English as an entirely subjective subject I feel is a massive misconception. There's a certain formula to English - one of which being clear-cut structure - that's common to most high band 6 essays. No, I'm not trying to shamelessly promote or dignify the subject to give my performance some actual worth.
Students anticipate that markers are looking for academic/esoteric concepts, obscure techniques, and unusual/unique critical theory. But then they fail to look at the smaller picture. Markers just want you to answer the question - reflect the key terms of the question, link it to textual evidence that reasonably connects to concepts from the rubric. Make your expression unique not with a shitload of big-ass words, but by rearranging your syntax every now and then. Something that I was always caught up on throughout my HSC was using words that an everyday person wouldn't use because they were jarring - so I only used them sparingly for effect.
The longer you bind yourself to the mentality that because English is subjective, the hard yards won't pay well in dividend, then it's true - you will likely under perform.
Students anticipate that markers are looking for academic/esoteric concepts, obscure techniques, and unusual/unique critical theory. But then they fail to look at the smaller picture. Markers just want you to answer the question - reflect the key terms of the question, link it to textual evidence that reasonably connects to concepts from the rubric. Make your expression unique not with a shitload of big-ass words, but by rearranging your syntax every now and then. Something that I was always caught up on throughout my HSC was using words that an everyday person wouldn't use because they were jarring - so I only used them sparingly for effect.
The longer you bind yourself to the mentality that because English is subjective, the hard yards won't pay well in dividend, then it's true - you will likely under perform.
I can't believe I didn't see this before I actually posted. +1Just like to disagree with Ekman and everybody else (pretty sure a good chunk of the majority) who thinks English is a purely subjective subject. Tbh, it really isn't. If you look at the exemplar essay/ creative writing, you'll note that they all have more or less the same type of 'good' writing (generalising cos I don't wanna list all the features lolol.) As long as your writing is somewhat like theirs (that is, if you include the relevant information and proper structure ), there's no way you can't or won't achieve the top band.
Too often I see people operating on the mentality that to excel in a "subjective" subject, they will need to be naturally talented in it. Ironically, that way of thinking is what limits them. If you actually think about it, the subject needs to be grounded with something in order for it to be exam-able- and in doing so, it becomes objective. And just like every other subject, if you work hard and study smart you'll excel in it. Yes, good teaching does come into play, but it really isn't just for English. If you rely on your shitty math/ science/ history teacher for everything, you'll get shitty math/ science/ history results. If you rely on your shitty english teacher for everything, you'll get shitty english results. Doesn't mean you can't self-learn/ get external help.
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