To Buy or Not To Buy?: Paper 3

Paper 3
4 To buy or not to buy?
In this unit, you will learn the following:
Listening skills Integrated skills

Listening for feelings (p. 106) Extracting and organizing information from different
Listening for positive and negative sources (p. 112)
information (p. 108) Reading articles (p. 115)
Distinguishing facts from opinions (p. 110)
Linking ideas (p. 117)
Writing letters/emails of advice (p. 119)
PAPER 3
Listening skills 1
Listening for feelings
Booster To familiarize In a listening task, you may need to listen for how a person is feeling. Their feelings may
yourself with the be positive, negative or neutral.
theme of this unit,
go to page 48 for
When you listen for people’s feelings, pay attention to:
vocabulary exercises • their actual words.
and warm-up
questions.
• their intonation, volume and pace.
You can listen for adjectives that describe feelings:
Positive feelings Neutral feelings Negative feelings

delighted impartial disappointed
Other words happy indifferent frustrated
for feelings include grateful neutral stressed
emotions and interested undecided sad
mood, e.g. My
mood is bright./He
You can also listen for verbs that show feelings:
couldn’t control his
emotions.
Verbs indicating feelings Examples (verb + adjective)
be I am excited.
Paul was jealous.
feel I feel afraid.

Jane felt bored.
He is feeling confused.
get Martha got angry.

Don’t get upset.
verbs of appearance Tina seems cheerful.

Peter looks uninterested.
Cathy sounded nervous.
You appear calm now.
A1 Look at the examples in the table above. Can you tell whether the adjectives
describe positive, neutral or negative feelings? Write the adjectives on the correct lines
below. Two have been done for you as examples.
Adjectives that describe feelings that are …
• positive: excited,
• neutral:
• negative: jealous,
106
Unit 4 To buy or not to buy?
When you listen for people’s feelings, you should also pay attention to the speakers’
intonation (rising/falling tone at end of statement), volume and pace.
Certain sounds Feelings Intonation Volume Pace

can show feelings,
e.g. laughing = happy/surprised rising ➚ louder faster
happy; breathing/
sighing = sad, bored/indifferent flat ➙ softer slower
relieved or bored;
angry/upset rising louder faster
Listening skills 1
ah/um = uncertain ➚
or confused; oh =
surprised or excited. nervous rising ➚ normal/softer faster
serious/sad falling ➘ softer slower
A2 Listen to four teens talk about fashion trends and decide how each speaker is feeling.
Tick the most appropriate box for each speaker.
Bored Excited Uncertain Disappointed
(1) Andrew
(2) Brenda
(3) Clarence
(4) Elaine
A3 You are watching a fashion advice TV show. In the programme, four teenagers call
in to talk about an item they have recently bought. Listen to the TV show and complete
the table below.
Feeling Description of the item

Caller
Angry Excited Happy Surprised Disappointed bought
• limited-edition
Amelia (1)
(2)
• (4)
Brian (3)
that were fake
• red jeans that became

Carmen (5)
(6)
• (8)
David (7)
bought on sale
107
Listening skills 2
Listening for positive and negative information
Adverbs You may need to distinguish between positive and negative information in a listening
such as certainly, task. For example, you may have to decide if a speaker accepts or rejects a suggestion, or
definitely, absolutely if they like something or not.
and really can
be used in both To do this, you should listen for words/phrases and expressions that have a positive,
positive and negative neutral or negative meaning. Here are some examples:
expressions. Pay
attention to negative Positive words/phrases Neutral words/phrases Negative words/phrases
words, such as not and expressions and expressions and expressions
and don’t. These can
tell you whether the good/great/fantastic all right/OK/not bad bad/awful/terrible
speaker is giving I like/enjoy/appreciate … I’m not sure I don’t like/enjoy/think …
positive or negative
information, e.g. certainly/definitely maybe/perhaps/possibly certainly/definitely not
Ann: Did you enjoy you’re right you could/might be right you’re wrong
the show? of course I don’t mind there’s no way
Don: Definitely.
sounds/looks fun either is fine I’d prefer not
Ken: Absolutely not.
A4 You are Amy, a reporter for the school newspaper. You want to recommend a
fashion magazine to readers. You are discussing possible magazines with other reporters.
Listen to the conversation and complete the table below.
Magazine Positive point(s) Negative point(s) Recommend?
Trendy • great online version • featured brands are too (3) Yes
Teen
with (1) (2) No
for teens
Maybe
Cosmo • (4) • features only (5) (7) Yes

Teen
No
• articles are (6) Maybe
• expensive
Teen Style • features models • (10) (11) Yes

could be improved
(8) No
• (9) Maybe
108
A5 You are on the organizing committee of the fashion show held last week. You are
interviewing three students to get feedback about the show. Listen to the interviews and
complete the table below.
Listening skills 2
Fashion show feedback interviews
Student Comments Enjoyed?
Alan Positive (1) (4) Yes

showed (2) No
Neutral
Negative the clothes were too (3)
Beverly Positive the models have different (5) (7) Yes

No
Neutral
Negative did not feature any (6)
Cindy Positive showed (8) (10) Yes

No
Neutral
Negative many of the brands are not (9)
109
Listening skills 3
Distinguishing facts from opinions
In a listening task, you may need to decide whether a speaker is expressing a fact or
an opinion. A fact is a piece of information that we know to be true. An opinion is what
someone thinks or believes.
Facts can be researched, checked and proved with evidence, such as statistics and data.
Opinions are personal feelings, thoughts and views. They differ from person to person.
That smartwatch is $5,000. James

thinks it’s a good price because the
watch is made of platinum. I think it’s
still too expensive.
Some teenagers spend 50% of their

allowances on clothes. In my view,
teenagers should not spend so much
money on clothes!
Here are some words and phrases you can use to talk about facts and express opinions:
Talking about facts Expressing opinions

as a matter of fact/it is a fact that … from my point of view …
evidence shows … I believe/think/feel that …
it has been proved/shown … I doubt …
studies show … I prefer …
there is no doubt that … in my view/opinion …
without doubt … surely …
To express a less certain opinion, you can use words such as could, may, maybe, might,
perhaps, possibly, probably and should.
could m ay m ay b e mig ht
p erha ps ibly probably should

p o ss
110
A6 Listen to five people talk about celebrity fashion and decide whether each speaker is
expressing facts or opinions in their statements. Tick the appropriate boxes.
Speaker Facts Opinions
(1) Alex
(2) Barbara
Listening skills 3
(3) Chloe
(4) Daniel
(5) Eva
A7 You are watching a beauty vlog entry about a popular new cosmetic product.
When you listen to the vlog entry, write down one fact and one opinion for each aspect
of the product.
Vlog is a blog
with content mainly in
the form of videos.
Aspect of
Fact about the product Vloggers’ opinion
the product
Price prices are (1) considering the product quality,

competing products
prices are (2)
Packaging packaging is made from packaging is (4)

(3) materials
Ingredients contains (5) likes (6)

from the Philippines
Promotion/ website says they only use prefers companies that are
Advertising
(7) (8)
to raise awareness of products
Booster For the glossary of

this section, go to page 49.
For more listening skills
practice, go to pages 50–53.
111
Integrated skills 1
Extracting and organizing information from
different sources
In Part B of the exam, you will need to extract information from various texts in the
Data File. Here are the steps for extracting and organizing information for an integrated
writing task in the exam:
When you write Read the instructional text to find Locate relevant information in each
your final answer, do
out what information you need to Data File text. Skim the titles, headings
not copy from the
complete the task. and subheadings and scan the main topic
Data File. Try to use
sentences, supporting ideas and examples.
your own words.
Note down and organize the necessary Decide what information you need to
information on a rough-work sheet. complete the task and underline the
You may draft a writing plan by necessary information. Note that you may
organizing the information in the order need to combine information from two or
it should appear in your final answer. more texts for some content points.
B1 You are Robert, an intern at an advertising agency. Read the following instructional
email from your manager as well as the Data File items on page 113, and then answer
the questions.
To: Robert Lau <rlau@dynamicads.com.hk>

From: Veronica Hui <vhui@dynamicads.com.hk>
Subject: Your next task
Hi Robert,
I need you to write a notice for the staff retreat. Give the notice a fun short
title by combining part of the name of the event with part of the company
name.
Please list me as the contact person and use my email and phone number.
Oh, and note that we changed the booking—we'll be having the retreat on
Friday, after all.
Thanks,
Veronica
Administrative Manager, Dynamic Ads
Direct line: 5551 5182
112
Chat transcript between Veronica Hui and Robert Lau
VH: Date for the retreat confirmed for 18 Sep. That’s a Friday.
RL: My calendar says that’s a Saturday.
VH: Sorry! You’re right. I confused it with last year.
RL: At Seaview Park?
VH: No. It was fun, but too crowded. It’s Chic Escapes Park this year.
RL: OK. Any news about activities?
VH: We booked the Diamond Escape package, so refer to the park’s web
page for activities included. Also, the venue confirmed we can have
Integrated skills 1
a treasure hunt.
RL: OK.
VH: BTW, we've agreed to change the lunch to an awards dinner and it is
now the last activity, not the first. We’ll still be starting and finishing
the retreat according to the original schedule, though.
RL: Got it. BTW, what should I write under ‘Purposes’ of the event?
VH: Check the park’s web page—it mentions two that fit our event
really well.
Web page of the retreat venue
Chic Escapes Park: Private Events Page
Many organizations have enjoyed Package 1: Ruby Escape

private events with us, including 3–5 p.m. Escape game: Horror Shopping
events that celebrated achievements Mall
and encouraged team building.
5–7 p.m. Gourmet dinner
Package 2: Diamond Escape

1–3 p.m. Gourmet lunch
3–5 p.m. Activity of your own choice
5–7 p.m. Escape game: Haunted Fashion
Show
Which Data File items do you need to refer to for the following information? Tick the
correct box(es).
email chat web page
(1) the date of the event
(2) the location of the event
(3) the schedule of the event
(4) contact details
113
B2 Now that you have studied the email and the Data File items on pages 112 and 113,
complete the notice below.
Dear Staff Members,

Integrated skills 1
Here are the details of the upcoming staff retreat:
Date:
Start time:
Venue:
Activities:
1 p.m.
3–5 p.m.
5–7 p.m.
Purposes:
The retreat is organized to
and
.
Contact: (Phone:
Email: )
Thank you for your attention.
Best wishes,
Robert Lau
Robert Lau
114
Integrated skills 2
Reading articles
Articles are informative, factual texts. You can find them in print or online newspapers,
magazines or journals, as well as on blogs. Articles may use formal or informal language,
depending on where the article is published and who the reader is. Articles are usually
about a particular subject, and can describe recent events or discuss topics more deeply.
When you read an article for a writing task, remember to:

• read the title and subheadings to get an idea of the topic and the points discussed.
• skim the first and last sentences in each paragraph.
• scan the article for keywords relating to information that you need in order to
complete the writing task.
Title: tells you
what the article is What influences teen style? Byline: gives the author‘s
about.
By Andrea Jones posted on 2 September 9.12 a.m. name and sometimes the date.
Many older people are influenced by teen style, often because they want to
Introduction:
appear younger and more modern. While many of us may get our fashion
often states the
ideas from teens, this article will explore who or what influences teen style.
purpose of the
article. Celebrities
Teenagers are influenced by people they admire, primarily by celebrities such as
musicians, actors and social media stars. Teens want to be like these people, so they
may dress or style their hair like their favourite celebrities. Singer Ariana Grande may
not be a teenager any more, but she still has great influence on teen style. Ariana has
Subheadings: millions of Twitter followers who eagerly await her next photo for style tips.
tell you the areas
of points being Advertisements
discussed. Advertisers spend a lot of money on teen advertising. Companies understand that teens
are vulnerable to advertising since they are still searching for their own style. Therefore,
they try to make their ads as attractive to teenagers as possible, so that more teenagers
will be influenced by styles that appear in them.
Influences from other people
Teens are often influenced by their friends and classmates. They like the
Conclusion: may same styles because they want to fit in. Teens may also want to copy the
summarize the style of older siblings or cousins, because they look up to them.
points presented To sum up, teen style truly reflects the teen’s world. Also, remember
or offer additional that fashion is a way for teens to express themselves, and creative
ideas. expression should always be encouraged!
Data File manipulation

