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Key Facts: HKDSE PE Exam

HKDSE Physical Education is a Category A elective set by the Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority (HKEAA).

Paper 1 is worth 42%, lasts 2 hours and includes multiple-choice and short questions.

Paper 2 is worth 18%, lasts 1 hour 30 minutes and requires two of three long questions.

Paper 3 practical examination is worth 40%: two activities and physical fitness (each about 13⅓%).

Activity choices include major ball/racket sports plus athletics, gymnastics or swimming.

The curriculum includes human body, movement analysis, fitness, training, injuries, psychology, social aspects and management.

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 Physical Education is assessed by Paper 1 theory (42%, 2 hrs), Paper 2 long questions (18%, 1.5 hrs) and Paper 3 practical/fitness (40%), graded on Levels 1-5 with 5** as the top distinction.

Sample HKDSE PE Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to review concepts for the HKDSE PE exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Which energy system primarily resynthesises ATP during a maximal 100 m sprint lasting about 10 seconds?
A.ATP–PC (phosphagen) system
B.Aerobic (oxidative) system
C.Lactic acid (anaerobic glycolytic) system only after 2 minutes
D.Fatty acid oxidation exclusively
Explanation: The ATP–PC (phosphagen) system donates phosphate from phosphocreatine to ADP to resynthesise ATP without oxygen. It dominates very high-intensity efforts lasting roughly up to 10–15 seconds, such as a short sprint.
2During steady submaximal jogging, which cardiovascular change correctly describes cardiac output?
A.Cardiac output rises because heart rate and often stroke volume increase
B.Cardiac output falls because stroke volume always drops to zero
C.Cardiac output is unchanged because only respiratory rate adjusts
D.Cardiac output falls solely due to increased venous return
Explanation: Cardiac output (Q = HR × SV) increases during exercise so more oxygenated blood reaches working muscles. Heart rate rises quickly; stroke volume also increases up to moderate intensities through enhanced venous return and contractility.
3In anatomical terms, which plane divides the body into left and right sections and is associated with forward–backward movements such as a running stride?
A.Frontal (coronal) plane
B.Transverse (horizontal) plane
C.Sagittal plane
D.Oblique plane only
Explanation: The sagittal plane divides the body into left and right halves. Movements in this plane include flexion and extension, such as the forward swing of the legs when running.
4According to Newton’s third law of motion applied to sport, what occurs when a basketball player pushes downward on the floor to jump?
A.The player experiences no reaction because force only acts in one direction
B.Gravity alone propels the player upward without any ground reaction
C.The reaction force always acts in the same direction as the push
D.The floor exerts an equal and opposite upward reaction force on the player
Explanation: Newton’s third law states that for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. The downward push on the floor produces an upward ground reaction force that helps launch the jumper.
5Which joint type allows the greatest range of multi-axial movement and is typified by the shoulder (glenohumeral) joint?
A.Hinge joint
B.Pivot joint
C.Ball-and-socket joint
D.Saddle joint only
Explanation: Ball-and-socket joints (e.g., shoulder, hip) allow multi-axial movement including flexion/extension, abduction/adduction, and rotation, giving the greatest range among common synovial joint types.
6Which muscle action is primarily responsible for elbow flexion when performing a biceps curl?
A.Biceps brachii contracting concentrically as the agonist
B.Triceps brachii contracting concentrically as the agonist
C.Deltoid lengthening as the sole prime mover
D.Soleus stabilising the elbow joint
Explanation: The biceps brachii is a prime mover (agonist) for elbow flexion. During the lifting phase of a curl it shortens concentrically to raise the load.
7During intense exercise, minute ventilation increases mainly because of rises in which two factors?
A.Vital capacity only, with fixed breathing rate
B.Residual volume and dead space exclusively
C.Tidal volume and breathing frequency
D.Haemoglobin concentration within one breath
Explanation: Minute ventilation (VE = tidal volume × breathing frequency) increases during exercise through deeper breaths (higher tidal volume) and faster breathing rate to meet oxygen demand and remove CO2.
8A third-class lever in the human body is characterised by which arrangement of fulcrum, effort, and load?
A.Fulcrum between effort and load
B.Load between fulcrum and effort
C.Effort between fulcrum and load
D.Fulcrum and load coinciding with no effort arm
Explanation: In a third-class lever the effort lies between the fulcrum and the load. Most human limb levers (e.g., biceps flexing the forearm at the elbow) are third-class, favouring range and speed of movement over mechanical advantage.
9Which statement best compares the three energy systems for high-intensity continuous work of about 45–90 seconds (e.g., a 400 m run)?
A.Anaerobic glycolysis (lactic system) is the dominant contributor while ATP–PC depletes early and aerobic contribution grows
B.ATP–PC fully meets demand for the whole 90 seconds
C.Only fat oxidation supplies ATP throughout
D.Aerobic system alone provides all ATP from the first second
Explanation: For efforts of roughly 30–90 seconds at high intensity, anaerobic glycolysis dominates ATP resynthesis after phosphagen stores are rapidly used. Aerobic metabolism contributes increasingly but cannot fully meet maximal demand in this window.
10Rotation of the trunk during a golf swing primarily occurs about which anatomical axis?
A.Mediolateral (frontal) axis
B.Anteroposterior axis
C.Longitudinal (vertical) axis
D.No axis is involved in rotation
Explanation: Rotation in the transverse plane occurs about the longitudinal (vertical) axis. Trunk rotation in a golf swing is a classic example of movement about this axis.

