VCE English exam

The 2005 VCE English exam, recently sat by 46,000 students, included a question on SMS text messaging and a Dilbert cartoon, along with questions on Keats, Shakespear, Graham Greene, and Henry Lawson. The Victorian Association for the Teaching of English said the writing task related to the effect of technology on communication. Kevin Donnelly, who prepared a report on education for the Federal Government, said "It's dumbing it down and the real concern there is that in trying to be accessible to such a wide variety of students, and in trying to not disadvantage those weaker students, I'd argue they're not really challenging the better-abled students". Some of the questions; Gattaca "The film shows not only Vincent's vulnerability but also his strength." Discuss. The Girl With a Pearl Earring " 'Thank you for reminding me of how helpless I am,' … " Does the text show Griet to be helpless? Hamlet "The play Hamlet demonstrates that the only way to succeed in a corrupt world is to adopt its values." Discuss. King Oedipus "This play shows that when faced with impossible circumstances, we can still show dignity and courage." Discuss. The Wife of Martin Guerre "Martin's selfish desertion of his family, not Arnaud's deception, is the main cause of everyone's suffering." Discuss.