Paper 2

Beacon Mock 2015: Sample Essays

Paper 2: Writing

Mock Exam Paper 2

Sample Essays
Q.1

Short Task

Your cousin, Patrick Lee, is studying in the United Kingdom

and wrote to you asking you for advice on choosing his
major. While he is interested in history, he is worried that it
may be difficult for him to find a job as a history major.
Write a reply to him telling him what you think and giving
him suggestions.

Idea Generation:

Format & Style

Dilemma +
Advice
Concern +
Solution /
Reassurance
Suggestions

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Beacon Mock 2015: Sample Essays

Sample Essay
Dear Patrick,
Hows life? We havent met for ages1! Ive had a lot on my plate2
recently, so sorry for replying late. I know youre struggling3 with
which major you should choose, and I absolutely understand your
confusion4.

I hope this letter could help a bit.

Time flies. Youre going to be a university student next year! You

mustve been dazzled5 by the many choices of subjects at university, Patrick
right? My only advice is: choose the one that youre really interested
in. However rosy6 the future of a subject can give you, you wont be
able to maintain a burning7 interest if you arent into8 it. Trust me,
as long as you have interest, youll never get tired of learning.
When it comes to employment opportunities, you dont need to worry Patrick
at all. Youre good at sharing history stories well, actually facts
with people around. I still remember I was literally9 mesmerised10
when you were sharing ancient11 Western cultures with me. You
definitely have a knack12 for teaching. The education field always
looks for talents who are passionate13 about teaching and sharing.
Worth giving it some thought14? By the way, I went to the Museum
of History last week and, you know what, theyre looking for history
officers and docents15. No doubt, a degree in history would give you
an edge16 on graduation!
Ive known you for more than 15 years, Pat. If you dont choose a Pat
subject that youre keen17 on, Im sure youll regret. Now that youre Patrick
really big18 on history, why not give it a shot19? As I said, finding a
decent job shouldnt be a problem at all, so no worries! Its time I
signed off20 and hit the sack21. Feel free to drop me a line22 Ill
stand by23 you whatever your decision is.

Patrick

Best,

Chris
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Beacon Mock 2015: Sample Essays

Glossary:
1

ages

n.

13

passionate

adj.

have a lot on my
plate

ph.

14

thought

n.

struggle

v.

15

docent

n.

confusion

n.

16

edge

n.

dazzle

v.

17

keen

adj.

rosy

adj.

18

big

adj.

burning

adj.

19

give it a shot

ph.

be into

ph.

20

sign off

ph.

literally

adv.

21

hit the sack

ph.

10

mesmerise

v.

22

drop a line

ph.

...

11

ancient

adj.

23

stand by

ph.

12

knack

n.

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Q.2

Beacon Mock 2015: Sample Essays

Drama

Although drama has a very long history, stand-up comedy is

more popular than traditional drama, with many stand-up
comedy shows playing to full houses.
Write an article discussing this phenomenon and sharing
which one you are more fascinated by.

Idea Generation:

Format & Style

Traditional Drama

Stand-up Comedy

Discussion

Your
preference

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Beacon Mock 2015: Sample Essays

Sample Essay

A Serious Laughing Matter

Drama, in its strict sense, refers to plays performed by actors within the
fourth wall1. However, unlike standard theatrical performances,
stand-up comedy2 is a type of comedy where the performer, known as
a stand-up comedian, actively interacts with the audience to elicit3
laughter over his or her jokes or humourous stories. Despite the long
history of traditional drama, the fact of the matter is that stand-up
comedy holds wider appeal4 and is sweeping5 the world. This
laughing matter is a serious matter.
The human pursuit of laughter is universal.

There is no doubt that

comedy is an indispensable part of our lives and everyone likes comedy

of one type or another. But why has stand-up comedy become the
new norm6? One major reason is that stand-up comedy resonates7
with the audience. The best stand-up comedians see the same things
we all do, but they have a knack8 for making these things seem larger

than life. They tickle9 us by reminding us of those funny moments in

our daily lives which we might have forgotten, ranging from asking for
petty change10 from a taxi driver with embarrassment to criticising the
food at a wedding banquet11 while paying no heed to12 the bride13
and groom14.
With exceptional powers of observation, they
successfully capture the audiences interest.
Comedy is aimed at not only amusing people, but also revealing certain
truths about the human condition. This definitely holds true for
stand-up comedy. During a stand-up comedy show, you just see a
comedian perform with a microphone. What fascinates the audience
is their own brand15 of humour and unique view of the world. They
bring their own personal insights and experiences to the public, giving
them a lesson as well as a good laugh. Take Dayo Wong Tze-wah16,
the pioneer17 of Hong Kong stand-up comedy, as an example. His
jokes typically include a lot of political content. In his latest show
entitled Absurd is Normal18, he brought up the current political
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Beacon Mock 2015: Sample Essays

