Serbian Continuers 2016 HSC exam pack (archive)

Section I – Conversation

Characteristics of better responses:

• responses were fluent, confident and spontaneous
• appropriate and extended responses were provided to the questions asked
• correct grammar, register, tenses and a variety of complex sentence structures were used
• language was manipulated to address the questions asked
• a range of vocabulary appropriate to the topic was used
• authentic intonation and pronunciation were used
• standard language of study was used.

Characteristics of weaker responses:

• simple, short sentences or single words were used
• repetitions and/or extended pauses were included
• grammatical errors were evident
• English words and expressions were included.

Section II – Discussion

Characteristics of better responses:

• appropriate topics that provided the scope to propose and articulate a point of view, allowed in-depth research and had a variety of sources readily accessible, were chosen
• sources that presented different perspectives were chosen
• 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 and compared the various perspectives were analysed
• at least three texts, one of which was a literary text, were used
• sophisticated language structures were used with a high degree of grammatical accuracy
• research was reflected upon, evaluated and analysed.

Characteristics of weaker responses:

• discussion was based on general knowledge or personal experience rather than appropriate reference to texts
• an opinion or point of view was not expressed
• texts and research were not linked to the topic.

Listening and Responding

Characteristics of better responses:

• detailed and relevant responses to the questions were given
• perceptive understanding of the aural text was demonstrated
• clear reference was made to language and content and answers were supported with examples from the texts when appropriate.

Characteristics of weaker responses:

• a literal translation of the aural text was given rather than answering the question
• responses lacked essential details and depth.

Reading and Responding

Characteristics of better responses:

• a thorough comparison of views in the text was presented (Q7c)
• a thorough understanding of the text was demonstrated (Q8)
• information and ideas were presented in a well-structured and logical manner (Q8).

Characteristics of weaker responses:

• a literal translation was given rather than analysing the information and ideas in the texts to meet the requirements of the task.

Writing in Serbian

Characteristics of better responses:

• texts were written creatively to meet the requirements of the task
• a range of vocabulary and idioms, and a variety of expressions and language techniques, were used to express ideas and opinions
• sophisticated grammar was correctly used
• persuasive language was used effectively (Q9)
• a variety of ideas and information was presented using the article text type (Q10).

Characteristics of weaker responses:

• the purpose and audience of the task were not correctly identified
• ideas were not organised in a logical, coherent way
• the requirements of the task were not met.