DSE Writing Guide

Recommended Text Types

Argumentative Essay Letter to the Editor Letter of Suggestions
Universal Writing Format
Introduction:
1. State your purpose of writing
2. Point out the requests through questions
3. State the general opinions, ending with yours
4. State the writing perspectives (e.g. Cultural/ Educational/ Economically) (Similar
to Liberal Studies)

Paragraph 1:
- First point supporting your side

Paragraph 2:
- Second point supporting your side

Bridging (Transition) (Optional) + Paragraph 3:

1. State what the other side of the argument says
2. Disagree and state the third point supporting your side (Has to be coherent with
the disagreement)

Conclusion:
1. Recap the theme of the essay
2. Summarize your major arguments
3. End with famous quote/ Call for action/ Look into the future

Thomas Co
 Examples
2019 English Paper 2: Part B Q2

Leaning English through Social Issues

The following excerpt appeared in an article in the Hong Kong Daily Press:

To participate in today’s global economy, companies hire individuals whose skills

and talent meet standards of excellence. One hundred years ago, people were hired
from within the local community but today the best individuals are hired from around
the world.

- Write an essay for your English teacher.

- Explain some of the benefits and challenges international talent brings to Hong
Kong society and ways to ensure that people from the local community are not
neglected.
- Include a title for your essay.

Foreign Workforce: Benefits, Challenges, and Solutions

Introduction

Gone are the days when locals dominated the job market, now it’s a conflation of
various race with diverse cultures. 1 While advocates cling to its monetary benefits,
critics frown upon its adverse effect on the job market. 2 Therefore, what benefits does
the introduction of foreign workforce could bring to Hong Kong’s society. Contradictory,
what short-comings does it also bring, and what can we do about them? 3 On account to
the above questions, I will discuss through the economic and cultural perspectives. 4

Paragraph 1 + 2 + 3

Conclusion

Monetary premium aside, by introducing foreign workforce to our society can be

beneficial through the economic and cultural perspectives. 5 Not only can it enhance our
understanding to the ever-changing world, it can also make our lives more fruitful
through an array of new cultures.6 Owning to the above, it is my firm conviction that the
core value of Hong Kong can be maintained and improved without implications. 7

1
State the purpose of writing
2
State the general opinions, ending with yours
3
Point out the requests through questions
4
State the writing perspectives (e.g. Cultural/ Educational/ Economically) (Similar to Liberal Studies)
5
Recap the theme of the essay
6
Summarize your major arguments
7
End with famous quote/ Call for action/ Look into the future

Thomas Co
 2019 English Paper 2: Part B Q3

Learning English through Debating

The Hong Kong Daily Press invites readers to submit their views on the following
topic:

Do social media platforms such as Facebook or Twitter encourage or stifle public

debate? When first created, social media was though to be a place where rational

Thomas Co
 debate and logic would thrive. However, as time has shown, this is now always the case.

- Write an argumentative essay

- Choose one side of the argument and state your position, giving reasons and
evidence to support your view.
- Include a title for your essay

Social Media: Debates Encouraged or Stifled?

Introduction

With just a few taps on your phone, countless amount of news feed followed by endless
stream of comments can be seen. Or another way of viewing this is that people of all
sorts could go online and debate on their preferable topics. 1 However, this has stirred up
a heated controversy recently. Do social media encourage or stifle public debate? 2 While
advocates cling to the idea that they provide a basis for debate, critics frown upon its
ability to foster perennial and brazen debates. 3 Divergent as people’s views on this issue
in question may be, I think they stifle public debate on the following grounds.

Paragraph 1 + 2

Bridging (Transition) (Optional) + Paragraph 3

Albeit the aforementioned, advocates may put forth the idea that they provide a perfect
breeding ground for debates as online forums or comment sections are easily
accessible.4 However, this argument may seem reasonable on the surface, it does not
hold upon closer inspections. Rather… 5

Conclusion

Taking all aspects into account, it is my firm conviction that social media platforms stifle
public debates.6 As tradition notwithstanding, it is irreversible that the advancement in
technology brought along too many perspectives into account, causing the world of
common knowledge filled with black horses. 7 In the light of this situation, it is of utmost
importance to do your research with fact-checking process before arguing with anyone. 8

1
State the purpose of writing
2
Point out the requests through questions
3
State the general opinions, ending with yours
4
State what the other side of the argument says
5
Disagree and state the third point supporting your side (Has to be coherent with the disagreement)
6
Recap the theme of the essay
7
Summarize your major arguments
8
End with famous quote/ Call for action/ Look into the future

Thomas Co
Thomas Co
 2018 English Paper 2: Part B Q5

Learning English through Debating

You are representing your school at an inter-school debating competition. The

motion is ‘The policy of reporting students’ class position should be abolished’.

