HSC Elective Subjects 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In HSC Visual Arts, what is the primary purpose of the Body of Work (BOW)?
- To demonstrate research skills only
- To present a cohesive resolved artwork responding to an idea or concept (Correct answer)
- To replicate a famous artwork in a chosen medium
- To document the student's entire art history knowledge
Correct answer: To present a cohesive resolved artwork responding to an idea or concept
The Body of Work is a resolved, cohesive artwork or series that responds to an idea, concept, or theme chosen by the student.
Question 2: Which of the following best describes 'counterpoint' in HSC Music?
- A technique of playing two instruments simultaneously at the same pitch
- The combination of two or more independent melodic lines sounding simultaneously (Correct answer)
- A type of rhythmic pattern used in percussion
- The practice of repeating a melody an octave higher
Correct answer: The combination of two or more independent melodic lines sounding simultaneously
Counterpoint refers to the combination of two or more independent melodic lines that are harmonically interdependent yet rhythmically independent.
Question 3: In HSC Drama, a 'group devised performance' requires students to:
- Perform a published script with minimal changes
- Collaborate to create an original performance from a stimulus or concept (Correct answer)
- Individually write and perform their own monologue
- Adapt a film screenplay for the stage
Correct answer: Collaborate to create an original performance from a stimulus or concept
A group devised performance involves collaborative creation of an original work, drawing on a stimulus or concept chosen by the group.
Question 4: In HSC Ancient History, 'historiography' refers to:
- The physical study of ancient artifacts and ruins
- The study of how history has been written and interpreted over time (Correct answer)
- A method of dating ancient documents using carbon isotopes
- The translation of ancient languages into modern English
Correct answer: The study of how history has been written and interpreted over time
Historiography is the study of the methods, assumptions, and development of historical writing and interpretation.
Question 5: Which assessment component is unique to HSC Society and Culture compared to most other HSC subjects?
- A written examination worth 50%
- A Personal Interest Project (PIP) worth 40% of internal assessment (Correct answer)
- An oral presentation to a panel of external examiners
- A group research portfolio submitted online
Correct answer: A Personal Interest Project (PIP) worth 40% of internal assessment
The Personal Interest Project (PIP) is a 5,000–6,000 word individual research project that is a distinctive and major component of HSC Society and Culture.
Question 6: In HSC Legal Studies, the concept of 'procedural fairness' (natural justice) includes which of the following rights?
- The right to appeal any court decision automatically
- The right to be heard and have an unbiased decision-maker (Correct answer)
- The right to select one's own judge in criminal trials
- The right to have legal proceedings conducted in private
Correct answer: The right to be heard and have an unbiased decision-maker
Procedural fairness requires that individuals have the right to be heard and that decisions be made by an impartial decision-maker free from bias.
Question 7: In HSC Economics, the 'current account' of the balance of payments records:
- All foreign direct investment flows into the country
- Trade in goods and services, income flows, and current transfers (Correct answer)
- Changes in a country's official foreign exchange reserves only
- All long-term capital movements between countries
Correct answer: Trade in goods and services, income flows, and current transfers
The current account records transactions in goods, services, primary income (investment income), and secondary income (transfers) between residents and non-residents.
HSC Elective Subjects 2
In HSC Visual Arts, what is the primary purpose of the Body of Work (BOW)?