HSC Italian Extension study plan
HSC Italian Extension · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 7 hours per week
Responding to and analysing prescribed texts in Italian & Textual analysis and interpretation in Italian
Re-read the prescribed text(s) in Italian and annotate each chapter or section for plot, character, and setting in the target language
Compile a personal glossary of at least 40 high-frequency analytical terms (e.g. narratore, ambientazione, metafora) with Italian definitions
Identify and label the narrative structure of each prescribed text (fabula, intreccio, climax) in a one-page outline
Read two short critical commentaries in Italian and note recurring interpretive vocabulary
Your checkpoint
A 400-word Italian analytical summary of each prescribed text plus a 40-term glossary
Responding to and analysing prescribed texts in Italian & Textual analysis and interpretation in Italian
Analyse characterisation techniques in the prescribed texts, citing specific textual evidence in Italian
Compare the treatment of one theme across two prescribed texts in Italian
Practise writing analytical paragraphs using the PEEL structure in Italian
Draft three exam-style Italian analysis responses under timed conditions
Your checkpoint
Three timed Italian analysis responses (250 words each) with self-assessment notes
Responding to and analysing prescribed texts in Italian & Accuracy and range in written Italian
Refine written Italian by targeting three recurring grammatical weaknesses identified in Week 2 responses
Expand range by practising complex sentence structures (subjunctive, passive, relative clauses) in analytical prose
Rewrite two Week 2 responses to improve accuracy and lexical variety
Memorise and apply 15 connectives and transition phrases appropriate to formal Italian analysis
Your checkpoint
Two revised responses with a tracked error log showing reductions in accuracy errors
Textual analysis and interpretation in Italian & Critical and personal response in English
Interpret one prescribed text through two contrasting critical lenses and articulate the difference in Italian
Draft a critical response in English explaining how context shapes interpretation of the prescribed text
Evaluate the strengths and limits of a published Italian critical reading of one text
Articulate a personal interpretive position with textual justification
Your checkpoint
A 500-word English critical response plus a 250-word Italian interpretive justification
Critical and personal response in English & Knowledge and understanding of Italian-speaking communities and cultures
Research the historical and cultural context of each prescribed text's setting and summarise findings in Italian
Connect one prescribed text to a broader Italian cultural movement or period
Write a personal response in English that integrates contextual knowledge with textual analysis
Compare cultural values represented in two prescribed texts
Your checkpoint
A 600-word English personal response integrating cultural context and textual evidence
Knowledge and understanding of Italian-speaking communities and cultures & Responding to and analysing prescribed texts in Italian
Investigate a contemporary Italian cultural issue relevant to the prescribed texts and present it in Italian
Analyse how cultural context informs authorial choices in each prescribed text
Prepare and deliver a five-minute spoken exposition in Italian on a cultural theme
Synthesise contextual research into analytical Italian prose
Your checkpoint
A five-minute recorded Italian exposition with a written script and self-evaluation
Responding to and analysing prescribed texts in Italian & Accuracy and range in written Italian
Complete a full timed practice examination under authentic conditions
Mark the practice examination against criteria and identify the three highest-priority gaps
Produce targeted revision notes addressing identified weaknesses
Refine written Italian register and cohesion in extended analytical responses
Your checkpoint
A completed timed practice paper with a marked criteria grid and prioritised revision plan
Responding to and analysing prescribed texts in Italian & Textual analysis and interpretation in Italian & Critical and personal response in English
Consolidate all prescribed-text knowledge into condensed Italian revision summaries
Rehearse and refine two full exam-style responses across all response types
Review and correct recurring errors from the tracked error log
Deliver a final integrated response demonstrating analysis, interpretation, and personal response
Your checkpoint
Two full exam-style responses (one Italian analysis, one English critical response) meeting all criteria
Milestones
Week 2: Can produce a structured Italian analytical paragraph with textual evidence in under 15 minutes without notes
Week 4: Can articulate two contrasting interpretations of a prescribed text and defend a personal position in English
Week 6: Can sustain a five-minute spoken Italian exposition linking cultural context to textual analysis
Week 8: Can complete a full timed paper scoring at least 75% against marking criteria across all domains