How do I prepare the most efficiently throughout the summer holidays? :p
How do you recommend gathering language examples and quotes? What kinds of articles and quotes should I be looking for? Just any language related articles/quotes?
what do you do to prepare for the exam?
How old should my oldest language articles/examples be? Considering my exam would be in November 2017, would it be acceptable to refer to articles written in 2016 or even 2015? Obviously, I should aim to get the most recent articles, but I've searched online and I can find plenty of examples from 2015/2016. Is it okay to use them?
How old should my oldest language articles/examples be? Considering my exam would be in November 2017, would it be acceptable to refer to articles written in 2016 or even 2015? Obviously, I should aim to get the most recent articles, but I've searched online and I can find plenty of examples from 2015/2016. Is it okay to use them?
Yeah, I largely agree with ekay^, here. I mean, a slightly dated example is better than no example at all, but a 2017 example will equally be better than a 2016 example. So to answer your question, yes, it would be acceptable to use 2015/2016 examples, but it would be preferable to have examples from 2017.Yes, that sounds fantastic :)
That obviously means that you'll need to collect them throughout the year, but that shouldn't be too burdensome. Do you think you'd benefit if we had a thread where users can collectively find contemporary examples?
i'd say aim to mainly use examples from 2017 (shows you've done your research and looked at how language is being used today), but 2016 examples should be ok as well, preferably from the later half of 2016. having said that tho, if you find a really really good example from 2015/2016 i don't think there's anything wrong with using them, that's still relatively recent! but for most examples you find in 2015/2016 you should be able to find examples that are pretty similar next year (e.g. there's always articles talking about racist tirades on public transport using 'chink', 'gook' etc) :)
Yeah, I largely agree with ekay^, here. I mean, a slightly dated example is better than no example at all, but a 2017 example will equally be better than a 2016 example. So to answer your question, yes, it would be acceptable to use 2015/2016 examples, but it would be preferable to have examples from 2017.Following on from this, I assume "recent media examples" and "quotes" are distinct from each other? Am I correct in assuming that quotes do not have to be as recent as media examples, rather, the quotes should be from reputable linguists?
That obviously means that you'll need to collect them throughout the year, but that shouldn't be too burdensome. Do you think you'd benefit if we had a thread where users can collectively find contemporary examples?
Following on from this, I assume "recent media examples" and "quotes" are distinct from each other? Am I correct in assuming that quotes do not have to be as recent as media examples, rather, the quotes should be from reputable linguists?
Hi Joseph,
I am unsure on how to approach, or study for, English Language. Having done two humanities this year, where notes could be structured purely on the key knowledge outlined in the study design, English Language appears other-worldly. Would an effective strategy be to write notes around the key knowledge for each AoS, and then apply this knowledge in practice peices?
Thank you
What is some useful non-metalanguage vocabulary that I may not know that can assist with explanations. Thanks!
Yes, that sounds fantastic :)
Following on from this, I assume "recent media examples" and "quotes" are distinct from each other? Am I correct in assuming that quotes do not have to be as recent as media examples, rather, the quotes should be from reputable linguists?
Yes that is correct, quotes from linguists do not have to be recent. Try to at least remember the linguist's last name so you might say something like there is a "natural connection" between language and identity (Kramsch). Also note that you don't have to quote whole sentences, you just have to include key words. Paraphrasing is not only easier but many times also flows better. E.g. As aptly put by David Crystal, texting has added a "new dimension" to language.
Yes, that sounds fantastic :)
Howdy, exit! :)
I'm not sure I quite follow the question (explanations of what?), but to be honest, you don't need much else. Examiners won't be marking you highly for using fancy words; they'll be marking you highly for being clear.
Hey Joseph,
Thanks for the reply. I was thinking there would be more words like 'interlocutor' that are commonly used in EngLang essays. But I guess not!
What resources are available to practice discourse analysis and short answer questions? There are practice exams as well as the green 'exam guide', but are they truly enough? I was wondering also if it's a good use of time to resubmit essays after correction from the teacher, striving for something perfect.
Hey Joseph,
Thanks for the reply. I was thinking there would be more words like 'interlocutor' that are commonly used in EngLang essays. But I guess not!
