Sample essay 1: Public speaking is a crucial skill that is required in almost every aspect of life, yet it is often overlooked in secondary education. In Hong Kong, where competition for jobs and higher education is intense, it is essential for students to have strong communication skills. Making public speaking a mandatory subject in secondary school would help students to develop the necessary communication skills, boost their confidence, and prepare them for their future endeavors. Public speaking is a valuable tool for boosting confidence. Many students struggle with public speaking due to their fear of being judged or ridiculed. However, with proper training and guidance, students can overcome their fears and develop their confidence. By making public speaking a mandatory subject in secondary school, students will have the opportunity to practice their skills in a safe and supportive environment. As they become more confident, they will be able to express their ideas and thoughts more effectively, which will be beneficial for their personal and professional growth. In addition, public speaking is an essential skill for students who plan to pursue further education. In Hong Kong, competition for university places is intense, and students need to have excellent communication skills to stand out from the crowd. By making public speaking a mandatory subject in secondary school, students will be better equipped to handle university interviews and presentations. They will be able to articulate their ideas and thoughts clearly and concisely, which will increase their chances of being accepted into their desired university. Moreover, public speaking is a crucial skill that is required in almost every aspect of life, from job interviews to making presentations at work. By making public speaking a mandatory subject in secondary school, students will be exposed to different techniques and styles of public speaking. These techniques will help them to communicate their ideas and thoughts effectively and persuasively. In addition, they will learn how to structure their speeches, use appropriate tone and body language, and engage with their audience. All these skills will be beneficial for their future careers and personal lives. Some may argue that public speaking is not as important as other subjects, such as mathematics or science. However, it is essential to note that communication skills are crucial for success in any field. Even in science and mathematics, students need to be able to communicate their ideas and findings effectively. By making public speaking a mandatory subject in secondary school, students will develop the skills they need to succeed in any field. In conclusion, making public speaking a mandatory subject in secondary school is essential for students in Hong Kong. It will help them to develop their communication skills, boost their confidence, and prepare them for their future endeavors. By providing students with the necessary training and guidance, they will be able to express their ideas and thoughts effectively and persuasively, which will benefit them in their personal and professional lives. Therefore, it is crucial for secondary schools in Hong Kong to make public speaking a mandatory subject to ensure that students are well-prepared for their future. Sample essay 2: In our modern society, which highly values effective communication, public speaking stands as a paramount skill often neglected in secondary education. Particularly in Hong Kong, a bustling metropolis characterized by relentless competition for jobs and higher education, the aptitude to articulate and present is indispensable. Hence, it is crucial to advocate for the incorporation of public speaking as a mandatory subject in secondary schools. Embedding public speaking in the curriculum significantly bolsters confidence, a linchpin for personal and professional growth. Secondary education often witnesses students grappling with trepidation towards public speaking, driven by the fear of derision or judgement. Mandating this subject can provide a nurturing platform for students to conquer their fears, enhancing their self-assuredness and enabling them to express their thoughts cogently, thereby paving the way for holistic growth. Moreover, public speaking is a quintessential prerequisite for students aspiring to pursue higher education. In Hong Kong, where securing university placements is a formidable challenge, students with stellar communication skills gain a competitive advantage. Making public speaking mandatory equips students for university interviews and presentations, enabling them to express their thoughts with clarity and brevity. This proficiency increases their odds of securing admission in their chosen institutions. Furthermore, public speaking permeates all aspects of professional life, from nailing job interviews to delivering compelling presentations. Incorporating it into the curriculum exposes students to a wide array of techniques and styles, empowering them to structure speeches effectively, deploy appropriate body language, and engage their audience. These competencies serve as an invaluable asset in their professional trajectory and personal interactions. Despite these arguments, some may contend that public speaking pales in comparison to subjects like science or mathematics. However, even in these ostensibly disparate fields, effective articulation of ideas and findings is crucial. By integrating public speaking into the secondary school curriculum, students can cultivate a universal skillset necessary for success in any discipline. In summation, it is vital to make public speaking a mandatory subject in secondary schools in Hong Kong. This move promises to endow students with formidable communication skills, bolster their confidence, and equip them for future endeavours. By offering the necessary guidance, students can learn to articulate their ideas effectively and persuasively, reaping benefits in their personal and professional spheres. Hence, it is incumbent upon Hong Kong's secondary schools to ensure their students are armed with the skills to navigate future challenges confidently. Sample essay 3: In a world heavily reliant on effective communication, public speaking remains an indispensable skill, yet it is often relegated to the periphery in secondary education. Particularly in Hong Kong, a metropolis characterised by its ferocious competition for employment and tertiary education, proficiency in articulation and presentation is invaluable. Consequently, it is imperative to advocate for the integration of public speaking as a mandatory subject in secondary schools. Facilitating public speaking in schools can be an efficacious strategy to foster confidence, a cornerstone for personal and professional development. Secondary education often witnesses students wrestling with trepidation towards public speaking, fuelled by the fear of judgement or mockery. However, mandating this subject in schools can provide a nurturing environment for students to learn, practice, and surmount their fears. This process of acclimatisation can augment their self-confidence and enable them to express their thoughts and ideas cogently, paving the way for their holistic growth. Moreover, public speaking is a quintessential prerequisite for those aspiring to pursue higher education. In Hong Kong, where securing university placements is a daunting task, students with stellar communication skills have a competitive edge. By making public speaking mandatory, students will be better primed for university interviews and presentations, capable of expressing their thoughts with lucidity and brevity. This proficiency can bolster their chances of securing admission in their preferred institutions. Furthermore, the efficacy of public speaking infiltrates every aspect of professional life, from acing job interviews to delivering compelling presentations. Incorporating public speaking in the secondary school curriculum exposes students to a panoply of techniques and styles, empowering them to structure speeches effectively, utilise apt body language, and captivate their audience. These competencies will serve as a propitious boon in their professional trajectory and personal interactions. Invariably, sceptics may downplay the importance of public speaking compared to subjects such as science or mathematics. However, even in these ostensibly disparate fields, the ability to articulate ideas and findings cogently is an asset. By embedding public speaking into the secondary school curriculum, students will cultivate universal skills necessary for success across any discipline. In summation, the integration of public speaking as a mandatory subject in secondary schools in Hong Kong is a pressing necessity. This measure promises to endow students with formidable communication skills, boost their confidence, and equip them for future endeavours. By offering the requisite training and guidance, students can learn to articulate their ideas and thoughts effectively and persuasively, conferring benefits in both their personal and professional spheres. Hence, it is incumbent upon secondary schools in Hong Kong to make public speaking a mandatory subject, thereby arming students with the skills to conquer future challenges.