It can seem like we never learned anything at school.

What's even more pitiful is that students memorise sample essays so that they can achieve brilliant results in their written papers.

Getting good grades comes before anything else for most, and matters of morality are left far behind.

I believe we learn because we want to expand our horizons, not just because we want to fare well in exams.

Unfortunately, that's not what the current exam system puts the emphasis on.

If nothing is done by the government to amend the education system, future generations will face unimaginable difficulties.

By that time, it will be too late to have regrets.

Lai Yan-ki, Cheung Chuk Shan College

Trading standards

I'm writing about the recall in the US of some products made in China.

In my opinion, products made in China have been shoddy. However, I think quality has improved.

The US and China are responsible for the tension in trade. I know that some US companies have asked factories in China to produce substandard products. Now the US government has recalled these goods.

Obviously, this is unfair. China is developing quickly and the US is worried about it threatening its position in the world.

The US has used this trick to hinder growth in China's economy.

China shouldn't use a tit-for-tat gesture to take revenge against the US.

Few of products made in China are really below standard but it should improve any problems as soon as possible.

There aren't any benefits in counter-attacking.

It's not only the mainland government that has a responsibility to improve production, factories also need to do better.

The government should monitor quality rigorously and educate people about how important it is to manufacture high standard goods.

Factories must also make goods carefully.

If the mainland government handles this problem rapidly, the US won't have any reason to recall products made in China again.

Ka Ling-fung, Kai Liu Man Shek Tong Secondary School

Thinking about friends

Friendship is important. Have you ever heard people say that making friends is useless? Do they think that they can life well without them? I tell you, that thought is absolutely wrong.

In my opinion, friends are just as important as parents. Friends are reliable and they can give you confidence at every turn.

The amount of time you spend with your friends is more than the time you spend with your family.

You study with them in the same classroom, you eat lunch with them and you consult on your homework together.

Friends do not betray you. You can share your secrets with them.

When you are happy, they are happy for you.

When you are sad, they are sad too.

Friends are the people who share happiness and sorrow. You can not live your life without them.

Tang Chor-kiu, Tsuen Wan Public Ho Chuen Yiu Memorial College

Fight for a blue sky

The air quality in Hong Kong is getting worse and worse.

Every day when you watch than weather report, you notice that the air pollution index is rising.

Although the government has already set up legislation to minimise the pollution caused by vehicle smoke emissions and other sources, the action being taken is insufficient.

It's very important to raise the awareness of citizens about the importance of environmental protection and about keeping our air clean in particular.

The Action Blue Sky Campaign that was launched last year by the Chief Executive with the slogan: 'All of the city participate to fight for a blue sky' has definitely caught the public's attention.

We are all responsible for cleaning up the air and fighting air pollution.

If we all work together, we won't be far from a clear blue sky.

Zoe Leung, Marymount Secondary School

Bad language - bad society

We've been told to be polite and not to use filthy language since we were children.

Despite that, I hear filthy language spoken by students everywhere.

They may think that using this sort of language is entertaining and fun, but the reality is that Hong Kong's social morality will become increasingly barbaric as a consequence.

Students should be polite and respectful in school, but they use filthy language to attack someone or simply for fun.

That approach to school makes everyone involved feel either sad or annoyed.

Some students use filthy language because they are influenced by their elders.

Some parents use bad language in front of their children. They think it's not a problem.

But this is a vicious circle that will not stop if adults keep using bad language.

This is a serious problem! Let's clean up our language.

If we don't want society to become barbaric, stop using filthy language and be a polite student.

Chow Ka-wing