021 - Expository Essays

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Road to HKDSE 2020
Writing Notes 021 (Expository Essay and Report -說明文和報告)
Reasons / Effects / Describe the situation Effects / Suggestions / Recommendations
題目考核重點
1 HKDSE English 2012 Q9 (Article) a. Write an article for the

school magazine
Learning English through Social Issues
b. Describe your friend’s
Your school magazine is going to include a special feature on mental health. depression and how
Recently, one of your friends was suffering from depression. Write an article he/she overcame it
for the school magazine about your friend’s depression and how he/she
c. Give two suggestions to
overcame it. Give advice to others on how to keep fight depression. You have
improve the situation.
also been asked to give two suggestions to improve the situation. Provide a
d. Provide a suitable title
suitable title for your article.
2 HKDSE English 2013 Q6 (Article) a. You are a human

resources assistant.
Learning English through Workplace Communication
b. Write an article for the
You are a human resources assistant. Your boss has observed that many company newsletter
people are leaving the office very late. He has asked you to write an article
c. Describing the situation
for the company newsletter describing the situation and discussing the
negative effects. You have also been asked to give two suggestions to d. Discussing the negative
improve the situation. Provide a suitable title for your article. effects
e. Give two suggestions to

improve the situation
f. Provide a suitable title

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題目考核重點
3 HKDSE English 2015 Q4 (Article) a. Write an article
Learning English through Social Issues b. Two reasons why

parents send their
Many parents in Hong Kong are sending their children to other countries to children to other
complete their schooling. Write an article for your school magazine examining countries to complete
two reasons for the phenomenon. You should also discuss the impact of this their schooling
on local schools and on children who leave to study overseas.
c. The impact on local
schools and children
who leave to study
overseas
4 HKDSE English 2015 Q7 (Report) a. Write a report

Learning English through Popular Culture
b. Explain why fewer
You are working on a project entitled “Cinemas in Hong Kong” for the Learning people go to cinemas
than before
English through Popular Culture module and have found that fewer people go
to cinemas than before. Write a report to explain why this is happening and c. Suggest what could be
to suggest what could be done to increase the number of moviegoers. Give done to increase the
reasons to support your suggestions. number of moviegoers
5 HKDSE English 2017 Q7 (Report) a. Explain why the

number of NEETs in
Learning English through Social Issues Hong Kong is rising
You are working on a project entitled “Hong Kong’s NEETs”. NEETs are young b. Suggest what can be
people who are not in education, employment or training. Many of these done
young people spend their time at home playing video games or surfing the c. Write a report
Internet.
Write a report to explain why the number of NEETs in Hong Kong is rising and
suggest what can be done to help these youths. Give reasons to support your
suggestions.
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6 HKDSE English 2019 Q2 (Essay) a. Write an essay
b. Explain some of the

benefits and
The following excerpt appeared in an article in the Hong Kong Daily Press:
challenges
To participate in today’s global economy, companies hire individuals whose international talent
skills and talent meet standards of excellence. One hundred years ago, people brings to Hong Kong
society
were hired from within the local community but today the best individuals are
hired from around the world. c. Suggest ways to ensure
that people from the
 Write an essay for your English teacher. local community are
 Explain some of the benefits and challenges international talent not neglected
brings to Hong Kong society and ways to ensure that people from
d. Include a title
the local community are not neglected.
Include a title for your essay.

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Reasons / Ways
題目考核重點
7 HKDSE English 2013 Q7 (Article) a. Write an article for your

school newspaper
b. Explaining why Asian
Asian singers and movie stars are gaining popularity all over the world and are stars are gaining
no longer appealing only to Asian audiences. Write an article for your school popularity in Western
newspaper explaining why Asian stars are gaining popularity in Western countries
countries. Give your article a title.

c. Give your article a title
8 HKDSE English 2016 Q5 (Essay) a. Describe a street

culture that is fast
Learning English through Social Issues disappearing
The Hong Kong Daily is holding an essay competition for secondary school b. Suggest why it is worth
students on the theme “Hong Kong’s Disappearing Street Life”. The aim is to preserving
promote youth awareness of the need to preserve unique aspects of Hong
Kong culture. Entries must focus on one aspect of local street life or culture
that is fast disappearing and suggest why it is worth preserving.
Write your essay.
9 HKDSE English 2018 Q6 (Article) a. Write an article for the

Learning English through Popular Culture local newspaper
“Athleisure” is currently one of the biggest trends in the fashion industry. This
b. explaining the possible
is a term for clothes that can be worn both for exercise and as everyday wear.
reasons for the rise in
Write an article for the local newspaper explaining the possible reasons for popularity of
athleisure
the rise in popularity of athleisure.
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10 HKDSE English 2019 Q5 (Article) a. Write an article for a
Learning English through Popular Culture newspaper column
This week’s question in the Young Post’s Over to You column is:
b. Choose one or two
Where do you get information about the latest trends in pop culture? Do you areas of pop culture
turn to newspapers and magazines or do you prefer blogs and videos on social and tell readers where
you like to get the
media?
information about the
 Write an article for the Over to You column. latest trends
 Choose one or two areas of pop culture from the table below and
c. Provide the name of
tell readers where you like to get the information about the latest the sources
trends. Provide the name of the sources you recommend.
d. Give your article a title
TV and Movies Music and Concerts Food and Drink
Style and Beauty Tech and Games
Give your article a title.

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Effects/Reasons / Problems Suggestions
格式 1
標題
Paragraph 1 1. 表示對某議題的關注
(寫作目的) 2. 介紹議題背景
3. 介紹文章各部分 (影響 + 建議)
Paragraph 2 1. 標題句 (影響)
(影響一) 2. 問題背景
3. 影響 (較輕微 / 短期)
Paragraph 3 1. 標題句 (影響)
(影響二) 2. 問題背景
3. 影響 (較嚴重 / 長期)
Paragraph 4 1. 有鑑於上述影響，提出以下建議
(承接上文，開啟下文)
Paragraph 5 1. 標題句
(建議一，要針對影響一) 2. 建議原因 / 建議好處
3. 建議的具體實施方法
4. 總結句，強調建議可解決問題
(建議二，要針對影響二) 2. 建議原因 / 建議好處
Paragraph 7 1. 再次指出問題影響
(總結) 2. 強調建議有助解決問題
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Effects/Reasons / Problems Suggestions
格式 2
標題
Paragraph 1 1. 表示對某議題的關注
(寫作目的) 2. 介紹議題背景
3. 介紹文章各部分 (影響 + 建議)
Paragraph 2 1. 標題句 (影響一)
(影響一) 2. 問題背景
3. 影響 (較輕微 / 短期)
(建議一，要針對影響一) 2. 建議原因 / 建議好處
Paragraph 4 1. 標題句 (影響二)
(影響二) 2. 問題背景
3. 影響 (較嚴重 / 長期)
(建議二，要針對影響二) 2. 建議原因 / 建議好處
Paragraph 6 1. 再次指出問題影響
(總結) 2. 強調建議有助解決問題
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 建議可牽涉以下 stakeholders
students / teens teachers schools
social workers parents the police
the entertainment industry the mass media the government
 建議可分為 concrete (具體) 和 abstract (抽象)
Concrete (具體) Abstract (抽象)
set up laws / legislation step up education
step up law enforcement step up publicity
monitoring / supervision put up commercials
carry out raids organize public campaigns
spend money / allocate resources provide counseling services
provide financial assistance step up cooperation / step up collaboration
strengthen communication
 建議可分 short run(短期) 和 long run (長期)
Example: Poverty alleviation
Short Run Long Run
distribute cash implement 16-year free education
provide transportation subsidy for the poor increase the number of university places
strengthen vocational training

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 建議要符合以下原則
1 Suggestion 要針對每個 problem，想 problems 前要考慮

suggestions
2 Feasibility (可行性)  時間/成本/地點/人力資源/受歡迎程度
3 Effectiveness (成效)
4 Coverage (廣泛性)  越多人受益/參與越好
5 Creativity (創意)
 建議 3 步曲
1 Suggestion (S)
2 Details (D)  實行細節 / 牽涉的 stakeholders
3 Benefits (B)
 建議結尾方法
1 Appeal (呼籲)
2 Warning (警告)
3 總結建議 + 好處
4 表達希望
 建議題注意事項
1 Suggestion 題目要先分析問題，再給建議
2 Transitional paragraph 要獨立 1 段
3 問題和建議內容要均衡  2 問題 + 2 建議 // 3 問題 + 3 建議
4 Describe situation 或 Express my concern 可用 1 段交代
 百搭句式
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Sbdy + should + arouse sbdy’s awareness of + n. Sbdy + should realize the seriousness of + n.
Sbdy + should gain a better understanding of + n. Sbdy + play an important role in + n.
It is time + for + sbdy + to + v. Every effort should be made to + v.
Sbdy + should adopt zero tolerance to + sthg Sbdy + should put a halt to the problem
Sbdy + should take the initiative to + v. Sbdy + should closely monitor + sthg
Sbdy + should deploy more resources to + v. Sbdy + should tackle the problem before it goes
out of hand
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HKDSE English 2012 Q9
Your school magazine is going to include a special feature on mental health. Recently, one of your friends
was suffering from depression. Write an article for the school magazine about your friend’s depression and
how he/she overcame it. Give advice to others on how to keep fight depression.
標題 Depression no longer exists in my dictionary
Paragraph 1 1. 背景介紹
介紹 Living in a highly competitive metropolis like Hong Kong, we can hardly evade stress from
various aspects in our life. If we cannot deal with it appropriately, let alone not be aware of
it, it might become depression. Worse still, it might be detrimental to our or even others’
lives.
2. 寫作目的
Therefore, we teenagers, need to recognize the sources of depression and learn how to fight
depression squarely.
Paragraph 2 1. 開啟下文
As I mentioned, stress and depression come from various aspects, including academic
過渡段
performance, family expectation, poor influence and even love affairs, all of which are
usually encountered by most youngsters.

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Let me take a classmate of mine, Edward, as an example.

朋友遭遇 (1)
2. 詳細解釋
As you know, we are studying in a band one school, with a very high university admission rate
over the past decade. As one of the students sitting for the first HKDSE which is full of
uncertainties, Edward felt confused about whether his performance and scores could really
satisfy the entrance requirements of universities. Because of these, Edward studied very hard,
burying himself in mountains of exercises and notes during lunch time in classrooms and after
school in self-access centres. Edward dared not sleep too much every night. He might even feel
guilty when he intentionally dozed off for a short while owing to his inadequate rest.
Edward actually lives in a happy family and has got a girlfriend in the next class since Form 4.
朋友遭遇 (2)
2. 詳細解釋
His family members and girlfriends are supposed to be the ones who can relieve his stress out
of studies and relation with classmates, but both of his brothers are already master graduates
and his girlfriend had frequently come first in the whole form. Although they did not exert any
explicit expectation and stress on him, Edward felt inferior because he reckoned he would not
perform as brilliantly as his brothers and his girlfriend, and was anxious whether his parents
would feel if he was the black sheep in the family and if his girlfriend would abandon him were
he perform less satisfactorily in the HKDSE. With no one to talk to, Edward wailed almost every
night and once he even committed suicide by cutting his wrist. Fortunately, Edward’s mother
discovered his action in time and sent him to hospital.

