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SACE Stage 2 Auslan (continuers) study materials
SACE Stage 2 Auslan (continuers) study resources

SACE Stage 2 Auslan (continuers) practice questions

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Question 1School assessment

In Auslan, which handshape is used to sign the number 5 when counting on one hand?

  1. A flat hand with all four fingers and thumb spread Correct answer.
  2. A hand with the thumb and index finger touching
  3. An index finger only, pointing up
  4. A fist with the thumb tucked in

Explanation

Auslan number signs for one to five use the fingers of one hand, and the number five is shown with all fingers and the thumb extended and spread. This differs from some other sign languages that use different handshape sequences. Recognising the full open handshape is essential for basic counting and age signs.

Question 2School assessment

What does the Auslan sign commonly glossed as THANK-YOU involve?

  1. A flat hand moving from the chin outward and down Correct answer.
  2. Both hands crossed over the chest
  3. A pointed finger circling near the temple
  4. Two fists tapping together twice

Explanation

The polite sign for thank you uses a flat hand starting near the chin or mouth and moving forward and slightly down toward the person being addressed. The movement direction reflects giving thanks outward to the recipient. This is one of the earliest courtesy signs learners acquire.

Question 3School assessment

Which statement best describes the role of facial expression in Auslan grammar?

  1. It is used only when signing to children
  2. It replaces the need for any hand movements
  3. It only shows the signer's emotions and has no grammatical role
  4. It carries grammatical information such as question type and negation Correct answer.

Explanation

Non-manual features including facial expression, head tilt and eyebrow movement are grammatically significant in Auslan. For example, raised eyebrows often mark a yes/no question while lowered brows can mark a wh-question. Negation can also be shown through headshake alongside hand signs.

Question 4School assessment

A student wants to ask a yes/no question in Auslan. Which non-manual pattern is most appropriate?

  1. Lowered eyebrows with the head tilted back
  2. Neutral face with no head movement
  3. Rapid blinking throughout the sentence
  4. Raised eyebrows with the head tilted slightly forward Correct answer.

Explanation

Yes/no questions in Auslan are typically marked by raised eyebrows, widened eyes and a slight forward head tilt held across the question. This non-manual marker distinguishes them from statements using the same signs. Wh-questions instead usually use lowered eyebrows.

Question 5School assessment

In fingerspelling, what is the usual purpose of spelling a word letter by letter?

  1. To indicate that the signer is angry
  2. To represent names, technical terms or words with no established sign Correct answer.
  3. To replace all everyday vocabulary in conversation
  4. To show emphasis only on verbs

Explanation

Fingerspelling is used for proper nouns, specialised vocabulary and words lacking a conventional Auslan sign. It is not a substitute for the whole lexicon but a resource for specific items. Skilled signers often fingerspell quickly and blend it with lexical signs.

Question 6School assessment

Which of the following is a key difference between Auslan and manually coded English systems?

  1. Auslan cannot express abstract ideas
  2. Auslan uses no handshapes at all
  3. Auslan is written with the Roman alphabet
  4. Auslan has its own grammar distinct from English word order Correct answer.

Explanation

Auslan is a natural language with its own grammar, including spatial syntax and topic-comment structures, that differs from English. Manually coded English systems instead follow English word order and morphology. This distinction underpins the recognition of Auslan as a community language.

Question 7School assessment

What is the Deaf community's preferred term for a person who is culturally affiliated with the signing Deaf community?

  1. Hearing-impaired
  2. Deaf with a capital D Correct answer.
  3. Non-verbal
  4. Aurally disabled

Explanation

Capital-D Deaf signals cultural and linguistic identity within the signing community, whereas lowercase deaf typically refers to audiological status. This convention is widely respected in Deaf studies and Auslan contexts. Using the capital letter acknowledges community membership rather than framing deafness as a deficit.

Question 8School assessment

Which Auslan parameter refers to the location on or near the body where a sign is produced?

  1. Movement
  2. Placement Correct answer.
  3. Orientation
  4. Handshape

Explanation

Signs are analysed using parameters including handshape, movement, location/placement and orientation. Placement specifies where the sign is articulated, such as at the forehead, chest or neutral space. Changing placement can create minimal pairs between otherwise similar signs.

Question 9School assessment

A signer produces the same handshape and movement at the forehead instead of at the chest. What does this change most likely affect?

