and quickly go from a C to an A.

[Damoz.G]

I wrote 1 practice essay last year, and that was in February. Definitely not about the quantity. You can write thousands of essays and not improve at all, writing a C at best, simply regurgitating the material you learn in class not truly comprehending what it means to consult an essay question and construct an argument, etc. Or you can write 5 and spend a lot of time in between them assessing what you did well and what you did poorly and how you can improve and really understand what the task requires, and quickly go from a C to an A.

That's true in some ways. But you will obviously improve....gradually by doing more and more. It's helped me, but I evaluate my work every time as well.