Write a debate speech arguing for OR against the motion.

Introduction

Good morning respected judges, my honourable opponents, and members of the

audience. It is an honour here to speak of my views on the topic of whether the policy of
reporting students’ class position should be abolished. 1 The ideal paradigm of class
positioning is to reflect the status of learning for the students. 2 However, in this day and
light, is it of utmost importance to the development of students or is it just imperative to
the knowing of parents?3 Our team strongly oppose to this motion in respect to the field
of health, personal development, and social interaction. 4

Paragraph 1 + 2

Bridging (Transitional) (Optional) + Paragraph 3

Our worthy opponents may tell you that by abolishing the class positioning system,
students would loss the motivation to strive for a better-self. 5 However, this is merely
the case…6

1
State your purpose of writing
2
State the general opinions, ending with yours
3
Point out the requests through questions
4
State the writing perspectives (e.g. Cultural/ Educational/ Economically) (Similar to Liberal Studies)
5
State what the other side of the arguments says
6
Disagree and state the third point supporting your side (Has to be coherent with the disagreement)

Thomas Co
 Conclusion

We firmly believe that the class positioning system should be abolished due to the
health, development and social interaction of the students. 1 As we all say, students are
the future pillars of the society, their composition will be requisite to the future
gentrification of Hong Kong. Thereby, I sincerely hope that you will support our team’s
stance. Today’s motion should not stand. Thank you. 2

1
Summarize your major arguments
2
End with famous quote/ Call for action/ Look into the future

Thomas Co
 2017 English Paper 2: Part B Q5

Learning English through Popular Culture

Recently the Hong Kong Government published a list of intangible cultural

heritage items that the city should protect. The following were on the list:

Write a letter to the editor of the Hong Kong Daily supporting the Government’s
choice of these two features of Hong Kong culture, suggesting why they are worth
protecting and how they can be protected.

Dear Editor,

Introduction

I am writing to express my view to the newly published list of heritages the government
decided worth protecting. The long list of intangible cultural heritages can be
exemplified by traditional egg tarts and Mahjong, whereas being the two main subjects I
would like to discuss today. 1 However, what are they worth protecting for? Aside, how to
protect them from the promptly diminishing Hong Kong culture? 2 Seem in this light, I will
discuss its worthiness through the economic and socio perspectives. 3

Paragraph 1 + 2 + 3

Conclusion

Monetary premium aside, the core value of Hong Kong can be enhanced through
protecting traditional Hong Kong culture. 4 With respect to benefits in the economic and
socio perspectives.5 I sincerely hope my recommendations can foster Hong Kong into
developing into a multinational city filled with diverse cultures, rather than one
dominant, mundane culture.6

Yours faithfully,
1
State your purpose of writing
2
Point out the requests through questions
3
State the writing perspectives (e.g. Cultural/ Educational/ Economically) (Similar to Liberal Studies)
4
Recap the theme of the essay
5
Summarize your major arguments
6
End with famous quote/ Call for action/ Look into the future

Thomas Co
Chris Wong
2017 English Paper 2: Part B Q6

Learning English through Debating

As captain of the debate team you have been asked to write a debate speech.
The task is to argue that ‘Watching TV Makes Us Smarter’.

In your speech you should include three reasons to support the statement.

Write your speech.

Introduction

Good morning respected judges, honourable opponents, and members of the audience.

Thomas Co
 It is my honour to speak about my view on the topic of whether watching TV would make
us smarter.1 Gone are the days when watching TV was our main sources of
entertainment, being condemned by its effectiveness in capturing sights of children
from what they should have been looking at - books. 2 However, it is of vastly different
case now, so does watching TV make you smarter? 3 Our team strongly opposes to this
motion through the perspective of effectiveness, content and audience awareness. 4

Paragraph 1 + 2

Bridging (Transition) (Optional) + Paragraph 3

Our worthy opponents may tell you that some TV programs could foster your
understanding on cultures around the world through documentaries and news. 5

1
State your purpose of writing
2
State the general opinions, ending with yours
3
Point out the requests through questions
4
State the writing perspectives (e.g. Cultural/ Educational/ Economically) (Similar to Liberal Studies)
5
State what the other side of the argument says

Thomas Co
 However, this argument may seem reasonable on the surface, but upon closer
inspection, this is merely the case…1

Conclusion

With the aforementioned, we firmly believe that TV does not make one smarter owing to
the aspects of effectiveness, content and audience awareness. 2 Paradoxically, even
being detrimental to one’s pragmatic skills. Giving new meaning to an old saying, don’t
touch that dial! I sincerely hope that you will support our team’s stance. Today’s motion
should not stand. Thank you.3

2016 English Paper 2: Part B Q2

Learning English through Sports Communication

Because of the lack of sports facilities, some people in your community have
suggested that schools should allow the public to use their sports facilities after school

1
Disagree and state the third point supporting your side (Has to be coherent with the disagreement)
2
Summarize your major arguments
3
End with famous quote/ Call for action/ Look into the future

Thomas Co
 hours.

