Wondering what the current HSC English Advanced Module A: Textual Conversations is all about?
Don’t worry we’ve got you covered with this ultimate guide to Module A: Textual Conversations!
We’ll cover what the module is about, help you understand the rubric, outline the prescribed texts and how you may be assessed for the module.
So, what are you waiting for? Let’s jump right in!
What is Textual Conversations all about?
What does ‘Textual Conversations’ even mean?
Debunking the Textual Conversations Rubric
Prescribed Texts for HSC English: Textual Conversations
How will I be assessed for Module A: Textual Conversations?
What is the current HSC English Module A: Textual Conversations all about?
This current module, similar to the previous Module A, is a comparative study of texts.
You will study a pair of texts that share a direct intertextual relationship. You will examine what they have in common and also how they differ.
Each pairing is made of an earlier text and a more recent text that is either a retelling of, commentary on, or engagement with the older text.
This module is not completely just a contextual study of texts. Along with studying context and the effect of it on the text’s meaning and construction, you also need to explore content, themes and how the texts are made.
If you’re looking for targeted guidance on Module A, get in touch with one of our HSC English Tutors! We are located in the Hills District, with two state-of-the-art campuses and can also meet you wherever you are in the broader Sydney area (in-person or remotely!) Check out the K-12 English support we can provide in Parramatta!
What does ‘Textual Conversations’ even mean?
A ‘textual conversation’ is a metaphor for texts that share a relationship made up of themes ideas, intertextuality and context.
The rubric is your key to unlocking all that this module is about. So read it through carefully. Highlight. Rewrite. Take Notes.
All questions you complete for this module will come from this rubric:
Debunking the Textual Conversations Rubric
A “Comparative Study” means you’ll be looking at the similarities (resonances) and differences (dissonances) between and within the texts. Generally the differences are more prominent and more important.
In this module, you should be thinking about how composers reframe the ideas or concerns of the earlier text in the latter text. Explore whether the relationship works as an affirmation which ‘mirrors or aligns’ or instead does it collide.
You’ll also be required to examine the issues or themes, values, assumptions and perspectives within the texts and explore the influences on the composer’s text. Overt influences such as other texts, social and cultural values and beliefs which can all shape meaning.
You will have to write imaginatively (a.k.a. creative writing), interpretively and critically, and be self-reflective on the learning process and how your knowledge shapes meaning.
“A considered personal perspective” is one of the main points in this rubric. So develop your critical thinking abilities and the process of independent thought. Express your interpretation and evaluation of the texts.
This module assesses your ability to analyse texts and various literary techniques. So you need to pay particular attention to higher order techniques of representation like motif and allusion.
Want to make this term 100x easier? Check out our week-by-week survival guide for the second term of Year 12 to get textual analysis resources, major work help, assessment tips, and more!
Prescribed Texts for HSC English: Textual Conversations
Here is a table of the pairs of texts that you could be asked to study from NESA.
| Text 1 | Text 2 | Themes for Textual Conversations |
|---|---|---|
| King Richard III; William Shakespeare | Looking for Richard, Al Pacino | - Power - Appearance vs. Reality - Villainy and anti-heroes |
| The Tempest; William Shakespeare | Hag-Seed; Margaret Atwood | - Power - Performance - Gender - The Other |
| Mrs Dalloway, Virginia Woolf | The Hours; Stephen Daldry | - Consciousness - Gender - Desire - Time |
| The Stranger; Albert Camus | The Meursault Investigation; Kamel Daoud | - The Human Condition - Absurdism - The Other - Colonialism |
| John Donne: A Selection of His Poetry; John Donne | W;t; Margaret Edson | - The Human Condition - Faith - Mortality - The Purpose of Art |
| The Complete Poems; John Keats | Bright Star; Jane Campion | - The Human Condition - Mortality - Love - The Artistic Process |
| Ariel; Sylvia Plath | Birthday Letters; Ted Hughes | - Relationships - Love - Mental Health - Responsibility |
Check out our guides to analysing the texts below!
How will I be assessed for Module A: Textual Conversations?
Internal Assessment
There have been a few changes to how HSC English will be assessed with the new syllabus:
Based on the current guidelines for assessments, HSC English Advanced students will be given ONE internal assessment specifically for Module A: Textual Conversations.
As there is a cap of 4 internal assessments for HSC English, including the Trial HSC exam, only 3 modules will be formally assessed internally. This means that you may not have a formal essay assessment for Module A before the HSC Trial Exam, but it’s up to your school to decide what assessments you’ll receive internally.
External Assessment
In the HSC English Paper 2 exam, you’ll be formally assessed on Module A: Textual Conversations.
From the information provided by NESA, you’ll have one extended response question for your prescribed texts, which may or may not include a stimulus.
The Module A section of HSC English Paper 2 will be worth 20 marks and students should spend approximately 40 minutes on their response.
Check out this article with 20 practice questions for HSC English Advanced Module A: Textual Conversations!
Doing a creative writing module instead? Check out our ultimate guide to HSC Creative Writing!
Looking for a tutor to support you in HSC English?
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We offer tutoring and mentoring for Years K-12 in a variety of subjects, with personalised lessons conducted one-on-one in your home or at one of our state of the art campuses in Hornsby or the Hills! Our Hills District tutors can help you build your confidence in the subject.
To find out more and get started with an inspirational tutor and mentor get in touch today! Check out our local English Tutoring in Wollongong!
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Anna Dvorak graduated from High School in 2017 and is now studying a Bachelor of Communications, majoring in media, arts & production and journalism, at UTS. Alongside studying, Anna works as an Academic Coach & Mentor at Art of Smart while also doing freelance work. She is very passionate about the art of storytelling and helping people fulfil their potential. In her free time, you’ll find Anna working on her craft, reading, watching Netflix, somewhere outside or catching up on sleep.
