Papers 1 & 2

8 Our home

In this unit, you will learn the following:

Reading skills Writing focus

Following the flow of ideas (p. 94) Problem-solution writing (p. 129)
Identifying cause and effect (p. 102)
Text types
Question types Formal letter (p. 130)
Sequencing questions (p. 96) Problem-solution report (pp. 106, 132)
Views justification questions (p. 104)
Writing skills
Question formats Writing effective paragraphs (p. 134)
Ordering events (p. 96) Write like a pro (p. 135)
Timeline or diagram completion (p. 98) (Ellipsis, allusion)
Extended, open-ended questions (p. 104)
 PAPER 1 PAPER 2

Reading skills 1
Following the flow of ideas
Booster To familiarize Following the flow of ideas in a text is a key to comprehension. Sentences in a
yourself with the well-written text flow smoothly from one to another without awkward breaks. This
theme of this enables you to understand the purpose and the gist of the text more easily.
unit, go to p. 46
for theme-related Writers often arrange sentences according to spatial order or chronological order.
vocabulary and Transitional words (e.g. above, below, before, until) are often used to connect sentences
warm-up questions. and paragraphs. They help the reader understand the relationships between ideas.

Skills builder
• Read the text carefully. Pay attention to how the sentences and paragraphs are
organized.
• Scan for transitional words indicating spatial order and chronological order.
• Think about the purpose and the gist of the text.

Spatial order
Spatial order is a method of organization in which details are presented as they are/were
located in space. The writer arranges ideas according to their position, their direction
or their movement from one place to another, for example, from top to bottom, left to
right, far to near.
Transitional words and phrases that indicate spatial order include:

above beside in the middle to the east/west/north/south

adjacent to between nearby to the left/right
before down next to under
behind in front of on top of until
below in the centre opposite up

A1 Look at the following description of how a ‘cage dweller’ lives. Some of the transitional
words and phrases have been highlighted for you. Underline all other transitional words
and phrases that indicate spatial order.

1 Home for Chan Yun-wing is a two-by-three-metre hardboard box. He is one of

Hong Kong’s more than 100,000 so-called ‘cage-home dwellers’.
His cubicle is one of 16 in the middle of a run-down concrete apartment block in
the Mong Kok area of Kowloon. Nearby are Langham Place and Cordis, Hong Kong,
5 a luxury hotel. To reach his cubicle, Chan, 71, climbs a wooden ladder next to a bare
light bulb. To the left and to the right are his neighbours’ cubicles, which are also
tiny and cramped. There is another row of cubicles under Chan’s.
Down a narrow corridor is a tiny kitchen and opposite there is a single, stained toilet
pan that Mr Chan shares with 15 other ‘cage dwellers’. There is no heating and no
10 running water. In order to wash, Chan must go to another apartment block adjacent
to the one he inhabits, where he shares a single bathroom with 31 others.

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Chronological order
Reverse Chronological order is used to arrange events or ideas in the order in which they occur.
chronological order Sometimes, events are arranged in reverse chronological order. Chronological order is
means that the often used to tell stories or describe historical events.
most recent event
is described first, Transitional words and phrases that indicate chronological order include:
and then things are
explained by going after (that) earlier on lately second
‘back in time’ until

Reading skills 1
as soon as eventually later then
the first event.
at last finally next until
before first now when
during last recently while

A2 Look at the following text. The writer uses chronological order to describe the history
of minimum-wage legislation in Hong Kong. Some of the transitional words have been
highlighted for you. Underline all other transitional words and phrases that indicate
chronological order.

Before 1932, Hong Kong had no minimum-wage legislation at all. Then the governor
was granted the authority to impose it, but that power was never used. It was not until
decades later, in July 2010, that the Minimum Wage Ordinance was eventually passed,
after a long debate. When this happened, the Provisional Minimum Wage Commission
recommended a rate of $28 and finally, on 5 January 2011, the Legislative Council
voted to accept it.
The Statutory Minimum Wage came into force on 1 May 2011. Since then, it has been
reviewed several times. The rate is set at $37.50 per hour as of 1 May 2019.

A3 Below is a letter to the editor of a magazine. Circle the transitional words and phrases
that show spatial order, and underline the ones that show chronological order.

15 June
Dear Editor,
1 I write to express my view on the merciless behaviour of the officers from the
Food and Environmental Hygiene Department.
On 11 June, an elderly woman, surnamed Chu, was trying to sell a piece of cardboard to a
domestic helper near the Central Ferry Piers. Little did she know that six officers from the Food and
5 Environmental Hygiene Department were standing nearby. As soon as she received one dollar from
the domestic helper, the officers approached her. She was then taken to the department office and,
later on, to the police station.
She was charged with unlicensed hawking and obstruction of public places. I think she must have
been very frightened when she was interrogated by the police. Eventually, she was released on bail
10 for HK$30, with only HK$34 in her purse.
The officers should at least give a warning before taking action against any elderly hawkers. They
did not in the case of Chu. I wish they could have more mercy on the poor elderly. Frontline officers
should have gone through sufficient training and they should fully understand the circumstances
under which they can exercise discretion. I hope they will improve their behaviour in future.
15 Yours faithfully,

S Chong

95
 Knowing the question
Sequencing questions
Some questions in the exam may test your ability to arrange a series of events in a certain
order. Sequencing questions can be asked in different ways.

Ordering events
In the exam, you may be asked to identify the chronological order of events in a reading
passage.

Hit the mark

• Read the question carefully to find out what answers you are looking for.
• Look through the list of sentences to get the gist (the main or general idea) of the
information you have been given.
• Scan the text and identify keywords, transitional words such as first , then and
finally, and clauses of time that contain words such as when , as , before , after and
while , which help establish the sequence.
• Look for specific dates and events in the text that match the options given.
• Decide the chronological sequence of the events on the list and label them
accordingly.

A4 Read the following text from a history book and answer the question below.

Locate specific
Women’s history
dates that help
you establish the 1 After centuries of second-class status, women in the UK crashed into the twentieth
sequence of events. century with new energy. Victorian feminists had battled to become doctors, attend
university and gain basic property rights. However, despite more than 30 years
Look for other of campaigning, they were still far from winning the vote. In the year 1918, the
specific details in 5 Representation of the People Bill became law, finally giving women the right to vote.
the text that may
The bill had been debated in the House of Commons since May 1917. The road to
be related to events
in the question. this achievement began in 1903, when a group of six women, including Emmeline
Pankhurst, decided to fight for women’s suffrage by forming the Women’s Social and
Scan the passage Political Union (WSPU) in Pankhurst’s home in Manchester. By 1907, the group had
for transitional 10 launched a monthly journal, Votes for Women, and held the first of several conferences,
words. called ‘Women’s Parliaments’. It was their activism that led to women’s suffrage finally
becoming a reality.

Strategy Number the following events in chronological order. Write 1–4 in the boxes provided.
Jot down key Women gain the right to vote.
information like dates
next to the options so The journal Votes for Women is first published.
that you can easily
arrange the events in The WSPU is founded.
chronological order. The Representation of the People Bill is debated in Parliament.

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A5 Read the following article and answer the question below.

Happy
Grannies
1 Hong Kong faces the growing problem of an ageing population. There were

Knowing the question

about 1.32 million people aged 65 or above in Hong Kong in 2019, meaning
that one in six people was an elderly person. This percentage of 18.4 per cent
in 2019 is expected to rise to 33.3 per cent by 2039.
5 According to government statistics, there were more than 391,000 elderly
people aged 65 or above living in poverty in 2019. This was a poverty rate of
32 per cent, the highest among all age groups. Worse still, the elderly have
a suicide rate double that of the general population.
In 2009, a charity named Social Ventures Hong Kong decided to take action
10 against this growing problem. It started a scheme called ‘Happy Grannies’,
which aimed to improve the lives of single elderly people by offering support
that was both emotional and financial.
‘I was living alone and frequently felt depressed until volunteers from Happy
Grannies contacted me,’ said Mrs Wong, one of the first members of the
15 scheme. ‘They have made a huge
difference in my life.’
The charity had intended the
scheme to last for only one year,
but following its success, and
20 with increased sponsorship, it has
continued its valuable work and
now aims to deliver a new model of
creative services for the elderly.

Strategy Arrange the events in the correct chronological order. Write the correct numbers (1–5) in
You may sometimes the boxes on the right. One has been done as an example.
need to use logic
to determine the Events
chronological order
of events. Think More than 391,000 elderly people live in poverty in Hong Kong.
about what makes
Mrs Wong begins to receive support from Social Ventures Hong Kong.
sense for the order.
The problem of an ageing population and poverty among the elderly emerges. 1

Social Ventures Hong Kong decides to continue the scheme because of

increased sponsorship.

Social Ventures Hong Kong starts a scheme called ‘Happy Grannies’.

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 Timeline or diagram completion
In the exam, you may be asked to complete a timeline by sequencing a series of events
given in a passage. The sequence may be stated in the passage or implied through the
given information. You may be asked to write a word or a date in each gap.

Hit the mark

• Look through the sentences to get the gist.
• Scan the text for keywords, transitional words such as first , then and finally, and
clauses of time that contain words such as when , as , before , after and while .
• Look for dates and other specific information in the text.
Knowing the question

• Extract the information and match the sentences in the question to the events in
the text.
• Write the correct dates/years or words/phrases in the boxes or the blanks on the
timeline.

A6 Read the following text and use the information to complete the diagram below.

1 In the late 1970s Hong Kong experienced economic growth as it changed itself from a
Scan the passage
manufacturing to a service-based economy. The colonial government of the time was faced
for transitional
with two problems: a labour shortage and rising labour costs. It then thought of a solution by
words.
relaxing entry restrictions on migrant workers.
5 In the following decades, many came to Hong Kong to be employed as domestic helpers.
Locate specific A labour export policy was implemented in the Philippines in 1974 because the economy was
dates that help in decline, so at first, most of the domestic helpers in Hong Kong came from the Philippines.
you establish the In 1998, according to the Immigration Department, there were more than 140,000 Filipino
sequence of events. domestic helpers in Hong Kong compared to fewer than 32,000 from Indonesia.
10 In 2009, the number of Indonesian domestic helpers exceeded that of Filipino domestic
Look for other helpers for the first time: there were 129,875 Filipino domestic helpers compared with 130,448
specific details in
Indonesian domestic helpers. This trend lasted for several years before reversing again in 2012:
the text that may
about 50 per cent were from the Philippines and about 48 per cent from Indonesia.
be related to events
in the question. In 2020, there were 373,000 foreign domestic helpers in Hong Kong.

The Philippines implemented (i) in 1974.

In the (ii) , Hong Kong began allowing in more migrant workers.

