Getting ready checklist

Know the rules

Make sure you are familiar with the HSC rules and processes and the consequences of breaking the rules.

Take the rule-breaker quiz

Bring the right gear

Check that you have the right equipment for your exams.

Go the NESA website for a full list of equipment allowed in HSC exams.

Be familiar with question types

The nature, format or emphasis of questions will change each year, but there are question types that will always make an appearance. Here are some tips on how to deal with different types of questions.

1. Multiple-choice questions

Read all the alternatives first and then choose the best overall answer.

Don't trip up.

• An answer might be correct in a different set of circumstances, but might not be the best overall answer
• An answer might be partially right with some element of incorrect information

2. Questions with stimulus material

Stimulus material – artwork, quotations or maps – provide a focus for analysis or interpretation. The stimulus is critical to providing a strong answer, so consider it carefully.

3. Short answer questions

The space provided and marks allocated to a short answer question will give you an idea of how long your response should be. The cover of the HSC exam paper will also have advice on how much time to allow.

4. Extended exam responses

Your responses should be carefully planned rather than include everything you know about a topic. Here are some quick tips to help you write a strong extended response:

• Read every word of the question properly. You're off to a good start and won't run the risk of missing the point of the question
• Draft a quick plan. List 3 to 4 points to cover in your response
• Manage your time. Make sure you allocate enough time to address the points in your plan

The HSC is meant to challenge your abilities. If you have trouble understanding a question, look for key words and work out how they relate to the course. Then you can write an answer from relevant knowledge, understanding and skills.

Studying more effectively

Most students' study routine consists of taking notes or rereading text. But these methods don't necessarily improve your understanding of a topic or show you how to link concepts.

There are other, more effective ways of learning, such as the refinement cycle. Maths teacher Eddie Woo explains how this technique can help improve your study routine.

The refinement process

Other effective study techniques

Spaced practice

Studying in small chunks over a longer period of time helps you retain information.

Mr Woo recommends a regular, structured revision program that starts long before the exam period.

"Intense learning [cramming] can't replace long-term learning. Structured study that starts early in the [HSC] year … allows concepts to be deeply woven into our brains," he explains.

Retrieval practice

Test yourself by trying to recall information without support materials. This changes the way the information is stored in your brain, which makes retrieving it easier.

Try taking a blank sheet of paper and writing or sketching as much as possible from memory. Flashcards are another useful tool.

Metacognition

Metacognition is being aware of and understanding your own thought processes.

If you analyse how you think, you will be able to spot the strengths and weaknesses in your thought process and make improvements.

It is therefore important to be reflective during all stages of learning and studying. Ask yourself:

• "What am I trying to achieve?"
• "Am I on the right track?"
• "How can I improve my approach?"

Create a study schedule

An example of a well-balanced study schedule, provided by an English teacher.

• Plot out all your commitments on a weekly or fortnightly schedule, including weekends. This will include school hours, family commitments, sporting activities, work and time with friends
• Allocate at least half an hour a day to wellbeing (eg mediation, exercise, listening to music, reading)
• The remaining available times are opportunities to study. Think about how you best retain information (eg visual tools, recording voice notes) and add blocks of study time to your schedule

Top study tips from students and teachers

2019 First in Course students and teachers from the Best in Class Teaching Unit offer their top study tips.

"Break down your notes into dot points and make sure you address all the topics in the syllabus. If you understand the syllabus, you will be ready for the HSC." - Natalie, 2019 HSC student

"Collaborate with your classmates – that external insight is key to improving weaknesses in your preparation." - Mairead, 2019 HSC student

"Treat this year like you are an athlete preparing for the Olympics. Build memory muscle and stamina for study by increasing cognitive load in chunks, not all at once. It's important to factor in relaxation time and other menial tasks to allow the subconscious to do its work after revision/study blocks." – English teacher and member of the Best in Class unit

• Set small achievable goals when studying, such as learning syllabus points for a particular focus question by a set date
• Continually apply real-world settings to syllabus content
• Prior to each revision/homework session set clear learning intentions, and after each session make time to reflect on these.
  – PDHPE teacher and member of the Best in Class unit

Get regular feedback from teachers and peers. Ask questions like:

• "Where did I go wrong in this question?"
• "How can I improve my response?"
  – Biology teacher and member of the Best in Class unit

Exam tips from a Visual Arts teacher

Section I

• Demonstrate a well-developed and knowledgeable understanding of the question. Do this with sophisticated and insightful references to the source material to create a concise and well-reasoned response.
• Look for the 'clues' within all of the source material. Look closely at the coloured plates, citations, quotes and text extracts to formulate responses. Link these clues to relevant knowledge of the world and art world to demonstrate extensive knowledge of content.

Section II

• Revise an in-depth study of at least three artists and two works for each artist using the three components of Frames, Conceptual Framework and Practice for your Section II extended response. Make sure your analysis for each artist is even, always links back to the question, and demonstrates extensive and sophisticated critical and analytical response writing.

Mind maps

Mind maps can help you organise, visualise and summarise information.

1. Start with the centre of your mind map

Write down the topic you want to study and circle it.

2. Branch out

Draw branches radiating out from the central image. Each branch leads to an idea related to the central topic.

3. Expand the mind map

Draw additional branches that extend from your main branches. These are sub-topics of the words you wrote on your main branches. Keep expanding the mind map outwards with more sub-topics or keywords.

The HSC journey

The lead up to HSC exams can be a blur. Follow this path to make the ride as smooth as possible.

Study myths debunked

Four members of the recently appointed Best in Class Teaching Unit debunk common study myths.

"You need to memorise and regurgitate information that the teacher has discussed in class."

This is not an effective way of studying. It limits your capacity to think and learn. Regular and structured revision is far more effective in helping you retain information.

"Sharing my work with others will mean I'll lose any competitive advantage."

Sharing of knowledge improves your understanding of ideas and concepts by challenging preconceptions and shedding light on issues that you may not have thought of.

"Cramming is a good study technique."

A regular and consistent pace of study is the key to long-term learning.

"There is only one right answer"

There can be more than one correct answer and more than one way of coming to insights.

Chapter 6: Take the test with these online sample questions