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Advice for teachers -
Classical Studies

Unit 4: Sample approach to developing an assessment task

Area of Study 2: Comparative study

Outcome 2

Compare the ideas and the techniques in two classical works and evaluate the relationships of these works to their sociohistorical contexts.

Essay

An analytical or evaluative essay that requires discussion and the development of an argument on the comparative works selected from the Classical Works List.

Time

This task should be completed in class over approximately 60 minutes. Separate time may be given for planning of the essay.

Requirements

Students respond to a previously unseen essay question. The teacher can determine whether the students are able to access their texts, notes or a quote sheet prepared by the student and checked by the teacher.

Designing the comparative essay question

When developing a comparative essay question for this area of study, the question must allow students to draw on the scope of the key knowledge and key skills. The essay should provide an opportunity for the student to analyse and compare the ideas, techniques and form of both works studied, and evaluate the relationship of the works to their sociohistorical contexts. The essay question must require students to:

  • analyse the ideas presented in classical works
  • analyse the techniques used to express the ideas in classical works
  • analyse the relationship between classical works and their sociohistorical contexts
  • compare and evaluate the ideas, techniques and sociohistorical contexts of classical works
  • construct an argument using evidence from classical works.

A sample comparative essay question could be: ‘It is wisdom that makes a hero great’. Discuss with reference to both Homer’s Odyssey Books 21 and 22 and Sophocles’s Ajax.

Marking the task

The marking scheme used to assess a student’s level of performance should reflect the relevant aspects of the performance descriptors and be explained to students before they commence the task.

Authentication

The teacher must consider the conditions under which the essay is conducted using prepared notes or texts. Because students are able to use notes, it is important that the teacher authenticate these notes. It is recommended that the teacher collects and inspects the quote sheets or note sheets in the lesson prior to the task. The teacher can then re-distribute the sheets during the task. The teacher should also inspect any other material (such as texts) at the beginning of the task. Further information regarding the VCAA authentication rules can be found in the VCAA VCE and VCAL Administrative Handbook.