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STD1 Snapshot: S2 Fundamental Understanding

TOPIC OVERVIEW

  • S2 Relative Frequency and Probability has accounted for an average of 3.4% per Std1 exam since the new course was introduced in 2019. 
  • S2 Relative Frequency and Probability is split into the following two sub-topics for the purposes of this analysis: 1-Fundamental Understanding (0.2%), 2-Relative Frequency (0.7%) and 3-Single and Multi-stage Events (2.5%).
  • This analysis looks at the minor topic area of Fundamental Understanding.

ANALYSIS - Exam history and common pitfalls

  • To date Fundamental Understanding has only appeared in the 2024 Std1 exam.
  • Students need to have a solid conceptual understanding of what ranges are possible for probability (in particular, they cannot > 1) and what probabilities represent likely or unlikely events.
  • A minor contributor where most of the database is taken from past Std2 HSC exams. 

ENGINEERING, TE Communication Snapshot

HISTORICAL CONTRIBUTION

  • Telecommunications has contributed an average of 19.0% per HSC Engineering exam since 2017.
  • This topic has been split into four subtopics for analysis purposes which are: 1-Scope, Historical and Societal Influences (2.6%), 2-Materials (6.0%), 3-Electricity/Electronics (9.0%) and 4-Communication (1.9%).
  • This analysis looks at the subtopic, Communication.

HSC ANALYSIS - What to expect and common pitfalls

  • Communication is a minor contributing topic within Telecommunications that has nonetheless appeared in longer response questions three times in the last 5 years (most recently in 2024).
  • Pictoral sketching given orthoganol drawings/views is the key skill of this topic area (review 2024 HSC 23c, 2022 HSC 22d and 2020 HSC 27b).

ENGINEERING, TE Electricity/Electronics Snapshot

HISTORICAL CONTRIBUTION

  • Telecommunications has contributed an average of 19.0% per HSC Engineering exam since 2017.
  • This topic has been split into four subtopics for analysis purposes which are: 1-Scope, Historical and Societal Influences (2.6%), 2-Materials (6.0%), 3-Electricity/Electronics (9.0%) and 4-Communication (1.9%).
  • This analysis looks at the subtopic Electricity/Electronics.

HSC ANALYSIS - What to expect and common pitfalls

  • Electricity/Electronics is the largest contributing topic within the Telecommunications module, averaging over two longer response and two multiple-choice questions per year in the period 2020-25.
  • Radio transmission was examined via multiple-choice in 2024 but more importantly, attracted significant mark allocations in the 2019-2020 period (review the 9-mark 2019 HSC 26b).
  • Television/Telephony has been examined broadly (most recently in 2023). Students have been tested on their knowledge of increasing antennae strength, 5G vs 4G networks, benefits of digital transmission and placement of repeater transmitters on a mobile phone tower.
  • Logic Gates/Circuits have been examined every year since 2017 in questions worth anywhere from 1-5 marks that typically test in the band 4-5 difficulty range (2025 was a single MC question). 
  • Satellites have appeared in 5 of the last 6 HSC exams (absent 2025), including 2023 HSC 25c and 2021 HSC 24c that tested the basic principles of GPS positioning and low orbit telecommunication systems, producing sub-50% mean marks.
  • Circuits were tested in the 2022-23 exams but absent in 2024-25. An important theme looks at the identification and function of various diodes.

ENGINEERING, TE Materials Snapshot

HISTORICAL CONTRIBUTION

  • Telecommunications has contributed an average of 19.0% per HSC Engineering exam since 2017.
  • This topic has been split into four subtopics for analysis purposes which are: 1-Scope, Historical and Societal Influences (2.6%), 2-Materials (6.0%), 3-Electricity/Electronics (9.0%) and 4-Communication (1.9%).
  • This analysis looks at the subtopic, Materials.

HSC ANALYSIS - What to expect and common pitfalls

  • Materials have been examined in at least one longer response question per exam in the period 2020-25 (absent only in 2019) as well as multiple-choice question(s) every year over the same period.
  • Specialised testing questions have looked at voltage (2021 HSC 24b) and insulation testing (review the challenging 2022 HSC 25a) .
  • Insulation and Polymers have been examined in 5 of the last 6 exams in a mixture of mid-difficulty longer answer and multiple-choice. Justifying the use of a material by specifying its properties is a consistent theme.
  • Fibre optics have been examined 5 times in the last 6 years, causing problems on a majority of occasions (review 2021 HSC 26d, 2024 HSC 17 MC and 2022 HSC 14 MC).
  • Copper and its alloys are a semi-regular contributor with some important revision questions that caused problems (see 2021 HSC 15 MC, 2018 HSC 19 MC and 2020 HSC 21d).
  • Semi-conductors were examined in the 2024 HSC after a long absence ("must review" question, see 2017 HSC 23b).
  • Device casings are a sneaky contributor to past HSC exams and deserve attention (see 2024 HSC 23d and 2022 HSC 22c).

ENGINEERING, TE Scope, Historical and Societal Snapshot

HISTORICAL CONTRIBUTION

  • Telecommunications has contributed an average of 19.0% per HSC Engineering exam since 2017.
  • This topic has been split into four subtopics for analysis purposes which are: 1-Scope, Historical and Societal Influences (2.6%), 2-Materials (6.0%), 3-Electricity/Electronics (9.0%) and 4-Communication (1.9%).
  • This analysis looks at the subtopic Scope, Historical and Societal Influences.

HSC ANALYSIS - What to expect and common pitfalls

  • Scope, Historical and Societal Influences has been tested via longer answer questions in 4 of the last 5 years (including twice in 2024 and 2020) as well as occasional multiple-choice.
  • Professional Scope was last examined in 2023 and prior to that, twice in the 2020 exam. 2020 HSC 5 MC produced a mean mark of just 40% and deserves attention.
  • Innovation within the Telecommunications sector has been tested three times since 2020. Themes include satellite coverage of rural areas (2024 HSC 24), ethical considerations around smart watch development (2022 HSC 22a) and choose and explain any innovation in voice communications (2020 HSC 21a).
  • Historical Developments from morse code to bakelite phones to smart phones formed the basis of 2016 HSC 22a and should be reviewed.

ENGINEERING, PPT Communication Snapshot

HISTORICAL CONTRIBUTION

  • Personal and Public Transport has contributed an average of 30.3% per HSC Engineering exam since 2017.
  • This topic has been split into five sub-categories for analysis purposes which are: 1-Historical and Societal Influences (1.8%), 2-Mechanics (8.4%), 3-Materials (8.7%), 4-Electricity/Electronics (5.1%) and 5-Communication (6.3%).
  • This analysis looks at the subtopic, Communication.

HSC ANALYSIS - What to expect and common pitfalls

  • Sectional views is easily the most examined content area within Communications, attracting a long response question in 8 of the last 9 exams (absent only in 2020).
  • High mark allocations and low mean marks make this a key revision area (review 2024 HSC 27c, 2023 HSC 27b and 2021 HSC 24d). 
  • Orthogonal drawings are another commonly tested subtopic last examined in 2021-22, causing problems on both occasions. 
  • AS 1100 standards, as well as being critical in both Sectional View sketching and Orthogonal Drawings, are also regularly tested in challenging multiple-choice questions (review the difficult 2018 HSC 4 MC).
  • As previously noted, questions in this subtopic have a significant overlap with the Communication subtopic within other Engineering modules due to the extremely broad nature of many of the questions.

ENGINEERING, PPT Electricity/Electronics Snapshot

HISTORICAL CONTRIBUTION

  • Personal and Public Transport has contributed an average of 30.3% per HSC Engineering exam since 2017.
  • This topic has been split into five sub-categories for analysis purposes which are: 1-Historical and Societal Influences (1.8%), 2-Mechanics (8.4%), 3-Materials (8.7%), 4-Electricity/Electronics (5.1%) and 5-Communication (6.3%).
  • This analysis looks at the subtopic, Electricity/Electronics.

HSC ANALYSIS - What to expect and common pitfalls

  • Electrical Systems/Power generation was examined each year in the period 2019-21 but notably not since. Questions may require a "prepared" answer (2016 HSC 22b) or present an applied context (2020 HSC 23c, 2019 HSC 26a).
  • Circuit diagrams have been examined every year since 2018, evenly split between longer answer and multiple-choice.  2023 HSC 23a tested students' knowledge of circuit diagram symbols in a novel way and is important revision.
  • Electrical motors is a regularly examined content area that has significant overlap with multiple other categories in Electricity/Electronics. Generic questions can simply look at the benefits of electric motors (2018 HSC 21b) to more challenging ones that look at how the speed of the motor can be controlled (2020 HSC 26d, 2020 HSC 6 MC)
  • Control technology/Safety within self-driving cars was last examined in 2021 HSC 25a after attracting significant mark allocations in the 2018 exam. An important and topical area for revision attention.

ENGINEERING, PPT Materials Snapshot

HISTORICAL CONTRIBUTION

  • Personal and Public Transport (PPT) has contributed an average of 30.3% per HSC Engineering exam since 2017.
  • This topic has been split into five sub-categories for analysis purposes which are: 1-Historical and Societal Influences (1.8%), 2-Mechanics (8.4%), 3-Materials (8.7%), 4-Electricity/Electronics (5.1%) and 5-Communication (6.3%).
  • This analysis looks at the subtopic, Materials.

HSC ANALYSIS - What to expect and common pitfalls

  • Materials is a major contributor to the PPT module which has averaged two longer answer questions (or part thereof) per exam since 2020, as well as multiple-choice in 7 of the past 8 years.
  • Manufacturing processes for ferrous materials is commonly examined content appearing in every exam between 2020-24, predominantly via longer answer questions.
  • Students should not only be familiar with different manufacturing processes by name (2018 HSC 23a), but also be able to compare processes (2021 HSC 22b) and describe them in step-by-step detail (2020 HSC 24b).
  • Heat treatment of ferrous materials has been examined four times in longer response since 2019 (most recently in 2024).
  • Drawing diagrams to illustrate changes in micro/macrostructure during manufacturing processes is regularly tested and key revision (see 2023 HSC 24b, 2019 HSC 24b and 2022 HSC 23c).
  • Ceramics, laminated glass and polymers have been examined within the context of PPT 5 times in the last 8 years (most recently in 2023).

ENGINEERING, PPT Mechanics Snapshot

HISTORICAL CONTRIBUTION

  • Personal and Public Transport has contributed an average of 30.3% per HSC Engineering exam since 2017.
  • This topic has been split into five sub-categories for analysis purposes which are: 1-Historical and Societal Influences (1.8%), 2-Mechanics (8.4%), 3-Materials (8.7%), 4-Electricity/Electronics (5.1%) and 5-Communication (6.3%).
  • This analysis looks at the subtopic, Mechanics.

