In order to achieve a high grade in the HSC, it is important to know exactly what the syllabus and prescriptions are asking for which is why we have provided a breakdown for Module A Standard English. What this module is asking students to do is look at how people see and communicate about relationships between individuals and larger society through written, spoken and visual language. The keyword to look for in the syllabus for this section is ‘awareness of language.’ Below we have detailed what the prescriptions are asking for along with an interpretation of what it is saying that is easier to understand.
Elective 1: Distinctive Voices
The concept of the ‘author’s voice’ is one that any student of the English language should be familiar with. When you are writing, you are expected to be able to project a strong voice in the reader’s head. What this elective aims to do is to show students what techniques authors use to create a distinct voice and how these techniques influence and shape the meaning that is conveyed.
From the HSC English Prescriptions:
In their responding and composing, students consider various types and functions of voices in texts. They explore the ways language is used to create voices in texts, and how this use of language affects interpretation and shapes meaning. Students examine one prescribed text, in addition to other related texts of their own choosing that provide examples of distinctive voices.
Elective 2: Distinctively Visual
When you read a talented author’s work, it has the ability to imprint powerful images in your mind’s eye. Conversely, a film can use symbolic imagery that appeals to your emotions, which give you a clearer understanding of what meaning the composer is trying to convey. Of course different mediums can give you completely different messages altogether. This elective aims to look into the visual techniques that composers use in order to understand how imagery in a range of formats affects how individuals interpret and shape meaning.
From the HSC English Prescriptions:
In their responding and composing, students explore the ways the images we see and/or visualise in texts are created. Students consider how the forms, features and language of different texts create these images, affect interpretation and shape meaning. Students examine one prescribed text, in addition to other related texts of their own choosing that provide examples of the distinctively visual.
When you are researching your work, make sure to collect quotes with your module and elective in mind as there is no point trying to collect random quotes that do not have strong links to the syllabus. The sad reality is that you are attempting to appease markers. Yes, your voice should come out in your essays but be careful not to creep too far outside of the themes that you are studying as they are what markers are looking for.
This post contains an excerpt from ‘The Band 6 Formula: The Ultimate Guide to Essay Writing Success‘. Click the link to download a copy.