Year 12 English - Exam Revision
Work through these tasks, ticking off each revision area as you go. Alongside this, it is essential that you complete the TSSM practice exam over the holidays, which will be emailed to you. Note: you MUST complete two text responses – one on ‘Citizen Kane’ and one on ‘In the Lake of the Woods’.
KEY:
Emailed = (E)
In pack = (P)
Online = (O)
Preparation for the Year 12 Exam
The exam has three sections. There is a text response section where you must write one text response essay, and a Context section where you must write either an expository, persuasive or creative response to a set prompt. In this section you will be given a set audience. In the final section you must write an analysis of media texts. You may be given one or more texts to analyse and this may include a visual text. Given that there will be more than one text, you will be expected to include a comparative section in your essay.
There are many ways in which you can prepare for an English exam and a good place to start is to organise all your notes according to the relevant texts and Outcomes. It is also important to familiarise yourself with both the criteria for each task and the grade descriptors. Finally, it is an expectation that you will be at the Practice Exam on Tuesday September 15.
Important basic requirements for performing to the best of your ability:
- Practice getting up early and studying at 9 am – that is when many of your exams will start. Your brain needs to function well at this time of day. Get into a regular pattern of going to bed reasonably early so on the day it is not a struggle to wake up. Eat sensibly so you’re not lacking energy on the day.
- Be organised – don’t throw caution to the wind during your holidays. Use your holidays, last few weeks of classes and exam study week for study and preparation.
- Limit your socialising and paid work so it does not adversely affect your studies.
GENERAL STUDY TIPS
¨ Find a study buddy, and help to keep each other on track
¨ Update and neatly file notes taken throughout the year. Sort these into the different study areas. Organise your folders!
¨ Practise verbalising answers to a friend or family member to help clarify or reveal any gaps in your knowledge.
¨ Prepare a glossary of important terms relating to each of the three areas & explain them in your own words. Be sure of the terminology of key question words. Develop metalanguage surrounding each different descriptor.
¨ Complete a number of practice exams (available from the VCAA website) (O)
¨ Check out Youth Central’s online study resources. Google this phrase to locate the website. Click on ‘studying and training’ line on the left side. (O)
¨ Learn at least 10 quotes per text. You may only use 5 or 6 of them, but you need to be prepared for all contingencies.
¨ Use a timer and write for 3 minutes without stopping on a character from your chosen texts.
¨ Write a list of major characters from the text and connect them to one of the other characters using a quote.
¨ Write a list of characters and for each character write down four quotes that they have actually said or have been said about them.
¨ Make a list of themes for the chosen text. Write quotes under each theme and ask someone to quiz you to check that you remember them.
¨ Draw a timeline showing the most significant moments for a particular character.
¨ Make a list of the author’s views and values for each text. Next to each write down a list of statements that you believe reflect these.
EXAM INFO
¨ Complete a realistic study timetable using the proforma and stick to it! Be disciplined! (P)
¨ Read ‘English: Get in to the write frame of mind’. (P)
¨ Go to: http://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/vce/studies/english/englishexams.html and familiarise yourself with the exam criteria, exam specifications and exam advice. Past exams are available for viewing along with the assessment reports for each. Look at a minimum of two exams and assessor comments. (O)
¨ Read VCAA exam information and familiarise yourself with the exam format (P)
¨ Read timing and tips handout (P)
¨ Read eating for exams handout (P)
¨ Read The Age VCE English exam guide:
http://education.theage.com.au/pagedetail.asp?intpageid=2229&intsectionid=11&colour=%238f8f8f (O)
LANGUAGE ANALYSIS
¨ Review all of the persuasive techniques. Practice identifying them in real media texts.
¨ Read the steps in a comparative analysis (P)
¨ Read over your previous two language analysis outcomes to see what areas you can improve on (these are in my office, so make time to see me!)
¨ Complete a comparative language analysis (in class)
TEXT RESPONSE – CITIZEN KANE
¨ Watch the film
¨ Work through the study guide (E)
¨ Complete a quotes sheet to assist in memorising quotes. Learn at least 10.
¨ Complete the text table (E)
¨ Complete a practice text response (in class)
TEXT RESPONSE – IN THE
¨ Read the novel
¨ Read through the class chapter analyses and hypotheses (E)
¨ Read the VCE text talk handout (P)
¨ Complete a quotes sheet to assist in memorising quotes. Learn at least 10.
¨ Complete the text table (E)
¨ Complete a practice text response (in class)
ENCOUNTERING CONFLICT (THE CRUCIBLE & THE
¨ Read the texts (with a particular focus on key scenes involving conflict)
¨ Continue to add to your scrapbook
¨ Create a word bank
¨ Revise the different styles and forms of writing – be familiar with the format, typical audience, language style, etc.
¨ Complete, in detail, the context table (E)
¨ Complete a piece of writing, based on one of the prompts below (in class):
o The reason for conflict never justifies the results
o Conflict is a catalyst for change
o “fear of what is different lies at the root of conflict”
o It is possible to resolve conflict, but sometimes we choose not to.
USEFUL WEBSITES:
¨ http://www.vcehelp.com.au (Offers advice on a variety of studies, and includes links to resources, including ‘The Crucible’, ‘Citizen Kane’, etc.)
¨ http://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/vce/studies/english/index.html (The official governing body of the VCE)
¨ http://www.studygs.net/ (Study advice)
¨ http://www.sssc.vic.edu.au/dpd/woods.htm (‘In the
DON’T PANIC:
Most importantly, if you have ANY concerns or questions email me or you can call me at the school
Don’t be a stranger – come in and see me if you need assistance!