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Understanding the stress and depression of Edward, his family members and relatives told him
朋友遭遇 (3)
that they still loved him no matter what results he would obtain in the public exam.
2. 詳細解釋
His girlfriend told him that even though she was better than him academically, she knew
nothing about cooking and computers – Edward usually cooks for her and solves problems on
the computer! Besides, Edward’s girlfriend tried to relax with Edward, occasionally through
various sports outdoors, such as cycling, jogging and gym workout. And she took Edward to see
a social worker, who provided him with emotional support and practical advice. After a few
months, he was bailed out of the quagmire of depression. No longer was he frustrated nor
stressed. Despite his doubt on whether he can perform well in the HKDSE and enter university,
he does not cry anymore, staying calm, healthy and level-headed under the support of
everyone close to him.
From Edward’s case, it can be easily seen that people close to us are undoubtedly the ones
建議 (1)
who can help us fight depression.
2. 建議原因 / 執行方法
Don’t hide anything inside your heart. Instead, bare our soul by voicing our stress, difficulties
and sadness to your family, classmates and confidants, who are supposed to see you through.
Your stress will be halved once it is shared. Don’t hide your depression from anyone who is
eager to care about you. Your loved ones certainly do not want to see you cut your wrist or
even commemorate you in a funeral.

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Inevitably, some people around you may not appreciate you but exert you with stress and
建議 (2)
negativity.
Remember, do not be affected by others easily, whether they make negative comments
deliberately or unintentionally. You well-being is based on your own thought, but not subject
to anyone. Therefore, you may need to listen to others’ comments selectively. Just ignore any
negative or even malicious criticisms but embrace the welcoming ones. If you find it hard to
have benevolent soul mates, you may try to make calls to some radio show hosts, who do not
know who you are but are supposed to give you encouragement, and even social workers, who
are trained to be professional to deal with your stress effectively.
Just staying at home is not an effective way to fight depression.

建議 (3)
You need to have some pastime of any kind, provided that they are leisurely or give you a sense
of satisfaction and success, such as cycling, singing karaoke or even playing video games. You
may have a good feeling after such activities and you will be imbued with energy and
determination to deal with any hardship ahead of you.
Paragraph 8 1. 總結全文
Remember, don’t let any negativity interfere in your personal feelings and find anyone that
總結
give you support. Don’t conceal your frustration but expose your difficulties and worries to
anyone you trust. Also, everyone is born with talent. Don’t feel despondent if you are not as
talented as others in terms of a certain aspect, because you do have something you excel in.
2. 勸勉讀者
So, do have a positive mind and seek appropriate measures to cope with depression. When we
are optimistic and enthusiastic about life, never will “depression” creep into our dictionary.
Content 7/7 7/7

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Language 7/7 7/7
Organization 7/7 7/7
Total 21/21 21/21
42/42 (5**)
Adapted from Edward Fung’s tutorial notes

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Your school magazine is going to include a special feature on mental health. Recently, one of your friends
was suffering from depression. Write an article for the school magazine about your friend’s depression and
how he/she overcame it. Give advice to others on how to keep fight depression.
標題 Every Cloud has a Silver Lining
朋友遭遇 (1) In the recent Manila Hostage Crisis, a dismissed officer took over a tourist bus in Rizal Park,
in a bid to get his job back.
2. 詳細解釋
Thanks to the catastrophic rescue attempt of the Philippines’ police force, eight of the Hong
Kong visitors in the bus were killed by the irrational criminal, one of whom is my best friend
Chris’s father for whom he shows high respect for. To feed the families living below the
poverty line, his father spared no pains to strive for their welfare. In Chris’s eyes, his father,
Leung Kwok Hun, is the fighter for justice.

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朋友遭遇 (2) However, perhaps he was getting in bad company, perhaps he mistakenly thought that such
silly behaviour is an antidote to his harrowing experience, he took heroin and cocaine.
2. 詳細解釋
As you could easily expect, his health was deteriorating as time elapsed, both physically and
mentally. Headache, nausea, and poor memory… Hardly could he put up with the pain
inflicted by these symptoms. Although he could derive short-term pleasure from abusing
drugs, he couldn’t help feeling heartbroken every time he recalled his honourable father.
朋友遭遇 (3) Being on the brink of mental collapse, Chris resorted to a social worker called Sanford, who
then administered appropriate treatment for his peculiar deeds and depression.
2. 詳細解釋
With the ceaseless patience of Sanford, Chris finally realized how silly he was to live such an
unhealthy life. Not only didn’t he consider his mother’s feeling, he neglected the irreparable
side-effects taking drugs brought about as well.

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朋友遭遇 (4) Now, he is no longer falling prey to drugs, completely getting rid of depression he once
suffered from and being back on track.
2. 詳細解釋
With a view to following in the footsteps of his father, he aims to be an activist, lending a
helping hand to the people in dire straits and protesting against social injustice like his
father did. Recently, he has become a member of Scholarism, inciting hunger strikes to
demonstrate his discontent with the introduction of compulsory National Education to the
current curriculum. He is now more optimistic and motivated than he used to be after
surmounting his depression.
Paragraph 5 1. 承接上文
過渡段 As the saying goes, “Where there is a wall, there is a way .” Most of you may have come
across some difficulties just like Chris did, thus getting beset with depression.
2. 開啟下文
In case you are faced with adversities, you have to figure out some ways to triumph over
them.
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For a start, you should think positively rather than think negatively.
建議 (1)
We should always bear in mind that there are actually a wealth of solutions to the problems
we have. Staying depressed definitely does more harm than good to our mental health.
Therefore, it is conducive for us to look on the bright side more frequently.
3. 總結句
As long as you are optimistic, sooner or later, you could find your way out of your ordeal.
Another piece of constructive advice is to confide in people around you.
建議 (2)
Always bear these words in mind: A trouble shared is a trouble halved. If you keep
concealing your ordeal from your friends, you are only heading for the dead-end. Sharing
your trauma with your friends, especially those who had experienced the same, is particular
conducive in the sense that they can draw on their first-hand experiences of depression to
offer you some valuable advice. Surely, this can bail you out of the nightmares.
Paragraph 8 1. 引用名言
總結 Margaret Thatcher, the former English Prime Minister once said in her autobiography “The
Path to Power” that, whatever the hurdles ahead are, she would bravely leap over them.
The Iron Lady set a good example for us to follow.
2. 勸勉讀者
Finally, it is my earnest hope that readers could properly deal with their mental problems.
After all, every cloud has a silver lining.
Adapted from Billy Ng’s tutorial notes

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Learning English through Workplace Communication (article)
You are a human resources assistant. Your boss has observed that many people are leaving the office very
late. He has asked you to write an article for the company newsletter describing the situation and discussing
the negative effects. You have also been asked to give two suggestions to improve the situation. Provide a
標題 Think Twice Before You Act
(寫作目的) Going to work is sometimes demanding and challenging. We are given a wide variety of
tasks every day and are so responsible that we urge ourselves to complete the tasks
before the deadline.
2. 開啟下文
Yet, leaving the office very late is never a sensible option for us. There are some negative
effects we should consider carefully.
(影響一) To start with, leaving the office late would deprive us of the valuable time gathering with
our loved ones.
2. 詳細解釋論點
There is no denying that your career is of paramount significance and so you should rank
your job on top of everything else. However, apart from your job, there are still many
priceless elements which are worthy of your attention. Through having gatherings with
your family or friends, not only could you consolidate your relationship with them, but
you could also share your sorrow and glee with them. You could take this opportunity to
breathe a sigh of relief. On the contrary, if you miss these chances, you may face much
pressure and even lose your incentive to work due to monotonous routine. Worse still,
you may find your life meaningless since you toil every day, from dawn to bed time.
3. 影響
This negative effect is actually quite far-reaching and we should therefore think twice
before we act.
Secondly, apart from the dreadful impact of the lack of social gatherings, leaving office late
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(影響二) would contribute to worsening health condition.
Physically, your neck or hands would be in pain if you work for too long. It is often reported
that many employees suffer from occupational illnesses due to excessive workload. What’s
more, leaving office late means delaying the time for dinner. It is of utmost importance to
have diet on time, according to professional physicians. With ever-changing eating schedule,
our stomach and other internal organs will be adversely affected.
3. 影響
Thus, not only does leaving office late hinder your social life, this also exacerbates your
health condition.
Paragraph 4 1. 有鑑於上述問題，提出以下建議
To deal with this problem, I would like to have two friendly reminders for all of you. I hope
(承接上文，開
you will find them useful.

啟下文)
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(建議一) To prevent ourselves leaving the office too late, all of the colleagues should have more
cooperation so as to speed up the work process.
First and foremost, we should have a clear plan of dividing the tasks precisely and allocating
the specific tasks to different colleagues. Tasks should be allocated according to one’s
strengths and weaknesses. This process is crucial since it can reduce the chance of having
duplication of work.
3. 建議成效
Through having clear division of labour can we work efficiently and enjoy the synergy effect.
To be sure, we can have smoother operation and leave the office punctually without
delaying the work process.
(建議二) Another suggestion is that each department can hold more regular meetings.
In the meeting, colleagues can report their process in order to ensure the tasks are on
schedule. By reviewing the schedule, encouragement can also be given so that every
employee will have more working incentives. In the meantime, corrective measures can be
taken if anything goes wrong.
Through organizing regular and productive evaluation meetings can we enhance the
working efficiency of colleagues, thereby preventing unnecessary overtime work.

