English in Hong Kong
Hong Kong citizens are highly encouraged to learn English. Being language proficient can be a major asset for a resident. Being a fluent English speaker is considered a significant advantage. It opens up opportunities that include post-secondary education. By the time a student reaches the age of 18, they will graduate from secondary school. If they speak fluent English, they are more likely to get accepted into university.
English courses: Hong Kong
Hong Kong’s education system resembles the United Kingdom. For that reason, courses are offered to citizens of all ages. School students are mandated to complete six years of primary school. This is referred to as P1-P6, which stands for Primary 1 through Primary 6. Primary 1 begins at the age of six, while most students end their primary years when they turn 12.
The end of primary school leads to a student’s junior secondary education. Upon completion, the student moves on to secondary school. Most Hong Kong students graduate from secondary school when they turn 18 before moving on to post-secondary education. Acceptance into university is considered an important goal for most students in Hong Kong. Even so, Hong Kong English proficiency courses are offered to adults interested in learning the language later.
English Learning for students
1. DSE English & HKDSE English
The DSE stands for the Diploma of Secondary Education Examination. It is the English portion of the Secondary Education Examination. The Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) is a cumulative exam that evaluates students’ junior and senior education. Students in their last six years of school must complete specific courses to pass. One of these includes the English language course that is required for all students.
The HKDSE includes different sections for each required subject. The DSE English exam represents a significant portion of the test that exemplifies students’ skills. Major sections of the exam include vocabulary, dse writing, dse speaking, dse listening and dse reading comprehension. Each section is graded on a scale of 1 to 5. Most students want to aim for a score of 5, 5* or 5**. The DSE English portions take about 5 hours to complete. For this reason, students sometimes feel intimidated by the exam. Even so, preparation and education can increase a student’s chance at success.
Hong Kong students prepare for this exam throughout their entire primary schooling career. By the time they reach their junior and secondary years in school, they are well prepared for the exam. The English language portion of the exam includes four different papers: Reading, writing, speaking and listening. This tests each student on their Hong Kong English language proficiency. Paper 3 is a listening exam that requires a lot of multi-tasking skills. In the listening exam, students have to hear a recording and write down a response that pertains to the message. It accounts for 30% of the HKDSE exam.
DSE 2021 timetable
Every year, the Hong Kong Examination and Assessment authority publishes the DSE timetable. This resource provides all the important dates, subjects and times that students need to know before their exams. With the timetable, students can prepare for every portion of their exam. It includes other information such as the curriculum they will need to master and how much time it may take to finish a certain portion.
2. Primary education
As mentioned before, Hong Kong students follow the United Kingdom’s education system. This includes a primary school that children are required to attend from the age of 6 to 12. Hong Kong English language proficiency is very important for student opportunities. The primary school educates children at a young age to help them prepare. Some students begin learning basic English by the time they are in Kindergarten.
English for Adults
1. IELTS
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is an exam that evaluates a person’s English language skills. The IELTS prepares people that are moving to predominantly English-speaking countries. It assesses a person’s English language skills with specific exam segments. These include listening, reading, writing and speaking portions of the test. It’s designed to reflect realistic uses of the English language for work, recreation, or education.
The IELTS has a positive reputation and is accepted by 10,000 institutions. It can be used as proof of language proficiency for most English-speaking countries. For adults planning to move to one of these countries, the IELTS is a renowned choice. Most schools, universities, immigration authorities and employers accept the IELTS. Adults also have the option to take the general training course for the IELTS. Depending on a person’s goals or VISA requirements, the IELTS is a proper assessment of Hong Kong English speaking skills.
2. Business language learning
In Hong Kong, learning English can give adults more chances for growth. This can include better opportunities in the workplace. By taking English language courses, Hong Kong residents can interact with other professionals. The IELTS helps adults aiming to develop their professional performance. This includes courses that are tailor-made for working Hong Kong employees. Language coaches can also help. They can assist learners through difficult elements of the English Language.
3. Interview training
For adults aiming for a career outside of their home country, learning English can be helpful. If one is interested in a job located in an English-speaking country, an employer may need their employees to know English. With that in mind, taking an English course may be a positive step in one’s career path. The IELTS is accepted by most employers. By taking the exam, you improve your English skills and open up more growth opportunities.
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