Rememberthe more you practice, the better you will be able to apply your

knowledge!
HSC COMMUNITY AND
FAMILY STUDIES
REVISION AND
HSC EXAM PRACTICE QUESTIONS
HSC REVISION
The HSC is set out in the same way as your Trials were:
A 3-hour examination with 5 minutes reading time
It consists two sections
o Section I
Part A Twenty multiple choice questions (20 marks): answer all questions
Part B Short answer questions (55 marks): answer all questions
o Section II
This section will have the three elective units.
Answer only the Individuals and Work questions (25 marks)

The front page of your exam will advise the amount of time you should allocate to each question
use this as a guide and keep your eye on the time. Write down the time you should complete each
section.
Use the RUBRIC as a guide as to how and what to include in your responses.
Remember to take more than one pen with you to the exam. Take a calculator in case it makes it
easier for you to interpret some of the graphs.
Use the NSW Board of Studies website to practice multiple choice questions for this exam.
HSC Online has good revision notes and practice activities.
Read through all of the newspaper clippings and keep up-to-date with current affairs and news
items.
Use examples and statistics to support your answers.
REMEMBER.most of your notes, activities and some up-to-date articles are being added to the
wiki.
GOOD LUCK, STUDY HARD!!


Some Year 11 work should be revised as this information can be incorporated into an answer,
especially with Parenting and Caring and Groups in Context, as it deals with real- life situations. It
may also help out with some terminology used in working out what the question is asking.
Go back to Resources on pages 7 13 of the textbook.
Another handy section to revise is anything on well-being, such as page 2 and also pages 63
64. Use this information when answering extended response questions look at RUBRIC.
Make sure you know what a management strategy is - this will help you with strategies to
acquire wellbeing.
Planned and unplanned changes is another area that fits into the HSC course. Read page
87 to familiarise yourself with the terms used.




Look at the Chapter summary and Chapter review questions at the end of each topic.
Read over the syllabus outline for each topic and remember the questions come from the
students learn to column.
Go through the glossary of terms in the back of the textbook (page 308) and make sure you
use this terminology when answering questions.
Read Chapter 9 on exam preparation and especially the table on page 287 to learn the
meaning of directive words in exam questions.











Preliminary Revision
General revision advice






1. What is the difference between:
a. Quantitative and qualitative research?
b. Primary and secondary research?
2. a. What are the main ways of recording findings (presenting data) for the following
research methods
i. Survey
ii. Interview
iii. Questionnaire
iv. Case study
v. Observation
b. Write an example of a research project that would involve the use of each of
these.
c. Do some extra reading of each of these from the various chapters in the book
e.g. interviews, observations
3. What is the aim of a literature review?
4. Write out all the steps in the process of conducting research.
5. When writing your final report for your IRP, what are all the components?
6. Research issues ethics:
a. How can a researcher make sure there is no bias in their results?
b. What is integrity? List all the ways to be sure this is carries out while conducting
research.
c. What is meant by a random sample for research?
d. What are the HSC requirements for an IRP?

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Revision
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
HSC Exam Questions
2011 HSC Exam

Compare a case study and an observation as methods of collecting data when conducting
research (4 marks)

Evaluate the significance of bias and sampling when conducting research. (6 marks)

2010 HSC Exam

Outline the advantages and disadvantages of gathering information for research from both
print sources and from people/individuals. (8 marks)

The following two questions (a and b) relate to a graph:
(a) Identify a research methodology that could have been used to collect this data. (1
mark)
(b) Identify TWO trends illustrated by the graph and provide possible reason(s) for each
trend. (6 marks)

2009 HSC Exam

What are the limitations of observation as a research methodology? (2 marks)

2008 HSC Exam

Describe an ethical issue that needs to be considered when conducting research. (2 marks)

2007 HSC Exam

Distinguish between quantitative and qualitative research and give ONE example of each. (2
marks)