Write a letter to the editor of Hong Kong Daily stating your opinion. Support your
opinion with three reasons.

Dear Editor,

Introduction

I am writing to express my view on widening the spectrum of users on schools’ sport

facilities owing to the lack of sporting accommodations around the neighborhood. 1 It is
of indisputable fact that exercising became a requisite part of our lives through
education in health. Yet, lacking its most imperative bearing – site. While critics frown
upon its issue with safety and privacy, I cling to the idea as its benefits outweigh its
shortcomings.2 In the following, I will discuss through the economic, socio and health
perspectives.3

Paragraph 1 + 2

Bridging (Transition) (Optional) + Paragraph 3

Contradictory, critics put forth the idea that by introducing citizens of all kind to school
will cause potential hazard to students. 4 However, I am certain that this is merely the
case…5

Conclusion

With the aforementioned, I firmly believe that we should open schools’ sport facilities to
the public through the perspective of economic, socio and health. 6 Not only it could
utilize more of society’s resources, as well as giving a comfortable place for the
enjoyment of local citizens.7

Yours faithfully,
Chris Wong

1
State your purpose of writing
2
State the general opinions, ending with yours
3
State the writing perspectives (e.g. Cultural/ Educational/ Economically) (Similar to Liberal Studies)
4
State what the other side of the argument says
5
Disagree and state the third point supporting your side (Has to be coherent with the disagreement)
6
Recap the theme of the essay
7
Summarize your major arguments

Thomas Co
 2016 English Paper 2: Part B Q4

Learning English through Debating

It has recently been reported that some parents in Asian countries are installing
apps on their children’s mobile phones that monitor their activities to ensure that they
use these devices responsibly.

Write a letter to the Young Post stating whether you agree with these parents’
actions or not. Justify your position with three reasons.

Dear Sir/ Madam,

Introduction

I am writing to express my view on the act of parents installing monitoring applications

on their children’s mobile phones. 1 Until recently, a few of child monitoring apps reached
to the leaderboard on Appstore, with its tag to parenting. It is indisputable that
smartphones became part of our daily lives through its growing functionality, ranging
from children’s books to adult sites easily accessible with your fingertips. Hence, is it of
imperative for parents to know what their kids are doing? 2While critics endorse the
freedom of device usage, I cling on the idea that it would be detrimental to the
development of the children.3 In the following, I will discuss through the aspect of safety,
well-being of children and the right of parents. 4

Paragraph 1 + 2

Bridging (Transition) (Optional) + Paragraph 3

Yet, critics may put forth the idea that it will potentially cause restrain to the
development of children, chaining them from learning right from wrong through
experiences.5 However, this argument may seem reasonable on the surface, but it is
merely the case…6

Conclusion

With the aforementioned, it is to my firm conviction that parents should install

monitoring apps to ensure their children are using devices responsibly in regard to their
safety, well-being and the right of parents. 7 As we all say, children are the pillars of the
future society8, and by clearing them off from possible dangers on the internet and
1
State your purpose of writing
2
Point out the requests through questions
3
State the general opinions, ending with yours
4
State the writing perspectives (e.g. Cultural/ Educational/ Economically) (Similar to Liberal Studies)
5
State what the other side of the argument says
6
Disagree and state the third point supporting your side (Has to be coherent with the disagreement)
7
Summarize your major arguments

Thomas Co
 mobile devices, we can ensure they live a happy and safe childhood.

Yours faithfully,
Chris Wong

8
End with famous quote/ Call for action/ Look into the future

Thomas Co
 2015 English Paper 2: Part B Q5

Learning English through Debating

Many parts of Hong Kong’s habour front are still undeveloped. Some suggest
using these areas for housing and commercial use, while others argue that such areas
should be left as open space for public use. Write to the editor of the Hong Kong Daily
stating your opinion either for or against leaving these areas open for public use. Justify
your point of view with three reasons.

