How to succeed with essay writing in HSC English

Aug 6, 2021

English, whether Standard or Advanced, is the only HSC subject required to be completed by every student in NSW. As a result, many students tend to find themselves in a negative ‘away state’ about English, in particular essay writing. This often boils down to students not having taken the correct steps to approaching essay writing in a way that sets them up for success! 

With trial and HSC exams delayed by lockdown, students have more time to refine their essay writing technique to best prepare for the exam room. To prevent rote learning and an inability to respond to questions asked on the day, at HSC CoWorks we have developed our own Essay Building Template that we see as the blueprint for any successful essay.

If students are applying this tool, they are reducing the time spent preparing for English as this effective and efficient template allows them to tackle any and all potential questions. By laying the foundational content out all on one document, students are able to reduce stress around essay writing and set themselves up to best perform in the English exam room in those first 2 days of their exams.

Check out this video from Head Performance Coach Jesse, HSC CoWorks Founder Fergus, and Education Performance Manager Donna on how to nail essay writing for the HSC with the EBT.

watch video below

Our HSC Specialists are ready to take any questions you have about the HSC process or about how your child can take control of their HSC year and achieve the results which they deserve.

Get in contact with us via our live chat or calling us on 1300 967 890.

Check out our previous blog post on how to maintain motivation during the Sydney Lockdown here.

“Let’s Talk About the HSC”

The ultimate podcast for students and parents navigating the journey of the HSC. Presented by HSC CoWorks, each episode dives into the challenges and triumphs of the HSC experience, offering expert advice, study tips, and insights into achieving academic success.

Whether you’re preparing for exams, managing stress, or looking for ways to stay motivated, this podcast is your go-to guide for all things HSC. Join us as we chat with educators, students, and professionals to help you thrive during this important academic milestone!

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Got questions about the HSC?
We’re going LIVE this Thursday to answer them.
From essays and quotes… To study balance, trials prep, and everything in between!
Join our Head Performance Coach + team as we break it down and give you real, practical strategies you can actually use.
📅 Thursday, April 9
⏰ 6PM
P.S. Bring your questions and we’ll answer them live.
🚨 MARCH RAFFLE – FINAL DAYS TO WIN A $75 WESTFIELD VOUCHER 🚨
Every rep = a shot to win.
Upload a Mind Map → 🎟️ 1 entry
Submit a Challenge Question → 🎟️ 1 entry
The more you submit… the more chances you have. Simple.
But here’s the real win 👇
Every submission = feedback
Every feedback = chance for improvement
🎯 Practice. Submit. Win.
One of the biggest mistakes students make in the HSC is trying to avoid getting things wrong.
❌ They delay practice.
❌ They wait until they feel ready.
❌ They leave feedback too late.
Confidence doesn’t come from getting your answers right the first time. It comes from getting it WRONG early enough to improve.
The students who perform best:
✅ Practice questions early 
✅ Practice their writing consistently 
✅ Get feedback weeks (not days) before exams 
🎯 The goal isn’t to avoid failure. It’s to use it, early, so you can walk into exams calm, prepared, and confident.
The students who stay consistent during the HSC?
They’re not more disciplined. They’re more connected.
Connected to:
🏔️Where they’re going 
🏔️ Who they want to become 
🏔️ What’s possible if they follow through 
Because when your vision is strong, you stop negotiating with yourself.
You don’t wake up and ask: “Do I feel like studying today?”
You wake up and ask: ““What do I need to do today to get closer to the top of Mount HSC?”