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Home > Indonesian > Extension Course > Advice > Advice: analysis of prescribed text

• About the examination
• Preparing for the examination
• In the examination
• What the markers are looking for

About the examination

This is Part A of the first section of the written examination. Part A is worth 15 marks.

It is designed to assess your ability to respond critically to the prescribed text. It relates to Objective 2 of the syllabus. You can download the Indonesian Extension syllabus from the Board of Studies web site

You will be required to analyse and evaluate aspects of the prescribed text and demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

• language features
• content
• context
• how meaning is conveyed
• the relationship between the prescribed text and issues.

You will be given a short extract from the transcript of the prescribed text. There will be 4—6 questions on the text. Questions will be phrased in English for responses in English.

You may use your dictionary in this section of the examination.

Preparing for the examination

You will need a very detailed knowledge of the three extracts of Langitku, Rumahku prescribed for intensive study. as well as a good knowledge of the whole film. You should develop your understanding of the plot, characterisation and themes in the film.

You should also study the linguistic elements of the prescribed extracts. If asked to comment on linguistic features you should provide examples and give an explanation of them. For instance, if using ngambil as an example of informal language you should explain that it is an example of nasalisation.

Make sure you are aware of the film techniques used in the prescribed extracts. You may be asked to comment on their impact and significance to the director's purpose. For example: you may describe lighting as harshly bright or dark, shots as close-ups or as being framed in a certain way, the music as being light and bright etc and then explain the effect created by its use. Repetition of techniques is also important; you might mention a recurring musical theme or a recurring lighting effect.

The most important thing is that you can comment on the way the technique is used in relation to the story line and/or characterisation and/or the themes of the film. For example: you may show how certain techniques are used to build up tension, to highlight a mood the characters are feeling, or to emphasise contrasts in lifestyles or to emphasise continuity of events or settings.

See the section on the prescribed text.

In the examination

Be guided about the length of your response by the mark allocation and the space allotted for your answer.

When discussing the significance of sections of prescribed text, consider the excerpt in relation to plot and/or, themes and/or characterisation.

Give a full explanation and supporting examples wherever this is relevant.

Ensure that you respond to all parts of a question.

What the markers are looking for

They will be looking for:

• ability to respond critically to the prescribed text
• ability to analyse how meaning is conveyed
• understanding of the relationship between the prescribed text and the prescribed issues.

You should be able to comment on the significance of certain scenes within the film as a whole in terms of:

• plot
• characterisation
• theme
• linguistic aspects
• film techniques.