Set 1 Paper 2 model answers

Part A Question 1
Dear Mr Wu,
I would like to propose a Student Charity Council to help our school become more active in
local charity activities. I realize some of our students have been involved in charitable and
fundraising activities in the past but I believe there is more we can do to help our local
community. If we start a Student Charity Council, we can better bring together students with a
shared interest in working with local charities and help those in need.
For example, we can run a bake sale or a sponsored walk to raise money, or organize
interested students to work with the homeless or volunteer at local community centres. A
council will allow us to pool ideas and better manage charity work, and also coordinate
students to be more involved with those in need.
Should our school become more active in helping local charities, both our students and the
local community will benefit. Students will be given more opportunities to help those less
fortunate than themselves, an experience which will benefit them personally and possibly also
help them with future career and study plans. The local community will be given more
support from the council’s work as more will be done to raise money for the poor, homeless or
others in need of financial assistance. Volunteers will also be organized to provide help and
assistance.
Thank you for your time. I hope you will consider this proposal.
Yours sincerely,
Chris Wong

• Content
(i) the content is relevant to the task and utilizes the prompts provided by the question
and demonstrates an understanding of the topic
(ii) creativity and imagination are shown by the development of ideas and the examples
provided as supporting evidence
• Language
(i) the tone, register and style are appropriate for the question and text type
(ii) a wide variety of advanced sentence structures are used
• Organization
(i) the email is structured well with an opening paragraph, body paragraphs for
suggestions and a closing paragraph
(ii) the paragraphing is effective in giving the main ideas in the writing a clear structure

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Set 1 Paper 2 model answers

Part B Question 2
Dear Chairperson,
I was interested to hear during our last meeting about the school’s decision to replace our old
sports equipment. It was good to learn about this as it has been some time since new
equipment was purchased. It is also encouraging to know that the school is willing to invest in
the school’s sports clubs and activities.
However, I was quite disappointed to learn that our old equipment will simply be thrown
away—which seems an incredibly wasteful and unnecessary thing to do. Since the meeting, I
have thought more about this and wish to make suggestions of other ways of disposing of the
old sports equipment.
Firstly, our old sports equipment can be donated to local clubs or groups. For example, a youth
club may be able to offer sports-based courses or facilities to young people in the community,
or an elderly centre may use this equipment as part of an exercise programme for its members.
By donating our old sports equipment, we are potentially giving others in the community the
opportunity to keep active and take part in sports. Something which may otherwise be an
unaffordable option.
Secondly, the school could also consider selling this equipment. Although used, most of these
items are still functional and in perfect working order. If there is any slight damage, such as
chipped paint or small tears, I’m sure members of the Sports Club will be happy to help repair
these. The equipment could be offered at low prices to students or members of the public and
the money collected could be used to purchase items or fund projects our school may currently
be unable to finance. This money could also be donated to charity.
Overall, I think we should not simply dispose of our old sports equipment as rubbish. The
majority of this equipment is still useable and there is no reason why it should add to our
already overflowing landfills. It is important that our school is environmentally and socially
conscious in all decisions made. Why create waste with items that can still be enjoyed by, and
benefit, others?
I hope that you agree with this and share these concerns and suggestions with the principal.
Should you need any help, please feel free to let me know how I can be of assistance.
Best regards,
Chris Wong

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Set 1 Paper 2 model answers

• Content
(i) the content is relevant to the task and utilizes the prompts provided by the question
and demonstrates an understanding of the topic
(ii) creativity and imagination are shown by the development of ideas
• Language
(i) the tone, register and style are appropriate for the question and text type
(ii) a wide variety of advanced sentence structures are used
• Organization
(i) the letter is structured well with an opening paragraph, body paragraphs and a
closing paragraph
(ii) the paragraphing is effective in giving the main ideas in the writing a clear structure

