Visual Arts: How To Ace the Exam (GUIDE)So you're either doing the Visual Arts Exam for HSC, or in the following years? Well you're in the right place. The weeks may appear difficult the weeks prior to an exam, and may appear daunting particularly in Visual Arts where your strength might be only in your Body Of Work. (
Which isn't uncommon.) However, many people fail to do well in both aspects of Visual Arts, so it can scale you extremely well! So let's start from the beginning.
What do you need to know? Section 1. 25 MarksThis consists of 3 smaller marked questions , the first out of 5, the second of 8 and the latter 12 marks.
It is essential that you allocate your time wisely; 8, 16, and 21 minutes respectively.
In order to get the
higher marks in the short answers you need to:
-
Know your Art Terminology. Yes, this is essential to getting a high mark. Know words such as:
appropriation, pastiche etc-
Know what type of work it is. It's a painting, which era? Renaissance? What type? Impressionism? If you can't label what type of artwork style it is, you may lose some important marks.
-
Know your key frames. Subjective Frame? Cultural Frame? These frames are essential, so you know where to allocate your terminology and appropriate use of context.
-
Refer to the artist with their last name. Yes, some people use their first name. Just don't do it.
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Lastly, use correct grammar and sophisticated language. Whilst this isn't as important, it's important that you articulate your argument well.
So it's impressionism, what does it mean? etc Remember, if all else fails you can always conjure random explanations from the air. Just make sure it atleast vaguely connects to the
argument you are attempting to portray. For Example, 'The stark blandness of this room represents the clinical nature of the 1800s in North Korea' Often, under the Artwork, the dates and artist are stated.
Remember, that tiny details such as time are important when making your evaluation in your short answers.Section 2. 25 marks.This perhaps is the only part of the exam that you can actually prepare for. Fortunately, you can remember your pre-prepared essay because there are
8 different
questions you can pick from, and most of the time some of them can connect to your essay.
In order to get a band 6 in your essay you should:
-
Use plenty ofVisual Arts Terminology.
If you don't have any, search them up.
- Use around
2-3 Artists at 2 artworks
each. Write lengthy paragraphs with well-reasoned responses in order to convey your point, thus connecting to the question.
-
Always have a powerful introduction.[/b] Your thesis statement will inevitably connect to your essay question, but is it in depth? Make sure that you have a sophisticated thesis statement.
-
Don't have the vocab of a 12'vie. As stated previously, this will
definetely kill
your marks. Read a dictionary, or read some stories
or fanfic. That boosted my friend's vocabulary.
-
Remember your Topic Sentences, Artwork Name & Year, Artist Name (And DOB preferably) and Analysis.
(
This may be the most important.)
Lastly,
good luck! The Exam is very short, unlike others so you definitely have time to ace this exam! Make sure to be
well rested the night before, and don't revise last minute because the short answer section requires fast-thinking!