How To Structure Short Answer

It's very easy to fall into the trap of studying for the English HSC exams and focus on memorising your essays and neglect practicing your short answer section. However, it's important to remember that this section contributes to your mark just as much as the other sections! So, as long as you follow this scaffold, you'll secure the top marks in this section as well!

1. Start with a short, to the point topic sentence which just answers then question without too much fancy language (just pretend that the question is worth one mark).

2. Find one less quote than the number of marks (for example, if the question was worth four marks, find three quotes) and the same amount of techniques as marks (for example, if the question was worth four marks, find four techniques).

3. For each piece of evidence, write out only one-two (maximum!) sentences analysing the text. Some examples of analytical sentences include:

"The hyperbole 'a million miniscule pressure points' emphasises her acure physical discomfort and alienation rather than appreciating the landscape's natural beauty."

"The polysyndeton in 'I struggled to listen or think or feel or see or believe' conveys an overwhelming sensory overload, reinforcing her yearning for the grounded safety of home."

4. If your short answer question is worth 5+ marks, close with a short linking sentence! This is the least important part of the section, so do not spend too much time writing an eloquently written linking sentence and also do not stress too much if you run out of time and do not include one.

Some general tips;
- don't start or end sentences with quotes
- never use the phrase 'in the quote'
- use connective language between each sentence (i.e. furthermore, similarly, contrastingly, however, moreover, thus, ultimately etc)

Good luck on all of your exams, you'll crush it!