Gregor Samsa
That Guy
The 2003 'Notes From The Marking Centre' have been published, containing helpful advice for current HSC students (The 'Next Generation', to us semi-crusty 2003'ers).
Selected Extracts:
General Comments
The more able candidates demonstrated that they were better prepared to address all aspects of the questions by relating syllabus outcomes to the examination. They demonstrated ability to apply glossary terms such as 'outline', 'explain' and 'assess'.
Better responses contained extensive and accurate references to ancient and modern sources, used specific and relevant detail and applied terms and concepts appropriately. Answers placed in the top mark range assessed new sources and current scholarship to support their argument. [...]
A note of concern was that many candidates were dependent on information from general textbooks rather than assessing primary sources and academic scholarship. (p.5)
Section I;Personalities In Their Times
Only the best responses were able to place their personality in their historical context. [...]
With regard to future directions, candidates should be instructed to do the following;
-Take the time to read the question carefully and address its specific requirements.
-Address the requirements of the question, not simply provide a narrative.
-Identify relevant and accurate sources for the personality.
-Avoid reliance upon a section of general information (Ie; student textbooks instead of historical scholarship.)
-Avoid the fabrication of historical sources, ancient and modern.
-Write clearly and legibly to facilitate the marking process. [p.6]
Section II:Ancient Societies
It is important to emphasise that candidates must study all items set down for a particular Society in the syllabus. It was clear that some students did not expect questions on topics such as occupations of ordinary Egyptians, features of the Mycenaean and Spartan economies, etc:..
Finally, the points a.) to d.) may be answered without referring to sources. Candidates may add this material, but it is possible to gain full marks for each question without using sources. However, in part e.), the candidate must refer to the Source given and place it in context as well as offer other evidence to obtain a maximum mark. (p.8)
Section III; Historical Periods
The best responses were able to give detailed information about the period in question, sustain a logical argument throughout, and support the argument with sources both ancient and modern. Weaker responses provided simple narratives with little regard for the question asked. [p.10]
The entire document may be found at;
http://www.boardofstudies.nsw.edu.au/hsc_exams/hsc2003exams/index.html#a
In short, it is adviceable to;
-Study using the syllabus as a guide.
-Using relevant, scholarly sources.
-Answer in detail.
-Answer the question.
Selected Extracts:
General Comments
The more able candidates demonstrated that they were better prepared to address all aspects of the questions by relating syllabus outcomes to the examination. They demonstrated ability to apply glossary terms such as 'outline', 'explain' and 'assess'.
Better responses contained extensive and accurate references to ancient and modern sources, used specific and relevant detail and applied terms and concepts appropriately. Answers placed in the top mark range assessed new sources and current scholarship to support their argument. [...]
A note of concern was that many candidates were dependent on information from general textbooks rather than assessing primary sources and academic scholarship. (p.5)
Section I;Personalities In Their Times
Only the best responses were able to place their personality in their historical context. [...]
With regard to future directions, candidates should be instructed to do the following;
-Take the time to read the question carefully and address its specific requirements.
-Address the requirements of the question, not simply provide a narrative.
-Identify relevant and accurate sources for the personality.
-Avoid reliance upon a section of general information (Ie; student textbooks instead of historical scholarship.)
-Avoid the fabrication of historical sources, ancient and modern.
-Write clearly and legibly to facilitate the marking process. [p.6]
Section II:Ancient Societies
It is important to emphasise that candidates must study all items set down for a particular Society in the syllabus. It was clear that some students did not expect questions on topics such as occupations of ordinary Egyptians, features of the Mycenaean and Spartan economies, etc:..
Finally, the points a.) to d.) may be answered without referring to sources. Candidates may add this material, but it is possible to gain full marks for each question without using sources. However, in part e.), the candidate must refer to the Source given and place it in context as well as offer other evidence to obtain a maximum mark. (p.8)
Section III; Historical Periods
The best responses were able to give detailed information about the period in question, sustain a logical argument throughout, and support the argument with sources both ancient and modern. Weaker responses provided simple narratives with little regard for the question asked. [p.10]
The entire document may be found at;
http://www.boardofstudies.nsw.edu.au/hsc_exams/hsc2003exams/index.html#a
In short, it is adviceable to;
-Study using the syllabus as a guide.
-Using relevant, scholarly sources.
-Answer in detail.
-Answer the question.
