Can we learn anymore from another set of stellar Section B exam responses in 2025 than in 2024?

 May 10, 2026 by Doug McCurry 

Using MCQ and SAQ for teaching and learning in VCE English - 2

Q and A for Section C of the 2025 English exam

Below are 12 multiple choice and 10 short answer questions about the Section C text used in the English exam of 2025.

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You need to print and read a paper copy of the exam task which can be found at the VCAA website.

https://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/assessment/vce/examination-specifications-past-examinations-and-examination-reports/english

The multiple choice questions are answered by clicking a hot button for the correct answer on the left of the option.
The written questions should be answered in the space with the title ‘Long-answer text’.
You will be able to see how much you have done as you go through the test.
When they have finished and press the Submit button your results out of 12 for the multiple choice will be calculated for you to see.
The short answer questions will be scored later and the multiple choice and short answer results sent to your teachers.

There is one mark for each multiple choice and the short answers will be scored from 0 to 3.

Criteria for short answer question assessment

• the understanding of the question as shown by the relevance of the response
• the substance and accuracy of the response to the question and the text

Note that the correctness or completeness of the writing is not to be assessed as such.

Scoring scale for Short answer questions

Score	Descriptor
3	a partial approximation of the model answer
2	a range of relevant comments
1	some relevant comments
0	irrelevant, incorrect or no response

The MCQ

1.  Which paragraph in the fireworks text has most factual content?

• 1. Paragraph 3
  2. Paragraph 4
  3. Paragraph 5
  4. Paragraph 6

2.  Which paragraph has the most descriptive language?

• 1. Paragraph 3
  2. Paragraph 4
  3. Paragraph 5
  4. Paragraph 6

3.  Which paragraph is most concerned with the credibility or authority of the writer?

• 1. Paragraph 1
  2. Paragraph 2
  3. Paragraph 3
  4. Paragraph 4

4.  Which paragraph has most emotive language?

• 1. Paragraph 4
  2. Paragraph 5
  3. Paragraph 6
  4. Paragraph 7

5.  What are the overtones or suggestions of the words ‘tradition’ and ‘traditional’ as used throughout the text?
   These words are used with

• 1. positive suggestions.
  2. negative suggestions
  3. both positive and negative suggestions.
  4. neither positive nor negative suggestions.

6.  What is the overtone or suggestion of the word ‘nostalgia’ as used in paragraph 7?
   The word is used with

• 1. positive suggestions.
  2. negative suggestions
  3. both positive and negative suggestions.
  4. neither positive nor negative suggestions.

7.  Which of these questions asked in the text is ironic?

• 1. ‘… do I stay home with my beloved pet?’
  2. ‘How great would that be?’
  3. ‘Are these New Year's Eve traditions really dependent on fireworks?’
  4. ‘Or, would this all be more spectacular without the deafening din and suffocating smoke?’

 

8.  Which kind of persuasive appeal is used when Adut mentions ‘nine tonnes of fireworks’?

• 1. Moral appeal
  2. Rational appeal
  3. Humous appeal
  4. Emotional appeal

9.  Which group is specifically highlighted as benefiting from a lightshow?

• 1. the young and the elderly
  2. businesses and rate payers
  3. regional visitors and tourists
  4. those with sensory sensitivities

10.  How does Adut view nostalgia for fireworks?

• 1. He ignores it.
  2. He supports it fully.
  3. He acknowledges it.
  4. He mocks it indirectly.

11.  The attitude and tone of the writer is best described as

• 1. clever and incisive.
  2. warm and reasonable.
  3. passionate and emphatic.
  4. concerned and committed.

12.  Which of the following statements are conflicting or contradictory?

• 1. ‘The change to a projected lightshow is a no-brainer.’
  2. ‘A projected lightshow is a cheaper and smarter investment. ‘
  3. ‘We could have actual music that is choreographed to the movement of the lights.’
  4. ‘this decision is about balance’

• • 1. a and b
    2. b and c
    3. c and d
    4. a and d

SAQ questions and answers

13. What is the purpose of the first paragraph?

The first paragraph establishes shared values and builds credibility. By celebrating the fireworks and describing their appeal, the writer aligns himself with the audience before introducing his argument for change.

