2021 HKDSE English Language Practice Paper | DSE Mock

Read the following statement: 'The traditional Japanese tea ceremony is less about the consumption of matcha and more about the cultivation of mindfulness.' What does this statement imply about the ceremony?

Read the following sentence: 'High-altitude mountaineering continues to attract adrenaline junkies despite the lethal hazards of the death zone.' What does the term 'adrenaline junkies' refer to?

In a controlled experiment on sleep deprivation, researchers found that 'Group B, which had short, structured REM-focused naps, exhibited significantly higher processing speeds than Group A, who slept continuously but had disrupted sleep cycles.' What can be inferred about Group B's performance?

According to a historical account, 'The transition from the traditional great kilt to the small kilt in the 18th century was prompted by the needs of industrial laborers, who found the voluminous fabric of the great kilt hazardous around heavy machinery.' Why did the kilt change?

Read the following expert opinion on e-sports: 'While the sheer scale of the global gaming audience makes e-sports an attractive prospect for Olympic organizers, the lack of a unified global governing body and the rapid life cycle of individual video games present formidable barriers to inclusion.' What is the expert's attitude towards e-sports joining the Olympics?

In a citizen science project tracking urban biodiversity, researchers noted that 'leveraging thousands of smartphone-equipped residents allowed us to map avian nesting patterns across the entire metropolitan area within weeks—a feat that would have taken our university team years to complete.' What is the primary benefit of this research method?

A food writer remarks: 'From Korean kimchi to German sauerkraut, culinary preservation is a delicate dance with decay, where beneficial microbes are curated to fend off harmful pathogens.' What does 'a delicate dance with decay' mean in this context?

In a report on youth physical activity, the author writes: 'To combat sedentary lifestyles, schools must pivot from hyper-competitive track programs to lifetime fitness models that prioritize personal progress and individual enjoyment over winning.' What solution does the author propose?

An experiment on consumer psychology found that placing fresh fruit at eye level in school cafeterias increased its selection by 40%. The researchers termed this a victory for 'choice architecture.' What does 'choice architecture' mean here?

A cultural heritage paper states: 'When traditional garments like the Indian sari or the Korean hanbok are completely supplanted by westernized fast fashion, we lose far more than cloth; we lose the woven narratives of family lineage, regional identity, and ancient craftsmanship.' According to the passage, what is lost?

Read the following extract and answer the question:
'The relentless spotlight on elite athletes has transformed modern sports into a psychological pressure cooker. Critics argue that the obsessive pursuit of gold medals often eclipses the fundamental value of personal growth and camaraderie.'

According to the text, what does 'eclipses' mean?

Read the following extract and answer the question:
'While proponents championed VAR as the ultimate arbiter of truth on the pitch, its implementation has drawn flak for disrupting the natural, visceral flow of the beautiful game.'

What is the writer's attitude towards the implementation of VAR?

Read the following extract and answer the question:
'Crossing the finish line of a 100-mile ultra-marathon is less about physical prowess than it is a testament to sheer mental fortitude. When the muscles scream in protest, it is the mind that must silence them.'

Which of the following is closest in meaning to 'fortitude'?

Read the following extract and answer the question:
'Once dismissed as a sedentary pastime for teenagers, esports has burgeoned into a multi-billion-dollar global phenomenon, challenging traditional definitions of athleticism.'

The word 'burgeoned' suggests that esports has...

Read the following extract and answer the question:
'The symbiotic relationship between athletic federations and corporate sponsors ensures lucrative funding, yet it simultaneously threatens to compromise the competitive integrity of the sports themselves.'

According to the passage, the relationship between athletic federations and sponsors is...

Read the following extract and answer the question:
'In an era dominated by transient fast-fashion trends, the preservation of traditional garments like the Japanese Kimono or the Indian Sari serves as a vital anchor for cultural identity.'

Why does the writer refer to traditional garments as an 'anchor'?

Read the following extract and answer the question:
'From Korean kimchi to Icelandic hákarl, fermentation is a culinary art form born of necessity, historically used to ward off spoilage before the advent of refrigeration.'

Based on the passage, why did people historically ferment food?

