VCE English Language Units 3/4 - Interactive Course

Attached to this lecture is the complete metalanguage list for VCE English Language Units 3/4! Don’t worry if you don’t know them yet, just make a conscious effort to learn bit by bit and solidify this knowledge by including them in your essay responses.

In this lecture, I go through all of the metalinguistic terms needed for phonology with definitions and examples! Be sure to download the lecture resources too!

In this lecture, I go through all of the metalinguistic terms needed for morphology and lexicology with definitions and examples! Be sure to download the lecture resources too!

In this lecture, I go through all of the metalinguistic terms needed for syntax with definitions and examples! Be sure to download the lecture resources too!

In this lecture, I go through all of the metalinguistic terms needed for discourse with definitions and examples! Be sure to download the lecture resources too!

In this lecture, I go through all of the metalinguistic terms needed for semantics with definitions and examples! Be sure to download the lecture resources too!

As part of the update to the study design in 2016, VCAA has added a new category to the metalanguage list: other metalanguage. These terms are not confined to one subsystem; rather, they often overlap into other subsystems.

Many students tell me that they're confused about the differences between these two terms! I hope to demystify this in this lecture.

In this lecture I look at the type of registers a text may use, and how to describe the register of a text in an analytical commentary!

What exactly is economisation of speech? To economise means to avoid wasting something, and in speech we avoid wasting time! So in this lecture I look at the ways we save time when we speak.

In this video, I do my best to explain the differences between slang and colloquialisms and give a few examples. I also talk about swearing and the various functions (purposes) it serves.

In this lecture I look at the general features of speech, and we also go into detail on what each of these features are.

What exactly are conversational strategies? We use them more often than you may think. Conversational strategies are literally strategies that aid us in our conversational with another person. This lecture includes explanations on adjacency pairs, topic management and minimal responses.

In this lecture, I look at the various floor-holding strategies that one may use when wishing to maintain hold of the floor (i.e. the position in the conversation). There are three main floor-holding strategies that one may use.

In this lecture, we look at the definitions of both positive and negative face needs. We also look at the various politeness strategies for both positive and negative face needs.

In this lecture I look at the informal syntactic features, which will come handy when completing short answer questions and an informal analytical commentary. I tell you exactly what to look for with regards to syntax.

In this lecture, I look at the main features of informal text, in a concise summary sheet!

COMPLETE NOTES FOR UNIT 3 AREA-OF-STUDY 1!

In this document, I outline exactly what formal language is and its relevant purposes and features!

In this lecture I look at the formal syntactic features, which will come handy when completing short answer questions and a formal analytical commentary. I tell you exactly what to look for with regards to syntax.

Semantics and stylistic devices always confuse students! In this lecture we explain what these are, and why they are used! Did you know that the brand 'Coca Cola' makes use of a stylistic device?

Lexical choice (or word choice) is the most important sign regarding the formality or informality of a text. In lecture I look at the types of word choices and how these contribute to the formality or informality of a text.

In this video, I explain to you the key differences between coherence and cohesion. Yes, there is a distinct difference! Also find attached to this lecture the coherence/cohesion features sheet.

Information flow is concerned with the structural features of sequences within larger texts: how we go about packaging our messages to create cohesion. In this lecture I look at the various types of information flow - this lecture is a MUST!

In this lecture I thoroughly explain what euphemisms and dysphemisms are, and what their purpose is in a text.

In this lecture, I touch on the topics of sexism and racism. I look at the ways that sexism and racism is still rampant in our society.

In this lecture I look at the definition of Political Correctness (or PC), and even how PC has been counter-intuitive in some cases!

In this document, I show you an A+ response for a formal language essay topic. I'd recommend you print this out and go through it meticulously!

COMPLETE NOTES FOR UNIT 3 AREA-OF-STUDY 2! Also be sure to download the additional resources attached to this lecture on formal language (obfuscation, clarification & PC).

In this lecture I look at all of the features of Australian English. This includes lexical, grammatical, phonological and so forth. This lecture is a MUST!

In this lecture, I go through the key themes and ideas regarding the development of Australian English - including Australian cultural values, and sociocultural and historical influences. This lecture is a must!

In this document, I look at the various Australian cultural values and how this is reflected in our lexicon.

In this lecture I look at the varying attitudes to Australian English, and I also observe how the attitude towards Australian English has gradually increased in positivity when compared with the past.

In this lecture I look at all of the variations in Australian English. Despite Australia being relatively homogenous, there are still some minor variations. This includes lexical, grammatical, phonological and so forth. This lecture is a MUST!

In this lecture I look at the social and ethnic variation in Australian society and these influences on Australian English.

In this lecture I look at the topic of Aboriginal English. I look at how Aboriginal English is relatively different in comparison to Australian English, and is different on many levels.

It is no secret that America has had an influential impact on Australian English, especially in the face of globalisation. In this lecture I observe the ways American English has had an impact on Australian English and the reactions to this.

In this lecture, I have attached a completed A+ essay response on Australian identity with annotations! Please take the time to read through this essay response thoroughly and in detail.

In this document, I outline a study plan for you to follow for Unit 4 AOS 1!

