An original Thinka practice paper modelled on the structure and difficulty of that year's HKDSE paper. Not affiliated with or reproduced from the HKEAA.
PastPaper.section Data-response Questions (資料回應題)
Answer all three questions. Write your answers in the spaces provided.
Which of the following descriptions about the Beidou Navigation Satellite System (BDS) is/are correct? (1) It is developed independently by China. (2) It provides global positioning, navigation, and timing services. (3) It has been widely integrated into various industries such as transportation, agriculture, and disaster relief.
A.(1) and (2) only
B.(1) and (3) only
C.(2) and (3) only
D.(1), (2) and (3)
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PastPaper.workedSolution
The Beidou Navigation Satellite System (BDS) is independently developed and operated by China (1). It provides high-precision global positioning, navigation, and timing services (2). It is widely integrated into transportation, agriculture, fisheries, and disaster prevention (3). Thus, all three statements are correct.
PastPaper.markingScheme
Award 1 mark for the correct answer D. No marks are given for incorrect options.
PastPaper.question 2 · MC
1 PastPaper.marks
Which of the following statements correctly describes the relationship between the Constitution of the People's Republic of China (PRC Constitution) and the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (Basic Law)? (1) The PRC Constitution is the fundamental law of the state with the supreme legal authority. (2) The Basic Law is enacted in accordance with the PRC Constitution. (3) The power of interpretation of the Basic Law is vested in the Legislative Council of Hong Kong.
A.(1) and (2) only
B.(1) and (3) only
C.(2) and (3) only
D.(1), (2) and (3)
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PastPaper.workedSolution
Statement (1) is correct as the Constitution is the fundamental law of the PRC. Statement (2) is correct as the Basic Law is enacted in accordance with Article 31 of the PRC Constitution. Statement (3) is incorrect because the power of interpretation of the Basic Law is vested in the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPCSC), not the Legislative Council of Hong Kong. Therefore, only (1) and (2) are correct.
PastPaper.markingScheme
Award 1 mark for the correct answer A. No marks are given for incorrect options.
PastPaper.question 3 · MC
1 PastPaper.marks
Since the Reform and Opening-up, China has achieved remarkable progress in poverty alleviation. Which of the following strategies is a key feature of China's "targeted poverty alleviation" policy?
A.Distributing cash subsidies equally to all rural citizens.
B.Tailoring assistance measures to individual households based on their specific causes of poverty.
C.Migrating all rural populations to large coastal cities.
D.Relying solely on international aid and charitable organisations.
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PastPaper.workedSolution
Targeted poverty alleviation emphasizes precision in identifying poor households, planning assistance, using funds, and measuring results. Therefore, tailoring assistance measures based on specific causes of poverty (Option B) is the core feature. Cash handouts (A), mass migration to coastal cities (C), and reliance purely on foreign aid (D) are incorrect.
PastPaper.markingScheme
Award 1 mark for the correct answer B. No marks are given for incorrect options.
PastPaper.question 4 · MC
1 PastPaper.marks
According to the National Flag and National Emblem Ordinance of Hong Kong, which of the following behaviors are prohibited to protect the dignity of the national flag and national emblem? (1) Publicly and intentionally burning or desecrating the national flag. (2) Utilizing the national flag or national emblem in commercial advertisements without prior authorization. (3) Flying the national flag at half-staff on specified days of mourning.
A.(1) and (2) only
B.(1) and (3) only
C.(2) and (3) only
D.(1), (2) and (3)
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PastPaper.workedSolution
Under the National Flag and National Emblem Ordinance, publicly and intentionally desecrating the national flag is a criminal offense (1). Commercial advertising using the national flag or national emblem without authorization is also prohibited (2). Flying the national flag at half-staff (3) is a standard protocol of mourning and respect, not a prohibited behavior. Hence, only (1) and (2) are prohibited.
PastPaper.markingScheme
Award 1 mark for the correct answer A. No marks are given for incorrect options.
PastPaper.question 5 · MC
1 PastPaper.marks
The "Belt and Road Initiative" proposed by China emphasizes the principle of "extensive consultation, joint contribution, and shared benefits". Which of the following reflects this principle? (1) Decisions are made through dialogue and consultation among participating countries. (2) Infrastructure and development projects are jointly constructed by participating countries. (3) The benefits and development opportunities are shared among all participating countries.
