2022 HKDSE English Language Practice Paper | DSE Mock

In paragraph 1, what does the phrase 'rendered obsolete' suggest about traditional street stalls?

According to paragraph 2, what unique aspect of traditional dining is lost when street food is ordered via delivery apps?

What is the author's attitude towards 'algorithm-driven dynamic pricing' mentioned in paragraph 3?

Which of the following environmental concerns is directly attributed to the food delivery boom in paragraph 4?

Why does the author mention 'ghost kitchens' in paragraph 1?

Based on paragraph 5, how can heritage preservation be successfully balanced with modern technological conveniences?

Why does the writer use the phrase 'digital panopticon' to describe modern food app ecosystems in paragraph 3?

Read the text: 'While smart cities promise seamless integration, the deployment of self-driving buses faces a primary hurdle: the lack of standardized communication protocols between vehicles and traffic infrastructure.' According to the text, what is the primary hurdle for the deployment of self-driving buses?

Read the text: 'Every click, search, and upload we perform leaves an indelible mark on the digital landscape. Unlike physical footprints that wash away with the tide, our online actions are etched forever into server databases.' Identify a phrase in the text that suggests digital footprints are permanent.

Read the text: 'The meticulous preparation of washoku (traditional Japanese cuisine) is not merely about aesthetic appeal; it reflects a deep-seated reverence for nature and the changing seasons, ensuring that every ingredient's natural flavor is preserved.' According to the text, what traditional value does the preparation of washoku reflect?

Read the text: 'Traditional recycling downcycles materials into lower-grade products. In contrast, upcycling breathes new life into plastic waste, transforming discarded bottles into high-value, durable outdoor apparel without degrading the polymer quality.' Based on the text, how does upcycling benefit the environment differently from traditional recycling?

Read the text: 'Rather than replacing human doctors, artificial intelligence serves as a highly sophisticated second opinion, scanning thousands of radiological scans in seconds to flag anomalies.' What phrase does the author use to describe the supportive role of AI in medical diagnostics?

Read the text: 'By filtering out dissenting perspectives, recommendation algorithms trap users in ideological echo chambers. This continuous reinforcement of existing beliefs severely limits intellectual diversity and polarizes public discourse.' According to the text, what is one negative social consequence of recommendation algorithms?

Read the text: 'In the high Andes of Peru, the intricate weaving patterns of the Quechua people are not modern inventions. They are ancestral designs, transmitted orally through generations, reflecting the community’s mythology.' Identify the word in the text that means 'handed down from previous generations'.

Read the text: 'Concrete surfaces absorb and radiate solar heat. Rooftop gardens counteract this urban heat island effect by shading building surfaces and releasing moisture into the air through evapotranspiration, thereby cooling the immediate microclimate.' According to the text, how do rooftop gardens cool the immediate microclimate?

Read the text: 'Virtual reality transports students from passive listening to experiential learning. Instead of merely reading about ancient Rome, students can virtually walk through the Colosseum, actively engaging with historical contexts in three dimensions.' According to the text, what activity serves as an example of 'experiential learning' in VR?

Read the text: 'The preparation of matcha in a tea ceremony is slow and highly stylized. These deliberate movements are designed to cultivate mindfulness, encouraging both the host and guest to focus entirely on the present moment and find tranquility.' Based on the text, what is the design purpose of the deliberate movements in the ceremony?

Based on the text below, what four-word phrase does the author use to describe the ultimate goal of practicing a 'digital detox'?

Text excerpt: "With the rise of social media, digital detox has become a necessity for many. Instead of constantly checking notifications, users are encouraged to unplug to regain their mental well-being, an essential practice that advocates describe as reclaiming offline tranquility."

Based on the text below, what four-word phrase does the author use to describe the ultimate goal of practicing a 'digital detox'?

Text excerpt: "With the rise of social media, digital detox has become a necessity for many. Instead of constantly checking notifications, users are encouraged to unplug to regain their mental well-being, an essential practice that advocates describe as reclaiming offline tranquility."

Read the following passage and complete the summary below. Choose ONE word or phrase from the passage for each blank.

Passage:
"The integration of AI-driven robotics has streamlined production lines across global factories, significantly reducing human error. However, this shift has also raised mounting concerns over workforce displacement, forcing governments to reconsider vocational training programs."

Summary:
The adoption of (i) _________ has optimized factory operations and minimized (ii) _________. However, it has sparked widespread worry regarding (iii) _________, prompting authorities to revamp (iv) _________.

Read the following passage and complete the table below. Use phrases from the passage.

Passage:
"While internet-enabled gig platforms offer freelancers flexible working hours and diverse project opportunities, they also present significant challenges. Workers often complain about unstable income and a lack of employee benefits, leaving them vulnerable during economic downturns."