In 1998, there were over (iii) in Hong Kong

and about 32,000 from Indonesia.
Strategy
Circling the time
phrase (e.g. In the (iv) became higher than that of Filipino
late 1970s) in the domestic helpers in 2009.
text will help you
complete the gaps in
a timeline or diagram
more easily.
Hong Kong had more than 370,000 foreign domestic helpers in (v) .

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A7 Read the following article and complete the timeline and diagram below.
Explore

Is longevity a curse?
Scan this QR code to 1 The residents of Hong Kong enjoy a longer life expectancy than those of any other city
read more about the in the world: 88 years for women and 82 for men in 2019. The percentage of residents
issue of longevity in aged 65 or above rose from just 10.3 per cent of the population in 1997 to 18.4 per cent
Japan, the country in 2019. This is expected to balloon to 22.4 per cent by 2025. By 2039, it is projected
with the highest life 5 that almost one in three will be aged 65 or above. Meanwhile, the median age climbed
expectancy in the
from 34.7 in 1997 to 44.8 in 2020. The Hong Kong population is ageing at a fast rate.
world.

Knowing the question

In the absence of a universal pension scheme, a significant number of elderly people,
particularly those living alone, are struggling to make ends meet. In 2019, 32 per cent
of elderly people were living in poverty, more than double the overall poverty rate in
10 Hong Kong.
Some elderly people find life too painful. They feel helpless because of the lack of
community-based services, and often there is no one to take care of those who live alone.
There is a severe shortage of care services, such as neighbourhood elderly centres and
subsidized nursing home places. On average, the elderly have to wait 27 months before
15 they can get a place in a subsidized nursing home. In the year 2017–18, 6,611 people on
the waiting list died, up 51 per cent from 2008.

1 Complete the timeline using information given in the article.

1997 The percentage of residents aged 65 or above was (i) per

cent of the population.

2017–18 (ii) people on the waiting list for subsidized nursing home
places died.

2019 32 per cent of (iii) people were living in (iv) .

(v) The median age was 44.8.

2 Complete the diagram using information given in the article.

In 1997, the (i) was 34.7.

(ii) in 2019 was 88 years for women and (iii)

for men.

The (iv) of residents aged 65 or over is expected to rise to

(v) per cent of the population by 2025.

It is estimated that about one in (vi) residents will be aged 65 or

above by 2039.

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 Featured text type
A8 Read the following editorial to learn about minimum-wage legislation in Hong Kong.
Explore

Unfair—and inadequate
1 [1] Hong Kong’s first minimum-wage legislation was
Scan this QR code to passed in 2010, after considerable debate. First, it was set
read more about the at a rate of HK$28 per hour. It has been unpopular with
Statutory Minimum some employers, who complain that it drives up their
Wage.
5 costs of doing business in a competitive marketplace. But
Q2
Knowing the question

others claim that it benefits everyone, both now and in

Q4i the longer term. So who is right, and what are the larger
Q4ii
implications of the law? Do we need more, or fewer,
laws to regulate business–employee relations?
Q4iii
10 [2] Even though the law protects low-paid workers
Q7
from exploitation by demanding that employers pay
Q8 them at least HK$37.50 per hour as of May 2019, there
are sectors of our society that are still vulnerable to
being taken advantage of. Foreign domestic helpers do
15 not benefit from the law as they are paid under a separate Minimum Allowable Wage for foreign
domestic helpers, which is set at HK$4,630 per month as of September 2019.
[3] For the lowest-paid workers, like street sweepers, the minimum-wage legislation has not done
enough to improve their lives. Their wage rise has just been too small to make much of an impact
on their finances. While the minimum wage is a helpful boost to income, the sharp increase in rent
20 has more than cancelled out the benefits. In fact, their living situation is now worse than when the
minimum wage was first implemented in 2011. The idea that this law has helped to reduce the gap
between rich and poor by any meaningful extent is ridiculous. Considering rising living costs and the
spiralling increase in rent across Hong Kong, the minimum wage needs to be set much higher before
it can make a real impact for those who need it most.
25 [4] Other workers have also found fewer benefits and more drawbacks with the legislation. Some
employees who previously worked for a weekly or monthly salary now have to work for an hourly
rate. This ensures that their employers can pay them the same wages as before by rigging the
system to deny employees as much as possible. For example, employers no longer have to pay
workers for meal breaks, holidays or even statutory rest days. We need new laws to regulate these
30 aspects of employment too. A statutory minimum wage is only the start. More needs to be done.
[5] Hong Kong’s economy is growing, and will become more prosperous in the coming years.
Unfortunately, I predict that the poorest citizens will not share in this wealth. As a global city,
Hong Kong should maintain a high degree of equality and fairness, and this should be extended to
include everyone in our society—rich or poor, migrant or local.

A9 Read the editorial again and answer the questions below and on page 101.
1 Use ONE word to complete each blank.

(i) 2010, there was no minimum-wage legislation in

Hong Kong. (ii) it was implemented the following year,
there has been much debate about its impact on the economy.

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2 According to paragraph 2, what does the writer think could improve the minimum-
wage legislation in the future?
A providing training programmes
B lowering the minimum wage in order to help businesses
C including foreign domestic helpers in the hourly
minimum wage A B C D
D banning racial discrimination

3 Use ONE word to complete each blank based on the information in paragraph 3.

The living situation of the lowest-paid workers was better (i)

Knowing the question

the minimum-wage legislation was passed. (ii) the
implementation of the law, rents increased sharply.

Booster To practise 4 With reference to paragraphs 1, 2 and 4, indicate whether the following took place
2020
the language in before or after the minimum-wage bill was passed.
HKDSE
Q36
this section, go to
Statements Before After
pp. 48–53.
i) Employees are paid at least HK$37.50 an hour.
ii) Employers complain about the rising costs of doing business.
iii) Employers are obligated to pay workers for meal breaks.

5 Complete the sentences about the minimum-wage legislation based on the

information in paragraphs 3–4. Write ONE word in each gap.
i) Some workers used to have a monthly salary, but they have
to work for an hourly wage.
ii) the minimum wage is increased substantially, many people
will still live in poverty.
iii) The legislation is only meaningful it can provide real
benefits for those who need them the most.

6 Use ONE word to complete the following statement based on the information in
2020
paragraph 4.
HKDSE
Q46
According to the writer, the minimum-wage legislation is only the
step in improving workers’ rights.

7 What does the writer think will happen to Hong Kong’s economy in the future?

8 What does the writer think will happen to Hong Kong’s poorest citizens in the future?

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 Reading skills 2
Identifying cause and effect
Cause and effect is the relationship between two things. It describes how one thing
makes another thing happen. Being able to identify the cause and effect of things helps
us better understand why something happened the way it did, and the results.

Cause Effect
Why something happened; The result of an event
the thing that made another
(To find the effect, ask
thing happen
yourself ‘What happened?’
(To find the cause, ask or ‘Who/What has been
yourself ‘Why did it affected?’)
happen?’)

We often use the following signal words to show cause-and-effect relationships.

accordingly consequently for this reason since therefore

as a result due to if … then so this is how
because (of) for nevertheless so that thus

Look at these examples:

The low-wage workers cannot benefit from the minimum wage because of the spiralling
= cause
rent.
= effect
The old woman selling cardboard did not have a hawker licence, so the officers arrested
her for illegal hawking.
The minimum wage cannot really help the poor and therefore they still live in poverty.

B1 Circle the cause and underline the effect in the sentences below.

1 The rent is too high for most people. Consequently, many poor people live in cage
homes or subdivided flats.

2 The government believed that there was a need to protect low-income groups. For
this reason, they passed the Minimum Wage Ordinance in 2010.

3 The poverty rate among the elderly is the highest among all age groups. Thus, many
old people find it very difficult to make ends meet.

4 Social Ventures Hong Kong saw the problem of an ageing population. As a result,
they started the ‘Happy Grannies’ scheme to help single elderly people.

5 The Philippines implemented the labour export policy due to the decline in the
country’s economy.

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B2 Read the following essay and answer the questions below.

Q1
Is minimum wage a solution to poverty?
Q2
1 [1] In 2010, a lot of low-skilled workers in Hong Kong were unable to make ends meet
Q3i on their meagre salaries. For this reason, the government passed the Minimum Wage
Q3ii
Ordinance. It was also hoped that those workers could then get a guaranteed minimum
hourly rate so that they would not be exploited by their employers.
Q3iii
5 [2] The poor live in unsatisfactory conditions, so earning more would help to improve
Q4 their living standard. This is logical thinking. Many years have passed since the Statutory
Minimum Wage was implemented. Does the minimum wage really help the low-income
groups live better lives? Unfortunately, it does not.
[3] There are many other factors that affect people’s livelihood, not just wage. The
10 poor have to spend most of their income on food and rent. Since food prices have
almost doubled since 2010, they have to spend much more money to buy food every

Reading skills 2
day. Worse still, rents have skyrocketed since 2010. Consequently, poor people can
only afford tiny subdivided flats or cage homes. They are paying more than before but
renting much smaller homes.
15 [4] It is sad to admit that due to multiple factors, the Statutory Minimum Wage has not
brought about the improvement it intended.

1 Which of the following was one of the reasons why the government passed the
Minimum Wage Ordinance?
A They wanted to protect employers.
B Some workers could not support themselves.
C There were too many low-skilled workers. A B C D
D To improve employer–worker relationships.

2 Because of the minimum wage, the government hopes that …

A workers will not need to work hard.
B workers will all get the same salary.
C there will be no more low-skilled workers.
D workers will not be taken advantage of by their A B C D
employers.

3 Complete the following main points from paragraph 2–3. Write ONE word taken from
2020
HKDSE the paragraphs in each gap below.
Q24
• It is logical to think that (i) more money can help poor
people improve their lives.
• According to the writer, the Statutory Minimum Wage has not led to a
(ii) living standard for the poor.
• The minimum wage cannot really help poor people because their
(iii) is also affected by other factors.

4 According to paragraph 3, what is the main reason why poor people live in tiny
subdivided flats or cage homes?
A They are jobless.
B Food prices have doubled.
C Rents have gone up significantly. A B C D
D They cannot afford to buy food.
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 Knowing the question
Views justification questions
Some questions in the exam may test your ability to decide, for example, if the views
expressed are positive or negative, and ask you to quote evidence from the reading
passage(s) to justify your answers.

Extended, open-ended questions

In the exam, you may be asked views justification questions which require extended,
open-ended answers. You may be asked to:
• give evidence that supports an idea or a fact from the passage, e.g. Do you think we
live in an equal society? Provide evidence from the text to support your answer.
• give evidence that supports the writer’s views, e.g. Does the writer believe the project
was a success? Give a reason for your answer based on paragraph 6.
• give reasons to justify your own views, e.g. Based on the review, which do you think is
the better solution to the problem? Explain your answer.

