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SCMP Reporter

How can we improve English standards?
In his letter (Talkback, October 20), Craig Gibson claims that the standard of English teachers in Hong Kong is poor.
As a  native-English-speaking secondary school teacher, I would like to rebuff this  point.
From what I have seen so far, secondary English teachers work tirelessly for the benefit of both their students and themselves. I have yet to meet a secondary English teacher with poor English skills.
Furthermore, many of my colleagues, and I,  have or are in the process of obtaining higher degrees.
Other than this, Mr Gibson's claim brings to light some very salient issues that need to be addressed.
Ranulph Hayward, Sha Tin
The older generation in Hong Kong welcomed the chance to learn English because they knew it was important to their careers and  their lives.
However, the education system has changed.
Students place less emphasis on the importance of learning English, and so English standards have deteriorated.
I think it is important to try  to get young people more interested in the language.
The style of teaching in schools is tedious. Especially in primary schools, teachers should take a more lively approach in the classroom to  hold the attention of the children.
I suggest the use of games and reading English nursery rhymes.
In secondary school, I would suggest screening English-language films, for instance, and having an English fun day and an English singing contest.
These can all help young people gain a better understanding of the language. It is up to teachers to take the initiative and help students become fond of learning English.
However, we cannot just rely on teachers to raise the standard of English.
The government should collaborate with schools and make changes to the ossified education system.
For example, small-class teaching should be introduced and more funds should be allocated so that schools can hire a larger number of native-English-speaking teachers.
It is up to the individual schools and the government to assume the responsibility to help Hong Kong students perfect their English.
Jacky Tse Ching-lok, Tsz Wan Shan
Should free baby formula be given out in hospitals?
Everyone should know that there is no such thing as a free meal.
All the hospitals in Hong Kong are in the same situation - they receive free milk formula  from different manufacturers. If the companies do not want to benefit from this practice, why would they do it in the first place?
They are taking this opportunity to give free baby formula  to persuade  mothers to choose their product when  their babies have become accustomed  to it.
This appears to be depriving mothers of the opportunity  to make their own choices; therefore, hospitals should not accept any free products from any companies.
Besides, it has been claimed that this practice violates World Health Organisation codes ('Formula milk firms defend hospital freebies', October 14).
It does not help when the hospitals promote breastfeeding but continue to receive and supply the infant formula.
The Hospital Authority should be dealing with this matter far more efficiently than it has done.
Olivia Chow, Kowloon City
Should there be laws to control light pollution?
You see neon lights all over Hong Kong. It does not matter where you are - Mong Kok, Central or Causeway Bay - you cannot escape them.
These neon [and other kinds of] lights sometimes illuminate advertising billboards and your attention is drawn to the product being promoted. But they are also a major cause of light pollution.
A simple solution would be to introduce laws restricting the size of neon lights and the length of time they can be turned on.
However, there is a problem with passing such laws. Hong Kong is famous for its neon lights. Many tourists look forward to seeing the harbour at night, with its neon signs on top of the high-rise buildings.
If strict regulations are imposed, this spectacular view could disappear and some people might decide not to visit Hong Kong.
Economic factors are always considered to be a high priority, but what about environmental factors? Light pollution may not be a serious problem for some residents, but it does adversely affect animals. Nocturnal animals are especially sensitive when it comes to the intensity of some lights.
If lights are too bright, it can affect their life cycle. For example, it must be very difficult for owls, which hunt when it is dark.
I think we do need to enact some laws to control this form of pollution. Apart from helping animals, it can ensure those residents who are affected by strong lights can enjoy a good night's sleep.
B. Leung, Lai Chi Kok
I strongly support the idea of expediting legislation to ease the severe light-pollution problem in Hong Kong.
The reason  is twofold. First and foremost, we cannot tolerate a deteriorating situation.
Even at midnight in Mong Kok, you can still see neon lights on. It does not even feel as if it is night. How can residents have a proper night's sleep with all these billboards lit up?
These upmarket fashion firms which use the lights to advertise their products do not seem to care about our Earth. They care more about making a profit than trying to be environmentally friendly.
The government should take prompt action now to stop shops from keeping exterior lights on at night and lit-up billboards.
Our officials can no longer turn a blind eye to this problem.
Zalon Wong,  To Kwa Wan
How can people be more sustainable consumers?
If individuals have something they no longer want, they can give it to a charity.
Also, they should think more carefully before buying a commodity and ask themselves if they really need it, so that they can minimise the number of unnecessary items they purchase.
They should not buy a new product if the old one at home is still in good working order.
For example, many young people love buying new mobile phones and just throw away the old model. This increases the waste and level of pollution in Hong Kong. It is not environmentally friendly.
Education is the key to  achieving sustainable consumption. It is especially important to get the message across to young people. Therefore, the government should incorporate sustainable consumption into school curriculums.
Anita Fung, Hung Hom



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