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Paragraph 7 1. 總結超時工作的禍害
(總結) To conclude, leaving the office late will jeopardize our relationship with our loved ones
and aggravate our health.
2. 強調建議有助解決問題
Hopefully, with further collaboration and productive evaluation meetings, our working
processes will be streamlined and our workload will be lightened.
3. 用積極正面的語氣作結
You are never alone. We are a team, helping the company to achieve goals and maximize
profit. Thus, support is available all the time if you are in need. Feel free to seek help
from your colleagues and do remember to think twice before your act and not to leave
the office too late.
Marker 1 Marker 2
Content 7/7 6/7
Language 6/7 6/7
Total Score 39/42 (5**)

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標題 Say bye to “OT”
(寫作目的) How is you week going? Is that already the third cup of Espresso you have today? How
much sleep did you get last night? All of us are trying so hard for our jobs, and it has been
a common practice that we do not leave the office until our eyes can barely open . Even
the management board has noticed the alarming phenomenon. It is understandable that
some of you are frustrated by the escalating piles of files and the ever-growing to-do-list.
2. 開啟下文
But today, it is time for you to put a halt to the undesirable practice of leaving the office
late and say bye to OT.
(影響一) To commence with, leaving the office late will exacerbate your family relationship.
When was the last time you sat in front of the television with your family and enjoyed a TV
show? When was the last time you were home before your kid was asleep and told him a
story? Evidently, long working hours deprive you of your time to spend with your loved
ones. According to one of the staff in the human resources department, his teenage
daughter blamed him for being absent from her graduation ceremony, as he was
struggling to meet his deadlines. Since then, their relationship can hardly be repaired.
3. 影響
As you can see, the repercussions of working overtime are devastating and far-reaching.
(影響二) Apart from the exacerbation of family relationship, frequently working for long hours
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engender various health problems, for example, back pain, shoulder pain and muscle
fatigue.
They are all caused by our sedentary lives sitting in front of the desk from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Aside from physical problems, long working hours bring us stress and make us emotional.
According to university studies, long working hours are the culprits of some chronic
diseases, such as high blood pressure, which leads to the possibility of suffering from a
stroke.
3. 影響
It is far more serious than you have ever imagined, isn’t it?
Paragraph 4 1. 有鑑於上述問題，提出以下建議
For many of you, there is always one question that perplexes you. Why can some of our
(承接上文，開
colleagues always leave the office on time every day while finishing their work punctually?
啟下文)
Here is some precious advice for you.

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(建議一) First and foremost, planning and spending your time wisely can prevent you leaving the
office late.
Many of us are networking addicts. Hardly can we resist the temptation of browsing
Facebook, Instagram or Weibo. According to a supervisor from the personnel appraisal
team, some of our employees are obsessed with the Internet, checking Facebook every ten
minutes and replying Whatsapp or Wechat messages instantly. Have you ever thought of
how much time you have squandered by repeating these kinds of behavior? Starting from
today, draw a schedule on what tasks you are going complete and accomplish them. Make
sure you place your smartphone into the drawer and concentrate on your work.
3. 建議成效
Immersed in your tasks, you will find that you will work much more efficiently than before
and no longer need to leave the office late.

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(建議二) In addition to a work schedule, it is advisable for you to make use of neuro-linguistic
programming (NLP).
It is a technique which programmes your brain, enabling you to believe in what you can do
and effectively achieve your goal! You should tell yourself that you are capable and
confident, which can boost the productivity of the day with a higher self-esteem and
optimism. You are highly encouraged to attend the NLP workshop co-organized by the
Psychology Department of the Chinese University and our human resources department .
You are also recommended to read about NLP on our company website during your lunch
break or leisure time as we will be posting more information for you.
Trust the method of neuro-linguistic programme as it will be effective in enhancing your
working efficiency and preventing you leaving the office late.

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Paragraph 7 1. 總結超時工作的禍害
(總結) Dear colleagues, we are all ambitious to climb up the career ladder. However, if we
continue our hectic lifestyle and leave the office late, alarm bells will ring. Not only will
our family relationship be jeopardized, we will suffer physically and mentally.
2. 用積極正面的語氣作結
Take the measures mentioned above and say bye to OT. I wish you all would be healthy,
have a brilliant career ahead and contribute to the continuous success of our company.
Content 7/7 7/7
Language 6/7 7/7
Total 20/21 21/21
41/42 (5**)
29
標題 Work is not all of a life
Paragraph 1 1. 稱讚員工
(寫作目的) Thanks to the unremitting hard work of our colleagues, our company has been enjoying
the enviable reputation in town, luring more and more customers to use our computer
products.
2. 開啟下文
However, what has also raised concern of the management is the trend that our
colleagues are leaving the office late, which is obviously worsening these months.
(影響一) Leaving the office late certainly brings about an array of problems. To commence with,
your health will suffer as a result of working long hours without a break.
We do not need experts to convince us that balancing the daily grind with regular exercise
and having adequate sleep are the best recipe for good health. However, whether you can
squeeze sufficient time from your tight daily routine for a good rest, especially if you are
not leaving the office until 10 o’clock, is truly questionable. Hardly do you have time to
rest, let alone spend any time working out! Besides, sitting in the office for over ten hours
can put enormous stress to your backbone and spine.
3. 影響
That our colleagues suffer from health problems of various kinds is definitely the last thing
we want to see! Remember, productivity positively correlates to our health.
30
(影響二) Not only is leaving the office late detrimental to our health, it is equally deleterious to our
social and family life.
We are humans, rather than machines which are programmed to work. Never should we
underestimate the importance of getting along with others, our friends and family members
in particular. Will you truly lead a happy life if you end up living in your own hub of success
with no one to share the laughter and tears? Life should not be all about work. Do not leave
your loved ones unattended or it will become a real regret.
3. 影響
Make sure you spend plenty of time on your social life, which is a crucial element for good
mental health.
31
(建議一) Evidently, work is not all of a life. So how we can make sure we avoid leaving the office late
and the above-mentioned negative impacts of obsession with productivity? A good starting
point can be paying attention to the scheduling of your work.
As a matter of fact, as is usual the case, our colleagues are forced to leave the office late not
because of the amount of work, but the poor management of tasks. It is highly advisable
that you organize your own timetable and prioritize your work in accordance with urgency
and importance. Leave the non-urgent tasks till later after having completed the urgent
ones.
3. 建議成效
Escalated productivity is expected with the better management of work order, and the need
to stay in the office until late at night will cease to exist.

32
(建議二) Department managers and supervisors also have a decent role to play in improving the
situation.
2. 建議的具體實施方法 + 好處
It has been observed that some tasks are not assigned according to the respective ability
and strengths of their subordinates. In some cases, manpower is simply not adequate.
Department managers and supervisors should pay attention to the importance of division of
labour and make recruitment for part-time and temporary staff whenever necessary to
alleviate the heavy burden of work on our colleagues.
Paragraph 7 1. 用積極正面的語氣作結
(總結) Work is not all of a life. Everyone of you is an important asset of our company. Therefore,
your quality of life does matter to us. Start reconciling your work with family, friends and
rests from today and avoid leaving the office late.
Content 7/7 7/7
Language 7/7 7/7
Total 21/21 21/21
42/42 (5**)
33
Many parents in Hong Kong are sending their children to other countries to complete their schooling. Write an
article for your school magazine examining two reasons for the phenomenon. You should also discuss the
impact of this on local schools and on children who leave to study overseas.
範例 1
標題 Overseas learning, a blessing or a curse?
介紹 In many Asian countries, parents prefer sending their young kids overseas for receiving
education. In an international metropolis like Hong Kong, this phenomenon is
commonplace.
2. 開啟下文
Should overseas studying be advocated? Parents should be aware of the merits and
drawbacks of sending the children to the Western world in order to make their kids
gain the best rewards upon graduation.
原因 1 Government officials, like CY Leung, always prefer to send their kids overseas for
education. A reason contributing to this trend is that the Western living environment is
the best place for students to hone their fluency in English speaking.
2. 詳細解釋
English has been regarded as the most frequently used language for centuries. Hong
Kong, as an international city which attaches importance to global trade, surely puts
great emphasis on English. After their kids’ entry into the competitive job market,
English will be a common medium for workplace communication.
3. 總結句
Therefore, to make their children proficient in communicating with Western people,

parents send their kids overseas.
原因 2 Another force driving parents to prefer overseas education is that Hong Kong’s
34
education system is notorious for its tremendous pressure.
2. 詳細解釋
As a knowledge-based society, Hong Kong values spectacular academic achievements
and the significance of inculcating knowledge from textbooks into students. If parents
are financially capable of sending their kids overseas where free and feasible studying
schedules and environment are advocated, why don’t they do so? Undeniably, a
relaxing studying environment without fierce competition will most effectively boost
students’ potential and ameliorate their development mentally.
對學生影響 1 Evidently, studying overseas brings numerous benefits to us. For instance, we can learn
to be independent without parents staying with us all the time.
2. 詳細解釋
Sad to say, the kids in Hong Kong have been labeled as “spoiled emperors” as they are
mostly obsessed with material comfort. Regarding their children as priceless pearls,
parents always satisfy their children’s wants by all means. If children are sent overseas,
this will significantly reduce their reliance on parents and parents meanwhile can no
longer spoil their kids. Eventually, children will transform into more mature and
independent individuals.
35
對學生影響 2 Nevertheless, only when adolescents are outgoing will the above-mentioned changes
benefit them.
2. 詳細解釋
Imagine if your kids are shy and unable to communicate actively with strangers, they
will never develop any talent or gain any benefits from overseas schooling. In the
worst-case scenario, kids may even stay away from their schoolmates owing to their
reluctance to work in a bizarre and uncomfortable environment. Aren’t these serious
problems derived from overseas education?
對學校影響 When examining the impacts on local schools, they will undoubtedly be the
beneficiaries.
2. 詳細解釋
As the number of students dwindles with the surging number of students pursuing
studies overseas, schools can fortunately utilize and distribute the educational
resources evenly and effectively in classes. With a smaller class size, schools can offer
more assistance for the students behind schedule. Apparently, local schools can
definitely achieve better results academically.

36
Paragraph 6 1. 尊重子女意願
總結 When parents are considering whether or not to send their kids overseas for schooling,
they should first take their children’s ability into account. Communication between the
two parties can effectively work out the best way for the growth of kids eventually.
Therefore, parents should not compel their kids to study overseas if this is not in line
with their own will, or else the parents-children relationship will worsen.
Content 7/7 6/7
Language 6/7 6/7
Total 20/21 18/21
38/42 (5**)
37
範例 2
標題 An insight into studying overseas
Paragraph 1 1. 人物入題
介紹 In the airport, a parent gives a passionate hug to her son, reminding him to take good
care of himself overseas.
2. 開啟下文
Such scenes are not uncommon nowadays, as the trend of studying abroad has been
gaining popularity and what effects it may have on local schools and children?
原因 1 The first reason to be noted is that studying abroad helps train one’s self-management
skills.
2. 詳細解釋
Repulsed by the recent incidents of Hong Kong kids bringing disgrace to the families,
many parents dread that their children will become spoilt under their shelter. Such
characteristics are never what employers look for. In hopes of standing the young
blood in good stead in terms of personal development, many opt for sending them
abroad for education. Owing to the absence of parental care, youngsters have to rely
on themselves to solve their daily struggles, ranging from tying shoelaces to cooking a
meal.
3. 總結句
Hence, more and more parents choose to let go of their children in exchange of
practical life skills.

