1. Introduction to HSC English Advanced

2. The HSC English Exam Paper
Paper 1 – AOS 45%
2 hours
Paper 2 – Modules 60%
2 hours
Section 1: Short answer
Section 2: Imaginative writing ( words)
Section 3: Extended response
( words)
Section 1:
Module A: Extended response ( words)
Section 2:
Module B: Extended response
( words)
Section 3:
Module C: Extended response

3. Scope and Sequence Term 4 Term 1 Term 1/2 Term 2/3
Area of Study: Discovery
The Tempest (Shakespeare)
Module A: Comparative Study of Texts and Context
Election 1: Intertextual Connections
Tennyson’s Poetry/Tirra Lirra by the River
(poetry/prose)
Module C: Representation & Text.
Elective 1: People & Politics
The Crucible
(drama)
Module B: Critical Study of Text
Speeches
(nonfiction)

5. HSC Standard & Advanced Paper 1

6. Area of Study – Discovery Section 1: Short answer
The entire Paper 1 exam focuses on Discovery. You have 40 minutes for each section.
Short answer includes a variety of stimulus (cartoons, images, poems, short stories, articles) and a series of questions you need to answer after having read the stimulus.
Read the questions carefully, they require textual analysis using examples from the text (focusing on techniques specific to form).
Answer each question according to how much the question is worth.
Final question is a mini essay (500 words)

7. Paper 1 Section I - example
Question 1
Text one — Media release extract
(a) Explain how the book cover reinforces the main issue being raised by Sherry Turkle. 3 marks.
Text two — Non-fiction extract
(b) How does the author depict her connection to Fitzroy’s Rainbow Houses? 3 marks.
Text three — Fiction extract
(c) Explore how a strong sense of place is created in the extract. 3 marks.
Text one, Text two or Text three — Media release extract, Non-fiction extract or Fiction extract
(d) Analyse how the complex relationship between people and communities is portrayed effectively in ONE of these texts.
Answer with reference to Text one OR Text two OR Text three. 6 marks

8. AOS Discovery Section 2: Imaginative Writing
You will be provided a stimulus on which to base your writing.
You need to write words in 40 minutes.
You need to demonstrate an understanding of the AOS Discovery, language techniques, character, voice, setting, dialogue, structure, genre, vocabulary and other writing conventions.
Best responses will be fluent, original and sophisticated.

9. Paper 1 Section II - example 15 marks
In your answer you will be assessed on how well you:
■ express understanding of belonging in the context of your studies
■ organise, develop and express ideas using language appropriate to audience, purpose and context.
Question 2 (15 marks)
Among Others ... is a collection of different pieces of writing about individuals finding their
place in a community.
Compose a piece of writing which would be suitable for inclusion in this collection Use ONE of the sentences below as the first sentence of your imaginative writing.

If you don’t have a capacity for solitude, you will always be lonely. OR
My little world started to reveal itself to me.
The gravel, small as peas, moved beneath their feet and from it a faint dust rose, the perfume of the town.

10. AOS Discovery Section 3: Extended response
You will write an extended response (usually an essay) on how your texts convey Discovery.
You will need to refer to your core text (The Tempest )
You will also need to refer to at least ONE piece of related material of your own choosing (but have an extra prepared).
Your response will need to be words written in 40 minutes.

11. Paper 1 Section III - example
15 marks
Attempt Question 3
Allow about 40 minutes for this section
In your answer you will be assessed on how well you:
■ demonstrate understanding of the concept of discovery in the context of your study
■ analyse, explain and assess the ways discovery is represented in a variety of texts
■ organise, develop and express ideas using language appropriate to audience, purpose and context
An individual’s identity is shaped by the way they perceive discoveries.
How is this view represented in your prescribed text and ONE other related text of your own choosing?

12. HSC English Paper 2 Different paper for Standard and Advanced
40 mins per section
words each
Module A: Comparative Study of Texts and Context (Intertextual Connections)
Tennyson/Tirra Lirra
Module B: Critical Study of Text
Speeches
Module C: Representation (People and Politics)
The Crucible

13. Paper 2 Section I — Module A: Comparative Study of Text and Context
20 marks
Allow about 40 minutes for this section.
In your answer you will be assessed on how well you:
■ demonstrate understanding of the meanings of a pair of texts when considered together
■ evaluate the relationships between texts and contexts
■ organise, develop and express your ideas using language appropriate to audience, purpose and form.
Question 1 — Elective 1: Intertextual Connections (20 marks)
Discuss how the two texts you have studied for this elective connect in a particularly significant way.
In your answer, explain the implicit and explicit relationship between the texts and how this connection is made.

14. Paper 2 Section II — Module B: Critical Study of text
20 marks
Allow about 40 minutes for this section.
In your answer you will be assessed on how well you:
■ demonstrate an informed understanding of the ideas expressed in the text
■ evaluate the text’s language, content and construction
■ organise, develop and express ideas using language appropriate to audience, purpose and form.
Evaluate how the composer of your prescribed text uses language to shape your response to a key issue in the text.

15. Paper 2 Section III — Module C: Representation
20 marks
Allow about 40 minutes for this section.
In your answer you will be assessed on how well you:
■ demonstrate understanding of and evaluate the relationship between representation and meaning
■ organise, develop and express ideas using language appropriate to audience, purpose, context and form.
Question 9 — Elective 1: People and Politics
People are generally shaped by their political contexts, but true individuals rise above politics.
To what extent is this statement true for your prescribed text and ONE other related text?

16. Selecting related material
DO NOT leave this until the last minute! Begin reading and viewing now. 
Consider the AOS or module requirements.
Select a text that adds a new or unique element to the ideas presented in the core text. The ideas may be similar or challenge the ideas of the core text. The text needs to add an original dimension to your argument.
The text should strengthen your argument.
Select a complex text that challenges you. The text must have sophisticated literary techniques for you to analyse.
Select a text that is a different form from your core text.
Select a text that interests you.
Don’t choose something easy. Challenge yourself.
Avoid selecting a text from the current HSC prescribed texts list.
Explore classic tales, independent and foreign films, respected authors, literature, non-fiction etc.
Find a text that resonates with you. The images below may or may not be suitable as related material, but may expand your understanding of concepts and genre.

17. How to study for English
Re-read/re-view your texts more than once.
Write under time constraints at home ( words in 40 minutes). Each piece of homework you do from now on should be done within a realistic time limit to prepare for this.
Research independently.
Use the Board of Studies website to access past HSC exam papers, markers’ notes, outcomes, rubrics, exemplar responses and other important information.
Submit drafts to your teacher. Especially prior to an assessment task. Attend Tuesday afternoon study group.
Use Edmodo to ask questions and discuss English with your peers.
Read widely.