I feel that justice and mercy can co exist together. Justice is a concept of moral rightness based on ethics, rationality, law, natural law, religion, fairness, or equity, along with the punishment of the breach of said ethics. Mercy refers to the compassionate behavior of the party in power.
For example, in a lawsuit, mercy can be shown when a judge pardons a convict, or when the other party agrees to let the matter rest. However, does this mean that justice is neglected here? The punishment is still there, law has been carried out fairly and equally. It is the warmheartedness of an individual and that has spared the convict of his punishment. The one in power has decided to show mercy in hopes that the convicted would turn over a new leaf.
An example whereby justice coexists with mercy is the case in which a man used acid to disfigure a student's face in Iraq. The law in Iraq states that the man should be sentenced to have an eye gouged out as well as he blinded the student in the process. However, the students mercy let him off at the last minute. Justice still existed as the man was given a punishment but mercy saved his eyesight.
To err is human to forgive is divine. Mercy is an attribute for god himself. God can coexist with justice, and so can mercy.
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Term 3 Week 5
Shylock in the Merchant of Venice is a display of anti-semitism and lack of justice. Also, Shylock is being made the antagonist of the story, while Antonio, a christian is the protagonist. The name Shylock gives me an overview of the character. Shy and lock are unpleasant words as they suggest the characteristics of a miser, shying away from human warmth and locking away his money.
Anti-semitism refers to the discrimination of the Jews. Throughout the play, Shylock has been the one who was cunning, evil. Even his own daughter and servant abandoned him. Also, during the court room scene, Shylock was once again shown as a hated person and he lost everything in the end. In Act 1 Scene 3 where Antonio spat at Shylock and made racist remarks such as calling Shylock a dog. However, Shylock cannot do anything about it as this was a common sight during the 16th century Venice.
Anti-semitism refers to the discrimination of the Jews. Throughout the play, Shylock has been the one who was cunning, evil. Even his own daughter and servant abandoned him. Also, during the court room scene, Shylock was once again shown as a hated person and he lost everything in the end. In Act 1 Scene 3 where Antonio spat at Shylock and made racist remarks such as calling Shylock a dog. However, Shylock cannot do anything about it as this was a common sight during the 16th century Venice.
Friday, July 22, 2011
Term 3 Week 4
Jim Rogers feels that a global child is one that goes with the international flow. However, America no longer has the upper hand. Now that China is on the rise, he wants his children to learn Chinese, and to study in Asia. Therefore, his daughter was sent to Nanyang Primary School, to prepare for her globalised future.
In the current society, good education is needed to get good jobs. Singapore boasts one of the best education in the world, sending countless numbers of students into Ivy League colleges. The high emphasis on bilingualism is also a good part of education, uniquely Singaporean. After all, China is increasing rapidly, recently surpassing Japan in terms of economy.
Although finding a best education is important in today's society, the definition of best is still rather difficult to identify. For example, Jim Rogers finds Singapore's education to be fruitful but many Asians are seeking out American education.
In the current society, good education is needed to get good jobs. Singapore boasts one of the best education in the world, sending countless numbers of students into Ivy League colleges. The high emphasis on bilingualism is also a good part of education, uniquely Singaporean. After all, China is increasing rapidly, recently surpassing Japan in terms of economy.
Although finding a best education is important in today's society, the definition of best is still rather difficult to identify. For example, Jim Rogers finds Singapore's education to be fruitful but many Asians are seeking out American education.
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Term 3 Week 3
After reading the open letter, I could not help but feel grateful of studying in an IP school. The description of O Levels is quite terrifying. She has to memorise tons of stuff in order to meet the expectations.
Janalle Lee's views on the current education system is that it needs change. After all these years, we are still in a "Third World" education system, yet, we have long moved on to First. We should be taught how to ask "Why" instead of forcing information down our throats. Another flaw is the lack of character development. Character development in school is only taught for the sake of it, instead of concentrating on how to impart the values.
