S5 Popular Culture

Our Strength To Achievements You may think that [blank_start]inventions[blank_end] cannot be found in Hong Kong, however, many people are making every [blank_start]effort[blank_end] to improve our lives and their works have got great [blank_start]recognition[blank_end]. Take Chan Yik Hei as an example. He got second prize in an international fair for his a robot and therefore, an asteroid is [blank_start]named[blank_end] after him. He was [blank_start]admitted[blank_end] by the HKUST for an undergraduate programme even though he had not finished S.5. We have to [blank_start]thank[blank_end] Sir Charles Kuen Kao for the [blank_start]speedy[blank_end] Internet connection. He invented the way to use glass fibre optics to [blank_start]transfer[blank_end] signals. He was awarded the Nobel Prize and has become the [blank_start]pride[blank_end] of Hong Kong. Never should we forget that [blank_start]talents[blank_end] in Hong Kong are working with great [blank_start]dedication[blank_end] and commitment. Never should we forget that talents in Hong Kong can also be internationally famous. Never should we forget that Hong Kong people can make wonders. Never should we forget that the only [blank_start]limit[blank_end] to our achievements is the [blank_start]strength[blank_end] of our dreams and your willingness to work for them.

Competition Is Not Human Nature Some people think that [blank_start]human genes[blank_end] like to [blank_start]compete[blank_end] with others, and they say that rivalries and competition is a big part in human [blank_start]progress[blank_end]. However, advances in human societies do not only stem from competition and competition can never enhance our [blank_start]quality of life[blank_end]. Let us look at some examples in human history. Cai Lun [blank_start]invented[blank_end] paper to [blank_start]facilitate[blank_end] the spread of ideas and communication. Zhang Heng made the armillary sphere to allow better [blank_start]observation[blank_end] of stars and natural disasters. Bi Sheng created a movable type of technology and helped printing work. Nobel invented dynamite to [blank_start]minimize[blank_end] the dangers of transport workers. The real purpose of all these breakthroughs was to make people’s lives better and [blank_start]easier[blank_end]. The scientists worked so hard to [blank_start]overcome[blank_end] the difficulties of inventing, not because they had joined a competition, but out of [blank_start]empathy[blank_end] and sympathy. These advances were not achieved via rivalry or [blank_start]hostility[blank_end]. Obviously, competition only [blank_start]strengthens[blank_end] people’s selfishness. It is a personal desire and [blank_start]want[blank_end] which takes away our kindness. Only selfish people with a wicked agenda would try to [blank_start]rationalize[blank_end] and normalize competition. Competition can neither [blank_start]improve[blank_end] our quality of life nor give us peace of mind. On the contrary, it only [blank_start]stimulates[blank_end] people’s desires and strengthens our selfishness and greed. Competition can neither [blank_start]promotes[blank_end] collaboration nor [blank_start]harmony[blank_end]. On the contrary, it only leads to [blank_start]twisted[blank_end] values and brings a more [blank_start]disturbed[blank_end] life.

Sports Stars -- Should they be Role Models Because of Their Talents? Nowadays, it is not [blank_start]uncommon[blank_end] to see teenagers regard sport superstars as their role models. Yet, the question of [blank_start]whether[blank_end] athletes should be taken as role models has become debatable and [blank_start]controversial[blank_end]. We all agree that sports figures with talents should be [blank_start]admired[blank_end], but they should not be considered as role models because of their talents only. Although these athletes may also contribute to the community by donating money to charity or helping the underprivileged, [blank_start]they[blank_end] should deserve our respect only. To take someone as a role model, we need to consider their personal [blank_start]qualities[blank_end]. Then, we can find that even [blank_start]ordinary[blank_end] people can be our role models. Take my co-worker as an example. She takes care of a little girl [blank_start]abandoned[blank_end] by her parents; and that my neighbor, a single-mother, works two jobs to send her children to college. True role models are not the ones who are [blank_start]blessed with[blank_end] a talent, but are people who are [blank_start]willing to sacrifice[blank_end] themselves to help those who are in [blank_start]despair[blank_end]. What can move people deeply is not talent, but what these people do to leave a [blank_start]mark[blank_end] in the lives and hearts of the others. This [blank_start]discovery[blank_end] helps me set my [blank_start]life goal[blank_end]: I do not need to rich or famous, but I should be a man who makes our world a better place by being a sincere and [blank_start]selfless[blank_end] person. I [blank_start]hope[blank_end] young people can learn this: role model is not just a person who can play sports well, but should be a person with [blank_start]excellent[blank_end] personal qualities.