You may need to make changes to the content from the Data File items when you
complete the writing tasks. In order for the content to fit the purpose, audience and
tone of your written answer, you may have to change:
Note that • pronouns: Teenagers are influenced by people they admire. ➔ We teens are
when you change influenced by people we admire.
a pronoun, you may • informal words and expressions to more formal ones: The fashion show was
also need to change awesome! ➔ The fashion show received positive reviews.
the form of the verb:
• formal words and expressions to more informal ones: According to the survey, the
She often dresses
majority of respondents found the new design to be highly satisfactory. ➔ You’ll
like her favourite
celebrities. ➔ We be thrilled to hear that most people really liked the new design.
often dress like Also keep in mind that you should only include content from the Data File which is relevant
our …
to the task. If you copy down unnecessary content in your answer, you will lose marks.
115
B3 Scan the following article for information to answer the questions below.
Recycling fashion trends through the years By Alex Kwan
A famous fashion editor once said, ‘There are few new

ideas in fashion. Styles from the past eventually become
trendy again.’ I decided to test this idea by showing
pictures of trendy fashions from the past to fashionable
teens of today to get their thoughts.
Integrated skills 2
The looks of the 1980s included rock-and-roll-inspired tight jeans and leather jackets,
hip-hop-inspired tracksuits, and preppy pastel polo shirts. The teens I interviewed
laughed at these photos, but admitted there were items they would wear mixed
with clothes they currently own. One teenager said he would wear a pastel polo
with his favourite cargo shorts and sneakers. Another teen admired an 80s leather
jacket, and said he owned a similar one, but in fake leather.
Grunge-inspired flannel shirts and bootcut jeans were popular in the 1990s, as
well as slip dresses. Small black nylon backpacks were also trendy. Our modern
teens weren’t very impressed. They did like certain pieces, but would wear them
differently. One teen would wear a flannel shirt with skinny jeans. Another would
wear a 90s slip dress with leggings and sneakers.
Moving on to the 2000s, skinny jeans were trendy this decade, perhaps in response
to the 90s bootcut jeans. Tight tracksuits with large logos, were popular, as were
oversized tops and trucker hats. The teens laughed at these outfits, but all agreed
skinny jeans were still fashionable today. They also thought pairing individual things,
like an oversized top or track jacket, with modern items like leggings and sneakers,
might work.
Looking at past trends with modern teens, a common theme appeared: they found
something they liked in each decade, but would wear it differently to match their
own unique style. So perhaps fashion is about interpreting something from the past
in a new way for something fresh, modern and unique.
1 What are the fashion items mentioned in the article?
Decade Fashion items
the 1980s
the 1990s
the 2000s
Nowadays
2 What item that was popular in the past is still popular nowadays?
116
Integrated skills 3
Linking ideas
If your writing In writing tasks, you will be marked on the coherence and organization of your writing.
has good coherence, To improve the flow of your writing, you will need to link your sentences and paragraphs
it means it fits well using connectives, adverbs and some special phrases.
together.
Here are some examples:
If you want to ... you can use

add to a point/give more additionally, furthermore, in addition, moreover
information
give examples/supporting for example/instance, such as, according to, in fact

information
show differences/contrasting points although, despite, however, while
discuss reasons/causes and results because (of), due to, as a result, therefore,
consequently
express time recently, meanwhile, while
describe order/sequence first(ly), second(ly), next, then, finally, after, before
summarize/conclude in conclusion/summary, to conclude/sum up/

summarize
B4 A fellow member of the Design Club has written an article about the fashion
industry. She has asked you to edit her article. Use the words and phrases in the box.
additionally although as a result consequently despite for instance in conclusion
Some fashion brands have learnt how to use limited-edition items to drive popularity.
(1) , the streetwear brand Supremium produced 100 T-shirts
with a special logo last month to sell at its London shop. (2) ,
Remember that
the shirts were in pink, a colour Supremium rarely uses. (3) ,
although should be the $2,000 T-shirts sold out in five minutes.
followed by a clause
while despite should Limited-edition items are often resold at much higher prices.
be followed by a (4) costing $2,000 originally, one of the pink Supremium
noun/noun phrase,
T-shirts was resold online for over ten times that amount. (5)
e.g.
Although it was the T-shirt was so expensive, there were still many eager buyers.
expensive, she High profits from reselling have attracted dishonest sellers of counterfeit items.
bought the skirt
without hesitation. (6) , reports of fake items have increased dramatically on
Despite the high online resale sites.
price, she bought
the skirt without
(7) , the old saying ‘buyer beware’ still applies in the world
hesitation. of fashion.
117
B5 Your friends have written an article and asked you to help them proofread it. There
are some mistakes with linking words/phrases. Insert or correct the linking words/phrases.
Two have been done for you as examples.
The death of fashion?
By Madison Tang Jane Chau and
Despite following the latest trends still remains a top Although
concern for many teenagers, recently a significant number

Integrated skills 3
of our peers seem to have grown wary of the fashion

industry. There are several reasons for this.
Secondly, teenagers tend to be among the most (1)

environmentally conscious members of society. Moreover, (2)
many of us are disturbed by the unsustainable practices
of fast-fashion manufacturers ANM and Kara. (3)
In addition, we realize that buying clothes just to throw

them away when the fashion changes is a waste of the
earth’s limited resources. Although these concerns, many (4)
among us have decided to reduce our clothing purchases
drastically.
Finally, decluttering and minimalism are all the rage these (5)
days. There are many who believe that we can become
happier and less stressed simply by having less stuff. This
obviously includes clothing, and some among us have
taken this message to heart. Meanwhile we used to want (6)
a bedroom full of outfits, now we realize that this excess
just leads to stress.
In conclusion, our generation values individual style. And (7)

there are much better ways to express your individual
style than by wearing the latest fashions. According to, (8)
you can look for unique clothing items in second-hand
stores, or just dig out some neglected old favourites from
your wardrobe and show them some love.
Next, fashion probably isn’t going anywhere any time (9)

soon, as there are certainly enough trend-conscious teens
to keep the industry alive. Some of us, furthermore, have (10)
realized that there are more important things in life.
118
Integrated skills 4
Writing letters/emails of advice
Letters or emails of advice are used to give people advice about problems or issues they
need help with. Here are the key elements of a letter or an email of advice:
Friendly opening: Letters of advice can be formal, semi-formal

Greeting Dear Brittany, or informal, depending on who the reader is.
Opening
Thanks for your letter. I’m sorry to hear about your problems with a falsely
paragraph: advertised product. I hope I’ll be able to give you some useful advice.
Express sympathy
Firstly, you said you bought a pair of toning fitness shoes based on claims in the ad
and reference the
reader’s problem.
that you’d lose weight, but that the shoes had no effect. Sadly, many advertisers sell
products with false claims like that. You should never trust the claims made in an ad.
Instead, research the product by reading consumer reviews from respected sources
before making a purchase.
Body paragraphs:
Offer advice, Next, you mentioned you bought the shoes because they were advertised on a
addressing each fitness website established by famous athletes and sports scientists. Unfortunately,
aspect or problem
sometimes the ad technology will push through ads that the website has not
in a separate
paragraph. approved. This could have happened in this case. In the future, emailing the website
to ask if they have approved of the advertised product before buying could help.
Finally, you said that you tried to return the shoes for a refund because the ad had
Closing a ‘money-back guarantee’, but that the company refused. It sounds like you have
paragraph: been cheated, so why don’t you file a complaint with the Consumer Council? You
Summarize may also want to consider posting reviews online describing your experience. The
the main company may wish to avoid negative publicity and offer to refund your money.
points, provide
encouragement I hope you found my advice helpful. Remember that research, verification, online
and wish the reviews and social media can all help you avoid negative experiences with false
reader success. advertising in the future. Take care and good luck!
Best wishes, Complimentary close
Writer’s
signature and
Jenna
name Jenna
Letters or emails of advice typically use:

a friendly, encouraging tone Thanks for your letter/email.
I’m sorry to hear …
I hope I’ll be able to …
sequence words such as first, second and Firstly, you said …
finally to give structure to the letter/email Next, you mentioned …
the modal verbs should and must to give You should never trust the claims made
strong advice in an ad.
the modal verbs may, might, can and could You may also want to consider …
to make suggestions
imperatives to give advice Research the product by …
expressions for giving advice and making Why not/don’t you file a complaint …
suggestions How/What about filing …
119
Model writing
B6 You are Taylor Yao. You are a writer for your school newspaper. Your teacher,
Mrs Lam, has a task she wants you to do. Read the email from Mrs Lam and the magazine
article on page 121 and complete the letter below.
Dear Fellow Teen Shoppers,
Make sure you

use an appropriate
tone and show that
you understand and
Integrated skills 4
empathize with the

readers.
Make sure you

end the letter in an
encouraging and
reassuring tone.
120
From: Mrs Lam

To: Taylor Yao
Subject: Advice letter
Attachment: article_shopping.pdf
Taylor,
Students have written to us to say they have been the victims of advertisers targeting
teenagers. Please write a letter of advice about this for the newspaper’s Fellow Adviser
column. Remember that advice letters often start by expressing sympathy for the
Integrated skills 4
situation, which in this case, is being under pressure from advertisers. Read the article
I am attaching to this email. Try to reference two aspects the article mentions that are
causing problems for teens.
In the body, offer advice addressing these two aspects. Give at least one suggestion for
each. The article has some good tips, so try to include them.
Finally, in the closing paragraph, include an encouraging statement. Make sure you
sign your letter with ‘Your Fellow Adviser’.
Regards,
Mrs Lam
Shopping habits of highly stylish teens

If teens think something is cool, then it will
likely become popular. Therefore, advertisers
use many tactics to get teens to want their
products. For example, brands may offer
limited-edition items.
Another way brands get teens to buy

their products is through false advertising.
Fortunately, teens can protect themselves
from false advertising by researching products before buying. They can read
consumer reviews from trusted sources, and talk to people they know who have
used the product. Researching before buying is a good shopping habit.
Another troubling way advertisers target teens is by tracking their online shopping
Booster For the patterns. Using this data, advertisers can send custom ads and offers to the teens.
glossary of this As online shopping increases, teens need to protect themselves from unauthorized
section, go to data tracking. They can do so by reviewing the privacy settings on all devices that
pages 54 and 55.
connect to the Internet. It is possible to turn off data tracking in most apps.
For more integrated
skills practice, go to
pages 56 and 57.
121
Progress check
C1 Read the following situation.
Situation
You are Morgan So, the editor of the school newspaper. The chief editor, Arthur
Leung, has asked you to help with the advice column for the upcoming issue of
the newspaper.
You will now listen to a radio programme about fast fashion.
Before the recording is played, you will have two minutes to study the task and
the Data File.
C2 The recording is about to begin. Take notes on the listening note-taking sheet below
as you listen. Then read the Data File items on pages 123 and 124 and complete the letter
of advice on page 125.
Data File
Listening note-taking sheet for the radio programme
Information about speaker

• Name:
• Organization:
Fast fashion study findings

• Why people buy fast fashion
• Negative effects of fast fashion
122
Email from Arthur Leung to Morgan So
An agony aunt,
also known as an
advice columnist, From: Arthur Leung
is a person (usually
To: Morgan So
female) who
gives advice in Subject: Advice column
reply to people’s
letters about their
problems. An agony Morgan,
aunt usually writes
in a newspaper or Thanks for being ‘Agony Aunt’ for the upcoming issue of the newspaper.
magazine.
We’ve received a letter from a student who is having some fashion
problems. Start your response by reassuring her that she has made the
right decision. Then, back this up by discussing the negative aspects of
Progress check
fast fashion. Remember to cite your source. Also, to make her feel less
guilty about buying fast fashion in the past, explain why people do it.
As for the other issue, I’ll send you a magazine article which has some
good advice. Please offer as many tips as possible.
Thanks,
Arthur
Letter from a student to the school newspaper advice column
Dear Agony Aunt,
I try hard to keep up with the latest fashion trends. I want high-quality,
well-made pieces, but I can’t afford them. Instead, I end up buying
too many cheap fast fashion items. I’ve bought so many that I keep
giving clothes to my younger sisters—most items are brand new! I have
decided to stop buying fast fashion, but I don't know how to get quality,
fashionable clothes on a budget. Any advice?
Thanks,
Josephine
123
Excerpt from a magazine article
Fashion on a budget
While quality fashion is expensive, here is how fashionistas

on a budget can still dress well.
Buy clothes in second-hand

shops
Quality second-hand items can
be found at low prices, and are
often in good condition because
Progress check
they are well-made.
Shopping second-hand is like treasure

hunting for low-priced quality items.
Learn sewing
If you learn to sew, you will be

able to make your own clothes.
You will also be able to alter
the fit of store-bought pieces
and improve their quality and
appearance.
Sew to fit your own needs and style.
124
Model writing
Task: Letter of advice

Write a letter of advice to the student who has written to the school newspaper’s advice
column using information from the Data File and your notes. Write around 120 words.
Progress check
125
Knowing the question
In Task 5 of the Exam practice for this unit, you will need to complete a web page based
on the information given in the instructional email. After you have read the instructions,
you will need to scan the relevant Data File items to look for the required information.
D1 Study the instructional email and Data File item below, then answer the questions.
Pay attention to
request words
like please and
linking words Hi Chris,
like also, which
may emphasize I need your help with the following tasks.
specific points or
First, please complete a web page for the shopping research we are conducting.
actions.
I have provided you with the layout and headings. For the objectives, refer to
Pay attention the studies mentioned in the HKNews article—we share the same objectives
to references with them. We have a third objective, which you can find in our survey report.
to sections and Also, briefly introduce what shopping addiction is and explain a major cause of
sequence, which
shopping addiction. You should check out Frankie Lam’s podcast interview for
may indicate
answer structure. more information.
Data File item: Magazine article from HKNews
When shopping becomes an addiction

