HSC English Common Module: Texts and Human Experiences

20262026 HSC

• Question 620 marksSection II

  How does the composer of your prescribed text offer you opportunities to examine assumptions about human strength and vulnerability? In your response, make close reference to your prescribed text.

20252025 HSC

• Question 620 marksSection II

  Analyse how the representation of particular lives in your prescribed text enriches your understanding of the endurance of the human spirit. In your response, make close reference to your prescribed text.

20242024 HSC

• Question 620 marksSection II

  In what ways has the study of your prescribed text given you insights into the complex relationship between human qualities, motivations and actions? In your response, make close reference to your prescribed text.

20232023 HSC

• Question 620 marksSection II

  ‘A text can ignite ideas about collective human experiences that enrich our view of the world.’ To what extent do you agree with this statement in relation to your prescribed text? In your response, make close reference to your prescribed text.

20222022 HSC

• Questions 6 (a)–6 (n)20 marksSection II

  14 questions, one for each prescribed text+

  • Prose Fiction – Anthony Doerr, All the Light We Cannot SeeHow does Doerr represent the emotions arising from human experiences through the features of prose fiction? In your response, make reference to the prescribed text.
  • Prose Fiction – Amanda Lohrey, VertigoHow does Lohrey represent the emotions arising from human experiences through the features of prose fiction? In your response, make reference to the prescribed text.
  • Prose Fiction – George Orwell, Nineteen Eighty-FourHow does Orwell represent the emotions arising from human experiences through the features of prose fiction? In your response, make reference to the prescribed text.
  • Prose Fiction – Favel Parrett, Past the ShallowsHow does Parrett represent the emotions arising from human experiences through the features of prose fiction? In your response, make reference to the prescribed text.
  • Poetry – Rosemary Dobson, Rosemary Dobson CollectedHow does Dobson represent the emotions arising from human experiences through the features of poetry? In your response, make reference to the prescribed text. The prescribed poems are: * Young Girl at a Window * Over the Hill * Summer’s End * The Conversation * Cock Crow * Amy Caroline * Canberra Morning
  • Poetry – Kenneth Slessor, Selected PoemsHow does Slessor represent the emotions arising from human experiences through the features of poetry? In your response, make reference to the prescribed text. The prescribed poems are: * Wild Grapes * Gulliver * Out of Time * Vesper-Song of the Reverend Samuel Marsden * William Street * Beach Burial
  • Drama – Jane Harrison, Rainbow’s End, from Vivienne Cleven et al., Contemporary Indigenous PlaysHow does Harrison represent the emotions arising from human experiences through the features of drama? In your response, make reference to the prescribed text.
  • Drama – Arthur Miller, The CrucibleHow does Miller represent the emotions arising from human experiences through the features of drama? In your response, make reference to the prescribed text.
  • Shakespearean Drama – William Shakespeare, The Merchant of VeniceHow does Shakespeare represent the emotions arising from human experiences through the features of drama? In your response, make reference to the prescribed text.
  • Nonfiction – Tim Winton, The Boy Behind the CurtainHow does Winton represent the emotions arising from human experiences through the features of nonfiction? In your response, make reference to the prescribed text. The prescribed chapters are: * Havoc: A Life in Accidents * Betsy * Twice on Sundays * The Wait and the Flow * In the Shadow of the Hospital * The Demon Shark * Barefoot in the Temple of Art
  • Nonfiction – Malala Yousafzai and Christina Lamb, I am MalalaHow do Yousafzai and Lamb represent the emotions arising from human experiences through the features of nonfiction? In your response, make reference to the prescribed text.
  • Film – Stephen Daldry, Billy ElliotHow does Daldry represent the emotions arising from human experiences through the features of film? In your response, make reference to the prescribed text.
  • Media – Ivan O’Mahoney, Go Back to Where You Came FromHow does O’Mahoney represent the emotions arising from human experiences through the features of media? In your response, make reference to the prescribed text. The prescribed episodes are: * Series 1: Episodes 1, 2 and 3 and * The Response
  • Media – Lucy Walker, Waste LandHow does Walker represent the emotions arising from human experiences through the features of media? In your response, make reference to the prescribed text.

