Straits Times Reflection 14 (Term 3 Week 9)

Home Section page B6
Call us, helplines urge troubled teens


1a) List two reasons why teens are reluctant to call helplines despite the promise of anonymity and professional help.

b) According to Ms Lily Chu, how does Touch Leadership and Mentoring prefer to help troubled teens?


2) Have you confided in your friends or family members about the problems you face in school/ life? Why or why not?


Have you been betrayed by your friends before? If yes, how? (You may change the names of the people involved for privacy)

No. If yes, I will be very sad and get more frustration in my mind because one of my friends is my best friends that i met. If my best friends betray me, I would even lost all the precious trust on the betrayer (so-called my best friends). I cannot tolerate all kind of nonsense such as betraying people. Betraying people not only can affect one's mood, it also can make the people around you to be hurt by emotional matters.

Straits Times Reflection 15 (Term 3 Week 8)

Home Section page B3
PM's 4 BASIC RULES FOR RELIGIOUS HARMONY

1a) What are the 4 rules for religious harmony?

b) In your opinion, how can we maintain a common space in schools?

2) Do you respect other religions? Why or why not? What do you think of children who stay away from their parents' funerals because they believe the traditional rites are against their new religion?

Yes. Singapore is a multi-racial country. People in SIngapore also must be harmonious regardless of race or religion.

Straits Times Reflection 14 (Term 3 Week 6)

Home Section page 1
Elderly Falling Prey to 'Volunteer' Ruse (trick)

1a) What is the modus operandi (method of operating) of the con artists?


b) What are the Lion Befrienders planning to do to ensure the old folks do not get conned again?



2) Do you like doing social work? Why or why not?

Yes. Even if I was asked to do social work, i am willingly or voluntarily to do social work. Doing social work can contribute to society and can also help the needy ones.

Straits Times Reflection 13 (Term 3 Week 5)

In Section page 3
A Deadly Business

1a) What are the 2 worrying trends about drug trafficking mentioned in the article?


b) Why are Singaporeans increasingly being used as "drug mules"?


2) What will you do if you find out that one of your friends is selling drugs? How will you react if someone tries to sell you drugs?

If I find out that one of my friends is selling drugs, I will persuade him to stop his wrong actions and tell him that selling drugs is illegal in most of the countries and most importantly, tell him to reflect on his mistake and start his life afresh. If someone tries to sell me drugs, I will reject the person's offer as the person is taking an illegal action against the law and regulation of the country.

Straits Times Reflection 12 (Term 3 Week 4)

Home Section Page 1
Hawkers fall prey to brazen break-ins.

1a) Why is it easy for burglers to break into stalls at the two markets in the Kallang area?


b) What is the Geylang East Central Merchants' Association going to do about the break-ins?


2. What do you think should be done to tighten the security of the markets? What do you think of the burglars who brazenly break into the stalls?

Installation of CCTV may tighten the security of the markets as CCTV can detect anyone's movements around the area. This can get close to the recent case of "breaking into the stalls on that area". The burglars are very brave towards their own actions that they can do anything to not to be suspicious to the people surrounding him. Breaking into the stalls in the market is considered as an illegal action or a serious crime which is prohibited by law. I think that breaking into the stalls is a crime that can destroy or ruin one's future. This can tell me that instead of doing such crime, we also can do something good to help the society or needy people. For example, keeping the surrounding place clean.

Straits Times Reflection 11 (Term 3 Week 3)

In Section Page 8
3 Cheers for the Team

1. (a) Why is cheerleading an expensive sport?


(b) What makes cheerleading such a tough sport?


2. What is your opinion of cheerleaders? If given a chance, would you join cheerleading? Why/ why not?

In my opinion, I think that the cheerleaders are very good role models that people should learn from. The reason is that they are enthusiastic about cheerleading during their practices and they do not mind about the tiredness and they are keen to help their teammates who have any difficulties.

Straits Times Reflection 10 (Term 2 Week 5)

Minister questions plans to separate conjoined twins
(Part A – Prime – Page A1 & A6)

Q1) What are some of the problems involved in separating a conjoined twin?

Problem such as a severe chest infection and excessive blood loss, will lead to death. Only those who survived may have suffered from brain damage. In addition to, numerous complication, including a potentially fatal problem with the spinal cord. One major problem is making sure that blood supply to the brain should be maintained at all times.

Q2) If you were a part of a conjoined twin, would you rather stay together with your twin for the rest of your life or would you risk both your lives to go for an operation? Why?

If I were a part of a conjoined twin. I would rather stay together with my twin for the rest of my life.I do not want to take any risks.I was scared that if the operation fails,I may die.Even I have given chance to go for operation, I will not do so. I will go for operation unless the operation success rate is higher.