I disagree with her views. Firstly, the education system has changed. During the 1960s, education was survival based. However, it changed in late 19th century to knowledge based. Therefore, the education system was changed from Third World to First World. Furthermore, in the current society, the words first, second and third world are not really feasible. These terms were invented during the cold war to describe the countries in the war. First World being countries were democratic and capitalistic, Second World being the communist states and Third World represented the countries that did not ally with USA. As the world is developing faster and faster, these terms are no longer applicable.
However, asking "why" is appropriate. Yet it is not discouraged in the education system. We can always go online and Google: Why is carbon a metal, or why is the sky blue. It is not whether we are able to ask "why" that is affecting us, it is whether we want to ask "why". If the writer was so curious, she should just research on it using her own free time instead of writing an open letter.
I feel that values should be taught by our parents, not the schools. Schools, are made to impart knowledge from teacher to student, not values. Our bilingualism is needed as English is used to communicate with the Western society and to break the racial barriers while our mother tongue language is used to impart values from parents to children.
Janalle Lee's views on the current education system is that it needs change. After all these years, we are still in a "Third World" education system, yet, we have long moved on to First. We should be taught how to ask "Why" instead of forcing information down our throats. Another flaw is the lack of character development. Character development in school is only taught for the sake of it, instead of concentrating on how to impart the values.
I disagree with her views. Firstly, the education system has changed. During the 1960s, education was survival based. However, it changed in late 19th century to knowledge based. Therefore, the education system was changed from Third World to First World. Furthermore, in the current society, the words first, second and third world are not really feasible. These terms were invented during the cold war to describe the countries in the war. First World being countries were democratic and capitalistic, Second World being the communist states and Third World represented the countries that did not ally with USA. As the world is developing faster and faster, these terms are no longer applicable.
However, asking "why" is appropriate. Yet it is not discouraged in the education system. We can always go online and Google: Why is carbon a metal, or why is the sky blue. It is not whether we are able to ask "why" that is affecting us, it is whether we want to ask "why". If the writer was so curious, she should just research on it using her own free time instead of writing an open letter.
I feel that values should be taught by our parents, not the schools. Schools, are made to impart knowledge from teacher to student, not values. Our bilingualism is needed as English is used to communicate with the Western society and to break the racial barriers while our mother tongue language is used to impart values from parents to children.
Friday, July 8, 2011
Term 3 Week 2
Water, also sometimes known as blue fuel, is essential for survival of all living things. It might cover two thirds of the earth but only a small amount is drinkable. Over the years, global warming has reduced this number due to pollution. Therefore, an increase in demand of water. There is definitely a difference between treating water as a human right and as a commodity. A human right refers to a right that is believed to belong justifiably to every person. On the other hand, a commodity is something of value which can be sold. If every person should have the right to have access to water, how can it be a commodity. The poor people would not be able to buy any water.
In my opinion, water should be treated as a human right as nobody can really "own" water. After all, water is given by nature and every human, animal or plant has the right to have access to it. We did not make water so what right do we have to make it a commodity. If it is turned into a commodity, what would happen to the poverty stricken families, would they just die of dehydration? Therefore, I support water as a human right.
In my opinion, water should be treated as a human right as nobody can really "own" water. After all, water is given by nature and every human, animal or plant has the right to have access to it. We did not make water so what right do we have to make it a commodity. If it is turned into a commodity, what would happen to the poverty stricken families, would they just die of dehydration? Therefore, I support water as a human right.
Saturday, July 2, 2011
Term 3 Week 1 (Weekend Assignment)
Most Singaporeans nowadays have at least one maid in their houses. It is convenient and not too expensive, perfect for the Singapore society. Maids are people to so they too need their rest. However, this matter can be quite trivial compared to other cases but only 12% of maids get days off. In the end, it all boils down to the morality of the employer. Therefore, I agree that days off should be legislated.