20212021 HSC

• Question 620 marksSection II

  Analyse how your prescribed text represents the ways individuals respond to the challenges they face. In your response, make reference to your prescribed text.

20202020 HSC

• Question 520 marksSection II

  How effectively does your prescribed text tell stories to reveal both the personal and shared nature of human experiences?

20192019 HSC

• Questions 6 (a)–6 (n)20 marksSection II

  14 questions, one for each prescribed text+

  • Anthony Doerr, All the Light We Cannot SeeTo what extent does the exploration of human experience in All the Light We Cannot See invite you to reconsider your understanding of courage?
  • Amanda Lohrey, VertigoTo what extent does the exploration of human experience in Vertigo invite you to reconsider your understanding of resilience?
  • George Orwell, Nineteen Eighty-FourTo what extent does the exploration of human experience in Nineteen Eighty-Four invite you to reconsider your understanding of loneliness?
  • Favel Parrett, Past the ShallowsTo what extent does the exploration of human experience in Past the Shallows invite you to reconsider your understanding of loss?
  • Rosemary Dobson, Rosemary Dobson CollectedTo what extent does the exploration of human experience in Dobson’s poetry invite you to reconsider your understanding of ageing? The prescribed poems are: * Young Girl at a Window * Over the Hill * Summer’s End * The Conversation * Cock Crow * Amy Caroline * Canberra Morning
  • Kenneth Slessor, Selected PoemsTo what extent does the exploration of human experience in Slessor’s poetry invite you to reconsider your understanding of struggle? The prescribed poems are: * Wild Grapes * Gulliver * Out of Time * Vesper-Song of the Reverend Samuel Marsden * William Street * Beach Burial
  • Jane Harrison, Rainbow’s End, from Vivienne Cleven et al., Contemporary Indigenous PlaysTo what extent does the exploration of human experience in Rainbow’s End invite you to reconsider your understanding of acceptance?
  • Arthur Miller, The CrucibleTo what extent does the exploration of human experience in The Crucible invite you to reconsider your understanding of love?
  • William Shakespeare, The Merchant of VeniceTo what extent does the exploration of human experience in The Merchant of Venice invite you to reconsider your understanding of deception?
  • Tim Winton, The Boy Behind the CurtainTo what extent does the exploration of human experience in The Boy Behind the Curtain invite you to reconsider your understanding of independence? The prescribed chapters are: * Havoc: A Life in Accidents * Betsy * Twice on Sundays * The Wait and the Flow * In the Shadow of the Hospital * The Demon Shark * Barefoot in the Temple of Art
  • Malala Yousafzai and Christina Lamb, I am MalalaTo what extent does the exploration of human experience in I am Malala invite you to reconsider your understanding of strength?
  • Stephen Daldry, Billy ElliotTo what extent does the exploration of human experience in Billy Elliot invite you to reconsider your understanding of commitment?
  • Ivan O’Mahoney, Go Back to Where You Came FromTo what extent does the exploration of human experience in Go Back to Where You Came From invite you to reconsider your understanding of fear? The prescribed episodes are: * Series 1: Episodes 1, 2 and 3 and * The Response
  • Lucy Walker, Waste LandTo what extent does the exploration of human experience in Waste Land invite you to reconsider your understanding of power?

20262026 HSC

• Question 620 marksSection II

  How does the composer of your prescribed text offer you opportunities to examine assumptions about human strength and vulnerability? In your response, make close reference to your prescribed text.

20252025 HSC

• Question 620 marksSection II

  Analyse how the representation of particular lives in your prescribed text enriches your understanding of the endurance of the human spirit. In your response, make close reference to your prescribed text.

20242024 HSC

• Question 620 marksSection II

  In what ways has the study of your prescribed text given you insights into the complex relationship between human qualities, motivations and actions? In your response, make close reference to your prescribed text.

20232023 HSC

• Question 620 marksSection II

  ‘A text can ignite ideas about collective human experiences that enrich our view of the world.’ To what extent do you agree with this statement in relation to your prescribed text? In your response, make close reference to your prescribed text.

