ATAR Notes: Year 10 English Notes (2024-2026)

These Year 10 English Notes are designed to help you achieve your best this year, and set yourself up for success in Year 11 and Year 12. Written by a past high-achieving student, they contain useful tips from someone who has gone through the same content as you. You'll also find valuable insights about essay structure, improving your vocabulary, and maximising your marks in writing tasks in English.

Contents

• I Introduction to English
• II Course content and key skills
• 1 Language function and meaning
• 1.1 Language variation and change
• 1.2 Language and interaction
• 1.3 Text structure and organisation
• 1.4 Expressing and developing ideas
• 2 Writing Skills
• 2.1 How to be a good writer
• 2.2 Essay structure
• 2.3 Improving vocabulary
• 3 Analysing texts
• 3.1 Reading and annotating
• 3.2 Dissecting texts
• 3.4 Analysing quotes
• 3.5 Sample essay
• 4 Comparing texts
• 4.1 Types of comparison
• 4.2 Comparative essay strategies
• 5 Creative writing
• 5.1 The golden rule: show, don't tell
• 5.2 How to evaluate your writing
• 6 Oral presentations
• 6.1 Priorities and assessment criteria
• 6.2 How to write a speech
• 6.3 How to deliver a speech
• III Exam and assessment skills
• 1 Preparing for assessments
• 1.1 Where to start
• 1.2 Speedreading
• 1.3 Writing in timed conditions
• 1.4 Dealing with unseen material
• IV Appendices – Vocab Lists

About the Author

Lauren White achieved a perfect score in English in Year 12, as well as full marks on the exam. She has years of experience in tutoring, lecturing, and essay marking, having helped thousands of students in their English studies. She has since graduated from The University of Melbourne with a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Literature and Linguistics.