Vietnamese Continuers 2016 HSC exam pack

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 and tenses, as well as 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
• grammatical errors, repetitions or extended pauses were evident
• English words and expressions were included.

Section II – Discussion

Characteristics of better responses:

• topics that allowed in-depth research and scope to propose and articulate a point of view and had a variety of readily accessible sources that presented different perspectives were chosen
• the texts chosen to support the topic of discussion were appropriate and were used consistently to support the point of view
• the processes involved in obtaining information were discussed
• a thorough understanding of the topic and the researched information was demonstrated through analysis of the texts and comparison of the various perspectives presented
• candidates reflected on their findings and evaluated the effectiveness of the research on their understanding of the topic
• at least three texts, one of which was a literary text, were included
• sophisticated language structures and reflective and evaluative style with highly developed grammatical accuracy and variation were used.

Characteristics of weaker responses:

• appropriate reference to texts was not made
• over-reliance on general knowledge, personal experience or superficial information was evident
• no opinion or point of view was expressed
• texts and research were not linked to the topic
• there was a lack of evidence of research.

Listening and Responding

Part A

Characteristics of better responses:

• analysis, synthesis and evaluation was evident where required
• excellent reference to the texts was made where required
• audience, purpose and context were identified where applicable.

Characteristics of weaker responses:

• simple translations of text were provided rather than addressing the questions
• lists of ideas were presented without much explanation
• repetition of ideas was evident.

Part B

Characteristics of better responses:

• detailed and relevant responses to the questions were given
• perceptive understanding of the aural texts was demonstrated
• an excellent explanation was provided.

Characteristics of weaker responses:

• responses did not refer to the text when required
• a literal translation of the aural text was given, rather than answering the question.

Reading and Responding

Part A

Characteristics of better responses:

• examples from the text were included where appropriate
• a perceptive understanding of the given texts was demonstrated.

Characteristics of weaker responses:

• literal translations were presented rather than analysing the information and ideas in the texts
• a lack of reference to the text was evident.

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 explained their experiences on the tour, using information provided on the evaluation card
• ideas and opinions were structured logically and coherently
• a variety of vocabulary and sentence structures were used.

Characteristics of weaker responses:

• requirements of the question were not well understood
• a recount of the tour rather than an explanation of the experiences was presented.

Writing in Vietnamese

Characteristics of better responses:

• the speech was coherent and logical, and addressed the requirements of the task
• the purpose, context and audience of the speech were correctly identified
• an excellent command of vocabulary and language structures was demonstrated
• ideas were linked creatively.

Characteristics of weaker responses:

• the requirements of the question were not met
• responses merely recounted events or situations, demonstrating a limited ability to structure ideas
• numerous errors and repetitions were included.