ConquerHSC English Guide
By Aax (ft. Kenneth)
Welcome to a terrifying student experience — the trials and tribulations of studying HSC
English. Hopefully, by reading this guide and applying at least one or two techniques, you can
jump a few marks up - which can determine what band you will land in! But do not fear because
ConquerHSC will help you guide your way through your journey.
FAQ
Common questions asked:
● How do I get story ideas?
You can start with anything you find personally interesting. This could be a location, a person or
character sketch, a line of dialogue, an image, a song, a scent etc. Provide your own personal
stimulus.
Note: Your opening line needs to be engaging in order for your intended audience to take an
interest in your text. This is known as a hook.
● How do I create a thesis?
Holistically, it should be a one-sentence answer to the question you are given. It should
encompass what your essay will be talking about (although do not mention the themes, as that
will be the following sentence).
● How do I remember all my quotes for my exam?
Need to remember 3845093680934 quotes, and it’s due in two days? There are many ways to
help you remember them. The very first thing to do is to cut the irrelevant parts and use what
you find necessary.
For example: [A Room Of One’s Own]
❝ Repetition is evident when Woolf says, “Lock up your libraries if you like; but there is no gate,
no lock, no bolt that you can set upon the freedom of my mind.” this elucidates the impression .
..❞
This is way too long to write, and it'll be a waste of your time. It is also a waste of space to
remember, and you might forget other important information.
What you should do is:
❝ Repetition is evident when Woolf says there is “no gate, no lock, no bolt” on her freedom,
elucidating the impression that . . . ❞
If you have many quotes, you can do Drawing Associativity. This is where you can draw a
simple symbol that represents your quote. A symbol is easier than Word Associativity with
flashcards because it is quicker to draw out than writing it down.
ConquerHSC English Guide
By Aax (ft. Kenneth)
For example: [Brave New World]
"that is the secret of happiness and virtue — liking what you've got to do.”
An associative symbol for this can be a smiley face [e.g. :) ] as the quote mentions “happiness”.
● What techniques do I use for XXX?
→ For literary techniques, click here.
→ For visual techniques, click here.
→ For film, techniques click here.
Don’t be shy and go to our English subject channel(s) and paste the quote in the chat if you
cannot find the technique!
●
How do I prepare for the SA section?
AAX’S EXAM PREP.
You have 45 minutes of writing time for Section I of the examination. So, to make sure you
answer all the short-answer questions within this time, practice using this timing guide:
• Complete questions worth 3 marks in 7 minutes
• Complete questions worth 4-5 marks in 10 minutes
• Complete questions worth 6-7 marks in 13 minutes
ANALYSIS FORMAT
S (statement)
T (technique)
E (example)
E (effect)
L (link)
Personally, this is what I use. You might have another acronym; it doesn’t matter - all mean the
same thing. Refer to this format as it will be mentioned throughout.
Always read the question before the text. If you read the question first, it will be sitting at the
back of your mind so that you read the text with purpose.
The new style questions are precise and require you to engage with the texts deeply.
Therefore, you should read the question more than once before writing your response. You
should also be familiar with the Texts and Human Experiences Course Descriptor as examiners
formulate questions using this descriptor. For instance, questions may ask you to explore the
paradoxes in the human experience. Or, you might be asked how a text represents specific
human qualities or emotions associated with a particular experience. A question may require
you to examine how the author presents a human experience in ways that ignite new ideas.
ConquerHSC English Guide
By Aax (ft. Kenneth)
Once you have identified the critical aspect of texts and human experiences in a question, begin
reading the unseen text using this aspect to interpret the text. When you read with the question
in mind, it is called active reading. As you are reading a text, make sure you also pay attention
to its textual form. Many short-answer questions require you to explain, analyse, or compare
how a writer has represented human experiences in their text. This means that your response
needs to focus on the devices a writer has used to influence our understanding of human
experiences.
