Many Chinese companies are the opposite. Recently, there was a toy factory in Shenzhen which used poisonous chemicals in order to lower production costs. And these toys were exported overseas. A child accidentally put the toy in his mouth and went into a coma.

In another case, a brand of canned pork made on the mainland was recalled after a sample was found to contain a chemical that causes cancer.

These producers seldom think about how to improve the quality of goods, but focus on how to earn more money.

In order to maintain a good relationship with overseas countries and establish a good reputation, I think the Chinese government should act now. It should carry out regular random-checks on export goods. It should also ban all poisonous chemicals there should be hasher punishments for illegal production.

The key to success is to build up a positive image and a good reputation. Quality is much more important than quantity. If the reputation of the company is good, customers will come back.

Cheung Man-yee, Our Lady of the Rosary College

The honest option

Recently, I got very low marks in English dictation. I only got one mark. It was a recited dictation and I missed the longest sentence. It made me lose 90 marks.

In past dictations, I got 80 to 90 marks. How can I face my parents? Should I be honest or lie?

I chose to be honest and was given a big punishment. Some of my classmates would have lied, but that is not a good way to solve problems.

I suggest you tell to your parents when you are in trouble. You won't regret it if you are honest.

Chan Wai-yiu, Pentecostal Lam Hon Kwong School

No time to spare

I'm writing in response to the letter 'Burdened by too much homework' published on December 3.

The writer reflected the situation of most students in Hong Kong.

Too much homework distracts students from self-learning and all their leisure time is spent on study.

Too little time is allotted to exercise and hobbies.

When students do not have time to relax, it can lead to physical and emotional health problems.

If the quantity of homework is reduced, students will have more time to handle what they can and the quality of their work will increase.

U Ka-chun, Fung Kai Liu Man Shek Tong Secondary School

Second in science

According to an international survey of academic performance in secondary schools, Hong Kong science students are second best in the world. In the Programme for International Student Assessment (Pisa), published by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, Hong Kong came second only to Finland.

The 2006 test, which had a special focus on science, was more comprehensive than in previous years, and involved more than 400,000 students from 57 countries.

After reading about this survey, I was happy that Hong Kong students performed so well.

Students are the future of society and it's a good thing that they are top performers.

Melody Chan

Cheering for the team

Do you think sports day is boring? I don't.

I was in the cheer-leading team this year and really enjoyed it.

After the opening ceremony, the races started. My most memorable event was the 3,000 metres, which lasted 20 minutes. At first I was very bored, but we all stood up and cheered for our athletes. After 10 minutes, it got more exciting.

No one could run as fast as our athletes. We cheered them on and we won the race!

The next competition was for best cheerleading team and we were declared champions.

The most important thing I learnt was team spirit.

Now I'm looking forward to next year's sports day.

Chan Suet-kiu, Ma Ko Pan Memorial College

Celebrating the season

In Hong Kong, we are lucky enough to have a lot of festivals to celebrate every year. The thing I like most about them is that people have to give love in order to receive it back.

Events like Christmas and Chinese New Year are a good chance for us to take a break from work and send cards and gifts to our friends and family.

They may be over-commercialised but the basic truth remains, we are always nicer to others during holidays.

Maureen Cheung, Hang Seng School of Commerce

Making a speechOn the speech day, the moment obtained the greatest applause was the presentation of Certificates of Long Service to members to staff.

When our teacher stepped onto the stage, students, guests, all the people in the hall passionately clapped their hands. It is definitely the touching moment in the life of a teacher and it is a great encouragement to continue working to share knowledge with students.

Nevertheless, clapping alone cannot fully express our respect.

Concentrating on the lessons and answering teacher's question is the best way to show our appreciation.

Hay Kwan