10/10 Essay Examples
Real high-scoring VCE English essays, written by Raw 50 scorers. Read them in full, on the page, no PDF downloads.
Section A Text response
Analytical essays on studied texts.
We Have Always Lived in the Castle · Shirley Jackson
“The people of the village have always hated us.” We Have Always Lived in the Castle explores the impact of a lack of empathy. Discuss.
A high-scoring discuss-style essay arguing that Jackson dissects 1950s American social stratification through the lens of interpersonal empathy.
Read essayWe Have Always Lived in the Castle · Shirley Jackson
What does We Have Always Lived in the Castle suggest about the nature of truth?
A 10/10 essay reading truth in Jackson's novel as a malleable construct shaped by the motives, memory and mob psychology of its characters.
Read essayOedipus the King · Sophocles
“Count no man happy until he dies, free of pain at last.” How does Sophocles create relentless agony in 'Oedipus the King'?
A 10/10 essay arguing that Sophocles weaves fate, hamartia and Greek tragic structure to make suffering feel inescapable and universal.
Read essayOedipus the King · Sophocles
“Pride breeds the tyrant.” Sophocles suggests that pride will be your downfall. Discuss.
A 10/10 essay reading Oedipus's hubris as a flaw that accelerates, but does not cause, the divine ruin already written for him.
Read essaySection B Creative response
Framework-based creative pieces.
Personal Journeys · Section B
“Finding My Way”
A 10/10 Section B narrative about a young migrant from Calcutta watching his father chase prosperity in the Australian outback, then carrying that legacy after his death.
Read essayPersonal Journeys · Section B
“This is me”
A 10/10 Section B narrative tracing one young man's evening commute from Newport to Queen Victoria Market, where shedding skin and shared rituals teach him what belonging means.
Read essaySection C Argument analysis
Language analysis of real articles.
Give FOGO A Chance — open letter & petition to Merraways Council · by Louise Sharma
Insight 2024 Section C
A 10/10 Section C analysis of Louise Sharma's 'Give FOGO A Chance' letter and petition, unpacking how syndeton, inclusive pronouns, statistics and a complementary photograph push Council toward a yes vote.
Read essayDefending the Hapsey Wetlands — podcast monologue · by Janelle Tanley
VCAA 2022 Section C
A 10/10 Section C analysis of Janelle Tanley's podcast, tracing how reverent diction, juxtaposition, an us-versus-them dichotomy and sardonic asides position Hapsey residents against the proposed development.
Read essayRiver Bakery social media message · by Carter Chan, owner of River Bakery
VATE 2025 Section C
A 10/10 Section C analysis of Carter Chan's River Bakery social media message, tracing how candid concession, syndeton, anaphora, expert endorsement and a personal anecdote position customers to take responsibility for their behaviour.
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