DSE English Paper 3 (Listening) A Comprehensive Guide to the Listening Examination
Learn the key techniques, understand the format of the exam, and access useful resources to improve your English listening skills.
Find a Professional Tutor NowIntroduction to DSE English Paper 3 Exam
Understanding the exam structure, marking criteria and important information
Exam Structure and Time Allocation
DSE English Paper 3 (Listening and Integrated Skills) is divided into two parts:
- Part A: The compulsory part, which takes up 15%, consists of a variety of listening tasks such as fill-in-the-blanks, multiple-choice questions and short-answer questions.
- Part B: The Optional Section, which takes up 151 TP6T, requires candidates to choose between B1, which is easier, and B2, which is more difficult but carries higher marks. B1 is easier and B2 is more difficult but carries more marks. Both contain integrated listening/reading and writing tasks.
The whole paper will take about 2 hours: 30 minutes to listen to the audio recording, followed by 1 hour and 15 minutes to complete the Part B writing task.
Grading
The examination marks are based on the following aspects:
- Listening comprehension and accuracy
- Note-taking and information processing skills
- Integrate the ability to listen and read information.
- Content, organisation and language accuracy of writing tasks
DSE English Listening Examination Statistics
DSE English Listening Examination Data Analysis
DSE English Listening Exam Results Distribution
Listening to the distribution of examination questions
Difficulties in Student Feedback
Exam Topic Analysis
DSE English Listening Exam Tips
Master these strategies to improve your listening performance
Exam Preparation Tips
Effective test preparation is the key to success. Establish a listening routine, spending 15-30 minutes a day listening to English language materials such as news, podcasts or TED talks. Expand your vocabulary, especially in relation to common DSE topics. Familiarise yourself with different accents of English, such as British, American and Australian.
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Listening Note Tips
Effective note-taking techniques can help you capture key information. Use keyword notation instead of recording complete sentences. Develop a personalised system of symbols and abbreviations such as '+' for strengths and '-' for weaknesses. Focus on recording key information such as names, places, numbers, dates, etc. Organise information using spatial arrangement.
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Time Management Strategy
Effective time management is essential for completing all tasks. In Part B, it is recommended that time be allocated for: topic selection (5 mins), reading and understanding the data file (15 mins), planning the content (10 mins), writing the task (35 mins), checking and revising (10 mins). If you are short of time, make sure you complete at least all the necessary parts.
Learn more →DSE English Listening Exam Text Type
Familiarise yourself with common text formats to improve your Part B writing score.
Script format
Includes character names and dialogue, uses colons to separate character names and dialogue, may include scene descriptions or stage directions, language style varies according to context. Marking points: correct format, relevance, appropriate language, richness of detail, coherence.
Report format
Formal, objective language style, clear headings and numbering system, use of the third person and passive voice, inclusion of data and facts, clear logical structure, may include diagrams and appendices, and the conclusion usually contains a recommendation or action plan.
Article format
Attractive and informative title, may contain a subheading or introduction, opening paragraph is usually engaging, main paragraph develops the theme and argument, quotes and examples are used to support the argument, language style is adapted to the target audience.
Blog Entry Format
Personalised, informal language style, using first-person narration, containing personal views and experiences, may use abbreviations and colloquial expressions, often contains labelling and categorisation, and usually ends with an invitation to the reader to interact.
Speech format
Addresses the audience directly, uses first and second person, contains rhetorical devices and interactive elements, has lively language, varies sentence length, uses turns of phrase to connect different parts, may contain rhetorical questions and emphasis.
Leaflet format
Visually appealing, eye-catching headings, concise and clear information, extensive use of bullet points and short paragraphs, contains all the necessary details of the event, language is straightforward, uses imperative sentences, may contain pictures or iconic descriptions.
DSE English Listening Exam Study Resources
Selected resources to help you prepare effectively for the exam
Official Exam Resources
The Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority (HKEAA) provides official resources including examination syllabuses, sample examination papers, marking schemes and examination reports. These resources will help you understand the examination requirements and marking schemes.
View Official Resources →Analysis of past examination questions
We provide detailed analysis of DSE English Listening Exam 2019-2023 including exam topics, question distribution, difficulty analysis and strategies to cope with it. By analysing previous years' questions, you can better understand the exam trends and key points.
Obtain an analysis report →Online Listening Practice Resources
Recommended online listening practice resources include BBC Learning English, TED Talks, British Council Learning English and VOA Learning English. These resources provide listening materials and exercises for all levels of difficulty.
Get Resource List →Text Type Formatting Guidelines
A detailed guide to text type formatting, including formatting, features and examples for common text types such as Script, Blog Entry, Report, Article, Leaflet, Announcement, Email, Speech and Letter to the Editor.
Download the format guide →Note-taking Skills Training Materials
Designed specifically for the DSE English Listening and Speaking Exam, these note-taking skills training materials include symbol system development, keyword penmanship, spatial arrangement techniques and speed note-taking exercises. These materials will help you improve your speed and accuracy.
Obtaining training materials →One-to-one professional counselling
GETUTOR provides professional one-to-one tutoring service for DSE English Listening Exam. Experienced tutors provide personalised guidance and practice according to your needs and level. Through professional counselling, you can improve your listening skills faster.
Find a professional tutor →Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to your questions about the DSE English Listening Exam
How can I improve my overall English listening skills?
Improving English listening skills takes time: spend 15-30 minutes a day listening to English materials such as news, podcasts, speeches, etc.; start with slower materials and gradually move up to a normal speed; expand your vocabulary, especially in relation to common DSE topics; familiarise yourself with English with different accents; and carry out regular simulations to analyse your mistakes and make improvements in a targeted manner.
What is the difference between B1 and B2 in Part B? How to choose?
Key differences between B1 and B2: B1 is easier and B2 is more difficult; B2 is more difficult but can be awarded higher marks; B1 is suitable for candidates with a weaker foundation and B2 is suitable for candidates with a higher level of ability. Suggestions for choosing: Have a quick look at the requirements and data files for both options; assess which topic or text type is more familiar; consider your level of ability and time constraints; once you have made a choice, focus on completing it and do not hesitate.
How to take notes effectively in Part A?
Strategies for effective note-taking in Part A: use keyword notation rather than recording complete sentences; develop a system of personalised symbols and abbreviations, e.g. '+' for strengths and '-' for weaknesses; focus on recording key information, e.g. names of people, places, numbers, dates, etc.; use spatial arrangement to organise information, e.g., indentation to indicate primary and secondary relationships; if you are not sure of the spelling of a word, write it down in Chinese and think about it later.
How to cope with different accents in English?
Strategies to cope with different accents: Listen to English materials with different accents, e.g. BBC (British), CNN (American), ABC (Australian), etc.; pay attention to the regularity of accents, e.g. vowel pronunciation differences, hyphenation and omission features; focus on the overall meaning rather than on each individual word; use context and key words to understand the main information; familiarise yourself with common types of accents in the DSE before the exam; and increase the level of difficulty from clear accents to more difficult accents during practice. Gradually increase the level of difficulty as you practise, from a clear accent to a more difficult one.
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