How to Structure Responses to 3-8 Mark Questions in the HSC English Exam
Expert reviewed •08 January 2025• 7 minute read
The 20-mark reading task is a crucial component of the common module in the HSC English advanced/standard exam and can be challenging to complete within the allotted time. Provided below is an example base structure for answering reading task questions; this structure should be followed to ensure you can attain full marks.
(3) Mark Question Structure
The following structure should be used to answer questions worth 3 marks:
Construct a topic sentence which directly answers the question
This topic sentence should provide an argument according to the question, where evidence can be used to support it.
The following sentences should use the structure:
The technique in "quote" reveals … [effect]
The technique in "quote" reveals … [effect]
Ensure that each [effect] links back to the question and the argument you are providing. There is no need to provide a concluding sentence for this type of question. Additionally, the technique and quote, can often be interchanged to increase the engagement and coherence of the sentence.
(4) Mark Question Structure
The following structure should be used to answer questions worth 4 marks:
Construct a topic sentence which directly answers the question
This topic sentence should provide an argument according to the question, in which evidence can be used to support it.
The following sentence should use the structure:
The technique in "quote" reveals … [effect]
The technique in "quote" reveals … [effect]
The technique in "quote" reveals … [effect]
Ensure that each [effect] links back to the question and the argument you are providing. It is generally advised that this type of question has a small conclusion (about 1 sentence) which links back to your thesis and the question.
(5) Mark Question Structure
The following structure should be used to answer questions worth 5 marks:
A 5 marker question’s structure can be difficult to establish. There is no specific "rule of thumb" on how many quotes or techniques you need to provide, but rather the structure should depend on the circumstances of the text.
If the text provided has limited examples, a 4 marker structure should be used. This means that the analysis of each quote, technique and effect, should be further explained - hence the value of the extra mark.
If the text provided has enough examples, then the following structure can be applied.
Construct a topic sentence which directly answers the question
The technique in "quote" reveals … [effect]
The technique in "quote" reveals … [effect]
The technique in "quote" reveals … [effect]
The technique in "quote" reveals … [effect]
(6-8) Mark Question Structure
The following structure should be used to answer questions worth 6-8 marks:
These types of question should be structured similar to a small essay.
Construct a topic sentence which directly answers the question
This topic sentence should provide an argument according to the question, usign evidence to support it.
Body 1 (perspective A of an argument - or could be the first text in a comparison question)
Body 2 (perspective B of an argument - or could be the second text in a comparison question)
Conclusion (1 sentence)
It should be noted that:
The body paragraphs in an 8 marker should comprise of 4 marker structures
The body paragraphs in a 6 marker should comprise of 3 marker structures