At a Glance
- Part A — compulsory listening (15%)
- Part B1 or B2 — integrated skills (15%)
- B1 is the easier section; candidates choosing B1 can attain up to Level 4.
- B2 allows access to the full range of levels.
- The recording controls the listening pace.
- HKEAA allows 1 hour 15 minutes after the Part B listening input to complete the written tasks.
Official HKEAA Format
- Part A tests listening. Part B combines listening, reading Data File material and writing for stated audiences and purposes.
- Candidates choose B1 or B2 according to the paper instructions.
Marking Criteria
Based on HKEAA Marking Guidelines
Part A — Listening
15% of the subject markPart B — Integrated Skills
15% of the subject markPart A is assessed according to the marking scheme for each question. Marks are awarded when answers meet the relevant marking requirements.
Part B is assessed using task-specific marking guidelines. Candidates need to identify, select, integrate and adapt relevant information to fulfil the writing tasks. Writing more does not necessarily lead to higher marks.
What is assessed in Part B?
The areas and scores below show a full writing-task marking example; allocations may vary by task.
Task Completion
Usually 1 mark per pointSelecting and integrating relevant information to fulfil the specific task requirements.
Marking principle: Each valid content point is usually worth one mark, while the number of assessable points and total marks depend on the specific task.
Language
0–5Accurate language use, appropriate adaptation of Data File material, and effective use of the candidate's own language.
Coherence & Organisation
0–2Logical organisation, clear relationships between ideas and supporting details, and effective cohesion.
Appropriacy
0–2Using appropriate register, tone and style for the intended audience, purpose and text type.
Note: The following guidance draws on an official HKEAA marking example and focuses on Scores 3–5 for Language. Assessment components and mark allocations may vary between tasks. Please refer to the official source below for details.
DSE LevelMate Explanation & Tips
Successful task completion means understanding the specific requirements, identifying relevant information in the Data File, selecting and integrating the required details, avoiding irrelevant material, and addressing every important requirement.
Official References
2027 HKDSE English Language Assessment FrameworkOfficial Paper 3 structure and subject weighting.↗English Language FAQ — Paper WeightingsConfirms the percentages for Part A and Part B.↗2019 English Language Seminar — Highlights of Questions and AnswersOfficial guidance on selecting, adapting and avoiding verbatim copying of Data File information.↗2026 Paper 3 Candidate Performance SamplesExamine official samples of candidate performance.↗The marking framework and example summaries are based on official HKEAA materials. Assessment areas and mark allocations may vary by task. In the supplied example, the full Language marking range is 0–5, although this guide explains marks 3–5 only. Improvement tips are provided by DSE LevelMate, and the summaries are not verbatim official descriptors.
Recommended Timing
Part A — Listening
Follow the recordingPart A consists of compulsory listening tasks. Answer the questions as the recording progresses.
There is no separate post-listening writing period designated for Part A. The additional 75 minutes after the listening input are allocated to Part B written tasks.
Part B — Integrated Skills
Official HKEAA Timing: 75 minutesAfter the listening input ends, candidates have 1 hour and 15 minutes (75 minutes) to complete the written tasks in either Part B1 or Part B2.
A practical 75-minute plan
Analyse the task requirements, Data File, intended audience and purpose. Identify the relevant information and organise your response.
Complete all required written tasks. Focus on task fulfilment, appropriate tone, clear organisation and accurate use of information.
Check for missing requirements, incorrect details, language errors and obvious omissions.
Adjust the time allocation according to the demands of each task, but always reserve time for a final check.
This 10/60/5-minute allocation is a DSE LevelMate preparation recommendation, not an official HKEAA requirement.
Exam Strategy
- Mark each task requirement before searching the Data File.
- Record the source location of names, dates and figures so they can be verified quickly.
- Adapt source wording to the required voice, tone and format instead of copying whole chunks.
Final Checking Checklist
- 1All task requirements completed.
- 2Data File facts, names, dates and figures accurate.
- 3Audience and tone appropriate.
- 4Irrelevant or contradictory information removed.
- 5Copied information adapted to the task.
- 6Required subject lines, headings, salutations or closings included.
Common Mistakes
- Using relevant facts for the wrong task.
- Copying without changing pronouns, tense or register.
- Omitting a required output format element.
- Letting one task consume the full working period.