Section I – Listening and Responding
Students should:
- make notes in the Candidates Notes column and transcribe answer on to the allocated lines
- respond in English or Japanese as stipulated in the question
- use their own words and not translate segments of the text as part of their response
- refer to content and language if required by the question and give examples from the text to support response
- address the key words in the questions fully and appropriately
- support responses with appropriate examples and reference to the texts
- have a thorough knowledge of the prescribed themes and the related issues as well as the prescribed texts for study.
In better responses, students were able to:
- identify relevant and appropriate information of the aural text and address all parts of the questions
- make reference to both content and language techniques, using their own words (Q1c)
- address all the main points in the question
- refer to content of both texts for effective comparison (Q2)
- structure their response in a logical manner with appropriate use of conjunctions (Q2).
Areas for students to improve include:
- incorporating as much relevant information from the spoken text as possible
- making clear reference to both the content and language
- logically sequencing their response
- responding concisely and succinctly when the question requires a summary and refraining from providing irrelevant information (Q1b)
- applying the conventions of the type of text required by the question
- proofreading responses so that they make sense and are not contradictory.
Section II – Reading and Responding
Students should:
- respond in either English or Japanese as required by each question
- demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the texts
- analyse the information in the text or draw a conclusion rather than give a literal translation
- compose a coherent and effective argument supported by relevant examples and reference to the text
- develop an effective argument and take a stance on the issues raised in the texts
- understand relationship between the prescribed texts, themes and prescribed issues
- use appropriate textual references to support their ideas and points of view
- structure and sequence information and ideas in a coherent and logical manner
- have an excellent control of vocabulary and appropriate language structures.
In better responses, students were able to:
- include relevant details from the text to support ideas and opinion(s) (Q3a-c)
- discuss the main issues by giving appropriate examples from the whole text (Q3c)
- discuss content and language features using their own words (Q3e and Q4)
- support the ideas reflected in the two poems with appropriate references to both poems (Q4)
- demonstrate an understanding of the whole text and the issues raised and make a strong argument concerning the issue raised in the text (Q5)
- offer solutions to solve the problems that were raised in the text (Q5)
- apply the conventions of the text type of a script of a speech (Q5).
Areas for students to improve include:
- addressing the requirements of the question appropriately instead of simply describing the content of the text
- ensuring responses include an analysis of both the content and language techniques used in the texts
- ensuring appropriate reference is made to the main points raised in the text (Q5)
- analysing how the texts reflect the themes and prescribed issues for study
- composing a coherent argument instead of summarising, recounting or paraphrasing the content in the article
- expressing personal views in a logical and coherent argument.
Section III – Writing in Japanese
Students should:
- write perceptively on the issue addressed in the question
- have an excellent control of vocabulary and language structures
- demonstrate originality in the development and sequence of information and ideas.
In better responses, students were able to:
- address all parts of the question with relevant ideas and information
- demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the prescribed contemporary issues
- write with logical sequencing of ideas and appropriate use of conjunctions
- incorporate a sophisticated level of language using a range of vocabulary, kanji and accurate syntax
- develop a convincing argument
- write applying the conventions of an article for a magazine
- address consistently the context, purpose and audience throughout their response.
Areas for students to improve include:
- ensuring a deep knowledge of the relevant prescribed contemporary issues
- responding to the question in particular rather than describing the issues in general
- structuring texts thoughtfully and logically and supporting their response with relevant examples
- sequencing ideas and information in a logical and coherent manner
- revising Japanese vocabulary, language structures and expressions relating to the prescribed issues.
- using a wide variety of kanji
- ensuring each aspect of the question is addressed.
