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Formulating and justifying an argument or point of view in the external HSC examination
The advice for the final question of the written examination is very similar to that for the oral examination. However, the language used will be more complex and there will be more time to explore and support an argument. Therefore the depth and breadth of the argument in the written examination will be greater than that for the oral examination.
General preparation
- Be familiar with the text types you need to be able to produce. These include any of those required in the Continuers course. The remainder are those specified for the Extension course and are formal letter, monologue, narrative account, script of a conversation and a short essay.
- For all text types, you will be required to develop a relevant and appropriate response which:
- presents and supports a point of view
- takes into account the audience, purpose and context
- demonstrates accuracy and variety in vocabulary and sentence structures
- structures and sequences information well.
- You should have a good command of all aspects of the language, as prescribed in the Extension syllabus – including passive voice and complex sentences.
- Hone your writing skills by getting plenty of practise in creating texts and by reading widely and listening to viewpoints being expressed.
Planning during the examination
- Write a draft or plan. Spend a little time examining the topic, underlining key words, checking that you have fully understood what you are being asked to do.
- Note TWO or THREE over-arching points which you will develop. If you cannot do this straight away then derive these by making a mind-map or by brainstorming the topic.
- These points will help you to develop a logical argument and provide a frame-work for explaining concepts and providing examples. You may wish to briefly note what examples and ideas you will explore in relation to each over-arching point.
- You are not ready to begin writing your response until you have thought about the appropriate context, purpose and audience. Consider whether it is appropriate to present a biased point of view, to write in a sensational or even a sarcastic style. These questions might help:
- Do you need to counter another viewpoint?
- Should you be demonstrating rhetorical flourishes appropriate to a persuasive speech or authentic exchanges appropriate to a conversation?
- Consider briefly whether you will be able to show off your knowledge of the key issue in your planned response and whether the perspective you will be writing from is the most appropriate for your response. Consider how best to demonstrate your competency in manipulating the language.
Writing
- Present a sophisticated, coherent point of view.
Your response should flow logically and remain relevant to the question. It should be well-structured. The response should begin with an introduction and come to a logical conclusion. Linking back to the question during the response can ensure that the points made remain relevant and the response does not become random, rambling or sporadic.
- Demonstrate breath and depth in the treatment of relevant ideas. This will ensure an interesting, wide-ranging response, rather than one which is superficial and one-dimensional. A breadth of ideas will ensure the argument is well supported and the points are well made.
- Demonstrate variety and flair in vocabulary and language structures.
- Communicate with a high level of grammatical accuracy.
Communication of ideas should be supported by the correct use of grammar and structures. While inaccuracies of a minor nature may not impact greatly on communication, others (e.g. word order, affixations, and object focus construction) may detract from a well-made argument.
- It is also advisable to allow time to review the written response and make any necessary corrections. This will ensure that a well-structured argument is not spoiled by careless errors.
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