English Exam Revision Strategies WHAT? HOW? WHY?

2020 graduates, Chloe, Natalie, Charlie and Romy provided expert advice on preparing for the VCE English Exam to our current Year 12s.

As we commence Term 4, the Year 12 English teachers are looking forward to once again teaching their classes face to face in the lead in to revision and the final examination. We are approaching Term 4 with optimism and a positive growth mindset, and as VCE teachers we are imparting this message to all the English students.

As part of our revision program, on Monday 4 October we welcomed some of our 2020 graduates to the Year 12 Level session to present their revision strategies and tips for the final VCE English exam. Natalie Sinicka who is studying Commerce, Charlie Murdoch who is studying Arts and Romy Cantwell who is studying Bio Medicine at Melbourne University, as well as Chloe Rodgers who is studying Bio Medicine at Monash University. These students truly understand a COVID-19 year and online studies in English as they were also managing this in 2020.

It was wonderful to hear their insights on revision strategies for each section of the English examination and on the day of the exam. They all spoke with great insight and detail on what worked for them and it was very apparent that the Year 12 students found it helpful, judging from the number of questions they asked.

I wanted to share with the School community some of the recent graduate’s revision strategies for the VCE English exam.

• A key tip for each section of this exam was to apply the thinking routine of What? How? Why?
• Write paragraphs on key themes and issues on each text
• Write a World View or setting paragraph for the start of essays in Section A and B
• Compare the texts for Section B in terms of differences, not just similarities.
• Differences make your essay stand out.
• Revise Vocabulary for every Section of the exam
• Revise sentence stems to use in the exam
• Always revise and memorise quotations in a context, around a certain idea or issue
• Write essays but take longer than 60 minutes and use notes as well. Don’t take all your support away too early
• For Sections A & B topic attack is crucial to practice
• In Section B, lead with one text, the one you prefer
• Structure is key; be clear and concise. You don’t want a messy essay
• Section C is more skill based so use vocabulary lists
• In Section C focus on the main arguments only
• For all Sections, read lots of exemplar essays

On the Day of the Exam

• Don’t talk to other people who might confuse you
• You will feel anxious but channel that into the exam
• Start with Section C and use the reading time for Section C
• Know that you can do this and show what you can do
• Create positive affirmations to motivate yourself

Year 12 student on the Presentation

“I think it is important and interesting to have heard from past students, advice and study tips in preparation for studying for their end of year English exam. It is interesting how Chloe, Natalie, Charlie and Romy all have different ways of studying. I am going to start with writing small paragraphs on each theme from the texts, rather than writing whole essays.”

I thank Chloe, Natalie, Charlie and Romy for giving up their time and sharing their highly astute and thoughtful insights on revising for the English exam. I wish all the Year 12 English students the very best on their upcoming English exam.