The HSC, Writing & Revision

Your HSC Examination consists of FOUR sections.

Section I (15 marks)

• There will be objective response questions to the value of 15 marks.

• Questions may require students to refer to the stimulus booklet and to apply geographical skills and tools.

Section II (45 marks)

• There will be 4–6 short-answer questions.

• Questions may contain parts.

• There will be 10–14 items in total.

• There will be at least one item, worth 5­–8 marks, that requires integration of knowledge from more than one focus area.

• Questions may require students to refer to the stimulus booklet and to apply geographical skills and tools.

Section III (20 marks)

• There will be one structured extended-response question on EITHER Rural and urban places OR Ecosystems and global biodiversity.

• The structured extended-response question will have two or three parts.

• The question may require students to refer to the stimulus booklet and to apply geographical skills and tools.

Section IV (20 marks)

• There will be one unstructured extended-response question on EITHER Rural and urban places OR Ecosystems and global biodiversity (whichever focus area is not examined in Section III).

• The question may require students to refer to the stimulus booklet.

In-depth knowledge of your Darling Harbour may be tested across the examination but in most detail through written sections II, III and/or IV.

Use the sample writing questions below to clarify your understanding and practise integrating case study knowledge in your writing. 

Case study-specific written response questions

1. Describe the role of Darling Square in the broader urban renewal project of Darling Harbour.

2. Describe the transportation improvements that have been made to increase accessibility to Darling Harbour in recent years.

3. How has the introduction of mixed-use developments in Darling Square changed the character of the area?

4. What sustainable design features are included in the buildings and public spaces around Darling Harbour?

5. Explain the economic importance of Darling Harbour for Sydney, particularly in terms of tourism and business events.

6. What are some of the key cultural and entertainment attractions located in Darling Harbour today?

7. What role do green spaces like Tumbalong Park play in the overall development of Darling Harbour?

8. How has Darling Harbour adapted to the growing demand for residential living within the area?

9. In what ways has Darling Harbour maintained a balance between development and preserving its historical significance?

10. What are some challenges that Darling Harbour may face in the future regarding its continued development and environmental sustainability?

Section II

1. Explain how ONE initiative or project has led to sustainable management of a rural or urban place. (6 marks)

2. Explain how ONE spatial technology tool could be used in a geographical inquiry into an urban place. (3 marks)

3. Describe TWO appropriate fieldwork techniques to use in collecting data or information on the human characteristics of urban places. (4 marks)