U1

Examination Contents

1.1

Reviewing the format of Paper 1A and 1B Revising ‘word-attack’ strategies to guess the meaning of new vocabulary Revising approaches to the passage completion exercise Introducing vocabulary to do with studying, examinations and schools Practice writing a Task 1 composition (recommending a book to a friend) Practice writing a Task 2 composition (writing a one-sided letter to the editor)

The aims of the HKCEE Paper 1, Reading (1A) and Writing (1B)

Paper 1 has two aims: 1. to assess how well you can understand different English texts. 2. to assess how correctly you can write English for different purposes.

1.2

The format of the Reading part (1A)

The Reading part consists of two or three texts. The texts are between 500 and 700 words long. The texts are of different types. They can be: z a newspaper or magazine article (e.g. from ‘The South China Morning Post’) z some factual information (e.g. from a guide book, a film review or a government publication) z a true story from someone’s life (e.g. from a biography or an autobiography) z an extract from a novel or short story z an extract from a play or the tapescript of an interview z a personal letter z a formal letter (e.g. a letter of advice, complaint, request, information, a letter to the editor, a job application)

1.3

‘Word attack’ strategies to guess the meaning of new words

You can use the following techniques to work out the meaning of an unknown word:

Examination tips — guessing the meaning of new vocabulary z

z

z

z

z z

work out what the rest of the sentence means, then guess the meaning of the unknown word from its context (its surroundings). work out the word’s formation — see if it is formed from words, prefixes and suffixes that you already know (e.g. unknown = un + known) see if the writer explains the meaning of the word by adding a paraphrase — an explanation starting with in other words..., that is..., or written in brackets (....), or between commas, or between hyphens — . see if the writer explains the word by giving an example — starting with for example, such as look for a synonym (a word meaning the same thing) elsewhere in the text check whether the word is part of a phrase or an idiom (e.g. has mixed feelings in the passage below)

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Here are the first two paragraphs from the comprehension passage in Exercise 1.4. Read the paragraphs, then use the hints below to work out the meanings of the words and phrases in bold. Every August when the HKCEE results come out, the newspapers show pictures of the smiling faces and proud parents of the handful of top scholars — that small number of students who have managed to score an incredible 10 ‘A’s in the examination. Unsurprisingly, many students who will be starting Form 5 the following September scan the newspapers for tips from these successful candidates about how to do well. Dr. Philip Howe is a well-known educationalist. He has mixed feelings about whether it is a good idea to copy high-flyers such as those who are so much better than everyone else. ‘I think there are both advantages and disadvantages in listening to tips from very bright students, ’ he commented. ‘On the one hand, we can always learn something useful from someone who has done a job well. But on the other, it is not constructive for an average student to copy everything that a successful student does. This will not turn an average student into a brilliant one. The point is, the majority of students have different aims from the high-flyers — average students are not aiming for lots of ‘A’s. Most students will be delighted to get into the sixth form, and quite a few students will simply be very pleased that their results are not an embarrassment! So, average students need to approach the examination in a different way to high-flyers.’

1. handful of top scholars Hint: paraphrase — both handful and top scholars are paraphrased immediately afterwards Handful means Top scholars means 2. unsurprisingly Hint: word formation — this word has surprise in it Unsurprisingly means It is not a ___________________________ 3. scan Hint: context — scan the newspapers for tips Scan means _________________________________ 4. educationalist Hint: word formation — this word has education and –ist in it Educationalist means Someone who 5. has mixed feelings Hint: paraphrase — this phrase is explained in the next sentence Has mixed feelings means 6. high flyers Hint: example — this phrase is followed by an example High flyers means

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7. constructive Hint: synonym — there is a near-synonym for this word in the previous sentence Constructive means 8. delighted Hint: synonym — there is a two-word synonym for this word later in the sentence Delighted means 9. an embarrassment Hint: word formation — this noun comes from the same root as embarrassed, embarrassing, etc. An embarrassment means Something that makes you feel

1.4

Reading practice

Read the following article and then answer the questions.

