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All students who complete the VCE are required to complete an English subject. Over the last 5 years, English Language has been gaining momentum as one of the more popular VCE subjects.
VCE English Language exam information
This exam is a two hour paper that is primarily designed to test students on their knowledge of language use in contemporary Australian society.
The exam is structured into three components:
- Section A - Short Answer Questions (15 marks): In this section, students will be presented with a text, and are being tested on their ability to identify relevant metalanguage, pragmatic features, and their corresponding functions.
- Section B - Analytical Commentary (30 marks): In this section, students will be presented with a different text, to which they must construct a response analysing the author’s use of language. In their response, students should identify relevant pragmatic features, including the register, context, tenor and function, supported by metalanguage and examples.
- Section C - Essay (30 marks): This section requires students to respond to one of three prompts, all of which are underscored by the relationship between language and identity. In their response, students should use real-world contemporary examples to support their argument, linguist quotes, and the provided stimulus.
Authorised materials
Students are permitted to bring into the examination room:
- General stationary items, including pens, pencils and highlighters, as prescribed by VCAA.
Students are NOT permitted to bring into the examination room:
- A dictionary of any kind.
- Mobile phones and/or any unauthorised electronic devices.
How to revise for the English Language exam
Effective revision is essential for success in the English Language examination.
The following strategies can assist students in their preparation:
- Master metalanguage: Strong knowledge of metalanguage underpins every section of this exam. Begin your revision by reviewing the definitions and applications of key linguistic terms.
Download our Guide to Metalanguage that contains 200+ unique metalanguage combinations
- Craft your writing skills: Once confident in your knowledge of metalanguage, focus on applying it through practice. Aim to complete several Analytical Commentaries and Essays each week, to familiarise yourself with a wide range of question types, texts, and prompts. Simultaneously examine previous high-scoring responses to identify effective structures, arguments and style that can be incorporated into your own writing. It is important to remember that, as with all English subjects, clarity, fluency, and grammar remain crucial to achieving top marks.
- Seek feedback: Actively share your work with teachers, peers, and past students to gain insights into your strengths and areas for improvement. Use this feedback to refine your approach and develop a greater linguistic repertoire for future responses.
What techniques do I need to know for the English Language exam?
Listed below are several strategies that may be useful for students sitting the English Language examination:
- Use reading time strategically: The initial 15 minutes of reading time are critical. Students should carefully read both texts, select an essay prompt, and mentally begin planning their responses.
- Approach Short Answer Questions methodically: Identifying the task words and mark allocation of each question is advantageous. Terms such as identify, explain, or analyse indicate the level of detail and depth required, while the mark value provides a guide to the length and complexity needed for full marks.
- Apply the MEE structure in Sections A and B: When answering SAQs and the AC, it is useful to adopt the MEE structure:
- Metalanguage (employing the metalanguage attached to each example you identify)
- Evidence (straight from the text, accompanied by line numbers)
- Explanation (analysis)
- Contemporary examples: Essays that embed strong and relevant contemporary examples of language use in Australia score highly. Students should prepare a bank of examples that relate to a variety of topics, and incorporate the ones that align most with your chosen prompt.
Common mistakes
The most common mistake that occurs across all English examinations is that students do not utilise their time effectively. It is important that students practice writing ACs and Essays in timed conditions, to ensure that they have ample time to complete the exam.
A suggested time allocation of the VCE English Language exam is as follows:
- Section A (SAQs): 20 minutes
- Section B (AC): 40 minutes
- Section C (Essay): 40 minutes
- Review and Editing: 20 minutes
Resources
Ahead of the exam, students should endeavour to complete past VCE English Language examinations, as prescribed by VCAA (see here).
Ultimately, adequate preparation and strong knowledge of the course content will be beneficial to students undertaking the VCE English Language examination. To reiterate, frequent and regular practice is crucial - practice makes perfect.
Good luck!
