Korean in Context 2025 HSC exam pack

Students should:

• use the eight minutes of preparation time to prepare points which can be used to deliver logical and coherent monologues
• answer both questions
• speak for approximately seven minutes
• address all parts of the question
• adopt a point of view or stance and provide appropriate 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:

• present and justify how the different cultural experience influenced their way of thinking, rather than just stating the cultural difference (Q1)
• refer to the context of the question, that is, the relationship between social media and the youth culture, and link their examples to that context, rather than talk about positive and negative points in general terms (Q2)
• structure their response with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion
• provide a clear, concrete example to support information and ideas, and ensure it relates to the question
• express complex ideas with a range of sophisticated vocabulary and sentence structures
• enhance communication with a clear, calm, and confident speaking manner using accurate intonation
• establish their own perspectives in their introduction before proceeding to the body
• summarise or reinforce their key information and ideas in their conclusion.

Areas for students to improve include:

• reading the question carefully to ensure they address all parts of the question when preparing for a reflective monologue
• providing supporting opinions and examples which are only relevant to the question
• using connective words/expressions to make the structure of the argument flow clearly and logically, for example, 결론적으로, 마지막으로, 그 다음에, 그 후에, 무엇보다도, 먼저.

Students should:

• respond in English or Korean 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 Korean
• 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:

• provide clear explanation of Mina’s persuasion strategies with supporting details (Q1)
• use precise metalanguage and support claims with direct reference to expressions used in the text
• synthesise information from both texts effectively, producing an article that integrates ideas from both texts (Q3)
• select relevant details about environmental action and personal initiative, shaping them coherently for the intended school website audience, for example, 학생 여러분, 우리가 살아갈 이 지구의 앞날은 어둡습니다 (Q3)
• respond personally and critically to the survey text on the nature of work, showing insight into how data trends reflect shifting values, technological change, and young people’s aspirations (Q4)
• explain implications using expressions, such as 가치관 변화, 기술 발전, 진로 선택, 자기 자신의 만족도가 우선인 추세로… 예측된다, 이와 동시에, 산업 기술이나 인공 지능이 흔히 대체할 수 있는 통계분석과 경영은… 사라졌습니다
• explain how the poet conveys identity with detailed reference to imagery, symbolism, tone, and structure (Q5)
• reflect thoughtfully on both texts to write an article addressing concerns about ‘Korea Town’, showing awareness of purpose, audience and context, for example, 한국어 간판, 한국 음심, 한국 학원 한국식품점… 어딜봐도 한국어로 둘러 쌓인 코리아타운, 아무리 다문화 국가라지만 이대로 괜찮은가? (Q6)
• acknowledge residents’ concerns and propose balanced solutions, for example, for multicultural inclusion.

Areas for students to improve include:

• providing relevant information and focusing on the key persuasive strategies (Q1)
• ensuring each idea contributes meaningfully and avoiding repetition
• explaining why certain language choices matter, not just identifying them, and explaining how language choices create meaning (Q2)
• demonstrating strong synthesis, rather than writing two separate summaries (Q3, Q6)
• demonstrating understanding of information presented as a table and as imagery, and of literary devices (Q4, Q5)
• using a broad range of vocabulary and expressions suited to the issue
• showing clear awareness of audience, purpose and text type across responses
• demonstrating understanding of the question and providing textual ideas and detailed information across responses.

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 Korean 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 authentic voice, reflection, and logical sequencing in diary entry writing, for example, 부끄럽게도 난 세계적인 구호활동을 해 본 적도, 세계를 놀라게 할 발전을 이뤄내지도 않았다. 단순히 내가 이중언어를 할 수 있어서가 아니라, 진심으로 소통과 공감을 통해 이 지구의 모두와 손에 손잡을 수 있는 사람이고 싶다 (Q7)
• present well-structured arguments with relevant examples and use appropriate formal register in essay writing (Q8)
• sustain a point of view throughout the text by linking it back to the question
• display breadth and depth in the analysis and treatment of the issue, for example, 전통의 대체 불가능한 가치, 변화는 편리함을 동반하지 않는다, 편리하기 위해서 변화해서도
• use a variety of language structures and sophisticated vocabulary, for example, 변화냐 보전이냐 그것이.., 변종, 아류작, 진정성, 퇴색, 매일매일 오래된 유행은 사라지고 새로운 유행이 탄생하는 가운데, 본연의 맛, 대표적인 예시는…, 한국인의 정체성과 직결된 문제, 시대의 흐름을 막을 수는 없지만, 전화위복이라는 말처럼.

Areas for students to improve include:

• reading and analysing questions carefully and accurately
• planning responses so that they are structured and sequenced, showing both breadth and depth in the treatment of the topic(s)
• developing ideas fully, rather than listing concepts
• using a range of vocabulary and language structures
• organising ideas and information coherently.