Hit the mark

• Views justification questions are usually in two parts. The first part requires you to
state what you think based on the information in the reading passage. The second
part asks you to give reasons or evidence.
You must give
the correct number • After reading the question, read the passage and decide how you are going to answer
of reasons if this the first part of the question. Then, scan the passage for reasons or pieces of
is specified in the evidence that best justify your response.
question, e.g. Give
two reasons for your
• Some views justification questions may not have a correct or wrong answer. As long
answer. as the evidence or your reasons support your answer, you will be awarded the mark.
Note, however, that the evidence/reasons usually need to come from the text.

B3 Read the questions on page 105. Then read the essay below to find the answers and
the supporting evidence.

Q1

Q2
1 [1] For those who can afford to buy a car, fares for public transport may seem like pocket
change. However, to many less fortunate people, the money they spend on public transport is
a relative fortune. This was especially the case for low-income people, elderly people and people
with disabilities, some of whom even used to avoid going out at weekends. Because of this, the
5 government has developed different schemes to help those in need.
[2] The Government Public Transport Fare Concession Scheme for the Elderly and Eligible Persons
with Disabilities enables elderly people and eligible persons with disabilities to travel on designated
public transport modes and services at a concessionary fare of HK$2 per trip. This helps make
these people more mobile. The disabled in particular have welcomed the scheme because they had
10 always been required to pay the full fare before it was in force.
[3] Another scheme, called the Public Transport Fare Subsidy Scheme, aims to relieve the fare
burden of commuters who travel on local public transport services for daily commuting. This is
a good move alongside the Statutory Minimum Wage.

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 Unit 8 Our home

1 Who benefits most from the Government Public Transport Fare Concession Scheme
for the Elderly and Eligible Persons with Disabilities? Provide evidence from the text to
support your answer.

2 Does the writer have a positive or negative view of the Public Transport Fare Subsidy
Scheme? Give a reason for your answer based on paragraph 3.

B4 Read the article and answer the questions below.

Q1

Q2 People with disabilities need more opportunities

1 [1] Excluding those institutionalized or in collective households, there are about 578,600 people
Q3
with disabilities in Hong Kong. While 196,400 are of working age (18 to 64), only one third are
economically active.

Knowing the question

[2] People with disabilities tend to have a lower educational level than the general population due
5 to limited opportunities. Society expects the social security system to act as a safety net for this
vulnerable group. However, the monthly allowance of either HK$1,885 or HK$3,770, depending on
eligibility, is clearly insufficient. In addition, to be eligible, people with disabilities cannot receive the
Comprehensive Social Security Assistance and the Old Age Allowance at the same time. This is a
problem, considering the expensive rents and high cost of living in Hong Kong.
10 [3] In fact, what people with disabilities need are job opportunities. Full-time employment will not only
help them escape the inadequate life led under social welfare, but also give them a sense of belonging.
[4] When it comes to social inclusion, governments have the biggest responsibility to set good
examples and lead change. Our government should hire more people with disabilities—the number
of people with disabilities in the civil service has remained at a low 2.5 per cent. The subsidy
15 to companies hiring people with disabilities should also be increased, or tax rebates be offered.
Although the government has tried to help people with disabilities, there is still a long way to go.

1 Do you think the social security system truly acts 'as a safety net' (line 5) for people
with disabilities? Give a reason for your answer based on paragraph 2.

2 Does the writer think the Hong Kong government has set a good example in terms of
social inclusion? Provide evidence from the text to support your answer.

3 Does the writer think the government has done enough to help people with
disabilities? Give a reason for your answer based on paragraph 4.

105
 Featured text type
This text type B5 Read the problem-solution report below to learn about racial discrimination in Hong Kong.
is analysed in the
‘Writing’ section on
p. 132. 1 Date: 8 December 2021
Q1 To: The Chairperson of the Equal Opportunities Commission
Q2 From: Matthew Yeung
Subject: Combating racial discrimination in Hong Kong
Q3

Q4i
5 The darker side of society

Q4ii
[1] Hongkongers have a lot to be proud of: we have a stronger economy and a more
diverse culture than many Asian societies. Yet our society has a darker side too: racial
Q4iii discrimination.
Q4iv [2] Prejudice is an everyday fact of life for ethnic minorities who have chosen to make
Q4v
10 Hong Kong their home. Immigrants tell stories of unfairness ranging from being unable
to rent an apartment to being stopped and searched by police for no other reason than
Q5
their skin colour. If we do not take action, prejudice will become part of our way of life.
Knowing the question

Q6 [3] Eight per cent of Hong Kong’s 7.5 million inhabitants are non-Chinese. It may seem
difficult for locals to change attitudes towards ethnic minorities, but it can be done,
15 and the government has an important role to play. In 1996, the Equal Opportunities
Commission (EOC) was set up. Laws relating to sex and disability discrimination, as well
as family-status discrimination, were passed in 1995 and 1997, respectively. The Race
Discrimination Bill was passed much later, in 2009. In theory, this bill allows individual
residents to take action against employers who have discriminated against them because
20 of their skin colour. However, the law is too limited and difficult to enforce. It was
criticized by the UN in 2010 for not going far enough. We need new legislation against
racial discrimination.
[4] What we need to do is change attitudes. The charity Hong Kong Unison has been
trying to do this. Its founder, Fermi Wong, was working as a social worker when, in
25 February 1998, she was walking by a public football pitch in Sham Shui Po and saw
a group of South Asian kids. The pitch was vacant, but they were playing to the side of
the pitch. When she asked them why, one of them said, ‘Are we allowed to play there?’
They thought the pitch was only for Chinese kids. Upon hearing this, Wong decided to
dedicate herself to serving ethnic minorities. In 2001, she set up Hong Kong Unison. She
Hong Kong

30 campaigned strongly for the Race Discrimination Bill, but believes that it is only the first
step towards racial equality.
[5] We need to change people’s attitudes through education. One study, carried out
by the Equal Opportunities Commission, asked 152 children aged between three and
six to rate their attitudes towards people of different skin colours. The results showed
35 clearly that the children rated light-skinned people more highly than dark-skinned people.
Anti-racial discrimination needs to be compulsory in the school curriculum, starting in
kindergarten.
[6] We like to think of Hong Kong as Asia’s ‘world city’ and
take pride in our multicultural society. It is our duty as citizens
40 to fight for human rights, justice and equality for all, and fight
against discrimination in all its forms.

106
 Unit 8 Our home

B6 Read the problem-solution report on page 106 again and answer the questions below.
1 What aspects of Hong Kong society can we be proud of?

2 Do you think all people are treated the same in Hong Kong? Provide evidence from
the text to support your answer.

3 Does Fermi Wong believe the Race Discrimination Bill can eradicate racial discrimination
in Hong Kong? Give a reason for your answer based on paragraph 4.

4 Number the following events from the text in chronological order with ‘1’ as the
2020
earliest. Write (2–6) in the boxes provided. The first one has been done for you as
HKDSE
Q18

Knowing the question

an example.

The Race Discrimination Bill was passed. i)

A law relating to family-status discrimination was passed. ii)

The Race Discrimination Bill was criticized for not going far enough. iii)

Laws relating to sex and disability discrimination were passed. e.g. 1

Fermi Wong set up Hong Kong Unison. iv)

The Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) was set up. v)

Booster To practise 5 The Equal Opportunities Commission carried out a study which showed that many
the language in children gave a higher rating for …
this section, go to
A ethnic minorities.
pp. 54–57.
B dark-skinned people.
C immigrants. A B C D
D light-skinned people.

6 Does the writer think we can rely on the law to solve the problem of racial
discrimination? Give a reason for your answer from the text.

107
 Challenge yourself
C1 Read the article below to learn about nano flats.
Q1

Q2 Parking space-size flats to be the new norm, as

Q3 affordability eludes Hong Kong’s first-time buyers
Q4i Published 26 October 2017 by Summer Zhen

Q4ii Nano flats, or apartments each smaller than 200 square feet, will be the new norm
Q4iii
in Hong Kong as 2,100 such complexes are on drawing boards through 2020.
1 [1] At least 2,100 nano flats are expected to be completed between now and 2020 in
Q4iv
Hong Kong, to lure more young homebuyers into getting their first foot on the property
Q5 ladder in the world’s most expensive housing market.
Q6i [2] The new supply of the flats (classed as saleable areas below 200 square feet in size,
Q6ii
5 or 18 square metres) will amount to an average of 510 units per year between 2017 and
2020, up from 151 units per year between 2014 and 2016, according to a recent report
Q6iii by global property agency JLL.
Q6iv [3] The majority will be located in the New Territories, well away from the city’s core
Q6v
business districts.

Q6vi
10 [4] Unlike in many western cities such as
London and Sydney, Hong Kong does not
have legal requirements on the minimum size
of a flat. And skyrocketing housing prices have
pushed first-time buyers into opting for these
15 fast-emerging, often luxurious mini units.
[5] The demand has seen more local
developers rushing to create smaller properties,
which have lower sale prices but higher average prices per square feet.
[6] ‘Most first-time buyers can afford property costing under HK$6 million,’ said Henry
20 Mok, regional director of capital markets at JLL. ‘However, that budget would only allow
them to buy a sizeable flat in an old housing estate (over 30 years old) in urban areas,
given prices have reached record highs.’
[7] ‘They would much rather buy a new nano flat of their own,’ he added.

[8] Some of the smallest projects in the city are set to provide nano flats ranging in
25 size from 128 square feet upwards, which is smaller than a standard 134-square-foot
Hong Kong car parking space.
[9] Although Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor unveiled her new ‘Starter
Homes’ scheme earlier this month to sell flats to first-time buyers at below-market rates,
which some think might have a slight effect on nano flat sales, property agents remain
30 confident that buyers will still likely choose a nano, at least over the next few years.
[10] ‘Given the supply of Starter Homes will take time to realize, buyers with a pressing
need for a home may still opt for the private residential market,’ said Ingrid Cheh, JLL’s
associate director of research.
[11] The city’s house prices will rise further as the demand remains strong, according to
35 JLL’s estimates.

108
 Unit 8 Our home

C2 Read the article on page 108 again and answer the questions below.
1 According to the article, why were nano flats becoming the new norm in Hong Kong
in 2017?
A People did not like huge spaces any more.
B House prices had soared.
C They were trendy. A B C D
D They were cheap.

2 By building nano flats, local developers …

A can fulfil legal requirements set by the government.
B will earn less.
C can entice first-time homebuyers into purchasing
expensively priced flats. A B C D
D can sell flats at lower average prices per square feet.

