Hong Kong DSE candidates take frustrations out on Michelle Obama for tough English exam using excerpt from her memoir ‘Becoming’

Some students write crude remarks, and others use foul language about Obama and her family on social media

Exam authority urges candidates to be polite and respectful when expressing their opinions

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Michelle Obama and her husband, former US president Barack Obama. Photo: Instagram/@michelleobama

Published: 10:51pm, 23 Apr 2023Updated: 8:31am, 24 Apr 2023

Scores of candidates for Hong Kong’s university entrance exams have vented their frustrations at Michelle Obama after an excerpt from her memoir was included in a test paper which they deemed difficult, prompting the authorities to appeal for respect when expressing views.

Comments left on one post on the former US first lady’s archived Instagram page included mocking references to texts used in the English reading comprehension component of the Diploma of Secondary Education (DSE) exams, with some making crude remarks or using foul language about Obama and her family.

“You made my 2023 DSE become a 2024 DSE mock [exam],” wrote one user, drawing 76 likes from others.

Students sit the 2023 DSE English language exam. Photo: Handout

Another said: “If I don’t get 5**, it’s your responsibility,” referring to the top grade for the exam.

Other comments included a mocking reference to an article featured in another exam question, which used the word “boom” twice in the text to describe the sound of an explosion a student caused in school. It also used the word “boomed” to describe a teacher’s voice.

However, other commenters attempted to apologise to Obama for the behaviour of the candidates, while some criticised the students for their actions.

In response, a spokesman for the Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority said on Sunday: “We understand that candidates are concerned with their examination performance, but they should be polite and respectful when expressing their opinions.”