Her methods include giving us long and difficult dictations. More than half of us are unable to pass such tests.

As a result, I believe the teacher's methods are counterproductive.

Meanwhile, our PE teacher prefers to go easy on us so that we can develop our interest in a sport at our own pace.

Her method has been quite successful and many of us play basketball because of her.

I believe that if she expected us to exert ourselves constantly, we would lose our motivation.

I think the best method is to start easy at first and progress from there.

Chan Sing-leong, STFA Tam Pak Yu College

Our political culture needs more civility

During a recent question-and-answer session on the chief executive's policy address, two lawmakers were expelled from the Legislative Council.

They were deemed to be too belligerent and disruptive.

In fact, I think the problem was caused by the chief executive.

During the Q&A, he failed to answer questions by the legislators.

Yet he accused a vocal legislator of resorting to 'thug-like behaviour' and said the chamber was not 'a place for triad societies'.

I agree that legislators should present their views and criticisms in a calm and dignified manner.

However, the chief executive made a mistake by using words that belittled others. It was not honourable and his reputation has suffered.

In addition, the chief executive should be willing to answer legislators' questions. He should not try to avoid dealing with criticism.

Whatever political disagreements we may have, we need to have mutual respect for one another.

Lui Sheung-yin, King Ling College

We can't just blame the top 1 per cent

I am writing in response to recent articles that have highlighted the rich-poor divide around the world.

Members of the Occupy Wall Street movement claim they belong to 'the 99 per cent' of people who have suffered financially from the greed of the top 1 per cent.

It is undeniable that there is a widening gap between the rich and the poor. This hurts our ingrained notions of fairness. Many people believe that everyone should have the same opportunities as well as responsibilities.

Protesters have blamed capitalism for widening the gap between haves and have-nots.

While the top 1 per cent are living in luxury, many less-well-off people, especially the young, are finding it harder just to make ends meet.

Rich people use their wealth to shape legislation so as to protect their influence and increase their wealth.

In Hong Kong, too, there is a huge difference between the rich and the poor. While the former live in palatial homes, many of the poor languish in miserable cage-homes.

Yet I don't think we should blame the rich for all our social ills.

Many people need to learn to work harder and be more competitive in their jobs.

We cannot just expect good things to fall in our lap.

Christie Lam Man-ting

Liberal studies needs adjustment

Under the new 3+3+4 school curriculum, liberal studies has become a core subject that every student must take.

The intention behind that move is good. It lets students dig deeper into social issues in Hong Kong so they become more aware of problems.

We learn about green issues, globalisation, democracy, self-identity and many more subjects.

What I disagree with is the need for exams in liberal studies. The subject is about careful observation and critical thinking. It is hard to assess students' ability in liberal studies in an exam.

Many students find it hard to study for their liberal studies exams. So, all they do is take a pile of facts and memorise them.

Rather than expect students to reel off facts and figures, we should encourage them to pay more attention to the world around them.

Heidi Chan, St Paul's Co-Educational College