What resources are available to practice discourse analysis and short answer questions? There are practice exams as well as the green 'exam guide', but are they truly enough? I was wondering also if it's a good use of time to resubmit essays after correction from the teacher, striving for something perfect.
Hi,
Thanks everyone (especially Joseph41) for putting out all these English Language resources. I have a quick question:
What "name" is given to these things? I always see them grouped together, so I figured there might be a collective name for all of them.
Function, field, mode, setting and audience (including the relationships between participants)
Hey, I just wanted to ask what the difference is between a phoneme and a phone? The current definition I have is:Hi there!
Phone: the smallest structural unit of sound that is produced in an utterance
Phoneme: the smallest unit of sound that can produce contrasts (?)
But with these definitions, I don't really understand the difference... :-\
Thanks in advance ;)
In regards to finding quotes for section C, are there any recommended linguistic books to read? I've heard of Mother Tongue, Mastering Advanced English Language, etc., but are they really worth it? If so, which ones are the best resource? Moreover, what are the alternative methods for finding quotes?I'd recommend trying to narrow down your search first - if you want some very general material, then just googling 'books about language' or 'quotes about English language' should give you a starting point...
Thanks in Advance :D
Hi there!
That definition you've got of phonemes being sounds that can produce contrasts is the most important distinction.
As an example, consider the letter 'p' and the sound it makes. Now, while holding your hand in front of your mouth, say the words 'pin' and 'spin' a couple of times each.
Notice how when you say the word 'pin,' a puff of air hits your hand? That's because the 'p' sound is aspirated (meaning it's accompanied by an outwards breath of air) - denoted as ph. But there's no aspiration in 'spin.'
Now, phones are our way of classifying all the different types of sounds, so 'p' and ph are two different phones. This is true no matter what language you're talking about - these will always be two distinct types of sounds.
However, in English, we don't make a distinction in meaning between aspirated and non-aspirated sounds. If you pronounced 'spin' with an aspirated 'p', people would still know what you were saying. This means that 'p' and 'ph' are the same phoneme in English.
Contrast that with something like voicing (i.e. the vibration in your throat when you produce certain sounds). If you already know about this, then you can skip the explanatory bit, but if you hold two fingers to your throat and say the words 'pat' and 'bat' you'll notice a vibration feeling when you produce the 'b' sound. We know 'p' and 'b' are different phones because there is this difference between them (i.e. 'p' is unvoiced, 'b' is voiced) but they're also different phonemes because there is a difference in meaning between 'pat' and 'bat' BUT there is no difference in meaning between 'spin' and 'sphin'
So phones = the smallest unit of sound that we can isolate
And phonemes = sound units that produce contrasts in a language.
Hopefully that makes sense!
I'd recommend trying to narrow down your search first - if you want some very general material, then just googling 'books about language' or 'quotes about English language' should give you a starting point...
(http://i.imgur.com/DQyTDtN.png)
But it'd probably be more efficient to come up with a list of key themes or sub-ideas within Englang and then brainstorm quotes for each one. For example:
- quotes about formality/informality in English
- quotes about taboo language
- quotes about language change
- quotes about political correctness
- quotes about language identity
- quotes about language learning
...and so on. :)
In regards to finding quotes for section C, are there any recommended linguistic books to read? I've heard of Mother Tongue, Mastering Advanced English Language, etc., but are they really worth it? If so, which ones are the best resource? Moreover, what are the alternative methods for finding quotes?
Thanks in Advance :D
does anyone have any links to past practice exams for english language that isn't from VCAA? CheersOne of the rules on here is generally that copyrighted materials are not allowed to be shared (no lawsuits please), but I can recommend you check out TSSM, Engage Education and VATE as very good sources for company exam papers. Unfortunately most of those require a little money, but nonetheless, if you're willing, they should be quite adequate for your VCE English Language needs.
does anyone have any links to past practice exams for english language that isn't from VCAA? Cheers
What is substitution (listed under Discourse subsystem in the VCAA metalanguage list)?
What is the difference between sentence fragments and ellipses?A sentence fragment is an incomplete sentence. This is because it doesn't have a verb.
A sentence fragment is an incomplete sentence. This is because it doesn't have a verb.
For example: "addicting like sugar"
An ellipse is simply when information is left out, because it is general knowledge or old information.
