As each term lapses we arrive closer and closer to the inevitable trial exams and HSC papers. A time to consolidate your learning and be tested on the ideas that you have been studying for the past 12 months.
As you are (hopefully) aware, English is examined over 2 papers – the first paper is focused on the Common Module which we have blogged about here.
The second is paper is the Modules. As a reminder this means for Standard English Students they will be examined on:
- Module A: Language, Identity and Culture
- Module B: Close Study of Literature
- Module C: The Craft of Writing
There is a sample paper made available here: https://syllabus.nesa.nsw.edu.au/assets/english_standard/files/sample-questions-new-hsc-english-std-paper-2-exam-2019.pdf
And for Advanced English Students, your modules are:
- Module A: Textual Conversations
- Module B: Critical Study of Literature
- Module C: The Craft of Writing
Take a look at the sample paper here: https://syllabus.nesa.nsw.edu.au/assets/english_advanced/files/sample-questions-new-hsc-english-adv-paper-2-exam-2019.pdf
So, let’s take a look at how each of the papers are put together so that you know what to expect on the day and a few pointers on how to attack the questions:
- Standard and Advanced Paper: As you can see from above, standard and advanced students will receive a different paper to account for the different modules. The HSC supervisors are usually very good at making sure each student receives the correct paper but if you notice something isn’t right, be sure to mention it straight away
- Time limit: You have 5 minutes reading time and then 2 hours to complete the exam – this works out to be 40 minutes per section.
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- During the reading time, it is important that you read through the paper and identify the questions that relate to your module and text. As you see from the sample papers, Module B might have a different question for each text and it is also possible that Module C requires a few different elements. So it’s best that you use your time wisely so you know what you’re up for over the next two hours and how best you want to attack the questions
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- As each question is equally weighted and worth 20 marks, you should spend an equal amount on each section – that is, 40 minutes. Be sure to stay strict with your time limit and move ahead once you have reached the end of the designated time for that section. There is no point spending extra time on one essay aiming for perfection to then only negatively impact on another section as the marks will then take account for each other.
- Pick your order: If you feel that you are stronger with one module and would be able to smash it out without hesitation, be sure to start with that particular module. This way, you might be able to gain a some extra time you can dedicate to another module which you find challenging
- Read the question: Time and time again we read the same comments on exam papers “a well written piece that could be improved by reference and interaction with the question/stimulus”. So this means that even if you have a really well written piece and you have failed to satisfactorily engaged with the question/stimulus you will not be able to achieve a high mark.
- Awarding of marks: When marking, all students begin with full marks – and then with each element you you lack or fail to complete to a high standard, your marks are reduced. So this is a good motivating element to push to you sustain a band 6 response!
- Preparing for the exam: Be sure to read about our blogs on each of the modules as we provide specific tips and pointers on how to best prepare but we have a few pointers based on each of the modules
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- Module A – Advanced: Have a general idea of the conversations you will be discussing and be confident with your working understanding of those conversations to adapt them and phrase them in such a way that responds and interacts with the question. As we have said in many of our previous blogs, you may have a perfect essay based on thematic concerns but if it fails to interact with the question on the day, this will limit your ability to achieve a band 6.
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- Module A – Standard: Remember the core focus of this module is identity and culture so be sure not to enter in long discussions that recount your text. Ensure that when you are interpreting the question you don’t lose focus of the rubric and structure your response with a conceptual basis that uses the text as an example rather than the primary focus of the text.
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- Module B – Standard and Advanced: The easiest and most straightforward way to prepare for this essay is to know the three ideas/themes you are going to discuss and the supporting evidence you are going to use. It is more than likely that you will be asked a specific question on the day that either relates to the context, form or a particular aspect of that piece of literature. So this mean that you need to think on your feet and develop a thesis and argument using your material as a starting point.
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- Module C – Standard and Advanced: We wrote this in our blog dedicated to Module C, have written it since and will continue to write it. Read. The. Question. Module C has become known for its reputation to seemingly mask an ‘easy’ with multiple smaller elements. So be sure to deconstruct the question to make sure that you have addressed each part and once you have written your piece, that you again review the question against your response and locate all of the requirements in your piece.
Whilst a very brief outline, this just about sums up the structure of paper 2, the different sections and what you are expected to write about. Naturally, you would have questions so we encourage you to email us so that we can help you out as much as possible.
Be sure to also check out our other blogs relating to the new HSC syllabus.