Under the current system, students are automatically placed in such classes if they fail a test of English competence.
The use of English as an official language entails problems, however, because with the use of state languages for education, the level of English competence is declining.
About half of them are enrolled in bilingual classes, in which they are automatically placed if they fail a test of English competence.
Currently, children who fail a test of English competence are automatically placed in bilingual classes, but parents may request to have them moved into E.S.L. classes.
Currently, children who fail a test of English competence are automatically placed in bilingual classes, but parents may request to have them moved to state-mandated classes in English as a second language.
Consistent with the societal prestige and the economic advantage assoicated with English competence, most children in Hong Kong start learning English at a fairly early age (Kan & Adamson, 2010).
In addition, the exposure to attractive international material played a part in enhancing their awareness of the importance of improving their English competence beyond academic requirements.
These interviewees contended that satisfactory English competence would help future employees to deal with work related issues more easily, or foster future company development.
As students from different universities exhibit varying levels of English competence, it is very difficult for the government to formulate uniform standards.
However, results were far from satisfactory, as students with high-level English competence considered it too basic, and students with a low level of English failed to show any motivation or improvement.
