Clarification details
Updated December 2017. The document has been updated in its entirety to address new issues that have arisen from moderation.
Choice of connections
Connections are made (relating to theme, setting, author, narrative perspective, genre etc.) across four texts, which can be written, visual or oral, or a combination of these forms. At least one of the texts needs to be self-selected. A critical response to the connections, supported by specific details and/or examples from each text, is made by the student.
‘Connections’ relates to commonality across the texts. Students can have one commonality, generally a broad ‘umbrella’ heading, which is differentiated since evaluative interpretations and judgements of this commonality are made across all the texts, or they can identify and respond critically to more than one commonality from the outset.
Students who choose to respond to more than one commonality need to ensure that they move beyond identification and into the required level of critical response across all texts.
The connections need to be sophisticated enough to lead to responses that demonstrate a discriminating and insightful understanding of ideas across texts.
Selection of texts
Students must ensure that they choose texts that allow them to explore ideas at Level 8 of the curriculum. A text below the appropriate curriculum level could sometimes be included to help students make evaluative judgments or support an argument.
Respond critically
Students need to start by identifying the connections shared by the texts, showing how aspects and interpretations of the texts create meaning about those connections. Students will then make evaluations and judgements about the connections that are supported by the identifications and interpretations of how meaning is created in the selected texts.
A critical response will include evaluative interpretations relating to wider society and/or issues and contexts, and an understanding of author’s purpose and audience. This response does need to be well-grounded in the texts selected, and supported by reference to them. Discussion of issues of our time or current events must be supported by identification of importance and examples of them within the texts themselves.