How should you respond to a ‘Discuss’ essay prompt? This is one of the most common essay questions VCE English/EAL students get in Year 11 and Year 12 because it’s quite confusing – discuss what?!?!
Many students assume the question is asking them to discuss whether the statement is true, or that they are supposed to ‘discuss’ how the statement happens or plays out in the book or film. However, this is not what VCAA assessors are expecting at all!
In this kind of essay prompt, students are asked to explore the consequences and wider implications of the statement. Students are not expected to argue whether the statement is true or untrue, they are instead expected to explore the root and ripple effects of the statement.
By nature of the question, the statement is mostly true already. Students are not expected to debate or argue or find weaknesses in the statement to analyse.
So what should you look for in a ‘Discuss’ essay prompt?
Answer: HOW and WHY the statement is true!
Students should focus on finding the reasons for why the provided statement is true, or how it is true throughout the novel, play or film.
An easy way to help students understand the expectations of this prompt is to rephrase the statement into a ‘how’ or ‘why’ statement.
Instead of getting stuck on the sentence, ‘In Rainbow’s End, all forms of knowledge empower Harrison’s characters, and set them on a path of healing‘, turn it into a question: Why do all forms of knowledge empower Harrison’s characters and set them on a path of healing?
Or, instead of ‘There are no villains nor heroes in Oedipus the King, only victims’, turn it into ‘How are there only victims, and no villains or heroes in Oedipus the King?‘
Once you’ve rephrased these questions, you are now in a great place to tackle the essay in a sophisticated, meaningful way!
Here’s our full video explainer on the 3 types of essay prompts in VCE English/EAL:
Looking for 1-to-1 English tutoring for VCE English/EAL? Contact us and let’s get you the support you need!
Subscribe to our social media channels so you don’t miss out on any of our latest content!
And here are our vocabulary packs, filled with essential vocabulary for all levels of high school English!
If you’re looking for ways to help your teen in VCE English/EAL, make sure you join our newsletter! We release 2-3 newsletter each term, packed with advice and strategies to help you support your teen in their English studies.
English Tuition that cares 
1 thought on “How to tackle ‘Discuss’ essay questions”
Comments are closed.