HKDSE · Thinka-original Practice Paper

2023 HKDSE 中國語文 Practice Paper | DSE Mock

Thinka 2023 DSE-Style Mock — 中國語文

180 marks225 mins2023
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.

試卷一 甲部 指定閱讀篇章 (Paper 1 Part A Set Texts)

Answer all questions in this section based on the 12 set texts.
8 Question · 22 marks
Question 1 · Vocabulary Translation
2 marks
Explain the meaning of the word in 【】 in the following sentence:
"凡數州之土壤,皆在【衽席】之下" (First Excursion to Mount Xishan)
Question 2 · Vocabulary Translation
2 marks
Explain the meaning of the word in 【】 in the following sentence:
"君子之於天下也,無【適】也,無莫也,義之與比。" (On Benevolence, Filial Piety and the Gentleman)
Question 3 · Syntax & Textual Form MC
2 marks
In "Biographies of Lian Po and Lin Xiangru", the sentence "求人可使報秦者,未得" (Seeking someone who can be sent to reply to Qin, but none could be found) uses a postpositional modifier (定語後置) structure. Which of the following sentences from the designated texts has the same syntactic structure?
  1. A."蚓無爪牙之利,筋骨之強" (The earthworm has no sharp claws or teeth, nor strong muscles and bones) from "Encouragement to Learning"
  2. B."句讀之不知,惑之不解" (Not knowing how to read punctuated sentences, not resolving one's doubts) from "On Teachers"
  3. C."而君幸於趙王" (And you are favored by the King of Zhao) from "Biographies of Lian Po and Lin Xiangru"
  4. D."青,取之於藍,而青於藍" (Indigo blue is extracted from the indigo plant, but it is bluer than the plant) from "Encouragement to Learning"
Question 4 · Syntax & Textual Form MC
2 marks
Which of the following descriptions comparing the poetic forms and metrical rules of "Drinking Alone Under the Moon (Part 1)", "Autumn Twilight in the Mountain Dwelling", and "On Climbing a Tower" is correct?
  1. A."Drinking Alone Under the Moon" is a five-character ancient style poem (五言古詩) with no limit on the number of lines and no strict requirements for tones and antithesis; while "Autumn Twilight" and "On Climbing a Tower" are regulated octaves (律詩) with strict rules where the middle two couplets must be antithetical.
  2. B.All three poems belong to "Recent-Style Poetry" (近體詩); therefore, they all have strict tonal constraints and must adhere to a rigid rhyming scheme.
  3. C.Both "Autumn Twilight" and "On Climbing a Tower" are regulated poems that can only use level tone rhymes, whereas ancient style poems like "Drinking Alone Under the Moon" are completely prohibited from using level tone rhymes.
  4. D.In regulated octaves, all four couplets (the opening, jaw, neck, and tail couplets) must be strictly antithetical, whereas in ancient style poetry, antithesis is completely forbidden.
Question 5 · Syntax & Textual Form MC
2 marks
The sentence "句讀之不知,惑之不解" (Not knowing how to read punctuated sentences, not resolving one's doubts) in "On Teachers" is an object-fronted sentence (賓語前置). Which of the following sentences from the designated texts shares the same grammatical structure?
  1. A."師道之不傳也久矣" (The practice of learning from teachers has long been lost) from "On Teachers"
  2. B."君何以知燕王?" (How do you know the King of Yan?) from "Biographies of Lian Po and Lin Xiangru"
  3. C."青,取之於藍,而青於藍" (Indigo blue is extracted from the indigo plant, but it is bluer than the plant) from "Encouragement to Learning"
  4. D."and you are favored by the King of Zhao" (And you are favored by the King of Zhao) from "Biographies of Lian Po and Lin Xiangru"
Question 6 · Short Analytical Answer
4 marks
In 'Biographies of Lian Po and Lin Xiangru', how does the scene of the 'Mianchi Meeting' demonstrate Lin Xiangru's image of being 'both courageous and tactful'? Analyze this by referring to the relevant content in terms of both 'courage' and 'tact'.
Question 7 · Short Analytical Answer
4 marks
According to the discussions on the 'gentleman' (junzi) and the 'mean man' (xiaoren) in 'On Benevolence, Filial Piety and the Gentleman', how do they differ in 'treating others' and 'facing problems / self-reflection'? Analyze this with reference to the text.
Question 8 · Short Analytical Answer
4 marks
In 'Drinking Alone Under the Moon (Part 1)', how does Li Bai transform his 'lonely' situation through his imagination of the 'moon' and 'shadow'? How does he ultimately console himself at the end of the poem? Analyze this by referring to the poem.