Some people confuse their maids for machines. Tell them to do something and they expect total obedience. However, even machines need to be recharged. These maids work on an average of 14 hours a day. Also, more than half the maids start work at 6am and end work between 8pm and 9pm, according to their employers. A quarter end work at 10pm. Think about it, if you employer makes you work 14 hours a day and no days off even on Saturdays and Sundays, how would you react. I do not even think one would take up such a job. Furthermore, it is proven that resting helps improve a person's performance. A while rested maid will certainly be more efficient than one who works non-stop. Maids need the rest whether you like it or not, if employers cannot see this point, compulsory days off should be legislated.
On the other hand, this matter is can be quite small compared to cases such as murder or scams. Resources should be concentrated on more the more important cases. There have been many cases that have been rejected due to the lack of importance in the subject. However, the severity of this topic must also be brought into consideration. If only 12% of maids are given weekly days off, the scale of this case expands. If one person falls sick from food poisoning, nothing much would happen but if 90% of the people who eat from a stall gets food poisoning, the stall would most likely be closed down for lack of cleanliness. Even if the case might not seem much, the number would show that this is something that needs to be improved on.
I am appalled by the way these Singaporeans treat their maids. It is morally wrong to make someone work without giving them any rest. Even construction workers get at least one day off. By not giving employees their holidays, it is only dragging down your moral standards. One might be extremely rich, but if he or she does not treat the people working for him well, that person is trash.
In conclusion, being a made is a job and having a proper job means having days off. If people are unwilling to do that, it should be a law.
Some people confuse their maids for machines. Tell them to do something and they expect total obedience. However, even machines need to be recharged. These maids work on an average of 14 hours a day. Also, more than half the maids start work at 6am and end work between 8pm and 9pm, according to their employers. A quarter end work at 10pm. Think about it, if you employer makes you work 14 hours a day and no days off even on Saturdays and Sundays, how would you react. I do not even think one would take up such a job. Furthermore, it is proven that resting helps improve a person's performance. A while rested maid will certainly be more efficient than one who works non-stop. Maids need the rest whether you like it or not, if employers cannot see this point, compulsory days off should be legislated.
On the other hand, this matter is can be quite small compared to cases such as murder or scams. Resources should be concentrated on more the more important cases. There have been many cases that have been rejected due to the lack of importance in the subject. However, the severity of this topic must also be brought into consideration. If only 12% of maids are given weekly days off, the scale of this case expands. If one person falls sick from food poisoning, nothing much would happen but if 90% of the people who eat from a stall gets food poisoning, the stall would most likely be closed down for lack of cleanliness. Even if the case might not seem much, the number would show that this is something that needs to be improved on.
I am appalled by the way these Singaporeans treat their maids. It is morally wrong to make someone work without giving them any rest. Even construction workers get at least one day off. By not giving employees their holidays, it is only dragging down your moral standards. One might be extremely rich, but if he or she does not treat the people working for him well, that person is trash.
In conclusion, being a made is a job and having a proper job means having days off. If people are unwilling to do that, it should be a law.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Task 2
(1) Point of View:
The point if view of this poem is through the poets own eyes
(2) Situation and Setting:
There are many settings in this poem as war can happen in many places
(3) Language/Diction:
One specialty of this poem is that it uses both past and present tense.
(4) Personal Response:
I feel that this poem encompasses a holistic view of war. The sorrows, deaths and friendship are all included
The point if view of this poem is through the poets own eyes
(2) Situation and Setting:
There are many settings in this poem as war can happen in many places
(3) Language/Diction:
One specialty of this poem is that it uses both past and present tense.
(4) Personal Response:
I feel that this poem encompasses a holistic view of war. The sorrows, deaths and friendship are all included
LA HBL Poem Analysis
This poem showcases the story of a man in an Iraq war. He writes down his feelings and experiences in a form of a poem. He uses hyperbole to elaborate the difficult tasks at hand. He uses present tense to give a vivid description of the atmosphere.
