What is it and why should I do it?
English is a continuation of the sort of work you have completed in Years 7 to 10 in this subject. Approximately two thirds of the course focuses on the study of texts such as novels, plays, films, short story collections or memoirs. While two of these are studied as individual texts the remaining two texts require you to make comparisons between both. You will explore both the themes and ideas of the text and analyse how the creator has used literary or film devices to convey their message. Although most responses will be analytical you will also be able to write creatively on an individual text. The rest of the course will focus on the analysis of how writers use argument and written and visual language to persuade readers to share their point of view. You will also use these skills to write and deliver your own speech and to write an extended persuasive response.
What will I do in class?
In class you will be involved in a combination of whole class or small group discussion focusing on activities such as close reading, analysing text and language, or essay planning and writing. You will also complete short and extended analytical and creative written tasks based on texts.
How much homework will I have?
Students are expected to read (or view film texts) and annotate texts before the school year begins and to re-read (or view film texts) during the school year. You can also expect that there will be homework at the end of each English lesson. This could be unfinished class work or additional work set by the teacher. In the lead up to SACs, the focus will be on practice essays.
How do I satisfactorily complete the unit?
Complete tasks set by teacher. These may include filling in tables based on themes and characters in texts, reading and annotating texts, short and extended creative responses, short analytical responses and analytical essays.
Participate in class discussions
Satisfactorily complete all School Assessed Coursework (SACs). These are:
- Creative response to a text
- Anaytical essay in response to a text
- Analytical essay comparing two texts
- Analysis of how argument and language seek to persuade reader to share their point of view in essay form
- Persuasive essay, editorial or opinion piece based on a current issue
- Reasoned point of view (a speech delivered to the class and a written point of view)