Day 6:
Picture Discussion
This picture depicts a group of students at the sports stadium at a sports meet. In the foreground, there are four girls with their mouths wide open, probably cheering themselves hoarse for their team-mates participating in one of the items. One of them was even jumping in sheer ecstasy. I can tell that there is sports meet because I can see few athletes in the background. They are dressed in sports attire with a number tag at the back of their shirts. They look restless and energetic, probably waiting for their event to come. In the background, there are some students seated on the steps and some near the running track behind the girls. The spectators at the gallery are sparse and scattered. They are probably there to help friends look after their belongings. The small group of spectators at the track looks bored. They were probably forced to attend this meeting as it is compulsory.
Conversation
Q1:
I always thought being able to keep in touch with friends forever. However, I was wrong about this. When we part, we still keep in touch at first. At that time, we email each other. Then, we chat on msn. As time goes by, we lose contact because no one takes the initiative to keep in contact anymore. We are so busy with our homework, our school activities that we sort of forget each other till sometime later. When we meet again, we talk about the past, the present and maybe even plans for our future. Only then, did I realise that my friend was no longer the person I used to know. We are no longer the innocent little kids we were years ago when we were still playing ball games in the court or the assembly ground.
Q2:
I believe than nothing is impossible. If everyone is given an equal chance to learn the sport, given the same amount of coaching, they can probably do well in that sport. Juxtapose two players who are given the same amount of coaching. If one practices hard while the other slacks or laze around, even if this player is better than the other player, this player will lose to the other player because hard work pays off. It takes time to learn and master the skills of a sport. Do you think the champion can win a competition easily if he does not put in the effort to train hard and give in all his best during the competition? However, not everyone can be good in everything. If everyone is good in everything, there will be no need for teachers because parents can teach their children. There will be no need for repairman because everyone knows what to do when something spoils. There will be no need for almost everything. There will always be something you are good at that others are not good at. Just like I am better in Languages while my brother is better in Math, I am better in swimming and running while my brother is better at bowling. There will always be some differences. To say that men are better at sport than women is like saying that women are better than men academically. This is not something which has been proven. There are other points to take into account. For example, men have better stamina than female, which means that men usually do better than female because of different stamina.
Saturday, June 27, 2009
English Oral Day 4
Day 4:
Picture DiscussionThis picture depicts some volunteers helping disabled people get onto the bus. In the foreground, a handicapped man in a wheelchair is trying to get onto the ramp leading to the bus. A volunteer is pushing the wheelchair from behind while the bus driver is stretching out his hand to assist him. Both men are focused on ensuring that the wheels are safely within the ramp so that the man will not fall off his wheelchair. Men are suitable for such work because physical strength is needed the handicap man looks dressed for the outing and is holding a boarding pass in his hand.
The rest of the volunteers and another handicap in the background are looking on, patiently waiting for their turn. Patience is an important quality in handling and caring for handicapped people because they are not as agile and nimble as able bodied people. The Muslim lady in the background might be a representative from the disabled association. She is there to supervise that the outing goes smoothly and safely for all involved.
They are all from different races which is a very typical scene in a multi-racial country like Singapore.
Conversation
Q1:
An area of natural beauty I’ve been to is Diamond Head. Diamond Head is the name of a tuff cone on the Hawaiian island of Oahu. It is found in Honolulu, part of Oahu. I went there with my family when I was in Primary 3. We took a 0.7 miles (1.1km) hike which leads to the edge of the crater’s rim. From the summit above the observation platform, both Waikiki and the Pacific Ocean can be seen in detail. It was exciting, breathtaking, and awesome to be standing at the rim of the crater, looking down into the crater and the majestic Pacific Ocean, with the deafening roar of the waves crashing against the beach. It was very windy up there and it makes me feel the grandeur and power of nature. It was a memorable moment. It is very pleasant and picturesque, like those from tourist postcards and brochures.
