HSC Study

guide

get
results!
HSC success simplified
for years 9, 10, 11 and 12

Simplifying your path to HSC success

our gain an unfair
results advantage
+ results-focused teaching
+ personalised learning 30% of our students scored over 99 ATAR
+ unmatched results
At Talent 100, our personalised and results-focused programs consistently
help our students gain the best ATARs with 30% of our students scoring 63% of our students scored over 96 ATAR
ATARs over 99 and 63% over 96, providing our students with the opportunity
to study in Australia’s top universities
With average-ranked students at Talent 100 scoring Band 6s in Mathematics,
Physics and Chemistry, our students are four times more likely to score in the Our students outperform their
top band (band 6), than the average student:
peers by up to 4 to 1
100%

80%
our team
60% Sen Lin – 1st Ext 2 Maths, 1st Ext 1 Maths NSW HSC 2008 Eshan Affan 99.20
Alex Borowsky – 1st Advanced English, NSW HSC 2007 Niyati Chaukra 99.35
Anthony Morris – 1st Ext 1 Maths, NSW HSC 2007 Richard Chua 100
40% Alex Stoyanov – 1st Physics, NSW HSC 2007 Dinuksha De Silva 99.85
Dilshan Seneviratna - 100th Percentile, UMAT 2008 David Lee 99.95
Vannessa Leung 99.90
20%
Marc Mierowksy 99.95
Guru Sandhu 99.95
Chemistry Physics HSC Maths HSC Maths Richard Shaw 99.85
Ext 1 Ext 2
Jason Tran 99.45
% of students in Talent 100 students in top band (band 6)
Chao Wang 100
% of NSW students in top band (band 6)
David Wang 99.95

2 3
welcome contents
note
dear Students,
Your final years at high school can be a tough time. The HSC is ultra-
competitive. To succeed, you have to strike a fine balance between
studying hard and spending time doing the things you like; between
enjoying the moment and sacrificing for a better future; and between
pushing yourself and maintaining your sanity. This study guide has been
prepared for you to show you how to score the highest ATAR by working
smarter, rather than merely working harder.
In this study guide, Talent 100 has tried to distill the collective wisdom of
the top students of previous HSCs. We’ve collected four articles written
by the students who came 1st in the State that breakdown the techniques
needed to score the top marks in Advanced English, Physics, Chemistry, and
Extension 1 & 2 Mathematics.
While schools and the media debate the merits of placing too much
emphasis on exams, students and parents alike know that the stakes in this
game very high. In the Australian tertiary environment, your ATAR is your secrets of scaling 06
ticket into University, and what you do in the next two years can very much
determine what you will be doing in the next 20.
succeeding in the sciences 21
We understand the importance of this and that’s why at Talent 100, we
are 100% committed to ensuring you get the highest ATAR. We believe
your performance in high school is a stepping stone to getting into the mastering mathematics 32
degree, and in due course, the profession you want.
Ultimately, there are more important things in life than exams. acing english 42
But, ironically, you might just need to do well in your exams in
order to get there.
how to ace your umat 48
We’ve created excellent result-focused courses for Year 9-12 for English,
Maths, Physics and Chemistry that will maximise your ATAR. If you have
found the articles in this study guide interesting, useful or would like to know getting the edge in economics 56
more, please don’t hesitate to call us on (02) 8003 6887. We’re here to help.

Best Wishes and Good Luck,

headstart your hsc 64

Richard Chua Talent 100 learning system 72

Head Education Coordinator
how Talent 100 can help you 73
4
the secrets
of scaling
by Richard Chua in truth, i was not your natural talent with
After my HSC, typically a good student.
When i was in year
preparedness, hard
work and ability to
a lot of people 6, i failed to get into
North Sydney Boys High
perform under pressure.
that is, it is a test of
asked me if School, being placed on
a waiting list. i started in
gamesmanship as much
as anything else. Like
I was surprised Sydney grammar in an
ungraded class, and even
any game, you can
succeed much more if
with scoring in year 12, i was in the
B and C class for
you know the rules. in
this article, i’ll examine
a UAI of 100. Maths and english. the rules of the HSC and
A lot of people breakdown the scaling of
were surprised i scored each subject.
the short is answer was no. in fact, i had a uAi of 100.00. top HSC students
been aiming for that uAi (now known as However, i was not. (whether by research or
AtAR) since year 11 when i made a blind if there was a single their own good instincts)
bet with my father that i could beat my thing that differentiated not only understand
scaling, they actively use
sister in the HSC. the stakes of that bet me from other students,
this as a tool to score
was a sports car (an r33 Skyline gtS-t) it was my unique
understanding of scaling the highest AtAR. it’s
for university. My sister scored a AtAR and its implications. not just about working
of 99.9 and although i had previously harder, its about working
the HSC is not a test smarter.
thought i was capable of about 99, as of pure intelligence.
soon as i heard my sister’s mark, i knew Rather, it is a test of this was my secret;
competiveness, i.e. i hope it can help you too.
i had to get a uAi of 100.00.
your ability to combine
6 7
the secrets
of scaling
Most students roughly know that their HSC marks are calculated
50% from their school assessments (a set of 5-6 assessment
Rank Counts If the highest mark from any person
in your school in the HSC Common

tasks including half-yearly and trial examinations) and 50% from for everything Exam was 99, then your first rank is
effectively worth 99, which is what you
a common HSC exam paper. to succeed in the HSC, it helps to be Most students fail to realise that in the will be given for your “HSC Assessment
specific. there are in fact 6 stages to calculating your AtAR that HSC, your ranking in each subject is all Mark”. If the top score was only 95,
important. then your first rank is worth 95.
you should be familiar with:
Likewise, if you were ranked in the
your school assessment middle of the grade and the average of
School assessments are used to marks are only important your school in the common paper was
determine RANKiNgS insofar as they determine 85, the average HSC Assessment Mark
your ranking in the course: is also worth 85. You can see here that
your raw school marks do not have a
they have no absolute value. direct bearing on your HSC Assessment
Common HSC exam – all
After a ranking of students Mark. Thus, the main benefit for going
students sit the common paper
within a school has been to a good school is that the distribution
established, the BOS uses of marks is fairly high, so if you score
the school’s performance well in your school assessments, you
BOS determines HSC assessment in the common paper to can be fairly certain that for at least
and HSC exam marks calculate what marks should be given half of your HSC Mark – the HSC
as HSC Assessment Marks. The “HSC Assessment Mark - you will score
Assessment Mark” differs from your relatively well.
internal school assessment mark Since the common paper is taken under
uAC scales each score to in that it is moderated, or aligned exactly the same conditions, there is
a score out of 50 with the school’s performance in the no need to re-adjust it to the school’s
common paper. common performance. Thus, supposing
To take an example, let’s suppose this one student, who topped his
Score out of 500 determined that you were coming 1st in your school, didn’t do as well in the HSC
from best 10 units school assessment for Mathematics Exam and only scored 90, he would
and scored 90% as a raw mark in the receive the following scores:
school exam.

AtAR determined based

on percentiles Subject HSC Assessment Mark HSC Exam Mark

Mathematics Ext 1 99 90
Figure 1. How your marks
are converted into an ATAR

8 9
the secrets
of scaling
Not all Subjects The most important piece of advice
you will receive in your HSC is not all
The ATAR is actually a rank not a mark.
Once every student in the state has had ATAR est. UAC Score
are created equal subjects are created equal. their UAC score out of 500 calculated,
the ATAR is determined on percentile 99.95 478.9
Once your HSC Assessment and Exam
the subjects with a high level ranks, rounded down to the nearest
99.5 457.7
Marks have been calculated, they get of mathematical content 0.05%. For instance, an ATAR of 99
averaged and given to the UAC. The tend to scale the highest, means that you have performed better
99 446.6
UAC scales each unit to a score out of than 99% of the people in the state. The
or to continue our analogy, highest ATAR you can achieve is 99.95.
50. It is very important to realise that 98 431.3
not all subjects are scaled equal. harder subjects have the
highest “exchange rate”. 95 401.5
Essentially, scaling is the process
of standardising marks so that they This has very important implications 90 367.4
can be compared across subjects. for your ATAR that I will discuss in
In scaling marks, the UAC will adjust greater detail. 85 340
the highest mark, median mark and
standard deviation so that all subjects
are directly comparable. You might
AtAR vs uAC Source: Report on the Scaling
of the 2009 NSW HSC

be asking why scaling is needed? The As shown on the graph to the

reason it is needed is that without right, your ATAR is actually
100
scaling, it would be impossible to determined from the aggregate UAC
compare a 91 in Mathematics Extension score out of 500 (2 compulsory units ATAR 99 = 450/500
99
2 with a 91 in Legal Studies. of English + 8 next best units). You
should examine this graph carefully to
It’s almost like converting currency. 98
determine what score out of 500 you
When people from China, USA and need to score any ATAR. For instance, ATAR 97 = 420/500
97
Europe come to Australia, how do we you can see quite clearly that if you
know how much their money is worth? were looking for an ATAR of 97, you 96
First, we convert all their money into a would need an aggregate score of

AtAR
single currency (the Aussie Dollar) that 420/500 or roughly 42/50 for each unit. ATAR 95 = 400/500
95
is universally accepted in Australia. In
much the same way, the UAC converts
94
all HSC marks into a single UAC score
and aggregates the top 10 units
93
including 2 units of English.
92

91

90

300 320 340 360 380 400 420 440 460 480 500
10 uAC SCORe 11
the secrets
of scaling
How can Categories Maths English Science Humanities

i maximise Highest Scaling

Subjects
Extension 1 and 2 Advanced and Higher Physics and Chemistry
Economics and
Modern History
my AtAR? Decision Rules Maths extension Where possible you Physics and Chemistry Humanities are generally
In order to maximise your ATAR, 1 and 2 are by far, should take at least are the highest scaling quite subjective, meaning
that it is hard to ascertain
you should be acutely aware the highest scaling Advanced english. sciences and scale what mark you will get until
of how each of your subject subjects that are significantly better you do the final exam. This
The Ext 1 & 2 English
scales and adjust your studies readily accessible courses scale slightly higher than biology, mainly means that they also tend
accordingly. Most students than Advanced. However, because they contain to scale lower.
to students.
intuitively know that easier the higher English Subjects a significant portion of economics is the
subjects tend to scale downwards, Because of their high scaling, as a group, scale well above
you should take the highest numerical calculations. highest scaling
whilst harder subjects like Standard English.
Mathematics Extension 1 & 2 tend level of For instance, For instance to score an humanity readily
mathematics that students who ATAR of 95, you would
to scale up. In this section, I will available*, followed
you are capable of. scored in the need to score in the top
show you how to translate any by Modern History
For instance, to be 25% of Advanced 16% of Physics and 18% of
ATAR into a specific mark or rank on target for an which scales
English receive Chemistry, but you need to
in each of your individual subjects. ATAR of 99+, you only need appreciably lower.
scores higher than those be in the top 8% of Biology.
We call this ATAR Targeting™. to be average in 4U Maths, students who score in the
whereas you would need to Students who have fair Ancient History, Business
These scaling graphs show you top 1% of Standard English.
be in the top 3% of 2U Maths. numeracy should definitely Studies, Commerce and
exactly what rank you need If you are genuinely consider taking Physics Legal Studies scale even
to score any ATAR (For more This last proviso “that you passionate about interested and Chemistry. lower still.
comprehensive information of the are a capable of” is very in English, you should
important. There is no point Alex Stoyanov’s Aside from Economics, you
scaling of any subject, go to www. consider English Extension
must do exceptionally well
doing a high scaling Maths Article “Succeeding
talent-100.com.au/atar). When you 1 and 2. However, from
course if you can not do it. in the Sciences” gives in a humanities subjects
examine the scaling graphs, some a scaling perspective
As a general rule of thumb, a comprehensive to score equivalent marks
clear trends emerge. The highest alone, Ext 1 and 2 only
you should take the highest breakdown of the to someone who is doing
scale slightly better than
scaling subjects are clearly: level of Maths that your question types in the moderately well in Maths
Advanced English.
school offers you. Physics and Chemistry and Science.
+ Maths Extension 1 & 2
Alex Borowsky’s Article exam, and what it takes
+ Physics and Chemistry Anthony Morris’s article, explains what it takes to to succeed.
+ Advanced English and higher Mastering Mathematics, succeed in HSC English
+ Economics explains exactly what level on page 42
of Maths you should study,
The following table summarises the how to succeed in Maths * Classical Languages scale
scaling of each of the categories of and gives you a question- extremely well, but only a
subjects and provides some simple by-question breakdown handful of schools in the entire
decision rules to help you decide what of the infamous Maths
state have the departments to
to take. teach these subjects well. Hence,
Ext 2 paper. Economics is the highest scaling
subject that is readily available.

