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11–12English Extension 11–12 Syllabus (2024)

Record of changes
Implementation from 2026
Expand for detailed implementation advice
OverviewRationaleAimOutcomesContentAssessmentGlossaryTeaching and learning support

Assessment

HSC examinations

The external HSC examination measures student achievement in a range of syllabus outcomes.

The external examination and its marking relate to the syllabus by:

  • providing clear links to syllabus outcomes
  • enabling students to demonstrate the levels of achievement outlined in the Performance Band Descriptions
  • applying marking guidelines based on criteria that relate to the quality of the response
  • aligning performance in the examination each year to the standards established for the course.

Examination questions may require students to integrate knowledge, understanding and skills developed through studying the course.

The Year 11 course is assumed knowledge for the Year 12 course.

Some students with disability may be eligible for HSC exam provisions when completing the HSC examination.

English Extension 1 HSC examination specifications

Stage 6 - Year 12
Online examination

This examination will be undertaken by students using a computer.

The examination will be worth 50 marks.

Time allowed: 2 hours plus 10 minutes reading time.

Headphones will be required for questions with video and audio stimulus.

The paper will consist of 2 questions.

Question 1 – Literary worlds (25 marks)

  • The question will require a response to stimulus and/or unseen material.
  • The question may contain two parts or it may require a sustained response.
  • The question will require a critical or creative response, or both.

Question 2 – Electives (25 marks)

  • Students will be required to answer one question based on their elective.
  • The question may include stimulus.
  • The question will require a sustained critical response based on the student’s prescribed texts and related text.

English Extension 2 HSC examination specifications

Stage 6 - Year 12

The HSC examination will consist of an online written exam worth 40 marks and a Major work worth 20 marks. The marks for the Major work will be converted to a mark out of 60, giving a total mark out of 100 for the examination.

Online examination

This examination will be undertaken by students using a computer.

Time allowed: 1 hour 30 minutes plus 10 minutes reading time.

Headphones will be required for questions with video and audio stimulus.

The examination will consist of two questions with a maximum of three items total.

Question 1 – Author and authority (20 marks)

  • The question will include stimulus and/or unseen material.
  • The question may contain two parts or it may require a single extended response.
  • The question will require a critical or creative response, or both.

Question 2 – Author study (20 marks)

  • Students will respond to a question about their author study.
  • The question may include a stimulus and/or unseen material.
  • The question may contain two parts or it may require a single extended response.
  • The question will require a critical or creative response, or both.

Features of online HSC exams

Stage 6 - Year 12

To learn more about the format and features of online HSC exams, see Loading .

There are specific features available for the HSC English Extension 1 and 2 online exams.

English Extension 1 – sample examination materials

Stage 6 - Year 12

English Extension 2 – sample examination materials

Stage 6 - Year 12

Further information

Stage 6 - Year 12