For example: "The dog walked inside the building. It got lost (inside the building)." "Inside the building" is the part which is ellipted.
What is the difference between sentence fragments and ellipses?
A sentence fragment is an incomplete sentence. This is because it doesn't have a verb.
For example: "addicting like sugar"
An ellipse is simply when information is left out, because it is general knowledge or old information.
For example: "The dog walked inside the building. It got lost (inside the building)." "Inside the building" is the part which is ellipted.
Hey guys,
How does 'swearing' contribute to the register of a text (given that the text is informal)?
What are the main features of formal language? All I can think of is formal language being less ambiguous, more likely to be planned and more likely to be aware of audience's interpretation.
Can I switch to eng land if I struggle with mainstream english
is the scaling worth it
how hard is to get 30 raw study score
Yes, if your school allows it.Thanks
No, not by itself.
The top 50% will achieve a study score of 30 or above.
Thanks
Also, do you have to read big novels in English language
Hey hey, could you help me with listing features of an informal speech/transcript? Got a SAC coming up soon :/ Thanks
Hey, tasmia! Unrelated, but I love your signature hahaha. ;D
Is the SAC a 1/2 SAC? How are you feeling for it?
I hope this helps. :) Feel free to clarify any of these terms.
Good luck! ;D
Thanks hehe. A fellow Friends fan?
Yup, this is just a short answer SAC on informal language and then we also have to do a commentary some time on the same AOS.
I feel surprisingly calm actually. I've been practicing writing short answers for a while now. Is this what being prepared feels like? :D
This helps a lot thank you!! I just needed a list of metalanguage so I could look at it over and over again before the SAC this Friday.
Thanks again!! I'm going to need all the luck (I have 2 SACs on the same day next week ugh)
Is english language any easier than mainstream english. Do you have to read novels and stuff, because i was considering changing to englang in term 3
No, I answered your question in page 3Oops, didn't realise, sorry about that
Hey guys,
Could someone please explain how I should go about discussing 'topic management' in a spoken informal text, for a short answer question?
What things should I be looking out for in the transcript and how should I structure my response?
Also how can I talk about 'turn taking' reflecting relationships between interlocutors in a spoken informal text?
I'm really struggling preparing for a SAC in two weeks time :-\
Is english language any easier than mainstream english. Do you have to read novels and stuff, because i was considering changing to englang in term 3
Is politeness the same as face needs? If not, what is it? Is it literally "being polite"?
Hey 👋
How do you guys (is that a good language example for something because guys incorporates girls?) like to structure your metalanguage glossaries? Perhaps by the subsystems - as listed in the study design, or how else?
Sorry if this has been asked before!
Hi,
I was wondering what was included the introduction of an analytical commentary?
Context, social purpose, text type, mode, register, field, audience anything else?
What's contextual factor?
I definitely recommend going subsystem by subsystem! This just makes it easier (IMO) to remember what's included in which subsystem, which is useful for the analytical commentary. :)
Yep, all of those things can be included.
Other things you might like to include are relationship between the speakers, location, time period.
And just checking - by social purpose, you're referring to the function of the text, right? :)
Thanks a lot
Yes by social purpose I'm referring to function.
:)
Not a problem at all! :) If you want to post a sample introductory paragraph, I'd be happy to give feedback. :)
Hi Joseph,
Can you teach me how to post a intoductory paragraph becuase I tried to attach it as a JPEG but it was too large and the max limit is 546kB or something?
How do you do it?
Thanks
Hey, Ahmad! :)
All you really need to do to discuss topic management is identify where and how the subject of conversation changed. So like, Speaker A may introduce the first topic but then, on line 10, Speaker B changes the subject. And then on line 26, Speaker A changes it back to the initial topic. And so on.
Interlocutors can manage the topic in a number of ways. Subject shifts can be very obvious ("so, to change the topic...") or less so. Ultimately, just follow the transcript from start to finish and speak about what the topic was, how it progressed, and who managed that topic (and how).
