German Extension 2021 HSC exam pack

In 2021, due to COVID-19, the HSC examinations for some courses were cancelled or the requirements adjusted, and no HSC feedback is available.

Please refer to marking feedback previously published for this component.

Students should:

• read the whole extract before attempting to answer the questions
• read the questions carefully and address all aspects in their response
• explain the quotes given in German and their significance in the relevant context rather than just translating them
• demonstrate knowledge of all the extracts for study and the whole prescribed text where required
• respond in English using their own words
• use the lines given as an indication of length of response required.

In better responses, students were able to:

• use relevant information from the extract provided to substantiate their answer
• show a thorough understanding of the extract and other relevant prescribed parts of the novel relevant to the question
• analyse language features and content
• make reference to the ‘Feldweg’ by offering some kind of comparison when explaining Maik’s fear of driving (1a)
• explain the significance of ‘kaum auszuhalten’ by making reference to Maik’s life prior to the trip (1b)
• identify Maik’s reaction accurately (1c).

Areas for students to improve include:

• ensuring relevant information from the given extract is used to answer questions
• ensuring thorough knowledge of prescribed extracts
• substantiating opinions/claims with reference to the text
• translating/paraphrasing all quotes.

Students should:

• address all parts of the question fully
• write in the type of text as specified in the question
• address the specified purpose, context and audience of the question
• write from a particular perspective as required by the question
• demonstrate their knowledge of the chosen extract and other relevant parts of the text when responding to the question
• support their response with evidence from the text
• use their own words and avoid translating the text as part of their response.

In better responses, students were able to:

• write effectively and plausibly from the perspective of the father and Mona
• discuss the fact that Tschick was left alone at home
• go beyond superficial and generalised responses about the upcoming holiday
• demonstrate a thorough and perceptive understanding of the entire prescribed extract on which the task was based, not just the provided excerpt
• manipulate authentic language appropriate to both characters.

Areas for students to improve include:

• demonstrating overall knowledge of the prescribed extract and where it occurs in the novel
• understanding of relationship dynamics
• writing in the correct register consistently
• using emotive language to express a range of feelings.

Students should:

• address all aspects of the question
• write in the relevant text type required by the question
• use appropriate register throughout the response
• ensure that the content of their response is relevant to the question
• plan and sequence their response to ensure that their response is coherent
• demonstrate knowledge of vocabulary, expressions and where relevant, idiomatic language related to the issues prescribed for study
• support their argument, point of view or opinion with relevant ideas and information
• manipulate the language authentically and creatively with correct use of grammar and syntax to meet the requirements of the task
• use the dictionary to choose appropriate word, expression or phrase for the context, purpose and audience of the question
• ensure there is enough time to edit their work.

In better responses, students were able to:

• substantiate their response with relevant examples
• use the correct register consistently
• write effectively for a specific audience by conforming to the text type of an essay for a youth newspaper
• demonstrate breadth and depth in the treatment of relevant ideas
• sustain a logical flow of ideas
• write with high level of grammatical accuracy.

Areas for students to improve include:

• leaving enough time to proof-read, especially to check the basics such as verb-subject agreement, word order, spelling, capitalisation of nouns
• ensuring adherence to the required length of response
• planning out their response.