At a Glance
Part A — Group Interaction
- 10 minutes of preparation
- 8 minutes for a group of four
- 6 minutes for a group of three
Part B — Individual Response
- Up to 1 minute per candidate
- Answer the examiner's question(s) based on Part A
Official HKEAA Format
- Candidates prepare from a prompt, take part in a group interaction and respond individually to an examiner.
- The exact running time can vary with group size and examination arrangements.
Marking Criteria
Based on HKEAA Paper 4 Speaking Assessment Guidelines
Four assessment domains
Paper 4 is assessed across four domains. Each domain uses a 0–7 score scale. These assessment scores are not HKDSE reporting levels.
Note: This guide focuses on marks 4–7. Please refer to the note below for the full marking range and source information.
Pronunciation & Delivery
Assessment focus
Clarity and accuracy of pronunciation, natural fluency, and effective use of intonation to convey meaning.
Usually projects the voice satisfactorily and pronounces most sounds and words clearly. Speech is reasonably fluent, although longer turns may include some hesitation.
Pronounces almost all sounds and words clearly and accurately, speaks fluently with only occasional hesitation, and uses intonation appropriately.
Projects the voice appropriately, pronounces sounds and words clearly and accurately, and speaks fluently and naturally with only occasional hesitation and suitable intonation.
Projects the voice appropriately, pronounces sounds and words clearly and accurately, and speaks fluently and naturally with very little hesitation and sophisticated use of intonation.
Note: Each Paper 4 assessment domain is scored on a 0–7 scale. The descriptions above focus on Scores 4–7 and do not represent the complete marking criteria. They have been simplified by DSE LevelMate for learning purposes. Please refer to the official HKEAA guidelines for full details.
HKEAA Official — HKEAA Paper 4 Speaking Assessment GuidelinesView HKEAA source ↗Recommended Timing
This is a DSE LevelMate preparation recommendation, not an official HKEAA requirement.
- Preparation — identify the issue, 2–3 positions and supporting examples.
- Group interaction — contribute early, then listen and build on others.
- Individual response — answer directly, add a reason and example.
Exam Strategy
- Group: Listen → Respond → Develop → Invite.
- Individual: Answer → Reason → Example → Develop.
- Ask for clarification naturally when needed; do not deliver a memorised monologue.
Before You Speak — Mental Checklist
- 1Answer the actual question first.
- 2Give a reason, not only an opinion.
- 3Add a specific example.
- 4Connect to the previous speaker where relevant.
- 5Invite or create space for another contribution.
- 6Keep delivery clear and natural.
Common Mistakes
- Waiting to recite a prepared speech.
- Repeating a point without developing it.
- Interrupting or dominating the group.
- Using complex phrases that reduce clarity.