▲ The final preparation method for DSE English Paper 1 (Reading) from a famous tutor. (Economic Daily data photo)
As the English reading test of the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education Examination (DSE) approaches, students are undoubtedly getting nervous. As a teacher who has been engaged in English tutoring education for 10 years, today I will share with you some practical reading skills to help you answer questions more accurately and effectively in the exam room.
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DSE English Section | Strategy 1: Lock in the answer range
In the reading test, the role of keywords cannot be underestimated. They can often help you quickly locate the answer range in the text. In particular, information such as proper nouns and numbers is usually a direct reference to the topic. However, relying solely on keywords is not enough. The precise answer needs to be determined by understanding the context of the entire sentence or even the entire paragraph.
DSE English Section｜Strategy 2: Answers must be based on the text
In the DSE reading test, answers must be based entirely on the information provided in the text. Even if some facts appear to be common sense, if they are not mentioned in the article, these “common senses” cannot be used as the basis for the answer.
DSE English Section｜Strategy 3: Pay attention to special symbols
The HKEAA likes to ask questions near special symbols because these symbols often indicate important information. For example, dashes (-), colons (:), ellipses (…), etc. are all areas that require special attention.
DSE English Section｜Strategy 4: Details determine success or failure
When answering the questions, provide as much detail as possible. If time permits, you might as well adopt the “big siege” strategy and write down all the detailed information you think is relevant to the topic.
DSE English Section | Strategy 5: Analyze the score of the question
Typically, an unscored question means it is only worth one point. (1 minute, 1 point) This little trick can help you allocate your time to answer questions reasonably.
DSE English Section | Strategy 6: The author’s position and the position of others
When reading an article, it is important to distinguish the author’s position from that of others. For example, “But” is usually followed by the author’s opinion, while passive voice or some set phrases may indicate someone else’s opinion.
Author’s position
1. But behind = author
2. Ask the following question = author
But/However/Yet
shoud / must
In fact / Indeed
Isn’t it more interesting Instead of + n. / v.+ing
DSE English Strategy 7: Perfect Transcription
When you need to directly quote the text to answer a question, try changing the subject or removing some non-key connectives. This can avoid completely copying the original text without losing the original meaning.
DSE English Strategy 8: Comprehension of long and difficult sentences
When facing long and difficult sentences in the text, you don’t need to memorize them. Instead, you should analyze the sentence structure to understand its meaning.For example, “n. + would have + pp” expresses a possibility that has not happened
Test preparation skills 1. Distributed learning
Psychologists have found that distributed learning is more conducive to long-term memory formation than focused learning.Using this principle, we can divide the reading material into small parts
Instead of trying to read it all in one day.
Hands-on practical operation:
- Select DSE reading comprehension test questions from past years and allocate a certain amount of time for practice every day.
(You can focus on Part B2 in 2023 and Part B2 in 2019, because the difficulty can be absorbed faster)
Test preparation skills 2. Active recall method
Research shows that memory can be strengthened and comprehension improved through active recall of learned content. After a reading exercise, instead of looking up the answers right away, try to recall the answers yourself first.
Hands-on practical operation:
- After reading an article/reviewing new words/answering skills, close the book or cover the screen and try to recall the key points
- Can make good use of image memory and story memory
- After reading the question, without looking at the options, try to formulate your own possible answers.
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Written by: Spencer Sir, famous English tutor