12 13
the secrets
of scaling
Students who understand scaling are rarely
surprised when their AtAR comes out and can
In order to score 99 In order to score 97 In order to score 95
often predict their AtAR very accurately well ATAR, you need to be ATAR, you need to be ATAR, you need to be
before they sit the HSC exam. the typical wisdom ranked in the top ranked in the top ranked in the top
+ 57% of Maths Ext 2 + 80% of Maths Ext 2 + 90% of Maths Ext 2
is to study your hardest for every subject, but if you + 25% of Maths Ext 1 + 47% of Maths Ext 1 + 60% of Maths Ext 1
look carefully at these scaling graphs, you can see + 5% in Chemistry, + 12% of Chemistry + 18% of Chemistry
Physics and English
that is much better to “pick your battles”. + 11% Physics and
Adv English
+ 16% Physics and
Adv English

For instance, if you were positioned in the

top 10% in your school in 4u Maths, but
only the top 50% in english, you would be
better off, in terms of increasing your AtAR, + Maths Ext 2 + Maths Ext 1 + Maths Adv + Chemistry
by allocating time from Maths to english, as + Physics + Biology + English Adv + English Ext 1
further improvement in 4u Maths produces 50
proportionately smaller gains in your AtAR. 49

Many students unconsciously tend to study the 48

SCALed SuBJeCt MARK

subjects they like the most and ignore subjects 47
they are weaker at. 46

this is disastrous from an AtAR perspective 45

ATAR 99

because it leads to overstudying subjects in 44

which you are already receiving relatively 43
highly scaled marks and understudying the ATAR 97
42
very subject in which there is the greatest
41
scope to boost your AtAR. ATAR 95
40

39

38

20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100

14 PeRCeNtiLe 15
the secrets
of scaling
How Scaling If you are in Year 9-12, and are studying
Mathematics, Physics , Chemistry, and AtAR targeting™:
helped me English, our courses can help you do
just that.
target and Achieve any AtAR
I used scaling strategically to score my We will now show you four simple steps to help estimate – and maximise- your
maximum UAI (now known as ATAR), 1 We will teach you every syllabus ATAR. You should be able to see exactly which subjects are adding value (or ATAR
and I have helped many students to do dot point to a full marks standard. Our points) so that you can allocate your time efficiently between subjects, or simply
so too. aim here is to help you understand the go to www.talent-100.com.au/atar to do it all online.
work, rather than memorise it. This
Understanding scaling can give you
a very strong competitive advantage.
will equip you with the knowledge to Step 1
answer every question in the exam.
For instance, at one stage I was coming Find the UAC score (out of 500) you need to score your desired ATAR
Building a thorough understanding is
1st in the grade in Mathematics, but Use the UAC vs ATAR graph on page 11 to determine the score out of 500 you need to
what separates good students from
decided that it was taking up too much score your desired ATAR. We have already done this for ATARs of 99, 97 and 95. Divide
average ones and that is the focus of this score by 10, to find out what average UAC score you need in each subject. E.g. an
of my time. Because I knew how well
our teaching. ATAR of 99 requires ~450, so this means 45 for every subject
maths scaled, I tactically decided to re-
allocate more time English, History, and
Step 2
Economics (in which I knew I needed 2 We also methodically Find the relative rank you need to achieve the required UAC score
a top result to compensate for their perfect your examination
unfavourble scaling). technique so that you can Use the Percentile vs Scaled Mark graph on page 15 to determine what rank you need to
achieve the desired UAC Score. For instance, in order to get 45 in Maths Ext 2, you will need to
I knew I would drop several ranks in maximise your performance in exams. be in the top 57%, but to get 45 in Physics, you need to be in the top 5%. You now use this as
Maths, but that this would be better Unfortunately, it is not just what you a benchmark for your performance.
than losing ranks in English and the know in an exam that will score you
humanities. In fact, I dropped 15 places good marks. It is what you can show Step 3
in the grade for Maths, but came 1st the examiner, so it is important that Find out what percentile or HSC mark your current performance will give you
in History and Economics and 3rd in you don’t make careless mistakes, and You now know what you need to score to achieve your desired ATAR in each subject.
English, and when my UAI (now known that you manage your time effectively. Hence, you need to determine what percentile you are in to see if you are above or below
as ATAR) came out, I leapfrogged That’s why we have exam style that benchmark. The most accurate way is to ask your director of studies at school what
homework that conditions students to someone with your current rank scored last year. Otherwise, you may need to guesstimate
a lot of students who traditionally – so for instance if you are average in 4U Maths, and your school is about the state
outperformed me. the rigour of examinations. It is perfect
average, then you would need to be in the top 46%. If your school is twice as good as the
practice that makes perfect, rather than state, you may only need to be in the top 70%.

Study smarter, practice alone.

Step 4
Our concise, straight-forward and
not harder results-focused approach has helped Set the right goals and allocate your time accordingly

the Talent 100 students outperform By step 3, you should know whether you are on target or not in each particular subject for
In this article, we’ve shown you what your ATAR. By seeing whether you are ‘over the bar’ or ‘under the bar’, you can see where
their peers 4 to 1. If you would like to best to allocate your time in order to maximize your ATAR. For instance, suppose you are
standards of performance you need in
know more information about scaling. aiming for 99. If you are already in the top 20% for Maths Ext 2, but only in the top 50%
each of your individual subjects in order
you should attend ‘The Secrets of the for English, you should spend more time in English than Maths for the next assessment.
to score a particular, overall ATAR. The Improving further in maths provides decreasing marginal returns.
HSC’ Seminar, or go to
next step is to achieve those standards
www.talent-100.com.au/atar for the Go to www.talent-100.com.au/atar
of performance.
most comprehensive ATAR calculator. for the most comprehensive ATAR calculator in NSW.
16 17
testimonial ATAR calculator
Name George Issa The most advanced online ATAR calculator on the web.

School Sydney Technical High School If you’re wanting to know what it takes to score any ATAR,
Talent 100’s online ATAR calculator provides the most accurate
ATAR 99.90 ATAR estimate for your HSC, with detailed analysis of your
current performance. Find out exactly how your performance in
each of your individual subjects impacts on your overall ATAR.
Our easy-to-use ATAR calculator helps you -
“talent 100 is a unique tutoring centre, whose results-
+ Estimate your ATAR from your performance in each subject
focused approach to the HSC is beneficial for ALL
+ Breakdown your target ATAR into ranks and marks in each
students wishing to gain a high AtAR. For me, this
individual subject
approach was instrumental in showing me where to
best allocate my scarce time and effort. visit www.talent-100.com.au/atar

Before I went to Talent 100, I believed I’ve learnt that the HSC is truly a game
in the common misconception that in which to score the best ATAR, you
exerting all my efforts in 4 Unit Maths - need to maximise your aggregate
the HSC’s highest scaling subject - marks. Talent 100 has helped me to
would lead to the highest ATAR. understand this and showed my how to
However, after doing the ATAR Health use it to my advantage. I would highly
Check and understanding scaling, I recommend any student to attend this
could see that even if I topped the state unique tutoring centre.”
in Maths (an unlikely scenario), I would
still not get the ATAR I wanted (99.6).
I started to focus on my lower scaling
subjects - specifically Advanced
English, Economics, Physics - and as
a result, achieved 98 in Economics, 93
in English and 96 in Physics (which
was largely a result of the magnificent
courses offered at Talent 100). Even
thouh I performed much worse than
expected in 3U and 4U Maths, I still
got an ATAR of 99.9 which provided
me with a scholarship of $10,000 p.a.
to University!

18 19
don’t miss succeeding
out on these... in the sciences
Secrets of by Alex Stoyanov

the HSC Seminar If you are

doing HSC
If you want to find out exactly how your
ATAR is calculated, come to our FREE
seminar. We’ll show you how:
+ your ATAR is calculated
+ every subject is scaled
Physics and Chemistry,
+ your school impacts your ATAR find out how to score
the best marks.
+ to manage your time properly
+ how to create a study plan to target
and achieve any ATAR

AtAR
Health Check
Are you looking for an ATAR estimate?
Alex Stoyanov explains the difference
The ATAR Health Check is a diagnostic
tool that helps you profile your ATAR
between “HSC” and “real” science,
based on your current performance in
school. We can develop:
and what it takes to do really well in
+ Best case ATAR
the “HSC” Science courses. Alex came
+ Base case ATAR 1st in the state in HSC Physics with a
+ Worst Case ATAR mark of 98, scored an exam mark of
We can show you where you are
winning and losing ATAR points, and
97 in HSC Chemistry and was ranked
recommend strategies for you to set
the right benchmarks to score your
5th in Australia for the Chemistry
highest ATAR. Olympiad. Alex attended James Ruse,
Visit www.talent-100.com.au
or call us on (02) 8003 6887
scored a uAi of 100.00 and currently
studies Advanced Science/Medicine at
university of Sydney on Scholarship.
20 21
succeeding
in the sciences
the great myth of HSC Physics and Chemistry is that Here are 4 things i think can
you need to be a brilliant Physicist or Chemist to
do well in these subjects. i can assure you this is far
really help you improve your marks.
from the case. in fact, if you looked at the Australian
Olympiad team – regarded as the brightest young
1.Know the syllabus 2.Know your
minds in Australian science – no member of the Knowing the syllabus is undoubtedly question verbs
the most important thing for a science
physics team achieved a state ranking, whilst only 3 student to know. In the HSC, the syllabus If you look at any question in a HSC
sciences paper you will find that all of
members of chemistry were able to. Why is this case? is your bible: EVERYTHING in the exam
them start with a specific verb such as
comes from the syllabus and NOTHING
outside this Holy Book can be asked in “describe”, “assess” or “explain” etc.
the real key to succeeding dependent upon the verbosity. To
an examination paper. It is amazing how The verb determines the depth of your
provide an analogy, each HSC response
in “HSC Physics” and “HSC will fall into two categories: a
many students do not know answer and every verb has a specific
the syllabus and spend hours marking guide. In order to blitz a HSC
Chemistry” is being able to sniper response, or a machine- Exam, you must ANSWER THE VERB. A
studying irrelevant information,
understand and effectively gun response. Snipers will
whilst missing out key points classic example that confuses even the
answer “HSC Style” questions. fire few bullets, but will hit best students is the distinction between
in the syllabus. No dot point
the mark squarely. Machine- the verbs:
should be left unanswered.
Basically, you need to listen to what the guns, on the other hand, will waste
examiner is asking for, and give them ammunition by spraying bullets in every In fact, you should structure your study + “Discuss”, which requires you to present
what they want to hear. In this sense, direction and just hoping at least one on the HSC syllabus, writing notes that benefits and disadvantages; and
writing clearly and articulately is a key hits the target. In the HSC, machine- answer each of the dot points in the + “Assess”, which requires you to
skill in doing well in HSC Science. When gunners will be penalised! In contrast, exact detail needed for the exam. At present benefits and disadvantage
I asked Jack Dwyer how he was able to in say a four mark question, the sniper Talent 100, we put this into practice by AND give a judgement.
beat the Chemistry Olympiad team in the makes four targeted points in order to making sure our notes, teaching and
HSC, he said that it was his strength in score those four marks. materials are strictly exam-relevant. No matter how sophisticated your answer
English that probably gave him the edge Our teaching concisely covers every is, if you fail to give a judgement in an
in Chemistry! And for myself, although in reality, the HSC is syllabus dot point to a full marks ‘assess’ question you will lose marks.
I think my Chemistry is stronger than like a game; there are standard, whilst “extra” information is Since these questions are worth 7-8
usually footnoted or in the appendix. marks, the failure to appreciate exactly
my Physics, I topped Physics because certain things you can do what each verb is asking of you is a costly
I was able to answer exactly what the This makes it clear to you exactly what
examiners were looking for.
to prepare which can give you do and don’t need to know for the mistake and is probably the biggest
you an advantage over HSC exams and ensure your study with pitfall of many good students (including
I have been told by HSC markers Chemistry and Physics ‘Olympians’).
that particular chemistry and physics
those that may be more us is time-efficient.
questions include ‘concise and clear’ in “knowledgeable” in The best way to make sure you answer
their marking criteria. That means you the sciences. the verb is to practice. Our examination-
will lose marks for an inaccurate and style homework can help you to do that
unspecific response, with the number on a weekly basis and is a great way to
perfect your examination technique.