Straits Times Reflection 9 (Term 2 Week 4)

Businesses are still big on doing good
(Part B – Home Section – Page B6 – The Home Market)

Q1) What are big companies doing in order to be more socially responsible?
Singtel’s energy saving programme, for instance, helps us to reduce business costs and an opportunity to re-invite our customers to join their environmental efforts, such as signing up with Singtel myBill, our paperless billing system. McDonald’s does not purchase beef or other food originating from rainforest land or recently deforested rainforest land. Over at DBS, its “community initiatives are focused on helping children reach their full potential in the area of learning and give off their time and effort to make a difference in the lives of children in Asia. Major businesses are also committed to raising funds for charity despite the downturn. Singtel’s spokesman said that even as the fund-raising environment in Singapore becomes more challenging, we are committed to help the less privileged in our community. There are two examples on the ways how to help the needy. Firstly, last year, the Singtel Touching Lives Fund raised $2.2 million for less privileged children and youths. Secondly, last month, real estate company ERA helped The Singapore Association for the Deaf organize its first charity walkathon, raising $80,000.


Q2) How important it is to be socially responsible? And do you think it is still possible to make a social impact during the recession?

Straits Times Reflection 8 (Term 2 Week 3)

Save the planet? This is a job for... school kids

(Part B – Home Section – Page B3)

Q1) What are some of the things that schools in Singapore are doing in order to take care of the environment?

For science and social studies classes, some schools are asking their students to bring the electricity bills from home to track their month-to-month energy use and are teaching them to save energy. Bill tracking is also part of a competition called Carbon Zero, organized by the Singapore Environment Council (SEC) and the National Environment Agency (NEA) to get students to reduce their home energy use. Schools, however, are themselves stepping up emphasis on issues like energy conservation and climate change. Pupils of Elias Park Primary contribute fruit peels to the school’s three compost bins. They then get to throw fruit waste into the worm compost bins, which convert food waste into fertilizers. The school’s students learn about recyclable materials as part of a science lesson. Commonwealth Secondary has its own wetland which treats grey water from bathroom sinks. Students test how clean the treated water is and study the wetland’s plants and animals. The lower secondary students of Marsiling Secondary School will carry out the experiments like testing the air quality in their school. At Nanyang Girls’ High School, students decided that cardboard takeaway boxes in the canteen should be banned. Students and teachers bring their own boxes to pack their food instead.

Q2) Do you think one person's effort in reducing, reusing and recycling will make a difference in saving the environment? What steps have you taken in the effort to save the earth?

No.We must contribute together.If we never do our part as a Singapore citizen, this means that we are disrespectful to our country.Even if one person willing to save the environment,this is not enough.We must make contribution as a whole nation.Most importantly,we must be considerate when the main focus is on "Saving the Environment".There are steps that we can make efforts together to save the environment.Firstly,we must keep our hygience clean.For Example,wash our hands before eating any food.Secondly,if you see anyone throw any litter,you must voluntarily throw to its particular place.Not just all the citizens must,even you also must not litter the place because it can affect the cleanliness of the surroundings.All the litters that people thrown onto the floor can attract more pests such as ants,cockroaches and etc.Lastly,we must not spit saliva anywhere on the floor.Spitting anything form your mouth is not a good way that we should do.If we really want to spit, it is better to spit in the rubbish bin.

Straits Times Reflection 7 (Term 2 Week 2)

Reforming sex offenders

(Part B – Home Section – Page B15 – Law & Order)

Q1) How does the treatment programme of the Singapore Prison Service help sex offenders?

The programme helps sex offenders learn about the way they think and how their actions flow from this. An awareness of this process is supposed to help them choose not to commit sex offences when the urge arises again. The programme also teaches them empathy, that is, to realise that their victims are “more than just a face”. They should have found out how they think and what they believe in, and are in the position to choose the right thing to do. It is better to have peer counselling which motivates people to learn their lessons and start their life afresh. This also tells them that they should not make such this mistake anymore.

Q2) Do you think that sex offenders should be given a second chance in the society? State your reasons.

Yes. I think that I should give the sex offenders the opportunity to turn over a new leaf and start anew. Although the sex offenders have done the wrong thing and have been blacklisted, we should learn to forget and forgive. No one is perfect in the world as everyone makes mistakes.

Straits Times Reflection 6 (Term 1 Week 10)

Man and beast face off in Sumatra
(World Page A8)

Q1) What is illegal logging?

Illegal logging is the harvest, transportation, purchase or sale of timber in violation of national laws. Illegal logging is a pervasive problem, causing enormous damage to forests, to local communities and to the economies of producer countries.Illegal logging also can cause harmful effects or damages to the environment or the loss of animal's habitats.

Q2) What can you do to stop the Sumatran tiger from extinction?