HKCEE tips from top students

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Every August when the HKCEE results come out, the newspapers show pictures of the smiling faces and proud parents of the handful of top scholars — that small number of students who have managed to score an incredible 10 ‘A’s in the examination. Unsurprisingly, many students who will be starting Form 5 the following September scan the newspapers for tips from these successful candidates about how to do well. Dr. Philip Howe is a well-known educationalist. He has mixed feelings about whether it is a good idea to copy high-flyers such as those students who do exams so much better than everyone else. ‘I think there are both advantages and disadvantages in listening to tips from very bright students,’ he commented. ‘On the one hand, we can always learn something useful from someone who has done a job well. But on the other, it is not constructive for an average student to copy everything that a successful student does. This will not turn an average student into a brilliant one. The point is, the majority

25 of students have different aims from the high-flyers — average students are not aiming for lots of ‘A’s. Most students will be delighted to get into the sixth form, and quite a few students will simply be very 30 pleased that their results are not an embarrassment! So, average students need to approach the examination in a different way to high-flyers.’ Nevertheless, Dr. Howe concedes, there 35 is some useful advice that successful students can pass on to next year’s examination candidates. He points out that there are four areas that students need to think about when working towards an examination: classwork, 40 studying and revising at home, support from family and friends, and examination technique. The most obvious of these is paying attention in class. Gina Yuen Chingwan, the only student to obtain 10 straight 45 ‘A’s last year, explained that she had been working for the HKCEE since Form Four, and attributed her success to being hardworking, and attentive during class. Chan

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Wai-keung, who could ‘only’ manage 6 ‘A1’s and 4 ‘A2’s made much the same point: ‘I believed it was important to concentrate during lessons and study hard all the time. Even Leung Yat-fai, (9 ‘A’s), who claimed that he was ‘lazy’ up until the mock exam, admitted that concentrating in class helped him a lot. Successful students all agree that revision is an important ingredient in their success, but in practice they approach their revision in different ways. Luk Yiu (10 ‘A’s) revised systematically and stated that lots of revision (and lots of exercise) were the secrets of her success. Chan Wai-keung, on the other hand, did not have a regular study timetable, but revised every day after school. There were also differences of opinion on the usefulness of memorisation. Yuen Ching-wan, a science student who gained an ‘A1’ in Chinese Language, found that memorisation was the only way to deal with the Chinese examination: ‘The questions on the paper were quite difficult and in Chinese Language you need to double your efforts to memorise all the material. It’s quite hard for a science student to tackle it well.’ By contrast, Chung

Chung-yee, another science student who achieved an ‘A1’ in Chinese Language, gave different advice: ‘Don’t memorise text. You only learn well if you are interested in the 80 subject.’

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The support of friends and family was greatly valued by top students. Dr. Howe comments that successful support consists of helping the student to remain motivated to study, while at the same time not putting extra pressure on him or her. Chan Waikeung agrees, ‘A little pressure is needed to stimulate us to study and to keep us going, but too much pressure leads to stress — and then it is difficult to concentrate,’ he said. Many students discussed work with their classmates, and formed revision clubs when the examination was approaching. ‘We were even able to make the revision fun!’ one student exclaimed. Others found that friendly rivalry was a great motivation. One science student remarked, ‘I knew that my friend Fok Chung-yin would still be working, so I carried on revising myself. I didn’t want him to beat me!’ Support from the family, without pressure, was also vital.

1. According to paragraph 1, why do next year’s F5 students look at the newspapers after the HKCEE results come out?

2. In line 18, the phrase ‘on the one hand’ introduces .... A. the first of two similar ideas. B. the first of two contrasting ideas. C. the second of two similar ideas. D. the second of two contrasting ideas.

2.

3. In line 23, what does ‘This’ refers to? 4. According to paragraph 2, Dr. Howe thinks it is generally not a good idea for average students to use the same techniques as high-flyers because

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5. In line 34, ‘Nevertheless’ introduces a point that A. is an example of B. is the result of C. agrees with D. disagrees with

the previous point.

5.

6. In line 42, what does ‘these’ refer to? 7. Why is Yuen Ching-wan special?

8. In line 47, ‘attributed’ means .... A. denied the reason for. B. dismissed the reason for. C. thought the reason for. D. did not know the reason for.

8.

9. In line 49, the writer uses ‘only’ about Chan Wai-keung’s results .... A. because they were not very good. B. because they were much worse than Yuen Ching-wan’s. C. because they were worse than Chan Wai-keung had expected. D. as a joke, because they were very good, but not quite as good as Yuen Ching-wan’s.

9.

10. In line 54, ‘lazy’ is in inverted commas because .... A. Leung Yat-fai describes himself as lazy. B. the writer thinks that Leung Yat-fai is lazy. C. the other students think Leung Yat-fai is lazy. D. Leung Yat-fai is not lazy.

10.

Paragraph 4 describes the examination preparation strategies of four students. Tick the appropriate box for each of the following statements. True

False

Not stated

11. All four students thought revision was necessary. 12. All four students had a revision timetable. 13. All four are science students. 14. All four thought memorising things by heart was a good strategy. 15. Which of the following definitions is correct for ‘tackle’ in line 75? (Write the number of the correct definition in the box.) tackle n 1. equipment for fishing and other sports, e.g. He kept all his fishing tackle in a basket. 2. equipment and ropes for lifting heavy objects, e.g. They used tackle to lift the damaged boat out of the water. tackle v 3. to deal with or overcome something difficult, e.g. We tackled the problem together. 4. in sport, to try to take the ball away from an opponent.

