DSE Exam Glossary — Key Terms Across All Subjects

Compulsory Module: A module that all candidates must take as part of a subject. Forms the foundation of the subject curriculum.

Core Subject: A subject that all candidates must study. Includes Chinese, English, Mathematics, and Liberal Studies.

DSE (Diploma of Secondary Education): Hong Kong’s university entrance examination, taken by secondary school students.

Elective Subject: A subject chosen by candidates based on their interests and strengths. Allows specialization.

Grading System: DSE results are reported on a 7-level scale: 5**, 5*, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, and U (ungraded).

Paper: A component of a subject’s examination, typically covering different skills or content areas.

Paper 1: Usually the reading/writing or listening component, depending on the subject.

Paper 2: Usually the writing or integrated component, depending on the subject.

Speaking Assessment: An oral examination component testing communication skills. May be conducted in groups or individually.

Subject Benchmark: The standard required to achieve each grade level. Set by the HKEAA based on candidate performance.

Classical Chinese (文言文): Literary Chinese used in classical texts. Requires understanding of classical grammar, vocabulary, and allusions.

Chinese Literature (中國文學): An elective exploring Chinese literary works including poetry, prose, fiction, and drama across different periods.

Close Reading (閱讀理解): A paper testing comprehension of Chinese texts through questions on meaning, style, and technique.

Composition (作文): A paper testing writing skills through narrative, expository, argumentative, or practical writing tasks.

Integrated Learning Module (綜合學習): A component connecting different language skills through real-world contexts and tasks.

Oral Communication (口語溝通): A component assessing speaking skills including group discussion and individual presentation.

Poetry Appreciation (詩歌欣賞): Understanding and analyzing classical and modern Chinese poetry, including imagery, themes, and techniques.

Practical Writing (實用文): Writing for practical purposes such as letters, reports, and proposals following specific formats.

Cloze Test: A passage with blanks where candidates select appropriate words from options or supply their own.

Integrated Skills: A paper combining listening, reading, and writing skills in an integrated task.

Listening and Integrated Skills: A paper testing comprehension of spoken English combined with reading and writing tasks.

Reading (閱讀理解): A paper testing comprehension of English texts through various question types.

Speaking: An assessment of oral communication including group interaction and individual presentation.

Writing (寫作): A paper testing writing skills in various genres and formats.

Algebra (代數): A branch dealing with symbols and rules for manipulating them. Includes equations, inequalities, and functions.

Calculus (微積分): The study of rates of change (differentiation) and accumulation (integration).

Circular Measure (弧度制): Measuring angles in radians. π radians = 180°. Arc length = rθ; sector area = ½r²θ.

Differentiation (微分): Finding the derivative of a function, representing the rate of change or slope of the tangent.

Equation (方程): A mathematical statement asserting the equality of two expressions. Types: linear, quadratic, polynomial.

Function (函數): A relation where each input has exactly one output. Notation: f(x).

Geometric Sequence (等比數列): A sequence where each term is found by multiplying the previous term by a constant ratio.

Integration (積分): Finding the integral of a function, representing the area under the curve or accumulation.

Logarithm (對數): The inverse of exponentiation. log_b(x) = n means bⁿ = x.

Matrices (矩陣): Rectangular arrays of numbers used in linear algebra. Operations include addition, multiplication, and inversion.

Number System (數系): Classification of numbers: natural, integer, rational, irrational, real, complex.

Probability (機率): The measure of the likelihood of an event occurring. Ranges from 0 (impossible) to 1 (certain).

Quadratic Equation (二次方程): An equation of the form ax² + bx + c = 0. Solved using factoring, completing the square, or the quadratic formula.

Sequence (數列): An ordered list of numbers following a pattern. Types: arithmetic, geometric, recursive.

Statistics (統計學): The study of collecting, analyzing, interpreting, and presenting data.

Trigonometry (三角學): The study of relationships between angles and sides of triangles. Functions: sin, cos, tan.

Alternative Perspective (另類觀點): Different viewpoints or interpretations of an issue, essential for balanced analysis.

