report2010_writing


 * VCAA 2010 Assessment Report**


 * Section 3 – Writing in Italian**

Assessment criteria - relevance, depth and breadth of content - appropriateness of structure and sequence - accuracy, range and appropriateness of vocabulary and grammar

Five marks each were awarded for: - content (depth and breadth) - structure and sequence (correct text type, including register and cohesive devices) - the correct use of Italian language, including range and sophistication of vocabulary and grammar, and correct spelling.

It should be noted that the assessors used the criteria to make judgments about the mark awarded.

All topics on the examination paper were attempted; however, Question 11 was the most popular. As in past years, some students did not read the topic question thoroughly and parts of their writing were not on task. It is imperative that students plan their writing to ensure that their content demonstrates relevance, depth and breadth of ideas and is completed following the correct format for the text type. Students must also be aware of the kind of writing required with each question.

In order to achieve very high marks for this section of the examination, the writing needed cover the content of the task effectively and include elaboration of ideas. The structure of the finished piece of writing needed to be accurate to the text type with effectively sequenced and linked sentences and paragraphs. An excellent use and range of grammatical structures and vocabulary should have been in evidence, including more complex tenses. Spelling needed to be accurate and the kind of writing needed to be appropriate to the purpose and audience of the task.

Some students made careless grammatical errors, including the inappropriate use of verb tenses and conjugations, incorrect agreements and poor use of prepositions. Incorrect spelling of basic words was also an issue. Many students did not extend their writing beyond the present or past tenses. Some students’ handwriting was illegible. Assessors make every effort to read all students’ work, but students are advised to write clearly.

Students were required to write an informative news item about a new discovery, to be aired on a current affairs program.
 * Question A**

Students were given the following scenario, ‘You are the school captain and you have been invited by the principal to address the new Year 12 students during their Orientation program’. They were required to write the script of a speech evaluating the final years of schooling.
 * Question B**

The following extract from a well-written response demonstrates excellent language use.

//...Buongiorno a tutti i nuovi studenti dell’anno dodici. Come sapete sono il Capitano della scuola quest’ anno e il nostro preside mi ha invitato a parlarvi delle mie esperienze.//

//L’ultimo anno di scuola è sempre impegnativo e a volte molto stressante.....è importante che abbiate qualche ora nella quale potete rilassarvi…//

//....in fondo è vero che l’anno dodici richiede sempre del vostro meglio. Se non fosse stato per il mio lavoro durissimo non avrei ottenuto i voti così alti. Vi suggerisco di ascoltare bene i vostri professori così che possiate avere un esperienza scolastica veramente buona.....In più durante i miei ultimi anni di scuola ci tenevo molto alla famiglia ed agli amici. Quando avevo dei problemi erano tutti presenti ad aiutarmi sia con la scuola che oltre. Se potessi tornare indietro nel tempo ringrazierei tutti loro per il loro appoggio......Tuttavia vi auguro ogni bene nelle vostre vite. Come Capitano della scuola sono molto fiero di aver frequentato una scuola che si occupa del benessere degli studenti.......Grazie a tutti voi per l’ascolto e alla Preside per avermi dato l’opportunità di fare questo discorso oggi.//

Students were required to write an imaginative story about a black and white photo to submit to a local Youth Writers’ Club in which they told of the events in the photo.
 * Question C**

Students were required to write a personal report for next year’s Italian food festival committee explaining how to organise the festival. Students needed to mention what worked well and what did not, and include some advice.
 * Question D**

Students were given the following scenario, ‘One of your cousins has the opportunity to come and study as an exchange student at your school but is unsure about taking up the offer’. They were required to write a letter to persuade the cousin that it will be an experience not to be missed.
 * Question E**

The following extracts from well-written responses demonstrate excellent language use.

Example 1

//Caro Marco, Cosa è successo, santo cielo! Ho sentito da tua zia che hai paura di venire qui in Australia. Dubiti che un viaggio del genere valga la pena, mi ha raccontato.... Ma sei pazzo? Come fai a non accettare quest’offerta che ti ha fatto la mia scuola?//

//Allora, io capisco se tu pensi che un anno all’estero ti farebbe perdere un anno di scuola lì in Italia, però devi credermi che è molto facile ricuperare l’anno che perderesti se venissi qui da noi. Poi alla fine non perdi niente...un anno all’estero cambia la vita per sempre e ti apre un mondo completamente diverso dal tuo.....//

Example 2

//Salve cuginetta! Me l’ha detto l’uccellino che stai considerando di fare lo scambio proprio nella mia scuola! Quando l’ho sentito non ci potevo credere. Ho pensato che non potrebbe essere vero.//

//Eppure, eccomi la tua cugina fedele pronta a convincerti ad accettare questa offerta meravigliosa....//