Hi everyone, my name is Poorva and I graduated from Mac.Rob in 2024, scoring a raw 46 in English Language 3/4. Today I’ll be providing a step-by-step guide on how to prepare for the VCE English Language exam, given that it’s just 5 weeks away! End of term 3 holidays is where the hard work really begins — SACs are all done, and you can finally put all four Areas of Study together for the exam.
If you’re currently enrolled in a VCE English Language Program or studying with a VCE English Language Tutor, this guide will help you structure your final weeks effectively and maximise your exam performance.
This guide follows a 3-part approach, one for each of the 3 sections on the VCE English Language 3/4 Exam, consisting of Short Answer Questions, an Analytical Commentary and an Essay.
Section A: Short Answer Questions
This is the section where it's easiest to gain marks but also easiest to lose marks, because you need to be very precise with your wording and metalanguage. Here’s how you should approach practising SAQs for the exam — an approach often recommended by experienced VCE English Language Tutors in Melbourne and across Victoria.
- Aim to complete 1 SAQ every 2 days, including marking them on the same day.
- Give yourself 6-7 minutes of reading time and aim to complete Section A within 20-25 minutes. As you practise, your times should drop.
- As you are writing, follow the Quote-Comment-Link structure.
- Mark your SAQ using the Answer Guide on the same day as completing it.
- In a book, jot down any important points that you missed or analyses for a sociolinguistic concept that you would like to use again.
- Swap your responses with a peer and see what they wrote.
Section B: Analytical Commentary
In my opinion, this is the hardest section — both due to time pressure and overall difficulty. It definitely requires the most practice and attention. This is where guidance from a qualified VCE English Language Tutor Melbourne students trust can make a big difference.
- Aim to complete a full AC every 3 days if you are confident you will be able to finish it within the allocated time. If you struggle with time management, do them more frequently, e.g., every day or every second day until you see your time drop to 45–50 minutes.
- Give yourself 6-7 minutes of reading time.
- As you are writing, follow the Quote-Comment-Link structure.
- Mark your AC a bit after when you completed it — preferably later that evening or even the next day. This allows your mind to refresh and pick up on examples you may have missed the first time.
- In a book, jot down any important points that you missed or analyses for a sociolinguistic concept that you would like to use again.
- Swap your responses with a peer and see what they wrote.
- If you are unhappy with the quality of your AC, you should definitely be looking to rewrite it.
Section C: Essay
Section C calls for the most unorthodox exam preparation technique. It mainly involves memorisation, and a lot of the content you prepare will not even be used for the final exam. This is where structured support from a VCE English Language Program or consistent feedback from your VCE English Language Tutor can help refine your argumentation and example use.
- Aim to complete a full Essay once per week, but more frequently (e.g., twice per week) if you struggle with time management. It should take you no longer than 50 minutes of writing time. Your main focus should be collating all of your examples.
- Give yourself 2–3 minutes of reading time to pick the best prompt and think of a plan.
- As you are writing, follow the Quote-Comment-Link structure. Draw your examples from the contemporary language example bank that you have been working on throughout the year.
- Mark your Essay a bit after when you completed it, preferably later that evening or even the next day. This allows your mind to refresh and think of ideas you may have missed the first time.
- In a book, jot down any important points that you missed or analyses for a sociolinguistic concept that you would like to use again.
- Swap your responses with a peer and see what they wrote.
- If you are unhappy with the quality of your Essay, you should definitely be looking to rewrite it.
Putting it all together
Now that you know how to approach each section, you can try putting it together in phases.
- Individually finish SAQ in 20–25 mins, AC in 45 mins, Essay in 50 mins.
- Combine two sections (e.g., SAQ + Essay in 70–75 mins, Essay + AC in 95 mins).
- Combine all 3 sections for a full exam in proper exam conditions (2 hours).
This helps build stamina and time management skills. Be sure to mark your exams, compare with a friend, and go over your mistakes.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re studying independently or enrolled in a VCE English Language Program, the key to success lies in consistent practice, reflection, and targeted improvement. For students who prefer personalised feedback, working with an experienced VCE English Language Tutor Melbourne can be invaluable — especially when refining analytical commentary skills and essay structures.
And that’s it! Hope I’ve provided plenty of insight on how to approach exam prep for the VCE English Language 3/4 Exam. Good luck everyone!