Theory of Reading Habits in Hong Kong

Theorem 1: The number of books that a Hong Kong student reads is inversely proportional to the student’s grade and age.

Proof:

1. Students in primary schools, particularly in the lower grades, read a fair amount.

2. Parents of students in lower grades are more likely to take them to libraries to read and to borrow books, and to buy books for them.

3. At book fairs, there are usually more shops and books targeting younger readers. There are also more younger children.

4. Parents tend to spend less time with their children as the children grow older.

5. Parents give their children more money as they spend less time with their children.

6. The distance between parents and children grow larger as the children grow older.

7. Parents give their children more money as the distance between them grow larger.

8. Children are more likely to ask for computer games than books.

9. Given a choice, students are more likely to spend their money on computer games and comics rather than real books.

10. Students spend more time playing computer games as they grow older.

11. A common refrain among parents: my son/daughter USED TO like reading.

12. Students read fewer books as they grow older.

Q.E.D.