How to Approach the Reading Task Questions

Expert reviewed • 22 November 2024 • 5 minute read

How to Approach the Reading Task

To effectively complete the reading task, the ability to quickly read, analyse and understand the conceptual ideas of the text is vital. This is important, as there is limited time in the HSC and trial exams to complete the reading task. The quicker you can complete the reading task, the more time you have to complete your common module essay during the exam!

As such, we can use the following steps to practice and get better at completing reading tasks.

During reading time, ensure you have read all texts to gain a fundamental understanding of the key concepts/arguments that the texts are portraying. This can be done by first ignoring specific techniques to gain an overall understanding of the text.
Once reading time has finished, work through each text one at a time. First, determine what the question is asking and form an argument that responds accordingly to the question and concepts of the text.
On each question, skim-read the text to find techniques that adequately support your argument.
Use the structures provided in the previous module to formulate a response to specific questions.

Practice Question 1

Attempt the following HSC Past paper using the techniques, short answer structures, and question-approaching strategies we have learned so far. Try to time yourself with the goal of completing the reading task in under 55 minutes (including reading time). The marking guidelines are also provided.

Complete the reading task in Paper 1.

2023 HSC Paper 1

Marking Guidelines

Poetry Techniques Cheat Sheet

Return to Module 1: The Reading Task