Dear Editor,

Introduction

I am writing to express my view on the usage of Hong Kong’s habour front. 1 Until
recently, most of Hong Kong’s habour area are untouched, and the government is
considering gentrifying the coastal area to mitigate the housing problem. While critics
frown upon its action would inevitably exacerbate the freedom of Hong Kong residents, I
cling to the idea as its benefits outweigh the shortcomings. 2 Divergent as people’s views
on this issue in question may be, I will discuss through the economic, socio and
environmental perspective.3

Paragraph 1 + 2

Bridging (Transition) (Optional) + Paragraph 3

Contradictory, critics may put forth the idea that the proposed idea would diminish the
area for recreational use, additional to polluting the ambient air of Hong Kong. 4
However, I am certain this is not the case upon closer inspection. Rather… 5

Conclusion

With all aforementioned, it is to my firm conviction that the living conditions of Hong
Kong residents can be improved by developing the habour front. 6 It is indisputable that
the action would be advantageous through the economic, socio and environmental
perspectives.7 However, the crux of problem lies in the insufficient land for development,
through more efficient urban planning and renovation, only it can be solved. 8

Yours faithfully,
1
State your purpose of writing
2
State the general opinions, ending with yours
3
State the writing perspectives (e.g. Cultural/ Educational/ Economically) (Similar to Liberal Studies)
4
State what the other side of the argument says
5
Disagree and state the third point supporting your side (Has to be coherent with the disagreement)
6
Recap the theme of the essay
7
Summarize your major arguments
8
End with famous/ Call for action/ Look into the future

Thomas Co
 Chris Wong
2014 English Paper 2: Part B Q4

Learning English through Social Issues

Some people believe that filming movies in the city centre should not be allowed.
Others support it. Write a letter to the editor of the Hong Kong Daily giving your
opinions. Provide three reasons to support your point of view.

Dear Editor,

Introduction

I am writing to express my view towards whether filming movies in the city centre
should be allowed.9 It has not been brought up hitherto owing to a car crash scene
filmed a month again which consequently damaged the street’s infrastructure. Wreak
havoc as it is, still produced a compelling scene on the screen. Hence, should we allow
filming in the downtown area? 10 Divergent as people’s views on this issue in question
may be, I oppose to the idea through the economic, socio and safety perspectives. 11

Paragraph 1 + 2

Bridging (Transition) (Optional) + Paragraph 3

Albeit the aforementioned, advocates praise its effects cannot be done by CG or

animations, being of utmost importance to create the finest motion picture. 12 However, I
am certain that is not the case upon closer inspection. Rather… 13

Conclusion

Taking all aspects into account, it is to my firm conviction that filming in the city centre
should not be allowed with the aforementioned. 14 Not only they are potential hazard to
the safety of citizens, also being a blockade to the stream of city revenue. 15 Monetary
premium aside, I suppose scenes of bottlenecked traffic view are not requisite to the
product of fine art.

Yours faithfully,
Chris Wong

9
State your purpose of writing
10
Point out the requests through questions
11
State the writing perspectives (e.g. Cultural/ Educational/ Economically) (Similar to Liberal Studies)
12
State what the other side of the argument says
13
Disagree and state the third point supporting your side (Has to be coherent with the disagreement)
14
Recap the theme of the essay
15
Summarize your major argument/ Call for action/ Look into the future

Thomas Co
 Level 5 Examples
2019 English Paper 2: Part B Q2

Leaning English through Social Issues

The following excerpt appeared in an article in the Hong Kong Daily Press:

To participate in today’s global economy, companies hire individuals whose skills

and talent meet standards of excellence. One hundred years ago, people were hired
from within the local community but today the best individuals are hired from around
the world.

- Write an essay for your English teacher.

- Explain some of the benefits and challenges international talent brings to Hong
Kong society and ways to ensure that people from the local community are not
neglected.
- Include a title for your essay.

International Talents – More good than harm to Hong Kong

Introduction

It has become increasingly common to Hong Kong companies to hire international

talents.1 For example, the former Chief Executive Officer of Ocean Park was and
American, the current head of MTR’s engineering department is a Britain to name but a
few. Indeed, Hong Kong, in order to partake in the global economy, has jumped on the
bandwagon of hiring individuals whose skills and talents meet standards of excellence
while critics have been criticizing that this act has deprived local people’s opportunities, 2
what exactly are benefits brought to Hong Kong? 3

Paragraph 1 + 2

To commence with, I am convinced that the method of hiring international talents

increases the competitiveness of Hong Kong. Currently, not only do private multi-
national companies admit staffs from all around the globe, but the government has also
been setting policies to attract foreign talents. To cite an instance, there is a ‘Quality
Migrant Scheme’ which encourages foreign talents, who are eligible to the requirements,
to immigrate to Hong Kong and work here. By this, talents from different spectrums,
naming innovative technology, business sectors, even doctors can join their respective
in Hong Kong fields. These foreign workers can show case their talents and transfer their
skills to local Hong Kong people. Since the local workers can learn form the international
talents whose skills and talent meet standard of excellence, it is expected that the
quality of local workers be improved. In the long run, having acquired more skills, local
companies of Hong Kong can produce better products and offer better service, the
competitiveness of local companies increase.

