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HossRyams

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From now until the exam
« on: October 19, 2013, 05:31:49 pm »
+1
How did / will you spend the last week and a bit prior to the English exam? I'm beginning to feel really overwhelmed and ensure how to go about it. Some people are pumping out exams and others are casually revising. I don't really know what I should personally do and am beginning to have self-doubt. :( Any suggestions?

Thanks in advance.
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Damoz.G

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Re: From now until the exam
« Reply #1 on: October 19, 2013, 05:39:05 pm »
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Practice Exam after Practice Exam after Practice Exams. Planning to get another 8-10 done before the Exam (Already done 15). Probably don't need that many, but I want to be fully prepared.

I'll also be memorising quotes from my text that I'm writing on (A Christmas Carol).

Thats all I'll be doing to prepare for the Exam.

HossRyams

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Re: From now until the exam
« Reply #2 on: October 19, 2013, 05:50:28 pm »
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Practice Exam after Practice Exam after Practice Exams. Planning to get another 8-10 done before the Exam (Already done 15). Probably don't need that many, but I want to be fully prepared.

I'll also be memorising quotes from my text that I'm writing on (A Christmas Carol).

Thats all I'll be doing to prepare for the Exam.

Thanks for your response.

Can I ask how you bring yourself to do so many exams? I find it so tiring sitting a whole exam, and my goal is to have written 60 essays by the end (I've done 40 so far).

It's kind of crazy actually, I mean I got two friends who got 46 in English last year - one wrote 20 full timed practice exams as well as essays throughout the year, and the other wrote 10 separate essays throughout the entire year. :( WHAT. I just don't know how much I need to personally do, but I do want to be fully prepared...
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pi

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Re: From now until the exam
« Reply #3 on: October 19, 2013, 06:11:04 pm »
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I did next to no original writing, just familiarising myself with quotes (especially of the book that I wasn't planning on writing in the exam - ended up writing on it!) and making sure I knew my four context pieces well. Some planning doesn't hurt.

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Re: From now until the exam
« Reply #4 on: October 19, 2013, 06:13:24 pm »
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I don't think the answer is just mind-numbingly pumping out half-hearted essays whenever you possibly can just for the sake of it under the misguided premise that it will benefit your study score. Try planning essays out and writing the introductions and topic sentences to them in twenty minutes, and reviewing and grouping the essays you have done throughout the year. I am personally highly doubtful of only writing essays in preparation for the exam. I've done six full trial exams for English, and like you, I feel that I really have to force myself to do them, but at least I can say that each one has provided a valuable learning experience.
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lala1911

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Re: From now until the exam
« Reply #5 on: October 19, 2013, 06:16:01 pm »
+1
What I'm doing:
Text:
- Planning
- Revising quotes
- Writing a few more essays

Context:
- Re-reading and watching Film/Play
- Planning
- Structuring my introduction
- Ideas summary

LA:
- Writing LA
- Going over my 'effects' sheet

Damoz.G

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Re: From now until the exam
« Reply #6 on: October 19, 2013, 06:16:26 pm »
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Thanks for your response.

Can I ask how you bring yourself to do so many exams? I find it so tiring sitting a whole exam, and my goal is to have written 60 essays by the end (I've done 40 so far).

It's kind of crazy actually, I mean I got two friends who got 46 in English last year - one wrote 20 full timed practice exams as well as essays throughout the year, and the other wrote 10 separate essays throughout the entire year. :( WHAT. I just don't know how much I need to personally do, but I do want to be fully prepared...


No worries. How many exams have you done for English so far?

Its self-motivation for me. What keeps me motivated is telling myself that "its only roughly just over 2 months left of hard work". Now its obviously only less than 1 month to go, but it has kept me going ever since. Doing one per day has really helped. But keep in mind, its QUALITY over QUANTITY. What I aim for at least is learning a couple of things after doing an Exam. Then I work on it with my next exam, and repeat this process.

At this stage, I would recommend re-reading your text to improve your knowledge of text. What text are you gonna write on?