3 Which of the following is NOT a good description of a nano flat?

2021
HKDSE
Q56
A similar to the size of a parking space
B with a small kitchen
C smaller than 200 square feet A B C D

Challenge yourself
D mainly found on Hong Kong Island

4 Number the following events from the text in chronological order with ‘1’ as the
2020
earliest. Write (2–5) in the boxes provided. The first one has been done for you as
HKDSE
Q18
an example.

The new supply of nano flats was 151 units per year. i)

Local developers began to build tiny properties. ii)

Prices of larger flats became unaffordable. e.g. 1

The supply of nano flats increased to about 510 units per year. iii)

Carrie Lam announced a new scheme to help first-time property buyers. iv)

Booster For exam 5 Can nano flats ease the problem of rising house prices in Hong Kong? Give a reason
2019
question tips and for your answer based on paragraphs 4–6.
HKDSE
Q57
additional questions,
go to pp. 58–59.

6 Complete the summary of paragraphs 5–11 using a word, phrase or number taken
2020
from paragraphs 5–11 for each gap.
HKDSE
Q12

In Hong Kong, the smallest nano flats could be as small as (i) square
feet, which is even smaller than a (ii) space. Although they have
cheaper (iii) prices than a larger flat in an old housing estate in
(iv) , their prices (v) square feet are much higher.
Yet the (vi) for these incredibly small flats remains strong.

109
 PAPER 1 PAPER 2

Exam practice
Q1

Q2

Q3
Part A

Q4
Read Text 1 and answer questions 1–26 on pages 112–115.

Q5i Text 1

Q5ii
Hidden poverty in a city of wealth
Q7i
1 [1] Like many other developed cities, Hong Kong has an ageing population. It is estimated that
Q7ii Hong Kong will have more than 2.56 million elderly people—approximately 30 per cent of the
Q7iii
population—by 2041. While the average age of the population is rising, the living standard of the
elderly is not. In 2013, the government announced the first official ‘poverty line’, which is set at half
Q8 5 of the median monthly household income. According to the definition, approximately 1.1 million
Q9
local residents were living in poverty in 2019, almost 400,000 of whom were aged 65 or above.

Q10ii
[2] Senior citizens are entitled to an adequate standard of living. Unfortunately, many of the old
people in Hong Kong are struggling with poverty every day. To make ends meet, some of them are
Q10iii forced to do low-paying jobs. Those who are unable to find a job have no option but to collect used
Q10iv
10 cardboard, newspapers and aluminium cans on the street and sell them to recyclers.

Q11
[3] While elderly poverty affects both sexes, women seem to be more susceptible than their
counterparts. Mrs Yeung, an 82-year-old woman, tells a heartbreaking story. She used to work as
Q15ii
a tailor and her late husband was a security guard. When her husband was alive, they managed to
Q15iii survive on a meagre income. When her husband became sick and bedridden, she wanted to take
15 some time off to nurse him, but her boss refused. With no one else to care for her husband, Mrs
Yeung had no choice but to quit her job. When her husband passed away, she had to cremate him
without a coffin or a funeral as she could not afford either. Without a job and savings, Mrs Yeung
had to move in with her son, daughter-in-law and grandchild. She does not want to be a burden
to her son, who works as a cook and makes just enough money to support his family, and yet she
20 finds it difficult to support herself. Ironically, living with her son makes her unqualified for the
Comprehensive Social Services Assistance (CSSA) Scheme. Sadly, what happened to Mrs Yeung is
not an isolated case. An ageing population, coupled with the fact that women live longer than men,
means that more women will find themselves in a situation similar to Mrs Yeung’s.
[4] In Hong Kong, there are different social security payments that help the needy elderly. For
25 example, local residents with low income and assets can apply for the CSSA Scheme and people
aged 70 or above can apply for the Old Age Allowance without going through a means test. In 2013,
in an effort to further alleviate elderly poverty, the government introduced the Old Age Living
Allowance (OALA), which can be applied for by local residents aged 65 or above whose income
and assets do not exceed the prescribed limits. With all these programmes, some people may
30 wonder why we still have a significant number of seniors living in poverty. It is true that there are
programmes designed to help the needy elderly, but they are not without limitations. The existence
of a means test (except for the Old Age Allowance) means that only those who are in desperate need
are eligible for the payments. Even if they are ‘fortunate’ enough to receive the payments, the rates
of the different allowances seem to be out of line with the cost of living in Hong Kong. In other
35 words, it is unlikely that the payments will be able to cover the daily expenses, which include the
high but inevitable medical bills.

110
 Unit 8 Our home

Q14i
[5] One of the main reasons why many local seniors are still living in poverty is the lack of
Q14ii retirement protection. In light of this, the Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF) scheme, a compulsory
savings scheme, was launched in 2000. Under the scheme, an employee is required to contribute
Q15i
40 a certain percentage of his/her income to the scheme. The amount is matched by the employer.
Q16i The employee can then choose how to invest the contributions. All the contributions and investment
gains, if any, will be kept in the scheme and will only be available to the employee when he/she
Q16ii
reaches the age of 65 or chooses early retirement. Although it may not provide an immediate
Q16iii solution to the current elderly poverty problem, it will, supposedly, provide financial security for

Exam practice
Q16iv
45 future generations of retirees.

Q16v
[6] While advocates call the MPF the Holy Grail of retirement, the majority of employees who
contribute to the scheme know too well that they cannot rely solely on the scheme for retirement
Q16vi protection. There are several reasons for that. For starters, it takes a long time to pay out. More
Q16vii
important, however, is that an employee is unlikely to be able to save a sum that will allow them to
50 maintain a decent living standard after retirement due to factors like high management fees, high
Q17 inflation rates and volatile financial markets.
Q19 [7] Since the local social security and MPF schemes are unlikely to solve the current or future
Q20
elderly poverty situation, political parties and non-governmental organizations have been urging
the government to implement a universal retirement protection scheme. Unlike the current MPF
Q21
55 scheme, the proposed scheme would provide retirement protection to all people who have reached
Q26 the retirement age. In other words, even those who have never held a job will be covered by
the proposed scheme. However, the proposition is controversial. In order to finance a universal
retirement protection scheme, the government may have to raise taxes. This may hurt different
businesses and the economy. Alternatively, the government can inject fiscal reserves into the scheme.
60 However, it is estimated that with an ageing population, the reserves will be depleted in ten years
at most.
[8] It seems like the universal retirement protection scheme is going to require a long debate before
a consensus can be reached. Meanwhile, the government can take various measures to improve
the living standard of the needy elderly. For example, the government can issue more healthcare
65 vouchers and provide meal allowances so that the elderly can enjoy better medical care and a healthy
diet. It should also provide more housing
for seniors who are in desperate need
of shelter.
[9] Retirement should be a time to relax
70 and enjoy life. It is regrettable that our
society fails to look after the people who
helped build the city that we are living
in. It is high time we treated them with
respect and care. Let’s not forget that we
75 will all be in the same boat one day.

END OF READING PASSAGE

111
 A
OXFORD ADVANCED EXAM SKILLS
ENGLISH LANGUAGE
PAPER 1 PART A
QUESTION-ANSWER BOOK COMPULSORY

Read Text 1 and answer questions 1–26. (45 marks)

Exam practice

Text 1

1 According to paragraph 1, what is a common problem for developed cities?

2 Is the living standard of Hong Kong’s elderly improving? Provide evidence from the text to
support your answer.

3 What is the ‘poverty line’ (line 4) set at?

Answers written in the margins will not be marked.

Answers written in the margins will not be marked.

4 Find an expression in paragraph 2 that means ‘to make just enough money to buy the things
you need’.

5 According to paragraph 2, how do the poor elderly support themselves? (2 marks)

i)
ii)

6 What does ‘their counterparts’ (lines 11–12) refer to?

7 Number the following events in Mrs Yeung’s life in chronological order with ‘1’ as the earliest.
2020
Write (2–4) in the boxes provided. The first one has been done for you as an example.
HKDSE
Q18
(3 marks)

Mrs Yeung moves in with her son. i)

Mrs Yeung’s husband gets sick. e.g. 1

Mrs Yeung’s husband dies. ii)

Mrs Yeung quits her job. iii)

8 Find a word in paragraph 3 that means ‘small’.

Answers written in the margins will not be marked.

112
 Unit 8 Our home

9 Which of the following jobs is NOT mentioned in paragraph 3?

2019
HKDSE
Q19 A B C D

Exam practice
A B C D

10 Based on the information in paragraph 3, complete the summary by writing ONE word to fill
Answers written in the margins will not be marked.

Answers written in the margins will not be marked.

2018
HKDSEin each blank. You should make sure that your answers are grammatically correct. (5 marks)
Q53

Mrs Yeung does not (i) a job or savings. She cannot (ii)
to rent her own flat and cannot (iii) herself. She really does not want
to (iv) a burden to her son. However, she does not (v)
for the CSSA Scheme because she now lives with her son’s family.

11 Do you think more women will end up like Mrs Yeung in the future? Give TWO reasons for
your answer based on paragraph 3. (2 marks)

12 The word ‘fortunate’ (line 33) is supposed to be …

A sarcastic.
B funny.
C serious. A B C D
D mean.

13 Why are medical bills ‘high but inevitable’ (line 36) for the elderly?

Answers written in the margins will not be marked.

113
 14 Decide whether the following statements are True (T), False (F) or Not Given (NG) in
2021
HKDSEparagraph 5. (4 marks)
Q4

Statements T F NG
i) Both employers and employees have to make contributions to the
MPF scheme.
ii) Employees can choose whether to take part in the MPF scheme.
Exam practice

iii) Employees usually withdraw MPF benefits on their 65th birthday.

iv) Older employees tend to be more careful with their MPF
investments.

15 This flow chart shows the sequence of events in paragraphs 1–5. Fill in each blank with a word
2018
HKDSEor phrase from paragraphs 1–5. (3 marks)
Q27

(i) was launched in 2000.

Answers written in the margins will not be marked.

Answers written in the margins will not be marked.

The government introduced (ii) in 2013.

By (iii) , the elderly population will likely have reached more than
two and a half million.

16 Complete the following summary by writing ONE word taken from paragraphs 5 to 6 in each
2021
HKDSEblank below. Your answers must be grammatically correct. (7 marks)
Q27

The Mandatory Provident Fund scheme aims to provide protection for workers after
(i) . (ii) are made to the scheme and employees can
choose how to (iii) these. The money saved will be (iv)
for withdrawal only when an employee reaches the age of 65. Many employees worry that
they might not have a lot left in their MPF accounts, as part of the contributions are used
to pay the (v) fees. They may also lose some money due to the volatility
of the (vi) . (vii) also means their money will be
worth less.

17 Can the Mandatory Provident Fund scheme provide full retirement protection for working
2019
HKDSE people? Give a reason for your answer based on paragraph 6.
Q57

Answers written in the margins will not be marked.

