Staff Writer Kira Lei Chen explains how the older generation tend to think the younger generation is weaker and how that is not the case.
Book review: And the Mountains Echoed | Victor Lu
Senior Writer Victor Lu rates Khaled Hosseini’s epic novel, And the Mountains Echoed, in terms of its plot, settings, and themes.
Harry Potter isn’t as good as when you read it as a kid | Felix Tsai – Grade 10
Everybody remembers Harry Potter, if not for the fond memories of the magical world of flying broomsticks and messenger owls, then for it being the highest selling series ever. Its movie adaptations are nothing to scoff at either, with a total gross of $7.7 billion in...
Homeschooling and why it is better than normal schools | Kira Lei Chen – Grade 7
Homeschooling is an education system for students that do not fit into ordinary education systems such as traditional public schools. Homeschooling helps every individual student because the student’s curriculum is custom-made and chosen to fit what the student needs....
Pro-life is anti-woman | Chloe Hsu – Grade 10
Abortion is one of the most controversial debates of all time. Both sides of the debate have raging enthusiasts willing to fight for their side of the argument. I, as someone who is pro-choice, believe that “pro-life” is anti-woman. But first, what are the two sides?...
How Englist changed my life | Victor Lu – Grade 12
When I first started learning writing, I sat at my desk and stared at my writing task, unwilling to jot down a word. Expressing my thoughts has long been an arduous task for me. To make things worse, my high expectations for myself have also placed enormous pressure...
Debate: Why students should date in high school | Cynthia Lin – Grade 9
Most parents will forbid their kids from dating due to an assumed negative impact on grades. On average, teenagers find their first love at the age of 17, when kids are still in high school. Students should date because dating has lots of benefits, such as emotional...
Debate: You shouldn’t date in high school | Una Chuang – Grade 9
Everyone agrees that it is impossible to stop teens from dating, especially when they are infatuated and blinded by hearts all over the place. It is common to hear them say, “no matter what age we’re in or how young we are, true love is true love, and we are...
Opinion: Delete your insta | Stephanie Wang – Grade 11
As Instagram has started to dominate social media and become the most used social network, it has become one of the biggest platforms where teens and celebrities from around the world upload their stories and share their lives. There are tons and tons of people...
Op-ed: Private schools shouldn’t exist | Chloe Hsu – Grade 9
What does it take to go to a private school? You might say you need to be smart or hardworking or you have to pass tests; however, you are missing something - money. Without money, no matter how smart and hardworking a person is, they would never, ever, get the chance...
Review: Euphoria | Stephanie Wang – Grade 11
Leonardo DiCaprio revealed he’s a fan of Euphoria, saying “I just saw Euphoria, which is amazing. That show is amazing.” Euphoria is an HBO teen drama written and created by Sam Levinson. The show has received positive reviews from critics and has won several awards...
Family time is important for teens | Victor Lu – Grade 11
Teens are busy in their lives, but many of them tend to forget one precious activity: time with their families. Although sometimes teens gather with their families, some still stick with their phones and play on their social media accounts instead of talking to their...
4 reasons why living in the city is better than living in the countryside | Victor Lu – Grade 10
Finding a place to live is vital for people’s lives, and the places where people live are likely to influence their lifestyle. People choose differently based on their preferences when they select their living places. Indeed, most people’s living places can be divided...
OpEd: Boys are Trash | Chloe Hsu – Grade 9
If you’re reading this, there’s a high possibility that you’re a boy, extremely offended, and want to see what I have to say. Well, don’t worry. I’m talking about boys who treat girls or women like objects and property. I’m talking about those who sexually harass...
Taiwanese students should ask more questions and be willing to express their opinions | Victor Lu – Grade 10
Taiwanese classrooms are famous for students’ silence. Compared to students from other countries like the U.S., Taiwanese students rarely ask questions and express their opinions during class. Even though teachers ask their students if they have questions or if they...
Teenagers are addicted to TikTok | Phoebe Chen – Grade 9
Everyone has heard of the app TikTok, it just sneaked into our lives silently without notice. However, it became so popular that everyone downloaded it voluntarily. Teenagers make friends on the platform and shoot crazy videos. But then the problem occurred; teenagers...
Review: The Social Dilemma | Vera Huang – Grade 10
The Social Dilemma on Netflix, which is about the problem with social media, is set in the dark underbelly of Silicon Valley and explains how once people are hooked on the internet and social media, they will crave more. It also covers how social media’s ability to...
Review: Enola Holmes | Sidney Chen – Grade 9
Netflix recently released Enola Holmes, an original movie written by Nancy Springer. The film is a spinoff of the popular Sherlock Holmes detective stories by Arthur Conan Doyle. Sherlock’s teenage sister, Enola Holmes, is played by Millie Bobby Brown. Story &...
How to stay positive on Instagram | Ryan Yu – Grade 9
Instagram is all fun and games until Britney unfollows Tina. Instagram is creating a toxic atmosphere for students. Here is how you stay positive and avoid misunderstandings, jealousy, loneliness, and all sorts of negative feelings on Instagram. Be mature Flexing is...