試卷一 乙部 閱讀能力考材 (Paper 1 Part B Unseen Texts)

Answer questions based on the three unseen texts provided in the reading material booklet.
19 Question · 53.5 marks
Question 1 · Multiple Choice
2 marks
In Paragraph 3 of Text 1, the author describes the demolished old wall as 'a scar left on the earth by time, still oozing the warmth of childhood games.' Which of the following best describes the author's sentiment expressed here?
  1. A.Extreme anxiety and resentment towards the unstoppable flow of time.
  2. B.Complete detachment and indifference towards the changes in the physical world.
  3. C.Deep attachment and sorrow for the loss of childhood footprints, combined with a comforting recollection of past warmth.
  4. D.Sharp satirical critique of the alienation caused by modern urban development.
Question 2 · Multiple Choice
2 marks
In Text 2, the old ferryman's words 'The water flows without rest, but the boatman's heart is like a mountain' (水流不息,而舟子之心如山) imply what philosophy of life?
  1. A.Only by remaining steadfast in one's moral principles can one resist external material temptations.
  2. B.Life is full of changes, but one should maintain inner stability and calmness to cope with external fluctuations.
  3. C.Active engagement in society is as transient as flowing water, while withdrawing into seclusion is as eternal as mountains.
  4. D.Confronting life's difficulties directly is futile; one must flow with the tide to survive.
Question 3 · Multiple Choice
2 marks
Text 2 uses the contrast between the 'mighty waves' (怒濤) and the 'steady boat' (平舟) to argue a point. What is the main rhetorical function of this contrast?
  1. A.To vividly depict the perilous natural environment of the river to create suspense.
  2. B.To mock those who blindly pursue fame and fortune in dangerous situations.
  3. C.To highlight the ferryman's superb sailing skills and extraordinary courage.
  4. D.To emphasize the contrast between external chaos and internal composure, strengthening the main philosophical theme.
Question 4 · Multiple Choice
2 marks
Comparing Text 1 and Text 2, both authors express an attitude towards 'the passage of time'. Which of the following statements is correct?
  1. A.Both authors feel deeply powerless and pessimistic about the relentless flow of time.
  2. B.The author of Text 1 seeks to preserve precious memories amidst change, while the author of Text 2 advocates adapting to nature and achieving spiritual transcendence.
  3. C.Both authors advocate that humans should actively control and reshape time to give life meaning.
  4. D.The author of Text 1 laments the loss of the physical environment, while the author of Text 2 regrets the decay of human moral standards over time.
Question 5 · Multiple Choice
2 marks
In Text 1 (Modern Chinese), the author mentions that 'the modern world has lost its shadow because it is illuminated by too many artificial suns.' What does this sentence imply?
  1. A.Technological advancement has completely eliminated natural hazards.
  2. B.Excessive pursuit of transparency and rationality leaves no room for mystery and soul-searching.
  3. C.Human beings have achieved absolute control over their living environment.
  4. D.The urban landscape is physically brighter and more beautiful than rural areas.
Question 6 · Multiple Choice
2 marks
In Text 2 (Classical Chinese), the text reads: '客有難之曰:『子不仕而隱,是獨善其身,非兼濟天下之法也。』' What is the grammatical function and meaning of '難' (nàn) in this context?
  1. A.Noun, meaning 'disaster' or 'adversity'.
  2. B.Verb used as a causative, meaning 'to make things difficult for someone'.
  3. C.Verb, meaning 'to question', 'to challenge' or 'to object to'.
  4. D.Adjective, meaning 'difficult' or 'hard to accomplish'.
Question 7 · Multiple Choice
2 marks
Based on Text 2 (Classical Chinese), the host responds: '天下有道則見,無道則隱。今政治昏暗,仕者皆阿諛奉承,吾不忍同流合污。' This response aligns best with which classical philosophical concept?
  1. A.Confucius's concept of opportunistic action and moral integrity depending on the state of the world.
  2. B.Mencius's idea that humans are born with inherent goodness but corrupted by social status.
  3. C.Xunzi's assertion that continuous education and artificial reform are necessary to correct evil nature.
  4. D.Zhuangzi's absolute pursuit of spiritual transcendence and 'the usefulness of uselessness'.
Question 8 · Multiple Choice
2 marks
Text 1 states that 'silence in a bustling city is a form of self-possession,' while Text 2 states that 'living in seclusion is to preserve one's integrity.' Which of the following statements best synthesizes the core similarity between the two authors' life attitudes?
  1. A.Both advocate for complete physical isolation from society to avoid any human interaction.
  2. B.Both emphasize maintaining inner purity and independence amidst external pressure or chaos.
  3. C.Both believe that quiet environments automatically guarantee superior moral achievements.
  4. D.Both express deep regret for failing to adapt to mainstream social values.
Question 9 · Multiple Choice
2 marks
