English Advanced Question Thread

[anotherworld2b]

It will most likely take a while before I'm done with it but I will be glad to do so

Looks like the starts of an awesome resource! After you've added Elyse's ideas and worked on it for your assessment task, we'd love for you to upload it to our Notes section! I bet a lot of people would find it really useful

[anotherworld2b]

Oh I didn't realize my examples of colloquialisms are actually idioms. What would be an example of colloquialisms then?
For this part: 'Consonance and assonance can draw attention to a particular area of a sentence, this relates to phonology.'  Could you also say that consonance and assonance draws attention to a particular area of a sentence to influence the audience's response?

'Onomatopoeia allows the author to bring some kind of sound into play that doesn't necessarily have a description suitable without emulating the sound in a word.' Then could you say that Onomatopoeia allows the audience to apply the audio sense (I'm not sure what the correct terminology is to describe it)? to emphasis the impact of the text?

For this part 'Listing might be used to prove a point. So, I might make a speech about the reasons we should vote for Kanye, and then at the end, I'm going to list all of those things again to sum it all up and bring it all together - it can be a persuasive approach. Sometimes people do it out of exhaustion, like a parent might say "I cook, I clean, I shop, I work, I clean up after you and your friends - and what do you do for me?" This kind of listing builds up an accumulation of evidence.'

Could I say that listing can be a persuasive approach by summarizing things in an orderly and organized manner that the audience can read without any hindrance (without excess/unnecessary words)? As a result, it positions the audience to be more susceptible to absorb the information that is provided?

I am not sure what you mean here 'Antithetical pairings are used to draw contrast - to either identify ironic similarities or to express differences.'

'Synonyms will be used to make the language diverse, rather than repetitive'
'What would the effect of this technique be on the audience? Makes it more memorable?

'I could talk all day about irony, so here's a link (this is my favorite language device site) that shows all kinds of irony and it's purpose'. I was also wondering isn't irony and sarcasm quite similar? How can you tell the two of them apart?

I was wondering what would be some particular aspects that shape perspective??

[elysepopplewell]

Oh I didn't realize my examples of colloquialisms are actually idioms. What would be an example of colloquialisms then?

Slang language usually! Idioms are a part of colloquial language sometimes. But saying "mate" or saying "wanna" instead of "want to" are examples

For this part: 'Consonance and assonance can draw attention to a particular area of a sentence, this relates to phonology.'  Could you also say that consonance and assonance draws attention to a particular area of a sentence to influence the audience's response?

Yep! It can do that. It can make them think more about a certain section.

'Onomatopoeia allows the author to bring some kind of sound into play that doesn't necessarily have a description suitable without emulating the sound in a word.' Then could you say that Onomatopoeia allows the audience to apply the audio sense (I'm not sure what the correct terminology is to describe it)? to emphasis the impact of the text?

Absolutely! You're right

For this part 'Listing might be used to prove a point. So, I might make a speech about the reasons we should vote for Kanye, and then at the end, I'm going to list all of those things again to sum it all up and bring it all together - it can be a persuasive approach. Sometimes people do it out of exhaustion, like a parent might say "I cook, I clean, I shop, I work, I clean up after you and your friends - and what do you do for me?" This kind of listing builds up an accumulation of evidence.'

Could I say that listing can be a persuasive approach by summarizing things in an orderly and organized manner that the audience can read without any hindrance (without excess/unnecessary words)? As a result, it positions the audience to be more susceptible to absorb the information that is provided?

100%! You've really got the hang of this

I am not sure what you mean here 'Antithetical pairings are used to draw contrast - to either identify ironic similarities or to express differences.'

Ok, so two antithetical pairings are Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump. So I could pair these two together to show how different they are. OR, I could pair them together to ironically show that despite their differences, they are both the same: corrupt. (These are not my own beliefs, just an example). So you would be showing the ironic similarities through the pairing.

'Synonyms will be used to make the language diverse, rather than repetitive'
'What would the effect of this technique be on the audience? Makes it more memorable?

It won't bore the audience, it'll keep them interested!

'I could talk all day about irony, so here's a link (this is my favorite language device site) that shows all kinds of irony and it's purpose'. I was also wondering isn't irony and sarcasm quite similar? How can you tell the two of them apart?

Sarcasm and irony can be used together. However, sarcasm is where you say something that is clearly not so, for the purpose of poking fun or laughter. Irony is when two situations collide in ways that one wouldn't expect. Here's a good link for this

I was wondering what would be some particular aspects that shape perspective??