15.

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16. In paragraph 5, the students discuss several ways of motivating themselves. What are two of these ways? a) b) 17. In lines 37–38, the writer refers to ‘four areas’ that students need to think about when preparing for the examination. Which of these areas is NOT referred to again later in the article?

1.5

Completing the passage by inserting missing sections (phrases, half sentences or sentences)

One exercise in the reading section asks you to insert missing phrases, half sentences or sentences into the blanks in a paragraph of the reading text. You should use two techniques to identify the missing sections. 1. Use logic and meaning — try reading each section in the blank to find the one that completes the meaning of the sentence, and makes sense with the sentences before and after it. 2. Look for grammar and vocabulary links between the missing section and the sentences before and after the blank in the text. These links can be through: z connectors (e.g. next, however, because, as a result, for example, in other words), z words which refer backwards or forwards (e.g. I, he, it, they, this, who, which, the following) z tenses (repetition of verbs in the same tense) z agreement (singular subject and singular verb; plural subject and plural verb; female subject and female pronoun, etc.) z speech (continuation of direct, or reported, speech) z phrases containing prepositions .(e.g. look after, worried about, by means of) z vocabulary – repetition (e.g. the repetition of the same word, or a synonym or paraphrase of it), z vocabulary – collocation (words that go together, e.g. answer a question, watch television). The next exercise gives you some practice in identifying how the two halves of a sentence can be linked together.

1.6

Matching half sentences — practice

This exercise consists of a paragraph containing six sentences. The column on the left contains the first half of each sentence, in the correct order. The column on the right contains the second half of each sentence, mixed up. Match the correct second half to each first half, and think about the clues which helped you to do it.

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1. Most students are nervous before

a) to suck sweets and to chew gum.

2. This nervousness is not surprising

b) on the questions to feel nervous any more.

3. One way that I use to calm my nerves

c) because so much depends on the result.

4. Two other good ways are

d) is to close my eyes and breathe deeply.

5. Fortunately, most candidates relax

e) they take a public examination.

6. They are too busy concentrating

f) once the exam starts.

1.7

Completing a paragraph by inserting the missing sections — practice

Below is the missing final paragraph of the article in Exercise 1.4. In this paragraph the students discuss examination technique. Choose one of the half sentences from the list below (A-I) to complete each blank in the paragraph. Write the letters in the spaces provided. You can use each letter ONCE only. One has been done for you as an example.

All examination candidates have to find ways to deal with pressure, (1)

C

The top candidates all agree that they do best when they go into an examination Tang Pui-yi (9 ‘A1’s, 1 ‘A2’) says simply, (3)

feeling as relaxed (2)

Lai Hui-ting recommends that students should just concentrate on doing their “Examination results are not the most important

best and not worry (4)

thing in the world,” she comments. All the students stress the importance of taking a (5)

. Dr. Howe summarises the point, “To study well you need to

keep plenty of oxygen in (6) minute and (7) take (8)

A. B. C. D. E. F. G. H. I.

So, don’t leave all your revision to the last

Start your revision programme earlier, and make sure you Don’t forget to relax, exercise (9)

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about their results. your brain. especially as the examinations get closer. some time off every day. “Make sure you have enough sleep!” then work day and night! as possible. and breathe some fresh air!” break from studying.

COMPOSITION 1.8

The format of the Writing part (1B)

In the Writing part you must write two compositions. In Task 1 you write about 100 words, and in Task 2 you write about 250 words. The composition tasks require you to write two different types of text. In Task 1, there is no choice of composition, but the task is not too difficult. You are also given plenty of help — in the form of a detailed situation and some helpful prompts and suggestions. In Task 2, you have a choice of two compositions — one factual and one imaginative. The questions are more open and you receive very little help.

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1.9

Task 1 (short task)

Write a letter to a friend who lives in another country, recommending a book or comic book for him/her to read. Write about 100 words (not including your address, the date, the greeting or the close). Model answer Read the model answer to Task 1, and insert these missing words. remember

hope

sure

book

because

best

really

recommend

Then read the notes on page 9.

Flat C 14/F Melody Court Harmony Estate Fan Ling New Territories 20 September 200Dear Chris

How are you? I (1)

you are well. We are all fine here. I’m back

at school studying for my HKCE exams — it’s (2)

I’m writing (3)

hard work!

you mentioned during the summer holidays

that you couldn’t find a good book to help with your Geography revision. Do you (4)

that I said I had the same problem?

