Which VCE English Subject Should You Choose?

This article has been written by Lydia McClelland, a VCE French, Music Theory, Literature & VCE English Tutor at Learnmate. If you’re interested in private tutoring from Lydia then please check out her page here.

An important choice for every VCE student is which English subject(s) they pick! I studied English Language for one semester but then ultimately opted for mainstream English and Literature in Year 12. I know that making the choice between the three can be confusing, so let's break down the main differences.

All three subjects are essentially different. No single subject is the best fit for everyone: you need to take into account your own preferences and learning style.

Option 1: Mainstream English

Skills you should have or aim to develop: analysis and comparison of texts on a character/idea-based level, as well as what specifically makes a text persuasive.

Mainstream English is generally assumed to be the choice for everyone, but it definitely isn't suited to all! Although it gets labelled the “easiest" option out of the three, if you hate picking apart themes, it might not be the best fit for you. English is based around essay-writing, and you need to be able to adapt to write a few different styles of essay: creative, responding to and comparing texts, as well as analysing persuasive texts. However, if you are just aiming to score over 25, and have reason to be worried about this, mainstream English is most likely the best option.

Option 2: Literature

Skills you should have or aim to develop: very close analysis of more classic texts based on characters/ideas, as well as analysing socio-historical perspectives surrounding the texts.

Literature is a subject for the bookworm. If looking deeply into complex ideas underpinning texts excites you, then you will love Literature. Although a demanding subject, Literature allows a level of freedom in writing and structure which is not possible in the rigidity of mainstream English. Keep in mind that it is a subject which demands a lot of creativity if you're aiming for a high score, and that competition is much higher than in mainstream English. But that said, an authentic interest in the subject is strongly rewarded in Literature.

Option 3: English Language

Skills you should have or aim to develop: analysis of features of language, taking form, structure and context into account, and looking at how they contribute to the nature of communication.

It is often said that science/maths-inclined students should pick English Language, because it tends to be more analytical and focused upon concepts which are perhaps less abstract. This is true for some, however, you should only choose English Language if you have a genuine interest in its subject matter! You shouldn't pick English Language just because you don't like reading… If you hate anything to do with writing, mainstream English is probably a better choice. Like Literature, the competition in English Language is definitely higher, but don't let it discourage you if you have a real passion for the study of language.

Don't forget that you can undertake more than one English study! Often, skills between them are transferrable. But remember, they are definitely essentially different.

If you loved this article, you will LOVE all of our other articles, such as: “I went from below 50% in my practice exam to an A+ in the exam”: Interview with a High-Achieving Student, Parent"s Survival Guide – How to Remain Sane & Supportive! and A Brief Analysis Of Formal Language In A Recent Political Interview.

LearnMate is Australia’s leading tutoring agency offering private lessons in all HSC, WACE, VCE & SACE subjects including English, maths, science, humanities, foreign languages, and so much more. Our mission is simple: to provide professional, engaging and enthusiastic HSC, WACE, VCE & SACE tutors to students, while also ensuring the student feels empowered and confident during their assessments! Ultimately, our goal is to empower students all over Australia to achieve amazing results and make their dreams come true!

Formal Language: An Analysis of An Article Published By the Australian Foreign Minister

This article has been written by Liam McAlary, a Years 7 – 12, VCE Legal Studies and VCE English Language Tutor at Learnmate. If you’re interested in private tutoring from Liam then please check out his page here.

Hey guys, I figure you guys have all been looking at the budget enough recently, so I won’t write about that again and instead I’ll take a look at a joint media release from Julie Bishop (the Australian foreign minister), Malcolm Turnbull (the Australian Prime Minister) and Christian Potter (the Australian Attorney-General) in relation to the shooting down of flight MH-17. Flight MH-17 was shot down on the 17^th of July 2014 and all of the 298 people on board were killed, including 38 Australians. An investigation has recently found that the missile used was supplied by Russia.

A link to the media release can be found here: https://foreignminister.gov.au/releases/Pages/2018/jb_mr_180525c.aspx

Features that I have not really discussed much in these articles are cohesion and coherence. However, they are very important discourse features of formal language (as you would all hopefully know by now). The first three paragraphs all use the word, “findings,” and the repetition of this particular content word enables the first three paragraphs to remain relevant to the recent investigation in relation to the accident and the findings that came from them. In terms of coherence, the article is ordered logically. The article first discusses the fact that the Joint Investigation Team, before discussing the conclusion drawn from them and finally outlines the course of action that Australia and other states such as the Netherlands will be taking. As the paragraphs all build off each other and the information is easy to follow, the order would be considered logical.

Another feature I would like to discuss is the use of modals. The modal, “can,” is used in paragraph 3 and is used to state that only one conclusion is able to be drawn from the findings. Moreover, the modal, “must,” is used in paragraph 5 and this is used to show that the international community is obliged to try and hold Russia to account for the downing of the plane.

Given that this document has a function of informing the Australian people about the findings and what the Australian government intends to do with them, it uses exclusively declarative sentences.

Additionally, the use of jargon helps to keep this release specific. The use of terms such as, “BUK missile system,” help to convey very specific information to the reader, which in turn helps to promote the ministers’ knowledge of the issue and seeks to try and establish their expertise in relation to the issue. However, this is a minor point as the Australian politics students among you will know (or maybe not as you will not have done foreign policy yet), politicians very rarely use foreign policy for political purposes.

Anyway guys, that’s it from me and I hope you have found this article useful.

If you loved this article, you will LOVE all of our other articles, such as: Scott Morrison’s address to a budget breakfast in Melbourne, Interview with experienced LOTE teacher and examiner!, When You’re Your Own Worst Enemy in Year.

LearnMate is Australia’s leading tutoring agency offering private lessons in all HSC, WACE, VCE & SACE subjects including English, maths, science, humanities, foreign languages, and so much more. Our mission is simple: to provide professional, engaging and enthusiastic HSC, WACE, VCE & SACE tutors to students, while also ensuring the student feels empowered and confident during their assessments! Ultimately, our goal is to empower students all over Australia to achieve amazing results and make their dreams come true!