Community and Family Studies

HSC Enrichment Days2010

Exam Technique

Major changes to the CAFS exam

• There are now 20 multiple choice questions instead of 10.

• Section I, part B is now worth 55 marks.

• You will only be asked short answer questions on the three core topics.

• The only extended response question you need to complete is for the option you have studied and this is in section II of the exam.

Activity One:

Concerns about the HSC exams

Activity Two:

“I had all the right answers, but

I had them in the wrong order.”

“I’m afraid I still have more

questions than answers

Support Networks

Teacher/tutor HSC Advice line 13 11 12 Stuvac study groups Textbook/study guides/past papers BOS site – coping with stress HSC online CAFS forum – Week 9, Term

3 BOS sample answers

Exam Structure(changes highlighted in red)

• Section I : Core 1, Core 2, Core 3Part A: 20 marks

• Questions – 20 Multiple choice questions• Answer on separate multiple choice answer

sheet.

Part B: 55 marks• Questions – Short answer questions• Answer on lines provided.

Part C: no longer exists

• Section II: 25 marks• Questions – Options• One short answer and one extended

response question for each option• ONLY answer the questions for the option you

have studied• Answer in a separate writing booklet

Time Allocation• Exam length is 3 hours (180 minutes)

• PLUS 5 minutes reading time

• BOS recommends the following time breakdown on the front page of the exam paper

Section I:

• Part A: 35 minutes - Multiple choice

• Part B: 1 hour and 40 minutes - Short answer

Section II:

• Option 1: 45 minutes - Short answer and extended response

‘Quick Tricks’

Define ONE specific needs group within the community, and explain how location affects their access to resources.

(4 marks)

What to include in a response

Name group and write definition (show knowledge of legal

and /or social definitions)

Show knowledge of resources the group would access to

satisfy their needs

Show how location affects the group’s access to resources

Use an example

Activity Three:

‘Practicing the Quick Tricks’

1. Read the question

2. Identify the marks allocated

3. Circle the HSC word/s so you know HOW to answer the question

4. Underline the syllabus points so you know WHAT the question is asking you about

5. Read the question again for key hints

6. Use acronyms to remember key concepts

Activity Four:

Framework for Writing a Logical and Clear Response

Wrapper

Burger bun

Sauce

Layers

Patty

Activity Five:

Practice Time

Use the quick tricks Develop a planWrite a response

1. Outline ONE issue that may arise for parents as a result of an unplanned pregnancy (2 marks)

2. Distinguish the differences between qualitative and quantitative research methods. Give examples to support your answer. (4 marks)

3. Describe the difficulties that people with disabilities may experience in meeting their housing needs (6marks)

4. Explain how different styles of parenting affect individual wellbeing and family relationships (8 marks)

Activity Six:

Marking the HSC

• Marking guidelines.

• Pilot marking/real marking.

• Script double marked.

• Discrepancies.

• Positive marking.