20222022 HSC

• Questions 6 (a)–6 (n)20 marksSection II

  14 questions, one for each prescribed text+

  • Prose Fiction – Anthony Doerr, All the Light We Cannot SeeHow does Doerr represent the emotions arising from human experiences through the features of prose fiction? In your response, make reference to the prescribed text.
  • Prose Fiction – Amanda Lohrey, VertigoHow does Lohrey represent the emotions arising from human experiences through the features of prose fiction? In your response, make reference to the prescribed text.
  • Prose Fiction – George Orwell, Nineteen Eighty-FourHow does Orwell represent the emotions arising from human experiences through the features of prose fiction? In your response, make reference to the prescribed text.
  • Prose Fiction – Favel Parrett, Past the ShallowsHow does Parrett represent the emotions arising from human experiences through the features of prose fiction? In your response, make reference to the prescribed text.
  • Poetry – Rosemary Dobson, Rosemary Dobson CollectedHow does Dobson represent the emotions arising from human experiences through the features of poetry? In your response, make reference to the prescribed text. The prescribed poems are: * Young Girl at a Window * Over the Hill * Summer’s End * The Conversation * Cock Crow * Amy Caroline * Canberra Morning
  • Poetry – Kenneth Slessor, Selected PoemsHow does Slessor represent the emotions arising from human experiences through the features of poetry? In your response, make reference to the prescribed text. The prescribed poems are: * Wild Grapes * Gulliver * Out of Time * Vesper-Song of the Reverend Samuel Marsden * William Street * Beach Burial
  • Drama – Jane Harrison, Rainbow’s End, from Vivienne Cleven et al., Contemporary Indigenous PlaysHow does Harrison represent the emotions arising from human experiences through the features of drama? In your response, make reference to the prescribed text.
  • Drama – Arthur Miller, The CrucibleHow does Miller represent the emotions arising from human experiences through the features of drama? In your response, make reference to the prescribed text.
  • Drama – William Shakespeare, The Merchant of VeniceHow does Shakespeare represent the emotions arising from human experiences through the features of drama? In your response, make reference to the prescribed text.
  • Nonfiction – Tim Winton, The Boy Behind the CurtainHow does Winton represent the emotions arising from human experiences through the features of nonfiction? In your response, make reference to the prescribed text. The prescribed chapters are: * Havoc: A Life in Accidents * Betsy * Twice on Sundays * The Wait and the Flow * In the Shadow of the Hospital * The Demon Shark * Barefoot in the Temple of Art
  • Nonfiction – Malala Yousafzai and Christina Lamb, I am MalalaHow do Yousafzai and Lamb represent the emotions arising from human experiences through the features of nonfiction? In your response, make reference to the prescribed text.
  • Film – Stephen Daldry, Billy ElliotHow does Daldry represent the emotions arising from human experiences through the features of film? In your response, make reference to the prescribed text.
  • Media – Ivan O’Mahoney, Go Back to Where You Came FromHow does O’Mahoney represent the emotions arising from human experiences through the features of media? In your response, make reference to the prescribed text. The prescribed episodes are: * Series 1: Episodes 1, 2 and 3 and * The Response
  • Media – Lucy Walker, Waste LandHow does Walker represent the emotions arising from human experiences through the features of media? In your response, make reference to the prescribed text.

20212021 HSC

• Question 620 marksSection II

  Analyse how your prescribed text represents the ways individuals respond to the challenges they face. In your response, make reference to your prescribed text.

20202020 HSC

• Question 520 marksSection II

  How effectively does your prescribed text tell stories to reveal both the personal and shared nature of human experiences?