Are you referring to the perspective of the reader/audience or the narrator? Do you mind rephrasing this?

[anotherworld2b]

Are you referring to the perspective of the reader/audience or the narrator? Do you mind rephrasing this?

Sure . Sorry for not being clear. I was referring to both if that's okay. I was also wondering how to approach these two questions
1. Explain how the point of view is constructed.
2. How is point of view used to position the reader?

[anotherworld2b]

Hi I was wondering if i can get help filling out my table.
I was also wondering for simple language what effect does it have on the audience? I wrote that it is a reflection of a passive character. Blunt to the point?

What would be a good example of embellished language? Would what I have written for its effect 'Excess exaggeration and maybe too excited can lose the audience’s attention. On the other hand it can gain the audience’s attention.' be correct?

I am also having difficulty defining Language choices.
Also would this be a good example?: “Oi mate, who was it?” versus “Pardon me, who was at the door?”.
Effect:? Though both sentences express the same idea, language choice give them different feelings and connotations – they would not be said by the same character.

I am still a bit confused on the effect of colloquialism on the audience. It usually shows comfort with the person they are speaking with, or can be used as a way "in" to someone - showing that you're friendly and casual? -> engages reader?

For Informal or formal register what would be some examples and the effect on the audience?

Use of nicknames engages the audience?

[jamonwindeyer]

1. Explain how the point of view is constructed.

The point of view is basically the position of the composer on the issues being discussed. To answer this question is to, basically, how they use techniques to present that perspective!

2. How is point of view used to position the reader?

Essentially, this asks you to extend the above argument to the audience. How is the audience impacted by the perspective presented above? At least, that's how I interpret this

I was also wondering for simple language what effect does it have on the audience? I wrote that it is a reflection of a passive character. Blunt to the point?

I'd say simplistic language allows the audience to easily engage with the argument being presented. In some cases you could say it is used in a degrading manner, over simplifying an issue may indicate that the speaker doesn't think highly of the audience's intelligence. It can become condescending! Usually though, it does just indicate "blunt and to the point" as you say

What would be a good example of embellished language? Would what I have written for its effect 'Excess exaggeration and maybe too excited can lose the audience’s attention. On the other hand it can gain the audience’s attention.' be correct?

So tread lightly before you assiduously malign the veracity of my etymological prowess.

^ A quote from Modern Family, a perfect example of embellished language, lots of fancy words you could also include language with lots of description, or excess of use of other techniques in this category. Both of your interpretations are definitely correct, depending on the situation at hand!

I am also having difficulty defining Language choices.
Also would this be a good example?: “Oi mate, who was it?” versus “Pardon me, who was at the door?”.
Effect:? Though both sentences express the same idea, language choice give them different feelings and connotations – they would not be said by the same character.

Sounds excellent to me. The same thing said in different ways evokes completely different responses language choice is literally just the choice of words/expression to convey an idea!

I am still a bit confused on the effect of colloquialism on the audience. It usually shows comfort with the person they are speaking with, or can be used as a way "in" to someone - showing that you're friendly and casual? -> engages reader?

Correct

For Informal or formal register what would be some examples and the effect on the audience?

A perfect example of formal vs informal would be that example you used above with the person at the door. The second one is using very formal language, the first is definitely formal. The effect depends a lot on the occasion. If, for example, Malcolm Turnbull used informal language at a UN Conference, then the effect would be offensive and degrading to the significance of the occasion. If used in a small town speech, it could be as a way to promote greater sympathy for his character, develop a relatable ethos

Use of nicknames engages the audience?

Yes, and if it isn't the audience with the nickname and they aren't told what the nickname is, then it can create an exclusive effect

[thataveragevegan]

What do i do when i need to use a quote to support my argument and it doesn't have a technique? (Text: The Tempest) 
Im arguing prospero has come full circle and now embraces Christian values opposed to humanist ones

the quote is :
" Do I take part: the rarer action in virtue than in vengeance"

[ssarahj]

What do i do when i need to use a quote to support my argument and it doesn't have a technique? (Text: The Tempest) 
Im arguing prospero has come full circle and now embraces Christian values opposed to humuanist ones

the quote is :
" forgiveness is of a higher order than vengeance"

Hey! If I was you I would still totally include that quote, since you can usually integrate into your sentence to make it sound like it has a technique or bigger idea attached to it anyway. For example you could say something like this (plus whatever else you have to say about full circling/humanism etc etc.):
The transition of Prospero's personal values is clearly seen in Shakespeare's allusion to Christian morality as "forgiveness is of a higher order than vengeance".