Read the following extract and answer the question:
'In many Middle Eastern cultures, offering coffee is a sacred ritual of hospitality. To decline the first cup is often perceived as a tacit rejection of the host's goodwill.'

What does 'tacit' mean in this context?

Read the following extract and answer the question:
'Street food is the democratic equalizer of culinary worlds. In cities like Bangkok or Penang, CEOs and construction workers sit shoulder to shoulder on plastic stools, united by their craving for the same humble noodle dish.'

Which phrase best captures the writer's description of street food?

Read the following extract and answer the question:
'The primary pitfall of school science projects is confirmation bias; students often manipulate variables or overlook anomalies simply to align their experimental outcomes with their preconceived hypotheses.'

According to the text, what causes students to ignore anomalous data in their science projects?

Read the following paragraph:

"While proponents argue that early specialization in elite gymnastics and swimming is crucial for mastering complex motor skills, critics point out the alarming rates of physical burnout and psychological exhaustion. It is hard to celebrate a teenager's gold medal when it is paid for with a childhood spent entirely in chlorinated isolation."

What is the writer's attitude towards the early specialization of young athletes in this paragraph?

Read the following paragraph:

"To some, natto—fermented soybeans with a pungent aroma and a viscous, stringy texture—is a nutritious culinary treasure. To others, it is an olfactory assault. This polarizing dish has divided breakfast tables in Japan for centuries, reflecting how deeply acquired tastes are bound to cultural identity."

According to the text, the word "polarizing" suggests that natto...

Read the following paragraph:

"When the student team proposed the urban hydroponic garden project, they anticipated pushback regarding the budget. However, the real hurdle emerged when the local council raised zoning concerns, citing archaic regulations that did not account for soil-free agriculture within school boundaries. The team spent weeks redrafting their proposal before planting a single seed."

In the text, what was the primary obstacle faced by the student team at the start of their project?

Read the following paragraph:

"The Andean pollera—a voluminous, multi-layered skirt worn by indigenous women—has transitioned from a symbol of colonial imposition to a proud badge of cultural agency. Today, young designers are reclaiming the garment, turning what was once a signifier of peasant status into a vibrant testament to resilience on international runways."

What does the phrase "a vibrant testament to resilience" imply about the pollera skirt?

Read the following paragraph:

"By including competitive video gaming in the regional games, organizers are blurring the lines of athleticism. Critics argue that physical exertion is the cornerstone of sport, while advocates point to the cognitive load, split-second reflexes, and rigorous training schedules of esports athletes, which rival those of traditional marathoners."

In the text, what does the phrase "blurring the lines of athleticism" imply?

Read the text below and complete the flowchart. Choose ONE word only from the text for each blank.

Text:
"Before embarking on the intensive phase, athletes must first build a solid aerobic base. Once stamina is established, they transition to speed intervals to enhance anaerobic capacity. This is followed by a taper period where mileage is drastically reduced to allow muscle recovery."

Flowchart:
1. Build base -> 2. Transition to (i) [blank] -> 3. Enter (ii) [blank] to recover muscles.

According to the text, what are the TWO primary objectives of introducing the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) in professional football?

Text:
"The implementation of VAR was aimed at minimizing human errors that could alter match outcomes. By reviewing video footage of critical incidents, officials can correct clear and obvious errors, thereby ensuring fairer competition on the pitch."

Complete the flowchart below showing the preparation steps of a traditional Japanese tea ceremony. Use NO MORE THAN TWO words from the text for each blank.

Text:
"To prepare for the ritual, the host first purifies the tea utensils with a silk cloth called a fukusa. After cleansing, the green tea powder (matcha) is measured into the bowl. Finally, hot water is whisked into the powder until a rich froth forms."

Flowchart:
Step 1: Use a silk cloth to (i) [blank] the utensils. -> Step 2: Measure matcha into the bowl. -> Step 3: Whisk in hot water until a (ii) [blank] is achieved.

Based on the project summary, state TWO control variables the students maintained during the botany experiment.

Text:
"To test the effect of different light spectra on plant growth, we exposed three groups of Arabidopsis thaliana to red, blue, and white LED lights respectively. To ensure a fair test, all groups were housed in the same incubator at a constant temperature of 22°C and watered with exactly 10mL of distilled water daily."

