Hsc English (advanced) Module B: Critical Study T.S. Eliot

What does the syllabus say? This module requires students to engage with and develop an informed personal understanding of their prescribed text. Through critical analysis and evaluation of its language, content and construction, students will develop an appreciation of the textual integrity of the text. They refine their own understanding and interpretations of the prescribed text and critically consider these in the light of the perspectives of others. Students explore how context influences their own and other’ responses to the text and how the text has been received and valued. (English Stage 6 Syllabus, pg. 52)

Translation of the syllabus-speak This module is going to test your ability to analyse texts and get you to work on developing your independent thought. The ability to regurgitate information WILL NOT be rewarded in this module! You will need to make up your own mind about what the text means and what it implies.

What the heck is ‘textual integrity’? “students will develop an appreciation of the textual integrity of the text…” The Board of Studies defines ‘textual integrity’ as “the unity of a text; its coherent use of form and language to produce an integrated whole in terms of meaning and value.” WHAT? So, you need to show how all the different parts of the text (style, form, language techniques, characterisation) work together to form meaning. You know how there are students who try to get away with just memorising a few choice quotes in their essays and not really knowing the whole text? Yeah, that’s not going to work here.

Marker’s comments Because the prescriptions are new in 2015, there is no marker feedback as you will be the first year group doing the paper! Lucky you. ☺ Here are some choice quotes that still relate to doing poetry for Critical Study of Texts: “In better responses, candidates skilfully argued…” “Better responses tended to be well integrated, with carefully analysed textual references and a perceptive understanding of poetic techniques.”

The exam question The exam question for this Module is likely to be the nastiest because you don’t need any related texts – they know everything you are supposed to have studied and they can get pretty specific – both in terms of the question and which of the poems they ask you to talk about. You cannot approach this Module by simply memorising a prepared essay. You must be extremely well prepared and flexible enough to model your thesis to answer the question asked of you.

Your plan of attack for module b… Know your texts inside out and back to front Show a detailed and appreciative understanding of the texts when you write about them Consider the changing values of the texts to different audiences in different contexts Develop thesis statements that actually answer the question Demonstrate a personal and critical engagement with the text, not just knowledge of what other people have said about it Show understanding and appreciation of language forms and their role in shaping meaning