VCE English Exam: Tips & Strategies

Minsha achieved a 40 study score in VCE English. For more English help and resources, click here.

VCE is probably the most dreaded word by all students. Immense pressure of SACs, doing well to get into your desired course and keeping up with the overwhelming amount of work are just a few highlights all while trying to maintain a balance between juggling work and social life. As clichéd as it sounds, we are all told throughout our school life that “English is the most important VCE subject”. It is this very saying that tends to stress many students out, especially if their strengths don’t lie in that area. But with focus on refining essential skills and continuous hard work, anybody can achieve a remarkable study score in English. Here’s my exam preparation tips on getting a 40+.

1) Study design and examination report

Compared to other VCE subjects, English is probably one of the simplest to study for. The amount of content is not as lengthy and complex, and there is only so much that can come up in the exam, especially since you know your set texts. Your number one friend for English is, you guessed it, the study design and most importantly the examination report. The study design legit outlines exactly what VCAA examiners want you to incorporate into the ideal essay for each section. It therefore provides an overall bird’s eye view of what is required and should steer you in the appropriate direction. The examination report delves deeper into all the technical and nitty-gritty stuff, giving an insight into the mindset of an English examiner. Based on student responses in past exams, it compares between mediocre and outstanding pieces. It then goes on to analyse certain piece/s by breaking them down and explaining why such pieces were exceptional, or what they were lacking. I’d recommend you jot down some points of the most common mistakes students make, and critically study the higher-end essay extracts to get an overall ‘feel’ of what a capturing essay looks like.

2) Prompt breakdowns

Practice makes perfect, and what better way to practise than to do prompts that have actually appeared in the exam? Search the web and ask your teacher for essay topics on your set texts. Whatever you can get your hands on. I’d recommend then constructing an essay topic bank, grouping them by respective themes. While some prompts do carry a slight twist, most tend to imply the same idea at their very core. Believe me when I say this but, no matter how determined you are, you aren’t going to write a full-length essay for every essay topic you have. Not only is blindly churning out essays without working on your teacher’s feedback pointless, you will eventually burn out. And you DO NOT want to burn out right before your VCE exam.

So personally, I’d stick to prompt breakdowns instead. For every topic I’d find the underlying theme. Then I’d brainstorm my three main arguments with the relevant evidence and analysis, each argument having its own cue card. I had a sort of mini analysis. At the end of the year, I had around 20-30 prompt breakdowns which were refined and really analytical. I really only did about 4-5 full, timed essays. Under timed restrictions it’s hard to think of great topic sentences and analyse evidence well. But with all the breakdowns up my sleeve, I could easily recall them. It was just a matter of connecting the dots together then.

3) Notes, studying and vocab

Notes provided by your teachers are given for a reason. They know what they’re doing. Keep all notes in a folder solely for English. There are symbols, motifs and minuscule details that we miss which are provided to us through these notes. Even a light reading of the socio-historical context in which the text is highly recommended, as it explains why certain characters behave in a certain way by understanding the world in which they lived. Be organised with these notes; it can make the difference between a prepared and stressed student. Having display folders before every SAC with all notes arranged in an orderly fashion makes revising so much smoother. Even print off an article every once in a while, and just annotate them. Keeping your skills sharpened is important, particularly since English requires progressive and continuous work.

Something I emphasise is creating a vocabulary list. Yes, just like back in primary. A well thought and coherent piece of work has clear vocabulary, giving the examiner straight insight into what the student is saying. But imagine the frustration of the examiner when they read the word ‘argues’ for the millionth time in a row. Sophisticated vocabulary isn’t necessary, just a more varied one. The most important thing is that key ideas are presented and relate to the given topic. However, the difference between a 49 and 50 may just come down to which piece is clearer, and for that a more varied vocabulary is vital.

4) In the exam room

Nerves can get the better of people. Been there, done that. Before the exam day, you should NOT cram at all because you will blank out when you open the exam paper. Getting a good night’s sleep is essential and having a healthy breakfast on the day is highly recommended. Try to avoid coffee or caffeine-based beverages. I found that my friends who did drink before their exam couldn’t sit still and easily lost their train of thought. Be prepared with your dictionary and stationery in a clear zip lock bag. Try to leave early as well if you can so you don’t stress yourself out by running late.

When you are given reading time, read through the sections so you can decide which section you want to start with first. I recommend the CBA approach. Read Section C first as you have no prior knowledge about it and is a major distinguisher between students. Try to find the overall contention, audience, arguments etc. Don’t forget that you’re not hunting for language techniques. Your examiner knows they’re there. You need to instead explain and analyse it in accordance with their argument and the intended effect. As soon as writing time begins, draw up a rough plan of your work so you know what direction you’re heading. This way you won’t forget your ideas under timed pressure and can revisit them when necessary. Aim to spend around ~70 mins on Section C. Then proceed onto Section A. Pick your prompt and plan away. It’s only one text, so it shouldn’t take more than ~50 mins. That leaves around ~60 mins for Section B. Keep in mind that there are certain ‘tags’ that examiners put into prompts, hinting in which direction you should go. For example, a ‘discuss’ question must include adequate discussion both for and against the topic. A ‘show’ question requires dialogue on how the use of language/theatrical conventions amplifies an idea. Finally, take deep breaths. Your brain will probably need the oxygen. It’s okay to stop for a minute, put down your pen and regather your thoughts.

Before you know it that three-hour exam will be over in a breeze, and you’ll walk out that exam door feeling good that you did everything you could. I wish you nothing but the best, and I hope you achieve whatever study score you desire.