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How to approach the exam
Reading and responding
About the exam
Preparing for the exam
In the exam
What the markers are looking for
About the exam
The reading and responding section of the exam is worth 55 marks.
You may use dictionaries in this section of the exam.
It is the second section of the written exam and is designed to assess your knowledge and skill in exchanging information, opinions and ideas from written texts.
This section is divided into two parts.
Part A is worth 40 marks and Part B is worth 15 marks.
In Part A you will respond to one or more prescribed texts.
Questions in Part A will be in Chinese and English. You are to write your answers in Chinese or English.
There are two tasks in Part A.
The first task will be based on an extract of up to 800 characters from a prescribed text. You are required to answer a number of questions, one or more of which will require extended paragraphs.
You are required to identify, discuss and analyse features of the text, for example:
- content
- context
- language of the extract.
In the second task you will be required to evaluate features of one or more of the prescribed texts. If the question refers to more than one text, the texts will be from the same prescribed theme.
This task may include:
- a text or texts from the same theme as the first task, including the text from which the extract in the first task has been drawn
- a text or texts from another theme.
You are required to make references to the theme from which the prescribed texts have been drawn.
In Part B you will exchange information in response to an unseen text.
Question and answer in Part B are in Chinese.
You will read one unseen text in Chinese. This will be between 400 and 500 characters in length, and will be linked to one of the prescribed contemporary issues.
You are required to exchange information in response to the opinions, ideas and information found in the text.
The task will specify a context, purpose and audience.
Preparing for the exam
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. course books, Chinese newspapers, magazines, brochures, advertisements, packaging etc.
Part A in the HSC exam is a prescribed text. Familiarise yourself well with all prescribed texts and be prepared to answer all questions related to them. Have lots of practice in class and at home. Get your teacher to help you with your answers.
To prepare for Part B you can read widely on any articles related to contemporary issues listed in the syllabus. Use these as practice and respond to them and give your opinions on various issues.
In the exam
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.
For Part A 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 do not provide enough.
No two questions should require the same information.
In Part B, underline the main points in the text, answer the question fully, meeting the requirement of the number of characters.
Make sure that your writing is legible and that your answers make sense.
Use a black or blue pen to write your answers. Do not use pencil.
What the markers are looking for
In Part A you will be assessed on your ability to:
- identify, discuss and analyse the main points and detailed items of specific information
- identify, discuss and analyse the context
- analyse the way in which language is used to convey meaning
- compose an argument supported by textual reference
- structure and sequence ideas.
In Part B you will be assessed on your ability to:
- exchange information in response to the opinions, ideas and information found in a text
- compose an argument supported by textual reference
- structure and sequence information and ideas
- convey information, opinions and ideas accurately
- convey information appropriate to context, purpose and audience.
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