For most HSC students, HSC English prescribed texts are their worst enemy.
They would rather eat a burnt dinner for 52 weeks straight than sit down and analyse an HSC English prescribed text.
I used to be that student, too, until I fortunately encountered a teacher who gave me some life-saving tips and tricks to find and analyse the best bits from my prescribed texts.
So let’s jump into some tips and tricks to breaking down and analysing your HSC English prescribed texts!
Step 1: Read your HSC English Text like any other book
Step 2: Mark important text
Step 3: Colour code by themes
Step 4: Create a TEE Table
Step 1: Read your HSC English Text like any other book
Grab your copy of the prescribed text and find a neat little spot to sit in, where you can get lost in your text and forget about the world around you. Trust me, it is possible to find that spot even somewhere in your house, despite your screaming siblings.
Now, without a notebook or a pen or any post-it notes, get down to reading your text and treat it like any other book that you are going to read, or in other words without any prejudice, regardless of what your mates say about it.
If you like it, then remember the bits you liked the most and if you hate it, then remember the parts that made you hate it.
Studying a Common Module text right now? Here’s our step-by-step guide to acing HSC English Paper 1 for Texts and Human Experiences!
Step 2: Mark important text
Once you’ve finished the initial reading of your text, comb through it and find the sections that you think are relevant to your module and mark them with post it notes of a singular colour.
Mark any important descriptions, any monologues or dialogues.
Even mark the parts that you liked and disliked passionately. The reason for this is that the author has employed tons of techniques in that part to make you love it or loathe it. This is going to be handy when you start analysing the text.
This will help you decipher what is important and distinguish it from the unimportant stuff.
Wondering how to keep a reading journal? Check out our guide here!
Step 3: Colour code by themes
Once you are done marking your text with a singular colour, you should figure out your key themes which you think occur throughout the text or which your teacher has selected.
Write down these themes on post it notes of 3 or 4 colours (each for a corresponding theme). Then use these themed post-it notes to mark the sections that have the singular coloured post-it sections.
Try to put the post-its closest to the section of the page that is the most relevant, instead of placing them just anywhere, just like I’ve done below. This will make it easier for you to find out what you thought was important when you look at the page.
Step 4: Make a TEE Table
The TEE table. This table is very important in helping you analyse your text to perfection.
This table basically categorises your quotes according to the themes that they fit under and then makes it easy for you to find the techniques in those quotes and then explain how your techniques will be able to further your theme in your chosen quote.
See how all that flows nicely?
Below, I’ve provided an example for you to use as a model when analysing your own prescribed texts.
If you want some extra help with your TEE tables, check out this awesome article here!
Need help creating TEE tables? Get some support from our fantastic Hoxton Park tutors.
On the hunt for other resources?
Check out our guides to analysing texts for HSC English below:
Drama
Prose
Poetry
Film and Media
Looking for extra help with understanding your HSC English prescribed text?
We pride ourselves on our inspirational HSC English coaches and mentors!
We offer tutoring and mentoring for Years K-12 in a variety of subjects, with personalised lessons conducted one-on-one in your home or at one of our state of the art campuses in Hornsby or the Hills! Our incredible team of tutors in Bella Vista can provide the support you need.
To find out more and get started with an inspirational tutor and mentor get in touch today! Check out our local HSC English tutoring in Hurstville!
Give us a ring on 1300 267 888, email us at [email protected] or check us out on TikTok!
Mansahaj Kaur completed her HSC in 2015 and now studies Bachelor of Commerce/Laws at USyd. She thinks that English is the most versatile and loveable language on planet Earth and she loves dabbling in anything English related, writing included. But then again, this could be because she hasn’t learnt French or German or Japanese yet. But it’s on her bucket list, mind you! Her desire to learn another language or two is only matched by her passion for eclectic tones and mystery dramas- yes yes, Sherlock, too. She is an avid reader and writer, her favourite series still being Harry Potter, despite her having read numerous renowned classics.