About the HKDSE PE Exam

Physical Education is a Category A elective of the HKDSE, set by the HKEAA on the PE Curriculum and Assessment Guide jointly prepared with the Curriculum Development Council. The curriculum spans history and wellness, human body, movement analysis, fitness and nutrition, training, sports injuries, psychological skills, social aspects, sport and recreation management, and practicum. The 2026 public assessment comprises Paper 1 (42%, 2 hours, MCQ and short questions), Paper 2 (18%, 1.5 hours, long questions) and Paper 3 practical examination (40%) assessing two selected activities and physical fitness. Results are reported on Levels 1-5 with 5** and 5* distinctions. This free English MCQ bank is a study adaptation of theory knowledge for Papers 1 and 2—it is not a substitute for practical skill training, fitness preparation or official long-question practice.

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 Multiple-choice and short questions 42% (2 hours, all questions compulsory). Paper 2 Long questions 18% (1.5 hours, answer 2 of 3). Paper 3 Practical 40%: two physical activities (each 13⅓%) plus physical fitness (13⅓%). Activity 1: badminton/basketball/football/volleyball/table tennis/handball. Activity 2: athletics/gymnastics/swimming.

Time Limit

Paper 1: 2 hours; Paper 2: 1 hour 30 minutes; Paper 3 practical by scheduled examination

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 website

Fees, 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.

22%

Human Body and Movement Analysis

Anatomical systems, energy systems and biomechanical principles of movement

24%

Fitness, Nutrition and Training

Fitness components, nutrition, overload, specificity, periodisation and training methods

14%

Sports Injuries and Safety

Injury mechanisms, prevention, RICE/PRICE care concepts and safe practice

20%

Sports Psychology and Social Aspects

Motivation, arousal, anxiety, goals, cohesion, equity and social values of sport

20%

History, Wellness and Management

PE/sport/recreation history and values, wellness concepts and basic sport management

Preparing for the HKDSE PE 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 Multiple-choice and short questions 42% (2 hours, all questions compulsory). Paper 2 Long questions 18% (1.5 hours, answer 2 of 3). Paper 3 Practical 40%: two physical activities (each 13⅓%) plus physical fitness (13⅓%). Activity 1: badminton/basketball/football/volleyball/table tennis/handball. Activity 2: athletics/gymnastics/swimming.
  • Time limit: Paper 1: 2 hours; Paper 2: 1 hour 30 minutes; Paper 3 practical by scheduled examination
  • 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

  • Work through all 100 available questions
  • Review every answer and explanation
  • Track weak areas and revisit them
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HKDSE PE: Suggested Study Strategy

1Map the ten curriculum parts and revise body systems, energy systems and biomechanics with diagrams you can redraw quickly.
2Memorise training principles (specificity, progressive overload, reversibility, individuality) with one applied example each.
3Build injury tables: cause, signs, immediate care and prevention for common PE injuries.
4Practise PE terminology precisely—examiners reward accurate use of technical language in short and long answers.
5For Paper 2 long questions, plan PEEL paragraphs that apply theory to self-enhancement, body maintenance or community care scenarios.
6Train Paper 3 activities and fitness components weekly; theory alone cannot recover practical marks.
7Use these MCQs for Paper 1 speed, then write full Paper 2 long answers under timed conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is HKDSE Physical Education assessed in 2026?

Paper 1 multiple-choice and short questions (42%, 2 hours), Paper 2 long questions (18%, 1.5 hours) and Paper 3 practical examination (40%) covering two activities and physical fitness.

What practical activities can I choose?

Activity 1: one from badminton, basketball, football, volleyball, table tennis or handball. Activity 2: one from athletics, gymnastics or swimming. Fitness is also assessed.

Can athletics or swimming practicals be exempted?

Candidates may apply for partial or full exemption from Athletics/Swimming practicals with officially certified results from recognised competitions within the accepted date window, subject to HKEAA approval.

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.

Do these MCQs cover the practical paper?

No. They target theory for Papers 1 and 2. Paper 3 requires sport-specific skill practice and fitness training.

What language can I use for PE theory papers?

Chinese or English (one language version per subject entry), as with other bilingual Category A electives.