Another AN Member recently PMed me about time management for English Exams, and how I can finish an Exam within the space of the given 3 hours. I responded with my structure of how I approach it, and plan out my time. I typed up a fairly long explanation for the AN Member. Would you like me to post it up on here? 
« Last Edit: October 19, 2013, 06:18:08 pm by Damoz. »

HossRyams

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Re: From now until the exam
« Reply #7 on: October 19, 2013, 06:24:32 pm »
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I did next to no original writing, just familiarising myself with quotes (especially of the book that I wasn't planning on writing in the exam - ended up writing on it!) and making sure I knew my four context pieces well. Some planning doesn't hurt.

Your 4 context pieces? I've actually read here before that you should prepare 4 essays for context, but what I've done is made a series of paragraphs on any idea related to my context, and then I often just mix and match them with whatever prompt I get, moulding them to fit the prompt while the evidence is essentially the same. Is that sufficient or should I prepare full essays?

I'm planning essays now actually - trying to have a plan for every single prompt I've got hold of for both TR and Context. But I'm thinking it's essential that I do some actual essay writing since I think expression is my major shortcoming.

I don't think the answer is just mind-numbingly pumping out half-hearted essays whenever you possibly can just for the sake of it under the misguided premise that it will benefit your study score. Try planning essays out and writing the introductions and topic sentences to them in twenty minutes, and reviewing and grouping the essays you have done throughout the year. I am personally highly doubtful of only writing essays in preparation for the exam. I've done six full trial exams for English, and like you, I feel that I really have to force myself to do them, but at least I can say that each one has provided a valuable learning experience.


I'm doing exactly that right now haha. I think it just scares me when other people do so many practice pieces; it makes me feel like I'm doing insufficient work. But I do believe I need the practice regardless to ensure timing isn't an issue!

No worries. How many exams have you done for English so far?

Its self-motivation for me. What keeps me motivated is telling myself that "its only roughly just over 2 months left of hard work". Now its obviously only less than 1 month to go, but it has kept me going ever since. Doing one per day has really helped. But keep in mind, its QUALITY over QUANTITY. What I aim for at least is learning a couple of things after doing an Exam. Then I work on it with my next exam, and repeat this process.

At this stage, I would recommend re-reading your text to improve your knowledge of text. What text are you gonna write on?

Another AN Member recently PMed me about time management for English Exams, and how I can finish an Exam within the space of the given 3 hours. I responded with my structure of how I approach it, and plan out my time. I typed up a fairly long explanation for the AN Member. Would you like me to post it up on here? 

I've only done 2 full timed exams. I tried doing another but I ended up writing 3 individual essays with a break between the first 2 and the last.

I'm writing on Stasiland and I absolutely love it. I've read it 3 times and my teacher says my knowledge of the text (for both TR and Context) is perfectly fine so I don't that's the issue. For me, says my teacher, the one thing that keeps my essays being 9-9.5 rather than a 10 is my poor expression. How do you think I should go about that?

Yeah that'd be lovely if you could. :)
« Last Edit: October 19, 2013, 06:26:54 pm by youshine »
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Damoz.G

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Re: From now until the exam
« Reply #8 on: October 19, 2013, 06:36:40 pm »
0
I've only done 2 full timed exams. I tried doing another but I ended up writing 3 individual essays with a break between the first 2 and the last.

I'm writing on Stasiland and I absolutely love it. I've read it 3 times and my teacher says my knowledge of the text (for both TR and Context) is perfectly fine so I don't that's the issue. For me, says my teacher, the one thing that keeps my essays being 9-9.5 rather than a 10 is my poor expression. How do you think I should go about that?

Yeah that'd be lovely if you could. :)


If your getting 9s, that it FANTASTIC! Assuming your teacher is marking them following the same standard as VCAA, then that is AWESOME! I'd be happy to get that! :)

Improving expression? The best way is to just practice writing more and more - There really isn't any other way to improve it.

I've copy/pasted this, so some stuff may not be relevant. Take from it whatever you want to. :)
The reason why I finish on time, is because I finish my Language Analysis and Context pieces within 45 minutes each. By doing so, I save at least 30 minutes.

