Japanese in Context 2021 HSC exam pack (archive)

Students should:

• respond in English or Japanese as required by question
• demonstrate their understanding of the issue(s) raised in the text
• include all relevant details and support their response with reference to the text
• use appropriate vocabulary, expressions and language to address the style of writing required by the question
• use appropriate register when responding in Japanese
• respond within the required word and/or character limit
• respond to the number of texts referred to in the question
• apply the conventions of the text type.

In better responses, students were able to:

• list the key ideas of the speakers findings concisely in approximately 60 words as required (Q1)
• demonstrate both understanding of the text and a reflection on the issue raised in the conversation (Q2)
• include all relevant details and discuss the speaker’s point of view in the monologue (Q3)
• synthesise both texts effectively and include all relevant details (Q4)
• write a letter for a job offer to the suitable candidate using appropriate level of language (Q4)
• discuss the language features and techniques used in the article, and link them to the change of the writer’s view (Q5)
• identify the main ideas and synthesise both texts effectively to write a forum post to discuss paternity leave (Q6)
• competently manipulate language structures to suit to audience, context and purpose and use a range of vocabulary.

Areas for students to improve include:

• referring to both texts where necessary
• using the correct grammar and sentence structures
• using appropriate expressions and vocabulary
• using accurate kanji
• avoiding irrelevant/unnecessary information
• aligning the language level used to the required text type so that it is appropriate to audience, context, and purpose
• planning their answer so that responses are structured and sequenced, show breadth and depth and address all aspects of the question
• ensuring that responses are clearly linked to the content of texts to demonstrate their understanding
• demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of the texts by including clear reference to speakers’ viewpoints, not just the one with which they personally agreed
• making clear reference to texts to demonstrate their ability to synthesise information and ideas
• addressing both content and language features in their answers (Q5).

Students should:

• use the conventions of the style of writing required by the question
• use language appropriate for the context, purpose, and audience of the question
• use a wide variety of vocabulary, sentence structures and prescribed words and/or characters
• structure the response in a logical and coherent manner
• support their ideas and opinions with appropriate examples
• respond in Japanese as stated in the question
• use appropriate register consistently throughout the response
• use vocabulary, expressions, and structures relevant to the issue raised in the question.

In better responses, students were able to:

• use a wide variety of vocabulary, sentence structures and suggested kanji
• show breadth and depth in their treatment of the topic
• demonstrate cultural insight and understanding in their responses.
• structure and sequence responses effectively
• use appropriate vocabulary and expressions to engage the audience
• provide valid examples and reasons to support ideas and opinions
• successfully state their own opinions on the topic of what they and their community can do to raise Japanese young people’s interest in their traditional culture (Q7)
• successfully state their own opinions on the topic of what they and their community can do to leave a better environment for the next generation (Q8).

Areas for students to improve include:

• using accurate spelling, kanji, and grammar structures
• using appropriate language register
• sequencing for a logical flow of ideas and information
• using formal language appropriately, where necessary
• successfully connecting the issue raised to their own context
• presenting some original ideas for each topic.
• adhering to the word limit of approximately 500 ji.