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Textbooks weigh heavily on the family

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FREQUENT changes in textbook editions are proving a great burden on parents and students.

The price of textbooks is expected to go up by about 15 per cent this year.

'It's too much. I have spent about $2,000 on textbooks this year, 25 per cent more than last year,' said Chow Yim-kwong, the father of a Form Four student.

Here are some views from students and parents on the price changes: Chan Wing, Form Four, Kwun Tong Government Secondary School: 'I don't think the cost rise is too much. Anyway, I've got used to it since they do it every year. I think in general only a minority of financially disadvantaged families are affected.' Chow Tsz-pong, Form Four, Ying Wa College: 'The Government should impose a firm policy on the cost of textbooks. There's also a need to increase the subsidy.' Florence Ko Pui-sze, Form Seven, St Paul's Secondary School: 'I spent about $1,000 on my Form Six textbooks.

'Some of the reference books I didn't use much were brought from second-hand hawkers in Mongkok. Textbook publishers shouldn't change editions every year unless it is absolutely necessary. Sometimes a new edition has only a change of illustrations. And schools should list only books that are necessary.' Lee Wai-shan, Form Five, St Teresa Secondary School: 'I have to buy different sets of books for my two-year studies. I spent $1,000 in Form Five, and $2,000 in Form Four. Publishers should change editions only once in five or eight years.' Julian Lee Man-kit, Manufacturing Engineering student at Hong Kong Technical College (Chai Wan): 'I spent $350 on books this year, and $700 in Year One. Prices went up by at least 15 per cent.

'We cover a lot in my department, but still some chapters in the textbooks aren't used. Schools can choose books that fit the whole syllabus. Also, schools can sponsor bookstores to be located on the campus, selling books at lower prices.

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