turmoil19 over Occupy Central20 in Hong Kong and criticised the

government for attacking those young people who took to the streets21
to fight for democracy. This common ground22 with the audience, to
a great extent, made the show a smash hit23 in the territory.
To be sure, traditional drama and stand-up comedy are stage arts which
are of equal value both genres24 are a subtle25 vehicle26 for satire27.
Personally, however, I consider the latter a more captivating28 medium
of social commentary29. Stand-up comedy is difficult to master since

stand-up comedians have to throw themselves on the audiences

mercy30 and adjust their routine31 according to the tastes of any
particular audience. A joke which makes one person double over32
with laughter might leave another one cold33. What is more, unlike

actors, who perform in collaboration with one another, stand-up

comedians fail or succeed on their own talent. It takes a lot of courage
and quick wit34 for a lone35 performer to stand in front of the crowd
trying to coax laughs out of36 them with an arsenal37 of jokes which
are hopefully not lame38. In fact, many stand-up comedians spend
years collecting material for one single show, gradually perfecting39
their bits40. A ticket to a stand-up comedy show is excellent value41.
It is said that laughter is the best medicine and there is a lot of truth in
this. Attending a stand-up comedy show, you will forget all your
troubles for a couple of hours and get inspired. It is little wonder that
the stand-up comedy culture is on the rise and comedy has been turned
into a money-making venture42.

money-making venture

playing to full houses

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Beacon Mock 2015: Sample Essays

Glossary:
1

fourth wall

ph.

22

common ground

ph.

stand-up comedy

ph.

23

smash hit

n.

elicit

v.

24

genre

n.

appeal

n.

25

subtle

adj.

sweep

v.

26

vehicle

n.

norm

n.

27

satire

n.

resonate

v.

28

captivating

adj.

knack

n.

29

social commentary

ph.

tickle

v.

30

throw oneself on the

audiences mercy

ph.

10

petty change

ph.

31

routine

n.

11

wedding banquet

ph.

32

double over

ph.

12

pay no heed to

ph.

33

leave sb cold

ph.

13

bride

n.

34

quick wit

ph.

14

groom

n.

35

lone

adj.

15

brand

n.

36

coax laughs out of sb

ph.

16

Dayo Wong
Tze-wah

n.

37

arsenal

n.

17

pioneer

n.

38

lame

adj.

18

Absurd is Normal

n.

39

perfect

v.

19

turmoil

n.

40

bit

n.

20

Occupy Central

n.

41

excellent value

ph.

21

took to the streets

ph.

42

venture

n.

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Q.3

Beacon Mock 2015: Sample Essays

Short Stories

Becoming a screenwriter, who writes plays for films, has long

been your dream. An online video-sharing platform is now
organising an activity, Future Screenwriters, where
applicants are required to submit a story.

Future Screenwriters
Submit a story to win the prize!
I stroll along the promenade after lunch and Im scared by a scream
squat down!. Turning back, I see a police officer running
towards me as two shots ring out. He says, listen to me! I need
your help now!
Refer to the above announcement and complete the story.

Idea Generation:
Format & Style

Setting

Development

Climax

Resolution
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Beacon Mock 2015: Sample Essays

Sample Essay

Terror by the Seaside Promenade1

With my arms wrapped2 around my girlfriends waist3, Cassandra and
I strolled4 along the seaside promenade located at the Tai Po
Waterfront Park. We just ate a fabulous5 lunch together and what
better way to spend a lovely Sunday afternoon than with the girl you
love?
Cassandra rested her head on my shoulder and we discuss our vacation

plans for the upcoming Easter holiday.

Babe, I really wanna go to Kenting for some sightseeing.
you say? Cassandra pouted6 her lips. Please??

What do

Squat down7! A mysterious voice hollered8 and I spotted a

disgruntled9 police officer sprinting10 towards me with one arm
clutching11 at his dispatch radio, yelling desperately for backup. Two
shots rang out12. Startled, I turned around and witnessed a wave of
frantic13 pedestrians rush past my girlfriend and I. Cassandra shut her
eyes and gripped14 my shirt. Protecting her, I held onto my girlfriend
tightly.
The police officer approached and grabbed15 me by the arm, Listen to
me!

I need your help now!

Whats happening?! I shouted.

Theres been a robbery at the local bank in Tai Po and the robbers are
on the loose16 right now! You two need to get out of here
immediately.

Its not safe!

Wait, I can help you.

Ive done military training17 before in Taiwan

and I can help you catch them!

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Beacon Mock 2015: Sample Essays

Cassandra gaped18 at me, Are you out of your mind19?!

Im sorry babe, but Ive got to do this. Ill come find you as soon as

I can. I promise. Now please, just go.

A drop of tear rolled down20 her cheek21.

GO!!!!

Sam, but I

I motioned22 for my girlfriend to leave.

Cassandra took

23

off and joined the fleeing crowd.

