Developing Skills for HKDSE ‒ Papers 1 & 2

Book 4 (2021 Revised Edition) Mock Test 3 Paper 1

Set A
- for HKDSE -

QUESTION-ANSWER SECTION
PART A
Read Text 1 and answer questions 1-17. (42 marks)
* question type specified for your reference

* short response ‒ literal

1. i) Name the activity that millennials enjoy doing most, according to paragraph 1. (1 mark)
sharing their lives online using selfies (line 1)

* short response ‒ literal

ii) Name a positive quality that makes millennials stand out as a generation, according to paragraph 1. (1 mark)
As a generation, they are willing to support the greater good (line 2) .

* full response ‒ inference and literal

2. According to paragraph 2, why does the writer refer to Zombie Tam as ‘newly single’ (line 4) a few years ago?
because he had just broken up with his girlfriend (at that time) (lines 4-5)

* short response ‒ literal

3. Based on paragraph 3, name THREE things that members of CEM hope to receive in exchange for their services.
(3 marks)
i) thanks (line 7)/ food/a bite to eat/a meal (line 8) / money for expenses (line 9)

ii)
iii)
(choose any three)
* short response ‒ phrase (meaning)
4. Which phrase in paragraph 4 means ‘everything that happens has happened before’?
there’s nothing new under the sun (line 10)

* table completion ‒ inference and literal

5. Based on paragraphs 4 and 5, complete the table of tasks that CEM failed to deliver and their outcomes. (6 marks)

Unsuccessful task Outcome

‒ Tracking down missing persons, namely someone ‒ Regarding the former: only found (iii)(1) his parents
who had missed (i) (1) loan repayments (line 13) (, who threatened to call the police) (lines 13-14)
and a (ii) (1) long-lost grandfather (lines 17-18) ‒ Regarding the latter: could not find the person

‒ Teaching someone to (iv) (1) swim (line 12) ‒ Both (v) (1) the client and service provider (line 12)
almost (vi) (1) drowned (line 13)

(Note: accept all reasonable answers)

* short response ‒ phrase back-referencing
6. Find THREE phrases in paragraphs 3-6 that refer to the service providers at CEM. (3 marks)
i)

(1) Tam and his helpers (line 7)

ii)

(1) Tam and his team (line 11)

iii)

(1) Tam and company (line 19)
 : in any order

© Aristo Educational Press Ltd. 2021 1 Book 4 • Set A

Developing Skills for HKDSE ‒ Papers 1 & 2
Book 4 (2021 Revised Edition) Mock Test 3 Paper 1
Set A
- for HKDSE -

* full response ‒ inference and literal

7. Based on the information given in paragraph 7, do you think all the current members of CEM found out about it through
Tam? Use information from the text to support your answer. (2 marks)
(1) No, (1) because the club also expanded through word of mouth. (line 23)

* true/false/not given ‒ inference and literal

8. Decide whether the following statements are True (T), False (F), or the information is Not Given (NG) in paragraphs
6-8. Blacken ONE circle only for each statement. (3 marks)

T F NG
i) Zombie Tam accepts all requests from CEM’s users. (1)
no: ‘nearly all requests are accepted’ (line 22)
ii) All members of CEM are hand-picked by Tam. (1)
not mentioned and cannot be inferred
iii) Tam works as an office worker to meet his daily spending needs. (1)
no: ‘now lives off savings; he chose to step out of the office.’ (lines 26-27)
* cloze summary ‒ inference and literal
9. Complete the following profile of Cat Every Matter. Use ONE word to fill in each blank. (8 marks)

About Cat Every Matter (CEM)

Cat Every Matter offers services free-of-(i) (1) charge (line 7) . However, they do not (ii) (1) accept (line 22)

jobs that are (iii) (1) dangerous (line 20)in nature. Apart from that, few (iv) (1) rules (line 20) apply.

□ Policy
No jobs are to be done in (v) (1) private (line 22) spaces.

