2021 HKDSE 中國語文 Practice Paper | DSE Mock

Explain the meaning of the character in the brackets 【】 in the following sentence:

「【縈】青繚白，外與天際。」（《始得西山宴遊記》）

Explain the meaning of the character in the brackets 【】 in the following sentence:

「相如【顧】召趙御史書曰：『某年月日，秦王為趙王擊缶。』」（《廉頗藺相如列傳》）

According to Confucius' teachings in "On Benevolence, Filial Piety, and the Gentleman", a gentleman (Junzi) focuses on self-cultivation. When faced with others not understanding him, he only worries about his own lack of ability, which is (i) "______"; and when dealing with issues, a gentleman (ii) "______", directing requirements toward himself, which contrasts with the petty man's tendency to demand things from others. (Fill in the blanks with direct quotes from the original text)

According to 'On Benevolence, Filial Piety, and the Gentleman', which of the following statements about 'benevolence' (仁) and 'the gentleman' (君子) is/are correct? (1) 'Restraining oneself and returning to propriety is benevolence' shows that practicing benevolence requires self-restraint to conform to propriety. (2) 'Those who are not benevolent cannot long dwell in straitened circumstances' implies that people without benevolence cannot withstand poverty and hardship for long. (3) 'The gentleman worries about the Way, not about poverty' indicates that a gentleman only cares about morals and does not need to work to sustain himself. (4) 'If a man is not benevolent, what has he to do with propriety?' emphasizes that outward ritual is meaningless without inward benevolence.

In 'My First Visit to Xishan', Liu Zongyuan describes his previous travels: 'lying down and dreaming. Whatever was in my mind, my dreams would also reach. Waking up, I arose, and having arisen, I returned'. What does this reflect about his state of mind at that time?

In 'Fish I Want', Mencius contrasts the image of a passerby or beggar refusing 'food shouted at rudely' (嘑爾而與之) or 'food trampled upon' (蹴爾而與之) with that of an official accepting 'ten thousand zhong' of salary 'without distinguishing propriety and righteousness' (萬鍾則不辯禮義而受之). How does this contrast of images support his central argument? Explain with reference to the text.

In 'Encouraging Learning', Xunzi contrasts the images of the 'earthworm' (蚯蚓) and the 'crab' (螃蟹). How does this contrast of images demonstrate the importance of 'concentration' (用心一也) in learning?

In 'On the Six States', Su Xun contrasts 'the ancestors who founded the territory' with 'the descendants who ceded the land'. How does this contrast serve to strengthen his critique of the policy of 'bribing Qin with land' (以地事秦)? Explain with reference to the text.

Read the following excerpt from 'Shuo Yuan' and answer the question.

Duke Ping of Jin asked Shi Kuang, 'I am seventy years old and wish to study, but I fear it is already too late.' Shi Kuang replied, 'Why not light a candle?' Duke Ping said, 'How can a minister joke with his ruler?'

What does Duke Ping's remark, 'How can a minister joke with his ruler', reflect about his mindset at that moment?

Following the previous excerpt, Shi Kuang explained: 'To love learning in old age is like the brightness of a lit candle. How does the brightness of a lit candle compare to walking in the dark?'

Which of the following best translates the meaning of '炳燭之明，孰與昧行乎' in the context?

Read the following excerpt from a modern prose piece:

'The dim, yellowish street lamp at the entrance of the alley is like a tired night watchman, swaying its faint light in the wind and rain, attempting to detain every hurried homecomer with its warm orange glow.'

Which of the following analyses of the writing techniques and effects in this passage is the most accurate?

Read the following classical excerpt and answer the question.

'When King Zhao of Chu lost his kingdom, the sheep-butcher Yue fled. When the King regained his kingdom, he prepared to reward his followers, including Yue. Yue said, "Your Majesty lost the kingdom, which was not my fault, so I did not choose to die for it. Your Majesty regained the kingdom, which was not my achievement, so I do not seek a reward for it." The King said, "Force it upon him!" Yue said, "When Your Majesty lost the kingdom, I lost my butcher shop. When Your Majesty regained the kingdom, I regained my shop. My livelihood has already been restored, so what reward is there to receive?"'