Over the dispatch radio, the police officer was informed that three
suspects were last seen entering the Insect House inside the park, which
was about 400 metres west to our current location.
As the cop24 and I arrived at the scene, two bodies lay on the ground,
covered in a pool of blood. Multiple gun wounds were visible and it
was clear that the two criminals had been killed. The entrance of the
Insect House was surrounded by a wall of police officers and even the
Special Duties Unit25 had arrived and were standing by for further
action.
On the dispatch radio it says there are three suspects! Wheres the
other man? I ask impatiently.
Wait here. The police officer instructed me and hurried to find out
more from his colleagues.
All of a sudden, a loud broadcast message struck me.

Standing about

ten feet away from the entrance, another police officer, dressed in a
black bulletproof vest26, blared27 into a megaphone28. The premise
has been secured. There is no way to escape.
and surrender now!

Release the hostages29

There was no response and the scene fell into complete silence. A
sudden gust30 of wind swept away the falling leaves off of a tall tree.
A few minutes passed by.

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Beacon Mock 2015: Sample Essays

From the entrance I could make out31 two people stepping out slowly.
Taking a girl hostage, the criminal used her as a shield and pointed his
gun at her head. As I took a few steps closer to get a better look at the
criminal and the hostage, my heart stopped.

The girl being held hostage was Cassandra.

Sam.

HELP!!!!

Cassandra!!!! I acted on impulse and tried to sprint towards them.

The police officer whom I met earlier held me back and stopped me.
Stay calm! You cant be over there right now.
The agitated32 criminal glared33 at me. Then he grabbed a strand34
of my girlfriends hair and started sneaking away35. He banged36 the
muzzle37 of his gun on the hostages head.
Tell your men to stay back or I swear to god.
in her head!

Im gonna put a bullet

Please, dont kill

Cassandra was scared to death.

me, she whimpered38.

Dont kill me.

I fell to my knees helplessly.

I begged the masked39 man to show

mercy and spare Cassandras life. Within a blink of an eye, a gunshot

was fired. The robber and the hostage both collapsed onto the ground.
Cassandra!! I got up and ran as quickly as I could at them. A
bullet had been drilled40 deep into the robbers skull41. I pulled
Cassandra out carefully and the police officers rushed towards the
decreased criminal like a swarm42 of bees attacking a hive43.
I caressed44 my girlfriends battered45 face and hugged her tightly,
Im so sorry baby. I never shouldve left you. But youre safe now.
Its all over.

Cassandra mustered46 the strength to return a smile, You were just

trying to do the right thing.

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Paper 2

Beacon Mock 2015: Sample Essays

Glossary:
1

promenade

n.

24

cop

n.

wrap

v.

25

Special Duties
Unit

n.

waist

n.

26

bulletproof vest

n.

stroll

v.

27

blare

v.

fabulous

adj.

28

megaphone

n.

pout

v.

()

29

hostage

n.

squat down

ph.

30

gust

n.

holler

v.

31

make out

ph.

disgruntled

adj.

32

agitated

adj.

10

sprint

v.

33

glare

v.

11

clutch

v.

34

strand

n.

12

ring out

ph.

35

sneak away

ph.

13

frantic

adj.

36

bang

v.

14

grip

v.

37

muzzle

n.

15

grab

v.

38

whimper

v.

16

on the loose

ph.

39

masked

adj.

17

military training

ph.

40

drill

v.

18

gape

v.

41

skull

n.

19

out of ones mind

ph.

42

swarm

n.

20

roll down

v.

43

hive

n.

21

cheek

n.

44

caress

v.

22

motion

v.

45

battered

adj.

23

take off

ph.

46

muster

v.

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Paper 2

Q.4

Beacon Mock 2015: Sample Essays

Poems and Songs

Your school has a Music Session after lunchtime, where

students listen to English songs in the classroom. After
joining the Reading Club, you discover that English poems
are much better learning resources.
Write a letter to the school Principal to persuade him to
change the Music Session to Poem Session with reference to
your own experience.

Idea Generation:

Format & Style

Genre: Discursive Writing

Songs

Poems

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Beacon Mock 2015: Sample Essays

Sample Essay
Dear Principal,
I am writing to share with you my views on our current Music Session
after lunchtime, where all of us listen to English songs in the
classroom. In this letter, I would like to discuss the reasons behind
why the Music Session ought to be changed to Poem Session.
Disappointingly, the majority of my classmates are quite disengaged1
in the Music Session. Based on my observations, not only are most
students not paying attention, they are also chitchatting2 or playing
with their phones during this activity. Worse still, some classmates
even doze off3 in class.
So, why do so many students find the Music Session boring? I
believe it has to do with the nature of the activity students just play a Music Session
passive role. To start with, resources are not fully utilised4; for
instance, neither music videos nor lyrics5 of the songs are provided for
us and as a result, many classmates, especially the ones who are weaker
in English, will not be engaged in6 the Music Session at all.
Moreover, teachers play a vital role in assisting their students learning
progress in the English language. Perhaps instead of just sitting in
front of the classroom to play the CD, they could think of other ways to
make the activity more interesting for the students.
Needless to say, most teachers are already too busy preparing for their Music Session
lessons, marking students assignments and doing administrative work,
so they would not necessarily have the extra time to make the Music Poem Session
Session much more appealing7 and interactive for their students.
However, to engage8 our students in learning English more effectively,
it would be viable9 to change the Music Session to Poem Session.
First of all, a poem, in general, is much shorter than a song.