  1. The meaning of the sign, creating a different lexical item Correct answer.
  2. Nothing, because location is not meaningful in Auslan
  3. Only the speed of the sign
  4. Only the signer's emotional tone

Explanation

Location is a phonologically contrastive parameter in Auslan, so shifting a sign to a different body location can produce a distinct word. Minimal pairs in sign languages are often distinguished by location alone. Learners must therefore reproduce placement accurately to be understood.

Question 10School assessment

In a topic-comment sentence structure common in Auslan, what typically comes first?

  1. The topic being discussed Correct answer.
  2. The time sign only
  3. The verb of the sentence
  4. The question particle

Explanation

Auslan often uses topic-comment ordering, where the topic is established first and then commented on. This can involve a slight pause or non-manual marking after the topic. It differs from rigid English subject-verb-object ordering.

Question 11School assessment

How is negation most commonly expressed in an Auslan sentence?

  1. Spelling the word 'no' in full
  2. A single raised eyebrow held throughout
  3. Pointing at the listener
  4. A headshake combined with a negative sign such as NOT Correct answer.

Explanation

Negation in Auslan typically combines a manual negative sign with a non-manual headshake, and sometimes the headshake alone can negate a clause. The non-manual component spreads across the negated section. This dual marking is a characteristic feature of the language.

Question 12School assessment

A signer uses a classifying handshape to show a vehicle moving along a path. What is this construction called?

  1. A fingerspelled loan
  2. A name sign
  3. A politeness marker
  4. A depicting or classifier construction Correct answer.

Explanation

Classifier or depicting constructions use handshapes that represent categories of referents, such as vehicles, and show their movement and location in space. These constructions are highly productive in Auslan. They allow signers to describe events iconically rather than relying on a fixed lexical sign.

Question 13School assessment

When a signer establishes a referent on the left side of signing space and later points back to that location, what is being used?

  1. A politeness strategy
  2. A fingerspelling convention
  3. A number incorporation rule
  4. Spatial referencing for pronominal or anaphoric purposes Correct answer.

Explanation

Sign languages use physical space to track referents, so a location established for a person or object can later be pointed to as a pronoun-like reference. This spatial mapping supports clear reference across a discourse. Consistent use of locations helps the viewer follow who is being discussed.

Question 14School assessment

What is a name sign in the Deaf community?

  1. A sign given to a person that often reflects a characteristic or is assigned by a Deaf person Correct answer.
  2. A temporary sign used for one conversation
  3. A sign that spells out the full legal name every time
  4. A sign used only in formal written Auslan

Explanation

Name signs are personal identifiers typically bestowed by Deaf community members and often based on a distinctive feature or the initial of a written name. They are stable identifiers rather than ad hoc labels. Learners are generally expected to receive a name sign from the community rather than invent one.

Question 15School assessment

Which behaviour best demonstrates respectful communication with a Deaf Auslan user?

  1. Maintaining eye contact and ensuring the signer can see your face clearly Correct answer.
  2. Turning away while speaking to check a screen
  3. Shouting loudly to be understood
  4. Covering your mouth while signing

Explanation

Visual communication depends on clear sight of the face and hands, so maintaining eye contact and keeping your face visible supports understanding. Looking away or obscuring the mouth removes important non-manual information. Shouting does not assist a signing Deaf person and can seem disrespectful.

Question 16School assessment

An interpreter is working between a hearing teacher and a Deaf student. Which practice reflects professional interpreting ethics?

  1. Answering questions on the student's behalf
  2. Changing the speaker's meaning to avoid awkwardness
  3. Summarising only the parts the interpreter thinks matter
  4. Interpreting faithfully without adding personal opinions or omissions Correct answer.

Explanation

Interpreters are bound by ethical standards of accuracy and impartiality, conveying the full message without editing content. They do not act as advocates or answer for the client. Any alteration of meaning undermines the consumer's right to full access.

Question 17School assessment

Which sentence best reflects the difference between Deaf and deaf in community usage?

  1. Both terms are interchangeable in every context
  2. Deaf refers to cultural identity; deaf refers to audiological status Correct answer.
  3. Deaf refers to audiological status; deaf refers to cultural identity
  4. Deaf is used only for children

Explanation

The capitalised form Deaf signals identification with the signing Deaf community and its culture, while lowercase deaf describes hearing status. The distinction matters in academic and community writing. Respecting this convention shows understanding of Deaf cultural perspectives.

Question 18School assessment

What does the term 'audism' refer to?