□ Form of payment
A (vi) (1) meal (line 8) for the CEM helper, whether the task is completed or not.

□ Expenses
All expenses incurred in the process are to be covered by the (vii) (1) client/patron/user (line
. 8)

□ Contact method
Requests for service can be made on CEM’s (viii) (1) social media page (line 24) .
(Note: accept all reasonable answers)

* short response ‒ inference and literal

10. According to paragraph 10, what are the goals that [Link] is aiming to achieve? Put a ‘tick’ () next to the one(s)
mentioned in the text, and a ‘cross’ () next to the one(s) that is/are not. (4 marks)

(a) (1)  taking advantage of the rise of e-commerce (line 32) (1)  sending postcards to foreign countries

(b) (1)  repeating Fiverr’s success (lines 32-33) (1)  building an international company

© Aristo Educational Press Ltd. 2021 2

Developing Skills for HKDSE ‒ Papers 1 & 2
Book 4 (2021 Revised Edition) Mock Test 3 Paper 1
Set A
- for HKDSE -

* short response ‒ literal

11. Find an example of a service available on Fiverr mentioned in paragraph 10.
having a postcard sent to you (line 34)

* short response ‒ inference and literal

12. According to paragraph 11, in what ways might using [Link] be more attractive than using a ‘real’ business’s
services? Circle the correct answers. (2 marks)
Using [Link] is …
i) (1)( less / more ) expensive and (line 37)
ii) (1)( less / more ) bothersome. (line 37)

* short response ‒ literal

13. According to paragraph 11, in what way do Lo and Cheung set prices on their site? In what way do they not? (2 marks)
(a) Do: (1) They set a basic price of $50. (line 37)
(b) Don’t: (1) They let sellers and buyers negotiate a final fee. (lines 37-38)

* multiple-choice ‒ inference
14. According to paragraph 11, what is the minimum amount of money that [Link] makes from each transaction?
A. US$2.5
B. US$5
C. HK$2.5 (lines 37 & 38)
A B C D
D. HK$50

* multiple-choice ‒ requires understanding of overall content

15. What kind of services do CEM and [Link] offer?
A. dating
B. Internet
C. removal A B C D
D. personal

* short response ‒ vocabulary (meaning)

16. Find a word in paragraph 12 that means ‘odd’.
wacky (line 41)

* full response ‒ inference and literal

17. According to paragraph 13, why does the writer think Tam’s job is safe?
Because he does not run CEM to make a profit, so he is free from the business risks that [Link] faces.
(lines 45-46)

END OF PART A

© Aristo Educational Press Ltd. 2021 3

This is a blank page.

© Aristo Educational Press Ltd. 2021 4

Developing Skills for HKDSE ‒ Papers 1 & 2
Book 4 (2021 Revised Edition) Mock Test 3 Paper 1
Set A
- for HKDSE -

QUESTION-ANSWER SECTION
PART B1
Read Text 2 and answer questions 18-37. (40 marks)

* short response – pronoun back-referencing

18. What does ‘it’ (line 2) refer to?
Silicon Valley (line 1)

* short response – inference and literal

19. What is ‘Silicon Dragon’ (line 5)?
a new tech hub in China (line 4)

* short response – literal

20. According to paragraph 2, where can you find Santander Cycles?
London (line 9)

* cloze summary – inference and literal

21. Complete the notes about the two types of bike-sharing systems introduced in paragraphs 2-3. Use ONE word for each
blank. (4 marks)

Traditional bike shares versus dockless bike shares

• Similarity: Both systems offer (i) (1) bikes (line 8) for rent.
• Difference: Traditional bike shares require bikes to be picked up and dropped off at (ii) (1) docks (line 10) ,
while users of dockless bike shares are free to leave bikes at (iii) (1) any (line 12) place they prefer with
the help of a (iv) (1) smartphone app (line 12) .
(Note: accept all reasonable answers)

