Modern Greek Extension 2021 HSC exam pack

In 2021, due to COVID-19, the HSC examinations for some courses were cancelled or the requirements adjusted, and no HSC feedback is available.

Please refer to marking feedback previously published for this component.

Response to Prescribed Text

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 Modern Greek 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:

• provide relevant information to address the questions in a succinct way
• demonstrate a thorough understanding of Irini’s character in reference to this extract by identifying character traits, for example, insecurity for Themi’s love as she didn't think he loves her, she shows compassion by trying to stay positive and optimistic and lift Themis out of his bad memories, she shows awareness/ knowledge of the historical context of the name Themistocles and her appreciation of poetry and literature in general as well, as her sensitivity and response to emotions through her reactions to literature (Q 1d)
• demonstrate a thorough comparison of how resilience is explored through Themis in this extract and Olga elsewhere in the novel by identifying resilience shown by Themis through the death of his father and Olga through the resilience she developed overcoming Apellis and moving on with her life (Q1e).

Areas for students to improve include

• avoiding writing irrelevant or inaccurate information or simply retelling the story, for example, Themistocles was not a God (Q1b)
• ensuring that supporting evidence is drawn from the provided text
• developing a thorough understanding of the text, characters, plot and its issues.
• ensuring a logical progression between paragraphs

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:

• write from a particular perspective of the prescribed text, for example, one of the three bullies writing a letter to Themis ten years later to reflect on the incident and the effect Themis has had on his life
• demonstrate a perceptive and sensitive understanding of where the chosen extract fits in the prescribed text
• demonstrate knowledge of the prescribed text as a whole
• demonstrate flair and originality in the approach taken
• demonstrate an insightful understanding of the situation and characters
• manipulate language authentically and demonstrate an excellent control of vocabulary and sentence structures
• communicate information and ideas clearly and accurately.

Areas for students to improve include:

• demonstrating a clear understanding of the question
• ensuring reference to the extract as well as to the prescribed text globally
• avoiding general comments and instead use specific examples
• providing depth and structure to the flow of ideas
• ensuring a clear and logical progression between the paragraphs.

Writing in Modern Greek

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:

• develop their ideas and present a point of view in the form of a script of a speech addressing students of their school (Q3,4)
• address the idea that today, more importance should be placed on consideration of others (Q3)
• address the idea that one’s future is determined by one’s attitude towards life (Q4)
• develop and present a sophisticated and coherent argument supported with relevant ideas, showing depth and breadth
• use language techniques such as rhetorical questions and idiomatic expressions to assist putting forward their argument.

Areas for students to improve include:

• justifying opinions with a number of examples
• ensuring that the argument is organised logically to meet the requirements of the task
• avoiding the inclusion of irrelevant information and ideas
• avoiding repetition.