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According to the Pareto Principle, 80% of the product comes from 20% of the work. During my time with HSC, even though I did so many new study strategies, I can only count on one hand the ones that significantly increased my marks. These 3 resources listed below are efficient, and will help your study journey throughout HSC!
1. HSC marking guidelines and past papers
This is the gold standard. Teachers who mark the HSC and state-ranking students alike browse these resources on the regular to develop a standard and inform themselves of NESA’s expectations. For example, let’s have a look at 2022 Exam Pack’s marking guideline:
General Common Module Essay question:
How does (AUTHOR) represent the emotions arising from human experiences through the features of (FORM)?
In your response, make reference to the prescribed text.
Question 6 (Common Module Essay Response)
Students should:
- demonstrate an understanding of how texts represent human experiences
- develop a line of argument that addresses the question
- demonstrate a deep understanding of their prescribed text through a range of textual evidence
- compose an organised response with a logical sequence of arguments
- consider using a plan.
In better responses, students were able to:
- engage with all components of the question by identifying specific emotions and exploring how they arose through human experiences
- analyse the distinctive features of the text’s form and considered how they represent specifically identified emotions
- incorporate purposefully selected and wide-ranging textual evidence
- maintain control of language to express their ideas
- construct a personal and informed line of argument that is sustained throughout the response.
Areas for students to improve include:
- engaging with all parts of the question
- analysing how a range of language and structural features are employed to construct meaning
- incorporating detailed evidence that is specific to the text’s medium and form
- avoiding vague or generic comments that do not develop their line of argument.
The feedback will be listed as 3 parts (students should, in better responses students were able to, areas for improvement). To aim high, look for what is said in the ‘in better responses, student’s were able to” part, and attempt to incorporate these criteria into your own work. Look over the improvement section as well, to root out any common mistakes students can make in their essays. I found it useful to use a highlighter and highlight parts in my own essay where I achieved these criteria, and where I didn’t. After, noting down my mistakes in a comprehensive document allowed me to look back and stop making silly mistakes in my work!
You can find a list of all the past papers HSC has provided in Concept’s resource catalogue as you scroll down: https://www.concepteducation.com.au/resources
2. THSC Online - HSC resources
THSC Online is a comprehensive past paper resource for many subjects. It collates trial examinations from a variety of schools, primarily private and selective schools. The exams set by these schools are more difficult in nature, to prepare students rigorously for their HSC examination. Work through as many of these as you can, but make sure to work through them with a high quality of work. Do the papers under timed conditions, and mark yourself harshly after. Record your mistakes meticulously on a mistakes document, so you have a comprehensive revision resource as HSC approaches.
If you can know at least 3 of these papers for each subject inside out, you should be able to give your best for the HSC!
Link to THSC Online: https://thsconline.github.io/s/yr12/
3. Concept State-rank Text Guides
Our full range of material is over 100 pages long co-authored by 6 state rankers
Concept’s text guides have assisted many students in achieving band 6’s. In fact, 100% of Concept students have gotten Band 6’s so far, thanks to the help of these text guides and their tutors!
Co-authored by 6 state rankers, the full range is over 100 pages long. Packed with easily transferable analysis and insightful perspectives, it can assist you as the 20% that contributes to 80% of the outcome. Each comes attached with practical exercises, activities, and guidance to improve your understanding of various literary texts, developing your skill and boosting your marks!
There is a text guide for each prescribed text in the HSC English Advanced syllabus! We have made a few previews with juicy analysis that you can easily incorporate in your writing, which can be found below.
The Essential KING RICHARD III / Looking for Richard Cheatsheet that State-rankers use - Mod A with Concept:
The Essential Cheatsheet for John Keat’s Bright Star that State-rankers use - Mod A with Concept:
The Essential Cheatsheet for Ariel/Birthday Letters that State-rankers use - Mod A with Concept:
The Essential Tempest/Hag Seed Cheatsheet that State-rankers use - Mod A with Concept:
Link to Concept’s State-Rank Text guides: https://www.concepteducation.com.au/resources
Want to discuss the next step? Reach out to Concept at https://www.concepteducation.com.au/enquire or email us at admin@concepteducation.com.au - we're always happy to help!
