Modern essays are source based usually. Instead of 'telling a story' you need to show how something attributed to an event or movement ect. That's when you need to use source material ie. photos, diary entries, speeches, songs (the list goes on).
eg. if you have a question like "Explain the nature of imperial power in the late 19th Century":
- you can't just list names and places
- you must use sources to back up what you are saying
- (like all essays) you must target the HSC verb: 'explain'. That means you need to relate cause and effect.
Get in the habit of following a format for every paragraph in year 10 and early year 11.
Our modern history teacher used 'TEEEL': Topic Sentence. Example. Explain. Evaluate. Link.
As you get more sufficient in writing essays you can loosen the strict paragraph structure a little so it reads smoother.
Also remember that SOR is a history subject, so you will use a similar sort of structure as in Modern. Sources in SOR are of upmost importance.
English however calls for you to break apart the text you are studying to answer the question. Target the verb before you start writing so you know how to relate your thesis to the question.
So many people find themselves just relaying the plot or discussing themes in the text without including literary/ visual/ aural techniques in their essays.
In English perhaps start are using the Topic, Explain, Quote, Technique, Analyse, Evaluate/Link, structure. Using a quote or example and analysing the technique employed is essential to answer the question in the form of a analytical essay.
Your relationship with English will hinge around your ability to think of original ideas instead of regurgitating the usual cliché that most of the English summary textbooks roll out. Broaden your mind! And remember, as long as you can back up your thesis ideas with creative explanations in the text you will not be wrong.
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