(What is Literature in English? Who is it for? Syllabus, exam strategies, and career pathways explained)

1️⃣ Course Overview: What Do You Study in DSE Literature in English?

Literature in English is an elective subject in the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE). It aims to develop students’ appreciation of English literary works, critical thinking, and creative expression. The course goes beyond language analysis, offering deep insights into cultural contexts, human values, and literary techniques. It is a unique blend of language and the humanities.

Core Learning Values

Value	Description
📖 In-Depth Study of English Classics	From Shakespeare to modern novels, poetry, and drama
💡 Critical Thinking & Cultural Dialogue	Analyze themes, character development, literary devices, and symbolism
✍️ Writing & Expression Skills	Enhance academic English writing and critical essay organization
🌍 Global Perspective	Understand global issues and human experiences through Western literature

---

2️⃣ Who Should Choose This Subject?

HKDSE Literature in English is ideal for students who:

✅ Enjoy reading and writing
✅ Have an interest in language, culture, or history
✅ Plan to pursue studies in literature, law, journalism, education, etc.
✅ Have intermediate to advanced English proficiency and critical thinking skills

---

3️⃣ 2024 Syllabus Breakdown: Structure of the Literature in English Exam

The subject consists of three exam papers, with no School-Based Assessment (SBA).

Paper	Content	Weighting
Paper 1	Poetry & Drama Analysis	40%
Paper 2	Prose Fiction Analysis & Comparison	40%
Paper 3	Critical Appreciation (Unseen Text)	20%

📌 Recommended Texts (School-dependent)

Genre	Example Authors/Texts
Drama	William Shakespeare – Macbeth, Hamlet
Novel	George Orwell – 1984 Jane Austen – Pride and Prejudice
Poetry	Carol Ann Duffy, Wilfred Owen, W. B. Yeats, etc.

---

4️⃣ Exam Format & High-Scoring Strategies ✍️

Paper	Question Type	Key Strategies
Paper 1	Analyzing set poems/plays	Focus on rhetorical devices, character psychology, and thematic flow
Paper 2	Compare two novels or analyze one	Highlight narrative techniques, character contrasts, social context, and style
Paper 3	Unseen text analysis	Quickly identify themes, tone shifts, and rhetorical techniques; structure your essay clearly

---

5️⃣ Study Tips & Effective Revision Techniques

🔍 The 3R Method for Literature Analysis:

• Read – Deep reading to uncover themes, style, and techniques
• Relate – Link text with context, history, or social issues
• Respond – Express personal interpretations supported by textual evidence

✍️ Suggested Essay Structure:

Paragraph	Purpose
Introduction	Clear thesis + contextual framing of the text
Body Paragraphs	One idea per paragraph + quote + analysis + commentary
Conclusion	Summarize insights and elevate to broader cultural or human relevance

---

6️⃣ Common Student Challenges & Solutions

Issue	Strategy
Too many texts to memorize	Create “Theme Cards” and “Quote Cards” organized by topic
Unsure how to write literary essays	Practice using past paper models and master the PEEL structure (Point, Evidence, Explanation, Link)
Weak vocabulary or unclear expression	Learn 10 advanced literary terms weekly (e.g., juxtaposition, ambiguity)

---

7️⃣ Further Study & Career Opportunities 💼

University Pathways (JUPAS & UCAS)

Institution Type	Suggested Majors
Local Universities	English, Comparative Literature, Translation, Law, Education
Overseas Universities	English Literature, Liberal Arts, Humanities

Career Options

• Editor
• Journalist
• Translator
• English Teacher
• Theatre/Drama Practitioner

---

8️⃣ SEO Keywords & Search Tips 🔎

To rank higher on Google, make sure to include these keywords in your content:

• DSE 英國文學讀咩
• Literature in English syllabus HKDSE
• DSE English Lit past paper analysis
• 英文文學補習推薦
• DSE 英文文學考試技巧
• DSE 選修科介紹：英國文學好唔好讀？

---

Note: This guide is for reference only. Please consult the official Education Bureau website for the latest updates: www.edb.gov.hk

Drafted by AI. Edited by Professor Chan Kwok Wai. Executive Editor: Kong Yi Leung.