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Set 1 Paper 2 model answers

Part B Question 3
Dear Mr Ma,
When I first learnt I would be placed at your company for my work experience, I was
extremely pleased as I have always been interested in literature and the publishing industry. I
hope to have a career in publishing one day and so I am incredibly enthusiastic about
spending time at your office. I greatly appreciate the opportunity you have given me to learn
from you and to experience first-hand how a successful business such as yours operates.
When I first arrived, my role was explained to me and I was excited at the prospect of the
experience I would be gaining by answering calls, helping with documentation and sitting in
on meetings. Unfortunately, since my arrival, I have not had the privilege of doing any of these
duties and have instead been tasked merely with making coffee and delivering mail to the
staff. It is disappointing not to have the responsibility I was initially promised and to feel that I
am wasting my time here as I am not learning. I am concerned that I am being used to do the
jobs no one else wishes to do.
It would be beneficial for both myself and the company if I were allowed to take on more
important jobs and be more involved in the company's work. As editor of the school magazine
and chairperson of the school Book Club, I believe my experience and skill at research, writing
and proofreading make me a potential asset to a business such as this. I believe that my
enthusiasm, willingness to work and eagerness to learn, can only benefit the company should I
be given the role I thought I was to have. I am capable of being an active member of staff and
should be seen as an additional resource. I hope that I may also contribute new ideas and offer
a young person’s perspective on various issues. The company gains in that it has more help,
and I gain valuable experience and confidence through this work.
I therefore hope you reconsider my role here and allow me the opportunity to prove myself to
you and to make the most of my time here. My placement here is not long and I would truly
appreciate the chance to learn as much as I can about an industry I am extremely interested in
and hope one day to have a career in.
Thank you again for this great opportunity. I hope you will consider my comments and allow
me the opportunity to do the work I am so eager and excited about.
Yours sincerely,
Chris Wong

4 © Oxford University Press

Set 1 Paper 2 model answers

• Content
(i) the content is relevant to the task and utilizes the prompts provided by the question
and demonstrates an understanding of the topic
(ii) creativity and imagination are shown by the development of ideas
• Language
(i) the tone, register and style are appropriate for the question and text type
(ii) a wide variety of advanced sentence structures are used
• Organization
(i) the letter is structured well with an opening paragraph, body paragraphs and a
closing paragraph
(ii) the paragraphing is effective in giving the main ideas in the writing a clear structure

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Set 1 Paper 2 model answers

Part B Question 4
My parents were right!
I want to share with you all something that I wasn’t very happy with at first, but I am now
really pleased my parents insist we do.
A few weeks ago, my father announced that everyone in the family had to turn off their mobile
phones while eating dinner. After that, our phones have to stay off and the family is to do
some sort of activity together. We weren’t allowed to turn them back on until after this new
‘family time’ was over. I was, of course, not very happy about this and asked my father why
we had to do this. My friends and I always messaged each other after school and I worried
they’d make fun of me for being offline for so long in the evenings. It just didn’t make sense to
me.
So, that night, my mother collected our phones as we sat down to eat. For the first few days, no
one spoke at the dinner table. Our family time activity was a mix of doing puzzles and playing
board games together. My brother, sister and I weren’t very cooperative at first because we
were so unhappy with this new arrangement. But then, after a while, the conversation over
dinner started to get more and more interesting as we talked about our day. Our family time
was equally as enjoyable as we took turns to decide what activities we would do each night,
sometimes choosing to watch a film, or even play video games together. I really began to look
forward to this quality time with my family and I feel we are now closer because of it.
We are all so addicted to using our phones. It is worrying to think how much importance is
put on having an electronic device. Personally, I realized how much I had been using my
phone just to pass the time, looking at social media and watching videos, and not engaging in
anything meaningful. I worry that we are spending less quality time with our families and
friends, talking and enjoying each other’s company.
I hope some of you have the same arrangements in your homes and are enjoying time with
your loved ones as much as I am. Perhaps some of you may even consider suggesting this to
your parents if you are not. I really hope you all stop and think about how much of your time
you are spending on your phones and how this is taking away valuable time you could be
spending with family.

