English
Unit 1-2
Student testimonials
“This subject if fantastic for getting us used to and ready for the expectations of units 3 and 4”
“Having our SAC’s helps me feel less nervous and prepared for exams and units 3 and 4”
Subject Overview
Unit 1
Outcome 1
On completion of this unit the student should be able to make personal connections with, and explore the vocabulary, text structures, language features and ideas in, a text.
Assessment tasks
- A personal response to a set text
- A student-created texts such as: short stories, speeches (with transcripts), essays (comment, opinion, reflective, personal), podcasts (with transcripts), poetry/songs, feature articles (including a series of blog postings) and memoirs
Outcome 2
On completion of this unit the student should be able to demonstrate an understanding of effective and cohesive writing through the crafting of their own texts designed for a specific context and audience to achieve a stated purpose; and to describe individual decisions made about the vocabulary, text structures, language features and conventions used during writing processes.
Assessment tasks
- A student-created texts such as: short stories, speeches (with transcripts), essays (comment, opinion, reflective, personal), podcasts (with transcripts), poetry/songs, feature articles (including a series of blog postings) and memoirs
- A description of writing processes.
Unit 2
Outcome 1
On completion of this unit the student should be able to explore and analyse how the vocabulary, text structures, language features and ideas in a text construct meaning.
Assessment tasks
- An analytical response to a set text
Assessment tasks for Outcome 1 must be in written form.
Outcome 2
On completion of this unit the student should be able to explore and analyse persuasive texts within the context of a contemporary issue, including the ways argument and language can be used to position an audience; and to construct a point of view text for oral presentation.
Assessment tasks
- An analysis of the use of argument and persuasive language and techniques in text(s)
- An oral presentation of a point of view text
Do this subject if:
You should choose this subject if you want to follow a VCE pathway. It is also a good subject If you would prefer to develop your skills at analysis and comparison of texts on a character/idea-based level, as well as exploring what specifically makes a text persuasive, and what goes into a creative response.
Pre VCE English
VCE English Units 3&4
Unit 3-4
Student Testimonials:
“You do need to put in effort; you do need to actually write multiple essays before a SAC, so you can identify what you have to revise properly. You don’t have to do revision 24/7 but you do need consistency in your study. Don’t study the day before the SAC! Last minute study causes excessive stress and wipes your memory of everything else you learnt; the things you really do know. You need to build up the skills over a few weeks.”
“You need to have a high level of vocabulary. Make sure you are in every class and don't jeopardize passing for going on an excursion or camp. Be prepared to contribute and share your ideas. Make time to write essays at home.”
“English 3/4 is one of the most difficult subjects to be excellent in, mainly due to the amount of time it takes to excel in essay writing and understanding the texts. Unlike other subjects, a basic level of understanding is insufficient for success and it really requires attention and collaboration in class. Students selecting English 3/4 should have confidence in their English abilities, as well as having done well in English 1/2.”
“For this subject you need an understanding of essay writing and the key information that needs to be included. Choose a teacher that you can learn from, someone who you feel comfortable asking for help. You also need dedication and rive to work on things outside of class.”
“You need to be prepared to do multiple practice essays and re-work them based on the feedback you receive. You need to allow about four hours a week (at least) for out of class work.”
Subject Overview
Unit 3
Outcome 1
Produce an analytical interpretation of a selected text and a creative response to a different selected text.
Assessment tasks
- An analytical interpretation of a selected text in written form
AND
- A creative response to a selected text in written or oral form with a written explanation of decisions made in the writing process and how these demonstrate understanding of the text
Outcome 2
Analyse and compare the use of argument and persuasive language in texts that present a point of view on an issue currently debated in the media.
Assessment tasks
- An analysis and comparison, in written form, of argument and the use of persuasive language in two to three texts that present a point of view on an issue. Texts must include written and visual material and have appeared in the media since 1 September of the previous year
Unit 4
Outcome 1
Produce a detailed comparison that analyses how two selected texts present ideas, issues and themes.
Assessment tasks
- A detailed comparison in written form of how two selected texts present ideas, issues and themes
Outcome 2
Construct a sustained and reasoned point of view on an issue currently debated in the media.
Assessment tasks
- A written statement of intention to accompany the student’s own oral presentation, articulating the intention of decisions made in the planning process and how these demonstrate understanding of argument and persuasive language
AND
- A point of view presented in oral form using sound argument and persuasive language. The point of view should relate to an issue that has appeared in the media since 1 September of the previous year. The issue does not have to be the same as the issue selected for study in Outcome 2, Unit 3
Satisfactory Completion
The award of satisfactory completion for Unit 3 and Unit 4 is based on whether the student has demonstrated the set of outcomes specified for this unit. Attendance is considered when determining whether a student has satisfactorily completed the unit
Unit 3: School-assessed Coursework will contribute 25 per cent to the final study score.
Unit 4: School-assessed Coursework will contribute a further 25 per cent to the final study score
Assessment: Examination
The level of achievement for Units 3 and 4 is also assessed by an end-of-year examination, conducted by the VCAA, which will contribute the remaining 50 % to the final study score.
Further Information:
For more detailed information on this subject, please visit the VCAA website.