Keep an eye out
for abbreviations, By Julia Ng
as they may be
used elsewhere in Last month, the online shopping company TowBow (TB) published a study about
the Data File item. shopping habits of people in different age groups. The shopping habits reviewed
include how often participants shopped, where they usually shopped, as well as what
When reading
they bought. The results revealed that participants shopped on average three times a
about survey
results, pay week, and mostly bought clothing and electronics. About half of them liked shopping
attention to verbs online while the other half liked physical shops.
that indicate
objectives The results of the TB study were not surprising, but those from the recent
and factual GlobalShopper (GS) study were. GS tried to examine unusual shopping habits,
information. described as non-typical shopping behaviour in study participants. This included
shopping addiction. Surprisingly, one-tenth of the participants admitted to such
behaviour.
1 What is the objective of this task?
2 Name the sources you will need to extract information from.
3 What information will you be able to extract from the magazine article?
126
Please stick the barcode label here.
UNIT 4-DSE
ENG LANG
PAPER 3
PART A
A
Candidate
Number
COMPULSORY
Exam practice
HONG KONG DIPLOMA OF SECONDARY EDUCATION EXAMINATION
UNIT 4 EXAM PRACTICE

ENGLISH LANGUAGE PAPER 3
PART A
Question-Answer Book
INSTRUCTIONS
(1) There are two parts (A and B) in this paper. All candidates
should attempt ALL tasks in Part A. In Part B, you should
attempt either Part B1 (easier section) OR Part B2 (more
difficult section). Candidates attempting Parts A and B2 will
be able to attain the full range of levels, while Level 4 will be
the highest level attainable for candidates attempting Parts A
and B1.
(2) Write your Candidate Number on the appropriate pages of

the Part A Question-Answer Book and both Part B Question-
Answer Books.
(3) Write your answers clearly and neatly in the spaces provided
in the Question-Answer Books. Answers written in the
margins will not be marked. You are advised to use a pencil
throughout Part A.
(4) For multiple-choice questions, you are advised to blacken

the appropriate circle with a pencil and make sure that wrong
marks are completely erased with a clean rubber. Mark only
ONE answer to each question. Two or more answers will
score NO MARKS.
(5) All listening materials will be played ONCE only.
(6) Supplementary answer sheets will be supplied on request.

Use separate supplementary answer sheets for Part A and
Part B. Write your Candidate Number and mark the question
number box on each sheet.
(7) The rough-work sheets provided are for you to take notes.
They will be collected separately and will not be marked.
(8) No extra time will be given to candidates for filling in the

question number boxes after the ‘Time is up’ announcement.
(9) The two Question-Answer Books attempted by candidates

(one for Part A and one for Part B) will be collected together
at the end of the examination.
(10) The other unused Question-Answer Book for Part B will be

collected separately at the end of the examination. This will
not be marked. Do not write any answers in it.
127
Part A
In Part A, you will have a total of four tasks to do related to the theme of fashion. Follow the
instructions in the Question-Answer Book and in the recording to complete the tasks. You will
find all the information you need in the Question-Answer Book and the recording. You now have
two minutes to familiarize yourself with Tasks 1–4.
Exam practice
128
Task 1 (12 marks)

Listen to a news report about complaints about a local fashion chain and fill in the missing information in
the spaces below. The first one has been provided as an example. You now have 30 seconds to study the
task. At the end of the task, you will have one minute to tidy up your answers.
Subject of report:
Exam practice
• Fashion chain: (1)
• Reporter: (2)
Case
Case 1 Jeans
Consumer experience:
Answers written in the margins will not be marked.

• advertisement claimed (3) were discounted but
only one size was
• felt (4) because the advertisement was
(5)
Monetary loss: (6)
Case 2 Designer items

• felt (7) about being pressured to buy
(8)
Monetary loss: (9)
Case 3 Computer backpack

• felt (10) because the product was not
(11)
Monetary loss: (12)
Make sure to include

END OF TASK 1
appropriate symbols when
writing down prices.
129
Task 2 (12 marks)
The Hong Kong Consumer Council is conducting a focus group with consumers from recent cases
about their experience with the HKCC. Listen to the focus group and fill in the missing information
in the spaces below. You now have 30 seconds to study the task. At the end of the task, you will have
one minute to tidy up your answers.
Exam practice
Why Rachel, Silas and Taylor contacted the HKCC:
• Rachel asked the HKCC for help getting a (13) .
• Silas thought an (14) for a shopping website made

(15) .
• A company posted Taylor’s designs on (16) . She believed the

company had committed an (17) act.
Overall experience:
What they liked about What they disliked about
Consumer Positive/Negative/

the HKCC the HKCC
Neutral
Rachel Ku responded immediately could not force company Positive

to refund money
and explained
(18)
Silas Gong the online complaint form too much (20) (21)
was (19)
Taylor Shaw (22) cannot (23) (24)
In order to determine the consumers’

END OF TASK 2 overall experience, listen for words and
phrases that have positive, negative or
neutral meanings.
130
Task 3 (11 marks)

The HKCC has invited a consumer expert on their consumer education TV programme, Consumer Chat.
Listen to the programme and fill in the missing information in the spaces below. You now have
30 seconds to study the task. At the end of the task, you will have one minute to tidy up your answers.
Exam practice
Be a smart
consumer
Here are some tips to help you become a smarter consumer!
Tip #1: (25)
Protecting yourself Advice
Now: (26)

In the future: Ask lawmakers to (27)
Tip #2: (28)
Myth Reality
It is easy to tell expensive products (29) cannot tell the

from cheap ones difference
Cheaper products are worse quality Prices have (30)
More money is spent on ingredients (31)

in brand-name products
Tip #3: (32)
Look out for: (33)
Be extra careful if: (34)
Stay informed by: subscribing to (35)
During the one and a half minutes

END OF TASK 3
you are given to check your answers, make
sure the answers are grammatically correct
based on the context of the sentence.
131
Task 4 (11 marks)
The participants from the HKCC focus group have agreed to appear on the next episode of Consumer
Chat to talk about their experiment of following the consumer expert’s tips for one week. Listen to the
programme and answer the questions below. Please note that you do not need to answer in complete
sentences. You now have 30 seconds to study the task. At the end of the task, you will have three minutes
to tidy up your answers.
Exam practice
Summary of programme
What confession did Rachel make about ingredients/labels?

(36)
What did Rachel find by following the expert’s advice?

(37)
How did Rachel feel about following the expert’s advice?

(38)

What confession did Silas make?
(39)
How did Silas feel about following the expert’s advice?

(40)
Why didn’t Silas do what the expert suggested before taking the experiment?
(41)
When did Silas find the expert’s advice helpful?

(42)
How did Taylor feel about brand-name products before she took part in the experiment?
(43)
What two expectations did Taylor have about using unbranded products?
(44)
(45)
How did Taylor feel about following the expert’s advice?

(46)
END OF TASK 4 To determine the speakers’ feelings,

pay attention to their intonation on top
End of Part A of the content in their conversation.
Now go on to Part B
132
B1
OXFORD ESSENTIAL EXAM SKILLS
ENGLISH LANGUAGE
PAPER 3 PART B1
QUESTION-ANSWER BOOK EASY SECTION
Task 5: Web page (13 marks)

Marking Scheme
Complete the web page using information from the B1 Data File and your notes.
Exam practice
Kowloon College Student Union
About | Updates | Committee | Contact
The research aims to:
1. find out students’ shopping habits,

e.g.

2. spot any signs of addiction, e.g.
3. explore the effects of technology

on teenage shopping patterns, e.g.
What is shopping addiction?
A basic definition of shopping addiction:
A major cause of shopping addiction is:
Remember to go through
END OF TASK 5
the words given in the task
to help you locate relevant
information in the Data File.
133
Model writing
Task 6: Letter (16 marks) Marking Scheme
Write a letter in response to the student who wrote to the school newspaper advice column using
information from the B1 Data File and your notes. Write around 100 words.
Exam practice
5

10
15
20
25
Booster You can use the writing

END OF TASK 6
outline to draft your letter on
page 60.
134
Model writing
Task 7: Email (17 marks) Marking Scheme
Write an email to Jamie Wong using information from the B1 Data File. Write around 120 words.
From: Chris Chan

To: Jamie Wong
Exam practice
Subject: Re: Documentary film for Smart Consumer Fair

5
10
15
20
If time permits, read through

END OF TASK 7 your email to make sure you have
END OF PART B1 included a few connectives to help
with the flow of your writing.
135
Model writing
B2
OXFORD ESSENTIAL EXAM SKILLS
ENGLISH LANGUAGE
PAPER 3 PART B2
QUESTION-ANSWER BOOK DIFFICULT SECTION
Task 8: Report (17 marks)

Marking Scheme
Write a report on the negative effects of shopping addiction using information from the B2 Data File and
Exam practice
your notes. Write around 140 words.
5

10
15
20
Subheadings are often used to

END OF TASK 8 organize information in a report.
136
Model writing
Task 9: Profile (16 marks) Marking Scheme
Write a profile about the guest speaker for the Smart Consumer Fair using information from the B2 Data
File and your notes. Write around 100 words.
Exam practice
5

10
15
20
25

Booster You can use the writing outline
END OF TASK 9 to draft your profile on page 61.
137
Model writing
Task 10: Email (16 marks) Marking Scheme
Write an email suggesting what to do for the workshops using information from the B2 Data File.
Write around 110 words.
From: Chris Chan

Madison Lee, Jonathan Ho, Nina Leung, Jamie Wong
Exam practice
To:
Subject: Workshop ideas
5

10
15
20
If time permits, read through

END OF TASK 10 your email to make sure you have
END OF PART B2 included a few connectives to help
with the flow of your writing.
138
UNIT 4-DSE
ENG LANG
PAPER 3
B1
EASY SECTION
PART B1
PART B1
DATA FILE
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
(1) Refer to the General Instructions on Page 1 of the Question-Answer Book for Part A.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR PART B1
(1) The Question-Answer Book for Part B1 is inserted into this Data File.
(2) For Part B, attempt EITHER those tasks in Part B1 (Tasks 5–7) OR those in Part B2 (Tasks 8–10).
(3) You are advised to use a pen for Part B.
(4) The Data Files will NOT be collected at the end of the examination. Do NOT write your answers in
the Data Files.
(5) Hand in only ONE Question-Answer Book for Part B, either B1 or B2.
Not to be taken away before the

end of the examination session
UNIT 4-EXAM PRACTICE-ENG LANG 3-B1-DF–1 59 © Oxford University Press

Part B
Situation
You are Chris Chan, the secretary of Kowloon College’s Student Union (SU). The SU is organizing
a series of activities to help students develop proper shopping attitudes. You will help Madison Lee,
the chairperson of the SU, with a few tasks.
You will listen to a local podcast talk show about shopping. Take notes under the appropriate
headings.
Before the recording is played, you will have five minutes to study the Question-Answer Book and
the Data File to familiarize yourself with the situation and the tasks.
Complete the tasks by following the instructions in the Question-Answer Book and on the recording.
You will find all the information you need in the Question-Answer Book, the Data File and on the
recording. As you listen you can make notes on Page 3 of the Data File.
You now have five minutes to familiarize yourself with the Question-Answer Book and the
Data File.
Contents
Page
1 Listening note-taking sheet for the podcast talk show . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
2 Email from Madison Lee to Chris Chan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
3 Magazine article from HKNews . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
4 Letter to the school newspaper’s advice column . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
5 Excerpt from a survey report from the Student Union . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
6 Email from Jamie Wong to Madison Lee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
7 Online reviews of documentary films . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Listening note-taking sheet for the podcast talk show
Listen to the recording of the podcast talk show about shopping.