114
 Unit 8 Our home

18 What is the purpose of paragraph 6?

19 According to paragraph 7, how is the proposed universal retirement protection scheme

different from the MPF scheme?

Exam practice
20 According to paragraph 7, what are the TWO possible ways to finance a universal retirement
protection scheme?

21 Find a word in paragraph 8 that means ‘an opinion that all parties or all members of a group
agree with’.
Answers written in the margins will not be marked.

Answers written in the margins will not be marked.

22 Which measure mentioned in paragraph 8 do you think can help the elderly the most? Why?

23 The writer uses the phrase ‘It is high time’ (line 73) …
2021
HKDSE
Q17
A to emphasize that this is long overdue.
B to suggest we do not have much time.
C to show that this is in our own best interests. A B C D
D to stress that this is necessary.

24 What is the meaning of ‘we will all be in the same boat one day’ (lines 74–75)?

25 The purpose of the text is …

A to entertain.
B to analyse.
C to complain. A B C D
D to instruct.

26 Does the writer have a positive view of retirement protection efforts in Hong Kong? Give
a reason for your answer based on paragraph 9.

END OF PART A

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115
 Q27 Part B1
Q28A Read Texts 2–3 and answer questions 27–51 on pages 118–121.
Q28C
Text 2
Q28D
The island, once home to 1,000 fisherfolk, has trails for hikers,
Q29
some distinctive rock formations, and a restaurant on the beach
Q30i that serves seafood banquets.
Exam practice

Q31i 1 [1] On a map, the island of Po Toi looks barely a stone’s throw
from the southeastern tip of Hong Kong Island. It’s small, too,
Q31ii
seeming as if it would fit comfortably on the Kowloon peninsula.
Q33
[2] It might not look like much, but to visit Po Toi is to leave
Q34i 5 the city and arrive in a world of villages, hills, coastal inlets and
rocky headlands, trails to hike, places to explore, and some of Hong Kong’s best coastal scenery.
Q34ii
Plus there are simple cafes and a restaurant, with fare ranging from noodle soup to seafood banquets
Q34iii favoured by junk party-goers.
Q35 [3] Junk and ferry passengers arrive via a pier in Tai Wan (Large Bay), a cove in southwest Po Toi.
10 With its shelter against typhoons and a stream flowing to a tidal pool behind a beach, this is
Q36
home to most of the island’s residents. Around a thousand fishermen and farmers lived here in the
Q37 middle of the 20th century, though numbers have since dwindled to a couple of hundred as younger
Q38i
generations moved to the city.
[4] There are ruined houses beneath grand old trees at the end of the pier. A footpath heads left,
Q38ii
15 towards the tiny beach and main village area. There’s also a junction at an old shanty store; turn
Q42i right here to roam the wilder parts of the island, following the steps leading uphill and passing a
Q42ii
long disused school building.

Q42iv
[5] A path climbs the hillside, with shrubs and trees affording welcome shade against the hot sun.
The trail eases, and one of the old signposts, blackened with time, still indicates the way to ‘Mo’s
Q50iv 20 Old House’, even though a newer sign warns the area is private.

[6] The building was once a grand old house, built by a pirate called Mo Shui-tong, and served
as a base for the Japanese army during the second world war. Now it’s a ruin hidden among dense
woodland, abandoned due to its reputed bad feng shui and rumoured to be haunted.
[7] Higher up the hillside, the trail emerges from the vegetation and crosses a patch of gently
25 sloping, weatherworn granite. There’s another sign, and the Rugged Trail heads off to the left, while
the main path heads up a broad ridge to the right.
[8] The Rugged Trail is indeed rough underfoot. Stretches of it are narrow dirt trails, and in parts
it crosses granite outcrops—sometimes with old chain-link fences you might hold while scrambling
up and down. It leads over an area of rolling hills, with views to southern Hong Kong Island and
30 the steep slopes of neighbouring Beaufort Island, then drops down to a Tin Hau temple at the mouth
of Tai Wan.
[9] To the right, the trail is easier, with concrete steps. It soon reaches Ngau Wu Teng, which is
the highest point on Po Toi, 188 metres above sea level. A pavilion here makes a fine place to rest,
shelter from the sun—or rain—and enjoy looking out over southern Po Toi and the sea beyond.
35 [10] Then, flights of steps lead down to a neck of land that connects to a peninsula. Just below, on
the right, there’s a tiny beach that’s pleasant for paddling. Head straight on, and the path climbs a
low hill, dotted with boulders amid vegetation kept low by fires started by grave sweepers doubling
as accidental arsonists.

116
 Unit 8 Our home

Q41 [11] There’s a lighthouse atop the hill. Not a classic round white building, run by a man in a thick
40 jersey with a bushy beard, but a squat square concrete structure, operating automatically.
Q42i

[12] Below, there’s a chance to scramble onto the southernmost tip of Po Toi, which, along with one
Q42iii
of the Soko Islands, comprises the southernmost land in Hong Kong. It’s hewn from granite, and
Q43 kept bare of soil by typhoon waves. With waves surging against the low cliffs even on fine days, this
Q44
is a wonderful, wild place.
45 [13] A path back towards the ferry pier mostly hugs the coastline. It passes above Palm Cliff, where
Q46i
Buddha Hand Rock does indeed look like the hand of a Buddha statue, held palm outwards. There’s

Exam practice
Q46ii a short footbridge over exposed rock and shortly beyond this, there’s a side trail down to an ancient
Q46iii
rock carving.

Q50i
[14] The trail passes through an area of former farmland. Controversy flared here in 2012, when
50 a company built crude ‘vaults’ for storing urns. Villagers and environmentalists objected to the
Q50ii scheme, and the columbarium plans were halted.
Q51i [15] In 2015, a coalition of green groups including the Hong Kong Birdwatching Society called for
Q51iii
conservation measures to protect Po Toi, including a proposal to designate much of it as country
park, chiefly as it’s a magnet for migratory birds. But there has been little news on this since.
55 [16] Still, Po Toi retains its appeal to buzzards, flycatchers, warblers and more, which are especially
drawn to the clusters of old trees around Tai Wan. Visit during the spring or autumn migration
seasons and you could well sight a binocular-toting birdwatcher, or a gaggle of greater-camera-
lugging photographers.
[17] On fine days, there will be junk parties too, arriving to feast at Ming Kee Seafood Restaurant.
60 Some hikers are content with less celebrated fare at one of the simpler cafes, together with a chilled
drink or two before the ferry arrives for the journey back to the big city.

Text 3

Getting there
1 [1] Tsui Wah Ferry Service operates ferries serving Po Toi, with departures from and to Aberdeen
on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays. There is also a service between
Stanley and Po Toi on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays.
The full timetable is at [Link].

END OF READING PASSAGES

117
 B1
OXFORD ADVANCED EXAM SKILLS
ENGLISH LANGUAGE
PAPER 1 PART B1
QUESTION-ANSWER BOOK EASY SECTION

Read Texts 2–3 and answer questions 27–51. (45 marks)

Exam practice

Text 2

27 What does the phrase ‘barely a stone’s throw’ (line 1) suggest about the location of Po Toi in
relation to Hong Kong Island?

28 Put a tick (✓) next to each of the THREE statements that are correct. Tick THREE boxes only.
2019
HKDSEOn Po Toi … (3 marks)
Q21
A there are different places to eat. D the landscape is varied.
B there are organized hikes. E there is nothing to see.
C the views are stunning.

29 Which two meals are NOT mentioned in paragraph 2 as being available on Po Toi? Write the
letters for the two meals in the boxes below.
Answers written in the margins will not be marked.

Answers written in the margins will not be marked.

A B C D

Meals and

30 i) According to paragraph 3, what geographical features encouraged most residents on

Po Toi to settle in Tai Wan? (1 mark)

ii) How might these geographical features have made the first residents on Po Toi feel?
(1 mark)

31 According to paragraph 3, are the following statements True (T), False (F) or Not Given (NG)?
(3 marks)
T F NG
i) In the 1950s, about 1,000 people lived in Tai Wan.
ii) Visitors arriving at Po Toi get off their boats at the beach.
iii) The housing in Po Toi is of poor quality.

Answers written in the margins will not be marked.

118
 Unit 8 Our home

32 Why do you think ‘younger generations moved to the city’ (lines 12–13)?

33 Which word or phrase in paragraph 4 means ‘walk with no clear direction’?

34 Complete the summary of paragraphs 5–6 by using ONE word taken from paragraphs 5–6 for

Exam practice
2020
HKDSEeach gap. (3 marks)
Q12

One of the weathered (i) points the way to Mo’s Old House. You
can’t visit the house because it is on (ii) land. The property once
belonged to a (iii) .

35 Which two views can you see if you take the Rugged Trail?

36 Complete this sentence using the information in paragraph 9.

Answers written in the margins will not be marked.

Answers written in the margins will not be marked.

2020
HKDSE
Q34
You can enjoy a picnic lunch under shelter, with views of the south of the island, at

37 Does the writer believe that the grave sweepers started fires on purpose? Give a reason for
your answer based on paragraph 10.

38 Below is a table summarizing the information about the two trails described in paragraphs 7–10.
2021
HKDSEComplete all the boxes in the table by writing ‘Y’ for yes or ‘N’ for no. Some have been
Q45
done for you as examples. (2 marks)

Name of Leads over Leads to Leads to Leads past Offers nice

trail granite a temple a pavilion a beach views
(i) Main N Y Y
(ii) Rugged Y N Y

39 Why does the writer say that the lighthouse is not ‘a classic round white building, run by
a man in a thick jersey with a bushy beard’ (lines 39–40)?

40 Look at the word ‘wild’ (line 44). The word has different meanings. Read the extract of the
2021
HKDSEdictionary entry for ‘wild’ below and decide which meaning corresponds to the meaning in
Q32
line 44.
A not kept in a house or on a farm
B in its natural state; not changed by people
C having no discipline or control A B C D
D not carefully planned; not sensible or accurate

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119
 41 According to paragraph 13, what is the path back towards the ferry pier like?
A It is far from the coastline.
B It is narrow and somewhat dangerous.
C It is near to the edge of the land. A B C D
D It is steep and difficult to climb.
Exam practice

42 Number the following instructions for hiking the easier hiking trail in Po Toi, with ‘1’ as
2020
HKDSEthe first step. Write (2–5) in the boxes provided. The first one has been done for you as
Q18
an example. (4 marks)

Head downhill and then up to a lighthouse on another hill. i)

Walk along the footpath from the end of the pier until you reach a junction. e.g. 1

Turn right uphill and go past the former school, then pass by Mo’s Old House. ii)

Follow the path past the Buddha Hand Rock and across the footbridge to the pier. iii)
Answers written in the margins will not be marked.

