We would not need to study hard before an exam because we would already know the answers. If the world was really like that we would never have a failure.

But people cannot live without failures. It would not really be a good thing for every dream to come true. Just forget about your sixth sense!

Chau Heung-kit

Shun Lee Catholic Secondary School

Learning from falling

I learned how to ice skate recently. At first I was afraid, but my friends encouraged me. Although I fell down many times, they still helped me.

Other friends who could not ice skate eventually caught on. I was very depressed as I still couldn't

do it.

I then remembered what our English teacher Mrs Lau once said: 'I believe I can.'

So I went ice skating again one Sunday and now I can do it. Thank you very much to everyone who helped and supported me.

I think this is just like life. If you fall down, never give up and be afraid like I was. Stand up again and say 'I believe I can'. Success will not be far away and you will be happy that you can do it.

Fong Hau-ling

Shun Lee Catholic School

The will to succeed

I don't know why people, especially teenagers, give up their goals easily. Instead, they should try their best and give themselves a chance to succeed.

Even if they don't win they won't regret it. If they are successful they will not only be proud of themselves and confirm their ability but also have a feeling of success and a wonderful memory for the rest of their life.

I believe 'where there's a will, there's a way'. I hope everyone can keep this sentence in mind. This could help make our dreams or goals come true.

Kelly Leung Ching-man

STFA Leung Kau Kui College

Grab that olive branch

We all want a better and peaceful world.

But wars blight our wonderful world. Countries and races fight each other because of hatred and prejudice. It is tragic that some wars are fought over water and oil. When we are attacked, we seek revenge. An eye for eye, and then another eye for another eye.

I don't know where the moral is but I know we must heal the world. We have to stop the cruelty and hold out the olive branch to everyone.

Melanie Tang

Our Lady of the Rosary College

Coffee breaks a big yawn

Have you ever tried having a cup of hot coffee to keep you stay awake at midnight while doing revision?

Caffeine is not good for us and makes us more tired.

Although caffeine can keep us awake and alert for an hour or two, after that you begin to feel more tired and sleepy. Therefore, drinking coffee does not really help when you need to stay awake for revision.

Sleeping is the most effective way to cure your tiredness. Even after taking an hour's nap your brain will be refreshed and your study will be more effective.

Pauline Lui

St Mary's Canossian College

Realising true beauty

Many teenagers are very concerned about their appearance and some people even skip lunch to keep fit. But some eat much fatty food and become obese.

This situation is getting serious. It's time to do something about it. Firstly, schools should educate students about the importance of a balanced diet. Secondly, slimming advertisements should be banned and the government should organise keep-fit camps for the obese. Thirdly, parents should help their children develop good eating habits and tell them not to eat at fast food shops too often.

Parents also should encourage their children to do more exercise to keep fit.

Lastly, the Department of Health should keep a close watch on schoolchildren's weight and help the over-weight ones slim down. Good eating habits should be developed in early childhood.

Also, teachers and parents should cultivate a correct concept of beauty. I hope teenagers can grow up healthy, both physically and mentally, as they are the hope of our society.

Ivy Kam

SKH Lam Kau Mow Secondary School

Free speech worth fighting for

The International Federation of Journalists has criticised Chief Executive Donald Tsang Yam-kuen, saying he should stop wavering and defend freedom of speech as Beijing steps up efforts to intervene in local affairs.

Press freedom is being eroded, as seen in the RTHK controversy and the sacking of Commercial Radio hosts.

Freedom of speech is one of the pillars for Hong Kong's success. If it is eroded further, Hong Kong will lose the reputation of being an international city. We should defend our freedom.

Kinki Lai

Ju Ching Chu Secondary School (Kwai Chung)