Analyzing Argument Course Notes

Course Introduction

  • Introduction to analysing argument in VCE English Units 3 & 4.
  • Presented by Andrea Hayes.

Becoming a Triple Threat

  • Three Key Skills:
    1. Understand and analyze how arguments are developed by authors.
    2. Analyze how persuasive language, visuals, and audio work together to position an audience.
    3. Write your own fluent and cohesive analysis of persuasive texts.

Lesson Outline

  • Overview of key knowledge & skills for AOS (Area of Study).
  • Assessment methods will be discussed.

Key Knowledge and Skills Overview

  • Elements to identify and apply in persuasive texts:
    • Intent and Structure of Argument:
    • Contention and supporting arguments.
    • Sequence and structure of arguments.
    • Evidence employed to support points.
    • Language and persuasive techniques.
    • Supplementary Evidence:
    • Various types of evidence used by the author to bolster arguments.
  • Language use:
    • Positioning the audience to share the intended viewpoint through language.
    • Integration of arguments and language for audience effect.
  • Contextual Analysis:
    • Impact of the author’s identity and context on audience perception.
  • Role of visuals in enhancing arguments.
  • Features of print, audio, and audiovisual texts.
  • Elements of delivery in spoken presentations: intonation, volume, pace, pausing, stress.

Conventions and Metalanguage

  • Conventions: Guidelines for written and oral presentations.
  • Metalanguage: Language used to define and discuss other language (e.g., contention, adverb).

Assessment Overview

  • Assessment 1 - SAC 1:
    • Analyze argument and language in persuasive texts:
    • One printed/digital text and one text in audio/audio-visual mode.
    • Worth 40 marks.
  • Assessment 2 - SAC 2:
    • Develop and present a point of view text (options include a speech, video blog, or debate).
    • Worth 20 marks.
  • End-of-Year Exam:
    • Analysis of arguments, language, and visuals for persuasion.
    • Worth 20 out of 60 marks for the English study score.

Exam Conditions

  • Exam duration: 15 minutes reading, 3 hours writing.
  • Must use blue or black pens; paper dictionaries allowed.
  • Sections weighted equally.
  • Section C focuses on analysis without prior exposure to material.

Useful Resources

  • Key Resources:
    • Edrolo Unit 4 AOS 2 Analysing Argument course.
    • VCAA website for examination criteria and specifications.
    • Print dictionary for SAC and exam.
    • Consult your English teacher for course guidance.

Summary

  • The course encompasses:
    • Knowledge and skills for analyzing persuasive texts.
    • Writing analytical responses.
    • Details of assessment for each SAC and the final exam.
  • Essential resources will be provided throughout the course to aid study efforts.

Next Steps

  • The next section will delve into knowledge and skills essential for analysing persuasive texts, including key terms and conventions.