Clear answers to the DSE English questions students actually ask.

Paper 1 Reading and Paper 3 Part A both include short-answer questions and gap-filling items. These are marked according to the specific scoring points set out in the relevant marking scheme.

For a 1-mark scoring item, the marker awards 1 mark when the required answer or scoring point is satisfied. If the required point is not met, the item receives 0. Across the 2012–2025 official marking schemes reviewed, we found no provision for awarding 0.5 or ½ mark to a 1-mark scoring item.

A multi-mark question can still receive partial credit in whole marks where separate scoring points are awarded. For example, a 2-mark question may receive 0, 1 or 2 marks because it contains more than one scoring point — not because a single 1-mark point is split into halves.

HKEAA has warned that excessively long responses can become less relevant, less well organised and more prone to language errors. Candidates are also discouraged from using archaic or overly ornate expressions and unnecessarily complex sentence structures simply to impress examiners.

Instead, focus on clarity, precision and relevance. Your language and tone should suit the text type, purpose and intended audience, and you should leave enough time for planning, writing and proofreading.

In other words, a strong Paper 2 response is not about writing as much as possible or making every sentence sound sophisticated. It is about communicating your ideas clearly, accurately and appropriately.

The official Paper 3 Part B marking scheme rewards successful manipulation of phrases from the Data File, a variety of changes to the original text, and effective use of your own language.

So, instead of copying sentences directly, you should:

You do not need to change every word. Names, figures, dates and technical terms may stay the same when necessary.

Your final response should still sound like a coherent piece of writing written for the required purpose, audience and text type.

• select only the information relevant to the task;
• change or combine sentence structures;
• paraphrase where appropriate; and
• integrate the information naturally into your response.

Paper 4 is assessed on pronunciation and delivery, communication strategies, vocabulary and language patterns, and ideas and organisation.

Strong candidates do more than simply speak often. They contribute relevant and developed ideas, respond to others, maintain the interaction and use language effectively.

In the group interaction, HKEAA advises candidates to listen and respond to others, add their own ideas and take turns to speak. Speaking enough to demonstrate your ability is important, but dominating the discussion is not an advantage.

HKEAA also states that examiners may intervene when a candidate dominates or repeatedly interrupts the interaction, and the candidate’s marking may be affected.

Teachers and students select suitable texts for the SBA reading/viewing programme according to HKEAA's Text Selection Criteria.

Depending on the school, teachers may recommend or assign suitable texts, while students may also be allowed to select their own texts with teacher guidance.

The selected text should be suitable for independent reading or viewing and contain enough material for students to comment on and reflect upon in preparation for the oral assessment.

HKEAA describes English Language SBA as an extensive reading/viewing programme in which students read or view selected texts before using them as the basis for oral assessment.

The published HKEAA guidelines do not specifically state that a student may create their own poem and then use that self-written work as the formal print text for SBA assessment.

Therefore, a self-written poem should not automatically be assumed to satisfy the SBA text requirements.

If a school asks a student to use a self-written poem as the SBA print text, the student should confirm with their English teacher or SBA Coordinator how the poem is being used and whether it meets HKEAA requirements.

For conventional written papers, candidates should normally answer using a blue or black ball pen.

For multiple-choice papers or sections where answers must be marked on an answer sheet in pencil, candidates should use an HB pencil.

Always follow the specific instructions printed on the question paper, answer book or answer sheet, as the required writing instrument may vary by section.

It is also sensible to bring two or three reliable blue or black ball pens as backups.