

DSE 英文科 Paper 2 的書信題目是不少考生需要掌握的應用文題型。許多同學以為,只要背熟固定的書信格式(Format)及幾個萬用句式,就能在取得理想成績。然而,Letter 的評分並不只是看格式是否完整;如果忽略寫作情境、收信人及寫作目的,即使格式正確,亦可能在內容及語言表達方面失分。
寫好一封 Letter 的關鍵,在於先準確分析題目,再根據收信人(Audience)、寫作目的(Purpose)及情境(Context)調整內容和語氣。本文將逐步拆解 DSE 英文 Letter 的基本結構、審題方法、常見失分位及實用寫作技巧,並整理歷屆相關題目,幫助考生掌握不同書信情境的應對方法。
Letter 屬於應用文(Applied Writing),與一般議論文最大的分別,在於它具有明確的溝通對象及寫作目的。考生不是單純提出一個觀點,而是需要以特定身份,向指定人士或機構傳達訊息、表達意見或處理某個問題。
Letter 可以出現不同情境,例如:
邀請對方參加活動
表達感謝或道歉
提出投訴
提供建議
詢問資料
回應活動或事件
分享消息或經歷
就某個問題表達意見
因此,寫作時不能只套用一個固定模板。即使都是 Letter,寫給朋友、老師、學校或機構時,內容及語氣亦可能有所不同。
最重要的是: Letter 的核心不是「格式有多完整」,而是能否有效地向指定收信人傳達正確及合適的訊息。
一般 Letter 和 Letter to the Editor 都屬於書信類寫作,亦可能要求考生表達意見、提出建議或回應問題,因此容易混淆。不過,兩者的寫作情境及目的並不完全相同。
簡單而言,寫一般 Letter 時,可以先問自己:「我正在跟誰溝通?」;而 Letter to the Editor 則需要進一步考慮:「我希望公眾如何看待這個議題?」
因此,不要因為兩者都使用書信格式,便直接套用完全相同的寫法。
在動筆之前,建議預留約 2–3 分鐘審題。與其一看到題目便立即開始寫,不如先確認以下幾項資料,能有效減少離題及漏答。
1. Who:誰是收信人?
先確認信件是寫給誰(例如:校長 / 老師 / 同學 / 活動籌委 / 公司 / 機構)
收信人的身份會直接影響你的語氣及用字。
2. Why:為甚麼寫這封信?
確認主要目的(例如:邀請 / 感謝 / 道歉 / 投訴 / 詢問 / 提供建議 / 表達意見)
不要讓文章寫到中途才發現自己忘記了題目的主要目的。
3. Context:背景是甚麼?
留意題目提供的背景資料,包括發生了甚麼事情、你與收信人的關係,以及信件是在甚麼情況下寫成。
4. Content:題目要求甚麼?
將題目中的每一項要求圈出或列在草稿紙上。
例如題目要求:
explain the problem
suggest two solutions
explain the benefits
就應確保三項內容全部有處理。
5. Tone:應該使用甚麼語氣?
根據 Audience + Context + Purpose 決定語氣,而不是單純將所有 Letter 都寫成正式書信。
1. Opening & Introduction:稱呼、背景及寫信目的
Letter 的開首應該讓收信人迅速知道你為甚麼寫信。
首先使用合適的 Salutation,再簡單交代背景及寫作目的。
例如:
Dear Sir/Madam,
或者知道對方姓名時:
Dear Mr Wong,
第一段不需要大量重述題目,而應直接進入重點。
例如:
I am writing to express my concern about...
或:
I am writing to invite you to...
如果題目要求表達立場,亦可以在第一段清楚表明自己的主要看法。
重點: 讀者看完第一段後,應該已經知道「這封信是寫來做甚麼的」。
2. Body:逐項回應題目要求
Body 是 Letter 的主要內容部分。
建議採用一段一重點的方式,避免將所有內容塞在同一段。
每個主要觀點都應該進一步發展,而不是只列出答案。
可以使用:
Point → Explanation → Example
例如提出一項建議:
Point: The school should provide more after-school activities.
Explanation: This would give students more opportunities to develop their interests outside the classroom.
Example: For example, the school could organise regular sports and music workshops.