Try Something New Abroad Many Hong Kong students hope for a carefree, [blank_start]independent[blank_end] study life overseas, but due to [blank_start]financial[blank_end] constraints, it is not [blank_start]affordable[blank_end] to every family. Koey, a Hong Kong girl, is lucky enough to study in the United Kingdom. Not surprisingly, she chose to leave Hong Kong before her DSE examinations. She had been thinking of studying [blank_start]abroad[blank_end] since she was in S.4 as she believed that she couldn’t enter university in HK, no matter [blank_start]how hard[blank_end] she tried. She left Hong Kong after S.5 and she enjoyed her life very much [blank_start]there[blank_end]. Koey decided to go to the UK earlier because of the [blank_start]immense[blank_end] exam pressure, and she would like to adapt to the new learning environment better. She attended a one-year foundation course on commerce in London before [blank_start]taking[blank_end] a undergraduate programme on Marketing in Manchester. When comparing her studies in the UK [blank_start]with[blank_end] that in HK, Koey admitted that she felt more [blank_start]at ease[blank_end] abroad. First, she had spent one year preparing for the course before leaving HK. So, she could handle the course with ease and she got used to the new syllabus more easily. In addition, with less study pressure, she found it more [blank_start]relaxing to[blank_end] interact with people and learn. Although the work in university was much more difficult, [blank_start]it[blank_end] was much more challenging and intriguing as they were [blank_start]no longer[blank_end] based on rote memorization or the marking scheme. In the eye of Koey, self-discipline and initiative [blank_start]were important[blank_end] because attendance was never counted. When she [blank_start]faced[blank_end] difficulties in her studies, she had to dig up answers from the Internet or the library or seek help from professors and discuss the problems with them. This learning process [blank_start]enhanced[blank_end] her critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and therefore, equipped her [blank_start]with confidence[blank_end] for challenges in the future.

Why Are Our Children Stressed So Much? Nowadays, it is really [blank_start]upsetting[blank_end] to see our young generation suffering from exam stress. Students are under [blank_start]tension[blank_end] showing insomnia, eating disorders and even suicidal attempts. As the problem gets [blank_start]more serious[blank_end], medical staff are needed to help them [blank_start]cope with[blank_end] their emotional problems. Now the government is considering training more [blank_start]professionals[blank_end] to look for symptoms of stress particularly in May and June. The [blank_start]reasons[blank_end] for the anxiety are TSA and DSE. To prepare students, schools are giving students tests and revision. A lot of students cannot cope with the [blank_start]burden[blank_end] form homework, tests and exams. Parents also add more pressure to their children. Many parents ask for excellent results from their children [blank_start]unreasonably[blank_end]. Now there is increasing [blank_start]effort[blank_end] from teachers, schools and organizations in organizing stress [blank_start]relief[blank_end] workshops. Some teachers have begun to use [blank_start]alternative[blank_end] ways to test students to help students release their pressure, when they all understand that the examination system cannot be changed [blank_start]overnight[blank_end]. People also [blank_start]blame[blank_end] the society because it only focuses on exam scores. The society should never attach too much emphasis to academic [blank_start]achievements[blank_end]. [blank_start]Instead[blank_end], they should pay more attention to children’s mental health and holistic development. Nevertheless, some people believe that our [blank_start]irresponsible and immature[blank_end] teenagers need to work harder, and a reasonable level of stress can act as [blank_start]motivation[blank_end] for them to achieve higher goals.

What’s Wrong With The Education System? Youngsters are our [blank_start]future[blank_end] and the hope of a society, but is this still true when they become so [blank_start]desperate[blank_end] to end their own lives because they are suffering from various kinds of pressure? When looking at the teenagers, the problem of their committing suicide in HK has been [blank_start]worrying[blank_end]. A Primary Six boy jumped to his death [blank_start]due to[blank_end] study pressure; a 12-year-old girl cut her wrist after family tension, two students killed themselves on this same day…. These teenagers are certainly the [blank_start]victims[blank_end] of the deteriorating problem. While schools and teachers are blaming the education system for bringing much pressure to students, they are worsening the situation [blank_start]in the name of[blank_end] helping students. Now, to solve the problem, they are [blank_start]urging[blank_end] the government to promote economic diversity, so as not to [blank_start]over-emphasize[blank_end] academic results. They hope that students can then [blank_start]find a way out[blank_end] on their career path according to their own interests and talents. Parents could also be one of the [blank_start]major[blank_end] reasons of the problem. Nowadays teenagers have to meet their parents’ [blank_start]unreasonable[blank_end] expectations because many parents consider a university degree [blank_start]essential[blank_end] to a successful career. In this way, students are forced to handle heavy workload and [blank_start]deal with[blank_end] endless exams, but without [blank_start]much[blank_end] emotional support at home. Worse still, since 1997, the government has [blank_start]carried out[blank_end] many education reforms. Not only teachers, but students are also [blank_start]confused[blank_end] and tired. Ironically, under the New Senior Secondary (NSS) System, students have decided to give up and the better-off families are sending their children [blank_start]abroad[blank_end]. All in all, if we say robust youngsters [blank_start]lead to[blank_end] a strong country, when our young people find their lives so [blank_start]gloomy[blank_end], will there still be hope for Hong Kong’s future?

