Hong Kong students' performance in assessment projects shows they are improving their Chinese standard.

Acting Secretary for Education Kenneth Chen today told lawmakers Hong Kong students' reading ability is consistently higher than the international standard.

"According to 2007-09 data, there is a continuous increase in the percentage of day school first attempters in the Certificate of Education Examination Chinese Language obtaining Level 2 or above, from 71.6% in 2007 to 73.3% in 2009.

"The percentage of day school first attempters in Advanced Level Examination Chinese Language and Culture obtaining Grade E or above have also continuously increased from 94.1% in 2007 to 94.7% in 2009.

"We therefore should not conclude our students' Chinese language and thinking standards and thinking skills are deteriorating, when in fact only certain candidates have written wrong Chinese characters in public examinations."

Appreciating public expectations of students' Chinese standard, he said Hong Kong students have room for improvement and the Government will continue to further improve the curriculum.