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SCMP Reporter

What do you think of the new exam grading system?

As a Form Four student, I am confused by the new grading scheme.

Although the new language assessment scheme seems to be fairer and more helpful to both students and employers, I find it very confusing.

Even teachers and parents are finding it difficult to understand  the changes.

I think the new system will put more pressure on students.

Most of them worry about their own performance since it is difficult to know what percentage of students will achieve Level 5.

The Examinations and Assessment Authority has not given enough guidance to schools, teachers, parents or pupils.

Daisy Chan,  Chai Wan

I like the new grading system. I think it will be much fairer and a more accurate reflection of  students' abilities.

It will also be good for employers, as it will more accurately show the language abilities of a student.

Some employers have complained that some  students who got high grades under the old system, in two languages, once they joined the company, turned out to struggle with both languages.

I think the new system will benefit employers and students.

Philip Wai, Kwun Tong

What should be done to help curb child abuse?

It has been reported that child abuse  is on the increase.

Our society should be doing more to protect these young people who are future pillars of Hong Kong.

Laws that protect children are not strong enough.

There must be more comprehensive laws and tougher punishments so that the message sent out is clear, that society regards any abuse of children as serious.

I support the suggestion that has been put forward of establishing a children's commission.

Such a commission would not just meet the needs of children, but could also  provide consulting services for parents from problem families.  The commission could act as a middleman.

It could help parents who have work and drug abuse  problems and refer them to the relevant government departments.

Interviews with children and frequent visits to schools and public estates would help to reveal  domestic violence.

In this way, tragedies could be prevented if suitable help and support were provided early.

June Lee Man-yi, Kwun Tong

I read an increasing number of newspaper reports of child abuse.

This is a serious problem and we have to face up to it.  Parents are the key to the problem. Therefore, it is crucial that we are able to help them to solve their difficulties.

First, a lot of parents are under a great deal of pressure at work.  They can get angry and  take it out on their  children.

It is important that help is at hand to help ease the tension  parents feel. It is important to try and help them find positive ways to release their tension and anger.

They can  ease any problems they have with their boss by kicking and punching a sandbag, and this will help release the strain they are feeling about their job and about their boss.

They can also use up their excess energy by doing  push-ups.

They will feel better after they have done this exercise and would be less likely to take out their frustrations on their children.

Another reason for the growing problem of child abuse is that there are more  underage, unmarried mothers in Hong Kong these days.

Most of them are not well educated and they do not know how to be  responsible.

Because they cannot cope, they may use abusive language or hit their child.

I suggest that teenagers should  take more precautions. They should avoid having intimate relations at such an early age.

Teenagers have to think very seriously before embarking on such a relationship, because they have to live with the consequences of their actions.

Parents have to understand that their children need patience and love.

Parents need to spend more time talking with their children so they can understand each other more.

Planning more family activities can also help to narrow  the generation gap.

If more parents acted in this way, I think the incidence of child abuse would drop.

Schools and the media also have a role to play.

For instance, teachers  can teach students how to be good children and learn how to respect their parents.

Advertising campaigns can promote the message  against child abuse and the message can also be put across in drama series and films.

Lau Kwok-piu, Sau Mau Ping

What can be done to combat the mosquito problem?

The mosquito problem is made worse by the hot and humid weather.

Members of the public have to be alert and   identify potential breeding sites and report them to the relevant government department.

The hot weather is a warning from nature and we can all do our bit.

For example, we can take public transport instead of using cars and help to reduce  greenhouse gas emissions.

Mau Chun-lok, Tsz Wan Shan

Mosquitoes breed mainly  on hot and rainy days.

While temperatures are high and where there is a lot of waste water, everyone has to be aware that mosquitoes find it easy to breed.

Therefore, we all have to keep our living areas clean and clear of waste water.  If we all take responsibility for our living areas, the mosquito problem will  ease.

It is very simple. We all need to put our waste in covered bins.

If we have plants, we also have to clear any excess water in the tray. If we change it regularly, we can ensure that the environment in which we live  is cleaner and safer.

Mosquitoes transmit diseases, so we have to take this issue seriously in order to protect our health.

Philip Wai, Kwun Tong



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