Chinese and Literature 2023 HSC exam pack

Part A

Students should:

• make notes in the Candidate’s Notes column and transcribe their answer on to the allocated lines
• respond in English
• 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 their response
• address the key words in the question, for example, ‘how’, ‘why’, ‘justify’, ‘analyse’ and provide relevant responses
• 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 the aims of the ‘double reduction’ policy: to reduce the amount of homework and after school tutoring for students, and to encourage students to enjoy their childhood and develop their interests (Q1a)
• demonstrate an excellent understanding of the reasons why Xiaoyu’s mother is worried: falling behind at school with reduced homework and private tutoring, and not being able to get into a selective high school (Q1b)
• analyse how Mr Li tries to persuade Xiaoyu’s mother by identifying the language techniques and appropriate content, and explaining their effects (Q1c).                      

Areas for students to improve include:

• providing two points instead of one about the aims of the ‘double reduction’ policy (Q1a)
• identifying language techniques accurately. For example,‘教育不是注满一桶水，而是点然一把火’ is a famous saying, not a famous idiom (Q1c)
• avoiding irrelevant language techniques, for example, high modality, simile or idiom (Q1c).

Part B

Students should:

• respond in Chinese as indicated in the question
• use their own words and not translate segments of the text as part of their response
• demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the prescribed themes and the related issues raised in the texts
• support their response with appropriate examples and textual references
• ensure their response provides all the relevant information to fully answer the question
• manipulate the language authentically according to the context, purpose and audience of the question
• apply the conventions of the type of text required by the question
• adhere to the suggested number of words and/or characters.

In better responses, students were able to:

• identify the positive and negative aspects of the trend of working from home
• discuss the issues raised in the texts by effectively comparing and contrasting information and ideas                                                                                                                
• manipulate language effectively and authentically and use sophisticated vocabulary and expressions
• use correct format of a diary entry.

Areas for students to improve include:

• avoiding directly copying from the two stimulus texts
• comparing and contrasting effectively by using information from both texts
• avoiding the inclusion of irrelevant information which was not mentioned in the texts 
• using the correct text type as required in the question and being aware that there should be a date in the first line of the diary, but not a signature at the end
• ensuring their opinions are clear and consistent
• avoiding too many errors when writing Chinese characters
• using written language instead of colloquial language, although a diary entry may contain informal words or phrases.

Part A

Students should:

• respond in either English or Chinese as required by the question
• address all parts of the question
• identify the key issue(s) and provide examples to substantiate their response when asked to analyse or evaluate information
• demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between the prescribed texts, themes and prescribed issues
• use appropriate textual references to support their ideas and point(s) of view
• structure and sequence information and ideas in a coherent and logical manner
• demonstrate control of vocabulary and appropriate language structures
• avoid giving a literal translation of text(s) as part of the response
• use only the lines allocated for the question.

In better responses, students were able to:

• correctly explain that ‘spring’ symbolises both nostalgia and optimism, encompassing both past memories and expectations for the future (Q3a)
• provide a thorough understanding of the changes in the character’s personal situation. For example, physical appearance, emotional changes, material circumstances and love life (Q3b)
• understand how the author uses language features to express his thoughts about life (Q3c)
• demonstrate a thorough understanding of the key words in the statement such as ‘breaking through the constraints’, traditions’ and ‘grow’ (Q4).
• justify arguments by using sufficient relevant textual reference (Q4)
• present a logical and coherent argument which is well sequenced and uses highly sophisticated vocabulary and structures (Q4)
• discuss how language features and film techniques are used in the films to convey meaning (Q4).

Areas for students to improve include:

• explaining the meaning of ‘spring’ in full (Q3a)
• recognising the changes in different aspects of the character's personal situation instead of summarising the song (Q3b)
• identifying the languages features used and analysing their effects (Q3c)
• exploring the relationship between the films and the issue of the influence of traditional values on today’s young people, in conjunction with the social settings (Q4)
• analysing how young people break through the constraints of tradition and how this helps characters grow (Q4)
• supporting the answer with relevant textual reference (Q4).

Part B

Students should:

• respond in Chinese only
• apply the conventions of the type of text required by the question
• take a stance on the issue(s) raised in the text and substantiate point of view with evidence from the text
• demonstrate understanding of whole text
• demonstrate control of vocabulary and appropriate language structures.

In better responses, students were able to:

• explicitly state the advantages and disadvantages of a minimalist lifestyle
• write a clear and logical response, including a clear introduction, prominent main ideas and a concise conclusion
• identify and reflect on all the issues raised in the article
• use highly developed logic and analytical skills with appropriate textual reference
• incorporate appropriate and credible examples in support of viewpoints
• present clear and effective arguments
• use sophisticated language, and conjunctions and connections to link arguments
• use the correct format of a letter, addressing the recipient, stating the purpose of this letter, and concluding the letter in an appropriate and polite manner.

Areas for students to improve include:

• demonstrating explicit support of or against the minimalist lifestyle and avoiding uncertainty in response
• composing a coherent argument instead of summarising the content of the text
• including all points of view from the text, rather than responding to one aspect but ignoring the others
• using the correct format of a letter.
• structuring the letter logically and displaying a good control of vocabulary and structures to support arguments.

Students should:

• apply the conventions of the type of text required by the question
• maintain appropriate register
• write on the issue(s) addressed in the question
• demonstrate originality in the development and sequence of information and ideas
• demonstrate control of vocabulary and language structures suitable to the issue(s) discussed in the response
• adhere to the word and/or character limit of the question.

In better responses, students were able to:

• adhere to the essay writing conventions required by the question with an introduction, a body, and a conclusion
• present ideas and information in a clear and logical sequence and use topic sentences or transitional phrases to organise the content of the text in a coherent manner
• respond to the question with a clear viewpoint supported by evidence
• create a convincing, logical and well-founded argument to validate their response
• demonstrate proficiency in sophisticated vocabulary and advanced language structures.

Areas for students to improve include:

• ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the topic and relevant contemporary issues
• presenting an argument that is clearly relevant to the question
• structuring texts in a thoughtful and logical way, and backing up their responses with relevant evidence
• demonstrating high order thinking in written responses by arranging ideas and information in a logical and cohesive manner.