Arabic Continuers 2015 HSC exam pack

Listening

Characteristics of better responses:

• requirements of the question were understood and addressed
• ideas were well structured and explained
• relevant details from the text were included to support opinions
• an analysis on how Adel succeeded in convincing his mother to reconsider her decision was included (Q6)
• responses were supported with reference to the text when explaining what the interview revealed about Mr Ayman’s character (Q7).

Characteristics of weaker responses:

• candidates demonstrated a poor grasp of the question, resulting in a vague translation
• insufficient details were provided
• translations of the conversation were given instead of an analysis of how Adel succeeded in convincing his mother (Q6)
• language techniques were listed without explaining their significance (Q8).

Reading and Responding

Part A

Characteristics of better responses:

• all aspects of the question were addressed
• a holistic understanding of the text was demonstrated, for example a good understanding of how Rim felt about the move (Q9c)
• a good variety of questions that highlighted students’ opinions and recommendations about the camp experience were included (Q10d)
• all similarities and differences in attitudes were clearly shown in a coherent way (Q10e)
• how meaning is conveyed in the text was explored rather than providing quotations.

Characteristics of weaker responses:

• analysis was not provided when it was required
• ideas were repeated and/or expressed briefly
• the purpose of the survey was not understood (Q10a)
• only part of the question was covered, for example comparing Rima and Hiyam’s attitude without support from the text (Q10e).

Part B

Characteristics of better responses:

• an understanding of the email was demonstrated and details about the experience on the cruise were provided
• tone and attitude of both gratitude and complaint were evident
• a variety of vocabulary and a range of expressions were used
• different tenses were used appropriately
• ideas about the various problems encountered were developed in depth.

Characteristics of weaker responses:

• the key elements of the email were not addressed, but rather phrases from the email were copied
• irrelevant aspects/ideas were included
• isolated elements in the text were addressed.

Writing in Arabic

Characteristics of better responses:

• ideas were sequenced coherently and effectively with a high degree of accuracy
• authentic and appropriate manipulation of a wide variety of structures was demonstrated
• creative and relevant responses were provided which demonstrated depth and breadth
• the purpose of the task was maintained throughout.

Characteristics of weaker responses:

• inconsistent and incorrect use of tense were apparent
• depth and detail were lacking
• scattered ideas were used without linking them to the question.