In order

to make the Poem Session more active for the students, every classmate
should attempt to create their own poems. This may be very difficult
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Beacon Mock 2015: Sample Essays

at first for some students but if permitted, I would like to offer some
reading materials to our fellow classmates and share my poetry reading
experiences with them. Ever since I joined the Reading Club, I have Reading Club

learned so much more about poetry.

Once the students have completed their own poems, it would also be a
great idea for them to share their poetry work with the rest of the class.
Through class presentations, we would have more opportunities to
improve our speaking skills in English such as fluency and

10

pronunciation.
Conversely , compared with writing poems,
songwriting11 is a much more tedious12 and time-consuming process
as there is a lot more work behind creating songs. From coming up
with the right lyrics to composing13 groovy14 melodies15, writing
music is no easy task.
Given the hectic16 academic learning environment for our students, I
believe running a Poem Session rather than Music Session after
lunchtime would be much more suitable. Many more students could
potentially benefit a great deal from writing their own poems in the
classroom. I sincerely hope that my proposed suggestion will be

taken into account. If any assistance is needed on providing poetry

materials, please do not hesitate to contact me. I look forward to
hearing from you soon.
Yours faithfully,

Chris
Chris Wong

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Beacon Mock 2015: Sample Essays

Glossary:
1

disengaged

adj.

viable

adj.

chitchat

v.

10

conversely

adv.

doze off

ph.

11

songwriting

n.

utilise

v.

12

tedious

adj.

lyrics

n.

13

compose

v.

be engaged in

ph.

14

groovy

adj.

appealing

adj.

15

melody

n.

engage

v.

16

hectic

adj.

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Paper 2

Q.5

Beacon Mock 2015: Sample Essays

Popular Culture

The world is becoming digitised as technological gadgets

continue to come onto the market. While fans of technology
enjoy the convenience these gadgets bring, some believe life
should not be dominated by technology.
Write an essay sharing your observations and whether you
think this is a good phenomenon.

Idea Generation:

Format & Style

Description

For

Against

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Beacon Mock 2015: Sample Essays

Sample Essay
It is no exaggeration1 to say electronic gadgets are some of the most
significant inventions ever, forever changing the ways almost all walks
of life2 live. Years ago people listened to music on their MP3 players
on the street; nowadays teenagers watch videos or update their social
networking statuses on their smartphones, businessmen check
documents or financial figures on their palm computers3, and even
infants4 as young as one year old play electronic preschool5 games on
tablets6.
While many welcome these gadgets with open arms, some maintain a
resolute7 stance that we are becoming slaves to such devices. Such a
worry is not without grounds8; just take a stroll9 around the
neighbourhood or take a ride on public transport and the situation is
clear as day10. How many times have we seen people erecting11 their
tablets in front of them, eyes completely fixed on the screen without
paying the slightest attention to what they are putting into their mouths
in a fast food restaurant? How many times have we seen people so
into12 the games or websites they are enjoying on their smartphones
that they are totally oblivious13 to others in need on an MTR train?
Also, how many times have we read or heard of academic reports about
people getting agitated14 when they are deprived15 of their electronic
gadgets even for a few minutes symptoms similar to most forms of
addiction? There was even a news report saying that a foreign
woman, in the face of16 a fire, did not immediately flee17 and instead

took a selfie18 on her smartphone first.

Doubtless19, our lives should not be dictated20 by technology to such
an extent. Yet, we must not turn a blind eye21 to the fact that
electronic gadgets are no different from many of the technological
inventions before them. Back then when the radio and the television
started to become prevalent22, there were also voices worrying about
the potential influence on the weaker-willed23 (mostly youngsters),

who might spend most of their time listening to or watching

programmes. In the 1990s, when computers and the Internet became
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Beacon Mock 2015: Sample Essays

accessible24 to most households, it equally caused quite a commotion25

among concerned26 parties27 (most notably parents), for a considerable
number of their children were hooked28 on surfing29. However, in
this day and age30, few people even talk about them anymore we
simply have accepted them, and have been enjoying the good they
provide us. We can now stay at home receiving news from all over
the world in the blink of an eye31; we can now obtain statistics or
academic information from the Net32 without doing the actual research
ourselves; similarly, now with smartphones and tablets, we can carry
out multiple tasks which used to be confined33 to desktop computers at
home anytime, anywhere. If we apply the logic of the opponents,
does it mean that, for example, even washing machines and cars should
never have been invented because they would dominate our lives by
making us depend on them to do the hard work for us?
Whether we let machines control us depends on how we view and use
them. In other words, it is not their fault, but we humans. In the
future, even more brilliant34 electronic gadgets are expected to
debut35, and the same debates are likely to be sparked36 again. Still,
no matter how people will try to condemn37 these technological items,
the truth remains that they will continue to revolutionalise38 our daily
lives and bring us convenience our ancestors39 could never have
dreamed of.

