VCE English Units 3 & 4

English Unit 3

In this unit students read and respond to texts analytically and creatively. They analyse arguments and the use of persuasive language in texts.

Texts selected for study in Area of Study 1 must be chosen from the Text List published annually by the VCAA. The texts selected for study in Unit 3 Area of Study 2 must have appeared in the media since 1 September of the previous year.

Area of study 1: Reading and creating texts

In this area of study students identify, discuss and analyse how the features of selected texts create meaning and how they influence interpretation. In identifying and analysing explicit and implied ideas and values in texts, students examine the ways in which readers are invited to respond to texts. They develop and justify their own detailed interpretations of texts.

Students prepare sustained analytical interpretations of selected texts, discussing how features of the texts create meaning and using textual evidence to support their responses. They use planning and drafting to test and clarify their ideas, and editing to produce clear and coherent expression. They craft their writing for convincing and effective presentation.

Students present sustained creative responses to selected texts, demonstrating their understanding of the world of the texts and how texts construct meaning. In developing a creative response they explore issues of purpose and audience and make key choices about structure, conventions and language. They develop a credible and effective voice and style and use the chosen features of the selected text, for example characters, narrative or dialogue, to offer an interpretation of the selected text. They produce and share drafts, practising the skills of revision, editing and refining for stylistic and imaginative effect.

Outcome 1

On completion of this unit the student should be able to produce an analytical interpretation of a selected text, and a creative response to a different selected text.
Areas of study 2: Analysing argument
In this area of study students analyse and compare the use of argument and language in texts that debate a topical issue. The texts must have appeared in the media since 1 September of the previous year. Students read and view media texts in a variety of forms, including print, non-print and multimodal, and develop their understanding of the way in which language and argument complement one another in positioning the reader.

Considering information about the purpose, audience and context of a text, students explore the argument of a persuasive piece, and the way written, spoken and visual language is used. In considering these, students examine the ways that persuasive language is used to express an argument and how this may strengthen or detract from the intended impact of a text.

Students develop written and spoken critical analyses of the use of argument and language in written, spoken, and/or multimodal texts, including analysis of the quality of the reasoning presented and the use of features intended to position audiences. They compare different written texts presenting argument on similar ideas or issues, considering different ways authors use language to express arguments. They produce drafts and practise the skills of revision and editing for clarity and coherence in analysis and accuracy in the use of language.

Area of Study 2: Analysing argument

Analysing argument In this area of study students analyse and compare the use of argument and language in texts that debate a topical issue. The texts must have appeared in the media since 1 September of the previous year. Students read and view media texts in a variety of forms, including print, non-print and multimodal, and develop their understanding of the way in which language and argument complement one another in positioning the reader. Considering information about the purpose, audience and context of a text, students explore the argument of a persuasive piece, and the way written, spoken and visual language is used. In considering these, students examine the ways that persuasive language is used to express an argument and how this may strengthen or detract from the intended impact of a text. Students develop written and spoken critical analyses of the use of argument and language in written, spoken, and/or multimodal texts, including analysis of the quality of the reasoning presented and the use of features intended to position audiences. They compare different written texts presenting argument on similar ideas or issues, considering different ways authors use language to express arguments. They produce drafts and practise the skills of revision and editing for clarity and coherence in analysis and accuracy in the use of language.

Outcome 2

On completion of this unit the student should be able to analyse and compare the use of argument and persuasive language in texts that present a point of view on an issue currently debated in the media.

English Unit 4

In this unit students compare the presentation of ideas, issues and themes in the texts. They create an oral presentation intended to position audiences about an issue currently debated in the media. Texts selected for the Area of Study 1 must be chosen from the Text List published annually by the VCAA. The issues selected for Area of Study 2 must have appeared in the media since 1 September of the previous year, but not be the same as the issue selected for study in Unit 3.

Area of study 1: Reading and comparing texts

In this area of study students explore the meaningful connections between two texts. They analyse texts, including the interplay between character and setting, voice and structure, and how ideas, issues and themes are conveyed. By comparing the texts, they gain a deeper understanding of the ideas, issues and themes that reflect the world and human experiences.

Students produce a written analysis comparing selected texts, discussing important similarities and differences and exploring how the texts deal with similar or related ideas, issues or themes from different perspectives to reflect particular values. Through discussion and preparatory drafting they compare in detail the ideas encountered in the texts and the features of the texts on which the comparison is based. They use planning and drafting to test and clarify their ideas, and edit for clear and coherent expression of them. They apply the conventions of written analysis and textual evidence. They draft, revise and edit for clarity, coherence and technical accuracy, and refine for effective presentation of the insights gained through comparison.

Outcome 1

On completion of this unit the student should be able to produce a detailed comparison which analyses how two selected texts present ideas, issues and themes.

Area of study 2: Presenting argument

In this area of study students build their understanding of both the analysis and construction of texts that attempt to influence audiences. They use their knowledge of argument and persuasive language as a basis for the development of their own persuasive texts in relation to a topical issue that has appeared in the media since 1 September of the previous year.

This area of study focuses on the construction of persuasive texts. Students use their understanding of argument and language as the basis for the development of an oral presentation of their points of view. Students draw on their knowledge to express their viewpoints through arguments and persuasive language selected specifically to position an audience.

Students use discussion and writing to clarify their thinking and develop a viewpoint on an issue, to plan and prepare an argument and its supporting evidence, and to develop and prepare any materials to support an oral presentation. Students identify approaches to positioning the audience that are appropriate to the issue. Students also consider how oral conventions may be used to influence the audience and refine these through rehearsal. Students develop, test and practise argument, critically analysing their own developing text. Students reflect on their intentions in positioning the reader and consider how their use of language expresses their argument. They explore options for language use for audience engagement and persuasive effect. They use the conventions of spoken texts appropriately, draw on evidence soundly and include accurate acknowledgment.

Outcome 2

On completion of this unit the student should be able to construct a sustained and reasoned point of view on an issue currently debated in the media.

Assessment

Satisfactory Completion

Demonstrated achievement of the set of outcomes specified for the unit.

Units 3 and 4

The Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority will supervise the assessment of all students undertaking Units 3 and 4. In English/ESL the student’s level of achievement will be determined by school-assessed coursework and end-of-year examination.

Percentage contributions to the study score in English/ESL are as follows:

• Unit 3 school-assessed coursework: 25 per cent
• Unit 4 school-assessed coursework: 25 per cent
• End-of-year examination: 50 per cent