  1. A method of teaching fingerspelling
  2. Discrimination or bias favouring hearing people over Deaf people Correct answer.
  3. A type of Auslan handshape
  4. A formal register used in Deaf theatre

Explanation

Audism describes attitudes and practices that assume hearing and spoken language are superior, disadvantaging Deaf people. Recognising audism helps explain why accessible signed communication matters. The concept parallels other forms of systemic discrimination.

Question 19School assessment

Which of the following best explains why Auslan is described as a natural language?

  1. It developed organically within the Deaf community and has its own systematic grammar Correct answer.
  2. It was invented by a single committee in one year
  3. It is a direct copy of English syntax
  4. It has no regional variation

Explanation

Natural languages emerge through use by a community and develop systematic structure over time, which is true of Auslan. It has its own phonology, morphology and syntax rather than mirroring English. Like all living languages it also shows regional and social variation.

Question 20School assessment

A signer wants to indicate that an action happened yesterday. Which strategy is most consistent with Auslan time marking?

  1. Adding an English past-tense suffix to the verb sign
  2. Placing a time sign such as YESTERDAY early in the sentence to set the timeframe Correct answer.
  3. Changing the handshape of every sign in the sentence
  4. Raising both eyebrows for the whole sentence

Explanation

Auslan typically establishes time reference with a time sign near the beginning of the clause, after which the timeframe is understood. Verbs are not inflected with English-style suffixes. This differs from languages that mark tense morphologically on each verb.

Question 21School assessment

Which feature distinguishes a minimal pair in Auslan?

  1. Two signs differing in only one parameter, such as handshape Correct answer.
  2. Two sentences with different word counts
  3. Two fingerspelled words of equal length
  4. Two signs with completely unrelated meanings and forms

Explanation

A minimal pair consists of two signs that differ in a single phonological parameter while all others remain the same, demonstrating that the parameter is contrastive. For example, signs may differ only by handshape or only by location. This concept supports the phonological analysis of sign languages.

Question 22School assessment

In a narrative, a signer shifts their body and gaze to portray different characters in turn. What is this technique called?

  1. Mouthing
  2. Role shift or constructed action Correct answer.
  3. Lexical borrowing
  4. Number incorporation

Explanation

Role shift, also described as constructed action, involves the signer adopting a character's posture, gaze and expressions to depict speech or action. It is a sophisticated narrative device common in signed storytelling. It differs from simply reporting what someone said using a quotative sign.

Question 23School assessment

A learner signs a two-handed symmetrical sign with the dominant hand higher than the non-dominant hand. Which principle have they most likely violated?

  1. The requirement to mouth every word
  2. The rule that all signs must be fingerspelled
  3. The ban on using facial expression
  4. The symmetry and dominance conditions governing two-handed signs Correct answer.

Explanation

Two-handed signs in sign languages follow conditions such as symmetry of handshape and movement, and a dominance condition about which hand moves. Producing an asymmetrical version of a symmetrical sign can make it look incorrect or change meaning. Learners should check handshape, movement and relative height against the target sign.

Question 24School assessment

Which statement best analyses how depicting constructions differ from established lexical signs?

  1. Depicting constructions are productive and map spatial relationships directly, while lexical signs are conventionalised units Correct answer.
  2. Depicting constructions are fixed dictionary entries with no variation
  3. Lexical signs cannot be used in narrative
  4. Depicting constructions are used only for numbers

Explanation

Depicting constructions exploit handshapes and movement to represent spatial relationships in a productive, partly iconic way. Established lexical signs are conventionalised units stored in the lexicon. Skilled signers integrate both, using depicting constructions for spatial detail and lexical signs for core vocabulary.

Question 25School assessment

A student is preparing for an assessed signed presentation. Which preparation approach best supports clear Auslan delivery?

  1. Memorising a written English script and signing it word for word
  2. Removing all facial expression to appear neutral
  3. Avoiding eye contact with the audience to reduce nerves
  4. Rehearsing in front of a camera and reviewing use of space and non-manual markers Correct answer.

Explanation

Recording rehearsal allows learners to check spatial referencing, sign clarity and non-manual grammar, which are central to assessment criteria. Signing a written English script word for word tends to produce unnatural structure. Audience eye contact and facial expression are integral to effective signed delivery.

Question 26School assessment

In Auslan, which parameter describes the shape the hand takes when producing a sign?

  1. Movement
  2. Handshape Correct answer.
  3. Orientation
  4. Non-manual feature

Explanation

Auslan signs are analysed using parameters, and handshape is the parameter that specifies the configuration of the fingers and palm. Orientation, movement and non-manual features are separate parameters working alongside handshape. Recognising each parameter separately allows learners to describe and correct sign production precisely.

