Step 5: HSC Source Questions
This step will give you some background information about the format of the HSC Ancient History examination. Once we've explored and understood how the exam is structured, we'll explore what you specifically need to do for the Ancient Society section of the paper. You'll have the opportunity to use the source analysis skills you have developed on questions asked in previous HSC exams.
The HSC Ancient History exam is split into four sections, each worth 25 marks.
Section 1 - Cities of Vesuvius - Pompeii and Herculaneum (25 marks total)
- Part A - Multiple Choice & Short Responses (15 marks)
- Part B - Mid-length Response (10 Marks)
Section 2 - Ancient Societies (25 marks total)
- Only choose one "Question/Option" and answer the associated questions.
- 3 Short Response Questions (10 marks total)
- 1 Extended Response (15 marks)
Section 3 - Personalities in their Times (25 marks total)
- Has TWO questions, A and B
- Question A - Mid-length Response (10 marks)
- Question B - Extended Response (15 marks)
Section 4 - Historical Periods (25 marks)
- Attempt ONE question from the two on offer
- Essay response (25 marks)
Past papers can be accessed from: http://www.boardofstudies.nsw.edu.au/hsc_exams/
As you can see there are limited opportunities for you to showcase your extensive knowledge and understanding of Sparta (within Section 2). This means you need to be clear and concise with the information that you provide.
Section 2 - Short response questions:
The short response questions are simple, but you need to know your stuff. They can be drawn from any of the syllabus dot points, and they often are. Examples of previous questions include:
- What is known about leisure activities in this period?
- What does the writing of Tyrtaeus indicate about society in this period?
- What was the Great Rhetra?
- Who were the perioikoi?
As you can see, they are quite wide-ranging. The good news is that they are quite lower-order questions, "What is known, what are, what were?" You don't need to analyse, assess or evaluate within these questions. The HSC Marking Centre releases notes each year giving advice on how students responded to questions, and they recommend in a general sense:
- Keep the length of your response appropriate to the marks. 1 Mark questions should not have a half-page response.
- If the question is worth more marks, include a more detailed response with specific examples. Include references to sources to reinforce your argument.
Section 2 - Extended Response/Source Analysis Question
These questions always take the same basic format:
"With reference to Source A and other sources, what does the evidence reveal about an aspect of Spartan Society in this period."
Since we know the format of the question, there are some ways of approaching the question which are applicable every year.
1. Use the source that is provided, refer to it clearly and integrate it into your response.
2. Include information from other sources that you know, showcase your own knowledge! Have at least TWO others sources ready, preferably one that is archaeological and one that is written.
3. Use historical terms and concepts in a sophisticated manner. Refer to Step 4 for assistance.
The following questions are drawn directly from the 2013-2010 HSC examinations. They will give you the opportunity to use the source analysis skills you have developed on questions that are directly relevant to the HSC. If needed you can use additional resources such as your textbook to help you gather enough information.
The HSC Ancient History exam is split into four sections, each worth 25 marks.
Section 1 - Cities of Vesuvius - Pompeii and Herculaneum (25 marks total)
- Part A - Multiple Choice & Short Responses (15 marks)
- Part B - Mid-length Response (10 Marks)
Section 2 - Ancient Societies (25 marks total)
- Only choose one "Question/Option" and answer the associated questions.
- 3 Short Response Questions (10 marks total)
- 1 Extended Response (15 marks)
Section 3 - Personalities in their Times (25 marks total)
- Has TWO questions, A and B
- Question A - Mid-length Response (10 marks)
- Question B - Extended Response (15 marks)
Section 4 - Historical Periods (25 marks)
- Attempt ONE question from the two on offer
- Essay response (25 marks)
Past papers can be accessed from: http://www.boardofstudies.nsw.edu.au/hsc_exams/
As you can see there are limited opportunities for you to showcase your extensive knowledge and understanding of Sparta (within Section 2). This means you need to be clear and concise with the information that you provide.
Section 2 - Short response questions:
The short response questions are simple, but you need to know your stuff. They can be drawn from any of the syllabus dot points, and they often are. Examples of previous questions include:
- What is known about leisure activities in this period?
- What does the writing of Tyrtaeus indicate about society in this period?
- What was the Great Rhetra?
- Who were the perioikoi?
As you can see, they are quite wide-ranging. The good news is that they are quite lower-order questions, "What is known, what are, what were?" You don't need to analyse, assess or evaluate within these questions. The HSC Marking Centre releases notes each year giving advice on how students responded to questions, and they recommend in a general sense:
- Keep the length of your response appropriate to the marks. 1 Mark questions should not have a half-page response.
- If the question is worth more marks, include a more detailed response with specific examples. Include references to sources to reinforce your argument.
Section 2 - Extended Response/Source Analysis Question
These questions always take the same basic format:
"With reference to Source A and other sources, what does the evidence reveal about an aspect of Spartan Society in this period."
Since we know the format of the question, there are some ways of approaching the question which are applicable every year.
1. Use the source that is provided, refer to it clearly and integrate it into your response.
2. Include information from other sources that you know, showcase your own knowledge! Have at least TWO others sources ready, preferably one that is archaeological and one that is written.
3. Use historical terms and concepts in a sophisticated manner. Refer to Step 4 for assistance.
The following questions are drawn directly from the 2013-2010 HSC examinations. They will give you the opportunity to use the source analysis skills you have developed on questions that are directly relevant to the HSC. If needed you can use additional resources such as your textbook to help you gather enough information.
Question 12 (2013 HSC)
"As for the penalties with which they [the Spartans] mistreated |
Question: With reference to Source Q and other sources, what does the evidence reveal about economic activity in this period?
|
Question 13 (2012 HSC)
Question 14 (2011 HSC)
He [Lycurgus] even authorised them [the Spartans] to use |
Question: With reference to Source R and other sources, what does the evidence reveal about people’s lives in this period?
|