Personal voice can be defined as how your writing comes off. There is not one step to personal voice - rather, it is a process that you adopt whilst writing. This process will naturally reflect your perspective, values and take on the question. This becomes especially necessary in module B and C, where higher marks require your personal voice to shine through. 

‍

That being said, actionable steps to develop this voice can appear abstract. Here are 3 most efficient tips to bolster the personal voice in your HSC work! 

‍

What are your values and perspectives? 

Everyone has a personal voice. When you say you do not have one, it is more likely that you have not reflected on what it could be. Questions to prompt reflection include: 

• What do I think of value X in question/text? 
• Do I embody value X in my life? 
• What is my opinion on (issue in text)? 
• What was the author trying to tell me about this value? 

‍

It helps to imagine these scenarios in reality, and not to dismiss them as fiction. After all, textual representations are reflections of reality! Clearing up what you believe in and what you do not enables a greater appreciation for what the question is prompting. By seeing that the question is giving you space for your personal take, you can have room to expand and let your personal voice shine through! 

‍

What is your take on this question? 

There is no one right way to answer an English question. As long as the evidence is substantiated, and you engage with what the question asks, you can get full marks. With this in mind, think about your honest feelings towards this question and not what you think would make a good answer. Then, work to integrate what evidence you have to develop your line of argument. 

‍

NESA markers have to shift through hundreds of papers a day. The same stock response will be very obvious to them, and it can even give away that you have written an unadapted essay to the question! Showing that you are original in your thinking (in a substantiated manner) and you will see many benefits for the appeal of your essay!

‍

Which adjectives and qualifying verbs should you use? 

Think of your feelings about a character in your prescribed text. Do you think you could handle them in real life? If they were somehow adapted to a modern version, what values would they have? 

‍

For example, we can take Hotspur from King Henry IV part 1. When I consumed the play, I liked his ambitious nature, and I can really see myself in his company. However, as I went through the play, I found that he sacrificed too much for honour to my liking. I found that he became increasingly quixotic, and overly ambitious to the point of it being his hamartia. Essentially, he gets increasingly insufferable to me as the play progresses. 

‍

From this reflection of mine, I can take the adjectives and verbs I would use to describe him and frame that through the analysis of the play. Through this, I'm able to embed a personal response through a critical framework! Work to actively engage with the characters, even if you do not appreciate the play. You will find that your personal voice can shine through, whether you like or not like the text!

‍

Found this resource helpful? Reach out to Concept at https://www.concepteducation.com.au/enquire or email us at admin@concepteducation.com.au - we're always happy to flesh out your personal voice with you!