Complete the flowchart tracing Dick Fosbury's high jump technique using words from the text. Use ONE word for each blank.

Text:
"In the Fosbury Flop, the athlete begins with a curved approach to gain centrifugal force. Next, they take off from the outer foot, rotating their hips mid-air. They then arch their back over the bar before landing on their shoulders."

Flowchart:
Take a curved approach -> Take off from (i) [blank] foot -> (ii) [blank] back over the bar -> Land on shoulders.

According to the passage, what is the cultural significance of the 'tartan' pattern, and how is it traditionally determined?

Text:
"Kilts are made of woven wool featuring a distinctive crisscross pattern called a tartan. Historically, specific tartan patterns were associated with individual Scottish clans, serving as a visual badge of kinship and regional identity."

According to the text, what are the TWO mental techniques extreme sports athletes use to combat fear?

Text:
"To survive extreme environments, elite climbers rely heavily on psychological conditioning. They employ visualization, mentally rehearsing every handhold before the ascent, as well as controlled breathing to suppress the body's acute stress response."

Complete the flowchart below based on the physics project instructions. Use NO MORE THAN THREE words from the text for each blank.

Text:
"Students must design a capsule to protect a raw egg from a two-story drop. The first stage involves building an outer frame from drinking straws to absorb impact. Next, students must suspend the egg inside the frame using elastic bands. The final step is to attach a small plastic parachute to slow down the descent."

Flowchart:
1. Build (i) [blank] from straws. -> 2. Suspend the egg with elastic bands. -> 3. Attach a (ii) [blank] to reduce descent speed.

According to paragraph 1, why was kimchi originally developed, and what modern benefit does it offer?

Text:
"Originating in ancient Korea, kimchi was developed as a fermentation method to preserve vegetables during harsh winter months when agriculture was impossible. Today, this traditional dish is celebrated globally as a superfood rich in gut-healthy probiotics."

Complete the flowchart showing how professional cyclists use 'drafting' to save energy. Use ONE word from the text for each blank.

Text:
"In road cycling, drafting is a vital strategy. The lead rider expends immense energy cutting through air resistance. The following rider slips into the low-pressure pocket created behind the leader, reducing their aerodynamic drag and conserving up to 40% of their physical effort."

Flowchart:
Lead rider cuts through (i) [blank] resistance. -> Following rider enters low-pressure pocket. -> Aerodynamic (ii) [blank] is reduced. -> Conserves physical effort.

According to the paragraph, what is the first step the host must take in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony, and what specific tool is used to prepare the matcha? [Extract: In traditional Japanese tea ceremonies, the host must perform precise movements. First, they purify the tea utensils with a silk cloth (fukusa). Next, they whisk the matcha powder with hot water using a bamboo whisk (chasen) until a fine froth forms. Finally, the host presents the bowl to the main guest with the front facing them.]

Complete the flowchart below showing the training phases of an elite marathoner: Base Phase -> (i) [______] -> (ii) [______] -> Tapering Phase [Extract: The training cycle of an elite marathoner involves four distinct phases. It starts with the 'Base Phase' to build aerobic capacity. Next, they enter the 'Strength Phase', introducing hill repeats. This is followed by the 'Peak Phase', which includes race-pace workouts. Finally, the 'Tapering Phase' reduces mileage to allow recovery before the race.]

Based on the project findings, how did the root systems of Group B differ from Group A, and what was the reason for this difference? [Extract: In a school science project investigating plant growth, Group A watered their samples daily, while Group B only watered theirs twice a week. Surprisingly, Group B's plants developed deeper root systems. The student researchers concluded that mild water stress encourages root exploration, whereas constant moisture keeps roots shallow.]

Complete the flowchart illustrating the stages of Kyoto kimono silk production: Winding threads on bobbins -> (i) [______] -> Weaving on handloom -> (ii) [______] [Extract: The production of traditional Kimono silk in Kyoto involves several stages. Raw silk threads are first wound onto bobbins. Then, they are dyed using natural plant-based extracts. After drying, the threads are meticulously woven on a handloom to create complex patterns. Finally, the fabric is washed in the clean waters of the Kamo River to fix the colors.]