HSC ANALYSIS - What to expect and common pitfalls

  • Mechanics has attracted at least one longer answer question every year since 2020 (including 2 in 2023), as well as two multiple-choice questions most years.
  • Simple Machines look at mechanical advantage, velocity ratio and efficiency and have been examined in 7 of the last 8 years, primarily via multiple-choice. Note that longer answer questions appeared in 2022 and 2017 (review the challenging 2017 HSC 21c).
  • Friction is a consistently tested concept, appearing in 4 of the last 5 HSC exams (most recently in 2024). Within this area, students must be competent in dealing with normal forces, inclined planes and labelling diagrams with forces (2023 HSC 25d a high band test of this area).
  • Work, Energy and Power calculations were tested 4 times in the last 6 years (most recently in 2024). Sub-50% mean marks on a majority of these occasions make this subtopic an important revision focus area.
  • Conservation of Energy is an important concept that was tested within Mechanics in 2023 (mean mark 48%) and each year between 2017-2019.

ENGINEERING, PPT Historical and Societal Snapshot

HISTORICAL CONTRIBUTION

  • Personal and Public Transport has contributed an average of 30.3% per HSC Engineering exam since 2017.
  • This topic has been split into five sub-categories for analysis purposes which are: 1-Historical and Societal Influences (1.8%), 2-Mechanics (8.4%), 3-Materials (8.7%), 4-Electricity/Electronics (5.1%) and 5-Communication (6.3%).
  • This analysis looks at the smallest subtopic, Historical and Societal Influences.

HSC ANALYSIS - What to expect and common pitfalls

  • Historical and Societal Influences is easily the smallest contributor to this topic area, accounting for an average of 1.8% per exam.
  • Transport system development and innovation are very closely related and have been tested through the development of the bicycle (2020 and 2017) and roller-coaster (2023) . 
  • The environment and in particular, the CO2 emissions of various modes of transport is important revision which has been tested in four questions since 2016.
  • 2016 HSC 27b is a must review 7-mark question in this area that covers both emissions in multiple transport modes and the engineering innovation response.

ENGINEERING, AE Communication Snapshot

HISTORICAL CONTRIBUTION

  • Aeronautical Engineering has contributed an average of 23.5% per HSC Engineering exam since 2017.
  • This topic has been split into four sub-topics for analysis purposes which are: 1-Scope, Historical and Societal Influences (3.9%), 2-Mechanics and Hydraulics (8.0%), 3-Materials (6.5%) and 4-Communication (5.1%).
  • This analysis looks at the subtopic, Communication.

HSC ANALYSIS - What to expect and common pitfalls

  • Communication within the Aeronautical Engineering module has appeared in the longer answer section each year in the period 2019-24 (notably three times in 2023) as well as via multiple-choice in a majority of exams.
  • Transition pieces is regularly tested, appearing every year between 2022-24 (the challenging 2022 HSC 27b is a "must review" question).
  • Orthogonal Drawings were tested in 2020 and caused problems (review 2020 HSC 21c).
  • CAD is a sneaky contributor, examined in the longer section in the 2022-24 papers in 2-3 mark low-band questions. 
  • It must be noted that questions in this subtopic have a significant overlap with Scope, Historical and Societal Influences within the Aeronautical module, as well as the Communication subtopic within other Engineering modules due the broad nature of questions in this area.

ENGINEERING, AE Materials Snapshot

HISTORICAL CONTRIBUTION

  • Aeronautical Engineering has contributed an average of 23.5% per HSC Engineering exam since 2017.
  • This topic has been split into four sub-categories for analysis purposes which are: 1-Scope, Historical and Societal Influences (3.9%), 2-Mechanics and Hydraulics (8.0%), 3-Materials (6.5%) and 4-Communication (5.1%).
  • This analysis looks at the subtopic, Materials.

HSC ANALYSIS - What to expect and common pitfalls

  • Specialist testing of aircraft materials was last examined in a 2022 multiple-choice question and before that in a more substantial 4-mark question looking at landing gear testing (2020 HSC 22c).
  • Metal Alloys and the change in their properties under different treatments attracted significant mark allocations in the period 2017-2019 which should be the basis of any revision of this content area.
  • 2019 HSC 25b and 2019 HSC 24a both required comparisons between metal alloys and other composites such as carbon fibre and deserve revision attention.
  • Thermosetting polymers have been tested in 2023 and 2021, with 2023 HSC 21d a "must review" question that produced a state mean mark of just 36%.
  • Students must be able to efficiently summarise the manufacturing and in-service benefits of composites such as Kevlar, carbon fibre (2021 HSC 23d) and FML (2024 HSC 22d). Manufacturing descriptions have caused particular issues and 2017 HSC 22b and 2016 HSC 25aii are important revision examples.
  • Corrosion has been examined 3 times in the last 5 years (most recently 2022). Questions range from high difficulty multiple-choice (2017 HSC 17 MC) to 2-3 mark longer response (2022 HSC 24b, 2021 HSC 23a).

ENGINEERING, AE Mechanics and Hydraulics Snapshot

HISTORICAL CONTRIBUTION

  • Aeronautical Engineering has contributed an average of 23.5% per HSC Engineering exam since 2017.
  • This topic has been split into four sub-topics for analysis purposes which are: 1-Scope, Historical and Societal Influences (3.9%), 2-Mechanics and Hydraulics (8.0%), 3-Materials (6.5%) and 4-Communication (5.1%).
  • This analysis looks at the largest sub-topic, Mechanics and Hydraulics.

HSC ANALYSIS - What to expect and common pitfalls

  • Fundamental flight mechanics of lift, thrust and drag represent the most commonly tested content within Mechanics and Hydraulics. A heavily examined content area appearing in both the longer answer and multiple-choice sections in 5 of the last 6 years (absent only in 2020).
  • While a majority of this subject is examined within an aeroplane context, we note that drones (2016), hydrofoils (2019) and yachts (2019) have also featured and should be revised.
  • Bending Stress returned in 2024 in a challenging 6-mark question after an absence of 4 years (review the challenging 2024 HSC 26c and 2019 HSC 24c).
  • Propulsion Systems were examined via multiple-choice in 2024 and each year in the period 2018-20, as well as a broad descriptive 3-mark question in 2018 HSC 25a. 
  • Fluid Mechanics has been examined in 5 out of the last 6 years, including longer answer questions in the 2020 and 2017 exams. 2024 HSC 8 MC, 2023 HSC 6 MC and 2020 HSC 22d each caused problems and are "must review" questions in this area.

ENGINEERING, AE Scope, Historical and Societal Snapshot

HISTORICAL CONTRIBUTION

  • Aeronautical Engineering has contributed an average of 23.5% per HSC Engineering exam since 2017.
  • This topic has been split into four sub-categories for analysis purposes which are: 1-Scope, Historical and Societal Influences (3.9%), 2-Mechanics and Hydraulics (8.0%), 3-Materials (6.5%) and 4-Communication (5.1%).
  • This analysis looks at the subtopic Scope, Historical and Societal Influences.

HSC ANALYSIS - What to expect and common pitfalls

  • Innovation is easily the most examined content area, appearing in the longer response section in 4 exams since 2019 (most recently in 2023).
  • Questions can be extremely broad and allow students to select their own pre-prepared examples of innovation (2020 HSC 22a) or refer to specific component design such as propellers (2022 HSC 24a).
  • Innovation within the context of yacht design was the subject of two 3-mark questions in 2019 that deserve revision attention.
  • Professional Scope has appeared via multiple-choice each year between 2019-21 but not since.
  • Historical Development has looked at the materials that are used to make aeroplane wings (2020) and a comparison of flight control systems (2016). The latter required a contrast of two given systems and we recommend students review the table format as an efficient and effective answer strategy.
  • Aircraft Safety was examined in 2024 and 2021, looking at black box data recorders (on two separate occasions) and a broad question requiring examples of the ways engineers have improved safety (see 2021 HSC 23b).

ENGINEERING, CS Communication Snapshot

HISTORICAL CONTRIBUTION

  • Civil Structures has contributed an average of 26.7% per HSC Engineering exam since 2017.
  • This topic has been split into four sub-categories for analysis purposes which are: 1-Historical and Societal Influences (1.1%), 2-Mechanics (16.8%), 3-Materials (6.7%) and 4-Communication (2.1%).
  • This analysis looks at the subtopic, Communication.

HSC ANALYSIS - What to expect and common pitfalls

  • AS 1100 standards are the most examined content area within Communication, appearing 5 times in the last 8 years (most recently in 2024), predominantly in multiple-choice.
  • Students should have an efficient summary of the general benefits of AS 1100 standards prepared (2016 HSC 23a) as well as an in-depth knowledge of specific drawing representations.
  • Orthogonal Drawings have been examined in both longer answer (most recently 2024) and multiple-choice questions (see 2024 HSC 21d, 2020 HSC 24d and the challenging 2020 HSC 17 MC).
  • Questions looking at Freehand Drawing and CAD can be broad enough to apply to the Communication subtopic of all Engineering Modules. 2021 HSC 27 is a classic example, attracting a huge 8-mark allocation. We recommend students prepare efficient summaries of this topic area that they can quickly synthesise into specific questions.

ENGINEERING, CS Materials Snapshot

HISTORICAL CONTRIBUTION

  • Civil Structures has contributed an average of 26.7% per HSC Engineering exam since 2017.
  • This topic has been split into four sub-categories for analysis purposes which are: 1-Historical and Societal Influences (1.1%), 2-Mechanics (16.8%), 3-Materials (6.7%) and 4-Communication (2.1%).
  • This analysis looks at the subtopic, Materials.

HSC ANALYSIS - What to expect and common pitfalls

  • Materials has contributed an average of two longer answer questions per exam since 2016 as well as an average of 1.5 multiple-choice questions.
  • Concrete is the most commonly tested content area, appearing in the multiple-choice section in 2023-24 and 3-mark longer answer questions in 2020-2021 (review the difficult 2021 HSC 21c).
  • Specialised Testing has been examined in challenging multiple-choice questions each year between 2018-2021, together with a 4-mark longer response question in 2019 HSC 21c that caused problems and deserves attention.
  • Laminates (including laminated timber) are a commonly tested composite, examined in longer response questions 4 times in the last 6 years, most recently in 2023 in a broad "provide suitable building materials" style question. 
  • Geotextiles were examined in the longer answer section of the 2024 exam and via multiple-choice in 2022. An important area that can attract high mark allocations on occasion (review 2016 HSC 23b).
  • Corrosion was examined in 2024 and 2020-21. 2020 HSC 26a is a "must review" question that required examples (plural) of corrosion prevention.
  • Other Materials/Composites have looked at treated pine and asphalt in the last decade, with meaningful mark allocations on both occasions. 

