Paper 1: Section 1 Reading task

Identifying the effectiveness of texts for a particular audience Evaluate how well the text does this by comparing and contrasting the forms and features of the text/s and their effectiveness in representing the concept of discovery.

Paper 1 Section 1 It is the reading component of the common Standard and Advanced English examination. All candidates undertaking either the Standard or the Advanced English course complete this paper. Therefore, it is competitive and you can improve your opportunities to gain full marks by developing strategies and skills, which will prepare you thoroughly.

Timing Timing of each section throughout the actual HSC exam is important and you should ensure you have a watch or a clear view of a wall clock to maintain a consistent and appropriate pace in completing all sections of the paper/s.

Reading to respond Respond do not simply retell! Paper 1 does not require you to retell or recount the included texts. It requires you to basically do two things, identify aspects of discovery and consider how the composer has presented/represented discovery through the language forms and features of the text/s. How = techniques

General tips This paper is about language, form, features, techniques and how they create meaning, which represents some form of discovery. Full marks cannot be gained if these elements are not addressed in and through question responses. Consider the mark value of each section and allocate time appropriately.

Visual literacy techniques These are as important as written language techniques. Become familiar with terminology such as: layout (visual, written, language, font size etc) images body language (facial, stance, direction of gaze) framing types of shots (long, medium, close-up, extreme close-up) composition collage, layered) symbolism (particularly consider this in ‘how’ a particular sign or symbol represents journey) reading paths (direction, positioning) gestures (pointing, implied direction, signs).