Arabic Extension 2016 HSC exam pack (archive)

Characteristics of better responses:

• a clear link between courage and change was demonstrated (Q1)
• a good introduction was provided, followed by reasons why commitment is rare or not and a concluding statement was made (Q2)
• a logical, coherent and well-structured argument was developed
• ideas were delivered consistently
• a wide range of vocabulary was used and ideas were explained effectively to support the argument
• the argument was presented confidently and fluently, with authentic intonation and pronunciation.

Characteristics of weaker responses:

• courage was discussed in a general sense without describing how it is or is not vital to creating change (Q1)
• the idea of commitment was discussed in a general context without linking it back to today’s society (Q2)
• a logical argument was not evident and the topic was treated superficially
• the structure of an argument was lacking
• pre-learnt material was presented without directly addressing the question.

Response to Prescribed Text - Part A

Characteristics of better responses:

• how language was used to reveal Ana’s feelings about Yasmine was highlighted and detailed examples were given (Q1b)
• a clear explanation was provided about how the conversation between Ana and Yasmine reveals their society’s social and cultural values with appropriate examples provided (Q1c)
• how the issues of modernism and materialism are explored through Afetab in the extract and one other part of the novel was explained in detail (Q1d)
• all aspects of the questions were addressed
• events from the novel were analysed.

Characteristics of weaker responses:

• the question was not fully addressed and weak references from the extract were provided
• candidates did not address the question and focused only on the relationship between Ana and Yasmine (Q1c)
• limited discussion of issues of materialism and modernism through the character of Afetab was provided (Q1d).

Response to Prescribed Text - Part B

• Characteristics of better responses
• how Yasmine’s perception of Afetab changed was addressed
• sophisticated language appropriate to task and audience was used
• a perceptive understanding of the issues raised was demonstrated
• ideas were logically organised, with relevant references from the text included
• a high level of accuracy and authentic manipulation of language were displayed.
• Characteristics of weaker responses
• Afetab was described in general rather than focusing on how Yasmin’s perception of Atetab changed
• poor structure was evident, with the story retold rather than reflecting on the issues raised
• ideas were scattered and not discussed in sufficient detail.

Writing in Arabic

Characteristics of better responses:

• a well-structured and convincing article was formulated
• a sophisticated discussion of the key elements of the statement was developed and presented
• the purpose of the task remained evident throughout
• logical progression of ideas with depth of treatment of the points mentioned was presented
• sound justification of the ideas and point of view were provided.

Characteristics of weaker responses:

• insufficient evidence was provided to support the argument presented
• poor structure and sequence were evident
• ideas presented were repeated or not clearly explained
• only part of the question was addressed, mentioning personal experiences in general without linking these to social relationships (Q3)
• depth and detail were lacking
• scattered ideas were used without linking them to the question.