Marking Scheme
Definition of shopping addiction
5.7
Causes
5.8
5.9
5.10
Negative impacts of shopping addiction and possible solutions
6.4
6.7
About Frankie Lam

Email from Madison Lee to Chris Chan
To: Chris Chan

From: Madison Lee
Subject: Help with tasks
Hi Chris,
I need your help with the following tasks.
First, please complete a web page for the shopping research we are conducting. I have provided
you with the layout and headings. For the objectives, refer to studies mentioned in the HKNews
article—we share the same objectives with them. We have a third objective, which you can find
in our survey report. Also, briefly introduce what shopping addiction is and explain a major
cause of shopping addiction. You should check out Frankie Lam’s podcast interview for more
information.
Next, the school newspaper knows that we are working on the subject of shopping and wants us
to help them with the advice column. Write a letter responding to SadShopper’s letter. Answer
SadShopper’s question with reasoning for your answer. You can reference points from the
HKNews article. Suggest what SadShopper can do to resolve his/her problems. Frankie’s podcast
will be helpful.
Finally, help me answer Jamie’s email. Jamie is having trouble choosing a documentary film to
show during the Smart Consumer Fair. I think Morgan Sherlock-Wong and Mary Tam have both
produced films about shopping—you can check them out. Give Jamie your recommendation of
which film to show. Briefly describe what the film is about and its key message, and explain how
the film meets Jamie’s requirements. Have a look at the online film reviews I sent you.
Let me know if you have any questions.
Thanks,
Madison Lee

Magazine article from HKNews
When shopping becomes an addiction
By Julia Ng
Last month, the online shopping company TowBow (TB) published a study about shopping habits
5.1 of people in different age groups. The shopping habits reviewed include how often participants
5.2 shopped, where they usually shopped, as well as what they bought. The results revealed that
participants shopped on average three times a week, mostly for clothing and electronics. About half
5.3
of them liked shopping online while the other half liked physical shops.
The results of the TB study were not surprising, but those from the recent GlobalShopper (GS)
5.4 study were. GS tried to examine unusual shopping habits, described as non-typical shopping
behaviour in study participants. This included shopping addiction. Surprisingly, one-tenth of the
participants admitted to such behaviour.
Experts agree that shopping addiction is a growing problem that should not be overlooked. They
6.2 also agree there are common signs of shopping addiction, which include compulsive buying and
6.3 financial difficulty.
6.5 If you are struggling with shopping addiction, ask a family member or friend to be your ‘shopping
6.6 guardian’. You could also find hobbies that help you deal with negative emotions.

Letter to the school newspaper’s advice column
Dear Aunt Addie,
After listening to a podcast about shopping addiction, I’m worried that I may be a shopping
addict.
6.2 I buy lots of things compulsively without thinking about whether I need them. I often buy
the same items that I already have at home. I feel bad when I see how much unused stuff
I have at home, or when I see news stories of people who are poor. I’m most concerned about
6.3
the fact that I lie to my family. They don’t know that I’m spending more than I can afford.
I secretly applied for a credit card. I spend as much as the card limit allows. I hate lying to
people, but I can’t stop myself.
6.1 Do you think I’m a shopping addict? If so, what should I do? I don’t want to be like this forever.
I’d really appreciate your opinion. I’ve been so confused and worried.
Thanks,
SadShopper

Excerpt from a survey report from the Student Union
Findings
1. Questions in this section were designed to find out respondents’ shopping habits
and behaviour.
• 13% only shopped in physical shops, 6% only shopped online while 81%
shopped both in physical shops and online.
• 15% had favourite sites that they always shopped at.
2. Questions in this section were designed to explore the effects of technology on

respondents’ shopping patterns.
• 86% were aware that they were targeted by online advertising.
5.5 • 92% reported they purchased items featured in their idols’ social media
feeds.
5.6 • 85% admitted clicking on online ads, among which 65% were banners and
56% were videos.

Email from Jamie Wong to Madison Lee
To: Madison Lee

From: Jamie Wong
Subject: Documentary film for Smart Consumer Fair
Hi Madison,
I need help choosing the documentary film to show at the consumer fair.
7.6 I think we should show something that features local teens so that our audience will be more
interested. Is that possible?
7.7 Also, the film should be under 60 minutes, and have a positive message as well as helpful advice.
7.4 One last thing: we have a tight budget, so it’d be great if we could show the film for free. In
other words, we don’t want to pay any subscription fees or other costs to watch the film.
7.5
7.8 Please let me know if you have any ideas.
Thanks,
Jamie

Online reviews of documentary films
www.filmreview.com/docugeek88
Reviews by Docugeek88
The dark side of shopping
Film > Documentary > Buy Buy Bye!
★★★✩✩
Film-maker Morgan Sherlock-Wong’s latest work, Buy Buy Bye!, is a documentary that reveals
the depressing truth behind advertising and shopping. The 55-minute film takes viewers around
the world, asking consumers, former advertisers, activists and psychologists from 30 countries
about how advertising has manipulated consumers and transformed our shopping patterns. The
film is available on the subscription service Woo-Hoo. Film fans can sign up now for only
$880 per month.
7.5 Thoughtful storytelling and helpful tips for those affected by addiction
7.1
Film > Documentary > Can’t Stop Shopping
★★★★✩
7.7 Director Mary Tam and her son, famous actor Max Tam, have teamed up to give us the
7.2
documentary Can’t Stop Shopping. This film packs a lot into its 45-minute running time,
providing an in-depth look at shopping addiction. The film follows three Hong Kong teenage
7.6
shopping addicts as they deal with their addiction. Unlike other documentaries that address
7.4 this subject matter, this film offers a hopeful message: shopping addiction is a serious problem,
7.3
but it can be treated. Tam fans will be pleased to know that the film can be watched for free at
www.cantstopshopdoc.org.
7.8
THIS IS THE LAST PAGE OF THE PART B1 DATA FILE

This is a blank page.

UNIT 4-DSE
ENG LANG
PAPER 3
B2
DIFFICULT SECTION
PART B2

PART B2
DATA FILE
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
(1) Refer to the General Instructions on Page 1 of the Question-Answer Book for Part A.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR PART B2
(1) The Question-Answer Book for Part B2 is inserted into this Data File.
(2) For Part B, attempt EITHER those tasks in Part B1 (Tasks 5–7) OR those in Part B2 (Tasks 8–10).
(3) You are advised to use a pen for Part B.
(4) The Data Files will NOT be collected at the end of the examination. Do NOT write your answers in
the Data Files.
(5) Hand in only ONE Question-Answer Book for Part B, either B1 or B2.
Not to be taken away before the

end of the examination session

Part B
Situation
You are Chris Chan, the secretary of Kowloon College’s Student Union (SU). The SU is organizing
a series of activities to help students develop proper shopping attitudes. You will help Madison Lee,
the chairperson of the SU, with a few tasks.
You will listen to a local podcast talk show about shopping. Take notes under the appropriate
headings.
Before the recording is played, you will have five minutes to study the Question-Answer Book and
the Data File to familiarize yourself with the situation and the tasks.
Complete the tasks by following the instructions in the Question-Answer Book and on the recording.
You will find all the information you need in the Question-Answer Book, the Data File and on the
recording. As you listen you can make notes on Page 3 of the Data File.
You now have five minutes to familiarize yourself with the Question-Answer Book and the
Data File.
Contents
Page
1 Listening note-taking sheet for the podcast talk show . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
2 Email from Madison Lee to Chris Chan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
3 Column from HKLife magazine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
4 Excerpt from a newspaper article. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
5 Online book review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
6 Excerpt from Frankie Lam’s speech . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
7 Online forum on Kowloon College’s website . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
8 WhatsApp messages between Madison Lee and Chris Chan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Listening note-taking sheet for the podcast talk show
Listen to the recording of the podcast talk show about shopping.

Marking Scheme
Definition of shopping addiction
Causes
Negative impacts of shopping addiction and possible solutions
8.1
8.2
8.4
8.6
About Frankie Lam
9.3
9.5

Email from Madison Lee to Chris Chan
To: Chris Chan

From: Madison Lee
Subject: Help with tasks
Hi Chris,
I need your help with the following tasks.
To start, please write a report on the negative effects of shopping addiction. We’ll include this
8.1
report as part of our research findings. You should mention three negative effects. Make sure you
8.4 don’t just cover financial effects—include personal effects, and something related to the wider
8.7 world. Give an example of each of the effects, plus supporting data wherever possible. You may
find the HKLife magazine column useful.
Second, we have invited Frankie Lam for a talk during the Smart Consumer Fair. Write a profile
of him. Include his background, such as where he was born and attended university, and his
occupations, then talk about how he overcame his addiction. You can refer to the book review.
End the profile with his achievements and awards received.
Finally, we need to decide what to do for our workshops during the Smart Consumer Fair. Write
an email to all the committee members and suggest ideas for the workshops. Please give one idea
for each of the workshops. Briefly explain what each workshop is about and what participants
would do in each of them. You should choose ideas that most of our fellow students are interested
10.7 in. Remember to ask other members to provide more ideas at the end of the email.
Let me know if you have any questions.
Thanks,
Madison

Column from HKLife magazine
Confessions of a shopaholic
Earlier this year, my shopping got a little (well, a lot!) out of hand. To put it simply, I was a
shopping addict who was overdosed on retail therapy and risked ruining my life completely.
So what is shopping addiction? Medical experts agree that it is an unhealthy dependence on

shopping. And it certainly was unhealthy for me. I spent literally every minute and every penny
buying things. I felt so good when I bought things, but a couple of minutes after that, the good
feeling disappeared. So I would go shopping again, until I reached the point where it no longer
gave me any excitement.
My family noticed that I was in great trouble, and tried to help me. However, the first step in
stopping your addiction is to admit you have a problem, and it wasn’t easy for me. It took some
time before I could finally do it. But once I did that, I felt relieved, because then I could get help
for my problem. The international organization Shopaholic Help (SH) was where I went to for
help, and it was a safe, judgement-free place for me.
It was reassuring to know that I wasn’t the only one negatively affected by shopping addiction.
I had huge credit card bills because of my problem, and was ashamed of that. When I learnt from
8.3 an SH study that 95% of shopping addicts were heavily in debt, struggling to pay it off, I felt less
ashamed and guilty.
8.5 Additionally, 80% of the respondents in the SH study said that their addiction ended marriages and
friendships. Thankfully, I got help for my addiction before that happened to me. I hope sharing my
story will encourage shopping addicts to seek help before their addiction ruins their life.

Excerpt from a newspaper article
Your shopping addiction is killing the planet
By Shannon Yeung
Recent media coverage of shopping addiction has focused mostly on its negative personal impacts.
While it’s true that there are terrible personal impacts from the actions of shopping addicts, this
8.7 article will focus on the effects on the environment.
8.8 Clearly, shopping addicts harm the environment when they buy and dispose of items, especially ‘fast
fashion’ clothing, that are often unneeded.
Online book review
www.reviewyourbooks.com/kellypang0032
Excellent consumer advice and an inspiring story

By Kelly Pang (Click here for reviews by the same author)
★★★★★
9.1 Frankie Lam is known as a popular consumer activist who often appears on Hong Kong talk
9.7 shows. He recently received the Inspiring Leader Award in recognition of his work on fighting
shopping addiction. He is also a respected author. His long-time bestseller, Free Yourself From
9.1
Shopping Addiction, describes his own battle with shopping addiction. The advice he gives on
9.6 how to overcome shopping addiction is based on his personal experience. I’m not a shopping
addict, but I thought a lot of his advice was useful and detailed.
The book is also partly an autobiography, as Lam talks about his early life and how that shaped
9.2 his relationship with shopping. He was born in Guangzhou to a poor farming family and excelled
9.2 in school, eventually attending university in Hong Kong. I quite enjoyed the autobiographical
parts of the book, as Lam has an engaging writing style. Lam’s description of the negative effects
8.4
of his addiction on his interpersonal relationships is heartbreaking. His behaviour while addicted
put a huge strain on his relationships with his friends and family. I recommend this book both for
its excellent consumer advice and inspirational story.
Is this review helpful? Yes No

36 people find this review helpful.

Excerpt from Frankie Lam’s speech
I’m often asked about how I became a shopping addict. Well, it’s not an exciting story,
but one that I think a lot of you will be able to understand. After leaving university, I started
working at a huge international company. My job was so stressful that I turned to shopping to
relax. I soon became a shopping addict. Let me tell you, my life was turned upside down because
of my addiction.
At first, I tried to fight the battle on my own, but it didn’t work. I guess I wouldn’t have become
an addict if I was a strong person. I felt ashamed and worthless, but I thought that was already
9.4
the lowest point of my life, and things could only go better, right? So I went to an international
organization, Shopaholic Help, for help. I was finally able to stop my addiction using what I learnt
from SH. One of the most helpful things I learnt was that my shopping was linked to negative
10.4 emotions I felt, like stress or frustration. If I felt the need to buy something, I took a ‘stress
10.5 reduction minute’. I would do something positive, like listening to music, meditation or breathing
exercises. That would help me relax, so I didn’t need to buy things.
Eventually, I found my own ways to defeat my addiction. One thing that many people ask me
10.6 about is my ‘Do I need this?’ checklist. I look at this checklist before making any purchase, no
matter how small. This was so useful in helping me to beat my addiction! I would go through this
checklist even before buying a packet of crisps! This saved me thousands of dollars and helped me
pay off my massive debt.

Online forum on Kowloon College’s website
www.kowlooncollege.edu.hk/forum
Topic: We need your ideas for the Smart Consumer Fair!

Posted by CC0326, 10.15 a.m.
We are organizing workshops during the upcoming Smart Consumer Fair so that you can learn
more about being a smart shopper. So what do you want to do at the workshops? All ideas are
welcome!
Posted by SL0113, 10.17 a.m.

