If you're aiming for a high study score in VCE English Language,mastering exam technique is just as important as knowing your content. I'mPoorva, a Mac.Rob graduate who scored a Raw 46 in VCE English Language,and I now work as a VCE English Language tutor at VCE Excel Education.In this blog, I’ll break down three common exam mistakes that could cost youvaluable marks - and how to avoid them, based on what I’ve learned as both ahigh-achieving student and a current Eng Lang tutor.
Mistake 1: Misusing Reading Time
One of the most underrated strategies for success in the VCE EnglishLanguage exam is how you use reading time. Many students make the mistakeof not allocating this time strategically across all three sections, whichleads to panic and poor planning.
Here’s how I recommend breaking it down:
- Start with Section C (Essay) - Spend 2-3 minutes choosing the prompt you feel most confident with. Break down key words in the prompt and mentally outline three body paragraphs. Choose media examples and stimulus materials that support your ideas.
- Then, Section B (Analytical Commentary) - Spend about 6-7 minutes reading the blurb and predicting linguistic features based on context (e.g. in an advertisement, expect conative function, second-person pronouns, positive evaluative lexis, and modality). Skim the text and highlight strong language features.
- Finally, Section A (SAQ) - Use the last 6-7 minutes to read all short-answer questions and familiarise yourself with the text. Focus on MRFSCAP features and underline restrictions like line numbers or command terms (“identify”, “explain”, etc).
This structured approach will give you a clear roadmap before you evenbegin writing.
Mistake 2: Poor Exam Time Management
As an experienced VCE English Language tutor students rely on, Isee many fall short not because they lack knowledge, but because they mismanagetheir time. Here's a breakdown of how to structure your 2-hour exam:
- Start with Section A (SAQ) - Spend about 20 minutes here. These are the easiest marks to earn. If you're short on time, ensure you at least include one quote and one analysis per question.
- Then move to Section C (Essay) - Allocate 45-50 minutes. Use your pre-prepared examples and tailor them to the key words in the prompt. If you're rushing, write your body paragraphs first and leave space to add an introduction and conclusion later.
- Finish with Section B (AC) - Another 45-50 minutes. Many students run out of time here. To stay efficient, aim for 3-4 examples per paragraph rather than 4-5, and don’t get bogged down in lengthy introductions.
As any top Eng Lang tutor will tell you, prioritising thelow-hanging fruit in each section can help you maximise marks under pressure.
Mistake 3: Choosing the Wrong EssayPrompt
Picking the wrong prompt in Section C can completely derail your essay.Here’s how to choose wisely:
- Look for prompts that invite debate - Prompts with strong or absolute language often allow room for a nuanced counterargument. For example: “Informal language is overly crude. We should avoid it at all costs. Do you agree?” invites disagreement and critical analysis.
- Choose prompts that match your best examples - As a general rule, prompts that allow you to use formal language examples (doublespeak, politically correct language, jargon, racist/sexist/inflammatory language) are ideal. Informal language and Australian English can work, but they tend to score lower unless executed with precision.
If you're unsure how to decide on prompts, practice with past VCAA papersor ask a trusted VCE English Language tutor to walk through exampleswith you.
Final Thoughts from a VCE EnglishLanguage Tutor
Whether you're working with a VCE English Language tutor in Melbourneor studying independently, avoiding these three mistakes can be the differencebetween a Raw 38 and a 45+. With structured reading time, disciplined timemanagement, and thoughtful essay prompt selection, you’ll be in a strongposition to perform at your best.
Need help preparing? Our Eng Lang tutors at VCE Excel Educationhave helped dozens of students score 45+ and even Raw 50s. Reach out today forexpert guidance tailored to your goals.