HKDSE English flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Part B1 vs B2

In Paper 1 Reading, Part B offers B1 (easier) or B2 (harder). B2 carries a higher weighting, so candidates choose between a simpler paper with lower maximum marks and a harder one with higher marks.

Not Given

A True/False/Not Given answer used when the passage neither confirms nor contradicts the statement. It differs from False, where the passage directly contradicts the claim.

Skimming

Reading quickly for gist, main idea and overall structure of a text. It is used before detailed questions to locate which paragraph holds which topic.

Scanning

Moving the eyes rapidly through a text to find specific information such as names, dates, numbers or keywords, without reading every word in sequence.

Paraphrase distractor

An incorrect option that repeats exact words from the passage, while the correct option expresses the same idea in different words. Surface matching is a common trap.

Contextual vocabulary

Determining a word's meaning from surrounding clues such as definition, contrast, example or cause-effect signals, rather than from a dictionary meaning in isolation.

Word limit compliance

Short-answer and completion tasks state a maximum word count. Answers exceeding it are marked wrong even if the content is correct, so answers must be trimmed.

Paper 2 structure

Paper 2 Writing has Part A, a shorter guided task of about 200 words, and Part B, a longer task of about 400 words chosen from several options.

Content criterion

One of the four Writing marking criteria. It rewards full coverage of prompt points, relevant ideas and development, and penalises missed bullets or off-topic material.

Language criterion

A Writing marking criterion covering range and accuracy of grammar and vocabulary. Varied structures and precise lexis earn credit; frequent errors and repetition limit the mark.

Organisation criterion

A Writing marking criterion covering paragraphing, sequencing of ideas, cohesion and referencing. Clear topic sentences and logical progression raise this mark.

Appropriateness criterion

A Writing marking criterion covering register, tone, format and audience awareness. A report needs headings; a letter needs salutation and sign-off; informal tone suits only informal genres.

Thesis statement

A sentence in the introduction that states the writer's position or main argument. It guides the essay and is restated, not introduced fresh, in the conclusion.

Topic sentence

The first sentence of a body paragraph stating its controlling idea. Remaining sentences support it with explanation and example, keeping the paragraph unified.

Register

The level of formality in language. Formal register suits reports and letters to authorities; semi-formal suits articles; informal suits personal blogs and messages to friends.

Proposal conventions

A proposal states a purpose, describes the current situation, offers recommendations and justifies them. Headings and a clear recommendation section are expected features.

Report conventions

A report uses a title, headings, a purpose statement and often a conclusion or recommendations. Impersonal, factual language is expected rather than personal anecdote.

Paper 3 structure

Paper 3 combines listening tasks in Part A with integrated skills tasks in Part B, where candidates use listening notes plus printed reading material to produce written output.

Dual-source answers

Integrated skills marks come from content points drawn from both the listening recording and the reading texts. Using only one source loses marks.

Note-taking abbreviations

Symbols and shortened forms written while listening once, then expanded during reading time. They allow capture of key points without losing pace.

Signposting language

Words such as 'however', 'the main reason' or 'finally' that signal an important point is coming, helping candidates identify where answers lie in a recording.

Synthesis not copying

Integrated tasks require reorganising and paraphrasing source information into the required genre. Lifting whole sentences from the data file is not credited as synthesis.

Spelling in listening

Note-completion answers must be spelled and grammatically correct and fit the slot. Correct content with wrong spelling or wrong word form is marked incorrect.

Speaking paper parts

Speaking has Part A introduction and short responses, Part B group discussion, Part C individual response to a stimulus, and Part D examiner follow-up questions.

Interaction skills

In group discussion, marks come from initiating, responding, building on others' ideas and inviting quieter members. Dominating or monologuing lowers the interaction score.

Communication strategies

Techniques such as paraphrasing, circumlocution, asking for clarification and repairing breakdowns. Using them effectively earns credit rather than penalty.

Circumlocution

Describing a concept using other words when the precise term is unknown. It keeps communication going and demonstrates resourcefulness in speaking assessment.

Intelligibility

The degree to which a listener can understand the speaker. Pronunciation is judged on this plus stress and intonation, not on eliminating an accent.

Individual response

A Speaking part where the candidate reads a short text, then summarises and gives a personal view. Reading the text aloud verbatim does not fulfil the task.

SBA portfolio

The collection of speaking assessments done in Secondary 5 and 6. The two best scores, one individual presentation and one group interaction, are used.

SBA text basis

SBA tasks must be based on texts or materials genuinely read or viewed, such as fiction, non-fiction, film or media, and the material must inform the talk.

SBA moderation

Teachers assess and internally moderate SBA scores, which are submitted to the HKEAA and subject to external moderation to ensure consistency across schools and classes.