Indigenous poet Ellen van Neerven subject to online abuse by students after HSC English exam

Authors and poets have leapt to the defence of an award-winning Indigenous writer after she was allegedly abused online by year 12 students.

Ellen van Neerven also received messages asking her to explain her poem Mango from the book Comfort Food after students sitting the HSC English exam on Monday were asked to analyse the work.

The opening question in the exam asked students to "explain how the poet conveys the delight of discovery".

Others criticised the NSW Education Standards Authority, which administers the HSC, for what they said was a poorly framed question.

A NESA spokesman said exam questions had been sent by a committee of experienced English teachers.

"The authors are not advised in advance," he said. "They don't know because obviously ... for the security and confidentiality of the exam."

The spokesman declined to comment on the online abuse directed at Ms van Neervan by students.

He said HSC students were provided with an opportunity to give feedback on the courses as well as the exams to NESA.

David de Carvalho, the chief executive of NESA, condemned the treatment of Ms van Neerven.

"I am appalled by the abuse of the author," he said. "This is a completely inappropriate response and I hope those involved see fit to apologise to Ms van Neerven."

Ms van Neerven was approached for comment.