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People and places:
sample reading and responding answers
Type A
Task 1: We are no different from the "Wessis".
Type B
Task 2: Response to a letter.
Task 1
Question a)
| Marking Criteria | |
|---|---|
| Demonstrates a good understanding of their reactions on the night the wall came down | 2 marks |
| Demonstrates some understanding of their reactions on the night the wall came down | 1 mark |
Sample answer:
Stadlober remembers when he was seven years old and his
mother woke him up in the middle of the night to tell that
his Aunt Margot (who lived in West Berlin) was there. He
didn't understand what was going on, how it was possible. His mother had thought
Aunt Margot would be shot by the border guards. As soon as they heard the wall was really down, they went to look.
Question b)
| Marking Criteria | |
|---|---|
| Demonstrates an excellent understanding of how young people feel | 3 marks |
| Demonstrates a good understanding of how young people feel | 2 marks |
| Demonstrates some understanding of how young people feel | 1 mark |
Sample answer:
The wall coming down is no longer significant in their
lives. They are the first generation for whom it makes no
difference where you come from. The fact that there was a
wall there at one time is unimportant, nor is going to the
East anything special. They feel that those who live in the
East are not that different from those who live in West
Germany. Young people don't think the DDR plays any part
in their lives and are more interested in the latest dance.
Question c)
| Marking Criteria | |
|---|---|
| Demonstrates an excellent understanding of the significance of the term | 3 marks |
| Demonstrates a good understanding of the significance of the term | 2 marks |
| Demonstrates some understanding of the significance of the term | 1 mark |
Sample answer:
Literally, this means "wall in the head". It
refers to the fact that, although the wall between East and
West Berlin had been pulled down, it remained as a barrier in
people's minds. Having lived so long under one system (Socialism), it was difficult for many people to get used to a new system (Capitalism), and to understand that they were now responsible for themsleves.
Total: 9 marks
Task 2
In this question you are required to read a letter from a friend. You have to show you understand this text by identifying and analysing the relevant information relevant information contained in it. You then have to write an appropriate response of 150-200 words in German.
*Hint: It is a good idea to underline the questions asked in one colour and the situations to be commented on in another colour. This will ensure that you don’t omit vital information in your response.
The question provides you with:
- a purpose: a letter in response to a letter just received
- a context: responding to and commenting on the situations described in the letter
- an audience: a friend you have not heard of in a considerable time
To answer this question you should use a conversational style and include the appropriate letter format. You would address your friend as “du”.
Your answer should include:
- introductory paragraph:
You could begin your letter with a greeting and a thank you for the letter received, as well as a general comment about why you haven’t written for such a long time. - answering the letter:
In this part of your letter you should respond to all questions asked, comment on information given and add related personal information. This will not necessarily be done in any specific order, but it must flow logically. -
questions and comments:
- what your workload is like in Year 12
- whether you have enough leisure time
- the fact that your friend recently got his/her driver’s licence
- when you will sit for your driver’s licence
- whether you would like to go to Byron Bay in the next holidays - comment more fully on why or why not.
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