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How to approach the examination
The course prescriptions 2009-2013, the syllabus and a summary of syllabus changes can be found on the Board of Studies website. http://www.boardofstudies.nsw.edu.au/syllabus_hsc/syllabus2000_listj.html 
The Board of Studies NSW has developed two Japanese Standards Package of CD-ROMs (2001 and 2002), which contain detailed information on the level of achievement for each performance band, including examples of student responses. While these are not the current prescribed texts, themes and issues, reading actual student responses is an excellent way to see how the marking criteria are put into practice. This will reassure you of the standard expected. The packages are available at http://arc.boardofstudies.nsw.edu.au/go/hsc/std-packs/
Section 1: Listening and responding
About the examination
Preparing for the examination
In the examination
What the markers are looking for
About the examination
The listening and responding section of the examination is worth 20 marks.
The listening examination is presented on CD. It is the first section of the written examination and is designed to assess your knowledge and skills in analysing, evaluating and responding to information from spoken texts.
You will be expected to demonstrate understanding of:
- both the general sense and specific details of spoken texts
- the ideas and opinions expressed in texts, and
- language features such as style and register.
There are two parts in the listening and responding examination. In both parts, you will listen and respond to recorded texts in Japanese.
Texts will be drawn from a range of spoken texts, such as discussions, interviews and speeches.
In Part A you will hear one text in Japanese of about three minutes in length. You will hear the text twice. Between the first and second readings, you will have two minutes to take notes. After the second reading, you will have 12 minutes to complete your answer.
You will be required to answer a number of questions, and one or more will require extended paragraphs. You will be required to respond to information in the spoken text by, for example:
- providing a summary of the main points, ideas, arguments or points of view
- analysing ways in which language is used to convey meaning, and
- identifying the purpose, context and audience of the text.
Questions are in both Japanese and English and you are to answer in English.
In Part B, you will hear two texts in Japanese. These texts will be related to the same prescribed contemporary issue. These two texts will be approximately four minutes in length. The texts will be heard in sequence, and then repeated once.
You will have two minutes to take notes after the first reading.
After the second reading of both texts, you will have 20 minutes to complete your answers.
This task will require you to evaluate the spoken texts by:
- comparing and contrasting the information, opinions and ideas in the texts, and
- presenting the information, opinions and ideas in a new form.
The question will be in English and Japanese. You are to respond in Japanese.
Preparing for the examination
The best way to prepare for the examination is to practise. Take every opportunity to listen to Japanese in a variety of contexts.
You can listen to CDs that accompany course books, videos, past examination CDs, Japanese radio and Japanese news on the internet.
Do not be afraid to replay a section if you do not understand it. Remember that in the examination you will hear each item twice. Note down new words - if you do not know the meaning, look them up in the dictionary.
Listen actively. Get into the habit of listening for gist and specific information. Practise making notes while listening.
Revise your lists of key words and phrases for each contemporary issue.
Learn to recognise the context in which language is used and to understand the main idea before becoming immersed in details.
Take every opportunity to practise answering the questions in both Japanese and English.
Try to listen to a variety of issues and practise writing the information in Japanese. This will help you in answering Part B of the listening and responding section.
Students who score the highest marks in this section are those who are well prepared in terms of vocabulary recognition and examination technique.
In the examination
Read the question for each item before the text is spoken on the CD. You can underline key words.
During the first reading, try to understand the overall message.
Take notes in either Japanese or English. Use the space on the examination paper for notes.
During the second reading, process all the information and write your answer clearly. Include all relevant details to answer the question comprehensively. Check that your answer makes sense and avoid ambiguity.
For Part A, be guided by the mark allocation and the number of lines provided in the answer spaces. This will give you an idea of the amount of information to be included in each answer.
If you have any spare time you can go back to an earlier item but do not dwell on it. It is better to prepare for the coming item rather than lose concentration.
At the end of the examination you can fill in any missing details and make changes. Do not leave anything out - you cannot be given marks for blank spaces!
Listen to the two texts in Part B very carefully, noting down key points. Answer the questions as required in the number of characters stated.
Make sure you write legibly. If you need to make changes cross out - liquid paper takes too long to dry and you may forget to go back to complete your answer.
Write your answers in blue or black pen. Do not use pencil.
What the markers are looking for
Part A
You will be expected to demonstrate your ability to:
- identify the main points and detailed items of specific information
- identify the context, purpose and/or audience of the text
- analyse the way in which language is used to convey meaning
- compose an argument supported by textual reference
- structure and sequence ideas.
Part B
You are expected to demonstrate your ability to:
- identify the main points and detailed items of specific information
- evaluate, compare and contrast information, opinions and ideas
- compose an argument supported by textual reference
- structure and sequence information and ideas
- convey information and ideas accurately and appropriately.
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