History Extension 2019 HSC exam pack
2019 History Extension HSC exam paper
Marking guidelines
Marking guidelines are developed with the exam paper and are used by markers to guide their marking of a student's response. The table shows the criteria with each mark or mark range.
Sample answers may also be developed and included in the guidelines to make sure questions assess a student's knowledge and skills, and guide the Supervisor of Marking on the expected nature and scope of a student's response. They are not intended to be exemplary or even complete answers or responses.
Marking feedback
Select from the sections below to view feedback from HSC markers about how students performed in this year’s exam.
Use the feedback to guide preparation for future exams. Feedback includes an overview of the qualities of better responses. Feedback may not be provided for every question.
Feedback on written exam
Students should:
- take time to deconstruct the question and effectively respond to the question
- plan their responses before they start to write, and be consistent in their argument
- have a thorough understanding of competing perspectives on historiographical issues.
In better responses, students were able to:
- directly engage with the question
- provide a clear and critical assessment
- understand how evidence shapes construction of history and not just how historians use evidence
- use concepts from both of the sources to drive the argument
- challenge concepts in the sources to make an effective counterargument
- identify the relevant historiographical issues
- demonstrate extensive knowledge of additional source(s).
Areas for students to improve include:
- understanding the entirety of the sources not just isolated phrases
- maintaining consistency of argument
- demonstrating a more accurate and detailed knowledge of other sources
- avoiding the manipulation of the question to suit a pre-prepared response
- selecting appropriate other sources to complement their argument.
In better responses, students were able to:
- answer all components of the question with a focus on historians’ methods as opposed to their case studies
- identify what constitutes methods, including examples such as approaches, new evidence, forms of communication including writing, films
- explain how purpose, context and perspective influenced methodology which shaped interpretations
- make perceptive judgements and include effective integration, by demonstrating a clear understanding of the changing methods through unpacking and discussion
- choose the most appropriate and relevant historians to support their response
- make a sustained argument.
Areas for students to improve include:
- not pre-preparing a response
- focusing on the question as stated and not simply restating the question
- clearly identifying the specific areas of debate
- sustaining a perceptive judgement throughout the response
- knowing the historians’ methodologies, as well as the debates
- being more adventurous and confident in exploring different sources
- ensuring that the question drives the response, not the debates
- making sure the student voice, that is their judgement, is explicit throughout the argument
- ensuring accurate and relevant knowledge.
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History Extension syllabus
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