The Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority yesterday issued the marking guidelines on the new subject to replace liberal studies from this school year.

The mark scheme referred to the first set of sample papers released by the authority in July.

Among the three required questions, one asked students to identify a possible concern people may have over the business environment after the implementation of the national security law, and students have to explain how such a concern can be eased in a follow-up question.

The authority suggested students answer that "the national security law maintains the prosperity and stability of HKSAR" and "protects the lawful rights and interests of the residents of HKSAR" with reference to the sources provided.

Candidates who make appropriate and comprehensive use of the sources can earn the full mark of three points.

The following sub-question that is worth eight marks - the question with the highest mark - requires students to describe the importance of education in nurturing young people with a sense of belonging toward the country.

The marking guideline says students must present the shortcomings of school education in cultivating the sense of belonging toward the country in their answer.

The other two questions touch on the World Health Organization and the Greater Bay Area.