2019 VCE CASHLESS TRANSACTION ARGUMENTS
In her article, “A better, faster, shopping experience”, Ms Hailey Astaire, Manager of Hailey’s Local Store, seeks to justify their initiative to introduce a “cashless” shopping experience. She provides several reasons, all of which circulate around her concept of superior customer service. Her main purpose is to reassure customers and to encourage them to support the “easier, faster and safer” shopping experience.
In their 2019 VCE English examination report, the assessors remind students that they must analyse the arguments and the language used. “Students needed to focus on the ways in which each writer structured and sequenced their arguments and carefully used language to persuade their readers”. … “Taking the next step to analyse how this argument function was a challenge for many students” … Their capacity to comment on language use in context was also strong.” (VCAA, Examination Report)
The key to analysing, rather than paraphrasing and listing, is to link the key techniques with the author’s viewpoints and to engage with the nuances of word choices. Another trick is to construct your sentences with an emphasis on analysis, embedding metalanguage along the way. (Using smart non-finite clauses is a good start.)
Some further tips:
You will need to write two paragraphs elaborating upon Ms Astaire’s views and her argument and persuasive techniques. One paragraph will incorporate the image. The trick is to make sure that these two paragraphs are sufficiently different – that they highlight two different points so that your paragraph – techniques, words and impacts/positioning tactics – do not repeat each other or overlap.
- Which points? How will you structure your piece for the best possible outcome? How should I incorporate the image?
There are the usual “technique/props” scattered throughout – inclusive language, statistics, expert opinion, real-life examples – but you must contextualise these techniques around two key viewpoints.
- How can you ensure that you are not technique listing? It is important to take a “holistic” approach so that you can do a smart job with the author’s positioning tactics. What should you focus on?
You must avoid summarising Ms Astaire’s views. To do this, you must use analytical terms and embed your metalanguage in a skilful manner. Which terms could you use?
- How do you ensure that you unpack key word choices/techniques and examine the positioning tactics? Do not keep flitting from one to the other without some systematic analysis.
You must also use your comparative metalanguage. A smart and skilful comparison will earn you marks. What is the best way to set up your comparison?
There is much to consider and you only have 60 minutes! Here’s how.
Please see our Extended List of Suggested Responses: VCAA English Exams
