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Understanding the Housing Crisis

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
9 views8 pages

Understanding the Housing Crisis

Uploaded by

tongkimlai
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Name: ________________________ Class: __________ ( ) Date: ________________

Writing Skills – Different text types


Letter to the editor

Structure

Addressing the editor Dear Editor, / Dear Sir/Madam,

Opening I am writing to … (background)


E.g. I am writing to express my deep concern regarding the
ongoing housing crisis in Hong Kong, as highlighted in your
recent article “Housing Affordability: A Growing Concern”

Body paragraphs Topic sentence + elaboration + concluding sentence (optional)


E.g.
(topic sentence) The lack of affordable housing options leads to
social inequality.
(elaboration) As the wealth gap widens, many residents are
unable to enjoy the benefits of our flourishing economy. It is
important for our government to create policies that encourage
the building of affordable homes and offer help to those in need.

Conclusion Restate your opinion/stance + Call to action


E.g.
In conclusion, I urge our local government to prioritize the
housing crisis by investing in affordable housing projects and
supporting vulnerable communities. It is important that we work
together to create a more equitable society for all residents.

Complimentary closing Yours faithfully,


(Chris Wong)
2023 Part B Q8
Learning English through Poems and Songs
Contestants in a song-writing competition complained when a song created by artificial
intelligence (AI) software won first prize.
Write a letter to the editor on whether computer-generated songs should be allowed to
compete in such competitions.

2022 Part B Q5
Learning English through Social Issues
The following comment appeared in the editorial of Hong Kong Post:
Young people today lack interest in traditional art forms such as lion dance, calligraphy or
the art of tea drinking.
You are the chairperson of your school’s Heritage Club. Express your views by writing a
letter to the editor of Hong Kong Post.

2021 Part B Q2
Learning English through Social Issues
Although studies show electric cars are more environmentally friendly than petrol cars, less
than 3% of all vehicles sold in 2020 worldwide were electric.
Write a letter to the editor of Hong Kong Post.
● Discuss why sales of electric vehicles are so low.
● Suggest what can be done to attract more people to drive these vehicles.
Argumentative essay
● Usually formal
● Give concrete examples to illustrate points

Structure

Title E.g. Technology as a Double-Edged Sword

Opening E.g. (Background)


In recent years, technology has become an integral part of our daily
lives, influencing how we communicate, work, and learn. While it has
brought about significant conveniences, it also poses various
challenges and risks.
(Thesis statement) This essay argues that technology provides both
substantial benefits and serious drawbacks.

Body paragraphs Topic sentence + elaboration + concluding sentence (optional)

Counter-argument Opponents’ view + Rebuttal (駁論)


E.g. Some may argue that the benefits of technology far outweigh its
drawbacks…
However, this perspective overlooks the necessity of addressing the
accompanying challenges…

Conclusion Restate your opinion/stance

2023 Part B Q4
Learning English through Debating
The following topic was discussed at a debate workshop:
Some employers use cameras and computer software to monitor what employees are doing in
the workplace. How do you think this affects productivity and job satisfaction?
Write an essay about the pros and cons of monitoring employees in the workplace.
2021 Part B Q5
Learning English through Debating
A social media influencer is a person who is paid by a company to promote goods and
services through their social media networks.
Surveys show that a majority of millennials trust the advice of social media influencers
over traditional media advertisements. Write an argumentative essay.
● Discuss whether social media influencers are more trustworthy than traditional
media advertisements.
● Give reasons to support your point of view.

2020 Part B Q6
Learning English through Debating
To raise public awareness of healthy eating, some countries now legally require food
manufacturers to put warning labels on foods that are high in sugar, saturated fat and salt.
● Write an argumentative essay.
● Argue either for OR against the effectiveness of food warning labels in changing
people’s eating habits.

Practice!
Stance: online learning cannot replace traditional classroom learning
- Stance
- Advantages of online learning + traditional classroom learning
- Limitations/challenges of online learning
- Restate your stance
Topic sentence + elaboration + concluding sentence (optional)
Useful terms
- The (reasons) are threefolds 三方面的 / manifold 多方面的
- In light of …
E.g. In light of the ongoing pandemic, safety measures are essential.
- On the contrary / on the other hand
- Adverse/detrimental 有害的
- Severe 嚴重
- Threat 威脅
- Irreparable 無法挽回的
- Worsen/aggravate 惡化
- Mitigate 緩解 / eradicate 剷除 / address 解決 the (problem)
- Deploy 調配 resources 資源
- Turn a blind eye to 忽視
E.g. We should not turn a blind eye to climate change issues as they pose a threat
to global health.
- Imperative 至關重要的
E.g. It is imperative that we address climate change to ensure a sustainable future
for generations to come.
- Without a shadow of doubt 毋容置疑的
E.g. Technology is an important aspect of our lives, without a shadow of doubt.
Article
2023 Part B Q2
Learning English through Sports Communication
While tai chi is a popular activity in Hong Kong, it is less known in some parts of the world.
Write an article for International Travel magazine introducing the benefits of tai chi to
tourists.

2023 Part B Q3
Learning English through Popular Culture
Anime Expo, Hong Kong's biggest anime, manga and video game exhibition, was held at
the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre last weekend. As a school reporter, you
attended the event and interviewed some people dressed in cosplay. Write an article for
your school magazine.