I know it is the Iraq war as Steve Carleson is an ordinary soldier who has experienced 3 years of war. He joined the United States Army in October 2000 and went to Infantry Basic Training, and Airborne School in Ft. Benning Georgia. He then reported to D Company 1st battalion 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment. 82nd Airborne Division in Ft. Bragg North Carolina. He deployed to Kosovo in November 2001 as part of peace keeping operations. He Deployed to Afghanistan in of December 2002 where he participated in combat operations. He was honorably discharged from the Army in 2003. This proves that this is the Iraq war as that was the only war in that time period. Also, the mentioning of Hindu Kush ,which was a prominent part in the Iraq war, further proves that this was in the Iraq war.
He brings out the difficult missions he had accomplished through the use of a wide variety of hyperbole. Firstly, he describes the difficulty of running with all his equipment through a heavy rain. He felt as if the rain was made of "lead", an extremely dense material. It also meant the lead in gun ammunition, thus, showing that he was retreating while gun shots filled the air. He also use a hyperbole in describing the mountains he was required to climb. He compared the mountains with the sky by saying that they were "so steep, so high they kiss the skies". Therefore, he feels that the mountains are extremely high and difficult to climb. He then went on to describe the war zone on the mountain as "hell" and it is so close to "god" as in heaven.
In line 3-12 he used present tense to give the reader a sense of happening. It is as if the reader is the one going through the entire ordeal. This puts us in the shoes of Steve, giving us a better and deeper understanding of what he has been through. "Bullets are flying, the LZ is hot" are all in present tense. When reading, it feels as if the reader is in the moment, looking at the bullets flying and the landing zone bustling with activity.
Reference:
http://maytheforcebewithu.blogspot.com/2010/05/we-slept-with-our-boots-on.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hindu_Kush
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paratrooper
I know it is the Iraq war as Steve Carleson is an ordinary soldier who has experienced 3 years of war. He joined the United States Army in October 2000 and went to Infantry Basic Training, and Airborne School in Ft. Benning Georgia. He then reported to D Company 1st battalion 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment. 82nd Airborne Division in Ft. Bragg North Carolina. He deployed to Kosovo in November 2001 as part of peace keeping operations. He Deployed to Afghanistan in of December 2002 where he participated in combat operations. He was honorably discharged from the Army in 2003. This proves that this is the Iraq war as that was the only war in that time period. Also, the mentioning of Hindu Kush ,which was a prominent part in the Iraq war, further proves that this was in the Iraq war.
He brings out the difficult missions he had accomplished through the use of a wide variety of hyperbole. Firstly, he describes the difficulty of running with all his equipment through a heavy rain. He felt as if the rain was made of "lead", an extremely dense material. It also meant the lead in gun ammunition, thus, showing that he was retreating while gun shots filled the air. He also use a hyperbole in describing the mountains he was required to climb. He compared the mountains with the sky by saying that they were "so steep, so high they kiss the skies". Therefore, he feels that the mountains are extremely high and difficult to climb. He then went on to describe the war zone on the mountain as "hell" and it is so close to "god" as in heaven.
In line 3-12 he used present tense to give the reader a sense of happening. It is as if the reader is the one going through the entire ordeal. This puts us in the shoes of Steve, giving us a better and deeper understanding of what he has been through. "Bullets are flying, the LZ is hot" are all in present tense. When reading, it feels as if the reader is in the moment, looking at the bullets flying and the landing zone bustling with activity.
