Macedonian Continuers 2017 HSC exam pack

Conversation

General Feedback

Students should:

• use a range of strategies to communicate information, opinions and experiences in Macedonian.

Students should expect to:

• respond to a variety of questions in relation to their personal world during the seven minute conversation
• answer questions in depth using a range of grammar, vocabulary and sentence structures
• demonstrate an ability to manipulate the language to respond appropriately to the questions.

Student Strengths

In better responses, students were able to:

• respond in depth to a range of questions
• demonstrate the capacity to express, justify and reflect on their personal world
• respond to questions with relevant information
• demonstrate fluency, correct intonation and pronunciation
• manipulate language using accurate grammar, and a variety of vocabulary and sentence structures.

Discussion

General Feedback

Students should:

• link their texts and research findings to support their discussion on the in-depth topic
• refer to at least three texts, one of which needs to be a literary text (film, novel, play or poem) as stipulated by the syllabus
• refer to their texts to analyse, evaluate and reflect on their topic.

Students should expect to:

• respond to a variety of questions in relation to their chosen in-depth study topic during the eight minute discussion
• demonstrate evidence of their research into their topic and the texts that they sourced
• express and justify opinions and points of view on the in-depth study topic.

Student Strengths

In better responses, students were able to:

• select topics that allowed them to support their research with appropriate texts of quality
• select at least ONE literary text
• respond appropriately to the questions asked
• explicitly link the texts to the topic chosen
• make specific and perceptive references to texts
• synthesise information researched, using it to support their point of view
• demonstrate a high level of grammatical accuracy and a variety of vocabulary and sentence structures.

Feedback for the written examination can be found on the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority site.

General Feedback

Students should:

• take the time to consider how to address all aspects of the question
• choose an appropriate and relevant related text
• make a meaningful connection between the texts and the question
• state a clear argument in response to the question
• use the argument throughout the response to frame their ideas
• use evaluative statements to draw ideas together
• demonstrate understanding of the texts through well-chosen and detailed textual references
• interpret and apply knowledge of the module, especially the elective
• demonstrate sustained and effective control of language and ideas.

Students should expect to:

• write a complete response in 40 minutes
• respond to a variety of question types.

Students can prepare for this examination by:

• revising the HSC rubrics and specific elective requirements for Module C: Texts and Society
• developing knowledge and understanding of the specific social contexts of texts
• analysing the textual features that shape meaning in specific contexts in their prescribed and related texts
• practise writing responses using well-chosen and detailed textual references from their prescribed and related texts.

Student Strengths

Question 9 – Elective 1 – Exploring Interactions

In better responses, students were able to:

• demonstrate a clear understanding of ‘the significance of personal interactions’ and ‘individuals gaining new perceptions of themselves and others’ and the ability to effectively explore them in detail
• address all parts of the question, including  ‘the extent to which the view that ...’
• analyse appropriate and relevant textual details to demonstrate their understanding of the relationship between personal interactions and new perceptions. For example:

• • Prose fiction – M T Anderson, Feed
    The identification and exploration of aspects of the contemporary world, and recognition of the impact of technology on personal communication
  • Drama – Nick Enright, A Man with Five Children
    The examination of the ways in which lives are influenced by attitudes and belief systems, as well as intrusions on privacy through the digital world and telecommunications
  • Drama – Arthur Miller, All My Sons
    The exploration of the impact of decisions on loved ones and the broader society, insight into the ways people attain knowledge and grow as emotional beings
  • Film – Elissa Down, The Black Balloon
    An explanation of relationships and the ways in which interactions shape perceptions of self and others within the social contexts of families, school and the wider community.

Question 10 – Elective 2 – Exploring Transitions

In better responses, students were able to:

• demonstrate a clear understanding of ‘the significance of the experience of transition’, ‘individuals gaining a deeper understanding of themselves and others’, and the ability to effectively explore them in detail
• address all parts of the question, including ‘the extent to which the view that ...’
• analyse appropriate and relevant textual details to demonstrate their understanding of the relationship between the experience of transition and a deeper understanding. For example:

• • Prose fiction – JC Burke, The Story of Tom Brennan
    An effective demonstration of understanding of the transition process for Tom and other characters in varied ways that reflect knowledge and understanding of social context
  • Drama - Willy Russell, Educating Rita
    A demonstration of a strong individual voice exploring the ways in which characters make transitions through experiences of different contexts and relationships with others, which develop their understanding of themselves and others
  • Drama – Alana Valentine, Shafana and Aunt Sarrinah
    An understanding of relevance and value in the relationships between characters which enabled explanation of the transitions experienced along with shifts in attitudes and beliefs
  • Poetry – Steven Herrick, The Simple Gift
    A focus on the transition of Billy to his new community which served as an exploration of new knowledge and ideas, with a deeper understanding of self and others
  • Film – Stephen Daldry, Billy Elliot
    An exploration of the ways in which individuals are affected by transition resulting in transformation, an examination of a range of characters to demonstrate shifts in attitudes and beliefs with an impact on society at large.