Saturday, August 13, 2011
Justice and Mercy in our present world : Do you think justice and mercy can co-exist?
Justice and Mercy in our present world: Do you think justice and mercy can co-exist?
Yes, I do believe that justice and mercy cannot co-exist. To have justice is to give a person a punishment that he deserves for the act that he committed, regardless of his circumstances, any bias towards him, and placing pity out of the picture. However, mercy will remove the harsh punishment from justice. With mercy, the punishments will be "soft" and ultimately will not serve the effect of deterring others from performing the harmful acts, therefore getting in the way of justice being served.
Also, people may be targeted to make use of their merciful nature. Once people learn that you are merciful, they most likely will try to take advantage of you, or commit harmful acts to you instead of to others as they know that your mercy will come through and no severe punishment will be mete out. Who knows to what extent that this can happen, possibly murder victims can even be acquitted for their crimes due to a merciful plaintiff.
In conclusion, justice and mercy cannot co-exist
Also, people may be targeted to make use of their merciful nature. Once people learn that you are merciful, they most likely will try to take advantage of you, or commit harmful acts to you instead of to others as they know that your mercy will come through and no severe punishment will be mete out. Who knows to what extent that this can happen, possibly murder victims can even be acquitted for their crimes due to a merciful plaintiff.
In conclusion, justice and mercy cannot co-exist
Term 3 week 4 (Shylock)
What do you think is Shakespeare's intention of creating Shylock in The Merchant of Venice? Support your opinion with examples.
I think Shakespeare's intention of creating Shylock in The Merchant of Venice is to appeal to the public and the Queen. The Elizabethan Era was a time of antisemitism, when there was much prejudice against the Jews. Shakespeare could have created Shylock, a jew who was mocked and mistreated by others, so that he would be able to attract public viewers, and also not offend the Queen or the public by going against the act of antisemitism.
I think Shakespeare's intention of creating Shylock in The Merchant of Venice is to appeal to the public and the Queen. The Elizabethan Era was a time of antisemitism, when there was much prejudice against the Jews. Shakespeare could have created Shylock, a jew who was mocked and mistreated by others, so that he would be able to attract public viewers, and also not offend the Queen or the public by going against the act of antisemitism.
A few examples of the mistreatment of Shylock are as follows:
Insults from Antonio: Act 1 Scene 3, Act 2 Scene 8
Description of poor treatment of Shylock by Antonio (even spitting on him): Act 1 Scene 3
Conversation between Bassanio and Launcelot mocking Shylock: Act 2 Scene 2
Shylock portrayed as a cruel man: Act 4 Scene 1 (trial scene where Shylock kept going after a pound of Antonio's flesh)
Term 3 Week 4
What is the main argument Jim Rogers is trying to make in this article? Do you agree with his argument? Justify.
Jim roger's main arguement is that children need to have a wide range of knowledge of languages, especially Chinese, in order to succeed in the future.
Jim Roger moved from America to Singapore, just so that his daughter may learn both chinese and english at the same time. He also said that China is going to become the next business center of the world, which is why it is so important for one to learn chinese.
I agree with Jim Roger's point of view, as we have to do as the romans do in rome. It is not very possible for us to seal deals with Chinese businessmen in English. Instead, if you speak to them in Chinese, they may be touched by your sincerity and feel more comfortable talking with you, giving you a better chance. Even in schools, Chinese is one of the more important languages.
Moreover, you can never know what kind of people you will meet in the future. Whether arabian, chinese, english, polish, they will always feel more comfortable when you converse with them in their native language, giving you a better chance to make friends with them or do business with them. So why not learn a third language for that?
Jim roger's main arguement is that children need to have a wide range of knowledge of languages, especially Chinese, in order to succeed in the future.
Jim Roger moved from America to Singapore, just so that his daughter may learn both chinese and english at the same time. He also said that China is going to become the next business center of the world, which is why it is so important for one to learn chinese.
I agree with Jim Roger's point of view, as we have to do as the romans do in rome. It is not very possible for us to seal deals with Chinese businessmen in English. Instead, if you speak to them in Chinese, they may be touched by your sincerity and feel more comfortable talking with you, giving you a better chance. Even in schools, Chinese is one of the more important languages.