Q2:
I feel that everyone have the responsibility of protecting natural habitats and looking after wildlife. Human take away the habitats of wildlife through deforestation just so to improve their lives. Deforestation not only takes away the habitats of animals but might also cause some wildlife to become endangered or even extinct. Forests are disappearing rapidly from the earth’s surface due to various reasons like for agriculture, developing cities etc. I feel that humans do not think twice about protecting the natural habitats and wildlife until there is hardly any natural habitats left or when wildlife are endangered. Have they ever thought about protecting natural habitats and wildlife so that future generations can still enjoy the beauty of nature and see the wildlife in real like other than learning them from books. There is no need to develop cities if it damages nature in the process. Is it impossible to live just like how our ancestors live in the past? I do not think that they caused as much damage to nature as we do.
Picture DiscussionThis picture depicts some volunteers helping disabled people get onto the bus. In the foreground, a handicapped man in a wheelchair is trying to get onto the ramp leading to the bus. A volunteer is pushing the wheelchair from behind while the bus driver is stretching out his hand to assist him. Both men are focused on ensuring that the wheels are safely within the ramp so that the man will not fall off his wheelchair. Men are suitable for such work because physical strength is needed the handicap man looks dressed for the outing and is holding a boarding pass in his hand.
The rest of the volunteers and another handicap in the background are looking on, patiently waiting for their turn. Patience is an important quality in handling and caring for handicapped people because they are not as agile and nimble as able bodied people. The Muslim lady in the background might be a representative from the disabled association. She is there to supervise that the outing goes smoothly and safely for all involved.
They are all from different races which is a very typical scene in a multi-racial country like Singapore.
Conversation
Q1:
An area of natural beauty I’ve been to is Diamond Head. Diamond Head is the name of a tuff cone on the Hawaiian island of Oahu. It is found in Honolulu, part of Oahu. I went there with my family when I was in Primary 3. We took a 0.7 miles (1.1km) hike which leads to the edge of the crater’s rim. From the summit above the observation platform, both Waikiki and the Pacific Ocean can be seen in detail. It was exciting, breathtaking, and awesome to be standing at the rim of the crater, looking down into the crater and the majestic Pacific Ocean, with the deafening roar of the waves crashing against the beach. It was very windy up there and it makes me feel the grandeur and power of nature. It was a memorable moment. It is very pleasant and picturesque, like those from tourist postcards and brochures.
Q2:
I feel that everyone have the responsibility of protecting natural habitats and looking after wildlife. Human take away the habitats of wildlife through deforestation just so to improve their lives. Deforestation not only takes away the habitats of animals but might also cause some wildlife to become endangered or even extinct. Forests are disappearing rapidly from the earth’s surface due to various reasons like for agriculture, developing cities etc. I feel that humans do not think twice about protecting the natural habitats and wildlife until there is hardly any natural habitats left or when wildlife are endangered. Have they ever thought about protecting natural habitats and wildlife so that future generations can still enjoy the beauty of nature and see the wildlife in real like other than learning them from books. There is no need to develop cities if it damages nature in the process. Is it impossible to live just like how our ancestors live in the past? I do not think that they caused as much damage to nature as we do.
English Oral Day 2
Day 2:
Picture Discussion
This picture depicts few ladies learning how to be a hair dresser. There is a table with mannequins and hair dressing tools and accessories in the foreground. I can tell that the ladies are learning how to be a hair dresser because they are cutting the hair of the mannequins. Few of them look very serious and focused on their work while a few others look more relaxed, with a smile on their face.
Conversation
Q1:
Tell me about your favourite hairstyleI like short and spiky hairstyle. I like short hair because it looks neat and less time needed to maintain. I like this hairstyle because it looks trendy and gives youthful image. It also keeps you cool in hot weather. Long hair is very versatile- can change different styles to project different images and moods. For example, letting down your hair makes you look sexy and grown up on a date; hair can be tied into a ponytail for sports activity so that you will look neat. However, I feel that cleanliness and the condition of the hair is more important. The hair looks best brushed, shiny and clean.
Q2:
What is your view about CCTV or security cameras in public placesI do not really have much opinion about CCTV or security cameras in public places. I feel that these equipments or devices are used to ensure that public areas are safe and secure. With security cameras around, there will be lesser theft cases as people will not be so daring to steal where they could be easily caught.
