English Language Resources

Using Metalanguage across the subsystems

“The metalanguage is a tool rather than an end it itself.”  “Students are not expected to define the metalanguage terms, but rather to use them appropriately in describing and analysing language in an objective and a systematic way.”  (VCAA: “Frequently asked questions.”)

1. The role of subsystems.
2. Practice writing sentences using metalanguage :
   1. See Example: Age Editorial.
   2. Another Example re commentary writing and sentences and metalanguage
   3. Let’s get going: some everyday practice
3. At the basis of Units 1 – 4 is a knowledge of metalanguage and the sub–systems
4. Please download a Summary List of the Metalanguage that you need to know
5. Practice using metalanguage: see the Overview: metalanguage
6. Please see Subsystems, Metalanguage and linguistic features 
7. Commentaries: structure and a variety of tasks
8. Return to: Overview and Summary Page.