Writing an essay for HSC English can feel overwhelming, but it is a skill you can develop with practice. A strong essay comes down to understanding the question, building a clear argument, and supporting it with well-chosen evidence.

The first step is to carefully read the question. Identify the directive words such as “discuss”, “evaluate” or “to what extent” and underline the key concept being tested. Rephrasing the question in your own words can help you stay focused as you write.

Next, develop a thesis. Your thesis is your main argument and it should directly answer the question. For example, if the question asks about the conflict between individual desires and society, your thesis could argue that the text demonstrates how social pressures suppress individuality and lead to destructive consequences.

Once you have a thesis, plan your body paragraphs. A useful structure is PEEL: Point, Evidence, Explanation, Link. Each paragraph should open with a clear topic sentence, include specific evidence such as a quotation or technique, analyse how this evidence creates meaning, and finish by linking back to the thesis and question. Aim for three strong body paragraphs in an exam essay.

Evidence is most effective when it is analysed rather than listed. Focus on techniques such as imagery, symbolism, or narrative perspective, and explain how these shape the reader’s understanding. For example, instead of stating that a metaphor shows fear, explain how it positions the audience to view a character as vulnerable or powerless.

Finally, write a concise introduction and conclusion. Your introduction should restate the question, present your thesis, and outline your main points. Your conclusion should briefly summarise your argument and reinforce how it answers the question.

With consistent practice, timed responses, and familiarity with your texts, you can approach HSC English essays with confidence.

Emily

The HSC is one of the most significant milestones in a student’s academic journey. Preparing effectively for the HSC, particularly the 2 English papers, requires more than just memorising essays — it’s about developing the skills to think critically, write clearly, and adapt responses to a range of questions.

Building a deep understanding of prescribed texts is essential when preparing for exams. Students should focus on analysing how techniques are used to convey meaning. Using palm cards with the quotes, techniques and a brief analysis can help ensure a student memories a number of quotes needed for each paper.

Students should practise restructuring their arguments under timed conditions, ensuring they can confidently adjust responses to any question. Similarly, creative, persuasive, and discursive writing benefit from practice and flexibility — experimenting with different techniques, tones, and structures gives students the ability to approach tasks with originality.

Time management is equally important. Setting up a study schedule that balances English with other subjects prevents last-minute cramming.

Preparing for HSC English is about consistency, adaptability, and resilience. With structured practice and a focus on skills over rote learning, students can step into the exam room ready to tackle any challenge.

Tamiah Mahoney

Tutoring English has given me a unique perspective on how students approach language and communication. Unlike subjects that are more formulaic, English requires students to think critically, express themselves clearly, and often interpret ideas that do not have one single correct answer. As a tutor, I see my role as guiding students to develop confidence in their own voice while also building the technical skills necessary to succeed in both analytical and creative tasks.

One of the most rewarding aspects of English tutoring is witnessing the gradual improvement in a student’s ability to articulate their ideas. Many students initially struggle with structuring essays, embedding evidence, or analysing texts in depth. At first, they often focus too much on “getting the right answer” instead of developing their reasoning. I spend time breaking down essay writing into manageable steps—crafting a thesis, building cohesive paragraphs, and refining expression—so students begin to understand that writing is a process rather than a single moment of inspiration.

I also emphasise the importance of close reading. Often, students overlook the nuances of language, but by slowing down and examining techniques, tone, and context, they begin to uncover deeper layers of meaning. This not only strengthens their analytical writing but also enhances their appreciation for literature.

Equally important is helping students gain confidence in their communication skills. Many are hesitant to share interpretations for fear of being “wrong.” I make it clear that multiple perspectives can be valid as long as they are well-supported. By encouraging discussion and fostering curiosity, I aim to create a space where students feel comfortable exploring and experimenting with ideas.

Ultimately, English tutoring is not only about preparing students for exams or assignments, but about equipping them with lifelong skills. The ability to think critically, argue persuasively, and communicate effectively will benefit them far beyond the classroom. Being part of that growth as a tutor is both fulfilling and motivating.

Kassandra Pegios

I did an observation for Sienna’s tutoring session with a year 5 student. I noticed immediately how energetic and easy going her teaching style was, which the student responded too well. The student was very relaxed and laughing throughout the session which meant that they went through the content in a relaxed manner. Although the session was laid back Sienna ensured the conversation was about the content.

I thought Sienna’s explanation of difficult a concepts was noticeable as she was able to make the concepts sound simple and digestible to a primary student. This was evident when the student was taught mean, median and mode. Although he was initially confused Sienna simplified the process, and the student was able to complete questions about the topic. The tutoring session was successful as they covered a significant amount of content in a professional manner while maintaining a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

William Kelleher

As a tutor, one of the most common things I work on with students is essay writing. Regardless of the subject, the principles are the same. And I always begin with this: an essay is not about what you know, it’s about how clearly you can communicate your ideas.

The biggest misconception students have is thinking essays are about showing off everything they’ve memorised. Instead, I encourage them to focus on making a clear argument. I say, “Your job isn’t to dump information – it’s to guide your reader through your thinking.” This means having a clear thesis, a logical structure, and topic sentences that signpost where the essay is going.

I also stress that planning is not optional. Even five minutes of planning can save twenty minutes of confusion mid-way through writing. When students take the time to outline their argument before they start, the result is always more focused and coherent.

