smile+energy
Work out what you want to say in simple english before you try to write it. Rather than beginning a sentence and then make up the ideas as you go, work out (in your head or on paper) what your main contention is, then what each argument is going to be, as well as a few examples you're going to use.
Another good tip is to make sure you know what each sentence is trying to communicate. If you don't know what you're trying to say, then neither will your assessor. Stick to a TEEL structure or something similar (Topic sentence, Example, Explain/Elaborate, Link and repeat)
Re: formality, my essays are "formal" because that's how they're meant to be, I guess. It's how I learned to write; I've never really noticed. This kind of links in with the discussion about vocab below, but I think it's better to be communicating a simple point with basic language than to try and get across a really good, complex idea with convoluted, messy language. Work to your own ability level, but remember your essay shouldn't sound like an informal conversation. Maybe read through some practices (from your school would be best for SACs, VCAA's website is good for exam prep, and this forum is good for general stuff) just to get a feel for the formality required.
zeiinaaa:
I read dictionaries. Don't judge me
Reading widely helps A LOT! I've preached about this heaps, but finding your 'niche' (sci-fi, satire, adventure, classics) will make the process more enjoyable, and may even fuel your context essays if you're lucky enough to find relevant stuff. Acquire words whenever you can; maybe your teacher uses them in class, maybe you've got a weird friend who reads dictionaries too, or maybe you're just stumbling across new words throughout the day. The important thing is to keep a tally of the words you learn. The back of your english workbook is always good, or a stickynote on your computer desktop; something for you to refer back to, scroll through and add to as the year goes by. I've put some helpful pages at the start of this thread, and there's a great thread:
New words - feel free to add :) that you can browse through/contribute to
Summers:
There's an L.A. guide attached to the first post in this thread, as well as some sample essays. Read those first and let me know if you have any concerns after.
The 'what how and why' you're referring to is a good place to start. To elaborate:
WHAT is the technique/device (quote here).
HOW could it be used to persuade certain readers, or given a certain context.
WHY has the author chosen this technique/device/word/phrase/appeal etc. (link this to the overall contention).
Hope that makes more sense