* short response – literal

22. According to paragraph 5, what are the THREE features of dockless bike shares that have helped make cycling
‘fashionable in China again’ (line 14)? (3 marks)
i)

(1) cheap fees (line 16)
ii)

(1) colourful bike designs (line 16)
iii)

(1) the banner of the sharing economy (line 17)
 : in any order
* matching – match statements to source text; inference and literal
23. According to paragraph 5, in what situations are users most likely to hire dockless bikes? Put a ‘tick’ () next to the
one(s) mentioned in the text, and a ‘cross’ () next to the one(s) that is/are not mentioned. (4 marks)

(1)  when they are in faraway places (a) (1)  when roads are busy (line 18)

(1)  when they are in a hurry (b) (1)  during rush hours (line 18)

© Aristo Educational Press Ltd. 2021 5

Developing Skills for HKDSE ‒ Papers 1 & 2
Book 4 (2021 Revised Edition) Mock Test 3 Paper 1
Set A
- for HKDSE -

* short response – pronoun back-referencing

24. Who does ‘they’ (line 17) refer to?
young people in major cities (line 16)

* short response – vocabulary (meaning)

25. Find a word in paragraph 6 that means ‘very large’.
massive (line 19)

* multiple-choice – identify purpose of writing

26. Why does the writer tell the reader that ‘Ofo and Mobike have raised US$450 million and US$215 million respectively’
(lines 19-20)?
A. to show that Ofo is more successful than Mobike
B. to show that Ofo and Mobike only accept US dollars
C. to show that Chinese companies have too much money A B C D
D. to show that both companies have been hugely successful (line 19)

* table completion – information transfer; inference and literal

27. The table below shows some of the failed start-up projects mentioned in paragraphs 7-9. Complete the table. (3 marks)

Failed start-up project Reason for failure

(i) (1) Umbrella (line 23) sharing All hired items were lost because (ii) (1) the security deposit
was much lower than each umbrella’s value (line 24) .

(iii) (1) Basketball (line 26) sharing The idea was not creative enough.

* multiple-choice – identify purpose of writing

28. Based on the information given in paragraph 9, why do you think the writer mentions bike sharing in Hong Kong?
A. to show that start-up successes are location-dependent (lines 28-29)
B. to show that bike sharing is always successful
C. to prove how bike-friendly Hong Kong is A B C D
D. to promote bike sharing in Hong Kong

* short response – vocabulary (synonyms)

29. Find words or phrases in paragraphs 9-11 that can be replaced by the following. (4 marks)
i) established (1) existing (line 30)

ii) possibility (1) potential (line 31)

iii) catch on (1) take root (line 31)

iv) chaos (1) mess (line 33)

© Aristo Educational Press Ltd. 2021 6

Developing Skills for HKDSE ‒ Papers 1 & 2
Book 4 (2021 Revised Edition) Mock Test 3 Paper 1
Set A
- for HKDSE -

* sentence completion – literal

30. According to paragraphs 10 and 11, what are TWO things that start-ups in Western cities have learnt from studying their
counterparts in China? Use ONE word for each blank. (4 marks)

‒ They have learnt that (i) (1) dockless bike sharing (line 32) could be successful
in their own cities.
‒ They have learnt from the (ii) (1) mistakes of their Chinese counterparts and used those lessons to
(lines 33-34)
(iii) (1) adjust (line 34) their technology and rules to achieve (iv) (1) smoother (line 35) operations.
(Note: accept all reasonable answers)
* multiple-choice – identify main idea
31. What is the main idea of paragraph 12?
A. New tech hubs will grow all over Asia to compete with the established giants.
B. China will not become the world’s most important tech hub in the near future.
C. Silicon Valley has more wealth and talent than the tech sector in China. A B C D
D. The Chinese tech hub will be bigger than Silicon Valley someday.