Evidence and Techniques:
Each question will ask you to provide textual evidence and analysis to support your answer. The
more marks awarded for a question is usually an indication of how many pieces of evidence and
techniques and required. There are no specific guidelines on this as the marks are awarded
holistically, but naturally, more evidence and analysis will allow for more marks.
If you have difficulty identifying language techniques, try to spot any easy ones as you read
written texts. Alliteration, onomatopoeia, similes, metaphors, symbols and rhetorical questions
are generally relatively easy to find. Then try to find a way to link them to the human experience
identified in the question. Again, it is helpful to do this in Reading Time. If in doubt about
techniques, remember devices like imagery, emotive language, and sensory language are valid!
Plan out the amount of time you should spend on each question BEFORE going into the
examination. This should ensure you allow enough time for each question.
ConquerHSC English Guide
By Aax (ft. Kenneth)
Text Types
NAME
PURPOSE
WHAT DOES IT INVOLVE?
EXAMPLES/FORMS
Critical
To explore the quality of
argument, content,
analysis, information or
persuasion in oral, visual or
written text.
In critical texts, you assess how themes, issues,
or ideas are presented for the audience and
intended purposes. You need to have a thorough
understanding of the topic/issues in order to write
a substantial piece. This is essentially the same
as persuasive writing, but the only difference is
that there is at least one other point of view
Essays, critiques,
academic articles,
Informative
to provide information
through explanation,
description, argument,
analysis, ordering and
presentation of evidence
and procedures.
Remember, informative writing is purely factual
and therefore, you are not trying to persuade the
audience in any way. You can use statistics,
facts, anecdotal evidence and quotations to
make your writing sound a lot more accurate and
reliable.
Reports, explanations and
descriptions of natural
phenomena, recounts of
events, instructions and
directions, rules and laws,
news bulletins and
articles, websites and text
analyses
Discursive
To explore an idea or a
variety of topics.
The discussion of an idea(s) or opinion(s) without
directly intending to persuade the reader, listener
or viewer to adopt any single point of view. You
can make it sound humorous or serious in its
tone and even have a formal or informal register.
Feature articles, creative
nonfiction, blogs, personal
essays, documentaries,
speeches
** Still stuck? More info later in the guide **
Imaginativ
e/creative
To represent ideas, feelings
and mental images in
words or visual images.
These texts make new connections between
already established ideas or widely recognised
experiences to create new ideas and images.
They are characterised by originality, freshness
and insight.
Novels, traditional tales,
poetry, stories, plays,
fiction for young adults
and children, including
picture books and
multimodal texts, for
example, film.
Persuasive
to put forward a point of
view and persuade a
reader, viewer or listener
Convincing the responder of the strength of an
argument or point of view through information,
judicious use of evidence, construction of
argument, critical analysis and the use of
rhetorical, figurative and emotive language.
These may be written, spoken, visual or
multimodal.
Essays, debates,
arguments, discussions,
polemics, advertising,
propaganda, influential
essays and articles
ConquerHSC English Guide
By Aax (ft. Kenneth)
Reflection
To represent the thought
process by which you
develop an understanding
and appreciation of your
learning. This process
draws on both cognitive
and affective experiences.
When you write a reflection, you need to discuss
the process of producing your piece of writing.
So, talk about why you made the decisions you
made when writing. You may also include writing
about what you did well and where you think you
could improve and change for next time.
Reflection statements.
These will differ
depending on the nature
of the text you are
reflecting upon.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------KENNETH’S GENERAL TEXT ANALYSIS FRAMEWORK
In this section, we will be exploring a proven, effective systematic way to perform text analysis.
This is by no means the most time-efficient way to tackle text analysis, but we have found this to
yield high-quality results.
Ultimate Rule #1: Achieve before exploring.
