English Advanced Question Thread

[MEL7401]

There's a rhyme at work here! I'd talk about that and the playful nature of the tone of the chant, which possibly is in contrast to the serious nature of the topic (I'm taking a guess based on the rebellion to integration).

thought so...
thx

[Cranium002]

What's the best way to improve in English essay writing?

[theblackswan]

Hey! Thanks for the awesome (not to mention extremely quick) reply for my former past! 
For module A, there isn't a specific rubric like there is for module C. So I guess my question is how can you prepare for a module A essay? I was thinking of writing out random paragraphs of ideas and just inserting them in accordance with the nature of the question. But my teacher always said that the difference between an A range essay and a B range is a sustained argument throughout and is one that directly answers the question. Also, would you recommend memorising an intro? It's the hardest thing to do, starting off an essay!  Plus, it wouldn't directly answer the question, would it? Thanks!!

[elysepopplewell]

What's the best way to improve in English essay writing?

Hey Cranium! In order to improve, you need to identify your weaknesses. Is it your expression? Vocabulary? Analysis? Ideas? Mindset? All of these things can be adjusted. Is there a particular module getting you down?

Although it can seem like a task and a half, identifying your weaknesses, and then making an action plan that tackles exactly that, will give you far greater rewards than going off generic advice. Let me know what's getting you down and I can suggest some ways to help!

In saying that, I can give you some pointers based on what I see as common mistakes that might be able to help you out:
-Make sure you approach the language AND the structure of a text in your analysis.
-Is your selection of quotes from the text judicious or have you just taken from the study guide?
-Ask yourself: What do you actually think? You can always take on others ideas, but breathe life into them with your own perspective.
-Always be critical of expression. If something reads awkwardly, you risk the marker not being able to appreciate your great ideas! Take the time to work on expression to ensure the best results.

[elysepopplewell]

Hey! Thanks for the awesome (not to mention extremely quick) reply for my former past! 
For module A, there isn't a specific rubric like there is for module C. So I guess my question is how can you prepare for a module A essay? I was thinking of writing out random paragraphs of ideas and just inserting them in accordance with the nature of the question. But my teacher always said that the difference between an A range essay and a B range is a sustained argument throughout and is one that directly answers the question. Also, would you recommend memorising an intro? It's the hardest thing to do, starting off an essay!  Plus, it wouldn't directly answer the question, would it? Thanks!!

Hey! Me this time
Module A hasn't changed in a long time, so I found past questions the place to go for inspiration on what to expect, but also what to put in my essays. I found great ideas about paragraph concepts based on past questions. I really recommend this for Module A. I studied Richard III and Looking for Richard, which has been done for years, so there was an abundance of past questions available!

As for memorising intros...maybe! You're right, if you went in with a memorised intro and didn't change it on the spot it wouldn't directly answer the question, which won't give you the top marks you want! But, if you go in with a memorised intro, but the flexibility to change it in the exam, then you are setting yourself up for success. This way, you have the confidence to start an essay with flying colours because you aren't sitting there completely lost. Also, you get to bring in some great prepared sentences, most likely! But, it does mean you need to take a moment to adjust to the question, otherwise it all goes to...crap. It's not as simple as just making your first sentence about the essay question and never again, it means mentioning it at least twice in your intro (this can be disputed! It was my plan, though), and then every piece of analysis in the body needs to be geared towards that, even if your prepared quotes also support your other ideas. This is fine - a fusion of original ideas as well as the task the essay has set will create a really unique essay! Personally, memorising introductions for me always gave me a positive start to my work, I felt like it started well, gave me a confidence boost, and it saved me time. I could punch out an introduction in three minutes if it was mostly prepared!