Well, I think I’ve found the answer! Last week I bought a (5) called ‘Chan’s Geography Notes’. I’m finding it really useful and I strongly (6) read. I’m (7)

All the (8)

Sandy 8

that you buy a copy. It’s very well organised and easy to that you’ll find it really interesting.

1.10

Notes on this composition

The Plan 1. Set out the address and the date correctly (Note: in the examination itself you will be told not to use your own address. You will be given an address to use, or you will be told not to write the address.) 2. Write the greeting (Dear Chris) 3. First paragraph — ask the other person how they are. Briefly say how you are, and what you are doing at the moment. 4. Second paragraph — say why you are writing the letter. 5. Third paragraph — recommend the book. Say what the title is, and the author if you know it. (Don’t forget ‘inverted commas’ for the title). Recommend that the other person buys/reads the book. Say why you like it, and why you think they would like it. 6. Close (e.g. All the best) 7. Sign your name (Note: in the examination itself, you will be told not to use your own name. You will be given a name to use — usually Chris Wong, which can be a boy’s or a girl’s name.) Useful phrases How are you? I hope you are well. We’re fine. I’m writing because… I strongly recommend that you buy… It’s very well organised/easy to read/exciting/funny I’m sure that you’ll find it very useful/interesting/enjoyable All the best/ With best wishes/ Best regards/ Yours Tips for writing personal letters (revision) You can use shortened forms such as I’m, we’re, you’ll You can use personal pronouns such as I and you You can write rhetorical questions (questions that do not require an answer, e.g. Do you remember that I said I had the same problem?) You can use exclamation marks and dashes. You can use words like really and terribly instead of very You can start sentences with words like Well, Anyway, And, But

1.11

Composition practice — Task 1

Now write your own answer to the same question: Write a letter to a friend who lives in another country, recommending a book or comic book for them to read. Write about 100 words (not including your address, the date, the greeting or the close). [Note: the model answer above describes a factual book. However, you could write about a fictional book or even a comic book. The book can be in Chinese.]

1.12

Task 2 (Long task) Writing a letter to a newspaper/magazine editor, in favour or against a current proposal or situation

This type of question requires you to write a one-sided composition. Example questions (a) It has been proposed that all the study rooms operated by the Boys’ and Girls’ Clubs Associations should be closed. Write a letter to a newspaper editor either supporting or objecting to this proposal. Sign your letter Chris Wong. Write about 250 words.

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(b) It is becoming more common for a percentage of the examination marks in some HKCEE subjects to be awarded for students’ course-work, which is assessed by their teachers over two years. This system is known as ‘continuous assessment’. Write a letter to your school magazine supporting or objecting to this trend. Sign your letter Chris Wong. Write about 250 words.

1.13

Model answer to Task 2, Question a) — in favour of the proposal

Now read the first model answer to question (a), and the notes that follow. Dear Editor It has been proposed that all the study rooms operated by the Boys’ and Girls’ Clubs Associations should be closed. I am strongly in favour of this proposal. These study rooms were a very good idea when they were first opened. At that time, most families lived in very hot and crowded flats and it was extremely difficult for students to find somewhere quiet and uninterrupted to study. Now, however, the situation is totally different. Not so many students live in such difficult home conditions. There are also more alternative places for students to study. Many of them have better and more up-to-date facilities, such as public libraries which have access to the internet. Additionally, many schools are more flexible now, and allow students to study in air-conditioned rooms after school hours. As a result of these changes, the study rooms operated by the Boys’ and Girls’ Clubs Associations are hardly used for most of the year. For much of the time they are completely empty. In fact, they are only occupied at all for a month or two before the public examinations. This is a serious waste of space and resources. These rooms could be used for other activities, which would be popular throughout the year — such as indoor sports, games and internet services. For these reasons, I support the proposed closure of the Boys’ and Girls’ Clubs Associations study rooms, as I think they should be reused for services which are more appropriate to the twenty-first century. Yours faithfully

Chris Wong Notes for this composition The Plan 1. Do not write an address or date (unless you are told to do so in the question.) 2. Write the greeting (Dear Editor) 3. First paragraph — state what the proposal/situation is. (Note: You may be able to copy this directly from the question, as in the model, or you may have to modify it slightly to fit in with the letter format.) State that you support the proposal/situation. 4. Second paragraph — briefly state the main reason which supports the opinion you do not agree with. (In the model, the reason is historical — a very good idea when they were first opened.)