In Reading Text (1), what is the author's primary intention in describing the protagonist's action 'He then closed his doors to decline guests, spending his days entertaining himself with the zither and books' (遂閉門謝客,日以琴書自娛)?
  1. A.To show that he was depressed and demoralized due to setbacks in his official career.
  2. B.To demonstrate his indifference to fame and wealth, and his noble, lofty character.
  3. C.To explain his helpless attempt to escape from the fierce political struggles of the court.
  4. D.To imply his hidden strategy of retiring temporarily while waiting for the right moment to make a comeback.
Question 10 · Analytical Short Answer
3.5 marks
Based on the unseen classical passage (describing Han Dynasty Minister Bing Ji tolerating his carriage driver's mistakes to avoid disrupting state affairs) and Lin Xiangru's avoidance of Lian Po in 'Biographies of Lian Po and Lin Xiangru', analyze the similarities and differences in how both prioritized the state.
Question 11 · Analytical Short Answer
3.5 marks
In the unseen modern prose 'Sunset on a Barren Hill', the author states: 'Looking at the boundless sky, I felt a oneness with nature and all my worldly worries vanished.' How is this mental state similar to Liu Zongyuan's feeling of 'with soul bound and body freed, blending unconsciously with the infinite' at Mount Xishan in 'First Excursion to Mount Xishan'? Analyze with reference to both texts.
Question 12 · Analytical Short Answer
3.5 marks
The unseen classical text mentions: 'Dripping water wears away stone, not by its strength, but by its persistent consistency.' Which learning principle in 'Encouragement to Learning' does this align with? How do both texts use metaphors to illustrate this principle? Analyze briefly.
Question 13 · Analytical Short Answer
3.5 marks
The unseen classical passage describes a starving beggar refusing 'food handed out in contempt' (嗟來之食) even though he was dying of hunger. How does this behavior practice the principle: 'Wealth and high station are what men desire but, if they got them in an unprincipled way, they would not keep them' in 'On Benevolence, Filial Piety and the Gentleman'? Explain with reference to both texts.
Question 14 · Analytical Short Answer
3.5 marks
Read the following modern Chinese unseen text excerpt and answer the question: 'The rusted iron gate, braving the wind and rain, makes a heavy creaking sound; though it blocks the prosperity outside, it also locks the years inside.' How does the author use the image of the 'rusted iron gate' to symbolize the protagonist's psychological state? Analyze with reference to the text.
Question 15 · Analytical Short Answer
3.5 marks
Read the following classical Chinese unseen text excerpt and answer the question: 'A gentleman receives emolument not without merit. Now I have offered not a single strategy, yet I receive a hundred gold pieces; this is selling my reputation, which I will not do.' State the reason why the scholar refuses the hundred gold pieces, and analyze what personality trait this reflects.
Question 16 · Analytical Short Answer
3.5 marks
Read the following classical Chinese unseen text excerpt and answer the question: 'Climbing high and looking far, the universe is boundless, and my body is like a drifting leaf; yet my mind is bright and flows with heaven and earth, so what is there to worry?' Compare the 'spiritual realm' of the author when climbing high in this excerpt with the realm experienced by Liu Zongyuan at Mount Xishan in 'First Excursion to Mount Xishan'.
Question 17 · Analytical Short Answer
3.5 marks
Read the following modern Chinese unseen text excerpt and answer the question: 'The clamor of the market surges like a tide and recedes; he sits alone in the corner, a wisp of white smoke rising from his hot tea, blurring the hurried faces outside the window.' How does the author use 'contrast' to express the protagonist's state of mind? Analyze with reference to the text.
Question 18 · Analytical Short Answer
3.5 marks
Read the following passage depicting Su Shi's state of mind during his banishment: 'All things have something worth observing. If there is something worth observing, there is joy to be found, not necessarily only in the strange, magnificent, or beautiful. ... Extending this attitude, wherever one goes, how can one not find joy?' (Su Shi, 'An Account of Chao Ran Terrace') Based on this passage, compare Su Shi's view with Liu Zongyuan's attitude toward wandering and sightseeing ('strolling slowly and wandering aimlessly') before his discovery of West Mountain in 'First Excursion to Mount Xishan'. How do their attitudes toward exile and adversity differ? (3.5 marks)
Question 19 · Comparative Evaluation
4 marks
In Text 1, after the Lord of Xu passed away, Ji Zha still hung his precious sword on the tree by the Lord's grave, saying, "My heart had already promised it to him at the beginning; how could I betray my own heart just because he has died?" (「始吾心已許之,豈以死倍吾心哉!」) How does Ji Zha's behavior embody the qualities of a "gentleman" (君子) as discussed in "On Benevolence, Filial Piety and the Gentleman"? Explain with reference to both texts.