38
原因 2 The issue actually goes beyond the desire for self-reliant individuals , and it touches the
deficiency of the current education system in Hong Kong.
2. 詳細解釋
This cosmopolitan city is notorious for its ossified regimentation, which usually stifles
creativity and critical thinking. In contrast, western education stresses more on
individuality and freedom of expression. Losing faith in the local system, which often
churns out regurgitating machines, parents seek alternative channels so as to ensure
holistic development of their children.
3. 總結句
Therefore, studying abroad is a viable option for them.
Paragraph 4 1. 歸納上文
過渡段 The craze for foreign schools can be ascribed to the above reasons with the same
underlying principle – parents want to give the best to their offspring.
1. 開啟下文
Nevertheless, they should not neglect the fateful impact of their children studying
abroad.
39
對學校的影響 For local schools, such a phenomenon may encourage them to excel.
2. 詳細解釋
In view of the current trend of indigenous local school children leaving for better
education, many educators in Hong Kong actually have sobering overhaul on their
teaching approaches. Many acknowledge the edge of the Western way of education
and try to model on it. Take our school as a telling example. During lessons chances are
you have participated in vigorous discussion with classmates on related issues, being
called up for creative answers, or conducted presentations to showcase your findings.
Needless to say, many local schools are trying to step out of the restrictions of
traditional teaching, thereby increasing openness in class. Such fusion of the East and
the West is regarded as the best recipe for nurturing future pillars of our society.
Paragraph 6 1. 承接上文 + 標題句
對學生的影響 Despite the fact that local schools are stimulated to learn from their foreign
counterparts, the phenomenon of studying overseas may not affect children leaving
home positively.
2. 詳細解釋
The weakened relationship with parents is indubitably an undesirable impact on
children. Teenagers studying overseas are separated from their parents by miles and
can only resort to telecommunication for virtual interaction. Coupled with defiance
against parental control during adolescence, it is little wonder that youngsters may
become more distant from their parents. This makes teenagers prone to neglecting
their important, life-long relationship with their parents that gives unwavering support
to sustain them through difficult times.

40
總結 In conclusion, the hope of parents for their children to outperform others in terms of
life skills and courage of expression compels them to send the young to foreign
countries to continue schooling. Such a phenomenon may influence local schools and
children, both positively and negatively.
Adapted from Pui Ching Middle School’s 5** Sample Essays
範例 3
標題 The prevalence of studying abroad
41
介紹 Albeit the increasing cost of accommodation and ever-rising school fees, local parents
are more determined than ever to send their beloved children overseas to complete
their schooling.
2. 開啟下文
Here’s the question: What is the force driving them to do so? How is it going to affect
us?
原因 1 These questions and doubts have aroused public concern over the past decade, but it is
not difficult to understand parents’ intention. To commence with, the intensifying
competition in Hong Kong is contributory to the prevalent trend of studying abroad.
2. 詳細解釋
In a society where competition in the labour market is cut-throat, academic

qualifications are the ticket to an opportunity for a job interview. While local
universities are churning out myriads of fresh graduates every year, some sectors are in
dire need for white-collar workers. To put it simply, under structured unemployment,
the competition for decent white-collar jobs is even keener than before. Out of love
and concern about their children’s future prospect, parents especially those with an
affluent background, are wiling to send them abroad so as to maximize their chance to
access superior educational resources and pursue higher education. They reckon it as
the best way to guarantee a decent white-collar job amid keen competition in the local
job market.
3. 總結句
Consequently, the trend of studying overseas has become increasingly prevalent.

42
原因 2 The second driving force is parents’ desire to transform their children into courageous
and independent individuals.
2. 詳細解釋
Children nowadays are dubbed as the “strawberries generation” – easily bruised, soft,
dependent and easily crack when facing adversities. Studying overseas requires the
employment of a wide variety of life skills, which are indispensable for their transition
into adulthood. Not just broadening their horizons, commuting alone to foreign
countries calls for their boldness. Very often, they have to solicit for strangers’ helping
hand, and more importantly, take care of themselves on their own without the
assistance from domestic helpers and get rid of the overprotection from their family.
3. 總結句
Parents’ determination to ameliorate their children’s life skills is the reason
contributing to the prevalence of studying abroad.
Paragraph 4 1. 歸納上文 + 開啟下文
過渡段 Notwithstanding the factors mentioned above, the rising tide of students studying in
foreign countries could result in far-reaching impact on our next generation.

43
對學生的影響 Notably, some of them may be afflicted by homesickness, especially for those
accustomed to the warmth and caring by his or her family and those being forced to
speak in their second language.
2. 詳細解釋
Inevitably, saying goodbye to their familiar loved ones is somehow agonizing. With
familiarity being supplanted by unfamiliarity; with intimacy being supplanted by
foreignness; with incandescent love being supplanted by chilling loneliness, it is not
uncommon for teenagers to develop homesickness on foreign soil. For those who are
less adaptable and resilient, hardly can they overcome their sorrow and isolation. In
some extreme cases, they may suffer from mental disorder and commit suicide.
3. 總結句
Therefore, the decision to send children abroad should be made carefully considering
the possible psychological burden imposed on children.
對學校的影響 Examining the prevalent trend of studying overseas from another prospective, it could
stimulate local schools to pursue perfection in teaching.
2. 詳細解釋
Facing intense rivalry from the schools overseas, local schools are compelled to evaluate
their performance, thus enhancing their teaching efficiency and cultivating an interactive
learning atmosphere igniting students’ zeal for learning. In order to restore parents’
confidence, most, if not all schools in Hong Kong will incorporate some innovative
teaching approaches utilized in Western countries into local classrooms. Instead of
bombarding students with facts and concepts that can easily be accessed in libraries or
on the Internet, local schools will emulate the success of prominent schools in the
western world and step up their effort to encourage students to think creatively and
independently as well as hone their capabilities of presenting their own points of view in
a concise and logical manner.
44
總結 All in all, if the local schools can face up to the prevalence of studying overseas and
transform classrooms into a creative cradle of nurturing talents, local parents will rest
assured that their children can acquire knowledge while at the same time pursue all-
round development without going to foreign countries, no matter they are studying in
private schools or public schools. As a result, the surging tide of sending children to
study abroad can be reversed.
Content 7/7 7/7
Language 7/7 7/7
Total 21/21 21/21
42/42 (5**)
45
You are working on a project entitled “Cinemas in Hong Kong” for the Learning English through Popular
Culture module and have found that fewer people go to cinemas than before. Write a report to explain why
this is happening and to suggest what could be done to increase the number of moviegoers. Give reasons to
support your suggestions.
標題 Report – Cinemas in Hong Kong
介紹 Recently, it is noticed that the number of people going to cinemas is
declining. It is definitely disheartening to see the movie industry of Hong
Kong fading. Therefore, it is time we probed into the problem to find out the
reasons behind, working out solutions to halt the deterioration of the
situation.
2. 開啟下文
Below are the two main reasons contributing to the fall in the number of
moviegoers in Hong Kong:

46
Paragraph 2 1. Rising popularity of free movie sites / applications
原因 1 In this technological era, it is no surprise that free movie sites and applications are
being developed. Basically, these online movie streaming sites or apps allow users to
watch movies online, or even download the movies without paying a cent. Compared
to going to cinemas, people undoubtedly think that watching movies at home on these
sites and apps is more convenient and economical. What’s more, the movies on these
sites and apps are very up-to-date. Within two to three months after the release of the
film, it can be found on these sites, eliminating the need for people to watch their
favourite movie in cinemas. Arguably, the availability of alternatives is the reason why
the number of moviegoers is plunging.
Paragraph 3 2. Development of other entertainments
原因 2 A decade ago, going to cinemas may happen to be the cheapest
entertainment for most people, whether it is a family day or just a group of
friends hanging out. However, in recent years, myriads of new and attractive
forms of entertainment have emerged, with smartphone applications being
the most significant ones. Smartphones allow people to download apps
(including the movie streaming apps mentioned) to play or chat with each
other. In the long run, people have become less outgoing, not to mention
dating in the cinema. Going to studios providing high quality equipment for
people to take photos by themselves, going to themed cafes, to name but
just a few, are also some affordable and trendy forms of recreations that
reduce the competitiveness of cinemas.

47
Paragraph 4 Clearly, no longer do some people find going to cinemas fun. Nevertheless, there is
nothing insurmountable. Below are some constructive measures that could be taken to
過渡段
increase the number of moviegoers:
Paragraph 5 1. Strengthen the enforcement of law
建議 1 It is beyond doubt that the online movie streaming sites are illegally uploading the
movies for users. Their behaviour is actually violating the intellectual property right of
the movie producers as well. Therefore, the government should shoulder the
responsibility of cracking down on those illegal websites and penalizing the designers
of these sites. Not only can this increase the number of moviegoers, it creates a
deterrent effect to these illegal sites creators, reducing the number of such sites in the
long-term.
Paragraph 6 2. Promotion by local movie stars
建議 2 The effort by the government alone is insufficient to increase public incentive to go to
cinemas. Movie producers, the ones who will benefit most from the increase in the
number of moviegoers, should also encourage people to go to cinemas. They can
arrange movie stars, including Tony Leung, Stephen Chow and Chow Yun-fat to play
roles in some TV advertisement to encourage people to go to cinemas to watch films.
With the influential power of the famous movie stars, more people would be
encouraged to watch movies in the cinemas.

48
Paragraph 6 3. Provide promotional offers to consumers
建議 3 The reason why those online streaming sites have prevailed over cinemas is
that they are free of charge. Of course cinemas cannot offer to allow people
to watch movies free, but cinemas can provide discount offers of 10% to 20%
to raise people’s incentives to go to cinemas as well as create an advertising
effect. Recently, the Hong Kong Movie Association partnered with 759
stores, providing a 10% off in movie tickets to customers who purchase in
the stores. The campaign was a success and a rise in the number of
moviegoers was seen, proving that providing discount offers would likely
work wonders.
Paragraph 7 To conclude, the rising popularity of illicit online movie streaming sites and
applications, as well as the growth of alternatives of recreation are the main culprits of
總結
the plunge in the number of moviegoers. It is earnestly hoped that the three
suggestions mentioned would be implemented in the foreseeable future and would
help increase the number of people going to cinemas.
Content 7/7 7/7
Language 7/7 7/7
Total 21/21 21/21
42/42 (5**)
You are working on a project entitled “Hong Kong’s NEETs”. NEETs are young people who are not in education,
employment or training. Many of these young people spend their time at home playing video games or surfing
49
the Internet.
Write a report to explain why the number of NEETs in Hong Kong is rising and suggest what can be done to
help these youths. Give reasons to support your suggestions.
標題 Hong Kong’s NEETs
Paragraph 1 Introduction
介紹 1. 背景介紹
In recent years, the rising tide of NEETs has raised concerns in our society. Flipping
through newspapers, we can easily see the news of socially withdrawn youths burying
themselves in the latest gadgets and being reluctant to find jobs.
2. 開啟下文
With these hapless teens being condemned by the public, it is time we investigated
the reasons behind the phenomenon, figuring out the ways to bail them out.
50
Paragraph 2 Reasons
原因 1 1. The promotion of tertiary education
1. 標題句
To start with, the phenomenon can be ascribed to the government’s promotion of
tertiary education, which has led to the intensifying competition in the job market.
2. 詳細解釋
In the 2000s, the former Chief Executive Tung Chee Hwa proposed several schemes to
increase the number of blue-collar and high-tech workers through implementing
several policies including increasing the number of places of high-diploma students.
As a result, the number of fresh graduates from tertiary education has been
skyrocketing to an unprecedented level, causing the inflation of academic
qualifications. Nowadays, even if a student strives to excel academically to get a ticket
to a university, what is waiting for them may be unemployment as the job market
cannot accommodate every graduate with high academic qualifications. Besides, those
who have studied industriously for 15 years are unwilling to accept low-income jobs
with filthy and undesirable conditions. With this mismatch in the labour market, some
young people may opt to stay at home awaiting better employment opportunities and
be reluctant to join the retraining programmes organized by the Vocational Training
Council.
3. 總結句
Based on the above, it is the government’s policies in promoting tertiary education
that has contributed to the surging tide of NEETs in Hong Kong.

