"your Voice" in essays (1 Viewer)

[zenger69]

I've got a teacher who marked the HSC recently and come back and constantly tells us you need to have "your own voice" similiar to explaining it in your own words.

She also said that your essay doesn't have to be perfect but needs the unique voice.

Does anyone know how I could use my own words and create my voice, at the same time make the essay sophisticated and academic?

 

[glitterfairy]

Bravo Donshe! You said it very well!

I agree, there really is no easy way out. But remember, starting is always the hardest bit - once you understand your texts and the way the module wants/requires you to think, you can work on refining your responses But it's not going to work unless the foundations are there.

 

[silvermoon]

in addition, it can also help if you can mention some critics or critical theories - this shows a level of independant research and enthusiasm (which you may or may not have!)

 

[mouldy_bread]

well I was just going to say - independant thought. say what you think, not what you believe they want you to think

 

[silvermoon]

in theory this is a good idea - HOWEVER, only go down this path if you are confident that you have an understanding of the text and quality of expression that will allow you to do so. If you are not skilled enough in your writing or do not fully grasp all aspects of the text, then your argument will, most likely, have many flaws contained within it. Far easier to show 'independent thought' by finding different ways to express the same concepts: ie, dont use common examples, or use the same basic thesis as you know they are expecting but put your own slight twist on it.

 

[wrong_turn]

i have my own projected voice in most of my essays, but like someone mentioned aforementioned, it is critical that one knows their text very well. to do this, try to explain it as if you're explainign ti to someone who hasn't viewed the text before.

 

[Rekkusu]

Yup, I agree as well. This "your voice" falls under the category in module B mostly, that is where your own interpretations may be required.

Of course, you should exemplify your own response upon the essay question, however only do so if you know what you are doing, for it is easy to lose track of what you are saying. The best way, as Silvermoon stated is to depend upon Critical interpretations, thats perhaps the main part in module B, other modules do not require critics, however if you add it in around the end of your point, it may allow a touch of sophistication to your essay.

 

[wrong_turn]

however, most of all, do not generalise to make up space. i repeat. DO NOT GENERALISE in your essays or responses. make use of every line that you have!

 

[Rekkusu]

Yup I agree.. generalising is the worst way to go.

If you are going to introduce an idea that you yourself created, explore this issue in detail, do not bring in the idea, and leave it there. Otherwise markers will believe that you are unsure of what you are stating, hence lack of sophistication.

 

[wrong_turn]

but most of all do not rote learn from your teachers. i use all the study aids i can get, and i also get heaps of stuff off bored. however, even if i do use the stuff, i use them to fit my new ideas. using your own ideas is good in english. they are looking for something that stands out, and this could make the difference between a high band 5/6 to a low band 5/6.

i can't really compliment my last opinion since i haven't done my hsc yet. but basically thats what i think should happen *looks left and right for ex-hsc students to back him up in any shap and form *

 

[silvermoon]

lol, well, as an ex-HSC student whose father is a head english marker...you're right. kudos to you *studio audience claps* it is ALWAYS better to have your own ideas - even if they are a conglomeration of a myriad of others. remember, you'll always end up expressing yourself better if you are writing your own ideas - you will understand the material better and this will come across in your work.