20192019 HSC

• Questions 6 (a)–6 (n)20 marksSection II

  14 questions, one for each prescribed text+

  • Anthony Doerr, All the Light We Cannot SeeTo what extent does the exploration of human experience in All the Light We Cannot See invite you to reconsider your understanding of courage?
  • Amanda Lohrey, VertigoTo what extent does the exploration of human experience in Vertigo invite you to reconsider your understanding of resilience?
  • George Orwell, Nineteen Eighty-FourTo what extent does the exploration of human experience in Nineteen Eighty-Four invite you to reconsider your understanding of loneliness?
  • Favel Parrett, Past the ShallowsTo what extent does the exploration of human experience in Past the Shallows invite you to reconsider your understanding of loss?
  • Rosemary Dobson, Rosemary Dobson CollectedTo what extent does the exploration of human experience in Dobson’s poetry invite you to reconsider your understanding of ageing? The prescribed poems are: * Young Girl at a Window * Over the Hill * Summer’s End * The Conversation * Cock Crow * Amy Caroline * Canberra Morning
  • Kenneth Slessor, Selected PoemsTo what extent does the exploration of human experience in Slessor’s poetry invite you to reconsider your understanding of struggle? The prescribed poems are: * Wild Grapes * Gulliver * Out of Time * Vesper-Song of the Reverend Samuel Marsden * William Street * Beach Burial
  • Jane Harrison, Rainbow’s End, from Vivienne Cleven et al., Contemporary Indigenous PlaysTo what extent does the exploration of human experience in Rainbow’s End invite you to reconsider your understanding of acceptance?
  • Arthur Miller, The CrucibleTo what extent does the exploration of human experience in The Crucible invite you to reconsider your understanding of love?
  • William Shakespeare, The Merchant of VeniceTo what extent does the exploration of human experience in The Merchant of Venice invite you to reconsider your understanding of deception?
  • Tim Winton, The Boy Behind the CurtainTo what extent does the exploration of human experience in The Boy Behind the Curtain invite you to reconsider your understanding of independence? The prescribed chapters are: * Havoc: A Life in Accidents * Betsy * Twice on Sundays * The Wait and the Flow * In the Shadow of the Hospital * The Demon Shark * Barefoot in the Temple of Art
  • Malala Yousafzai and Christina Lamb, I am MalalaTo what extent does the exploration of human experience in I am Malala invite you to reconsider your understanding of strength?
  • Stephen Daldry, Billy ElliotTo what extent does the exploration of human experience in Billy Elliot invite you to reconsider your understanding of commitment?
  • Ivan O’Mahoney, Go Back to Where You Came FromTo what extent does the exploration of human experience in Go Back to Where You Came From invite you to reconsider your understanding of fear? The prescribed episodes are: * Series 1: Episodes 1, 2 and 3 and * The Response
  • Lucy Walker, Waste LandTo what extent does the exploration of human experience in Waste Land invite you to reconsider your understanding of power?

20262026 HSC

• Questions 5 (a)–5 (j)15 marksSection I — Module A: Texts and Human Experiences

  10 questions, one for each prescribed text+

  • Prose Fiction – Allan Baillie, The China CoinHow does Allan Baillie use the form and features of prose fiction to explore how people experience relationships in The China Coin? In your response, make detailed reference to your prescribed text.
  • Prose Fiction – Favel Parrett, Past the ShallowsHow does Favel Parrett use the form and features of prose fiction to explore how people experience relationships in Past the Shallows? In your response, make detailed reference to your prescribed text.
  • Poetry – Oodgeroo Noonuccal, My PeopleHow does Oodgeroo Noonuccal use the form and features of poetry to explore how people experience connection to place in My People? In your response, make detailed reference to your prescribed text.
  • Poetry – Ken Watson (ed.), The Round Earth’s Imagined CornersHow do the poets use the form and features of poetry to explore how people experience connection to place in The Round Earth’s Imagined Corners? In your response, make detailed reference to your prescribed text.
  • Drama – Jane Harrison, Rainbow’s End from Vivienne Cleven et al., Contemporary Indigenous PlaysHow does Jane Harrison use the form and features of drama to explore how people experience education in Rainbow’s End? In your response, make detailed reference to your prescribed text.
  • Nonfiction – Ernesto ‘Che’ Guevara, The Motorcycle DiariesHow does Ernesto ‘Che’ Guevara use the form and features of nonfiction to explore how people experience adventure in The Motorcycle Diaries? In your response, make detailed reference to your prescribed text.
  • Nonfiction – Alice Pung, Unpolished GemHow does Alice Pung use the form and features of nonfiction to explore how people experience relationships in Unpolished Gem? In your response, make detailed reference to your prescribed text.
  • Nonfiction – Malala Yousafzai and Christina Lamb, I am MalalaHow do Malala Yousafzai and Christina Lamb use the form and features of nonfiction to explore how people experience conflict in I am Malala? In your response, make detailed reference to your prescribed text.
  • Film – Rachel Perkins, One Night the MoonHow does Rachel Perkins use the form and features of film to explore how people experience power in One Night the Moon? In your response, make detailed reference to your prescribed text.
  • Media – Ivan O’Mahoney, Go Back to Where You Came FromHow does Ivan O’Mahoney use the form and features of media to explore how people experience connection to place in Go Back to Where You Came From? In your response, make detailed reference to your prescribed text.

