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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 11: Reading and responding
About the examination
Preparing for the examination
In the examination
What the markers are looking for
About the examination
The reading and responding section of the examination is worth 55 marks.
You may use dictionaries in this section of the exam.
The second section of the written examination is designed to assess your knowledge and skills in exchanging information, opinions and ideas from written texts.
This section is divided into two parts.
Part A is worth 40 marks and Part B is worth 15 marks.
In Part A you will respond to one or more prescribed texts.
Questions in Part A will be in Japanese and English. You are to write your answers in Japanese or English.
There are two tasks in Part A.
The first task will be based on an extract of up to 1200 ji from a prescribed text. You are required to answer a number of questions, one or more of which will require an extended response.
You are required to identify, discuss and analyse features of the text, for example:
- content
- context
- language of the extract.
In the second task you will be required to evaluate features of one or more of the prescribed texts.
The task may include:
- a text or texts from the same theme as the first task, including the text from which the extract in the first task has been drawn
- a text or texts from another theme.
You are required to make references to the theme from which the prescribed texts have been drawn.
In Part B you will exchange information in response to an unseen text.
The question and answer in Part B are in Japanese.
You will read one unseen text in Japanese. This will be between 600 and 800 ji in length, and will be linked to one of the prescribed contemporary issues.
You are required to exchange information in response to the opinions, ideas and information found in the text.
The task will specify a context, purpose and audience.
Preparing for the examination
The best way to prepare for this section is to read a wide range of texts from a number of different sources e.g. course books, Japanese newspapers, magazines, brochures, advertisements, packaging etc.
Part A is a prescribed text. Familiarise yourself well with all prescribed texts and be prepared to answer all questions related to them. Practise in class and at home, and ask your teacher for help with your answers.
To prepare for Part B you should read widely including articles related to contemporary issues listed in the syllabus. Use these as practice and respond to them giving your opinions on various issues.
In the examination
Read the questions before reading the text. The questions will guide you as you read through the text.
Read the text a first time to gain a general idea of the content.
Read the questions a second time and mark the section of the text from where you think the answers come.
For Part A work your way through the questions and write your answers. Answer the questions fully and provide all relevant information.
No two questions should require the same information.
In Part B, underline the main points in the text. Answer the question fully, making sure you write the required number of characters.
Ensure that your writing is legible and that your answers make sense.
Use a black or blue pen to write your answers. Do not use pencil.
What the markers are looking for
In Part A you will be assessed on your ability to:
- identify, discuss and analyse the main points and detailed items of specific information
- identify, discuss and analyse the context
- analyse the way in which language is used to convey meaning
- compose an argument supported by textual reference
- structure and sequence ideas.
In Part B you will be assessed on your ability to:
- exchange information in response to the opinions, ideas and information found in a text
- compose an argument supported by textual reference
- structure and sequence information and ideas
- convey information, opinions and ideas accurately
- convey information appropriate to context, purpose and audience.
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