Section I – Response to Prescribed Text – Part A
Students should:
- demonstrate an understanding of the quotes in the question by explaining or interpreting in their own words, then link this clearly to the response
- write responses that directly answer the question
- structure their final response and write clearly and concisely.
In better responses, students were able to:
- clearly make reference to Tsuyako’s death and that this would cause the bathhouse to close (Q1c)
- include that the bathhouse represented tradition and a place of meeting for the community (Q1c)
- compare the significance of wiping of the face between those present and Yamashita, for example, that for most it represented showing respect and saying goodbye, however, Yamashita was still dealing with feelings of regret and guilt (Q1d)
- refer to all aspects of the question; Parts A and B and one earlier scene, content and film techniques and how these explore connectedness between Mika and Daigo, and not to the connection between Daigo and his cello or Daigo and his father
- demonstrate an excellent knowledge of the film, including plot, film techniques, language and themes.
Section I – Response to Prescribed Text – Part B
In better responses, students were able to:
- demonstrate an insightful understanding of the situation and characters using specific examples from the extract provided (musekinin
sugiruyo, aitaini kimatterukedo aenai)
- demonstrate flair and originality when creatively interweaving quotes naturally into their responses
- reflect sensitively on Uemura’s situation and link it to Daigo’s relationship with his father
- demonstrate an excellent control of language throughout the writing by using a variety of vocabulary, grammar prescribed kanji and authentic and sophisticated expressions
- apply register and tense appropriately and consistently to meet the requirements of the task
- use the correct text type for a diary entry; date (month and date), days of the week and weather.
Areas for students to improve include:
- using information from the text to draw Umeda’s feelings
- including relevant ideas and information which are related to the extract related
- using prescribed kanji, accurate punctuation and tenses
- writing of Japanese scripts
- using appropriate language register
- ensuring a logical progression between the paragraphs.
Section II – Writing in Japanese
Students should:
- read questions very carefully and ensure all relevant details
- write using the correct text type
- plan well before writing the response for greater breadth and depth.
In better responses, students were able to:
- use a range of accurate grammar, vocabulary and kanji
- answer the question without using their own interpretation
- write coherently, providing good examples and reasons to support their arguments
- demonstrate their perceptive understanding of the question in their response
- write in the polite form, as appropriate.
Areas for students to improve include:
- using accurate grammar, vocabulary and kanji
- avoiding the inclusion irrelevant information and ideas
- reading questions very carefully and responding appropriately.
