The first English HSC paper is just 2 weeks away. It is serious crunch time! Here is a quick checklist to ensure you are ready to tackle it head on!
Section 1
Revise all your techniques and features
Be prepared to use 1 idea or example per mark
Remember that time management is key ‐ you have 2 minutes and 40 seconds per mark ‐ do not go over ‐ and even better, if you can shave some time here you can put it into section 2 or 3.
Whilst you can’t prepare, you can practice. Practice like crazy!
Section 2
Have 2 or 3 story ideas that you can mould around various stimulus.
Focus on character transformation ‐ your character needs to want something and has to overcome obstacles to get it.
Remember to write a story your marker will be interested in ‐ not just what you like. Horror and violence can make a good movie, but are hard to do effectively in a 40 minute story.
Write about what you know. It sound like such boring advice but it is the most effective way of telling a story. Take a simple idea of discovery and tell it well.
Section 3
Organise your quote bank ‐ line up all the examples you are going to use with a quick explainer.
Have 2 related texts lined up ‐ just in case they surprise you this year. Know 1 really well, and the other just well enough to whip it out if you need to.
Practice wrapping your ideas around different questions ‐ the top responses will show an ability to adapt their thesis to a question.
Refine your introduction ‐ it is the most important part. It is your first impression and will set the tone for the rest of your essay.
Use 1 mark per example as a good guideline ‐ so you are going to want to aim for 15 examples/techniques to maximise your opportunity for marks.Considering a tutor for your child? We can help! We have amazing tutors ready to go that will help your child grow in confidence, love the learning experience and ultimately realise what they are capable of. Learn more here and book their first lesson online today!