Answers written in the margins will not be marked.

Follow the path to the right and take the concrete steps to Ngau Wu Teng. iv)

43 What does ‘this’ (line 54) refer to?

44 What metaphor does the writer use in paragraph 15 to tell us how attractive Po Toi is for
wildlife?

45 In paragraph 15, the writer is …

A describing the wildlife that calls Po Toi home.
B providing details of conservation groups in Hong Kong.
C describing a lack of progress in protecting Po Toi. A B C D
D explaining why migratory birds visit Po Toi.

46 Complete the summary of paragraphs 16–17 by using ONE word taken from paragraphs
2020
HKDSE16–17 for each gap. (3 marks)
Q12

When the weather is fine, large groups arrive at Po Toi on junks and enjoy a seafood
(i) at the restaurant, while hikers are more likely to opt for a lighter
meal at a cafe. Groups of old (ii) on Po Toi are very attractive to
visiting birds. For this reason, in spring and autumn, when birds migrate, it is common to
see (iii) and birdwatchers on the island.

47 What or where is ‘the big city’ (line 61)?

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120
 Unit 8 Our home

48 Below are statements summarizing the main ideas of paragraphs 15–17. Match the most
2020
HKDSEappropriate idea (A–D) with each of the paragraphs. Write the letter of the main idea next to
Q51
the paragraph number given. Use each letter ONCE only. One of the ideas is not used.
(3 marks)

Main Idea Paragraph Main Idea

A This island is a mecca for birdwatchers. 15 i)

Exam practice
B Po Toi’s natural beauty needs protecting.
16 ii)
C This island rarely makes the news.
D Po Toi is a popular destination for a day out. 17 iii)

49 Which of the following is the best title for this text?

A A difficult hike
B Paradise lost
C Escape to Po Toi A B C D
D Island of new opportunities
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Answers written in the margins will not be marked.

50 Below are comments made by some of the people mentioned in Text 2. Match each person with
2020
HKDSEone comment. Use each letter ONCE only. One comment is not used and you should select
Q41
‘Not Stated’. (4 marks)

A Tai Wan resident B Environmentalist

C Hong Kong Birdwatching Society member D Not Stated

Comments A B C D
i) We were concerned that the company’s plans might
disrupt the island’s natural habitat.
ii) We would like the area to be officially recognized as a
wildlife haven.
iii) The journey to Po Toi is not easy, and for most people it
is not worth the time and effort.
iv) Our home is protected from the worst weather.

Text 3

51 Are the following statements True (T), False (F) or Not Given (NG)? (3 marks)
T F NG
i) You can only travel between Stanley and Po Toi at weekends.
ii) The Aberdeen service is cheaper than the Stanley service.
iii) You can find ferry departure times online.

END OF PART B1

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121
 Q52 Part B2
Q56i Read Texts 4–5 and answer questions 52–76 on pages 124–127.

Q56ii Text 4
Q56iii
Title:
Q56iv 1 [1] Lack of housing is undoubtedly a major social problem in Hong Kong. It used to affect mostly
Q56v the working class and low-income residents. However, in recent years, the middle class have found
Exam practice

it increasingly difficult to afford a place they can call home. Over the last 12 years, local property
Q57
prices have skyrocketed by 262%, or 162% when adjusted for inflation. No wonder Hong Kong is now
Q58 5 recognized as the world’s most expensive place to buy a flat.

Q61i [2] Nothing represents the ridiculousness of the local housing problem better than ‘cage homes’. It is
a global scandal and shame that in Hong Kong people live in tiny, cramped cubicles that many have
Q61ii
claimed offer worse living conditions than the slums of India or Mexico. What is worse is that many
Q61iii of the ‘cage dwellers’ are old people. Mau, who is 72, has been living in what he calls his ‘coffin
10 home’ since 2018. Mau used to be a successful businessman, but after a run of bad luck, he went
Q62i
bankrupt and lost everything. He was forced to move out of his flat when he could no longer meet
Q62ii the mortgage payments. He now lives in a cubicle where there is just enough room for him to sit up.
‘I’m ashamed of where I live,’ he says. ‘Last month, the rent went up again. If it goes up again, I shall
Q62iii
have to move out.’
Q63i
15 [3] Public rental housing is very often the only option for many local people. As of December 2020,
Q63ii there were about 153,900 general applications and about 99,500 non-elderly one-person applications
under the Quota and Points System for public rental housing, and the waiting list never gets much
Q64
shorter. The government claims the average waiting time is 5.7 years, but in reality, people can expect
to wait much longer before a home becomes available. Although the government has promised to
20 build more ‘social housing’ every year, it seems that it has done little to solve the housing problem in
Hong Kong. As for buying a private property, this is well beyond the average employee’s reach. The
average home in Hong Kong costs 20.9 times the city’s gross annual median income.
[4] Former Chief Executive Donald Tsang promised to allow development of low-cost housing and
said land would be made available to build 20,000 new flats each year, but he said the figure was
25 ‘not a fixed target’. This is far too conservative a goal, even if it were reached. The Home Ownership
Scheme was abandoned in 2002, only to be brought back in 2011. The scheme was instituted to help
ordinary people get a foot on the housing ladder. Since 2010, the government has introduced many
new schemes to tackle the rising property prices, including the Hong Kong Property for Hong Kong
People scheme (2012), restricting flat sales of some developments to Hongkongers for 30 years, and
30 the Starter Homes scheme (2017), building subsidized flats for first-time middle-income homebuyers.
However, they have achieved little to stop house prices from rising.
[5] Good public housing should not only be affordable but also well planned. The case of Tin Shui
Wai is an example of how a public housing project went wrong. Formerly part of the wetland system
of Inner Deep Bay, Tin Shui Wai was later reclaimed by local villagers for farming. To accommodate
35 a growing population, the government reached an agreement with a private developer in 1982 to
develop Tin Shui Wai primarily for residential use. The area is now home to about 300,000 people,
many of whom are immigrants. Insufficient community facilities and employment opportunities mean
the community is far from self-contained. The area is now known as ‘the city of misery’ as a series
of family tragedies have taken place there over the years. In 2007, a mother killed her two children
40 and then committed suicide. The incident revealed a range of social problems brought about by a
public housing planning blunder.
[6] The exorbitant property prices make it impossible for an average person to buy even a tiny flat in
Hong Kong. The government should do more to help people realize their dream of having their own
homes. After all, the right to adequate housing is one of the most important human rights.

122
 Unit 8 Our home

Text 5

Title:
Q69 1 [1] I’m honoured to have been invited here to talk about how to make Hong Kong a fairer society.
Q70 [2] We face complex challenges, and finding solutions requires careful analysis. I’m going to focus
Q71i
on two specific areas that I think are the most relevant to the topic: income inequality and education.
I plan to show how, as long as wages for the working class remain low, there’s little opportunity for
Q71iv 5 people to improve their lives or to save for old age. I will then discuss how to increase opportunities

Exam practice
Q72
for higher education. Lastly, I’ll point out the consequences of ignoring these challenges.

Q74
[3] Hong Kong only started measuring poverty in 2009, but since then, the city has consistently
ranked among the most unequal societies in the world in terms of income, even nabbing the top spot
Q75 in 2016. That year, the wealthiest 10 per cent of households earned nearly 44 times more than the
10 poorest 10 per cent, according to the Census and Statistics Department. And things certainly haven’t
improved. In 2020, there were 515,000 Hong Kong people with a net worth in excess of HK$10
million while well over a million people were officially defined as ‘poor’. Although a minimum wage
was introduced in May 2011 to protect low-wage workers, it’s currently set at HK$37.50 per hour,
which is very low, considering that the median hourly wage is HK$74. The fact that it hasn’t really
15 helped the poor should come as no surprise. What should be done, then?

[4] I believe the best way to narrow the gap between rich and poor is through education. Only
education gives people power to change and improve their lives. In 2020–21, the government
earmarked HK$112.3 billion for education. First of all, I think this needs to be increased by at least
10 per cent over the next three years. Secondly, financial assistance should be available to poor
20 students so that they can have a chance to get a university degree. Furthermore, there should be grants
for young people who would like to enrol in vocational training courses that improve their prospects
and employability. Finally, businesses should offer incentives for staff to go on training courses that
keep their skills up to date. All these measures can increase the opportunities of future generations to
move out of poverty and improve their standard of living.
25 [5] I’m not in favour of increasing welfare, though, for it makes people dependent on public handouts.
Indeed, I believe that fair wages and a free labour market are more effective than taxation and
benefits. Business and commerce are the lifeblood of Hong Kong’s wealth; fairness and social justice
oil society’s wheels.
[6] If we continue down the path we are currently on, the gap between rich and poor will continue
30 to grow and I fear the consequences. We need to remember that ‘the measure of a civilized society is
how it treats its most vulnerable citizens’. The question is: how can we call ourselves civilized when
our most vulnerable are living in destitution, without hope of bettering themselves?

END OF READING PASSAGES

123
 B2
OXFORD ADVANCED EXAM SKILLS
ENGLISH LANGUAGE
PAPER 1 PART B2
QUESTION-ANSWER BOOK DIFFICULT SECTION

Read Texts 4–5 and answer questions 52–76. (45 marks)

Exam practice

Text 4

52 What does ‘they’ (line 3) refer to?

53 What is the purpose of the percentages mentioned in paragraph 1?

54 Why does the writer compare cage homes with the slums in India and Mexico?
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55 How is ‘coffin home’ (lines 9–10) a good comparison for the cubicle where Mau lives?
2021
HKDSE
Q18

56 Number the following events in Mau’s life in chronological order with ‘1’ as the earliest.
2020
HKDSEWrite (1–5) in the boxes provided. (5 marks)
Q18

Mau moves into a cage home. i)

Mau runs a successful business. ii)
Mau moves out of his flat. iii)
Mau goes broke. iv)
Mau worries about being forced to move out of his cubicle. v)

57 Does the writer view public rental housing as the solution to the housing problem in
Hong Kong? Give a reason for your answer based on paragraph 3.

58 What does ‘it’ (line 25) refer to?

59 What does ‘get a foot on the housing ladder’ (line 27) mean?

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 Unit 8 Our home

60 Do you think it was a good idea to abandon the Home Ownership Scheme? Explain your
answer.

61 Complete the following timeline using information from paragraph 4. (3 marks)

Exam practice
(i) The Home Ownership Scheme was abandoned.

The government (ii) the Home

2011
Ownership Scheme.
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Answers written in the margins will not be marked.

The government introduced the (iii)
2017
scheme.