10.2 Games! Forget about DIY, videos and talks. I’ve had enough of them!
Posted by MF0713, 10.27 a.m.

10.1 How about a quiz where teams of participants answer questions about buying smartly?
Posted by IH1225, 10.35 a.m.

10.2 How about a simulation game? There could be a group of ‘sellers’—some good and some bad—
and a group of customers who try to not get cheated!
Posted by TY0926, 10.40 a.m.

10.4
It’d be great if we could learn practical skills at the workshops, you know, like the things Frankie
10.6 Lam was talking about. I really need these skills!

WhatsApp messages between Madison Lee and Chris Chan
Madison Lee
M online
Hey, Madison. Someone suggested

10.2 that we play a simulation game in one
of our workshops.
Interesting! How would it work?
10.3 Each committee member would play the role of a

seller, but some would be good sellers and some
would be dishonest sellers. Participants would be
customers and try to guess who the honest/dishonest
sellers are, so that they wouldn’t be cheated.
Great idea!
THIS IS THE LAST PAGE OF THE PART B2 DATA FILE

This is a blank page.

Listening skills [Track 2]
[Track 1] Listening for feelings (page 107, A3)

Listening for feelings (page 107, A2) Host: Welcome to Fashion Finds! I’m your host Helen.
Andrew: Hi, I’m Andrew and my favourite fashion Now, our first caller is Amelia.
2
items are all from the latest Supremium collection! I’ve Amelia: Hi! I just bought a limited-edition handbag
been a fan of this clothing brand for a long time. I think from the French brand Channel.
they have comfortable, stylish clothes. I’m really Host: Only one thousand of those limited-edition
looking forward to getting some new pieces from their handbags were made. You must feel pretty good about
latest collection. The black hooded sweatshirt designed owning one.
by my favourite singer Lianna is really cool! I’m going 1
Amelia: (laughs) Absolutely! I’ve been smiling
to the store really early tomorrow because the pieces
non-stop since I bought the bag yesterday.
sell out quickly. If I can get the Lianna hoodie and the
1 Host: Well, congratulations! Take good care of the
new logo hat, I’ll be delighted!
bag. If you ever want to sell it, there are lots of people
(tone)
who’d be interested, myself included! OK, next is
Brenda: Hello, this is Brenda, and I just watched Brian. What’s your fashion find?
the latest Teen Dream Fashion Show. There were a 3
Brian: (sighs) I have more of a fashion failure.
lot of bright red pieces on the catwalk, from coats to
Host: Oh, I’m sorry to hear that. What happened?
dresses and even shoes. There were also a lot of bright 4
flower prints and dresses, but unfortunately, not a lot Brian: I bought designer sneakers that turned out to be
2
of trousers or jeans. (sighs) I feel very unhappy about fake. I wanted a pair of the latest Mikey sneakers. They
that, since I don’t like wearing dresses and prefer darker were sold out in the official store. I saw some online,
colours like black and navy blue. so I bought a pair. They cost even more than in the
Mikey store, and I felt really disappointed to see they
(tone)
were fake.
Clarence: (sighs) Hi, I’m Clarence. So you want me
Host: What a let-down. But don’t feel too upset about
to talk about fashion? OK, right, whatever. Well, and
it. It happens to a lot of people. Just remember to do
here are the items on my fashion shopping list: T-shirts
your research before buying online.
and jeans. I don’t get excited by fashion. I basically
just buy the same things from the same brand every Brian: (sighs) Yes, I know. I really should have read
season, and in the same colours of black, blue and grey. the reviews before deciding to buy them or not.
I really have no interest in trends. I just wear whatever Host: Yes, it’s always best to be careful. OK, our next
is comfortable. Sometimes I just let my mum buy my caller is Carmen.
3
clothes for me, since I really don’t care that much about Carmen: Helen, I really need your advice.
what I wear.
Host: Of course. How can I help?
(tone)
Carmen: I just bought a new pair of bright red jeans,
Elaine: My name is Elaine and I’ll try to share some of since red is popular this season.
my thoughts on fashion trends this season. Um, I’m not
Host: I just bought a red coat too.
sure I’m really qualified to do that, since I don’t know
Carmen: These jeans were beautiful, but then the
a lot about fashion. I just follow a couple of popular 6 5
colour started to fade! They’re now pink. (angry)
fashion vlogs. But it seems that more athletic-inspired
Aargh, it’s so annoying! I’ve only worn them once!
pieces, like hoodies and track pants, might be more
4
popular. Um, or that could just be one designer. I’m not Host: How awful! Was there a label on the jeans about
a hundred per cent sure about that. the colour?
Carmen: There was no label. The salesperson should
have said something about the colour, right?
TAPESCRIPT-UNIT 4–1 30 © Oxford University Press

Host: Yes, but not all salespeople are responsible, Amy: That doesn’t mean it’s a good thing! I think
unfortunately. Try returning them to the store for an magazines should feature models of all sizes, not just
exchange. tall, thin models!
Carmen: I’ll try that. Ben: That’s true. I also think Cosmo Teen’s articles are
6
Host: Good luck! Our final caller today is David. poorly written.
7
David: I wanted to share a fashion find today. (excited) Amy: Of course they are! They probably think the
8
I just bought a new smartwatch on sale! beautiful photography makes up for articles that are
poorly written.
Host: That’s great! You sound absolutely thrilled!
Ben: (laughs) It’s also really expensive!
David: Totally. I got it for more than fifty per cent off! 7
Amy: Well, with all these minuses, I definitely don’t
Host: What an amazing find!
think I can recommend Cosmo Teen!
David: Yes, I just waited for the company to launch
Ben: The final option, Teen Style, might be a good fit
a new model, and then the older model got discounted.
for our readers.
It’s just as awesome as the new model, but it’s much 8
cheaper. Amy: I really like how it features models of all sizes,
because our world is made of people of all sizes. I
Host: Great tip! Well, that’s all the time we have for
think readers will find it refreshing to see how trendy
today. Thanks for watching!
fashions look on real people. Another thing I like about
9
[Track 3] Teen Style is their interesting articles. Their article on
Listening for positive and negative environmentally friendly fashion was great. The clothes
information (page 108, A4) were cute. And they were affordable too!
Amy: Thanks for helping with my magazine selection! Ben: That does sound like an interesting article!
Ben: No problem, Amy! The first one, Trendy Teen, Calvin: You’re right, but I also think the magazine’s
10
might be a nice choice. photography needs improvement. Some of the photos
1
Amy: Yes, it has a great online version with extra look like they were taken on an old smartphone.
content. Ben: (laughs) I could probably take better pictures! So
Ben: I agree, Trendy Teen’s online version has some yes, their photography definitely needs to be improved.
excellent extra content. I don’t even read the print Amy: I concur. But as there are more pluses than
11
version any more. minuses, I’d be comfortable recommending Teen Style.
Calvin: Unfortunately, I don’t like how the brands
2 [Track 4]
featured in the magazine are so expensive. How many
Listening for positive and negative
teens could afford to buy such expensive clothes?
information (page 109, A5)
Ben: You’re right. I can’t imagine students being able
Interviewer: Alan, thanks for doing this feedback
to buy the brands shown in the magazine.
interview about the fashion show.
Amy: But they can still be inspired by the looks and
3 Alan: I’m happy to help.
the styles. So I might be able to recommend this one.
Interviewer: What did you think about the show?
Ben: OK. Your second option, Cosmo Teen, has been 1
Alan: Well, what I liked best was the great music. You
reporting on fashion for more than thirty years. My
used lots of dance music, which I like.
mother used to read it.
4 Interviewer: Yes, the music was great, you’re right.
Calvin: It has beautiful photography. I’ve been inspired
by some of its gorgeous photos. Alan: I also appreciated that you didn’t just show girls’
2
clothes, but also some clothes for guys. At last year’s
Amy: Yes, but a problem with Cosmo Teen is that it
5 fashion show there were no clothes at all for us guys.
only features tall, thin models. I don’t like that.
Guys like fashion too!
Calvin: But fashion magazines have always been
Interviewer: Agreed. Any other thoughts?
like that!

Alan: Well, it would definitely have been nice to see [Track 5]
a wider range of styles. I mean, as I mentioned, it was Distinguishing facts from opinions
cool that you featured some clothes for us boys, but (page 111, A6)
3
they were all way too similar. Alex: I’m Alex. I read an article recently that cited a
Interviewer: Yeah, I guess you have a point. study about celebrity fashion brands. The study found
4
Alan: But it was a fun show overall. I’d definitely go that ninety per cent of these brands are not designed
to another. by the celebrity. At fifty-five per cent of the brands,
the celebrity doesn’t even have creative input on the
Interviewer: Beverly, what did you think of the
designs. Actress Ally Lee does design the clothes in her
fashion show?
fashion line, though. It’s called AllyChic.
Beverly: Well, let me start with my main complaint.
6 (tone)
Answer me this: Where were all the local designers?
I certainly didn’t see any! We need to support local Barbara: Hi, I’m Barbara and I love the celebrity-
fashion, you know. designed brand AllyChic! The items are so cute and
affordable. I think Ally Lee has great fashion sense
Interviewer: You’re right. I agree the show suffered
and I’m so happy that she shares her unique style with
because of the lack of local designers.
her fans. We can almost be as fashionable as Ally by
Beverly: But I don’t want to just be critical. It was wearing her brand! Did you see the dress she wore to
wonderful that the models you used didn’t all have the the premiere of her last film? It was really pretty and
same body type. I think fashion should be inclusive, elegant.
and your show was definitely inclusive. So thank you
5 (tone)
for featuring a wide range of body types. But despite
7
that, I have to say I wasn’t a fan of the show overall. Chloe: My name is Chloe and I just read a review
of AllyChic’s latest fashion collection. The reviewer
Interviewer: I’m sorry to hear that. But at least your
thought the collection was wonderful and that the
feedback will help us improve it for next time.
pieces were wearable, but I disagree. The collection
Beverly: I hope so! was impractical, with items like leather and fur jeans
Interviewer: Cindy, what did you think of the fashion and dresses. Not only are those materials difficult to
show? wear and care for, but I believe they’re also bad for the
10
Cindy: It was brilliant! I loved it! environment.
Interviewer: I’m glad, but we’d appreciate some more (tone)
specific feedback! Daniel: I’m Daniel, and I’m a huge fan of actress
Cindy: (laughs) Of course. I liked that you showed Ally Lee. I prefer her in comedic roles, but enjoy her
8
clothes for different occasions. Usually, we only see action films too. I was so excited when she launched
casual fashion featured in school fashion shows, and her fashion line, and even happier when she launched
not clothes for parties or formal events. So I loved a unisex collection last year. Finally I was able to wear
seeing outfits for different occasions. clothes designed by my favourite actress.
Interviewer: Thanks so much! Any other feedback? (tone)
Critical feedback is welcome as well! Eva: My name is Eva and I’m the school newspaper’s
Cindy: Well, I guess if I had to be critical, I thought fashion reporter. The celebrity fashion brand AllyChic
it was a bit strange that you featured some brands that issued a press release today. It said that the company
9
aren’t available in Hong Kong. I mean, I suppose you will no longer use fur or leather in their fashions. In
could order them online from overseas, but they’re not addition, the brand has promised to feature eco-friendly
actually available in Hong Kong shops. Trust me, I’ve materials in all of their fashions.
looked!
Interviewer: Oh, I wasn’t aware of that. We’ll
definitely keep that in mind for next year.
Cindy: Good to hear. Don’t get me wrong, though:
other than that, I had such great fun at the show!