22 23
succeeding
in the sciences
3.do practice Before answering any HSC
style question, challenge
Consequently, and perhaps
unfortunately, there is an unavoidable
For instance, instead of rote-learning
formulae, understand why and when
questions and yourself to predict the
amount of memorisation. For instance,
you may be asked to ‘Assess the
we apply them. A superficial learning of
formulae will often lead to careless and
past exam papers mark allocation. this way, impact of the generation of electricity/
use of petroleum on society and the
avoidable mistakes. You can reduce the
marks you lose in such questions by:
you will write a concise,
Once you’ve comprehended and environment (8 marks)’. There is no
learnt the syllabus content, you need
structured answer that fulfils real physics or chemistry behind this
+ ALWAYS showing as much working as
the marking criteria, rather you can. Even if your answer is wrong
to be able to put pen-to-paper and question: in order to score 8 marks, you
you will get nearly all the marks if
appropriately apply your knowledge. than a verbose response need to memorise the facts, then create
your working is correct. Make sure
Doing lots of practice questions will and deliver a ‘perfect answer’. In the
that only shows a general that you define your variables in
not only get you to think about how to case of straight ‘dot-point questions’,
employ theory, but it’s a really quick and understanding. you may even need to memorise and
physics and use words in chemistry
effective way to pick out any holes in This specificity is really what then regurgitate a response. + ALWAYS putting units in your final
your understanding. Expose yourself distinguishes top performers answer and rounding to the correct
However, the majority of the
to as many different question types from even above-average number of significant figures
syllabus requires understanding
and lengths as you can find, and this students. At Talent 100 full rather than memorisation At Talent 100 we are sure to always
will ensure you can take dot-points, marking guidelines and so it is important you learn teach from first principles in order
combine them, and then compose sample responses for every from first principles and to build a comprehensive scientific
answers for questions worth 2 marks, 4 question are provided by students who understand the physical principles at understanding. We have also
marks or even 8 marks. Moreover, the have topped the state in Physics and hand. Memorisation works out only if researched all the ‘softer’ parts of
‘perfect practice makes perfect’ motto Chemistry so you gain a clear picture of you are lucky and the question suits what the syllabus extensively, and created
is particularly applicable to calculations. what is needed to ace the HSC exams. you have previously prepared. However, model answers for the harder, 7-8
Being good at calculation questions
Unfortunately, memorisation is an by understanding the concepts from first mark discriminators. Together, both
takes the stress out of data-processing
unavoidable part of the syllabus. If principles, you will be able to answer intellectual foundation and factual
assessments and will guarantee you
you look at the syllabus carefully, you every type of question, i.e. you merely knowledge will ensure you score
marks in your exams.
can see that is composed of 65% real apply the principles you have learnt to top marks.
Practice exams should also be part of science (performing calculations and different scenarios.
your exam preparation. Do them under explaining concepts which require
exam conditions (no notes!) and within real scientific knowledge) and 35% Memorisation alone will not
the prescribed time. Like Talent 100’s ‘soft science’ (how science is applied,
examination-style homework, this gets
suffice. if you understand the
and impacts on society and the
you used to the timing and the format environment, which pretty much concepts from first principles,
of exams so you won’t be caught off- requires pure memorisation). you will be able to answer
guard or be rushed during the real HSC. every type of question by
Also remember to be actively thinking
about and planning your response to
applying the principles you
longer questions. learn to different scenarios.

24 25
succeeding snap shot
in the sciences into a hsc physics and
4.Know your
practicals and
You should be aware that the ‘hit and
miss’ nature of practical assessments
can damage your school ranking
chemistry exam
significantly. My school chemistry rank In order to understand how to do Top students have a much more
the principles was severely hurt by a single practical
exam and it is important that you are
exceptionally well in the HSC Science detailed understanding of the question
exams, you really need to understand types and are prepared for anything the
behind them well prepared for each one. what type of questions they will throw examiner can throw at them.
In our courses at Talent 100, we have at you in the exam. If you carefully
Practicals make up a significant The good news is that Talent 100’s
developed an effective way to help examine the HSC science exam, you
(~15%-20%) of all 3 science subjects. examination style homework is set to
students train for practicals with will note that there are only a few
So, it is imperative that you know all test all of these question types, and
special lessons devoted to teaching types of questions they ask you. If you
your practicals, including the set-up, you get to see answers written by the
students how to properly construct an understand how to score full marks in
method, interpretation of results and students who topped the state. You are
experiment, analyse results and answer each of these question types, you can
suggestions of how to improve them. therefore able to see what it takes to get
the key questions of reliability, validity easily score a Band 6 in the sciences.
Also, know the physical principles FULL marks in a methodical fashion.
behind each practical in order to and accuracy. In addition, Most students make the
explain and discuss them. we provide a full write-up critical error of believing that this is a big advantage,
of all practicals prescribed just knowing the bulk of the and that’s why over 60%
the most common three by the syllabus (including material will get you the best of our students in 2009
aim, method, apparatus,
questions that are asked in diagram, results and discussion) and
marks. Even ‘good’ students
scored a BANd 6 in
believe knowing the theory and how to
HSC exams are to evaluate provide data-processing exercises to do calculations will get them top marks. Physics and Chemistry.
the reliability, validity and ensure our students are able to ace the
practicals component as well as their This is a myth.
accuracy of your results.
theory exams.
If you’re looking to score top marks
in Physics and Chemistry, Talent 100
can help you do that and save time.
Physics and Chemistry for year 11 and 12
Over 60% of Talent 100 students have If you’re looking to score top marks in Physics and Chemistry, our
achieved a Band 6 in Physics and comprehensive Yearly Success Package will give you TOTAL Preparation:
Chemistry, and if you’re looking to
+ Teaching System and Notes + Full write up of ALL practicals
score the top marks, we can help you
that answer every dot point with discussion of results including
to. We’ll not only cover all the ‘real’
comprehensively (including research reliability, validity and accuracy.
science, we’ve painstakingly researched
and ‘assess’ questions) to a full
ALL the practicals and ‘soft science’ + Personalised and individual
marks standard
questions so you won’t have to. feedback with rigorous
+ Weekly Exam Style Homework, with examinations, homework
answers written by Christine Zhang and testing.
(1st in Chemistry 2008) and Alex
Stoyanov (1st Physics 2007).

26 27
snap shot
Question Type Calculations Explanations Research Questions Practicals Curve Balls

Weight 30% 30% 15-20% 15% Up to 10%

What it involves Almost everyone knows Likewise, you should Research Questions Many students fail Curve balls,
that a science exam will all know that a science ask for a more in-depth to understand that questions are
invariably involve some exam is going to ask you answer to a specific practicals make up a become increasingly
level of calculations, and to explain, describe or topic area. Usually, these significant portion of the popular in HSCs,
they make up the bulk apply some key theory. questions are worth 6-8 exam. Above-average
and are designed to
of exams. For example, For instance, explain marks and ask the effect students have some idea
distinguish between
calculate the final the difference between of science on society, of what goes on during
velocity of a ball dropped covalent and ionic these double-periods, those truly gifted
environment or history.
from a height of 10m. bonding. but do not commit to (or prepared) and
Most students know the
Average students tend memorising the scientific rote-learners.
the trick is to know general to consider method (Aim, Method, Often, they will take
how to calculate the principles but this the ‘fluffy Approach, Safety a ‘random’ magazine
answer flawlessly, better students stuff’ trivial precaution). article, comment or
and even when you will understand and to be extract and invite
don’t know how to, top students
all the finer ignored. scientific comment. The
‘scab’ as many marks distinctions, understand how
good students best students understand
as possible. exceptions, and how to theory is applied in
understand this is that they are asking you
explain concepts clearly practicals and even to apply some theory you
You should really part of the game, and
and concisely. know how to analyse have learnt, identify what
memorise all the formulae an opportunity to
their results in terms that is, and concisely
that are needed, and distinguish themselves,
better students will and have pre-prepared of reliability, accuracy relate the theory to the
take the further step answers to ALL such and validity. demands of the question.
of ‘understanding’ the You need a strong
question types. understanding of science
formulae and develop a
mistake-free process of These types of questions and good writing skills to
will be exhaustively listed answer these.
performing calculations.
in the syllabus.

Level of Average Student Above Average Student

Good Students
High Achievers
High Achievers – State
Achievement – High Achiever Rankers/Talent 100 Tutors

28 29
profile
Name Rank in State Academic Achievement
+ 1st in Physics (2007) + USYD School of Physics -Julius
Alex Stoyanov Sumner Miller Scholarship No. 1
Total Hours of Study per week
+ USYD Iredale Prize for Intermediate
+ 20ish
School Chemistry
James Ruse Agricultural Other subjects + USYD Dean’s List of Excellence in
+ Chemistry Academic Performance 2008, 2009
High School + Biology + Invitation to Physics Olympiad
+ 3/4U Maths Scholar School
UAI 100.00 + 2/3U English + Dux of James Ruse
Extra Curricular activities
University Course + Class Captain
USYD Bachelor of Science + Knockout and grade soccer teams
(Adv) / Bachelor of Medicine Favourite past time
+ Soccer and Formula 1

Questions
What were your secrets of success in How did you deal with stress Advice for HSC students Why I like to teach at Talent 100?
physics and chemistry? and challenges?
Learn to manage your time - make sure I think teaching at Talent 100 is a
+ Knowing all of the syllabus and By telling myself that the effort and you allocate your time to each subject rewarding and enjoyable experience
making sure no part of it was left struggle would be worth it. Also, by reasonably and don’t neglect a certain that allows me to pass onto others the
uncovered. taking time once in a while to do subject. Remember, its less than a year knowledge I gained in the HSC and help
things I enjoy. out of your life so don’t lose sight of them achieve their goals.
+ Memorising what had to be
your goals and study hard; you’ll reap
memorised and making sure I
the rewards later.
understood the rest from first
principles.
+ Knowing the question verbs and
making sure I knew what was
expected in each question.

