English Extension 2 Major Work Idea Help (1 Viewer)

[isabella28937376]

Hey,
I am starting my Extension 2 English major work. My main focus was utopian fiction and, I specifically wanted to either write an essay about different utopian ideals presented in literature or, to write a short creative abt my own utopian model. But, I dont know if this idea is good or complex enough.

Could you please give me recommendations and advice based on this?
Thank you!!!

 

[Trial&Error]

Hiii,

I'm so happy to see someone doing EE2 from the 2026 cohort!

Honestly there's no such thing as a "complex" idea. basically 1/2 you marks come from your actual writing style and clarity while 1/2 is from the purpose of your piece and if it conveys it well enough, no matter what the purpose actually is.

This time last year I was literally in the same shoes as you and trying to think of really complex and unique topic that will "stand out" but that was really the wrong route and wasted a lot of my time. I highly recommend reading "A suburban Soliloquy" on the ATAR Notes website which explored a seemingly simple topic in such a beautiful way and she achieved quite high marks (I think 47/50 ?). That was what actually made me realise that their's no such thing as a "complex" topic.

The main idea is not to be too cliche or overly verbose (unless that's intentional), and to pick a topic and stick with it. Also my extension 2 teacher told me that the best works are those that have a direct purpose and directly challenge our view of the world or critique something we're familiar with.

For context, I did short fiction set in suburban 1950's america and critiqued the undercurrents of fascism in american culture which is quite overlooked.

Honestly, I personally love dystopian fiction and I think your idea sounds great. Find a purpose. What will your short story or essay critique?

Also I recommend looking at the 2024 young writers showcase which is now available on NESA's website for free.

Good luck! And ask anymore questions you need.

 

[isabella28937376]

Thank you so so much!
You literally saved my life)

The suburban soliloquy is a beautiful story and very inspirational!

Thank you so much for giving me the tip about having a purpose for my work as I never would have thought about that beforehand!
My main purpose is to emphasise the need for Enlightenment rationalism and humanist utopianism as well as critique Imperial domination and cultural erasure and the current situation of global inequality- could you let me know if this is good enough?

Thank you for telling me about the Young Writer's Showcase (I didn't know that was a thing!)

You really helped a lot and, good luck for your HSC! I hope you do well)

 

[Trial&Error]

Thank you so so much!
You literally saved my life)

The suburban soliloquy is a beautiful story and very inspirational!

Thank you so much for giving me the tip about having a purpose for my work as I never would have thought about that beforehand!
My main purpose is to emphasise the need for Enlightenment rationalism and humanist utopianism as well as critique Imperial domination and cultural erasure and the current situation of global inequality- could you let me know if this is good enough?

Thank you for telling me about the Young Writer's Showcase (I didn't know that was a thing!)

You really helped a lot and, good luck for your HSC! I hope you do well)

Aww thank for your well-wishes!

I think your purpose is great. Its great to see that it's not just linear, but multi-dimensional, and you obviously provide a very relevant link to contemporary society which is amazing. And it also diverges from mainstream utopian fiction which aims mostly to critique the advancements of humanity.

Are you leaning more towards essay or short fiction? Answering this is probably the next best step for you as form is a major, major thing. You essentially have to choose a form that does your purpose the most justice.

Refer to the marking criteria on NESA's website to see what's most essential for your piece.

Also remember that you'll be talking about all this stuff in your reflection statement at the end.

And don't forget that if later on you decide to change your idea, that's completely fine too! I changed mine twice before settling, and still managed to complete my first draft in the summer holidays.

I hope this helps

 

[isabella28937376]

Thank you so much for the feedback about my purpose!

I'm not really sure what I am leaning more towards (I'll probably ask for my teacher's recommendation when we have out first meeting on Tuesday). But, I have a plan for both forms and either one will achieve my purpose.

Thank you for your advice about the marking criteria. I definitely will look into that!

Yes, I have started documenting everything down for the reflection.

Oh great job in completing your first draft in the summer holidays! You seem really smart and hardworking!
I'm sure your major work was fantastic; your premise and your idea is really creative and amazing!

thank you so much for your help!
You literally saved my life

 

[f7eeting]

i dont do ext 2 english but can i just say this entire thread was such a cute and sweet interaction
i wish the best of luck for you guys for the current hsc and the upcoming one