[Track 6] Julia: OK, so let’s move on to FreshGlow’s promotion
Distinguishing facts from opinions and advertising activities. We started covering this in
(page 111, A7) our reviews because we noticed some companies were
Viola: Welcome to the Natural Beauty Vlog. I’m being dishonest in their product promotions, like using
Viola Lee. fake reviews.
Julia: And I’m Julia Wong. Today, we are reviewing a Viola: Right, but I read on FreshGlow’s website that
new natural cosmetic product called FreshGlow Lotion. they only use honest product reviews to raise awareness
Viola: The FreshGlow company was started by a local of their products.
skincare expert, and I love supporting local businesses. Julia: You don’t see many companies clearly stating
7
Julia: I do too! Let’s start the review! that they’ll promote their products using only honest
product reviews.
Viola: Sure.
Viola: They are also very active on social media, and
Julia: The first thing to look at is price. According
I must admit that I like that. I don’t trust companies
to the company’s website, the prices for FreshGlow
1 that don’t have a social media presence.
products are twenty per cent lower than competing 8
products because the items are only sold online. Julia: Yes, I much prefer companies that are active on
social media. Actually, if they’ll offer us discounts for
Viola: I can see how only selling the products online
following them on social media, we should do it! After
helps keep their prices twenty per cent lower than
all, we’re students on a budget!
similar products.
Julia: Yes, and when you compare the quality of [Track 7]
FreshGlow products to its competitors, I really believe Progress check (page 122, C2)
2
that their prices are reasonable.
Announcer: Situation. You are Morgan So, the editor
Viola: I couldn’t agree more. When you consider the of the school newspaper. The chief editor, Arthur
quality, FreshGlow products are very reasonably priced, Leung, has asked you to help with the advice column
which is really good if you’re on a budget! So, let’s for the upcoming issue of the newspaper.
move on to the packaging.
You will now listen to a radio programme about fast
Julia: I used to love cosmetic packaging because it’s fashion.
fun to open, kind of like a Christmas gift.
Before the recording is played, you will have two
Viola: Yes, but now we know how wasteful all minutes to study the task and the Data File.
that extra packaging is! The product label says
3 (two minutes of Greensleeves)
that FreshGlow’s packaging is made from recycled
materials. (tone)
4
Julia: Really? The packaging is still quite attractive, Jackie: This is Fashion Forward. I’m your host, Jackie.
4
especially considering it’s made from recycled This week’s guest is Mary Wong, a distinguished
5
materials. professor from the University of Hong Kong. Welcome,
Professor Wong!
Viola: Yes, I’d even say it’s very attractive.
Mary: Thanks, I’m happy to be here.
Julia: OK, I agree! Let’s move on to the ingredients.
5
The label says the main ingredient is coconut oil from Jackie: Professor Wong, the University of Hong Kong
the Philippines. recently completed a study about fast fashion. And you
were the person in charge, isn’t that right?
Viola: Right. I got interested in the product when I
heard that its main ingredient was coconut oil. I should Mary: Yes, that’s correct. And please call me Mary.
ask my Filipino friend to buy some coconut oil for me Jackie: OK, Mary. Can you tell us what fast fashion is?
the next time he visits his family. Mary: It’s basically low-price, mass-produced clothing
Julia: That’s a good idea. I love how this lotion smells. inspired by expensive designer fashion. A popular fast
It reminds me of a beach holiday. fashion brand is ANM.
6
Viola: I like the smell too! It smells quite similar to Jackie: I shop at ANM a lot. I think their accessories
some of my favourite products. are really cute and affordable.

Mary: Yes, many people like to buy fast fashion
8
Exam practice
because it is inexpensive. [Track 8]
Jackie: I also bought a dress there that looked nearly Part A Situation (page 128)
identical to a Channel dress from Paris Fashion Week. Announcer: Part A.
Mary: That’s another reason people like buying fast In Part A, you will have a total of four tasks to do
9
fashion: it looks similar to designer fashion. related to the theme of fashion. Follow the instructions
Jackie: But looking similar to designer fashion is not in the Question-Answer Book and in the recording to
the same as being designer fashion! complete the tasks. You will find all the information
Mary: True. But again, fast fashion is inexpensive you need in the Question-Answer Book and the
compared to designer fashion. And people really recording. You now have two minutes to familiarize
like that. yourself with Tasks 1 to 4.
Jackie: Tell us about your study. (two minutes of Greensleeves)
Mary: Sure. Two of my University of Hong Kong (tone)

colleagues and I looked at the effects that fast fashion
[Track 9]
has on the world.
Task 1 (page 129)
Jackie: I see. So what were the findings of the study?
3
Announcer: Task 1. Listen to a news report about
Mary: We suspected that fast fashion harms the complaints about a local fashion chain and fill in the
environment. In our study, we were able to confirm missing information in the spaces below. The first
that. one has been provided as an example. You now have
Jackie: Oh no! In what way does it harm the 30 seconds to study the task. At the end of the task,
environment? you will have one minute to tidy up your answers.
6
Mary: Our study found that fast fashion is responsible (30 seconds of Greensleeves)
for seventy-five per cent of the world’s fashion waste. (tone)
Jackie: (gasps) Seventy-five per cent? Is fast fashion Host: Our next report, part of our Consumer Support
1
really responsible for that much of the world’s fashion series, is about local fashion chain Trending Now, also (1)
2
waste? I’m shocked! known as TN. Senior business reporter Janet Pang filed (2)
Mary: Yes, it’s an alarming number. this report.

Jackie: Now I feel terrible for buying so many clothes Janet: This is Janet Pang reporting. After receiving
from ANM! What else did you find in your study? several complaints about the popular fashion chain
Mary: We also found that besides being harmful to Trending Now, through our telephone hotline, website
7
the environment, fast fashion is harmful to the factory and app, our Consumer Support team decided to
workers who make the clothes. investigate the complaints. TN is a local chain with
more than fifteen locations in shopping centres
Jackie: How awful! So by buying fast fashion, I’ve
throughout Hong Kong. We recently spoke with some
contributed to harming factory workers? That’s terrible!
consumers who lodged complaints against the company.
Mary: Please don’t beat yourself up about it. You
The first consumer is Mrs Grace Lee. Tell us about
didn’t know that fast fashion harms factory workers.
your experience with TN, Mrs Lee.
But I hope that now that you do know, you’ll think
Grace: I threw out my teenage son’s TN jeans because
twice before buying fast fashion again.
they were ripped at the knees, but it turns out he bought
Jackie: Yes, I definitely will. I love fashion, but not
them ripped. Can you imagine that? But anyway, the
when it harms people and the planet. 3
next day, I saw TN’s advertisement saying all jeans (3)
Mary: I’m glad you feel that way. I hope others do too. were discounted, so I went to get my son a replacement
Jackie: Well, this was certainly an eye-opening show. pair for the jeans I threw out. But at the store, not all
Thanks, Mary, for joining us today. jeans were discounted; only the size XXL jeans were!
4
Mary: Thanks for having me. My son wears size M, so I was annoyed I couldn’t (4)
get his jeans at a discounted price. In fact, I felt so

4
irritated that I decided to call your television station (4)

5
(5) and complain about TN’s misleading advertisement. Mandy: I had to replace the computer, which cost me
12
TN’s ads are already silly enough, but then for the seven thousand and five hundred dollars. So I guess at (12)
advertisement to mislead customers like that makes the very least, the monetary loss I suffered would be
things so much worse. I also complained to the TV seven thousand and five hundred dollars though I think
station about the high price of ripped designer jeans. I suffered other losses too, like the loss of time needed
You need to do a news report about that too! to research and get a replacement computer.
Janet: (laughs) I’m sure we’ve made a note of that. For Janet: With the permission of these consumers, we
the record, did you suffer any monetary loss from your contacted Trending Now regarding the complaints. The
experience with TN? company has not responded as of ten minutes before
Grace: I did, actually, since I took the taxi to the this live broadcast.
store because I wanted to get there early. Normally, Announcer: That is the end of Task 1. You now have
I would have just taken the bus. So because of that one minute to tidy up your answers.
6
(6) advertisement from TN, I suffered a loss of fifty (one minute of Greensleeves)
dollars. I paid an extra fifty dollars to take the taxi.
(tone)
Janet: The next consumer we talked to is Mr Raymond
Wong. So why did you decide to call us about TN, [Track 10]
Mr Wong? Task 2 (page 130)
Raymond: I used the app to contact the Consumer Announcer: Task 2. The Hong Kong Consumer
7
(7) Support team because I was unhappy with the way Council is conducting a focus group with consumers
7
(7) TN sales people were treating me. I felt upset that from recent cases about their experience with the
TN salespeople were putting pressure on me to buy HKCC. Listen to the focus group and fill in the missing
8
(8) expensive jewellery. I kept saying I couldn’t afford it, information in the spaces below. You now have
but they kept pushing and making it seem like I was 30 seconds to study the task. At the end of the task, you
an old, unfashionable loser if I didn’t buy it. They said will have one minute to tidy up your answers.
buying all this expensive jewellery would make me (30 seconds of Greensleeves)
popular. Then when I tried to return the items later (tone)
because they did not suit me, the salespeople wouldn’t
Interviewer: Thanks for participating in HKCC’s
accept them.
focus group. We’d like your thoughts about your recent
Janet: What was the monetary loss you suffered from experiences with the HKCC.
this experience?
9 Rachel: Hi, my name is Rachel. I contacted the HKCC
(9) Raymond: I spent twenty thousand dollars on those because I needed them to help me deal with an issue
items that I don’t even wear or use. I can’t return them with Groupie, the group purchasing website. I was
or resell them, so basically, I suffered a complete loss 13
having trouble getting a refund from the company. (13)
of that amount.
Interviewer: So you had difficulty getting a refund.
Janet: Mandy Chan is another consumer who contacted What about you, Silas?
us about Trending Now. Miss Chan, please tell us 14
Silas: I contacted the HKCC about an advertisement for (14)
your story. 15
10 a shopping website. I thought the ad made false claims. (15)
(10) Mandy: I decided to contact you because I was angry
Interviewer: OK, you thought the ad made claims that
about my experience with TN. The computer backpack
weren’t true. And you, Taylor?
that I bought from TN was supposed to be completely
11
(11) waterproof and rainproof. TN even guaranteed the Taylor: I downloaded a free mobile fashion design
computer backpack would protect my devices in game. Then the company started posting my designs
16
rainy weather, but it absolutely did not. My computer on my social media accounts, and wouldn’t stop unless (16)
was damaged after I was in the rain for less than I paid a privacy fee! I thought they were definitely
ten minutes! breaking the law.
Janet: What was the monetary loss you suffered due to Interviewer: I can see why you would think that was
17
your experience with TN? illegal behaviour. So, what were your experiences of (17)
contacting the HKCC? Let’s start with you, Rachel.

Rachel: Well, I’d sent many messages to Groupie, From now on, they will have to make their fees clearer.
who ignored me, so I was pleased when the HKCC That might help others avoid my situation in the future.
responded immediately to my email. I had expected I have to admit, though, that I’m unhappy with the fact
23
to get a response after a few days or even a week, so that the HKCC can’t actually punish the company if they (23)
that was nice. Vanessa, my case officer, was really don’t follow their requests. So the app company could
18
(18) kind. She made sure to explain the complaint process just ignore the warning and the HKCC can’t even punish
to me clearly. Dealing with a government agency could them. That’s ridiculous! But in general, there were things
be confusing and intimidating. It’s nice that HKCC I liked and didn’t like about my experience, and they
24
case officers explain the complaint process clearly to balanced out, so I fall somewhere in the middle of the (24)
consumers. satisfaction scale, I guess.

Interviewer: You seem pleased with your experience. Announcer: That is the end of Task 2. You now have
Were there elements that you found less than positive? one minute to tidy up your answers.
Rachel: I was disappointed that the HKCC could (one minute of Greensleeves)
not force the company to refund my money. They (tone)
contacted the company and requested a refund for me,
but unfortunately, they couldn’t actually force Groupie [Track 11]
to issue the refund. Overall, though, I’m satisfied with Task 3 (page 131)
my experience and glad I contacted the HKCC. Announcer: Task 3. The HKCC has invited a consumer
Interviewer: Great. Let’s move on to your experience, expert on their consumer education TV programme,
Silas. Consumer Chat. Listen to the programme and fill in the
Silas: My friend said I should complain to the HKCC, missing information in the spaces below. You now have
so I went to the HKCC’s site on my smartphone. They 30 seconds to study the task. At the end of the task, you
19
(19) have an online form to fill in. When I saw that the form will have one minute to tidy up your answers.
was user-friendly, I decided to submit a complaint right (30 seconds of Greensleeves)
there. I hate filling in long forms, but that one was really (tone)
user-friendly. During lunch, my friend and I discussed Host: Hi, everyone. I’m Max Kwan, host of Consumer
the ad some more. We thought it might be a good idea Chat. Today’s guest is Dr Sandy Lau, consumer expert
to also complain in person, since there was an HKCC and author of Smart Shopper. Welcome, Dr Lau.
advice centre nearby. But when I went to the advice
Expert: Thanks for having me.
centre, I was annoyed I had to fill out some other forms,
which were more complicated than the one on their Host: We’re eager to hear tips that will make us smart
20
(20) website. Seriously, there is just too much paperwork! shoppers!
21
(21) Honestly, it was all just too troublesome and stressful! Expert: There are more tips in my book, but I’ll share
Interviewer: I’m sorry to hear that. Okay, let’s move a few today. The first is an important one. When you
25
on to the next participant. Taylor, how was your read a contract, make sure you read it carefully! (25)
experience with the HKCC? Host: Sounds like common sense.

Taylor: The HKCC reviewed my complaint and found Expert: You’d be surprised by how many common
that the company didn’t break any laws since it listed sense tips are ignored! Many people think they’re
the privacy fee information in the terms page that’s responsible consumers who read everything before
shown before you download the game. I mean, who pressing ‘Buy’, but in truth, they aren’t.
actually reads that? I just scrolled down and clicked Host: So how can consumers protect themselves now?
‘I agree’ because I wanted to play the game. Expert: It’s tempting to skip the details, but there are
26
Interviewer: Many people probably do the same thing. things it’s important to pay attention to. Look at the (26)
Any other thoughts on your HKCC experience? small print, because that’s usually where companies list
22
(22) Taylor: I appreciate that they gave the app company things like extra fees or limitations.
a warning. I wasn’t really expecting much to come from Host: I wish all those terms and conditions weren’t
making the complaint, so it’s good they issued a warning. so confusing.

