Do newspaper articles help improve literacy and promote creativity?
A whole array of newspapers reporting on the formal investigation into former Politburo Standing Committee member Zhou Yongkang My school encourages us to read newspapers, and teachers give us lots of news cuttings to read. Some students think this is a waste of time. I don't agree. A newspaper covers many topics, such as business, sports, science and technology, though I mostly focus on news.
Newspapers are a good way to keep up with current affairs. We can also build our vocabulary and improve our writing skills.
Newspapers contain articles in which writers express their thoughts, feelings and experiences. We can analyse those articles and come up with our own ideas. Also, some articles have vital information that cannot be found on the internet.
We may be living Hong Kong, but newspapers tell us what's going on around the world. This is why they are still popular today.
Cam Cheung, King Ling College
From the Editor
Thank you for your letter, Cam. Some people don't want to know what is going on in the world. They feel there is nothing they can do to change it, and worrying about it won't help. But this is not really true. Many things have been changed because ordinary people have read about them in the news, and decided to act.
Being informed is a key factor in success. You, as a leader, cannot make decisions without information. The information needs to be reliable. Media organisations work to make sure the information you have is true.
Just like anything in life, people need to "learn" to read newspapers or news websites. That is why your teachers are giving you bits of news in class. Not only do you get all the benefits of good writing, reading English and getting the information, but you get used to the style of different newspapers and learn how to find the facts you need.
Susan, Editor