OpEd: Teenagers are shallow | Chloe Hsu – Grade 9
Think about the popular girls in your school and what they’re like. Are they pretty? Skinny? Cute? Well then are they funny? Nice? Or are they mean? Arrogant? Think about their personality traits and what has made them popular. Were they so nice that everyone wanted...
Video games are actually good for kids | Leo Lin – Grade 8
Note: this article is one part of a two part series offering differing perspectives on gaming and its effect on kids. Check out the article "Video games are destroying young minds" here. Remember that one time where you were on the final level of Mario but your mom...
Video games are destroying young minds | Felix Tsai – Grade 8
Note: this article is one part of a two part series offering differing perspectives on gaming and its effect on kids. Check out the article "Video games are actually good for kids" here. Over the past decade or so, online multiplayer games have become increasingly...
How to think about filial piety | Victor Lu – Grade 10
In eastern societies, everyone is familiar with filial piety. Filial piety was introduced as part of Confucian beliefs during the Eastern Zhou dynasty. It is a value of respecting parents and elders in order to create harmonious family relationships. The concept of...
OpEd: Euthanasia should be illegal | Madeline Shen – Grade 7
Euthanasia is a way of ending a life to relieve suffering and pain. Different countries have different euthanasia laws. For now, euthanasia is illegal in Taiwan. There are five countries in the world that allow euthanasia. However, euthanasia should be illegal -...
7 reasons homework should be banned | Vera Huang – Grade 9
Homework takes up a big part of children’s lives. The 21st century has been a homework-heavy era. Kids spend days and nights on book reports, math problems, literature essays, and science posters. Therefore, homework is an inevitable part of the educational...
The Coronavirus pandemic has revealed serious problems around the world | Vera Huang – Grade 9
Coronavirus is the biggest issue of 2020. It is brought up everyday, everywhere, and in all circumstances. Countries that have been holding back the virus and the ones that dithered have been put into the spotlight. Because of COVID-19, many serious issues, such as...
Taiwan must not tie its economy to China’s | Timothie Hsiao – Grade 10
China has always played an important role in the Taiwanese economy due to our geographic position and the similarities in language and culture. Even though China has been Taiwan's biggest trading partner in recent decades, the Taiwanese economy’s high...
5 reasons why Trump is actually a great president | Madeline Shen – Grade 7
Donald Trump is the 45th and current president of the United states. He is a very controversial leader. Before he became president, he was a businessman and TV star. People who like him love him very much, but people who don't like him hate him very much. However,...
Why the US has failed handling the Coronavirus | Felix Tsai – Grade 8
Recently, a new virus was discovered in Wuhan and has since then started infecting people in China, Taiwan, and later spread to other countries in the West. At first, it seemed as if China and Taiwan’s economies and governments would be the first to fall to the virus,...
Taiwan should grant foreigners citizenship | Adam Huang – Grade 9
Citizenship is being an official member or part of a country. In many countries, it gives the right to vote, ability to serve in the military, and more. After staying in a country for a few years, immigrants often qualify to apply for citizenship. The majority of...
Lessons for Taiwan from the Hong Kong crisis | Irene Lin – Grade 12
A controversial revision to the extradition bill in Hong Kong brought many of its citizens to the streets, calling for a withdrawal. Huge scale demonstrations have been constant since June 9, with an estimated 1.03 million people gathering on the first day; according...
Taiwanese night markets? More like nightmares. | Ethan Lin – Grade 8
Taiwan’s night markets have been one of Taiwan’s most important cultural icons for years. They are a great place to spend time with friends. The jaw-dropping aromas further excite the tourists who visit. However, the night markets pose food-welfare risks, can affect...
Why Taiwan shouldn’t declare independence | Irene Lin – Grade 12
宣布獨立將導致戰爭 宣布獨立並不會改善台灣現狀，甚至將取消現有的權利 台灣經濟過度仰賴於中國，宣布獨立將重創台灣經濟 Taiwan has been struggling to maintain a stable relationship with its diplomatic allies, while China, Taiwan's biggest economic partner and an influential country around the world, continues to suppress...
OpEd: Literature isn’t boring – you are | Kyle Huang – Grade 9
文學傳授人生寓意並且激發想像力 文學提升人文素養 閱讀可培養溝通能力 Literature seems like the one subject that students do not care about. To students, it is an insignificant part of their teenage lives compared to all the action that is happening around them. In stark contrast to school drama,...
Taiwan needs to develop its own military industries | Carson Hu – Grade 11
War is a never ending business. It is in the public's interest to boost our country’s economy and national security. This why Taiwan should invest more in national defense technologies. Constant threats For the past 70 years Taiwan has constantly been under the direct...
