Chinese Background Speakers 2016 HSC exam pack

Part A

Characteristics of better responses:

• relevant information of the aural text was identified
• all aspects of the questions were addressed
• the reasons for the speaker’s aspiration to become a pilot were fully demonstrated (Q1b)
• an effective analysis of how the language techniques and content were used to encourage the female audience (Q1c)
• questions were answered in clear and comprehensible English.

Characteristics of weaker responses:

• insufficient information was provided to support the answers
• the language techniques were listed (Q1c)
• the aural text was translated rather than addressing the questions.

Part B

Characteristics of better responses:

• the two contrasting opinions were identified in a logical and coherent response
• a perceptive understanding of Dashan’s viewpoint was displayed
• the correct format of a letter was used
• concise and sophisticated language was used.

Characteristics of weaker responses:

• candidates recounted what had been heard
• only one side of the argument was presented
• candidates gave their own personal opinions instead of the father and daughter’s view points
• candidates wrote far more than the 200 characters required
• the incorrect text-type was used.

Part A

Question 3

Characteristics of better responses:

• candidates demonstrated a comprehensive understanding of the requirements of the question (Q3a)
• an insightful analysis of the influence of her upbringing on Miss Zhang’s personality and the inconsistency between her western upbringing and her traditional view of marriage was displayed (Q3b)
• the effectiveness of the language features in conveying the feelings of the characters was analysed with relevant textual reference (Q3c)
• precise and refined language was used.

Characteristics of weaker responses:

• isolated details from the extract were provided
• the requirements of the questions were not fully addressed; for example, the relief felt by Mr. Fang after the meeting was not illustrated (Q3a)
• candidates simply listed the language features used by the author (Q3c)
• poor control of language was demonstrated.

Question 4

Characteristics of better responses:

• a perceptive analysis of the question was presented with relevant textual references
• a thorough understanding of the language features and film techniques was demonstrated
• the relationship between the prescribed texts and their related theme or issue was clearly analysed
• a logical and coherent argument was presented using highly sophisticated language.

Characteristics of weaker responses:

• misunderstanding or misinterpretation of the song was apparent
• inappropriate textual references were used
• a narrative account or trivial incidences of the texts were provided
• some language features or film techniques were listed without elaboration
• not all aspects of the question were answered, for example, making reference to only one text instead of two, language features or film techniques were omitted.

Part B

Characteristics of better responses:

• a comprehensive understanding of the issues raised in the text was demonstrated
• candidates expressed clear personal opinions on the issue-‘whether artificial intelligence should be further developed or restricted’
• highly developed logical and analytical skills were displayed in the presentation of ideas
• the correct text-type was used
• an excellent control of language was demonstrated.

Characteristic of weaker responses:

• the main issues of the text were not identified
• the text was copied, summarised or paraphrased
• no reference to the text was made
• confused and contradictory view-points were presented
• very brief or superficial discussions were provided.

Characteristics of better responses:

• candidates demonstrated a thorough understanding of how the social climate gave rise to the issue of cyber bullying or the phenomenon of young people chasing celebrities
• a perceptive and logical analysis was presented with appropriate support
• a variety of sophisticated vocabulary and language structures were used
• awareness of audience was maintained throughout the article.

Characteristics of weaker responses:

• the topics were not addressed appropriately
• there was little or no understanding of the requirements of the questions
• candidates did not respond to the question fully, for example, some responses only gave a general description of the issues without analysis
• unrelated, inconsistent or superficial discussions of the topics were provided.