The Board of Studies joins with the rest of the community in wishing all students the best for their exams. For general information, facts and figures about this year's HSC, please see the newly released 2009 HSC Media Guide. Course: CCAFL languages - Background Speakers Persian (27), Russian (21) Date: Tuesday October 20, 2009, 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM Both the Russian and the Persian Background Speakers examinations have three compulsory papers. Paper 1 (25 marks) This paper consists of two parts. In Part A (10 marks) students listen to one text and respond in English to a number of questions relating to both the content and language features of the text. In Part B (15 marks) students listen to two texts and answer one question that requires the student to evaluate, compare and contrast the information, opinions, and ideas from the texts. Paper 2 (50 marks) This paper consists of two parts. In Part A (25 marks) students respond to a number of questions on one written text. Questions are written in the target language and/or English for answers in either the target language or English as specified. In Part B (25 marks) students read one text and answer one question in the target language that requires the student to respond to the opinions, ideas and information in the text. Paper 3 (25 marks) Students are required to write one original text in the target language. The student is expected to make reference to at least two of the texts studied from the prescribed reading list. There is a choice of three questions. Questions are phrased in the target language and English. Each question is worth 25 marks. Read the full 2009 HSC examination timetable. Don't miss out! Get your Board news fast and from the source with our easy email news alerts. Just enter your email address in the box on the right, and don't forget to confirm your subscription.