Nothing here..

2009-06-19T20:02:00.000-07:00

Post #26.

June Holidays. (19/06/2009)

Subject: 2008 O-level Picture Discussion & Conversation Scripts (Day 10)

Picture Discussion:

This picture depicts several old folks being entertained by a young man in the middle of the picture, in an old folks' home. I guess that it is an old folks' home as there are many old folks in the picture, and by looking at the two ladies in the right background, I guess that they could be living there. Though the old folks are not very entertained by the young man, it is clear that he is there to tell them to do something, but in a fun way. Looking at the lady who has white hair and a watch in the left foreground, she looks interested in what the young man seems to express. Perhaps the young man is trying to teach the old folks how to wash their hands, as he raises his hands high up to the air and encourages them to do it with him. This is further proven by the young woman behind him in the background, who is also raising her hands to show the depicted action that the young man is doing. Before this picture was taken, probably the old folks were engaged in other activities, and they are going to have their meal now. I know that as there are cutlery and a mug on their tables in front of every old folk. I think that by having youngsters to engage in these activities might promote fillal piety amongst them, so that they do not abandon their parents who spent so much effort in raising them, just because they are old and useless.

Conversation:

I definitely agree to a large extent that some people worry too much about things. A very good example would be myself. Sometimes, I worry a lot about the consequences of the things which I do, but that is not exactly worrying, but a reminder to myself of the consequences of my actions. Other times, I would worry about how things would work out, if I had done certain things wrongly, I would then worry about what would happen. Many a times, my mother would remind me not to worry too much about things, as this would sometimes be a barrier towards the development of my potential and greatly affect my courage in doing things that I might have thought of doing it. Thus, I am currently trying to not worry so much, in the sense that I do not stress myself in the midst of "worrying" and stop "worrying". This can be explained that I do not stress myself to not worry or stress myself in the process of worrying. In conclusion, it is not exactly wrong or bad to worry, but when one worry too much, negative results might arise from unhealthy mindsets.

2009-06-18T05:26:00.000-07:00

Post #25.

June Holidays. (18/06/2009)

Subject: 2008 O-level Picture Discussion & Conversation Scripts (Day 8)

Picture Discussion:

This picture depicts several children and teachers at a grass patch. I can see that it is a garden as the ground that they are stepping on is grassy and there are low fences surrounding the grass patch. Probably this grass patch is located just in front of a kindergarten as there are fences surrounding the area to prevent the children from running outside. In the foreground there is a lady in all smiles, who is most probably the teacher in the kindergarten. Based on her actions, I guess they are playing the game of 'The eagle catching chicks', whereby the person in front is the mother hen, and her job is to protect her chicks from the eagle who is trying to prey on them. This game probably interests the children alot, as seen from their excited and happy faces. Before this picture was taken, the children were probably informed about the game session and were probably already excited. I think that having a game session is good for the children as they have the right to enjoy their childhood and leave a good impression as they grow up. If I were to give this picture a title, I would call it 'Happiness garden'.

Conversation:

There are certainly many problems faced by women wishing to persue a career and have a family. Firstly, they would not have enough time to spend with their children, and the result could be disasterous as growing children requires much attention. This is exceptionally dangerous since both parents would be working in this case. Secondly, there might be family problems arising within the family. This is possible for families living together with elders in the family. Being a career women, returning from work is tiring and they might not have the energy to prepare meals for the family. The elders, having the older thinkings, might not be able to think in their shoes and misunderstandings would thus occur. Thirdly, the kinship bond between the family would not be strong, take for example, between the working mother and her daughter, or the working daughter-in-law with her mother. Since the working women would seldom be at home or returning home at irregular hours, the time which they spend together would be affected and this would in turn affect their bond. In conclusion, although women are encouraged to work and showcase their talents, it is advisable to gain consent of everyone in the family, be it the husband or the mother-in-law. This will ensure smooth family relationships and lesser quarrels.

2009-06-17T03:24:00.000-07:00

Post #24.