ENGINEERING, CS Mechanics Snapshot

HISTORICAL CONTRIBUTION

  • Civil Structures has contributed an average of 26.7% per HSC Engineering exam since 2017.
  • This topic has been split into four sub-categories for analysis purposes which are: 1-Historical and Societal Influences (1.1%), 2-Mechanics (16.8%), 3-Materials (6.7%) and 4-Communication (2.1%).
  • This analysis looks at the largest subtopic, Mechanics.

HSC ANALYSIS - What to expect and common pitfalls

  • Mechanics within the Civil Structures Module is the 550-pound Silverback of the Engineering rainforest that beats its chest every year! It is comfortably the largest contributing subtopic within any module, accounting for a huge 16.8% of the exam since 2017.
  • Truss Analysis has been examined with significant mark allocations every year between 2019-2024. Question difficulty is typically at the band 5-6 level making this a critical revision area.
  • Bending Stress induced by point loads is another commonly tested content area (last examined in 2024). Students must be confident in drawing both shear force and bending moment diagrams which have both been required in the same question in 4 of the last 7 exams (most recently in 2023).
  • Shear and Compressive Stress has been examined in longer answer questions worth 2-3 marks in 5 of the last 7 exams (most recently in 2024). Historically, this content has proven challenging and deserves revision attention.
  • Stress-strain analysis, calculations and diagrams represent another important subtopic which has also consistently produced low mean marks and should be a revision focus.

ENGINEERING, CS History and Society Snapshot

HISTORICAL CONTRIBUTION

  • Civil Structures has contributed an average of 26.7% per HSC Engineering exam since 2017.
  • This topic has been split into four sub-categories for analysis purposes which are: 1-Historical and Societal Influences (1.1%), 2-Mechanics (16.8%), 3-Materials (6.7%) and 4-Communication (2.1%).
  • This analysis looks at the smallest subtopic, Historical and Societal Influences.

HSC ANALYSIS - What to expect and common pitfalls

  • Historical and Societal Influences is a minor contributor to Civil Structures that has been examined almost exclusively via multiple-choice with the exception of 2024 and 2021 where it was tested in a 2-mark low difficulty questions.
  • The most common content area examined looks at different types of bridges, their characteristics and associated structural advantages (most recently examined in 2023).
  • The chronology of the use of building materials such as stone, timber, iron, cast steel and stainless steel was tested twice in 2019 multiple-choice and deserves revision attention.

STD1 Snapshot: F3 Credit Cards

TOPIC OVERVIEW

  • F3 Depreciation and Loans has accounted for a substantial average of 8.3% per Std1 exam since it was introduced in 2019.
  • We have split this area into its three subtopics for analysis purposes: 1-Loans (2.3%), 2-Credit Cards (3.0%) and 3-Declining Balance Depreciation (3.0%).
  • This analysis looks at the topic Credit Cards.

ANALYSIS - Exam history and common pitfalls

  • Credit cards have been examined in the longer answer section of 4 of the 7 new syllabus Std1 exams to date (most recently 2025), as well as via multiple-choice in 2023 Std1 5 MC.
  • Each longer answer question involved a combination of high mark allocations and low mean marks, making it an important topic area for revision.
  • Calculating daily interest rates is a core competency that is required in every credit card question.
  • Applying the correct number of days for the compounding formula has proven very challenging for a majority of students and represents a key understanding in this area.
  • 2021 Std1 30 and 2019 Std1 32 required students to calculate a credit card's minimum payment. Revision attention required here.

EXT2 N2 Snapshot: Geometrical Implications

HISTORICAL CONTRIBUTION

  • N2 Using Complex Numbers has contributed a substantial 16.0% per new syllabus Ext2 exam since it was introduced in 2020.
  • We have split this topic into two categories for analysis purposes which are: 1-Solving Equations With Complex Numbers (9.8%) and 2-Geometrical Implications of Complex Numbers (6.2%).
  • This analysis looks at Geometrical Implications of Complex Numbers.

HSC ANALYSIS - What to expect and common pitfalls

  • Geometrical Implications of Complex Numbers (6.2%) surprised to the upside in the 3-year period from 2023-25 with a total of 7 longer answer questions and 4 multiple choice questions appearing over this time.
  • An important take home in looking at this topic area is the high level of difficulty of the questions, with sub-25% mean marks not uncommon (see 2023 Ext2 16a, 2022 Ext2 16a and 2021 Ext2 16c).
  • Sketching regions has been examined five times, most recently in 2025. This topic area covers a very broad spectrum of difficulty (band 3-6) and any revision should reflect this. 
  • Geometrical rotation on the complex number plane is a critical concept that examiners hammer and must be well understood! This can involve exponential form (see 2023 Ext2 16a and 2020 Ext2 14a) or Cartesian expressions of the associated complex numbers (see 2025 Ext2 11a).
  • 2021 Ext2 10 MC combined both vectors and complex numbers in a high difficulty question deserving attention.

EXT2 N2 Snapshot: Solving Equations With Complex Numbers

HISTORICAL CONTRIBUTION

  • N2 Using Complex Numbers has contributed a substantial 16.0% per new syllabus Ext2 exam since it was introduced in 2020.
  • We have split this topic into two categories for analysis purposes which are: 1-Solving Equations With Complex Numbers (9.8%) and 2-Geometrical Implications of Complex Numbers (6.2%).
  • This analysis looks at the largest subtopic, Solving Equations With Complex Numbers.

HSC ANALYSIS - What to expect and common pitfalls

  • Solving Equations With Complex Numbers (9.8%) is the 600-pound Silverback of N2 Using Complex Numbers, contributing an average of two longer answer questions per new syllabus exam, as well as multiple choice questions in 4 out of 6 years.
  • Finding quadratic roots is the most common question type, tested every new syllabus exam except 2024 (toughest examples include 2025 Ext2 14c(ii) and 2022 Ext2 13c(ii)).
  • Cubic roots and greater have also been prominent, appearing every year since 2021, including twice in 2025 - 2025 Ext2 15c, 2024 Ext2 16b and 2022 Ext2 16d are very challenging questions in this area.
  • Exponential form can be explicitly required within questions (see 2023 Ext2 12d, 2022 Ext2 12e and 2021 Ext2 14c) or a strategy choice that can simplify calculations (see 2025 Ext2 15c(i), 2022 Ext2 16d).
  • A deep understanding of conjugate roots is critical to success in this topic, and has been a feature of solving questions in 5 of the last 6 years.
  • This is a topic area where examiners can throw the kitchen sink at students! 2024 Ext2 16d and 2022 Ext2 16d are two great examples of the higher levels of difficulty possible.

EXT2 Snapshot: N1 Arithmetic of Complex Numbers

HISTORICAL CONTRIBUTION

  • N1 Introduction to Complex Numbers has contributed 7.9% per new syllabus Ext2 exam since it was introduced in 2020.
  • We have split this topic into three categories for analysis purposes which are: 1-Arithmetic of Complex Numbers (3.7%), 2-Argand Diagrams and Mod/Arg Form (1.2%) and 3-Exponential Form (3.0%).
  • This analysis looks at Arithmetic of Complex Numbers.

HSC ANALYSIS - What to expect and common pitfalls

  • Arithmetic of Complex Numbers (3.7%) is the definition of low hanging fruit within the Extension 2 course.
  • It has been examined in the longer answer section of every new syllabus exam to date (including twice in 2024 and 2021).
  • This topic requires core competency in calculations involving complex numbers and basic operators, as well as factorisation and dealing with conjugates.
  • A relatively challenging area in this topic is calculating the square root of a complex number in form  `z=a+ib` (see 2025 Ext2 3 MC, 2021 Ext2 11d).
  • Calculations involving the modulus of a complex number is a core skill. 2024 Ext2 12c tested this content to a higher degree of difficulty and is important revision.

EXT2 V1 Snapshot: Vectors and Vector Equations of Lines

HISTORICAL CONTRIBUTION

  • V1 Working With Vectors has contributed an impressive 18.2% per new syllabus Ext2 exam since it was introduced in 2020.
  • We have split this topic into three categories for analysis purposes which are: 1-Basic Concepts and Arithmetic (4.5%), 2-Vectors and Geometry (7.7%) and 3-Vectors and Vector Equations of Lines (6.0%).
  • This analysis looks at Vectors and Vector Equations of Lines.

HSC ANALYSIS - What to expect and common pitfalls

  • Vectors and Vector Equations of Lines (6.0%) has received significant allocations of 8+ marks each year in the 2024-25 period and must be a revision focus topic.
  • Competency in calculations relating to parallel vectors (2023, 2022), perpendicular vectors (2025, 2024, 2021) and vector intersection (2024, 2020) is required. Most are low difficulty examiner gifts worth 2–3 marks, although 2025 Ext2 16c, 2024 Ext2 12e and 2023 Ext2 5 MC are more challenging and warrant attention.
  • Finding the equation of a line between 2 points has been examined 4 times, most recently in both 2024-25, and is key revision.
  • Converting from vector to Cartesian form (and less often vice versa) is an important skill that has already been required in 2 separate questions (2020 Ext2 3 MC and 2022 Ext2 11e).
  • Curved vectors have proven challenging with 2025 Ext2 10 MC and 2021 Ext2 7 MC the deserving revision attention.

EXT2 V1 Snapshot: Vectors and Geometry

HISTORICAL CONTRIBUTION

  • V1 Working With Vectors has contributed an impressive 18.2% per new syllabus Ext2 exam since it was introduced in 2020.
  • We have split this topic into three categories for analysis purposes which are: 1-Basic Concepts and Arithmetic (4.5%), 2-Vectors and Geometry (7.7%) and 3-Vectors and Vector Equations of Lines (6.0%).
  • This analysis looks at Vectors and Geometry.

HSC ANALYSIS - What to expect and common pitfalls

  • Vectors and Geometry (7.7%) is the new 550-pound Silverback in the Ext2 rainforest that has appeared in the longer answer section of every new syllabus exam, including multiple high mark, high difficulty questions in the 2023-24 period.
  • While the scope of questions examiners can ask is extremely broad, we have categorised them into 2D and 3D shapes which is a good starting point for structured revision in our view.
  • The most common question type has looked at pyramids, both square (2021) and triangular (2023, 2022).
  • 2D quadrilaterals and triangles were the subject of 2025 Ext2 15a, 2024 Ext2 14e, 2023 Ext2 11d and 2020 Ext2 15b. Any revision here should feature examples involving geometric ratios.
  • 2023 Ext2 15c and 2021 Ext2 16a are important revision questions that looked at spheres and caused major issues.