* multiple-choice – identify opinion

32. Based on the information in paragraph 13, which of the following best describes the writer’s view of the Chinese tech
sector’s future?
A. undecided
B. reserved
C. positive (line 39) A B C D
D. negative

* matching – match subheadings to source text; inference and literal

33. Match the following subheadings to the correct sections in the text. Fill in the blanks with the letters A, B and C. One of
the subheadings is NOT used. (3 marks)

Subheadings Sections A, B and C

Difficulties ahead (1) B

A new way to ride (1) A

How to build a start-up

A global future (1) C

* short response – inference; requires understanding of overall content

34. What does ‘this shift’ (line 44) refer to?
China becoming a world leader in tech

* short response – literal

35. Based on the information given in paragraph 15, why do you think Roger argues that few tech companies would not
want to work in China? Support your answer with a reason mentioned in his comment.
The size of the Chinese tech market is big. (lines 48-49) /Asians adopt new tech faster than Westerners, which
speeds up the whole cycle of development and sales. (lines 49-50)

© Aristo Educational Press Ltd. 2021 7

Developing Skills for HKDSE ‒ Papers 1 & 2
Book 4 (2021 Revised Edition) Mock Test 3 Paper 1
Set A
- for HKDSE -

* true/false/not given – inference and literal

36. Decide whether the following statements are True (T), False (F), or if the information is Not Given (NG) in paragraphs
14-15. Blacken ONE circle only for each statement. (3 marks)

T F NG
i) Kim predicts that the Chinese Internet economy will enjoy significant growth. (1)
yes: ‘The growth of tech in China has been shocking, and will only continue.’ (line 44)
ii) Kim has invested in Chinese tech companies. not mentioned and cannot be inferred (1)
iii) According to Roger, because of market demand, consumer-oriented technology (1)
no: ‘Asians tend to adopt new tech faster than Westerners, which
generally changes faster in the West than in Asia. speeds up the whole cycle of development and sales.’ (lines 49-50)

* multiple-choice – requires understanding of overall content

37. Choose the best alternative title for the text.
A. The emerging Chinese tech scene
B. The rise of dockless bike sharing
C. Silicon Valley in the making A B C D
D. Tech innovations in China

END OF PART B1

© Aristo Educational Press Ltd. 2021 8

Developing Skills for HKDSE ‒ Papers 1 & 2
Book 4 (2021 Revised Edition) Mock Test 3 Paper 1
Set A
- for HKDSE -

QUESTION-ANSWER SECTION
PART B2
Read Text 3 and answer questions 38-40. (6 marks)

* multiple-choice – vocabulary (synonym)

38. Which of the following is the best alternative to replace the word ‘skinny’ in the title?
A. keys
B. signs
C. low-down
A B C D
D. explanation

* multiple-choice – identify main idea

39. Which of the following is stated or implied in the first entry (starting from the top)?
A. The majority of primary school students had had dating experience in primary school.
B. Most students had started dating by the end of secondary school.
C. Some students objected to dating in Secondary 4-6. A B C D
D. Not all students had had dating experiences. (line 4)

* matching – match comments to source text; inference and literal

40. Based on the survey results, determine whether each of the following opinions would be held by a majority or a
minority of the students surveyed, or if the information is not given. Put a ‘tick’ () in the appropriate box. (4 marks)

Number of students:
Most Fewer than half Not given
i) Secondary 6 students are too young to start dating. (line 2) (1) 
ii) I’d rather date someone I met in the real world than online. (line 7) (1) 
iii) I think the longer the wait to start a relationship, the more stable (1) 
it will be. not mentioned and cannot be inferred
iv) Personal wealth plays a key role in my choice of love interest. (1) 
not mentioned and cannot be inferred

End of questions for Text 3

© Aristo Educational Press Ltd. 2021 9

Developing Skills for HKDSE ‒ Papers 1 & 2
Book 4 (2021 Revised Edition) Mock Test 3 Paper 1
Set A
- for HKDSE -

QUESTION-ANSWER SECTION

Read Text 4 and answer questions 41-60. (38 marks)

* multiple-choice – inference
41. The question ‘What if their young, starry-eyed darling pays too much attention to their love interest and, as a result,
neglects their studies?’ (lines 1-2) is likely to be considered most often by …
A. parents. (line 1)
B. teenagers.
C. the writer.
A B C D
D. the reader.

