English Standard can seem confusing, especially with all the myths circulating about how to succeed in the HSC. Here, we break down the 7 most common misconceptions, so you can approach the course strategically and confidently.
 
Myth 1: English Standard Doesn’t Contribute Much to ATAR
Fact: English Standard is a Category A subject, which means it is fully included in your ATAR calculation.

• While it may not scale as highly as English Advanced, strong performance in Standard can still significantly boost your ATAR.
   

• What matters is your ability to engage with the texts, write clearly, and meet the marking criteria, not the perceived “difficulty” of the course.
   

Tip: Focus on consistent performance rather than worrying about scaling. High marks in Standard can still open doors to competitive ATARs and university courses.
 
Myth 2: You Don’t Actually Need to Read Your Prescribed Texts
Fact: Skipping or skimming texts is a fast track to lower marks.

• Understanding themes, characters, and context is crucial for analytical and evaluative writing.
   

• Being familiar with your texts allows you to adapt your knowledge to any question in assessments or exams.
   

Tip: Take notes while reading, highlight key passages, and summarise themes in your own words to improve comprehension and retention.
 
Myth 3: Memorising Essays Guarantees High Marks
Fact: Pre-written essays rarely answer specific prompts perfectly.

• HSC marking focuses on relevance, insight, and originality, not rote repetition.
   

• Over-memorised essays can appear rigid, repetitive, or off-topic if the question is worded differently.
   

Tip: Practice writing flexible essay structures and develop a strong understanding of themes and quotes so you can tailor your response to any question.
 
Myth 4: You’re Either Naturally Good or Bad at English
Fact: English is a skill, and like any skill, it can be developed.

• Regular practice in reading, writing, and analysing texts leads to measurable improvement.
   

• Feedback from teachers, peers, or tutors helps you refine your expression, argumentation, and textual analysis.
   

Tip: Treat English like training for a sport—the more effort and practice, the better your performance.
 
Myth 5: The First Draft Is Good Enough
Fact: High-quality writing requires revision and refinement.

• First drafts often lack clarity, structure, and persuasive argumentation.
   

• Editing helps you strengthen your thesis, improve paragraph cohesion, and enhance language choices.
   

Tip: Always allocate time for at least one thorough revision, checking for clarity, grammar, and textual evidence.
 
Myth 6: You Can Prepare for Exams the Night Before
Fact: Effective exam preparation is cumulative.

• Consistent study builds knowledge and analytical skills over time, rather than relying on last-minute cramming.
   

• Short, frequent study sessions lead to better memory retention and reduced stress during exams.
   

Tip: Make a revision timetable weeks in advance, including practice essays, past papers, and feedback incorporation.
 
Myth 7: Success Requires Sacrificing All Your Free Time
Fact: Balance is key to sustainable performance.

• Overworking can lead to burnout, which negatively affects focus, memory, and writing quality.
   

• Efficient, well-structured study is more effective than long, unproductive hours.
   

Tip: Prioritise high-impact study methods—like summarising notes, targeted essay practice, and timed assessments—while keeping time for rest and hobbies.