51
Paragraph 3 2. Helicopter parenting
原因 2 1. 標題句
Apart from government policies, helicopter parents have also exacerbated the
problem of NEETs by pampering their young children.
2. 詳細解釋
The term “Kong Kids” is used to describe those children who fail to deal with obstacles
and have low self-esteem. They are likely to be bred by helicopter parents who stand
by them whenever they are beset with troubles. Treating their children as priceless
pearls, these helicopter parents pamper them with comfortable lifestyles and dare not
provide precious chances for them to learn to be independent. According to a recent
article in the South China Morning Post, more and more youngsters regard their
overprotective parents as their saviors to solve every problem and are financially
reliant on the latter. As a consequence, the pampered children tend to immerse
themselves in greenhouses and can hardly overcome the challenges in the workplace.
3. 總結句
However well-intentioned the helicopter parents are, they have contributed to more
socially-withdrawn youths who are not in education, employment or training.
Paragraph 4 1. 承接上文 + 開啟下文
過渡段 With education policies and helicopter parenting aggravating the problem of NEETs, it
is crucial for different stakeholders to alleviate the problem.

52
Paragraph 5 Recommendations
建議 1 1. Promoting the development of various industries
1. 標題句
It is suggested that the government should encourage the development of various
industries which can provide employment opportunities for the NEETs.
2. 詳細解釋
The saturation of the job market can be attributed to the over-emphasis on real estate
industry and financial industries. If the government does its utmost to make the
creative industry and the IT industry thrive, some youngsters can find their dream jobs
in various fields. This can, to a certain extent alleviate the problem of NEETs. With the
provision of more subsidies and implenentation of preferential policies, the
government can enable media and information technology companies to expand their
business, learn from their foreign counterparts and invest more on research and
development. With more enterprises being capable of competing in the global market,
they will have the financial power to employ the young talents graduating from high
diploma and undergraduate programmes.
3. 總結句
Instead of staying at home and escaping from reality, youngsters will be able to realize
their potential and pursue their dreams.

53
Paragraph 6 2. Allowing youngsters to be independent from parents
建議 2 1. 標題句
It is also recommended that the helicopter parents should allow their children to be the
masters of their own destiny.
2. 詳細解釋
The youngsters’ lack of problem-solving skills and pessimistic outlook on life are
associated with helicopter parenting. Therefore, the parents in Hong Kong should learn
a lesson from the phenomenon of NEETs, letting their children overcome challenges on
their own. To start with, parents should compel their children who have become NEETs
to do household chores, which can hone their life skills and problem-solving skills.
Never should parents financially support them if the latter refuse to search for jobs.
Rather than allowing them to stay at home being obsessed with the virtual world,
parents should encourage them to find part-time jobs and full-time jobs.
3. 總結句
Thanks to the declining influence from parents, the NEETs can enhance their survival
skills and gradually integrate into society. Being more confident of themselves, these
youngsters will be determined and persistent in leaping over the countless hurdles in
their life journey instead of living in the greenhouse provided by their overprotective
parents.
54
Paragraph 6 Conclusion
總結 1. 總結全文
The above are the reasons leading to the phenomenon of NEETs and the solutions to
the problem.
2. 寄望將來
It is to be hoped that the government and parents can adopt pragmatic approaches to
prevent our next generation becoming socially withdrawn. With their concerted effort,
young graduates will become the masters of their destiny, leading fruitful lives and
contributing to the development of Hong Kong.
Content 7/7 6/7
Language 6/7 5/7
Total 19/21 17/21
36/42 (5*)
55
Reasons
標題
Paragraph 1 1. 帶出題目
(介紹) 2. 開啟下文
(原因 1) 2. 詳細解釋 (普遍情況、個別例子、比較)
3. 總結句
3. 總結句
3. 總結句
3. 總結句
Paragraph 6 1. 歸納現象原因
(總結) 2. 對未來的展望
56
Learning English through Popular Culture (article)
Asian singers and movie stars are gaining popularity all over the world and are no longer appealing only to
Asian audiences. Write an article for your school newspaper explaining why Asian stars are gaining popularity
in Western countries. Give your article a title.
標題 Western Hall of Fame – The Asian Factor
開場白 The Western show business industry, also known as ‘showbiz’, has always been an arena of
cut-throat competition. One has to be the crème de la crème to even get a shot at making
a mark on this Western hall of fame. One may say that it is hard, if not possible, for Asians
to stride into the Western spotlight . Nevertheless, the truth says otherwise. At present,
there are myriads of sensational Asian stars, including Li Bing Bing and Kim Soo Hyun
enjoying the shimmering spotlight in the West.
2. 簡介全文內容
But to what can that be attributed? Are there some sorts of mystical Asian factors that
contribute to their tremendous success? Let’s put on our Sherlock Holmes hat and embark
on a journey to find out the reasons behind their fame.
When it comes to seeking and sustaining fame, technology definitely plays a significant role.
原因 1
2. 詳細解釋
57
In bygone days, stars were usually restricted by their geographical location. It was
insurmountable for Asian stars to gain popularity internationally as they could not
conveniently commute to other places. Nonetheless, with the advancement of
transportation technology, Asians can economically and easily fly to the West in pursuit of
fame nowadays. For instance, Girls’ Generation, one of the most popular female music
groups in Asia, could perform at the Madison Square Garden in New York. Furthermore,
the advancement of Internet technology has also boosted the popularity of Asian stars. A
spate of Asian music videos films is now uploaded to the Internet and watched all over the
globe. Our Western counterparts can watch Jay Chou or Super Junior’s performances by
simply clicking a few buttons.
3. 總結句
Thanks to the evolving transportation and communication technology, it comes as no
surprise that Asians cam be shot to fame, not only locally and regionally, but also
internationally.
58
It is also worth noting that the prevalence of Asian cultures has paved the way for many
原因 2
Asian stars’ road to stardom.
2. 詳細解釋
In the contemporary world, more and more Westerners are captivated by the kaleidoscopic
Asian cultures, including the Chinese culture, the Japanese culture and the Korean culture.
For instance, the number of people learning traditional martial arts like Kung Fu or
Taekwondo has been surging in recent years. Owing to this phenomenon, martial arts
movie stars such as Jackie Chan, Jet Li and Donnie Yen have captured the hearts and
minds of a swarm of foreign admirers. Also, more and more Western people are
celebrating Chinese and Japanese traditional festivals. With this Asian cultural beam
sweeping all over the West, more Westerns are enticed by Asian cultures and eager to
watch Asian movies and listen to Asian music.
3. 總結句
With the soaring popularity of Asian cultures, it is no wonder Asian stars can thrive in the
global arena.
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Another Asian factor contributory to the spectacular success of Asian stars is the
原因 3
uniqueness and creativity of Asian cultures.
2. 詳細解釋
According to an interview on the hit show ‘Fine Bros’, many Westerns actually deem Asian
movies or music as unorthodox and refreshing. In Asia, especially Korean and Japan, the
music is brisk and vibrant. Besides, the majority of music videos in Korea feature fast-
paced dancing by bands or groups which are less common in the West. Singles like
‘Gangnam style’ have gone viral and stars including PSY and groups like AKB48, A-Pink and
Exo have become celebrated sensations in the international arena.
3. 總結句
With the originality and vibrancy of Asian music cultures, many Asians have managed to
make the headlines on the showbiz pages in the West and attract millions of fans in the
globe.
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Paragraph 5 1. 總結全文內容
Thanks to the omnipresent tentacles of globalization and the advancement of technology,

總結
Asian singers and movie stars have penetrated every corner of the world and gained global
popularity.
2. 未來展望
Hopefully, the rise of the Asian showbiz will lead to the diversification of global popular
cultures, adding spice to our lives and bringing merriment to all of us.
Adapted from “5** Smart Writings”
Written by Jerry Li, who graduated from Sing Yin Secondary School and attained Level 5** in English Language
in the 2013 HKDSE. He is now currently studying Arts at the University of Hong Kong.
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標題 Asian Stars Storming the West
開場白 Have you ever heard of the World Tournament “Galaxy” if the Big Bang? Have you ever
seen how fanatic Andy Lau’s fans are in America? In this era, the influence of Asian stars is
sweeping in western countries. In fact, Psy has even broken the record of Justin Bieber’s
click rates in Youtube at 1.5 billion clicks.
Therefore, I would like to share my view on why Asian stars are gaining popularity in
western countries.
To commence with, Asian pop stars’ excellent production of songs and music videos has led to
原因 1
their surging popularity in the global arena.
2. 詳細解釋
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Ushering in a new music era, their spectacular performance has impressed the Western
audience. For example, in Psy’s Gangnam Style” music video, you will see his horse-riding
dance with his trademarks – slicked hair and sunglasses. In addition to his Oppa Gangnam
Style”, these fresh and interesting scenes are imprinted in every westerner’s heart. Moreover,
Girls’ Generation also produce songs like “I want nobody but you” which excite the
westerners. As you can see, westerners always imitate them and post their own copycat videos
on Youtube.
3. 總結句
With all these memorable masterpieces, Asian stars have gained popularity in Western
countries.
Besides, the movie stars have also gained popularity in western society by spreading the
原因 2
traditional cultures of their countries to the world.
2. 詳細解釋
Regarded as more intriguing and mysterious than the American culture, the Chinese culture,
for example, has captured the hearts and minds of westerners. Indeed, Ang Lee, the director
of “Crouching Tiger and Hidden Dragon”, has prevailed over the likes of Steven Spielberg in
the Oscar Award. This clearly demonstrates that the kungfu, the calligraphy and the long
history of China have captivated the Westerners. In addition, the movie “Qin Shihuang”
stormed the US market, with hundreds of thousands of Americans snatching seats to watch
the multicolored fantasy of the legendary ruler of the Qin Dynasty. Other movie stars, including
Chow Yun-fat, Stephen Chow and Jackie Chan have intrigued the western audience over the
past few decades.
3. 總結句
Evidently, the scintillating Asian cultures have helped the Asian stars gain international
recognition and acclaim in the global arena.
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Aside from films and music, there is also a subtle and powerful tool that has greatly made
原因 3
Asian stars popular in the world – the Internet.
2. 詳細解釋
Have you ever become a follower of stars like Jay Chou and Taeyeon? Being able to access
Asian stars’ recent updates on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter with a few clicks,
Westerners can learn more about their status and interact with their idols effortlessly.
What’s more, with the platforms provided by Apple and other companies, the Western
audience is one step closer to their Asian idols, downloading their latest songs and videos
easily.
3. 總結句
There is no doubt that the Internet has provided Asian stars with a perfect platform to gain
popularity all over the globe.
Last but not least, Asian stars have gained popularity with their strenuous efforts and
原因 4
relentless pursuit of perfection.
2. 詳細解釋
Had Girls’ Generation not worked hard on beefing up their English and performed their
songs in English, they would not have gained so much popularity. Had it not been for the
harsh training in Kungfu, Jackie Chan would not have been recognized internationally. The
people behind the scenes – the stars, the directors, the choreographers, should also be
complimented and appreciated for their selfless contributions.
3. 總結句
Arguably, the ceaseless drive for success is the prime reason why Asian stars have gained
popularity in the world.

