2022 HKDSE 中國語文 Practice Paper | DSE Mock

In 'Fish for what I want', how does Mencius use the contrast between 'previously' (鄉為) and 'now' (今為) to explain why people lose their 'original mind' (本心) and accept 'ten thousand bushels' (萬鍾) of wealth? Analyze this with reference to the text.

In 'Sheng sheng man', the writer writes, 'On the parasol trees falls the fine rain, drip-drop, drip-drop in the dusk. This state of things, how can the single word "sorrow" express it all!' Analyze how the writer uses multi-sensory descriptions to elevate her sorrow to the utmost during dusk.

In 'Shi Shuo', Han Yu criticizes the contemporary scholar-officials for having double standards regarding choosing teachers for their children versus refusing to learn from teachers themselves. Analyze the specific details of this 'double standard' and Han Yu's commentary on it with reference to the text.

In 'Quanxue', Xunzi uses the metaphors of 'accumulating soil to form a mountain' and 'accumulating water to form a deep pool'. Analyze how these two metaphors support his argument on learning, and explain the learning attitude they emphasize.

In 'First Visit to West Mountain', how does Liu Zongyuan use the 'unique and outstanding' (特立) image of West Mountain to project his own noble character and find spiritual liberation? Analyze this with reference to the text.

In 'The Biographies of Lian Po and Lin Xiangru', Lin Xiangru demonstrates extraordinary strategy in the 'returning the jade intact to Zhao' episode. When he notices the King of Qin has no intention of giving up the cities, how does he use the strategy of 'retreating to advance' to reclaim the Jade of Heshi and resolve the crisis?

In paragraph 1 of 'The Craftsmanship of Time', the author compares 'the busy downtown streets' to 'a rushing river with no destination'. Analyze how this metaphor expresses the author's view on modern urban life. (3.5 marks)

In paragraph 3, the old watchmaker's action of 'meticulously wiping the gears' contrasts with the passersby outside 'frequently checking their mobile phones'. Explain the artistic effect of this contrast in the essay. (3.5 marks)

The old artisan says, 'The hands of the clock may run slow, but life cannot be compromised.' (Paragraph 4) Based on the context, what attitude towards life does this statement reflect? (3.5 marks)

Paragraph 5 describes 'the crisp sound of interlocking gears' and 'the creaking of the old wooden door'. How does the author use auditory description to create a specific atmosphere? Analyze this. (3.5 marks)

In paragraph 6, the author mentions that 'every layer of rust is the patina of time'. What do 'rust' and 'patina' symbolize respectively? What view of time does this express? (3.5 marks)

Synthesizing the whole text, besides being the objects repaired by the old artisan, what symbolic meanings do the 'old clocks' carry? Identify two meanings and briefly explain them. (3.5 marks)

The sentence in paragraph 7, 'Time is a straight line, but memory is a circle,' is deeply philosophical. Explain your understanding of this statement in relation to your own life experiences. (3.5 marks)

Some readers argue that the eighth paragraph, which describes 'the author bidding farewell to the old artisan, stepping out of the shop, and merging back into the bustling crowd', is redundant and should be deleted. Do you agree? Explain from both structural and thematic perspectives. (3.5 marks)

In paragraph 9, the author mentions that 'slowness is sometimes a higher form of speed'. This statement seems contradictory but is not. Analyze the underlying truth of this statement. (3.5 marks)

At the end of 'The Craftsmanship of Time', the author expresses respect for 'those things that remain unchanged amidst the passage of time'. Referencing or combining relevant thoughts from 'Fish is What I Want', explain how Mencius's views embody or support the author's spirit of 'safeguarding eternal values'. (3.5 marks)

According to the following excerpt, the author compares the 'old wardrobe' to 'an anchor intentionally left behind by time'. What is the purpose of this writing? Analyze with reference to the text. Excerpt: 'That old wardrobe standing in the corner, heavy and silent, seemed like an anchor intentionally left behind by time. No matter how tempestuous the world outside became, as long as one's fingertips touched that rough wood grain, a reassuring weight could be felt. It did not only hold out-of-season clothes, but also locked away my mother's youth of those years, and the fragments of our childhood already scattered in all directions.'

According to the following excerpt, why does the author describe this patch of wild grass as 'a silent exclamation mark'? Explain by integrating the content of the text from two perspectives: 'the living state of the wild grass' and 'the inspiration for city dwellers'. Excerpt: 'At the noisy crossroads, a patch of nameless wild grass actually peeked out from the concrete cracks. It possessed neither the sweet scent of lilies nor the delicate beauty of roses, yet amidst the exhaust fumes and dust of heavy traffic, it stubbornly unfurled that patch of green that was almost obstinate. This green color seemed out of place in the cold, gray city, yet it was incomparably striking, like a silent exclamation mark, driven straight into the blind spot of modern civilization.'

In 'Fish for what I want', Mencius proposes that 'life is also what I want; righteousness is also what I want. If I cannot have both, I will choose righteousness over life.' How does this relate to Confucius's view in 'On Benevolence, Duty, and the Gentleman' that 'A resolute scholar and a man of benevolence would not seek to live at the expense of injuring their benevolence. They will even sacrifice their lives to preserve their benevolence'? Compare the core moral demands of 'righteousness' (義) and 'benevolence' (仁) when one's life is threatened, and explain their common underlying belief about human nature.

Xunzi advocates in 'Encouraging Learning' that 'the gentleman learns broadly and examines himself three times daily, then his knowledge will be clear and his conduct without error.' On the other hand, Mencius warns in 'Fish for what I want' against 'losing one's original heart.' Analyze how Xunzi's emphasis on 'external learning and reflection' differs from or complements Mencius's focus on 'preserving the internal original heart' in achieving moral cultivation.

