The Power of Preparation: Unveiling the Secrets of HSC Exam Success
Unleashing the Ultimate Exam Strategy
In the world of high-stakes exams, where every second counts and every word matters, students are willing to go the extra mile. Enter Normanhurst Boys High School students Lam Doan, Ronny Jo, and Harry Shin, who took an unconventional approach to their English Extension 1 exam preparation. Their secret weapon? Batteries taped to pens and putty-squeezing sessions to build hand strength.
The Marathon Exam: A Sprinters' Challenge
With the final HSC exam looming, these students knew they had to bring their A-game. English Extension 1, a subject that demands both speed and endurance, was likened to a "marathon run at a sprinter's pace" by Lam. It's no wonder they entered the exam room armed with at least five pens, ready to tackle the daunting task of producing 1500 words in just two hours.
But here's where it gets controversial... or at least unexpected.
The Unseen Text Twist
As they opened their exam books, Ronny and Lam were hit with a wave of panic. The question asked for a discursive piece in response to an unseen text - a task they had never encountered before. "They have never asked for a discursive text on an [unseen] prescribed piece," Lam pointed out.
A discursive text, as explained by Normanhurst Boys head of English Dean Stevenson, allows students to explore multiple perspectives and include their personal voice. It's a chance for students to write with a more casual, colloquial tone, offering a unique insight into literature.
Calming Nerves and Seizing Opportunities
Despite the initial panic, Lam and Ronny found solace in the stimulus, which focused on the reader-writer dynamic - a topic they had studied in class. For Harry, it was the perfect question, one he had prepared for extensively. He had practiced adapting his writing to discursive and creative styles throughout the year, and his piece, a thoughtful exploration of the ideation stage of writing using Seoul's Han River as a metaphor, was the result of a year's worth of preparation.
"There's a path I walk before I write. It runs beside the Han River..." Harry recited from memory after the test, showcasing the power of his preparation.
A Call for Discussion
So, what do you think? Is this an extreme measure, or a brilliant strategy? Should students go to such lengths to prepare for exams? And what about the discursive text twist - did it give students an unfair advantage, or was it a fair and engaging challenge? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