1
State your purpose of writing
2
State the general opinions, ending with yours
3
Point out the requests through questions

Thomas Co
 In addition, the inflow of international talents allows Hong Kong to further strengthen
new international status. Hong Kong has been a central business district of Asia for
decades, talents from all over the world always have the chance to have conferences in
the Hong Kong Exhibition Centre. By allowing more international meetings will be held
here. The international status of Hong Kong will soar. It is essential for Hong Kong to
have this good reputation and status because it can further attract foreign investment,
which in fact will boost Hong Kong’s economy. Hong Kong can be a more prosperous
place. Moreover, Hong Kong’s reputation of being a culturally inclusive place can be
maintained. By importing talents from places like Europe, India, Russia or even Japan,
the scene of Hong Kong being a metropolis with different culture can show.

Bridging (Transition) (Optional) + Paragraph 3

Albeit the aforementioned benefits, critics have been condemning that the surge in
international talents lead to a reduced opportunity for locals, and the locals feel
deprives.1 A hundred years aho, people were often hired within the local community, so
local people had the chance to develop their skills step-by-step in the workplace. This
cultivated a lot of successful entrepreneurs because they were given chances to slowly
inch their way to success. However, nowadays, since companies have a new source of
labour, which is the foreign talents, they can directly employ a veteran of the field,
leaving no chance for the local novices to climb up the social ladder and take part in
higher positions in the company, such as being the general manager. Thus, the locals
can only resort to working in lower positions in a company, which indicates that they
enjoy less welfare and less income. This is the reason why locals feel that their
opportunities were cannibalized by international talents and may feel deprived.

Paragraph 4 + 5 + 6

The impact of international talents will not only lead to a poorer living quality of locals
due to reduced income, but they will also lead to discomfort of local Hong Kong people.
To Hong Kong people, the government ought to safeguard their job opportunities and
ensure they had a good quality of lives, yet, the government failed to do so. To the
locals, they may think the government only care about the economic benefits that is

1
State what the other side of the argument says

Thomas Co
 brought to society. This they may show distrust the government and if the problem
exacerbates, it may even lead to divergence of society. The rise of conflicts and
discontent is harmful to Hong Kong.

In light of the discontent that may arise from local Hong Kongers and regarding the
benefits of employment international talents, it is of paramount importance that the
government propose ways to ensure local people are not neglected. First of all, I suggest
setting limits on the number of international talents. The crux of the locals’ concern is
that all prestigious roles are taken up by foreigners such that they no longer had the
chance to join the managerial board and climb up the social ladder. By imposing limits
and the number of international talents admitted to Hong Kong, it can be ensured that
there are still a handful of roles reserved for Hong Kongers, the Hong Kong people need
not to worry about their job prospects.

Moreover, I suggest holding more training courses for locals, such that they can as well
meet the standard of excellence. Currently, companies tend to hire individuals who have
great skills and talent. By providing trainings, the quality of the local worker can be
further improved, they will become part of the talents that companies are eager to
employ, local’s concern about being neglects will be solved.

Conclusion

In a nutshell, despite of the fact that there may be problems and challenges that
international talents brought to Hong Kong, as long as suitable ways to mitigate the
negative effects are proposed and performed 1, the international talents are essential in
helping Hong Kong society to participate today’s global economy. 2

1
Summarize the theme of the essay
2
Recap the theme of the essay

Thomas Co
 2019 English Paper 2: Part B Q3

Learning English through Debating

The Hong Kong Daily Press invites readers to submit their views on the following
topic:

Do social media platforms such as Facebook or Twitter encourage or stifle public

debate? When first created, social media was though to be a place where rational
debate and logic would thrive. However, as time has shown, this is now always the case.

- Write an argumentative essay

- Choose one side of the argument and state your position, giving reasons and
evidence to support your view.
- Include a title for your essay

Social Media: A curse to public debate?

Introduction

In this day and age, social media became a hot potato among both youngsters and
adults.1 Originally, these social media sites including Facebook, Twitter, Weibo, you
name it, were aimed to conclude reasonable public debate and create a peaceful
communitive platform. However, as time has shown, the case became totally different. 2
Irrational debate and cyberbullying sparked with development of social media. Barely
where the discussion online thrives in logic. What turns our social media users into

1
State your purpose of writing
2
State the general opinions, ending with yours

Thomas Co
 ‘keyboard warriors’?1 Let’s probe into the issue and find the reasons behind.