In order to stop the Sumatran tiger from extinction,we should do our part to protect the environment and the animals' habitats. Firstly,we should stop the human encroachment or stop the people from hunting animals' living environment.The government can produce the campaigns and make punishments or fines to those who disobeys the law. This is to stop the illegal loggers from destroying the animals' habitats.

Straits Times Reflection 5 (Term 1 Week 9)

Ketamine

(In Control pg 3)

Q1) What are the different forms of ketamine?

Doctors usually use the ketamine in an injectable liquid form legally. People who consume the drug illegally wants to relieve stress or pain or to get high. Ketamine also comes in powder form, which users snort up their nostrils, or as tablets that are swallowed.

Q2) What would you do if you knew your friend took ketamine?

People who took ketamine will move out of control. But for my opinion, i will try to prevent or stop my friends from taking the drug such as ketamine by persuading them to go for drug rehabilitation. If they refused to go to rehabilitation center, their future will be ruined and they need to face many severe consequences or punishments for going against the law by taking drugs illegally. If they agreed with my suggestions, they will not be addicted to drugs anymore and they can be in the pink of health like me.Although what i said is impossible for most of my friends, i will try my best to comfort them and tell the consequences happening when they taking drugs like Ecstasy, ketamine or other drug pills.

Straits Times Reflection 4 (Term 1 Week 8)

Getting to the heart of Total Defence
(Home- You think pg B7)

Q1) In the last line, what did the writer mean by suggesting that "he may have found more porcupines than rats?"

The writer meant that Senior Minister, Goh Chok Tong,suggested that he may have found more brave and courageous people like a hero than having the coward people who do not want to contribute to society as they are shy, embarrassed or not brave enough to do that.

Q2) What's worth giving up your life for?

Sacrificing my life is the only way that i can protect or defends my loves ones which includes my family.It is worthy for me to do that if my family have unsolved problem.Although my death cannot solve any problem which my family is facing, i still feel happy to see my family all united together and see them stay alive in this world.There is also an importance why i sacrifice my life.It is that i can contribute to society or help needy people such as using my organs to cure or help them ,donate my blood to people who needs it for curing the illness or cancer and can also use the bones or any parts of my body for transplantation.

Straits Times Reflection 3 (Term 1 Week 7)

No Loitering After School
(IN! pg 7)

Q1) Why Coral Secondary School forbids students to idle around near their school in their school uniform?

The principal of Coral Secondary School much emphasize on inculcating in their students good habits like using time prudently instead of idling around the White Sands Shopping Mall in Pasir Ris. By doing this, it is a waste of time. We should use this time to put some effort on studies.

Q2) Do you agree with this rule? Explain your answer.

I mostly agree with the disadvantage of the rule but not to the advantage of the rule. After the school hours, the students have to eat their lunch. It is very troublesome to change the uniforms at home, then go to eat at White Sands Shopping Mall as wearing uniforms outside the school is not allowed or prohibited. Although the school is concerned to everyone's safety and wanted to change the bad habits of every students in the school, we must not mistake them for loitering in the shopping mall.

Straits Times Reflection 2 (Term 1 Week 6)

Master of One

(Life! People pg 4)

Q1) What was Jack Neo's vocation when he was serving the nation?

Jack Neo's vocation was a quartermaster, then a platoon commander at an infantry unit, was posted to the Singapore Armed Force " Music and Drama Company".

Q2) "Hard work leads to success." To what extend do you agree with this statement?

I agree that “Hard work leads to success.”Everything,especially in studies or work, needs you to put more effort to achieve success and strive for excellence. When you have difficulties in studies or work,first you must control your emotions or feelings, then you can ask teachers or parents to help you to solve the problem. We must be determined and never gives up easily. We also must instil resillience especially for studies or work. We must have the courage to do anything in order to achieve what we want. This can be a moral of values to let everyone to bear in mind.

Straits Times Reflection 1 (Term 1 Week 5)

Golfers, youths in brawl on green
(HOME, pg 1)

Q1) How did the teenagers trespass into Singapore Island Country Club?

They were having a stroll in a forested area near Mac Ritchie Reservoir to see the monkeys after a night of drinking at Vivo City.They tried to find a way out when they wandered onto the golf course and ended up in that place.


Q2) Is underage drinking correct? Explain your answer.

Underage drinking is incorrect as drinking is harmful to our health and it is easily addicted like taking drug and smoking.Underage drinking can cause your health conditions such as asthma,lung cancer and other types of psychological illness.Underage drinking is also prohibited by law.Drinking can also make us drowsy and let the unexpected things to happen such as driving after drinking alcohol.For example,the news about Christopher Lee,the things is that he drove after drinking alcohol in the night.In the end,he faced the consequences by going to the jail and learnt to reflect the mistakes he had done.Most people think that drinking alcohol will make them cool and relaxed but in my opinion,i think it is not true.It cannot lessen our stress in our studies.Drinking will be addicted and by the time you reach a certain age, you will regret your own actions.