VCE English struggle

[Corbz]

I have never been good at english going through school so my writing skills definitely aren't ideal, in year 11 I lifted in the subject gaining B-B+ throughout the year with a good teacher and I'm now basically over three quarters through year12.

This year I have put the most amount of hours in my class into the essays, texts etc.. but still been put in the bottom 5 people marks wise, averaging Cs, I have been frustrated throughout the year with my marks as I am one of 4 people in a class of 16 that actually does practice essays etc.. I have hardly learnt anything this year in class, people on the net always comment on using hooks in their essays while my class hasn't been told anything on techniques, language nor the text. I would also like to add that the only well marked students (which are high B+) are doing literature and have a good sense of writing, my teacher expects us to just learn it all with no guidance, it is seriously so ridiculous.

I really am worried with my result in this class, I was aiming for 35+ and I cannot see it happening at this point in time, there is no way I can go into the exam with the little knowledge I have, not only with writing across the three sections, but also on the texts.

If it helps at all, C+P context is whose reality with the texts Wag and Dog and The Lot.
R+R: This Boy's Life, No Sugar.

[_fruitcake_]

I have never been good at english going through school so my writing skills definitely aren't ideal, in year 11 I lifted in the subject gaining B-B+ throughout the year with a good teacher and I'm now basically over three quarters through year12.

This year I have put the most amount of hours in my class into the essays, texts etc.. but still been put in the bottom 5 people marks wise, averaging Cs, I have been frustrated throughout the year with my marks as I am one of 4 people in a class of 16 that actually does practice essays etc.. I have hardly learnt anything this year in class, people on the net always comment on using hooks in their essays while my class hasn't been told anything on techniques, language nor the text. I would also like to add that the only well marked students (which are high B+) are doing literature and have a good sense of writing, my teacher expects us to just learn it all with no guidance, it is seriously so ridiculous.

I really am worried with my result in this class, I was aiming for 35+ and I cannot see it happening at this point in time, there is no way I can go into the exam with the little knowledge I have, not only with writing across the three sections, but also on the texts.

If it helps at all, C+P context is whose reality with the texts Wag and Dog and The Lot.
R+R: This Boy's Life, No Sugar.

What do you need help with This Boys Life? I can help you with that.. ask away

[Orb]

I have never been good at english going through school so my writing skills definitely aren't ideal, in year 11 I lifted in the subject gaining B-B+ throughout the year with a good teacher and I'm now basically over three quarters through year12.

This year I have put the most amount of hours in my class into the essays, texts etc.. but still been put in the bottom 5 people marks wise, averaging Cs, I have been frustrated throughout the year with my marks as I am one of 4 people in a class of 16 that actually does practice essays etc.. I have hardly learnt anything this year in class, people on the net always comment on using hooks in their essays while my class hasn't been told anything on techniques, language nor the text. I would also like to add that the only well marked students (which are high B+) are doing literature and have a good sense of writing, my teacher expects us to just learn it all with no guidance, it is seriously so ridiculous.

I really am worried with my result in this class, I was aiming for 35+ and I cannot see it happening at this point in time, there is no way I can go into the exam with the little knowledge I have, not only with writing across the three sections, but also on the texts.

If it helps at all, C+P context is whose reality with the texts Wag and Dog and The Lot.
R+R: This Boy's Life, No Sugar.

I was in a similar position to you, I spent over 6 hours per essay, meticulously redrafting and recomposing and working at it, but it never seemed to pay off. The problem was that (voiced eloquently by my marvellous teacher), I was studying 'too hard' and not 'smart' enough.

So what is 'studying smart'?

In essence, it's taking your current mistakes (established by your teacher) and correcting them to the point where you don't make them anymore. Instead of cranking out 10 practice essays per SAC like what I did and making the same mistakes again and again, you can feasibly write out 3-5, but with constant improvements, fix your essays to be a high standard.

Study hard, but study smart
All the best!

[Corbz]

I was in a similar position to you, I spent over 6 hours per essay, meticulously redrafting and recomposing and working at it, but it never seemed to pay off. The problem was that (voiced eloquently by my marvellous teacher), I was studying 'too hard' and not 'smart' enough.

So what is 'studying smart'?

In essence, it's taking your current mistakes (established by your teacher) and correcting them to the point where you don't make them anymore. Instead of cranking out 10 practice essays per SAC like what I did and making the same mistakes again and again, you can feasibly write out 3-5, but with constant improvements, fix your essays to be a high standard.

Study hard, but study smart
All the best!

Thank you so much then, I find it hard to improve on my practice essays as my teacher doesn't ever put me on the right track.
My language was poor on one essay so I improved on it and he said it was 'good, stick to that in the sac and you'll do well' - finished with a C+ when I was aiming for at least an A in hope haha..

[heids]

Hey, I'm really sorry to hear that

There's a HEAP of valuable information in this forum!

Start with English Resources and Sample High Scoring Responses - there are literally heaps of guides, on all the types of essays.  Try Re: English Guides, Sample Pieces, Tips and Resources and Surviving English, Unshattered, for starters.  You can read and take notes on the guides, and use the samples to get an idea of what the different types of essays look like.  Then reading through feedback on other people's essays in English Work Submission and Marking could be helpful too.

Once you've done that (wow you could open hundreds of amazing tabs round this forum!) then feel free to ask any questions in English Q&A, and post any of your work in the work submission board, where you'll probably get quite detailed feedback.

Then, as hamo94 says, it's about putting them into practice; don't just listen and go on your merry way, PUT IT ALL INTO PRACTICE!  Ask your teacher exactly what you need to improve, and how; if they can't help, then post your work here, because we tend to give quite specific feedback!

All the best

[Coffee]

First things first, have you talked to your teacher? I understand that you're frustrated because your teacher hasn't taught essay writing skills and techniques in class but if your teacher is all about independent learning and whatnot, they probably won't go out of their way to help you, but rather you'll have to go to them and ask for help. Of course some teachers are just shitty but I'd really like to believe it's the former scenario.

You say you write practise essays but what do you with them afterwards? Are you simply writing essays and then chucking them to the side? Or are you getting feedback from your teacher? If so, what do you do with this feedback? And what feedback are you receiving? If you know what you're having trouble with (and what you're doing well) this gives us a focus point for you to work on.

You need to go to talk to your teacher, ask for help, and get some detailed feedback, and then work from there. In the meantime though feel free to look around the forums - there's a lot of helpful tips here for VCE English. Read other's essays as well to give you an idea for what you should be aiming for (this should also help you to identify where you're going wrong), and definitely post up an essay or two; I'm sure someone will come along and provide you with some feedback.

[Corbz]

Thank you so much then everyone, this website has already helped me more than anything!

[Corbz]

What do you need help with This Boys Life? I can help you with that.. ask away

Well yes we are up to This Boy's Life now actually.

What did you do to go well with your piece on this text? What tips do you have for gaining knowledge on the text and in R+R essay writing?