Earth and environmental science 2015 HSC exam pack (archive)

Candidates showed strength in these areas:

• identifying a feature linked to a conservative plate boundary, providing features of oceanic plates and using diagrams to support their responses (Q21)
• using appropriate labels for features, arrows to show movement, and correct terminology within diagrams to describe difficult geological structures (Q23)
• including explicit references to quantitative data, distinct trends and providing reasons for those trends (Q25)
• providing a logical experimental method (Q28) with:
  • indicated steps
  • a comparison between compacted and un-compacted soils
  • variables identified and controlled
  • units given such as time, volume mass and size
  • repetition (to ensure reliability)
  • showing how they achieved or identified soils of different compaction
• providing geological features rather than general features when required (Q29).

Candidates need to improve in these areas:

• linking the correct rock types to plate boundaries (Q21)
• outlining the disadvantages of living near a volcano such as Mount Mayon (Q22)
• referring to the information (tables, graphs or data) given in the question (Q25 and Q30)
• generalising from a specific example to the survival of a species (Q26)
• identifying plant advantages available exclusively to the terrestrial environment (Q26)
• clearly differentiating between ozone and greenhouse gases (Q24)
• integrating relevant examples to support points being made (Q26)
• identifying that global temperature is maintained by natural forces (Q30)
• addressing the statement and making reference to all data provided in the question (Q23 and Q30)
• providing information with a logical progression indicating either breadth or depth of knowledge (Q30).

Question 31

Candidates showed strength in these areas:

• outlining reasons for the introduction of a species (part a)
• identifying abiotic features of the environment (part b)
• linking the answer to the data provided (part d).

Candidates need to improve in these areas:

• providing specific detail and responding to the stimulus material given in the question
• addressing all components in the question with an adequate breadth and depth of knowledge (part e).

Question 32

Candidates showed strength in these areas:

• explaining the conversion of organic matter to oil (part a)
• comparing the geological features of coal and petroleum deposits (part b)
• using the data from the graph given in the question (part d).

Candidates need to improve in these areas:

• making reference to the stimulus material given in the question
• addressing all components in the question with an adequate breadth and depth of knowledge (part e).

Question 33

Candidates showed strength in these areas:

• explaining the features of an environmental impact statement (part b).

Question 34

Candidates showed strength in these areas:

• explaining the variation of light availability in the oceans (part a)
• providing a relevant diagram (part c).

Candidates need to improve in these areas:

• making reference to the given map and linking this to specific knowledge (part d)
• understanding principles of sustainability when applied to ocean systems (part e).