SACE Literary Studies Tutoring in Adelaide
English Literary Studies is the SACE's most literary English subject. Students read novels, film, drama and poetry closely, consider texts from critical perspectives, and sit a critical reading exam on texts they haven't seen before. It suits students who enjoy reading and arguing about meaning. The step up from Stage 1 is real: longer essays, more sophisticated readings, and an exam that rewards fast, precise analysis.
For $80 per hour, we tutor Stage 2 English Literary Studies one-on-one, at your home, a local library or online. It's part of our SACE tutoring.
What We Cover:
Before Year 12:
Stage 1 English
Literary Studies is a Stage 2 subject, so most students prepare through Stage 1 English. We use Year 11 to build close reading of poetry and prose, essay structure, and the habit of backing every claim with evidence from the text, so Year 12 starts strong. See SACE English tutoring.
Stage 2:
Year 12 Literary Studies
The shared studies cover an extended prose text, a film, a drama text and poetry by at least three poets, including at least one Australian author. One response is a critical perspectives task, reading a text through two lenses, such as feminist and post-colonial. The usual sticking points are sustaining an argument, using critical perspectives without name-dropping theory, and analysing unseen poetry under time pressure.
Assessment:
And Exam Prep
Responding to texts is 50%: up to five responses, 5,000 words in all. Creating texts is 20%: a transformative text with a writer's statement, plus one other text. The external 30% is a comparative text study of up to 1,500 words (15%) and a 100-minute critical reading exam on unseen short texts (15%). We set timed unseen readings from Term 3.
How Literary Studies Sessions Work
We start with a recent essay and the teacher's comments, because that shows straight away whether the issue is the reading, the argument or the expression. Sessions then follow the school program: close reading of the shared texts, discussion that tests the student's interpretation, and planning before drafting.
From Term 3 we add timed critical readings of unseen poems and prose, with feedback on how to read fast and write precisely. You get an update after every session.
Who Teaches Literary Studies
Literary Studies is taught by one of our high-achieving tutors, every one interviewed, reference-checked, and holding a current WWCC and National Police Check. We match Literary Studies students with a tutor who is strong in literature, not a generalist. You can meet them in a free, no-obligation online meeting before the first lesson. Every tutor works within our framework for teaching quality and communication.
Our founder, Bren Casipit, completed Year 12 English Literary Studies to an A+ standard at Glenunga International High School. For other year levels, see English tutoring.
Frequently Asked Questions
Literary Studies or English: which should my child take?
Both meet the SACE literacy requirement. Literary Studies suits students who love reading and want close literary analysis. English is broader, with more of the student's own writing. See SACE English tutoring.
How do you prepare for the critical reading exam?
With regular timed readings of unseen poems, prose extracts and other short texts, then feedback on what a strong answer notices and how to say it in the time.
Can you help with the comparative text study?
Yes: choosing a second text that compares well, planning the argument and feedback on drafts, within your school's rules. The essay stays the student's own.
Does my child need to be a strong reader already?
They need to enjoy reading. Close analysis and essay structure can be taught, and that's what sessions focus on.
Any questions? Ready to book?
Contact us directly or complete the enquiry form, and we’ll be in touch to discuss your child’s learning needs, goals and suitable tutoring options.