June Holidays. (17/06/2009)

Subject: 2008 O-level Picture Discussion & Conversation Scripts (Day 6)

Picture Discussion:

This picture depicts several people cheering in a sports stadium. I know that it is a stadium as there is seats available for spectators in the background, sheltered from the elements of the sun. Furthermore, in the foreground, several girls are cheering excitedly on a field, which proves my point that it is probably a stadium. In the foreground, the girls are school students, as they are wearing school uniforms. Probably they are cheering for their school's scoccer team, which is in the midst of playing. As seen from all their smiling faces, their school's scoccer team might have scored a goal, and they are extremely excited and probably proud of the achievement. In the middle foreground, a girl who is almost jumping from excitement might be thinking, 'This is it, our school will secure the position in the finals.' Thus, she is too happy at that point of time that she leaped for joy. After this picture was taken, they might be celebrating with the school's scoccer team about their victory, looking back at how the vital goal was scored due to their perfect teamwork. I think that it is definitely a good thing that more teenagers are engaged in sports or sports-related activities which allows them to exercise more, instead of cooper themselves in front of the computer all the while. If I were to give this picture a title, I would call it 'Purely joy'.

Conversation:

I used to be very conscious about how others would view me. It happened due to the change in academic levels, the transition from primary school to secondary school. I did not really know why that happened to me, but I vividly recall about how I realised I was wrong. I remember that when I was in secondary one, I had my socks pulled super high, my shirt fully tucked in, and was a model nerd student. Just once did someone "whispered" too loudly to his friend that affected me. He said, "Look at him, what a super nerd!" Just that line alone made me hurt. I wondered why I was called a nerd. No one had told me that I did not look "normal", neither do I think that I do not. So, I thought about it and one day, mustered enough courage to pull down my socks and not fully tuck in my shirt. I wondered if I was unlucky but the following day, a teacher caught me for my socks and told me to pull them up. I guess he was tired of catching students with ankle socks and he asked, "Why do students nowadays like to wear ankle socks?" I thought about it. Though I did not answer him back, but I went home to think about it. I was wrong. I was wrong to wear ankle socks just for the sake of wearing them to look "normal". I should not bother too much about how people view me, as long as I am upright and honest. Thereafter, I never wore ankle socks just for the sake of wearing them.

2009-06-16T14:37:00.000-07:00

Post #23.

June Holidays. (16/06/2009)

Subject: 2008 O-level Picture Discussion & Conversation Scripts (Day 4)

Picture Discussion:

This is a picture depicting several people trying to board the bus. In the right background, there is a bus, with the door opened wider than usual and a ramp leading up to the floor of the bus. This tells me that this bus might be used just for the disabled, as the wheelchairs would then be able to enter the bus. Furthermore, there is a ramp which aids the wheelchair going up the bus, and thus proves my point. The people in the picture mostly wear a tag in front of them, probably to show that they are from the same organisation. Perhaps that is a voluntary organisation trying to take the disabled for a trip, and thus, wear a tag to prevent the disabled from mistaking them for others. Besides, there is also another disabled lady on a wheelchair other than the man in the foreground. She looks rather happy and perhaps, excited on going for a trip as she might not have the chance to travel out of the disabled care centre. The man in the foreground is wearing a white long-sleeved shirt and trousers, with an anxious expression on his face. Perhaps he is unsure of what might happen at the place that they are going to go to, or he is going on a trip first time as a disabled participant, and is rather anxious and doubtful of the volunteers. Probably he would feel better if the volunteers would lifen up the mood on the bus when they are travelling to ease his anxiety and fear. Before this picture was taken, they might be at the disabled centre whereby the people stay, and the volunteers were probably there to take them out for the trip. I think that it is a great idea that buses should be improvised to adapt to the needs of the disabled, as they have the right to travel around and use public facilities just like we do. If I were to give this picture a title, I would call it "Lending a helping hand".

