However, some teachers would give us more homework than we can handle. And if we forget to do the homework we might be punished.

I think we need to have a little bit more free time.

Wong Yu-chit, SKH Lam Kau Mow Secondary School

Love your pet as you love yourself

Do you have a pet at home? And have you ever abused it?

I have read in the newspaper of how some people cruelly cut off the legs of some stray cats. Just as cruel are owners who abandon their pets only a few months after they have bought them.

I agree with the slogan of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, which says 'Think before you act'.

We should think very carefully. Once we have bought a pet, we should not regret the decision and should not let them get hurt. Love your pet as you love yourself.

Jacqueline Chua, Marymount Secondary School

Inner beauty counts, not plastic surgery

I saw some photographs of local and foreign stars which were taken before and after they entered show business on an internet forum. All the photos showed a dramatic change in their appearances which I suspect is because they have undergone plastic surgery.

Cosmetic surgery not only serves as a means to rebuild the lives of accident victims, but also it helps to enhance the self-esteem of many people. I am not against people who hanker for plastic surgery in order to enhance their looks.

But what I really look for in a person is inner beauty.

Andrew Lau Wai-chu, STFA Tam Pak Yu College

Beauty of charity

Pretty big eyes, fair complexion, tall and slim. Is this the image of a beautiful girl in the minds of most boys? And is the image of an ugly boy is one who has a lot of pimples, wears glasses, is short and a bit fat in the minds of many girls?

I don't think beauty has a fixed definition. For me, charitable people are the most beautiful people.

Mother Theresa, who devoted all her life to serve the poor and terminal ill, must be the prettiest person in the eyes of her admirers.

It's no use being upset with your appearance. Be yourself. More importantly, do voluntary work and you will feel much prettier and more attractive.

Helen Wong Pui-ling, Fung Kai Liu Man Shek Tong Secondary School

Use media to educate public

A few months ago, about 500 animal lovers brought their pets to march from Chater Garden to the Central Government Offices to condemn the police for failing to investigate abuse against stray cats an dogs.

They condemned police apathy towards animals, especially the stray ones.

Cats, dogs and other pets are lovely animals. It's a pity that they are abandoned by their owners. Although some kind people feed the stray pets, I think it can be unhygienic. Diseases may spread. They should take them to the vet for a health check or they can take them to pet homes.

I don't agree with those who accuse the police for being 'cold-blooded' or 'accomplices of murderers'.

I am sure a lot of the police officers love animals too, but their main duty is to prevent crime. The police want citizens to have a peaceful environment to live in.

The best solution is for the government to promote the message of respecting animals on television, radio and newspapers.

Chin Kei-yu, Our Lady of the Rosary College

Thanks Batman for coming to HK

Recently, people went Batman crazy as Hollywood came to Hong Kong to shoot the movie Batman: the Dark Knight Returns. I really proud for my city. I was really pleased when the producers decided to shoot a scene at the International Finance Centre, which is in the central business district.

This will surely raise the international status of Hong Kong when the film is released worldwide.

Christie Chan, Marymount Secondary School

Foreign students a mixed blessing

The ratio of foreign students to local students will increase from 10 per cent to 20 per cent, while the number of Hong Kong students entering university remains unchanged.

Having more foreign students can encourage interaction on campus, with local students developing a deeper understanding of foreign cultures.

Many of these foreign students will stay back to work in Hong Kong after graduating, and this will help to enhance the quality of talent in the territory. But with more foreign students it means more hostels will have to be built in an already land-scarce Hong Kong. In a way, this is a mixed blessing.

Lana, Hang Seng School

Money no solution

Some parents do not spend enough time with their children and just give them lots of money to compensate for their guilt.

I think love does not equal money. Children need parental love and care because this will make them feel secure and wanted, otherwise they will might go astray. Parents should talk to their children every night before they go to bed.

Ng Hung-hei, Precious Blood Secondary School