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All in all, the culture, the impressive songs and movies and the relentless efforts of the
總結
Asian stars have enabled them to gain popularity in western countries and turn a new leaf in
the global popular culture. For them, it may not be a fame or a name, but also an attitude
that has catapulted them to phenomenal success in the western world.
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標題 Asian Stars Win the Day
開場白 “Op, Op, Op, Oppa, Gangnam Style!” The global pop music sensation PSY, with his 1
billion-view pop debut has conquered the Western continent in a blink of an eye.
The world has come to a period when Hollywood meets its counterparts from across the
Pacific Ocean, Asia. How? You may wonder. Readers, please sit back and relax for I shall tell
you all.
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The fateful rebuttal of Asian cultural industry has scored, beautifully.

原因 1
2. 詳細解釋
Over the past few years, Westerners have measured themselves and irritated others by
expounding on the notion that Western culture is the culture of the world. This notion
mainly takes the forms of Hollywood influence and coca-colonization. In response, Asian
countries are determined to pick themselves up and rebut. For example, our motherland,
Beijing is in prospect of becoming a popular culture hub that is as influential as Hollywood.
The Chinese entertainment industry has been funding western films to borrow their tricks in
producing box-office hits. “Confucius”, aiming directly at Western audience, was a huge
success in 2011. And that is not all. India has risen thanks to the spectacular production of
Bollywood, including “Slumdog Millionaire” and “Three Idiots”. The surge of Asian movies
is a result of the concerted efforts by governments and businessmen.
Online video sharing sites deserve some credits, too.

原因 2
2. 詳細解釋
The rising tide of Asian entertainment stems from the aforementioned effort, but the craze
and insanity prosper with the aid of the Internet. Facebook, Youtube, Twitter and Tumblr
serve as perfect platforms for Asian stars to showcase. Beyond doubt, PSY’s 1 billion clicks
on Youtube enable him to get known, or I should say, become the most famous Korean
besides Ban Ki-moon. The recent hit “Gwiyomi” is another masterpiece of Korean-style
pop culture that has taken over the online channels, after Americans’ attempt to get the
throne back with its Harlem Shake. Also, these sites allow singers and movie stars to share
video blogs (Vlogs), updates and stuff, attracting the attention of Westerners.
3. 總結句
High-fives to online video sharing sites for bringing Asian culture into the global arena.
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The quality of Asian stars also amazes the Western audience and makes them popular in the
原因 3
global arena.
2. 詳細解釋
Determined, the Asian entertainment industry makes great effort in grooming the
glamorous stars. Let us take a look at Korea. Girls’ Generation, one of the market leaders,
is constantly pressured to practise singing and dancing and attend interviews, ensuring
high quality of performance and high degree of exposure. In fact, members may be sacked
if she gains weight or misses some beats and steps. This intensity of training and strict
requirements keeps the stars motivated and alerted. Also, Japan’s advanced technology
contributes to the appealing 3-D movies and special effects. The movie stars look
exceptionally stunning and perform breathtaking moves in the movies. Japan’s creativity in
its game shows, like Silent Library, brings laughter to Western families.
3. 總結句
All these quality productions pave the way for Asian stars to penetrate Western countries.
Globalization itself is a game-changer for the entertainment industry.
原因 4
2. 詳細解釋
Globalization favours the exchange of ideas and information. Asians can interact with
Westerners through an array of media. Asia’s pride, Ang Lee, who has received two Oscar
Awards for directing “The Crouching Tiger and Hidden Dragon” and “Life of Pi”, is one
example of how globalization helps. Being a Taiwanese director, he is able to direct
Western films and gain the applause from overseas audience. Globalization has facilitated
cultural diversity, where East meets West and conspires to produce a cocktail of pop
culture which is enveloping the world and increasingly embraced by the audience from
every corner of the world.
3. 總結句
Apparently, globalization has revolutionized the rules of the entertainment industry.
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總結 The entertainment industry has never been so dynamic before. The popularity of Asian stars
in Western countries is a favourable outcome that can be attributed to the effort of Asian
countries, high quality of Asian stars, spread of Asian influences by online video sharing sites
and globalization.
2. 未來展望
Now, readers, let us dance to the beat of Gangnam Style and enjoy yourselves in this
entertainment dynasty, when old-time gamesmanship and footwork of Western
monoculture recede and the flowers of Asian pop culture have blossomed.
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標題 Globalized Asians
開場白 “Oppa Gangnam Style” is of course not a distant phrase for you. The surging popularity of
Korean rapper, Psy’s mega hit single, “Gangnam Style” has no sign of receding. Ever since
last year, the music video has been storming the World Wide Web, earning a total of
staggering 1.5 billion views on Youtube and providing Psy with the opportunities to perform
in the Ellen Degemeres Show, the White House and Oxford University.
But why? Why are Asian stars gaining popularity in western countries? Here’s your answer.
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To start with, here’s my easy explanation – attractiveness.

原因 1
2. 詳細解釋
Since the Stone Age, human beings have been physically and psychologically captivated by
appealing things. Considered as young, refreshing and cute, the current trend of swarming girl
groups from Japan and Korea has successfully caught international attention from Europe and
America. For instance, Girls’ Generation, the globally recognized girls’ group with 9 members
aged from 21 to 23, has been winning fans around the world. Why? Well perhaps the reason is
quite obvious: they are young and have peerless beauty and glamour.
Indeed, despite the physical freshness and attractiveness Asian stars bring to other parts of the
原因 2
world, mental innovation can also explain their burgeoning popularity.
2. 詳細解釋
In a society where pop and rock style music dominate the market, where the billboards are
always flooded with the faces of Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga and Britney Spears, the bored
Western music lovers demand something new. And Boom! Here they go, a fat figure with
slicked-back hair, unleashed bow tie and sunglasses who dances awkwardly in a car park,
sings the catchy lyrics “Oppa Gangnam Style” with instantly memorable tunes. If I were an
American teenager who is being ceaselessly bombarded by dreary love songs from local
singers, I guess I would be thrilled by the creative dances of Psy.
3. 總結句
See, that is the other reason for the surging popularity of Asian artists – they inject new
thoughts and new ideas that brighten the Western world.

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While in terms of cultural consideration, another reason for the popularity of Asian artists is the
原因 3
integration of language.
2. 詳細解釋
No matter how captivating a song is, no matter how cute Girls’ Generation is, it would be of no
use if they could not interact with their fans. Perhaps this might be a problem two decades ago,
but not anymore. As a music lover, I realize that a CD recorded entirely in English by Girls’
Generation is being sold at HMV. As a movie lover, I realize that Chow Yun-fat, as Captain
Shaofeng in Pirates of the Caribbean, speaks fluent English with decent articulations. Gaining
fans through their eyes is important but gaining them through their ears is equally significant as
well.
3. 總結句
By mastering the language their Western fans are using, Asian stars can communicate with them
effortlessly, thereby raising their sense of mutual intimacy.
So much for Social Science, when the phenomenon is analyzed from the business perspective,
原因 4
the reason for Asian artists being increasingly popular is that they have been well-trained since
their childhood.
2. 詳細解釋
Unlike Justin Bieber, who was discovered by his manager only after his own-made music video
became viral on Youtube, the management company of Big Bang had been nurturing the five
boys in the band for several years before their rise to stardom. This is the reason why Asian
Stars have been penetrating the global market . Armed with graduates having MBA degrees and
innovative brains, the management companies behind the Asian stars have been setting the
doorsteps to heaven for the talented to shine eventually and become the stars of the world. As
for the Western world, talented youngsters often have to show off their capabilities to record
companies through shows like “Americans Got Talent” in order to earn a contract from the
companies.
3. 總結句
In terms of training, the fledgling stars in Asian countries have been gaining an upper hand over
their western counterparts and this has contributed to their surging popularity in the global
arena.
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For some, the rise of Asian artists may seem random like a hurricane that comes from
總結
nowhere and storms the world. But in fact, my young lads, after going through the
article, you may start to realize the success of today’s Asian superstars is not transient. It
is a fruit, a fruit that everyone, the companies and the artists themselves enjoy after
years of sweat and tears.
2. 例子作結
The hardship that Chow Yun-fat went through when he was labeled as “Movie Poison” in
his early years in the Hollywood, the strenuous effort that Girls’ Generation put when
they were rehearsing the lyrics in English, and the twenty years of misery Psy had gone
through before the “Horse-riding Dance” appeared are perfect manifestations of their
determination, persistent and tenacity and the reasons why these globalized Asians have
become increasingly popular in the world!
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The Hong Kong Daily is holding an essay competition for secondary school students on the theme “Hong Kong’s
Disappearing Street Life”. The aim is to promote youth awareness of the need to preserve unique aspects of
Hong Kong culture. Entries must focus on one aspect of local street life or culture that is fast disappearing and
suggest why it is worth preserving.
Write your essay.
標題 Disappearing fragrances on streets
開場白 In our hectic daily rush, what always prompts us to pause a bit and look back is the mixed
fragrance of stinky tofu, sweet and milky egg puffs and soul-invading fish balls. The unique
street food culture in Hong Kong never fails to please locals and foreigners. Yet, Hong Kong
people are confronted with a recent sharp plunge in the number of food hawkers.
2. 問句入題
Is our society welcoming an age of disappearance of this unique culture?

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The street food culture can be traced back to a century ago.

Street food
2. 詳細解釋
由盛轉衰 When Hong Kong remained a backward economy with most people being impoverished,
hawkers selling cheap and affordable food set up stores in the street. It was not until the 1970s
did the government carry out large-scale regulation of non-licensed food hawkers in
consideration of public hygiene. Many food hawkers either established their own retail stores
or engage in other businesses.
With a changed culinary scene on streets, the remaining food hawkers are still welcomed by
Street food
the public.
廣受歡迎 2. 詳細解釋
You can always see swarms of people gathering together in front of snack stores, joyfully
savouring local treats while having heated debate on some celebrities. The food hawkers keep
the streets entertained and packed with excitement.

But the food hawkers are struggling to survive in recent years.