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Set 1 Paper 2 model answers

• Content
(i) the content is relevant to the task and utilizes the prompts provided by the question
and demonstrates an understanding of the topic
(ii) creativity and imagination are shown by the development of ideas
• Language
(i) the tone, register and style are appropriate for the question and text type
(ii) a wide variety of advanced sentence structures are used
• Organization
(i) the blog entry is structured well with an opening paragraph, body paragraphs and a
closing paragraph
(ii) the paragraphing is effective in giving the main ideas in the writing a clear structure

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Set 1 Paper 2 model answers

Part B Question 5
Good morning, Madam Chairperson and fellow debaters.
I would like to thank the opposing team for their interesting speech. It was an interesting
opinion but, I’m afraid, not accurate, and I shall now present to you reasons why cyclists
should be allowed on Hong Kong’s roads and able to choose whether they use their bicycles to
travel around our city.
Firstly, our city is overrun by motor vehicles and the consequence of this is that we greatly
suffer from both noise and air pollution. Efforts have been made by the government to try to
control the number of drivers on the road, such as introducing high road-licensing costs.
However, alternative transportation is mainly forms of public transport which, despite how
efficient they are in Hong Kong, do not eliminate the issue of pollution. Many countries are
now encouraging members of the public to cycle around their cities specifically to combat
problems associated with traffic. Hong Kong has the ability to implement a similar scheme and
should be proactive in making cycling a safer and easier option for members of the public.
Secondly, the opposing team’s argument that cycling on roads is unsafe and therefore should
be abolished is an understandable view. However, statistics show that the number of cyclists
involved in road accidents has fallen since 2012 and so we can conclude that there is room for
improvement in safety on our roads for people on bicycles. It would simply take a campaign to
educate the public on the benefits of cycling, and more control of vehicles on our roads, to
ensure cycling is a viable option for people to travel around Hong Kong.
Thirdly, with our city’s hard-working and dedicated workforce, there is sometimes little time
for individuals to exercise. Keeping active is important for one’s health and cycling is an
excellent form of exercise. Allowing people to use our roads to travel to and from work, or to
other destinations, is encouraging the public to live healthier lives.
In conclusion, I think we can all see that there should be no limits on people using Hong
Kong’s roads to cycle on. It should in fact be the opposite. Cyclists should be encouraged to
use our road system to travel around the city and the government should be more active in
ensuring our roads are bicycle-friendly. Cycling is beneficial to both the environment and to
members of the public. And the healthier people in Hong Kong are, the better our city will
become.
Thank you.

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Set 1 Paper 2 model answers

• Content
(i) the content is relevant to the task and utilizes the prompts provided by the question
and demonstrates an understanding of the topic
(ii) creativity and imagination are shown by the development of ideas
(iii) supporting evidence and examples are provided to back up the main points
• Language
(i) the tone, register and style are appropriate for the question and text type
(ii) the use of debate-related phrases demonstrates a familiarity with the genre
(iii) a wide variety of advanced sentence structures are used
• Organization
(i) the debate speech is structured well with an opening paragraph, body paragraphs
and a closing paragraph
(ii) the paragraphing is effective in giving the main ideas in the writing a clear structure

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Set 1 Paper 2 model answers

Part B Question 6
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing in regards to the work experience placements your company is currently offering
local students. As a keen reader of your magazine, and a fashion enthusiast, I am extremely
interested in this opportunity and have always dreamt of being involved in the industry.
I have been interested in fashion from an early age. My mother was involved in the clothing
retail trade while I was growing up—which was how I was first exposed to this industry. I
found it fascinating to learn about the different trends and styles across the world and how
these are influenced by designers and popular culture. My continued interest in fashion has
led me to subscribe to a number of magazines, such as yours, and to keep up to date on fashion
news and trends. I was also the head organizer of a fashion show held at my school which was
part of a fundraising event to raise money for a number of local charities. I thoroughly enjoyed
working with local fashion designers and coordinating the show’s schedule.
I would like to take this opportunity to commend Fashion HK on its success as being one of
Hong Kong’s top magazines. Its content is well-written and there is such a wide range of
information given that readers of all ages and backgrounds can enjoy your publication. Your
team does an amazing job of promoting a wide range of products and does not only focus on
high-end, unaffordable pieces. Interviews with both local and international celebrities also give
a great insight into how fashion affects and influences others, and the photography used in
your magazine is always of a very high standard.
I believe I would be the perfect candidate for a work experience placement at Fashion HK as I
am truly passionate about fashion in our city and enjoy reading about and researching all areas
of this industry. I am also a contributor to the school magazine, which has allowed me to write
a number of articles.
I hope that my application is considered and that I am given the opportunity to work with and
learn from you. I am hard-working, diligent and creative and hope that you will allow me this
opportunity to realize my dreams of being involved in the fashion industry.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Yours faithfully,
Chris Wong