State the immediate physiological change that occurs in a runner's body at high altitude, and explain how this change benefits their performance at sea level. [Extract: High-altitude training is favored by long-distance runners. At high altitudes, the air is thinner, meaning there is less oxygen. To compensate, the runner's body produces more erythropoietin (EPO), which stimulates red blood cell production. This increases oxygen delivery to muscles, thereby enhancing stamina when they return to sea level.]

What was the dual purpose of the traditional 'great kilt' worn by Scottish highlanders, and how does the modern kilt differ in structure? [Extract: The Scottish Kilt is more than just a skirt; it is a symbol of clan heritage. Each clan has its unique tartan pattern. Traditionally, the kilt was made from a long piece of woolen cloth called a 'great kilt', which served both as clothing and as a blanket for sleeping outdoors during harsh Highland winters. Today, modern 'small kilts' are pre-pleated and much easier to wear.]

Complete the flowchart showing the steps to produce a bioplastic sheet: (i) [______] -> Heat and stir mixture -> Pour gel onto mold -> (ii) [______] [Extract: To test the efficacy of household bioplastics, researchers followed a strict protocol. First, they mixed cornstarch, water, and glycerin in a beaker. Next, they heated the mixture gently while stirring constantly until it thickened into a gel. Third, they poured the gel onto a flat mold to cool. Finally, they cured the film in an oven at 50°C for 24 hours to obtain the final bioplastic sheet.]

Why are slick tires preferred in dry conditions, and why do they fail in rainy conditions? [Extract: In Formula 1 racing, tire strategy is critical. Teams choose between slick tires for dry tracks and wet tires with deep grooves for rainy conditions. Slick tires maximize the contact patch with the asphalt, providing superior grip. However, on a wet track, slick tires suffer from aquaplaning because they cannot disperse water, making wet tires essential as their grooves channel water away.]

Complete the flowchart showing the stages of sourdough bread-making: Feed starter -> Mix dough -> (i) [______] -> Shape and proof overnight -> (ii) [______] [Extract: The sourdough bread-making process requires patience. First, the baker feeds the wild yeast starter with flour and water. Once active, the starter is mixed with flour, salt, and water to form dough. This is followed by bulk fermentation, where the dough rests and rises. Next, the dough is shaped into loaves and placed in the fridge for overnight proofing. Finally, the loaves are baked in a hot Dutch oven.]

What was the role of the actors in this experiment, and what did the high conformity rate demonstrate about human behavior? [Extract: In a social psychology experiment on conformity, participants were asked to identify which of three lines matched a standard line. Unknown to the participant, the other 'participants' in the room were actors who intentionally gave the wrong answer. The results showed that over 70% of real participants conformed at least once, proving that the desire to fit in often overrides objective sensory evidence.]

Based on the text below, complete the flowchart by filling in the blanks. Write NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS from the text for each answer.

Text:
'To begin the Japanese tea ceremony, the host first meticulously cleans the tea utensils, including the tea bowl and whisk, in front of the guests. Next, the host adds green tea powder (Matcha) to the bowl and pours hot water over it. Using a bamboo whisk, the host briskly stirs the mixture until a fine, frothy lather forms on the surface. Finally, the host presents the prepared bowl to the principal guest, who rotates the bowl twice before drinking to avoid drinking from the front design.'

Flowchart:
Step 1: Clean the tea utensils.
-> Step 2: Add Matcha and hot water to the bowl.
-> Step 3: Whisk the mixture until a (i) ___________ forms on the surface.
-> Step 4: Present the bowl to the guest, who needs to (ii) ___________ before drinking.

Read the debate excerpt below and complete the summary table with words or phrases from the text. Write NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS for each answer.

Debate Excerpt:
Julian: 'E-sports lack the physical exertion central to traditional athletics. Olympic sports should celebrate physical mastery, not hand-eye coordination on a screen. Additionally, commercial interests dominate gaming, which compromises the amateur spirit of the Games.'
Clara: 'Physical exertion takes many forms; professional gamers undergo intensive training and experience heart rates comparable to racing drivers. More importantly, including e-sports is essential to engaging younger audiences who are increasingly detached from traditional sports broadcasts.'

