'TOMOLO', 'b4', 'nyfing', 'brb' . . . do u use thz words, 2?
Some see this as evidence that ICQ has reduced English standards. Others argue that, if used properly, ICQ creates room for language learning.
Indeed, there are many opportunities for you to learn English outside the classroom, according to Cecilia Tong Chun-po, lecturer at the College of Professional and Continuing Education at Polytechnic University (PolyU).
'ICQ and e-mail are similar experiences to writing to penpals. They put you in touch with people around the world using English,' she said.
To improve your English, all you have to do is replace the shortened cyber abbreviations with complete sentences.
Having problems writing a 300-word composition? Perhaps you need more information on top of more language training.
Ms Tong suggests watching the news on TV or reading the newspaper. This can help you pick up useful phrases and jargon. Keeping up-to-date with current affairs also provides you with more material to write about.