This story was published in the SCMP’s Education Post on 13 October, 2016.
As he readied himself to address hundreds of students at the recent Oxford University Press workshop, Jasper Tsang Yok-sing, former President of the Legislative Council, highlighted an important of principle of education: students should be encouraged to use their imagination.
At the event, which took place at the Diocesan Boys’ School Secondary Division on October 7, Tsang, as guest of honour, noted that this was similarly important when it came to learning good English. His comments had special relevance because he was helping to launch the Oxford University Press English Writing Competition – Whodunnit?. The contest is for junior secondary students and encourages them to express themselves and their ideas through creative storytelling.
Mei Mei Ng, the firm’s general manager for China, noted that the competition was also a unique opportunity to co-author a story with Mr. Tsang.
“In recent years, results in the international English test, IELTS, indicated that students in Hong Kong often struggle with writing well,” Ng said.
In view of this, the company came up with the idea for a competition which would also help to address this problem.
To kick things off, Tsang has written the beginning of a short story as a way to help and inspire. Students are invited to complete it.
“It is a detective story, with the initial scenario already set out,” said Ng, citing a well known Chinese saying which alludes to the beginning being the hardest part. “Students are encouraged to take things forward, build the plot, and develop some twists and suspense.”
Continue reading the full story here.
Rebecca Simpson. Writer and editor. 