Chinese and Literature 2018 HSC exam pack

Question 1

Students should:

• make notes in the Candidate’s Notes column and transcribe answer on to the allocated lines
• respond in English as stipulated in the question
• use their own words and not translate segments of the text as part of their response
• refer to content and language if required by the question and give examples from the text to support response
• address the key words in the questions fully and appropriately
• have a thorough knowledge of the prescribed themes and the related issues as well as the prescribed texts for study.

In better responses, students were able to

• identify relevant and appropriate information of the aural text and address all parts of the questions
• demonstrate a sound understanding of Liqiang’s traditional thinking, using their own words (Q1b)
• give an effective analysis of how the language features and content were used to express the sister’s family members’ attitudes about her having a second child (Q1c)
• answer the questions in clear and comprehensible English.

Areas for students to improve include:

• discussing relevant content and language features in comprehensible English and supporting their response with evidence from the text (Q1b and c)
• proofreading responses so that they make sense and are not contradictory.

Question 2

Students should:

• have a comprehensive understanding of the prescribed themes and the related issues raised in the texts
• support responses with appropriate examples and reference to the texts
• ensure their response provides all the relevant information to fully answer the question.

In better responses, students were able to:

• demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the two texts
• compare and contrast the information and ideas in the texts
• identify the positive and negative influences of bike sharing on people’s lives
• compose a logical and coherent argument about the issues raised in the texts
• demonstrate appropriate use of language appropriate to question
• write applying the convention of writing a format letter.

Areas for students to improve include:

• developing an argument and not just recounting content of text
• comparing and contrasting the issues in the texts
• providing all sides of the argument, either positive or negative
• supporting argument with textual references rather than giving their own personal experience
• keeping to the limits of the number character required to respond to the question
• using the correct text type.

Question 3

Students should:

• respond in either English or Chinese
• address all parts of the question
• analyse the information in the text or draw a conclusion rather than give a literal translation
• use the only lines allocated for the question.

In better responses, students were able to:

• demonstrate address all parts of the question and identify the different attitudes of the people Kronberg and Taiwan towards foreign cultures (Q3a)
• express how attitudes differ using their own words
• analyse how globalisation affect people’s sense of identity in a logical and coherent way (Q3b)
• refer closely to the textural references in communicating information and ideas (Q3b)
• respond to both the extract set for study and the text as a whole in a critical and analytical way (Q3c)
• demonstrate a perceptive understanding of meaning of “small town” for Andreas with well-selected examples (Q3c)
• support ideas and points of view with appropriate examples and reference to the text.

Areas for students to improve include:

• answering the questions in either Chinese or English but not in both languages in the same response
• addressing the requirements of the question appropriately instead of simply describing the content of the text
• giving relevant examples and reference to the text in response rather than their own personal view of the issue raised in the text
• demonstrating knowledge understanding of the text as a whole.

Question 4

Students should:

• demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the texts
• compose a coherent and effective argument supported by relevant examples and reference to the text
• understand relationship between the prescribed texts, themes and prescribed issues
• use appropriate textual references to support their ideas and points of view
• structure and sequence information and ideas in a coherent and logical manner.

In better responses, students were able to:

• present a perceptive analysis of how a person’s attitude towards love can reflect his/her personality with appropriate textual references to support argument
• demonstrate a perceptive understanding of how the language features and film techniques support the issues raised in the text
• present a logical and coherent argument using a range sophisticated language and vocabulary.

Areas for students to improve include:

• analysing how the texts reflect the themes and prescribed issues for study
• using appropriate textual references to support response
• addressing the question appropriately instead of recounting the plot or describing trivial incidents.

Question 5

Students should:

• respond in Chinese only
• write applying the conventions of the type of text required by the question
• develop an effective argument and take a stance on the issues raised in the article
• support response with evidence from the text
• have an excellent control of vocabulary and appropriate language structures.

In better responses, students were able to:

• demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the issues raised in the text
• present clear, well-supported viewpoints on the issue raised in the article
• demonstrate an excellent control of vocabulary and language structures
• use the conventions of the type of text of a diary.   

Areas for students to improve include:

• addressing the main issues appropriately instead of focussing only on minor issues in the text
• composing a coherent argument instead of summarising, recounting or paraphrasing the content in the article
• expressing personal views in a logical and coherent argument
• writing Chinese characters clearly and legibly.

Students should:

• write perceptively on the issue addressed in the question
• have an excellent control of vocabulary and language structures
• demonstrate originality in the development and sequence of information and ideas.

In better responses, students were able to:

• demonstrate a thorough understanding of the issue(s) addressed in the question
• develop a perceptive and logical response to the question
• demonstrate a variety of sophisticated vocabulary, grammar and language structures
• address consistently the context, purpose and audience throughout their extended response.

Areas for students to improve include:

• addressing all parts of the question appropriately
• responding to the question in particular rather than describing the issues in general
• supporting their response with evidence from the text
• sequencing ideas and information in a logical and coherent manner
• revising Chinese vocabulary, language structures and expressions relating to the prescribed issues.