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Kick off Year 11 with confidence using this clear and practical guide to VCE English Units 1 & 2—build your skills and get ahead early.
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In Part 1 of our VCE English Units 1 & 2 Guide, we broke down the key skills you’ll need in Unit 1. Now in Part 2, we turn our focus to Unit 2, where you’ll take your text analysis further and sharpen your persuasive writing skills for Year 11 English.
We’ll cover:
Let’s get into it.
This part of the course is everything you learned in Unit 1, but it goes deeper into texts and sharpens your analytical writing. Here’s how to level up your skills:
Key skill #1: Build strategies for inferential reading
At this stage, you should have a system for how you approach a text. Instead of waiting for ideas to come to you, create list of things you look for while you’re reading the text.
Key skill #2: Read for deeper meaning, not just plot
Go deeper into what the text is really saying, not just what’s happening. Think about the underlying themes and the kind of worldview it presents.
While reading, jot down recurring themes are values. Do these say anything about society, people or the world?
Key skill #3: Discuss and analyse key ideas and tensions
Pay attention to what’s not said as much as what is. Look for unspoken issues, hidden motives, or emotional conflicts in the text.
Ask questions like: What are the characters avoiding? What worries them? What’s causing tension between them, even if they don’t say it outright?
Key skill #4: Analyse language, structure and techinques
Composers make deliberate choices to shape meaning. Your job is to spot these choices and explain how they influence the audience.
Use metalanguage to discuss specific techniques, terms like narrative voice, syntax, editing, or symbolism.
Always connect the technique to the effect it creates.
Key skill #5: Respond to a set topic
When answering an essay question, stay on topic. Everything you say should help answer the question directly.
Key skill #6: Write an analytical response using evidence
Just like in Unit 1, your analytical writing needs to use quotes and examples to support your points. Your opinion needs proof.
For every main idea, include a short quote or detailed example. Then, explain how it supports your point. Don’t just drop it in and move on.
Key skill #7: Review and edit your writing correctly
Respond positively to feedback from your teachers and peers. They can help you say what you want to say, better.
Be prepared to make changes to your work in order to ensure it expresses your ideas in the clearest possible way.
Key skill #8: Listen and respond to others’ views
In class discussions, make sure you’re really listening. You might learn something new or see a different angle to the text.
Try this: summarise someone else’s point before you respond to it. It shows you’re listening and thinking critically.
Key skill #9: Use Standard Australian English
Accuracy matters. Your writing should be polished, easy to read, and match the tone of formal analytical tasks. Read your writing aloud to catch errors. Avoid contractions like “can’t” and “won’t” in essays, and stay away from casual or slang terms.
This part of the course teaches you how arguments work and how to make your own arguments strong and convincing. You’ll learn how writers try to influence their audience and how to organise your own opinions in writing and speaking.
Key skill #1: Summarise key points with note-taking and annotation
When you’re reading or listening to an argument, you need to break it down to its basic components:
Use highlighters, margin notes, or annotations to track important clues to these things in your texts.
Read How to Write a Persuasive Text to learn more.
Key skill #2: Analyse how arguments are built
Every argument has key parts you should look for:
Remember, a strong argument isn’t just about being logical. It’s also about how it’s delivered.
The tone, confidence, and style of presentation can be just as persuasive as the content itself.
Key skill #3: Follow the conventions of discussion and debate
In debates or class discussions, how you speak matters just as much as what you say. Respect timing, take turns, and respond thoughtfully. These are the ‘rules of engagement‘.
Practice short responses that are clear and respectful. For example: “I see your point, but I think…” or “Can I clarify my argument?”
Key skill #4: Support your analysis with evidence
When you make claims about someone else’s argument, be sure you can back those claims up with evidence.
For example, if you think someone is using emotional language, then show it!
Point to a phrase, visual or moment that proves your point. Then explain how it works.
A free toolkit to help you plan and write effective persuasive essays, with 10 practice prompts 
Persuasive writing made simple!
Key skill #5: Build confidence using persuasive language
The language you use needs to achieve specific purposes (namely, to persuade others to agree with your position). Strong arguments use clear, confident language. Build your vocabulary so you can express your ideas with impact.
Action verbs and strong adjectives make your argument more persuasive. Instead of “This might suggest…”, try “This clearly shows…”
Key skill #6: Learn and use metalanguage
Just like in text analysis, there’s a set of terms (metalanguage) to describe what persuasive texts do.
Terms like appeal to emotion, inclusive language, anecdote, or tone shift are all metalanguage used to persuade that you can analyse.
Key skill #7: Draft, review, edit and refine your writing
Writing improves through redrafting. Use peer and teacher feedback to make your arguments clearer and more persuasive.
Each new draft should improve on the previous one by taking account of your teacher’s feedback.
After getting feedback, make 2–3 specific changes in your next draft. Focus on structure, clarity, and stronger evidence.
Key skill #8: Build logical arguments
Each point in your argument should flow logically from the last. Don’t jump between ideas; build them in sequence.
To help your argument flow smoothly, use clear transitions like “This shows…”, “As a result…”, or “Building on this…”.
Key skill #9: Deliver an oral persuasive piece
You’ll need to prepare and present a speech that argues a point of view. Timing, structure, and delivery all matter. ALWAYS stick to the instructions.
Write out your main points first, then script your intro and conclusion. Practise out loud and time yourself to stay within limits.
Download our free sample questions and exemplar responses for VCE English Units 1 & 2 and get confident with your assessments!
Get sample questions and answers for Units 1 & 2: Reading Texts, Crafting Texts, and Exploring Argument. 
Ace every Area of Study in VCE English
You’ve now explored all the key skills in VCE English Units 1 & 2, from text analysis and creative writing to argument breakdowns and persuasive responses. These are the building blocks for success in Year 12.
Keep practising, use the tips in this guide, and remember: the goal is progress, not perfection. You’re on the right track!
Written by Matrix English Team
The Matrix English Team are tutors and teachers with a passion for English and a dedication to seeing Matrix Students achieving their academic goals.
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