Moreover, you can never know what kind of people you will meet in the future. Whether arabian, chinese, english, polish, they will always feel more comfortable when you converse with them in their native language, giving you a better chance to make friends with them or do business with them. So why not learn a third language for that?
Term 3 Week 3
(1) Comment on the Janalle Lee's view on the education system in Singapore.
I agree with her view about the education system in Singapore. As I progress further in the education system, I find myself questioning less, and just accepting facts as they are. Many lessons indeed just require memorising of facts, and nothing more. An example would be of the Integrated Humanities(IH) in Hwa Chong. All the while I have just been required to have all the facts at the back of my hand, and by regurgitating the facts, I have been able to achieve an A1 standard. Even the teachers ask us to memorise and memorise and memorise, like it is the "holy" method of obtaining an A1.
Secondly, the development of our moral character has been fading out as I go to a higher grade. Morals cannot be taught, but instead only people can influence the ones around him to have the correct morals. Even if the moral values are reinforced in lessons, the lessons are often shunned and replaced with the more "practical" lessons of the core subjects, but is this the correct approach? One may be bankrupt and not have any possessions, but must never become morally bankrupt. Morals should be of the top priority, but a lot of us are getting the signals that even if you are a delinquent, as long as you excel in your studies, nothing else matters.
As much as we hate to admit it, this is the situation of the Singapore education system, which will ultimately just produce robots with little or none creativity. No wonder the americans are generally the innovators of the largest brands in the world, with their independent and free education system that encourages creativity.
(2) Is an ideal education possible? Explain.
I feel that an ideal education is possible, but first the study oriented environment in Singapore should be abolished. Instead of having everyone being knowledgable in many things, we should just have people specialise completely in a subject or two, hence reducing the amount of time wasted in teaching the useless subjects that the students will probably never use for the rest of their adult life. This frees up time for daydreaming, or concocting up great ideas for the future, which will probably benefit us more.
The ideal education would be of the mix of moral and information being passed on to students. However, instead of morals being taught in class, I believe that bringing the students out for them to perform the morally correct actions themselves, and feel the joy in doing so, will be a much practical way. This will imprint the good feeling of doing the correct thing into the students' minds, hence making them repeat the action the next time.
I agree with her view about the education system in Singapore. As I progress further in the education system, I find myself questioning less, and just accepting facts as they are. Many lessons indeed just require memorising of facts, and nothing more. An example would be of the Integrated Humanities(IH) in Hwa Chong. All the while I have just been required to have all the facts at the back of my hand, and by regurgitating the facts, I have been able to achieve an A1 standard. Even the teachers ask us to memorise and memorise and memorise, like it is the "holy" method of obtaining an A1.
Secondly, the development of our moral character has been fading out as I go to a higher grade. Morals cannot be taught, but instead only people can influence the ones around him to have the correct morals. Even if the moral values are reinforced in lessons, the lessons are often shunned and replaced with the more "practical" lessons of the core subjects, but is this the correct approach? One may be bankrupt and not have any possessions, but must never become morally bankrupt. Morals should be of the top priority, but a lot of us are getting the signals that even if you are a delinquent, as long as you excel in your studies, nothing else matters.
As much as we hate to admit it, this is the situation of the Singapore education system, which will ultimately just produce robots with little or none creativity. No wonder the americans are generally the innovators of the largest brands in the world, with their independent and free education system that encourages creativity.
(2) Is an ideal education possible? Explain.
I feel that an ideal education is possible, but first the study oriented environment in Singapore should be abolished. Instead of having everyone being knowledgable in many things, we should just have people specialise completely in a subject or two, hence reducing the amount of time wasted in teaching the useless subjects that the students will probably never use for the rest of their adult life. This frees up time for daydreaming, or concocting up great ideas for the future, which will probably benefit us more.
The ideal education would be of the mix of moral and information being passed on to students. However, instead of morals being taught in class, I believe that bringing the students out for them to perform the morally correct actions themselves, and feel the joy in doing so, will be a much practical way. This will imprint the good feeling of doing the correct thing into the students' minds, hence making them repeat the action the next time.
Monday, August 8, 2011
Term 3 Week 2
Q: Is there a difference between treating water as a human right and as a commodity? In your opinion, should water be treated as a human right or as a commodity?
