The Common Module is the first assessable component of the HSC, known as ‘Paper 1’, and is a compulsory exam for all HSC students. Within Paper 1, students must complete a comprehension paper and essay question on the theme of ‘Texts and Human Experiences’. 

The NESA rubric for texts and human experiences can be accessed here: https://educationstandards.nsw.edu.au/wps/wcm/connect/f2ef71a2-ea7c-4b96-92f6-398fe141925c/english-stage-6-prescriptions-2019-2023.pdf?MOD=AJPERES&CVID= 

TutorTime’s key rubric words are: human experiences, individual, collective, anomalies, paradoxes, inconsistencies and storytelling. We recommend that students create their theses around these words and aim to include them in their writing as much as possible. 

Here are some general essay tips:

1. Time your practice essays. You should allow 40 minutes to write the essay and don’t forget to add in the rubric words.
2. Handwrite your essay. You won’t be able to type your essay in the HSC!
3. Don’t forget to answer the question in your introduction.
4. Write in clear paragraphs with obvious spacing. 
5. Edit your work. 
6. Good luck!

Free Common Module Essay Questions:

1. To what extent does your prescribed text suggest that inter-personal relationships define the human experience?

2. ‘Reality is contradictory. And its paradoxical. If there’s any one word – if you had to pick one to describe the nature of the universe – I think it would be paradox’.

Assess the above statement in line with your understanding of your prescribed text. 

3. To what extent does your prescribed text employ storytelling to explore anomalous aspects of the human experience?

4. The collective can irrevocably transform the individual. Does your understanding of your prescribed text support this statement? Why or why not? 

5. ‘Inconsistency is the only thing in which humanity is consistent’.

To what extent has your understanding of your prescribed text informed your opinion of the above statement? 

6. ‘We tell stories to connect with each other; humans need connection’. 

Assess the above statement in line with your prescribed text’s exploration of storytelling and the individual. 

7. To what extent does your prescribed text explore the significance of individual journeys?

8. ‘Hope is what makes the human condition liveable’. 

Assess the above statement in line with your understanding of your prescribed text.