Here’s a step-by-step guide for a Year 12 Visual Arts ATAR student to break down questions during a written art exam. This method ensures you address all aspects of the question and craft-focused, well-structured responses.

Take your time to read the question thoroughly. Highlight or underline keywords and phrases. Look for:

• Command words: These tell you what to do (e.g., describe, analyze, compare, evaluate, justify).

• Focus words: These indicate the main topic or subject of the question (e.g., specific artist, art movement, context).

• Scope: Pay attention to specific instructions, such as referencing particular elements or principles of art or including specific case studies.

Common command words and what they mean:

• Describe: Provide details about what you see (e.g., colours, forms, textures, composition).

• Analyse: Break down the artwork into its components (e.g., elements, principles, techniques) and explain their effect.

• Interpret: Explain the meaning, message, or theme of the artwork.

• Evaluate: Make a judgment about the success or impact of the artwork, supporting your opinion with evidence.

• Compare: Highlight similarities and differences between two or more artworks or artists.

• Justify: Provide reasons for your opinion or response, using evidence.

** Use the Key Word Glossary Resource from SCSA provided above to help you with this step.

Dissect the question into smaller, manageable parts. For example:

Question Example:

"Analyse how two artists from different periods use colour and composition to communicate ideas in their work. Include specific examples in your response."

Part 1: Analyse the use of colour by two artists.

Part 2: Analyse the use of composition by two artists.

Part 3: Explain how these elements communicate ideas.

Part 4: Use specific examples from each artist.

Before writing, jot down:

• Key points you want to include for each part of the question.

• Specific examples: Artwork titles, dates, mediums, and contexts.

• Structure: Map out the order of your paragraphs to ensure a logical flow.

Check that your response:

• Covers each command word.

• Includes all required comparisons, examples, or discussions.

• Reflects the focus of the question (e.g., specific elements, periods, or artists).

Make sure to allocate time for:

• Reading and planning: 5–10 minutes.

• Writing: Ensure you spend the bulk of your time crafting detailed, focused answers.

• Reviewing: Leave a few minutes to re-read and polish your response.