I believe that there indeed is a difference between treating water as a human right and as a commodity, and I feel that it should be treated as a commodity. Water is the fundamental thing that we living organism require for survival, and all of us have the right to have access to it, as we would die without it. However, only about or less than 1% of the water on earth is drinkable, and expensive methods have to be carried out to make the undrinkable water drinkable. It is only through the sale of the water that the capital of processing the water is gotten back, so that more water can be continued to be processed with the constant stream of money fueling the plants/factories. If this is not done, then large losses will be amounted and then soon no company or organisation will be willing to desalinate or process water for consumption.
You may say that water is a necessity for a man's survival, and hence it should be considered a human right. However if that is so, then why is food sold too? Even if water is needed for a person to live, it does not mean that we have to give it to him free of charge. If people are entitled to water and do not have to pay for it, they will not appreciate it and use water excessively, thereby wasting it. It is only through leaving water as a commodity that water is deemed precious and being conserved by the public. We have to make the masses work and pay for their water, to ensure that they do not take this privilege for granted.
I believe that there indeed is a difference between treating water as a human right and as a commodity, and I feel that it should be treated as a commodity. Water is the fundamental thing that we living organism require for survival, and all of us have the right to have access to it, as we would die without it. However, only about or less than 1% of the water on earth is drinkable, and expensive methods have to be carried out to make the undrinkable water drinkable. It is only through the sale of the water that the capital of processing the water is gotten back, so that more water can be continued to be processed with the constant stream of money fueling the plants/factories. If this is not done, then large losses will be amounted and then soon no company or organisation will be willing to desalinate or process water for consumption.
You may say that water is a necessity for a man's survival, and hence it should be considered a human right. However if that is so, then why is food sold too? Even if water is needed for a person to live, it does not mean that we have to give it to him free of charge. If people are entitled to water and do not have to pay for it, they will not appreciate it and use water excessively, thereby wasting it. It is only through leaving water as a commodity that water is deemed precious and being conserved by the public. We have to make the masses work and pay for their water, to ensure that they do not take this privilege for granted.
Friday, July 29, 2011
Term 3 Week 1
Q: In your opinion, should the giving of weekly days off be legislated in Singapore?
In my opinion, giving weekly days off should be legislated in Singapore. The maids work for their employers for nearly everyday of the month and it is only deserving for them to have a day off per week to rest and relax. Their job scope is handling every single household chore, in addition to taking care of children, which many of them are employed for this reason. The job that they are doing is the one that we Singaporeans are unwilling or "do not have the time" to do, and it is extremely strenuous mentally and physically for them to go through all these, sometimes even getting severely reprimanded when making an error. Giving the maids a day off per week will most probably reduce their chances of falling sick, and also keep them happy and willing to work for their employers. Moreover, through their days off, they should be able to meet and befriend other maids, and might just learn some ways to more effectively carry out her job. The maid may even opt to go for skills improvement courses, which would positively affect her life in her future, possibly helping her get a better paying job. With the legislation, we will be able to ensure that the maids are well-treated and not overworked without breaks. With their welfare taken care of, relations with the philippines and indonesia will definitely improve too. The other foreign workers are also given one day off a week, and there is no reason why maids should not be treated in a similar way. In conclusion, it is in the consideration of the welfare of the maid, and that they are not our slaves, that we have to legislate that all maids have to be given weekly days off.
In my opinion, giving weekly days off should be legislated in Singapore. The maids work for their employers for nearly everyday of the month and it is only deserving for them to have a day off per week to rest and relax. Their job scope is handling every single household chore, in addition to taking care of children, which many of them are employed for this reason. The job that they are doing is the one that we Singaporeans are unwilling or "do not have the time" to do, and it is extremely strenuous mentally and physically for them to go through all these, sometimes even getting severely reprimanded when making an error. Giving the maids a day off per week will most probably reduce their chances of falling sick, and also keep them happy and willing to work for their employers. Moreover, through their days off, they should be able to meet and befriend other maids, and might just learn some ways to more effectively carry out her job. The maid may even opt to go for skills improvement courses, which would positively affect her life in her future, possibly helping her get a better paying job. With the legislation, we will be able to ensure that the maids are well-treated and not overworked without breaks. With their welfare taken care of, relations with the philippines and indonesia will definitely improve too. The other foreign workers are also given one day off a week, and there is no reason why maids should not be treated in a similar way. In conclusion, it is in the consideration of the welfare of the maid, and that they are not our slaves, that we have to legislate that all maids have to be given weekly days off.
