Swedish Continuers 2015 HSC exam pack (archive)

Characteristics of better responses:

• candidates spoke fluently, confidently and spontaneously
• correct grammar, 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
• candidates spoke in the correct register
• candidates expressed an opinion and/or justified a point of view
• 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 included
• candidates could not express an opinion or justify a point of view
• candidates included English words and expressions
• language was not manipulated to address the question.

Characteristics of better responses:

• candidates had chosen a topic that allowed in-depth research and scope to propose and articulate a point of view
• the texts chosen to support the topic of discussion were appropriate and were used consistently to support the point of view
• processes involved in obtaining information were discussed
• a thorough understanding of the topic and the researched information was demonstrated
• at least three texts, one of which was a literary text, were included
• sophisticated language was used.

Characteristics of weaker responses:

• poor choice of topic that did not allow for in-depth discussion
• appropriate reference to texts was not made
• over-reliance on general knowledge, personal experience and/or superficial information
• an opinion or point of view was not expressed
• texts and research were not linked to the topic
• there was a lack of evidence of research.

Part A

Characteristics of better responses:

• suitable reference to the aural stimulus material was made
• a holistic understanding of the texts was demonstrated
• all parts of the question were responded to.

Characteristics of weaker responses:

• inaccurate information was provided
• simple, literal information was given that lacked detail and depth
• the tone or attitude expressed in the text was not understood.

Part B

Characteristics of better responses:

• candidate’s manipulated a range of vocabulary in Swedish to respond to the aural text accurately.

Characteristics of weaker responses:

• words and expressions from the aural text were repeated without answering the question.

Part A

Characteristics of better responses:

• responses were supported with evidence from the text
• a thorough understanding of content was demonstrated
• a perceptive understanding of the nuances in the text was shown.

Characteristics of weaker responses:

• a limited understanding of the text was displayed
• the text was translated rather than answering the questions asked.

Part B

Characteristics of better responses:

• the candidate’s own words and expressions were used to respond to the stimulus text
• a thorough understanding of the stimulus text was demonstrated by responding to all main points.

Characteristics of weaker responses:

• the main points raised in the text were not addressed
• some information in the text was not understood
• expressions from the stimulus text were copied
• a limited range of vocabulary was used and there were errors in Swedish grammar
• the required word limit of the question was not met.

Characteristics of better responses:

• candidates demonstrated breadth and depth in expressing their opinions, which related to the question
• language was manipulated authentically and creatively.

Characteristics of weaker responses:

• a limited range of vocabulary was used
• there were frequent grammatical errors
• candidates did not write in the required text type.