EXT2 V1 Snapshot: Basic Concepts and Arithmetic

HISTORICAL CONTRIBUTION

  • V1 Working With Vectors has contributed an impressive 18.2% per new syllabus Ext2 exam since it was introduced in 2020.
  • We have split this topic into three categories for analysis purposes which are: 1-Basic Concepts and Arithmetic (4.5%), 2-Vectors and Geometry (7.7%) and 3-Vectors and Vector Equations of Lines (6.0%).
  • This analysis looks at Basic Concepts and Arithmetic.

HSC ANALYSIS - What to expect and common pitfalls

  • Basic Concepts and Arithmetic (4.5%) has been examined in longer answer questions in every new syllabus Ext2 exam to date (twice in 2025), as well as multiple choice in 3 of those years.
  • While a majority of questions have been examiner softballs in the band 2–3 range (see 2024 Ext2 12a), difficulty can sporadically be dialled up (see 2023 Ext2 10 MC). 
  • Angles between vectors has been the most commonly tested topic, examined and well answered each year in the period 2020-2023 (we note 2024 Ext2 10 MC was an outlier of much higher difficulty).
  • Vector projection/unit vectors have appeared in the longer answer section in both 2025 Ext2 13b and 2024 Ext2 12a. An important area to revise thoroughly (note 2021 Ext2 10 MC represents the upper level of difficulty in this area).

EXT2 Snapshot: C1 Recurrence Relations

HISTORICAL CONTRIBUTION

  • C1 Integration has contributed a highly significant 17.7% per new syllabus Ext2 exam since it was introduced in 2020.
  • We have split this topic into five categories for analysis purposes which are: 1-Trig Integration (3.5%), 2-Substitution and Harder Integration (3.7%), 3-Partial Fractions (3.0%), 4-Integration by Parts (1.5%) and 5-Recurrence Relations (6.0%).
  • This analysis looks at the largest sub-topic Recurrence Relations.

HSC ANALYSIS - What to expect and common pitfalls

  • Recurrence Relations (6.0%) has received significant mark allocations in all new syllabus exams to date, a trend we expect to continue.
  • Recurrence Relations regularly appear in large cross topic questions that have incorporated Induction (2022), Solids of Revolution (2021) and multiple other challenging proofs (2020).
  • The most common underlying equations have been log and exponentials (2023, 2022 and 2021). Although generally well answered, 2023 Ext2 15a is the exception and deserves specific revision attention.
  • Trig underlying equations were last examined in 2025 Ext2 14a, but are generally less common and have historically proven very challenging (see 2020 Ext2 16b).
  • Due to the high mark allocations and relative difficulty of this topic, it is a key revision focus area where students can outperform.

EXT2 Snapshot: C1 Integration By Parts

HISTORICAL CONTRIBUTION

  • C1 Integration has contributed a highly significant 17.7% per new syllabus Ext2 exam since it was introduced in 2020.
  • We have split this topic into five categories for analysis purposes which are: 1-Trig Integration (3.5%), 2-Substitution and Harder Integration (3.7%), 3-Partial Fractions (3.0%), 4-Integration by Parts (1.5%) and 5-Recurrence Relations (6.0%).
  • This analysis looks at Integration by Parts.

HSC ANALYSIS - What to expect and common pitfalls

  • Integration by Parts (1.5%) has been examined in new syllabus exams via longer answer questions (2025, 2024 and 2020) as well as multiple choice in 2021.
  • This modest contribution belies its importance as it is tested virtually every year within the much larger Recurrence Relation topic which is covered in a separate topic analysis.
  • This topic area is typically examiners serving up band 3-4 scones with jam and cream. One exception is 2014 Ext2 16c which combines substitution with integration by parts and represents the upper most level of difficulty students will encounter.

EXT2 Snapshot: C1 Partial Fractions

HISTORICAL CONTRIBUTION

  • C1 Integration has contributed a highly significant 17.7% per new syllabus Ext2 exam since it was introduced in 2020.
  • We have split this topic into five categories for analysis purposes which are: 1-Trig Integration (3.5%), 2-Substitution and Harder Integration (3.7%), 3-Partial Fractions (3.0%), 4-Integration by Parts (1.5%) and 5-Recurrence Relations (6.0%).
  • This analysis looks at Partial Fractions.

HSC ANALYSIS - What to expect and common pitfalls

  • Partial Fractions (3.0%) has been examined in each exam between 2021-2025 in band 3 difficulty questions worth 3–4 marks each (absent in 2020).
  • In each new syllabus exams to date, no indication of the structure of the partial fraction was provided although historically this guidance is given half the time.
  • This question type is Extension 2's version of low lying fruit. We note that the difficulty level is sometimes ratcheted up. 2011 Ext2 7b is case in point which produced a 36% mean mark and deserves attention.
  • The database provides questions where the denominator is a quadratic as well as the slightly more difficult cubic/degree 4 polynomial. Any revision should cover multiple examples of both types.

EXT2 Snapshot: C1 Substitution and Harder Integration

HISTORICAL CONTRIBUTION

  • C1 Integration has contributed a highly significant 17.7% per new syllabus Ext2 exam since it was introduced in 2020.
  • We have split this topic into five categories for analysis purposes which are: 1-Trig Integration (3.5%), 2-Substitution and Harder Integration (3.7%), 3-Partial Fractions (3.0%), 4-Integration by Parts (1.5%) and 5-Recurrence Relations (6.0%).
  • This analysis looks at Substitution and Harder Integration.

HSC ANALYSIS - What to expect and common pitfalls

  • Substitution and Harder Integration (3.7%) has been tested via longer answer questions in 5 out of 6 new syllabus exams (including twice in 2025) as well as multiple choice questions in two of those years.
  • Substitutions may be explicit (2025 Ext2 13d, 2022 Ext2 15c) or require students to identify an appropriate substitution (2025 Ext2 13a and 2021 Ext2 13b). The database includes numerous examples of both.
  • Exposure to a wide array of underlying functions and the strategies required to manipulate them into identifiable integrals is key to success in this area. This process will test student knowledge of trig identities as well as manipulation of challenging logs and exponential expressions.
  • 2022 Ext2 5 MC and 2020 Ext2 10 MC provide novel challenges for students in this topic area and deserve particular attention.

EXT2 Snapshot: C1 Trig Integration

HISTORICAL CONTRIBUTION

  • C1 Integration has contributed a highly significant 17.7% per new syllabus Ext2 exam since it was introduced in 2020.
  • We have split this topic into five categories for analysis purposes which are: 1-Trig Integration (3.5%), 2-Substitution and Harder Integration (3.7%), 3-Partial Fractions (3.0%), 4-Integration by Parts (1.5%) and 5-Recurrence Relations (6.0%).
  • This analysis looks at Trig Integration.

HSC ANALYSIS - What to expect and common pitfalls

  • Trig Integration (3.5%) has been examined with dedicated questions every new syllabus exam, including twice in 2022 and 2021.
  • A common question type looks at integrations involving arctan which have appeared via multiple choice (2022 and 2020) and a 2-mark low difficulty question in 2020.
  • The use of  `t = tan\ theta/2` has been required to solve difficult trig integral in 3 out of 6 new syllabus exams. Note that the use of this identity was not specified in any of these questions. Revision should feature 2024 Ext2 11d, 2022 Ext2 11f and 2021 Ext2 14a.
  • Identifying opportunities to complete the square within equations is a critical skill. The database includes numerous questions looking at arctan and arcsin/arccos in this key area (see 2025 Ext2 11f, 2020 Ext2 6 MC and 2004 Ext2 1c).

EXT2 Snapshot: M1 Projectile Motion

HISTORICAL CONTRIBUTION

  • M1 Mechanics is the Everest of the Ext2 mountain range, contributing a massive 22.2% per new syllabus Ext2 exam since it was introduced in 2020.
  • We have split this topic into four categories for analysis purposes which are: 1-Simple Harmonic Motion (4.3%), 2-Motion Without Resistance (3.0%), 3-Resisted Motion (12.7%) and 4-Projectile Motion (2.2%).
  • This analysis looks at Projectile Motion.

HSC ANALYSIS - What to expect and common pitfalls

  • Projectile Motion (2.2%) was examined in longer answer questions in 2020 and 2021 with significant allocations of 8 and 5 marks respectively (notably absent between 2022-25).
  • Projectile motion questions in this section do not include any resistance factors which are covered within the earlier topic of Resisted Motion.
  • The examination of this topic within the new Ext2 syllabus has the following important features: 1-students must be comfortable with the vector expressions of the motion, and 2-challenging proofs have required a deep understanding of discriminants which have been a feature of the solutions.
  • 2021 Ext2 16b deserves particular attention as it provided little scaffolding (i.e. it had no question parts) and caused major problems. Attention to this unscaffolded question style is important revision.
  • The database consists of a majority of questions from the old Ext1 course which remain relevant in our view. These examples can be identified by EXT2* in their title and note all band levels are with reference to Ext1 results data.

EXT2 Snapshot: M1 Resisted Motion

HISTORICAL CONTRIBUTION

  • M1 Mechanics is the Everest of the Ext2 mountain range, contributing a massive 22.2% per new syllabus Ext2 exam since it was introduced in 2020.
  • We have split this topic into four categories for analysis purposes which are: 1-Simple Harmonic Motion (4.3%), 2-Motion Without Resistance (3.0%), 3-Resisted Motion (12.7%) and 4-Projectile Motion (2.2%).
  • This analysis looks at Resisted Motion.

HSC ANALYSIS - What to expect and common pitfalls

  • Resisted Motion (12.7%) is the Emperor penguin amongst the M1 Mechanics topics. It is easily the most examined topic area within M1 Mechanics, averaging 2.5 longer answer questions per exam.
  • Projectile Motion is the most common question type within Resisted Motion and looks at objects moving with vertical motion against gravity and other factors such as air resistance. The topic represents critical revision and contributed two separate questions in 2024 and 2023.
  • Horizontal motion along a flat or inclined plane (or axis) has been tested in 5 of the last 6 years and is another key focus area for any revision.
  • Important concepts for revision include "terminal velocity" (see 2021 Ext2 14b) and "pulleys" (see 2020 Ext2 16a).
  • The application of Newton's laws of motion is common (see 2022 Ext2 15a and 2020 Ext2 12a). 
  • The database includes numerous examples where resistance is proportional to velocity (~v), ~ v², and ~constant. Effective revision should include examples of each type.

