• Use a black pen.
• Write on one side of the page only.
• Avoid adding text in the margins of the page and connecting these ideas by asterisks and arrows. This is confusing and cluttered; simply add a new paragraph later in your work.
• Closely read and follow all key instructions. For example, if you are asked to include a title, ensure you do.
• Attempt to write both clearly and legibly, making sure you leave a blank line between paragraphs. This makes reading easier for the marker.
• Practice key conventions of proper English form and grammar: correct use of apostophe, placing titles either in inverted commas or underlined, the presentation of the text’s full title when it is first used, correct spelling of character and composer names, as well as correct spelling/usage of technique names.
• Leave a few minutes at the end of your exam to quickly proofread your work. Check all pages are in the correct order and correct any errors you can find. Examiners understand that you are under pressure and that your work is a first draft, however, correct grammar and spelling will ensure your exam is a sophisticated response.
• Your responses may be in essay form or the examiners may require you to write in a number of other textual forms including: journal/diary entry, letter, speech, dialogue, interview, report, writing in a role or a feature article. Make sure you know how to compose and sustain each of these textual forms.
• You may also be required to write a more personal response, which demands an ability to demonstrate how you have reflected personally on the effect of studying a particular module or area of study. Consider this for each of your modules during your study.
• Always read the syllabus/rubric which you are given in class - or may access on the Board of Studies website. This will ensure that you are aware of every facet of the module and cannot be surprised by any essay question.

The Importance of the HSC Examination Rubrics

In trial and HSC examinations, the rubric is placed at the top of each question. They are designed to guide you in effectively answering the question or section. They inform you about what is being assessed and how judgements will be made about your responses. They are also embedded in the marking guidelines, along with criteria specific to each question. As such, the exam rubrics are very important to you. When you study for the Trial and the HSC, ensure that you consider these exam rubrics closely for both the Area of Study and the Modules.