Reference:
http://maytheforcebewithu.blogspot.com/2010/05/we-slept-with-our-boots-on.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hindu_Kush
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paratrooper
LA HBL Poem Analysis
Difficulty Rating: * * *
We Slept With Our Boots On
They unloaded the dead and maimed right before our eyes
They washed out the blood, we loaded our ruck’s and then took to the skies
Over the mountains, villages, and valleys we flew
Where we would land we had not a clue
Bullets are flying, the LZ is hot
We’re leaving this bird whether we like it or not
30 seconds they yelled, Lock N Load and grab your shit
Get ready to go and make it quick
My heart is pumping adrenalin through all of my veins
I run as fast as I can through the lead rain
The noise is tremendous, terror I can’t define
The only reason I survived that day was divine
I kept pulling the trigger and reloading and pulling some more
You do what you have to do, with that I will say no more
We fought from the valleys to the mountain peaks
From house to cave, to car to creek
Dirty and tired and hungry and scared
We slept with our boots on so we were always prepared
Those majestic mountains so steep, so high they kiss the skies
The Hindu Kush has changed so many lives
Up the mountains with heavy loads we trod
Who knew hell was so close to God
Beauty and terror are a strong mixed drink
So we drank it like drunkards and tried not to think
Good men and bad men, Mothers lost son’s
Everyone loses their innocence when they carry guns
Washed in the blood, and baptized by fire
I will never forget those who were called higher
They say blood is thicker than water, well lead is thicker than blood
Brothers aren’t born they’re earned. In the poppy fields, the tears, and the mud
And when I get to heaven to Saint Peter I will tell
Another Paratrooper reporting for duty sir, I spent my time in hell
Steve Carlsen
We Slept With Our Boots On
They unloaded the dead and maimed right before our eyes
They washed out the blood, we loaded our ruck’s and then took to the skies
Over the mountains, villages, and valleys we flew
Where we would land we had not a clue
Bullets are flying, the LZ is hot
We’re leaving this bird whether we like it or not
30 seconds they yelled, Lock N Load and grab your shit
Get ready to go and make it quick
My heart is pumping adrenalin through all of my veins
I run as fast as I can through the lead rain
The noise is tremendous, terror I can’t define
The only reason I survived that day was divine
I kept pulling the trigger and reloading and pulling some more
You do what you have to do, with that I will say no more
We fought from the valleys to the mountain peaks
From house to cave, to car to creek
Dirty and tired and hungry and scared
We slept with our boots on so we were always prepared
Those majestic mountains so steep, so high they kiss the skies
The Hindu Kush has changed so many lives
Up the mountains with heavy loads we trod
Who knew hell was so close to God
Beauty and terror are a strong mixed drink
So we drank it like drunkards and tried not to think
Good men and bad men, Mothers lost son’s
Everyone loses their innocence when they carry guns
Washed in the blood, and baptized by fire
I will never forget those who were called higher
They say blood is thicker than water, well lead is thicker than blood
Brothers aren’t born they’re earned. In the poppy fields, the tears, and the mud
And when I get to heaven to Saint Peter I will tell
Another Paratrooper reporting for duty sir, I spent my time in hell
Steve Carlsen
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Term 2 Lesson 2
The picture depicts a soldier, lying on the floor holding a gun. His instincts of a living organism gives hi the longing to shrink himself, to be insignificant. At the same time, his soldier instincts pushes him to put up a brave front. The soldier face is in a mask of horror. It is obvious that he is scared. There is debris lying around him, suggesting that explosives have been used. He is alone. No friends, companions or fellow soldiers surrounding him. Facing your enemies with peers is definitely better than facing it yourself. In every war, the atmosphere would be dense with death and despair.
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Term 2 Week 4 (Weekend Assignment)
The recent nuclear disasters have certainly sparked of many unpleasant remarks about nuclear energy. However, I feel that nuclear energy benefits not just us, but all life on the planet! Some advantages of nuclear energy include the power plants needing less fuel than those which burn fossil fuels. One ton of uranium produces more energy than is produced by several million tons of coal or several million barrels of oil. Also, coal and oil burning plants pollute the air. Well-operated nuclear power plants do not release contaminants into the environment at all. This might just be the cure for global warming.
Even if we compare the damages that it has caused towards that of a normal power plant, I would still agree that nuclear energy is better. we know for sure that all power plant pollutes the air and causes climate change. On the other hand, only a few nuclear plants have been a severe threat to mankind and even then, they are only that way because of uncontrollable accidents like tsunamis.
