Classical Greek Extension 2017 HSC exam pack

Students should:

• provide translations of prescribed texts that are coherent and fluent, and not awkwardly literal
• check their translations to ensure that no words or phrases have been accidentally omitted
• make use of all the assistance that is provided for the translation of the unseen extract. This includes the extract’s introduction and the vocabulary. Students should also use the grammatical questions that are asked before the translation to clarify points of grammar before they attempt the translation
• pay close attention to the wording of the question to see if it requires them to respond only with reference to the extract(s) given or to other sections of the text they have studied
• look carefully at the marks allocated to a question as they indicate the depth and length of response required
• address all elements of a commentary question in a logical and cohesive manner, focusing only on relevant information
• address the specific requirements of the question; students who rely on pre-prepared responses will disadvantage themselves
• support their explanation or analysis with relevant and valid examples, explaining the link between the examples given and the aspect being analysed
• use ellipsis when quoting more than a few words from an extract (for example, καὶ ἀπίκατο... Θηβαίων) in order to avoid copying long sections of text. They should demonstrate in English their understanding of how the Greek is relevant to their argument, and not leave sections of quoted Greek text to speak for itself.

Students should expect:

• questions that require them to show their understanding of specific extracts
• questions that require them to show their knowledge of the prescribed texts as a whole; this may include the historical, political, cultural and/or literary context of the work
• questions which require an explanation or analysis of the language used in a given extract for a specific effect.

In better responses, students were able to:

• explain what the extracts reveal about the character of Agamemnon and how it is in keeping with his presentation throughout Iliad  I (Q2(a))
• describe Achilles’ feelings and identify specific uses of language, drawn from the entirety of the extract, which conveys their intensity (Q2(b))
• describe the attitudes which Agamemnon and Achilles displayed towards each other in the extracts.  They explained the background of the conflict and explored the key themes of glory and personal honour to account for the irreconcilable differences between the two men. Students supported their responses with reference to both Iliad I and IX (Q3).