[grace.estelle]

Not necessarily! If you believe that there a strong link then I don't think it would hurt, however it is by no means a necessary inclusion. I know I never linked my topic sentences in that way. The only time I would make those sort of statements is when I would introduce my related text, and discuss how that is also connected to my theme.
Ahh okay I get you. Honestly I think that would be enough, but granted I'm not as knowledgable on the structural stuff for english as Elyse, Jamon and Emily are. To be completely honest with you, I was someone that regularly used the same language as the question within essays  (probably because in Modern you kinda have to and I just got really used to doing it that way hahaha). Within the sentence you just gave us, I think that you are analysing enough and nothing is needed to reinforce the question. If you feel like this is a consistent problem, maybe instead of stating after every quote "this is evidence of Prospero's speculation of future possibilities," instead state something similar after the first quote, and then for ones after say something like "a similar theme is demonstrated..." or "[insert quote here] further alludes to this sense of..." etc. etc. Maybe think of some synonyms for speculate and possibilities as well??

Yeah thats all i've got really haha. Hopefully Elyse/Jamon/Emily have something a bit more helpful to add!

Thank you so much for your help!! 

I agree with Susie's suggestions! It's not the end of your good marks if you regurgitate the rubric when it's difficult to find synonyms. Obviously for the purpose of trying not to sound monotonous, you want to avoid repeating yourself. But, as Susie suggested, you can absolutely say "...**quote** further establishes the notion..." and refer to the established idea/theme/rubric-bit, rather than repeating it each time!

Ok, thank you for the suggestion!!

Mod: Merged posts

[ca052267]

My module A texts are Metropolis and 1984, our essay question is about how thw workers are given a voice in the texts.

I've chosen to write about gender representation and abuse of power as my key themes.

How would I construct a really good thesis statement?

[Snew]

Any pointers for this essay question for Mod A? 

Discuss which one of these two texts you feel evokes a more sympathetic response to the human desire for meaningful relationships.
In your response make detailed reference to both Browning's poetry and the Great Gatsby.

And this essay question for Discovery:
The impact of discovery is generally associated with feelings of excitement or pleasure.
To what extent does this statement reflect the impact of discovery in your prescribed text/one other related text of your choosing

Cheers 

[Wales]

Greetings to fellow Mod A students/mods

I've been having a somewhat difficult time understanding one of my possible essay questions. If one of you could please explain the question in a friendlier  manner that would be great

Question:

In a comparative study of two texts, our understanding of intertextual connections is enhanced by a consideration of each composer's use of textual form.

Evaluate this statement in light of your comparative study in this elective and make detailed references to your prescribed texts and their contexts.
 
In particular the relation to textual form. Am I meant to analyse how Pacino's choice of docudrama is a modern day appropriation of Shakespeare's play and how it is done?

Cheers, Wales

[Sukakadonkadonk]

Hey guys,

So our english teachers decided to make us write on our core text and TWO related texts! So I have decided to probably pick the film Interstellar since its sci-fi context can relate to my core and was just wondering if you guys have any ideas that I can get started with relating to the process and repercussion of discovery seen in the film.


Thanks!!

[elysepopplewell]

My module A texts are Metropolis and 1984, our essay question is about how thw workers are given a voice in the texts.

I've chosen to write about gender representation and abuse of power as my key themes.

How would I construct a really good thesis statement?

Hey! In case it's of any help to you, here's some notes we have online for free about these texts in case they're handy for you to fall back on!

There are lots of different paths you can take for a Mod A thesis. Would you like to talk about gender representation and power in your thesis simultaneously? Because one is discussing the content of the text, and another is talking about the way the text is formed and manipulated, I think it'll be difficult. Perhaps you could broaden it to the way the text is formed, and then go in specifically in a follow-up idea. So, "Composers recognise the value of texts as a vehicle for expressing an agenda, and endeavour to meet the interests of an audience with manipulation of form." Then, your follow up sentences could specifically target the ideas of gender and power. For that part, or if you wish to put that first, consider the relationship between the two? Is the representation of gender a way of expressing power/lack of power?
My preferred technique for Module A was to talk about the composer/importance of context/intentions in the opening thesis, and then dig deeper below. This just seemed to work best for me in adapting to new questions, because I'd likely be able to use my first sentence no matter what. But suit your own style

[elysepopplewell]

Any pointers for this essay question for Mod A? 

