Chinese Language

The Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) Chinese subject is a core subject in the curriculum. The examination format involves both public exams and school-based assessments (SBA). As of recent reforms in 2024, the public exam consists of two papers: Paper 1 on Reading Skills (40% of total marks) with a duration of 1 hour and 30 minutes, and Paper 2 on Writing Skills (45% of total marks) with a duration of 2 hours and 15 minutes. The former Paper 3 (Listening and Integrated Skills) and Paper 4 (Speaking Skills) have been removed, with their assessment integrated into the school-based assessment, which now accounts for 15% of the total score. For candidates who are private candidates, only the public exam scores are counted, as they are exempt from SBA.

The examination is mainly a written test, including multiple reading passages for comprehension, practical and creative writing tasks to assess understanding, organization, expression, and composition skills. The SBA requires students to submit a written reading report and an oral presentation, focusing on their reading abilities and spoken language skills.

For revision, students should focus on reading comprehension and writing techniques. They are advised to practice a wide range of texts, develop a strong vocabulary base, and enhance their ability to organize ideas clearly and creatively in writing. Regular practice of past papers, writing exercises, and oral presentations is beneficial. Creating summaries, vocabulary lists, and practicing timed writing can improve performance. Understanding the examination format and marking criteria is also important to target efforts effectively. This balanced approach helps students solidify their language skills and confidence for the HKDSE Chinese exam.