Load times

Term

Jump to a topic

See every item in the sequence

Definition

How long a page takes to appear. Slow pages lose users. Ways to minimise: minification, image optimisation, lazy loading, caching, a content delivery network (CDN), async or deferred scripts.

Example: 2025 Q16b marker note: give ways to MINIMISE load times, not ways to investigate them.

Found in: syllabus, 2025 HSC marking guidelines, sample exam and familiarisation guidelines, school notes.

Where you'll use it in the test

Syllabus area: Y12 Programming for the Web.

Question types it can appear in

Short answer: Outline TWO ways to minimise load time (2025 Q16b, fam Q10)
Multiple choice: Pick the option that matches the definition or example.

Where it has appeared in the paper

Programming for the Web (Part A, C). Part letters follow each paper’s own layout.

How to use it

A model sentence

General advice, built from the definition and example above

“How long a page takes to appear.” Then apply it: 2025 Q16b marker note: give ways to MINIMISE load times, not ways to investigate them.

In a short answer, give the definition in your own words first, then tie it to the situation in the question. Do not copy the example above unless it fits the scenario.

Command words used with it

From the linked past questions

Outline: Sketch in general terms; indicate the main features of. (2025 HSC Q16b (3 marks): Load times)
Explain: Relate cause and effect; make the relationship between things evident; provide why and/or how. (Familiarisation Q10 (4 marks): Load time)

Official worked answer

2025 HSC Q16b (3 marks): Load times (3 marks): official criteria and sample answer

Criteria

3: Outlines TWO ways, other than a PWA, to minimise load time. 2: Outlines ONE way, OR identifies TWO ways. 1: Some relevant information.

Sample answer

One way would be to provide the option to select lower resolution images or text only display. Another way would be to utilise caching as this would provide high speed access to commonly requested weather data.

Open the question page

Go deeper

Flashcard: Load times in Programming for the Web (Year 12) · study that set
Memorise: Web development system: front end, back end, databases
Notes: Investigate methods to support and manage the load times of web pages/applications. (Programming for the Web (Year 12))
Master answer: hsc2025-q16b (3 marks, short answer (outline)) (Master model answers: Programming for the Web)
Master answer: sample-q12b (3 marks, short answer (explain, max 75 words)) (Master model answers: Programming for the Web)
Notes: Methods to support and manage load times (Programming for the Web (Year 12))
Full term page: every question, note and marking comment for Load times

Check yourself

Explain “Load times” in one sentence, give an example, and name a question type that could test it.

Reveal the answer