10 © Oxford University Press

Set 1 Paper 2 model answers

• Content
(i) the content is relevant to the task and utilizes the prompts provided by the question
and demonstrates an understanding of the topic
(ii) creativity and imagination are shown by the development of ideas
• Language
(i) the tone, register and style are appropriate for the question and text type
(ii) a wide variety of advanced sentence structures are used
(iii) the use of thematically related vocabulary shows an understanding of the task
• Organization
(i) the application letter is structured well with an opening paragraph, body
paragraphs and a closing paragraph
(ii) the paragraphing is effective in giving the main ideas in the writing a clear structure

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Set 1 Paper 2 model answers

Part B Question 7
Dear Diary,
What a day! What a day! I’ve just got home from the most amazing experience. Today was the
day members of the Drama Club got to be extras in a film being filmed locally and it was
amazing.
The film is a love story about two young people who want to be together, but who are kept
apart by their families, who have been at war with each other for years. I was given the role of
a friend of the main male character. I didn’t have any lines, but I was in all the scenes where
the boy is hanging out with his group of friends. The actor starring in this film is one of my
favourite young performers in Hong Kong, so it was such a privilege to meet him and watch
him work. The lead female role is being played by an upcoming local actress and she was
really good. I was able to learn a lot about performing both from the direction I was given, and
from watching the professionals at work.
To be part of and witness how things work behind the scenes was also a very special
experience and one many people don’t get the opportunity to have. I learnt so much. It was
incredible to see how many people it takes to make a film, from the camera and lighting, to the
costumes and locations. It takes a lot of skilled individuals to take care of the many
considerations behind making a film. One of the scenes I was involved in took a long time to
get right, and we had to do many retakes before the film’s director was happy. I now
understand why some films take a long time to film.
All members of the Drama Club enjoyed today and we were asked by a member of the staff if
acting as extras was something we’d be interested in doing again. We all gave an enthusiastic
‘yes’ and so we will hopefully be able to enjoy the thrill and excitement of a film set again
sometime.
I now know I want to pursue my interest in acting and hope to find work as a professional
actor in the future. I realize it will be a lot of work, and that it is a competitive industry, but
after today’s experience, I know this is something I would really like to do.

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Set 1 Paper 2 model answers

• Content
(i) the content is relevant to the task and utilizes the prompts provided by the question
and demonstrates an understanding of the topic
(ii) creativity and imagination are shown by the development of ideas
• Language
(i) the tone, register and style are appropriate for the question and text type
(ii) a wide variety of advanced sentence structures are used
(iii) the use of thematically related vocabulary shows an understanding of the task
• Organization
(i) the diary entry is structured well with an opening paragraph, body paragraphs and
a closing paragraph
(ii) the paragraphing is effective in giving the main ideas in the writing a clear structure

