The Hidden HSC Hack Top Students Swear By (Now You Can Too)

NESA’s directive terms can be found here: https://www.nsw.gov.au/education-and-training/nesa/hsc/student-guide/glossary

Top students don’t just know their content. They know how to package it so markers can’t help but award marks.

The “secret signal” sitting right in front of you in every HSC question? Directive terms.

Think of NESA’s directive terms as a treasure map: follow the path exactly and you’ll arrive at the “X” — full marks. Ignore it, and you wander in circles while the clock ticks down.

The “Secret Signal” in Every Question

Every HSC question starts with a verb – like explain, discuss, assess, evaluate.

This is the Directive term. 

That one word is more than just an instruction, it’s a GPS coordinate telling you exactly how to deliver your answer for maximum marks.

Till now, it hasn’t even been a secret. It’s out there for all to see. But no one appreciates just how important these directive terms are. 

When you know precisely what each term means (and how to respond), you turn every answer into a marker’s dream.

Why This Works So Well

Most students treat NESA’s directive terms as background noise.

Top students treat them like a treasure map each step is a waypoint leading closer to full marks.

And here’s the best part: once you master them, they never change. The rules stay the same from one exam to the next.

From Explain → Discuss → Assess → Evaluate

We’ll walk the same example — the Haber process — through all four terms so you can see how the complexity builds.

Directive Term 1: Explain — Show the “Why/How” (Cause → Effect)

Definition (Elevate Guide): Relate cause and effect; make the relationship between things evident.

Structure:

• Cause →
• Link (“because”, “therefore”) →
• Effect

Example:

Explain why a catalyst is used in the Haber process.

The iron catalyst lowers the activation energy for both the forward and reverse reactions, which increases the rate at which equilibrium is reached, allowing ammonia to be produced more quickly.

Directive Term 2: Discuss — Lay Out Both Sides (No Verdict Required)

Definition: Identify the issue and present points for and/or against.

Structure:

• Describe the issue
• Points for (arguments/evidence)
• Points against (counterarguments/evidence)

Example:
Discuss the effectiveness of a catalyst in an exothermic reaction such as the Haber process.

For: Increases the rate of reaction, so ammonia is produced faster, improving throughput in industry. Allows the process to run at lower temperatures, saving energy.
Against: Does not change the position of equilibrium, so the maximum possible yield at given conditions is unchanged. Catalysts also have costs for installation, maintenance, and potential deactivation.

Directive Term 3: Assess — Make a Firm Judgement After Weighing Up

Definition: Make a judgement of value/quality/outcome/size — don’t sit on the fence.

Structure:

• Description
• Pros & cons
• Clear judgement

Example:
Assess the effectiveness of using a catalyst in the Haber process.

Description: The Haber process combines nitrogen and hydrogen to form ammonia under high temperature and pressure, with an iron catalyst.
Pros: Greatly increases rate, reduces energy needs.
Cons: No effect on equilibrium yield; ongoing maintenance cost.
Judgement: Highly effective for production efficiency, though not for increasing theoretical maximum yield.

Directive Term 4: Evaluate — Judge Against Explicit Criteria

Definition: Determine the value and make a judgement based on criteria.

Structure:

• Description
• Pros & cons
• Criteria-based verdict

Example:
Evaluate the use of a catalyst in the Haber process based on throughput, cost, and environmental impact.

Throughput: Significantly increases production rate, boosting output.
Cost: Initial cost is high but offset by increased efficiency and reduced energy consumption.
Environmental impact: Lower operating temperatures mean reduced greenhouse gas emissions from power generation.
Verdict: Highly valuable when prioritising throughput and environmental efficiency; still worth using despite upfront costs.

The Subtle Differences of NESA’s Directive Terms 

30-Second Exam Flow (Use This Every Time)

1. Spot the directive term and circle it.
2. Match your structure to the definition.
3. Signpost so the marker sees you doing it.

Bottom line: Directive terms are the GPS for full-mark answers. Follow the signal, use the right structure, and you’ll write like a Band 6 student, consistently.

Find the Full list Directive Terms on NESA’s website here:

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