PART B
For questions 2-9, choose ONE question and write about 550 words in the space provided on Pages 6-8. Mark which question you are going to attempt using the question number box on Page 6.
Learning English through Social Issues
A local TV station is looking for input for a series they are producing on 'Issues for the Next Generation'. They are asking young people to submit aritcles on various topics, the best of which will be turned into a TV report. Write an article on one future issue. Your article may cover one or more of the following aspects : its potential advantages and disadvantages, its implications, your feelings about it, and how it can be solved in the future.
The sub-divided flats in Hong Kong.
The following issue is for the next generation and TV programme.
As Hong Kong is a small place with a huge population, housing problem has plagued HK for a long time.
Sub-divided flats are a key housing problem nowadays and a key-point for the next generation. Sub-divided flats usually exist in old and shabby buildings. They are formed by dividing a flat into different small rooms so that the owner can ripe higher profit as the same flat can be rented out to a number of tenants.
The problem with these sub-divided flats is that unauthorised alterations and additions and structural changes are done to the building in the process of converting one single flat into a number of smaller flats. Some are even bed-space tenants. The problem of sub-divided flats affects mainly the HK citizens to a wide extent, especially the grass-roots. The grass-roots can only afford to live in these low-rent sub-divided flats. Indeed, it is a grief to live in such bad living environment.
There are numerous problems living in these sub-divided flats. The bad hygienic conditions, that is, shared toilets, as well as shared cooking, water, electiricity facilities raised many potential risks. The residents often quarrel with each other, because of the congested environment and close contact. The bad elements from triad societies easily penetrate into buildings with these sub-divided flats. Talking on phones is easily overheard by others. Moreover, the letters in the letter boxes are easily damaged or stolen. People of different cultures, languages, originals and religions living in close proximity will easily lead to misunderstanding. These people lead a hard life. They are not willing to live in these unpleasant places. However, they have no other alternatives.
The fire in November 2011 in Fa Yuen Street raised public awareness on the safety of sub-divided flats. Nine persons were killed in the blaze. Many sub-divided flats existed in old buildings in Mongkok. Since the fire was such a big disaster, the HKSARG paid great attention to the case. The Chief Executive C Y LEUNG proposed ten methods/measures, or to put in a better way, ten initiatives to solve the problem. However, the property price is still soaring significantly.
It is good to note that the residents are being settled to live in public housing flats.
Voices from citizens of HK echo loudly in the positive in recent days.
It is estimated that the government cannot solve it for the time being. But we must be optimistic that the problem of sub-divided flats will be solved in the near future. Giving time to the HKSARG to work is the most appreciated thing to do nowadays.
Sub-divided flats existed in HK for a long time because of their low-price rents. The grass-roots and citizens need subsidized housing flats. The HKSARG should build more public flats to accommodate them.
I feel sad to hear the news of the Fa Yuen Street fire. Fire can damage the structure of the buildings, too.
The government should find more land to building public housing. The New Territories and outlying islands such as Lantau Island and Cheung Chau are good choices. The coastline should be expanded to building more housing estates. Recently, there are plans suggested by HKSARG to reverse the factories into residential flats. Why not distribute them to the residents living in those sub-divided flats?
In view of the above possibilities, I am sure the problem of sub-divided flats will be solved.
Mary
13.3.2013
(556 words.)
