2024 HKDSE Citizenship and Social Development Answers & Marking Scheme

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.

Award 1 mark for the correct answer D. No marks are given for incorrect options.

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.

Award 1 mark for the correct answer A. No marks are given for incorrect options.

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.

Award 1 mark for the correct answer B. No marks are given for incorrect options.

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.

Award 1 mark for the correct answer A. No marks are given for incorrect options.

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.

Award 1 mark for the correct answer D. No marks are given for incorrect options.

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.

- 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.

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.

- 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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.