We saw many of our friends perform on the stage.

The teachers had put in a lot of effort to make sure the performance was a great success. And it was!

We were very happy because the audience enjoyed the show.

We are looking forward to our next musical when we hope to put on an even better show.

Vankie, SKH Lam Kau Mow Secondary School

Learn more about the outside world

I'm writing in response to the article 'Pupils show ignorance about world affairs' (South China Morning Post, November 5).

Students have little knowledge about the outside world and this is not a good phenomenon.

Youngsters think that world affairs are irrelevant and boring, a survey has revealed.

They don't even know much about global events that happened in Hong Kong, such as the ministerial conference of the World Trade Organisation two years ago.

They are not interested in international affairs because they believe it won't help them gain higher marks in exams.

This is a bad attitude. Students in Hong Kong are too exam-oriented.

We should broaden our horizons by paying attention to what's happening around the world.

Besides, it was revealed that teenagers like to read articles about celebrities, fashion, music and movies the most. However, such stories can only entertain us when we are bored - they cannot inspire us.

Nowadays, we can get information from different sources, such as TV programmes, newspapers and the internet.

Apart from having more exposure to the outside world, we can, at the same time, improve our language and analytical skills. Reading a newspaper is just like reading several short stories a day.

If you think like this, you could develop your curiosity about the outside world and broaden your horizons.

Chan Hiu-tung, Our Lady of the Rosary College

A waste of time

I am a Form Four student. I would like to express my views about a government proposal to help schools use Putonghua as the medium of instruction for Chinese language.

It is believed that the plan, which is estimated to cost HK$200 million, will help raise language standards among students in Hong Kong.

I totally disagree with this view.

We don't use Putonghua in our day-to-day lives. Cantonese is our mother tongue, so Putonghua should not be used for language lessons.

After the lessons, we will quickly forget what we have been taught.

I believe this is a waste of time.

To Kwan-wai, PLK Centenary Li Shiu Chung Memorial College

Rash comments about Mao

Casino tycoon Steve Wynn is fortunate that China's influence does not extend as far as Las Vegas, because his recent comments about Mao Zedong were ill-advised.

Describing Mao as an 'imbecile', Mr Wynn told a gathering of investment advisers that the communist revolutionary 'almost ruined' his country.

Although many people do not agree with Mao's revolutionary ideas, few would be as bold as Mr Wynn.

I believe we should adopt a more reasonable approach when discussing such tricky issues.

We should not be swayed by other people's opinions.

Then we can avoid another 'Wynn incident'.

Edmond Rostand, St Paul's College

Make good use of school computers

Students should make good use of classroom computers.

We have a morning assembly in school every day.

But our hall cannot accommodate all students, so we have a central announcement system which is connected to the classroom computers. This is so cool because we can watch the assembly with our classmates.

Sometimes, students are naughty. They use classroom computers to play games, listen to music, or watch music videos or films.

Once, I watched a music video with some of my classmates and I was punished.

After that, we never used the classroom computer for fun again.

The school installed a computer in every class with the aim of improving the learning environment.

Therefore, remember to use your classroom computers in the right way.

Ko Sze-tung, Fanling Lutheran Secondary School

Adulthood brings new challenges

I'm 17 years old. Next year, I will be an adult.

To be honest, I don't want to be a grown-up and shoulder so many responsibilities.

I would have to get a job and feed my family.

I cannot expect others to help me.

Everything must change in order to be a responsible adult.

At the same time, I realise that I should be more optimistic because adulthood is another stage of my life.

We have to be ready for the unexpected challenges.

The changes may sometimes be uncomfortable for us. However, if we get used to the changes, we can have a successful career and really enjoy life.

Leung Hau-tung