62 Below is a summary of the second half of paragraph 4. In three of the lines there is ONE
2020
HKDSEmistake. If you find a mistake, underline it and replace the word with one that expresses the
Q14
correct idea. Write the word in the box on the right. Both grammar and spelling must be
correct. In one of the lines there is no mistake; put a tick (✓) in the box. One has been done
for you as an example. (4 marks)

Summary Correction

e.g. The Hong Kong Government has implemented new tests to schemes

i) tackle the rising office prices. The Hong Kong Property for

ii) Hong Kong People scheme aimed to expand sales of flats to HK

iii) people for 13 years. The purpose of the Starter Homes scheme

iv) is to provide subsidized flats for middle-income households.

63 Tin Shui Wai is not self-contained because there are … (2 marks)

i)
ii)

64 Find a word in paragraph 5 that means ‘careless mistake’.

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125
 65 Below are summary headings for Text 4. Match the most appropriate summary heading with
2019
HKDSEeach paragraph by writing the letters (A–F) in the table below. Each letter can be used
Q64
ONCE only. (6 marks)

Summary Headings
A No one should live in a place like this D An ever-increasing problem
Exam practice

B Government solutions are insufficient E Learning from our mistakes

C More action is needed F People have no choice but to wait

Paragraph Summary Heading Paragraph Summary Heading

1 i) 4 iv)

2 ii) 5 v)
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3 iii) 6 vi)

66 Do you think the Hong Kong Government has introduced enough measures to solve the
housing problem in Hong Kong? Provide evidence from the text to support your answer.

Text 5

67 Use ONE word to complete the following statement based on the information in paragraph 3.
2020
HKDSE
Q46 There is a wide wealth gap in Hong Kong as a small fraction of the population owns the
of the city’s wealth.

68 Why do you think the median hourly wage (i.e. HK$74) is mentioned in the text?

69 What does ‘it’ (line 14) refer to?

70 Do you think the writer believes the government invests enough in education? Give a reason for
your answer based on paragraph 4.

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 Unit 8 Our home

71 Decide whether the following statements are True (T), False (F) or Not Given (NG)
2021
HKDSEin paragraph 4. (4 marks)
Q25

Statements T F NG
i) The writer believes that education is the best solution to wealth
inequality.
ii) The government spending on education has been increasing.

Exam practice
iii) The writer thinks that financial assistance should only be
available to students with good academic results.
iv) The writer believes that poor people are also entitled to tertiary
education.

72 According to paragraph 4, what is the main function of vocational training courses?

73 Based on the information in paragraphs 2–5, ‘the path we are currently on’ (line 29) means
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Answers written in the margins will not be marked.

the poor get insufficient … (2 marks)
i)
ii)

74 Does the writer think that Hong Kong’s wealth inequality problem will be solved soon?
Give a reason for your answer based on paragraph 6.

75 According to paragraph 6, is Hong Kong a civilized city? Provide evidence from the text to
support your answer.

76 Refer to Texts 4–5. For each text, what would be the best title? Match the titles in the right
2021
HKDSEcolumn with Texts 4–5. Three titles are NOT used. (2 marks)
Q66

Titles
i) Text 4: A Fair and equal?
ii) Text 5: B Strengthening Hong Kong’s social safety net
C The costs of a wide income gap
D A crisis of accommodation
E Living conditions are finally improving

END OF PART B2

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127
Exam practice

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128
 PAPER 1 PAPER 2 Unit 8 Our home

Writing focus
Problem-solution writing
The purpose of problem-solution writing is to examine a problem and offer solutions.
The writer begins by describing a problem and then gives one or more solutions to the
problem. The strengths and weaknesses of each solution are usually included as well. In
most cases, the writer states his/her own position in the conclusion, and may sometimes
ask for some kind of action from the reader.
Examples of problem-solution writing include essays, editorials, reports and feature articles.
Booster For more In problem-solution writing, we can use conditional sentences to hypothesize about
practice in problem- situations, actions and their results. We use the first conditional to talk about real and
solution writing, go possible situations in the present or in the future. We use the second conditional to
to pp. 61–63. talk about unreal or unlikely situations in the present or in the future. We use the third
conditional to talk about how something in the past could have happened differently.
We can also use certain connectives and adverbs to form conditional sentences.

D Your friend has written a problem-solution report on teen drug use in Hong Kong.
She wants you to proofread it for her. Read the report and correct the underlined words.
Write the corrections above them.

Date: 15 November 2021

To: The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups
From: Cindy Yeung
Subject: Teen drug use in Hong Kong

What can be done about teen drug use?

Teen drug use is a growing problem in Hong Kong. More and more teens are becoming addicted to
dangerous drugs like ketamine. (1) In case something is done quickly, we will have an epidemic on
our hands.
Cindy Yeung

First of all, we need the government to take a stronger stand on this issue. They are starting to talk
about it now, but it may be too little, too late. If they (2) look at the situation much sooner, they
(3)
will be able to stop it in its tracks. As long as they continue to talk and take no real action, the
problem (4) persisted.

Secondly, we need parents to take a more active role. Many teens say they take drugs because they
do not feel loved. Teen drug use can be avoided if parents (5) were showing more interest in their
children’s lives. Parents need to talk to their children and spend more time with them; (6) provided,
teen drug use will continue to rise.

Finally, we teens should look to ourselves for solutions. If we ignore the problem, the situation
(7)
are becoming irreversible. We can help stop drug use ourselves. If I (8) am you, I would not turn
a blind eye to drug use. Talk to your friends. Talk to your parents. Stand up to drugs.

129
 Text type focus 1
Writing formal letters
Formal letters are letters we write to people that we do not know on a personal level.
We write formal letters to enquire about something, to provide information, to apply for
courses/jobs, to make complaints, etc. We often use block format for formal letters.

Structure

Flat C, 16th Floor, Beautiful Garden

Sender’s address 1 Magic Street
Kowloon
6 September 2021 Date
Recipient’s
name, position Mr Edward Tong
and address: Public Relations Manager
If you do not
Better Society Association
know the
recipient’s name 30th Floor, Wonderful Place
or position, you 17 Emperor Road
Salutation:
can just write the Hong Kong
Use a formal salutation: Dear + title + surname, Subject line:
address.
Dear Mr Tong, e.g. Dear Ms Chau, or Dear Sir/Madam. This tells your
recipient what your
Introduction: COMPLAINT ABOUT THE CLEANLINESS OF THE YOUTH CENTRE letter is about.
Introduce yourself
to the recipient I hope this letter finds you well. I am Melinda Wong, a frequent user of your youth
if he/she does centre in Kowloon. I am writing this letter to complain about the hygiene standards
not know you, I witnessed there.
and state your
purpose for I am grateful that your organization provides a place for teenagers to gather and
writing. socialize. However, it is abominable to see that the whole place is so dirty. The basketball
court and the study room are particularly problematic. There is rubbish all over the
basketball court, especially in the evening. The study room is so dusty that I think it
Body has not been cleaned for months at the very least. There are even food wrappers and
paragraphs: cockroaches under some desks.
Each body
paragraph should I think the hygiene standards must be improved in order to safeguard the health of the
contain one users and the staff. If no action is taken, this place will become the most notorious youth
main point, and centre in Kowloon. It is scandalous that your organization receives substantial funding
elaboration of from the government every year, and yet your youth centre fails to provide a decent
that point. environment for teenagers. Something must be done to improve the situation. You should
tell your staff to clean more often. Should this be impossible due to a staff shortage,
I suggest that you consider hiring a cleaning worker. This would help keep the place clean
Conclusion: and also reduce the workload of the existing staff.
Write a sentence
to indicate As long as you take steps to address these issues, I am sure your organization will
that you are continue to grow and prosper. I hope you will take my complaints seriously, and I look
expecting a reply forward to hearing from you soon.
if applicable.
Yours sincerely, Closing: Use the closing Yours sincerely

Melinda Wong
Sender’s name if you used Dear + title + surname in
Signature
(and position): the salutation and Yours faithfully if
Include your full Melinda Wong you used Dear Sir/Madam or similar.
name.

formal language complex sentence structures

130
 Unit 8 Our home

Language features of a formal letter

Formal letters typically use:

We use full 1 formal language, including a formal salutation and closing.

forms instead of I hope you will take my complaints seriously, and I look forward to hearing from
contractions in you soon.
formal letters. Do not
use slang. 2 a formal and impersonal tone.
If no action is taken, this place will become the most notorious youth centre in
Kowloon.

Booster For text 3 more complex and sophisticated sentence structures.

Text type focus 1

grammar analysis, Should this be impossible due to a staff shortage, I suggest that you consider hiring
go to p. 64. a cleaning worker.

Language resources
When we write a formal letter, we can use the following phrases and sentences:

Introducing yourself and stating the reason for writing

We can also
I am/My name is …
use many of the
expressions on p. 231 As a representative of …
in a formal letter. In my capacity of …
I am contacting you because …
The reason I write/am writing (this letter) is that …
I write/am writing to inform you of/tell you about/complain about/apologize for/enquire
about/express my dissatisfaction with …
Encouraging the recipient to respond
I look forward to hearing from you.
I look forward to (receiving) your (prompt) reply/response.
I would appreciate a reply/response at your earliest convenience.
I would appreciate it/be grateful if you could let me know/send me/help me …
Closing the letter
Explore Thank you for your help/assistance (in this matter).
Thank you in advance.
If you have any (further) questions/require any further information, do not hesitate to
contact me.
Scan this QR code
to read a sample Should you have any (further) questions/require any further information, do not hesitate to
reply to the formal contact me.
complaint letter on
p. 130.

131
 Text type focus 2
Writing problem-solution reports
Before you write Problem-solution reports look at particular problems and explain how they can be solved.
a problem-solution They are usually written for the decision-maker(s) in an organization. A good problem-
report, read the solution report makes a complex problem easy to understand. The strengths and weaknesses
question carefully of each solution are usually included as well. The writer usually states his/her standpoint in
to ensure you
the conclusion and sometimes asks for some kind of action from the reader.
understand the
problem completely. Structure

Date

Name(s) of the
person(s) or
Date: 6 September 2021
organization this
report is for To: Students Affairs Committee
From: Lilian Leung
Subject: How to address cyberbullying
Name of the writer

What to do when technology turns nasty Title: State the problem.

