STAGE 2 CLASSICAL STUDIES
ASSESSMENT TYPE 2: Essays
Topic 1: Greek Epic
Purpose
Through completing the essay students will consolidate knowledge and understanding of the classical world and
develop a well-informed reflection on the diversity of attitudes, beliefs and values of the historical era. By using the
relevant terminology and relevant skills of historical literacy students will communicate informed arguments and
develop a comprehensive point of view supported by examples and acknowledgement of sources.
Description of Assessment
Students complete an essay in the form of an analytical argument with the use of appropriate supportive arguments.
The essay will assess students’ critical analysis and reflection of Homer’s Odyssey. Through the investigation of a
variety of aspects of the text students will develop an understanding of multiple readings. The essay should analyse
certain textual features of the Odyssey including one or more of the following:

the construction of characters

the construction of relationships

the narrative and/or stylistic features

the use of physical and social setting

multiple readings of issues explored in the text.
Students select one of the following topics:
1. ‘The rewards of being an epic hero come at a high price.’
Discuss this statement with reference to Homer’s Odyssey.
2. How are narrative and stylistic features used to construct interesting and diverse female characters in
Homer’s Odyssey?
3. ‘In Homer’s Odyssey, mortals are responsible for their own misfortunes.’
To what extent do you agree with this statement?
Assessment Conditions
The essay is written without teacher assistance and under timed and supervised conditions.
Students have one hour to complete the essay.
The essay may be hand written or word processed if previously negotiated with the teacher.
Students may use a dictionary / spell checker.
Students may not bring in a copy of the texts or any supportive notes / material.
Assessment Design Criteria
Knowledge and Understanding
Research and Analysis
Communication
KU1
RA3
C1
KU3
RA4
C3
Page 1 of 2
Stage 2 Classical Studies Task
Ref: A119537 (revised January 2013)
© SACE Board of South Australia 2012
Performance Standards for Stage 2 Classical Studies
A
Knowledge and Understanding
Research and Analysis
Communication
In-depth knowledge and critical understanding
of selected texts, ideas, individuals, groups,
institutions, practices, events, and artefacts of
the classical world.
Extensive and balanced research into
primary and secondary sources, including
literary text(s).
Clear, logical, coherent, and controlled
communication of informed argument using
appropriate examples and ideas.
Incisive critical analysis and synthesis of,
and reflection on, research.
Astute and selective integration and
acknowledgment of source material.
Selective recognition and controlled
application of relevant terms, concepts, and
skills, including skills of historical literacy.
Fluent and lucid explanation of ideas using a
range of forms.
Discerning selection and application of factual
knowledge that demonstrates critical
understanding of the civilisations of Greece
and/or Rome.
Discerning and well-informed recognition of,
and insightful reflection on, the diversity of
attitudes, beliefs, and values in the classical
world.
B
Well-considered knowledge and
understanding of selected texts, ideas,
individuals, groups, institutions, practices,
events, and artefacts of the classical world.
Well-considered selection and application of
factual knowledge that demonstrates wellinformed understanding of the civilisations of
Greece and/or Rome.
Well-informed recognition of, and thoughtful
reflection on, the diversity of attitudes, beliefs,
and values in the classical world.
C
Appropriate knowledge and understanding of
selected texts, ideas, individuals, groups,
institutions, practices, events, and artefacts of
the classical world.
Competent selection and application of
factual knowledge that demonstrates
informed understanding of the civilisations of
Greece and/or Rome.
Competent recognition of, and considered
reflection on, the diversity of attitudes, beliefs,
and values in the classical world.
D
Recognition and some understanding of texts,
ideas, individuals, groups, institutions,
practices, events, and artefacts of the
classical world.
Selection and application of aspects of factual
knowledge that demonstrate some
understanding of the civilisations of Greece
and/or Rome.
E
Comprehensive definition and development
of a point of view.
Sound research, with breadth and balance,
into primary and secondary sources,
including literary text(s).
Clear and relevant communication of informed
argument using mostly appropriate examples
and ideas.
Well-informed critical analysis and synthesis
of, and reflection on, research.
Well-considered selection and integration and
acknowledgment of source material.
Well-informed recognition and application of
relevant terms, concepts, and skills,
including skills of historical literacy.
Mostly clear and thoughtful explanation of
ideas using a range of forms.
Well-considered definition and development
of a point of view.
Generally sound and balanced research into
primary and secondary sources, including
literary text(s).
Generally clear and reasonably accurate
communication of informed argument using
mostly appropriate examples and ideas.
Competent critical analysis and synthesis of,
and reflection on, research.
Appropriate integration and acknowledgment
of source material.
Appropriate recognition and application of
relevant terms, concepts, and skills,
including skills of historical literacy.
Generally clear explanation of ideas using
some different forms.
Competent definition and development of a
point of view.
Superficial research into primary and
secondary sources, including literary text(s).
Superficial argument using limited examples
and ideas.
Superficial analysis and description of
research.
Some integration of descriptions of source
material; acknowledgment sources and
tending mostly towards description.
Basic recognition and application of relevant
terms, concepts, and skills, including
selected skills of historical literacy.
Attempted explanation of ideas using one or
more forms.
Some recognition, and superficial
consideration, of some attitudes, beliefs, and
values in the classical world.
Some definition, and partial development, of
a point of view.
Some awareness of aspects of one or more
texts, ideas, individuals, groups, institutions,
practices, events, or artefacts of the classical
world.
Limited research into primary and secondary
sources, including literary text(s).
Some attempts at argument using few
examples and ideas.
Limited description of research.
Limited integration of descriptions of source
material and acknowledgment of sources.
Attempted selection and application of
aspects of factual knowledge that
demonstrate some awareness of the
civilisations of Greece and/or Rome.
Attempted use of some relevant terms,
concepts, and skills, including selected skills
of historical literacy.
Description of one or more ideas.
Attempted development of a point of view.
Attempted description of one or more aspects
of attitudes, beliefs, and values in the
classical world.
Page 2 of 2
Stage 2 Classical Studies Task
Ref: A119537 (revised January 2013)
© SACE Board of South Australia 2012