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“Write an analytical commentary on the language features of Text 2. In your response you should comment on the: contextual factors affecting or surrounding the text; social purpose and register of the text; stylistic and discourse features of the text.” Please see a sample commentary
Tips and practice tasks.
- A smarter way to write commentaries: see “tips” for writing the commentary.
- A simple and effective structure: writing a commentary
Based on VCAA English Language Exams
Formal texts (spoken)
- 2020: WorkSafe Victoria job advertisement
- 2018: VCAA English 2018 Exam (Sir Peter Cosgrove/ Australian Citizenship ceremony/speech) (representation of Australian identity)
- 2017 VCAA Tim Minchin’s acceptance Logie speech
- 2016: VCAA : ABC Breakfast Show Interview of Ladies in Black (Emma Alberici)
- 2014: VCAA 2014: ABC Broadcast (coverage) of the Royal Navy Fleet Review (and Prince Harry)
- 2013: VCAA : The Governor General’s speech (Victoria Cross medal)
Formal texts (written)
- 2016: VCAA Exam: Larrisa Ham’s opinion-style article (“Basic Training”) on money/travel
- 2006: VCAA exam : “Stage 1 Water Restrictions”, the Water Board’s official policy document
- 2012: VCAA Exam: VTAC Course application
- 2002: VCAA Exam 2002: Wilson’s Promontory Flyer
Informal texts (spoken)
- 2011: Sports commentary: VCAA: Tennis commentary by ABC Commentators (Radio) (group identities)
- 2005: VCAA: Exam 2005: Gary and Mum (individual identities)
- 2012: VCAA Exam : Spoken Text (Margaret and Joan) (individual identities/social purpose)
Informal texts (written)
- VCAA Exam 2010 (written text): Virgin Australia Ticket
- 2013 VCAA Exam: Be Natural Advertisement
- VCAA Exam 2014 (written text): Two letters: Task 1
- VCAA Exam 2014: Two letters : Task 2
- Jan’s travel blog (written text): a simple, effective, fluent commentary
- A Sample Three Paragraph Model Response for the 2009 VCAA English Language Exam (“Got the Message”)
Tips and practice tasks.
- Sentences using metalanguage to get you started
- Practice sentences: an Age Editorial Swinburne University
- A Letter to the Editor: writing sentences
- Please See Practice Tasks for Metalanguage
- A simple and effective structure: writing a commentary