* multiple-choice – identify main idea

42. According to paragraph 2, the writer seems most concerned about the effects of teenage romance on teens’ …
A. eating habits.
B. mental health. (lines 3-6)
C. social success. A B C D
D. academic results.

* short response – inference and literal

43. Based on the information given in paragraph 2, name the illness(es) and/or behaviour(s) associated with expressions of
negative emotions caused by teenage relationship issues. (3 marks)
i)

(1) depression (line 4)
ii)

(1) alcohol abuse (line 4)
iii)

(1) delinquency (line 6)
 : in any order
* cloze summary – inference and literal
44. Complete the summary below using information given in paragraph 3. Use ONE word only for each blank. (5 marks)

As (i) (1) peer (line 7) acceptance plays a huge role in teens’ lives, they tend to seek
(ii) (1) approval (line 8) from their friends even when choosing someone to (iii) (1) love (line 8) .
It is not uncommon for them to end their (iv) (1) relationships (line 9) so they can (v) (1) stay (line 8)

in their friendship group. (Note: accept all reasonable answers)

* short response – phrase back-referencing

45. What does ‘The problem’ (line 10) refer to?
conflict between teens’ romantic relationships and social lives (line 7)

* short response – inference

46. Based on the information given in paragraph 4, why does the writer think that LGBT teens ‘often have to conceal their
true feelings’ (lines 10-11)?
because their sexualities are different from traditional social values, which could result in discrimination at
school and at home (lines 11-12)

© Aristo Educational Press Ltd. 2021 10

Developing Skills for HKDSE ‒ Papers 1 & 2
Book 4 (2021 Revised Edition) Mock Test 3 Paper 1
Set A
- for HKDSE -

* short response – inference and literal

47. According to paragraph 5, approximately how long before the article was written did Kate start the relationship with her
ex-boyfriend?
9 months (line 14)

* multiple-choice – identify attitude

48. According to paragraph 6, which of the following best describes the first reaction of Kate’s mother to Kate’s
relationship?
A. firm (line 15)
B. weary
C. violent A B C D
D. undecided

* multiple-choice – inference and literal

49. Why does the writer say that Kate’s mother ‘still can’t stop worrying’ (lines 16-17)?
Kate’s mother is worried that …
A. Kate may not date again.
B. Kate may not trust her anymore.
C. Kate’s ex-boyfriend may attempt suicide. A B C D
D. Kate may still be suffering after the break-up. (line 16)

* true/false/not given – inference and literal

50. Based on the information given in paragraph 7, decide if the following statements are True (T), False (F), or if the
information is Not Given (NG). Blacken ONE circle only for each statement. (3 marks)

T F NG
i) Ms Chan thinks that parents should forbid teenagers to date. (1)
no: ‘points out that a strict approach may be counterproductive’ (lines 18-19)
ii) Ms Chan believes that some teens may not want to talk to their parents about (1)
yes: ‘Teenagers already reluctant to speak
relationships whether they act strictly or not. to their parents’ (lines 19-20)
iii) Ms Chan is well-experienced in counselling students caught up in romantic (1)
troubles. not mentioned and cannot be inferred

* multiple-choice – phrase (meaning)

51. The phrase ‘a piece of their mind’ (line 21) suggests the parents of the student may …
A. reproach the student. (lines 19-21)

B. complain about the student.

C. hide some of their thoughts. A B C D
D. say what the student wants to hear.

© Aristo Educational Press Ltd. 2021 11

Developing Skills for HKDSE ‒ Papers 1 & 2
Book 4 (2021 Revised Edition) Mock Test 3 Paper 1
Set A
- for HKDSE -