Explanation for Ultimate Rule #1: If time permits, you should completely avoid reading
existing text-analysis documents from past students, textbooks, teachers, etc., before you have
done the COMPLETE text-analysis process yourself. Why? Originality is essential as it is valued
very highly in HSC English. HSC Markers and your teachers are tired of seeing the same
analysis for the text they have seen a thousand times. So, if you just write about what fellow
students and teachers have provided you, thinking that you don’t need to analyse the text
yourself, then you are already on the back foot.
Ultimate Rule #2: See, evaluate and copy!
ETHICAL DISCLAIMER: Yes, this is NOT ethical because you are NOT referencing the person you obtained the analysis from. So,
if you are worried or disturbed about this, please disregard Golden Rule #2.
I have to admit, with all honesty, I actually did not view and copy other people’s text analysis as I
was confident in the strength and originality of my analysis. Sorry if this came across to be
braggy as it was not meant to be, I promise.
Explanation for Ultimate Rule #2: The ‘see’ part allows you to look at existing analysis for the
text you need to analyse. These current analysis documents may be obtained via different
channels such as Google weblinks, classroom teaching from your teacher, teachers’
handouts/resources, books, etc. Please do NOT copy your peers’ text analysis. If they allow you
to see their text analysis, that’s fine. However, it’s generally not ethical or recommended to copy
your peer’s text analysis as there could be plagiarism concerns. The ‘evaluate’ part is for you to
think if the text analysis that you obtained from some external channel is a piece that is more
robust and more original than the text analysis points that you already have. If so, save it
somewhere where you can retrieve and use it later! Finally, the ‘copy’ part will be the application
of the text analysis piece. Maybe the text analysis piece you obtained from some external
source already exists in a paragraph form that you can simply copy & paste straight into an
essay’s body. However, most of the case, you will be required to add in some sentences to link
ConquerHSC English Guide
By Aax (ft. Kenneth)
back the key analysis piece to match the core idea of the paragraph. However, at this point, the
main work has already been done as you have found an excellent text analysis piece gifted to
you by someone!
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
What is a thesis?
The main idea or central message
Having a good thesis statement is essential to creating a coherent essay. It is the foundation of
your argument, and as such, it must be closely linked to the set question, and it must be
sustained throughout the essay.
Do:
●
●
●
Your thesis should be concise, but also answer the question, all parts of the questionAim for one sentence - no more than two
You must introduce an idea that you can repeat readily throughout your essay-STEEL
Try to use words from the question in the introduction and conclusion-you can rephrase
the phrases throughout the body.
It should demonstrate your knowledge of the module and the key idea(s) the question is
asking you to discuss
Do not:
● Parrot the question back to the marker. You should unpack the question and construct a
personal and logical response.
● Use a thesis statement from a previous assessment - you must respond to the set
question.
● Present a statement that is overly broad as it does not give your discussion a clear focus
● Do not list all the themes that you intend to explore in your body paragraphs.
● Use statements with low modality, verbs like “could” “might” lack certainty. Use high
modality. Create an assertive and confident voice with “will”, “does”, “shall”, “... is the
central focus of the text.”
For “to what extent” questions, comment on the way the composer may put forward their
argument, using adverbs like “insightfully” and “cleverly” for an evaluation, rather than “to
a great extent”, etc.
RUFTS…Steps
a) Read-slowly read the question twice over
b) Understand-underline keywords and unpack the question
c) Filter and reframe the question-Rewrite question in your own words
d) Think about how you will respond-quick brainstorm-link to themes/module
e) Solve, check and write -Create your thesis and check links to the question
ConquerHSC English Guide
By Aax (ft. Kenneth)
We put this extra section in since we’ve gathered that many, many, many students get confused
on discursive. And we don’t blame you. We’ve known persuasive since primary school, and we
all know what creative is by the time we’ve been sitting on the floor in kindergarten class
drawing up a story. Discursive isn’t scary. It’s fun - and if you get good at it, you can even
incorporate some fiction in there, as if it was a creative piece.
