I was fortunate to graduate in 2023 with an ATAR of 99.90, as well as a raw 50 study score + dux of my cohort in English Language. In this blog, I am sharing the tips and strategies that helped me achieve this success in the VCE English Language Exam, alongside scoring 98 and 100 in my Unit 3 and Unit 4 SACs respectively.
This post includes:
- A comprehensive guide for each examination component — Short Answer Questions (SAQ), Analytical Commentary (AC), and Essay.
- My personal advice for approaching the final exam.
Raw 50 VCE English Language)
VCE English Language Exam – SAQ Guide
The SAQ (Short Answer Questions) section typically contains 5–6 questions, each worth between 1–5 marks. There are generally three types of SAQ questions in the VCE English Language Exam:
1. Identification of a Language Feature Using Metalanguage (ML)
These questions assess your understanding of metalanguage across different subsystems.
Example – 2021 VCAA Q2:
Identify one example of patterning between lines 6 and 9. Using appropriate metalanguage, state the subsystem and type of patterning. (2 marks)
- 1 mark – Identify syntactic, lexical, or semantic patterning.
- 1 mark – Correctly describe the patterning using metalanguage.
2. Linking Metalanguage with Contextual Factors
These questions require you to state the effect of a language feature (using metalanguage) and explain how it contributes to contextual factors such as register, function, or cultural attitudes.
Example – 2021 VCAA Q3:
Using appropriate metalanguage, discuss how the variation in sentence types between lines 48 and 55 supports one or more functions of the text. Provide at least two examples. (3 marks)
Steps:
- Identify sentence types (plural).
- Identify the text’s functions (plural).
- Explain how sentence types contribute to those functions.
3. Discourse Features and Strategies (Written or Spoken)
These questions assess your understanding of discourse features for the given mode (written or spoken).
Example – Written Mode (2019 VCAA Q4):
Using appropriate metalanguage, analyse at least three stylistic and discourse features that contribute to the cohesion of this text. Refer to line numbers. (5 marks)
Example – Spoken Mode:
Using appropriate metalanguage, analyse features of spoken discourse in relation to turn-taking (or cooperativeness, face needs, topic management, relationship, power dynamics, role).
SAQ Time Management Tip for the VCE English Language Exam
A quick rule of thumb:
- 2-marker → 1 example + 1 elaboration.
- 3-marker → 2 examples + elaborations.
- 5-marker → 4+ features with elaborations.
VCE English Language Exam – Analytical Commentary (AC) Guide
Section B – AC is worth 30 marks out of 75 and is often the most challenging part of the VCE English Language Exam because:
- It has no fixed questions (unlike SAQ).
- It cannot be pre-written (unlike the Essay).
- It requires selecting the most salient features and linking them to contextual factors throughout your analysis.
Timing Recommendations:
- Total time: 45–50 minutes.
- Introduction: 5–6 minutes.
- Each body paragraph: 12–14 minutes (three in total).
My Personal Experience with the Analytical Commentary (AC)
Like many students preparing for the VCE English Language Exam, I found the Analytical Commentary (AC) to be the most challenging section. However, there is comfort in knowing that once you master the AC, the SAQ section seems far less daunting by comparison.
My main struggle was time management—especially with my tendency to write long-winded introductions. This often meant I didn’t leave myself enough time for the crucial final paragraph (typically the discourse paragraph). The turning point came when I made the conscious decision to remove overly flowery or complex language from my introductions. By simplifying my intro and focusing on clarity, I was finally able to complete a full AC response in around 40 minutes.
Advice:Focus first on confidently analysing and understanding text features before worrying about shaving minutes off your writing time. With enough practice, you’ll be well-prepared to meet the timing requirements of the VCE English Language Exam.