Picture Discussion
This picture depicts few ladies learning how to be a hair dresser. There is a table with mannequins and hair dressing tools and accessories in the foreground. I can tell that the ladies are learning how to be a hair dresser because they are cutting the hair of the mannequins. Few of them look very serious and focused on their work while a few others look more relaxed, with a smile on their face.
Conversation
Q1:
Tell me about your favourite hairstyleI like short and spiky hairstyle. I like short hair because it looks neat and less time needed to maintain. I like this hairstyle because it looks trendy and gives youthful image. It also keeps you cool in hot weather. Long hair is very versatile- can change different styles to project different images and moods. For example, letting down your hair makes you look sexy and grown up on a date; hair can be tied into a ponytail for sports activity so that you will look neat. However, I feel that cleanliness and the condition of the hair is more important. The hair looks best brushed, shiny and clean.
Q2:
What is your view about CCTV or security cameras in public placesI do not really have much opinion about CCTV or security cameras in public places. I feel that these equipments or devices are used to ensure that public areas are safe and secure. With security cameras around, there will be lesser theft cases as people will not be so daring to steal where they could be easily caught.
Friday, June 12, 2009
T2W9 Friend
Although they were classmates, they were long time adversary. It is quite pathetic everytime there is a fracas between the two of them. No one's ever seen them fight with such gusto. When they became best of friends, everyone were surprised. However, they were glad that the two boys did not miss out in all the bliss in their friendship.
T2W7 Success
The earthquake bereft John of his family and his ability to walk. Although he could have do nothing but let others take pity of the state he's in, he never wanted people to show pity or sympathy to him. He wanted to be like his peers, to be able to go to school and do be successful. He never faltered, over comming setbacks and obstacles.
After years, his hard work finally paid off as hereached the pinnacle of success. Although he had already achieved success, he still showed humility. He never stopped improving because he believes that there is always room for improvement...
After years, his hard work finally paid off as hereached the pinnacle of success. Although he had already achieved success, he still showed humility. He never stopped improving because he believes that there is always room for improvement...
T2W6 Fight in School
It started as a small misunderstanding. The girl was walking to the canteen from the PE storeroom with her friends when she almost collided into an upper primary boy playing soccer with his friends at assembly ground. "F***" the older boy shouted. One of her friends got angry and demanded an apology politely after explaining that it was inevitable for them to bump into him and reminding him that he should not be using vulgar words. Not only did he refused to apologise, he became hostile, pushing the young boy to the ground. The other kids wanted the an apology for his unruly behaviour or they will report it to the teachers. There was a tussle as the older boy pinned to younger kid to the ground. A teacher passing by saw the fight and went to halt fight. The teacher rebuke the older boy for his childish behaviour and insensible action. Fortunately, the young kid only sustained superficial injuries.
T2W5 Playing with Fire
It was a decade after the incident happened. On that fateful evening, Jacko raced home the moment he got off the bus. When he reached home, he ran into the house. After dinner, he played scrabble with his younger brother, Harry. He then retired to his room to do his schoolwork. Harry had fallen asleep half way through the game, so Jacko carried Harry to bed in the room next to his. His parents had went out for a dinner and would not be home till late at night. He was so focused in his work that he was unaware that little Harry had sneaked out of bed.
When he heard his brother's loud cry for help, he dashed out of his room and saw that the house the kitchen was on fire. Grabbing his brother, he ran out of the house. With his mobile phone, he dailed the emergency number for help.
Soon, the police and the firetruck came. The fire was under control after 3 long hours. He was devastated by grief when he saw what had become of his home. The once majestic looking house that stood infront of him was almost razed to the ground by the conflagration. He was glad that his brother was fine. As he walked back into the house, all he saw was charred and debris of the furnitures and rooms.
His parents were furious when they found out what happened. "The flames could be detriment to the ceiling which could have fell flat on you. It could have killed both of you." the worried and angry mother chidded Harry. Harry rue his actions. he realised that his playfulness and curiosty could have cost him his life as well as Jacko's.
The incident was not obliterated from his memory. Jacko still remembers it as an expensive lesson learnt.