A.(1) and (2) only
B.(1) and (3) only
C.(2) and (3) only
D.(1), (2) and (3)
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PastPaper.workedSolution
The principle of 'extensive consultation, joint contribution, and shared benefits' means: (1) extensive consultation ensures decisions are made through dialogue; (2) joint contribution ensures infrastructure and development are built together; (3) shared benefits ensure the achievements are mutually beneficial to all parties. Thus, (1), (2), and (3) are all correct.
PastPaper.markingScheme
Award 1 mark for the correct answer D. No marks are given for incorrect options.
PastPaper.question 6 · Short Answer
2.5 PastPaper.marks
Source: Rural Poor Population in China (2012–2020)
Based on the table, describe the trend of China's rural poor population from 2012 to 2020.
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PastPaper.workedSolution
The rural poor population in China decreased continuously from 98.99 million in 2012 to 0.00 million in 2020. This indicates that China steadily achieved its target of eradicating absolute poverty in rural areas by the year 2020, with a decline of nearly 100 million people over the eight-year period.
PastPaper.markingScheme
- Award 1.5 marks for identifying the overall downward trend with correct starting and ending data (from 98.99 million in 2012 down to 0 in 2020). - Award 1 mark for describing the significance of the trend (e.g., complete eradication of absolute poverty, achieving the poverty alleviation target). - Reject answers that merely list the figures without describing the overall declining trend.
PastPaper.question 7 · Short Answer
2.5 PastPaper.marks
Source: Number of 5G Base Stations in China (2019–2023)
Year | Number of 5G Base Stations (ten thousand) 2019 | 13.0 2020 | 71.8 2021 | 142.5 2022 | 231.2 2023 | 337.7
Based on the table, describe the characteristics of the development of 5G base stations in China from 2019 to 2023.
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PastPaper.workedSolution
Between 2019 and 2023, China's 5G base station deployment showed two primary characteristics: continuous upward growth and a vast scale of expansion. The total number of base stations surged from 13.0 ten thousand to 337.7 ten thousand. The yearly increments remained high (exceeding 70 ten thousand units added annually after 2020), demonstrating high-speed and nationwide network construction.
PastPaper.markingScheme
- Award 1.5 marks for identifying the continuous and rapid upward trend with correct data (from 13.0 ten thousand in 2019 to 337.7 ten thousand in 2023). - Award 1 mark for pointing out the characteristics of scale or speed (e.g., massive expansion of over 25-fold growth, steady high annual additions indicating high investment in network infrastructure). - Reject descriptions that do not reference data.
PastPaper.question 8 · Data-response Questions
4 PastPaper.marks
According to the source and your own knowledge, explain two positive impacts of integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into agricultural development in China.
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PastPaper.workedSolution
To obtain full marks (4 marks), candidates need to explain two distinct positive impacts with clear structure: - First impact (2 marks): Explain how AI technology improves productivity, output quality, or efficiency in agriculture (e.g., automated drone spraying, real-time data analysis for crop disease detection). - Second impact (2 marks): Explain how AI promotes green/sustainable agriculture (e.g., precision irrigation reducing water waste, smart soil testing preventing over-fertilization, thus protecting the rural ecological environment).
PastPaper.markingScheme
Maximum 4 marks. - 2 marks for each well-explained impact. - 1 mark for briefly stating the impact without sufficient explanation or without linking to AI agricultural applications. - 0 marks for irrelevant answers.
PastPaper.question 9 · Data-response Questions
4 PastPaper.marks
Based on the source and your own knowledge, explain how the expansion of high-speed rail (HSR) to remote areas enhances the quality of life of mainland residents in two aspects.
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PastPaper.workedSolution
Candidates should explain the improvement of the quality of life from two distinct aspects (e.g., economic, social, or environmental): - Economic/Material aspect (2 marks): Explain how high-speed rail integration facilitates the movement of goods, boosts tourism, creates jobs, and raises the income levels of residents in rural/remote areas. - Social/Daily life aspect (2 marks): Explain how reduced travel time increases accessibility to essential urban services like healthcare and higher education, as well as strengthening family bonds through easier travel.
PastPaper.markingScheme
Maximum 4 marks. - 2 marks for each well-elaborated aspect with concrete logical link to quality of life. - 1 mark if the aspect is identified but the elaboration on how it enhances quality of life is weak. - 0 marks for repetitive or irrelevant answers.
PastPaper.question 10 · Data-response Questions
4 PastPaper.marks
Based on the source and your own knowledge, explain how participating in internship and cultural exchange programs in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) helps foster Hong Kong youth's sense of national identity.