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Beacon Mock 2015: Sample Essays

Glossary:
1

exaggeration

n.

21

turn a blind eye

ph.

walk of life

ph.

22

prevalent

adj.

palm computer

ph.

23

weaker-willed

adj.

infant

n.

24

accessible

adj.

preschool

adj.

25

commotion

n.

tablet

n.

26

concerned

adj.

resolute

adj.

27

party

n.

grounds

n.

28

hooked

adj.

stroll

n.

29

surfing

n.

10

clear as day

ph.

30

in this day and

age

ph.

11

erect

v.

31

in the blink of an
eye

ph.

12

into

prep.

32

the Net

ph.

13

oblivious

adj.

33

confine

v.

14

agitated

adj.

34

brilliant

adj.

15

deprive

v.

35

debut

v.

16

in the face of

ph.

36

spark

v.

17

flee

v.

37

condemn

v.

18

selfie

n..

38

revolutionalise

v.

19

doubtless

adv.

39

ancestor

n.

20

dictate

v.

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Paper 2

Q.6

Beacon Mock 2015: Sample Essays

Sports Communication

The aged in Hong Kong do not appear to be interested in

sports. You are the Chairperson of the Hong Kong Sports
Association.
Write an article to be published in the
newsletter, suggesting two sports that are suitable for senior
citizens and reminding the public to encourage the aged at
home to do exercise.

Idea Generation:

Format & Style

Suggestion 1

Suggestion 2

Final Appeal

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Beacon Mock 2015: Sample Essays

Sample Essay

Time for the Aged to be Sporty

What are your old parents (or grandparents if you are children)
pastimes1? Watching videos? Idling2 on the sofa? Or buying
bread feeding sparrows3 and fish? If we tell them you really need to
do some exercise, expected answers would probably be youre nuts4
or you younglings5 should be the ones to go outside and play balls.
As a matter of fact, doing exercise is not, and must not be, limited to
children, teenagers and adults; even the silver-haired6 should engage
in7 sports to stay fit.
Admittedly, the generally frail8 elders are not as agile9 as their younger
counterparts10. In this regard11, old people should be happy to
know that bowls12 is a sport almost tailored13 to them. A sport
relatively unpopular in Hong Kong, bowls requires players to throw (or
roll) large balls as close as possible to a small, target ball on a smooth
surface. This sport does not demand sharp14 reflexes15 or powerful

muscles, but instead focuses on hand-eye coordination, good control of

muscle strength, and strategic16 planning one can win using either
the more direct way of throwing ones balls as close to the target ball as
possible, or the more aggressive way of knocking the opponents balls
away. In other words, this sport values17 skills over vigour18 and the
elderly can stand their ground19 against younger opponents. Perhaps
because of this, bowls have always been one of the most popular sports

among the older generations in Britain.

For those who cannot round up20 a few old friends (literally21) for
bowls, swimming is a good alternative22. A solo23 sport, swimming
is an aerobic24 exercise which ranges from low to high intensity.
Those who are looking for a challenge and whose cardiopulmonary25
system is still in relatively good condition can opt for26 the freestyle27
or even the butterfly stroke28; the breast stroke29 is ideal30 for those
who simply want to work up a nice sweat31 in the water in a more
relaxing pace32. News about the old participating in swimming is not
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unheard of there are men or ladies as old as in their 80s finishing the
Cross Harbour Swimming Competition33, or going for dips34 during
winter be it35 sunny or cloudy. Of course, for those elders who have
no experience in swimming or worry that they would drown36, no one
says it is a must to swim, for example, 50 metres without stopping right
at the beginning; it is a good start swimming slowly along the
shoreline37, or in the case of a swimming pool, along the shorter
25-metre side. Even grabbing38 the edge of the pool practicing leg
movements can be a nice little exercise already.
As the slogan39 of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department goes,
Daily exercise keeps us fit, people of all ages can do it. Next time
when you see the aged at your home sitting around having nothing to
do other than staring at the screen of the television or an electronic
gadget, do not be afraid of saying its for your own good40 and
shooing41 them out for some exercise.

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Beacon Mock 2015: Sample Essays

Glossary:
1

pastime

n.

22

alternative

n.

idle

v.

23

solo

adj.

sparrow

n.

24

aerobic

adj.

nuts

adj.

25

cardiopulmonary

adj.

youngling

n.

26

opt for

ph.

the silver-haired

n.

27

freestyle

n.

engage in

ph.

28

butterfly stroke

n.

frail

adj.

29

breast stroke

n.

agile

adj.

30

ideal

adj.

10

counterpart

n.

31

work up a sweat

ph.

