Spanish Extension 2018 HSC exam pack (archive)

Response to Prescribed Text – Part A

Students should:

• read the whole extract carefully before attempting to answer the questions
• read the questions carefully and address all key aspects giving relevant information
• have knowledge of all the extracts for study and the whole prescribed text
• explain the quotes and their significance in their own words rather than just translate them
• use their own words and not translate segment of extract as part of their response.

In better responses, students were able to:

• respond with relevant detail to address the whole question
• provide a perceptive analysis of how the issues were explored in the extract provided and the whole short story, using their own words
• demonstrate a thorough knowledge of all short stories set for study
• avoid translating segments of the extract as part of their response.

Areas for students to improve include:

• ensuring that they refer to the extract provided in the examination
• supporting their response with evidence from the provided extract
• ensuring a thorough understanding of all aspects of the text, for example, the characters, the plot and the issues prescribed for study
• revising the content of the short stories set for study and the whole prescribed text.

Response to Prescribed Text – Part B

Students should:

• have detailed knowledge of all short stories, the main characters, plot and prescribed issues
• write responses that address specified purpose, context and audience
• write in the type of text as required by the question
• show their knowledge of the chosen extract, other relevant parts of the short story and the whole prescribed text when responding to question
• write from a particular perspective as required by the question
• use their own words and avoid using irrelevant pre-prepared responses that do not address the question
• avoid translating the text as part of their response. 

In better responses, students were able to:

• write from Alex’s perspective and use the language and expressions appropriate for reflection
• maintain correct register throughout the response
• demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the characters and plot
• write with consistent grammatical accuracy, a range of vocabulary and a variety of sentence structures and expressions.
• Areas for students to improve include:
• writing from the  perspective of the character in the question
• demonstrating knowledge of the extract in the question and the whole short story
• familiarising themselves with the whole text as well as the prescribed themes and issues
• using a wide range of vocabulary and expressions appropriate to task
• sequencing their response in a coherent and logical way
• being creative whilst keeping within the confines of the requirements of the question.

Writing in Spanish

Students should:

• address all parts of the question and write using the conventions of required type of text
• present an argument, point of view or opinion with relevant ideas and information
• plan and sequence their response in a logical and coherent way
• develop knowledge of vocabulary, expressions and idiomatic language related to the issues prescribed for study
• manipulate language authentically and creatively with correct use of grammar and syntax to meet the requirements of the task.

In better responses, students were able to:

• develop a logical argument supported with relevant ideas and examples
• sequence their ideas in logical and coherent manner
• write with a high level of grammatical accuracy and a range of sophisticated vocabulary and language structures appropriate to the requirements of the task
• write applying the conventions of the type of text of an essay for a youth magazine.

Areas for students to improve include:

• addressing all key points of the question and avoid using pre-learnt irrelevant information
• planning their response ensuring that there is a coherent, organised and well-structured argument
• revising grammar rules, sentence structures and learning vocabulary, expressions and idiomatic languages relating to the issues prescribed for study
• proofreading the response for grammatical and lexical accuracy and clarity.