What is a Major work and how are they marked in HSC Extension 2 English?

The English Extension 2 course in New South Wales offers students a unique opportunity to engage deeply with literature and language through the creation of a Major Work. This significant project not only showcases your creativity and critical thinking but also allows you to explore a topic of personal interest in depth! 

What is a Major Work?

A Major Work in English Extension 2 is an extensive piece of creative or analytical writing that students develop over the course of their studies. It can take various forms, including:

1. Imaginative pieces, like short stories, novels, poetry collections, or scripts for performance.
2. Non-fiction or critical works, including critical essays that interrogate specific themes or issues 
3. Inclusion of visual and auditory elements to expand your Major Work beyond writing.

The Major Work is designed to be a substantial project that reflects the student’s individual interests and skills, though within word counts, which vary according to form: 

Prose/Fiction: 5,000-6,000 words

Poetry: Equivalent to 3,000 words

Critical/Analytical Essays: 4,000-5,000 words

Multimedia Projects: Equivalent page/content length

What is the Purpose of Completing a Major Work?

Engaging in a Major Work serves several educational purposes that extend far beyond the immediate task of creating a substantial piece of writing or multimedia project. This comprehensive undertaking provides students with a unique opportunity to develop a range of skills that are invaluable in both academic and professional contexts. Notably: 

• The Major Work fosters the development of independent research skills. Students learn to conduct thorough investigations into their chosen topics, honing their ability to gather, analyze, and synthesise information from various sources. 
• The project significantly enhances creative thinking. By encouraging original thought and innovation, students are given the freedom to express their unique perspectives. 
• Time management – balancing the long-term project with other coursework in Year 12 truly cultivates essential organisational skills. Students learn to prioritise tasks, set realistic deadlines, and manage their time effectively.
• Students can refine critical analysis skills, evaluating their own work objectively and incorporating feedback from peers and teachers. 
• Overall, though, it significantly advances writing proficiency, as they are expected to articulate complex social concerns, matters, or ideas clearly and effectively. Whether through written text, visual media, or a combination of both, this enhancement in communication skills is truly useful for other subjects as well. 

What Are Markers Looking For?

When assessing Major Works, markers focus on several key criteria:

• Textual integrity, meaning that the work should demonstrate coherence and fluency, with all elements contributing meaningfully to the overall piece. This means that each section, whether it’s a chapter, stanza, or scene, should connect logically and support the overarching theme or purpose. A strong Major Work presents a unified narrative or argument, ensuring that every part is essential to the whole.
• Originality is highly valued, as it showcases the student's ability to think independently and creatively. Markers look for innovative ideas and fresh perspectives that reflect deep engagement with the chosen topic. This could manifest as an unconventional narrative structure, a novel interpretation of familiar themes, or a unique fusion of genres. The goal is to convey the student’s individual voice and insights rather than simply reiterating existing concepts.
• Skillful execution encompasses the technical aspects of the Major Work, including language use, adherence to conventions, and overall polish. Markers assess the quality of writing or multimedia presentation, looking for precise word choice, varied sentence structures, and effective use of literary devices. The work should reflect a high level of proficiency in its chosen medium while demonstrating an understanding of relevant conventions.
• Audience engagement evaluates how effectively the Major Work communicates with its intended audience. Markers look for evidence that the student has tailored their content and style to resonate with readers or viewers. This involves using appropriate language, structuring arguments compellingly, and employing storytelling techniques that captivate the audience. A successful Major Work should create an emotional and intellectual connection with its audience.

Breakdown of How Major Works Are Marked

The assessment for English Extension 2 is structured as follows:

• Major Work (40 marks): This component evaluates the quality and execution of the project itself.
• Reflection Statement (10 marks): Accompanying the Major Work, this statement explains the student’s intentions, creative process, and insights gained throughout the project.

The final HSC mark is determined by combining these scores with performance in internal assessments. The overall assessment follows a 50:50 weighting between school-based assessments and external examinations.

Quick Tips for Success

In regards to preparation: 

• Read widely from diverse sources like novels, literary magazines, blogs, and literary criticism
• Examine past Extension 2 Major Work anthologies (Young Writers’ Showcase) to understand the possibilities
• Always connect your work to concepts learned in English Extension 1
• Use your mentor or teacher for guidance and different perspectives

Time Management: 

• Set small, consistent deadlines for yourself
• Aim to complete about a third of your work during holidays
• Create a structured approach to avoid last-minute stress
• Balance Major Work preparation with other exam studies

The Journalling Process: 

• Use your Major Work Journal strategically
• Document all stages of your composition process
• Keep detailed records of your research, drafts, and feedback
• Ensure your journal demonstrates your independent investigation

Technical considerations: 

• Be clear about your concept, audience, purpose, and form
• Get constant feedback from teachers experienced in marking Major Works
• Adhere to word limits and formatting guidelines
• Ensure your work extends knowledge from Advanced and Extension 1 courses

Overall advice: 

• Back yourself and commit to the project
• Stay consistent with progress
• Use your teachers as valuable resources for insight
• Understand that each Major Work follows its own unique path

Want more personalized study guidance to help drastically improve your marks? A private tutor can make the biggest difference!

Written by KIS Academics Tutor for HSC English Advanced, Cherie Tran. Cherie is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Communications (majoring in Social and Political Sciences) at UTS, and has received stellar reviews from her past KIS Academics students. You can view Cherie’s profile here and request her as a tutor. 

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