Analysis (分析): Breaking down an issue into components to understand causes, effects, and relationships.

China Studies (中國研究): A module examining China’s development in areas such as economy, society, and politics.

Contemporary Issues (當代議題): Current topics of social, economic, political, or environmental significance.

Critical Thinking (批判性思考): Evaluating arguments, evidence, and perspectives to form reasoned judgments.

Globalization (全球化): The increasing interconnectedness of economies, cultures, and societies worldwide.

Identity and Belonging (身份與認同): Understanding personal and collective identity in social and cultural contexts.

Integrated Theme (綜合主題): A module combining multiple perspectives on broad themes like personal development and contemporary Hong Kong.

Issue Enquiry (議題探究): Investigating issues from multiple perspectives, evaluating evidence, and forming conclusions.

Multiple Perspectives (多角度思考): Considering various viewpoints and dimensions of an issue for comprehensive understanding.

Sustainability (可持續發展): Meeting present needs without compromising future generations’ ability to meet their own needs.

Value Judgment (價值判斷): Evaluating situations based on moral, ethical, or social values.

Acceleration (加速度): The rate of change of velocity. a = Δv/Δt. Unit: m/s².

Atom (原子): The basic unit of matter, consisting of a nucleus (protons and neutrons) and electrons.

Electric Circuit (電路): A closed path through which electric current flows. Components: source, conductors, load, switch.

Electromagnetic Spectrum (電磁波譜): The range of all electromagnetic radiation, from radio waves to gamma rays.

Energy (能量): The capacity to do work. Unit: joule (J). Forms: kinetic, potential, thermal, chemical.

Force (力): A push or pull acting on an object. Unit: newton (N). F = ma.

Magnetism (磁學): The study of magnetic fields and their effects on materials and moving charges.

Wave (波): A disturbance that transfers energy without transferring matter. Types: transverse, longitudinal.

Acid (酸): A substance that donates H⁺ ions in aqueous solution. pH < 7.

Alkali (鹼): A base that dissolves in water to form an alkaline solution. pH > 7.

Atomic Structure (原子結構): The arrangement of subatomic particles (protons, neutrons, electrons) in an atom.

Bonding (化學鍵): The forces holding atoms together in compounds. Types: ionic, covalent, metallic.

Chemical Equation (化學方程式): A symbolic representation of a chemical reaction showing reactants and products.

Electrolysis (電解): Using electric current to drive a non-spontaneous chemical reaction.

Periodic Table (元素週期表): A tabular arrangement of elements by atomic number and electron configuration.

Reaction Rate (反應速率): The speed at which a chemical reaction occurs. Affected by concentration, temperature, and catalysts.

Cell (細胞): The basic structural and functional unit of living organisms.

DNA (脫氧核糖核酸): Deoxyribonucleic acid, the molecule carrying genetic information.

Ecology (生態學): The study of interactions between organisms and their environment.

Evolution (演化): The process of change in populations over generations through natural selection.

Genetics (遺傳學): The study of heredity and variation in organisms.

Homeostasis (恆態): The maintenance of a stable internal environment despite external changes.

Photosynthesis (光合作用): The process by which plants convert light energy into chemical energy. 6CO₂ + 6H₂O → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂.

Reproduction (繁殖): The process by which organisms produce offspring. Types: sexual, asexual.

Demand (需求): The quantity of a good that consumers are willing and able to buy at various prices.

Elasticity (彈性): The responsiveness of quantity demanded or supplied to changes in price or income.

GDP (國內生產總值): Gross Domestic Product, the total value of goods and services produced in an economy.

Inflation (通貨膨脹): A sustained increase in the general price level of goods and services.

Market (市場): A mechanism where buyers and sellers interact to determine prices and exchange goods and services.

Opportunity Cost (機會成本): The value of the next best alternative foregone when making a choice.

Supply (供給): The quantity of a good that producers are willing and able to sell at various prices.

Unemployment (失業): The state of being without work while actively seeking employment.

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