Modern Hebrew Continuers 2016 HSC exam pack

Section I-Conversation

Characteristics of better responses:

• communication was fluent, confident and spontaneous
• appropriate and extended responses were provided
• correct grammar and tenses were used as well as a variety of complex sentence structures
• language was manipulated to address the questions asked
• a range of vocabulary appropriate to the topic was used
• the correct register was used
• an opinion or a point of view was expressed and/or justified
• authentic intonation and pronunciation were used
• standard language of study was used.

Characteristics of weaker responses:

• simple, short sentences or single words were used
• repetitive and/or extended pauses were a feature
• grammatical errors were evident
• the ability to express an opinion or justify a point of view was lacking
• English words and expressions were used
• language was not manipulated to address the question.

Section II-Discussion

Characteristics of better responses:

• topics were chosen that allowed in-depth research, where a variety of sources were readily accessible and presented different perspectives
• the proposal and articulation of a point of view was evident
• texts were appropriate and were used consistently to support the point of view
• the processes involved in obtaining information were discussed
• how the texts presented the topic was analysed and the various perspectives were compared
• at least three texts were used, one of which was a literary text
• sophisticated language structures were used with grammatical accuracy
• the ability to reflect, evaluate and analyse research was demonstrated.

Characteristics of weaker responses:

• topics that did not allow for in-depth discussion were chosen
• appropriate reference to texts were not made
• over-reliance on general and/or superficial knowledge and/or personal experience was evident
• an opinion or point of view was not expressed
• texts and research were not linked to the topic
• at least 3 texts in research, one of which was a literary text, were not used.

Listening and Responding

Part A

Characteristics of better responses:

• the purpose of the phone call was clearly stated (Q1)
• all parts of the question were answered
• focus was on the key words of the question
• evidence from the text was used to justify the response
• the text was referred to using own words
• the responses were written within the allocated lines.

Characteristics of weaker responses:

• that Romi called to complain was not understood (Q1)
• the answer was not supported with evidence from the text
• the aural text was translated rather than answering the question.

Part B

Characteristics of better responses:

• the language used and how it engaged the listener was explained (Q4a)
• focus was on the relevant details required to answer the question
• the responses were written within the allocated lines
• clearly written and edited work was presented
• concise but full responses were presented
• all parts of the question were addressed.

Characteristics of weaker responses:

• the effect of the language on the audience was not explained
• lengthy and irrelevant or inaccurate information was included.

Reading and Responding

Part A

Characteristics of better responses:

• all parts of the question were answered and an understanding was shown that Sarah and the editor agreed on some points and disagreed on others
• a perceptive understanding was shown of the concerns raised by Gila (Q7c)
• the requirements of the questions were understood.

Characteristics responses:

• the extent to which Sarah supports the editor’s opinion was not shown (7b)
• information was repeated and/or irrelevant.

Part B

Characteristics of better responses:

• an understanding of the whole text was shown
• points were creatively elaborated and thoughtful advice was provided
• all issues and ideas raised by Nava were addressed
• the correct register and text type were used
• a variety of correct language structures, many different tenses, and imaginative vocabulary were evident, as well as correct conjugation of verbs and excellent use of prepositions and infinitives.

Characteristics of weaker responses:

• large segments of the text, many phrases and words were used directly from the text
• the purpose of the email was not understood and ideas were not logically sequenced.

Writing in Modern Hebrew

Characteristics of better responses:

• all the requirements needed for an article were demonstrated , for example, giving a title, using formal language, addressing an audience
• structure was appropriate, for example, having an opening paragraph, stating the purpose for writing, sequencing ideas and opinions in a logical and coherent manner and providing a conclusion
• complex language was used authentically and correctly
• a variety of expressions and idioms were used
• depth of treatment was demonstrated
• many ideas and opinions were creatively presented.

Characteristics of weaker responses:

• the text type of an article was not apparent
• superficial treatment was evident
• many errors in spelling, grammar, language structures and word order were made.