Therefore, we should always strive for the better with what we can control, instead of letting a mishap hamper our progress, why not find a better way to make nuclear energy safer?
Even if we compare the damages that it has caused towards that of a normal power plant, I would still agree that nuclear energy is better. we know for sure that all power plant pollutes the air and causes climate change. On the other hand, only a few nuclear plants have been a severe threat to mankind and even then, they are only that way because of uncontrollable accidents like tsunamis.
Therefore, we should always strive for the better with what we can control, instead of letting a mishap hamper our progress, why not find a better way to make nuclear energy safer?
Friday, April 22, 2011
Term 2 Week 5 (Weekend Assignment)
'Students should be given more freedom in deciding school rules.' What are your views?
In a country, without laws, there will be chaos; in a school, without rules, there will be disorder. Therefore, a school must have its own rules and regulations. This is to ensure that the students have a peaceful environment to study in. As such, it should be the students that make the rules. Students should have their rights to set their own rules, students should exercise their leadership and most importantly, enjoy their time.
In Singapore, people elect the parliament which makes laws. Therefore, the students as the next generation should also be able to have a sort of platform in which they have a choice, a democracy. Most of the rules in school like not wearing ankle socks or having a school uniform are not that important yet it still takes place. As a result, many students disagree with the rules and tend to break it from time to time. All they get is a few demerit points which can affect the life of a student. Scholarships, oversea trips, university placings might all just vanish. If we, as students are not allowed to make our own rules, how can we be the future generation of democracy.
Making rules are an essential part of leadership. As a leader, one must make sure that his group stays peaceful so work can go along efficiently. In order to do that, rules must be laid. As the old saying goes," practice makes perfect", students have to practice making rules so they can lead the people in the future. Therefore, I think we should start making rules from young so we would do well as leaders of tomorrow.
Finally, studying is best done while enjoying the lessons. letting students have the power of making their rules will satisfy their demands for better school rules. Although some people might think the students will just make rules so they can do anything they want, I feel that this is highly unlikely. The students who makes the rules would be elected by the students. If the student makes rules just for his entertainment, he would most likely be sacked. By the end of the day, good rules would still be made and the students would enjoy themselves.
In conclusion, students should make their own rules as it benefits the student in academics, future leading and for childhood happiness. So why not go for it, it might just help bring us to a better tomorrow.
In a country, without laws, there will be chaos; in a school, without rules, there will be disorder. Therefore, a school must have its own rules and regulations. This is to ensure that the students have a peaceful environment to study in. As such, it should be the students that make the rules. Students should have their rights to set their own rules, students should exercise their leadership and most importantly, enjoy their time.
In Singapore, people elect the parliament which makes laws. Therefore, the students as the next generation should also be able to have a sort of platform in which they have a choice, a democracy. Most of the rules in school like not wearing ankle socks or having a school uniform are not that important yet it still takes place. As a result, many students disagree with the rules and tend to break it from time to time. All they get is a few demerit points which can affect the life of a student. Scholarships, oversea trips, university placings might all just vanish. If we, as students are not allowed to make our own rules, how can we be the future generation of democracy.
Making rules are an essential part of leadership. As a leader, one must make sure that his group stays peaceful so work can go along efficiently. In order to do that, rules must be laid. As the old saying goes," practice makes perfect", students have to practice making rules so they can lead the people in the future. Therefore, I think we should start making rules from young so we would do well as leaders of tomorrow.
Finally, studying is best done while enjoying the lessons. letting students have the power of making their rules will satisfy their demands for better school rules. Although some people might think the students will just make rules so they can do anything they want, I feel that this is highly unlikely. The students who makes the rules would be elected by the students. If the student makes rules just for his entertainment, he would most likely be sacked. By the end of the day, good rules would still be made and the students would enjoy themselves.