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PastPaper.workedSolution
To gain full marks (4 marks), candidates should provide a balanced explanation from two main dimensions: - Cultural appreciation (2 marks): Explain how firsthand cultural experiences and interactions with mainland youth help Hong Kong youth appreciate the shared roots of Lingnan culture and national history, cultivating emotional attachment. - Recognition of modern development (2 marks): Explain how working or interning in tech/creative industries in the GBA allows them to witness the country's economic and technological prowess, which strengthens their national pride and sense of belonging to the country's future development.
PastPaper.markingScheme
Maximum 4 marks. - 2 marks for each perspective (e.g., cultural roots and modern national development) explained in detail. - 1 mark if the candidate only generalises 'learning more about the country' without pointing out specific mechanisms of fostering national identity. - 0 marks for irrelevant answers.
PastPaper.question 11 · Data-response Questions
6.67 PastPaper.marks
Source A: In recent years, China has implemented 'targeted poverty alleviation' by identifying specific impoverished households and tailoring relief efforts. Measures include establishing local characteristic industries, improving infrastructure (such as roads and internet access), and providing relocation subsidies. Based on Source A and your own knowledge, explain how 'targeted poverty alleviation' measures have improved the quality of life of rural residents in China.
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PastPaper.workedSolution
1. Material life quality: The development of local characteristic industries provides stable jobs and increases household income. Relocation subsidies help residents move out of inhospitable regions into modern houses. 2. Non-material life quality: Improved infrastructure like roads and the internet enhances connection with the outside world, facilitating trade and digital education. Better access to medical facilities and schools reduces life stress and promotes social equity.
PastPaper.markingScheme
High level (5 to 6.67 marks): Demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of quality of life (material and non-material). Accurately explains how targeted measures (e.g., industry, infrastructure, relocation) lead to income growth, better living environment, and access to services, supported by relevant concepts. Medium level (3 to 4 marks): Explains some measures and their impact on rural life, but the analysis of 'quality of life' is superficial or one-sided. Low level (1 to 2 marks): Briefly mentions poverty alleviation or rural conditions without clear logical connections.
PastPaper.question 12 · Data-response Questions
6.67 PastPaper.marks
Source B: China's investment in AI technology has surged, leading to smart cities, autonomous transport, and automated manufacturing. However, this has also raised concerns over structural unemployment for low-skilled workers and data privacy security. Based on Source B and your own knowledge, discuss the opportunities and challenges brought by the rapid development of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to China's social development.
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PastPaper.workedSolution
Opportunities: Smart cities and autonomous transport improve urban management, reduce traffic congestion, and enhance citizens' daily convenience. Automated manufacturing boosts industrial productivity and safety. Challenges: Automation replaces repetitive manual labor, leading to structural unemployment and potentially widening the wealth gap. Additionally, the collection of massive datasets for AI training increases the risk of data leakage and compromises citizens' privacy.
PastPaper.markingScheme
High level (5 to 6.67 marks): Clearly identifies both opportunities (e.g., efficiency in public services, industrial upgrading) and challenges (e.g., digital divide, unemployment, privacy). Well-structured, critical analysis. Medium level (3 to 4 marks): Discusses both sides but lacks depth, or heavily focuses on one side with minimal mention of the other. Low level (1 to 2 marks): Descriptive only; lists facts about AI without linking them to social opportunities or challenges in China.
PastPaper.question 13 · Data-response Questions
6.67 PastPaper.marks
Source C: China has made historic breakthroughs in aerospace, including the completion of the Tiangong Space Station and the successful Mars exploration mission. In recent years, national astronauts have held online lectures for Hong Kong students and invited Hong Kong researchers to participate in payload selection. Based on Source C and your own knowledge, explain how China's achievements in aerospace technology can enhance the national identity of Hong Kong youth.
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PastPaper.workedSolution
1. Building national pride: Breakthroughs like the Space Station and Mars mission demonstrate the country's comprehensive national strength, making Hong Kong youth proud of their country's global leadership in science. 2. Enhancing participation and belonging: Interactive events like space lectures and local recruitment for payload specialists create direct channels for Hong Kong youth to engage with national scientific progress, making them feel connected to the nation's shared future.
PastPaper.markingScheme
High level (5 to 6.67 marks): Clearly explains the mechanism of enhancement: aerospace success breeds national pride; direct engagement (lectures, payload expert selection) fosters a sense of participation and belonging; understanding the country's strength enhances cognitive and emotional national identity. Medium level (3 to 4 marks): Explains how aerospace achievements boost pride, but lacks detailed connection to Hong Kong youth's practical experiences or specific dimensions of national identity. Low level (1 to 2 marks): Gives general statements about aerospace or patriotism without establishing a clear logical link.