Italian Extension 2021 HSC exam pack

Part A

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 Italian 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:

• demonstrate a full understanding of the events that led to Leo’s broken arm and were able to pin-point where and when this had occurred in the text (Q1a)
• provide a deep analysis of Leo’s desire to impress Beatrice with his outfit in the hope that his outward appearance would reflect his character (Q1b)
• articulate how Leo’s relationship with his mother had changed throughout the text and refer specifically to events that illustrate their point of view (Q1c)
• demonstrate, with supporting evidence, that Leo and Niko’s relationship had always been superficial and were able to articulate a clear example in an additional part of the text (Q1d).

Areas for students to improve include:

• avoiding translating quotes into English
• ensuring that they have a good understanding of the events of the entire text
• avoiding vague reference to the text and provide concrete examples to illustrate their point of view
• explaining the meaning behind the text and use a clear, well-structured paragraphs to articulate ideas (Q1d)
• respond appropriately to word ‘analyse’ (Q1d).

Part B

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:

• use a formal register and tone as appropriate for a parent/teacher meeting
• adopt the voice of the Sognatore and Leo’s father authentically
• demonstrate a thorough understanding of the relevant parts of the entire text
• use a variety of tenses and correct sentence structure
• write within the word limit and carefully plan their ideas.

Areas for students to improve include:

• demonstrating a deep understanding of the Sognatore’s and Leo’s father’s voice, in both language and approach
• making use of authentic grammatical structures and vocabulary
• avoid recounting events from the text and make more subtle references to demonstrate knowledge
• using the Lei form consistently throughout.

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:

• focus on the key words in the questions, for example, i gruppi, ribellarsi, troppo
• adequately address both parts of the question, for example, le nostre decisioni/lo sviluppo personale
• appropriately link their examples back to the question
• provide a clear argument supported by their examples
• use appropriate language for the text type, for example, to introduce and conclude a speech.

Areas for students to improve include:

• maintaining consistency of register throughout
• using strong examples to support their argument, rather than using only examples and vague ideas as their argument
• avoid writing too much over the word limit as this can create repetition and can weaken the argument
• planning ideas carefully
• proofreading their scripts and ensuring adequate legibility
• using the features of stipulated text-type, that is, a script of a talk including a relevant title.