11

in this regard

ph.

32

pace

n.

12

bowls

n.

33

Cross Harbour
Swimming
Competition

n.

13

tailored

adj.

34

go for a dip

ph.

14

sharp

adj.

35

be it

ph.

15

reflexes

n.

36

drown

v.

16

strategic

adj.

37

shoreline

n.

17

value

v.

38

grab

v.

18

vigour

n.

39

slogan

n.

19

stand sbs ground

ph..

40

for sbs own good

ph.

20

round up

ph.

41

shoo

v.

21

literally

adv.

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

24

Paper 2

Q.7

Beacon Mock 2015: Sample Essays

Debating

There are more degree programmes offered by different

educational institutes in recent years. This makes university
degrees so common that employers are unable to use them
as a criterion.
Write an article discussing this phenomenon and whether you
think it is a positive trend. Give a title to your article.

Idea Generation:

Format & Style

Phenomenon

For

Against

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

25

Paper 2

Beacon Mock 2015: Sample Essays

Sample Essay
To What Degrees Are There Too Many Degrees?
Gone are the days when higher education was a privilege1 exclusively
enjoyed by the elite2. Today, there are a large number of university
graduates from different educational institutes in many countries,
especially fast-growing East Asian economies such as China, Japan,
and South Korea. University degrees have become somewhat of3 a too much
necessity, and even university graduates are struggling to find jobs.
Of particular concern is whether employers can find people with the
right skills given the oversupply of graduates. However, is there any
justification4 for the claim that people receiving too much education
is not a good phenomenon?
Admittedly, when the supply of graduates is outrunning5 economic
growth, it makes perfect sense to say that it is a no-win6 situation for
both graduates and employers. One notable example is South Korea,
whose university participation rate is around 80%, one of the highest in
the world. With just around 30% of jobs requiring a college degree,
numerous South Korean graduates are at best taking up posts for which
they are academically overqualified. As for employers, they find it so
difficult to single out7 the best job candidates because there are plenty
of graduates around. Seeing such an apparently dim8 prospect, some
people are on the point of9 urging universities to cut back on10
enrolment11. However, they are losing sight of12 the bigger
picture13.
When we take a wider view of the issue, the future does not seem
gloomy14 at all. Attending university is not about short-term gain. It
is primarily about investing in the long-term future of individuals and
society.
As far as individuals are concerned, post-secondary
education develops their intellect15 and broadens their horizons so that
they can have a clearer understanding of the world. An investment in

a college education is an investment in humanity16, which should be

encouraged at all times. In essence17, the true benefits of education
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

26

Paper 2

Beacon Mock 2015: Sample Essays

have little to do with employment people study for themselves

instead of employers.

On the social level, there is a lot of convincing evidence to suggest that

the prevalence of university degrees will benefit the economy in the
long term. For example, a surge18 in college-educated labour in the
1970s considerably boosted productivity and ultimately led to the
worldwide economic boom19 in the 1980s and 1990s. The economic
supremacy20 of the United States since the mid-20th century is also 80 90
mainly due to its educational dominance21. The reason why
university degrees are of so much importance is that as society
advances22, the number of jobs usually performed by graduates
continues to rise whereas routine23 tasks are increasingly being
24

25

automated . In the developed world, highly innovative businesses

are thriving26 and it is graduates who have the essential attributes27 to
perform well in this field. To get this straight28, the future labour not
market will need more not fewer graduates. Seen in this light29, fewer
opening up30 routes to higher education to facilitate upward
mobility31 is without doubt a sensible move32.
Even from a practical standpoint33, the credentials34 of graduates are
more important than any specific skill sets35 in employers eyes.
Employers are indeed well aware that universities do not adequately
prepare students for a job since they lack practical experience, and they

know that they must train their new blood36 in specialised skills.
What employers value are the general knowledge, clear thinking, and
strong work ethic37 warranted38 by higher education. Therefore, it
does not matter, for the most part39, what a graduate majored in40.
In most circumstances, as long as you have a degree, you are already

considered a suitably qualified41 candidate.

It does not take a genius to realise that education benefits humankind42
in general. The more education people receive, the better the world
becomes. To say that there are too many university graduates
thereby43 discouraging people from going to university is a
disgrace44 to humanity.

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

27

Paper 2

Beacon Mock 2015: Sample Essays

Glossary:
1

privilege

n.

23

routine

adj.

elite

n.

24

automate

v.

somewhat of

ph.

25

innovative

adj.

justification

n.

26

thrive

v.

outrun

v.

27

attribute

n.

no-win

adj.

28

get sth straight

ph.

single out

ph.

29

seen in this light

ph.

dim

adj.

30

open up

ph.

on the point of

ph.

31

upward mobility

ph.

10

cut back on

ph.

32

move

n.

11

enrolment

n.

33

standpoint

n.

12

lose sight of

ph.

34

credentials

n.

13

bigger picture

ph.

35

skill set

ph.

14

gloomy

adj.