30 31
mastering
mathematics
by Anthony Morris In this article, I will examine the main The Mathematics Extension courses are

Mathematics is the
issues facing HSC students studying the highest scaling subjects in the HSC,
mathematics. Like English, almost and this has significant implications for
all students study some level of your ATAR. For instance, as Richard’s

highest scaling subject

mathematics. The most common article makes clear, if you wanted to
questions confronting students are: score an ATAR of 99, you would only
need to be about average in Maths Ext

in the HSC. Being

+ What level of maths should I study
2 and in the top quarter of Maths Ext 1. In
and how do each of the different
contrast, you would need to be in the top
subjects scale?
3% in 2U Maths to achieve an equivalent

just average in Maths + How can I improve my marks and

eliminate careless mistakes?
mark. What is even more staggering
is if you wanted to score over 97, you

Extension courses can

would only need to be in the top 80%
+ How difficult is Extension 2
of the Maths Ext 2 course, and 50% of
Mathematics and what strategies can
the Maths Ext 1 Course, i.e. you could be
I use to tackle the course?

boost your ATAR

average-below average and still be on
We address these track for a top ATAR.
questions below.

significantly.
It is hence clear that Maths Ext 1 and 2
are a must if you are good maths.

What level even if you are average in

the Preliminary Mathematics
of Mathematics
in this article, Anthony Morris provides should i take?
extension course, extension 2
may definitely be worthwhile
some tips and strategies to mastering One of the first decisions confronting simply because it is scales
mathematics. Anthony Morris is a gifted HSC students is “How many units of very highly.
Maths should I study?”. In deciding, you
mathematician who came 1st in the State in need to consider both your own ability

Maths extension 1, 4th in Maths extension in mathematics and the relative scaling
of each subject.
2 (HSC 2007) and won a bronze medal in
the international Mathematics Olympiad.
Anthony currently studies Advanced
Mathematics at uNSW on scholarship.

32 33
mastering
mathematics
How can i improve Very soon, doing questions will become
second nature. However, memorisation 2. Set out your Some simple tips to make your proofs
clearer include:
my marks and without context and practice will not
help you because you won’t even know
work properly + Write a series of equations down
the page rather than in a single line,
eliminate careless what formulae to use and when to use it. One of the most important ways to ensuring that you will have enough
improve your marks in mathematics
mistakes? For this reason, at Talent 100, every time
we teach a formulae we always test it is to set out your work properly.
space for each equation.

Just as an Economics or English + Explain what the variables you

While there is undoubtedly a certain with a series of typical HSC questions so
essay requires you to structure your introduce mean by either indicating
amount of natural acumen involved students know exactly what formula to
paragraphs in clear and logical fashion, clearly on a diagram or by writing at
in mathematics, with the correct use and how to apply it.
it is likewise important that you set the top of your proof “Let x be the ...”
technique you can dramatically increase It is also often useful to remember how out and structure your mathematical
your marks. Here are three of the things + Generally, explain the steps in your
a formulae is derived. When you can explanations clearly.
that have worked for me: proof, i.e. talk to your examiners
see the logic behind the formulae, it will
Clear setting out helps you: rather than letting them guess
be much easier to understand and to
1.understanding remember. Take for example,
differentiation from first
+ avoid making careless
your logic. For example, in a harder
permutations and combinations
your formulae principles. Even if you forget
mistakes in the first place;
+ gives your examiners a clear
problem, don’t just state the answer
but explain where the solution comes
the formula, you can quickly
One of the most important (but also picture of the logic and flow from, or in an induction proof, explain
derive it once your realise it
most tedious) parts of preparation for of your argument; and where you used your assumption for
is the gradient between any point, and
a mathematics exam is knowing all the n = k when proving true for n = k +
another point that is very small distance + provides a strong platform for
formulae in the course. ‘Knowing’ is 1. ‘Talk’ to your marker in your proofs
“h” away from that point. This formula “cracking” the harder questions.
more than just memorising. You need and explain why it is true, don’t make
describes the tangent, when these two
to understand your formulae, know If you are making a lot of careless errors, them guess your logic.
points become progressively smaller or
when and where to apply it, and to use when h 0. you should avoid skipping steps. Spend + Draw BIG diagrams. In geometry
the formulae without making mistakes. the time to write a few extra lines and questions a larger diagram lets you
You should build familiarity with your dy f(x+h) – f(x) avoid giving away cheap marks. to mark in more angles and allows
formulae through repeated practice, lim you to see things more clearly. In
that is by constantly using them to do dx h 0 h Also, it is important to understand
that Extension exams (especially the curve sketching questions, you are
questions and exercises on each topic. able to indicate the important
Extension 2 exam) require more than
This same principle to remembering features accurately.
Practice gives meaning to formulae can, and should be applied
just a correct numerical answer for most
questions – they require an explanation
your formulae and will make to almost all formula in the HSC. You as to how you arrived at your answer.
it clear when and how will notice that you get a much better My most important piece of advice
to apply the formulae understanding of the underlying maths when taking the Extension 2 exam is to
and are able to memorise your formula include all your working out and set it
to a given circumstance. quickly and effectively. out so that it is easy to understand.

34 35
mastering snap shot
mathematics into a hsc
By doing these things, not only will When you sum up all your
you make it easier for the marker to
understand what you are doing and
award you part marks if you made a
careless mistakes, you may
find they can add up to mathematics
extension 2
calculation error along the way, but you 5-10 marks - the difference
also reduce the chance that you will between a good mark and
make a careless mistake, and you make
it easier to check where you went wrong a great mark; a Band 5 and

exam
if you did. a Band 6. you must learn
At Talent 100, we know the best way to avoid giving away any
to improve your exam technique is to unnecessary marks
repeatedly put it into practice. This is
At Talent 100, we aim to develop
why every week our homework is set
perfect exam practice through exam-
in examination style, structure and
style homework and rigorous mock-
difficulty to give you weekly feedback
exams. Students are asked to re-write
as to the type of mistakes you make
homework corrections to ensure they
under exam conditions.
do never repeat those mistakes in the
future. In addition, our HSC Students
3.Perfect practice sit 10 weeks of mock-exam papers to

makes perfect discover any shortcomings before they Sitting an extension 2 paper can be
sit their trials and HSC Exams (which
Once you have revised all your theory,
collectively account for 70% of their a daunting prospect: it is arguably
the most effective way to study in
entire marks).
the hardest high school maths paper
the final few weeks before the HSC
exam is to do as many exam papers as in Australia. While considerable
possible under exam conditions. Here it
is important that you aim to completely
mathematical ability may be required to
eliminate ALL your careless mistakes.
I personally used to lose a few marks
score the very top mark, with the right
in the first few sections of an exam approach even average students can
because I would forget the constant
of integration or not change the limits achieve a strong result.
when making a substitution. However,
The infamous Extension 2 paper consists of eight
after doing full exams for practice I
15 mark questions to be answered in 3 hours.
was able to completely eradicate these
mistakes in the first 4 or 5 questions of In this section, we breakdown the exam question-by-question and try to give you a
the exam. realistic snapshot of how an average 4U Maths student can score 75-85/120, which
is approaching high Band E3 or Band 4. As Richard’s article suggests, this will
give you a scaled score equivalent to the top 4% of students in Physics, Chemistry,
Economics, and English and put you well on track for an ATAR of 99+.
36 37
 Although the Maths Extension courses are demanding, doing reasonably well
in them provides the cornerstone of a very high ATAR. Mastering mathematics
questions 1 - 2 questions 3 - 5 questions 6 - 8 requires sustained and consistent effort throughout the year. The Talent 100
course provides a systematic and structured approach to scoring the top
easy / medium medium hard
marks. We teach Maths in simple and clear manner which works to build a solid
understanding of the theory and perfect your examination technique. If you’re
looking to score top marks, give us a call. We’re here to help.

questions 1 - 2 questions 3 - 5 question 6-8

(aim for 30/30) (aim for 30-35/45) (aim 20-25/45)
The first two questions are simple The next three questions contain The final three questions of the exam are usually made up of long, multi-step
and straightforward, focusing on questions on the other topics of the problems which are designed to challenge even the top students. However, don’t
integration and complex numbers, Mathematics Extension 2 Course, be disheartened!
respectively. The questions are very including Curve Sketching,
standard and there will be nothing Polynomials, Conics and Mechanics. if you have done the first questions well enough, and can
you have not done in class. Although
These questions are still assessing
even score half marks in the last three questions, you are
the first time you encounter these on track for a top band performance.
the standard content of each of these
topics you may find them challenging,
topics and are fairly accessible to At times, you will need to scavenge marks, i.e. grab a few marks here and there
once you have done enough practice,
students who have a good grounding in harder questions (even if you are unable to completely solve the question). It’s
doing these questions should really be
in each of the Extension 2 topics. important to clearly set out your work and answer as much as possible
second nature.
so that you can be awarded maximum marks.
it is important not to give At this point in the
away marks to careless exam (up to question Many of the questions here are based on “Harder 3 Unit Topics”,
involving 3U topics such as Circle Geometry, Mathematical Induction,
errors in the first parts of 5), an average Inequalities, Motion and Probability, but with a much higher level of
the exams as the question student should be aiming difficulty. One of the main areas of confusion is that many schools don’t actually
get progressively harder and to be on at least 60-65 out teach these as separate topics. Rather, they simply expect you to apply your 3U
of the 75 marks and have knowledge to much harder questions. This may work for top students, but for
you will almost definitely the average student, the best way to prepare is to practice as many different
find questions you cannot completed it in about 1.5 questions as possible and familiarise yourself with the common question types.
do in the latter parts. hours leaving enough time
The last two questions of the exam are notoriously difficult, even for top students.
remaining to allow for a Rather than getting flustered, it is important to remember to stay vigilant in
Specifically:
good attack on the last your approach and attempt every question. It is often easy to gain marks by
+ For Integration, write down all three questions. attempting the first parts of a long question (e.g. prove the base case of an
substitutions explicitly and not Induction question even if you can not prove for n=k+1), and also to pick off marks
whether the indefinite or definite However, you should be careful not in the last part of questions. For instance, a question may ask for you to prove
integral is required. to rush your work here to avoid a result. Even if you cannot prove this result, later parts of the question often
giving away ‘easy’ marks. allow you to utilize this result, to “hence, deduce” another result. Thus, even if you
+ For Complex Numbers, you can
use the calculator to check the cannot solve the hardest part of the question, you can still gain an extra mark or
arithmetic of complex numbers two very easily. These few marks that you are able to scavenge quickly add up to
something significant.
Since these questions are standard,
you should be aiming for 30/30 Final Score: Raw Score 80-90/120 (66-75%) Band E4. ATAR: 99+

38 39
profile
Name HSC Mark (Subject)
+ Maths Extension 2 - 100
Academic Achievement
+ UNSW Dean’s List for the Faculty of
Sen Lin + Maths Extension 1 - 100 Science 2009
+ UNSW Scientia Scholarship
Rank in School
School + Maths Extension 1 - 1st
+ UNSW Mathematics and Statistics
Scholarship
+ Maths Extension 2 - 1st
James Ruse Agricultural + Represented Australia in
Rank in State International Mathematical
High School + Maths Extension 1 & 2 – 1st Olympiad (Hanoi, Vietnam) in 2007.

UAI 100.00 Textbooks of choice

+ Cambridge
Extra Curricular activities
+ Class Captain
+ School Prefect
University Course Total Hours of Study per week
+ Non-exam Period – 10 hours
+ School Opens A Basketball
UNSW B Sci (Maths)/ + Exam Period – 40 hours
(summer) / Soccer (winter)

B Comm (Actuarial Other subjects

Favourite past time
Playing Basketball
Chemistry, Physics, English Advanced,
Studies) English Extension 1

Questions
What were your secrets of success How did you deal with stress Advice for HSC students Why I like to teach at Talent 100?
in mathematics? and challenges?
You will be better at some subjects It has always been a desire of mine to
Maths was the only subject I The only time I felt stressed was during than you are at others, i.e. it will take share my enjoyment of mathematics
consistently finished all my homework exam period. I adopted the mentality you less time to learn one subject than with others. Teaching at Talent 100
for because I knew this was the only that I only have to ‘suffer’ a few days it will to learn another. Organise your provides me this opportunity to pass
subject that is not ‘crammable’. In for the next few months of ‘freedom’. time so that you can spend more time on my knowledge to the next group of
doing all my homework, I understood In the study month before HSC, I told on the subjects which you are not as students. Despite the satisfaction I gain
all the concepts and grew familiar with myself this set of exams is the end of strong. Ten units count towards your from teaching mathematics, the fun,
the type of questions they could ask 12 years of schooling, so I might as well ATAR, so it is better to be good at all relaxed and comfortable environment my
in the HSC. When it came to exam try my hardest. The scholarship worth your subjects than to be excellent at students and I share in our classroom has
preparation, I did as many past papers $10,000 a year was also an incentive for some and poor at others. become the most enjoyable aspect of
as I could. me to work towards. teaching at Talent 100.
This is your last year of schooling so
put in your biggest effort.

