English Advanced Question Thread

[Sssssrr]

Hey,
Would you have any tips for helping me to write faster, it was my biggest weakness in the trials
Thanks in advance

[conic curve]

Hey,
Would you have any tips for helping me to write faster, it was my biggest weakness in the trials
Thanks in advance

I don't know if this will help but try putting a weigh on your pen and start writing. Once you release the weight you write faster. People say it works but personally it didn't work for me

You could also try practicing writing faster, and keep writing, even when your hand hurts

[ssarahj]

Hey,
Would you have any tips for helping me to write faster, it was my biggest weakness in the trials
Thanks in advance

Definitely check out this article: http://atarnotes.com/handwriting-improving-speed-neatness-and-legibility/

The weighted pen can be a great idea, I've taken to just taping a AA battery to the end of my normal pens and I think its helped me build up some strength. But also make sure you switch back to a normal pen at least a week before the exams to get your hand adjusted again. I've definitely noticed an improvement in speed and less cramping, but other people I've chatted to haven't noticed any difference......

Speed also comes down to reducing your "think lag" i.e. the amount of time it takes you to figure out the next word you're going to write. Instead of writing a single sentence, stopping and then frantically trying to think of what you want to say next, the aim is to be able to keep your pen to paper the whole time and have your next words sitting at the front of your mind. (This may sound super weird but it will come naturally with practise). For some people it also may help to take a few seconds at the start of a question/essay/extended response and scribble a little plan so that there's a clear direction for the answer.

Overall it sounds really cliche and really boring but its true that the more practise you do under timed conditions, the faster you'll get. Good luck!

[massive]

if im ranked 35 out 90 for eng adv is it still possible to get band 6... or are my chances slim :/

[conic curve]

if im ranked 35 out 90 for eng adv is it still possible to get band 6... or are my chances slim :/

what rank is your school?

[ssarahj]

if im ranked 35 out 90 for eng adv is it still possible to get band 6... or are my chances slim :/

There's every chance of getting a Band 6 if you work hard, 35 out of 90 isn't a terrible rank either! At the end of the day your school rank is only small indication of your capability in the final exam since there are so many other factors that can impact this (e.g. the difficulty of the assessments, teacher's marking styles, how hard your cohort is working etc.). So there's absolutely no harm in giving it a red hot go! 

If you have any essays/creative writing you are wanting to fine tune feel free to post them up on our essay marking threads and you can get some awesome feedback. This thread is perfect for asking any other questions you have about improving in Advanced. We're here to help you smash that Band 6!!!!!!!!   

[massive]

what rank is your school?

the rank has gone down now so i'm not really sure, but last year i think only 10 or so people got band 6...
but it doesn't matter i can still try my best!!

[jamonwindeyer]

what rank is your school?

SCHOOL RANK IS COMPLETELY IRRELEVANT TO EVERYTHING!

Just saying

the rank has gone down now so i'm not really sure, but last year i think only 10 or so people got band 6...
but it doesn't matter i can still try my best!!

Massive, if you work hard, your school can be ranked in the 300's (like mine was) and you can still get a Band 6. You just need to really be motivated and absolutely smash your exam, if you do that then there is no limits to the marks you can achieve

[conic curve]

SCHOOL RANK IS COMPLETELY IRRELEVANT TO EVERYTHING!

Just saying

I thought it was relevant to the cohort average and how the student on the bottom will drag all the marks down

[elysepopplewell]

I thought it was relevant to the cohort average and how the student on the bottom will drag all the marks down

Jamon's referring to how your school ranks in the state in total, not your individual rank in your cohort

[Justina Shehata]

Hi
are school assessment marks scaled when the teachers determine your average?

[jamonwindeyer]

Hi
are school assessment marks scaled when the teachers determine your average?

Hey Justina! Do you mean like when your marks are submitted to BOSTES? In that case, no, it is purely based on weightings and marks. EG:

Assessment One (20%): 18/20
Assessment Two (20%): 16/20
Trials 60%): 92/100 ~ 55/60

School Assessment Mark: 89/100

If you have any further scaling questions, ask them here!

[Jakeybaby]

Any suggestions for an essay question for an independent study on the following two texts:
Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde and The Picture of Dorian Gray

I'm thinking about focusing on the duality of human nature?

[melprocrastinator]

SCHOOL RANK IS COMPLETELY IRRELEVANT TO EVERYTHING!

Just saying

The passive- agressive nature of this message made me laugh haha
Thanks 

[jamonwindeyer]

The passive- agressive nature of this message made me laugh haha
Thanks 

Ahaha I get antsy, my school was ranked really low (300's), so I like to debunk the myth that school rank makes any difference really quick, it's all on your efforts and your hard work, and secondary to that, the work of your cohort