Table:
Benefits of Gig Work:
- (i) _________
- (ii) _________

Challenges of Gig Work:
- (iii) _________
- (iv) _________

Read the following passage and complete the summary below. Choose ONE word or phrase from the passage for each blank.

Passage:
"Traditional East Asian preservation relies heavily on lactic acid fermentation. This natural process not only extends the shelf life of vegetables but also enriches them with beneficial bacteria. Over centuries, these methods have defined regional identities through distinct culinary profiles."

Summary:
East Asian food preservation is characterized by (i) _________. This process prolongs the (ii) _________ of food and introduces (iii) _________ into the diet. Ultimately, these preservation habits have shaped (iv) _________ across generations.

Read the following passage and complete the table below. Use phrases from the passage.

Passage:
"To combat climate change, Copenhagen has expanded urban green spaces to absorb carbon dioxide. Simultaneously, the municipality is promoting electric vehicles to lower transport emissions and installing solar panels to generate renewable power, while banning single-use plastics to minimize landfill waste."

Table:
Environmental Initiatives & Outcomes
Initiative -> Intended Outcome
1. Expanding green spaces -> To (i) _________
2. (ii) _________ -> To lower transport emissions
3. Installing solar panels -> To (iii) _________
4. Banning single-use plastics -> To (iv) _________

Read the following passage and complete the summary below. Choose ONE word or phrase from the passage for each blank.

Passage:
"Virtual reality (VR) technology creates immersive learning environments that help students grasp abstract concepts easily. While VR significantly boosts student engagement, many schools struggle to adopt it due to the high costs of the necessary hardware."

Summary:
VR technology assists educators by establishing (i) _________ where learners can understand (ii) _________ with ease. Although it increases (iii) _________, school integration is hindered by the (iv) _________.

In paragraph 3, what is the writer's attitude towards the 'democratization of taste' through algorithmic curation?

What does the phrase 'digital panopticon' in paragraph 5 suggest about social media platforms?

According to paragraph 8, why does the writer describe the virtual reality reconstruction of ancient heritage sites as a 'double-edged sword'?

What is the primary purpose of paragraph 11?

Complete the table below about the consequences of algorithmic news curation by filling in the blanks. Use NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from Paragraphs 3-5 for each blank.

| Aspect | Benefit | Drawback |
| :--- | :--- | :--- |
| Content Selection | Highly customized and relevant feeds | Creation of echo chambers and the (i) _________ of dissenting perspectives. |
| Dissemination Speed | Instantaneous updates to global audiences | Uncontrolled proliferation of online (ii) _________ before verification. |
| Resource Allocation | Significant decrease in operational (iii) _________ | Erosion of professional editorial standards and (iv) _________ . |

Complete the summary table below about online user types using information from Paragraph 6. Use NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS for each blank.

| User Category | Primary Motivation | Typical Online Action |
| :--- | :--- | :--- |
| Lurkers | Desires (i) _________ and privacy | Quietly consuming media without active participation |
| Brand Advocates | Passion for supporting corporate (ii) _________ | Writing highly positive reviews and sharing updates |
| Digital Activists | Promoting (iii) _________ change | Organizing online petitions and raising (iv) _________ |

Complete the table below summarizing the corporate greenwashing tactics mentioned in Paragraphs 8 and 9. Use ONE word for each blank.

| Greenwashing Tactic | Defining Characteristic | Corporate Example |
| :--- | :--- | :--- |
| Sin of the Hidden Trade-off | Highlighting a single green attribute to mask wider environmental (i) _________ | Paper packaging made from unsustainably harvested (ii) _________ |
| Sin of No Proof | Making environmental claims that lack accessible (iii) _________ | Products claiming high post-consumer recycled content without (iv) _________ |

In Paragraph 2, the author describes the transition from manual sorting to AI-driven logistics as 'a quiet revolution that left no cardboard box unturned'. Explain what the author means by 'left no cardboard box unturned' in this context.

In Paragraph 4, why does the writer describe smart home assistants as 'domestic double-edged swords'? Explain with reference to the benefits and risks mentioned in the paragraph.

In Paragraph 6, the writer claims that automated manufacturing has 'hollowed out the blue-collar heartlands'. Explain what is meant by this statement.

According to Paragraph 3, how does the revival of traditional Hanfu clothing among youth in modern cities reflect 'a yearning for cultural anchors'? Explain in your own words.

In Paragraph 5, the author describes fusion cuisine as 'a culinary handshake between East and West'. Based on the text, explain why the author uses the word 'handshake' instead of 'collision'.

In Paragraph 7, the writer warns that social media algorithms have turned our online spaces into 'digital echo chambers'. Explain how these 'echo chambers' affect public discourse according to the author.

In Paragraph 9, why does the author refer to internet memes as 'the shorthand of Gen-Z communication'? Explain the reasons provided in the text.

