SACE Stage 2 English as an Additional Language study plan
SACE Stage 2 English as an Additional Language · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 7 hours per week
Communication & Comprehension
Map the three domains against the exam's task types and write a one-page breakdown of what each demands
Identify your two weakest communication sub-skills by completing a timed diagnostic spoken and written task
Build a personal error log template that records error type, correction, and a rule you can apply next time
Practise paraphrasing a 150-word source text into 60 words without copying its sentence structure
Record a two-minute spoken summary of a short news article and transcribe it to check fluency and accuracy
Your checkpoint
A diagnostic portfolio containing the domain breakdown sheet, a scored self-assessment of two spoken and two written tasks, and 20 logged errors with corrections
Communication
Draft and deliver three short talks of two minutes each on unfamiliar topics using a fixed planning routine
Apply a five-step structure (hook, position, two supports, close) to every spoken response and label each step in your notes
Reduce filler words and hesitations by recording yourself and counting them before and after a re-attempt
Practise repairing breakdowns by rephrasing a sentence three different ways when a listener signals confusion
Exchange one recorded response with a study partner and give and receive structured feedback on clarity and grammar
Your checkpoint
Three recorded two-minute talks with a before-and-after count of fillers and a written self-review noting two improvements per talk
Communication & Comprehension
Interpret two extended written texts of 600 or more words and annotate main idea, supporting detail, and author attitude
Answer inference questions by quoting the exact line that supports each answer and explaining the reasoning in one sentence
Listen to three authentic audio clips and take structured notes using a two-column format (facts and inferences)
Summarise a spoken text in 80 words after a single listening, then check against a second listen
Distinguish fact from opinion in five short opinion pieces and justify each classification with textual evidence
Your checkpoint
A comprehension log of six texts (three written, three spoken) with answers, supporting quotations or timestamps, and accuracy percentages
Comprehension & Composition
Analyse how two persuasive texts build argument through word choice, evidence, and appeals to emotion or authority
Write a 250-word analytical paragraph that cites specific textual features rather than general impressions
Plan three essay responses in ten minutes each using a thesis-plus-three-arguments outline
Identify and correct five recurring grammar errors in your own writing using your error log
Compare two model structures for an argument essay and select the one that best fits a given prompt
Your checkpoint
A timed 250-word analytical response on a persuasive text, marked against a self-made rubric with evidence and structure criteria
Composition
Compose a 400-word argument essay under 45 minutes with a clear thesis, counterargument, and conclusion
Draft and revise an informative text of 300 words for a specified audience and purpose
Practise writing a 200-word response to a visual or data stimulus, selecting only relevant details
Vary sentence structure deliberately, using at least three complex and two compound sentences per paragraph
Edit a previous draft for cohesion by adding or replacing five linking devices
Your checkpoint
A portfolio of three finished compositions (argument, informative, stimulus response) each with a first draft, an edited version, and a short revision note
Comprehension & Composition
Integrate evidence from two sources into a single 350-word response with accurate attribution
Write a 150-word reflection comparing your drafting process to a stronger model and name three concrete changes
Complete two full timed practice tasks under exam conditions and log your time allocation per section
Reduce wordiness by cutting 15 percent from a 400-word draft without losing meaning
Review and correct all error-log entries from weeks one to five and rewrite the five most frequent mistakes correctly
Your checkpoint
Two timed practice responses with a time-allocation chart and a marked-up reduction exercise showing a 15 percent cut
Communication & Comprehension & Composition
Complete a full mock exam in one sitting and self-mark against the official criteria
Deliver a five-minute spoken response and a written response on the same topic to compare register and structure
Diagnose the two lowest-scoring sections and write a targeted one-week improvement plan for each
Rehearse time management by completing a written task in 80 percent of the allotted time
Practise paraphrasing and summarising under pressure with three 10-minute drills
Your checkpoint
A completed mock exam with a scored breakdown by domain and a written remediation plan for the two weakest areas
Communication & Composition
Refine three previously weak responses into polished versions using feedback and your error log
Deliver a final set of three recorded spoken responses with a filler count under five per minute
Complete two final timed compositions and verify each meets the structural checklist
Consolidate a one-page personal checklist of rules, structures, and reminders for exam day
Simulate exam-day conditions for a two-hour block and review your stress and pacing management
Your checkpoint
A final revision pack containing three polished compositions, three recorded responses with filler counts, and a one-page exam-day checklist
Milestones
Week 2: Deliver a two-minute unrehearsed talk with fewer than eight filler words and a clearly identifiable five-step structure
Week 4: Score at least 70 percent on the comprehension log and produce a 250-word analytical response that cites at least four specific textual features
Week 6: Complete two timed tasks within the time limit and demonstrate a 15 percent word reduction on a 400-word draft without losing key meaning
Week 7: Complete a full mock exam with every section attempted and a self-marked score recorded for all three domains
Week 8: Produce final polished versions of three compositions and three spoken responses, each meeting the structural checklist and filler target