14. How does the writer explain his current view of the New Year’s Eve celebrations?

He explains that although he enjoys the celebrations, his perspective changed after personally witnessing their negative impacts on the environment, animals and some members of the community, leading him to support a lightshow alternative.

15. What are the four major reasons offered to justify the proposal?

environmental pollution

safety and fire

impact of pets and some sensitive people

costs

there is a better alternative

16. Which aspect of the argument has most emotional basis?

The discussion of pets and vulnerable people is the most emotional, using vivid imagery to evoke sympathy and concern.

17. Which aspect of the argument has the strongest factual basis?

The economic argument about costs has the strongest factual basis, supported by specific cost comparisons and references to financial savings.

18. Explain what the following statement means and why.

‘The change to a projected lightshow is a no-brainer.’

This means the decision is obvious and requires little debate. The writer uses this phrase to emphasise that the advantages of a lightshow clearly outweigh those of fireworks, reinforcing his argument confidently and assertively. Only those without a brain would oppose the change.

19. How does the writer deal with opposing views?

He acknowledges them respectfully, particularly the traditional nature of fireworks, then challenges them through rhetorical questions and reasoning, implying that the tradition of celebration does not depend on fireworks.

20. What impression do we get of the writer and how does he present himself?

He appears warm, reasonable, balanced and community-minded. He presents himself as someone who values tradition but is thoughtful and forward-looking, which increases his credibility.

21. What impression are we given by the first image and how does it relate to the view presented in the text?

The first image presents a highly emotive and sympathetic depiction of a distressed pet which humanises the animal and directly communicates fear and vulnerability. By appealing strongly to the audience’s emotions—particularly pet owners—it strengthens the argument that fireworks are harmful and unnecessary, and that a quieter alternative such as a lightshow would be more humane.

22. What impression are we given by the second image and how does it relate to the view presented in the text?

The second image shows the previous lightshow, highlighting visual excitement, atmosphere and community enjoyment. It supports the writer’s argument by visually demonstrating that the alternative has be tried and is engaging, modern and effective.

The text with numbered paragraphs used in the trial

Section C -Analysis of argument and language 2025

Instructions

In this section, you are required to analyse the use of argument(s) and language to persuade an intended audience to share the point of view expressed in a persuasive text.
Read the background information on this page and the material on pages 16 and 17, and write an analytical response to the task below.
For the purposes of this task, the term 'language' refers to written and spoken language, and 'visuals' refers to images and graphics.
Refer to the assessment criteria on page 18.
Section C is worth one-third of the total marks for the examination.

Task

Write an analysis of the ways in which arguments, written and spoken language, and visuals are used in the material on pages 16 and 17 to try to persuade the intended audience to share the point of view presented.

Assessment criteria

Section C will be assessed against the following criteria:

• understanding of contention, argument(s), and point of view
• analysis of the ways in which written and spoken language and visuals are used to present an argument(s) and to persuade an intended audience
• use of evidence from the text to support the analysis
• use of fluent expression through appropriate use of vocabulary and conventions of Standard Australian English

Background information Every year the regional town of Timberoona hosts a fireworks display to usher in the new year. This annual tradition has been an important event on the community calendar for more than 50 years. Over the past few years, however, some residents have been concerned about the impact of the event on the town and have been seeking alternative ways to celebrate New Year’s Eve. Local resident Jack Adut submitted the following article with accompanying images to the community newsletter Timberoona: Talk of the town.