40 41
acing
english
by Alex Borowsky Ever since that morning when results really be taught (natural talent and an

English is a fact
spilled out, when printers overdosed on intrinsic flair for the written language,
HSC headlines, when ABC and Channel perhaps), and I certainly cannot promise
7 haggled for interviews with the sisters to pave a direct path to First-in-the-

of life in the HSC.

of mothers of best-in-shows, when the State territory, but there are some
high achievers, top-of-the-states and steps I took which, though doing so
child prodigies were spattered across subconsciously and without a second

Whether you like it or the pages of the Sydney Morning Herald,

I think I may have been asked the same
question a good few hundred times:
thought at the time, I feel I might be
able to pass on to you, albeit with a little
experience behind me.

not, it counts for 20% “So, how did you do it?” I suppose this is it in a nutshell, for now...

of your HSC.
I was left grappling for a halfway decent
response each time the local journalists 1. Commit
drilled me to the core. “I have no idea!”
I wanted to scream, as all of yourself to english
them hovered in silence, their
The first thing you need to understand
pens poised and breath baited,
as you enter into the preliminary and
in this article Alex Borowsky anxious to unlock the secret of
success. How was I to possibly
HSC stages of English is that YES, it

explains the techniques and gabble out a couple of sentences that

is a lot of work, YES, it is very time
consuming, and YES, it can become
would transcribe what I had done, count
strategies that helped her top one of off on my fingers a list of bullet points
very tedious at moments!
that alphabetised the road to Look yourself in the mirror and
the HSC’s most challenging subjects high achievement? consciously decide to make a

(with all the drama that came with You’ve probably gathered that landing
commitment to your English study. A lot
of students (myself included!) who pass
top of the state in both the Advanced
it). Alex attended Moriah College and Extension 2 English courses came
through the HSC find that studying for
more black-and-white, right-and-wrong
in 2007 and scored 100/100 for as much of a shock to me as it did to
the rest of New South Wales.
type subjects like maths and science
comes far easier - and so requires
Advanced english; 50/50 extension But then, once the reporters had far less energy - than sitting down to
pried and pressed and the storm of struggle through an English essay.
1; 50/50 extension 2. Alex scored a excitement had settled, I began to think
Remember that 2 unit English is
uAi of 100.00 and was the No 1 about how I might answer that question
properly, with all factors and ingredients
the only subject that is compulsory
for everyone in the state, and is a
all-round student in HSC english. in mind. And I think – having now had
the time to think – that there might just
discriminating factor in determining
your ATAR, so commit yourself and
be something of a formula to finishing
your time to tackling what is, in actual
well in English. Don’t get me wrong:
fact, a very complex and difficult
there are always those things that can’t
component of study!
42 43
acing
english
2. Know and 3. think Structure specific detail, making use of specific
examples and sample responses.
In other words, when you are analysing
or deconstructing a text, your need
use the syllabus The first factor your examiners will look You should memorise this structure and
to put together sentences that are
ALWAYS comprised of the following
for is whether you have structured your do not let it slip. At all times, ensure
requirements response/s soundly: that is, whether you that your ideas move appropriately from
three components:

I’ve lost count of the number of times

have organized and/or ordered your one to the next, that your sentences Analysis/ Deconstruction =
ideas in a way that allows the reader to and deconstruction flow and directly
I’ve come across a student who just has easily follow your train of thought. support the idea/s you have presented, IDENTIFY
not read the syllabus requirements for
that your language of connection (how Clearly state the language feature you
any particular unit of study! if you asked me to choose you link your ideas and/or texts) is have chosen as an example from the
take time to read the syllabus one word that defines the inserted in the right places and crafts text.
Advanced english Course, i’d appropriate ties.
prescriptions: they will tell
you exactly what is required say Structure, that is, whether
SUPPORT
of you, and set a kind of you’ve organized your Quote the section of the text which
perimeter around, a premise ideas in a way that is utilizes this language feature.

for the work you produce. easy to follow.”

Remember that your HSC examinations Remember that each of your
EXPLAIN
can ONLY test you on that which is extended responses need to have:
4. identify, Support, Explain the effect of this quote- that
referenced in the syllabus – so if you are is, how it works to create meaning, in
not complying with it’s prescriptions,
+ An Introduction (with an opening
statement, a summary of your ideas explain (iSe) – the relation to the idea being explored.
you will not be giving those markers
what they want to read.
and references to your text)
most important
+ A Body (at least 3 or 4 paragraphs Our courses drive this into you again
Particularly with the Area of Study (the constructed via IDEA, NOT TEXT, as acronym you’ll and again, teaching you how to perfect
focus of Paper 1), the words used in
the syllabus to describe the unit can
mentioned under ‘Think Conceptually’
and chockablock with detailed ever know the skill of being concise and clear, but
still informative and instrumental in
actually help you to develop the ideas analysis / deconstruction of your Whilst setting up clear and insightful your deconstruction of any text. This
around which you write your extended texts) ideas within each of your responses formula will help you to steer away
response and creative composition. is, as already mentioned, extremely from empty wafting about the synopsis
Personally, all three of my ‘insights’ + A Conclusion (with an overall
important, it is essentially your of your text (which won’t really do
about ‘Inner Journeys’ were taken statement that re-evaluates your
deconstruction of your texts – your anything for your response) and
directly from the syllabus blurb itself – opening statement, and a closing
identification of how a composer develop clear, concise points of analyse
and I guess it went down pretty well! insight that recognises what has been
shapes meaning through his or her which illustrate your firm knowledge of
learnt/discovered/unveiled from your
text via his or her use of distinctive how your composer shapes meaning,
study of the unit)
language features – that will award and how the ideas you have set up are
This is a pretty compressed rundown you your marks. Therefore, if I had to represented through your texts – which
of the basic structure you need to choose only one acronym to memorise is your essential task in ALL of the
memorise, and our programs offered at throughout the dreaded HSC, it would different units of study in English.
Talent 100 will flesh out this formula in be this one: ISE.
44 45
acing
english
5. don’t just or phrases, and then comprehend
exactly what is being asked of you in
appropriate material for the nature of
the question specified.
Whilst of course, every year will provide
a different set of texts and questions,
regurgitate: answer this question. Before you begin writing,
formulate an argument for yourself: how
Also, something very important to
there are structural patterns you can
recognise, and useful tips and methods
remember is that there is no guarantee
the question! do I feel about this question? What is the
argument I wish to communicate? With
that you will be asked to write in the
of responding that remain constant.
Practise with past HSC papers –
form of an essay! Usually – like in the
Of acing English, this is possibly the every practice question you are allocated familiarise yourself with approaching
example from 2007 provided above –
single most important piece of advice I in class work, use your highlighter to unseen texts and picking out language
the form of the response is not actually
can impart. identify those parts to which you need features on the spot, and practise
referenced, which is code for an essay-
to refer continually in your response. structuring paragraph responses within
With HSC english comes type answer. However, another form can
Talent 100’s English course will give you the time constraints.
be specified at any time: a feature article,
a major misconception: a systematic rundown on the key to
letter, journal entry, etcetera. As a kind of final thought, I want to
‘answering the question’ – of identifying
students seem predisposed stress again that I can’t promise a
what is being asked of you, and of
to believe that memorising focusing your argument to wholly satisfy
guaranteed success rate from these
tips: at the end of the day, everyone
a couple of solid essays, and these specifications.
is different, each student has different
then regurgitating them in the Throughout your English study, methods of study, and these strategies
exam, is going to get them you should never compose a are formed from my own understanding
through. this is not the case! practice response that is not of that which worked for me. Once you
written in response to a specific question. do commit yourself to your English
The syllabus states that a student You need to get used to moulding your 7. Practice makes study, you too need to figure out what is
cannot attain higher than a C in any
response if he or she does not directly
response to comply with the instructions
required of you. perfect: practise right for you as an individual, and tailor
your methods to enhance your strengths
answer the question provided. Although
you are definitely able to learn main
Remember that in that exam, no matter your skills and improve your weaknesses.
how strong and sophisticated your As I sign out, I’ll say one more thing:
ideas, concepts and points of analysis In addition to practicing adapting your
regurgitated essay might be, you won’t enjoy your English. Me - I love it, and I
that will go into your response, the key material to different questions and
score highly unless you are addressing think that passion, that willingness to
to mastering the HSC English course writing in different forms, there are
the question through and through. learn, is an important part of the reason I
is being able to adapt your ideas to some sections of the HSC English course achieved so highly, and why I’ve devoted
whatever stimulus and question is
offered. This does not mean simply 6. Avoid panic – namely Sections 1 and 2 of Paper 1 –
about which yet another misconception
so much of my time and energy to
preparing a course that I believe will help
inserting a couple of words in here and
there: it means re-focusing your line of territory! Prepare has formed: that it is impossible to study
for them, because you cannot predict
you excel in English. The HSC course is
brilliant if you’re willing to embrace it;
argument, the reasoning which drives
your idea, so that it becomes relevant
yourself for all what will be given to you. it taught me so much about literature,
about the world and the society in which
and responsive to the question being
asked of you.
situations This is not the case!
we live, and even about myself. What’s to
It is important to realise from the very say it can’t do the same for you?
Don’t drive yourself into a corner – beginning that yes, you can study for the
The key to adapting your pre-developed
that is, be aware of the fact that the sections that do not necessarily focus on Talent 100 offers a yearly English Course
ideas is being able to look at a given
information you would like to write any one or more of your set texts. updated for the 2009 English syllabus.
question, pick out the key words and/
in your responses might not be the
46 47
how to ace
your UMAT
by dilshan Seneviratna Entering medicine and the other health professions can be extremely challenging.
Whilst entering any other course only requires a higher ATAR, admission into

Getting into Medicine medicine and health degrees (dentistry, optometry, physiotherapy) requires you
to master three types of tests.

is tough. Not only

do you have to score What students wanting to be
lawyers, engineers, bankers or any
What students wanting to
become doctors, dentists,

top marks in the HSC, non-health professional courses need

to do in high school.
optometrists and pharmacists
need to do in high school.

you need to master

another test - the
infamous UMAT Entry into
Entry into
Medicine
non-health
& Health
courses
in this article dilshan Seneviratna Sciences
explains the demands of each
section in the uMAt exam and what
it takes to master them. dilshan ATAR
ATAR Interview
graduated from Baulkham Hills UMAT

High School in 2008, scoring 99.95

uAi (AtAR) and a uMAt score in ATAR
MedStart Courses comprehensively
prepare students for the UMAT exam
the 100th percentile. He currently and University Interviews.

