Hong Kong has three English tests for its high school graduates: Syllabus A, Syllabus B and the AS (advanced supplementary) level. According to Hong Kong Examinations Authority, the Certificates of Education English Language Examination offers Syllabus A and B for two different groups of candidates, with Syllabus B higher in standard than Syllabus A. Regarding Syllabus A and B, "The overall aim of the examination is to assess candidates’ achievement for English language (Secondary) prepared by the Curriculum Development Council and recommended for use in schools by the Education Department. " (1999 Hong Kong Examination Authority Annual Subject Report: 196) Whereas the AS level aims to foster the development of students’ English language skills in order to equip them for higher education and employment. (1999 Hong Kong Examination Authority Annual Subject Report: 501) Given the two distinct goals, the AS level, a proficiency test for the college entrance examination in Hong Kong, is far more difficult than Syllabus A and B, which are achievement tests for Hong Kong high school graduates. A high school graduate in Hong Kong has (1) They are Syllabus A, Syllabus B and (2) . The (3) of Syllabus A is lower than that of Syllabus B. The exams of Syllabus A and B are designed to (4) for English language. In Hong Kong, the AS-Level is a proficiency test for the high school graduates who (5) .