Conversation:

An area of natural beauty that I have been to is the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve. It has been conserved by the Singapore government as one of the protected areas. Although I went there only once, it was more than just an eye-opener for me. It made me feel at peace. When there is not much chattering of schoolmates and classmates, I could feel the serenity of the place. Being in that natural wetland reserve was exciting, yet allowed me to enjoy the peacefulness which was admist the animals and insects which cohabit the area. I would definately recommend going there to experience it for yourself, as I would say that sometimes, words are limited and cannot fully express the feelings of human beings. Thus, an upfront experience is encouraged, and whatsmore, it allows one to gain more knowledge about wildlife, which I think most people living in urban areas would probably not know until they visit the place.

2009-06-15T13:48:00.000-07:00

Post #22.

June Holidays. (15/06/2009)

Subject: 2008 O-level Picture Discussion & Conversation Scripts (Day 2)

Picture Discussion:

This is a picture depicting several women trying to cut the wigs on the dummy human heads. I can tell that it is probably a temporary factory because there is only a table in the foreground of the picture, and no machines are shown in the picture. Perhaps they are trying to style the wigs in order to sell them away for money. The picture also depicts the women being confident in their skills and thus, they might be professional hairstylists. Also, they seem to enjoy what they are doing, with smiles on their faces. In the middle of the picture, a lady wearing a sleeve-less strap top is holding up the strands of hair on the wig and her scissors, probably attempting to trim the wig. She looks confident just like all the other women. Perhaps she might be thinking of the profits that she would earn from the wigs that would be sold, and the money would benefit her family. Before this picture was taken, the women were probably all at their homes, tidying up their homes before going to work, which is shown in this picture. I think that it is a good idea that the women also shares the burden of the family, earning extra income as well as doing the things that interest them, instead of staying at home and not being able to display their talents. If I were one of the women in the picture, I would be thinking to myself, 'This is easy money..'

Conversation:

My favourite hairstyle is short and simple hair. Personally, I feel that having short hair would not make me feel warm during days which are exceptionally warm, especially when living in Singapore, where the weather is generally hot throughout the year. The fact that I like my hair simple is that I would not waste time trying to get my hair right before rushing out when I am rushing for time. Furthermore, I am a rather lazy person and would not bother to style my own hair just for the sake of looking "nice". I enjoy going to the hairdresser, as I would have short hair again, after my haircut. As mentioned just now, I do not like my hair long. Personally, I feel that hairstyles are not important at all. As long as your hair is neat and tidy, it does not matter whether you look stylish or "cool" in the sense that your hair is unique. Furthermore, in schools which are slightly stricter, the teachers might not accept students with hair that they deem outrageous or far too long. Why create the unnecessary trouble?

2009-05-30T17:36:00.000-07:00

Post #21.

Term2, Week10. (30/05/2009)

Subject: The friend.

He was ever so jocose; having a chat with him would liven up your spirits a little. With utmost candor, he is one of my best friends. His character is optimistic, and he would not care about people trying to malign or mortify him. He would just smile and reply, "Why do you allow yourself to condescend to this state?"

2009-05-23T16:27:00.000-07:00

Post #20.

Term2, Week9. (23/05/2009)

Subject: Crimewatch.

Recently there has been more and more cases of fracas, involving inebriated men, who provoke others on purpose. At first, the people might be in a state of apathy, but several indecent actions or provoking actions would surely make them flare up. Thus, it is strongly exhorted that people do not attack them back as though they are your adversary on the spur of the moment.

2009-05-16T20:14:00.000-07:00

Post #19.

Term2, Week8. (16/05/2009)

Subject: Scams.

Nowadays, retailers often exploit the ignorant customers in an attempt to scam them with inferior products. These cases are currently on the rise. Recently, customers begin to realise that they are extremely vulnerable towards the shrewd retailers and thus, creating a bedlam of which they all complain in cacophony regarding scams. However, the reply was that customers must be alert and aware of the propinquity of being scammed.

2009-05-09T13:06:00.000-07:00

Post #18.

Term2, Week7. (09/05/2009)

Subject: End of Mid-Year Examinations.

