As you may be aware, a big part of the English Language essay component rests on incorporating relevant quotes and language examples. In fact, quoting directly from the 2017 English Language examination report:

“Higher-scoring essays consistently displayed repertoires of current examples from politics, the workplace, social media and social groups.”
“Use the stimulus material to help you remember your own relevant examples.”
“Ensure that examples used are contemporaneous and relevant to the topic.”

In the video below, we hear from TuteSmart’s Head English Language tutor, Michael Rehfisch. On the essay, he says:

Why quotes and language examples are important

In general, being able to link essay topics to broader language/societal issues demonstrates a great understanding of the subject, and is looked upon favourably (when kept within reason). Weaving in relevant quotes and language examples is a super way of doing this.

But VCAA has also been critical of those who have tried to bend memorised essays to fit the topic at hand. What this means is that you can’t simply memorise a few essays with a couple of examples/quotes each, and expect to do well. Instead, you need to have at your disposal a pool of quotes and language examples to choose from when the time comes.

And so the question is: how should you go about doing this? Where can you find those examples?

Where to find quotes and language examples

According to Michael, “you can find examples everywhere”. And that’s the beauty of studying English Language: you have virtually unlimited resources at your disposal. Michael’s definitely not kidding – no matter where you look, it’s quite likely you’ll come across something potentially relevant to VCE English Language.

It’s obviously good to be more strategic than that, though. Are you really going to remember thousands and thousands of potential quotes/language examples to use? No – probably not. So by narrowing it down, we can enhance the probability of remembering them when crunch time comes.

Michael’s advice is pertinent, here: “think about what sort of examples you want, and where you’re likely to see some”. There’s really no limit; Michael himself used examples from Triple J, Hamish & Andy, Australian Survivor, ABC News and Clive Palmer’s Facebook page. Just remember that, ideally, examples will be from Australia and from 2018.

Still struggling?

Sweet – so if you’ve read the advice above and still don’t really know where to start, don’t sweat. We haven’t exactly given you a magic link and said, “look – here are some examples and quotes for you.”

But that’s basically what we’re about to do now.

Earlier this year, Michael started a communal list of potential quotes and language examples for EngLang students to use in their SACs and the exam. Legend! A bunch of students have been adding to it throughout the year, so now you can simply peruse at your will. Feel free to add your own to the list, too!

Otherwise, you might be interested in the VCE English Language forum, or in this free EngLang marking. 🙂