How do I do this? For LA, I have been practising doing at least 2-3 per week (since June) and doing them within 45-50 Minutes (Sometimes 55 Minutes maximum). Because I've done it for a few months now, I've gotten into the habit of doing them within 45 Minutes. For Context, I have used one of my pieces that I got a very high score on. Because I've already got this piece done and can tweak it properly, I can write it out within 45 Minutes as well. If I really wanted to, I could push for 30-35 minutes, but I try and use my "extra time" to efficiently breakdown the prompt into pieces. I try to look at every aspect and ensure that I can tweak it properly. BTW, I don't plan my context for 10 minutes. :p In terms of TR, that is my weakest point, and I don't want to brag or anything, but its not dramatically bad. I try save time from my other sections and spend a little bit more on section a (TR). I feel that when I have more time for it, I don't feel pressured, and I can do it properly. With the remaining time I have left, I spend it reading over my three sections.

I think what helps, is to push yourself really hard. When I do each exam, I always begin my thoughts by saying "Okay, I have to get this done within 45 minutes".

When you do your first few exams, don't dread or get upset about them. Instead, try to use it as a motivator. Talking to your teachers about your exams also helps. Once a week, I sit down with my teacher and I discuss my exams that I've done. Even though it can be written down on paper (and she does do this), I learn more when I actually hear her say it to me. It also gives me an opportunity to ask questions about my work, such as "What else do you think I could add to this". The number of exams you do does matter, but its what you get out of them that matters the most. If you walk away from a practice exam knowing exactly what you did right and wrong, then you have done really well.

For time management issues, its something that most of the state faces. You gotta look at your strengths and weaknesses. Look at what your strengths are, and push yourself to do them within less than an hour (but still maintain a high standard quality). Then you will be able to dedicate more time for your weaknesses.

BTW, I think its pretty obvious now what order I do my 3 essays in, but this is the order: LA, Context, TR.

Hopefully there's something useful to you that I've explained. Let me know if you have any other Questions. More than happy to answer them for you. :)

HossRyams

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Re: From now until the exam
« Reply #9 on: October 19, 2013, 06:44:11 pm »
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If your getting 9s, that it FANTASTIC! Assuming your teacher is marking them following the same standard as VCAA, then that is AWESOME! I'd be happy to get that! :)

Improving expression? The best way is to just practice writing more and more - There really isn't any other way to improve it.

I've copy/pasted this, so some stuff may not be relevant. Take from it whatever you want to. :)
The reason why I finish on time, is because I finish my Language Analysis and Context pieces within 45 minutes each. By doing so, I save at least 30 minutes.

How do I do this? For LA, I have been practising doing at least 2-3 per week (since June) and doing them within 45-50 Minutes (Sometimes 55 Minutes maximum). Because I've done it for a few months now, I've gotten into the habit of doing them within 45 Minutes. For Context, I have used one of my pieces that I got a very high score on. Because I've already got this piece done and can tweak it properly, I can write it out within 45 Minutes as well. If I really wanted to, I could push for 30-35 minutes, but I try and use my "extra time" to efficiently breakdown the prompt into pieces. I try to look at every aspect and ensure that I can tweak it properly. BTW, I don't plan my context for 10 minutes. :p In terms of TR, that is my weakest point, and I don't want to brag or anything, but its not dramatically bad. I try save time from my other sections and spend a little bit more on section a (TR). I feel that when I have more time for it, I don't feel pressured, and I can do it properly. With the remaining time I have left, I spend it reading over my three sections.

I think what helps, is to push yourself really hard. When I do each exam, I always begin my thoughts by saying "Okay, I have to get this done within 45 minutes".

When you do your first few exams, don't dread or get upset about them. Instead, try to use it as a motivator. Talking to your teachers about your exams also helps. Once a week, I sit down with my teacher and I discuss my exams that I've done. Even though it can be written down on paper (and she does do this), I learn more when I actually hear her say it to me. It also gives me an opportunity to ask questions about my work, such as "What else do you think I could add to this". The number of exams you do does matter, but its what you get out of them that matters the most. If you walk away from a practice exam knowing exactly what you did right and wrong, then you have done really well.

For time management issues, its something that most of the state faces. You gotta look at your strengths and weaknesses. Look at what your strengths are, and push yourself to do them within less than an hour (but still maintain a high standard quality). Then you will be able to dedicate more time for your weaknesses.

BTW, I think its pretty obvious now what order I do my 3 essays in, but this is the order: LA, Context, TR.

