HSC Core Subjects 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In English Advanced, a 'sustained argument' in an essay requires which of the following?
- Restating the question in every paragraph
- A controlling thesis supported consistently throughout the response (Correct answer)
- Summarizing the text at the end of each body paragraph
- Using at least three different texts per argument
Correct answer: A controlling thesis supported consistently throughout the response
A sustained argument means every paragraph works to support the central thesis without digressing.
Question 2: Which of the following best describes the role of 'integration' in the study of Mathematics Advanced?
- Solving simultaneous equations
- Finding the area under a curve or between curves (Correct answer)
- Calculating the gradient of a straight line
- Expanding and factorising expressions
Correct answer: Finding the area under a curve or between curves
Integration is the reverse of differentiation and is used to determine areas under or between curves.
Question 3: In Biology, what process do cells use to produce ATP when oxygen is not available?
- Aerobic respiration
- Photosynthesis
- Anaerobic respiration (Correct answer)
- Osmosis
Correct answer: Anaerobic respiration
Anaerobic respiration (fermentation) generates ATP without oxygen, producing lactic acid or ethanol as byproducts.
Question 4: Which of the following correctly describes a 'primary source' in Modern History?
- A textbook summarizing events of the period
- A documentary film about the era
- A letter written by a participant during the historical event (Correct answer)
- A historian's analysis published decades later
Correct answer: A letter written by a participant during the historical event
Primary sources are original documents or artifacts created at the time of the event being studied.
Question 5: In Chemistry, what is the molar mass of water (H₂O)?
- 16 g/mol
- 18 g/mol (Correct answer)
- 20 g/mol
- 22 g/mol
Correct answer: 18 g/mol
H₂O has two hydrogen atoms (1 g/mol each) and one oxygen atom (16 g/mol), totalling 18 g/mol.
Question 6: In Physics, Newton's Second Law states that force equals:
- mass divided by acceleration
- mass multiplied by velocity
- mass multiplied by acceleration (Correct answer)
- mass divided by velocity
Correct answer: mass multiplied by acceleration
Newton's Second Law is expressed as F = ma, where F is force, m is mass, and a is acceleration.
Question 7: Which literary technique involves giving human qualities to non-human objects or ideas?
- Alliteration
- Personification (Correct answer)
- Hyperbole
- Irony
Correct answer: Personification
Personification attributes human characteristics to inanimate objects, animals, or abstract concepts.
HSC Core Subjects 2
In English Advanced, a 'sustained argument' in an essay requires which of the following?