PARENTING AND CARING
Revision
1. What is the difference between biological and social parents?
2. List 5 examples of ways to become social parents and explain each type.
3. Who can be a carer and what sort of daily tasks do they have to do?
4. Why have women traditionally been the primary carer?
5. What is respite care?
6. Give an example of how a person can become a planned carer (make preparations) or
an unplanned carer (not expected).
7. For each of the following changes that occur when becoming a parent,
i. Explain the consequences of each
ii. Suggest a strategy that would make the situation easier and enhance
their wellbeing
a. Physical changes
b. Social changes
c. Emotional changes
d. Economic changes
8. Explain how resources such as time, energy, finance and housing have to managed
differently once a new edition to the family arrives.
9. What housing modifications may be needed when caring for a dependent.
10. What is meant by the term children with special needs? Propose strategies when
caring for people with special needs and include suggestions for modifications to
housing when caring for a dependent with special needs.
11. Name and describe 4 styles of parenting.
12. What are some factors affecting access to services for parents and carers?
13. Make a list of the roles of parents and carers.
14. Make a list of individuals and groups in Australia who take on parenting and caring
roles.
15. What is meant by significant others who take on social parenting roles? Make a list
of these significant others and the expectations they fulfil.
16. List the role expectations of parents and carers.
17. Briefly explain how the following factors can influence parenting and caring roles:
a. Age
b. Culture and religion
c. Education
d. Gender
e. Previous experience and own upbringing
f. Socioeconomic status
g. Media
h. Nature of relationship
i. Style of parenting
18. List some ways of balancing work and family commitments that occur when society
places pressures and multiple role expectations on parents and carers.
19. Explain how conflict may have a positive or negative effect on relationships.
20. Give examples of the following organisations and support groups available for parents
and carers and briefly state how they can help out:
a. Health services
b. Welfare agencies
c. Parenting groups
d. Community groups
e. Government agencies
f. Child-care services
g. Carers support groups







PARENTING AND CARING
HSC Exam Questions
2011 HSC Exam

Explain the influence the media can have on parenting and caring relationships. (8 marks)

Describe the legal and social implications of adoption for both the parents and the children.
(7 marks)

A couple have just had their fifth child. The other children range in age from two to twelve
years old. One parent is in paid full-time employment and the other parent is the primary
carer.
(a) Explain the impact that time and finances can have on parenting and caring in this
family. (3 marks)
(b) Propose and justify strategies for this family to manage their situation effectively.
(5 marks)

2010 HSC Exam
Outline how TWO of the factors listed below have an impact on parenting and
caring relationships.
* age * media *education * previous experiences/upbringing (8 marks)

Describe TWO styles of parenting and examine the impact that each has on the parent/child
relationship. (6 marks)

Describe how community groups support parents and carers. (6 marks)

2009 HSC Exam

Outline TWO strategies a carer may use to meet the social needs of an elderly person. (4
marks)

What impact could a child with special needs have upon their familys time management? (4
marks)

Examine the influence that socio-economic status can have on the parenting and caring
relationship. (6 marks)

Propose suitable strategies to assist carers in meeting the needs of those in their care. In your
answer, refer to more than one circumstance which may lead to an individual requiring care.
(15 marks)


2008 HSC Exam

Define the term surrogacy. (1 mark)

Explain the unique challenges that adopted children and their social parents may experience.
(4 marks)

Outline TWO ways in which a parents age may impact upon the parent-child relationship. (4
marks)


Grandparents and childcare centres often adopt a caring role. Compare the impact of each of
these on the children for whom they care. (6 marks)

Assess how support groups for parents contribute to family wellbeing. (15 marks)

2007 HSC Exam

Lee has recently become a step-parent to three children. Describe ONE strategy Lee could
use to ensure positive family relationships. (2 marks)

Analyse how a persons upbringing can influence their approach to parenting or caring
relationships. (4 marks)

Outline TWO issues that may arise for biological parents resulting from an unplanned
pregnancy. (4 marks)

Discuss how the expectations of males and females in parenting are influenced by the media.
(6 marks)

Propose strategies to assist parents with managing multiple roles and the demands of family,
work and other commitments. (15 marks)



















GROUPS IN CONTEXT
Revision

There is so much to learn in this section and this is where your summary sheets are excellent
revision. Remember the syllabus states you only need a general understanding of the
characteristics and needs of members of the groups, with 3 in detail. Make sure you know the
following groups we studied in detail:
The homeless
The disabled
The youth

Learn the social and legal definitions of each group. Social definitions are informal means of
identifying groups. Each group has special common characteristics which they share. The
common qualities may be social, cultural or geographic e.g. rural families live in country
areas, housing is low density and may be isolated, employment is often through farming.

