Q: I was just wondering, is it possible for the Board of Studies to specify particular poems or chapters for a question? This is in reference to all the modules of English Advanced 2010.
I understand that they need to ensure the level of difficulty is the same across all the electives and choices of texts within any one elective, but is there anywhere which states that they can or cannot specify?
A: It is always a possibility with poetry, but chapters of a novel or non-fiction work (unless specified for study) are highly unlikely because it is too specific when a text can be several hundred pages. It is also unlikely with a play to specify an act and scene because of the length of the text and the nature of the usual study of the text. When you study 6 – 7 poems it is not such a big ask and you should know the poems well enough to be able to rise to the occasion. In this Syllabus where the question can apply to a range of texts, the question needs to be generic which also makes specific reference a little less likely. But have a look at past papers if you can.
It seems that parity is achieved by a common form to the question with a change to a word or phrase to make it refer to a specific question. I don’t think there is anything explicit about the matter; certainly not to my knowledge. The best approach is to know your stuff as thoroughly as you can. That is always the best preparation.
At this stage of the HSC game, I wouldn’t stress yourself with this issue. Just make sure you know your work. Take a deep breath on the day, read the questions, plan and, if a question is trickier than you expected, do another one first.
Some more reassurance: when you’re paper is marked, the markers look for what is right, not what is wrong. Keep the faith,
eruditeHSC 