Interview Questions

Transfer applications generally consist of two parts: an interview and a written test.
Some schools also arrange parent interviews to better understand the student and
family education.

1. Personal Introduction: Self-introduction, interests, hobbies, academic

achievements, etc.
2. Academic Performance: Inquiries about the student's grades in different
subjects, strengths, and learning methods.
3. Extracurricular Activities: Questions about the extracurricular activities the
student participates in, such as sports, music, art, etc.
4. Personal Traits: Understanding the student's character, attitude, confidence
level, etc.
5. Goals and Motivation: Asking why the student wants to transfer, their
understanding and expectations of the target school.

Four Important Interview Tips

1. Prepare in Advance: Parents and children should research the target school's
background, teaching philosophy, and curriculum, and reflect on their learning
and development goals.
2. Express Confidence: Show confidence, a positive attitude, and good
communication skills during the interview.
3. Answer Honestly: Be truthful and sincere when answering questions,
showcasing your traits and potential.
4. Politeness and Attitude: Maintain politeness and show respect to the
interviewer, paying attention to body language and expressions.

Self-Introduction

1. Please briefly introduce yourself.

2. What is your favorite subject? Why?

Study Habits

1. How do you usually prepare for exams?

2. What difficulties have you encountered in your studies? How did you
overcome them?

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Interests and Hobbies

1. What are your interests and hobbies? Why do you like them?
2. What extracurricular activities have you participated in?

Adaptability

1. How do you adapt to new environments?

2. If you encounter problems at school, how would you handle them?

Future Plans

1. What are your plans or goals for the future?

2. What do you hope to learn at this school?

Interaction and Reflection

1. If you had the chance to change one thing about the school, what would it be?
2. Please share an experience you consider successful.

Sample Interview Questions and Answers

1. Describe an experience where you overcame difficulties.

“Last year, I encountered difficulties in mathematics, especially in algebra. I
felt very frustrated, but I decided to ask my teacher and classmates for help.
Through extra practice and attending tutoring sessions, my grades gradually
improved. I learned the importance of perseverance and seeking help.”
2. What do you think about teamwork?
“I think teamwork is very important because different perspectives can help us
solve problems better. In a school science project, my classmates and I divided
the work, with each person responsible for different parts. Through
communication and coordination, we ultimately achieved great results.”
3. What would you do if you encountered bullying at school?
“If I noticed a classmate being bullied, I would first reach out to that classmate
and encourage them to tell a teacher. At the same time, I would report the
situation to the teacher to ensure the school can take appropriate measures to
protect them.”
4. How do you view failure?
“I believe failure is part of learning. Each failure makes me reflect and
improve. For example, I didn't win an award in a competition, but I analyzed
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 my performance and identified areas for improvement. Next time, I will work
even harder.”
5. Who do you admire the most? Why?
“I admire my math teacher the most. She is not only knowledgeable but also
very caring towards her students. She always takes the time to help each
student and encourages us to pursue higher goals.”
6. What do you think is your greatest strength?
“I believe my greatest strength is my curiosity. I always enjoy exploring new
things and actively learning. I think this trait has helped me achieve good
results in my studies.”
7. How do you handle conflicts with classmates?
“If I have a conflict with a classmate, I would choose to calm down first, listen
to their thoughts, and then express my own viewpoint. Through
communication, we can usually find a solution that works for both sides.”
8. What do you hope to learn at the new school?
“I hope to gain more knowledge at the new school, especially in science and
foreign languages. I also look forward to making new friends and participating
in extracurricular activities to enhance my overall abilities.”

Self-Introduction Examples

1. Basic Information Type

“Hello everyone, my name is XXX, I am 12 years old, from Hong Kong. I am
currently in the sixth grade at XXX Primary School. My favorite subject is
math because I love solving problems and challenging myself. My hobbies
include playing basketball and reading, especially science fiction. I hope to
enter this secondary school to learn and make new friends together.”
2. Personalized Type
“Hello, I am XXX, 14 years old, from Hong Kong. I love art, especially
painting and crafts. Recently, I participated in a painting competition, and
although I didn't win, I learned a lot from it. I also enjoy technology and often
try to write simple code. I hope to share my interests with like-minded
classmates at the new school.”
3. Goal-Oriented Type
“Hello, my name is XXX, I am 13 years old, and I am in the seventh grade at
XXX School. My dream is to become a scientist because I am curious about
natural phenomena. Besides studying, I also participate in the school science

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 club, doing experiments with my classmates. I hope to access more scientific
knowledge and explore unknown fields at this school.”

Recent Challenges

“Recently, I faced challenges in learning Cantonese and English. First, learning

Cantonese is a new challenge for me because it has significant pronunciation
differences from Mandarin. I found some tones particularly difficult to master,
especially the six tones of Cantonese. I am trying to improve my speaking skills by
watching Cantonese shows and practicing with friends.

Lastly, my vocabulary in English is still a barrier I need to overcome. Sometimes, I

struggle to find the right words to express what I want. I am expanding my vocabulary
by reading English articles and trying to use new words in conversations.

These challenges are tough, but I believe that with persistent effort, I will gradually
overcome them and improve my language skills.”

