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The true meaning of success
We have learned about many successful people in our English lessons, such as Olympic medallists, presidents of countries and leaders of famous companies.
I think everyone wants to have a successful career or to be popular among their friends. In terms of academic achievement, success might mean working hard to get good results. When you start working, you need to work hard to get a promotion.
But I don't think these are the only definitions of success.
Too many people think too highly of results and do not realise that the process of getting to that result is more important.
In my opinion, as long as we try our best, we are successful. I am not suggesting that you take your eye off the goal, but good results are not everything.
There is a famous saying: 'To travel hopefully is a better thing than to arrive, and the true success is to labour'. This means we should enjoy what we are doing, and aim high, but not hurry towards a goal of being better or richer or happier.
This is the best attitude towards life. True success comes with hard work and perseverance. We must try to focus on the process, but not just the outcome. As a result, we will be more relaxed and happier in any pursuit.
Pinky Choi Siu-kam, Lui Cheung Kwong Lutheran College (Tuen Mun)
Using drama to practise English
In a recent English lesson, our class performed scenes from William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet.
Everyone tried to make their scene as entertaining as possible by using props. For example, one group used a chair and pretended it was a horse. Another group sang during their scene. Some other students used PowerPoint slides.
All these things made the scenes more interesting.
I had the chance to play two roles, Peter and Paris. My scenes were very emotional. One of them was the scene when everyone is talking about Juliet's death.
We all had to work really hard to display sadness and anger.
I think performing plays is a great way to practise English. Not only do the performers have to focus on speaking English, the audience must focus on what is being said.
Deep Ng, Tin Ka Ping Secondary School
SBA helps us use language naturally
If I had to choose between doing the SBA and an oral exam, I would pick the SBA.
Some of my friends think the SBA kills their interest for reading, and others think it is unfair. But I believe the SBA is a fun, less scary and good way to learn.
The SBA allows us to choose a book we are interested in and talk about it with our peers. We are motivated to read more and talk about what we've read.
For people like me, who get stage fright, the SBA is a less stressful method of testing.
It also encourages us to speak in a more natural way.
The SBA is more lifelike than an oral exam, so it also prepares us for using English with native speakers. I think it is a brilliant examination method.
Rosaline Wong, St Rose of Lima's College
