English Studies 2022 HSC exam pack

Students should:

• read the question carefully to ensure that they understand its intent and requirements
• have a clear understanding of key words in the question
• select relevant textual evidence to support their ideas
• avoid the use of personal opinions
• review their response to ensure that it addresses question requirements.

In better responses, students were able to:

• clearly explain the significance of place according to the poet (Q1)
• clearly explain how music is important in our lives according to the composer (Q2)
• thoughtfully examine how the experiences of the ‘two old boys’ illustrate the value of friendship (Q3)
• select appropriate examples to support their explanations about the value of friendship (Q3)
• show a thoughtful understanding of the sense of freedom expressed in the novel (Q4)
• analyse how the author has shaped this idea through his use of language and/or stylistic features (Q4)
• insightfully explain the effect that memories can have on us over time (Q5)
• cohesively consider both the text and the images in their response (Q5).

Areas for students to improve include:

• avoiding simple recount of events in the stimulus text (Q1, Q3, Q5)
• ensuring their response refers to the poet’s ideas about the significance of place, not their own ideas (Q1)
• avoiding personal commentary or general statements about their own feelings about music (Q2)
• analysing textual evidence rather than providing explanation or description (Q4)
• considering how memories can specifically affect us over time (Q5).

Students should:

• demonstrate an understanding of how texts represent human experiences
• develop a line of argument that addresses the question
• demonstrate a deep understanding of their prescribed text through a range of textual evidence
• compose an organised response with a logical sequence of arguments
• consider using a plan.

In better responses, students were able to:

• engage with all components of the question by identifying specific emotions and exploring how they arose through human experiences
• analyse the distinctive features of the text’s form and considered how they represent specifically identified emotions
• incorporate purposefully selected and wide-ranging textual evidence
• maintain control of language to express their ideas
• construct a personal and informedline of argument that is sustained throughout the response.

Areas for students to improve include:

• engaging with all parts of the question
• analysing how a range of language and structural features are employed to construct meaning
• incorporating detailed evidence that is specific to the text’s medium and form
• avoiding vague or generic comments that do not develop their line of argument.

Students should:

• make a specific recommendation for a module that students would find rewarding
• demonstrate understanding of the nature of a module through reference to a text studied
• write a structured response, appropriate to audience and purpose.

In better responses, students were able to:

• establish a recommendation which was logically explained and supported over the course of the response
• show a strong understanding of the focus of their chosen module
• closely consider a text studied in the module and link it to their recommendation
• write in detail to suitably justify their choice of module and text.

Areas for students to improve include:

• correctly observing the conventions of a letter
• ensuring all elements of the question are addressed
• linking their chosen text to the module they are recommending
• avoiding a recount of the activities undertaken in class
• organising ideas logically and sequentially.

Students should:

• nominate a proposed event for a Youth Festival
• argue the merits of the proposed event
• use the features of a persuasive text.

In better responses, students were able to:

• effectively argue for their chosen event
• provide valid reasons and examples to support their proposal
• showed consideration of potential counter arguments
• use language in a well-developed and coherent way.

Areas for students to improve include:

• understanding the nature of arguing for a proposal rather than simply describing a possible event
• logically supporting their nomination with valid reasons and arguments
• organising their ideas to coherently develop their argument
• composing a controlled and complete response.