Which moral doctrine of Mencius in 'Fish I Want' is best exemplified by Yue's refusal of the reward?

A modern essayist describes their experience climbing Lion Rock in Hong Kong:

'When I finally stood on the peak of this nameless hill, looking down at the dense reinforced concrete forest below, the wild wind blew away the chest tightness accumulated for days. At that moment, I was no longer a busy gear in the city, but merged with the mountain, the wind, and the drifting clouds, forgetting time and forgetting my own existence.'

Which state of mind or relationship between self and nature described by Liu Zongyuan in 'First Visit to West Mountain' is most similar to the author's state of mind in this passage?

Based on Text 1 and Text 2, the two authors have different reflections on the disappearance of 'old city streets'. Complete the following contrast table: (i) Focus of Text 1: [ ] (2 marks); Emotional attitude of Text 1: Nostalgic and reluctant. (ii) Focus of Text 2: The inevitability of urban development; Emotional attitude of Text 2: [ ] (2 marks).

According to Text 3 (Classical Prose), Duke Jing and Yanzi contrast in their thinking and actions when dealing with the drought. Complete the following contrast table: (i) Duke Jing's reaction/action: [ ] (2 marks); Duke Jing's character traits: Superstitious, anxious, lacking pragmatic foresight. (ii) Yanzi's reaction/action: Believes deities are useless, advocates opening granaries and helping citizens; Yanzi's character traits: [ ] (2 marks).

In the first unseen modern prose, the author spends significant length describing the "chipped ceramic bowl." Analyze how the author uses this object to project his nostalgia and affection for his grandfather.

In the second unseen modern prose, the protagonist gives up the bustling city life and chooses to return to his hometown to plant trees. What kind of life value does this choice reflect? Explain with reference to the text.

According to the unseen classical prose, why did Master Meng refuse the money presented by the local governor? Explain with reference to his words and actions.

Synthesizing the first and second unseen modern prose pieces, what common attitude do the "grandfather" in Text 1 and the "protagonist" in Text 2 demonstrate when facing the impact of modernization? Explain.

In Modern Prose (1), the author states that "only by guarding the backyard of one's soul amidst the clamor of fame and fortune can one maintain the dignity of character." How does this resonate with Mencius's concept of "not losing one's original mind" (不失其本心) in "Fish I Want"? Analyze with reference to both texts.

In Classical Prose (3), during the "tassel-breaking banquet," King Zhuang of Chu ordered all officials to break off their tassels and refused to investigate who harassed his consort. From the perspective of "Junzi" (exemplary person) in The Analects, how does King Zhuang's action demonstrate the character of a Junzi? Analyze with reference to the text and Confucian thoughts.

Modern Prose (1) advocates that "leaving blank spaces in life amidst busyness is the only way to reclaim the subjectivity of life," whereas Ah Keung, the protagonist in Modern Prose (2), believes that "to live is to run non-stop; pausing is a waste of life." Which life attitude do you agree with more? Discuss with reference to daily life.

In Modern Prose (2), the father quietly gives up his painting dream for his family and willingly works as an ordinary blue-collar worker; in Classical Prose (3), the minister Ji Liang speaks out frankly to the king despite personal danger during a national crisis. Both demonstrate a spirit of "responsibility-bearing." Which kind of responsibility do you find more commendable? Discuss your view.

In Modern Prose (1), the author laments that "people are often bound by labels bestowed by society (such as positions, fame, social status), thereby losing their true selves." What is the philosophical connection between this and Zhuangzi's advocacy of "no-self, no-merit, no-fame" (無己、無功、無名) in Carefree Journey? Elaborate with reference to both texts.

