What is the difference between Advanced English and Standard English?

Advanced and Standard English exhibit dissimilar scaling for HSC and ATAR, with Advanced English bearing higher scaling. It engages in a more 'critical' analysis and composition as compared to Standard English. The most pivotal differentiation between the two lies in the complexity and intricacy of texts, their analysis, linguistic nuances, and underlying meanings.

While texts explored in Standard English are characterised by straightforward comprehension and analysis, Advanced English texts necessitate deeper scrutiny due to their intricate ideas.

Selecting the Appropriate English Course

The decision carries immense weight, as it holds the potential to significantly influence your ATAR and university admissions. When faced with the choice between Standard and Advanced, several factors warrant consideration:

1. University prerequisites – Does your desired university program need a completion of Advanced English?
2. Course particulars – Are there commonalities in content between your desired university course and English Advanced? If so, choosing English Advanced may be to your advantage in the future. 
3. Depth of literary comprehension – Can you analyse a text to unveil its deeper layers of meaning, or do you merely interpret it at surface level?
4. Investment of study time – Are you able to dedicate substantial time and effort to mastering Advanced English and crafting essays? If not, Standard English might be a more suitable option.

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Module by module differences between Standard and Advanced English: 

1. Common Module: Texts and Human Experiences (same for both modules)

This module, as per the name, is the same for both Standard and Advanced English. The content aligns in both courses, differing mainly in the complexity of questions in Paper 1. 

2. Module A

For English Standard, Module A focuses on ‘Language, Identity and Culture’, examining how language shapes identity, whereas for English Advanced ‘Textual Conversations’, students undertake the comparative study of two prescribed texts. 

3. Module B

Regarding Module B, the ‘Close Study of Literature’ module for English Standard, involves one close study of a prescribed text. On the other hand, for English Advanced, the ‘Critical Study of Literature’ module delves into the critical analysis of the prescribed text’s construction, context, language, ideas etc. 

4. Module C: The Craft of Writing 

This module is also common amongst those studying Standard and Advanced English. It focuses on the creation of imaginative, discursive or persuasive texts, along with reflections on the writing process. 

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Transitioning from Junior to Senior English

A common query posed by students is, "How does Junior English (Grades 7-10) differ from Senior English (Grades 11-12)?"

Each year, English becomes progressively more challenging, exposing students to intricate texts and techniques that yield deeper meanings. The transition involves a shift toward analytical and critical responses to prescribed texts. In earlier years, the emphasis lies on grasping plot, characters, and themes, while Senior English places greater focus on themes, values, context, and contemporary societal relevance.

Guidelines to Excel in Senior English

As mentioned earlier, English is pivotal yet often intimidating. Students tend to become demotivated and curtail efforts in studying the subject. The ensuing guidelines are instrumental for how to study for English Standard or Advanced and excel in examinations:

• Regular Study Timetable 

Given the priority of English in exams, early and thorough content and quote memorisation are imperative.

Frequent study sessions ensure comprehensive content retention, allowing time for practice questions and past papers. A well-structured study timetable proves invaluable.

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• Deconstruct and Memorise the Syllabus

Effective responses hinge on understanding the syllabus and its rubric statements. Thus, breaking down each rubric, defining terms within the module and practising with implementing such terms in your responses, will ensure optimal results.

Examiners craft questions closely aligned with the rubric. Mastery of these rubrics maximises scores.

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• Grasp Text Values and Themes

Distinguishing between themes and values is crucial. Identifying them in prescribed texts shapes essay responses. In your analysis, make sure that you have unpacked the text’s key notions, contextual values and concerns along with the aspects of form and language. 

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• Utilise Graphic Organisers or PEEL/QTE/TEE Tables

Organisers and tables streamline quote analysis, minimising memorization. They bolster confidence when answering questions. These also allow for a more adaptable approach to unseen HSC questions, as you gain a holistic understanding of the text. 

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• Practice Extensively

Practice cultivates excellence. Consistent engagement with past papers and practice questions builds confidence. Dissect questions to answer effectively and try crafting essay scaffolds to answer a range of questions. 

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Want to discuss the next step? Reach out to Concept at https://www.concepteducation.com.au/enquire or email us at admin@concepteducation.com.au - we're always happy to help!

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