Expert: We can try to protect ourselves in the future Host: Is there anything we need to be especially careful
27
(27) by asking lawmakers to propose new laws. In many about?
34
countries, consumers ask lawmakers to propose laws Expert: Yes, if you have allergies. There was a recent (34)
that would make contract terms and conditions easier to report of a child allergic to peanuts becoming sick
understand. after eating bread containing peanut oil. The company
Host: That shows this is important to consumers changed their recipe, but the child’s parents didn’t read
everywhere. What’s another tip you can share? the new package label, and their child became ill.
28
(28) Expert: Many of us would assume that expensive Host: That’s concerning.
28
(28) products are better. My second tip is, don’t assume that! Expert: We consumers really need to be informed in
Host: I’m guilty of that, but I’m not sure I could tell order to protect ourselves. Smart consumers should
35
expensive and cheap products apart. stay informed. Subscribe to product safety alerts from (35)
Expert: Then you’re like people in a recent HKCC consumer protection organizations in order to stay
study! It turns out that consumers can’t actually tell informed.
the difference between pricier and cheaper products. Host: Product safety alerts are an easy way to stay
29
(29) The HKCC study found that seventy-five per cent of informed. After all, an informed consumer is a smart
consumers were unable to tell the difference. consumer.
Host: That’s incredible! That number is so high! Most Announcer: That is the end of Task 3. You now have
people would believe that cheaper products are worse one minute to tidy up your answers.
quality. Is that a myth, too? (one minute of Greensleeves)
Expert: Yes! Just last week, a university study showed (tone)
pricier, brand-name products are not better than
30
(30) cheaper, unbranded products. Price often has nothing to [Track 12]
do with the quality of the product! Task 4 (page 132)
Host: Why do brand-name products cost more? Announcer: Task 4. The participants from the HKCC
Presumably, they spend more on ingredients. focus group have agreed to appear on the next episode
Expert: That’s another myth! Many expensive products of Consumer Chat to talk about their experiment of
contain the same ingredients as cheaper products. But following the consumer expert’s tips for one week.
31
(31) with expensive products, the packaging and advertising Listen to the programme and answer the questions
cost more than the product! If you take away the below. Please note that you do not need to answer in
packaging and advertising, those expensive products complete sentences. You now have 30 seconds to study
would cost less, and be nearly identical to unbranded the task. At the end of the task, you will have three
products. minutes to tidy up your answers.
Host: Now I feel silly for paying more for brand-name (30 seconds of Greensleeves)
products. (tone)
Expert: Don’t feel that way. I buy a certain brand-name Host: Welcome to this week’s Consumer Chat. I’m
soap because I like its fragrance. Even though there are your host Max Kwan. Today, our guests are three
cheaper soaps that clean just as well, I buy the costlier consumers who had to follow the advice that consumer
soap because I prefer it. expert Dr Sandy Lau shared last week. So how was
Host: OK, I feel better! Any other tips you can share? your experiment? Would you like to start, Rachel?
32
(32) Expert: This tip concerns product labels: read them Rachel: Sure. My assignment was to read product labels
carefully. This is a good habit to have because you carefully. I’ve always felt I was a responsible consumer,
36
should know what the things you buy are made of. It’s but I do admit that I didn’t really look at ingredient (36)
important to pay attention to ingredients in products labels before this experiment.

33
(33) because some ingredients are harmful to people, or they Host: I know what you mean. Who has the time? But,
can be. These are the kinds of ingredients we should all from the sound of things, you did make time for it
be looking out for. this week.

Rachel: That’s right. I made some wonderful that and planning out in detail how I would cheat by
discoveries this week. using my beloved expensive brand-name products!
Host: Such as? Host: I hope your expectations didn’t happen!
46
Rachel: I discovered that my expensive all-natural Taylor: (laughs) They didn’t! I was excited to discover (46)
face mask was made of ingredients I already had in my that cheap lipstick works just as well as expensive
kitchen, such as coconut oil. So I found that I could lipsticks, and that unbranded tissue works as well
37
(37) make my own natural face mask. as branded tissue. But I’m most excited that a
Host: That’s fantastic! one-hundred-dollar face cream worked better than
my expensive one-thousand-dollar face cream!
Rachel: The face mask recipe I used had many positive 46
reviews online. Host: (laughs) You’re glowing. Is it from the face (46)
cream or the excitement?

Host: Dr Lau’s book mentions you need to be careful
about reviews, as some could be fake or misleading! Taylor: (laughs) Both, I suppose!
38
(38) Rachel: Dr Lau is great, and her advice is so inspiring! Host: That’s wonderful to hear. Well, that’s all the
38
(38) I felt so enthusiastic. time we have for today. Thanks for joining us on
Consumer Chat.
Host: I’m sure Sandy would be proud that her advice
has inspired you in such a positive way! Let’s move on Announcer: That is the end of Task 4 and of Part A.
to the next guest. Silas, how was your experiment? You now have three minutes to complete your answers
to Task 4 and to tidy up all your other answers.
Silas: My assignment was to read terms and conditions
carefully. I download a lot of apps and games. (three minutes of Greensleeves)
Host: Is that something you’ve had trouble with in (tone)

the past?
39 [Track 13]
(39) Silas: Yes, I admit to not reading small print when
Part B Situation (Data File, page 2)
I download stuff. My eyes just can’t focus on that tiny
40 Announcer: Part B. Look at Page 2 of your Data File.
(40) print. Honestly, this week, I felt stressed from having to
practise Dr Lau’s advice, It really took a lot out of me, Situation. Task 5
for some reason. I suppose it was mainly just because You are Chris Chan, the secretary of Kowloon
41 Task 6
(41) it took too much time. College’s Student Union (SU). The SU is organizing
Host: Did the advice help you at all this week? a series of activities to help students develop proper Task 7
shopping attitudes. You will help Madison Lee, the

Silas: I guess it was helpful in one instance. I dropped Task 8
chairperson of the SU, with a few tasks.
my mobile phone in the bathroom—while taking a bath,
Task 9
not while using the—well, you know. But anyway, You will listen to a local podcast talk show about
42
(42) the expert’s advice was helpful when buying a new shopping. Take notes under the appropriate headings. Task 10
mobile phone. For other things, like small purchases or Before the recording is played, you will have five
app downloads, reading the terms and conditions was minutes to study the Question-Answer Book and the
annoying and troublesome and not very helpful. Data File to familiarize yourself with the situation and
Host: Okay, let’s hear from our final guest today, Taylor. the tasks.
Taylor: This week, I had to follow the expert’s advice Complete the tasks by following the instructions in the
regarding brand-name products. My friends laughed Question-Answer Book and on the recording. You will
when they heard that I could only buy and use cheap, find all the information you need in the Question-Answer
43
(43) unbranded products this week. I have always declared Book, the Data File and on the recording. As you listen
my love for brand-name products. I expected that you can make notes on Page 3 of the Data File.
44
(44) I would be miserable this week. I couldn’t imagine You now have five minutes to familiarize yourself with
being happy if I was using cheaper products— the Question-Answer Book and the Data File.
I just didn’t think it was possible. In addition to that (five minutes of Greensleeves)
45
(45) expectation, I also thought that I would cheat by using
(tone)
expensive products! I mean, I was seriously expecting

The recording is about to begin. Turn to Page 3 of the sunglasses, because they thought they deserved a treat
Data File. for working hard the rest of the year.
(five-second pause) Frankie: (laughs) I heard about that. The comedy
(tone) makes it seem scary, but a lot of people really feel that
5.10
way. We hear all the time the importance of self-care. 5.10
[Track 14] I think I included buying myself things as a part of

Part B Recording (Data File, page 3) self-care.
Host: Welcome to Shop Talk, the podcast about all Host: That’s understandable.
things shopping-related. I’m Jordan Lo, your host. Frankie: Yes, but it stops being self-care when it
Today, we’ll be talking to Frankie Lam, a former becomes an obsession. When that happens, you’re not
shopping addict and current shopping counsellor. caring for yourself anymore, you’re hurting yourself.
Thanks for joining us, Frankie. I would feel awful because I was unable to afford the
Frankie: Happy to be here, Jordan. items I bought.
Host: So we’ve all heard the term ‘shopping addiction’ Host: I could see how you’d feel bad about that.
used in a joking manner when someone talks about Frankie: And then to cheer myself up from feeling
loving to shop. But I understand shopping addiction is bad, I’d go shopping again! It’s a horrible, vicious
more serious than that. Tell us about your experience cycle, with terrible consequences.
with it.
Host: Tell us about those.
Frankie: As a former shopping addict, I can tell you
Frankie: An obvious one is the negative impact on my
that shopping addiction is not something to joke about. 8.1
personal finances. 8.1
Host: So, what’s the difference between a simple love
Host: I guess that’s a pretty obvious one!
of shopping and an addiction? Is there any easy way to
Frankie: That awful effect was due to the fact that
tell when someone has a shopping addiction? 8.2
I spent all my money on shopping. When you spend all 8.2
Frankie: There isn’t an easy way to tell, but you
your money buying stuff, it’s difficult to pay any bills,
can look out for the signs. Maybe it would help if
especially when you’re addicted to shopping and just
I gave you a definition of shopping addiction? I would
5.7 continue buying.
5.7 describe it as an unhealthy obsession with shopping.
Host: I suppose credit cards make it easy to buy when
Host: That sounds scary. An unhealthy obsession with
you don’t have money, right?
shopping is not a good thing.
Frankie: Yes. I did a lot of online shopping using
Frankie: Absolutely. My experience is actually 6.4
credit cards. But you can ask the card issuer to cancel 6.4
quite similar to most other shopping addicts. In the
the credit card, I mean, to cancel your account so you
beginning, it was just that I liked nice things, so
can’t use it.
I bought them. Then I liked the way I felt when buying
Host: Asking the card issuer to cancel the credit
those nice things.
5.8 card … Wow, that definitely shows commitment!
5.8 Host: There’s a term for that, right? Retail therapy?
So what other problems did you have?
Frankie: Yes, it’s called retail therapy—when you 8.4
5.9 Frankie: I hurt my family and friends. It was like 8.4
5.9 go shopping just to improve your mood. It’s a major
a really bad television drama I watched as a kid.
cause of shopping addiction. When I was feeling sad,
Host: But even worse than a drama because it’s
I would buy things to improve my mood. I would feel
5.10 real life.
5.10 better almost instantly, because I would tell myself that
I deserved what I was buying, and that it was important Frankie: That’s right. I would lie awake at night.
to treat myself sometimes. worrying about how much I was hurting my family.
It was painful to hurt my friends too, because I took
Host: I saw a TV comedy from the United States 8.6
advantage of them. I borrowed money from my friends 8.6
that had something called Treat Yourself Day, where
and lied to them about paying them back. I felt so
the characters bought expensive, ridiculous things
awful, which made me want to buy more to feel better.
for themselves, like diamond shoes or solid gold

Host: Truly a terrible cycle to be trapped in. I can’t
believe your addiction led to borrowing money from
friends and lying about repaying them. I know I’d be
really hurt if a friend did that to me.
Frankie: Addiction of any kind can make you do
horrible, unimaginable things. Again, many people don’t
think shopping addiction is a serious issue, but it is.
9.3
9.3 I finally decided to get help after my addiction made
me broke. I lost my job and home.
Host: It certainly sounds serious. Your story is truly
tragic, Frankie. To lose all your money, and then to lose
your job and your home like that. I can’t imagine how
you coped, but you did, with help. Where can people
affected by shopping addiction go to for help?
6.7
6.7 Frankie: They should seek help from professionals and
peer groups. Professionals and peer groups can help
shopping addicts to overcome addiction.
Host: Yes. I understand that you set up an organization
of your own. What is it called?
9.5
9.5 Frankie: Yes, I founded the Addict Support Network.
Host: The organization’s contact information is on
our podcast home page. Frankie Lam, counsellor from
the Addict Support Network, thank you so much for
sharing with us today. Thanks to our listeners too. And
I invite you all to join the conversation in our podcast’s
comments section.
Announcer: That is the end of the listening component
of this paper. You will now have one hour and fifteen
minutes to complete the written tasks in either Part B1
or Part B2.