Question 27School assessment

Which term describes the grammatical use of facial expression, head movement and mouth pattern in Auslan?

  1. Lexical borrowing
  2. Depicting constructions
  3. Fingerspelling
  4. Non-manual features Correct answer.

Explanation

Non-manual features are the facial and bodily signals that carry grammatical meaning in Auslan, such as marking questions or conditionals. They are not decoration but part of the grammar of the language. Fingerspelling and depicting constructions are separate sign types rather than the general term for facial grammar.

Question 28School assessment

A signer raises their eyebrows and leans the head forward while signing a clause. What is this most likely marking?

  1. A negative command
  2. A completed past action
  3. A yes/no question Correct answer.
  4. A statement of fact

Explanation

Raised eyebrows with a forward head tilt is a standard non-manual marker for yes/no questions in Auslan. Statements typically use different facial marking, and negation usually involves a headshake. Learners must read the facial signal together with the manual signs to identify the sentence type.

Question 29School assessment

What is the standard order of the Auslan fingerspelling alphabet for the letter A?

  1. A fist with the thumb tucked across the fingers
  2. An open flat hand with all fingers spread
  3. The index finger pointing upward alone
  4. A closed fist with the thumb resting alongside the index finger Correct answer.

Explanation

The Auslan letter A is formed with a closed fist and the thumb placed alongside the index finger rather than tucked across the front. Each letter of the manual alphabet has a distinct handshape so that fingerspelled words remain readable. Confusing A with other closed-hand letters affects clarity in names and unfamiliar terms.

Question 30School assessment

Which situation best calls for fingerspelling rather than a lexical sign in Auslan?

  1. Introducing a person whose name has no established name sign Correct answer.
  2. Describing the weather during the day
  3. Ordering a common item at a cafe
  4. Asking someone how they are feeling

Explanation

Fingerspelling is used for proper nouns and terms that lack an established sign, particularly names before a name sign is known. Everyday concepts such as weather, feelings and common purchases normally have lexical signs. Overusing fingerspelling for common concepts slows communication and is not typical native practice.

Question 31School assessment

Which statement best describes the relationship between Auslan and British Sign Language?

  1. Auslan is a dialect of American Sign Language used in Australia
  2. They are mutually unintelligible because they come from unrelated families
  3. Auslan was invented in the twentieth century from written English
  4. They are historically related and share much of their lexicon but have diverged Correct answer.

Explanation

Auslan descends largely from British Sign Language through historical migration and educational influence, so the two share substantial vocabulary and structure. However, each has developed independently and differs in lexicon and usage. Treating Auslan as a dialect of another sign language misrepresents its status as a national language.

Question 32School assessment

A student wants to show two people having a conversation in a signed narrative. Which strategy is most effective?

  1. Use only one hand for the entire exchange
  2. Alternate body orientation and eye gaze to represent each speaker Correct answer.
  3. Fingerspell each character's name before every utterance
  4. Sign both characters' words in exactly the same position

Explanation

Shifting body orientation and gaze allows a signer to embody different characters and makes the exchange easy to follow. Keeping both characters in the same position removes the visual cue that distinguishes speakers. Consistent spatial contrast is the key resource for reported dialogue in signed narrative.

Question 33School assessment

Which feature most clearly shows that Auslan has its own grammar rather than being signed English?

  1. It uses spatial reference and non-manual marking to organise sentences Correct answer.
  2. It is learned by children from their parents
  3. It uses the hands to produce signs
  4. It can be written down using English words

Explanation

Auslan grammar exploits signing space, referential locations and non-manual markers in ways that have no direct English equivalent. Using hands or being learned at home are shared by many communication systems and do not demonstrate grammatical independence. The structural use of space is the strongest evidence of a distinct grammar.

Question 34School assessment

What is the main purpose of maintaining eye contact with a Deaf conversation partner?

  1. It replaces the need for any hand movement
  2. It allows the signer to receive visual linguistic information and shows engagement Correct answer.
  3. It is required only when fingerspelling names
  4. It signals that the signer is hearing rather than Deaf

Explanation

In a visual language, looking away means missing part of the message, so eye contact is functionally necessary for comprehension. It also signals attention and respect within the conversation. Eye contact does not substitute for signing and is expected throughout the exchange.

