HSC English Exam: Format and Prescribed Texts

Understanding the HSC English Exam

• The HSC English exam is divided into three sections: Multiple Choice, Short Answer, and Essay
• The exam assesses students' understanding of prescribed texts, as well as their ability to analyze and create texts

Prescribed Texts

• Students study a range of texts, including novels, plays, poetry, and non-fiction works
• Texts are selected to promote critical thinking, analysis, and creative writing skills
• Examples of prescribed texts include:
  • Shakespeare's Hamlet
  • George Orwell's 1984
  • The poetry of Ted Hughes

Module A: Experience Through Language

• Focuses on the study of language and its role in shaping our understanding of the world
• Explores how language is used to create meaning, convey ideas, and influence audiences
• Key concepts:
  • Language forms and features
  • Textual integrity
  • Audience and purpose

Module B: Close Study of Literature

• Involves a detailed analysis of a prescribed text
• Students develop a deep understanding of the text's language, structure, and themes
• Key concepts:
  • Textual analysis
  • Authorial intention
  • Thematic exploration

Module C: The Craft of Writing

• Focuses on the development of writing skills in a range of forms and styles
• Students learn to craft texts that engage and persuade audiences
• Key concepts:
  • Writing for purpose and audience
  • Text structure and organization
  • Stylistic features and conventions

Essay Writing

• Students are required to write a series of essays that demonstrate their knowledge and analysis of prescribed texts
• Essays are assessed on their coherence, organization, and use of textual evidence
• Key strategies:
  • Developing a clear thesis statement
  • Using textual evidence to support arguments
  • Structuring essays effectively

Exam Strategies

• Develop a study plan and stick to it
• Practice, practice, practice! (multiple choice, short answer, and essay questions)
• Read and re-read prescribed texts to develop a deep understanding
• Focus on analysis and interpretation, rather than mere summary

Understanding the HSC English Exam

• The HSC English exam is divided into three sections: Multiple Choice, Short Answer, and Essay.
• The exam assesses students' understanding of prescribed texts, as well as their ability to analyze and create texts.

Prescribed Texts

• Students study a range of texts, including novels, plays, poetry, and non-fiction works.
• Texts are selected to promote critical thinking, analysis, and creative writing skills.
• Examples of prescribed texts include Shakespeare's Hamlet, George Orwell's 1984, and the poetry of Ted Hughes.

Module A: Experience Through Language

• Focuses on the study of language and its role in shaping our understanding of the world.
• Explores how language is used to create meaning, convey ideas, and influence audiences.
• Key concepts include language forms and features, textual integrity, and audience and purpose.

Module B: Close Study of Literature

• Involves a detailed analysis of a prescribed text.
• Students develop a deep understanding of the text's language, structure, and themes.
• Key concepts include textual analysis, authorial intention, and thematic exploration.

Module C: The Craft of Writing

• Focuses on the development of writing skills in a range of forms and styles.
• Students learn to craft texts that engage and persuade audiences.
• Key concepts include writing for purpose and audience, text structure and organization, and stylistic features and conventions.

Essay Writing

• Students are required to write a series of essays that demonstrate their knowledge and analysis of prescribed texts.
• Essays are assessed on their coherence, organization, and use of textual evidence.
• Key strategies include developing a clear thesis statement, using textual evidence to support arguments, and structuring essays effectively.

Exam Strategies

• Develop a study plan and stick to it.
• Practice, practice, practice! (multiple choice, short answer, and essay questions).
• Read and re-read prescribed texts to develop a deep understanding.
• Focus on analysis and interpretation, rather than mere summary.