HKDSE English Language Mode of assessment Component Weighting

HKDSE English Language

Mode of assessment Component Weighting Duration Paper 1 Reading Paper 2 Writing Paper 3 Listening & Integrated Skills Paper 4 Speaking 20% 25% 30% 1. 5 hours 2 hours 10% 20 minutes SBA (Part A & Part B) 15%

Paper 1 Reading (20%) • • 3 sections Part A (compulsory) Part B 1 (easier) Part B 2 (difficult) Choose either Part B 1 or Part B 2 • Part A + Part B 1 Highest: Level 4 • Part A + Part B 2 Highest: Level 5**

Paper 2 Writing (25%) • • 2 parts Part A (a short, guided task, about 200 words) Part B (longer, open-ended, about 400 words) 8 Questions (based on the 8 elective modules) 1. Sports Communication 2. Drama 3. Poems and Songs 4. Debating 5. Short Stories 6. Popular Culture 7. Workplace Communication 8. Social Issues

Paper 3 Listening & Integrated Skills (30%) • • 3 sections Part A (compulsory) Part B 1 (easier) Part B 2 (difficult) Choose either Part B 1 or Part B 2 • Part A + Part B 1 Highest: Level 4 • Part A + Part B 2 Highest: Level 5**

Paper 4 Speaking (10%) • • 2 parts Part A (Group Interaction) Preparation: 10 minutes Discussion: 8 minutes • Part B (Individual Response) • 1 minute

SBA (15%) • • 2 parts Part A (7. 5%) Read 1 book OR watch 1 film Group interaction OR Individual presentation • Part B (7. 5%) • Reflect on what you have learnt in 1 elective module • Group interaction OR Individual presentation

Assessment objectives Reading To assess the ability of candidates to : • understand interpret the purpose and meaning of a broad range of texts • identify the main theme and key details of a broad range of texts • identify the contextual meaning of words and phrases • interpret the tone and mood of a writer • distinguish and evaluate views, attitudes or arguments in fairly complex texts • understand the use of a range of language features in fairly complex texts • interpret, analyze, select and organize ideas and information from various sources

Writing To assess the ability of candidates to : • write texts for different contexts, audiences and purposes with relevant content and adequate supporting details • convey meaning using varied vocabulary, linguistic devices and language patterns appropriately and accurately • plan and produce coherent and structured texts with ideas effectively presented and developed • write texts using appropriate tone, style and register and the salient features of different genres • draft and revise written texts

Listening To assess the ability of candidates to : • understand interpret the purpose and meaning of a range of spoken texts • identify the key details of a range of spoken texts • interpret speakers’ feelings, views attitudes and intentions • understand speakers with a range of accents and language varieties in speech delivered at a moderate pace • understand the use of a range of language features in fairly complex spoken texts

Speaking To assess the ability of candidates to : • express information and ideas with suitable elaboration • convey meaning using a range of vocabulary and language patterns appropriate to the context, purpose and audience • establish and maintain relationships / spoken exchanges using formulaic expressions and appropriate communication strategies • produce coherent and structured speeches with ideas effectively / clearly presented and developed • pronounce words clearly and accurately • use appropriate pace, volume, intonation, stress, eye contact and gesture to support effective communication

Papers in junior and senior forms S. 1 -3 S. 4 -6 Reading & Grammar Reading (20%) Writing & Vocabulary Writing (25%) Listening & Integrated Skills (30%) Speaking (10%) SBA (15%)

Tips to enhance your English language skills: • • Read more Write more Listen more Speak more