Opinion: Taiwanese students need MORE hours at school, not fewer | Tricia Liao – Grade 12
Going to school is a process that everyone will experience in their life. In each country, the starting time and ending time of school is different, so students around the world stay at school for different amounts of hours. Some countries have longer school days, some have shorter ones. Due to this difference, students from […]
Death in literature: East vs. West | Minnie Chen – Grade 12
Death in novels often shows a writer’s relationship with death, and moreover, their life philosophy. Different countries’ cultures have greatly influenced writers’ interpretations of life and death, and makes them see the death as either something positive or passive. Death in Japanese literature Many Japanese novels use death to tell their story, like Akutagawa Ryūnosuke’s […]
Why you should stop drinking bubble milk tea | Ethan Lin – Grade 8
Bubble tea is packed with sugar Sweetness of the tea can trigger an addiction Bubble tea is poisonous because of the plastic it generates People should stop drinking bubble milk tea. This sounds absurd, but it is the truth. Although bubble tea is affordable and delicious, it is like a drug; it is unhealthy, it’s […]
OpEd: Trump is dismantling the Western Alliance | Brian Tu – Grade 11
If the Western Alliance were to crumble, peace would die out with it No member of the Western Alliance would like to see a closer bond between America and Russia Trump doesn’t recognize the importance of NATO Trump’s recent meeting with Russian president Vladimir Putin in Helsinki has generated outrage in the US and around […]
5 things Taiwan does better than the US | Brian Tu – Grade 10
People are no longer shocked to hear about gunmen shooting up US schools US healthcare is comparatively bad and inefficient The US has some of the highest poverty rates in the world With all the political in-fighting, corruption, and disappointment in literally every politician that has been going on for quite a few years, it […]
OpEd: Is banning plastic bags in Taiwan necessary? | Estella Tong – Grade 8
800 million tons of plastic has been thrown into the ocean Taiwan has banned stores from providing free plastic bags Keeping foldable bags with you during outings will make shopping more convenient Since 2002, Taiwan has stipulated stores like supermarkets, chained convenience stores, discount stores, etc. (a total of seven types of stores) must make […]
Debate: 5 reasons why teens should NOT have social media | Lily Chen – Grade 8
A study shows over 80% of teenagers get online much more frequently than they need to Teens are more susceptible to depression when they worry about getting “likes” or “shares” Kids all around the world are impacted by cyberbullying every day This article is Part 2 of a debate over the merits and problems of […]
Review: Star Wars – The Last Jedi | Brian Tu – Grade 10
**spoiler alert** “Darkness rises and the Light to meet it.” Yes, after two long years of waiting, the eighth installment of the star-fighter battling, lightsaber flashing epic saga has finally arrived – and wow. With mind-shattering visuals, remarkable acting, and an unforgettable plot, it is truly the epitome of modern-day entertainment. Even so, it doesn’t […]
4 reasons why Taiwan’s news media sucks | Carson Hu – Grade 10
News media in Taiwan is well known for its disrespect of intellectual property Taiwan news is also full of product placement News outlets are notoriously biased Let’s be honest, news media in Taiwan sucks. They are imprecise, money driven, and have zero social responsibility. If they don’t fix their problems right now, they will self-destruct. […]
Debate: 5 reasons why teens should have social media | Estella Tong – Grade 8
Social media apps make communicating with others easier They’re extremely convenient They make it easy to keep track of your favorite stars This article is Part 1 of an important debate regarding social media usage among teens. See Part 2 for why social media is a negative influence. As smartphones become more and more common, […]
OpEd: Why the 1992 Consensus is important | Irene Lin – Grade 10
Instead of communicating with Beijing, President Tsai Ing-wen chose to strengthen the relationships with the U.S. and Japan The Philippines growing closer to China indicates America is losing its position of leadership Agreeing on the 1992 consensus could bring a major change to Taiwan’s international status The 1992 Consensus is a tacit understanding made by […]
OpEd: Should high schools cancel morning self-study? | Tricia Liao – Grade 10
Cram schools are often located far from students’ regular schools Morning study time helps students’ brain start functioning Schools shouldn’t blindly follow what the government says A frequently mentioned topic between high school students these days is the cancellation of morning study time. On December 1st, 2016, the Ministry of Education announced that starting from […]
OpEd: 4 reasons why junior high math is useless | Kyle Huang – Grade 8
To most students, math classes are torture Math is just way too complicated to learn In modern times, robots and computers can compute math more effectively Modern junior high students face pressure from everyday school subjects. One particularly evil subject is math. It is basically too complicated and useless. Many math teachers and parents might […]
OpEd: Why Taiwan, Japan, and the US should develop a closer bond: Carson Hu – Grade 9
Since the 1840s, East Asia has been a region of conflicts. From the Opium Wars to the Korean War, millions of souls have fallen under the muzzle. Victories and defeats of past regimes shaped the present Northwest Pacific. Now, in an era in which China tries to reclaim its past glories as a formidable empire, […]
Movie Review: Boss Baby: Estella Tong – Grade 7
Boss Baby is an American computer animated comedy film. It was released on March 31, 2017 and produced by DreamWorks Animation. It was directed by Tom McGrath and written by Michael McCullers. Boss Baby was based on the children’s book The Boss Baby written by American author, Marla Frazee. The movie begins by talking about […]
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