Does that answer your question? :/
In regard to turn-taking, you can usually glean relationship between the interlocutors by the types of turns. If they're all very structured, for example - with limited overlapping speech - the relationship seems more formal. This may be the case in, for example, a job interview, where one interlocutor (the interviewee) speaks only when addressed (essentially, when they're given the floor). When social relationships are closer, turn-taking may be more aggressive and less structured. You may notice with your friends, for example, that there is more overlapping speech and butting in.
Please post again if that wasn't clear (I don't think it was hugely well explained) or if you have any other questions before your SAC! ;D
What kind of things do you do in english language. I was considering switching to english language from mainstream english
Please see the study design for guidance. If you don't like being analytical and linguistics, English Language is not something for you. It is arguably harder than mainstream English.It seems more like a sciency english
Not Joseph but you could upload the image to a photo sharing site (e.g imgur or tinypic) and post the link here, or just simply type it out as a reply to the thread (this is preferable as it's easiest to read and provide feedback for).
What kind of things do you do in english language. I was considering switching to english language from mainstream english
Hey Joseph!
Thank you! I think I got it!
So topic management, discuss where changes in topic/subject occur through out the transcript, and turn-taking discuss who is holding the most social power in the conversation/power roles.
Could you tell me some of these different mechanisms you said speakers use to manage the topic with? :)
Also I'll be on here very frequently because language is so hard. ;D
Thanks seth
Can someone please correct my introduction for Analytical Commentary? The link of the text is in red in brackets
Thank you
http://imgur.com/a/R813f
Yep, reading the study design would be a good idea. :) But basically, you analyse language! ;D This includes how language develops, how it's used, and what its effects are in society.What kind of reading do you do in englang
Yep, that's basically it, Ahmad! :)
Topic management can be very obvious, very subtle, or anywhere in between. Discourse markers can be used to indicate a new topic ("So, I went to the beach yesterday"). Sometimes there are explicit lexemes used for that function ("To change the topic slightly..."). Phonology can also be useful, here; typically, intonation goes down when a turn ends, and goes up if the speaker wants to maintain the floor - and these turns are often associated with particular topics/subjects. :)
And I can't wait to see you around throughout the year. ;D EngLang is a supremely excellent subject, even if it is difficult haha.
Hey, Alexicology! Thanks for posting your introduction. :) Nice handwriting. ;)
Some thoughts:
- As a general rule, I like the first sentence to explicitly introduce the text (so like, "Text A is a transcript of Paul Keating's eulogy..." or whatever).
- I like how you've addressed the context of the piece, the audience, the social purpose, the register (formality), the relationship between Keating and the audience, and the semantic field. These are all very important things to include in the introduction. :) You might also like to think about the mode (spoken or written?) and time period (when did the text take place?).
- To lead into your body paragraphs, you might like to have a sentence like: "The formality of the text/the social purpose of the text is reflected by [whatever subsystems you're discussing]."
Nice job! :)
What kind of reading do you do in englang
You don't read any books, if that's what you mean. But the language you analyse could come from anywhere: a newspaper article, a television advertisement, fast food wrapping.Oh, ok I see, if I were to change to englang in term 3, would I have to learn anything extra do you think
That's the nature of English Language: you analyse language in general, and it's not confined to a particular text.
Oh, ok I see, if I were to change to englang in term 3, would I have to learn anything extra do you think
Oh, ok I see, if I were to change to englang in term 3, would I have to learn anything extra do you thinkHi Joseph41, I was just wondering if i need to modify my posts each time I have something to add
Hi Joseph41, I was just wondering if i need to modify my posts each time I have something to add
Hi NAT,Thanks for clarifying
It's best to avoid posting twice in a row unnecessarily, so yes, that would be great. :)
I am confused on what i am suppose to look for when reading a newspaper article... i found puns used for titles but that's all... could you please explain what newspaper articles i need to look for, for the exam? :) :D
I've noticed in many of the VCAA past papers the texts are not provided due to copyright issues. Is there any way around this?Use the famous Eng Lang green book and other papers. If you're totally adamant in doing VCAA past papers, you should consult your teacher, who should have the copyright to share it for educational purposes only i.e. you can't sell these to anyone afterwards.
I have had an English tutor for a couple of years now and she is a professional. I think she is good but none of my English results up to now have satisfied me. What should I do?There are two ways you can deal with this:
I have had an English tutor for a couple of years now and she is a professional. I think she is good but none of my English results up to now have satisfied me. What should I do?