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Set 1 Paper 2 model answers

Part B Question 8
Dear Editor,
I am writing in regards to something I recently heard that has left me feeling quite unsettled. I
wanted to share my feelings in the hope that if others feel as I do, some action may be taken.
I was listening to a radio show a few nights ago during which the DJ introduced a new song by
a well-known local artist. I was quite excited to hear something new from this singer as I have
enjoyed his music for many years. However, not long after the song started, I could not believe
what I was hearing.
The lyrics included some very bad language and, although it was quite late at night, I was
shocked that the radio channel was able to play such a song. I then realized what the message
the song was actually giving was about. It talked about visitors to Hong Kong and how they
are not welcome. Whoever wrote these lyrics seems to be very aggressive towards visitors and
does not seem keen on having anyone ‘foreign’ come into our city. I was greatly offended;
having a popular artist voicing such a message is irresponsible and certainly does not reflect
my own views.
I think it is unacceptable for this song to be played on the radio and hope that something will
be done to stop songs like this being aired again. Firstly, radio may be accessed by all members
of the public and any bad language used is unnecessary and may upset some listeners.
Secondly, the theme of the song is unfair and extremely negative towards others, which is
something I do not think should be given any attention or publicity. As a modern,
multicultural and inclusive city, Hong Kong should be accepting of people of all nationalities
and backgrounds, something this song does not adhere to. There is a danger of people being
influenced by the lyrics of the song and, as there is no control over who listens to the radio, the
number of people this may reach is quite large.
I therefore hope there are others who feel as I do about the playing of offensive music on the
radio and agree that it is irresponsible and unnecessary. There should be more control over
what songs are aired and more thought given towards the influence songs can have on others.
If a song conveys a message of hatred or negativity towards a group of people, for example,
that song should not be played over the radio to potentially be heard by many members of the
public.
Yours faithfully,
Chris Wong

14 © Oxford University Press

Set 1 Paper 2 model answers

• Content
(i) the content is relevant to the task and utilizes the prompts provided by the question
and demonstrates an understanding of the topic
(ii) creativity and imagination are shown by the development of ideas
• Language
(i) the tone, register and style are appropriate for the question and text type
(ii) a wide variety of advanced sentence structures are used
• Organization
(i) the letter to the editor is structured well with an opening paragraph, body
paragraphs and a closing paragraph
(ii) the paragraphing is effective in giving the main ideas in the writing a clear structure

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Set 1 Paper 2 model answers

Part B Question 9
My Community
About a year ago, my parents decided they wanted to live in quieter, more tranquil
surroundings. So, we packed up all our things and moved to a house in a small village in the
New Territories where we were the only family that hadn’t lived there for generations.
We were all pleased to make the move except for one thing: the other villagers were not
happy we were there.
As soon as we moved in, the locals made it clear how they felt. No one was happy to have
‘outsiders’ live in their village and they made a point to ignore us. We soon realized why the
house we had bought had been empty for such a long time, and why we had been able to buy
it at such a reasonable price.
I’d heard about the beach near the village from the estate agent. He had told us that no one
ever used it. I wondered why this was. So, one morning, I decided to take a look. As soon as I
arrived, I knew what the problem was: there was rubbish everywhere. Wherever you looked,
bits of plastic, empty drink cans and planks of wood sat on the sand. The rubbish had
obviously washed up onto the beach from elsewhere and it was sad to think this problem had
stopped the villagers from enjoying what could be a very beautiful spot. I decided there and
then to do something about it. That night, I contacted all of my friends and asked them for
their help to clean up the beach. Their reward would be a delicious barbecue afterwards. I
then wrote a letter to all the locals telling them about my plan and inviting them to take part. I
explained the importance of working together to take care of the place where we lived. I also
invited them to the barbecue. I posted a copy of the letter to everyone in the village and
waited for the day of the big beach clean-up.
Everyone turned up that day. It seemed that my letter had worked and the locals had got
together to discuss the situation. And the barbecue was a success as well. We were soon
talking to all of our neighbours and I was happy to see them enjoying themselves.
And now, a year on, I adore living in this village. We are friends with everyone living here
and I go to the beach as often as I can. It is not abandoned and polluted any more. It is an
important part of my community and we all cherish it.

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Set 1 Paper 2 model answers

• Content
(i) the story remains relevant to the task and develops the theme ‘Best friends’
(ii) the plot, setting and characters are developed and portrayed with creativity and
imagination
• Language
(i) first-person narration and realistic dialogue are used to successfully move the plot
forward
(ii) descriptive language makes the story more vivid
• Organization
(i) the structure of a story is followed, including a title, setting, conflict, plot and
resolution

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