Summary Table:
Julian's Arguments & Reasons:
- Argument 1: E-sports are not true athletics because they lack [1] __________.
- Argument 2: Gaming's heavy [2] __________ is harmful because it compromises the [3] __________ of the Olympics.
Clara's Arguments & Reasons:
- Argument 3: Gamers are athletes because they undergo [4] __________ and have heart rates similar to [5] __________.
- Argument 4: Including e-sports is crucial to [6] __________ who are currently [7] __________ from [8] __________.

Read the culinary debate below and complete the summary table with words or phrases from the text. Write NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS for each answer.

Debate Excerpt:
Chef Kenji: 'Traditional cooking is an intangible cultural heritage. Substituting hand-pulled noodles with machine-extruded ones destroys the unique texture and deprives chefs of a lifelong craft. Moreover, using synthetic ingredients destroys the historical connection to local terroir.'
Dr. Elena: 'We must adapt to survive. Automation ensures food safety and addresses severe labor shortages in the culinary industry. Furthermore, incorporating climate-resilient, lab-grown crops guarantees the survival of traditional recipes even as climate change decimates local farms.'

Summary Table:
Chef Kenji's Claims & Reasons:
- Claim 1: Mechancial substitution is detrimental because it ruins the [1] __________ and takes away a [2] __________ from professional chefs.
- Claim 2: Synthetic ingredients should not be used because they break the [3] __________ linked to [4] __________.
Dr. Elena's Claims & Reasons:
- Claim 3: Technological automation is beneficial because it maintains [5] __________ and resolves the problem of [6] __________.
- Claim 4: Lab-grown crops are necessary to safeguard the [7] __________ which is threatened by [8] __________.

You are the Chairperson of the Student Union at Pinehurst Secondary School. Your school is organizing an 'International Food and Culture Fair' next month to celebrate diversity. Write an article for the school newsletter to promote this event. In your article, you should: (1) Explain the purpose of the fair; (2) Describe two highlights (e.g., specific food stalls, traditional clothing showcases, or cultural performances) that students can look forward to; (3) Encourage students to participate or sign up as volunteers. Write about 200 words.

Part B

Learning English through Cultures of the World

Your school recently organized a 'Global Customs and Food Festival' to celebrate cultural diversity on campus. As the Chairperson of the Cultural Exchange Club, write an article for the school magazine reflecting on the event.

In your article, you should:
* describe two unique customs, traditional clothing, or food items from different countries showcased during the festival;
* discuss how experiencing these cultural elements has deepened students' appreciation of other heritages; and
* suggest two concrete ways the school can continue to foster a culturally inclusive environment in the upcoming academic year.

Write about 400 words. Give your article a title.

Task 1: Listen to an interview between Alan (host) and Brenda (sports coordinator) about the upcoming Asia-Pacific Youth Games (APYG). Fill in the blanks (1-14) in the information sheet below with the correct words or numbers based on the audio recording. You now have 30 seconds to study the task. [APYG Information Sheet] - Host City: [Blank 1] - Total number of sports featured: [Blank 2] - New sports introduced this year: (i) [Blank 3] and (ii) [Blank 4] - Key Event Dates: * Opening Ceremony: [Blank 5] * Closing Ceremony: [Blank 6] * Individual Registration Deadline: [Blank 7] - Competition Venues: * Aquatics Centre Location: [Blank 8] * National Stadium Seating Capacity: [Blank 9] - Entry Fees & Eligibility: * Fee per individual athlete: [Blank 10] * Fee per participating team: [Blank 11] * Target age group: from [Blank 12] years old to [Blank 13] years old - Contact Information: * Volunteer application email: [Blank 14]

