Geography · HKDSE
Geography Exam Tips
In HKDSE Geography, success is decided before you write a single line of text. The absolute first step is to master HKEAA’s command words. Candidates regularly lose easy marks by confusing 'describe' (what is the pattern?) with 'explain' or 'account for' (why does this pattern ex…
Papers
2
Total marks
116
Time limit
4h
Grade scale
Additional note
Calculator policy
Use only calculators on the HKEAA Approved List, bearing the 'H.K.E.A.A. APPROVED' (or older 'H.K.E.A. APPROVED') label. Programmable scientific models (e.g. Casio fx-50FH II, fx-3650P II) are allowed, and you MAY keep your own formulas/programs stored in memory — HKDSE does not require you to clear it. Graphic-display (graphing) and CAS/symbolic calculators are not on the approved list and must not be used.
2
Papers
5
Strategies
8
Mistakes
- In HKDSE Geography, success is decided before you write a single line of text. The absolute first step is to master HKEAA’s command words. Candidates regularly lose easy marks by confusing 'describe' (what is the pattern?) with 'explain' or 'account for' (why does this pattern exist?). When asked to explain the distribution of the iron and steel industry in China, top scorers do not just list locational factors; they explicitly bridge raw materials (coal and iron ore deposits in Anshan) with their geographical impact on transport costs. If you see 'discuss' or 'evaluate', you are immediately expected to present a balanced, multi-perspective argument. For a 4-mark discussion question, you must declare a clear, justified stance, analyzing both pros and cons with real-world examples (e.g., contrasting agroforestry with channelisation) to secure top-tier marks.
Tips are paraphrased for study purposes from exam structure data and marking patterns. Always verify against your official syllabus and mark scheme.