EXT2 Snapshot: M1 Motion Without Resistance

HISTORICAL CONTRIBUTION

  • M1 Mechanics is the Everest of the Ext2 mountain range, contributing a massive 22.2% per new syllabus Ext2 exam since it was introduced in 2020.
  • We have split this topic into four categories for analysis purposes which are: 1-Simple Harmonic Motion (4.3%), 2-Motion Without Resistance (3.0%), 3-Resisted Motion (12.7%) and 4-Projectile Motion (2.2%).
  • This analysis looks at Motion Without Resistance.

HSC ANALYSIS - What to expect and common pitfalls

  • Motion Without Resistance (3.0%) has appeared in the longer answer section of 4 new syllabus Ext2 exams (most recently in 2025), in addition to a multiple choice question in a majority of exams.
  • 2023 Ext2 12c involved an inclined plane in this topic for the first time and proved challenging. An important revision question.
  • Otherwise, this topic is as easy as Mechanics will get and presents a great opportunity for students to score high marks.
  • Examiners have tested students in 3-mark longer answer questions in 2022 and 2020 at the band 3 difficulty level, with a slightly higher band 4 difficulty for the multiple choice questions.
  • 2020 Ext2 8 MC involved motion along a curve described with velocity and acceleration vectors. Revision attention recommended.

EXT2 Snapshot: M1 Simple Harmonic Motion

HISTORICAL CONTRIBUTION

  • M1 Mechanics is the Everest of the Ext2 mountain range, contributing a massive 22.2% per new syllabus Ext2 exam since it was introduced in 2020.
  • We have split this topic into four categories for analysis purposes which are: 1-Simple Harmonic Motion (4.3%), 2-Motion Without Resistance (3.0%), 3-Resisted Motion (12.7%) and 4-Projectile Motion (2.2%).
  • This analysis looks at Simple Harmonic Motion.

HSC ANALYSIS - What to expect and common pitfalls

  • Simple Harmonic Motion (4.3%) has appeared in the longer answer section of each new syllabus exam (twice in 2023), as well as additional multiple choice question in 4 of those years.
  • New syllabus questions have ranged between band 3 difficulty (see 2025 Ext2 4 MC, 2024 Ext2 5 MC and 2023 Ext2 11e) and band 5–6 (see 2025 Ext2 15b, 2023 Ext2 14b and 2021 Ext2 13d).
  • 2022 Ext2 15b involved a novel real world example of pistons, looking at resultant force. With a mean mark of 50% it deserves revision attention.
  • The database contains many relevant questions from old syllabus Ext1 exams which can be identified by having EXT2* in their title (note that the band levels and mean marks are taken from Ext1 results).

P2 Induction, EXT2 Snapshot

HISTORICAL CONTRIBUTION

  • P2 Induction has contributed an average of 3.8% per new syllabus Ext2 exam since it was introduced in 2020.

HSC ANALYSIS - What to expect and common pitfalls

  • Induction (3.8%) is a super consistent topic area that has been tested in a longer answer question in each of the last 9 Ext2 exams .
  • Inequality induction proofs are most common question type, appearing in 4 out of 6 new syllabus exams (most recently in 2024). 
  • Recurrence relations featured in both 2022 questions in this topic area and proved challenging. 2022 Ext2 14b(iv) (cross topic calculus question) and 2022 Ext1 13b had mean marks of 50% and 58% respectively and deserve attention.
  • Other induction proofs that NESA guidance recommends involve geometry and calculus (see 2025 Ext2 12b) as well as traditional themes of divisibility and trigonometry.
  • Proficiency at handling sigma notation is a key competence in this area and a sub-category has been created in the database to interrogate this specific skill.
  • Historically, Ext2 induction questions have ranged from band 4 level difficulty to extremely challenging. Be confident that this topic will continue to appear consistently and a revision focus will be rewarded.

EXT2 P1 Snapshot: Converse, Contradiction

HISTORICAL CONTRIBUTION

  • P1 Nature of Proof has contributed a surprisingly high average of 14.4% per new syllabus Ext2 exam since it was introduced in 2020.
  • This topic has been split into two categories for analysis purposes: 1-Proof and Inequalities (8.7%) and 2-Converse, Contradiction and Contrapositive Proof (5.7%).
  • This analysis looks at Converse, Contradiction and Contrapositive Proof.

HSC ANALYSIS - What to expect and common pitfalls

  • Converse, Contradiction and Contrapositive Proof (5.7%) has been an impressive contributor to new syllabus exams, averaging 1.5 longer answer questions in addition to two multiple choice per exam.
  • Contrapositive Proof is a common question type appearing most recently in 2025 as well as two questions in each exam between 2020–22 (absent 2023–24). While most were low-mid band and well handled, 2020 Ext2 15a and 2021 Ext2 9 MC both produced sub-50% mean marks and deserve revision attention.
  • Converse Proofs have appeared in each new syllabus exam in the period 2020–24 and deserve attention (2022 Ext2 7 MC and 2020 Ext2 15a are high difficulty).
  • Contradiction had its peak allocation in 2025 with two longer answer questions. The beastly 2025 Ext2 16a and 2021 Ext2 5 MC caused problems. Be aware the use of contradiction in the proof of irrationality is a "must review" question type (see 2023 Ext2 12a and 2020 Ext2 14d). 

EXT2 P1 Snapshot: Inequalities

HISTORICAL CONTRIBUTION

  • P1 Nature of Proof has contributed a surprisingly high average of 14.4% per new syllabus Ext2 exam since it was introduced in 2020.
  • This topic has been split into two categories for analysis purposes: 1-Proof and Inequalities (8.7%) and 2-Converse, Contradiction and Contrapositive Proof (5.7%).
  • This analysis looks at Proof and Inequalities.

HSC ANALYSIS - What to expect and common pitfalls

  • Proof and Inequalities (8.7%) is the 18 foot saltwater croc in the Extension 2 estuary that has come out to feed big time in new syllabus exams. In the last 5 years, this topic area has averaged over two longer answer questions and an additional multiple choice per exam.
  • A common question type requires students to use the non-negativity property of squares, sometimes tested at the band 4/5 difficulty level (2025 Ext2 13c, 2023 Ext2 12b), and other times presenting low difficulty gifts from the examiners (2022 Ext2 12a and 2020 Ext2 13c).
  • Proofs using a given equation have regularly appeared in high difficulty 3–5 mark questions (see 2025 Ext2 14d, 2023 Ext2 16b, 2022 Ext2 16c and 2021 Ext2 15a). 
  • Triangle inequality proofs were required in the fiendishly difficult 2025 Ext2 16a (cross-topic with proof by contradiction), 2022 Ext2 15d and 2021 Ext2 16a (cross-topic with vectors).
  • The database contains a rich history of past Ext2 inequality proof questions that cover many proofs utilising  `a > b`  and  arithmetic/geometric mean properties on top of the above examples highlighted. 

EXT1 C3 Snapshot: Applications of Differential Equations

HISTORICAL CONTRIBUTION

  • C3 Application of Calculus is the 880-pound Silverback of the Extension 1 course, contributing a huge 16.4% per new syllabus Ext1 exam since the new course began in 2020.
  • This topic has been split into two sub-categories for analysis purposes which are: 1-Further Areas and Solids of Revolution (6.4%) and 2-Differential Equations (10.0%).
  • This analysis looks at a sub-topic within Differential Equations → Applications of Differential Equations (2.7%).

HSC ANALYSIS - What to expect and common pitfalls

  • Applications of Differential Equations (2.7%) have appeared in the longer answer section of three new syllabus exams, most recently in 2024.
  • 2023 Ext1 13a tested students in a flow in/flow out scenario that caused serious problems. Revision attention is a must here!
  • 2021 Ext1 14b looked at population growth in a 4-mark question that also proved challenging (45% mean mark).
  • The NESA Ext1 C3 Topic Guidance includes "mixing problems" within its exemplar questions section (p.10) and numerous database examples cover this question type.
  • This overall topic area should feature in any revision, in our view, as it has the potential to combine significant mark allocations with high difficulty.

CHEMISTRY M8 Snapshot: Chemical Synthesis and Design

HISTORICAL CONTRIBUTION

  • M8 Applying Chemical Ideas has contributed an average of 24.5% per HSC Chemistry exam since the new syllabus was introduced in 2019.
  • This topic has been split into three sub-categories for analysis purposes which are: 1-Inorganic Substances (10.2%), 2-Organic Substances (11.3%) and 3-Chemical Synthesis and Design (3.0%).
  • This analysis looks at the sub-topic, Chemical Synthesis and Design.

HSC ANALYSIS - What to expect and common pitfalls

  • Chemical Synthesis and Design has appeared in 5 of the 6 HSC exams since 2020 (only missing in 2021), making it a consistent contributor to the paper despite being a relatively focused syllabus area.
  • All five appearances have been in the longer response section, with questions typically worth 2–4 marks each. The exception is 2022 HSC 33, an extended response question worth 8 marks with a mean of 52% — this is the single most important revision question in this topic and should be studied carefully.
  • Designing a Chemical Synthesis Process is the dominant concept examined. Questions consistently draw on the same cluster of factors: reagent selection and availability, reaction conditions, hazard identification and safety precautions, and yield and purity. Students who cannot address all four of these in an integrated way are likely to lose marks on extended response questions.
  • A common pitfall is treating this topic in isolation from Module 5. Several questions (2020, 2023, 2025) require application of Le Chatelier's principle and equilibrium reasoning within an industrial synthesis context. Students who have not consolidated these connections may miss cause-and-effect marks.

CHEMISTRY M8 Snapshot: Organic Substances

HISTORICAL CONTRIBUTION

  • M8 Applying Chemical Ideas has contributed an average of 24.5% per HSC Chemistry exam since the new syllabus was introduced in 2019.
  • This topic has been split into three sub-categories for analysis purposes which are: 1-Inorganic Substances (10.2%), 2-Organic Substances (11.3%) and 3-Chemical Synthesis and Design (3.0%).
  • This analysis looks at the sub-topic, Organic Substances.

HSC ANALYSIS - What to expect and common pitfalls

  • Organic Substances has been thoroughly tested via two longer answer questions in each new syllabus exam since 2019, as well as averaging 2.5 multiple-choice questions per paper over the same period.
  • Combining (Spectroscopic) Techniques is easily the most important question type, given significant 5–9 mark allocations every year of the new syllabus. The technique combinations are varied and the importance of this key revision area cannot be overstated.
  • Students are required to deduce the identity of an organic compound(s) given multiple techniques looking at the relevant spectra. This area has proven consistently challenging to a majority of students. Important revision questions include 2025 HSC 36, 2024 HSC 38, 2023 HSC 36, 2022 HSC 30, 2021 HSC 29 and 2020 HSC 30.
  • Individual (vs combined) spectroscopic techniques have only been examined in longer answer questions on two occasions (see 2024 HSC 33b and 2023 HSC 28b).
  • Individual spectroscopic techniques have, however, been regularly examined via multiple choice questions with \(^{13}\text{C NMR, }^{1}\text{H NMR}\) and Mass Spectrometry the most common. 
  • A slightly less examined area of this topic involves chemical testing for the Carbon-Carbon Double Bond, Hydroxyl Group and Carboxylic Acid Group (review 2025 HSC 37, 2021 HSC 21 and 2019 HSC 19).