Paragraph 1 + 2

Social media platforms were said to be promoting freedom of speech at first since
everyone can create their own account to share their opinion online. This was
undoubtedly right, however, some characteristics – or should we call loopholes? – causes
the stifle of public debate. Not only everyone creates their own account to share their
opinion, but also create accounts with fake information. Only an email address is needed
to open up a social media platform account, which does not require the users to provide
their personal information such as their real name and gender. Under the conveniences,
hardly do any users need to have responsibility in law to their comments and posts due
to the hustle and bustle information flows in internet. Some people even own a few
accounts and just use it to comment. As no responsibilities in law are needed to worry
about, users always comment harsh and mean content which is detrimental to healthy
public debate. Let’s state a remarkable example in Hong Kong. During the time Umbrella
Rebellious, fierce debate was sparked in tons of social media platform. Some cyberzines
would insult others because of having different democracy opinions. In the meantime,
many people coitized policemen – no matter what they did or comment – people started
to insult them just to because their subject is policemen. Cyber bullying or job
discrimination was then become a prevalent issue on social media since people can talk
whatever they like online without being responsible in law. There is no longer public
debate, but one-sides blame, which abundantly shows that social media is exacerbate to
public debate.

Apart from the grim situation caused by the freedom of speech stated, here comes
another problem of social media platform, which is the freedom of posting video and
photos. As technology improved day by day, it was convenient for people to take photo
or videos anywhere. With a huge network of social media users, social media platforms
seldomly block the content showed by users. Thus, people can easily upload photos and
videos of themselves and even the others. This sparks another round of online judgment
which is obviously vulnerable to encouragement of public debate. For instant, people
always upload photos of people who didn’t give out their seats to elderly or children.
Many cyberizes will then comment and blame the main character in photo, somehow
enhance language bullying online. Moreover, users will always focus on the caption
typed by the one who posted the photo out to complaint. The people in photo may have
some invisible reasons for not fiving his seat out, such as injury or illness, which will
usually be ignored by other users. This kind of ‘online justice; made many citizens a
culprit. On Instagram, an account was opened to post photos of people sleeping on MTR.
This issue also causes a dilemma social echo. Some blame for the one who post the
photos due to the problem of privacy, and some blame for the one sleeping on MTR but
not giving out their seats. This kind of acts performed on social media platform is
promoted just because users can upload anything they want freely. And this clearly put
the relationship of public and logical debate in jeopardy.

Conclusion

In a nutshell, social media platform deprives us to carry out peaceful and rational public
debate. Worse still, it promotes cyber bullying and one-sides argument, 2 but with deep
1
Point out the requests through questions

Thomas Co
 consideration, are you one of those who are having the same act just because of the
freedom provided by this platform? ‘What we do in life echoes in eternity’, a platform
wouldn’t determine the content we discuss or posts online, the stifle of public debate
caused by mainly irresponsible user. 1 Maybe social media site is only a platform which
shows our dark side of humanity and catastrophic inequality in society under a wide
range of freedom given.

2017 English Paper 2: Part B Q6

Learning English through Debating

As captain of the debate team you have been asked to write a debate speech.
The task is to argue that ‘Watching TV Makes Us Smarter’.

In your speech you should include three reasons to support the statement.

Write your speech.

Dear Editor,

Introduction

I am writing to express my views on the Hong Kong government recent selection of

intangible heritage items that the city should protect. 2 Hong Kong is a diverse city; we
have a mixture of Chinese and Western culture and it certainly is not a bad thing. People
around the world are fascinated by our city and come to have a look for themselves.
This unique characteristic of Hong Kong makes it one of the most visited cities in the
2
Summarize your major arguments
1
End with famous quote/ Call for action/ Look into future
2
State your purpose of writing

Thomas Co
world. However, as more and more western culture develops in Hong Kong, our native
culture is overshadowed and it slowly losing popularity. In help protect of Hong Kong
culture, I am highly supportive of the government’s action, partially on its choice of
protecting traditional egg tart and Mahjong. I believe that they are both worth protecting
as they can represent Hong Kong.

Paragraph 1 + 2 + 3

What is so special about the egg tarts that we can see every day? The fact is that egg
tarts originated in Hong Kong and they are not common in other countries. A long time
ago, a Hong Kong baker invented egg tarts. Moreover, egg tarts are still very popular
among Hong Kong people. In one of the surveys about Hong Kong street food, egg tart
was voted as one of the best street foods formed in Hong Kong. When we walk around
on the street, we can smell the egg tart from miles away. The appetizing look and sweet
taste of egg tarts have certainly captured a lot of Hong Kong people’s heart. We all have
many shared memories of the egg tarts. It would be a shame to see egg tarts slowly
disappearing in Hong Kong and are replaced try other food. For these reasons, I am
supportive of protecting our signature street food – egg tart.

