Students allowed to take Higher Mother Tongue (HMT) have the interest and ability to cope with the subject ("Limit Higher Mother Tongue to students with real ability" by Mr Jake Goh; Jan 30).

These students were assessed by their teachers before being deemed suitable for the subject.

Often, the criteria for taking HMT are excellent results in all subjects taken and a high level of proficiency in their mother tongue.

We must acknowledge that when the students fulfil these criteria, they are genuinely interested in HMT and should be able to cope with the subject.

Some students may spend more time studying HMT than other subjects. However, we cannot assume that this is because they cannot cope with the subject.

They may have to spend more time on their mother tongue as compared with those who do not take the subject as it is more difficult.

As the grades we get for national exams are dependent on where one is on the bell curve, there will always be some who get less-than-satisfactory grades.

We must realise that only the best are allowed to take HMT.

Hence, even those who did not do well in the exams have a certain level of interest and proficiency in HMT.

Admittedly, the two-point concession to enter a junior college could be a factor that drives students to take HMT.

However, teachers are constantly monitoring the students' results and necessary measures will be taken should students show a lack of interest or ability in the subject.

Quek Wei Kang