Question 35School assessment

A Deaf student in a mainstream class asks for a note-taker in addition to an interpreter. Why is this request reasonable?

  1. The student cannot watch the interpreter and write at the same time
  2. The note-taker replaces the interpreter during lessons
  3. The interpreter is unable to sign academic vocabulary
  4. The interpreter conveys the live lesson while notes capture detail for later study Correct answer.

Explanation

Interpreting and note-taking serve different functions: the interpreter provides access in real time, while notes give the student a study record. Watching a visual language makes simultaneous note-taking difficult, so the two roles complement each other. Neither role substitutes for the other in a classroom.

Question 36School assessment

Which practice best supports a Deaf audience member at a public lecture?

  1. Seating the Deaf person at the back to avoid distraction
  2. Providing a written summary only after the event
  3. Speaking more slowly and loudly without any visual access
  4. Providing an interpreter and ensuring sightlines and lighting are adequate Correct answer.

Explanation

Access for a visual language user depends on clear sightlines, good lighting and a qualified interpreter positioned where they can be seen. Speaking louder does not create visual access. A summary after the event does not provide access to the lecture itself.

Question 37School assessment

Which option best describes the role of a Deaf interpreter working alongside a hearing interpreter?

  1. They relay meaning for Deaf consumers with particular language or cognitive needs Correct answer.
  2. They check the hearing interpreter's grammar and correct errors aloud
  3. They provide a written transcript of the interpreted message
  4. They take over the assignment whenever the topic becomes technical

Explanation

Deaf interpreters are used when a consumer's language use, cultural background or cognitive profile makes relay through a Deaf interpreter more effective. They work as part of a team rather than as a supervisor of the hearing interpreter. Their role is to convey meaning, not to produce written records.

Question 38School assessment

What does the term 'Deaf gain' emphasise?

  1. The process of learning to speak
  2. The hearing loss measured in decibels
  3. The benefits Deaf people bring to society through visual language and culture Correct answer.
  4. The financial cost of access services

Explanation

Deaf gain reframes deafness by focusing on the contributions and perspectives that Deaf communities offer, rather than on deficit. It contrasts with medical framings that describe deafness only in terms of loss. The concept is used in Deaf studies to analyse cultural and linguistic value.

Question 39School assessment

A signer uses a flat hand moving horizontally to represent a surface, then signs a cup placed on it. What is this an example of?

  1. A depicting construction establishing a spatial layout Correct answer.
  2. A name sign assigned to an object
  3. A non-manual grammatical marker
  4. A fingerspelled loan sign

Explanation

The flat hand establishes a reference surface in signing space, and the following sign is located relative to it. This is a depicting construction that builds a spatial scene rather than a fixed lexical sign. Fingerspelling, name signs and non-manual markers operate differently from this spatial depiction.

Question 40School assessment

Which statement best analyses why a signer might repeat a sign with a different movement quality?

  1. Repetition always changes the sign into a completely new lexical item
  2. Movement quality has no grammatical function in Auslan
  3. Repetition is only used to fill pauses while thinking
  4. Movement quality can add aspectual meaning such as habitual or ongoing action Correct answer.

Explanation

In Auslan, modifying the movement of a sign can express aspect, for example whether an action is habitual, repeated or prolonged. This shows that movement is a grammatical resource, not merely a way of producing the sign. The core lexical meaning is usually retained while the aspectual meaning changes.

Question 41School assessment

Which of the following is a common Auslan strategy for indicating that an event will happen in the future?

  1. Adding an English '-ed' suffix to the verb sign
  2. Raising the eyebrows throughout the clause
  3. Changing the sign to a fingerspelled English word
  4. Signing a time marker such as 'later' or 'tomorrow' early in the clause Correct answer.

Explanation

Auslan commonly establishes time reference with a time sign placed early, after which the clause is understood as set in that timeframe. There is no English-style suffix added to verbs. Raised eyebrows mark question type rather than future time.

Question 42School assessment

A signer points to a location in space to refer to a person mentioned earlier. Which concept does this illustrate?

  1. Fingerspelled abbreviation
  2. Handshape assimilation
  3. Mouth morpheme
  4. Referential use of signing space Correct answer.

Explanation

Signing space is used to establish and then refer back to referents, and pointing to an established location functions like a pronoun. This referential system is a core feature of Auslan grammar. Mouth morphemes and handshape changes are different linguistic mechanisms.

Question 43School assessment

Which best explains why a learner should avoid mouthing English words while signing Auslan?