2023 Part B Q9
Learning English through Workplace Communication
You work for Restaurant Business magazine. You interviewed a restaurant owner about
his/her experiences of running a business during the pandemic.
Write a feature article for the magazine.

2022 Part B Q2
Learning English through Popular Culture
You are the host of ‘Teen Chat’, a YouYube channel that explores a wide range of topics
from a teenage perspective. Write an article for Teen Magazine about why you started this
channel and what you have learned in the process.
2022 Part B Q2
Learning English through Poems and Songs
You are a reporter for Do-Re-Mi, a music magazine. You interviewed Zoe Kwan, who has
just won ‘Best New Artist’ at the HKTV Music Awards.
● Write a feature article based on your interview.
● Report on Zoe’s sudden rise to fame and where the ideas behind her songs came
from.

Reminders
Add a title to your article
Interact with your target audience / Grab audience’s attention
- Ask questions (e.g. Have you ever heard of / tried …)
- Use more “you” (e.g. You may think that …)
If the register is informal
- Use contractions (e.g. I have tried I’ve tried)
- Casual wordings (e.g. to conclude to wrap up 總括而言 / to commence with to
start with )
Speech

Structure

Opening Greet your audience (e.g. Good morning principal, teachers…)


Introduce yourself (e.g. I am ____, the Chairperson of ____ Club)
State your purpose of speech (e.g. Today I am here to discuss…)

Body paragraphs /

Closing Conclude your points


Call to action (e.g. mark your calendar to join our events! / let’s …)
Thank your audience (e.g. thank you for joining me today)

2022 Part B Q4
Learning English through Sports Communication
You are the captain of the school’s basketball team. Your team made it to the inter-school
championship final but came second.
Write a speech to be delivered to the team at the end-of-season dinner celebration.

2021 Part A
You are helping your school organize the annual school fair. You have been asked to make
an announcement about the event during the morning assembly.
Use the poster below to help you write your announcement. In your announcement:
● Introduce the event.
● Describe some of the activities that will take place.
● Let students know how they can help out

Reminders
- Use contractions to make it conversational (e.g. I have tried I’ve tried)
- Ask questions (e.g. Have you ever wondered…)
- Interact with your audience (e.g. I see some of you are scratching your head and seem
to be puzzled about… Haha, let me move on!)

Common questions

Powered by AI

Zoe Kwan rose to fame following her recognition as 'Best New Artist' at the HKTV Music Awards, attributed to her unique sound and relatable lyrics. Her inspirations often stem from her personal experiences and observations of everyday life, which resonate with a wide audience seeking authenticity and emotional connection in music .

To keep traditional art forms relevant to younger generations, a Heritage Club chairperson might suggest integrating these practices into modern contexts such as workshops, school events, and cultural festivals that align with youth interests. Additionally, leveraging digital platforms to present these art forms in engaging and interactive ways can bridge the gap and spark curiosity. Encouraging collaborative projects where contemporary and traditional art forms intersect could also promote appreciation among young people .

Arguments for allowing AI-generated songs in competitions include fostering innovation and setting new standards for creativity by blending human talent with technology. It can also expand artistic boundaries and offer unique perspectives that purely human compositions might not achieve. On the contrary, arguments against it focus on the potential undermining of human creativity and effort, dilution of personal artistic expression, and fairness concerns, as AI-generated songs could gain an advantage in execution and complexity .

Pros of employee monitoring include increased productivity as employees may stay focused when aware of being observed, and enhanced security by preventing data leaks and unauthorized activities. However, the cons include invasion of privacy leading to decreased morale and job satisfaction, and fostering a culture of mistrust which can stifle creativity and open communication among employees .

Online learning faces challenges such as the lack of face-to-face interaction, which can hinder social skills development and personal engagement, and potential disparities in access to technology and stable internet. It also struggles with ensuring consistent academic integrity and providing hands-on experiences that are easily facilitated in traditional classrooms. These limitations underscore the importance of maintaining traditional education as a cornerstone of learning .

Governments should prioritize strategies such as investing in the construction of affordable housing to increase supply and introducing policies that provide financial assistance to lower-income families. Additionally, enacting regulations that encourage the development of mixed-income communities can promote social integration. Comprehensive policies need to address not just housing availability but also economic disparities to effectively combat social inequality .

Tai chi can benefit tourists by offering a cultural and physical experience that promotes relaxation, stress reduction, and improved balance and flexibility. It provides an accessible way to engage with local traditions while enhancing well-being, making it an appealing activity for travelers seeking both fitness and cultural enrichment .

Social media influencers often enjoy higher trust levels than traditional media advertisements because they engage followers with seemingly authentic and personal recommendations, creating a sense of relatability and credibility. However, the effectiveness of influencers can vary greatly based on their authenticity and the relevance of their audience to the promoted product, whereas traditional ads have broader reach and standardized production quality .

The main reasons for the low sales of electric vehicles worldwide, despite their environmental benefits, include the higher initial cost compared to petrol cars, limited charging infrastructure, and range anxiety among consumers. These factors deter many potential buyers from considering electric vehicles as a viable option. Additionally, there is a lack of government incentives in several regions that could make electric vehicles more appealing .

Warning labels on unhealthy foods might be effective in changing eating habits by providing clear, immediate information about nutritional content, thereby increasing health awareness among consumers. These labels can act as deterrents by highlighting potential health risks, prompting healthier choices. Moreover, they can exert pressure on food manufacturers to reformulate products to avoid negative perceptions .

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