On April 2, 2025, the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (DSE) Chinese subject exams commenced, marking a significant day for approximately 48,000 students. This year's examination opened with the notoriously challenging Chinese Language Paper 1, which includes reading comprehension and writing sections. The DSE is a crucial milestone for students as it determines their eligibility for higher education and future career paths.
The Taxi and Public Light Bus Association took a commendable initiative by launching the "Five-Star Taxi Free Ride" program on the same day. This initiative aims to assist students from remote areas who face transportation difficulties in reaching their examination venues. The free ride service prioritizes those in need, ensuring that no student misses out on their exam due to logistical issues.
As students prepared for the examination, the authorities implemented the second-generation Public Examination Support System (PESS2), which allowed candidates to check in using the "Check-in Easy" application. Invigilators utilized the "Invigilate Easy" system for attendance, streamlining the process and minimizing potential delays.
The reading comprehension section of Paper 1 featured a mix of classical and modern Chinese literature, including specified texts such as "On Benevolence" from the Analects, "Mountain Dwelling in Autumn" by Wang Wei, and "On the Six Kingdoms" by Su Xun. Additionally, students were required to analyze excerpts from contemporary authors, including Pai Fang-zhou’s "We All Thought We’d Be the Protagonist of a Novel" and Ko Kai-xiang’s "The Alley Longer Than the Main Road." These selections aim to test students' comprehension abilities and their understanding of various literary styles.
In the writing section, candidates faced a compulsory task to compose a speech advocating for pet adoption. This section also included optional essay topics such as "Treasures Hidden in the Mud" and "Adding Color to Imperfection." The writing paper is divided into practical writing and essay writing, with the former accounting for 30% and the latter for 70% of the paper's score.
According to student Lin, who participated in the exam, the overall difficulty of the reading paper was moderate. He expressed that the passages were manageable, stating, "the articles are the same color and taste" and that they were "easy to grasp the direction." However, he humorously noted that the examination authority had once again not included the famous text "Chu Shi Biao," jokingly claiming they had "faked again."
The DSE Chinese exam has undergone significant reforms since last year, reducing the number of papers to two. This change has been aimed at streamlining the assessment process and focusing on core competencies in language skills.
As students completed their exams, the atmosphere was filled with a mix of anxiety and relief. Many felt the weight of expectations, not just from their families but also from society, as the DSE is often seen as a gateway to future opportunities. The free ride initiative by the Taxi and Public Light Bus Association was well-received, highlighting the importance of community support in education.
In summary, the DSE Chinese subject exams on April 2, 2025, showcased both the challenges and support systems in place for students. With innovative measures like the free ride program and modernized examination processes, the authorities aim to create a more accessible and fair environment for all candidates. As the day concluded, students left the exam halls with hopes for their futures, buoyed by the knowledge that their efforts were supported by their community.