如果題目要求提出解決方法,亦可以使用:
Problem → Solution → Expected Result
這樣能令內容更加完整,亦能避免每個論點只有一句簡單陳述。
3. Conclusion & Closing:收束內容及正式結尾
最後一段應該將全文自然收束,而不是加入新的主要論點。
可以:
簡單總結主要內容
重申自己的要求或立場
提出希望對方採取的行動
表達期待回覆
例如:
I hope you will take my suggestions into consideration. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
完成正文後,再根據信件對象及格式使用適當的 Closing。
例如:
Yours faithfully,
或:
Yours sincerely,
需要注意的是,具體格式仍應以題目提供的要求為準。
不同情境需要使用不同程度的正式語氣。考生不應只靠背誦一套句式,而應根據 Audience、Relationship 及 Context 判斷。
不要誤以為 Formal Letter 必須使用大量複雜長句。 正式並不等於艱深;清晰、準確及符合情境的英文,通常比刻意堆砌複雜句式更重要。
很多考生會花大量時間背誦格式及萬用句式,但 Letter 的表現並不只是取決於格式。
「形式大於內容」: 格式正確並不代表內容完整。如果漏答題目要求,仍然會影響整體表現。
模板依賴: 過度套用萬用句,可能令語氣與題目情境不符。
重複題目內容: 題目已提供的背景只需要適當引用,不應大段重寫。
內容空洞: 只提出觀點而沒有 Explanation 或 Example,會令論點缺乏發展。
忽視語氣: 寫給老師、朋友及機構時,如果使用完全相同的語氣,容易顯得不自然。
缺乏檢查: 拼字、文法、時態及主謂一致等基本錯誤,都可以透過最後檢查減少。
記住: Letter 並不是「格式寫對就完成」。格式只是基礎,真正重要的是能否針對指定情境,清楚而自然地完成溝通目的。
1. 先確立語氣,再選擇詞彙
寫作前先想像自己正在與收信人溝通。
寫給老師或機構,可以保持禮貌及專業;寫給朋友,則可以使用較自然及親切的表達。
2. 加入具體細節
避免只寫:
The activity was good.
可以進一步說明:
The activity helped students develop teamwork skills through a series of interactive workshops.
具體細節能讓內容更加完整,也能展示你是否真正發展了論點。
3. 靈活使用連接詞
不要每一段都只使用 Firstly, Secondly, Finally。
可以根據邏輯使用:
Furthermore,
In addition,
As a result,
Therefore,
不過,連接詞的作用是協助組織內容,而不是單純增加「高分句式」。
4. 避免刻意堆砌高級詞彙
不要為了展示詞彙量而使用自己不熟悉的字詞。
如果簡單的 help 已經足夠清楚,未必需要刻意改成 facilitate。最重要的是字詞使用正確,而且符合上下文。
5. 完成後重新閱讀一次
寫完後,可以從收信人的角度重新閱讀:
我是否清楚知道這封信的目的?
題目要求是否全部完成?
語氣是否適合收信人?
每個主要觀點是否有充分解釋?
有沒有拼字或文法錯誤?
如果時間許可,最後預留幾分鐘進行 Proofreading,往往比繼續加入新句式更有價值。
寫好 Letter 的關鍵,不只是記住 Dear... 和 Yours sincerely 等格式,而是能否根據不同情境完成有效溝通。
考試時可以特別留意以下幾點:
先看清楚收信人: 確定自己是寫給誰,再決定語氣及表達方式。
明確寫作目的: 開首應讓讀者快速了解你為甚麼寫信。
逐項處理要求: 不要只集中於自己最熟悉的部分,而忽略題目其他要求。
發展主要內容: 每個重要觀點都應有解釋或例子支持,而不是單純列點。
保持自然表達: 不要過度依賴模板或刻意使用艱深詞彙。
最後檢查: 確認內容、語氣、格式、文法及拼字均符合題目要求。
最重要的是,Letter 沒有一套可以套用於所有題目的「完美模板」。 掌握基本格式後,應根據 Audience、Purpose、Context 及 Content Requirements 靈活調整,才能在不同題型中寫出完整、自然及有效的答案。
歷屆 DSE English Writing 曾出現不同情境的 Letter 題目,包括表達意見、提出建議、回應社會議題及處理日常情境等。雖然題目背景各有不同,但考生都需要根據指定的 Audience、Purpose、Context 及 Content Requirements 組織內容。
以下整理部分歷屆 Letter 題目,方便考生了解不同情境及寫作要求。
2012 DSE English Writing – Q8
Learning English through Workplace Communication
You are an intern at Hong Kong Correctional Services. The government has launched a campaign called Second Chance to encourage employers to recruit reformed criminals or drug addicts. Write a letter to all Hong Kong businesses outlining the new project, explaining the benefits and persuading them to join the scheme.
2013 DSE English Writing – Q4
Learning English through Social Issues
Many people say that private school bus service operators do not follow proper safety procedures when dealing with young children and they argue that this may pose a danger. Write a letter to the Bus Operators Association of Hong Kong to express your concerns and give three recommendations for how private school bus services can be improved.
2014 DSE English Writing – Q2
Learning English through Sports Communication
A local fitness centre is being renovated. As the chairperson of your school’s Sports Club, write a letter to ask the fitness centre to donate some of their old equipment to your school. In your letter, describe how the donation could benefit your school and the fitness centre.
2014 DSE English Writing – Q5
Learning English through Debating
Currently, only a small number of students in your school have access to school lockers. As the chairperson of the Student Union of your school, you have collected the views of students from different classes on this issue. Write a letter to Ms Lee, your school Principal, to persuade her to change the policy on lockers.
