2023 HKDSE English Language Practice Paper | DSE Mock

Read the following sentence and answer the question:

"The old mansion stood at the edge of the cliff, a silent sentinel overlooking the churning dark waters of the Atlantic. For decades, locals whispered about the light that would occasionally flicker in the highest tower, long after the last of the Blackwood family had vanished into the mist."

In the context of the passage, what does the phrase "silent sentinel" suggest about the mansion?

Read the following paragraph and answer the question:

"Social media algorithms are designed to maximize engagement, often by feeding users a diet of increasingly polarizing content. This creates echo chambers where personal biases are reinforced, and dissenting voices are systematically muted."

According to the text, what is the primary consequence of social media algorithms prioritizing user engagement?

Read the following paragraph and answer the question:

"When Dr. Evelyn Chen first proposed using biodegradable micro-robots to target cancer cells, her peers dismissed the idea as mere science fiction. Ten years and hundreds of trials later, her pioneering work has saved thousands of lives, proving that audacity is often the precursor to breakthrough."

What is the writer's main purpose in mentioning the initial reaction of Dr. Chen's peers?

Read the following paragraph and answer the question:

"The rapid encroachment of agricultural land into the rainforest has left the local orangutan population in fragmented pockets of forest. Without migratory corridors, these primates are facing an unprecedented genetic bottleneck."

Which of the following is closest in meaning to "fragmented pockets" as used in the text?

Read the following paragraph and answer the question:

"While carbon offsetting programs allow corporations to claim they are 'carbon neutral,' critics argue that these initiatives are often a smokescreen. They allow companies to continue polluting while purchasing cheap offsets elsewhere, rather than actively reducing their own emissions."

What does the word "smokescreen" imply about carbon offsetting programs?

Read the following paragraph and answer the question:

"With the rise of artificial intelligence, vocational adaptability has superseded technical specialization as the most coveted trait in the job market. Professionals who cling solely to a fixed skillset risk obsolescence."

According to the passage, what should modern professionals do to avoid becoming obsolete?

Read the following sentence and answer the question:

"As Thomas stepped onto the stage, the deafening silence of the auditorium pressed against his ears. He could see the judges in the front row, their faces unreadable, pens poised like tiny daggers above their evaluation sheets."

Which literary device is used in the phrase "pens poised like tiny daggers"?

Read the following paragraph and answer the question:

"The gig economy, enabled by digital platforms, promises unparalleled flexibility for workers. However, this flexibility is a double-edged sword; it frequently comes at the expense of job security, health insurance, and paid leave."

What does the writer mean by describing the flexibility of the gig economy as a "double-edged sword"?

Read the following paragraph and answer the question:

"Before she became a household name, Chef Maria Santos spent years working eighteen-hour days in cramped, sweltering kitchens. Her culinary empire was not built overnight; it was forged in the heat of sheer grit and unyielding determination."

What is the tone of the writer towards Chef Maria Santos?

Read the following paragraph and answer the question:

"Conservationists argue that ecotourism can provide a vital financial lifeline for wildlife reserves. However, if left unregulated, the influx of visitors can disrupt mating patterns and degrade the very habitats the tourists pay to see."

Based on the passage, what is the main risk of unregulated ecotourism?

According to paragraph 1, what is the main reason traditional print newspapers are struggling to survive?

In paragraph 2, what word does the author use to describe the sudden, overwhelming influx of unverified information online?

Based on paragraph 3, state one way technology has empowered independent journalists.

According to paragraph 4, how do collaborative investigative networks benefit individual journalists?

In paragraph 5, what is identified as the primary financial challenge for freelance journalists?

In paragraph 6, what quality does the author praise in journalists who report from conflict zones?

Based on paragraph 7, what environmental issue is currently being underreported due to the decline of local newsrooms?

Read the following text and complete the summary blank with ONE word found in the text. Text: 'During the rainy summer of 1816, Mary Shelley and her companions found themselves trapped indoors. To pass the time, they engaged in a competition to write the most terrifying ghost story.' Summary: Because of the (i) __________ weather, Shelley and her friends stayed indoors and decided to write scary stories to amuse themselves.

Read the following text and complete the summary blank with ONE word found in the text. Text: 'The rapid proliferation of social media platforms has revolutionized how young people consume news. However, this shift has also amplified the spread of misinformation, making critical thinking an indispensable skill for digital citizens.' Summary: While online platforms have changed news consumption, they have also increased the dissemination of (ii) __________, highlighting the need for critical analysis.

Read the following text and complete the summary blank with ONE word found in the text. Text: 'Before conquering Mount Everest in 1953, Sir Edmund Hillary spent years honing his climbing skills on the demanding peaks of the Southern Alps in New Zealand, where he developed the resilience required for high-altitude expeditions.' Summary: Hillary cultivated the necessary (iii) __________ for scaling Everest by training extensively on challenging mountains in his homeland.