Another key tip? Paragraphs must do work. I often ask students, “What is this paragraph proving?” If they can’t answer, it usually means the paragraph is vague or off-topic. I show them how to build strong paragraphs using PEEL or TEEL structures – whatever works best for them.

And finally, I tell them: editing matters. It’s not enough to write a draft and hit submit. Reading it aloud, cutting unnecessary words, and checking transitions can turn a good essay into a great one.

Most importantly, I remind them that essay writing is a skill – no one is born knowing how to write well. It takes practice, feedback, and patience. But with time, students who once dreaded essays often discover they have something powerful to say—and the tools to say it clearly.

Carmen Yuen

As a tutor, I often reflect on the way education is structured and how it might be missing a vital component: personalised learning. In many classrooms, the focus is on a one-size-fits-all approach, with teachers doing their best to accommodate diverse learners. However, it’s impossible to meet every student’s unique needs within such a rigid framework. That’s where tutoring becomes a game-changer.

I believe tutoring provides an essential space where personalisation can thrive. It’s not just about helping students with homework or preparing for exams; it’s about getting to know each individual’s learning style, strengths, and areas for growth. Whether it’s through interactive activities, visual aids, or step-by-step explanations, a tutor can tailor their methods to ensure the student feels empowered in their learning journey.

One of the most inspiring moments in tutoring is when a student who once felt disconnected from a subject suddenly lights up with understanding. A little personalised attention can spark confidence and curiosity, and that’s what makes tutoring such a rewarding experience. When a student sees their tutor invest in their success, the whole learning process becomes something to look forward to.

Another key point that often comes up in discussions about tutoring is the importance of building a supportive relationship. Education should not feel like a transactional experience, where a student just “gets the answers” to their questions. It should be collaborative. When students trust their tutor, they feel more comfortable asking questions, making mistakes, and pushing themselves in ways they might not in a larger classroom.

Personalised learning isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a necessity. Every student deserves a chance to learn in the way that works best for them, and tutoring offers the flexibility to make that possible

Saoirse early

Have you ever wondered why learning matters so much? Whether you’re solving a maths problem, writing a story, or playing a new sport, learning helps you grow in ways you might not even notice at first.

Learning is important because it gives you the tools to understand the world around you. It helps you think clearly, make good choices, and discover what you’re passionate about. Every new thing you learn—big or small—adds to your knowledge and helps you become more confident.

In school, you learn reading, writing, and problem-solving skills that you’ll use for the rest of your life. But learning isn’t just about subjects in a classroom. You also learn how to be a good friend, how to deal with challenges, and how to keep going when things are tough.

The more you learn, the more possibilities you have for your future. Want to be a doctor, teacher, athlete, or business owner? Learning is the first step toward any dream. Even people who are experts in their jobs still learn new things every day.

Learning also helps you believe in yourself. When you work hard and achieve something, it reminds you that you can do more than you thought possible.

So next time something feels hard, remember: that’s your brain growing! Learning is your superpower, and it will help you for the rest of your life.

Keep asking questions, stay curious, and never stop learning—you’re building your future one lesson at a time.

Elise Petritsis

Creative writing is often overlooked as a “fun extra” for students to do. Something students do if there’s time after the “real” work. But in truth, it’s a powerful tool that can support academic development and personal growth. Particularily, in the case of thinking creatively about problems.

Through creative writing, students learn to express themselves clearly, think critically, and explore ideas from multiple perspectives. It encourages originality and helps build confidence in their voice. This is something that further translates into stronger performance in subjects like English, history, and even science.

Creative writing allows students to experiment without fear of being “wrong.” There are no strict right answers. Only opportunities to imagine, reflect, and take risks. This freedom builds resilience and helps students feel more engaged in their learning. It also promotes “out of the box” thinking which is crucial for complex problem-solving.

It’s also a fantastic way to develop core literacy skills. Vocabulary, sentence structure, punctuation are all strengthened when students write regularly and with purpose. Plus, the process of planning, drafting, and editing teaches valuable habits that apply to all forms of writing.

Encouraging creative writing is a tool to encourage students to think imaginatively and deeply about their ideas, language, and structure. And often, that’s where real learning begins.

Emily Mackay

Today I had the opportunity to observe one of my fellow tutors teach a high school student English, giving me the opportunity to learn some new tutoring methods that could help me in my own session.

Working on essay writing, the session began by reviewing classwork and progress that had been made over the past week. This allowed the tutor to see how their student had done individually without their help, and was able to help them refine areas where this was needed. After this they moved on to working on quotes for the essay, and how to implement these properly into the text so that the writing flowed. Through the use of various techniques such as highlighting, brainstorming and using the whiteboard to sketch out ideas, the tutor and student worked together to form great base paragraphs to continue to develop. The use of the whiteboard was a great way for the tutor to understand the mental process of her student, and to come up with new ideas along the way.

Following this, the tutor and student returned to the essay that had been written over the past week, implementing the new quotes, sentences and ideas that they had come up with during the first half of the session. This allowed them to develop the essay further with even stronger techniques. To ensure that her student had absorbed what they had talked about, the tutor used the last 20 minutes to get her student to practice writing with a new essay question. Through this, the tutor tested her students’ ability to remember her quotes and techniques whilst practicing working under pressure. This demonstrated the tutor’s skill to be able to guide her student and also ensure that they were independent as well.

Overall, this observation was very helpful for me to see how best to structure an essay, collaborating together whilst also developing writing independence and self confidence.

Annabelle Molloy