Question 1

What is NCEA AS 91482 about?

Accepted Answer

In this standard, students write one essay (around 800–900 words) in an exam comparing the style of two artworks. They need to explain what makes each artwork look the way it does, connect each work to its art movement, and discuss how and why the two works are similar or different in style. It's worth 4 credits at Level 3.

Question 2

What do students need to do for AS 91482?

Accepted Answer

1. Choose one exam question from the options given and pick two artworks from the resource booklet provided — both must come from the booklet. 2. Write roughly 800–900 words comparing the style of your two chosen artworks. 3. Identify specific visual features (like composition, space, form, or line) in each artwork and use correct art history terminology to describe them. 4. Explain the similarities and/or differences in style between the two artworks — don't just describe them separately. 5. Connect each artwork to its art movement and use contextual knowledge (history, influences, the artist's background) to explain why the style looks the way it does.

Question 3

What's the difference between Achieved, Merit, and Excellence for AS 91482?

Accepted Answer

Achieved: You describe the stylistic features of both artworks and start to explain them. You spot some similarities or differences but keep it fairly descriptive rather than using precise art history terms throughout. Your conclusion is brief and doesn't fully explain your reasoning. Merit: You go further by giving clear reasons and justifications for the similarities and differences. You use specific visual evidence from both works, link it to proper art history terminology, and show you understand the broader context (key events, influences) — though you may not always tie that context directly to the style comparison. Excellence: You weave together visual analysis, art history terminology, and contextual information all the way through your essay. You consistently explain why the stylistic similarities and differences exist, keep a balanced focus on both artworks, and your contextual insights directly support your comparisons rather than sitting alongside them.

Question 4

What mistakes do students typically make in AS 91482?

Accepted Answer

1. Confusing 'media' with subject matter or technique — for example, describing what a painting is about rather than what materials or methods were used. 2. Describing the story or narrative of an artwork instead of analysing its style. 3. Only discussing one artwork in depth and barely mentioning the second. 4. Not making any actual comparison — writing about each artwork separately without identifying similarities or differences. 5. Comparing subject matter or meaning rather than stylistic features. 6. Selecting artworks that are not in the resource booklet provided in the exam. 7. Including rote-learned information that doesn't directly answer the question — padding the essay with general art movement facts rather than using them to explain style. 8. Writing a conclusion without giving reasons or explanations for the judgements made.

Style in art

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