The teaching materials used at primary, secondary and university levels were shown. The participants discussed the differences in terms of the embedded philosophy, type of language activities, reading passage chosen and the expected requirement of the course.
The format of the English Examination at Matriculation level in these two places was compared (see Appendix)
The students in Hong Kong SAR begins English education in Primary one, when the primary English syllabus has just completed in China and is piloting in some provinces. The students in China begin formal English learning in Primary Three. Some coastal provinces will have it as early as in Primary One.
The English at secondary in these two places is exam-oriented.
The English at university in Hong Kong focuses on EAP and ESP, whereas the English in China works in knowledge and proficiency building.
The Hong Kong students are relatively weaker in the knowledge of the language. They need to be strengthened on the accuracy of the language.
The students from China have actually equipped with a stronger background of the language. However, they are not given any opportunities to apply the knowledge of it into any communicative activities or tasks. With adequate input and instructions, their language skills can further be developed.
All these Chinese students are not actually shy in taking part in activities or interacting with teachers in class. They just do not have the language to do so.
|
|
Content |
Item types |
No. of items |
Marks |
Weighting (%) |
|
Paper One |
I. Pronunciation, Grammar & Vocabulary II. Cloze III. Reading comprehension |
MC |
25 25 25 |
25 25 45 |
17 17 30 |
|
Paper Two |
IV. Spelling V. Proofreading VI. Writing |
Gap filling Error correction Guided writing |
10 10 1 |
10 15 30 |
6 10 20 |
|
Total |
|
96 |
150 |
100 |
|
|
Content |
Item types |
Weighting (%) |
|
Paper I |
Composition |
about 280 words |
26% |
|
Paper II |
Reading Comprehension |
e.g. cloze, MC, proofreading |
24% |
|
Paper III |
Integrated Listening, Reading and Writing |
e.g. cloze, MC, short questions, open ended |
32% |
|
Paper IV |
Oral |
role play and discussion |
18% |
|
|
Content |
Item types |
Weighting (%) |
|
Section I |
Listening |
e.g. cloze, MC, |
18% |
|
Section II |
Writing |
about 500 words |
18% |
|
Section III |
Reading and Language Systems |
e.g. cloze, MC, short questions, proofreading |
18% |
|
Section IV |
Oral |
role play and discussion |
18% |
|
Section V |
Practical Skills for Work and Study |
e.g. data processing, writing, short questions |
28% |