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#Study skills

38 articles about Study skills.

DSE revision · 9 min read

When to use the cosine rule: choose between the sine rule and the cosine rule from the given information

When solving a triangle, first check whether you are given two angles and one side, or two sides and the included angle. That tells you whether to use the sine rule or the cosine rule. This article gives a practical method for choosing the rule from the given information, with worked examples and common mistakes, for S4 to S6 students preparing for the HKDSE.

Learning maths · 11 min read

Common Reasons for Getting Percentage Change Wrong, and the Correct Method (with Compound Change Examples)

Questions on percentage increase and decrease are often answered wrongly, mostly because students identify the wrong "original quantity" or confuse percentage points with percentages. This article explains the formula for percentage change, how to calculate two successive changes, and how primary to Form 6 students and parents can practise, with several worked examples of calculating percentage change, and introduces Sprout Classroom's free maths course.

Study skills · 11 min read

How to handle exam stress: ways to reduce pressure before and during the maths exam

A racing heart and a blank mind before an exam are familiar to many Hong Kong students facing a maths exam. This article sets out ways to reduce pressure in the run-up to the exam and on the day itself, including adjusting your goals, using a timetable, sleep and diet, deep breathing, and when to seek help from a school social worker or a professional if things get serious.

Learning maths · 7 min read

Why do we "flip and multiply" when dividing by fractions? Explaining the reasoning with diagrams

Children often ask: why do we flip the divisor and multiply when dividing by a fraction? This article uses diagrams and step-by-step demonstrations to explain the reasoning behind "dividing by a fraction is the same as multiplying by its reciprocal", and brings together common mistakes and practice methods. It is suitable for Primary 5 to Primary 6 students and parents to read together.

Finding a tutor · 10 min read

Can AI tutoring help with maths? Benefits, limitations and what to know before use (with subject roles, free trials and refunds)

Can AI tutoring help Hong Kong students learn maths? This article explains the benefits and limitations of AI learning tools for explaining concepts, marking practice and answering questions instantly, and reminds you to check answers and avoid dependence. It also covers how to divide the work with tutoring centres, private tutoring, home tutoring and online tutoring, what to note before choosing about free trials, refunds and talking to customer service, and how to adjust usage from Primary 1 to Secondary 6 and across different subjects.

Learning maths · 6 min read

Quadratic Function Graphs: Steps to Find the Vertex, Axis of Symmetry and Intercepts from the Equation

Many students see a quadratic function and think only of memorising formulas. In fact, as long as you work through it step by step, finding the axis of symmetry, vertex and intercepts from the equation lets you draw the parabola reliably. This article uses S4 to S6 quadratic functions as examples, demonstrates the full steps, and explains common mistakes and revision methods.

Learning maths · 10 min read

Mixed numbers and improper fractions: what they mean and how to convert between them, with pictures

Can never tell mixed numbers and improper fractions apart? Following the Education Bureau primary maths curriculum, this guide uses pie charts and a number line to explain what each one means, sets out the steps for turning improper fractions into mixed numbers and back, explains why mixed numbers must become improper fractions before multiplying or dividing, and lists common mistakes and ways to practise, for parents and students to read together.

For parents · 6 min read

What is TSA Maths? What Primary 3, Primary 6 and Secondary 3 students are assessed on, and how

The Territory-wide System Assessment (TSA) in Maths is held in Primary 3, Primary 6 and Secondary 3. Based on the HKEAA quick guides and an Education Bureau circular, this article sets out what each level covers, how long each sub-paper is, the question types and the 2027 dates, and explains why the TSA has nothing to do with secondary school places and needs no extra drilling.

Learning maths · Updated · 4 min read

Solving inequalities: when does the sign flip? Linear, compound "and"/"or" and quadratic inequalities, with examples

The most common mistakes with inequalities are forgetting to flip the sign after multiplying or dividing by a negative number, and mixing up "and" with "or". Following the Education Bureau curriculum documents, this guide covers junior secondary linear inequalities and the senior compound inequalities, quadratic inequalities and linear programming, with worked examples, which parts are non-foundation and where they appear in the HKDSE, plus ways to check and the key terms in Chinese and English.

Learning maths · Updated · 10 min read

How to find the equation of a straight line: point-slope, two-point, slope-intercept and general form, with examples

The equation of a straight line is a compulsory senior secondary maths topic, which the Education Bureau suggests teaching in the first term of Secondary 4. This guide follows the curriculum documents: the distance, mid-point, slope and point-of-division (section) formulas; finding a line from a point and a slope, two points or two intercepts; reading slope and intercepts from the general form; and where two lines meet, with ways to check your answer.

Finding a tutor · 8 min read

Does online tutoring work? Breaking down the conditions for effective online maths learning

Is online tutoring as effective as face-to-face? This article analyses the conditions for effective online maths learning across three areas: interaction, equipment and self-discipline. It also explains how factors such as age, materials, subject, English, school suspensions and the DSE affect effectiveness, and offers practical advice for Hong Kong students from Primary 1 to Secondary 6 and their parents.