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5. Third paragraph — state why the reason given in the second paragraph is not a good one (Now, however, the situation is totally different.) Suggest several stronger opposing reasons that support your own point of view, and give examples. (There are also more alternative places… Many of them have better and more up-to-date facilities, such as public libraries…. etc.) 6. Fourth paragraph — put forward your own point of view strongly. (the study rooms… are hardly used… This a serious waste of space…) Support your point of view with reasons (These rooms could be used for other activities…) Give examples (such as indoor sports…). 7. Fifth paragraph — summarise your opinion (I support the proposed closure…) and main the reason (they should be reused for services which are more appropriate to the twenty-first century) 8. Close (Yours faithfully) 9. Sign the name you are given (e.g. Chris Wong).

1.14

Model answer to Task 2, Question a) — against the proposal

Now read the second model answer to question a) and the notes that follow.

Dear Editor It has been proposed that all the study rooms operated by the Boys’ and Girls’ Clubs Associations should be closed. I am strongly against this proposal. It may be true that these study rooms are not used as much as in the past, and that, for some students, there are other places that they can study. However, the Boys’ and Girls’ Clubs Associations study rooms continue to perform a vital service. There are still many students who regularly visit the study rooms because there is nowhere quiet for them to study. This is particularly true of students from families on low incomes, families which have recently arrived from the mainland, and families where there is violence or constant arguments at home. Students from these families are most in need of support. The Boys’ and Girls’ Clubs Associations study rooms provide a safe and caring environment where students can study uninterrupted. Staff working at the study rooms get to know regular users of the study rooms well, and often help students with their work. This type of assistance is rarely available in other places, such as the home, libraries or schools after hours. Additionally, equipment in the study rooms has been up-graded and internet access is available in most of them. For these reasons, I strongly object to the proposed closure of the Boys’ and Girls’ Clubs Associations study rooms. They continue to offer valuable support to the students in our society who need it most. Yours faithfully

Chris Wong

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The Plan [Note that this letter has the same plan as the ‘in favour’ letter.]

Underline the phrases in the model letter illustrating points 2 to 9. 1. Do not write an address or date (unless you are told to do so in the question.) 2. Write the greeting. 3. First paragraph – state what the proposal/situation is. State that you do not support the proposal/situation. 4. Second paragraph – briefly state the main reason which supports the opinion you do not agree with. 5. Third paragraph – state why the reason given in the second paragraph is not a good one Suggest several stronger opposing reasons that support your own point of view. Give examples. 6. Fourth paragraph – put forward your own point of view strongly. Support your point of view with reasons. Give examples. 7. Fifth paragraph – summarise your opinion. Give your main reason. 8. Close. 9. Sign the name you are given. Useful phrases Expressing opinions I am (strongly) in favour of this proposal I support this proposal I am (strongly against this proposal I object to this proposal Listing points/reasons in support of one idea Firstly/secondly/thirdly/finally Additionally/in addition/furthermore Introducing an alternative argument However, … Nevertheless,…. Emphasising In fact,… Giving examples This is particularly true of..../This is especially true of… In particular,… Summarising For these reasons,… Positive adjectives important, valuable, vital, up-to-date, up-graded, flexible, supportive, caring, safe, uninterrupted, popular, peaceful, appropriate, useful Negative adjectives unnecessary, out-of-date, worthless, useless, wasteful, crowded, violent

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1.15

Composition practice — Task 2

Now write your own answer to Question (b): It is becoming more common for a percentage of the examination marks in some HKCEE subjects to be awarded for students’ course-work, which is assessed by their teachers over two years. This system is known as ‘continuous assessment’. Write a letter to your school magazine supporting or objecting to this trend. Sign your letter Chris Wong. Write about 250 words.

1.16 z z z z z

1.17

Tips for this composition Decide whether you support or object to the trend of continuous assessment Note down three or four reasons to support your opinion Note down one reason in support of the opposite point of view Follow the format and plan of the model answer to question (a) Follow the style rules for formal writing: 8 Do not use shortened forms 8 Avoid using I and you, except in the first and last paragraphs 8 Do not use abbreviations like e.g. 4 Use impersonal and passive structures (e.g. It has been proposed…, It may be true…, There is…, …has been up-graded…)

Vocabulary checklist –study, examinations and schools

Check that you understand these words and phrases. attentive brilliant (very bright) cram for an exam continuous assessment drop out of school educationalist exam results have/lack motivation high-flyer

intelligence intelligent learn (something) by rote/by heart memorisation memorise motivated mock exam proficiency in (Maths)

proficient in (Maths) public examination revise revision revision timetable school banding system straight ‘A’s top scholar tutorial centre

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