Arabic Extension 2018 HSC exam pack (archive)

Monologue

Students should:

• focus on the key words in the question
• analyse and develop an argument logically
• sequence the information effectively
• have a clear point or opinion
• explain their examples or evidence and how these relate to the question
• make sure that their argument agrees with their introduction, conclusion
• refer to the 21st century world and avoid personal experiences, for example, ‘I’, ‘my friend’, ‘my brother’.

Question 1

In better responses students were able to:

• present a clear argument in which they justified their position in regards to the statement given, “People have become a slave to technology”
• structure their argument coherently using original ideas
• introduce and form their point before presenting the body of their discussion
• provide examples to support and justify their argument, linking these to the statement provided
• provide examples and evidence from the contemporary world
• include an introduction and a conclusion linked to their point of view
• communicate ideas confidently and fluently, with authentic intonation and pronunciation
• use sophisticated vocabulary and sentence structures.

Question 2

In better responses students were able to:

• present a clear argument in which they justify their position to the statement given: “Traditions and customs shape our identity” structure their argument coherently using original ideas
• address all key words of the question and explain with depth why they agree or disagree with the statement
• introduce and form their point before presenting the body of their discussion
• structure their argument coherently using original ideas
• provide contemporary examples to support and justify their argument
• provide connections between customs, tradition and identity
• include an introduction and a conclusion linked to their point of view
• communicate ideas confidently and fluently, with authentic intonation and pronunciation
• use sophisticated vocabulary and sentence structures.

Areas for students to improve include:

• practising how to develop an argument and making sure they apply consistently:
  • correct tense
  • evaluative and persuasive language devices
  • sophisticated vocabulary
  • subject/verb agreement rules
  • number/gender agreement rules
• avoiding repetition of ideas and the overuse of pre-prepared phrases that do not directly answer grammatical structures
• including sufficient information to fully address the question
• adhering to the time limit.

Response to Prescribed Text – Part A

Students should:

• read and understand the prescribed text in preparation for this specific section of their examination
• respond critically to the prescribed text
• analyse how the meaning is conveyed
• focus on the quality of their response and on being concise
• respond to a question that contains a quote by demonstrating understanding of the the quote, before providing supporting evidence and examples.

In better responses, students were able to:

• demonstrate a thorough understanding of the prescribed issues illustrated in the novel
• reflect effectively on the meaning of specific quotes and statements from the novel for Questions 1a and 1b
• give clear and specific examples from the novel to support and justify their responses
• present a perceptive analysis of the extent to which Yasmin’s parents have affected her choices and attitudes to life in comprehensible English for Question 1d
• provide detailed reference on how Yasmin’s parents affected her choices and life from both the extract and one other part of the novel for Question 1d.

Areas for students to improve include:

• addressing all aspects of the questions to demonstrate their complete understanding of the requirements for every response
• analysing, rather than just describing events and conversations from the prescribed text.
• presenting cohesive and critical points of view effectively.

Response to Prescribed Text – Part B

Students should:

• respond directly to the question
• demonstrate an understanding of the prescribed text and the prescribed issues
• refer specifically to the extract and the lines indicated in the question when constructing a response, rather than referring generally to issues and events in the novel without reference to the extract
• write from a particular perspective in a specific context
• communicate information and ideas clearly and accurately in Arabic.

In better responses, students were able to:

• reflect on previous disappointments, such as past experience of marriage and a relationship breakdown, the traditional mother who applied great pressure on Yasmin and the father who never showed love or care for his daughter عشت تجربة الخذلان من سليم وأبي وأمي
• present a clear reflection on the great opportunities in life that Yasmin held on to تلك الفرصة كانت (أنا)، الفرص العظيمة المكتوبة لي في المدينة العريقة والخيالية دبي
• present a perceptive interpretation and analysis of the selected extract from the prescribed text
• relate to other examples, events and incidents from the text to support and justify their responses
• effectively present a logical and comprehensive piece of writing that can be referred to as a cohesive argument.

Areas for students to improve include:

• avoiding repetition of ideas especially those based on personal experience
• referring mainly to ideas and points from the prescribed text that support the argument
• reading and understanding the requirement of the response before proceeding to answer
• demonstrating control of a range of language structures and vocabulary
• writing texts appropriate to context, purpose and audience
• avoiding repetition of ideas and points of view
• refraining from copying parts of the texts used in the examination paper.

Writing in Arabic

Students should:

• demonstrate an understanding of the prescribed text and the prescribed issues
• communicate information and ideas clearly and accurately in Arabic using a range of language structures and vocabulary
• 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
• structure and sequence information, opinions and ideas.

In better responses, students were able to:

• present a logical and cohesive argument effectively
• structure and sequence information, opinions and ideas clearly and effectively
• display a high level of accuracy in their writing and manipulate language authentically إن الاستماع إلى آراء الآخرين لهو شيء إيجابي مئة بالمئة، رغم أن ذلك قد يؤدي إلى التشويش، لذا بات جليا أنه نحن أصحاب القرار
• provide clear and strong examples in support of their arguments
  اسألْ جارَك واجنِ علماً لنْ تخسرَ شيئاً
• follow an appropriate text type structure when writing an article that consists of an introduction, body and conclusion أعزائي القراء، أودُّ أولاً أن أطرحَ عليكم سُؤالاً
• present a well-developed discussion of the question giving reasons and justification of their points of view.

Areas for students to improve include:

• avoiding confusion and repetition of ideas by having a clear point of view on the issue raised
• giving clear justification of a point of view and providing strong examples
• paying attention to language structure and vocabulary
• developing a creative and well developed piece of writing.