Arabic Extension 2017 HSC exam pack (archive)

Students should:

• present and develop a coherent argument, supported by well-explained ideas and information on the topic
• maintain effective control of Modern Standard Arabic language
• present their monologues with some degree of fluency and use a range of vocabulary combined with sound sentence structure
• end their responses with an appropriate conclusion. Repeating or paraphrasing the wording of the topic is insufficient, and new ideas should not be introduced in the concluding statements
• not read from their notes. Use the notes from the 7 minute preparation time as a guide only
• include sufficient information to fully address the topic
• avoid repetition of ideas and grammatical structures
• ensure accuracy with grammatical structures, particles and tenses
• avoid the overuse of pre-learnt phrases that do not directly answer the question
• adhere to the time limit.

Question 1

In better responses, students were able to:

• make reference to various new things that individuals are enticed to buy, especially from the media
• present ideas on the extent people are interested in buying new products  
• discuss some of the implications of the desire to own new things.

Question 2

In better responses, students were able to:

• state their position, drawing on their own experience
• support their argument with two or three ideas; for example, the different challenges that people are going through to move on from the various obstacles or memories or issues that they experienced in the past, and the impact of this on the individual’s success and future.

Students should:

• read all questions in English before reading the extract
• demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between the prescribed text and prescribed issues
• evaluate and respond to text creatively and critically
• analyse how meaning is conveyed
• analyse the social, political, cultural and/or literary contexts of the text.

Students should expect to:

• extract, summarise, analyse and evaluate information from written texts
• address all aspects of the questions
• analyse and exchange information in response to a text
• analyse, rather just describe, events from their selected novel
• present and justify their point of view
• write texts appropriate to context, purpose and audience
• effectively present a logical and cohesive argument
• demonstrate control of a range of language structures and vocabulary.

Students can prepare for this examination by:

• reading and understanding the Prescribed Text (the novel)
• accessing the various forms of media available which relate to the prescribed issues
• reading widely.

Response to Prescribed Text – Part A

In better responses, students were able to:

• refer to specific examples from the novel to support and justify their response
• show a thorough understanding of the themes
• present a perceptive interpretation and analysis of the text.

Response to Prescribed Text – Part B

Students should:

• present and develop a sophisticated and coherent discussion that treats relevant ideas and supporting evidence in depth, while relating these to the specific audience, purpose and context appropriate to the question
• demonstrate a high level of grammatical accuracy and sophistication in vocabulary and sentence structure.

In better responses, students were able to:

• utilise a high level of language sophistication and use of the correct text-type
• logically organise ideas with relevant references to the text
• display a high level of accuracy in their writing and manipulate language authentically
• reflect on the roles that both Afetab and Ana have played in the changes that happened to Yasmine as described in the extract and analyse how the change in language reflected her change of attitude.

Writing in Arabic

In better responses, students were able to:

• deliver ideas consistently use a wide range of vocabulary
• explain ideas effectively to support their argument
• formulate a well-structured and convincing response
• present and develop a sophisticated discussion of the key elements of the statement
• consider the purpose of the task.

Question 3

In better responses, students were able to:

• present ideas on whether or not modern technologies do or do not minimise the daily pressures on individuals
• give good examples to support their point of view
• be both descriptive and creative when they present and support their ideas
• write a script in which they present a well-developed discussion of the question
• give reasons for, comment on and justify their point of view
• follow the appropriate text type structure
• include an introduction or introductory statement showing their stance or direction of discussion
• include a concluding statement reinforcing their main idea, making a recommendation.

Question 4

In better responses, students were able to:

• write a script that discusses and justifies whether or not individuals today care much more about their own rights than the rights of others
• follow the appropriate text type structure
• use an introductory statement showing stance or direction of discussion
• include a concluding statement, reinforcing their main idea, making a recommendation.