Vietnamese Continuers 2015 HSC exam pack

Section I – Conversation

Characteristics of better responses:

• information and ideas were fluently and accurately presented
• a range of topics was elaborated on
• language was manipulated effectively in response to a range of questions
• a wide vocabulary and advanced sentence structures were used
• responses were fluent and confident with authentic intonation and pronunciation.

Characteristics of weaker responses:

• responses included irrelevant information
• information was presented without elaboration
• responses lacked depth
• responses were lengthy but not relevant.

Section II – Discussion

Characteristics of better responses:

• appropriate topics were chosen
• discussion was supported by referring to three texts, including a literary text
• resources were relevant and appropriate
• detailed perceptive references to the texts were made
• in-depth understanding of the topic was demonstrated
• a high level of language skills in the use of vocabulary and sentence structures was demonstrated
• candidates presented a discussion rather than an information report.

Characteristics of weaker responses:

• topics were chosen which did not allow an in-depth discussion
• candidates relied on general knowledge
• candidates did not refer to three texts
• candidates did not make reference to a literary text.

The choice of topic and appropriate resources is of utmost importance to the success of a discussion. Therefore, candidates are reminded to carefully select relevant appropriate resources including literary resource(s).

Listening and Responding

Part A

Characteristics of better responses:

• a holistic understanding of the text was demonstrated
• responses were supported with evidence from the texts where appropriate.

Characteristics of weaker responses:

• responses only included isolated pieces of information
• information in the texts was simply translated rather than being used to answer the questions.

Part B

Question 7

Characteristics of better responses:

• the correct text type (email) was used
• a comprehensive understanding of the ideas in the text was demonstrated
• the needs of the organisation were addressed.

Characteristics of weaker responses:

• only isolated ideas from the text were provided.

Reading and Responding

Part A

Characteristics of better responses:

• a holistic understanding of the text and its language was demonstrated
• answers were supported with evidence from the text where appropriate.

Characteristics of weaker responses:

• candidates translated the texts rather than addressing the requirements of the question.

Part B

Characteristics of better responses:

• the main points of the stimulus text were identified and manipulated to serve the purpose of the task
• candidates responded creatively about their experience at the event
• ideas were structured logically and coherently
• a variety of vocabulary and sentence structures were used.

Characteristics of weaker responses:

• a limited understanding of the requirements of the question was demonstrated
• candidates described what they saw at the event rather than writing about a personal experience based on the stimulus text.

Writing in Vietnamese

Characteristics of better responses:

• a good reflection throughout the text was demonstrated
• a variety of memories/experiences within the context given was included
• diary entry was well-structured and coherent
• a variety of language elements was used.

Characteristics of weaker responses:

• the requirements of the question were not met
• responses recounted events rather than reflecting on them
• a limited ability to structure ideas was demonstrated
• numerous errors and repetitions were included.