1. Home
  2. HSC
  3. HSC Exams
  4. 2013 HSC Exam papers
  5. 2013 HSC Notes from the Marking Centre — English Extension 1
Print this page Reduce font size Increase font size

2013 Notes from the Marking Centre – English Extension 1

Introduction

This document has been produced for the teachers and candidates of the Stage 6 English Extension 1 course. It contains comments on candidate responses to the 2013 Higher School Certificate examination, highlighting their strengths in particular parts of the examination and indicating where candidates need to improve.

This document should be read along with:

Module A – Genre

Questions 1, 3 and 5

Candidates showed strength in these areas:

  • choosing supplementary texts that are literary in nature and relevant to the paradigm of the module and elective
  • understanding the way in which texts are shaped by culture and values
  • articulating a thesis that is underpinned and informed by appropriate and selective use of theorists
  • demonstrating detailed knowledge of the prescribed texts
  • supporting arguments with appropriate textual evidence
  • addressing all aspects of the question
  • using a sophisticated level of language.

Candidates need to improve in these areas:

  • ensuring that the supplementary texts are diverse in nature but have enough depth to enable them to demonstrate a sophisticated understanding of the concerns of the module and elective
  • understanding the context and values relevant to the composition of the text in relation to the question
  • focusing on the key terms of the question rather than using prepared responses
  • integrating theory into their personal interpretation of the texts and the question
  • supporting their analysis with textual detail
  • using the key terms of the genre study in analysis.

Questions 2, 4 and 6

Candidates showed strength in these areas:

  • composing original and complex pieces of writing that displayed engagement with the question
  • demonstrating understanding of the conventions, ideas and values of their required elective
  • presenting responses that related to aspects of the rubric
  • using relevant stylistic devices such as vivid imagery, motifs and symbolism
  • showing a highly developed control of language
  • displaying evidence of wide reading through the depth, quality, originality, characterisation and, at times, the subversive elements in their writing.

Candidates need to improve in these areas:

  • considering the demands of the question carefully – in this case, incorporating the ‘two characters who have never met’ as a central premise
  • checking grammar and syntax
  • planning their response so that the creative writing is well structured and shows logical progression
  • being familiar with the demands of their module and elective rubrics.

Module B – Texts and Ways of Thinking

Questions 7, 9 and 11

Candidates showed strength in these areas:

  • understanding the ways of thinking contained in their chosen elective
  • demonstrating knowledge of the forms, features and ideas contained in the prescribed texts
  • choosing supplementary texts that are literary in nature and relevant to the paradigm of the module and elective
  • articulating a thesis that is underpinned and informed by appropriate and selective use of theorists
  • demonstrating detailed knowledge of the prescribed texts
  • supporting arguments with appropriate textual evidence
  • addressing all aspects of the question – especially focusing on the relationship of the construction of character and notions of the key words associated with their elective – power, desire and home.

Candidates need to improve in these areas:

  • ensuring that the supplementary texts are diverse in nature but have enough depth to enable them to demonstrate a sophisticated understanding of the concerns of the module and elective
  • analysing all texts in a balanced fashion, including the self-selected texts
  • focusing on the key terms of the question rather than using prepared responses
  • integrating theory into their personal interpretation of the texts and the question
  • supporting their analysis with textual detail
  • using the key terms contained in the module and electives rubrics in the analysis.

Questions 8, 10 and 12

Candidates showed strength in these areas:

  • constructing scenarios that were not only contextually correct but evocative of the historical period and the chosen characters
  • demonstrating a thorough understanding of their elective
  • demonstrating knowledge of prescribed and related texts
  • composing sustained, imaginative texts that addressed all aspects of the question
  • engaging the reader by quickly establishing the appropriate temporal setting for their elective.

Candidates need to improve in these areas:

  • drawing on their elective knowledge in a piece of imaginative writing that is literate, engaging and conventional in terms of spelling, punctuation and syntax
  • considering the demands of the question carefully – in this case, incorporating the ‘two characters who have never met’ as a central premise
  • checking grammar and syntax
  • planning their response so that the creative writing is well structured and shows logical progression
  • being familiar with the demands of their module and elective rubrics.

Module C – Language and Values

Questions 14 and 16

Candidates showed strength in these areas:

  • addressing the brief in imaginative and clever ways
  • developing thoughtful, interestingly constructed characters
  • demonstrating elements of the rubric in responses, integrating values embedded in the elective
  • demonstrating understanding of the elective
  • showing a highly developed control of language.

Candidates need to improve in these areas:

  • developing characters that are not superficial and stereotyped
  • integrating theory into their personal interpretation of the texts and the question
  • moving beyond a dependence on dialogue
  • effectively employing language.

Questions 13 and 15

Candidates showed strength in these areas:

  • evaluating how composers constructed characters to explore ideas about change and freedom
  • demonstrating understanding of the module, the elective and literary theory
  • demonstrating understanding of the texts
  • critically examining self-selected texts along with prescribed texts
  • supporting responses with textual evidence.

Candidates need to improve in these areas:

  • addressing all elements of the question
  • developing a thesis
  • not including pages of background/history/rationale
  • balancing discussion of the texts
  • relying on argument rather than assertion.
Print this page Reduce font size Increase font size