In conclusion, students should make their own rules as it benefits the student in academics, future leading and for childhood happiness. So why not go for it, it might just help bring us to a better tomorrow.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Term 2 online lesson 1
Dear Uncle Sam,
How are you, I am writing to you to tell you about my very first experience of an earthquake. It was probably the most frightening, yet exciting moment of my life. Last Friday, Japan was struck with an 8.9 magnitude earthquake in the northeast region. It was just my luck that my family moved to Tokyo last month.
When I first noticed the tremors, I was in class studying. Suddenly, the entire school building started to shake as if it had a life of its own. Then, we noticed cracks appearing on the walls, creeping like vines. Immediately, we all crawled under th table as practiced many times. Under the table, I felt helpless. There was nothing I could do, we were sitting ducks! After what seemed like eternity, it was all over. We cautiously crept out. The destruction was eminent, ceiling lights were on the floor; rubble was all over the place; everyone had a look of pure terror in their faces.
I immediately rushed home but all I saw was rubble. Thankfully, my family members all escaped unscathed. I really envy you, Uncle Sam. Singapore has no natural disasters, your life must be extremely peaceful.
Sincerely, Kaye Tan
How are you, I am writing to you to tell you about my very first experience of an earthquake. It was probably the most frightening, yet exciting moment of my life. Last Friday, Japan was struck with an 8.9 magnitude earthquake in the northeast region. It was just my luck that my family moved to Tokyo last month.
When I first noticed the tremors, I was in class studying. Suddenly, the entire school building started to shake as if it had a life of its own. Then, we noticed cracks appearing on the walls, creeping like vines. Immediately, we all crawled under th table as practiced many times. Under the table, I felt helpless. There was nothing I could do, we were sitting ducks! After what seemed like eternity, it was all over. We cautiously crept out. The destruction was eminent, ceiling lights were on the floor; rubble was all over the place; everyone had a look of pure terror in their faces.
I immediately rushed home but all I saw was rubble. Thankfully, my family members all escaped unscathed. I really envy you, Uncle Sam. Singapore has no natural disasters, your life must be extremely peaceful.
Sincerely, Kaye Tan
Friday, March 4, 2011
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Term 1 Week 7: (Weekend Assignment)
This year's LA lesson has been very fruitful. I have learnt many things in less than one term. A few things I learnt are: the way of writing a good narrative essay, how to analyse stories and extracts and the right way of writing dialogue.
The program is also very interesting. For the first time, I did not feel like sleeping in LA classes. The lesson is interactive as we usually form groups to discuss or share our thoughts. There is not much I want to change but there is one problem that affects all other subjects too. It is the HCI wireless access. During our future school lessons, over half the class would be unable to access the internet. This is very does not contribute to a conducive the learning environment. I suggest the school installs better wireless access so we can study smoothly and efficiently. I think the best lesson and the one I enjoyed the most, was a future school lesson. In this lesson, we had to describe a character using descriptive language. The fun part was that we could choose any character we wanted. Although the internet still caused a lot of problems, I was able to recall how my chosen character looked like so it was still manageable.
The program is also very interesting. For the first time, I did not feel like sleeping in LA classes. The lesson is interactive as we usually form groups to discuss or share our thoughts. There is not much I want to change but there is one problem that affects all other subjects too. It is the HCI wireless access. During our future school lessons, over half the class would be unable to access the internet. This is very does not contribute to a conducive the learning environment. I suggest the school installs better wireless access so we can study smoothly and efficiently. I think the best lesson and the one I enjoyed the most, was a future school lesson. In this lesson, we had to describe a character using descriptive language. The fun part was that we could choose any character we wanted. Although the internet still caused a lot of problems, I was able to recall how my chosen character looked like so it was still manageable.