CHEMISTRY M8 Snapshot: Inorganic Substances

HISTORICAL CONTRIBUTION

  • M8 Applying Chemical Ideas has contributed an average of 24.5% per HSC Chemistry exam since the new syllabus was introduced in 2019.
  • This topic has been split into three sub-categories for analysis purposes which are: 1-Inorganic Substances (10.2%), 2-Organic Substances (11.3%) and 3-Chemical Synthesis and Design (3.0%).
  • This analysis looks at the sub-topic, Inorganic Substances.

HSC ANALYSIS - What to expect and common pitfalls

  • Inorganic Substances averages 1.5 longer answer questions per year and just over two multiple choice (we note the 2025 exam included 2 longer answer and three MC questions).
  • Tests for Ions in Solution is a commonly assessed concept which requires students to deduce the identity of a specific ion, or analyse a method used to identity a specific ion using their knowledge of solubility rules and flame tests. 
  • Important revision of this topic includes the 4-mark 2024 HSC 27, as well as 2025 HSC 18 MC (mean mark 14%), 2020 HSC 22 and 2021 HSC 30.
  • Gravimetric Analysis is another key revision area where students are required to mathematically analyse a solution given the mass of a final dried, weighed sample (see 2025 HSC 23, 2022 HSC 28 and 2021 HSC 28).
  • Colourimetry, UV-Vis and AAS are typically examined through multiple choice although we note it appeared in the longer answer format in 2024 HSC 25 and 2019 HSC 29. Consistent sub-50% mean marks flag this important revision area.
  • Precipitation Titrations were examined in the longer answer section in 2023 and 2020, producing low mean marks on both occasions.
  • Monitoring the Environment (1st dot point of Module8) was examined for the first time in 2025 HSC 22, producing a disappointing state mean of 54% (please review!). 

CHEMISTRY M7 Snapshot: Polymers

HISTORICAL CONTRIBUTION

  • M7 Organic Chemistry has contributed an average of 25.1% per HSC Chemistry exam since the new syllabus was introduced in 2019.
  • This topic has been split into five sub-categories for analysis purposes which are: 1-Nomenclature (3.3%), 2-Hydrocarbons and Associated Reactions (4.7%), 3-Alcohols (8.7%), 4-Reactions of Organic Acids and Bases (6.5%) and 5-Polymers (1.9%).
  • This analysis looks at the smallest sub-topic, Polymers.

HSC ANALYSIS - What to expect and common pitfalls

  • Polymers has contributed an average of 1.9% to new syllabus exams to date, a contribution easily exceeded by its 2025 HSC allocation of 5 marks across two separate questions.
  • Addition Polymers and Condensation Polymers have been consistently examined via multiple choice, appearing in this format in 6 of 7 new syllabus exams.
  • Longer answer questions appeared in both 2024 and 2025 – 2024 HSC 22 looked at addition polymerisation, while 2025 HSC 28 assessed condensation polymers (Kevlar).
  • A common question style involves requiring students to deduce the monomer(s) that a given polymer is made up from.
  • We recommend careful attention be paid to 2022 HSC 18 MC which assessed Condensation Polymers and was poorly answered (state mean mark 23%).
  • This topic has the potential for high mark questions in our view. M7 EQ-Bank questions can provide revision for this potential broader question type.

CHEMISTRY M7 Snapshot: Reactions of Organic Acids and Bases

HISTORICAL CONTRIBUTION

  • M7 Organic Chemistry has contributed an average of 25.1% per HSC Chemistry exam since the new syllabus was introduced in 2019.
  • This topic has been split into five sub-categories for analysis purposes which are: 1-Nomenclature (3.3%), 2-Hydrocarbons and Associated Reactions (4.7%), 3-Alcohols (8.7%), 4-Reactions of Organic Acids and Bases (6.5%) and 5-Polymers (1.9%).
  • This analysis looks at the sub-topic, Reactions of Organic Acids and Bases.

HSC ANALYSIS - What to expect and common pitfalls

  • Esters is easily the most commonly assessed concept within this sub-topic (last examined in 2025). Questions deal mainly with the chemical reaction used to form an ester as well as the reflux process for esterification.
  • Reaction Pathways which lead up to an ester synthesis were tested via high-mark questions in 2021 and 2019, producing low mean marks on each occasion. After an absence of 4 years, these are "must review" questions (see 2021 HSC 26 and 2019 HSC 34). An understanding of the reflux technique within this sub-topic is important (see 2016 HSC 22c).
  • Boiling Point has been examined in 5 of the 7 new syllabus exams, including twice in longer answer questions (see 2024 HSC 24 and 2020 HSC 32). Students must have a clear and concise explanation of intermolecular forces within this context.
  • Soaps and Detergents have appeared via multiple choice in 2025 and 2021. We see scope for a longer answer examination of this topic area and believe it warrants attention (see M7 EQ-Bank question within this sub-topic).
  • A review of 2019 HSC 21 is recommended as it proved challenging for a majority of students and is a reminder that reactions of ketones and aldehydes are explored in this sub-topic. 

CHEMISTRY M7 Snapshot: Alcohols

HISTORICAL CONTRIBUTION

  • M7 Organic Chemistry has contributed an average of 25.1% per HSC Chemistry exam since the new syllabus was introduced in 2019.
  • This topic has been split into five sub-categories for analysis purposes which are: 1-Nomenclature (3.3%), 2-Hydrocarbons and Associated Reactions (4.7%), 3-Alcohols (8.7%), 4-Reactions of Organic Acids and Bases (6.5%) and 5-Polymers (1.9%).
  • This analysis looks at the sub-topic, Alcohols.

HSC ANALYSIS - What to expect and common pitfalls

  • Alcohols has been a blue whale within M7 Organic Chemistry, responsible on average for almost 9% of the exam. An important caveat however is that 2025 saw its lowest contribution in new syllabus exams of just two multiple choice questions.
  • Reactions of Alcohols is the largest sub-category, examined each year in the period 2019-22 via high-mark longer answer questions as well as via multiple choice in half of the new syllabus exams (see 2025 HSC 15 MC and 2019 HSC 34).
  • Students are regularly required to draw the structural formulae of a given reactions (review the challenging 2020 HSC 29 and 2021 HSC 26).
  • Combustion has been tested in 5 of 7 new syllabus exams (most recently in 2024). Mark allocations have been significant on most occasions with difficulty typically at the band 4-5 level.
  • Oxidation of Alcohols was last examined in both 2024-25 via multiple-choice. Recommend revision includes the challenging longer answer questions that appeared in the 2021-22 exams.
  • Production of Alcohol was last examined in 2023 and 2021 with 4-mark allocations on each occasion. Important revision questions include 2023 HSC 27 and 2021 HSC 25.

CHEMISTRY M7 Snapshot: Hydrocarbons and Associated Reactions

HISTORICAL CONTRIBUTION

  • M7 Organic Chemistry has contributed an average of 25.1% per HSC Chemistry exam since the new syllabus was introduced in 2019.
  • This topic has been split into five sub-categories for analysis purposes which are: 1-Nomenclature (3.3%), 2-Hydrocarbons and Associated Reactions (4.7%), 3-Alcohols (8.7%), 4-Reactions of Organic Acids and Bases (6.5%) and 5-Polymers (1.9%).
  • This analysis looks at the sub-topic, Hydrocarbons and Associated Reactions.

HSC ANALYSIS - What to expect and common pitfalls

  • Hydrocarbons and Associated Reactions has been regularly examined within the multiple choice section of new syllabus exams, including twice each year between 2021-2023.
  • Longer answer questions looking at this topic area are more sporadic, often appearing within cross-topic contexts rather than dedicated examples. We note this topic achieved its peak allocation in 2025 of 11 marks across 3 separate questions in 2025 - a significant outlier contribution. 
  • Questions looking at Saturated and Unsaturated Hydrocarbons represent the largest contributing sub-topic in this area, with longer answer questions appearing in 2025 (twice), 2024 HSC 35 and 2022 HSC 21.
  • Solubility and Boiling Points have been examined in 5 of the last 7 exams (noticably absent in 2024-25) and deserve revision attention.
  • Formulae and molecular shape are most commonly tested via multiple-choice format. Last examined in 2025, these two topic areas represent fundamental concepts which have been poorly answered in the past.

CHEMISTRY M7 Snapshot: Nomenclature

HISTORICAL CONTRIBUTION

  • M7 Organic Chemistry has contributed an average of 25.1% per HSC Chemistry exam since the new syllabus was introduced in 2019.
  • This topic has been split into five sub-categories for analysis purposes which are: 1-Nomenclature (3.3%), 2-Hydrocarbons and Associated Reactions (4.7%), 3-Alcohols (8.7%), 4-Reactions of Organic Acids and Bases (6.5%) and 5-Polymers (1.9%).
  • This analysis looks at the sub-topic, Nomenclature.

HSC ANALYSIS - What to expect and common pitfalls

  • Nomenclature is a modest contributor to the Chemistry exam at 3.3% but importantly provides gateway knowledge to other topics within M7 Organic Chemistry.
  • Isomers is the most common concept assessed, appearing in each new syllabus exam between 2019-23, often producing sub-50% mean marks.
  • Isomers are commonly assessed in the long response section where students are often required to draw all isomers of a given chemical compound or formula (review 2022 HSC 27 and 2019 HSC 21).
  • Naming Halogenated Organic Compounds is another commonly assessed concept, typically appearing in the multiple choice section (most recently in 2025). Some of the more challenging revision questions in this area include 2022 HSC 7 MC, 2020 HSC 6 MC and 2016 HSC 11 MC. 
  • Naming other organic chemicals such as alkanes, alkenes, alcohols, ketones and aldehydes etc... is highly valuable revision well covered in the database.

CHEMISTRY M6 Snapshot: Quantitative Analysis

HISTORICAL CONTRIBUTION

  • M6 Properties of Acids and Bases has contributed an average of 26.9% per HSC Chemistry exam since the new syllabus was introduced in 2019.
  • This topic has been split into three sub-categories for analysis purposes which are: 1-Properties of Acids and Bases (5.5%), 2-Bronsted-Lowry Theory (6.7%) and 3-Quantitative Analysis (14.6%).
  • This analysis looks at the largest sub-topic, Quantitative Analysis.

