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Formulating and justifying an argument or point of view in the HSC written examination

The advice for the final question of the written examination is very similar to that for the oral examination. However, the language used will be more complex and there will be more time to explore and support an argument. Therefore the depth and breadth of the argument in the written examination will be greater than that for the oral examination.

General preparation

• Be familiar with the texts you need to be able to produce. These include any of those required in the Continuers course. The remainder are those prescribed for the Extension course and are formal letter, monologue, narrative account, script of a conversation and a short essay.
  
  
• For all texts, you will be required to develop a relevant and appropriate response which:
  • presents and supports a point of view
  • takes into account the audience, purpose and context
  • demonstrates accuracy and variety in vocabulary and sentence structures
  • structures and sequences information.
    
    
• You should have a good command of grammatical structures, as prescribed in the Extension syllabus – including passive voice and complex sentences.
  
  
• Develop your writing skills through practise in creating texts and by reading widely and listening to viewpoints being expressed.

Planning during the examination

• Write a draft or plan. Spend a little time examining the question, underlining key words, checking that you have fully understood what you are being asked to do.
  
  
• Note two or three over-arching points which you will develop. If you cannot do this straight away then develop these by making a mind-map or by brainstorming the topic.
  
  
• These points will help you to develop a logical argument and provide a framework for explaining concepts and providing examples. You may wish to note briefly what examples and ideas you will explore in relation to each over-arching point.
  
  
• You are not ready to begin writing your response until you have thought about the appropriate context, purpose and audience.
  
  
• Consider whether you will be able to show your knowledge of the key issue in your planned response and whether the perspective you will be writing from is the most appropriate for your response. Consider how best to demonstrate your competency in manipulating the language.

Writing

• Present a sophisticated, coherent point of view.
  Your response should flow logically and remain relevant to the question. It should be well-structured. The response should begin with an introduction and come to a logical conclusion. Linking back to the question during the response can ensure that the points made remain relevant and the response does not become random, rambling or sporadic.
  
  
• Demonstrate breath and depth in the treatment of relevant ideas. This will ensure an interesting, wide-ranging response, rather than one which is superficial and one-dimensional. A breadth of ideas will ensure the argument is well supported and the points are well made.
  
  
• Demonstrate variety and flair in your use of vocabulary and language structures.
  
  
• Use correct grammar and structures – while inaccuracies of a minor nature may not impact greatly on communication, others (e.g. word order, affixations, and object focus construction) may detract from a well-made argument.
  
  
• Allow time to review the written response and make any necessary corrections. This will ensure that a well-structured argument is not spoiled by careless errors.