In Paragraph 11, the author critiques certain corporate environmental initiatives as 'mere greenwashing theater'. What does the author mean by 'theater' in this context?

In Paragraph 12, the author states that 'telecommuting has dissolved the physical walls of the office, only to erect invisible ones in our homes.' Explain the contrast the author is making here.

According to Paragraph 14, how does the 'commodification of attention' online threaten our ability to focus on long-term goals? Explain the mechanism described by the author.

In paragraph 3, the author states that "artificial intelligence does not create; it curates and morphs." Based on the text, explain what the author means by this statement in relation to how AI generates stories.

According to paragraph 5, how does the "algorithm-driven echo chamber" worsen the effects of bot-generated misinformation on general internet users? Explain in your own words.

Based on paragraph 4, explain why the author believes that "digital product passports" are more effective than traditional eco-labels in combating greenwashing.

In paragraph 4, the author describes traditional fermentation as "a partnership with time and microbes, rather than a conquest over them." Explain the contrast the author is drawing between traditional and modern industrial food preservation.

Why does the author refer to public facial recognition technology as a "one-way mirror" in paragraph 7? Explain this metaphor with reference to the power dynamic between citizens and authorities.

Explain how the "infinite scroll" feature mimics the psychological mechanism of a slot machine, as suggested in paragraph 2.

Task 1: Complete the notes on 'Smart Home Technology and the Elderly' using words from the recording. (1) Primary Benefit A: Setting up ______ to ensure health compliance. (2) Primary Benefit B: Allowing immediate contact with ______ in case of accidents. (3) Major Obstacle A: Rising ______ regarding personal data leakages. (4) Major Obstacle B: Seniors facing difficulty with ______.

Task 2: Based on the seminar on 'Social Media Safety', complete the following summary of risks and preventive actions. (1) Sharing birthdates or locations increases the risk of ______. (2) Negative online interactions can easily escalate into ______. (3) Students must create ______ for different platforms. (4) It is highly recommended to inspect ______ at least once a month.

Task 3: Fill in the organizer's planning template for the 'Global Flavours Festival' based on the briefing. (1) Featured Gastronomy Zone: ______ (2) Eco-friendly Rule: All food stalls must utilize ______ (3) Chosen Venue: ______

Task 4: Complete the flow chart highlighting the student council's 'Zero-Plastic Week' initiative. (1) Goal: Reduce ______ in the school cafeteria. (2) Strategy A: Implement a ______ for lunchboxes. (3) Strategy B: Distribute and sell reusable ______. (4) Risk: Possible pushback from external ______.

You are Cherry Chan, Editorial Assistant at NetRestore, an internet archival and digital preservation NGO based in Hong Kong. Your supervisor, Mr. Marcus Aurelius, has asked you to write the official 'About Us - Our History' section for the organization's newly redesigned website. Based on the Data File documents (an email from your supervisor, the organizational timeline, and an interview transcript with co-founder Dr. Larry Wong), write the website history section. You must cover: (1) The founding of NetRestore in 2012 and its original mission, (2) The major technological transition in 2017 to AI-driven web-archiving, (3) The challenges faced during the 2021 digital heritage campaign and how they were overcome, and (4) Future initiatives planned for 2026. Use a professional, engaging, and informative tone appropriate for a public-facing NGO website.

You are Adrian Leung, Event Manager for the Hong Kong Cultural Heritage Association. You received an email from Ms. Sofia Kovalev of the European Fashion Alliance, who is representing international participants at the upcoming 'Heritage Threads: International Qipao Festival'. She expresses concerns that the strict traditional design constraints for the qipao (cheongsam) exhibition may restrict modern designers' creativity, and questions whether the rules are too rigid for modern appreciation. Based on the Data File (the Association's Guidelines on Qipao Heritage, minutes of the steering committee, and an interview with Master Tailor Wong), write a formal email response to Ms. Kovalev. In your email, you must: (1) Welcome their participation, (2) Explain the cultural and historical significance of key traditional elements (high collar and side slits), (3) Propose a creative compromise that respects heritage while allowing modern fabric/stylistic adaptations, and (4) Outline the support local master tailors will offer to foreign participants.

You are Karen Ho, President of the Youth Green Coalition. You have been invited to deliver a formal speech at the opening ceremony of the 'Hong Kong Sustainable Markets Initiative' summit. The audience includes government representatives, environmental advocates, and local wet market merchants. Based on the Data File (a waste-audit factsheet, a summary of vendor interviews, and a pilot program report), write your speech. Your speech must: (1) Outline the staggering scale of single-use plastic packaging generated by Hong Kong wet markets daily, (2) Explain the direct ecological impact on local marine ecosystems and biodiversity, (3) Empathize with and address wet market vendors' economic concerns regarding the cost of biodegradable alternatives, and (4) Propose a concrete community-based action plan to transition markets smoothly.