36

new blood

n.

15

intellect

n.

37

work ethic

ph.

16

humanity

n.

38

warrant

v.

17

in essence

ph.

39

for the most part

ph.

18

surge

n.

40

major in

ph.

19

economic boom

ph.

41

suitably qualified

ph.

20

supremacy

n.

42

humankind

n.

21

dominance

n.

43

thereby

adv.

22

advance

v.

44

disgrace

n.

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

28

Paper 2

Q.8

Beacon Mock 2015: Sample Essays

Workplace Communication

You work in one of the local airlines in Hong Kong.

passenger wrote to you complaining about the poor attitude

of the cabin crew and the lack of food and drinks on board.
After thorough investigation, you have found that the
passenger bought the ticket at a discount and the price does
not include any meals.
Write a letter to the passenger, Mr Chan, in response to all
his accusations.
Apologise for the mistakes, give him
suggestions and tell him what the company can offer to
compensate. Sign your name Chris Wong.

Idea Generation:

Format & Style

Complaints +
Apology

Suggestions

Compensation

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

29

Paper 2

Beacon Mock 2015: Sample Essays

Sample Essay
Dear Mr. Chan,
I am writing in regard to1 your letter dated 21st February 2015, in
which you expressed dissatisfaction2 with a couple of arrangements3.
On behalf of4 the company, I would like to thank you for sharing with
us what you think about our service, but we are sorry to learn of your
5

unpleasant experience on board . We have carried out an extensive

investigation into your case and would like to apologise for our
yet-to-be-perfect7 service.
Your first concern relating to the attitude of the cabin crew has been
thoroughly reviewed by the Cabin Service Team. After days of
careful investigation, the Cabin Service Manager has confirmed that
fatigue8 was the prime reason for the unacceptable attitude of the cabin
crew. On your flight, just eight flight attendants were on board

complaint
concern

serving the passengers, but the flight duration was so long that they did
not have enough time to rest.

Our airline acknowledges9 that the crew have some room for
improvement in terms of service attitude.
Therefore, with a view
to ensuring a very high standard of service in line with10 the
companys guidelines, at least 16 flight attendants will be assigned to

11

serve passengers on long-haul flights. This would allow almost half

of the flight attendants to take a good rest, while the passengers will
still able to enjoy professional service provided by the rest of the cabin
crew.
Another concern, which has to do with food and drinks on board, has
also been reviewed by the department concerned. We have found that
your ticket was bought at a lower cost and so, different from a full
ticket, did not include any complimentary12 meals. Passengers,
however, can pay for extra meals during the flight. If you want to
enjoy meals during your next flights, I suggest that you upgrade your
ticket class or purchase an air ticket at its full cost, enabling you to
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

30

Paper 2

Beacon Mock 2015: Sample Essays

enjoy a range of meal choices prepared by our award-winning team of

chefs. Another feasible13 suggestion is that you can buy food within
the restricted area of the airport before boarding, if the online menu
does not suit you.
While we value14 every passengers opinions and constructive15
criticisms and we always seek ways to improve, you are recommended
to seek help from the in-flight service manager, who is in charge of the
cabin, whenever you need it during the flight. They can offer
immediate help and lead the cabin crew to cater to16 every passenger.

()

We hope you can enjoy the best service in the air, so receiving
instant17 assistance is crucial18.
As a gesture of goodwill19, our company would like to offer you a free
upgrade to the business class on your next round-trip20 flights with our
airline. This one-time offer applies to all flights and will be effective
for two years from the date of this letter. You are advised to email
Customer Relations Team to claim this offer one week ahead of21 your
trip.
Our company always strives22 to provide the most professional and
caring service for every passenger. We truly appreciate that you gave
us feedback on how to improve and would like to take this opportunity
to thank you for supporting us. We look forward to serving you on
our flights soon.
Yours sincerely,
Chris Wong
Chris Wong
Customer Relations Manager

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

31

Paper 2

Beacon Mock 2015: Sample Essays

Glossary:
1

in regard to

ph.

12

complimentary

adj.

dissatisfaction

n.

13

feasible

adj.

arrangement

n.

14

value

v.

on behalf of

ph.

15

constructive

adj.

on board

ph.

16

cater to

ph.

extensive

adj.

17

instant

adj.

yet-to-be-perfect

adj.

18

crucial

adj.

fatigue

n.

19

gesture of
goodwill

ph.

acknowledge

v.

20

round-trip

adj.

10

in line with

ph.

21

ahead of

ph.

11

long-haul

adj.

22

strive

v.

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

32

Paper 2

Q.9

Beacon Mock 2015: Sample Essays

Social Issues

Most employers do not employ workers without experience.

As a fresh university graduate, you are having difficulty
finding a job, despite excellent academic performance.
Write a letter to the editor, describing your situation and
commenting on this phenomenon. Also, explain in your
letter why employers should consider fresh graduates.

