Controversies Hong Kong Certificate of Education Examination

1 controversies

1.1 2005 english language (syllabus b) grading error
1.2 2005 english language (syllabus b) incident
1.3 2006 english language (syllabus b) paper 2 incident
1.4 2007 chinese language paper 2 incident
1.5 2007 english language questions leakage incident
1.6 2008 chinese language incident

controversies
2005 english language (syllabus b) grading error

in 2005, oral component of syllabus b english language examination incorrectly added total score because of recent upgrade hkeaa computer system, , supervisor in charge failed double-check results. subsequently, many candidates received incorrect total score, resulted in incorrect final grade subject. problem severe students wrongfully received f grade (the second-lowest grade) when supposed receive (the highest grade) in oral section. since final english mark calculated averaging marks in oral, reading comprehension, listening, , writing sections, having f in oral have affected final english mark if candidate did in other components.

in attempt mitigate situation, hkeaa publicly apologised , offered free rechecks on oral component of english language subject candidates. candidates have had higher score if error had not occurred received upgrade. in total, error affected 670 candidates, , 422 candidates had oral component mark upgraded while 248 had overall english subject grade upgraded. cascade reaction affected 233 candidates eligible sixth form.

however, mistake discovered far late. discovered when admissions process over. since candidates unable find school matriculate education because received incorrect grade, education , manpower bureau forced increase school quotas schools accommodate affected students. hkeaa chairman irving koo assured students education not affected error.

2005 english language (syllabus b) incident

a proofreading exercise in paper 2 of hkcee english language (syllabus b) quoted message adapted online forum. students flamed on forum in anger after exam. caused hkeaa hold several internal meetings banning use of messages online forum.

2006 english language (syllabus b) paper 2 incident

the hkcee english language (syllabus b) 2006, last year syllabus, administered on 4 may 2006. paper 2, reading comprehension , usage, had candidates complained hkeaa, in providing of study sources via internet, created potential candidates access solutions electronic devices such personal digital assistants , cellphones while in toilet. rumour first spead on local forums , young-m. incident generated widespread public furore.

numerous discussions initiated on local forums. candidates sitting paper demanded retake of paper , apology hkeaa. candidates collaborated political parties hold protests against hkeaa s decision not readminister paper. protest (cantonese) proposed 31 may or 1 july.

on local forum, candidate threatened sue hkeaa saying justice needed defended. more 100 complaints received hkeaa regarding incident.

the actual articles used in exam:

[1], article on para para scene in hong kong, published usa today on 31 august 2001.
[2], website cyberbullying, had numerous grammatical , structural mistakes.

2007 chinese language paper 2 incident

in 2007 hkcee chinese language paper 2 (writing), question 2 lemon tea suspected leaked beforehand since tutor, siu yuen king s glory education centre gave students sample article of similar title, iced lemon tea , before exam. led assumption tutor had knowledge of question in actual exam.

two students lodged complaint the. spokesperson of hkeaa stated copying candidates result in no marks given plagiarised parts.

2007 english language questions leakage incident

before examination date of english language papers in 2007, mr. ken , 1 of well-known tutors @ modern education centre in hong kong, called students tutorial centre few days before test review material on fashion. later found actual test had of same topics , questions identical identical, fuelling worries of possible leakage.

2008 chinese language incident

controversies in 2 papers: paper 1, comprehension, , paper 5, integrated skills.

in paper 1, format in previous years 2 passages supplied, 1 in vernacular chinese , 1 in classical chinese, , candidates required answer questions in words. in 2008, however, second passage chinese poem instead. also, half of total scores multiple choice questions, , in questions, choices said difficult distinguish. example, in question 5, 4 choices believable (可以相信), affirmative (肯定的是), proved facts (事實證明) , undeniable (無可否認). teachers said not make relevant decisions in short period of time or said paper required deduction skills , common sense rather chinese knowledge, , candidates said paper more gambling examination. commented passages difficult ce level. university professor admitted not finish exam in reasonable amount of time. first vernacular chinese passage said of difficulty of form 7 advanced level examination chinese language , culture, , second poem, moonlight of spring river (春江花月夜) in tang dynasty, said of difficulty of university chinese. hkesa replied papers can set in format , style.

in paper 5, candidates required listen recording , various tasks, both recording , data file criticised. halloween advertisement included in recording, , candidates afterward said felt uneasy or thought radio channel switched. in data file, chinese slang terms discussed in extract newspaper article , in poster promoting reading. teachers , students criticised materials promoting slang terms, students said had not heard of such terms , others said hkeaa had misconceptions use of slang terms. authority responded that, norm, of materials provided deliberately false or worthless promote critical thinking , choice-taking students.

on youtube , internet forums, ringtones of recording appeared after paper, including imitation of cantopop duo twins singing song, lian ai da guo tian (戀愛大過天, love more important anything), , recording of halloween advertisement.

some candidates suggested actions protest difficulty of comprehension paper wearing black clothes , staying on seats after end of examinations on 2 may , 3 may 2008, when english language examinations held.