Discuss which one of these two texts you feel evokes a more sympathetic response to the human desire for meaningful relationships.
In your response make detailed reference to both Browning's poetry and the Great Gatsby.

And this essay question for Discovery:
The impact of discovery is generally associated with feelings of excitement or pleasure.
To what extent does this statement reflect the impact of discovery in your prescribed text/one other related text of your choosing

Cheers 

Despite the first question suggesting "you" I would avoid the first person voice when writing your essay, and instead I'd opt to embody "A contemporary audience" to increase the formality of it all. I don't know your two texts at all unfortunately, so I can't comment specifically on them. But genuinely ask yourself - which evokes a more sympathetic response within yourself? Why is that? Is one text easier to understand? Then why? In Module A, you can really engage with context of the text as well as your own in forming a response! Consider carefully the way the two treat similar themes. It's not enough to argue that one is better, you need to argue merit for the other as well!

I mean, for this discovery question, it really depends what your texts display! The impact of discovery was met with pleasure in my related text, but not my prescribed. So I'd be arguing that it CAN be met with pleasure, but it may also be met with anxiety, and this all boils down to how willing someone is to receive a discovery from the start! That's the thesis I always took and it worked for my texts

[elysepopplewell]

Greetings to fellow Mod A students/mods

I've been having a somewhat difficult time understanding one of my possible essay questions. If one of you could please explain the question in a friendlier  manner that would be great

Question:

In a comparative study of two texts, our understanding of intertextual connections is enhanced by a consideration of each composer's use of textual form.

Evaluate this statement in light of your comparative study in this elective and make detailed references to your prescribed texts and their contexts.
 
In particular the relation to textual form. Am I meant to analyse how Pacino's choice of docudrama is a modern day appropriation of Shakespeare's play and how it is done?

Cheers, Wales

Hey Wales, you're on the right track! That's exactly what you should do. But instead of just arguing the different textual forms the whole way, you need to give it some texture to cling to. So, I'd be talking about different themes as something to bounce off, and the way those themes are treated differently in each form! So, you could bring the idea of "power" into the essay even though it isn't specified, and then talk about the treatment of power according to the different forms. My own Module A essay is linked here for you to download, I wrote a section specifically on form, it might be helpful for you to look at!

[kiwiberry]

Hey, I'm confused about how you would answer Mod A questions which ask you to 'make detailed reference' to a quote, like this one from last year's HSC. Is it substantial to use the provided quote once, or do you have to constantly refer to it throughout your essay?

[elysepopplewell]

Hey, I'm confused about how you would answer Mod A questions which ask you to 'make detailed reference' to a quote, like this one from last year's HSC. Is it substantial to use the provided quote once, or do you have to constantly refer to it throughout your essay?

Hey! I cannot give you a definitive answer for this because it's not as though you need to spend a certain amount of words on it to reach a quota for the marker obviously, but I can suggest the way I would tackle it. I think it's important that you don't just quote it and leave it - the quote needs to be a significant aspect of your analysis. Perhaps it is the establishing example you give of a theme you wish to explore throughout. Because this is a quote from the text, it's different than if a quote were given to you as an essay statement like, "All texts have an expiry date." It specifically requests detailed reference, so it's important that is what you give it: details. It's not a type of question we've seen before, so it's great you're inspecting it. I wouldn't say you need to constantly refer to it, like you would if it was a statement that wasn't from the text itself. I think perhaps you could analyse it fully once, and then reference it throughout for it's themes or defining ability.

Not knowing your texts well, it's difficult for me to give an example of how to use them because I don't know the quotes context. But essentially: it needs detailed analysis once, and then referencing throughout should be used judiciously, rather than frequently, as a way of working cohesion into the essay.

Does this make sense? I'm sorry I can't use the exact quote as an example, my explanation would be far less waffly if I could!