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Home > Arabic > Continuers Course > How to approach the examination > Advice > How to approach the exam

Preparing for the examination
In the examination
What the markers are looking for

 

Preparing for the Examination

The reading and responding section of the examination is worth 40 marks.

This section is designed to assess your knowledge and skill in analysing information from written texts and in analysing and exchanging information in response to a text. The texts will be related to the themes and topics prescribed in the syllabus.

You may use dictionaries in this section of the examination.

This section has two parts: Part A and Part B.

Part A

Part A is worth 25 marks.

You will be required to read two texts in Arabic with a combined word count of 500 to 600 words. You will be required to demonstrate understanding of written texts. You may have to extract, summarise and/or evaluate information from texts. Questions and answers will be in English.

Part B

Part B is worth 15 marks.

You will read a text in Arabic of about 150 words. It could be in the form of an email, fax, letter, postcard, message, advertisement or notice. You will be expected to write about 150 to 200 words in Modern Standard Arabic in response to the text.

The best way to prepare for this section is to read a wide range of text types from a number of different sources, e.g. Arabic newspapers, magazines, brochures or advertisements, etc. Answers will be in Arabic.

To prepare you can work through past Arabic HSC examination papers and you can respond to letters, emails or advertisements etc.

The texts in the examination will be related to the themes and topics prescribed in the syllabus.

 

In the Examination

It is important to take note of the title and any illustrations accompanying the text. These often help in understanding the overall sense of the text.

Read the questions before reading the text. The questions will guide you as you read through the text.

Read the text a first time to gain a general idea of the content.

Read the questions a second time and mark the section of the text from where you think the answers come.

Work your way through the questions and write your answers. Answer the questions fully and provide all relevant information. You will not be penalised for giving too much information but you will be penalised if you don't provide enough.

No two questions should require the same information.

Make sure that your writing is legible and that your answers make sense.

Make sure that you answer the questions asked. Underline key words if necessary.

 

What the Markers are Looking For

In Part A you will be assessed on your ability to understand written Arabic.

You will be required to identify and convey:

• main points
• supporting points
• detailed items of specific information.

You may also be required to:

• extract
• summarise
• interpret
• evaluate information.

In Part B you will be assessed on your ability to exchange information in response to questions, statements, comments etc; provided in the text.

You will be required to:

• demonstrate general understanding and the ability to identify specific detail in the text
• analyse and respond to information in the text
• provide relevant information in your response
• develop and organise your ideas logically
• demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of vocabulary, grammar, syntax, register and text type.