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Key Facts: HKDSE Lit Eng Exam
HKDSE Literature in English is a Category A elective examined in English only by the HKEAA.
Paper 1 Essay Writing is worth 50% and lasts 3 hours.
Paper 2 Appreciation is worth 30% and lasts 2 hours.
School-based Assessment is worth 20% and is an analytical film study essay of about 2000-2500 words.
2026 set novels are The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie or Rebecca; set plays are The Merchant of Venice or Educating Rita.
Paper 2 includes set poetry comparison and an unseen poem section worth 8% of the subject.
Results are reported on Levels 1-5 with 5** and 5* distinctions and Unclassified (U) below Level 1.
The 2026 examination fee for each non-language Category A subject is HK$519 for school candidates.
HKDSE Literature in English is assessed by Paper 1 Essay Writing (50%, 3 hrs), Paper 2 Appreciation (30%, 2 hrs) and an SBA film essay (20%), graded on Levels 1-5 with 5** as the top distinction.
Sample HKDSE Lit Eng Practice Questions
Try these sample questions to review concepts for the HKDSE Lit Eng exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.
1Who wrote the novel The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie, a set text option for HKDSE Literature in English?
2In The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie, Miss Brodie teaches at which kind of institution?
3What is the name commonly given to the small group of pupils specially favoured by Miss Jean Brodie?
4Which political figure does Miss Jean Brodie openly admire, signalling the novel's engagement with 1930s authoritarianism?
5In The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie, which pupil is most closely associated with eventual betrayal of Miss Brodie?
6A distinctive narrative feature of The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie is Spark's use of which technique?
7How does Miss Brodie's idea of education most clearly conflict with conventional school values in the novel?
8Which reading best captures a major thematic tension in The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie?
9Who wrote Rebecca, the alternative set novel option for HKDSE Literature in English?
10What is the name of the grand estate that dominates the atmosphere of Rebecca?
About the HKDSE Lit Eng Exam
Literature in English is a Category A elective of the HKDSE, assessed entirely in English by the HKEAA on the Curriculum and Assessment Guide jointly prepared with the Curriculum Development Council. For 2026, candidates study one of two novels, one of two plays, a prescribed short-story set, prescribed poetry and film texts for SBA inspiration. Paper 1 Essay Writing (50%, 3 hours) and Paper 2 Appreciation (30%, 2 hours) form the public examination; School-based Assessment (20%) is an analytical film study essay of about 2000-2500 words. Results are reported on Levels 1-5 with 5** and 5* distinctions. This free MCQ bank is an English-language study adaptation of set-text knowledge, devices and critical judgment—it is not a substitute for essay writing, passage analysis under timed conditions, or the official film SBA.
Exam sponsor: Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority (HKEAA). The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.
Assessment
Paper 1 Essay Writing 50% (3 hours): one novel question, one play question, one short-story comparison. Paper 2 Appreciation 30% (2 hours): passage analysis from novel/play (10%), set poetry (12%), unseen poem (8%). SBA 20%: analytical film study essay of about 2000-2500 words.
Time Limit
Paper 1: 3 hours; Paper 2: 2 hours; SBA extended essay across the course
Passing Score
Reported on a Level 1-5 standards-referenced scale, with 5** and 5* distinctions within Level 5 and Unclassified (U) below Level 1
Exam / Certification Fees
2026 fee per non-language Category A subject: HK$519 (school candidates and private candidates with a Permanent HKIC); HK$1,119 (private candidates without a Permanent HKIC), plus an Initial Fee of HK$595 for private candidates
Exam sponsor websiteFees, eligibility, and exam policies can change. Confirm them with the exam sponsor before applying or paying.
Our practice resources: topics covered
We aim to reflect publicly available exam outlines and topic information in our study resources. Coverage, format, and difficulty may differ from the actual exam, and we cannot guarantee that every detail is accurate or current. Confirm exam requirements, fees, and policies with the official exam sponsor.
Novels
Jean Brodie or Rebecca: plot, character, narration, theme and stylistic technique
Plays
Merchant of Venice or Educating Rita: dramatic conflict, character, theme and language
Short Stories
Comparative study of the prescribed short-story collection and techniques of short fiction
Poetry
Set poets plus unseen modern poetry: imagery, form, tone, theme and comparison
Craft, Film and Response
Literary terminology, informed personal response and film study concepts for SBA preparation
Preparing for the HKDSE Lit Eng Exam
What You Need to Know
- Passing score: Reported on a Level 1-5 standards-referenced scale, with 5** and 5* distinctions within Level 5 and Unclassified (U) below Level 1
- Assessment: Paper 1 Essay Writing 50% (3 hours): one novel question, one play question, one short-story comparison. Paper 2 Appreciation 30% (2 hours): passage analysis from novel/play (10%), set poetry (12%), unseen poem (8%). SBA 20%: analytical film study essay of about 2000-2500 words.
- Time limit: Paper 1: 3 hours; Paper 2: 2 hours; SBA extended essay across the course
- Exam / certification fees: 2026 fee per non-language Category A subject: HK$519 (school candidates and private candidates with a Permanent HKIC); HK$1,119 (private candidates without a Permanent HKIC), plus an Initial Fee of HK$595 for private candidates Official sources
Using Our Practice Resources
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HKDSE Lit Eng: Suggested Study Strategy
Frequently Asked Questions
What language is HKDSE Literature in English examined in?
English only. It is distinct from Chinese Literature and from English Language (the core language subject).
How is the subject assessed in 2026?
Paper 1 Essay Writing (50%, 3 hours), Paper 2 Appreciation (30%, 2 hours) and School-based Assessment (20%) consisting of an analytical film-related essay of about 2000-2500 words.
What are the 2026 set novels and plays?
Novels: The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie (Muriel Spark) or Rebecca (Daphne du Maurier). Plays: The Merchant of Venice (William Shakespeare) or Educating Rita (Willy Russell).
Does Paper 2 include unseen poetry?
Yes. Section C is one unseen poem (8% of the subject mark). Candidates should study a broad range of modern poetry themes such as love, nature, war, death and animals.
How much does the exam cost in 2026?
HK$519 per non-language Category A subject for school candidates and for private candidates with a Permanent HKIC; private candidates without a Permanent HKIC pay HK$1,119 plus an Initial Fee of HK$595.
Can MCQs replace essay practice for Literature in English?
No. The real papers require extended essay and appreciation writing. MCQs only check knowledge of texts, devices and critical concepts.