DISCURSIVE
NESA: “ Discursive texts are those whose primary focus is to explore an
idea or variety of topics. These texts involve the discussion of an idea(s) or
opinion(s) without the direct intention of persuading the reader, listener or
viewer to adopt any single point of view. Discursive texts can be humorous or
serious in tone and can have a formal or informal register. These texts
include texts such as feature articles, creative nonfiction, blogs, personal
essays, documentaries and speeches.”
What can this mean?
It is helpful to see discursive writing as a blend of personal opinion, argument, and
imaginative writing around an idea. It is a text that uses anecdotes, rhetorical
devices/structure and factual evidence to engage us on both an intellectual and
emotional level.
Your intention in discursive writing is not necessarily to persuade; instead, you are
trying to explore, trying to give a sense of the reason for your own personal
perspective, trying to show how you came to an understanding about something.
The word ‘discursive’ evolves from the term ‘discourse’. Discourse is the conversation
that sits around any specific topic that might be social, cultural, political, historical etc.; a
discursive piece of writing may present a range of views on a particular idea. The
syllabus states that it can be formal or informal, ad humorous; however, one must keep
in mind the audience and purpose of the piece of writing. The work can include
rhetorical devices as in a speech, linguistic devices such as figurative language –
similes, metaphors etc., anecdotes and analogies to illustrate the personal, emotional
and inclusive nature of ideas and humour- satirical writing parody etc.
Is it possible to be light and humorous in your tone or formal and serious?
It is important that you still actually have a point to convey in discursive writing. One of
the traps when a student attempts a discursive essay, is that their work can become
more rambling than insightful. You should have an insight into your subject, and your
ConquerHSC English Guide
By Aax (ft. Kenneth)
writing should justify why you have this perspective. You may examine divergent
perspectives to help support your discussion, or you may look to opinion or insight
from texts to support what you are trying to say.
Research may also assist you in expanding on your points. Again, when referring
to research in discursive writing, the emphasis is on what this research helped you
realise.
It is also important to still have a structure to your work. Discursive writing starts with a
clear introduction to the subject (even if it is whimsical and personal), has clear
paragraphing and development of discussion and finishes with a conclusion reflecting
on the writer’s response to the subject.
Some tips:
● Explore the topic you are given by offering a personal perspective
● Balance your unique insight with the perspectives of others
● Use figurative language to convey your position effectively
● Write in the first person
● Conversational/thoughtful tone; low modality language (e.g. ‘It’s worth
considering’, ‘perhaps’, ‘we should consider’).
● Include a title for your discursive response
Scaffold for Discursive Writing Reflection
Introduction
·
Introduce the central idea/theme of discursive piece and context of
prescribed text
·
Introduce prescribed text and literary devices that you have tried to emulate
·
Link to set question//stimulus
ConquerHSC English Guide
By Aax (ft. Kenneth)
Body
·
References important techniques and purpose (main ideas) of the
prescribed text.
·
TEE ( 3-4 TEEs) statements to analyse literary devices used in discursive
response and how the prescribed text influenced your writing.
·
Links to ideas presented in prescribed text- may be similar or different.
·
Sustain links to the question/stimulus.
Conclusion
·
Summarise how the prescribed text was the inspiration for the discursive
response.
·
Summarise the key ideas, techniques and purpose (include a link to the
question//stimulus) achieved by the discursive response.
·
Reinforces main idea presented in the discursive response- what do you
hope it has achieved?
ConquerHSC English Guide
By Aax (ft. Kenneth)
Glossary Task Words
Analyse
Identify components and the relationship between them; draw out and relate implications.
Compare
Show how things are similar or different
Contrast
Show how things are different or opposite
Describe
Provide characteristics and features
Discuss
Identify issues and provide points for and/or against
Explain
Relate cause and effect; make the relationships between things evident; provide why and/or
how
Evaluate
Make a judgement based on criteria; determine the value of
Identify
Recognise and name
Synthesise
Putting together various parts in your own way
ConquerHSC English Guide
By Aax (ft. Kenneth)
Good luck.
- Aax