Read the following text and complete the summary blank with ONE word found in the text. Text: 'Strict anti-poaching laws and community-led patrols have successfully curbed the illegal wildlife trade in the reserve. Consequently, the local elephant population has shown a remarkable recovery over the past decade.' Summary: Thanks to rigorous legislation and local surveillance efforts, the elephant population has rebounded because the illegal trade has been (iv) __________.

Read the following text and complete the summary blank with ONE word found in the text. Text: 'In an effort to mitigate municipal waste, several metropolitan cities have mandated the use of biodegradable packaging, penalizing supermarkets that continue to distribute single-use plastics.' Summary: To reduce urban garbage, some major cities now require companies to adopt (v) __________ packaging materials.

In paragraph 1, what does the phrase "cacophony of the anthropocene" suggest about the modern ocean?

According to paragraph 2, what is the main drawback of relying solely on visual observation to study deep-sea creatures?

Which word in paragraph 3 means "gradually causing serious, unseen harm"?

Based on paragraph 4, how do seismic airguns impact the communication of baleen whales?

What metaphor does the writer use in paragraph 5 to describe the collective sounds of a healthy coral reef?

According to paragraph 6, how do passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) systems help marine biologists detect illegal fishing?

In line 45, what does "this silent crisis" refer to?

According to paragraph 8, what is the primary economic concern for shipping companies regarding "slow-steaming"?

What is the writer’s attitude in paragraph 9 towards international efforts to regulate ocean noise?

Based on the final paragraph, how can ordinary citizens contribute to the conservation project?

According to paragraph 2, what is the "double-edged sword" of ocean carbon capture technology?

In paragraph 4, what metaphor does the author use to describe the role of autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) in the twilight zone?

According to paragraph 5, what personal attribute of Dr. Sylvia Earle enabled her to achieve her record-breaking deep-ocean descent?

Why does the author refer to the mesopelagic zone as a "genetic goldmine" in paragraph 6?

Identify the primary threat to lanternfish populations as discussed in paragraph 8.

What is the main career challenge currently faced by aspiring deep-sea marine biologists as mentioned in paragraph 9?

In paragraph 11, how does the "Ocean-Net" initiative utilize online digital technology to foster public support for conservation?

What does the author compare the delicate glass sponge reefs to in paragraph 12?

Complete the summary table below based on Text 4. Write ONE word in the blank. [Threat of Deep-Sea Mining]: Deep-sea mining risks causing irreversible damage to hydrothermal [Blank 46] and the unique lifeforms they support. [Text excerpt]: '...heavy mining machinery will scrape the ocean floor, obliterating hydrothermal vents that host ancient, chemosynthetic ecosystems found nowhere else on Earth...'

Complete the summary table below based on Text 4. Write ONE word in the blank. [Affected Organisms]: Many species residing in these deep trenches are highly [Blank 47], meaning they cannot survive in any other habitat. [Text excerpt]: '...the species inhabiting these abyssal depths are highly endemic, restricted to tiny geographic ranges...'

Complete the summary table below based on Text 4. Write ONE word in the blank. [Industry Argument]: Mining corporations argue that deep-sea minerals are vital for the global [Blank 48] to renewable energy. [Text excerpt]: 'Proponents argue that mining seafloor nodules is essential to facilitate the global transition to low-carbon technologies.'

Complete the summary table below based on Text 4. Write ONE word in the blank. [Environmentalist Counter-argument]: Conservationists argue that improving battery [Blank 49] would reduce the need for raw deep-sea ores. [Text excerpt]: '...environmental groups counter that accelerating battery recycling and investing in alternative chemistries could completely negate the need for deep-sea minerals.'

Complete the summary table below based on Text 4. Write ONE word in the blank. [Current Legal Status]: Currently, international waters are governed by a body that faces criticism for a lack of environmental [Blank 50]. [Text excerpt]: '...the International Seabed Authority (ISA) has faced intense scrutiny over its perceived lack of environmental oversight...'

Complete the summary table below based on Text 4. Write ONE word in the blank. [Proposed Action]: Many countries and scientists are now calling for an immediate [Blank 51] to halt mining activities until more research is conducted. [Text excerpt]: '...leading to a growing coalition of nations demanding a precautionary moratorium on all deep-sea exploitation...'

You are Chris Wong, the President of the Environmental Club at Hong Kong Secondary School. You noticed a significant amount of single-use plastic waste being generated daily in the school canteen and during lunch hours. Write a proposal (about 200 words) to your School Principal, Mr. Lee, suggesting two concrete initiatives to reduce single-use plastic waste on campus.

In your proposal, you should:
- Explain the current plastic waste issue in the school.
- Propose two practical initiatives to address this problem.
- Discuss how these initiatives will benefit the school community.

You are the President of the school's Environmental Protection Club. Recently, you noticed that many of your schoolmates frequently buy cheap, trendy clothes from online 'fast fashion' retailers, leading to high clothing turnover and waste.

