English Advanced Question Thread

[jamonwindeyer]

Oh okay. What would generic conventions fit under?

I'd say that they are a third category, but generic conventions and stylistic elements are also textual features when they are used/found in a text

[Lara McGree]

Hey Lara! Welcome to the forums!

I didn't study these texts specifically, but a few things that might be worth reading:

- This guide on writing and structuring comparative Module A essays
- An exemplar essay for these texts, written by our own sudodds - It could give you some ideas on structure
- A 20/20 CSSA exemplar with a breakdown of what works well in the essay, written by yours truly

Speaking broadly, this question sounds like it is about identity - Perhaps explore how identity can be challenged, how it is invigorated, how it can be a damaging concept vs a beneficial concept - If you broaden the question to something like 'identity,' it can be a little easier to discuss

Hope the forums will be helpful for you throughout the year!

Thank you so much this is really helpful!! I will definitely take a look at what you've suggested!!

[Lara McGree]

Hey Lara I studied this module last year. With a question like that, I'd be wanting to look at 3 thematic concerns reflected in both texts, which explores the issue of conformity vs. individuality (which is extremely prevalent throughout both texts so lucky!). In my opinions, some good, universal themes to focus on are:

- The role of class/status
- The role of women
- The role of rebellion

Through this, you want to be looking at the similarities and differences between the two contexts and the way in which these themes are represented, but ALSO the way in which their discussions can enhance one another/make one easier to appreciate or understand. For example Weldon uses contextual detail and statistics to clarify Austen's characters’ motives, reinforcing the struggles of the past that today (after first, second and third wave feminism) are no longer an issue, thus would be harder for contemporary individuals to understand. Through “linking the past of that society with its future,” and bridging the generational gap between two contexts, Weldon instils empathy within her contemporary audience, and substantiates Austen’s writings as a subversive text

Hope this helps,

Susie

Thank you so much Susie this is extremely helpful!! I really appreciate your response and will definitely take it into account when writing my essay!!

[sudodds]

Thank you so much Susie this is extremely helpful!! I really appreciate your response and will definitely take it into account when writing my essay!!

No worries Lara Jane Austen/LTA is often quite a hard module to grasp (took me forever!) so always happy to help

[Rasika]

For Modules, how many practise essays should we do?

[jamonwindeyer]

For Modules, how many practise essays should we do?

As many as possible really! Practice makes perfect - Try and have at least a couple under your belt before the exam

[maria1999]

hey everyone!
I'm currently doing module B (T.S Eliot) and was wondering if you needed criticisms to be integrated throughout?

[Wales]

Greetings fellow Atarnotes members,

I'm currently studying Mod B - William B. Yeats and I'm struggling to formulate an effective essay. I'm having a hard time figuring out specifically WHAT I need to talk about. There's his philosophical side to his writings which I've been told I need to include but at the same time I need the literary techniques and all.

If anyone here who has done Yeats is able to guide me into a direction that would be great - Looking at you Elyse and yes I've gone through your annotations   Helped me a great deal, but anyone who can offer advice would be greatly appreciated.

I'll post my introduction so you can get an idea of where I'm at.

The human experience fundamentally personifies one’s process of decision making when a conflict of values is present, as a result the human psyche adherently innovates newfound philosophical theories to combat them. By many literary critics Yeats is renown for his ability to deeply explore the connection between life's experiences and its ramifications. Easter 1916’s elegiacal structure gives the audience an insight into both the martyred nature of Yeats’ relationships and the overwhelming potency behind political motivation while ‘An Irish Airman Foresees His Death’ contrasts political motive with notions free will and patriotism. Conversely ‘When You Are Old’ demonstrates Yeats transitions between romanticism and modernism and delves into the unrequited nature of love and the connection between one’s emotions and their actions. Yeats poetry is regarded by renowned scholars as eye opening and refreshing due to its his shifting poetic form combined with his authorial desire to express his life experiences to highlight his intellectual transformation and to evoke similar emotions within the audience.

Regards, Wales

[Wales]

For Modules, how many practise essays should we do?

Until you feel confident But usually I would practice at least 3 seperate questions.

[Sukakadonkadonk]

Hi Guys,

When the teachers allow you to bring in an exam 200 words of typed quotes, are there any techniques out there to make the most out of this? Or is it best just to simply write out the quotes you are using?

Thanks.

[pikachu975]

Hi Guys,

When the teachers allow you to bring in an exam 200 words of typed quotes, are there any techniques out there to make the most out of this? Or is it best just to simply write out the quotes you are using?

Thanks.

If you don't have enough words to include more quotes I guess you could cheat by making font really small and making some of the text into images through screenshot. But yeah just put quotes and if you have spare words/you're allowed to then include topic sentences.

[jamonwindeyer]

Hi Guys,

When the teachers allow you to bring in an exam 200 words of typed quotes, are there any techniques out there to make the most out of this? Or is it best just to simply write out the quotes you are using?

Thanks.

You could try doing the quotes like this-

"To be or... is the question."

This will jog your memory of the longer quotes, but not take up as many of your 200 words?

[Rasika]

I need help with the way i write... All my half yearly exams for english, legal, modern, ext..
All my teachers kept commenting on my sentence structure and the way i used words... some gramatical mistakes which made the sentences very clunky and confusing.
Some tips so i dont do this?

[jamonwindeyer]

I need help with the way i write... All my half yearly exams for english, legal, modern, ext..
All my teachers kept commenting on my sentence structure and the way i used words... some gramatical mistakes which made the sentences very clunky and confusing.
Some tips so i dont do this?

Hey! A lot of the time this happens to students, it is because they are trying to put too much into a sentence. Try and keep it as simple as you can, preference more shorter sentences over less long ones, while you develop your voice and sophistication.

Ultimately, proper expression is down to practice. There are online tools to help you, such as Grammarly (I see the ads for this so often it isn't funny - Here you go Grammarly I am endorsing you, are you happy!) these tools suggest improvements to your writing, and more importantly, tell you WHY it needs to change. Microsoft Word does this, but not to the level that something like Grammarly will do. Write, check your errors, try and understand WHY they were errors so you don't do it again.

Practice, ultimately, makes perfect

[Wales]

Hey! A lot of the time this happens to students, it is because they are trying to put too much into a sentence. Try and keep it as simple as you can, preference more shorter sentences over less long ones, while you develop your voice and sophistication.

Ultimately, proper expression is down to practice. There are online tools to help you, such as Grammarly (I see the ads for this so often it isn't funny - Here you go Grammarly I am endorsing you, are you happy!) these tools suggest improvements to your writing, and more importantly, tell you WHY it needs to change. Microsoft Word does this, but not to the level that something like Grammarly will do. Write, check your errors, try and understand WHY they were errors so you don't do it again.

Practice, ultimately, makes perfect

Just like to add on that you should read your essays aloud. I find it really helps you pick up upon errors you wouldn't recognise as easily when reading it. Shoutout to Jamon for that tip