Street food
2. 詳細解釋
漸被取代 The surging wave of globalization opens the door to global chain eateries that mushroom
across the town. The new menus are welcomed by the innovation-loving public, who start to
abandon previous choices of local street food.

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The huge financial power of international chains shapes an unfair playing field in Hong Kong,
Street food
2. 詳細解釋
漸被取代 They can afford the high rents on streets and citywide promotion, while selling food at
reasonable prices, making affordable prices no longer an attraction of street cuisine. Fast food
stores like McDonald’s, KFC are sprouting across the city, grabbing the customers of street
food under their own influence.

Local food hawkers not only have lost their loyal customers, but also the interest of the younger
Street food
generation.
漸被取代 2. 詳細解釋
The international chains fulfill all the cravings for innovative and bizarre dishes of youngsters by
offering creative menus. The youngsters deeply influenced by western thinking are also in a
rush for western cuisine rather than cherishing the local selection. As a result, local street
hawkers are being dismantled at an unbelievable speed. The closure of a Wonton noodle store
in Central, a shop in Causeway Bay serving fruit juice and a renowned ice-cream store in
Shatin, are revealing the cruel fact that the unique street food culture that has existed for years
is fading.
The street food culture has massive value to Hong Kong as it is a unique culture in the world.
Street food
2. 詳細解釋
文化價值 The mix of fish ball stands, juice counters and Takoyaki stores within a closely packed area
cannot be spotted in any other countries in the globe. It is the distinct fragrance and crowded
scene on streets that shape our city’s character and keep the tourists intrigued. Letting the
culinary culture disappear will mean a great loss in our local culture, which has already been
condemned for transforming Hong Kong into a cultural desert.
2. 總結句
Concrete measures should be taken to retain the unique street food culture in Hong Kong.
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Elsewhere in economic development, the street food culture is also attracting the foreigners to
Street food
visit this city.
經濟價值 2. 詳細解釋
Being listed on the worldwide recognizable Michelin recommendation list, a dim sum shop in
Sham Shui Po has welcomed thousands of foreign faces who are eager to have a taste of the
mysterious Eastern flavours. While amusement parks like Disneyland will no longer be
appealing as a tourist destination with the coming commencement of Shanghai Disneyland, it
is the food culture that stands the test of time and keeps attracting the foreigners with lip-
smacking snacks.
3. 總結句
The street food culture is crucial in keeping tourism thriving.

Last but not least, the street food culture is a vital part in Hong Kong people’s collective
Street food
memory.
歷史價值 2. 詳細解釋
Having a taste of curry fish ball is a cherished memory of any local citizens. Glancing at the
streets filled with laughter and heated conversations reminds people of their identity as Hong
Kong citizens who are blessed with such a unique culture. This strengthens their bonding to
society, thus creating a more loving and harmonious city.

Paragraph 10 1. 強調 street food culture 危在旦夕
We are now confronted with the decision whether to cherish the street food culture or
總結
demolish it.
2. 期望作結
At the heart of the revolution is we, the youngsters, who can give a supportive hand to local
food hawkers. Preserving this culture is not only about maintaining hawkers’ living, but also
about the well-being of any single one of us.

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Learning English through Popular Culture (Article – Semi-formal)

“Athleisure” is currently one of the biggest trends in the fashion industry. This is a term for clothes that can be
worn both for exercise and as everyday wear.
Write an article for the local newspaper explaining the possible reasons for the rise in popularity of athleisure.
標題 The surging popularity of athleisure
開場白 Take a walk along any busy street or sidewalk. Take a look at what the passers-by are
wearing. Chances are many of them are wearing some forms of “athleisure” or clothes
designed both for exercise and everyday wear. You would not have seen so many people
donning athleisure proudly two or three years ago. What has been fuelling the massive rise
of athleisure? Why is everyone, from your local restaurant server to Hollowood stars who
make several million dollars a year, putting on athleisure everywhere they go? And is this
ubiquitous trend of fashion just another fad that would vanish in years if not months?
In fact, there are many explanations for the surging popularity of athleisure. Read on and
you will find out more about this phenomenon.

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The first is convenience.

原因 1
2. 背景
Athleisure is very convenient for Hong Kong people and city dwellers around the world, who
lead increasingly hectic lifestyles. Hong Kong people are especially vulnerable to time crunches,
with our own survey conducted last month concluding that 47% of our readers have to do
overtime work on a regular basis, which means many people would find their free time
limited.
3. 詳細解釋
Athleisure, such as sports trousers and T-shirts, come in handy. Although running on a daily
basis brings numerous benefits to the well-being of human beings, for many adults, it is simply
impractical to get off work, come back home, change into sportswear and go for a jog in the
park because it would be too late by then. With athleisure, people are able to flex their legs
right after work in clothes designed for exercise without having to waste time changing clothes.
For all of us, every minute counts so athleisure is essential for us in this regard. This also applies
to rushing to the office in the morning. Traffic jams are an increasingly common occurrence in
Hong Kong with the continuous growth in the number of private cars on the road. For many
Hong Kongers, the costumes worn would be the determining factor between making it to the
office in time or being unpunctual. If you are wearing athleisure, you may be able to get off the
bus one station earlier, escaping traffic jams and sprinting to your workplace. If you are
wearing stiletto shoes or a suit, probably not, It is very likely that you would have to put up
with being grilled by the boss for being late.

80
The second is comfort. Athleisure is designed with practicality and comfort in mind, which can
原因 2
allow people to conquer stress and difficult environments.
2. 詳細解釋
Athleisure costumes designed to be worn for exercise would likely be exposed to both wet and
dry environments and thus would use materials such as nylon and polyester, which are flexible
and long-lasting. In contrast, formal wear such as dresses and tuxedos is likely to be made of
delicate materials such as leather or even mink as these are perceived to be of higher class and
exude cultural value. Therefore, their design often prioritizes form over function. On the other
hand, designed to be comfortable for the wearer even in adverse conditions, such as snowy or
rainy weather, they would particularly be comfy in more controlled environments such as the
office. As Hong Kong people have to work increasingly long hours, clothing that can make
people comfortable after a few hours of toiling is almost a necessity. A sports jacket helping
someone stay cool and dry on a rainy day would also be useful for a workplace where air
conditioning is too cold for some staff. In summer, if all employees in an enterprise switch to
wearing athleisure instead of suits, it may be able to save electricity while everyone remains
comfortable.
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The third is changes in popular cultures, which help promote athleisure as casual and everyday
原因 3
wear.
2. 背景
In a world where obesity has become the norm and people are increasingly switching to jobs that
require little physical movement, a healthy lifestyle is often seen as the solution. This is a trend
that has been relentlessly promoted in the media, with a vegetable-heavy diet, frequent physical
exercise and athleisure all being the elements of what constitute a healthy lifestyle.
3. 詳細解釋
Celebrities such as Ariana Grande, Justin Bieber and Emma Watson are all seen to wear
athleisure and star in adverisements promoting this trend of fashion. Such constant exposure to
athleisure in paparazzi photos would subconsciously lead people to pick such clothes to wear
daily. In addition to the celebrities in the world of entertainment, the popularity of prominent
sports stars can also promote athleisure. Soccer stars such as Neymar, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and
Christiano Roanldo are among the biggest celebrities on the planet, having millions of followers
on social networking platforms like Instagram and Twitter. Because many sports fanatics idolize
these football players and strive to mimic them, they are often seen in the streets or even in the
workplace wearing T-shirts that duplicate the uniform design of football teams, a manifestation
of athleisure. With the rising popularity of sportswomen such as Serena Williams and Hope
Solo, women are also joining the bandwagon as well. With the promotion of social liberalism
and female empowerment, women nowadays are encouraged to abandon the concept of
modesty and wear whatever they feel comfortable. It is therefore no surprise to see more and
more women opt for athleisure even when they aren’t doing sports.
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The surging popularity of athleisure can also be attributed to the companies which make and
原因 4
design them.
2. 詳細解釋
Although sportswear might be considered a niche in the past, worn only by professional
athletes, brands around the world are releasing different styles of athleisure to cater to the
demand. There is athleisure for everyone. People who prefer to be flashy may choose more
flamboyant designs with eye-catching colors and patterns while those who want something
more compatible with the workplace may choose from some subdued and understated designs.
Equally worth noting is that athleisure exists to serve every price segment. Those on a shoestring
budget may choose from cheaper options from local brands like G2000 and Giordano. Those
who value more advanced functions and more intricate designs may pick those on offer from
brand names such as Under Armour or Nike. Even those with advanced features would be
cheaper than a suit or a dress, which would obviously be less comfortable and practical. In fact
many executives of Fortune 500 companies such as Mark Zuckerberg and Tim Cook are often
spotted proudly donning athleisure as well.
3. 總結句
It is therefore not surprising to see athleisure being accepted in the workplace.

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Since athleisure brings so many practical benefits, ranging from price to comfort, it is
總結
clear that it is not just another fad in the transient world of fashion.
2. 與讀者互動
Do you wear athleisure regularly yourself? Share your opinion on our newspaper app.
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HKDSE English 2019 Q2 (Essay)

The following excerpt appeared in an article in the Hong Kong Daily Press:
To participate in today’s global economy, companies hire individuals whose skills and talent meet
standards of excellence. One hundred years ago, people were hired from within the local community but
today the best individuals are hired from around the world.
 Write an essay for your English teacher.

 Explain some of the benefits and challenges international talent brings to Hong Kong society
and ways to ensure that people from the local community are not neglected.
Include a title for your essay.
標題 The co-existence of local graduates and international talents
介紹 Gone are the days when local companies only hired from the local community. With
the rising tide of globalization, we have witnessed an increasing number of enterprises
recruiting talents from different parts of the globe and the firms in Hong Kong are no
exception. This arouses a wide spectrum of opinions in the city: some are convinced
that this is conducive to the long-term development of our city while some contend
that this phenomenon overshadows local young people’s future.
2. 開啟下文
So, what are the possible benefits and challenges this will bring? How can we ensure
that local graduates can co-exist with international talents?

85
好處 1 There are a wide array of benefits that the importation of international talents can
bring to our society, one of which would be the diversification of the economy.
2. 背景
Despite being hailed as an international metropolis, Hong Kong, as we all know, is
significantly lagging behind its counterparts in terms of innovation and technology,
which may be due to the lack of policies and training to nurture local talents in the
associated fields.
3. 詳細解釋
International talents, therefore, have become the panacea for this dire situation –
they possess technological knowledge that is acquired from developed countries like
Germany and the United States, which are regarded as the pioneers of global
technological advancement and can share their expertise with local firms.
4. 總結句
As a result, our local businesses can take a leaf out of their books, such as the
technology applied in manufacturing electric cars and robots, and polish our own IT
products, accelerating the growth of our IT industry and transforming Hong Kong into a
high value-added economy.