Write an article for the school magazine. In your article, you should:
- explain how the rise of 'fast fashion' negatively affects the global environment;
- discuss the reasons why teenagers find fast fashion so appealing, despite its environmental costs; and
- suggest practical ways students can cultivate a more sustainable wardrobe.

Write your article. Give your article a catchy title.

### Task 1: Profile of Dr. Evelyn Thorne\n\nComplete Dr. Thorne's profile by filling in the blanks below using information from the listening recording.\n\n* **Year of first deep-sea dive:** [ (1) ]\n* **Name of her submarine:** [ (2) ]\n* **Greatest depth reached:** [ (3) ] meters\n* **Main discovery:** A new species of [ (4) ]\n* **Key quality of a successful explorer according to Dr. Thorne:** [ (5) ]

### Task 2: Digital Footprints Seminar Notes\n\nComplete the seminar notes on digital footprints using information from the podcast.\n\n* **Definition:** A unique trail of data left by users [ (1) ]\n* **Passive Footprints:** Data collected [ (2) ] without the user's active knowledge (e.g. browsing history)\n* **Primary Concern:** Data can be sold to [ (3) ] for targeted marketing\n* **Protection Measure 1:** Regularly clear [ (4) ] and search history\n* **Protection Measure 2:** Disable [ (5) ] tracking on mobile apps

### Task 3: Marine Sanctuary Initiative\n\nComplete the notes below on the marine sanctuary project based on the radio broadcast.\n\n* **Sanctuary Location:** Off the coast of [ (1) ]\n* **Main Animal Protected:** The endangered [ (2) ] turtle\n* **Threat addressed:** Destruction of nesting beaches due to [ (3) ]\n* **Community Program:** Hiring locals as beach [ (4) ]\n* **Funding provided by:** A local eco-tourism [ (5) ]

### Task 4: Green Careers Seminar Notes\n\nComplete the notes below on careers in sustainability using the speaker's presentation.\n\n* **Fastest-growing sector:** [ (1) ] energy installation\n* **Role of a Sustainability Officer:** To reduce a company's [ (2) ] footprint\n* **Key technical skill required:** [ (3) ] analysis\n* **Alternative career path:** Environmental [ (4) ] law\n* **Recommended next step for graduates:** Apply for [ (5) ] programs

Task 8: Write an email to Ms. Janice Lee, Director of SafeNet HK, proposing a collaborative youth online safety campaign. Refer to the data sources (Minutes of CyberYouth Meeting, SafeNet Campaign Guidelines, and Youth Cyber Habits Survey). You must: 1. Explain why CyberYouth HK wants to partner with SafeNet HK. 2. Outline two proposed campaign activities (including a workshop and a social media challenge). 3. Propose tentative dates and explain how the budget will be shared.

Task 9: Write a formal proposal to the HK Youth Development Board requesting funding for the 'Digital Well-being Week'. Refer to the data sources (Email from Executive Board, Youth Interview Transcripts, and Survey on Screen-time). You must: 1. State the three main objectives of the campaign. 2. Describe two key activities ('Offline 24-Hour Challenge' and 'Digital Detoxing Seminar') and justify how they address teenagers' problems of screen-time addiction and sleep deprivation. 3. Define the success metrics and evaluation methods.

Task 10: Write a feature article for the quarterly newsletter 'Tech-Connect' titled 'Navigating the Metaverse: Opportunities and Risks for Today\'s Youth'. Refer to the data sources (Podcast transcript with Dr. Alan Tam and the Metaverse Security Infographic). You must: 1. Define the Metaverse in simple terms. 2. Discuss two educational opportunities of the Metaverse. 3. Explain two security and personal risks. 4. Provide two practical security recommendations for teen users.

Part 1: Group Discussion (8 minutes)
Your school's IT Club is planning a campaign called "Clean Up Your Digital Footprint" to raise awareness about online reputation and privacy among students. You are a member of the organizing committee. Discuss with your group:
1. Why teenagers need to be concerned about their digital footprints.
2. What activities or workshops the club can organize to educate students.
3. How to encourage students to actively review and clean up their social media profiles.

Part 2: Individual Response (1 minute)
Candidate will be asked one of the following questions:
- Do you think employers and universities should check applicants' social media accounts? Why or why not?
- What is the most common mistake teenagers make online?

Part 1: Group Discussion (8 minutes)
The Environmental Protection Department has recently proposed a "Zero-Waste Campus Challenge" for secondary schools in Hong Kong. Your Student Association wants to pitch a comprehensive plan to the school management to join this scheme. Discuss with your group:
1. What challenges secondary schools might face when trying to achieve "zero-waste".
2. Practical initiatives that can be implemented in the school canteen and classrooms to reduce waste.
3. How to motivate students and teachers to sustain these eco-friendly habits in the long run.

Part 2: Individual Response (1 minute)
Candidate will be asked one of the following questions:
- Should schools penalize students who do not recycle properly? Why or why not?
- Do you think individual efforts are enough to solve Hong Kong's waste problem?