studies Advanced Science/

Medicine at Sydney university.
48 49
how to ace
your UMAT
It is not surprising that ACER describes
the UMAT exam as a ‘high stakes tests…
Unlike your HSC which is knowledge-
based or curriculum-based, the UMAT time is of solve in it a timely manner, or risk losing
many more marks because you run out
the results [of which] have the potential
to make a major impact on the future
exam is skills based. In each of its section,
the UMAT exam is testing a particular
the essence of time.
Furthermore, in HSC subjects, how you
career of the test taker’. type of thinking. Moreover, to score the Before examining each section in arrive at an answer is as important as
top marks, you need to complete UMAT greater detail, it is important to
In this article, we will examine: the answer itself. In contrast, in multiple
questions quickly and accurately. emphasise: The UMAT is a race. That is choice exams, the only thing that
+ How the UMAT is structured to say, most students could score much counts is getting the right answer and
+ The Importance of speed in the exam higher marks if they had more time. it may be quicker to eliminate the three
Given an extra 15-20 minutes, most wrong answer choices then trying to
+ Review each of the section & the students could finish all sections of find the “definitively correct” answer.
particular type of thinking they test the UMAT. However, the time pressure
is one of the biggest challenges – and Since time is your biggest
biggest differentiators - of the UMAT. enemy, knowing how to solve
a question, and knowing how
to question quickly are two
How the uMAt is structured entirely different skills.
Time average For this reason, our programs at
Number of to illustrate, if you were to MedStart teach students systematic
Time in Minutes per Question
Questions
(seconds) take just 10 seconds longer frameworks to breakdown the typical

Section 1:
on average to finish each question types of each section quickly
and accurately to help ensure a
Logical Reasoning and 44 65 88 question in Section 1, you competitive advantage in the UMAT.
Problem Solving would not have enough
Section 2:
40 50 75
time to answer the last 4 Section 1 – Logical
Understanding People questions of the uMAt, and
Section 3:
38 50 79 instantly lose 4 marks. Reasoning and
Non-Verbal Reasoning
Understanding the time pressure is Problem Solving
one of the most important factors of
success in UMAT and can catch out Each section tests a different type of
students who are traditionally good at thinking. Section 1 tests your ability to
knowledge-based exams like the HSC. reason and draw logical conclusions
Well prepared HSC students rarely based on the stimulus information
leave marks in Physics and Chemistry given. As a health professional, you will
because they know they will have need to infer facts and draw logical
enough time to finish. In contrast, in conclusions from the research and
the UMAT you must have the discipline other articles you read, as well as to
to leave out a question if you cannot diagnose patient’s symptoms etc. It is
therefore appropriate that a section of
50 51
how to ace
your UMAT
the UMAT tests your ability to reason,
given a known set of facts Section 2 – Most students are able to finish
Section 2 on time, but the exam can be
set of objects/words/shapes. E.g. a “Dog”
is to “Wolf” as a “Cat” is to …..
There are four main question types: understanding difficult because it can be very hard to
discriminate between two answers that the key to succeeding in
+ Verbal Reasoning – you are given
a passage based on scientific
People both seem correct. Section 3 is to understand
that many of these seemingly
phenomena and asked to draw
conclusions or evaluate the arguments
Section 2 tests your ability to
understand and think about people.
Section 3 – Non- difficult patterns collapse into
presented in the stimulus. Here, the information given will be Verbal Reasoning a range of much simpler and
based on a passage, dialogue, or basic patterns.
+ Data Interpretation – information Whilst section 1 tests your ability to
other texts that represent a specific
is presented as a set of statistics or process information and draw logical To succeed, you first need to be
interpersonal situation. As a health
in table or chart form, and you are conclusions, section 3 tests your able to deconstruct the question,
practitioner, your ability to understand
required to make inferences. abstract reasoning – your ability to i.e. recognise what pattern is being
people is an important part of your
+ Scientific Experiments - you are work. It is important that you are not reason based on incomplete and non- used, then continually practice to
asked to make conclusions or only able to diagnose and verbal information. Section 3 develop proficiency.
evaluate the set-up of a controlled recommend the correct questions are entirely visual
In this article, we have examined the
scientific experiment. treatment, you must also and involve interpreting
types of questions and some general
be able to empathise with sequences and patterns in
+ Problem Solving - you are placed in tips on the UMAT. However, to succeed
a patient and communicate these a set of shapes. This is very
a scenario and given a series of clues in the UMAT exam, you need to know
sensitive issues with understanding and much like the typical IQ test, and you
and conditions and are required to the specific frameworks – or ways of
care. Section 2 is designed to screen may be asked to:
solve a hypothetical problem (Eg. who thinking – needed to answer all these
potential health professionals who + Pick the next item in the sequence question types. Our comprehensive
came 1st in a race out 5 people)
are able to develop a patient-focused - You will be given four patterns that uMAt programs will help you do
Section 1 is traditionally the section approach to their work. change according to a rule. You need exactly that, teaching you the methods
that students have the most difficulty to decipher the rule and determine to categorically breakdown every
In this section, a variety of questions may
with and often do not finish because of the next in the sequence question type in the uMAt, providing
be asked. However, in the past, questions
the large amount of ‘processing’ that is you with Online Practice (10 Mock
have often been based around: + Arrange the sequence and pick
required to solve these problems. exams and Practice drills), and
+ Effective Doctor-Patient the middle - A series of 5 shapes/
personalised follow up support. Find
However, if you understand Communication - i.e. whether a patterns are given to you in a random
out more about the UMAT with our
frameworks that can help you doctor has appropriately responded order. You need to arrange the
free “Acing your UMAT” information
to a patient’s concerns sequence and pick the middle.
quickly break down, analyse seminar, or test your skills with a free
and solve the questions, + Emotionally intense situations - + Find the missing segment - You online diagnostic exam.
situations such as spouses arguing, are given pattern with a missing
Section 1 becomes much segment and asked to pick one of 5
Visit www.medstart.com.au or
children arguing with parents, couples call 8003 6887 to find out more.
more straight-forward. unable to have children patterns that would represent this
missing segment.
+ Dealing with illness - Involves how
people and their caretakers’ lives may + Similarity: you are asked to infer a
be affected as a result of dealing with relationship between two objects/
serious illness words/shapes, and apply it to a second
52 53
profile
Name Favourite Section + Volunteer at Anglican
+ Section 1 Retirement Village
Dilshan Seneviratna + 2008 National Youth Science
Total Hours of preparation per week
School Forum (NYSF)
+ January to April – on and off, maybe
+ Prefect (2008)
Baulkham Hills High School one to two hours per week.
+ Sponsored by Baulkham Hills Rotary
+ April to end of Tune – on and off,
University course Club to attend the 2007 Mitchell
maybe one hour per couple of days.
Youth Leadership Forum (MYLF).
USYD Bachelor of Science + July – 3-6 hours a day.
+ Young Scientists of Australia (YSA)
(Adv) / Bachelor of Medicine / Extra Curricular activities (2005 – present)
Bachelor of Surgery + Program facilitator at the + Red Cross (2006, 2007, 2008)
International University Scholars + Drums since 2003 (School Band
UAI 99.95 Leadership Symposium (August 2003-2007)
2010), held in Malacca, Malaysia.
UMAT percentiles/marks + Group leader for the 2010 Make
+ Section 1 – 81 Poverty History Roadtrip
+ Section 2 – 59 + Reach™ (Sydney crew) (2010)
+ Section 3 - 74 + Events manager of COMA
(Combined medical association)
+ 100th Percentile 2009 – mid 2010

Questions
What were your Secrets of success in UMAT? really very little theory behind the UMAT even Advice for UMAT Students practicing for the UMAT, it was up to the
Proper practice. Practice does not make in the top preparation courses. A lot of it was Start early. Stress can make you super student to work out proper approaches to
perfect, only proper practice makes perfect. upon the student to work out for themselves. efficient, but if your motivation is not there solving questions for themselves. As with all
Although it would have been more effective Always actively learn. Don’t sit down and get in the moment then it will be overwhelming standardised tests, there is a lot that can be
and less stressful to do consistent practice your ‘one hour of umat’ out of the way. Get and counterproductive. The safe route is to learned about UMAT questions which can give
throughout the year, as a crammer I was not motivated, imagine your results and your do regular and consistent practice because you a huge head start in your practice.
able to motivate myself to do this. However, future career, and you will feel compelled to that is guaranteed to work as long as you are Also, the teaching at Talent 100 is super
when I started putting my head down to work to improve. always actively learning. efficient. The approach to teaching here
practice, it was extremely efficient. How did you deal with stress and Learn the concrete theory as early as requires the bare minimum time investment
Each practice quiz or exercise should always challenges of UMAT? possible - months or even a year in advance. for maximum results. There is no ‘fluff’ or
be done to the time limit. As you are going Then consolidate and internalise your unnecessary learning.
I dealt with it very poorly, so this is good
through, write down each question you advice of what not to do. I was unable to learning by doing regular practice, applying In addition to all that, the fun and vibrant
are unsure of. Then submit the quiz, and motivate myself to do consistent practice all the skills you have learned. Revisit the atmosphere and genuine focus on individual
reattempt these questions without looking until a month or two out of the UMAT, theory at regular intervals to ensure you students and their needs creates the perfect
at the solution. Then the solutions for all which resulted in me doing several hours a have learned everything. environment for teaching – the students
questions should be read. day in the weeks leading up to the UMAT. Why I like to teach at Talent 100? actually enjoy learning and know that it is a
Any epiphany I had about question styles and In conjunction with the trial HSC, it was an valuable investment of their time.
It is the only UMAT course out there with
methods of solution I wrote down. It was more extremely stressful time with very little sleep. proper theory material to supplement
difficult because back in my day, there was There was a big risk that I would get burnt hundreds of practice questions. When I was
out, but luckily that did not happen.
54 55
getting the edge
in economics
by Richard Chua and dilshan Seneviratna Studying Economics can help boost A basic understanding

Economics is perhaps
your ATAR significantly, but it can
also do so much more than that.
of economics is essential
In this article, I am going to look at knowledge for any aspiring

the highest scaling

three important questions that any business person.
prospective Economics student should
be able to answer. For any of you who are looking to enter

“humanities” subject,
the corporate world - in accounting,
1. Why Study Economics? finance, management or even sales - a
2. What are the hidden dangers? solid grasp of Economics is a foundation

but scoring top marks 3. What does it take to ace

the HSC Exam?
for understanding how business works,
and it will train you in the right type of
thinking needed to succeed in these

in this subject comes professions. Before you enter the high-

flying world of corporate finance, you

with its own unique

will need to know the basics - what

Why study motivates the behaviour of individuals,

firms and governments in market

challenges. economics ?
One of the most practical reasons
economies, and how these groups seek
to improve production and profit.
In fact, understanding Economics is
in this article, Richard Chua and dilshan to study Economics is due to its
exceptional scaling. Economics is the
so important in suceeding in these
professions that it is a compulsory
Seneviratna explore what it takes to highest scaling humanities subject that
is readily available to HSC Students*
course in all Business/Commerce/
Economics Degrees in Universities.
get the edge in economics. Richard and scales on par with Physics What this means is there is significant
and Chemistry. To give you some
won the george Loxton Prize for perspective, scoring in the top 5% of
overlap between what you do in Year
11 and 12 and first year University
economics in Sydney grammar, Economics puts you on track for an
ATAR of 99+, top 10% puts you on track
Microeconomics and Macroeconomics.

graduated from uNSW Commerce for 97+, and top 20% on track for 94+. And finally, even if you don’t ever have
the intention of entering the business
But aside from scaling, there are other
with distinction and currently works more important reasons why you should
world, A basic of understanding of
economics is a very good life skill to
as a consultant in Bain & Co. dilshan consider studying Economics. have. Even scientists, engineers and
health professionals will be affected by
ranked 5th in NSW in HSC economics things like interest rate changes and the
ups and downs of a business cycle.
in 2008, and was awarded the coveted *Classical Languages such as Greek and Latin in fact scale much higher than Economics, but only a select

uNSW Finance Co-op Scholarship. few private schools have the resources to teach these subjects properly. Hence, choosing these subjects
on scaling is a false logic. In contrast, Economics is available in almost all schools.

