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VICEnglishQuick questions
Unit 2: Reading and exploring texts and Exploring argument
Quick questions on Vocabulary, text structures and language features in a Unit 2 set text: VCE English Year 11
12short Q&A pairs drawn directly from our worked dot-point answer. For full context and worked exam questions, read the parent dot-point page.
What is vocabulary?Show answer
Specific word choices the writer makes. Each word is one of many possible; choosing this one rather than another is doing work.
What is text structures?Show answer
The shape of the text as a whole and of its parts.
What is language features?Show answer
The texture of the prose itself.
What is how the craft layers work together?Show answer
A Year 11 reading should show how the three layers work together to position the reader.
What is the metalanguage Year 11 students should command?Show answer
Generic terms (technique, device, method) signal Year 10 plateau. Specific terms lift Year 11 responses toward Band 6.
What is effect on the reader?Show answer
For each craft choice, name the effect on the reader. Generic effects ("the reader feels sympathetic") signal lower-band response. Specific effects argue what the reader is positioned to feel, think, doubt, or accept.
What is common errors?Show answer
Generic metalanguage. "The author uses techniques" carries no analytical weight. Replace with specific terms.
What is generic metalanguage?Show answer
"The author uses techniques" carries no analytical weight. Replace with specific terms.
What is listing without effect?Show answer
Naming five features in a paragraph without arguing each's effect is technique-spotting.
What is plot summary masquerading as analysis?Show answer
Retelling a scene is not analysing how the scene is constructed.
What is reading the writer as if a real person?Show answer
"The author wants us to feel..."
What is misnamed features?Show answer
Calling a metaphor a simile, or focalisation a "perspective". Use precise terms.