Print text
A written English text that you read.
Examples- novel
- biography / autobiography
- factual book
SBA
School-Based Assessment
Two assessed oral tasks based on print and non-print texts, completed by school candidates.
Weighting15%Assessment periodS5 Term 2 → S6
SBA at a Glance
School candidates must complete SBA. Private candidates are not required to complete the SBA component.
Weighting15%Assessments2 oral tasksPer assessment7.5% eachAssessment periodS5 Term 2 → S6
How the SBA structure works
You complete two formal assessments: one based on a print text and one based on a non-print text. One assessment is a Group Interaction, and the other is an Individual Presentation.
Non-print text
An audiovisual English text that you view rather than simply read.
Examples- film
- documentary
How they can be paired
There is no fixed pairing.Option A
Assessment 1 — 7.5%Print text→Group InteractionAssessment 2 — 7.5%Non-print text→Individual PresentationOption B
Assessment 1 — 7.5%Print text→Individual PresentationAssessment 2 — 7.5%Non-print text→Group InteractionThere is no fixed pairing. A print text can be used for either a Group Interaction or an Individual Presentation. The non-print assessment then uses the other assessment format.
Total SBA weighting: 15%Students read/view 2–4 texts during S4–S6, including at least one print and one non-print text.
When is SBA assessed?
S5 — Second TermOne formal SBA assessment→S6 — During the school yearThe other formal SBA assessmentExact dates vary by school.
HKEAA Official — 2027 English Language SBA Teachers' HandbookView HKEAA source ↗HKEAA Official — 2026 & 2027 English Language SBA RequirementsView HKEAA source ↗HKEAA Official — English Language SBA Text Selection CriteriaView HKEAA source ↗HKEAA Official — English Language SBA FAQ — RequirementsView HKEAA source ↗
Official HKEAA Format
- Print and non-print texts may be fictional or non-fictional.
Assessment Criteria
Based on the 2026 and 2027 HKEAA English Language SBA Teachers' Handbooks
Four assessment domains
GI and IP are each assessed across four domains. Every domain uses a 0–6 scale, for a total of 24 marks per assessment record.
Note: This section focuses on the assessment standards for 3–6 marks. The full marking scale ranges from 0 to 6. For the criteria for 0–2 marks, please refer to the official HKEAA source below.
Pronunciation & Delivery — 發音與口語表達
Assessment focus
Voice projection, pronunciation, fluency and intonation during interaction.
Volume may be a problem. Pronounces simple sounds clearly but makes some errors with sound clusters; less common words may need context to be understood. Speaks carefully, with noticeable hesitation, using enough basic intonation for a familiar and supportive listener.
Usually projects the voice satisfactorily; pronounces most sounds, sound clusters and common words clearly and accurately. Less common words remain understandable despite some articulation errors. Speech is deliberate, with some hesitation but enough intonation to convey meaning.
Projects the voice appropriately; pronounces all sounds and sound clusters clearly and almost all words accurately; speaks fluently with only occasional hesitation and uses intonation to enhance communication.
Projects the voice appropriately; pronounces all sounds, sound clusters and words clearly and accurately; speaks fluently and naturally with very little hesitation and suitable intonation.
Source note: The descriptions above faithfully summarise the HKEAA criteria for learning purposes and are not a replacement for the complete official marking descriptors. The Chinese explanations are DSE LevelMate translations, not official HKEAA Chinese translations.
HKEAA Official — 2027 English Language SBA Teachers' HandbookView HKEAA source ↗Timing & Preparation Tips
HKEAA Official Timing Guidance
These are flexible HKEAA reference durations, not strict time limits. The 3–5-minute guidance refers to giving each student sufficient opportunity for oral output. Actual timing may vary according to the task and students' needs.
Exam Strategies
Understand the task → Organise ideas and examples from the text → Prepare brief notes.
Prepare flexible speaking notes instead of writing a full script.Share ideas → Listen and respond → Develop the discussion → Involve other group members.
Prepare relevant textual evidence and personal responses to engage with other group members.Introduce the topic → Develop key points → Support with specific examples → Conclude naturally.
Explain your viewpoints clearly instead of simply retelling the text.Understand the question → Form a viewpoint → Explain → Provide supporting reasons → Interpret → Respond naturally.
Practise answering different types of questions, including factual, explanatory, reflective, interpretive and critical questions.How to Prepare for SBA
- 1Know the text, themes, characters and conflicts.
- 2Form personal opinions rather than repeat a summary.
- 3Prepare specific scenes and evidence.
- 4Practise explanation, interpretation and evaluation.
- 5Build flexible vocabulary around key themes.
- 6Use notes as prompts; speak naturally instead of memorising a script.
Common Mistakes
- Retelling the text without interpretation.
- Memorising a full script that cannot adapt to questions.
- Giving an opinion without evidence.
Official HKEAA References
HKEAA Official — 2027 English Language SBA Teachers' HandbookView HKEAA source ↗HKEAA Official — 2026 & 2027 English Language SBA RequirementsView HKEAA source ↗HKEAA Official — English Language SBA Text Selection CriteriaView HKEAA source ↗HKEAA Official — English Language SBA FAQ — RequirementsView HKEAA source ↗HKEAA Official — 2026 English Language SBA Teachers' HandbookView HKEAA source ↗HKEAA Official — English Language SBA FAQ — Assessment TasksView HKEAA source ↗