Subject: Tell the
reader what the Cyberbullying is the act of using online technology, such as online social
report is about. networks and apps, to hurt or threaten another person. Technology, if
it falls into the wrong hands, has the potential to cause terrible damage.
Introduction: The psychological effects of cyberbullying can be devastating, especially
Introduce the for children and teenagers. How can we protect ourselves and our loved
problem or the ones from this kind of bullying?
situation.
When teenagers were asked why they think some people cyberbully,
81 per cent said that cyberbullies think it is fun. Obviously, it is wrong to Give evidence
and/or
find it entertaining to make someone else miserable. So, what can we do
examples.
to keep the bullies at bay?
Some very simple steps can prevent cyberbullying. Blocking all
communication with the cyberbully, deleting messages without reading
them, talking to a friend about the abuse and reporting the problem to
Main body: an Internet service provider and/or the social network companies are all Provide
Analyse the ways to avoid the bully’s attacks. It may be difficult to completely ignore solutions.
problem and talk the bully’s words; however, it is better than being overwhelmed with
about possible
negative and hurtful words. Teenagers need to be taught to turn a blind
solutions.
eye to what these bullies are saying.
A lot could be done at school and within our community to stop the
harmful effects of cyberbullying. If we refuse to pass along cyberbullying Give reasons
and/or
messages, tell friends to stop cyberbullying and report cyberbullying to
justifications.
a trusted teacher, we will be able to stop the cyberbullies in their tracks.

Conclusion: The support of friends is important; however, teenagers need the

Summarize the guidance of adults even more. Unless we want ourselves, our friends
arguments and and our family to be victims of cyberbullying, we need to stand together.
add a call to The school should also provide support and counselling services to those
action. students who have fallen victim to cyberbullying.

present tenses to examine a current issue the passive voice

facts, statistics, quotations and examples connectives to link points together in a logical way
132 conditional sentences
 Unit 8 Our home

Language features of a problem-solution report

Use a formal Problem-solution reports typically use:
register to create
a persuasive tone. 1 the present tenses, to show that the report is examining a current issue.
Cyberbullying is the act of using online technology … to hurt or threaten another
person.

2 facts, statistics, quotations and examples to back up the writer’s points.

… 81 per cent said that cyberbullies think it is fun.

3 conditional sentences to talk about situations, actions and their results.

Text type focus 2

If we refuse to pass along cyberbullying messages, … we will be able to stop the
cyberbullies in their tracks.

4 the passive voice when the action is more important than the doer, or when the doer
is not known.
Teenagers need to be taught to turn a blind eye to what these bullies are saying.

Booster For text 5 connectives to link points together in a logical way.

grammar analysis, The support of friends is important; however, teenagers need the guidance of adults
go to p. 65.
even more.

Language resources
When we write a problem-solution report, we can use the following phrases and
sentences:

Introducing and explaining the problem

We are currently faced with the problem of …
One problem that our society/company/organization is faced with is …
… is a problem in urgent need of a solution.
… is a problem that must be addressed immediately.
This has (in turn) led to/caused/resulted in … This has had some unfortunate consequences.
If left unaddressed, this problem will/could/might lead to/cause/result in/bring about …
Should this be left unaddressed, it will/could/might lead to/cause/result in/bring about …
Introducing and explaining solutions
One possible solution is/would be to … One way to address this is/would be by …
Statistics/Studies show/support that … The research/evidence shows/supports that …
This would have the additional benefit of … This would also help us to …
The first step/measure that needs to be taken to address/combat/solve this is to …
Concluding the report
In summary/conclusion, … To sum up/conclude, …
This report has laid out/explained/examined …
Therefore, it is my/our recommendation that …
It is in the best interest of … to implement the solutions/programme/measures suggested
above.
Unless the above solutions are implemented/changes are made, this problem will only get worse.

133
 Writing skills
Writing effective paragraphs
The topic When we write, we need to organize our ideas in a clear and logical way. Present each
sentence may appear main point in a new paragraph. Use a topic sentence to introduce the main point. The
later in a paragraph if topic sentence is usually the first sentence of a paragraph.
there is a transitional
sentence, which Then use supporting sentences to support the main point in the paragraph. In other
logically links the words, elaborate the main point by providing definitions, explanations, facts, examples,
paragraph to the figures, etc. Develop your supporting sentences by starting with a broad perspective and
previous one. then getting more specific.

E Read the following editorial to see how the writer organizes his/her ideas. Pay
attention to the numbered sentences. Then complete the sentences below by using the
words in the box. Some words may be used more than once.

1 For many teens, shoplifting is a way of life. 2 Shoplifting is the crime of stealing
goods from a shop by deliberately leaving without paying for them. 3 In many cases,
when teens commit their first shoplifting offence, they will do it again in the future.
These teens are no small minority. 4 In a recent survey among secondary school
students, nearly 40 per cent of the respondents admitted they had shoplifted.
5 What can be done to address this problem? Education is the key. Many teens
believe that shoplifting is not a big deal. 6 They usually steal small items, like
stationery or food and drinks. They believe that because these items are relatively
cheap, it is all right for them to take them without paying. 7 They fail to notice the
harm they do to other people and believe they are not hurting anyone. Therefore, it is
of utmost importance that we enlighten them about the serious impact of their actions.
Shoplifting is a big deal. According to recent consumer reports,
shoplifting of items worth less than HK$20 costs shop owners in
Hong Kong millions of dollars every year. Many small shops have
had to close their doors because of shoplifting.

definition explanation figure second topic

example fact first supporting transitional

1 This sentence introduces the main point of the first paragraph.

2 This sentence provides a of the word ‘shoplifting’.
3 This sentence gives an of why shoplifting is a
way of life for many teens.
4 This sentence uses a to support the main point
of the paragraph.
5 This sentence creates a logical link between the two main points of
the and paragraphs.
6 This sentence states a .
7 This sentence gives an of why education is the key.

134
 Unit 8 Our home

Write like a pro

People may also Ellipsis

use the word ellipsis
to refer to the three When we leave out content from a sentence by omitting unnecessary words, without
small dots (…) used which the meaning can still be understood, it is called ellipsis:
to show that a word
or words have been
left out.

This example is This trend lasted for several years before reversing again in 2012: about 50 per cent
taken from p. 98. were from the Philippines and about 48 per cent from Indonesia.

In the sentence above, the writer uses ellipsis by omitting the verb were from the last
clause, making the sentence slightly snappier. We can use ellipsis:

• in any type of writing to make a sentence shorter and more concise, e.g. She wrote

Writing skills
to her local representative and, when that did not work, to the Prime Minister.
Here, she wrote is omitted from the last clause because the sentence can be
understood without these words.

Allusion
When we refer to a well-known person, thing or idea in our writing in order to explain or
compare something, it is called an allusion:

This example is
taken from p. 111.
While advocates call the MPF the Holy Grail of retirement, the majority of
employees who contribute to the scheme know too well that they cannot rely solely
on the scheme for retirement protection.

The Holy Grail, a mythical cup supposedly used by Jesus Christ, is an object which many
people have tried hard to find. Similarly, many people have tried hard to find a solution
to retirement. By alluding to the Holy Grail, the writer wants to express that MPF is the
solution people are looking for, at least according to its advocates.

Allusions can be used in everyday speech and in most types of writing to:

• quickly explain something that might otherwise take several sentences, e.g. I haven’t
had a book published yet, but I’m sure I’ll soon have my J.K. Rowling moment!
(= I’ll soon get a book published, and become famous like J.K. Rowling, the author of
the Harry Potter series. Rowling tried for a long time before her book was accepted
for publication.)

• make our language more interesting and entertaining, e.g. He’s the Shakespeare of
sarcastic remarks.

135
 PAPER 1 PAPER 2

Exam practice
Part A

For question 1, write about 200 words.

1 Recently, there have been reports of students at your school getting involved with
local gang members on their way home. You happened to witness some incidents
and are concerned about the problem. The pictures below show what you saw.

Crime 1 Crime 2 Crime 3

• Write a letter to the principal expressing your views on the situation.

• Give suggestions on how to prevent students from being bullied and how to
prevent students from getting involved with gangsters.

Use this mind map to plan your writing. In the circles, write down possible solutions.

Crime 1

Crime 2 Crime 3

5** Writing tips

Booster For useful • When devising solutions to solve a problem, try to involve more than one
words and phrases, stakeholder. For example, in the case of gang crime, stress the importance
and additional of both the school and police taking the initiative to resolve the issue.
support for your
writing, go to p. 66. • Always write an outline before starting an essay. This can reduce the
risk of being off-focus or distracted.

136
 Unit 8 Our home
Model writing

Write about 200 words.

Room 2105, Yiu Mei House

Kam Yiu Court
Kwun Tong

7 April 20XX

Exam practice
Ms Patricia Ng
The Principal
Wing Yuen Secondary School
19 Long Yuen Road
Tseung Kwan O
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5

10

15

20

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137
 Part B
For the
For questions 2–5, choose ONE question and write 380–400 words in the space
remaining Part B
questions for this provided on page 139. Indicate which question you are going to attempt in the
unit, refer to p. A25 question number box on page 139.
of ‘Additional
questions for Exam 2 You work for United Charity, a non-government
practice (Part B)’ organization. The Board of Directors is meeting
at the back of this to discuss the issue of child poverty, which is a
Exam practice

book. serious problem in Hong Kong. Poverty affects

children more than other groups, as children who
grow up in low-income households tend to have
fewer opportunities and are therefore more likely to
remain poor in adulthood.
Write a problem-solution report on child poverty to the Board of Directors.
Examine the problem and provide solutions.

3 You are the Chief Executive Officer of a large

international company in Hong Kong.
Write a letter to your staff to warn them about
the potential threat and dangers of bribery in the
workplace. Provide a definition of bribery in your
letter and then advise your staff on what constitutes
bribery and how to avoid it.

If you choose to answer question 2, you may find this information useful.

Inequality on the rise

The Census and Statistics Department announced report findings for Hong Kong
yesterday, citing figures that once again showed the rising inequality between the rich
and the poor. In fact, income inequality is now the highest that it has ever been since
the city began keeping records on it.

High child poverty rate

According to the Hong Kong Poverty Situation Report, 170,000 children lived in
poverty in 2018. The child poverty rate was 16.8 per cent, which meant that about
one in six children were living in poverty. The child poverty rate in Hong Kong is
relatively high compared with Denmark, whose rate is 3–4 per cent.

5** Writing tips

Booster For useful • When making a point or offering a solution, begin with a topic sentence, followed by
words and phrases, substantial elaboration. Finally, use a wrap-up sentence to sum up your points.
and additional • Do not include any new points in your concluding paragraph: just state your
support for your
opinion and maybe include a call for action.
writing, go to p. 67.
• When ending a problem-solution essay, include a positive outlook (e.g. ‘If all of us
work together to eradicate bribery, our company, and society as a whole, will
further flourish’). This can emphasize the need to follow your suggestions.

138
 Unit 8 Our home
Model writing

FOR PART B ONLY

Put an ‘X’ inside the question number box to indicate the question (Q2−Q5) that you have chosen.

Question No.
2 3 4 5

Exam practice
5
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10

15

20

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139
 Exam practice

140
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45
40
35
30
25
Model writing

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Answers written in the margins will not be marked.