2014 Notes from the Marking Centre – German Extension
Introduction
This document has been produced for the teachers and candidates of the Stage 6 German Extension 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 German Extension Stage 6 Syllabus
- the 2014 Higher School Certificate German Extension 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 German in Stage 6.
Oral examination
Characteristics of better responses:
- they were well-structured with an introduction, main body and conclusion
- candidates answered within the time limit without repetition
- candidates took a clear stance, either agreeing or disagreeing with the statement, or stating both sides of the argument
- a range of examples was used to support an opinion regarding how social media do or do not play too large a role
- a variety of examples to support an opinion regarding how parents do or do not have too little influence on their children were provided.
Characteristics of weaker responses:
- candidates repeated ideas and gave too few examples
- language and grammar included anglicisms
- responses lacked the structure of an introduction, main body and conclusion
- responses did not meet the time requirement of three minutes.
Written examination
Section I – Response to Prescribed Text
Part A
Characteristics of better responses:
- a sound understanding of the extracts and the film as a whole was demonstrated
- an in-depth understanding of the characters and their motivations was demonstrated
- candidates analysed and drew valid conclusions
- responses remained relevant to the question and connected to the prescribed issue(s).
Characteristics of weaker responses:
- candidates demonstrated little knowledge of the details of the storyline
- irrelevant information was included as padding, or the story was retold
- responses contained some inaccurate information.
Part B
Characteristics of better responses:
- a perceptive knowledge and understanding of the extract and film as a whole was demonstrated
- candidates wove the extract into their response
- the appropriate text type of a diary entry was used
- reflective language was used
- the question was answered in depth
- language structures were controlled and there were only minor errors of grammar.
Characteristics of weaker responses:
- a superficial knowledge and understanding of the film as a whole was demonstrated
- the extract was often misunderstood
- candidates had difficulty weaving the extract into their response
- the story was re-told rather than reflecting on the question
- control of the language was poor
- responses were heavily influenced by English syntax.
Section II – Writing in German
Question 3
Characteristics of better responses:
- the response clearly addressed the role of history in the present
- candidates had a clear understanding of the purpose of the text and its audience
- candidates tied varying perspectives together effectively
- the language and vocabulary used was varied, rich and controlled
- the insights shared were perceptive, sensitive and engaging.
Characteristics of weaker responses:
- candidates had difficulties maintaining the logical flow of their argument
- they included superficial and limited insights
- responses were heavily influenced by English syntax
- the supporting material included was not always relevant.
Section II – Writing in German
Question 4
Characteristics of better responses:
- the question was clearly addressed with regard to how tolerance comes from experience
- an understanding of the purpose of the text and its audience was demonstrated
- various examples of how tolerance comes from experience were tied together effectively
- candidates used varied, rich vocabulary and language structures.
Characteristics of weaker responses:
- candidates did not link tolerance and experience
- responses were not coherent or sustained
- a disparate collection of topic areas were tied together loosely, in an attempt to answer the question
- responses were heavily influenced by English syntax.
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