Monday, May 23, 2011
24/5 HBL Task 2
Point of view: 3rd person
Evidence: referring to children with the word "children"
Elaboration: The writer is writing from a bystander's point of view, as he describes all the things happening like he is observing them , and not participating in them at all, as there is no mention of any personal experiences, or "I" or "me".
Situation and Setting: In a war stricken country that even the children have to go onto the battlefield
Language/Diction: Puns
Personal Response:
This poem has opened my eyes to the cruel acts forced upon children in the world. I now feel more privileged and more appreciative of the life that I lead now, and the various things that I possess. I pity those children who are deprived of learning and an enjoyable childhood. How I hope I can help them.
Evidence: referring to children with the word "children"
Elaboration: The writer is writing from a bystander's point of view, as he describes all the things happening like he is observing them , and not participating in them at all, as there is no mention of any personal experiences, or "I" or "me".
Situation and Setting: In a war stricken country that even the children have to go onto the battlefield
Evidence: line 13 and 14 "will the war consume them/Their body and their soul", the picture at the top of the poem
Elaboration: The picture at the top of the poem shows a child in military uniform and holding a gun upright. This is just complete proof of children being made to fight in a war, as normally a child would be in civilian clothing and holding books or toys instead. The quote from lines 13 and 14 show us how the children are affected by the war, being physically damaged and traumatized by the experience.
Language/Diction: Puns
Evidence: light, darkness
Elaboration: Both the words "light" and "darkness" are puns that have double meanings. The poem describes the children in darkness, which may be both the literal meaning, and also mean that the children do not know much about the world or their surroundings, as someone who is "kept in the dark" is one who does not know certain information. The word "light" in this context does not mean the literal light, but instead is referring to the children's future, or their hopes for one.
Personal Response:
This poem has opened my eyes to the cruel acts forced upon children in the world. I now feel more privileged and more appreciative of the life that I lead now, and the various things that I possess. I pity those children who are deprived of learning and an enjoyable childhood. How I hope I can help them.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Letter to Relative in Singapore
Dear Jun Hong,
How are you? I am sure you've heard about the tsunami and earthquakes in Japan, and I assure you, I'm alive and kicking here. Don't worry about me, and help me to pass this message to your parents too. I may have been there when the tsunami and earthquake struck, but luckily, there were many helpful people who helped me, and played a large part in my survival.
I am currently stranded in a temporary shelter with many others who went through the same experience as me. Please do not worry about me as I have access to basic necessities, and have a roof to stay under. With the recent news about the radiation leaks, I am currently desperate to leave the country, but is haveing difficulties finding proper transport to the airport, due to the fuel shortage. We are doing great here, and will update you if there are any important or sudden changes to our circumstances. Hope to see you soon in Singapore if I can get out of here.
Regards,
Juo Shuen
How are you? I am sure you've heard about the tsunami and earthquakes in Japan, and I assure you, I'm alive and kicking here. Don't worry about me, and help me to pass this message to your parents too. I may have been there when the tsunami and earthquake struck, but luckily, there were many helpful people who helped me, and played a large part in my survival.
I am currently stranded in a temporary shelter with many others who went through the same experience as me. Please do not worry about me as I have access to basic necessities, and have a roof to stay under. With the recent news about the radiation leaks, I am currently desperate to leave the country, but is haveing difficulties finding proper transport to the airport, due to the fuel shortage. We are doing great here, and will update you if there are any important or sudden changes to our circumstances. Hope to see you soon in Singapore if I can get out of here.
Regards,
Juo Shuen
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Comments on other people's blogs
Wen Jie's Blog: I think that your write-up on Michael Jordan is very detailed, and really displayed the determination of him through it. I also like the "from zero to hero" plot, as it shows how far Michael Jordan had came to achieve what he has now. I now believe that hard work is the key to success more than ever, after reading this short summary of Michael Jordan's life too.
