Arabic Extension exam papers archive
Arabic Extension 2019 HSC exam pack (archive)
2019 Arabic Extension HSC paper (archived)
Marking guidelines
Marking guidelines are developed with the examination paper and are used by markers to guide their marking of a student's response. The table shows each question and the criteria with each mark or mark range.
Sample answers may also be developed and included in the guidelines to make sure questions assess a student's knowledge and skills, and guide the Supervisor of Marking on the expected nature and scope of a student's response. They are not intended to be exemplary or even complete answers or responses.
HSC marking feedback
Select from the link(s) below to view feedback about how students performed in this year’s examination.
Use the feedback to guide preparation for future examinations. Feedback includes an overview of the qualities of better responses. Feedback may not be provided for every question.
Feedback on practical examination
Oral examination
Monologue
Students should:
- use the seven minutes preparation time to prepare points which can be used to deliver a logical and coherent monologue
- state the question to which they are responding
- speak for approximately for three minutes
- address all parts of the question
- adopt a point of view or stance and provide appropriate examples that links their argument to the question
- avoid solely recounting their own experiences in order to answer the question
- avoid using pre-prepared material that may be irrelevant to the question
- use a variety of vocabulary, sentence structures and expressions which are suitable to the issue addressed in the question
- ensure that the conclusion is not a repetition of the introduction.
In better responses, students were able to:
- develop their argument in a structured way by including an opening statement, body and conclusion
- address the key words/expressions in the questions such as ‘expectations’, ‘sacrifice’, ‘success’, ‘modern life’
- refer to the 21st century world and avoid only giving personal experiences as examples to support their point of view
- present a strong and clear argument about ‘how it is not important to live up to others expectations’ and justify their position with examples
- link the ideas of ‘success and sacrifice’ to our contemporary society
- present a clear stance in the introduction and re-state their position in the conclusion
- structure their response in a logical manner, using relevant ideas and examples
- use conjunctions correctly to link ideas and point(s) of view
- communicate ideas confidently and fluently, with authentic intonation and pronunciation, and with only minor inaccuracies
- present their argument using a range of grammatical features, appropriate vocabulary and sentence structures.
Areas for students to improve include:
- using correct grammatical conventions such as mood (indicative, subjunctive †, jussive †, imperative (لن نتدخلَ – لم يُساعدوا – إن حريةَ الفرد تتلاشى متى رضخَ لتوقعات الآخرين)
- using correct personal pronouns, suffixes, demonstratives, relative pronouns
- applying persuasive languages devices
- applying the correct intonation and pronunciation
- choosing correct vocabulary to express ideas of issues raised in question
- avoiding repetition of the same words or ideas throughout the monologue.
Feedback on written examination
Section I
Response to Prescribed Text – Part A
Students should:
- read the whole extract before attempting to answer the questions
- read the questions carefully and address all aspects in their response
- explain the quotes given in Arabic and their significance in the relevant context rather than just translating them
- demonstrate knowledge of all the extracts for study and the whole prescribed text where required
- respond in English using their own words
- use the lines given as an indication of length of response required.
In better responses, students were able to:
- make a clear connection between the caller Id “Ana”, the confidence and the challenge that attracted her to him (Q1a)
- infer information about Dubai and its characteristics from the text with reference to the content of paragraphs two and three and speak about the language used to reveal information about the city of Dubai (Q1b)
- critically identify some language techniques used in the extract to explain how Yasmin was connected to her surroundings (Q1c)
- demonstrate a clear understanding of the requirement of the question and the expression ‘outlook on life’ and provide clear and detailed references from this extract and other parts of the novel (Q1d).
Areas for students to improve include:
- reading the wording of all questions carefully and determining the requirement of the task at hand
- presenting cohesive and critical points of view effectively.
Response to Prescribed Text – Part B
Students should:
- address all parts of the question fully
- write in the type of text as specified in the question
- address the specified purpose, context and audience of the question
- write from a particular perspective as required by the question
- demonstrate their knowledge of the chosen extract and other relevant parts of the text when responding to the question
- support their response with evidence from the text
- use their own words and avoid translating the text as part of their response.
In better responses, students were able to:
- demonstrate a thorough understanding of the question and its requirement
- write with depth focusing on the given extract as a focus point to their response and then moving on to link it with the other points /issues in the novel
- address the task with innovation, flair and originality
- use the correct text type and address the audience correctly
- write with a sophisticated style and high level of grammatical accuracy and sentence structure
- demonstrate a high ability to sequence ideas and organise information to meet the requirements of the task.
Areas for students to improve include:
- focusing on the character of Yasmin as portrayed in the extract and the early part of the novel
- referring to both the extract and the novel in their response
- using the correct text type and understanding the difference between an interview and a dialogue
- ensuring they have a comprehensive knowledge of the details in all extracts of the prescribed text to be able to analyse it correctly.
Section II
Writing in Language
Students should:
- address all aspects of the question
- write in the relevant text type required by the question
- use appropriate register throughout the response
- ensure that the content of their response is relevant to the question
- plan and sequence their response to ensure that their response is coherent
- demonstrate knowledge of vocabulary, expressions and where relevant, idiomatic language related to the issues prescribed for study
- support their argument, point of view or opinion with relevant ideas and information
- manipulate the language authentically and creatively with correct use of grammar and syntax to meet the requirements of the task
- use the dictionary to choose appropriate word, expression or phrase for the context, purpose and audience of the question
- ensure there is enough time to edit their work.
In better responses, students were able to:
- demonstrate good understanding of the questions asked and the requirement of the tasks
- respond effectively to the questions with depth of treatment in sharing own experiences or providing relevant examples about how past experiences can determine the success of their future or how migration to a new land requires a change in the way people view life
Areas for students to improve include:
- adhering to the number of words required for the task
- writing for the correct audience, purpose and context
- writing accurately with breadth of ideas using a variety of vocabulary and sentence structure
- organising their ideas and information in a logical structure to meet the requirements of the task
- learning how to explain their ideas coherently in depth and with the correct structure.
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Arabic Extension syllabus
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