Writing the Introduction in the AC
Your AC introduction must concisely address all relevant sociolinguistic variables. This includes:
- The mode and field/subject matter (situational context)
- Cultural context (if applicable)
- The functions and social purposes of the text
- An assertion of the register
Useful Acronym: FFARMSSCT
- Function
- Field (semantic domain)
- Audience (be specific; include relationship dynamics)
- Register
- Mode
- Social purpose/intent
- Setting
- Cultural context
- Tenor
Step-by-Step Example: Westpac Advertisement
1.Introduce setting, mode, and subject matter:
This is a written advertisement from Westpac’s promotional campaign, published in the Herald Sun newspaper.
2.Introduce function and audience:
The text has a primary conative function aimed at persuading potential Australian customers to subscribe to Westpac’s financial services. It also serves to apprise Australians of Westpac’s longstanding support for national development.
3.Introduce social purpose (SP):
By extension, Westpac uplifts its positive face needs by presenting itself as genuine, reliable, and uncomplicated. The ad also fosters national solidarity by highlighting the Australian ethos of mutual support.
4.Introduce register and reason behind it:
Couched in a conversational tone, the advert adopts a moderately informal register to humanise its brand and position itself as a friendly and trustworthy financial partner.
Full Intro Example:
This is a written advertisement from Westpac’s promotional campaign, published in the Herald Sun newspaper. The text has a primary conative function in persuading potential Australian customers to subscribe to Westpac’s financial services. The advert also functions to apprise Australians of Westpac’s enduring support in the upbringing of Australia as a nation. By extension, Westpac uplifts its positive face needs by presenting itself as reliable and uncomplicated, rather than a financial behemoth. Furthermore, the advert fosters national solidarity amongst Australians in recognising their deep-seated inclination to ‘have each other's backs.’ Couched in a conversational tone, Westpac adopts a relatively informal register to humanise its image as a genuine ally in allaying financial burdens of everyday citizens.
Additional Tips for Writing an AC Introduction
- Use additive or connective conjunctions to maintain cohesion. Phrases like "by extension," "on a broader canvas," or "on a deeper level" show nuanced comprehension.
- Your aim is to tick all the boxes for the examiner. Prioritise clarity over flair.
- Avoid overly complex or flashy expressions in the intro; they tend to waste precious exam time.
Body Paragraph Structure in the Analytical Commentary
Your body paragraphs should be a structured combination of sociolinguistic variables and language subsystems. Always ensure that contextual factors—both situational and cultural—are woven naturally into your analysis.
Suggested Structure Using TEEL:
- Topic sentence
- Evidence – detailed example with metalanguage (ML)
- Elaborate – explain stylistic effect
- Link – back to paragraph’s main idea (register, function, social purpose) and mention context
Use as much metalanguage as possible and develop ideas step by step—avoid cramming too many points into a single sentence. Each figurative or stylistic example deserves focused elaboration.
Example: Register Paragraph (Step-by-Step)
Topic sentence:
Numerous lexical and syntactic features coalesce to support the moderately formal register expected in a parliamentary setting.
First feature + ML + effect + link:
Elevated lexis is evident in polysyllabic adverbials like "unreservedly" (line 5), the premodifying adjective "anodyne" (line 7), and Latinate noun "referendum" (line 9). These contribute to a dignified tone and bolster the speaker’s ministerial authority.
Second feature:
The formality is further enhanced by the use of nominalisation (e.g., "retribution" (line 8), "suspension" (11), and "adulation" (14)). This grammatical construction replaces active voice with abstract nouns, giving the speech an air of objective detachment. It also enables the speaker to express politically sensitive ideas with diplomatic precision.
Final linking sentence:
While instances of self-deprecating informality soften the tone and appeal to audience rapport, the overall formal register strengthens the speech’s social purpose of maintaining political credibility and authority.
Notes on Specificity in Elaboration
Always anchor your stylistic analysis to situational context. Recycled, overly generalised elaborations often weaken the argument. The key is to adapt your metalanguage insights to the unique context of each text.
Examples (illustrative):
- Long pauses manifest a tentative tone, expected when navigating the taboo subject of European colonisation.