When he heard his brother's loud cry for help, he dashed out of his room and saw that the house the kitchen was on fire. Grabbing his brother, he ran out of the house. With his mobile phone, he dailed the emergency number for help.
Soon, the police and the firetruck came. The fire was under control after 3 long hours. He was devastated by grief when he saw what had become of his home. The once majestic looking house that stood infront of him was almost razed to the ground by the conflagration. He was glad that his brother was fine. As he walked back into the house, all he saw was charred and debris of the furnitures and rooms.
His parents were furious when they found out what happened. "The flames could be detriment to the ceiling which could have fell flat on you. It could have killed both of you." the worried and angry mother chidded Harry. Harry rue his actions. he realised that his playfulness and curiosty could have cost him his life as well as Jacko's.
The incident was not obliterated from his memory. Jacko still remembers it as an expensive lesson learnt.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
T2W4 Taboo
The television was on and I was watching Taboo on the National Geographic Channel. The documetry was quite interesting. Although I often find it imprudent for people to induldge in such bizarre action. However, I do not really abhor nor am I contemptuous to people who are bizarre.
T2W2 Leader
How is it possible to ensure that students are given the opportunity to be a leader? In school, it's not just abhout being a good leader. Some people may think that it's also about skills. There's many commitment. Not forgetting the need to cope with school work and stuff. Usually people with potential to be a leader are choosen. What about those who can probably do a better job? This makes some doubt their own abilities. They will think that they are incompatible to the rest. They will probably just acknowledge the fact that they are lousy, they are incapable. Negative thoughts will pop into their mind. I feel that I can be a leader. I often doubt my ability to lead as well because I hardly get the chance to lead.
When one have to lead a large group, there are many different people together. Incompatibility might cause conflict in the group as well. One's indifference to the group also makes it hard for the group to bond together...
When one have to lead a large group, there are many different people together. Incompatibility might cause conflict in the group as well. One's indifference to the group also makes it hard for the group to bond together...
T2W1 The Last Heir
Ming was the scion of a rich and wealthy businessman. Having grown up in an atmosphere of opulence with an army of obsequious servants catered for his every desire. He was treated like a pince. Ming hardly stepped out of his lush surroundings until he was 15 when he had to go out on a business trip with his father. When he first left home, he was so shocked tt he spent days in his room, pondering about the poor citizens living in destitution. From that day onwards, Ming learnt not to depend too much on the servants. He also changed the way he treated them...
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
T1W10 Forgive and Forget
After the culprit was indicted by the four teenagers, the police came. "If it weren't for these pesky kids, I could have got away..." the murderer shouted as the police hand-cuffed him...
"Turn off the TV now and go do your homework. Exams is less than 1 month away and your break time is over as well" my mother reviled my youngest brother, Benny, to do his revision as it is his PSLE year. He was watching Scooby-Doo cartoons on cartoon network, taking a short break from his revision.
I was still thinking of what had happen. My brother had taken my baketball to play and got it confiscated by his teacher. That maudlin item was given to me by my grandfather when I was around 4-years-old. I could not forgive him. Even though he had his punishment and got me a new ball, I could still feel rage extant within me. I did not talk to him for weeks.
As time goes by, I started to forgive him. I tried to forget this incident.
Soon, we patched up and I forgot about the incident as well. I changed my point of view. I cannot imagine hating him for the rest of my life. He is my brother after all. So, I forgave him.
"Turn off the TV now and go do your homework. Exams is less than 1 month away and your break time is over as well" my mother reviled my youngest brother, Benny, to do his revision as it is his PSLE year. He was watching Scooby-Doo cartoons on cartoon network, taking a short break from his revision.
I was still thinking of what had happen. My brother had taken my baketball to play and got it confiscated by his teacher. That maudlin item was given to me by my grandfather when I was around 4-years-old. I could not forgive him. Even though he had his punishment and got me a new ball, I could still feel rage extant within me. I did not talk to him for weeks.
As time goes by, I started to forgive him. I tried to forget this incident.
Soon, we patched up and I forgot about the incident as well. I changed my point of view. I cannot imagine hating him for the rest of my life. He is my brother after all. So, I forgave him.