Link: http://iamapropudge.blogspot.com/2011/02/v-behaviorurldefaultvml-o.html#comments
Jun Hong's Blog: Personally, I feel that this story is a little unrealistic as Spongebob is like a sponge full of energy, and I believe that in one way or another, he will disturb Squidward. The dialogues are nicely crafted such that they show the iritating side of Spongebob too, which I think is quite a feat.
Link: http://wenjienoobpudge.blogspot.com/2011/02/characterisation-story-excerpt-on.html#comments
Yong Hong's Blog: I also find the field an important place for me too, as this was the place that I went through the various physical tests that a aced to get myself into my current CCA - canoeing. Physical Education lessons are carried out here also, and I feel that it is quite a magnificent sight to behold, every time I look at it when I pass by, or when I am running on it during P.E lessons.
Link: http://ngyonghong2a3languagearts.blogspot.com/2011/02/week-4-assignment.html#comments
Link: http://iamapropudge.blogspot.com/2011/02/v-behaviorurldefaultvml-o.html#comments
Jun Hong's Blog: Personally, I feel that this story is a little unrealistic as Spongebob is like a sponge full of energy, and I believe that in one way or another, he will disturb Squidward. The dialogues are nicely crafted such that they show the iritating side of Spongebob too, which I think is quite a feat.
Link: http://wenjienoobpudge.blogspot.com/2011/02/characterisation-story-excerpt-on.html#comments
Yong Hong's Blog: I also find the field an important place for me too, as this was the place that I went through the various physical tests that a aced to get myself into my current CCA - canoeing. Physical Education lessons are carried out here also, and I feel that it is quite a magnificent sight to behold, every time I look at it when I pass by, or when I am running on it during P.E lessons.
Link: http://ngyonghong2a3languagearts.blogspot.com/2011/02/week-4-assignment.html#comments
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Point of view assignment: Dead Poet Society
Headmaster: All the preparations were done, everything in order and ready to go. The doors opened in front of me, and I led the flag bearers and bagpipe blowers into the large hall. Everyone turned around to look at us, and we strode in, taking every step with the pride of the school. I began my speech once everyone was settled down, and in their designated positions. The light of knowledge was passed down to the newcomers, while I carried on with my speech. Nearly everyone stood up in unison, just as I asked the question "What are the four pillars?". "tradition, honour, discipline, and excellence" all in the hall spoke as though they were one person, everyone knowing the answer at the back of their hands. I proceeded on to introduce the school, then ending the ceremony.
A new student: I sat in my seat, waiting for the ceremony to begin with much nervousness. I swung my head backwards, as the sound of the bagpipes flew through the hall. There were a few flag bearers, a bagpipe blower, and an old geezer who held a candle in hand. At first I did not know what the candle was for, but after all had settled down, I found out. The candle held the "light of knowledge", which was then passed down to the rest of us. The headmaster then asked us what were the four pillars. The answer was very obvious to me, and I stodd up with the rest to answer him. The rest of the speech was quite boring, and the ceremony ended soon after.
A new student: I sat in my seat, waiting for the ceremony to begin with much nervousness. I swung my head backwards, as the sound of the bagpipes flew through the hall. There were a few flag bearers, a bagpipe blower, and an old geezer who held a candle in hand. At first I did not know what the candle was for, but after all had settled down, I found out. The candle held the "light of knowledge", which was then passed down to the rest of us. The headmaster then asked us what were the four pillars. The answer was very obvious to me, and I stodd up with the rest to answer him. The rest of the speech was quite boring, and the ceremony ended soon after.
Term 1 Week 5
The sun shone down on the ground, blazing in the large, vast sky. I approached my destination, with my heart pounding like mad. What stream will I get into? Will I be in the same class as my friends? Thought ran though my mind, like cars on the street during the peak hour, I took in a deep breath, and took my first step into the clock tower. The size of the interior was amazing, it was as big as a warehouse, maybe even bigger. I stood there, frozen to the spot, as I took in this overwhelming sight to behold. I wandered around the clock tower, forgetting even what I was there for, captured by the amazing aura that exuded from the grand structure. My jaw hung down through the whole experience, as I saw both levels of the clock tower, amazed with the spacious classrooms on the second level. I shivered in fear, as I saw the stain on the middle of the clock tower ground. I recalled the rumors that I had heard about a person accidentally falling to his death here, leaving that mark. I shuddered at the thought, and immediately hurried off to the registration booths in the Ooi Teong Ham Hall.