DSE revision · 10 min read

The night before the DSE exam: should you revise or rest? A checklist for the night before and the morning of the exam

You are very nervous on the night before the DSE exam and are not sure whether to keep revising or go to bed early? This article gives candidates and parents a practical checklist covering revision arrangements on the night before, sleep and routine, preparing belongings and documents, managing phones and apps, mental preparation, and the schedule for the morning of the exam. It also explains how to consolidate key maths points in a short time.

Learning maths · 8 min read

3D trigonometry: can't see which triangle to use? Three steps to extract the plane triangle

When doing 3D trigonometry questions, once the diagram is three-dimensional you don't know which triangle to use. This article sets out a practical set of steps: first find the right angles and known sides, then extract the plane triangles one at a time, and finally state the reason for each step. It also explains how to practise this 'extracting the diagram' skill when revising and with a tutor.

For parents · 9 min read

Primary maths word problems: four steps to read, draw, set up and check

When children do primary maths word problems, they often say 'I don't understand the question'. It's usually not that they can't calculate, but that they haven't turned the words into maths. This article provides a four-step method: read the question, draw a diagram, set up the equation, and check. It also explains how parents can help, when to step back, and common difficulties for Primary 1 students and word problems.

Finding a tutor · 9 min read

How to tell whether a maths tutor is right for you: a practical checklist for teaching experience, methods and trial-lesson performance

Parents and students want to know how to judge whether a tutor is suitable. This article sets out the teaching experience and methods you can ask a tutor about, and the things worth watching for in a trial lesson. It also explains what to consider at different stages from primary to secondary school, and the differences between tutoring formats, to help you make a sound choice for maths in Hong Kong.

DSE revision · 9 min read

DSE English Language Listening Exam Radio Preparation Checklist: Pre-exam Testing and Exam Day Reminders

The DSE English Language Listening exam requires a radio. What exactly do you need to prepare? This article sets out the equipment specifications published by the HKEAA, the pre-exam testing steps and exam day reminders, and explains the broadcast mode marked on the admission form, arrival times at the venue and special room arrangements, so candidates and parents can see everything at a glance.

DSE revision · 7 min read

How to use the DSE timetable: from the HKEAA release to a maths revision countdown

The HKEAA website has an exam timetable page and provides the 2027 Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education Examination timetable. This article explains how to find the official timetable, why the official announcement should be your reference, and how to arrange maths revision as a countdown plan. It also brings together information on registration, exam notices and the assessment of subjects such as Chinese Literature and Visual Arts.

DSE revision · 11 min read

What is the difference between DSE M1 and M2? Understand the content, suitable students and further study uses before choosing subjects

Compare the curriculum content, suitable students and further study uses of DSE Mathematics Extended Part Module 1 (M1) and Module 2 (M2), explain how the two are handled in university admissions and sub-degree programmes, and remind candidates to rely on the requirements announced by institutions.

DSE revision · 15 min read

An Introduction to How the HKDSE is Scored: Levels, 5**, Best Five and JUPAS Scoring

Can't make sense of HKDSE levels, 5** and 'Best Five'? This article explains, based on the HKEAA's reporting system, the relationship between Levels 1 to 5, 5* and 5**, the 'Attained' grade in Citizenship and Social Development, and the '332A' basic requirement. It uses examples to demonstrate grade conversion and common university scoring approaches, and also covers practical information such as JUPAS, differences in institutional scoring, Mathematics Extended Part, and changing programme choices after results are released.

DSE revision · 9 min read

What Counts as a "Pass" in the HKDSE? The Difference Between Attaining the Standard, JUPAS and Entry Requirements

There is no single "pass" mark in the HKDSE. Based on the HKEAA's reporting system, this article explains the five levels and "Unclassified" for Category A subjects, the "Attained" result for Citizenship and Social Development, the meaning of standards-referenced reporting, Category C other language subjects, the conversion of Applied Learning subjects, and the practical meaning of "332A" and the minimum requirements for sub-degree programmes. It also reminds students to rely on the requirements published by institutions.

DSE revision · 10 min read

Is retaking the DSE worth it? Use a few questions to decide, and plan your revision year

If you're thinking about retaking the HKDSE after the exams, don't rush to register. This article uses a few questions to help you judge whether retaking is worth it, then sets out a revision plan for the retake year, things to note when registering as a private candidate, JUPAS and combined results considerations, and how to shore up your maths foundation.

DSE revision · 12 min read

DSE Exam Rules: A Beginner's Guide to the Candidate Handbook, Approved Calculators and Common Breach Risks

Sitting the DSE for the first time? This article summarises the scope of the HKEAA's exam rules and Candidate Handbook, covering the approved calculator list, admission forms and identity documents, electronic devices, computer barcode stickers, the writing requirements for answer books and question papers, and the radio and earphone equipment for listening exams, and reminds you to follow the HKEAA's latest announcements.

