THE REV PETER SHARP CHEADLE HULME CHESHIRE Pavement prerogative Sir: As a pedestrian I was

THE REV PETER SHARP CHEADLE HULME, CHESHIRE Pavement prerogative Sir: As a pedestrian I was prepared not to agree with Robert Hanks about cyclists (“How to be an easy rider”, 15 August). JENNIFER BARRACLOUGH HENLEY-ON-THAMES, OXFORDSHIRE Sir: My daughter is awaiting her A-level grades, so I took particular interest in your editorial “The university challenge” (11 August). If demanding language A-levels are to survive, examination boards should be prepared to adjust their grade boundaries. This may seem to embrace ” A-levels getting easier”, yet it is unjust if students of German do not attain the grades to be accepted onto a university course when they have achieved just as highly as those studying French or a “soft” subject.

This not only infuriated the dual linguists in my year but also discouraged plans to continue with German to A2 level. Year-11 students contemplating taking German AS level next year were swiftly deterred by angry sixth formers’ comments of high grade boundaries overshadowing a year of enthusiasm and hard work. Whilst completing papers from recent years as preparation I was shocked to discover the wide difference in grade boundaries between the two languages. In many past examinations, the mark for an A grade in French translates to a C in German. Having read the article concerning the dramatic decrease in the number of candidates taking this subject (15 August), I feel impelled to point out other influences which have swayed pupils to favour “softer” subjects, such as media studies Last May I sat examinations in both AS French and German.

In fact, like the late Professor Edward Said, I would happily subscribe to a binational state where we can all live together. Is anybody listening? I, as a Palestinian, have listened to Israel’s narrative very carefully. Would Israel now listen to mine? DR F H MIKDADI DORCHESTER, DORSET A-level grades fail to reward hard work Sir: I am a sixth-form student intending to continue with German to A2 Level. And yet, I cannot but have an overwhelming sense of hope without which we will all be the losers. Ordinary Palestinians and Israelis see this move as the beginning of a two-state solution to an intractable problem I can live side by side with Israel. And finally, regret at the stupidity and callousness of leaders on both sides for destroying so many lives and so many opportunities for peace over the years. Despair at the realisation that I shall never be able to return to my homeland and live on the land that had been my father’s and his father’s before him back to time immemorial.