Most people have heard of Mahjong or seen people play it, but most people are not
familiar with it. Despite this, I still believe Mahjong is worth protecting, Mahjong is a
popular leisure activity. During festivals, especially in Chinese New Year, families are
visited by relatives and friends. They usually stay in-door for the whole day. Besides
talking and eating, what is another common activity for them to do? It is playing
Mahjong. Families come together for games of Mahjong. They enjoy playing it not only
because they can win money, but also because it is a rare chance for them to talk with
their relatives and friends face-to-face. This is why Mahjong is regarded as a
relationship-bonding activity and showed he protected as it is a local culture.

In order to protect these cultural heritage items, the government should take action
immediately. A problem many egg tarts shop owners are facing is the price of their
shop. They have to pay expensive lease to keep their business open. Moreover, their
leases are increasing steadily while their earnings are not high enough to compensate.
This causes the bakers to loan money and eventually close their shops. If the
government can provide them financial support, lower the lease of egg tart shops so
that it is more affordable to the shop owners. I believe egg tart businesses can be
profitable again and the owner can continue baking egg tarts for a living. In regard to
Mahjong, some people often say that it is a gambling activity and should not be
promoted. However, I think that the gambling aspect of Mahjong mainly comes from the
illegal Mahjong businesses. These businesses host sites for Mahjong illegally and many
people go there to gamble. The government should siege operation of such illegal
businesses and promote the message that Mahjong is not an activity formed on
gambling. By doing this, Mahjong will become a more welcomed leisure activity in

Thomas Co
 people’s eyes. More people will play the game the culture will be preserved.

Conclusion

It is high times the government took action to protect our treasured local culture so that
they will not be lost as part of history. 1

Yours faithfully,
Chris Wong

2016 English Paper 2: Part B Q2

Learning English through Sports Communication

Because of the lack of sports facilities, some people in your community have
suggested that schools should allow the public to use their sports facilities after school

1
End with famous quote/ Call for action/ Look into the future

Thomas Co
 hours.

Write a letter to the editor of Hong Kong Daily stating your opinion. Support your
opinion with three reasons.

Dear Editor,

Introduction

I am writing to express my view towards the suggestion of allowing the public to use the
sports facilities in schools after school hours. 1 I understand that our community is in lack
of sports facilities, but I am going to give three reasons against this suggestion. 2

Paragraph 1 + 2 + 3

First of all, I should mention that the sports facilities in schools are properties of the
schools. We all know that schools have expenditure in many aspects including the tools
and technologies used for teaching and the maintenance of sports facilities. If the sports
facilities are opened to the public, the breakage of the facilities may occur more
frequently. As some people may not be careful or responsible, they may use the
facilities without care. Once the facilities are broken, the schools need to spend money
to fix them or purchase new ones to ensure that their students enough facilities to use.
However, schools only have limited resources an money. If their expenditure on the
sports facilities rises, they will have to reduce the money spent on teaching. This may
lower the teaching quality of the schools. So as it could increase the load of the schools,
I think their sports facilities should not be opened to the public.

My second argument is that the schools may also need to use the facilities after school
hours. Since the schools’ sports teams may have training after school and different
sports teams in a school have separate training time, the sport facilities are seldom
available to the public. The sports training is important to schools as it improves the
performance of the sports teams in inter-school competitions, and the performance is
one of the factors which decide a school’s ranking. Therefore, it is difficult for the
schools to give up the training time after school and this is why the suggestion of
opening the facilities to the public is not feasible.

Moreover, providing enough facilities to the public is the responsibility of the

government, but not the schools. The government should provide permanent sports
facilities but not rely on those of the schools. The lack of sports facilities is due to the
failure of the government’s city planning. Why should the schools be responsible in
coping with the problem caused by the government? Besides, part of the money of the
schools comes from the donation of their alumni and the parents. The donation is
supposed to support the operation of the schools. We cannot use the donation to

1
State your purpose of writing
2
State the writing perspectives (e.g. Cultural/ Educational/ Economically) (Similar to Liberal Studies)

Thomas Co
 provide sports facilities to the public.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the suggestion is not feasible, and it puts the responsibility on the
schools.1 I think it is not fair to the schools. The government should do something to
cope with the lack of sports facilities.

Your faithfully,
Chris Wong

1
Summarize your major arguments

Thomas Co
 2015 English Paper 2: Part B Q5

Learning English through Debating

Many parts of Hong Kong’s habour front are still undeveloped. Some suggest
using these areas for housing and commercial use, while others argue that such areas
should be left as open space for public use. Write to the editor of the Hong Kong Daily
stating your opinion either for or against leaving these areas open for public use. Justify
your point of view with three reasons.