HSC ANALYSIS - What to expect and common pitfalls

  • Quantitative Analysis is the 600-pound Silverback of not just Module 6, but the whole Chemistry course. It attracts the largest average mark allocation of any topic area ... easily! Its revision importance cannot be overstated.
  • Titration is an important question type, being assessed in difficult 3–8 mark longer answer questions every year of the new syllabus. Mean marks below 50% are common (some well below) and specific revision attention is required here (see 2025 HSC 33, 2022 HSC 32 and 2021 HSC 35).
  • Titration Curves and Conductivity Graphs have featured in the multiple choice section every year of the new syllabus as well as the longer answer section in 2025, 2024 and 2019. Low state mean marks flag this area as critical revision.
  • Difficult calculation and analysis questions involving `K_a` and `K_b` occur frequently, appearing in the long response section in 5 of the last 7 years (twice in 2025) as well as multiple choice each year between 2021-22. A critical revision area.
  • Buffers is a sneaky contributor to the new syllabus Chemistry exams, appearing twice in longer answer questions and three times in MC (review the challenging 2025 HSC 19 MC, 2021 HSC 34 and 2021 HSC 8 MC).

CHEMISTRY M6 Snapshot: Bronsted-Lowry Theory

HISTORICAL CONTRIBUTION

  • M6 Properties of Acids and Bases has contributed an average of 26.8% per HSC Chemistry exam since the new syllabus was introduced in 2019.
  • This topic has been split into three sub-categories for analysis purposes which are: 1-Properties of Acids and Bases (5.5%), 2-Bronsted-Lowry Theory (6.7%) and 3-Quantitative Analysis (14.6%).
  • This analysis looks at the sub-topic, Bronsted-Lowry Theory.

HSC ANALYSIS - What to expect and common pitfalls

  • Bronsted-Lowry Theory is consistently examined, contributing between 1-3 longer answer questions (2025 at the low end) and an average of 2 multiple choice questions per year.
  • Calculations Involving pH is a frequently assessed concept within Bronsted-Lowry Theory. It has appeared in four exams in the long response section (most recently in 2024-25), as well as in the multiple choice section every year.
  • Questions commonly require calculation using `K_a` to determine hydrogen or hydroxide ion concentration, from which pH or pOH can be calculated.
  • Dissociation of Acids and Bases in Water is an important topic area, examined in 4 of the last 5 HSC exams across both longer answer and multiple choice formats.
  • Questions often assess the reaction between a strong or weak acid with water and the properties of ions formed (review 2024 HSC 28, 2025 HSC 19 MC and 2020 HSC 18 MC).
  • pH of Mixed Solutions has been examined back-to-back in the period 2023-24. Within this topic area, questions that require actual pH calculations have proven challenging in the past and should be emphasised (see 2024 HSC 29 and 2021 HSC 15 MC).

CHEMISTRY M6 Snapshot: Properties of Acids and Bases

HISTORICAL CONTRIBUTION

  • M6 Properties of Acids and Bases has contributed an average of 26.8% per HSC Chemistry exam since the new syllabus was introduced in 2019.
  • This topic has been split into three sub-categories for analysis purposes which are: 1-Properties of Acids and Bases (5.5%), 2-Bronsted-Lowry Theory (6.7%) and 3-Quantitative Analysis (14.6%).
  • This analysis looks at the sub-topic, Properties of Acids and Bases.

HSC ANALYSIS - What to expect and common pitfalls

  • Properties of Acids and Bases had its lowest mark allocation in new syllabus exams in 2025 with just a single multiple choice. Prior to 2025, it has attracted an average of two longer answer questions and one multiple choice each year in the period 2019-24.
  • Arrhenius and Bronsted-Lowry is an important concept within this topic area which has been tested in the longer answer section in 4 out of 7 new syllabus exams (most recently in 2023).
  • Typically, questions involve evaluating the usefulness and/or limitations of both models, or writing a chemical equation with reference to the Bronsted-Lowry model (review 2019 HSC 28 - a simple model explanation that was poorly answered).
  • Enthalpy of Neutralisation has attracted significant mark allocations in 2024 and each year in the period between 2020-22. Students should be well versed in this calculation heavy question style which regularly produces sub-50% mean marks (see 2024 HSC 36, 2020 HSC 36 and 2021 HSC 32).
  • Indicators and acid/base definitions and properties appear primarily as multiple choice questions (see 2025 HSC 1 MC, 2020 HSC 2 MC). While unlikely to attract large standalone mark allocations, these concepts underpin the Quantitative Analysis topic and must be understood thoroughly.

CHEMISTRY M5 Snapshot: Solution Equilibria

HISTORICAL CONTRIBUTION

  • M5 Equilibrium and Acid Reactions has contributed an average of 23.7% per HSC Chemistry exam since the new syllabus was introduced in 2019.
  • This topic has been split into four sub-categories for analysis purposes which are: 1-Static and Dynamic Equilibrium (3.9%), 2-Factors that Affect Equilibrium (6.9%), 3-Equilibrium Constant (6.6%) and 4-Solution Equilibria (6.3%).
  • This analysis looks at the sub-topic, Solution Equilibria.

HSC ANALYSIS - What to expect and common pitfalls

  • Solution Equilibria has been examined in the longer response section of every new syllabus exam to date, as well as averaging two multiple choice questions per exam.
  • Mixed ionic solutions has been the most commonly tested question type, primarily in the longer answer section of the paper (most recently in 2025). This topic area produces sub-50% mean marks more often than not and must be a revision focus.
  • Predicting whether a precipitate will form is an important concept, examined in both multiple choice and longer response formats across multiple years (see 2025 HSC 32, 2022 HSC 35, 2020 HSC 17 MC). The 2025 HSC 32 is a "must review" question that added complexity by requiring students to determine which of multiple possible precipitates would form from a three-solute system (40% mean mark).
  • Questions involving `K_(sp)` calculations are another examiner favourite. This area has received significant mark allocations each year in the period 2021-24 as well as a multiple choice in 2025. Students must be ready for these calculation-heavy and challenging questions. A critical revision area regularly producing sub-50% mean marks.
  • Concentration graphs is a less commonly examined area that should be covered in our view (see 2020 HSC 20 MC).

CHEMISTRY M5 Snapshot: Equilibrium Constant

HISTORICAL CONTRIBUTION

  • M5 Equilibrium and Acid Reactions has contributed an average of 23.7% per HSC Chemistry exam since the new syllabus was introduced in 2019.
  • This topic has been split into four sub-categories for analysis purposes which are: 1-Static and Dynamic Equilibrium (3.9%), 2-Factors that Affect Equilibrium (6.9%), 3-Equilibrium Constant (6.6%) and 4-Solution Equilibria (6.3%).
  • This analysis looks at the sub-topic, Equilibrium Constant.

HSC ANALYSIS - What to expect and common pitfalls

  • Equilibrium Constant has been examined in longer response questions in 5 out 7 new syllabus exams (most recently in 2024) as well as at least one multiple choice question each year (including two in each year 2022-25).
  • Calculation heavy questions dominate, with students required to either find `K_(eq)` or perform related calculations given `K_(eq)`. High mark allocations and low mean marks make this a key revision focus area.
  • Determining the formation of a precipitate is another key application of `K_(eq)` (see 2019 HSC 17 MC and 2021 HSC 19 MC).
  • Although examiners usually provide the chemical equation when applicable, students should also be prepared to deduce the chemical equation and use in all further calculations. This was required in 2020 HSC 27, which caused problems and warrants revision attention.
  • Equilibrium expressions involving `K_a` and `K_b`, and related pH calculations, bridge Modules 5 and 6 and are regularly examined across both (see M6 2020 HSC 33).

CHEMISTRY M5 Snapshot: Factors that Affect Equilibrium

HISTORICAL CONTRIBUTION

  • M5 Equilibrium and Acid Reactions has contributed an average of 23.7% per HSC Chemistry exam since the new syllabus was introduced in 2019.
  • This topic has been split into four sub-categories for analysis purposes which are: 1-Static and Dynamic Equilibrium (3.9%), 2-Factors that Affect Equilibrium (6.9%), 3-Equilibrium Constant (6.6%) and 4-Solution Equilibria (6.3%).
  • This analysis looks at the sub-topic, Factors that Affect Equilibrium.

HSC ANALYSIS - What to expect and common pitfalls

  • Factors that Affect Equilibrium received its peak allocation of 13 marks in the 2025 HSC, including three longer answer questions (or part thereof) and a multiple choice. Prior to 2025, it had been allocated a longer answer question every year, as well as two multiple choice questions in 5 exams between 2019-24.
  • Collision theory has been tested in longer answer questions in three new syllabus exams to date (most recently 2025 HSC 35 worth 5 marks). Students need to be well drilled in explaining this theory concisely within multiple contexts.
  • A deep understanding of equilibrium shifts due to changes in temperature, pressure, volume and concentrations is key revision and is well covered in the database.
  • Concentration diagrams through equilibrium have proven challenging in the past. Last examined in 2025, a revision focus is warranted here (see 2025 HSC 27c, 2020 HSC 11 MC, 2019 HSC 25).

CHEMISTRY M5 Snapshot: Static and Dynamic Equilibrium

HISTORICAL CONTRIBUTION

  • M5 Equilibrium and Acid Reactions has contributed an average of 23.7% per HSC Chemistry exam since the new syllabus was introduced in 2019.
  • This topic has been split into four sub-categories for analysis purposes which are: 1-Static and Dynamic Equilibrium (3.9%), 2-Factors that Affect Equilibrium (6.9%), 3-Equilibrium Constant (6.6%) and 4-Solution Equilibria (6.3%).
  • This analysis looks at the sub-topic, Static and Dynamic Equilibrium.

HSC ANALYSIS - What to expect and common pitfalls

  • Static and Dynamic Equilibrium has been examined in the long response section of every new syllabus exam between 2019-24, as well as the multiple-choice section in 4 of the 7 years.
  • Enthalpy and entropy are easily the most tested concepts, appearing in the longer answer section in 2024 and every year between 2019-2022. We note it was tested via multiple choice for the first time in 2025.
  • Within this topic area, combustion reactions, with its own syllabus dot point, deserves specific attention (see 2025 HSC 13 MC and 2018 HSC 30).
  • Although less examined, students should have a clear understanding of the differences between open and closed systems (last examined in 2022 HSC 36 with a 49% mean mark).
  • Special attention should be paid to 2019 HSC 30, which required students to compare and contrast the effects of enthalpy and entropy on the solubility of salts (mean mark 34%).

