When it comes to exams that require lots and lots of writing, the worst thing you would want is poor time management. HSC Modern History is indeed one of these exams where you are required to write 2 essays and 3 short responses. The worst thing that could happen is running out of time.
As a result, planning your time accordingly for each section is vital in succeeding the exam.
Generally, the time given for you to complete the exam is the following:
As you can see, the time recommended for each section are all the same!
Below are common approaches taken to HSC Modern History exam.
1. Chronological Order
Doing the paper chronologically means the following order
- World War 1-Source Based Study (25 marks) :3 multiple choices, 2-3 short answer questions, 1 extended response
- National Study (25 marks):1 essay
- Personalities of 20th Century (25 marks): 2 long response questions
- International Studies in Peace and Conflicts (25 marks): 1 essay
Pros
- This is how you were meant to do HSC Modern History Exam.
- You have time to think about how you are going to answer your major essays.
- You can pick up easy marks from Section 1.
Cons
- You might run out of time for your 25 mark essay in later sections.
Generally, you can consider take this approach in your HSC Modern History Exam if:
- You are confident that you can do well in all sections.
- You know your contents for all section pretty well.
Note: Because section 1 is considerably easy compared to the other section, you could try to complete this section in 30 minutes. As a result, this allows you more time for your other essays.
If you do run out of time when writing essays, DO NOT try to finish the body paragraph you are up to. Make a rough conclusion (no matter how short it is).
Markers Hate Incomplete Essays!
Action Point
- Know your contents well.
- Make sure you have time for your essays.
- Distribute your time wisely over the 4 sections.
2. Back To Front
Pros
- You get to complete the more difficult essays first which will give you relief.
- Able to complete Section 1 more thoroughly if you have extra time -> more likely to receive full mark for the section.
- The essays are the ones you will lose more marks on if it’s incomplete. (Markers hate incomplete essays) <= section 1 consists mostly short answers and you will be penalised less if some questions are incomplete.
Cons
- You might have less time for section 1 where you can easily pick up marks.
- Might lose confidence if the essay questions posed are out of your expectation.
Action Point
- Know your contents well.
- Make sure you have time for your essays.
- Distribute your time wisely over the 4 sections.
3. Strong To Weakest
Pros
- You can make sure you will get the most marks out of your strong sections.
- You will begin the exam with a positive vibe and reduce possible panic.
Cons
- You could become ‘over passionate’ for your strong section and begin to over write -> less time for your weaker section -> lose more marks.
Action Point
- Know your contents well.
- Keep on track on time.
- Distribute your time wisely over the 4 sections.
Overall, how you choose to tackle the HSC Modern History exam is completely up to you. There is no right or wrong way. It’s all about finding a method that suits YOU the best.
Good Luck!
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Yifan Shen completed his HSC in 2014 and is currently studying the Bachelor Of Economics/Advanced Mathematics at UNSW. Apart from nutting out equations and helping out students with their academic pursuit, you will find him either reading thriller novels or introducing a range of new people to the intricate and mysterious world of mathematics as the marketing representative of UNSW MathSoc. When he is drained from all of these work, you will also see him hiking, planking and water bending in his recovery mode.
