In Hong Kong, nobody has the right to meddle in other people's affairs.

It is all about privacy and politicians are no exception. Their conversations should not be heard by others.

I know that many teenagers are not concerned about this issue.

'The adult world is too complicated for us,' they say.

They are wrong. As Hong Kong citizens, we should know what is happening around us.

We should also keep up to date with events on the mainland, which is experiencing rapid economic growth.

It's up to us to maintain Hong Kong's status as an international city.

Angel Pang

Methodist College

Hong Kong graduates lack workplace skills

I am writing about the shortage of talented professionals in Hong Kong.

Our economy is improving, but our unemployment rate is still high.

And there are more university graduates now. So how come the city does not have enough capable people?

I believe Hong Kong graduates lack the skills that many employers seek.

What we should do is acquire as many qualifications as possible in order to have a bright future.

I realise studying should not be exam-oriented. Hong Kong's education system should prepare students to adjust to the changing world.

Sherman Ko

HKMA David Li Kwok Po College

Testing time during book review

Under the school-based assessment system, our class recently had to discuss a book we read - Free at Last - with students from 4A, 4B and 4D.

We had six minutes for preparation and another six minutes for discussion. I was very worried as I prepared for the test.

During the discussion, we talked about the book and what we had learned from it.

I regret I didn't have much to say.

Tse Chung-lun

Treasure the park

It has been reported that visitors had damaged facilities and left litter at the newly opened Tin Shui Wai wetland park.

This has led to calls for stricter rules, including a ban on eating inside the park to prevent littering.

It is necessary to educate the public about their civic responsibilities.

Please keep the park clean and cherish all the facilities there.

Cary Chow

Ju Ching Chu Secondary School (Kwai Chung)

Responsible results

Many students complain that their test results are not good.

But surely getting good results is their responsibility.

Students who complain are the ones who have not done enough preparation for the test and have to blame someone else for their failure.

They blame their teachers, their parents, even their fellow classmates.

So, classmates, the next time you get your test results, think before you rush to blame somebody else and start complaining.

After all, you are responsible for your own efforts.

Loretta Chan Ching-lam

Our Lady of the Rosary College

No rush to grow up

Yesterday, I watched Big, an old movie starring Tom Hanks.

The story is about a child who dreams of becoming an adult, and then finds that his dream comes true.

I had strong feelings watching this film. For a start, every child is eager to become an adult because they think it means more freedom.

Adults can eat what they like and buy what they want. I'm looking forward to being an adult because I think life will be more enjoyable.

But the film's message is that there is a danger in growing old too fast.

If we suddenly become an adult, we may not be able to live our daily lives in such an uncomplicated way.

As adults, we will have to take lots of responsibility.

We will face a lot of problems as a result of problems at work.

We will also fall in love and face difficulties in our relationships.

On the whole, it seems that life as an adult will be much too complicated for a child.

And the irony of the film is that eventually, when the child becomes an adult, it doesn't take long before he wants to go back to being a child again.

Being an adult gives us freedom, but it comes at a price.

Being a teenager is a process that helps us grow and adapt to life as an adult.

However much we want our freedom, this film teaches us that as children, we are just not ready.

A Student