Traffic woes are part and parcel of a bustling city. Discuss.
I fully agree that traffic woes are common in a bustling city. There are several factors contributing to this statement.
One example of traffic woes is Japan. Japan is a bustling city. It is also a developed country, with advanced technology everywhere. With advanced technology, cars can be seen everywhere, from city areas to rural areas. People are rushing to get to work, so public transport is not widely accepted by the peope. Instead, cars are being driven to work by each individual, as it is seen as a faster way of transport. However, too many car drivers leads to the problem of traffic jams and congestion. Thus, the time taken to reach the workplace extends by a lot. People drive cars to work so as to be punctual for work ; however, what they do not realise is that this is slowing them down instead.
Another example of traffic woes in developing countries is Vietnam. It is a common sight to see people in Vietnam cycling or walking to work ; many cannot afford to buy cars. However, the cars in Vietnam still make up a considerable number. In roads and streets, there is usually a traffic jam ; cars have to stop frequently because of the people who cross the road. At the side of the roads and streets, cyclists have to cycle extremely slowly in order to prevent knocking into one another. An empty road or street is impossible to spot in Vietnam.
Thus, we can deduce that in both developing countries and developed countries, traffic woes are common with a huge population. They are inevitable ; the people do not look at the big picture, and only think of getting to work on time. As a result, pollution in the air occurs easily, and in the end, they suffer the consequences.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Term 2 Week 8 Current Affairs - News In Class : Blog Prompt ( To be assesed for ACE )
Are you an active user of Facebook, Friendster, and other social networking sites? If yes, make sure that you are careful in revealing personal information about yourself. You might be thinking that revealing some, such as your school and age, may not be harmful. This is wrong. Every piece of information you reveal about yourself could bring you harm that you would never have expected. In the short story below, you will find out the dangerous effects of revealing personal information online.
Linda is a 14 year-old teenager. Recently, she joined her friends on Facebook, a social networking site, and is quickly becoming hooked onto it. Everyday after school, she logs in to Facebook and chats with her friends online. She also enjoys using the various addicting applications available on Facebook.
One day, Linda, after returning from school and logging in immediately, saw a friend request from a stranger she did not know. Tagged with the request was a note, saying "Let's be friends!". Without hesitating, Linda accepted the friend request as she wanted to expand her range of online friends. Then, she continued chatting with whoever was available. However, that night, the stranger started a chat with Linda. He introduced himself as Jack, a 19 year-old student. As they chatted, Linda realised that they clicked well together, and she got more and more into the chat. Soon after, Jack had to go offline, and Linda followed too-it was so late that nobody else was online.
Linda looked forward greatly to chatting with Jack again after school. That day, she went straight to the computer after school, when she would usually take a shower first. To her delight, Jack was online too!
"Hi! How are you today?"
"Well, today..."
After a while, Jack suddenly raised the question "Hey, where are you studying in? How old are you?" Linda, without thinking of the consequences, told him where she lived and studied, how old she was etc. Although she had listened to many talks in school about cyber awareness, she felt so safe with Jack that she thought it did not matter. Little did she know that she was wrong... ...
The next day, when Linda was walking home from school, she was waiting for the lift, when suddenly, a hand covered her mouth, and she was dragged away. Linda was too stunned for words, and despite her struggle, she got brought away. Her parents, being worried that she did not return home even though it was midnight, made a police report. Days passed with worry and fear for Linda's parent, but she did not return.
Though we did not know what happened to Linda, and what was the cause of her being abducted, it is safe to assume that "Jack" had used her personal information to abduct her. If she did not reveal her personal information so easily, she might not have met with harm. Thus, we can deduce that the world of Internet is a dangerous place;the other party is able to hide his identity while commiting crimes or bringing harm to others. However, this can be prevented if we choose who to reveal our personal information to, and who not to. No one is resposible for our safety online-we have to ensure our safety ourselves.
Linda is a 14 year-old teenager. Recently, she joined her friends on Facebook, a social networking site, and is quickly becoming hooked onto it. Everyday after school, she logs in to Facebook and chats with her friends online. She also enjoys using the various addicting applications available on Facebook.