- Elongation in the interjection "yeahhh" reflects engagement and addresses the speaker’s positive face needs.
- Proper nouns like "XYZ" instil an authoritative tone and elevate credibility, reinforcing the political context.
- Compound-complex sentences add lexical density, allowing nuanced ideas about workplace reforms to be conveyed.
Special Considerations for the Spoken AC
The spoken AC asks you to draw broad conclusions about interactional dynamics and back them with conversational features and metalanguage evidence. In addition to discussing social purpose and register, focus on the following:
- Relationship
- Cooperativeness
- Power
- Role
- Tenor
Clarifying Power vs Role:
- Power refers to control of the conversation—the topic manager or dominant voice (e.g. interviewer).
- Role refers to the social or communicative position in the exchange—main speaker vs auxiliary/supportive participant.
Example: 2019 VCAA Spoken AC (Relationship Focus)
The relationship between speakers D and H reflects close social proximity, marked by mutual solidarity and rapport. For instance, K’s declarative "snacking is not a vice" directly challenges H’s earlier statement without softening devices. This suggests trust in their shared closeness to withstand disagreement.
Further, H frequently mirrors K’s language—echoing "friyay" (lines 10,11) and "we’ve got a revelation" (20), "gotta revelation" (21). Such echoing affirms solidarity and validates shared views. H also uses a hyperbolic, self-inclusive declarative "Hughesy and Kate are linguistic geniuses" (8), which includes the affectionate hypocorism "Hughesy" to reinforce positive face.
ESSAY GUIDE
The essay was my favourite section of the VCE English language exam, as unlike the uncertainty which shrouds SAQ and AC components, I found the essay to have a formulaic pathway to success that rewarded preparation.With polished media examples, one can enter an essay SAC and the exam with confidence. Essay preparation was also diverting, as it provided an avenue to explore various domains of Australian media, politics and social issues, a privilege scarcely afforded during the cloistered year 12. However, like many,I neglected my accumulation of media examples until rather late in the year, necessitating undue effort in semester 2 to equip myself for SACs/exams.
General advice
- Read essay topics in reading time- decide which to write about + 3paras.
- Try to complete the essay in under 55 minutes.
- Should incorporate at least 2 linguist quotes in essay (can even have 1 per paragraph)
- Must plan the essay before commencing- so as to avoid mind block/irrevocable mistake.
- New study design 2024 word limit for essay- 700-900 words (slightly shorter than previously)
- Must remember to implement stimulus material at least once.
- I urge you to continue to collate examples even if an essay SAC isn’t looming.
- Share media examples with friends or in a discussion space - the examples you gain will far outweigh the likelihood of your example diminishing in quality due to overuse.
How to prepare
- CME (contemporary media example- should be within 12-14 months of the final VCE English language exam, but VCAA have only stipulated ‘examples must be recent’) folio.Should have close to 30 examples total- around 20-25 examples will constitute10 strong, exam-adequate paragraphs, with the remaining (lower quality) to be used as safety nets, in the case of curveball topic set. There is a general priority of topics, which should guide your choice of prompt on the day.
- Quote bank- judiciously select quotes pertinent and pithy, to be used for each topic adaption- do not waste time memorising more than 9-10 (I have many quotes to provide). The best quotes are descriptive/flowery/metaphorical + unique. DO NOT overuse quotes, instead use your own voice- the quote should complement your discussion.
- Memorise your best essay examples (roughly 9-10 paras) +elaborations rigorously, then gain a decent recall of those remaining.
Priority of topics.
- Social harmony/discriminatory language/ face needs
- PC language/taboo/excessive PC
- Standard vs non-standard topics.
- Formal/informal,Aboriginal English, ethnolects
- language change, spoken vs written, technology
More specific
- I suggest 2 examples + thoroughly detailed elaboration per paragraph- 3 becomes problematic with timing, and tends to induce unnecessary overlap/repetition of ideas.