Task 5 (13 marks)
Task completion = 10 marks

Note to markers: candidates must place the information in the correct section to be awarded a point.
DF item
reference
5.1 how often they shop DF3
5.2 where they shop DF3
5.3 what they buy DF3
5.4 non-typical shopping behaviour DF3
5.5 social media DF5
5.6 online ads (banners and videos) DF5
5.7 an unhealthy obsession with shopping TS
5.8 retail therapy TS
5.9 people shop to improve their mood TS
5.10 they think they deserve it TS
Language (L) = 2 marks

Marks Language
2 • Simple and more complex phrases are generally accurately constructed.

• Generally understandable though there may be some minor errors.
• Most common words are spelt correctly.
1 • Simple phrases are generally accurate.

• Grammatical errors sometimes affect understanding.
• Spelling of simple words is correct, more complex ones not.
0 • Multiple errors throughout, spelling and/or word usage which make understanding
impossible.
OR
• Not enough evidence in candidate’s work to be able to award ‘1’, possibly due to the
candidate copying everything verbatim from the Data File.
1
Appropriacy (A) = 1 mark
Marks Language
1 • Register, tone and style generally appropriate through manipulation of parts of Data File
and own language.
• The candidate has produced a text appropriate for task.
0 • Little or no evidence of an ability to manipulate register, tone or style in order to produce

an appropriate text.
• The candidate has written a text which is characterized by having copied chunks of the
Data File indiscriminately. Does not give the impression of the writer’s own text written to
fulfil the task.
Key Appropriacy areas include (but are not limited to):

• It is a web page aimed at the general public. The tone should be professional, but need not be
very formal.
2
Task 6 (16 marks)
DF item
reference
6.1 you are addicted to shopping / you have shopping addiction DF4
Common symptoms of shopping addiction
6.2 compulsive buying DF3, DF4
6.3 having financial difficulty DF3, DF4
Solutions
6.4 cancel your credit card TS
6.5 invite a family member or friend to be your ‘shopping guardian’ DF3
6.6 pick up hobbies to help deal with negative emotions DF3
6.7 seek help from professionals and peer groups TS
3
Task 6: Language (L) = 5 marks
Marks Language
5 Data File Manipulation

Generally successful in adapting phrases from the Data File to create grammatically correct sentences
through: word formation changes, tense changes, pronoun changes etc.
Own Language
• A range of accurate sentence structures with a grasp of simple and complex sentences.
• Grammar mainly accurate with occasional common errors that do not affect overall clarity.
• Spelling and punctuation are mostly correct.

Sometimes successful in adapting phrases from the Data File to create grammatically correct sentences.
This is done through some of: word formation changes, tense changes, pronoun changes etc.
Own Language
• A range of accurate sentence structures with some attempts to use more complex sentences.
• Grammatical errors occur in more complex structures but overall clarity not affected.
• Spelling and punctuation are sufficiently accurate to convey meaning.

Occasionally successful in adapting phrases from the Data File to create grammatically correct sentences
though more often errors occur due to failing to change the original texts to the requirements of his/her
own text.
Own Language
• Simple sentences are generally accurately constructed. Occasional attempts are made to use more
complex sentences. Structures used tend to be repetitive in nature.
• Grammatical errors sometimes affect meaning.
• Most common words are spelt correctly, with basic punctuation being accurate.

Writing characterized by occasional attempts to adapt language from Data File or by chunks taken
verbatim from the Data File.
Own Language
• Short simple sentences are generally accurate. Only scattered attempts at longer, more complex
sentences.
• Grammatical errors often affect meaning.
• Spelling of simple words is correct, more complex ones not, with basic punctuation mostly accurate.

Writing characterized by being mostly a series of chunks taken verbatim from the Data File.
Own Language
• Short simple sentences may be accurate.
• Spelling of simple words is correct, more complex ones not, with basic punctuation often faulty.
0 • Writing characterized by being a series of chunks taken verbatim from the Data File.
• Multiple errors in sentence structures, spelling and/or word usage which make understanding
impossible.
OR
• Not enough evidence in candidate’s work to be able to award ‘1’.
4
Task 6: Coherence and Organization (C) = 2 marks
Marks Coherence and Organization
2 • Overall coherence of text very good with a clear focus on task throughout.
• Relations between main points and supporting points always clear.
• Strong cohesive ties used to enhance coherence when necessary.
1 • Overall coherence of text is reasonable with a reasonably clear focus on task throughout.
• The relations between main points and supporting points generally clear.
• Cohesive ties used generally enhance coherence although these may occasionally be
fuzzy.
0 • Overall coherence of text is weak.

• Supporting details generally not clearly related to main points.
• Cohesive ties used contribute little to the coherence of the text.
OR
Task 6: Appropriacy (A) = 2 marks

Marks Appropriacy
and own language.
1 • Register, tone and style reasonably appropriate to the text through some manipulation of
parts of Data File and through own language.
• Tone may be inconsistent due to parts being copied verbatim from the Data File.

Data File indiscriminately. Does not give the impression of the writer’s own text written
to fulfil the task.

• It is an external letter replying to an individual who has contacted an agony aunt page.
• The tone should be friendly and informal, while being polite and sensitive to the writer’s feelings.
5
Task 7 (17 marks)
DF item
reference
7.1 recommend documentary Can’t Stop Shopping (for upcoming Smart DF7
Consumer Fair)
7.2 follows three Hong Kong teens as they deal with their shopping addiction DF7
7.3 key message: shopping addiction is a serious problem, but can be treated DF7
7.4 has a positive message DF6, DF7
7.5 offers helpful tips/advice DF6, DF7
7.6 features local teens DF6, DF7
7.7 45 minutes DF6, DF7
7.8 watch online for free DF6, DF7
6
Marks Language

through: word formation changes, tense changes, pronoun changes etc.
Own Language

Own Language

own text.
Own Language

Own Language
sentences.

Own Language
0 • Writing characterized by being a series of chunks taken verbatim from the Data File.
• Multiple errors in sentence structures, spelling and/or word usage which make understanding
impossible.
OR
7
2 • Overall coherence of text very good with a clear focus on task throughout.
1 • Overall coherence of text is reasonable with a reasonably clear focus on task throughout.
• The relations between main points and supporting points generally clear.
fuzzy.

OR

Marks Appropriacy
and own language.
1 • Register, tone and style reasonably appropriate to the text through some manipulation of
parts of Data File and through own language.
• Tone may be inconsistent due to parts being copied verbatim from the Data File.

Data File indiscriminately. Does not give the impression of the writer’s own text written
to fulfil the task.

• It is an internal email giving recommendations.
• The tone should be friendly and quite informal, while being persuasive in describing the reasons for
the choice of film.
8
Task 8 (17 marks)
DF item
reference
8.1 negative effects on personal finances TS, DF2
8.2 shopping addicts spend all their money shopping TS
8.3 Shopaholic Help study: 95% of shopping addicts were in heavy debt DF3
8.4 negative effects on interpersonal relationships TS, DF2, DF5
8.5 Shopaholic Help study: 80% of respondents’ addiction ended marriages and DF3
friendships
8.6 borrowed money from friends and lied about repaying them TS
8.7 negative effects on the environment DF2, DF4
8.8 harm the environment when they buy and dispose of ‘fast fashion’ clothing DF4
9
Marks Language
Successful manipulation of phrases from the Data File to create grammatically correct sentences.
Achieved through a wide variety of changes made to the original texts.
Own Language
• A wide range of accurate sentence structures using own language, with an excellent grasp of more
complex structures.
• Grammar extremely accurate with very occasional slips.

through some of: word formation changes, tense changes, pronoun changes etc.
Own Language

Own Language

own text.
Own Language

Own Language
sentences.

Own Language
OR
10
2 • Overall coherence of text is very good.

• It is clearly on topic and congruent with the subject.
1 • Overall coherence of text is reasonable.

• It is generally on topic and congruent with the subject.
• Relations between main points and supporting points generally clear.
fuzzy.

• It is mostly off topic and not clearly congruent with the subject.
OR
Key coherence and organization areas include (but are not limited to):
• A title introducing the subject of the report is appropriate.
• An introduction referring to the purpose and/or background of the report may help to orientate the
reader.

Marks Appropriacy
2 • Register, tone and style generally appropriate to text through manipulation of parts
of Data File and own language.
• Consistently demonstrates audience awareness.
1 • Register, tone and style reasonably appropriate to the text through some
manipulation of parts of Data File and through own language.
• The tone may be inconsistent.
0 Little or no evidence of an ability to manipulate register, tone or style in order to

produce an appropriate text.

• It is a report on the negative effects of shopping addiction.
• The report should use separate paragraphs to discuss each negative effect. The use of headings,
numbered sections and bullet points is appropriate.
11
Task 9 (16 marks)
DF item
reference
9.1 Frankie Lam: author and consumer activist DF5
9.2 born in Guangzhou; attended university in Hong Kong DF5
9.3 became addicted to shopping; decided to get help after shopping addiction TS
made him broke
9.4 went to an international organization Shopaholic Help DF6
9.5 founded Addict Support Network TS
9.6 wrote book Free Yourself From Shopping Addiction DF5
9.7 received Inspiring Leader Award DF5
12
Marks Language
Own Language
complex structures.

Own Language

Own Language

own text.
Own Language

Own Language
sentences.

Own Language
OR
13


fuzzy.

OR
• The profile should begin with an introduction to Frankie Lam.
• The profile should follow the basic layout as provided in DF2, with separate paragraphs for his
background, his shopping addiction, and his achievements.

Marks Appropriacy


• It is a personal profile of Frankie Lam.
• A title summarizing Lam’s life and/or career is appropriate.
• The audience for the profile consists of students who will attend Smart Consumer Fair; the tone of the
writing can therefore be less formal. Equally, a more formal, impersonal tone can also be adopted.
14
Task 10 (16 marks)
DF item
reference
10.1 quiz; teams of participants answer questions about shopping smartly DF7
10.2 simulation game DF7, DF8
10.3 participants would be customers and try to distinguish between honest and DF8
dishonest sellers
10.4 practise taking a ‘stress reduction minute’ DF6, DF7
10.5 do something positive, e.g. listen to music, meditation or breathing exercises, DF6
before shopping
10.6 teach participants about making a ‘Do I need this?’ checklist DF6, DF7
10.7 encourage other members to provide more ideas DF2
15
Marks Language
Own Language
complex structures.

Own Language

Own Language

own text.
Own Language

Own Language
sentences.

Own Language
OR
16


fuzzy.

OR
• The letter should begin by stating the reason for writing (suggesting ideas for workshops).
• Details given that may be irrelevant include: other suggestions for activities at the Smart Consumer
Fair, e.g. videos and talks.

Marks Appropriacy


• It is an internal email giving recommendations.
• The tone should be friendly and quite informal, while being respectful, bearing in mind that some
members of the audience are more senior than the writer.
17

To Buy or Not To Buy?: Paper 3

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4 To buy or not to buy?

In this unit, you will learn the following:

Listening skills Integrated skills

Positive feelings Neutral feelings Negative feelings

Verbs indicating feelings Examples (verb + adjective)

feel I feel afraid.

get Martha got angry.

verbs of appearance Tina seems cheerful.

Certain sounds Feelings Intonation Volume Pace

serious/sad falling ➘ softer slower

Bored Excited Uncertain Disappointed

Feeling Description of the item

• red jeans that became

Magazine Positive point(s) Negative point(s) Recommend?

Cosmo • (4) • features only (5) (7) Yes

• articles are (6) Maybe

Teen Style • features models • (10) (11) Yes

Student Comments Enjoyed?

Alan Positive (1) (4) Yes

Beverly Positive the models have different (5) (7) Yes

Cindy Positive showed (8) (10) Yes

That smartwatch is $5,000. James

Some teenagers spend 50% of their

Talking about facts Expressing opinions

p erha ps ibly probably should

Speaker Facts Opinions

Price prices are (1) considering the product quality,

Packaging packaging is made from packaging is (4)

Ingredients contains (5) likes (6)

to raise awareness of products

Booster For the glossary of

To: Robert Lau <rlau@dynamicads.com.hk>

Chat transcript between Veronica Hui and Robert Lau

Web page of the retreat venue

Chic Escapes Park: Private Events Page

Many organizations have enjoyed Package 1: Ruby Escape

Package 2: Diamond Escape

email chat web page

(1) the date of the event

(2) the location of the event

(3) the schedule of the event

(4) contact details

Dear Staff Members,

Here are the details of the upcoming staff retreat:

Thank you for your attention.

When you read an article for a writing task, remember to:

Data File manipulation

Recycling fashion trends through the years By Alex Kwan

A famous fashion editor once said, ‘There are few new

1 What are the fashion items mentioned in the article?

Decade Fashion items

If you want to ... you can use

give examples/supporting for example/instance, such as, according to, in fact

show differences/contrasting points although, despite, however, while

express time recently, meanwhile, while

describe order/sequence first(ly), second(ly), next, then, finally, after, before

summarize/conclude in conclusion/summary, to conclude/sum up/

additionally although as a result consequently despite for instance in conclusion

The death of fashion?

By Madison Tang Jane Chau and

Despite following the latest trends still remains a top Although