Classical Greek Extension 2018 HSC exam pack

Students should:

• address the specific requirements of the question
• address all elements of a commentary question in a logical and cohesive manner, focusing only on relevant information
• 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 in order to avoid copying long sections of text
• 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.

Question 1

In better responses, students were able to:

• show an excellent knowledge of vocabulary, as well as syntax.

Areas for students to improve include:

• familiarising themselves with the vocabulary of the entire prescribed text
• developing knowledge of syntax as applied in context.

Question 2

In better responses, students were able to:

• briefly explain the context of the extract (Q2 a, b)
• move systematically through the text, identifying relevant language and content features (Q2 a, b)
• link specific features of the text to the development of a dramatic effect (Q2 a)
• provide a comprehensive explanation, taking into account the entire extract (Q2 a)
• link the presentation of Eurylochus to pathos (Q2 b)
• deal effectively with both extracts (Q2 b).

Areas for students to improve include:

• analysing the text for a specific purpose rather than just describing or paraphrasing the content (Q2 a, b)
• covering the entirety of the extract(s) given (Q2 a, b)
• linking textual features to a specific effect, not just listing them (Q2 a, b).

Question 3

In better responses, students were able to:

• provide a perceptive and comprehensive analysis, rather than just a description
• analyse the ways in which Homer presents Odysseus, not just Odysseus’ character
• use the extracts effectively to support their response
• show their knowledge of the whole prescribed text, referring to other relevant sections.

Areas for students to improve include:

• familiarising themselves with the entire text
• identifying key words in the question
• remaining focused on the requirements of the question.

Students should:

• make use of all the assistance that is provided for the translation of the unseen extract (the introduction and the vocabulary)
• use the grammatical questions as pointers, designed to draw attention to those points of grammar necessary for an accurate translation.

In better responses, students were able to:

• provide appropriate translations for synonyms (Q4 a)
• recognise ellipsis of verbs (Q4 a)
• interpret accurately the syntax of lines 348-9 (Q4 a)
• show a good understanding of syntax, as well as vocabulary (Q4 a, b).

Areas for students to improve include:

• familiarising themselves with the vocabulary of the prescribed text (Q4 a, b).