- Each example within a paragraph ideally explains the contention from a unique perspective. A weak paragraph will have 2 examples on gender-neutral language, both bolstering a contention of PC language promoting inclusivity. A strong paragraph may include gender neutral language, as well as culturally accommodating language OR lexis surrounding disabilities.
- 700-900 words total, aim for around 250 per paragraph, 100-120intro, 50-80 conclusion- NOTE this is shorter than previously, hence VCAA desires the utmost brevity of expression- conciseness is imperative.
On selecting essay topics
Regardless of its difficulty, you should choose the topic that allows you to bring out your best examples with outstanding elaboration/analyses. There may be overlapping themes between all three topics so you need to choose which of the three could enable you to maximise the number of ‘quality’ examples.
Quality of media examples
- Should be recent (roughly between nov 2023- nov 2024)
- Must be Australian.
- Must have the potential for metalanguage analysis.
- Should be unique and interesting- avoid trite examples- for example the examiner’s are inundated every year with examples of medical/legal jargon
- Example quotes should be self-condensed- avoid lengthy quotes.
Stimulus material engagement
VCAA stipulates reference to at least one stimulus provided. The stimulus is provided to provoke thought and give you some basic ideas as to what can be incorporated into the essay.
- Without this material, students could simply regurgitate an entirely pre-written essay.
- I advise to only use one- any more hints at a lack of examples at your disposal, and an over-reliance on stimulus material + you offer nothing novel/ of interest to examiners.
- Easiest way is no doubt to implement one of the quotes given-
- Stimulus material can also be paraphrased, and it is not required to cite ‘stimulus b’ for example.
e.g it may be a description of jargon, or a characterisation of non-standard English, or even tendentious epithets used in Australian slang.
Planning approach during VCE English language exam
After selecting the most fruitful essay prompt, it is important to carefully view the stimuli, to both gauge VCAA’s demands of you in analysing the topic AND validate your own preconceptions of the topic/intended pathways for discussion.
1. What does the question entail?
2.After viewing the stimulus material, do you have anymore to add on your original ideas/examples or do you need to change plans?
3.When planning (2 minutes in writing time), summarise the theme of each body paragraph in a few words and write these keywords down.
4.Under each theme, dot point 2-3 contemporary media examples that you have prepared OR the name of a full paragraph prepared.
Introduction Structure:
- You may begin with a linguist quote that broadly encompasses the essay theme, preferably a unique quote.
- Signpost 3 body paragraphs neatly and succinctly.
- State contention with clarity.
It is important to also consider the order of paragraphs
That is, you should bundle concording perspectives together. Discordant views cannot be interweaved, as the essay would be convoluted, lacking cogency and harder for the examiner to follow.
If you decide on two affirmative and one negative paragraph- then order is
- Affirmative
- Affirmative
- Negative
Conclusion
Briefly summarise contention- nothing too fancy- time is scarce at this point.
Can close by offering a parting food for thought- more philosophical approach.
Exam-specific advice
- Develop a method to highlight/annotate features during the exam. After reading time, I would immediately circle/highlight the most important features that I could not afford to forget.
- Be discerning about which features you try to locate during reading time. DO NOT waste time scanning the text for ubiquitous and general features such as those supporting register and discourse. These features can be found during writing time with ease. Instead, during reading time, try to find features bolstering function and social purpose, as well as pertinent links to cultural context.
- Decide on the order in which you complete each section and stick with it. There is no ‘right order’, however some may work better for you than others. I personally completed the SAQ first, then the essay, then the AC.Here’s why:
● The SAQ is easy in comparison to section 2 and 3, so treat it as a warmup.
● If you run out of time at the end, an unfinished AC is far less noticeable than an unfinished essay
● If you have spare time at the end, an AC may be added to further, whereas an essay (having a conclusion) is more or less complete.
● The essay requires memorisation of quotes/examples, and as such I preferred completing it as soon as possible.