Source:
https://scmp.com/article/669065/letters

letters

Don't waste your money being trendy

In my opinion, Hong Kong teenagers focus too much on fashion.

They don't need to be stylish and chic. They should focus on getting good grades, not following the latest trends.

Trends change all the time, and most students can't afford to keep up.

Pupils often use their pocket money to purchase the latest designer goods, brand-name products and electronic gadgets. They sometimes even skip lunch so as to have more money. This must affect their studies, since nobody can concentrate when they are hungry.

They may clash with their families because they are spending too much money on clothes and their studies are suffering.

Eventually, they will regret what they have done, and realise they have nothing to show for it.

Following fashion is a complete waste of time and money.

Nicole, POCA Wong Siu Ching Secondary School

We need to be really good at English

Education Secretary Michael Suen Ming-yeung has urged parents to do away with the labelling of schools as 'English medium' or 'Chinese medium'.

He said schools should be free to choose whether classes are taught in English or Chinese.

Whether to teach in English or Chinese has been an issue for many years. In my opinion, it is vital that students learn good English.

To learn the language really well, it is not enough to have lessons in English and read your grammar book. You need to go further. Listen to native English speakers. Try to think in English when you can. Speak English after school.

Ivan Chan, The Chinese Foundation Secondary School

Time management is the key to success

Many people feel they do not have enough time to get things done. Everyone gets 24 hours each day. But some people achieve a lot in this time, while others can't. The difference is time management.

Good time management starts with good planning. Don't leave things to the last minute. Nothing can be done well without preparation.

Do the most challenging tasks first, because they usually need more time and effort.

Take action now. Start by making a timetable. Soon you will find you have extra time to do the things you enjoy.

Osanna Lau, Po Leung Kuk Choi Kai Yau School

Comic idea is goodRecently, Financial Secretary John Tsang Chun-wah gave a talk to some secondary students. He also gave each of them a copy of a comic book called Tomorrow is Today's Future.

This book is about the economic issues Hong Kong is facing. I think the idea is a good one, because youngsters nowadays love reading comics, and as citizens, we have a responsibility to be aware of what is going on in our society.

Janet Chong Cho-man, Pooi To Middle School

Let's stamp out drink driving

I felt very upset after reading about the recent accident in which six people died. This tragedy happened because the truck driver allegedly drove under the influence of alcohol.

It does not seem fair that he was the only one who survived. What will become of the families of those innocent people who died?

I think we need harsher punishment for driving under the influence of alcohol. This would make people more aware of how dangerous it is.

I also think we should start teaching children about this issue at school.

The government should do everything it can to tackle this problem.

Candy, The Chinese Foundation Secondary School