2014 Notes from the Marking Centre – Croatian Continuers
Introduction
This document has been produced for the teachers and candidates of the Stage 6 Croatian Continuers course. It contains comments on candidate responses to the 2014 Higher School Certificate examination, indicating the quality of the responses and highlighting their relative strengths and weaknesses.
This document should be read along with:
- the Croatian Continuers Stage 6 Syllabus
- the 2014 Higher School Certificate Croatian Continuers examination
- the marking guidelines
- Advice for students attempting HSC languages examinations and HSC Languages oral examinations – advice to students
- Advice for HSC students about examinations
- other support documents developed by the Board of Studies, Teaching and Educational Standards NSW to assist in the teaching and learning of Croatian Continuers in Stage 6.
Oral examination
Section I – Conversation
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.
Section II – Discussion
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.
Written examination
Section 1 – Listening and Responding
Part A
Characteristics of better responses:
- all relevant details were included in the response
- candidates commented on the content of the text and how language was used to convey meaning
- responses were supported with reference to the text.
Characteristics of weaker responses:
- texts were translated without responding to the requirements of the question
- candidates did not comment on how language was used within the text.
Part B
Characteristics of better responses:
- appropriate vocabulary, grammar and syntax in Croatian were used
- evidence from the text was used to support answers
- candidates explained how language was used to engage the audience (Q.6 (c)).
Characteristics of weaker responses:
- important elements of the aural text were misunderstood.
Section II – Reading and Responding
Part A
Characteristics of better responses:
- all parts of the questions were answered
- the response was supported with evidence from the text.
Characteristics of weaker responses:
- candidates listed the attractions of the city but did not say how these would attract visitors (Q.7 (b))
- candidates did not support their response with reference to the text.
Part B
Characteristics of better responses:
- information and ideas were organised in a logical sequential order
- language was manipulated authentically and creatively
- candidates responded in the correct text type.
Characteristics of weaker responses:
- a limited range of vocabulary was used
- sentence structure was inaccurate
- there were errors in grammar and syntax, in particular the usage of pronouns and prepositions.
Section 3 – Writing in Croatian
Characteristics of better responses:
- candidates wrote expressing ideas and information in depth
- language was manipulated creatively to meet the requirements of the task
- a range of vocabulary was included
- candidates used sophisticated language structures and correct grammar and syntax
- ideas were sequenced and structured coherently and effectively.
Characteristics of weaker responses:
- a limited range of vocabulary was used
- sentence structure was inaccurate
- a limited range of ideas and information was presented.
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