2015 DSE English Writing – Q2
Learning English through Sports Communication
A number of your classmates have expressed their disappointment about physical education (PE) lessons at school, saying that the lessons are not interesting. As the chairperson of the Class Association, you have decided to reflect your classmates' opinions to your principal, Ms Chan.
Write a letter to Ms Chan explaining why your classmates are unhappy about existing PE lessons. You should then suggest two new activities that could be introduced in future PE lessons and explain why students would prefer such activities.
2015 DSE English Writing – Q8
Learning English through Poems and Songs
The Hong Kong Central Library is holding a language arts festival during the summer break to enhance students’ interest in learning English. Secondary schools have been asked to submit their suggestions for activities at the festival.
As the chairperson of the school’s Poetry Club, your teacher has asked you to write a letter to the Central Library suggesting two interesting activities. You should also explain how these activities would increase students’ interest in learning English.
2017 DSE English Writing – Part A
Community Project Proposal
You are the chairperson of the Social Service Club in your school. The school would like to develop closer links with the community. Write a letter to your principal, Ms Lee, proposing a new community project that the school can carry out with a home for the elderly in your district.
In your letter persuade your principal to accept your project by (i) describing one activity that could be carried out, and (ii) identifying the benefits for the elderly home.
Sign your letter Chris Wong.
2018 DSE English Writing – Part A
School Trip Information Letter
You are Chris Wong, the class teacher of 6A. You will be taking your class on a school trip next month to Sky100. Write a letter to parents giving them the necessary information about the trip.
2018 DSE English Writing – Q3
Learning English through Workplace Communication
You are the boss of Reboot Online Company and you have recently received complaints from some staff about the number of work-related emails and text messages received out of office.
Write a letter to staff addressing their complaints.
2018 DSE English Writing – Q4
Learning English through Social Issues
You write an advice column for Teen magazine and you have received a letter from a 16-year-old who wants to become a vet but whose parents disagree.
Write a letter of advice.
2018 DSE English Writing – Q8
Learning English through Poems and Songs
Poetry House is offering a scholarship for ten young writers to attend their summer poetry workshop.
Write an application letter, explaining your interest in poetry and why you should be selected to take part in this workshop.
2020 DSE English Writing – Q4
Learning English through Workplace Communication
You work for the Park Hotel in Hong Kong. You would like to apply for a work transfer to the Shanghai branch of the hotel.
Write a letter to Mr Wong, your manager.
Highlight your work experience
Explain why you would like to transfer
Explain how your transfer will benefit the organisation
2020 DSE English Writing – Q5
Learning English through Sports Communication
Some people think that the International Olympic Committee (IOC) should include a greater variety of sports in the Olympic Games.
You would like to propose Dragon Boat Racing.
Write a letter to the President of the IOC and give reasons to support your opinion.
2021 DSE English Writing – Q4
Learning English through Sports Communication
You are a professional athlete looking for a career change. You have seen a job vacancy for an Assistant Coach at the Hong Kong Sports Foundation.
Write a job application letter to the Human Resources Manager.
Introduce yourself and your athletic history.
Explain your interest and suitability for the job.
2021 DSE English Writing – Q9
Learning English through Drama
You want to be a screenwriter and have an idea for a TV drama series about three generations of a family.
Write a letter to the production manager at TV-Station X.
Introduce the characters, plot and setting of your TV drama.
Explain why you think this idea would be popular with viewers.
2022 DSE English Writing – Q3
Learning English through Workplace Communication
You write an advice column for Jobs Online magazine. A reader submitted the following question:
My dream is to open a café with a few friends, but I’ve just been offered a promotion at my company. The pay is good, but I’m not that interested in the work. Should I leave now or wait a few years?
Kam Chai, 25 years old
Write a reply to Kam Chai offering your advice.
2022 DSE English Writing – Q9
Learning English through Debating
The School Management is considering a four-day school week. Students would only need to attend school four days a week instead of five, but the length of each day would be increased by one hour.
You are a member of the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA). Write a letter to the President of the PTA stating your opinion either for or against a four-day school week. Give reasons to support your view.
掌握格式和技巧之後,最關鍵的一步就是實際操練。上文整理的歷屆題目,正是最好的訓練材料。建議你這樣運用:
由近年題目入手:先練習 2022、2021 等較近年份的題目,題型和評分要求最貼近現時的考試趨勢。
計時操練:按照真實考試時間限制作答,訓練在壓力下組織內容和分配時間。
先審題、後落筆:每次練習都先花 2-3 分鐘圈出 audience、purpose 和 context,把審題變成習慣。
對照評分準則檢討:完成後參考考評局的考生表現示例,檢視自己的內容、組織和語言是否達標,找出失分位。
只要持之以恆,透過歷屆題目反覆練習和修正,Letter 便可以成為你穩定得分的武器。





