Arabic Extension 2022 HSC exam pack
2022 Arabic Extension HSC exam papers
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
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 three minutes
- address all parts of the question
- adopt a point of view or stance and provide appropriate examples that link 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
- provide a conclusion that is not a repetition of the introduction.
In better responses, students were able to:
- present a clear standpoint in the introduction
- maintain the stance taken throughout the monologue
- present a coherent argument with an introduction, relevant supporting points and examples along with a conclusion where they restate their point
- communicate ideas confidently and fluently, with authentic intonation
- address all key words of the questions
- argue through analysing and providing comparison instead of only describing, advising or recounting
- present a clear argument demonstrating a variety of ideas
- provide depth to the monologue by utilising relevant and sophisticated examples which extend beyond personal experiences
- make good use of linking words to illustrate the argument, for example,
...بناء على ما تقدّم أنا اؤمن بأنّ... إضافة الى ذلك
- use idiomatic expressions that were clear and relevant to the question
- use language features to support their argument such as high modality, rhetorical questions, metaphors and similes.
Areas for students to improve include:
- giving an ambiguous answer to the question, discussing both sides of the argument
- structuring an argument and linking ideas
- providing supporting points and examples instead of providing one supporting point and multiple examples for the same point
- manipulating language effectively to fit the question, instead of using prepared material in their responses
- maintaining a high level of grammatical accuracy
- demonstrating a high level of linguistic competence using sophisticated vocabulary and sentence structures
- applying persuasive devices in argument to support their point of view
... أنا واثقٌ بأنّ.. لا شكّ أنّ
- using rhetorical questions and idiomatic expressions to enhance their responses.
Feedback on written examination
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:
- explain in detail why Asma’s mother stopped interfering in her daughter’s marriage using reference from the extract (Q1a)
- describe accurately and precisely how Wedad’s mother is portrayed in the extract (Q1b)
- support their answer effectively by giving detailed reference to the extract of Wedad’s feeling about Wafiq’s decision (Q1c)
- analyse in depth how a wealth gap is portrayed in the extract and one other part of the short story with excellent examples and reference (Q1d).
Areas for students to improve include:
- supporting their answer with evidence and avoiding a direct translation from the extract
- elaborating on their ideas and not making general statements that are not related to the extract and the short story
- referring to the questions when answering to avoid misinterpretation and responding with irrelevant information.
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 context, purpose 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 in their response.
In better responses, students were able to:
- demonstrate a perceptive understanding of the extract and develop a well-structured and sophisticated conversation including all elements
- discuss cultural boundaries that affected Captain Kelly’s life
- acknowledge that Captain Kelly is an older man now and getting back with Nadine or Flomeena is not an option
- demonstrate awareness of the effect of migration on individuals during the time the story was written
- demonstrate understanding of Captain Kelly’s emotional and social status
- write effectively and creatively about the anger and the resentment of Captain Kelly towards his aunty and vice-versa and how it is too late to reconcile with each other.
Areas for students to improve include:
- extending their answer to include all ideas in the extract and write a better conversation
- inferring meaning of events presented in the extract especially Nadine’s visit to aunty Saeeda
- using language features to express opinion
- reflecting on Captain Kelly’s hardship and what he went through
- comparing between Flomeena and Nadine as the two are very different in the way they live; one lives in the village and the other is independent
- writing about how culture and customs impacted Captain Kelly’s and Flomeena’s lives.
Writing in Arabic
Students should:
- address all aspects of the question
- write in the relevant text type as specified in the question
- use appropriate register consistently throughout the response
- ensure that the content of their response is relevant to the question
- plan and sequence their response to ensure it 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
- proofread and edit their work.
In better responses, students were able to:
- write using the correct format of a response
- express their opinion by presenting appropriate examples and evidence
- write effectively with sophistication answering all aspects of the question and statement provided
- present their response coherently with high grammatical accuracy.
Areas for students to improve include:
- using Modern Standard Arabic and avoiding colloquialism and dialects
- using relevant examples and evidence to strengthen their response
- writing using the correct structure of a response.
HSC exam resources
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Arabic Extension syllabus
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