English tips I am writing in response to the letter by Ray Yan Kam-ming headlined, 'Clear the air' (Young Post, October 13). I'm the writer of 'Teacher woe' (Young Post , September 22). You asked me to give you some tips to improve your English. Actually, I'm not very good at the subject myself, but I am using some methods which I find quite effective. Most importantly, you must read newspapers every day. If you think the articles are too difficult to understand, then you can read Young Post. With its simple vocabulary, the paper is suitable for students. Another option is to join a tutorial class. Luckily I have found a good teacher. If you don't know what to do, you can always ask your classmates. I am sure they will help you. Just believe in yourself. SNOW Right stream Form Four is a suitable time for students to choose between the arts and science streams. They can discover their in terests from Form One to Three, when there are fewer subjects to study. Once students reach Form Four, there are so many topics they have to cover that it is impossible to concentrate on what they like. I have chosen the science stream because I like mathematics and science very much. I also want to study additional mathematics. The other reason is that I am a lazy boy, so I don't want to memorise everything. I believe I made the right choice because I have got satisfactory results so far. WILLIAM TSANG Methodist College Lucky brother Our family is proud of my brother who graduated from the Customs officer induction course recently. Nowadays, employees are often forced to choose between a salary cut or the sack. Therefore, most young people prefer to enter government service, which offers a stable and well-paid job. This was the reason behind my brother's decision to join the Customs and Excise Department. Therefore, my brother is a lucky man. He often reminds me, 'School life is the happiest time of your life. You must treasure it.' I really believe my brother has grown up. Finally, I want to congratulate my brother and wish him every success as he takes up another challenge in life. WING Ju Ching Chu Secondary School (Yuen Long) Eye-opener I recently returned from Shanghai after taking part in a student exchange programme. During the six-day trip, we had a lot of fun and exchanged ideas with our counterparts in the city. We compared Shanghai's technology and education with Hong Kong's. Shanghai taught us a few lessons on how to improve the standard of education in the SAR. It was a very meaningful trip, and I made some new friends there. I also learned a lot about the customs of Shanghai people and obviously my Putonghua improved. SHARON CHAN St Francis of Assisi's College Friendly support I'm writing in response to Alex Yeung's letter headlined, 'Study goal' (Young Post, October 5). Only one of my friends is studying with me in Form Six. The others are in another school or are repeating Form Five. Therefore, I understand your feelings. You cannot put too much pressure on your best friend, but continue to encourage him. I am sure he will do his best in the HKCEE. IVY CHEUNG St Francis of Assisi's College Communication skills vital for friendship It is important to learn how to get along with people. There are no textbooks on human relationships. If we have difficulty with a subject, we simply have to follow the teacher's instructions and the problem can be solved. But this cannot be applied to relationships. A few years ago, I alienated my best friend due to my poor interpersonal skills. I did something to her without thinking about the consequences. At that time, I thought I had done the right thing. Unfortunately, this friend has not forgiven me yet. Apart from concentrating on their studies and extracurricular activities, I would like to urge students to learn how to communicate properly. If I had done so, I wouldn't be in this predicament. STUPID SKH Bishop Mok Sau Tseng Secondary School