試卷三 甲部 聆聽能力 (Paper 3 Part A Listening)

Listen to the recording and answer multiple-choice and matching questions.
14 Question · 19.599999999999998 marks
Question 1 · Multiple Choice
1.4 marks
According to the listening script, what is Yat-sum's main concern regarding modern students' learning attitudes?
  1. A.They lack perseverance and give up easily.
  2. B.They only focus on exam results, neglecting self-reflection and cultivation.
  3. C.They do not know how to choose good environments to study.
  4. D.They rely too much on teacher guidance and lack independent thinking.
Question 2 · Multiple Choice
1.4 marks
How does Yeung-ming view exam-oriented study in relation to Xunzi's metaphor of 'accumulating earth to form a mountain'?
  1. A.He believes exam preparation is a useless accumulation that cannot lead to true wisdom.
  2. B.He argues that any form of systematic study, including exam prep, counts as a form of knowledge accumulation.
  3. C.He suggests that accumulation must be done in nature to be effective.
  4. D.He asserts that only by passing exams can students successfully 'generate wind and rain'.
Question 3 · Multiple Choice
1.4 marks
According to Ka-po, how does Liu Zongyuan's experience in 'First Excursion to Mount Xishan' inspire modern people to cope with stress?
  1. A.By physically climbing mountains to escape stressful urban realities.
  2. B.By realizing that true learning and relief begin when one shifts their perspective and broadens their mind.
  3. C.By comparing the height of mountains to the ranking of academic achievements.
  4. D.By focusing on detailed documentation of natural scenery to distract oneself.
Question 4 · Multiple Choice
1.4 marks
Teacher Zhang quotes 'the Gentleman seeks it in himself' to suggest what direction for the students' project exhibition?
  1. A.Presenting ways students can complain about current educational policies.
  2. B.Reflecting on one's own learning motivations instead of blaming external environments.
  3. C.Designing a set of study guides for peer tutoring.
  4. D.Comparing the different requirements of examinations across different dynasties.
Question 5 · Multiple Choice
1.4 marks
According to the listening materials, what is Alan's primary attitude towards modern exam-oriented education in relation to Xunzi's 'Encouragement to Learning'?
  1. A.It helps students build a solid foundation quickly.
  2. B.It ignores the internal moral transformation of learning, focusing only on external utility.
  3. C.It is the only way to achieve social mobility.
  4. D.It aligns perfectly with classical theories of learning.
Question 6 · Multiple Choice
1.4 marks
In the recording, Bella discusses her volunteer experience. Which of the following aligns with her explanation of why a 'gentleman is difficult to please' ('On Benevolence, Filial Piety and the Gentleman')?
  1. A.Because a gentleman demands absolute obedience from his helpers regardless of the situation.
  2. B.Because a gentleman only values people with high academic qualifications.
  3. C.Because you cannot please or serve a gentleman through ways that deviate from the Right Way (Dao).
  4. D.Because a gentleman expects everyone to have perfect moral character from the beginning.
Question 7 · Multiple Choice
1.4 marks
According to Dr. Chan, what is the most important lesson modern people can learn from the story of 'Lian Po and Lin Xiangru' when resolving interpersonal conflicts?
  1. A.Avoid any confrontation with rivals to maintain superficial workplace peace.
  2. B.Prioritize collective and national interests above personal pride, and have the courage to acknowledge mistakes.
  3. C.Utilize superior rhetorical skills to expose the opponent's shortcomings in public.
  4. D.Wait for a third-party authority to mediate before making any compromise.
Question 8 · Multiple Choice
1.4 marks
Based on the dialogue, which of the following best contrasts Bella and Alan's attitudes towards dealing with life's loneliness and pressure?
  1. A.Bella advocates escape to nature to forget social responsibilities, whereas Alan values career success above all else.
  2. B.Bella finds self-reconciliation and inner peace through nature, while Alan emphasizes active social engagement and peer support.
  3. C.Bella believes that individual isolation is the only way to attain wisdom, while Alan argues that peer groups always cause peer pressure.
  4. D.Both agree that avoiding social contact is the most effective modern coping mechanism.
Question 9 · Multiple Choice
1.4 marks
According to Dr. Chan's speech in the recording, how does he interpret the Confucian gentleman's virtue of "helping others to achieve their moral goals" (成人之美) in the age of social media?