* chronological ordering
52. Based on the information given in paragraph 8, arrange the parts of Candy’s daily routine from when she was in the
romantic relationship in the correct order. Write the numbers (1-5) on the lines, with ‘1’ being the first part of her
routine. One statement is NOT used. (5 marks)

(a) Candy went back to her room. (1) 5 (line 26)

(b) Candy attended a crammer. (1) 2 (line 24)
Candy went out with her date.
(c) Candy met her date. (1) 3 (lines 24-25)
(d) Candy went to school. (1) 1 (line 24)
(e) Candy headed home for dinner. (1) 4 (lines 25-26)

* multiple-choice – vocabulary (meaning)

53. What does ‘bombshell’ (line 27) refer to?
A. a serious complaint
B. an unwelcome surprise
C. a deadline for Candy’s assignments
A B C D
D. a weapon belonging to Candy’s boyfriend

* multiple-choice – inference and literal

54. Based on the information given in paragraph 9, why do you think Candy sought help from her teacher instead of her
parents?
It is because …
A. she was worried that her parents might scold her. (line 29)
B. she was worried that her boyfriend might beat her up.
C. she was worried that her boyfriend might break up with her.
A B C D
D. she was worried that her parents might stop giving her pocket money.

* full response – inference and literal; give opinion and supporting reason
55. According to paragraph 10, would Ms Chan approve of the way Candy’s parents acted? Explain your answer.
(2 marks)
(1) Yes, (1) Ms Chan advises parents to show support and encourage discussion, and Candy’s parents had a
calm and supportive talk with Candy. (lines 21-22 & 30-31)

* short response – identify items in text; literal

56. Find TWO examples of self-harm mentioned in the text. (2 marks)
i)

(1) (attempted) suicide (line 14) and ii)

(1) alcohol abuse (line 4)
 : in any order

© Aristo Educational Press Ltd. 2021 12

Developing Skills for HKDSE ‒ Papers 1 & 2
Book 4 (2021 Revised Edition) Mock Test 3 Paper 1
Set A
- for HKDSE -

* multiple-choice – vocabulary (meaning)

57. What does ‘lovelorn’ (line 34) mean?
A. deeply and madly in love with a loner
B. bankrupt due to romantic relationships
C. mentally ill due to failed romantic relationships
A B C D
D. sad because the person you love does not love you

* multiple-choice – inference and literal

58. Which of the following does the writer believe to be the most important factor in helping teenagers tackle relationship
problems?
A. support from family (lines 40-41)
B. a change to the school curriculum
C. teenagers’ enjoyment of adolescence A B C D
D. an increase in the number of school counsellors

* multiple-choice – identify tone

59. What is the writer’s tone in paragraph 14?
A. excited
B. uncertain
C. optimistic (lines 43-44)
A B C D
D. pessimistic

* matching ‒ match speech acts to individuals; inference and literal

60. Using information from the text, match each person with one of the quotes below. Choose from A-F and write the letter
in the box next to each person. One of the quotes is NOT used. (5 marks)

Quotes Quotes
‘We sat down and calmly discussed ways to ‘I wanted that relationship to end when he
A D
help her get out of the situation.’ started forcing me to do what he said.’
‘Always be ready to lend an ear and help your ‘Teenagers aren’t ready for love. Parents
B E
lovelorn kid.’ should get them out of harm’s way.’
‘Faced with important life-changing issues, ‘I know she loves me but I think she’s a bit
C most teens don’t have the emotional maturity F overprotective.’
to handle the resulting stress.’

(1) E (1) A (1) D

(a) Kate’s mother (b) Candy’s mother (c) Candy
(line 15) (lines 30-31) (line 28)

(1) C (1) B
(d) Mr Lee (e) Ms Chan
(lines 36-38) (lines 21-22)

END OF PART B2

© Aristo Educational Press Ltd. 2021 13

First published July, 2021