From the internet to the light bulb - top 10 inventions that our readers feel changed the world

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We asked our readers which invention they think has changed the world. Here are some of our favourite answers

Charlotte Ames-Ettridge |
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The sky's the limit

Planes have definitely changed our lives the most. If you overlook their scary toilets, planes are definitely the fastest and most convenient way to travel. What’s more, the seats have built-in screens so you can spend your whole flight watching movies.

Charlotte Choi, 13, Shatin College

The coolest invention by far

The air-conditioner, of course! Think of those hot summer days when you have tonnes of things on your to-do-list. It’s so difficult to be productive. But with air-con blowing a cool, fresh breeze towards you? Suddenly, you feel full of energy.

Yeung Pik-yu, 13, S.K.H. Tsang Shiu Tim Secondary School

Best in my books

I think paper is one of the most important inventions. Since it was invented in China, it has allowed civilisations to share knowledge and ideas more easily. Even now, we need paper at school and in offices.

Leung Hoi-yan, 13, Immaculate Heart of Mary College

A turn for the better

I think the invention that has change the world most is the wheel. Thanks to the wheel, humans have been able to travel long distances and transport heavy objects. Without the wheel, we wouldn’t have cars or trains or planes. The wheel is the basis of so many other inventions.

Hannah Ho, 12 Maryknoll Fathers’ School

The wonderful World Wide Web

I think the internet has had the biggest impact on the world. You can access information and communicate with others all at the clock of a button. You can also share your ideas with others – for example, with “Top10”. It’s an insight for the future of the world.

Michael Kwok Pui-hin, 17, Law Ting Pong Secondary School

Can't live without my phone

It is not difficult to spot people staring down at their phones these days. It doesn’t matter whether they’re walking down the street or having a meal with family or friends, people are obsessed with their phones. Because of that, smartphones have surely changed the world.

Mak Hoi-tung, 15, St Paul’s School (Lam Tin)

A bright idea

I don’t think I could live without the light bulb. Electric lights make doing activities much easier and they make our streets safer.

Tommy, 14, Liu Man Sick Tong secondary school

On the rails

Trains have changed our lives the most because before the first railways, people had to travel on foot or by horse-drawn carriage. It was very inconvenient. Trains allowed people to travel much faster. They were also used to transport goods such as coal, so they helped many industries grow.

Bosco Wan, 15, Yan Chai Hospital Law Chan Chor Si College

Now you're talking

Language has affected mankind the most. Characters, letters and symbols allowed humans to communicate and share ideas. Language has also given us laws and literature. It’s definitely the most valuable tool we have.

Viveka Chan,15, from Worker’s Children Secondary School

Sorry, mum and dad

It has to be the smartphone, because now kids like their phones more than their toys and parents.

Brian Ngan Ling-hang, 17, Fung Kai Liu Man Shek Tong Secondary School

For next week’s Top 10, tell us:

What’s the strangest dream you’ve ever had?

Send your answer, together with your name, age and school, to [email protected] with “Top 10: dream” in the subject field. Our favourite answers will appear in next week’s Top 10 page!

Edited by Nicole Moraleda

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