Term 1 Week 4
The Hwa Chong clock tower means a lot to me, as it was the place where I took my first step into this school, and also the monument in the school that I remember the most. This was where I went to first, on my first visit to Hwa Chong. This building is very significant in the whole of the campus, and it is also very sturdy, erected there for such a long time. I believe that my significance in the class will soon be seen, if I can work hard enough and achieve a Mean Subject Grade that will have everyone jealous. I also keep my stand and hold my ground, just like how the clock tower has stood there regardless of rain or hot sun, I will always give my best and never give in to others.
Reflection on LA lessons (Term 1)
In term 1, I have learnt how to describe my character in ways that involve showing and not telling. Also, I have learnt about the discrimination and prejudice that is happening in the world currently, and in what forms they appeared as in the past. From Mr Lum, I have absorbed the methods of describing the setting to complement the character, and give the story more colour. I like the interactivity in this term's LA module, and also the videos that were shown to us to let us learn more about discrimination and prejudice. I feel that the videos were a very idea, as it really made me want to do that homework (for once), due to the fact that it was very funny. I think that the programmes needs no changes, just possibly more videos or photographs as materials for us to learn from. I enjoyed the lesson which we watch the videos particularly, as it was really a fun and engaging lesson.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Characterisation: Story Excerpt
“I’m ready! I’m ready!” Spongebob exclaimed in excitement, on the way to the Krusty Crab. He walked with a skip and a hop, as he looked forward to the day ahead at work. He donned a pair of iconic square pants, which gave him his name “squarepants”, and his shirt is barely visible, together with his short, yet smart, tie in the middle. His shoes were squeaky clean, and shined in the bright light. A large smile was on his face, with two teeth jutting out of his mouth. Spongebob flung his flimsy stick-like arms forward and backward, with his thin legs taking step by step forward. H pranced and hopped beside his co-worker, Squidward, who had a glum face, and did not like any bit of the happiness that Spongebob was exuding. “Hey Squidward, aren’t you excited about the day of work ahead?” Spongebob squeaked. “Of course, I’m looking forward to the end of work.” Squidward replied gloomily.
Monday, January 24, 2011
Home learning: Comic Strip
The theme of my comic strip is discrimination. I chose to use the background of a classroom, as it is in school that everyone should be treated equally, however the African american is being discriminated, and called a "Negro". This shows the extent of being discriminated, even when the African american is asking the Caucasian a question politely, he still insults him. I chose this theme as it links with the topic that we have recently discussed in school- discrimination and prejudice.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Term 1 Week 3: (Weekend Assignment)
The main message of the song "Where is the love" by the black eyed peas, is that the world is totally screwed up, with problems everywhere, and they are crying out to God for help to heal the "wounds" of the world. "As I'm getting older y'all people get colder/ Most of us only care about money makin/Selfishness got us followin the wrong direction/Wrong information always shown by the media/Negative images is the main criteria/Infecting their young minds faster than bacteria/Kids wanna act like what the see in the cinema/Whatever happened to the values of humanity/Whatever happened to the fairness and equality/Instead of spreading love, we're spreading anomosity". This is the part that gives me the greatest impact, as we all know, our upbringing is very important, and the voral values we learn as kids affect how we behave in the future. This few lines show how the minds of children are "poisoned" in a sense, with the wrong values, which they bring down into adulthood, causing the vicious cycle to be repeated, as the adults teach their children the flawed thinking.
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Term 1 Week 2: (Weekend Assignment)
The movie "200 Pounds Beauty" has made a great impact on me. It has made realise what lengths people in society would go to in order to get the one he or she loves for himself/herself, and also what lengths they would go to in order to get into the spotlight. In the movie, the protagonist blackmails, and lies her way into the heart of her loved one, and also weaved a large web of lies to get into the spotlight of the music industry. I believe that this is only the tip of the iceberg for the many deeds people in the world do in order to get what they want. Before I watched this movie, I never believed that one would take such actions for an aim that is not very hard to achieve. After watching it, I now understand more about the outside society and also, hope that I will not be required to resort to any underhanded means in the future.
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