56 57
getting the edge
in economics
the Hidden danger Questions wrongly in the HSC Exam,
panicked and only received a score of Breaking down the exam
in economics - 90, dropping more than 30 rankings
which meant that what was my best
To do well in the Economics exam, you need to understand exactly how the exam
is structured. There are 100 marks in the Economics exam, broken down as follows;
essay Questions subject did not even end up counting
for my ATAR.
Despite the excellent scaling in Section Weighting Preparation
Economics, there is a hidden danger And that all happened
Multiple Choice
or risk involve in doing this subject in one exam. (20 Multiple Choice Questions)
20% Syllabus and Textbook only
as there are in all humanities; Essay
In contrast in subjects like Mathematics
Questions. Whilst 60% of the exam Short-answer questions
or Science, even if one particular 40% Syllabus and Textbook only
is based on multiple choice and (4 Questions of 10 marks each)
question may be difficult or
short answer (which tend to be very
unexpected, you may experience Essays Syllabus and Textbook - Current Research and
predictable), 40% of your exam is 40%
a swing of 2-3 marks, whilst in (2 Essays of 20 marks each) Recent Performance of Australian Economy
based on Essay Questions.
Economics, the swing may
Essay questions are ‘risky’ in the sense be 10-15 marks. These essay
that they can have a significant impact questions can function like
on your mark and can very often catch a lottery in determining who
even the most prepared students by gets the very top marks and it
surprise. If you are able to guess the is this “uncertainty” that you need to be Acing MCQs and notes on the syllabus dot points. These
dot points also outline the extent of
essay question and adequately prepare very well prepared for, if you’re looking
for it, you will ace the exam, but if the to do well in Economics. Short Answer knowledge that you need about any
topic through the use of the verbs
essay quesiton catches you off guard, such as “outline”, “explain”, “discuss”
you can have a massive swing in your The multiple choice and short answer
sections are very straight-forward. They etc. so being able to answer each
final exam performance. specific dot point to the required
require an understanding of the basic
This is something that affected me Economic theory, which has remained level of detail ensures that your study
personally in my HSC. I had a knack unchanged for decades, such as how remains focused and relevant.
for guessing the essay questions set the federal budget and interest rates 2. Write concise and structured
by my school teacher and guessed are used to stimulate or dampen the answers for the Short Answer
them perfectly for the school trials. I economy. You’ll also need to be able questions
scored a raw mark of 98% and recieved to interpret such theory in a variety of
the Economics Prize and it was my forms, such as tables, graphs, statistics When answering short answer
best subject for my assessments. and models. questions, you need to ensure that
Unfortunately, I guessed the Essay your answers are clear, concise and
Some hints and tips for preparing structured. Many students seem
effectively for these two sections are: to “ramble on” before answering a
1. Make notes on the syllabus dot points. question half way down the page.
Since your exam is based entirely on Markers will penalise such verbosity.
the syllabus, it makes sense to make

58 59
getting the edge
in economics
A good way or formula to guarantee
you these marks is as follows. Firstly, Acing the essays question being asked. You should
look firstly at the question verb, and
demand during the GFC, or how in
fact the market’s Invisible Hand has
look at the number of marks and write a know exactly what that means, e.g. to not worked in providing important
What you should realise is that the
comprehensive answer. For a four or five “discuss”, “asses”, “evaluate” etc. public goods, such as a National
essays ultimately distinguish top
mark question, you will need four or five Broadband Network.
performers from the above-average For example, when you are asked
points to get the marks. If you are only
students. Writing an essay question to ‘discuss’ , you must ‘Identify In order to gain a proper, relevant
writing two or three, you can be almost
purely from “economic theory” will issues and provide points for and/ and useful perspective of our recent
certain you won’t get full marks.
only score you 15/20. To perform or against’. Note how this is different performance, you should split recent
Secondly, structure your answer concisely well in these, you must go beyond the to explain which is ‘Relate cause performance into two categories.
and logically. The following steps are a syllabus and research the decade’s and effect; make the relationships
+ how the economy has performed
proven formula for helping you get full recent performance, as well as the most between things evident; provide
over the last decade, for instance,
marks in, say, a four mark quesiton. current performance. These essays why and/or how’. Discuss requires
how the Australian economy has
essentially test how well you know and points for and against and Explain
+ 1st Line: Answer the question grown over the last 10 years and
understand the theory in the context of requires an in depth analysis of
immediately what issues it has faced
the Australian Economy. mechanisms. They are not
+ 2nd Line: Explain and elaborate on just generic terms that have + have up-to-date research, including
1. Define the Key Terms. Unlike
your answer the day-to-day meanings you relevant topics being discussed in
an English or History essay,
would expect in conversations; the news.
+ 3rd Line: Quote a statistic or evidence you must define the essential
they have a specific meaning
from the passage, stimulus or memory terms in the question in When you have a solid understanding
in this HSC and this is part of the
every Economics essay question. For of the recent performance, you
+ 4th Line: Use this statistic to marking criteria for the exams.
instance, if the question asked you to must “weave” this into your essay.
demonstrate how it proves your point. “Analyse Australia’s recent economic 3. Support your argument Many students come unstuck trying
Whilst understanding this basic theory growth”, you would need to define with evidence from Australia’s to remember statistics and “facts”,
may seem challenging at first, once you the term “economic growth” straight recent performance such as the % of unemployment,
have revised thoroughly, you’ll find that away. This is an odd peculiarity of the or how much the CPI has changed.
What distinguishes the top
these two parts are the easiest parts of Economics exam. A better way to think of statistics
Economics students is how well
the exam. For the well-revised students, is not so much as a “fact” - or a
2. Answer the Question. they are able to integrate economic
its about doing the first two sections as random morsel of truth - but rather
One of the biggest pitfalls that many concepts to explain recent
accurately and efficeintly as possible so as a piece of evidence, i.e. a useful
students make is that they fail to economic trends. In contrast to the
you have enough time to ace the final figure, statistic or story that proves a
answer the question at hand. Rather, short answer questions which test
two essay questions. particular point. This makes it much
they start writing pre-prepared knowledge and theory that has
easier to remember, and it helps you
answers to the questions they have remianed unchanged for decades
write a good essay because it adds
prepared for, rather than the question (for e.g. Keysnian Fiscal Policy or
to the argument, becoming another
that the examiner is actually asking Adam Smith’s Invisible Hand), an
way of “telling the story”. In contrast,
for. Preparing for the essay question essay question will require you to
trying to remember disparate facts,
is vital. Without the right statistics, interpret or apply that theory to
can often mean that your essay
research and evdience, your Essay the recent trends. For instance,
seems disjointed, even if the facts
will never reach the top band. But you may discuss how the Rudd
and figures are correct.
you need to take some time to plan Government responded with a
a specifc answer to the specific Keynsian approach to stimulating In searching for the right facts and
60 61
getting the edge excel in
in economics economics
figures, there are three sources of
information you should consider. The
Rather than doing this, understand
what it says and refer to it in the At Talent 100, we’ve created an excellent
RBA’s Statement on Monetary Policy
and associated documents provide
body of your essay, explaining why
it agrees with or contradicted by
program in Economics that can help you
up-to-date research from some of recent trends. If you don’t do this, you understand the key economic theory, and
the best economists in the country, will lose marks for not answering the
conveniently categorised into topic question. more importantly, the recent performance
headings such as Growth, Inflation,
Unemployment etc. Likewise, the
5. Include (BIG) Diagrams of the Australian Economy to ensure
Where relevant, you should use
Federal Budget has very accurate data
and summarises both challenges and
appropriate and relevant diagrams you get the best marks in Economics.
the economic outlook forecasted by
to expalin your answer. A picture is
worth a thousand words and many
And whilst our programs are designed
Treasury (although you may need to
discount some of the loftier political
Economic Theories (e.g. Supply
and Demand) are explained most
to ensure you are able to ace any HSC
speak contained within). Finally,
you should be constantly scanning
eloquently through the use Economics Exam, we hope to inspire
newspapers and the financial review
to evaluate the most recent trends and
of a diagram. Again, when
including a diagram, ensure a greater passion for a subject that
issues facing our Economy. A great
you make reference to it,
rather than just placing it on
is an essential life skill, and forms the
journalist to follow here is Sydney
Morning Herald’s Ross Gittins, who
the page. It is a method of
explaining a theory, rather
cornerstone of all business degrees
has made it his business to simplify
economic issues facing the country for
than illustrating text. and professions.
the everyday person. My final tip for you in preparing for Our course:
essay questions is to focus on the most
4. Refer to the Stimulus
Finally, many essay questions have
relevant issues facing the Australian + Develops thorough understanding of every syllabus dot point,
economy, as these have a habit of including relevant economic models, theories and their applications
stimulus material, such as a chart or
cropping up as Essay questions. For so that you can score top marks in multiple and short answer.
a passage or comment made by an
instance in 2009, in the aftermath of
particular person or body, and ask
you to evaluate such comment in the
the GFC, students were asked to - + Up-to-date research on Australia’s economic performance, with
context of the Australian Economy. Analyse the impact of changes in the insightful analysis of relevant economic issues to help you create
With such questions, you MUST global economy on Australia’s economic A-range essay responses
refer to all parts of the stimulus in growth and external stability.
your essay. Many students, with + HSC-style homework and questions, to ensure you can translate
Any half-aware student would realise your understanding of the course into marks in a real examination
pre-prepared essays, give token
that this question is begging you to talk
recognition in their introduction, but
fail to properly consider the stimulus
about how the global financial crises can + One-on-One help with Economics Essays, to help you develop your
have a massive impact on our economy, own specific, structured, and logical essays to top your examinations.
as part of their answer.
and that is the research you would need
to integrate into your essays.
AD GOES HERE
62 63
headstart
your HSC
by Richard Chua This is the typical thinking of a Year the aim of the Headstart

If you are in Year 10

10 student. In this article, we’ll answer
some of the common questions that
Programs is to build strong
face a Year 10 student. foundations in the highest

right now, you may

scaling subjects, so that
Whilst it’s true that the real students are well equipped to
test doesn’t start until year
feel there is little
score top AtARs.
11, there are actions you
can take this year that can The philosophy behind Headstart is

point in studying significantly improve your simple: when you are doing something for
the first time, you basically are aiming for
ability to score a top AtAR. about 70%. When you are doing the same

hard this year. Firstly, it is important to pick the right

subjects. If you look at the scaling of
subjects such as Maths Ext 1
thing for a second time, you naturally aim
higher, perhaps 90%. Headstart aims to
teach students the bulk of the preliminary

After all, the HSC & 2, Physics, Chemistry and HSC course in Year 10 so that they have
English Advanced, you can this second time advantage in Year 11 and
12 when it really counts.

isn’t for another two

see that performing decently
in these subjects will give you
a very good ATAR, and performing well i’m in year 10 now.
years, and you’re
will give you an extremely high ATAR
Secondly, if you are considering these
is there anything
i can do to boost
not even sure what
subjects, it is worthwhile to invest
some time in Year 10 to build a strong
foundation for top performance in your my AtAR?
subjects you’ll be
final years. These subjects are highly
competitive: why not start learning If you are currently in Year 10, you can
some of them now? certainly take some actions now that

doing in Year 11 and

will make it easier to score a higher
As the name suggests, the Talent ATAR. Perhaps the most important
100 Headstart Program aims to give decision you will make is to pick the

12. You can always students a competitive advantage

by starting them early. Our courses
teach a simplified version of the Year 11
right subjects. As suggested in the
scaling article, the subjects that scale
the best are Maths Ext 1 & 2, Physics,

start next year, right? syllabus for Maths Extension 1; Physics

& Chemistry; and English.
Chemistry and Advanced (or higher)
English. Performing moderately well in
these subjects will give you a relatively
high ATAR, whilst performing even
exceptionally in lower scaling subjects
can lead to unexpectedly low ATARs.