DSE revision · 14 min read

DSE results release date and release-day checklist: collecting results, checking online, SMS, results appeals and further study planning

On the 2026 DSE results release day, what do school candidates, private candidates and parents need to prepare? This article, based on official information, sets out the timing of collecting results notices, checking results online, SMS results, applying for results appeals and paying fees, explains the delayed release arrangements under severe weather, how appeal results are released, and how the Education Bureau's "S6 Students Information Page" and "e-Navigator" help with planning multiple pathways (including bachelor's degrees, sub-degrees and Applied Education Diploma programmes), with maths revision advice before and after results release.

Finding a tutor · 16 min read

How to check a tutoring centre's licence: a practical guide for parents verifying tutoring school registration details

Parents who want to confirm whether a tutoring centre is registered with the Education Bureau can start by understanding the Education Bureau's school registration system, where tutoring schools fit within registration documents, and how to verify registration with the Education Bureau before and after enrolling. This article also explains the definition of a school under the Education Ordinance, temporary registration, licence applications and tenancy considerations, as well as what to look out for in courses, teaching staff and fees.

Finding a tutor · 10 min read

How to Choose a Summer Tutoring Class: Goals, Timetable and Questions Parents Should Ask When Arranging Summer Maths Tutoring

Summer tutoring doesn't have to be packed to the brim. This article helps parents first set goals, then arrange a timetable, and finally put together a list of questions to ask before enrolling. It covers primary to Form 6 maths and DSE preparation, explains how free online resources can complement tutoring, and addresses common considerations such as summer courses, discounts, limited places, small-class teaching, tutoring courses, primary tutoring, and chemistry and physics.

DSE revision · 13 min read

What topics does the DSE Maths Compulsory Part cover? The syllabus, assessment arrangements and revision direction from the curriculum documents

Based on the Education Bureau curriculum documents and the HKEAA subject information, this explains where the DSE Maths Compulsory Part sits in the senior secondary curriculum, the document versions and update dates, and sets out the optimisation measures for the Extended Parts M1 and M2 and how they are treated for further study. This article does not list the Compulsory Part topics one by one; instead it guides students to compare them item by item, by year group, on the corresponding topic pages on Sprout.

For parents · 12 min read

Helping Your Child with Homework at Home: Practical Steps and Guidance Methods for Parents (Covering Chinese, English and Maths, and District Resources)

When children run into difficulties with homework, parents want to help but do not know where to start. This article sets out practical steps for accompanying children with homework at home, guidance methods for when a child does not understand something, and explains when community resources such as after-school care may be worth considering. It also covers how to handle Chinese, English and maths homework, tests, dictation and secondary school interview preparation, and mentions district resources in Tsuen Wan, Tai Po, Kwun Tong and Kowloon Bay.

For parents · 13 min read

What are the allocation exams? Primary 5 and Primary 6 allocation and secondary school places timeline

The allocation exams are not a territory-wide public examination, but internal assessments carried out by primary schools under the Secondary School Places Allocation System. This article uses a timeline to explain the three allocation rounds in the second term of Primary 5 and the first and second terms of Primary 6, the adjusted scores, the rank order list and how they relate to allocation bands. It also explains subject weightings, the Physical Education assessment, special arrangements for special educational needs, and the flexible handling and re-sit arrangements during the pandemic. It also explains the difference between the Territory-wide System Assessment and the allocation exams, and reminds readers to rely on announcements from the Education Bureau and schools.

DSE revision · 11 min read

DSE Mathematics Extended Part Module 1 (M1) syllabus content and uses: extended maths for statistics, business and science pathways

What does DSE Mathematics Extended Part Module 1 (M1) cover? This article sets out M1's main topic areas, how it differs from core maths and M2, its value for progression into statistics, business and science-related fields, and revision and subject-choice advice for S4 to S6, along with when tutoring is worth considering.

DSE revision · 8 min read

What to check on your DSE admission form and what to do if it is lost

Once your DSE admission form arrives, candidates and parents should check each item of personal data, registered subjects and examination venue arrangements. This article explains the key points to check on the admission form, what to do if it is lost or the information is wrong, and how to enquire with the HKEAA, with suggestions for revision and maths practice.

DSE revision · 10 min read

DSE Private Candidate Guide: From Application and Subject Choices to Transfer and Exam-Day Checklist

How should you arrange application, subject choices, revision and exam day as a DSE private candidate? This article provides a practical step-by-step checklist covering revision methods for self-studying Maths, preparation for core subjects, considerations around transferring schools, exam fee budgeting, common pitfalls and official enquiry channels, suitable for Secondary 5 and Secondary 6 students and parents.