One day, Linda, after returning from school and logging in immediately, saw a friend request from a stranger she did not know. Tagged with the request was a note, saying "Let's be friends!". Without hesitating, Linda accepted the friend request as she wanted to expand her range of online friends. Then, she continued chatting with whoever was available. However, that night, the stranger started a chat with Linda. He introduced himself as Jack, a 19 year-old student. As they chatted, Linda realised that they clicked well together, and she got more and more into the chat. Soon after, Jack had to go offline, and Linda followed too-it was so late that nobody else was online.
Linda looked forward greatly to chatting with Jack again after school. That day, she went straight to the computer after school, when she would usually take a shower first. To her delight, Jack was online too!
"Hi! How are you today?"
"Well, today..."
After a while, Jack suddenly raised the question "Hey, where are you studying in? How old are you?" Linda, without thinking of the consequences, told him where she lived and studied, how old she was etc. Although she had listened to many talks in school about cyber awareness, she felt so safe with Jack that she thought it did not matter. Little did she know that she was wrong... ...
The next day, when Linda was walking home from school, she was waiting for the lift, when suddenly, a hand covered her mouth, and she was dragged away. Linda was too stunned for words, and despite her struggle, she got brought away. Her parents, being worried that she did not return home even though it was midnight, made a police report. Days passed with worry and fear for Linda's parent, but she did not return.
Though we did not know what happened to Linda, and what was the cause of her being abducted, it is safe to assume that "Jack" had used her personal information to abduct her. If she did not reveal her personal information so easily, she might not have met with harm. Thus, we can deduce that the world of Internet is a dangerous place;the other party is able to hide his identity while commiting crimes or bringing harm to others. However, this can be prevented if we choose who to reveal our personal information to, and who not to. No one is resposible for our safety online-we have to ensure our safety ourselves.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Continuation of "Village By The Sea" ( To be assesed for ACE )
Village By The Sea ( 10 years later )
Ten years had passed in the blink of an eye. However, with the passing of time comes a major change to the once peaceful and relaxed life in Thul. The sea was still filled with fishes - dead fishes that took in the deadly chemicals produced by the fertilizer factories. Seagulls were a rare sight - they had moved away to somewhere without so much deadly gases in the air. Huts and cottages were replaced by high-rise flats and bungalows. Everything had changed ; and it was due to the fertilizer factories.
The streets were lit up by the tall streetlights. Hari, as he was walking back home from his watchmending shop, missed everything back then. He missed the warmth of the kerosene lamp used to light up the way home, but seeing them again was impossible. "Hari Wait one minute, I'm about to be done with my work!" Hari turned to the poultry farm, and saw that Lila was packing up. together, they walked home, not to the comfortable wooden hut they once knew, but the flats by the sea, where they had to take a lift to reach their unit.
Taking out the key from his pocket, he opened the door and went in, before locking it. In the past, there was never any worry about burglars. Now, there was. "Bela, Kamal! Have you finished your homework?" Again, they were lying on the sofa, eating potato chips while staring open-mouthed at the television. They were the kind of typical couch potatos. "Yes, brother. We are already in high school, dont bother about us so much!" Hari shook his head, thinking how fortunate they were, yet not aware of it.
Lila, went to cook dinner-she knew Bela and Kamal had skipped dinner again. They were on a slimming diet recently, and Lila did not know why. In his room, Hari was counting the finances of the family. Their father needed the money for his liver operation ; the cause of it was his continuous drinking last time. Fortunately, he repented, or his condition would have worsened. "Oh, mother, father, we have enough for the operation!" They immediately came into the room, faces lit up. There was finally hope that their father would be cured!
Things were so different in Hari's family, from the past to the current, that no outsider would believe the change that occured in the family. From the unrepentant father, sick mother, tattered wooden hut, to the happy family and complete house-it was almost impossible. However, it was Hari's bravery to go to a new city, his willingness to learn new skills, his diligence, and care for his family that made this change possible. The wheel turns and turns and turns:it never stops and stands still... ...