86
好處 2 Apart from promoting economic development, international talent can also convert
Hong Kong into a more inclusive and pluralistic society.
2. 背景
Owing to the lack of cultural diversity, Hong Kong has been labeled a cultural
backwater.
3. 詳細解釋
International talent, however, can help Hong Kong shake off the label. For instance, if a
local eatery hires talents from Japan, they may be able to share ideas of the cuisines
in their hometown. In this way, not only can the local restaurant sell local food such
as fish balls and pineapple buns, but also some fusion drinks, for example, the matcha
milk tea, which is a fusion of Japanese matcha and Hong Kong milk tea.
3. 總結句
Therefore, international talents are not only conducive to our economy, but also
diversify our local culture by sharing their own cultures and transforming Hong Kong
into a pluralistic cultural hub.

87
壞處 Notwithstanding the possible upsides of international talent, there are also some
drawbacks brought by the phenomenon, the most apparent of which is putting the
employment opportunities of local graduates in jeopardy.
2. 背景
With a surging number of job applicants but a limited number of job positions, it is
conceivable that landing a decent job will be an uphill battle for our young people.
3. 詳細解釋
Adding fuel to the problem is that international talents more often than not possess
more excellent expertise and skills than local youngsters, putting the latter at a
disadvantage in job interviews. For example, some talents graduating from the
prestigious universities from the mainland are geniuses in Mathematics and
Quantitative Finance and are sought after by the investment banks ranging from JP
Morgan to Credit Suisse. Facing intense competition, some local graduates will have
no alternative but to take up jobs offering meagre income whereas in the worst
scenario, some will end up being jobless, which is why some critics frown upon the
surging tide of international talents.

88
Paragraph 6 1. 承上啟下
過渡段 To minimize the adverse impact brought by international talents to the local
community, there are a couple of concrete measures that schools and the government
can take to prevent local graduates from being neglected.
建議 1 The first and foremost prescription is to equip local young people with expertise and
skills.
2. 詳細解釋
In fact, the reason why the international talents are more intelligent than many local
graduates is not because they are born to be intelligent, but because they are born and
bred in an environment that can unleash their potential. Therefore, the schools in
Hong Kong should follow suit, allowing local youngsters to unearth their interests and
talent by providing specific courses like STEM education at the secondary level. To
cater to those youngsters not gifted with academic studies, local schools should learn
from Switzerland and Germany, which are renowned for their vocational education.
Instead of cramming them with academic knowledge, local institutions should provide
a wide range of vocational education, like mechanical engineering, information
engineering , movie production and costume design starting from senior forms.
3. 總結句
With effective education, local youngsters will be equipped with knowledge and skills
that will enable them to compete with international talents.

89
建議 2 It is also incumbent on the government to sharpen the competitiveness of local young
people and prevent them from being ignored in the job market.
2. 詳細解釋
As the greatest employer in Hong Kong, our government can provide job opportunities
for young people. To begin with, it can organize internship programmes in
collaboration with local schools and vocational institutions during the summer
holiday. Lasting for two months, these programmes can expose students to a wide
variety of job duties, including clerical work, construction of infrastructure and
communication with residents. As a result, local students can hone their problem-
solving skills and communication skills, which can enhance their performance in their
future careers. Apart from summer internship programmes, the government can set an
example for private enterprises by providing more positions for graduates every year,
ranging from engineers to administrative officers.
4. 總結句
Not only can the government improve its governance by hiring a large number of local
talents, but also sharpen their competitive edge and pave the way for their bright
future.
總結 Undoubtedly, the importation of international talents is conducive to the long-term
development of our city.
2. 寄望將來
With the collective endeavour of local institutions and the government, we can ensure
that we can enjoy the productivity of foreign labour while in the meantime maximize
the potential of local youngsters.

90
Content 6/7 7/7
Language 6/7 6/7
Total 18/21 19/21
37/42 (5**)
91
HKDSE English 2019 Q5 (Article)
This week’s question in the Young Post’s Over to You column is:
Where do you get information about the latest trends in pop culture? Do you turn to newspapers and
magazines or do you prefer blogs and videos on social media?
 Write an article for the Over to You column.

 Choose one or two areas of pop culture from the table below and tell readers where you like
to get the information about the latest trends. Provide the name of the sources you
recommend.
TV and Movies Music and Concerts Food and Drink
Style and Beauty Tech and Games
Give your article a title.
標題 Over to You: Being out-of-style is out-of-style
Paragraph 1 1. 問句入題
開場白 Have you ever wondered how your friends keep up with trends? Have you ever felt
depressed that you are never on the right track? Do not fret, my love.
Below are the secrets to keep abreast of popular culture, in particular TV and movies as well
as style and beauty.

92
Let’s start with TV and movies, the most popular tool of entertainment for Millennials.
TV and
2. 背景
movies
Commuting to and from school, you must have noticed the billboards on buses and inside MTR
(推介一)
tunnels that promote the latest blockbusters. If you solely rely on these, you are not doing it
right. Most of the time, hot movies are not aired in our region once released. That is why the
movies we can check out in the local theatre are not the latest ones. To keep up with the pace
of the world, I suggest googling so as to obtain the latest information.
3. 詳細解釋
For TV and movies, “Rotten Tomatoes” is the most reliable source. No matter how a new
movie is perceived and rated, it is introduced on the website. If you read through the lines, you
can also learn about the reviews on the film given by other international reviewers. When your
friends ask for your recommendation, you can instantly describe what each film features in
detail. If this does not surprise your friend, I don’t know what will. Therefore, do check out the
website: Rotten Tomatoes.
Apart from searching deliberately, you can also subscribe to video-streaming sites, such as
TV and
Netflix and Youtube.
movies
2. 詳細解釋
(推介二)
The former offers a one-month free trial whilst the latter is free-of-charge. What a bargain,
right? Whenever you visit the page, a sidebar that says “Trending” will appear on top, which
saves you the hassle of scavenging through the sea of clips. After enjoying the video clip, you
can choose to keep it to yourself or share it with friends with the hashtag provided in the clip.
We definitely recommend the first option. Sorry, I was joking. Sharing is caring! Tell your peers
about the movie you would die to watch and enjoy a weekend slumber party!
Moving onto the next area: Style and Beauty.

93
Style and 2. 背景
Beauty We all know that fashion magazines are big fish that dominate the fashion trend. However, their
popularity is withering. Vogue and Elle Magazine are failing to be as swift as the Internet beauty
(推介)
guru. Imagine in the Vogue headquarters, where editors gather around for 30 consecutive days
to complete their monthly issue. In the meantime, a blogger specializing in style and beauty has
already published 30 posts in her home office. The speed of uploading a virtual blog to the cyber
network outperforms that of printing a paper version of a fashion magazine. Therefore, the rule
of thumb is to stick to the online bloggers. What are some gurus that you can choose from?
3. 詳細解釋
Personally, my favourite blogger is Zoella. Some might disapprove her posh style, but that is the
reason why she has earned ten million subscribers across the planet. Born and raised in
Brighton, the UK, Zoella always adds a sprinkle of casualness while being subtle in her clothing
choices and lifestyle. Uploading a blog entry per week, the brilliant beauty guru offers
subscribers a library of fashion themes and the latest products by fashion stores. Being
immersed in the hues of colour in the beauty world, readers will certainly know what to wear in
each season, and gradually cultivate the expertise that detects future trends. If you fail to
connect with this blogger, you can always choose from the array of beauty bloggers on Youtube,
ranging from American-style ones to even Hong Kong-based gurus.

94
Paragraph 6 1. 強調互聯網方便
Keeping up with trends may sound exhausting, but the process is fruitful and even
總結
educational. You get to exchange ideas with other equally keen hipsters around the
world. Doesn’t it sound exciting? With the advanced leap in Internet technology, a
keyboard and a screen can bring you everywhere you desire. I hope my advice is helpful
for you to morph into a popular person.
2. 期待作結
Let’s check out the Internet and keep abreast of the latest TV programmes, movies and
fashion styles!
Content 7/7 7/7
Language 7/7 6/7
Total 21/21 20/21
41 /42 (5**)

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Road to HKDSE 2020

Writing Notes 021 (Expository Essay and Report -說明文和報告)

Reasons / Effects / Describe the situation Effects / Suggestions / Recommendations

1 HKDSE English 2012 Q9 (Article) a. Write an article for the

2 HKDSE English 2013 Q6 (Article) a. You are a human

e. Give two suggestions to

f. Provide a suitable title

3 HKDSE English 2015 Q4 (Article) a. Write an article

Learning English through Social Issues b. Two reasons why

4 HKDSE English 2015 Q7 (Report) a. Write a report

reasons to support your suggestions. number of moviegoers

5 HKDSE English 2017 Q7 (Report) a. Explain why the

b. Explain some of the

Include a title for your essay.

7 HKDSE English 2013 Q7 (Article) a. Write an article for your

countries. Give your article a title.

8 HKDSE English 2016 Q5 (Essay) a. Describe a street

promote youth awareness of the need to preserve unique aspects of Hong

that is fast disappearing and suggest why it is worth preserving.

Write your essay.

9 HKDSE English 2018 Q6 (Article) a. Write an article for the

TV and Movies Music and Concerts Food and Drink

Style and Beauty Tech and Games

Give your article a title.

3. 介紹文章各部分 (影響 + 建議)

Paragraph 2 1. 標題句 (影響)

Paragraph 3 1. 標題句 (影響)

(建議一，要針對影響一) 2. 建議原因 / 建議好處

(建議二，要針對影響二) 2. 建議原因 / 建議好處

3. 介紹文章各部分 (影響 + 建議)

Paragraph 2 1. 標題句 (影響一)

(建議一，要針對影響一) 2. 建議原因 / 建議好處

Paragraph 4 1. 標題句 (影響二)

(建議二，要針對影響二) 2. 建議原因 / 建議好處

students / teens teachers schools

social workers parents the police

the entertainment industry the mass media the government

 建議可分為 concrete (具體) 和 abstract (抽象)

Concrete (具體) Abstract (抽象)

set up laws / legislation step up education

step up law enforcement step up publicity

monitoring / supervision put up commercials

carry out raids organize public campaigns

spend money / allocate resources provide counseling services

provide financial assistance step up cooperation / step up collaboration

 建議可分 short run(短期) 和 long run (長期)

Example: Poverty alleviation

Short Run Long Run

distribute cash implement 16-year free education

strengthen vocational training

1 Suggestion 要針對每個 problem，想 problems 前要考慮

2 Feasibility (可行性)  時間/成本/地點/人力資源/受歡迎程度

4 Coverage (廣泛性)  越多人受益/參與越好

2 Details (D)  實行細節 / 牽涉的 stakeholders

2 Transitional paragraph 要獨立 1 段

4 Describe situation 或 Express my concern 可用 1 段交代

Sbdy + should gain a better understanding of + n. Sbdy + play an important role in + n.

It is time + for + sbdy + to + v. Every effort should be made to + v.

Learning English through Social Issues

標題 Depression no longer exists in my dictionary

usually encountered by most youngsters.