Curious what students actually do? Here’s a full example — task, student response, and detailed feedback — so you can see the quality, structure, and support students receive.

📝 Example : Writing Strong Topic Sentences

This was Max’s first exercise. He’s in Year 10 and aiming to boost his VCE English performance early.

Task

Max English Ladder — Level 1: “Who’s in Control?”

Category: Argument Analysis

Level Title: Mind vs Machine

Time Limit: 1 hour

Goal: Write a short analysis of how language persuades—like a VCE pro.

Task Type: Language Analysis Practice (400–500 words)

Task Brief

Read the following opinion article:

Title: AI is Taking Over Our Creativity. Should We Let It?

Your mission:

Write a 400–500 word analysis explaining how the author uses persuasive language and visual elements to position the reader.

Focus on:

- How the author uses tone, word choice, and structure. - What techniques are used (appeals, evidence, logic, etc.). - How these make the reader feel or think.

Submission Instructions

Write submission or Typed and emiled when done. I’ll mark it using VCE-style feedback: - Understanding of Argument - Analysis of Techniques - Clarity + Expression Feedback returned within 24 hours with rubric and comments.

Optional Power-Up (5-minute pre-task warm-up)

Answer in one sentence: What do you think? Should we let AI into the creative space?

The Article: "AI is Taking Over Our Creativity. Should We Let It?"

There’s a quiet revolution happening in the creative world. Poems are now being written by machines. Paintings—AI-generated. Music—algorithmically composed. Even essays and novels are being co-authored by Artificial Intelligence. To some, this is thrilling. A new tool for expression. But to others, it’s deeply unsettling. Creativity was one of the last things we thought couldn’t be replicated. Sure, machines can do maths, drive cars, or predict shopping habits. But create? That was our territory. Until now. The rise of AI in the arts raises urgent questions. If a computer can produce a symphony, is it still art? If your favourite writer used ChatGPT to co-write their latest book, would you feel cheated? Supporters argue it’s just evolution—AI is a new brush in the artist’s hand. But critics say it’s eroding the soul of creativity. And what happens to young artists? Are we building a future where originality doesn’t matter—only productivity? We must pause and reflect before rushing ahead. AI may assist, but should it replace? A line must be drawn. Or else we risk losing what makes creativity truly human: imperfection, emotion, and wild unpredictability.

Student Response

Max chose to handwrite this response, completing it in just under an hour

Feedback

Max English Ladder – Level 1 Feedback Summary 

Title: Mind vs Machine

Task Type: Argument Analysis

Time Taken: ~60 minutes

Word Count: ~460 words

Level 1: COMPLETE

1. Score Summary

Understanding of Argument: 8/10

Analysis of Techniques: 7.5/10

Clarity & Expression: 7/10

Total Score: 22.5/30

Rank Unlocked: Rising Analyst

2. Strengths

Max, this was an impressive first outing—especially for a handwritten response under time pressure. You jumped straight into the deep end and handled it with maturity and insight. You showed a clear grasp of the article’s main contention and tracked how the argument evolved, especially the tension between support and criticism of AI. There were several lines that really stood out: - “There are two sides people are taking...” - “Reveals his belief of drawing down to limiting AI’s use and control.” You’re already starting to think like a VCE English student, and that’s no small thing.

3. Growth Areas

Let’s keep building on what’s already working well. A few things to sharpen next time: - Be more explicit when naming persuasive techniques (e.g. rhetorical questions, inclusive language). - Go further into *how* the language influences the reader’s emotions and thoughts. - Watch for phrasing repetition—variety makes writing feel more fluent. - Include a few more quotes to support your analysis.

4. Model Rewrite Snippet

Original: Fear-adding words such as 'revolution'... Revised: The author uses emotive language like “revolution” to position the reader to feel alarmed about the rapid rise of AI, making them more likely to question its role in creativity.

5. Practice Next Steps

a) Technique Label Drill: Choose 3 sentences from the article and identify the persuasive technique being used. b) Rewrite Challenge: Take one paragraph and improve it by: - Adding a technique label - Inserting a quote - Explaining how it affects the reader

6. Final Thoughts

You’re off to a powerful start, Max. This task showed that you think critically, work with purpose, and can already write with structure and insight. As we go forward, you’ll learn how to sharpen expression, link ideas more tightly to the reader’s experience, and bring more control to your sentences. You’ve passed Level 1 with distinction. Level 2 is waiting when you're ready.

7. Coaching Note 

Hey Max, just wanted to say—brilliant work today. You took on a pretty advanced task and handled it with real insight and control. Here’s what I noticed: You clearly understood the article’s argument and followed it through, especially the debate about AI and creativity. You tracked both sides and picked out important themes like emotion, unpredictability, and originality. That shows strong comprehension—exactly what VCE assessors look for. You also started unpacking how the author uses persuasive language—things like emotional appeals, strong phrases like “eroding the soul,” and shifts in tone. That kind of thinking puts you well ahead of the curve for where you are now. Next time, we’ll just work on pushing a bit deeper into how those techniques influence readers and keep refining the way you explain your ideas. Your writing had great flow, and I liked how you closed it out with that phrase: “imperfection, emotion, and wild unpredictability.” That’s the kind of line that makes markers nod and go, yep, this student gets it. So—awesome job. You scored a strong 22.5 out of 30, and officially passed Level 1 of the Max English Ladder. Your new rank: Rising Analyst. When you’re ready, Level 2 will be waiting. But for now—seriously well done. You’re thinking like a VCE student already. Keep that confidence close.

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