Friday, February 11, 2011
Term 1 Week 5: Weekend Assignment
It is like the White House in America, but better. It is like the Taj Mahal, but grander. With walls as white as snow and doorways made for giants, the Istana is certainly a grand place. A red and white flag stands firmly with pride on the roof, flapping in the wind gracefully. The Istana is always surrounded by trees, some as tall as itself, On certain days, the place would be crowded with people, here to witness the grandness of the Istana. Whether they were tourists from around the world or locals from around Singapore, all will be awe strucked by its impressive structure. Th Istana itself has braved many historic moments. It has witnessed the Japanese Invasion, the merger then the separation of Singapore and Malaysia, the independence of Singapore and many many more.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Characterisation: Story Excerpt
Tasmanian Devil
He will strike fear into even the boldest of toonians. Children have nightmares about him; Parents are afraid that he would take their children. His hair is curved and protrudes out like a pair of horns. His eyes are slanted in a way that he always look angry, whether he is sad, happy or nervous. The pupils are the size of ants giving him a crazy look. He has jaws so big it would shame a great white shark and an equally big tongue to go with it. When he speaks, he never fails to spit saliva at the person he is speaking to. With hands the size of saucepans he can grab prey bigger than him. When chasing his prey, or when running away, his legs would morph into a twister, increasing his speed and destruction. This creature, this monster, is none other than the Tasmanian Devil.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Term 1 Week 4
Thia is the Istana. It is the home of the president of Singapore, currently SR Narthan. It occupies over 40 hectares of land along Orchard Road. It means a lot to me as it is a precious and important part of Singapore's history and heritage, and has borne witness to Singapore's many historical milestones. For example, during the Japanese invasion of 1942, deliberate shelling destroyed the small ceremonial guns on the steps of Government House and left the building and its grounds in a state of ruin. Then Governor Sir Shenton Thomas and Lady Daisy Thomas loyally remained in Government House with their servants until the very last moments. When they finally evacuated, they took with them the Union Flag that had been flying in front of Government House and carefully kept it hidden throughout the Japanese Occupation. During the occupation, the house was occupied by Field Marshal Count Terauchi, commander of the Japanese Southern Army, and Major General Kawamura, commander of the Singapore Defense Forces.
The Istana building was built by the British Colonial government to house its governors. Completed in 1869, it was then known as the Government House. The building was handed over to the Singapore Government when Singapore attained self government in 1959, and renamed Istana (“Palace” in Malay).
It is part of my identity as it is the most significant part of my neighbourhood. In my spare time, I would go to the Istana to admire its structure and if I was lucky, witness the changing of guards.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
E-Learning assignment
This comic shows how hated a teacher can be. In this case, the teacher might be so mean that the students want to throw spit was at her. This might also mean that the students are extremely bad. So bad that even the best teachers are unable to teach them. Also, the students have developed a sense of sarcasm , saying that they miss her. However, I think the "miss" actually means that the student missed the last shot.
Term 1 Week 3: (Weekend Assignment)
This song showcases the evils in the world. Not just prejudice and discrimination but also pollution and dying children. However, it focuses love and peace, which can be seen from the chorus "Where is the love, where is the love, where is the love, the love, the love." Therefore, this song is telling the audience that everyone should give more love to everyone, not just their friends and relatives. This song also tells us to stop pollution to spare the young. The part i feel most affect me is: "People killing people dying, Children hurting you hear them crying, Can practice what you preach, would u turn the other cheek." This tells me what people are doing to the world. Through war, many people have suffered. But this should not be the case, there is always another way, a better way.
Friday, January 14, 2011
Term 1 Week 2: (Weekend Assignment)
Book selected: Danny the Champion of the World
This book is about a boy named Danny and his poaching adventures with his father. They are very poor and run a filling station and auto repair shop. Whenever I read about Danny, I will always think that if I were him, I would most probably go crazy. He does not have any television, computer, hand phone or even a radio to listen too! Bread with baked beans counts as a special occasion. Compared to him I am very lucky. However, this does not seem to bother him. Instead, he finds other things to do with his father, like making mini hot air balloons and poaching. This book has taught me to not take anything for granted. I hope can live a happy life as eventful, as family-bonding as Danny
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)