Taking a long look at short answers

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In the NSW Economics HSC exam, short answer questions constitute 40 per cent of the marks on offer. 

For context: this is the same weighting as the two extended response questions. So it’s hard to do very well on the exam without performing to a high standard on the ‘shorts’.

Short answers are difficult. Students must be precise because no half marks are given. I find that students get frustrated in terms of how they should structure their responses. Do they need definitions? Stats? Quotes? Graphs? Should they write just the amount of lines or go over? 

“I no longer give students ‘model’ answers...what I find useful is giving students an idea of how to approach specific questions; to give them a process.
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Initially, I’d deal with this frustration by giving students ‘model’ answers for this section. I’d write carefully crafted responses that went into substantial detail. I don’t do this anymore. This is because short answers can be answered in myriad ways. Also, questions are rarely asked in identical ways, so what’s the point in receiving a ‘model’ answer?

Instead, what I find useful is giving students an idea of how to approach specific questions; to give them a process. I work with them in class to list bullet points of what we could include in a response, including relevant theory and evidence. My hope is that, over time, this process will give them the confidence to attack whatever short response they’re given.

I’ve included links below to my walk through of the 2016 HSC Economics short answer section (parts one and two). This will give you a good idea of my approach with students...and my refusal to provide sample answers.

Some other ideas for students:

  • Definitions might be relevant. Be guided by the scope of the question.

  • Stats are useful. Look for opportunities to provide relevant evidence, even in relatively small mark questions.

  • Quotes are probably better suited for essays.

  • Graphs can be super relevant. Consider them particularly for trade protection questions.

  • Absolutely go over the lines provided. Provide more rather than less.