In Classical Prose (3), during a crisis, Zi Lu insisted that "a Junzi dies with his cap on" (君子死，冠不免). He was killed by enemy soldiers while tying his cap tassel. Some criticize Zi Lu as "foolishly clinging to rituals," while others praise him for "resolutely defending his dignity with righteous courage." Based on the Confucian views on "Ritual" (禮) and "Righteousness" (義), which evaluation do you agree with? Analyze your stance.

Based on the discussion among the students, match each of the following three views with the correct speaker (Yat-sum, Ka-ho, or Lai-wah). View (1): Online games serve as a safe space for exploring self-identity. View (2): The instant reward system in games easily makes people lose patience when facing real-world setbacks. View (3): The impact of online games is not absolute, but depends on the player's ability to distinguish virtuality from reality.

What is the primary purpose of the teacher's opening remarks?

According to Ka Ho, how does online gaming affect a player's real-life psychological state?

Why does Yan Ting express skepticism about 'virtual friendships' in online games?

Ka Ho mentions the example of 'professional esports players'. What is his main purpose?

Yan Ting uses the metaphor of 'drinking poison to quench thirst' (飲鴆止渴). What issue is she referring to?

Which of the following best describes the teacher's stance throughout the discussion?

According to the dialogue, what shift in 'reality views' has occurred among the younger generation?

What does Ka Ho imply by saying, 'The codes of the game are virtual, but the emotional bonds are real'?

What is the core disagreement between Ka Ho and Yan Ting regarding online gaming?

In the teacher's concluding remarks, what advice is offered to the students?

Based on the recording, what does Ka-ho believe is the primary reason why some teenagers apply 'game survival rules' to real-life social interactions?

According to the listening material, what is Miss Chan's attitude and suggestion regarding the integration of 'gamification' (gamified elements) into classroom teaching?

According to the recording, Chris believes that virtual socializing in online games can completely replace real-life interpersonal interaction. Is this statement Correct, Incorrect, or Not Mentioned?

According to the recording, Mr. Cheung believes that teenagers' long-term indulgence in online role-playing games can easily blur the boundary between reality and virtuality, leading to cognitive bias. Is this statement Correct, Incorrect, or Not Mentioned?

Context:
You are He Tianying, President of the Student Association of Xianggang Secondary School. The school is organizing a campaign titled 'Walking towards a Better Life'. You are invited to deliver a speech at the morning assembly to all senior secondary students.

Based on the listening draft and reading materials provided below, write a speech to:
1. Recommend and elaborate on two life orientations (Accepting setbacks with resilience, and Pursuing inner/spiritual richness over materialism).
2. Select and justify one of the two proposed summer activities (Activity A: 'Green Farming Experience' OR Activity B: 'Elderly Care and Community Service Project') that best meets the developmental needs of modern students.

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[Reading Material 1: Life Orientations]
- Orientation 1: Resilience in Adversity. Facing academic pressure with optimism, seeing setbacks as opportunities for growth.
- Orientation 2: Inner Richness. Overcoming the trend of materialism and peer comparison, focusing on personal values and simple living.

[Reading Material 2: Proposed Summer Activities]
- Activity A: 'Green Farming Experience'. Location: Organic Farm in New Territories. Activities: Soil cultivation, sowing, harvesting, and experiencing simplified, eco-friendly living.
- Activity B: 'Elderly Care and Community Service Project'. Location: Local District Elderly Centers. Activities: Home visits, organizing recreational activities, and recording the life stories of singleton elderly.

[Listening Summary: Teacher-Student Dialogue]
- Teacher: He Tianying, remember that as a student representative, your speech must be encouraging and highly relevant to senior students' lives (e.g., DSE stress, peer comparison).
- Student: Yes, Mr. Wong. I will structure the speech formally, starting with proper greetings to the Principal, teachers, and students, and ending with an inspiring call to action and a polite sign-off.