  1. Mouthing is only permitted in formal settings
  2. Mouthing is physically impossible while signing
  3. Mouthing makes the hands invisible to the viewer
  4. Auslan has its own mouth patterns that may differ from full English words Correct answer.

Explanation

Many Auslan signs are accompanied by specific mouth patterns that form part of the sign, and these often differ from the full English word. Substituting English mouthing can distort the sign and interfere with meaning. Mouth patterns are a grammatical and lexical feature, not a stylistic preference.

Question 44School assessment

Which option best describes the difference between a name sign and a fingerspelled name?

  1. A name sign is a conventionalised label, while fingerspelling reproduces letters of the written name Correct answer.
  2. A name sign changes every year while fingerspelling stays fixed
  3. Fingerspelling is used only for Deaf people and name signs only for hearing people
  4. A name sign is always chosen by the person themselves without community input

Explanation

A name sign is a conventionalised sign that functions as a person's label within the community, often reflecting a characteristic or being assigned by Deaf community members. Fingerspelling simply reproduces the letters of the written name. The two are different in form and social function.

Question 45School assessment

Which statement best describes the status of Auslan in Australia?

  1. It is a informal gesture system without grammar
  2. It is recognised as a community language with its own linguistic structure Correct answer.
  3. It is a signed code that mirrors English word order exactly
  4. It is an international sign language used worldwide

Explanation

Auslan is recognised in Australia as a distinct community language with its own grammar and lexicon. It is not a word-for-word code for English, and it is not an international system. Describing it as gesture without grammar misrepresents its structure.

Question 46School assessment

A student is unsure whether a sign they have learned is correct. Which approach best reflects good learning practice?

  1. Check with a Deaf Auslan user or a reputable Auslan resource and adjust Correct answer.
  2. Assume the sign is correct because it was seen online once
  3. Invent a new sign to fill the gap
  4. Replace the sign with fingerspelled English permanently

Explanation

Sign accuracy is best confirmed with proficient users or authoritative Auslan resources, since online material varies in quality. Assuming correctness from a single exposure risks entrenching errors. Inventing signs or defaulting to fingerspelling does not build accurate Auslan vocabulary.

Question 47School assessment

Which option best explains the concept of a 'minimal pair' when applied to Auslan?

  1. Two signs that differ in only one parameter and have different meanings Correct answer.
  2. Two signs that share the same meaning but different handshapes
  3. Two signs that are always used in the same sentence
  4. Two signs that are produced by different people

Explanation

A minimal pair consists of two signs that contrast in exactly one parameter, such as handshape, while the others remain the same, and this contrast signals a difference in meaning. This demonstrates that the parameter is linguistically significant. Signs with the same meaning but different forms are variants, not minimal pairs.

Question 48School assessment

Which behaviour would be considered inappropriate when communicating with a Deaf Auslan user?

  1. Speaking to the Deaf person's hearing companion instead of to the Deaf person Correct answer.
  2. Facing the Deaf person directly while signing
  3. Using facial expression to support meaning
  4. Tapping the person's shoulder to gain attention

Explanation

Addressing a hearing companion rather than the Deaf person excludes the Deaf person from the conversation and reflects an audist assumption. Facing the person, gaining attention appropriately and using facial expression are all standard and respectful practices. Direct communication is the expected norm.

Question 49School assessment

An interpreter is asked by a teacher to 'just summarise' a student's signed contribution instead of interpreting it fully. Which response reflects professional practice?

  1. Summarise as asked to save time in class
  2. Interpret the contribution fully, as summarising would alter the student's message Correct answer.
  3. Ask the student to write the contribution instead
  4. Refuse to interpret for the rest of the lesson

Explanation

Interpreters convey the full message faithfully and do not edit or summarise it, because doing so changes what the student has communicated. Summarising could distort or omit the student's meaning and affect how they are assessed. The interpreter's role is to preserve meaning, not to manage classroom time.

Question 50School assessment

Which feature of Auslan most directly supports simultaneous communication of several pieces of information?

  1. The use of a single handshape throughout a conversation
  2. The reliance on fingerspelling for all nouns
  3. The ability to use both hands and non-manual features at the same time Correct answer.
  4. The use of English word order in every sentence

Explanation

Because signing uses a visual-gestural channel, a signer can convey manual information with the hands while simultaneously marking grammar with the face and body. This layering is a distinctive property of signed languages. English word order, fingerspelling and fixed handshapes do not produce this simultaneity.