I once heard someone compare HSC® Exam English to the Hunger Games – overwhelming, entirely unpredictable and full of elements that are constantly changing. This feeling is certainly understandable, and it’s not as uncommon as one might think. As a veteran of the HSC® Exam English Advanced course, I can remember an abundance of times when I felt like it would be much easier to throw in the towel. Ahh, essay-free bliss and a life free from critical analysis… Wouldn’t that be great?
While one might want that state of freedom, there IS a reason you are still committed to this subject. Just think of that ATAR and how it’ll pay off. Today, I hope this post will also allow you to see that there is one component of the English HSC® Exam curriculum that can be mastered before the final exam. It’s such a quick step that so many people overlook it, and neglect this area of exam preparation. And that step is (drumroll please)…..essay structure! I encourage you to consider the value in this, as it can often be the one step that will allow you to jump to a band 6 response if practiced well. It can deepen your analysis, allow you to write with a clear head space during a time constraint, and provide you a clear starting point to write out a succinct answer.
From experience, one of the most effective structures for organising a paragraph is:
- P- Point
- E- Example
- T- Technique
- A - Analysis
- L- Link
There are certain variations to this, be it PEEL or STEEL. It might even be confusing if you’ve been given structures from different people. Just keep in mind, as long as you write your essay with the fundamental components, you can create the structure that works for you best. A typical band 6 essay will always have these fundamental parts:
- A clear statement. Related to your overall essay thesis. (Point)
- Utilise evidence from the text (Example)
- State which literary device is used (Technique)
- Must critically analyse (Analysis)
- Relate to the question (Link)
Below is an example paragraph utilising the PETAL technique.
Question: How may one argue Hamlet is a product of his society?
Shakespeare's exploration of human flaws, particularly in his character Hamlet, is an aspect that contributes to the play's textual integrity
(Point). This is evident in Hamlet’s soliloquy: “Oh thee solid flesh should melt, thaw and resolve itself into a dew”
(Example). Hamlet’s soliloquy is filled with poisonous imagery
(Technique), and Shakespeare utilises these literary devices to reinforce the corruption within Denmark. Audiences yearn to see the noble prince overcome his flaws and survive amongst his corrupted society
(Analysis). However, even as Hamlet actively tries to maintain his honestly and morality, he eventually becomes a product of his rotten society, succumbing to the deception around him
(Link).
PETAL is used in your body paragraphs only. This means, your essay would look like:
Intro
PETAL
PETAL
PETAL
PETAL
Conclusion
I would recommend that employ this structure when you practice writing essays. Practice integrating the structure, then practice again under exam conditions. Allow it to become ingrained. Find a previous HSC
® Exam question, employ the structure, and see how it can provide you a way to grab you some higher marks.
Now, you may be wondering – HOW does this help me get a Band 6 essay response?
Firstly, by immediately having a clear paragraph structure, you’ve already got a starting point in exam conditions even before you know the question. Having a structure gives you an essay plan before you begin, and it also prevents you from being verbose and writing ‘filler’ sentences. By sticking to PETAL, you include what’s necessary, you’re directly answering the question, and your line of thought is extremely clear to the marker.
Give PETAL a shot, and if you feel inclined, ask your teacher what they think about a practice paragraph you’ve written. They will be able to provide you with some feedback as to whether your analysis is deepening and your argument is clear.
Good luck, and may the odds be ever in your favour.
Calling all Year 11 HSC® Exam students – want to get a head start on your year 12 HSC
® Exam English? Join our experienced HSC
® Exam English tutor
Sian Pannach next week
Monday 3rd of October @ 7pm on GradReady’s
HSC Prep GradReady Facebook page for a live and
FREE HSC® Exam English seminar covering everything you need to know to excel in year 12. Just like our Facebook page,
HSC Prep GradReady, and come back next Monday at 7pm to tune into the seminar.