20252025 HSC

• Question 515 marksSection I — Module A: Texts and Human Experiences

  How have the perspectives represented in your prescribed text shaped your understanding of courage?

20242024 HSC

• Question 515 marksSection I — Module A: Texts and Human Experiences

  To what extent does the composer of your prescribed text reveal the connection between human emotions and behaviour?

20232023 HSC

• Question 515 marksSection I — Module A: Texts and Human Experiences

  Analyse how the composer of your prescribed text has used storytelling to explore memorable experiences.

20222022 HSC

• Questions 5 (a)–5 (j)15 marksSection I — Module A: Texts and Human Experiences

  10 questions, one for each prescribed text+

  • Prose Fiction – Allan Baillie, The China CoinHow have the characters in The China Coin broadened your understanding of acceptance? In your response, make detailed reference to your prescribed text.
  • Prose Fiction – Favel Parrett, Past the ShallowsHow have the characters in Past the Shallows broadened your understanding of responsibility? In your response, make detailed reference to your prescribed text.
  • Poetry – Oodgeroo Noonuccal, My PeopleHow have the speakers in the prescribed poems in My People broadened your understanding of respect? In your response, make detailed reference to your prescribed text.
  • Poetry – Ken Watson (ed.), The Round Earth’s Imagined CornersHow have the speakers in the prescribed poems in The Round Earth’s Imagined Corners broadened your understanding of belonging? In your response, make detailed reference to your prescribed text.
  • Drama – Jane Harrison, Rainbow’s End, from Vivienne Cleven et al., Contemporary Indigenous PlaysHow have the characters in Rainbow’s End broadened your understanding of power? In your response, make detailed reference to your prescribed text.
  • Nonfiction – Ernesto ‘Che’ Guevara, The Motorcycle DiariesHow have the people in The Motorcycle Diaries broadened your understanding of commitment? In your response, make detailed reference to your prescribed text.
  • Nonfiction – Alice Pung, Unpolished GemHow have the people in Unpolished Gem broadened your understanding of opportunity? In your response, make detailed reference to your prescribed text.
  • Nonfiction – Malala Yousafzai and Christina Lamb, I am MalalaHow have the people in I am Malala broadened your understanding of dedication? In your response, make detailed reference to your prescribed text.
  • Film – Rachel Perkins, One Night the MoonHow have the characters in One Night the Moon broadened your understanding of determination? In your response, make detailed reference to your prescribed text.
  • Media – Ivan O’Mahoney, Go Back to Where You Came FromHow have the people in Go Back to Where You Came From broadened your understanding of empathy? In your response, make detailed reference to your prescribed text.

20212021 HSC

• Question 515 marksSection I — Module A: Texts and Human Experiences

  To what extent have the significant events represented in your prescribed text given you insight into human experiences?

20202020 HSC

• Question 515 marksSection I — Module A: Texts and Human Experiences

  ‘Above all else, people desire stability.’ To what extent does this statement reflect the concerns explored in your prescribed text?

20192019 HSC

• Question 515 marksSection I — Module A: Texts and Human Experiences

  To what extent have the experiences represented in your prescribed text developed your understanding of human motivations and behaviour? In your response, refer to your prescribed text.