Idea Generation:

Format & Style

Description

Comment

Persuasion

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

33

Paper 2

Beacon Mock 2015: Sample Essays

Sample Essay
Dear Sir,
A few decades ago, students graduating from universities were held in
high regard1 from both the public and the job market. Many were
guaranteed a decent2 job and a bright future even before they actually
left the institute3. However, this seems to have become history. A
university fresh graduate majoring in Accounting, I have to say I am
faring4 much more poorly than my senior alumni5 not to mention6
landing7 a good job with a competitive8 starting salary. I have not
even been able to get a job after weeks of job hunting,
notwithstanding9 my shiny10 grades on my transcript11.
After I finished my final examination of my last course in June this
year, I could not wait to start searching for a full-time job relevant to
my major on multiple websites, most notably JobsDB and Classified
Post. After setting my job-searching criteria, in no time12 did a

considerable13 number of choices suitable for fresh graduates pop

up14. Excited though I was, my enthusiasm15 faded away16 as I
glanced17 through them one after another almost all of them
demanded job-relevant experience to a certain extent, from a few

months to even a ridiculous18 two years. Having faith19 in myself, I

kept returning to the websites, sending no fewer than fifty application
letters to potential employers who offered jobs like accounting clerk
or audit20 associate21. Finally, in late July, I thought luck
favoured22 me at last when I was offered an interview for the position

23

of accounting trainee . The interview went smoothly especially

when I showed my straight24 As to the interviewer, until she asked
do you have any hands-on25 experience elsewhere. I was sent away
soon after I replied that I was a fresh graduate, and nothing was heard
from her since then. August is now almost over, and I am still looking

and waiting for employment.

It is understandable that most employers would like to have people who

have experience who does not want to have ready-made26 employees
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

34

Paper 2

Beacon Mock 2015: Sample Essays

who can immediately be productive27 without spending a penny28

training them? They are more than29 welcome to do so if they intend
to drain30 the pool of fresh blood in their industry if all employers
demand practical experience, then it is practically31 impossible for
young graduates to enter the workplace to gain experience, but without

experience, there is no way for them to enter the workplace. This

vicious circle32 would eventually backfire33 on the employers years
later when many of their senior employees retire there would simply
be no one with experience to replace them. Asking for work

34

experience from fresh graduates like us is as absurd

money to grow on trees.

as wanting

35

There are two reasons why employers should not exclude

us from

their candidate pool, the first being that we, in fact, can integrate36
ourselves into their cultures better. The success of a workplace
without doubt depends on the experience and skills of its people, but it
is workplace harmony that can drive the people to work cooperatively,
and it is common sense that no two workplaces are exactly the same
the practices an experienced worker is used to may not be applicable to
the new workplace, and getting used to new ways is not easy and may
lead to conflicts, which can damage the morale37 of a workforce.
Fresh graduates are raw materials waiting to be moulded38 exactly into
what employers want them to be between new, raw steel and
experienced, recycled steel, which would the general public prefer
when making construction materials?

The other reason is that fresh graduates can be employed at a lower

salary. We must never forget that employment is a two-way process
employers can of course demand experience from employees, but the
latter39 can also demand a higher salary given that they are better
equipped, which also puts a financial burden on the former40. Surely,
training fresh graduates takes time and money, and they may not be as
effective and efficient as one anticipates41 them to be, but in the long
term, the overall expenditure may not necessarily42 be much higher
than employing an experienced person, given that the graduates should
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

35

Paper 2

Beacon Mock 2015: Sample Essays

become more and more skilled as time goes by.

No one is born to be experienced. Even the most experienced43
employers today started as complete novices44 back in those days,
making mistakes and requiring their seniors to coach45 them. It is
hoped that they will acknowledge46 the potential strengths we fresh
graduates have, and offer us a chance to prove ourselves to them.
Yours truly,

Chris
Chris Wong

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

36

Paper 2

Beacon Mock 2015: Sample Essays

Glossary:
1

hold sb in high
regard

ph.

24

straight

adj.

decent

adj.

25

hands-on

adj.

institute

n.

26

ready-made

adj.

fare

v.

27

productive

adj.

alumnus

n.

28

penny

n.

not to mention

ph.

29

more than

adv.

land

v.

30

drain

v.

competitive

adj.

31

practically

adv.

notwithstanding

prep.

32

vicious circle

ph.

10

shiny

adj.

33

backfire

v.

11

transcript

n.

34

absurd

adj.

12

in no time

ph.

35

exclude

v.

13

considerable

adj.

36

integrate

v.

14

pop up

ph.

37

morale

v.

15

enthusiasm

n.

38

mould

v.

16

fade away

ph.

39

the latter

n.

17

glance

v.

40

the former

n.

18

ridiculous

adj.

41

anticipate

v.

19

faith

n.

42

necessarily

adv.

20

audit

n.

43

experienced

adj.

21

associate

n.

44

novice

n.

22

favour

v.

45

coach

v.

23

trainee

n.

46

acknowledge

v.

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

37