Dear Editor,

Introduction

The recent article on the development of Hong Kong’s harbour front on Hong Kong Daily
has stirred up heated controversies on whether the harbor front areas should be used
for housing and commercial use or left as open space for public use. 1 While a lot of
people are strongly against the idea of leaving these areas for public use, I personally
support this as I believe that it will bring endless benefits to Hong Kong citizens that
many have overlooked.2

Paragraph 1 + 2

First and foremost, Hong Kong is a renowned city known for its mesmerizing Victoria
Harbour and stunning scenery embellished by countless skyscrapers and tall towers
built along the harbour front. To tourists, this sight might seem breathtaking, but to local
citizens, it is actually frustrating to live in a concrete jungle. If more buildings are built
along the habour front for commercial and housing use, the air flow in inner lad regions
will certainly be seriously affected. Air quality in cities will be worsened and the harbour
view will be less attractive as well. In contract, leaning these areas open for public us
improves the outlook of the habour and can even freshen Hong Kong’s polluted air.
Recreational parks can be built in these areas, which does not only provide spaces for
families to relax on weekends, but it also improvs the city’s greenery. Families and
friends can take a break from their hectic city lives to spend quality time in their
recreational parks together, isn’t this a better way to develop the harbour front?

Another reason why I support the idea of leaving the space open for public use is that
the space can b used for displaying artworks and allowing people to perform freely in
the area. This public space can attract both local and foreign artists to display creative
sculptures, paintings, and installations for everyone to appreciate. Citizens ca expose
themselves to new cultures ad learn to appreciate the beauty of art with their peers.
Moreover, local street performers always struggle to find places to perform as they are
often accused of disturbing residents living nearby. However, with the harbour front
used as open space, these street performers can show their talents to citizens freely
without the fear of being sued. Therefore, leaning the area open for public use is a wise
idea as art appreciation is needed for people to relax and slow down in fast-paced Hong

1
State your purpose of writing
2
State the general opinions, ending with yours

Thomas Co
 Kong.

Bridging (Transition) (Optional) + Paragraph 3 + Conclusion

Besides, leaving the harbour front open for public use means paradise to pets and their
owners. Most areas in Hong Kong doesn’t allow people to walk their dogs and owners
are often frustrated by this. If this space is freed out, owners can play with their dogs in
designated areas. Pets love freedom just as we do and leaving the area open for public
use brings benefits to animals and us. Thus, I am all for this view as I believe that we all
need these spaces to scape from our busy city dives and to create a greener Hong
Kong.1

Yours faithfully,
Chris Wong

1
Recap the theme of the essay

Thomas Co
 Common Terms to Replace when Writing

Important Not Important

1. Imperative 逼切的 1. Trivial 瑣碎的
2. Crucial 2. Inconsequential
3. Requisite 必要的 3. Negligible
4. Essential 4. Insignificant
5. Significant
6. Indispensable

Difficulty Continuously
1. Hurdle 1. Ceaselessly
2. Obstacle 2. Relentlessly
3. Downhill 3. Unceasingly
4. Tormented by 被折磨

Big Small
1. Massive 1. Tiny
2. Tremendous 2. Microscopic
3. Enormous 3. Miniature

To Train Someone Remove

1. Polish one’s skill 1. Eliminate
2. Sharpen one’s skill 2. Abolish
3. Refine one’s skill 3. Put an end to

Ease Intensify
1. Mitigate 1. Escalate
2. Lighten 2. Augment
3. Alleviate 3. Reinforce

Many Few
1. Substantial amount of 1. A handful of
2. Numerous 2. A couple of
3. Hardly any

Hong Kong The World

1. The peninsula 1. Globally
2. The Peal of the Orient 2. Internationally
3. Worldwide

Thomas Co
 On Purpose Carelessly
1. Deliberately 1. Incautious
2. Intentionally 2. Negligent
3. Purposefully 3. Inattentive

Benefit Drawback
1. Advantage 1. Shortcoming
2. Betterment 2. Downside
3. Prosperity 3. Detrimental/ Harmful/ Adverse

Increase Decrease
1. Skyrocketing 1. Plummeting
2. Surging 2. Diminishing
3. Cumulative 累積性 3. Shrinking

Various Very
1. An array of 1. Remarkably
2. A wide spectrum of 2. Tremendously
3. A range of 3. Vastly/ Immensely
4. Significantly
5. Extremely

Young People
1. Adolescents
2. Teens
3. Youngsters

Thomas Co