Hopefully there's something useful to you that I've explained. Let me know if you have any other Questions. More than happy to answer them for you. :)

I trust my teacher; I believe she was previously the chief assessor for English but now she is the chief assessor for history. She's really great! :D

And thanks heaps for that - I admire your hard work throughout the year! It puts my work to shame :P I guess I just have to force myself to do timed exams and see what I can and can't do at this moment. It'll be hard now that I won't really be able to get feedback, but her last words were just to be careful with expression and everything else is fine. (Yes, I'm actually trying to get 10s in the exam b/c I'm crazy and I like to aim for ridiculous things. To be specific my goal is 10 for both TR and LA, and 9 for Context - I've been getting these so far BUT individually... So I need to try and make sure I can get them by doing it as an exam!)

This was quite motivating, thanks a lot ^_^
Also good luck!! I'm sure you'll do great. Hopefully we'll both meet our goals :D
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Damoz.G

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Re: From now until the exam
« Reply #10 on: October 19, 2013, 06:57:16 pm »
+1
I trust my teacher; I believe she was previously the chief assessor for English but now she is the chief assessor for history. She's really great! :D

And thanks heaps for that - I admire your hard work throughout the year! It puts my work to shame :P I guess I just have to force myself to do timed exams and see what I can and can't do at this moment. It'll be hard now that I won't really be able to get feedback, but her last words were just to be careful with expression and everything else is fine. (Yes, I'm actually trying to get 10s in the exam b/c I'm crazy and I like to aim for ridiculous things. To be specific my goal is 10 for both TR and LA, and 9 for Context - I've been getting these so far BUT individually... So I need to try and make sure I can get them by doing it as an exam!)

This was quite motivating, thanks a lot ^_^
Also good luck!! I'm sure you'll do great. Hopefully we'll both meet our goals :D

Oh wow! That was a big swap in subjects. HAHA!

I'm sure if you organise a time with your teacher, she should be able to see you. I go to SFX, nearby to Nossal haha, and I've already planned a couple of times that I'll be meeting her to go through exams again. Book a time with yours as well - It will help you.

No worries. You too - All the best! My Goal is to just get a 45+ in Accounting and also get an ATAR above 90. It's nothing compared to your goal ATAR. You've already done well with the two subjects you did last year, so keep it going!

Remember: For you, in exactly one month (Sorry if this scares you), everything will be over! Try and make the most of it, and you will do well and achieve your goals. You still have plenty of time!

Good Luck!

HossRyams

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Re: From now until the exam
« Reply #11 on: October 19, 2013, 07:02:40 pm »
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Oh wow! That was a big swap in subjects. HAHA!

I'm sure if you organise a time with your teacher, she should be able to see you. I go to SFX, nearby to Nossal haha, and I've already planned a couple of times that I'll be meeting her to go through exams again. Book a time with yours as well - It will help you.

No worries. You too - All the best! My Goal is to just get a 45+ in Accounting and also get an ATAR above 90. It's nothing compared to your goal ATAR. You've already done well with the two subjects you did last year, so keep it going!

Remember: For you, in exactly one month (Sorry if this scares you), everything will be over! Try and make the most of it, and you will do well and achieve your goals. You still have plenty of time!

Good Luck!

Haha oh wow, I always see students from your school when I take the train home. :)
Thanks for the tips! I'm sure you will reach your goal ATAR with your work ethic. Let's keep working hard yay
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Re: From now until the exam
« Reply #12 on: October 19, 2013, 07:43:25 pm »
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I was still studying on the day of the exam..hope that makes you feel better
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shooterblitz

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Re: From now until the exam
« Reply #13 on: October 19, 2013, 08:00:50 pm »
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This is my plan of attack:

- Complete a Language analysis piece every alternating day (did one today, text response tomorrow)
- Complete a text response every alternating day
- Read over my A Christmas Carol notes which consists of quotes + characters, all the criteria's. Possibly memorise quotes too.
- Read over my Language Analysis notes which consists of PLT's and what effect they have on the reader
- Read over the summaries of my chosen GUAIA stories.

Considering you've done 40 essays till now, you should be easing at the moment. I've only done 2 text responses and 2 language analysis in total for exam preparation. :(

brenden

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Re: From now until the exam
« Reply #14 on: October 19, 2013, 11:08:54 pm »
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Ceebs reading the full thread.

I wrote a bit of essays, upwards of twelvish I'd say. Also read a lot of my text and discussed it with a friend, constantly challenging our positions through argument (very valuable if the other student is on your level)
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