Does back-channeling attend to the speaker's positive face needs? In what way?
What are some features common in spoken discourse that does this?It depends on context. But in general, features of spoken discourse which can help appeal to the speaker's positive face needs are (other than back-channelling):
Can someone help me distinguish between auxiliaries, modals and copula verbs please.
Also are shortenings considered morphological or lexical and why :)
That is an amazing post Joseph thanks so much!
It will take me a while to decipher this though it is so complicated ;D
and Yes I agree with your point for 'shortenings' I think you could argue both ways.
Thanks again!
What's the difference between an adverb and adverbial? From my understanding, an adverb is a word before an adjective/verb/adverb while an adverbial is a phrase that acts as a adverb. They both have similar functions, in that, they specify the manner of something being done. Is this understanding correct?
Hey guys, I am currently writing my first practice essay of the year, and I have not written an essay in so long :( and I am absolutely terrible at this :D
The prompt is 'Slang and swearing are essential in maintaining relationships. To what extent do you agree?'
I haven't yet addressed the 'what extent do you agree part' I'm currently planning my first body paragraph on how swearing maintains said relationships. I was just wondering if I am allowed to give 3 examples in the one paragraph, that is:
- Talk about Donald Trump and how his use of swearing maintains a relationship with the american population as it is relatable and studies show that it makes a person trustworthy etc. and go into depth there.
- Then I want to talk about swearing on a smaller scale between friends and how terms such as 'd***head' can be used as a term of endearment and build rapport.
- Then perhaps talk about swearing promoting intimacy (not sure how this exactly maintains relationships other than sexual :/ )
Am I able to do this?
Also any other tips and comments are greatly appreciated!
You have some good points! Just remember that because the question stem asked about slang as well as swearing, you should include an example about slang, particularly Australian slang.
I think the essays on the vcaa examination reports have around 3-4 examples per paragraph.
Just remember to link back to your topic sentence and/or contention when you're explaining your examples so you can have a solid paragraph :)
Hey guys, I am currently writing my first practice essay of the year, and I have not written an essay in so long :( and I am absolutely terrible at this :D
The prompt is 'Slang and swearing are essential in maintaining relationships. To what extent do you agree?'
I haven't yet addressed the 'what extent do you agree part' I'm currently planning my first body paragraph on how swearing maintains said relationships. I was just wondering if I am allowed to give 3 examples in the one paragraph, that is:
- Talk about Donald Trump and how his use of swearing maintains a relationship with the american population as it is relatable and studies show that it makes a person trustworthy etc. and go into depth there.
- Then I want to talk about swearing on a smaller scale between friends and how terms such as 'd***head' can be used as a term of endearment and build rapport.
- Then perhaps talk about swearing promoting intimacy (not sure how this exactly maintains relationships other than sexual :/ )
Am I able to do this?
Also any other tips and comments are greatly appreciated!
Hey Ahmad!
What have you been focusing in class thus far, out of interest? Content? Other metalanguage? Analytical commentaries? Short-answer response?
IMO the first step to writing a good EngLang essay is believing that you can write a good EngLang essay. If you go in thinking, "well, this will probably be terrible," it may well be! Even from your posts on this board this year, I know you have a sound understanding of a lot of linguisticy things, so I'm sure you'll be absolutely fine. :)
Anyway, to address your actual points:
I think three examples in one paragraph is totally fine, on the assumption that they're somewhat related and addressing the same (or a similar) overall point/theme. So with your examples:
- When did Donald Trump swear, out of interest (I have no doubt that he did - just wondering which example(s) you're planning to use)? It's a good example, but if at all possible, I'd probably use an Australian example; has there been anything similar with Turnbull and/or Shorten? Or any other current political figure in Australia?
- I think your second point is very solid. :) Interesting that you censored dickhead, though!
- The third point seems to me to seep into the second one; if you're going for distinct points, I think these two need to be differentiated somehow. Maybe you could speak explicitly about how swearing can go some way to building in-group membership?
:)
Is a cataphoric reference a form of substitution?Yep, in fact both cataphoric and anaphoric are forms of substitution ;D
Would you say that sentence fragments reduce the formality of a text (both written and spoken)?