  1. A.Sharing friends' promotional posts unconditionally to boost their online popularity.
  2. B.Avoiding pointing out mistakes made by peers online to maintain harmony.
  3. C.Promoting positive and constructive discourse while actively refraining from cyberbullying.
  4. D.Sharing personal achievements widely to inspire online followers.
Question 10 · Multiple Choice
1.4 marks
Sharon shares her experience of organizing a school campaign. What key lesson did she learn that embodies the concept "The gentleman seeks within himself" (君子求諸己)?
  1. A.When cooperation encounters difficulties, one should first reflect on one's own shortcomings rather than blaming others.
  2. B.A capable leader should complete critical tasks independently to avoid group conflicts.
  3. C.One must demand strict obedience and high standards from team members to guarantee success.
  4. D.One should change personal values to align with the preferences of the majority.
Question 11 · Multiple Choice
1.4 marks
In the latter part of the discussion, what guidance does Dr. Chan offer regarding how modern youths should handle the relationship between "righteousness" (義) and "profit" (利)?
  1. A.Renounce material gains entirely to focus on spiritual and moral self-cultivation.
  2. B.Maximize personal and commercial profits as long as no laws are broken.
  3. C.Pursue career success and financial gain in ways that actively contribute to social well-being.
  4. D.Focus solely on wealth accumulation in youth, and delay social contributions until retirement.
Question 12 · Multiple Choice
1.4 marks
Based on the entire conversation, what consensus do the host and the two guests reach regarding the inheritance of traditional Chinese virtues?
  1. A.Traditional moral frameworks must be preserved without any alterations to retain their purity.
  2. B.Traditional wisdom needs to be flexibly reinterpreted and integrated into contemporary daily life.
  3. C.Rapid technological development has rendered traditional values obsolete and impractical.
  4. D.Classical ethics are best preserved through formal academic study rather than daily social practices.
Question 13 · Multiple Choice
1.4 marks
According to the conversation, what is the main difference Chi Keung identifies between Li Bai in 'Drinking Alone Under the Moon' and Liu Zongyuan in 'First Excursion to Mount Xishan' when dealing with loneliness?
  1. A.Li Bai seeks imaginary companions to escape, whereas Liu Zongyuan finds spiritual liberation and a sense of unity through the natural landscape of Mount Xishan.
  2. B.Li Bai remains deeply sorrowful throughout, while Liu Zongyuan completely forgets his political exile from the very beginning of his excursions.
  3. C.Li Bai relies on alcoholic indulgence to find true friendship, whereas Liu Zongyuan relies on social gatherings with local monks.
  4. D.Li Bai rejects the natural world entirely, while Liu Zongyuan regards Mount Xishan as a temporary refuge before returning to court.
Question 14 · Multiple Choice
1.4 marks
In the latter part of the conversation, Mei Ling refers to the concept of the 'Gentleman' (Junzi) from the 'Analects'. How does she think a 'Gentleman' would view the actions of Li Bai and Liu Zongyuan?
  1. A.They both failed to meet the standard of 'remaining unperturbed even when others do not appreciate them,' as they both lamented their isolation.
  2. B.Liu Zongyuan aligns more with 'the gentleman remains steadfast in distress,' whereas Li Bai's escapism through wine deviates from the ideal of social harmony without conformity.
  3. C.Both characters perfectly embody 'benevolence is to love others,' because they expressed deep concern for the common people's plight.
  4. D.Only Li Bai demonstrates the virtue of 'filial piety,' as his drinking is a way to honor his family's reputation while in exile.

試卷三 乙部 綜合能力寫作 (Paper 3 Part B Integrated Writing)

Write an integrated essay/letter based on the listening recording and reading materials.
1 Question · 80 marks
Question 1 · practical_writing
80 marks
You are Lam Yat-sing, the President of the Youth Culture Club of Hang Tan Secondary School. To promote traditional cultural heritage on campus, the school previously organized the 'Traditional Craftsmanship Promotion Scheme'. Write a proposal to Principal Leung, reviewing the implementation and effectiveness of the two activities held last term, and proposing two new activities for the next academic year. Your proposal must justify how these two new activities promote students' 'personal growth' and 'cultural inheritance'. Use the provided Listening Material Summary and Reading Materials to complete the task.