DSE candidates take frustrations out on Michelle Obama for tough English exam
Scores of candidates for Hong Kong’s university entrance exams have vented their frustrations at Michelle Obama after an excerpt from her memoir was included in a test paper which they deemed difficult, prompting the authorities to appeal for respect when expressing views.
Comments left on one post on the former US first lady’s archived Instagram page included mocking references to texts used in the English reading comprehension component of the Diploma of Secondary Education (DSE) exams, with some making crude remarks or using foul language about Obama and her family.
“You made my 2023 DSE become a 2024 DSE mock [exam],” wrote one user, drawing 76 likes from others.
Another said: “If I don’t get 5**, it’s your responsibility,” referring to the top grade for the exam.
Other comments included a mocking reference to an article featured in another exam question, which used the word “boom” twice in the text to describe the sound of an explosion a student caused in school. It also used the word “boomed” to describe a teacher’s voice.
However, other commenters attempted to apologise to Obama for the behaviour of the candidates, while some criticised the students for their actions. In response, a spokesman for the Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority said on Sunday: “We understand that candidates are concerned with their examination performance, but they should be polite and respectful when expressing their opinions.”
He noted the English exam paper was set according to the subject’s curriculum, assessment guide and framework.
“When selecting the material for reading comprehension, we would also consider the candidates’ language ability, how interesting the subject matter is and the educational significance,” he said.
The spokesman added that the reading material selected must also be relevant to the candidates’ daily life and experience.
The English language exam, one of four mandatory subjects, involves reading comprehension, writing, listening and speaking components.
The reading comprehension component of the exam, taken by 47,400 candidates on Friday, comprised a mandatory section known as “part A” and another that asks candidates to pick one out of two options, with “B1” being easier and “B2” being more difficult.
Candidates who wish to attain 5**, the highest grade in the subject, must attempt the more difficult section. Excerpts from Obama’s Mother’s Day personal essay and her memoir Becoming were used in part “B2”.
Tutors and teachers who spoke to the Post said it was one of the most challenging reading papers in recent years.
Ansley Lee Kwan-ting, an English teacher from KiangsuChekiang College, said part B2 was the most difficult, especially for students who rarely read in the language.
“Everyone saw ‘Michelle Obama’ and immediately thought it was about Obama herself. But it was more than that. It was about her personal growth, including how she learned to play the piano, the difficulties she faced with her piano teacher, her great-aunt, and her mother’s parenting style,” Lee said.
She added that the text contained many uncommon adjectives, slang, inference and critical thinking questions, testing students’ ability to read between the lines and form opinions.
One DSE candidate, who only gave her name as Wong, said the reading material and question format for the B2 component was slightly different and a little more complex compared with previous years.
“However, personally I think the paper was really manageable. I remember when I was taking the exam, I actually enjoyed the paper,” she said.