 

Lighting the way: a new year, a new celebration

by Jack Adut, 2025

1
Like most people in our community, I consider New Year's Eve to be a highlight on my social calendar. I look forward to participating in the many festivities held in the beautiful setting of Timberoona Park. The family picnics, roaming entertainment, food vans and showcasing of local musical talent in the rotunda create the perfect backdrop for the main event: the annual fireworks display. The spectacular pyrotechnics can be viewed from vantage points across the park and beyond, with veterans of the event knowing exactly where to set up their picnic rugs and folding chairs to secure the best view. It is with great anticipation that I await the collective countdown to midnight and the first big bang that reverberates through the air!

2
As you can see, I'm all for the opportunity to welcome the new year with a big celebration, but it's time to re-think the use of fireworks. It wasn't until I saw firsthand the impact that our annual celebration has on the environment, some members of the community and their pets (not to mention the huge expense!) that I came up with a solution - a dynamic projected lightshow!

3
Every year the fireworks display has an environmental effect on our local area. Exploding nine tonnes of fireworks generates waste and debris that is blown into the air and lands in waterways and nature reserves, posing a threat to our native flora and fauna. The smoke created by fireworks also pollutes the air and the explosions contribute to noise pollution. Imagine how much the carbon footprint of Timberoona could be reduced if we just replace fireworks with beams of light that are non-toxic, silent and, most importantly, a cleaner option. Add to this the fact that fireworks pose a serious safety and fire risk, especially in December at the height of summer. A single mistake, a single wayward spark, can have devastating consequences. The change to a projected lightshow is a no-brainer.

4

I know how upsetting the loud explosions and high-pitched noises of traditional fireworks can be for little Fido or Fluffy. I understand the yearly dilemma: do I stay home with my beloved pet? Or do I go out and enjoy myself with my family and friends and hope my pet will be okay? Lights silently illuminating the buildings and landscapes in the park are the perfect solution. No more panicked pets cowering under the couch or climbing the curtains. No more scared and lost pets roaming the streets in dangerous traffic. No more frantic owners desperately searching the Timberoona Animal Shelter in the early hours of New Year's Day. How great would that be?

5
A projected lightshow could also offer the chance for some residents to attend the New Year's Eve celebrations for the first time ever. I know of many locals who experience sensitivity to loud sounds and are unable to attend the spectacle. Over the years I have seen some children covering their ears and crying in distress because of the intensity and volume of the noise. It would be wonderful to think that these children could come along to enjoy the event without the fear of being so panicked and upset

6
A projected lightshow is a cheaper and smarter investment. The cost of New Year's celebrations will drop from $1.6 million annually to $750000. The money saved could fund more of the programs that are vital to the community, such as our meals for the homeless and our breakfast club programs. Money that would be much better spent on programs we need, rather than a single environmentally and financially disastrous event that lasts for 1O minutes.

7
I've heard criticisms of the proposal to change to a light extravaganza because of the traditional appeal of fireworks. There is much nostalgia about maintaining the old-fashioned tradition of singing 'Auld Lang Syne'¹ under a sky illuminated by colour and light with the thunderous sounds of the fireworks as backing music. Not to mention the tradition of having a romantic kiss with a loved one while feeling as if no-one else in the world is watching! Are these New Year's Eve traditions really dependent on fireworks? Or, would this all be more spectacular without the deafening din and suffocating smoke? A lightshow offers the same ambience with so many advantages. We could have actual music that is choreographed to the movement of the lights!

8
Many of you attended the lightshow held in Timberoona Park earlier this year, pictured below, to celebrate Community Week, and I think you'll agree it was incredible!

9

Crowds came from far and wide to listen to local musicians and DJs, and interact with the mind-bending illusions that were created with lights and projections, This event was a stunning success, proving that we can create magic in the night sky without a single explosion.

10
Ultimately, this decision is about balance. It's about finding a way to celebrate that keeps the wonder of New Year's Eve alive while also being mindful of the needs of our community members, our environment and our future.

11
Together, we have an opportunity to lead the way with a celebration that is spectacular, safe and sustainable.

1'Auld Lang Syne' - a song traditionally played or sung at midnight on New Year's Eve