Ten years had passed in the blink of an eye. However, with the passing of time comes a major change to the once peaceful and relaxed life in Thul. The sea was still filled with fishes - dead fishes that took in the deadly chemicals produced by the fertilizer factories. Seagulls were a rare sight - they had moved away to somewhere without so much deadly gases in the air. Huts and cottages were replaced by high-rise flats and bungalows. Everything had changed ; and it was due to the fertilizer factories.
The streets were lit up by the tall streetlights. Hari, as he was walking back home from his watchmending shop, missed everything back then. He missed the warmth of the kerosene lamp used to light up the way home, but seeing them again was impossible. "Hari Wait one minute, I'm about to be done with my work!" Hari turned to the poultry farm, and saw that Lila was packing up. together, they walked home, not to the comfortable wooden hut they once knew, but the flats by the sea, where they had to take a lift to reach their unit.
Taking out the key from his pocket, he opened the door and went in, before locking it. In the past, there was never any worry about burglars. Now, there was. "Bela, Kamal! Have you finished your homework?" Again, they were lying on the sofa, eating potato chips while staring open-mouthed at the television. They were the kind of typical couch potatos. "Yes, brother. We are already in high school, dont bother about us so much!" Hari shook his head, thinking how fortunate they were, yet not aware of it.
Lila, went to cook dinner-she knew Bela and Kamal had skipped dinner again. They were on a slimming diet recently, and Lila did not know why. In his room, Hari was counting the finances of the family. Their father needed the money for his liver operation ; the cause of it was his continuous drinking last time. Fortunately, he repented, or his condition would have worsened. "Oh, mother, father, we have enough for the operation!" They immediately came into the room, faces lit up. There was finally hope that their father would be cured!
Things were so different in Hari's family, from the past to the current, that no outsider would believe the change that occured in the family. From the unrepentant father, sick mother, tattered wooden hut, to the happy family and complete house-it was almost impossible. However, it was Hari's bravery to go to a new city, his willingness to learn new skills, his diligence, and care for his family that made this change possible. The wheel turns and turns and turns:it never stops and stands still... ...
Viewpoint of 1 character in "Nothing But The Truth" ( To be assesed for ACE )
Viewpoint of Ms Narwin :
Firstly, I would like to start off by pointing out that I was wrongly and unfairly treated. In the case of Philip Malloy, I feel that all I had done was only to help Philip, not to inflict harm to him in any way. He spun stories about me, saying that I prevented him from singing the national anthem, thus suppressing patriotism. This is obviously wrong.
In our school, silence must be observed when the national anthem is being played. However, Philip Malloy, in a bid to be assigned to another homeroom, deliberately hummed along with it, despite my repeated reminders for him to keep silent. Is this wrong of me? I am not preventing him from singing the national anthem ; he is the one provoking me by humming along.
I understand that Philip Malloy hopes very much to get into the school track team. However, he is rejected because of his poor English grades. Being his English teacher, he purely pushes the blame on me. Is this reasonable? It is his own fault for his lack of hard work and revision. Because of this, he blames me for failing him, and indirectly causing him to be unable to join the school track team.
In the beginning, I was even trying to defend Philip. When the principal was about to suspend him, I pleaded on his behalf for a last chance to repent. It was he who did not want to apologise and admit his mistakes. As a result, he was suspended and blew the matter up by saying it was the school's and my fault. The radio talk host was talking all about me, and articles were being published everywhere about this incident too. I received many unpleasant calls and messages about my "unfair" was of dealing with Philip, such as preventing him from singing the national anthem and being patriotic.
Being a teacher is tough. I have given my all on educating the children and developing them to become future leaders. However, what do I get in the end? I am seen as a teacher who fails her student intentionally to prevent him from entering the track team, a teacher who suppresses patriotism and suspends her student because he wants to be "patriotic". I lost my job as a result, the job that I have stuck with for over 20 years, the job that I love.
Firstly, I would like to start off by pointing out that I was wrongly and unfairly treated. In the case of Philip Malloy, I feel that all I had done was only to help Philip, not to inflict harm to him in any way. He spun stories about me, saying that I prevented him from singing the national anthem, thus suppressing patriotism. This is obviously wrong.
