Everything you need to know about DSE English training

What is the HKDSE English exam? 

The Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education Examination (HKDSE) is an exam that determines the level of knowledge students have after their experience in the academic system. Students are required to complete three years of junior secondary education, followed by three years of senior secondary education. During this time students will study a myriad of subjects, including the required Chinese language, English language, mathematics, and liberal studies. Students will also take three elective courses during this time. 

After students complete the six years of education, they will take the HKDSE, where they will be tested on the knowledge they have acquired. The HDKSE will have sections for each subject they have studied, and the results will show the student’s knowledge and abilities. The HKDSE uses standards-referenced reporting, meaning the exam results are compared to a set standard of five levels. The results will be given attainment of one through five, five being the highest. There is a description for each level of knowledge and capabilities. 

The HKDSE has an entire section for the English language subject that lasts five hours. This test can be daunting, and it is difficult to know what the exam will cover.  It covers the entirety of the six years of english education, and the questions may be confusing. The test is required, and worth the results as the HDKSE allows students to take undergraduate courses at local universities. 

In order to improve your chances of mastering the DSE English exam, it is important to practise as much as possible, including using past DSE English past papers.

Why take DSE English training? 

If the test covers the knowledge learned from the student’s years of education, why is english training important? The test is a very long process and it can be stressful for students. The student may know the information necessary, but it may be presented differently in the exam. The variables involved in taking the test can make it difficult to gain higher attainment. The student can learn what the test entails and can have a higher chance at a positive result. 

Many places offer DSE English training with course plans spanning around two years. And, when it comes to exam preparation, english language information is reinforced and presented in various ways to allow for the student to be best prepared in the actual situation.

What does DSE training cover? 

DSE English training covers the many facets involved in learning and understanding the english language. The training attempts to refresh the student’s mind on the english language, and possibly present new information that the student can learn to heighten their score on the HDSE. 

DSE English training covers english vocabulary and reading comprehension. Learning a high number of vocabulary words can be very difficult, especially when the student has to remember each word during a test. DSE training helps the student not only remember, but learn what to do if the student doesn’t remember the meaning of a word during the test. The DSE English exam focuses more on the context of the words, rather than the individual meaning of each word. DSE training guides students to look at the context of the words to find the correct answer. 

The HKDSE English portion also covers english writing, and DSE training can guide students in the challenges that come with it. The DSE has been redesigned and the questions have changed to require differing specifics. DSE training explains these specifics to students. Students can rarely memorise the answers to the written portion of a test, as the answers require more individuality and personal perspective. A student with DSE training can learn how else to prepare for these questions and answer them correctly. 

DSE training helps students prepare for the listening portion of the english exam. In the test, students will have to listen to recordings and answer the corresponding questions. The duality of this portion may confuse students or add stress during the test. Through DSE training, students can have a better understanding of what to expect. DSE trainers also have information on the types of issues and trick questions the listening portion has, and can train students to look out for them. 

What are the benefits of DSE training? 

DSE training boosts the knowledge of a student's english language skills and is a great asset for a student’s preparedness. DSE training courses can take place as individual or group training, and allow students to practice any area as much as necessary. DSE training courses have practice exams and exclusive knowledge of what the HKDSE English section will entail. 

Students can take practice exams, and have someone analyse the results to see how they can improve. Students can also benefit from an environment surrounded by the english language, where they are repeatedly exposed to listening, reading, and understanding the english language. 

As the students become more prepared for the exam, their stress will be reduced. A student’s six years of education have built up to the moment of taking the HKDSE. This puts a lot of pressure on the test and for the student to receive the highest results. The length of the exam can also be a daunting factor. DSE training gives students the chance to understand what to expect, and to find camaraderie in the exam experience.  

The preparedness and reduced stress can also give the student more confidence in taking the exam. As a student practices their english and receives better results on their practice tests, they will gain confidence in their abilities. This confidence will help the student perform higher during the exam, and can result in a higher score. 


Manhattan Elite Hong Kong is a state of the art english learning centre, which offers a range of english courses such as DSE english programs. We pride ourselves on delivering the best quality English education to your children while simultaneously nurturing their creativity.

Click here to contact us for more information.