If you have heaps of other really dense and amazing examples/techniques it doesn't hurt to throw in a quote that proves your point if you can blend it into your sentence effortlessly. 

[thataveragevegan]

Hey! If I was you I would still totally include that quote, since you can usually integrate into your sentence to make it sound like it has a technique or bigger idea attached to it anyway. For example you could say something like this (plus whatever else you have to say about full circling/humanism etc etc.):
The transition of Prospero's personal values is clearly seen in Shakespeare's allusion to Christian morality as "forgiveness is of a higher order than vengeance".

If you have heaps of other really dense and amazing examples/techniques it doesn't hurt to throw in a quote that proves your point if you can blend it into your sentence effortlessly. 

ssarahj you're a legend <3 thank you !

[J.B]

Hi I am currently analysing the tempest and have found a quote which really emphasises my point. But I can't think of any good techniques in it.
I was wondering if anyone could see any in this quote?

Gonzalo :  In a poor isle; and all of us, ourselves
When no man was his own.

line 210.

Thanks.

[ssarahj]

Hi I am currently analysing the tempest and have found a quote which really emphasises my point. But I can't think of any good techniques in it.
I was wondering if anyone could see any in this quote?

Gonzalo :  In a poor isle; and all of us, ourselves
When no man was his own.

line 210.

Thanks.

Hey J.B! I'm not incredibly familiar with The Tempest, so  I'll just try and give you some suggestions/thinking points from first glance; Is Shakespeare just talking about the characters in the play, or is it a metaphor for all of humanity? The inclusive language could help prove this point...

Anyone who has studied The Tempest should definitely jump in here 

[J.B]

Hey J.B! I'm not incredibly familiar with The Tempest, so  I'll just try and give you some suggestions/thinking points from first glance; Is Shakespeare just talking about the characters in the play, or is it a metaphor for all of humanity? The inclusive language could help prove this point...

Anyone who has studied The Tempest should definitely jump in here 

Thank you so much! I didn't even think of this!
I was also wondering if you have any tips on how to make my writing more sophisticated?

[ssarahj]

Thank you so much! I didn't even think of this!
I was also wondering if you have any tips on how to make my writing more sophisticated?

Sophistication is something that comes with practise, and also by being confident about whatever you're writing. That usually means getting to a point where its easy to get rid of unnecessary fluff and choose words and phrases that actually help illustrate your point. You'll probably find your writing will become more sophisticated as the year progresses, a bit like how you're a better writer than you were at the start of Year 7 (hopefully).

In creative writing for example, this could mean replacing "he walked slowly down the road as though he had nowhere to be" to "he meandered down the road" - a dictionary/thesaurus is priceless for this kind of thing.

In essay writing, an easy way to sound more sophisticated is to make use of your thesaurus and come up with a kind of word bank, so instead of repeating a word like "shows" you can also throw in some, "demonstrates" or "explores" or "accentuates".

[Thebarman]

Hey!
When writing an essay, would personal integrity and choice making/their impacts be too alike to write separate paragraphs on? I'm studying Mrs. Dalloway and The Hours, and I'm afraid I might end up repeating the same ideas in both paragraphs if addressed separately.

[Wales]

Sophistication is something that comes with practise, and also by being confident about whatever you're writing. That usually means getting to a point where its easy to get rid of unnecessary fluff and choose words and phrases that actually help illustrate your point. You'll probably find your writing will become more sophisticated as the year progresses, a bit like how you're a better writer than you were at the start of Year 7 (hopefully).

In creative writing for example, this could mean replacing "he walked slowly down the road as though he had nowhere to be" to "he meandered down the road" - a dictionary/thesaurus is priceless for this kind of thing.

In essay writing, an easy way to sound more sophisticated is to make use of your thesaurus and come up with a kind of word bank, so instead of repeating a word like "shows" you can also throw in some, "demonstrates" or "explores" or "accentuates".

Just to add on. You don't want to overdo it. At the beginning you might just google synonyms or big words you've never heard of and try throw them into a essay and try sound smart. Can't say for how well that works but it's not how it should be.

You need to UNDERSTAND what you are doing, from there you will automatically replace the boring typical phrases with more sophisticated language. It comes down to how well you know those higher order concepts and words. Read more advanced essays, fantastic novels and so on. Take a look on the Essay Marking forums here and see what you can gather from there. It's a fantastic starting point. Understanding language is a sophisticated thing itself. You cannot simply throw complicated words in there without appreciating their full meanings.

All in all, it'll come naturally later if you consciously decide to strive for it at first. Goodluck

Regards, Wales