Japanese in Context 2017 HSC exam pack (archive)

Students should:

• ensure they conduct meaningful research using relevant texts, making reference to their research during the examination
• make a clear link between the chosen topic and the syllabus issue
• manipulate language naturally and with strong fluency using a variety of relevant vocabulary and sophisticated grammar.

Students should expect to:

• demonstrate the capacity to effectively communicate in Japanese about their research
• show a thorough and deep understanding of their chosen topic.

Students can prepare for this examination by:

• tailoring a relevant response to the question being asked and avoiding the use of pre-learned responses which limit the ability to effectively respond to the questions posed by the examiner
• demonstrating a thorough understanding of the chosen topic
• making relevant reference to the texts studied
• making a strong connection between the chosen topic and the syllabus issue
• avoiding the use of colloquial language and/or unsophisticated vocabulary and structures.

Student strengths

In better responses, students were able to:

• show an in-depth understanding of the issue chosen for the Personal Investigation
• discuss and substantiate a point of view effectively with supporting evidence and examples
• make reference to a range of texts and sources from more than one context
• speak fluently and confidently, providing well-structured responses to questions
• demonstrate a high level of grammatical accuracy and sophisticated vocabulary.

Students should:

• ensure the length of responses meets the expected word limit
• read both English and Japanese language instructions and questions to ensure a complete understanding of what is being asked in each question.

In better responses, students were able to:

• summarise the content concisely with relevant reference to the text (Q1)
• demonstrate both an understanding of the text and a reflection on the issue raised in the conversation between Marina and her father (Q2)
• include all relevant details and clearly explain what was realised about language learning (Q3)
• use formal language appropriately and synthesise both texts effectively to write a persuasive letter (Q4)
• present their message logically with references from the song (Q5)
• discuss all of the values mentioned in the text and how they are linked with the effect on the young people (Q6)
• demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the text and discuss the influence on employment (Q7).

In better responses, students were able to:

• use a wide variety of vocabulary, sentence structures and prescribed kanji with few grammatical errors and with great accuracy
• structure and sequence their highly relevant ideas
• use appropriate vocabulary and expressions to engage the audience
• provide valid examples and reasons to support ideas and opinions
• maintain appropriate language and register throughout their constructed texts
• successfully connect the issue raised to their own context as a citizen (Q8)
• discuss positive and negative aspects (Q9).