We should focus on the subjects' main objectives rather than also trying to learn Putonghua.

It is true that learning Chinese-related subjects in Putonghua can force students to practise the language, but it will lower the effectiveness of learning the other aspects of those subjects.

Putonghua is not our mother tongue, and makes it difficult for us to understand the lessons.

If there is a need for Hong Kong students to raise their proficiency in Putonghua, we should add lessons to the Putonghua classes only. I think all Chinese-related subjects in Hong Kong secondary schools should be taught in Cantonese.

Jayla Lai Lok-hang, Tsuen Wan Public Ho Chuen Yiu Memorial College

Learn to be a smart consumer

It is really worrying that more teenagers are spending a lot of money on electronic gadgets. Using a credit card can give you a false sense of spending. There is an old saying 'out of sight, out of mind'. It is really important for teens, especially someone who is keen on keeping up with everyone else, to learn not to always buy the latest and greatest.

Many teens buy these electronic gadgets thinking they will impress their friends. They think they will look rich and trendy. But they soon get tired of them and want the next latest thing.

This is not only unwise consumerism but also bad for the worsening landfill situation.

We should learn self-discipline as consumers because it is crucial to our lives and our environment.

Chris Ho, Man Kiu College

Sport is great for health and social life

Playing sports helps us to be strong. Sports require strength, commitment, strategy and fair play. We need to play sports. It makes us stronger and more powerful.

We should do some sport every day to stay healthy.

Everyone should try to do some physical activity for at least half an hour a day. It can be any type of sports, like hockey, running, football or basketball - it doesn't matter.

Playing sports is also important for social reasons. It's a great way to make new friends and learn to work with others. It also teaches us to be patient and brave.

There are many good reasons for playing sports. Young people should give sports a try. It is good for the body and mind.

Ken Lai Chun-pan, Wan Yan College

Be considerate to the disabled

It is time people showed more respect to the disabled in public places. Every day at MTR stations, you see perfectly strong people waiting for the lift or using ramps built for people in wheelchairs.

We should think about who these facilities were built for. Anyone who can climb stairs or ride an escalator should be considerate. Leave the lifts and ramps for those with special needs.

The next time you want to use public facilities, look around and see if there is someone who really needs to use it first. Rather than thinking of ourselves all the time, think of people who are less fortunate.

Lee Shuk-fan

Short stories help your English

I believe students can improve their English by reading short stories rather than studying grammar books.

First, short stories can be either fiction or non-fiction.

Second, they are full of different characters and interesting plots. Reading them will enrich students' writing skills and imagination.

Third, they are quick to read, which keeps students interested, one of the most important factors in learning.

Finally, if teachers gave us short English stories to read, our grammar would improve. We would not find lessons dull. We would want to read English books every day.

Katrina Lau