COMPLETE NOTES FOR UNIT 4 AREA-OF-STUDY 1! I have also attached recommended links for reading. I highly recommend you read all the links I have attached, it will definitely help you in your essays! Be sure to click on 'external links'.

The words we use, the way we use grammar, the communication patterns we employ all reveal many things about us. In this lecture I look at how we construct our social identity through the language we use.

In this lecture I look at how the different genders use language and what this reflects about them.

In this lecture, I look at the variations between the generations and how language changes between these generations.

In this lecture, I demystify the differences between slang and jargon as well as the similarities.

It is no mystery that internet users write and communicate different when compared to the offline mode. In this lecture I look at how people communicate differently online and what this reveals about their identity.

In this lecture, I present to you an A+ response for an essay on social identities (including gender, generation and occupation). Download and highlight quotes you like. Enjoy!

COMPLETE NOTES FOR UNIT 4 AREA-OF-STUDY 2!

Ever struggled with short answer questions? Did you know that, yes, there is a structure to these answers too! Learn how to by reading this document.

There are five formal practice pieces within this document for short answer questions. In addition, feel free to use these pieces as practice for writing an analytical commentary! Please find the answers attached to this lecture!

There are few informal practice pieces within this document for short answer questions. In addition, feel free to use these pieces as practice for writing an analytical commentary!

Are you struggling with how to structure an informal analytical commentary? Did you know there is a structure to follow that will ensure exam success? Watch this lecture, and ensure you also download the supplementary material!

Please download a copy of these notes - this is the official informal analytical commentary structure that I recommend you use whenever you write an informal analytical commentary!

Are you struggling with how to structure a formal analytical commentary? Did you know there is a structure to follow that will ensure exam success? Watch this lecture, and ensure you also download the supplementary material!

Please download a copy of these notes - this is the official formal analytical commentary structure that I recommend you use whenever you write an formal analytical commentary!

In this lecture I demystify the infamous introduction. Students always seem to have troubles with this, so this lecture will definitely help you out! Please also download the lecture notes.

In this lecture, I look at the body paragraphs of an analytical commentary and how to write them. Ensure you download the supplementary material!

Now that you've got the structure, introduction and paragraphs in place, we can now look at different and useful topic sentences for each paragraph. Be sure to download this document.

In this lecture, I show you what an analytical commentary actually looks like, and how to structure it too. I highly recommend you download these notes and see how the structure works. The analysed piece (a website article), from which this commentary was written, is attached to the lecture notes!

In this lecture, I present to you a formal analytical commentary on the MCG policies document. Please click on 'View Resources' to see the actual MCG policies document.

In this lecture, I present to you an A+ response analysing the 2012 spoken mode transcript. You may find this text online on the VCAA site. Please see the resources section for this link!

In this document are many practice analytical commentary pieces, from which you can write your analysis. The types of text range from a spoken transcript to social commentaries and newspaper articles. I highly recommend you download and print these out, and highlight the important features of each text. Then, after you complete the annotations, write your complete analytical commentary using the provided structure.

Sometimes teachers may ask you to write a comparative analytical commentary - what this means is you'll compare two texts in terms of register, social purposes, audience and so forth. Here is an example text you can use. I'd also highly recommend familiarising yourself about the context of North and South Korea (if you don't already know!). 

You can find the answer for the South Korean text attached to this lecture as an additional resource.

In this introductory video, I demystify the structure of an essay (briefly!). Please also see the next lecture with the complete essay structure for you to download and use.

Have you ever struggled with essays? This structure will help you to craft the most organised essay ever!

In this lecture, I will dissect an A+ essay and show you how this was achieved, and I will also correspond the essay with the essay structure to show you how the structure matches up with the essay. Ensure you download the supplementary materials.

Linking words, as you may or may not know, create cohesion in a text (i.e. they help the flow). So I show you a list of linking words that will help create flow in your essays or responses.

How do you weave in examples or evidence without it not flowing into the essay paragraph? In this lecture, I show you exactly how to weave in your examples, quotations and evidence.

In this document, I provide you with a vast array of A+ essays, and the relevant essay topics for each. I highly recommend you read over each essay within this document. You can also find other sample A+ essays under the respective AOS sections above. Please also see attached files for more essays.

Now it's your turn! Practice your skills by completing any of these essay questions. Once completed, send me a message letting me know you've completed the practice question and I will send you the matching response and you can check it against yours! Don't cheat either!

This document contains what I believe is the most complete list of quotations for all of the major topics for Units 3/4. Feel free to use them in your essays and other responses. Also, ensure you update the list regularly with your own example quotations by observing the media and other real-life examples. Please see additional resources for the COMPLETE UNIT 4 quotes list & Unit 3 quotes list.

I've attached a neat collection of articles for annotation and to include these quotes in your essay. Most of these articles are from 2015 and would still be relevant for 2019 and beyond!

I regularly contribute articles to VCEStudyGuides.com and in 2015 I wrote many articles, which I have compiled here into one single file. Please take the time to go through these articles and highlight any key ideas and quotes. Many of these articles and ideas discussed are still very relevant for 2019.

In this article, I provide you with the link to my list of articles that I have created and published on LearnMate.com.au (mainly from 2016 and 2017).