Japanese in Context 2025 HSC exam pack

Students should:

• use the eight minutes of preparation time to prepare both monologues
• speak for approximately seven minutes
• prepare a response based on the requirements of the questions
• address all parts of both questions
• adopt a point of view and provide relevant examples that link their argument to the question
• provide examples beyond their personal experiences
• use a variety of vocabulary, sentence structures and expressions which are suitable to the issue addressed in the question
• provide a conclusion that is not a repetition of the introduction.

In better responses, students were able to:

• manage the allocated time between both questions effectively
• demonstrate understanding of the questions and clearly articulate their point of view
• structure their response with a clear introduction, body and conclusion
• provide clear, and concrete examples in support of their response
• speak fluently and confidently, providing logical and well-structured responses to both questions
• respond using a high level of grammatical accuracy, and sophisticated vocabulary and expressions throughout the responses
• speak with a clear voice and a calm manner.

Areas for students to improve include:

• reading the questions carefully during the preparation time and analysing what has been asked
• planning carefully to avoid the repetition of ideas
• providing a response based on the requirements of the question, rather than using pre-prepared material that may be irrelevant to the question
• linking examples back to the question
• ensuring there is sufficient time for each part of the monologue, including the introduction, body and conclusion.

Students should:

• respond in English or Japanese as required by the 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:

• summarise within the word limit the reasons why the service is popular (Q1)
• extract and reflect on details in texts, and compose a text using the correct conventions (Q2)
• include that Hiro sees Lloyd not just as AI, but as his best friend, and what Emi’s opinion was about this (Q2)
• use information from both stimulus texts (Q3, Q4, Q6)
• compose an email which includes a range of advantages and disadvantages of having a Ghost Restaurant (Q4)
• include both content (message of the text) and use of language (language techniques) in their response (Q5)
• link the idea of upcycling the kimono with the environmental issue of decreasing waste (Q5)
• express their ideas in their own words while ensuring their response includes the overall meaning of the stimulus texts (Q6).

Areas for students to improve include:

• using a range of vocabulary that demonstrates understanding of the question
• ensuring all information included in responses is relevant to the question
• making clear references to the stimulus texts to support their answer
• using information from all provided texts
• using kanji correctly
• using grammar and sentence structures accurately
• analysing texts and how language techniques support the message (Q5)
• incorporating a range of language techniques and how they are used to assist the speaker to convey their ideas (Q5)
• referring to both stimulus texts, and extracting key messages to formulate a comprehensive response (Q6).

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 relevant 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:

• create an article with a clear purpose, for example, to say why they organised this specific event, including how different generations can interact each other and gain positive outcomes for both generations (Q7)
• sequence and link ideas logically, by including topic sentences and supporting details (Q8).

Areas for students to improve include:

• using appropriate and specific expressions, rather than general statements such as ‘it is a fun event’
• providing concise and specific information within the required word limit
• providing specific examples to support their point, for example, to become a global citizen without leaving your country (Q8)
• ensuring all parts of the question are responded to with sufficient detail, writing kanji and language structures accurately.