DSE review reveals weak spots in language exams among HK students
發佈日期: 2025-11-11 21:45
TVB News
The Examinations and Assessment Authority released their comments on candidates' performances at this year's Diploma of Secondary Education or DSE Exam.
The report notes that some students used Hong Kong-style English, or "Konglish" in the speaking exam and showed weak analytical skills in their native Chinese language.
With that, authorities urge students to consume less fragmented information online and engage more in deep reading and critical reflection.
For the English Language paper, weaker candidates this year were said to have difficulties expressing themselves due to a lack of vocabulary and poor grammar.
The most common grammatical errors among exam-takers include part-of-speech issues: like "everyone can success" -- instead of the correct "everyone can succeed."
Other "Konglish" expressions flagged by the HKEAA: "grandfather taught father taught me" or "people is very easy to call Uber."
Turn-taking was said to be "mechanical" following a "fixed pattern" and using "formulaic expressions." Some weaker candidates in the speaking exam would say "I agree with you" or "Your idea is good" -- regardless of their stance.
Spelling mistakes could be seen in reading, writing and listening papers.
They include spelling "fill" as "feel" or misinterpreting "vegetarian" as "vegetables."
In the Chinese Language paper, performance varied widely.
In the practical writing paper, exam-takers were asked to prepare a speech for a school event, explaining the significance of holding a pet-related event.
Some answers went off track.
Some candidates wrote that adopting pets helps maintain biodiversity -- an answer that the exam authority describes as illogical, noting "pets are not wild animals."