You will often be asked to compare the needs of 2 groups and it could be any 2, so know
them all!! For each group, identify and describe 2 community services that are there for each
group in times of need e.g. Rural families in times of drought who is there to help them?


GROUPS IN CONTEXT
HSC Exam Questions
2011 HSC Exam
For ONE group you have studied, propose modifications to their social environment that
would help in meeting the groups needs. (8 marks)
a) Describe equity issues for ONE group you have studied. (5 marks)
b) Propose ONE management strategy to address an equity issue for the group 3 identified in
part (a). (3 marks)

How is the access to resources by homeless people affected by their socioeconomic status and
location? (6 marks)
2010 HSC Exam
Socioeconomically disadvantaged groups have significant needs. Select TWO of their most
significant needs and justify your choice. (6 marks)
Explain the impact that societal attitudes can have upon access to resources for ONE group
you have studied. (6 marks)
For TWO groups you have studied describe the positive contributions that each group makes
to the wider community. (8 marks)
2009 HSC Exam
Using an example, explain how access to education can have a positive impact on the
wellbeing of a disabled person. (3 marks)

Why is self-esteem an important need for young people? (3 marks)

The graph shows information about the age of the youngest child for three different
family types. The percentage of families with the youngest child in the 04yearsage
group varies across the three family types. Propose reasons to explain why this is the
case. (3 marks)

Outline how ONE community service group meets the needs of a family in a
crisis situation. (4 marks)

Identify TWO high priority needs for the aged. Why are these needs high
priorities for this group? (6 marks)


Choose TWO groups you have studied. For each group, describe ways of
resolving conflict that may exist between the group and the wider community. (15
marks)

2008 HSC Exam

Explain the impact that isolation has on the wellbeing of rural families. (4 marks)

Describe the difficulties experienced by the disabled in meeting the following
needs: (6 marks)
housing
sense of identity.


Analyse the role of government policies and community structures in supporting
TWO groups you have studied. (15 marks)

Evaluate the effectiveness of financial support in contributing to the wellbeing of
the chronically ill.(4 marks)

2007 HSC Exam

Explain why self-esteem is important for both sole parents and the aged. (4
marks)

Describe ONE example of a family in crisis and TWO resources available to meet
its basic needs. (4 marks)

Explain how TWO government policies contribute to the safety and security of
ONE group you have studied. (6 marks)

Assess how TWO groups you have studied contribute to individual and
community wellbeing. (15 marks)
















INDIVIDUALS AND WORK
HSC Exam Questions
2011 HSC Exam
(a) Describe TWO needs that are met when individuals participate in unpaid work. (4 marks)
(b) Explain how employers support employees by meeting their responsibilities in the
workplace. (6 marks)
Answer part (c) in a SEPARATE writing booklet.
(c) Evaluate the suitability of THREE different patterns of work to meet the individual and
family needs of a family consisting of two adults and two children aged sixteen and eleven
years old. (15 marks)

2010 HSC Exam

(a) Outline how an individuals social conscience needs can be met through work. (2 marks)
(b) Choose THREE of the following social factors and describe how they have led to
changing work patterns. government policy technology perceptions of gender education
(8 marks)
(c) Examine how workplace supports assist individuals in managing both their family and
work expectations. (15 marks)

2009 HSC Exam


a) How can seasonal and job-share work patterns benefit different
individuals? (4 marks)
b) Describe the impact on the wellbeing of family members when one
individual takes on most of the work in the house. (6 marks)
c) Evaluate the contribution of supportive workplace structures to efficient
work practices. (15 marks)


2008 HSC Exam


a) Outline how an individuals lifestyle needs are met through work. (4
marks)
b) Explain the effects on family members when a parent changes
employment. (6 marks)
c) Evaluate how the rights and responsibilities of individuals in the
workplace contribute to the wellbeing of employees and employers. (15
marks)


2007 HSC Exam

a) Identify ONE supportive workplace structure, and outline its contribution to efficient
work practices. (4 marks)

b) Explain the significant influences that have had an impact on how individuals
perceive work. (6 marks)

c) Critically discuss the impact of social factors on changing work patterns. (15 marks)