Why Do You Want to Study in Hong Kong? Isn't Shanghai Good?

“I chose to study in Hong Kong for several reasons, but that doesn’t mean I think
Shanghai is bad. First, the education system in Hong Kong is very international, with
many schools and universities offering globally recognized curricula, providing me
with more academic options.

Secondly, Hong Kong is a bilingual environment, which is vital for my language

learning. I hope to improve my English, which is important for my future career
development.

Additionally, Hong Kong's rich cultural background and diversity excite me. I believe
that studying in such an environment can broaden my horizons and enhance my
international understanding.

While Shanghai also has many excellent schools and opportunities, I feel that Hong
Kong can better meet my current learning needs and career goals. I look forward to
gaining more growth and development opportunities here.”

Which Subject Do You Struggle With? Why? How Will You Improve?

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“I struggle with mathematics. The main reason is that I have difficulties
understanding the basic concepts, especially when solving complex problems, I often
feel confused. Additionally, sometimes I get nervous during exams, which affects my
performance.

To improve this situation, I plan to take the following measures:

 Strengthening Basics: I will review textbooks and class notes to ensure I

understand each concept and do extra practice.
 Seeking Help: I plan to ask my teacher and classmates for help, especially
those who excel in mathematics, to learn problem-solving techniques and
strategies.
 Attending Tutoring Sessions: I will consider participating in extracurricular
tutoring sessions for more guidance and practice opportunities.
 Regular Self-Testing: I will regularly conduct self-tests to check my progress
and adjust my study plan accordingly.

Through these efforts, I believe my math grades will gradually improve, and I will be
able to face future learning challenges with more confidence.”

How Do You Usually Study?

Apart from tutoring, there are many effective study methods that can help improve
academic performance. Here are some suggestions:

1. Self-Directed Learning
o Create a Study Plan: Set daily learning goals and schedule your time
effectively.
o Utilize Online Resources: Watch online courses, instructional videos,
or participate in webinars to access various learning materials.
2. Group Study
o Form Study Groups: Discuss and solve problems with classmates,
helping each other and sharing knowledge and study techniques.
o Regular Review: Group review can deepen understanding and
memory retention.
3. Reading and Practice
o Read Relevant Books: Choose books or materials related to your
subjects to expand your knowledge base.

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 o Conduct Experiments or Projects: Engage in experiments or related
projects to learn and understand theoretical knowledge through
practice.
4. Reflection and Summary
o Regular Self-Assessment: Use past exam questions or mock tests to
check your understanding and mastery.
o Keep a Learning Journal: Record daily learning content and insights
to aid reflection and summarization.
5. Interactive Learning
o Consult Teachers: Seek help from teachers whenever you encounter
difficulties to obtain professional guidance.
o Participate in Discussion Classes: Join extracurricular discussion
classes to enhance understanding and interest in the subject.
6. Use Learning Tools
o Utilize Learning Apps: Use educational apps (like Quizlet, Khan
Academy) for online learning and testing.
o Create Mind Maps: Organize knowledge using mind maps to aid
memory and understanding.
7. Maintain a Positive Attitude
o Set Small Goals: Keep motivation high by setting small goals and
gradually achieving larger study objectives.
o Reward Yourself: Give yourself appropriate rewards after completing
study tasks to enhance motivation.

Difficulties You Might Face Studying in Hong Kong

1. Language Barrier:
Although I can speak Mandarin and English, Cantonese is one of the primary
languages in Hong Kong. I might face challenges understanding the language
in daily communication.
2. Academic Pressure:
The education system in Hong Kong is competitive, and the learning pressure
may be high. I need to adapt to the fast learning pace and high academic
standards.
3. Cultural Adaptation:
Hong Kong has a unique culture and lifestyle, and it may take time to adapt as
a newcomer. I will need to understand and integrate into local customs and
social practices.

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 4. Building Relationships:
Establishing friendships in a new environment can be challenging, especially
when interacting with classmates from different backgrounds. I need to
proactively communicate with others to overcome initial unfamiliarity.

To address these difficulties, I will take the following measures:

 Learn Cantonese: Improve my Cantonese level through courses and

conversations with locals.
 Manage Time Wisely: Create a study plan to gradually adapt to the academic
pressure.
 Participate Actively: Join school clubs and activities to integrate into the new
environment and make new friends.
 Seek Support: Always ask teachers and classmates for help and guidance.

I believe that through effort and adaptation, I can overcome these challenges and
study successfully in Hong Kong.

Favorite Book

“My favorite book is The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry.

This book tells the fantastical journey of a little prince who sets off from his own
planet to explore different worlds and meet various characters. Along the way, he
learns many profound truths about love, friendship, and life.

There are many reasons why I love The Little Prince. First, the story is simple yet full
of philosophy, prompting me to reflect on my own life and values. The little prince's
observations and thoughts about life make me realize that many adults often overlook
the most important things in life, such as innocence and friendship.

Secondly, the illustrations in the book are also beautiful, adding to the joy of reading.
Every time I flip through the pages, I feel a sense of warmth and inspiration.

In summary, The Little Prince is not only a children's literature work but also a
philosophical book suitable for readers of all ages. It teaches me to cherish the people
and things around me and to maintain a curiosity about life.”