1Features of the Chinese Question
The Chinese question is usually an open argumentative prompt on a policy controversy, social value or public-interest trade-off, with no model answer; what matters is a clear position and full argument.
Recognising the Question Type
- Prompts often take the form of 'do you agree', 'should' or 'pros and cons', requiring you to take a stance and argue it.Exam
- The materials are relatively brief and cannot simply be copied; you must supplement with your own knowledge.Compare
- Issues are often controversial and involve dilemmas; a one-sided stance ignoring the opposing view scores poorly.Trap
- Marking values depth of reasoning and coherent argument over volume of facts.
審題貼士
After reading, ask what the core dilemma is: stating the tension clearly gives you both sides to write and avoids a one-sided essay.
2What the Question Demands
The Chinese paper asks you to form a position, lay out reasons and address counter-arguments within a short time, drawing on accumulated issue awareness and clear written expression.
Three Core Demands
- A clear position: one judgement running through the whole essay without contradiction.Exam
- Sufficient evidence: each point supported by a reason, example or analysis of consequences.Exam
- Addressing the other side: anticipating and answering opposing views shows mature, fair thinking.Compare
- Standard written Chinese: formal written Chinese only, avoiding colloquial, slang or internet terms.Trap
備試貼士
Read editorials and policy commentary regularly to bank pro and con arguments; essays improvised on the spot tend to be thin on evidence.
How it is examined
Common Prompt Examples (original illustration)
- 'Should the government introduce user charges for a public service?' — weighing fairness, efficiency and affordability.
- 'Do you agree with using a certain measure to tackle a social problem?' — assessing effectiveness, cost and alternatives.
- 'The pros and cons of a policy' — a two-sided analysis leading to an overall judgement.
3Division of Labour With the English Paper
The Chinese and English papers are complementary: one tests data analysis, the other independent reasoning. Understanding the split helps you allocate preparation effort.
Comparing the Two Papers
- The English paper is data-rich, testing digestion and weighing; the Chinese paper is data-sparse, testing your own knowledge and argument.Compare
- The English paper leans toward case decision-making, the Chinese toward issue argumentation.Compare
- Both assess analysis and writing; only the materials and mode of thinking differ.
策略貼士
Prepare the Chinese paper by 'input' — wide reading to bank issues; prepare the English paper by 'method' — mastering a data-handling framework. Train them separately.
4Introduction: Frame the Issue and State Your Stance
A good introduction, in a few sentences, sets the background, pinpoints the controversy and states your stance clearly, so the marker knows the direction from the outset.
Three Moves in the Introduction
- Set the scene: briefly state the background and why it matters, without lengthy preamble.Exam
- Define the controversy: identify the core dilemma or value conflict.Exam
- State your stance: declare your position so the essay has one consistent direction.Trap
框架提示
Keep the introduction concise, about a tenth of the essay; avoid opening with abstract concepts and get to the controversy and stance quickly.
5Points and Counter: Develop and Balance
The body first lays out reasons for your stance, then raises and answers the strongest opposing view. Addressing the counter is not self-contradiction but a sign of thorough thinking.
Organising the Body
- One point per paragraph, with a reason, example or consequence analysis, clearly layered.Exam
- Arrange points from strongest to secondary, leading with impact then supplementing.
- Raise the strongest opposing point yourself, then answer it or note its limits.Compare
- Keep a balanced tone when answering, not belittling the other side but explaining why your stance is preferable.Trap
評分關鍵
The counter-argument paragraph separates high from low scores: an essay with only your side looks thin, while answering the counter shows analytical depth.
6Judgement and Conclusion: Closing the Essay
After weighing both sides, reach a clear judgement, then in the conclusion echo your stance and offer a direction or condition, closing the loop.
Elements of a Strong Ending
- A clear judgement: give a firm conclusion after weighing, without vagueness or fence-sitting.Exam
- The judgement may carry conditions or caveats, showing you understand the issue is not black and white.
- The conclusion should echo the introduction and may suggest a feasible direction, adding constructiveness.Compare
- Avoid introducing new points in the ending, which breaks structural integrity.Trap
時間提示
Leave time for the ending: a strong start with a weak finish is a common way to lose marks, so reserve a few sentences to state the final judgement clearly.