In 'Fish for what I want', Mencius employs the analogy of 'choosing bear's paw over fish' to illustrate 'choosing righteousness over life.' In 'Encouraging Learning', Xunzi uses analogies like 'indigo dye becoming bluer than the plant it came from' and 'ice becoming colder than water.' Compare the rhetorical strategies of these analogies in both texts, and explain how they make abstract philosophical concepts easier to comprehend for the reader.

Both Li Qingzhao's 'Sheng sheng man' and Li Bai's 'Drinking Alone under the Moon' depict a solitary figure drinking wine to cope with loneliness. However, their physical environments and ultimate emotional resolutions differ significantly. Compare how the external environment (e.g., wind, geese, flowers vs. moon, shadow) shapes their respective moods, and explain their different attitudes towards loneliness at the end of their poems.

Zhuangzi in 'Xiao Yao You' pursues the ultimate realm of 'having no reliance' (無待) to achieve absolute spiritual freedom. Tao Yuanming, in 'Drinking Wine (No. 5)', writes: 'When the mind is detached, one's place becomes remote.' Compare the spiritual freedom pursued by Zhuangzi with the inner peace attained by Tao Yuanming. How do their paths to spiritual liberation differ in terms of 'leaving the secular world' versus 'dwelling within it'?

In 'Biography of Lian Po and Lin Xiangru', Lin Xiangru explains his tolerance towards Lian Po: 'I put the country's urgent needs first and private grievances last.' In 'Memorial on Sending out the Troops', Zhuge Liang advises the young emperor to ensure 'the court and the chancellor's office are unified in law, with no differences in rewarding and punishing.' Analyze how both statesmen demonstrate the principle of 'prioritizing public interest over private concerns' (先公後私), and compare their different emphasis on 'personal tolerance' versus 'institutional rule of law' in maintaining state unity.

Fan Zhongyan states in 'Yueyang Tower' that ancient gentlemen of noble character 'did not delight in external things, nor did they lament for themselves' (不以物喜，不以己悲). Conversely, ordinary exiled poets changed their mood based on the weather and their personal fortunes. Connect this division to Mencius's concept of the 'original heart' (本心) and 'righteousness' (義). How does the 'ancient gentleman's' ability to remain steadfast regardless of external circumstances reflect Mencius's idea of 'not losing one's original heart'?

In 'On the Six States', Su Xun warns the Northern Song court against pacifying enemies through appeasement, arguing that 'submitting to invaders with territory is like fueling a fire with wood.' In 'Memorial on Sending out the Troops', Zhuge Liang outlines his geopolitical strategy of 'forming alliances with Sun Wu' and 'pacifying the southern border' to prepare for the Northern expedition. Compare these two strategic approaches to handling external threats, and evaluate how both essays emphasize the critical importance of 'proactive strategic initiative' rather than 'passive defense.'

Traditional Chinese painting emphasizes "leaving blank spaces" (liu bai), where leaving empty areas creates a subtle and profound sense of beauty. In modern busy life, or even in interpersonal relationships, "leaving blank spaces" also holds its unique value. Write an essay with "Leaving Space" as the title to share your personal experience or reflections on this concept. (Write at least 650 characters in Chinese)

In the opening of the radio program, why does Janice feel anxious about her upcoming graduation?

According to Dr. Lee, how do modern graduating students' perspectives on 'success' differ from those of previous generations?

During the discussion, what does Mr. Chan mean when he says some youth are 'wearing a modern straightjacket'?

Janice quotes Mencius's 'Fish for what I want' in her speech plan. Which point does she support with 'obtaining life but not using improper means'?

What is Dr. Lee's attitude towards students who choose corporate jobs over their personal ideals?

In the context of the career discussion, how does Janice redefine Mencius's concept of 'giving up life for righteousness' (舍生取義)?

According to the listening material, what does Janice decide to do as her immediate next step after graduation?

Why does Dr. Lee bring up Zhuangzi's concept of 'the utility of uselessness' (無用之用) in relation to college education?

What is the key consensus reached by all three speakers regarding career choices?

Which of the following descriptions best captures the tone of Dr. Lee throughout the entire program?

Based on the conversation, what is the primary reason Ka-chun suggests using social media to promote the 'Chinese Cultural Heritage Week'?

What is Mei-yi's main concern regarding Ka-chun's proposal of hosting a 'Virtual Exhibition of Relics'?

According to the discussion, which of the following best describes the consensus reached by the committee members?

Which traditional value or philosophy does Mr. Chan's praise of the committee's decision-making process reflect?

Context: You are Lee Chun-yin, President of the Student Union of Xiangjiang Secondary School. You have been invited by the Principal to deliver a speech at the upcoming Graduation Ceremony titled 'Embarking on a New Journey with the Xiangjiang Spirit' (「承香江精神，啟人生新航」). Based on the listening materials (which highlight the rapid technological transition and the need for resilience) and the student union discussion notes, write a speech of about 1000 Chinese characters. Your speech must: 1. Integrate and expand on two essential attitudes graduates should embrace to face future challenges (namely, 'stepping out of one's comfort zone to embrace the unknown' and 'maintaining a thirst for lifelong learning'); 2. Propose two concrete activities or practices that graduates can engage in during university or early career life to cultivate these attitudes, and argue how these actions foster personal growth and contribute to society. Format: Standard DSE Speech format (Title, Salutation, Greeting, Body, Encouragement/Blessing, and Sign-off).