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A GLOSSARY OF TERMS FOR ART CRITICISM AND ART HISTORY

Key Words and Visual Arts
Key words are used in examination questions. They indicate what the question is asking you to do.

Words from the visual arts examination rubric
The rubric is the set of instructions at the beginning of each section of the visual arts examination paper

KEY WORD	DEFINITION - WHAT THE KEY WORD IS ASKING YOU TO DO	THE KEY WORD IN A SENTENCE OR SAMPLE QUESTION
KEY WORDS AND VISUAL ARTS The following key words have been used in Visual Arts HSC examinations. Selected key words are placed in the context of a sentence or a sample question The sample questions are similar to past visual arts examination questions and could be used as a departure point for constructing a range of responses. When responding to specific questions refer to artists and artworks you have studied.
Account /Account for	State reasons for, report on. Give an account of: narrate a series of events or transactions.	Account for the development of new media practices in the artworld. How have these practices influenced three artworks you have studied?
Analyse	Identify components and the relationships between them; draw out and relate implications.	Analyse how cultural factors have been an important influence on the practice of an artist or artists you have studied.
Assess	Make a judgement of value, quality, outcomes, results or size.	Assess the importance of the audience in the practice of two Postmodern artists.
Clarify	Make clear or plain.	Clarify the key role of the art critic and/or the art historian in contemporary art practice.
Compare	Show how things are similar or different.	Compare the curatorial process in two exhibitions you have viewed or studied.
Contrast	Show how things are different or opposite.	Contrast the depiction of the human form in two art movements or two art periods you have studied.
Critically (analyse/evaluate)	Add a degree or level of accuracy, depth, knowledge and understanding, logic, questioning, reflection and quality to (analysis/ evaluation).	Critically evaluate the role of the mass media in the practice of one or more artists you have studied.
Describe	Provide characteristics and features.	Describe the fundamental qualities of time - based artworks.
Discuss	Identify issues and provide points for and/or against.	Discuss how three artists have used signs and symbols to convey meaning to an audience.
Evaluate	Make a judgement based on criteria; determine the value of.	Evaluate the role of social, and/or religious influences in the practice of three artists you have studied.
Examine	Inquire into.	Examine the use of text as a component of contemporary artmaking practice.
Explain	Relate cause and effect; make the relationships between things evident; provide why and/or how.	Explain the way in which contemporary art can be seen as a succession of reactions to and challenges against accepted art practices.
Identify	Recognise and name.	Identify the critical factors that have influenced the art practice of one artist you have studied.
Interpret	Draw meaning from.	Interpret the way in which Postmodern theories have influenced the work of contemporary artists.
Investigate	Plan, inquire into and draw conclusions about.	Investigate the selection and use of innovative materials by three artists.
Justify	Support an argument or conclusion.	Justify the role of the curator in shaping our understanding of innovative contemporary art practices.
The complete Glossary of Key Words and definitions is available at http://www.boardofstudies.nsw.edu.au/syllabus_hsc/glossary_keywords.html

Words from the Rubric on the HSC Art criticism and art history examination paper. The rubric is the set of instructions at the beginning of each section of the paper. eg. write in a concise and well-reasoned way The complete HSC Examination Rubrics Visual Arts is available at http://www.boardofstudies.nsw.edu.au/syllabus_hsc/visualarts_rubrics.html
Concise	Clear and to the point. Uses appropriate language. Brief yet comprehensive
Informed	Evidence of prior knowledge and research.
Point of view	Stating an opinion. Individual understanding and response to the question.
Relevant examples	Makes reference to artists, curators, art writers, artworks, movements, theories, processes, and exhibitions which support the response. Carefully selected examples which are relevant to the question.
Well reasoned	Logical and well-planned. Supported by facts and examples.

Further information and advice is available in the following Board of Studies publications
Visual Arts 2002 NSW HSC Standards Package	HSC essay and short answer student responses which demonstrate standards of achievement. Annotated sample responses. CD Available for purchase https://bosho.boardofstudies.nsw.edu.au/links/shoponline.html
Notes From the Marking Centre	Annual reports from the Visual Arts HSC written examination marking centre. Information about responses to questions from past examination papers. Download http://www.boardofstudies.nsw.edu.au/hsc_exams/
Visual Arts NSW HSC Student Answers 2006	Answers to sample questions. Comments assess the strengths of responses. Publication available for purchase https://bosho.boardofstudies.nsw.edu.au/links/shoponline.html