BIOLOGY M8 Snapshot: Technologies and Disorders

HISTORICAL CONTRIBUTION

  • M8 Non-Infectious Disease/Disorders has contributed an average of 25.8% per HSC Biology exam since the new syllabus was introduced in 2019.
  • This topic has been split into five sub-categories for analysis purposes which are: 1-Homeostasis (7.1%), 2-Causes and Effects (3.5%), 3-Epidemiology (7.1%), Prevention (2.7%) and 5-Technologies and Disorders (5.4%).
  • This analysis looks at the sub-topic, Technologies and Disorders.

HSC ANALYSIS - What to expect and common pitfalls

  • Technologies and Disorders has been tested in the longer answer section of five new syllabus exams to date (most recently 2025), as well as multiple choice every year except 2021.
  • Eyes have been tested in a mixture of longer answer (see 2025 HSC 26 and 2023 HSC 24) and multiple choice questions (see 2024 HSC 16 MC and 2022 HSC 19 MC), regularly producing low mean marks.
  • Kidneys - the working of this organ and the process of dialysis is important content to cover (see 2025 HSC 9 MC, 2022 HSC 20 MC and 2020 HSC 24).
  • Ears have been tested twice in the longer answer section (most recently in 2024) and twice in the MC section.
  • Bone conduction implants (2021 HSC 25) and Cochlear implant technology (2024 HSC 35 and 2019 HSC 6 MC) have both caused problems and deserve attention.

BIOLOGY M8 Snapshot: Prevention

HISTORICAL CONTRIBUTION

  • M8 Non-Infectious Disease/Disorders has contributed an average of 25.8% per HSC Biology exam since the new syllabus was introduced in 2019.
  • This topic has been split into five sub-categories for analysis purposes which are: 1-Homeostasis (7.1%), 2-Causes and Effects (3.5%), 3-Epidemiology (7.1%), Prevention (2.7%) and 5-Technologies and Disorders (5.4%).
  • This analysis looks at the sub-topic, Prevention.

HSC ANALYSIS - What to expect and common pitfalls

  • This is a small topic which has been tested in 5 of the last 7 years in the extended response section (most recently in 2025).
  • Educational Programs are easily the most common theme examined in this topic area, appearing in 2024, 2022 and 2019.
  • Genetic Engineering featured in 2020 HSC 30 which had a significant allocation of 7 marks and was poorly answered (mean mark 44%) - a "must review" question.
  • Evaluating Strategies was tested in 2025 HSC 25 in an accessible question looking at sunscreen labelling.

BIOLOGY M8 Snapshot: Epidemiology

HISTORICAL CONTRIBUTION

  • M8 Non-Infectious Disease/Disorders has contributed an average of 25.8% per HSC Biology exam since the new syllabus was introduced in 2019.
  • This topic has been split into five sub-categories for analysis purposes which are: 1-Homeostasis (7.1%), 2-Causes and Effects (3.5%), 3-Epidemiology (7.1%), Prevention (2.7%) and 5-Technologies and Disorders (5.4%).
  • This analysis looks at the sub-topic, Epidemiology.

HSC ANALYSIS - What to expect and common pitfalls

  • Epidemiology has attracted longer answer questions with significant mark allocations in every new syllabus exam to date, as well as multiple choice questions each year between 2020-25.
  • Analysing Results requires students to analyse and interpret both graphical and tabulated results taken from epidemiological studies. Questions regularly require cross topic knowledge and the extrapolation and interpolation of results.
  • 2024 HSC 29, which required students to plot data on a grid and draw a line of best fit, surprisingly caused problems and deserves attention. Other challenging questions in this area with sub-50% mean marks include 2019 HSC 33b and 2023 HSC 16 MC.
  • Evaluating the Method of epidemiological studies has been examined in longer answer questions each year between 2021-23. High mark allocations and low mean marks make 2023 HSC 27, 2022 HSC 31a and 2021 HSC 31 critical revision.
  • 2025 HSC 32 required students to design an epidemiological study and proved very challenging. A "must review" question (mean mark 46%).
  • Treatment/Management of non-infectious diseases has been examined via multiple choice in 2020 and 2021.
  • Keyword alert: analyse, discuss, evaluate (multiple times) and justify have been used in high mark questions in this topic since 2019. Know these and have your answer structure well drilled!

BIOLOGY M8 Snapshot: Causes and Effects

HISTORICAL CONTRIBUTION

  • M8 Non-Infectious Disease/Disorders has contributed an average of 25.8% per HSC Biology exam since the new syllabus was introduced in 2019.
  • This topic has been split into five sub-categories for analysis purposes which are: 1-Homeostasis (7.1%), 2-Causes and Effects (3.5%), 3-Epidemiology (7.1%), Prevention (2.7%) and 5-Technologies and Disorders (5.4%).
  • This analysis looks at the sub-topic, Causes and Effects.

HSC ANALYSIS - What to expect and common pitfalls

  • Causes and Effects has been examined in the longer answer section of four new syllabus exams (most recently in 2024) as well as multiple choice questions in 2023 and 2021.
  • Environmental & Nutritional diseases have been tested by asking students to provide a general example (2024 HSC 24), or through a stimulus style question (2020 HSC 27).
  • Genetic Disease/Cancer is a question category that has significant content overlap with Modules 5 and 6.
  • 2023 HSC 25c looked at the genetic causes associated with the onset of Huntington's Disease while 2019 HSC 33d looked at factors contributing to Alzheimer's disease. Both represent important revision for this topic area.
  • "Collecting and representing data" (syllabus dot point) has required students to create graphs on a given grid from data tables in both 2024 HSC 29 and 2022 HSC 24. 
  • The unusual "double" multiple choice questions in 2019 HSC 19-20 MC both produced sub-50% mean marks and deserve attention.

BIOLOGY M8 Snapshot: Homeostasis

HISTORICAL CONTRIBUTION

  • M8 Non-Infectious Disease/Disorders has contributed an average of 25.8% per HSC Biology exam since the new syllabus was introduced in 2019.
  • This topic has been split into five sub-categories for analysis purposes which are: 1-Homeostasis (7.1%), 2-Causes and Effects (3.5%), 3-Epidemiology (7.1%), Prevention (2.7%) and 5-Technologies and Disorders (5.4%).
  • This analysis looks at the sub-topic, Homeostasis.

HSC ANALYSIS - What to expect and common pitfalls

  • Homeostasis has attracted longer answer questions every year of the new syllabus except 2022 as well as averaging just below two multiple-choice questions per exam.
  • Negative Feedback Loops is regularly examined with meaningful mark allocations. Themes include temperature, blood glucose responses and water balance in plants (see 2025 HSC 24, 2021 HSC 32).
  • Temperature & BGL/Diabetes have been tested 5 times since 2019, in both longer answer and multiple choice sections. 2020 HSC 31 is a challenging high-mark example that represents important revision.
  • Water Balance in Plants has been examined four times in new syllabus exams (most recently in 2024). 2019 HSC 29 is a "must review" question in this area.
  • Coordinated Systems (neural pathways/hormones) was last examined in 2018 and is covered in the database.

BIOLOGY M7 Snapshot: Prevention, Control and Treatment

HISTORICAL CONTRIBUTION

  • M7 Infectious Diseases has contributed an average of 24.5% per HSC Biology exam since the new syllabus was introduced in 2019.
  • This topic has been split into three sub-categories for analysis purposes which are: 1-Causes of Infectious Diseases (8.0%), 2-Immunity and Responses to Pathogens (6.2%) and 3-Prevention, Treatment and Control (10.3%).
  • This analysis looks at the largest sub-topic, Prevention, Treatment and Control.

HSC ANALYSIS - What to expect and common pitfalls

  • Prevention, Treatment and Control is the blue whale of Module 7, one of only three topic areas in the whole Biology course that has contributed over 10% to new syllabus exams.  This topic averages two longer answer (or part thereof) questions and over two multiple choice each year.
  • Passive and Active Vaccines consistently attracts high-mark allocations. Efficiency is required in describing antibody mediated responses in this context (see 2021 HSC 28b and 2020 HSC 32c). 
  • Pharmaceuticals requires students to justify, analyse and evaluate the use/overuse of antibiotics and how this can cause antibiotic resistant bacteria (see 2014 HSC 11 and 2020 HSC 22).
  • Procedures to Prevent Spread such as hygiene, quarantine and public health initiatives have been examined in longer answer questions five times (most recently in 2024-25) as well as multiple choice in a majority of new syllabus exams.
  • Interpreting Data related to the incidence of infectious disease has been a feature of multiple high-mark questions (see 2024 HSC 27, 2021 HSC 30 and 2019 HSC 32). 
  • An indigenous context within this topic was tested in 2022 HSC 26. 
  • A sound understanding of keywords and a relevant efficient answer structure is critical. Since 2018, the following keywords have been used in high mark essay style questions within this topic: analyse, assess, evaluate, explain and justify. Prepare!

BIOLOGY M7 Snapshot: Immunity

HISTORICAL CONTRIBUTION

  • M7 Infectious Diseases has contributed an average of 24.5% per HSC Biology exam since the new syllabus was introduced in 2019.
  • This topic has been split into three sub-categories for analysis purposes which are: 1-Causes of Infectious Diseases (8.0%), 2-Immunity and Responses to Pathogens (6.2%) and 3-Prevention, Treatment and Control (10.3%).
  • This analysis looks at the smallest sub-topic, Immunity.

HSC ANALYSIS - What to expect and common pitfalls

  • Immunity received its peak allocation in 2025 with a huge 14 marks (more than double its average) across two longer answer questions and three multiple choice.  Prior to 2025, it had been tested in longer answer questions (or part thereof) four times in new syllabus exams as well as multiple choice each year between 2022-24.
  • Antibodies/Antibodies mediated represent the most commonly tested content in this topic area, appearing in both longer answer (2025 HSC 28, 2024 HSC 32) and multiple-choice format.
  • The Cell Mediated response was examined in a vaccine cross-topic question in 2023 after not being tested in previous years. 2017 HSC 11 MC and 2018 HSC 16 MC both caused problems in this area and deserve revision attention.
  • The Innate Response (2nd line of defence) has been examined via longer answer questions each year between 2023-25. 2024 HSC 32 is a challenging high mark "explain" (keyword) example in this area as well as 2018 HSC 3 MC and 2019 HSC 5 MC which also produced low mean marks.
  • This topic's importance goes beyond its individual contribution as it provides the framework to understand Vaccines (covered in the later topic M7 Prevention, Treatment and Control).