VCE English as an Additional Language (EAL) study plan

VCE English as an Additional Language (EAL) · Give each week a clear focus.

8 weeks · About 6 hours per week

Week 1

Reading and responding & Analysing argument

Annotate two unfamiliar short argumentative texts by marking contention, supporting reasons and persuasive techniques in the margin
Draft a one-sentence contention statement for each annotated text and check it against the text's conclusion
Build a personal glossary of 15 argument-analysis terms with a worked example sentence for each
Write a timed 25-minute analytical paragraph on one text, then self-mark against a technique-identification checklist

Two fully annotated argument texts plus a 15-term technique glossary with worked examples

Week 2

Identify and label the persuasive technique used in 20 single-sentence excerpts without consulting notes
Write two full analytical paragraphs that link technique to intended reader effect rather than listing features
Compare how two texts on the same issue position their audience differently, in a 150-word written comparison
Reduce your 25-minute paragraph to 20 minutes while keeping the same number of technique-effect links

A timed 40-minute analytical response to one unseen argument text, self-scored on a four-band rubric you write yourself

Week 3

Analyse a visual or multimodal argument (cartoon, advertisement, infographic) and write 200 words on how image and text combine to persuade
Sequence a full analytical essay using a plan-first method: contention, three technique clusters, conclusion
Practise embedding short quotations of six words or fewer into your own sentences
Time a complete analytical essay under 60 minutes and record where the time went

One complete timed analytical essay on an unseen text with a written reflection on time allocation

Week 4

Read one set text and produce a chapter-by-chapter or scene-by-scene map of plot, character change and key quotations
Write three short response paragraphs that answer an essay prompt directly in the first sentence
Draft a 400-word analytical response on a set text using at least four embedded quotations
Identify and correct three of your own recurring grammatical errors in the draft

A set-text quotation bank of 20 quotations organised by theme, plus one 400-word timed response

Week 5

Deconstruct two mentor texts in different forms (personal reflective, persuasive, expository) to list their structural moves
Plan and draft one creative or persuasive piece of 500 words with a deliberate structural choice you can name
Revise the draft twice: once for structure and once for sentence variety and cohesion
Answer a set-text essay prompt in 50 minutes using your quotation bank

One polished 500-word creative piece with two annotated drafts showing structural revision

Week 6

Listen to three short audio texts (podcast segment, news item, interview) and take notes using a fixed note-taking layout
Summarise each audio text in 80 words capturing main idea and two supporting details
Identify tone, attitude and implied meaning in six short audio excerpts and justify each answer in one sentence
Write one analytical piece under exam conditions and edit it for register and audience

A listening log of three audio texts with notes, 80-word summaries and a tone-identification table

Week 7

Complete two full listening practice sets, answering comprehension questions from notes only
Transcribe and analyse a 60-second persuasive spoken excerpt, naming three spoken techniques (repetition, rhetorical question, tone shift)
Write a comparative analysis of how a spoken and a written text argue the same issue
Review your listening errors and classify each as vocabulary, inference or note-taking failure

An error-classification report from two listening sets plus one 300-word spoken-versus-written comparison

Week 8

Sit one full timed mock covering all four domains across two sessions
Mark the mock against official-style criteria and list your three weakest skills
Rewrite your two weakest responses to a higher standard within 24 hours
Compile a one-page exam-day checklist covering timing, planning and proofreading

A completed timed mock with a marked improvement log and a one-page exam-day checklist

Week 2: Can annotate an unseen argument text and write two technique-to-effect paragraphs in 25 minutes without notes

Week 4: Can produce a 400-word set-text response with four embedded quotations inside 45 minutes

Week 6: Can take structured notes on one audio text and summarise it accurately in 80 words

Week 8: Complete a full four-domain mock and identify three specific skills to revise before the exam