64 65
headstart
your HSC
If you’re serious about getting a scoring relatively low marks. The result While this may seem negligible, it could are in Year 10, you should seriously
high ATAR, a very simple strategy is that they lose confidence and their (and often is) the difference between a think about how to invest your time
is to perform well in these subjects, marks start to drop in the very years Band 5 and a Band 6. wisely this year, so that you can enjoy
often referred to as the 99+ subjects. that are most important, leading to your final years and at the same
Finally, by developing strong foundations
The Headstart Program helps you sub-optimal ATARs. time, be confident you will enter the
in these subjects you can free up more
to do that by introducing you to the University course of your choosing. My
time in Year 11 for more time intensive
core concepts of the Year 11 Maths,
Physics, Chemistry and English syllabi
Can Headstart subjects like English or the humanities
final advice to any student in year 10 is
this – pick your subjects wisely and see
a year earlier, so that you have strong really help me? that you may wish to take, so there are
flow-on benefits as well.
if you are able to acheive the required
foundations in these subjects and “a level of performance in those subjects.
second time” advantage in Year 11. The Headstart Program is a very As you can see, scoring a high ATAR If you are able to perform decently in
effective program because of its is very much a test of preparedness, the highest scaling subjects, you should
i’m already doing relevant, concise and results-focused
approach. In Headstart, we only teach
determination and being savvy
about your studies. It’s not always
very much consider doing them as
they will secure for you a high ATAR.
well in year 10 – those topic areas that students will
study in Year 11, so you can be
the smartest person who scores the We believe strongly that the Headstart
highest ATAR, but those who course can help you do this.
is tuition useful certain that the effort you put are most determined. If you
in now will pay dividends in the
for me? near future. That means we do
not teach topics that you may high
Even though you might already be learn in Year 10 at school if they are not
doing well in Year 9 and 10, you should in the Year 11 syllabus such as statistics
realise that there is a very big jump or geology.
in difficulty from Year 10 to 11. For
instance, in Mathematics, you only learn By having such a strong results-focus,
Calculus in year 11, which is the first Headstart effectively allows a smooth Headstart puts you
truly conceptually difficult topic, and and successful transition into Year 11. here in Year 10 to
in science, you will focus on particular The aim is to put you 70% of the way make things easier

diffulculty level
branches such as Physics and Chemistry, there so that the workload and course
in year 11
rather than doing general science topics content in Year 11 feels familiar and
such as Geology. This is compounded easy, hence it becomes easier to score
by the fact that competition gets much top marks in assessments.
tougher in the later years, as students
who typically procrastinate start to put in fact, our Headstart
in more effort closer to the HSC. students out-performed
Because of this greater focus, the their non-headstart peers
difficulty of the subject increases in our standardised exams
steeply in Year 11 and steeply again in by an average of 6.5% in
Year 12, and many students who are
typically used to doing well throughout
Mathematics and 5% in
high school suddenly find they are the Sciences! low

Year 7 Year 8 Year 9 Year 10 Year 11 Year 12

66 67
 Name Name
Anirudh Theertham Alice Joe
School School
Normanhurst Boys High Sydney Girls High School
School
Favourite Pastime Sport
Favourite Pastime Tennis
Ranks in School
Ranks in School Mathematics Ext 2: 1st
Mathematics Ext 2: 10th Mathematics Ext 1: 1st
Mathematics Ext 1: 4th Physics: 1st
Physics: 3rd Chemistry: 2nd
Chemistry: 3rd

How would you describe the will arise in school examinations as well How would you describe the closely to the preliminary syllabus and
Headstart course? as having the secrets as to what Headstart course? the talent tips given have proven very
will give us those extra crucial useful during exams to obtain those final
Headstart is an outstanding course The Headstart course is an
marks – things which schools crucial marks.
that introduces the Year 11 concept in a excellent, straight-forward
fail to notify us about.
simple and easy-to-follow manner. After program that taught me Have your marks improved at school?
doing Headstart, I have felt confident Have your marks improved at school? the Year 11 course a year earlier in an Who should go to Headstart?
and comfortable throughout year 11. It Who should go to Headstart? easy to follow fashion. The way the
I recommend the course for those who
has been extremely useful in helping head-start course is designed helped
Headstart has helped me improve my wish to be one step ahead at school
me gain a competitive edge over my me to really grasp the concepts and
marks significantly in school. In the and start developing the essential
peers, since I am learning thing for the gave me an advantage throughout
Physics half-yearly, I ranked third in concepts in advance. I believe the
second-time. year 11, I had already learnt the bulk of
the grade, achieving a mark of 93%. In head-start course has really benefitted
the course previously so preliminary
What did you like most about the 2 unit Mathematics I achieved a mark my performance so far during the
course felt much simpler and I was
Headstart course? of 94% in my half-yearly exam as well preliminary course as it helped me
much more familiar with the work.
as gaining 92% in my 3 unit Maths to really understand the topics early
First and foremost the headstart course In my opinion it gave me a good
Exam. Without the Headstart course, on, so during year 11, I already had an
is very detailed and very direct. All the advantage over my peers.
I don’t think I would have achieved understanding of what was expected. In
key concepts and syllabus dot points
these marks. The course helped me to What did you like most about the mathematics, I ranked 1st for 2-unit with
of Physics and Chemistry were clearly
understand in theory and practice, what Headstart course? 100% and 98% for 3-unit. For chemistry
addressed, and this gave me a lot of
to expect in exams. I would recommend I achieved 95% ranking 3rd and came
confidence going into Year 11. The I really like the way the course was
Headstart to anyone who is wishing to 1st in physics with 100%. Overall I
harder concepts were explained in a structured, and how it was very to-the-
excel throughout Years 11 and 12. think the head-start course helped
way which we could easily understand. point. The teachers were fantastic, and
me to develop the deeper required
helped explain the harder concepts in
Furthermore, the teachers at Talent understanding of these subjects earlier
a way that we could understand. They
100, are very friendly, approachable and certainly gave me a great head
had a real sense of what we needed to
and intelligent. They have a genuine start at school.
know and what we didn’t, so the course
understanding of how certain questions
was very succinct. The notes also follow
68 69
ace your learning
HSC system
At talent 100, we believe in order to Talent 100’s Learning System has helped our students
score the best marks in the HSC, with 30% of our
score top marks in any examination, students scoring over 99, 63% scoring over 96.
you really need to be able to master
two basic skills.

Strong
Conceptual
understanding
iNtROduCeS
& eXPLAiNS seminar deVeLOPS

understanding
maximum marks

conceptual
per ct examin
deVeLOPS
exam style teStS
homework

fe
techniqu
giVeS
CRitiCAL
interactive CONSOLidAteS
iNPut tutorial
Perfect

e
atio
exam
examination
teStS &
teStS
deVeLOPS
excellence

n
technique
= MAXIMUM RESULTS

that’s why our results-focused

learning system is designed to
develop these two skills.
70 71
learning get ahead with the
system talent advantage
seminar If you would like
results-oriented
A 3-hour seminar that systematically reviews the HSC
Syllabus, to build a deep first principles understanding
of the key theory. Maximum of 13 students.
+ Comprehensive set of notes.
+ Typical range of HSC questions introduced. tuition, try the
Talent Advantage.
+ Focus on building understanding and familiarity.

exam style homework

HSC Style homework that conditions students to the
You will receive:
style, structure and rigour of HSC exams, to train perfect
exam technique.
+ Mimics HSC-exam in style, structure and difficulty.
+ Develops ability to succeed under exam conditions.
+ Teaches students to maximise marks.
+ excellent teachers and tutors
+ Comprehensive set of notes
interactive tutorial
Extra tutorials for any student requiring extra help. + examination-style homework
Tutorials mandatory for those who score below
65% in homework. + Periodic AtAR estimates,
+ Individual attention from tutors.
+ Fine-tune exam technique through homework corrections. so you can benchmark your
+ Clarify conceptual difficulties. performance and adjust your
efforts accordingly.
exam excellence
HSC style exams to ensure that students are able
to perform under the stress of exams, to gauge
performance before the ‘real thing’.
+ Gauge progress.
+ Develop exam technique. For a free trial, visit us online www.talent-100.com.au
+ Allow students to improve before actual exam.
72 73
faqs
What is unique about the homework familiarises students with the Who writes the course What’s so special about
typical range of HSC questions and tests their
learning system? How can it ability to perform under pressure on a weekly materials for talent 100? examination style
help me improve my AtAR? basis. This gives us very important feedback What makes them so special? homework? Why can’t we
to the type of mistakes that students tend
The Talent 100 learning system is unique
to make under examination conditions, and
The Talent 100 course materials have been just do school homework?
in its results-focus and ability to maximise prepared by our notes development team,
allows us to quickly eliminate careless errors Ultimately how well you do in your HSC
ATARs. We help you maximise your ATAR – which consists of students who have scored
and those due to poor time management. depends upon how well you are able to
above 99.9 or scored a state ranking. In fact, perform in exams. Hence, students who are
1. On an overall level, by creating a personal Who are the teachers for every subject that we teach, we have the naturally very intelligent but fail to develop
study plan that shows you exactly what it students who scored 1st in the state, i.e for
takes to score the ATAR they are looking for; at talent 100? Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics and English
good examination technique will often
perform worse than those students who are
Our teachers are composed of exceptional overseeing the development of the notes.
2. On a subject-specific level, through individuals with a strong level of
well prepared and have developed perfect
superior expertise and a practical Our unique team knows exactly what it takes examination practice.
commitment to helping students achieve to achieve the top marks, and have translated
understanding of what it takes to score Our examination style homework helps
their highest marks. that into a very practical set of notes that
maximum marks in Physics, Chemistry, Maths students consolidate their understanding
and English. You can be certain that all Talent cover everything you need to whilst simultaneously improving their
100 teachers have: know for the exams, in the level
This approach allows us set and achieve the examination technique. This helps students
of detail that you need to know
right goals for our students, i.e. those that will + Outstanding levels of academic perform better in exams, by introducing
it. The notes are well structured
help you score the ATAR you are looking for. achievement, to ensure that our them to the typical range of HSC questions
and guide students through the
students receive the highest that they are likely to see and conditioning
syllabus in a step-by-step fashion that is easy
How does talent 100 quality of instruction.
to understand and follow.
them to the style, structure and rigour of
examinations. Our system of homework
help me improve in each + Outstanding communication skills, to
Our notes are written with the central ensures that sitting exams is literally like
particular subject? ensure that the theory can be taught to
principle of exam relevance – they cover doing another piece of homework.
students in a way that they will understand.
At Talent 100 we help our students to everything that is required by the syllabus
dramatically improve their marks through + Outstanding character and commitment, in the level of detail needed to score i’d like to score my absolute,
a two-tier system of teaching. In our to ensure that students always feel FULL marks. The notes are thorough and highest AtAR.
comfortable to ask questions, and are comprehensive and designed to make your
seminars, we help to familiarise students
confident that they are prepared and study time efficient. For instance, in Physics How do i join the course?
with the syllabus and key theory, focusing on
building a deep conceptual understanding willing to guide them through their latter and Chemistry we include write ups of all If you’d like to join the course, simply email us
from first-principles, rather than through years of high school. practicals with a discussion of reliability, at; info@talent-100.com.au or alternatively
memorisation. A Talent 100 teacher explains validity and accuracy which ensures that you contact us on 8003-6887 to let us know what
the key theory, working through typical are able to answer questions, even if you did classes you wish to join.
HSC questions, before allowing students to not perform your practicals successfully.
practice and reinforce what they learn with Effectively, our system of notes and teaching
further questions. Our small class numbers allow you to leverage the collective expertise
and tutorial system allow teachers and tutors of the HSC’s top performers.
to give individual feedback, and to clarify
conceptual misunderstandings.
Whilst understanding forms the basis
of learning, we help our students score
maximum marks by developing perfect
examination practice. Our examination style

74 75
 EPPING
shop 24 (upper ground),
74 rawson street epping, nsw 2121
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CAR
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CHATSWOOD
level 1, 457 victoria avenue
chatswood, nsw 2067

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PAC
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telephone (02) 8003 6887

email info@talent-100.com.au
web talent-100.com.au