Task 2: Listen to a podcast episode hosted by Yuki about the upcoming Hokkaido Winter Rice and Snow Festival. Fill in the blanks (1-14) in the informational layout below. You now have 30 seconds to study the task. [Hokkaido Winter Rice and Snow Festival Factsheet] - Event Location: [Blank 1], Hokkaido - Featured Competition: [Blank 2] competition - Traditional Food Specialties: * [Blank 3]: Skewered rice cakes with a sweet soy glaze * Ishikari Nabe: Hot pot featuring [Blank 4] as the main protein, cooked in a traditional [Blank 5] broth - Recommended Winter Clothing Guidelines: * Inner layer: [Blank 6] underwear * Mid layer: [Blank 7] sweater or jacket * Outer layer: [Blank 8] and windproof coat * Footwear: Sturdy boots with [Blank 9] soles - Local Cultural Etiquette: * Avoid sticking chopsticks [Blank 10] into a rice bowl. * Do not consume food or drink while [Blank 11]. * Always [Blank 12] before entering tatami-matted rooms. - Admission & Contact: * Entrance ticket price: [Blank 13] yen * Official festival website: www.[Blank 14].jp

Task 3: Listen to a project presentation by Chloe Lam and Marcus Vance about their eco-friendly packaging experiment, 'Project GreenWrap'. Fill in the blanks (1-14) in the project summary sheet below. You now have 30 seconds to study the task. [Project GreenWrap Scientific Summary] - Project Team: Chloe Lam & [Blank 1] - Core Biodegradable Raw Materials: * Base Polymer: [Blank 2] starch * Natural Binder: [Blank 3] (seaweed extract) - Structural Performance Tests: * Maximum sustained load (Tensile test): [Blank 4] kg * Tensile strength deficit compared to petrochemical plastic: [Blank 5]% - Degradation Efficiency (Soil Burial Test): * Incubation temperature: [Blank 6] degrees Celsius * Full decomposition timeframe of prototype: [Blank 7] days * Standard commercial plastic breakdown timeline: over [Blank 8] years - Enhancements & Additives: * Natural waterproofing agent added: [Blank 9] wax - Drawbacks of Current Prototype: * Elevated [Blank 10] cost compared to plastic manufacturing * Structural degradation under highly [Blank 11] storage environments - Future Implementation Goals: * Replace hand-mixing with an [Blank 12] industrial mixer * Secure discarded organic material from local [Blank 13] - Academic Mentor: Professor [Blank 14]

Task 4: Listen to a lecture by Dr. Elena Rossi on the textile and clothing customs of the Andean Highlands of Peru. Fill in the blanks (1-14) in the seminar summary sheet below. You now have 30 seconds to study the task. [Andean Traditional Textile Customs Seminar Notes] - Traditional Garment Focus: [Blank 1] (a hand-woven rectangular shawl worn over the shoulders) - Primary Yarn Source: Premium sheared [Blank 2] wool - Natural Dye Sourcing & Pigment Ingredients: * Red tones: extracted from crushed dried [Blank 3] insects found on cacti * Yellow tones: extracted from boiled [Blank 4] flowers * Blue tones: extracted from fermented [Blank 5] leaves - Iconography & Motif Representations: * Condor design: symbolizes the [Blank 6] world (the spiritual realm) * Puma design: symbolizes the [Blank 7] world (the current physical life) * Snake design: symbolizes the [Blank 8] (the interior of the Earth) - Traditional Weaving Tool: The ancient [Blank 9] loom - Social and Cultural Functions: * The specific woven patterns indicate the wearer's ancestral [Blank 10] and status. * Mastering the loom serves as an essential transition ritual for [Blank 11] in the village. - Modern Structural Obstacles: * Flooding of the local market with cheap [Blank 12] textiles * Mass migration of the youth to [Blank 13] centers in search of jobs - Preservation Initiatives: * Collaborative efforts coordinated by the [Blank 14] Weavers Guild

Task 8: Write an email to Mr. Harrison (a member of Peak Athletics Club) to address his complaint about the online court booking system, explain the new booking policies, and invite him to the upcoming 'Elite Squash Championship' as a VIP guest. Refer to the Recording and the Data File for details.

Task 9: Write a formal proposal to the School Principal requesting approval and funding for the 'Global Culinary & Traditional Wear Festival'. Outline the objectives, target countries/cultures (Japan, Italy, and Mexico), planned activities (food stalls and kimono/sari wear experience), and budget requirements based on the Student Council meeting minutes and the cultural research notes.

Task 10: Write an article for the school newsletter reporting on the 'Hydroponics Agriculture Experiment' conducted by the Science Club. You must describe the experiment's methodology, the crop yields compared to soil-based farming, students' learning reflections, and recommendations for future school gardening projects.