University Students Should Be Allowed To Work While world-class universities [blank_start]ban[blank_end] students from taking part-time jobs during term time, universities in Hong Kong do not impose such a rule. Although some people may argue that part-time jobs [blank_start]occupy[blank_end] much time of students and thus adversely affect their studies, I believe the universities in Hong Kong are more [blank_start]sensible[blank_end] in this decision. Some students need a part-time job to earn a living, and to make both ends meet. The cost of living in big cities has been [blank_start]sky-rocketing[blank_end]: the price of commodities is unbelievably high, while other basic necessities are rising with inflation. As we are fully aware that some parents have [blank_start]financial difficulties[blank_end], it is inappropriate for these young adults to put more burden on their parents by asking for pocket money. Therefore, these students would like to have a job so that they can be [blank_start]financially independent[blank_end] as well as reduce the burden of their parents. Their intention is practical and [blank_start]understandable[blank_end], and it is absurd to stop university students from being [blank_start]responsible[blank_end] for their own growth and spending. While most people [blank_start]discourage[blank_end] university students from working because they think part-time jobs may affect students’ studies, I am afraid a university student is expected to manage his time effectively and efficiently to [blank_start]accomplish[blank_end] different tasks. It is a part of his personal growth. Students should be allowed to [blank_start]make[blank_end] choices and mistakes without very serious [blank_start]consequences[blank_end]. It is time they developed good time management skills and learn to [blank_start]strike a balance[blank_end] between work and play. If a student finds it difficult to balance school life and doing part-time job, what he should do is to improve his time management skills. He should never be taught to give up so [blank_start]easily[blank_end] when facing [blank_start]adversities[blank_end]. All in all, university students are [blank_start]mature[blank_end] enough to make their own decisions. If they think a part-time job is necessary, they should go for it and learn to manage their time. I am glad that the practice of the universities in Hong Kong [blank_start]allows room[blank_end] for students to decide on their own and grow to be responsible [blank_start]individuals[blank_end].

My Way to be Competitive and Outstanding Traveling is no longer a dream to me [blank_start]when I became a backpacker[blank_end] last summer holiday. I am sure a lot of [blank_start]like-minded people[blank_end] would definitely enjoy this experience. Without spending much, I travelled to seven prefectures in Japan. During my journey, [blank_start]I overcame a lot of difficulties[blank_end] and achieved my goals to become an independent and open-minded person. To prepare for my first journey in life, I planned and did research for an entire year. For example, [blank_start]I gathered contact information[blank_end] of people in Japan who might provide me with accommodation at a low price or offer me a job. Speaking little Japanese but [blank_start]determined to overcome[blank_end] the language barrier, I set off from Okinawa in June 2015. Form there, I visited Kyushu, Kyoto, Tokyo, then Hokkaido. I tried every means to save money for food. I went to wet market just before the closing time [blank_start]to get bargain food[blank_end]; I got lunch or dinner at promotion stalls at supermarkets; I shared [blank_start]my extraordinary travelling experiences[blank_end] with shop owners or restaurant staff [blank_start]in exchange for a meal[blank_end]; I got free lunch from churches or temples. Thanks to the website Couch Surfing, I was allowed to save on accommodation because I could [blank_start]stay overnight for free[blank_end] at the homes of some Japanese strangers. I also tried sleeping on beaches or toilets in train stations. Transport cost [blank_start]is a big problem[blank_end] when traveling in Japan. I once worked on a ferry to cross the sea from Okinawa. [blank_start]Apart from[blank_end] all these, I had the experience of carrying luggage for tourists at train stations, working at supermarkets or delivering parcels as a courier. Not all the experiences were pleasant, but I have learnt to plan, analyze and be flexible [blank_start]for contigency[blank_end]. I had plenty of opportunities to train my communication skills and reasoning power. I know how to make decisions and be responsible. I have [blank_start]broadened my horizons[blank_end], become open-minded to options and [blank_start]been optimistic[blank_end] when facing defeat. Definitely, I have gained a huge competitive edge when compared with those well-protected teenagers that our society is so [blank_start]carefully producing[blank_end]. I am proud of myself.