Arabic Continuers 2016 HSC exam pack

Characteristics of better responses:

• candidates engaged fluently and effectively in the conversation
• a variety of sentence structures were used to express ideas
• ideas were effectively communicated and explained in detail
• detailed and relevant information was provided in response to a range of questions.

Characteristics of weaker responses:

• ideas were repeated and there were frequent pauses
• insufficient or irrelevant information was provided
• inaccuracies in grammar and vocabulary were evident
• difficulty in responding to a variety questions was evident
• colloquial language was used.

Listening and Responding

Characteristics of better responses:

• ideas were supported with detailed and relevant information
• time and months of the year were correctly stated (Q2)
• a good explanation of why Ziad is upset was provided, with relevant references from the text (Q4)
• understanding of similarities and differences in the attitudes of the speakers was displayed (Q5)
• appropriate information was provided from the text to explain the aim of the event (Q6)
• a summary of the benefits was provided (Q7)
• all aspects of Hazem’s change of feelings as revealed through the language used, were presented and supported with evidence from the text (Q8).

Characteristics of weaker responses:

• a lack of knowledge in relation to months of the year and time was displayed (Q2)
• insufficient details were provided (Q4)
• the text was translated rather than inferring and evaluating ideas (Q5 and Q6)
• a brief translation of some ideas from the text was presented (Q7)
• some language techniques were listed without reference to the change of feelings (Q8).

Reading and Responding

Part A

Characteristics of better responses:

• all aspects of the question were addressed by making clear and purposeful links to the question
• a holistic understanding of the text was shown by providing a good understanding of how Mrs Nadia’s views about the students had changed (Q9c)
• a good explanation of the given quote was provided (Q10d)
• a good explanation as to how language is used to describe views was provided(Q10e).

Characteristics of weaker responses:

• only one aspect of the question was addressed
• insufficient explanation was provided about the change of Mrs Nadia’s view (Q9b)
• lack of understanding of the quote was demonstrated (Q10d)
• only part of the question was answered, for example, a brief reference was made to Fadwa’s and Lina’s views with no reference to the language used (Q10e).

Part B

Characteristics of better responses:

• language was authentically and creatively manipulated
• ideas were appropriately linked and all the required points and issues were covered
• a cohesive response with sustained control of expression was presented.

Characteristics of weaker responses:

• only some points were addressed and information was copied directly from the text
• ideas lacked organization, were repeated and expressed briefly
• many errors in regards to grammar and syntax were evident.

Writing in Arabic

Characteristics of better responses:

• appropriate purpose, context and audience were addressed
• the correct text type was used
• excellent understanding of the requirements of the task was demonstrated
• a fair degree of creativity and originality was demonstrated
• ideas were clearly connected using connective words and phrases
• ideas were effectively communicated and correctly explained in detail
• high level knowledge of language, vocabulary and structure was evident.

Characteristics of weaker responses:

• inaccuracies in grammar and vocabulary were evident
• ideas were poorly expressed with many errors in both vocabulary and language structures
• some expressions were repeated and unlinked.