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How to approach the Written Examination
Introduction
You will have two hours (including 10 minutes reading time) to complete the Written Examination paper. You will be required to complete two sections:
- Section I: Response to prescribed text Part A and Part B; and
- Section II: Writing in German.
You should consider the allocation of marks and organise your time accordingly.
Suggested approach:
| Question | Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Section I: Response to prescribed text (Part A) | 15 | 45 min |
| Section I: Response to prescribed text (Part B) | 10 | 30 min |
| Section II: Writing in German | 15 | 45 min |
Make sure you allow sufficient time to:
- plan your answers before you commence
- revise your work and check the quality of your responses, ensuring your intention is clear and there are no ambiguities.
To ensure that you are fully prepared for the German Extension examination paper, you could ask yourself the following questions:
- Do I have a thorough knowledge and understanding of the prescribed texts?
- Kein Job für eine Lady (Anderle, Helga)
- Risiko für Weihnachtsmänner (Lenz, Siegfried)
- Die Geschichte vom bösen Hänsel, der bösen Gretel und der Hexe (Maar, Paul)
- Die Fernsehshow (Moser, Milena)
- Am I able to discuss questions in English relating to the themes, characterisation, language features, style, context and issues, etc?
- Am I able to respond personally and creatively in German to the prescribed text, using the required text types (a letter, diary entry, narrative account, or the script of a conversation, speech, monologue or interview)?
- Am I familiar with the three prescribed issues?
- Tolerance of difference
- Coping with change
- Pressures in today’s society
- Have I developed the skills required to present, explain or justify opinions, ideas and points of view in German, by writing a short essay, article, script of a talk, formal letter or report?
Reference: http://www.boardofstudies.nsw.edu.au/syllabus_hsc/pdf_doc/languages-extension-assessment-reporting.pdf (Pages 7 and 8).
Remember, you may use monolingual and bilingual print dictionaries in the Written Examination.
Note: The Board of Studies NSW developed German Standards Packages in 2001 and 2002, which contain detailed information on the level of achievement for each performance band, including examples of student responses. Although the prescribed texts and issues have been changed, the packages remain current and will assist you in understanding the standard expected. The packages are available at http://arc.boardofstudies.nsw.edu.au/go/hsc/std-packs/ 
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