In our school, silence must be observed when the national anthem is being played. However, Philip Malloy, in a bid to be assigned to another homeroom, deliberately hummed along with it, despite my repeated reminders for him to keep silent. Is this wrong of me? I am not preventing him from singing the national anthem ; he is the one provoking me by humming along.
I understand that Philip Malloy hopes very much to get into the school track team. However, he is rejected because of his poor English grades. Being his English teacher, he purely pushes the blame on me. Is this reasonable? It is his own fault for his lack of hard work and revision. Because of this, he blames me for failing him, and indirectly causing him to be unable to join the school track team.
In the beginning, I was even trying to defend Philip. When the principal was about to suspend him, I pleaded on his behalf for a last chance to repent. It was he who did not want to apologise and admit his mistakes. As a result, he was suspended and blew the matter up by saying it was the school's and my fault. The radio talk host was talking all about me, and articles were being published everywhere about this incident too. I received many unpleasant calls and messages about my "unfair" was of dealing with Philip, such as preventing him from singing the national anthem and being patriotic.
Being a teacher is tough. I have given my all on educating the children and developing them to become future leaders. However, what do I get in the end? I am seen as a teacher who fails her student intentionally to prevent him from entering the track team, a teacher who suppresses patriotism and suspends her student because he wants to be "patriotic". I lost my job as a result, the job that I have stuck with for over 20 years, the job that I love.
Interview on parents ( To be assesed for ACE )
Interview process:
Q : Have you ever read a book that leaves a lasting impression on you?
A : Yes, I read a book named "Charlotte's Web" when I was younger, and I still remember it up to now.
Q : How did you get to know about this book?
A : I came across this book when I went to the library, and saw it on display in the shelves.
Q : What is the story mainly about?
A : The story is about a pig named Wilbur and a spider named Charlotte. They live in a farm, and develop a deep friendship. Soon after, Wilbur discovers that the farmer is going to slaughter him, and turns to the wise Charlotte for help. Charlotte attempts to save him from being slaughtered by spinning webs with words, such as "Some Pig" to make him famous, so that he would not be killed. In the end, Charlotte's idea works, and Wilbur is saved. After a while, Charlotte died. However, she had laid some egg sacs before dying. Wilbur repays her kindness by taking care of them for her.
Q : What makes you have a deep impression of the story?
A : I truly admire the spirit of friendship between Charlotte and Wilbur. Moreover, they are just animals, yet they have such a deep friendship. Charlotte is also very wise to be able to save Wilbur ; it is almost impossible for a mere spider to save a pig, which in this case is, Wilbur. This is an extremely touching story, which is why it appeals to me.
Q : Would you recommend this story to others?
A : Yes, I would. This story is very educational ; it teaches some moral values to children. It is also very interesting to read for children, teenagers and even adults.
Q : Have you ever read a book that leaves a lasting impression on you?
A : Yes, I read a book named "Charlotte's Web" when I was younger, and I still remember it up to now.
Q : How did you get to know about this book?
A : I came across this book when I went to the library, and saw it on display in the shelves.
Q : What is the story mainly about?
A : The story is about a pig named Wilbur and a spider named Charlotte. They live in a farm, and develop a deep friendship. Soon after, Wilbur discovers that the farmer is going to slaughter him, and turns to the wise Charlotte for help. Charlotte attempts to save him from being slaughtered by spinning webs with words, such as "Some Pig" to make him famous, so that he would not be killed. In the end, Charlotte's idea works, and Wilbur is saved. After a while, Charlotte died. However, she had laid some egg sacs before dying. Wilbur repays her kindness by taking care of them for her.
Q : What makes you have a deep impression of the story?
A : I truly admire the spirit of friendship between Charlotte and Wilbur. Moreover, they are just animals, yet they have such a deep friendship. Charlotte is also very wise to be able to save Wilbur ; it is almost impossible for a mere spider to save a pig, which in this case is, Wilbur. This is an extremely touching story, which is why it appeals to me.
Q : Would you recommend this story to others?
A : Yes, I would. This story is very educational ; it teaches some moral values to children. It is also very interesting to read for children, teenagers and even adults.
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