Master the HKDSE Geography curriculum with this all-in-one guide to course structure, key themes, exam skills, and real-world relevance.

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1. What Is DSE Geography?

HKDSE Geography is an elective subject in the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (DSE), combining physical and human geography to develop students’ understanding of environmental and societal issues.

🔍 Key Features:

• Interdisciplinary Focus: Covers global issues such as climate change, urban development, and globalization.
• Skill-Based Learning: Emphasizes data analysis, map reading, and fieldwork investigation.
• Issue-Based Inquiry: Applies case studies from Hong Kong and around the world.
• Assessment Method: 80% public exam + 20% School-Based Assessment (SBA).

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2. 2024 DSE Geography Curriculum Overview

🔹 Core Topics

Topic	Main Content	Core Skills
Physical Environment	Plate tectonics, climate systems	Topographic map interpretation, climate chart analysis
Human Environment	Urban expansion, agricultural transformation	Demographic trend analysis (e.g., population pyramids)
Regional Issues	Sustainable development in Hong Kong, globalization impacts	Cost-benefit analysis (CBA)

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🔹 Elective Units (Choose Two out of Four)

Module	Key Focus	Sample Exam Question
Weather & Climate	Causes and effects of tropical cyclones	Compare disaster management in Hong Kong vs Japan
The Dynamic Earth	Earth’s structure, plate boundaries	Explain causes of earthquakes in subduction zones
Transport Development	Urban transport planning	Assess traffic congestion solutions in Hong Kong
Pearl River Delta	Regional cooperation and competition	Evaluate the economic impact of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge

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3. DSE Geography Exam Format & Grading

📖 Public Exam (80%)

Paper	Question Types	Focus	Time / Weight
Paper 1	30 Multiple Choice Questions	Concept recognition and basic application	1 hour / 20%
Paper 2	Data-response + essay questions	Critical thinking, real-world connections	2 hours / 60%

📝 School-Based Assessment (SBA – 20%)

Fieldwork Investigation Report (~2,000 words)
Example Topic: “Microclimate Study in Tseung Kwan O Reclamation Area”

Requirements:

• Field data (e.g. wind speed, temperature)
• GIS map layer analysis
• Sustainability recommendations

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4. High-Impact Study Strategies

4.1 Map Interpretation Tips

Topographic Map Rules:

Contour lines close = steep slope  
River V-points = upstream direction  
Settlement patterns = near water, avoid wind  
Land use = identified by color

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4.2 Data Analysis – 3-Step Technique

1. Describe the trend (e.g. “Hong Kong’s aging population intensified from 1990–2020”)
2. Explain causes (e.g. low birth rates, better healthcare)
3. Predict impacts (e.g. labor force shortage)

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4.3 Essay Framework – STEEP Model

Use the STEEP structure for structured, high-level responses:

mathematica複製編輯S – Social  
T – Technological  
E – Economic  
E – Environmental  
P – Political

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5. Essential Tools & Learning Resources

Type	Resource	Use Case
Textbook	DSE Geography 5* Guide*	Key concepts and exam drills
Past Papers	HKDSE 2012–2023	Practice and time management
GIS Tools	Google Earth, ArcGIS Online	Spatial analysis and mapping
Current Events	National Geographic, SCMP Environment section	Stay updated on global case studies

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6. Common Challenges & How to Overcome Them

6.1 Confusion Between Climate Systems?

Quick Climate Type Reference:

• Tropical Rainforest: Hot and rainy all year (e.g. Amazon)
• Mediterranean: Dry summers, wet winters (e.g. Italy)

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6.2 Unfocused Fieldwork Reports?

Use the PDCA Cycle:

P – Plan (site selection)  
D – Do (data collection)  
C – Check (data accuracy)  
A – Act (final report revisions)

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6.3 Disorganized Long-Answer Responses?

Apply the PEEL Paragraph Structure:

• P – Point (main argument)
• E – Evidence (data or case study)
• E – Explanation (cause and effect)
• L – Link (back to the question)

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7. DSE Geography Grading Criteria – Sample Level 5** Answer

Question: “Evaluate the impacts of urban renewal in Hong Kong on local residents.”

Top-Scoring Response:

• Social: Gentrification displaces low-income families (Sham Shui Po example)
• Environmental: More construction waste (with data from the Environmental Protection Department)
• Balanced View: Upgraded infrastructure vs heritage loss

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

• Merely describing without explaining causes
• Lack of specific terminology (e.g. “brownfield sites”)

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8. Further Education & Career Pathways

🎓 University Programs

• Geography, Urban Planning, Environmental Science
• Top institutions:
  • University of Hong Kong – Geography
  • CUHK – Urban Studies

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💼 Career Prospects

• Government: Environmental Assessment Officer (Planning Department)
• NGOs: Sustainability Consultant
• Tech Sector: GIS Analyst / Spatial Data Specialist

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9. Time Management Tips for Exam Day

Paper	Strategy
Paper 1	≤ 1 minute per question; prioritize confident answers
Paper 2	Spend max 30 mins on data questions; leave 10 mins for review

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✅ Monthly Action Plan

• Analyze 1 government geography report (e.g. Hong Kong Climate Action Blueprint)
• Make flashcards for key issue terms (e.g. “carbon footprint”, “smart city”)
• Join field trips (e.g. Hong Kong Geopark or rock formation tours)

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🔗 Useful Links

• 📄 DSE Geography Sample Papers – HKEAA
• 🌍 NASA Climate Data Portal
• 🧭 [Hong Kong Geographical Association – Fieldwork Resources]

Disclaimer: Information is for reference only. For official updates, please visit the Hong Kong Education Bureau.
Initial draft generated by AI. Edited by Prof. Chan Kwok Wai. Chief Editor: Kong Yik Leung.