Saturday, March 7, 2009
T1W9 Reunion Dinner
Every Chinese New Year, there would be gathering with relatives at my grandfather's house. From late afternoon, people start arriving for the annual sumptuous feast. On the table would be a rife of food.
Before dinner start, we would toss yu sheng which is prepared by my uncle from a large bowl shaped plate. I can still remember that we even tossed the chopsticks as we had forgotten to remove the extra chopsticks. Then, we would grab a plate and start filling our plates with food. Children enjoy eating the crackers from the yu sheng as well as sweets and drinks without restrictions set by the adults. Although we can eat as much as we like, my mum would always advice us not too eat too much lest we fall ill.
After dinner, my brothers, together with my cousin and few other relatives would play together. Erither at my home or at my grandfather's place. As the older folks enjoy chatting and playing majong, we would usually play computer games or play mojong together at my place instead as there is no space at my granfather's place.
I could still remember a year before we started playing mojong, I got to my grandfather's house to play with my cousin who was trying to fix the toy model of a motorised race car. As we had missing parts, we dismantled the model done my my brother to get the missing part as that model was spoilt.
Now, as we grow older, we take turns playing majong every CNY. We set a rule of losers out. This way, those who want to play have a chance. other than that, the guys also enjoying playing halo 2 or soccer with the X Box console. They are often so concentrated in their game that they would balk when it was time to go home or to go to bed.
T1W8 Leaving Home
"I'm not going to accommodate to his needs. Neither am I going to take care of him. I'm piled up with homework and school activities. Not to mention competitions." I shouted. Then, I grabbed my bag and ran out of the house. I ran as far as I could, along tortuous dark alleys and soon, it was dark. I had yet to take my dinner and was still in my uniform, having just came home after Chinese Orchestra practice. I craved for drinks. I was thirst and hungry and did not have much money with me. just my $10 savings. I went to a nearby coffee shop to buy a bowl of noodles. Then, went to the playground to spend the night, latent in the tunnel slide.
After itinerating around the place for few days, I decided return home. I was running out of money and missed my comfortable room at home. I went home, and apologised to my parents, promising them not to run away from home again.
After itinerating around the place for few days, I decided return home. I was running out of money and missed my comfortable room at home. I went home, and apologised to my parents, promising them not to run away from home again.
T1W7 Trust
After what happened, I never trust anyone again. It was only keeping in touch with CY and getting caught in between the gangs. Their words were often fallacious. It was usally due to the fact that they wanted me to 'support' them. They would concoct a plan to subterfuge me into believing that what they say are true. I felt stupid for being so guilable. They had a reason to exult, for they had hurt me deeply. The feeling of watching me feel sad. It must have been enjoyable to them. It makes me feel more isolated. At times, I do not feel like part of the class. After I graduated, I was so glad that I would be at a place where no one can harm me. But I was arong again...
T1W6 The Plan For The Future
Being the older progency, my grandfather hopes that my second brother and I can continue with the family business. Having reached the age of 73, he decides that we are old enough to work once we turn 18. Although I hope that I can help the family, but I also wish that I can pursue other interest and finish University as well. I feel that it is still a little too early to think of all these but at least it gives me another option.
Sometimes, I wonder if I can even work with my brother, given that he is the antithese of me. He is gregarious while I am much quiet during family gathering.Due to the fact that there are no other girls in my generation, I do not anyone to talk to about more personal problems. My brothers, cousin and younger uncles are always together. My brother is quite frugal. While I am an altrustic person, my brother is not. He treats some people better than he treats me. This often cause us to quarrel.
I wonder if it is a wise decision for us to work together. Maybe my grandfather wants us to learn how to work together harmoniously.
Sometimes, I wonder if I can even work with my brother, given that he is the antithese of me. He is gregarious while I am much quiet during family gathering.Due to the fact that there are no other girls in my generation, I do not anyone to talk to about more personal problems. My brothers, cousin and younger uncles are always together. My brother is quite frugal. While I am an altrustic person, my brother is not. He treats some people better than he treats me. This often cause us to quarrel.
I wonder if it is a wise decision for us to work together. Maybe my grandfather wants us to learn how to work together harmoniously.
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