I think he died suddenly because he was under so much pressure from the paparazzi.

Jackson's 1982 album Thriller put him on top of the entertainment world. The media was obsessed with him and portrayed him as a monster and a freak.

They turned a blind eye to his emotions, ignoring the fact that this megastar was just another human being.

All the publicity embarrassed Jackson whose single They Don't Care About Us seems to sum up his life. And in Childhood, he sang: 'Before you judge me, try hard to love me. Look within your heart then ask, have you seen my childhood?'

No matter what the paparazzi said, Jackson will always be a true legend, hero and pop icon in our hearts.

Veedy Mak

Aim for balanced school life

Some parents say extra-curricular activities are a waste of time. If they are scrapped, students can leave school earlier and have more time to do their homework and revision, they say.

I don't agree. Participating in extra-curricular activities helps students relax and develop all-round skills. It can also enhance their self-esteem and widen their horizons.

Students who join school clubs can make more friends and learn to obey rules.

I don't think extra-curricular activities will hinder students' academic performance.

Parents should support their children and help them come up with a proper timetable. It is important to strike a balance between studies and extra-curricular activities.

Mandy Chau Yuen-man, Leung Shek Chee College

Studying abroad a great experience

I have been studying in Britain for the past four years. I still remember the first day I arrived at the boarding school.

I was 13 years old and had never been so far away from home. My mother dropped me off and I was left surrounded by new faces in an unfamiliar environment.

I spent the first few weeks walking to school alone and did not make any effort to make new friends.

I was really homesick and wished I was still at my old school in Hong Kong where all my friends were.

As the school term progressed, I realised I had to make an effort to adjust to the new surroundings.

With a positive attitude, I was surprised how quickly I made new friends. I got used to the English culture and learned new words, like 'the loo' (meaning toilet), 'rubber' (eraser) and 'pudding' (another word for dessert).

I had to switch from chopsticks to the fork and knife and pasta replaced my usual bowl of rice.

I took part in various sports, including lacrosse, netball and cricket.

If you get the chance to study abroad, grab it with both hands. It is a fascinating experience.

Susan Chen