For the assessment alexnero7 addressed, our teacher has claimed we must mention all 7 poems as that is what is required in the HSC. Our school receives 6s in English yet this is what our head teacher has been saying? I've searched through markers notes to no avail. Can you confirm that for the HSC there is no requirement to discuss more than 3 poems, and on the contrary, if there is any disadvantage in examining all the poems within the one essay?
Thank you!
Hey, infectmarshroom!
From what I have read in the syllabus, it doesn't specify at all anywhere about needing to mention all seven. It is
highly recommended that you know all seven well in the event that they ask you to refer specifically to one but in the exam, they would usually expect you to only discuss whatever is being specified by the paper. In previous years, questions have been worded in ways such as "make close reference to your prescribed texts", never "make close reference to ALL your prescribed texts." When I did poetry, we were always advised two to three poems and I did mine with a second text like how you have with Mod A
However, if your school has had a tradition of success with what your head teacher has claimed, then let me reassure you that examining all the poems within the one essay won't put you at a disadvantage. It just means that you have to be more concise. Schools all do things differently so in this case, I would advise you to follow their advice for internals. However, unless they specify exactly how many poems you need to discuss, I would suggest no more than three to enable more in depth engagement and analysis in the HSC.
For both your benefit and alexnero7's, I think this would work out as a structure for your essay if you need to do all seven for the assessment
Introduction (100 words)Body 1- Theme 1 (250 words) - Two poems and film.
- A quote from the poems with a technique each.
- A scene from the film with two techniques.
Body 2 -Theme 2 (250 words) - Two poems and film.
- A quote from the poems with a technique each.
- A scene from the film with two techniques.
Body 3- Theme 3 (300 words)- Three poems and film.
- A quote from the poems with a technique each.
- A scene from the film with three techniques.
Conclusion (100 words)Hope that clarifies any concerns! In summary, disregard my recommendations in the previous post and do what your school has advised. However, know that you won't be required to have to mention all seven in the final exams unless they specifically tell you that you have to in the question. It doesn't put you at an advantage or disadvantage. It's not how much you write; it's what you write about
Angelina