Today is the official day where students would put down the huge loads of stress that they have been carrying (or not) throughout the half-year period of studying. I am definately ardent about receiving my results, whether I would be at the pinnacle or the obscure bottom. Out of the array of subjects, I feel confident that my chemistry would culminate amongst my results.

2009-05-02T18:18:00.000-07:00

Post #17.

Term 2, Week6. (02/05/2009)

Subject: English.

Often, I am lethargic towards doing my journals weekly, but I managed to do it with paramount concentration today. Journals are prevalent, essential methods in moulding the foundation of one's English standards. However, it is easier said than done. Sometimes, mentioning homework alone makes me hostile, yet helpless. And others, I would forget about journals as I am often remiss in my checking.

2009-04-25T16:28:00.000-07:00

Post #16.

Term 2, Week5. (25/04/2009)

Subject: Fire.

Fire has the ability to aid us, yet also obliterate us. Recent news portrayed deplorable people who had their homes reduced to ashes by the conflagration intitiated by the lack of knowledge towards the devastating impact that fire might have on them. They all rued not paying attention to the fire.

2009-04-18T19:06:00.000-07:00

Post #15.

Term 2, Week4. (18/04/2009)

Subject: Races.

Respecting different races is imperative in the modern peaceful world as it would very much prevent unwanted conflict amongst people. For example, it would be imprudent of you to treat a malay friend to a meal that consists of pork within it. Pork is a taboo to them and by treating them to pork, it shows disrespect towards them and thus, related taints should be prohibited.

2009-04-11T17:48:00.000-07:00

Post #14.

Term 2, Week3. (11/04/2009)

Subject: Dogs.

I was rather interested in dogs sometime last year and I went to research about them. There are a huge gamut of the breeds, of which some are exceptionally adorable looking. Dogs are analogous to humans in the sense that they are rather perspicacious, just like us. Thats probably the reason why dogs could be trained to do things like searching for drugs. An average lifespan of dogs could reach up to half a decade, while some living up to a decade. However, they might also be susceptible towards illnesses nowadays.

2009-04-04T04:34:00.000-07:00

Post #13.

Term2, Week2 (04/04/2009)

Subject: Life and Death.

When "death" is mentioned, it gives a creepy feeling to me. But when I juxtapose it to "life", which gives a lively feeling to me instead. However, that is the plight of all humans, we all have to die one day. Whether it is being able to cope with the fact that you are going to die or your loved ones leaving you one day. Keep them covert in your heart, that is what you can do to prolong their lifespan. Do not live in delusion. Live your life well!

2009-03-28T23:05:00.000-07:00

Post #12.
Term 2, Week1. (28/03/2009)

Subject: The world we live in.

Many of us may not be living in lush surroundings but we certainly are wasting plenty of resources. Look back at the past and ponder. We might have opulence to waste, but the resources we waste might be those which the people living in destitution wished to have. Take this opportunity to reflect and indoctrinate this fact to the people around you!

2009-03-14T18:41:00.000-07:00

Post #11.

Term 1, Week10. (14/03/2009)

Subject: Annual CCA camp.

It's the annual NPCC camp 2009. It was filled with vicissitudes for me, as this was my first year attending the entire camp. It was difficult being the seniors for the Sec twos and ones, since we are expected to have answers to their queries. Describing this experience, I would summarise it as a disparate experience as compared to the normal activities that we would have.

Besides the part where we were reviled, the best moments of the camp was obviously the campfire. The organisation part was awfully screwed up, but it was nonetheless maudlin and lugubrious, for it was the last night of the camp.

The busy week has finally passed.

2009-03-07T20:52:00.000-08:00

Post #10.

Term1, Week9. (07/03/2009)

Subject: E-Learning week.

This week had only 2 school days, sounds great, but seriously it isn't. The 3 days of E-Learning were filled with legions of homework and self-studying topics, and tests coming up. Speaking in a blunt way, I guess the teachers must be out of their minds. Complaints about the homework were rife within the level, too. Moreover, I was busy with the "backstage" activities involving the CCA camp, which further restricted my available time.

In times like this, a feeling of nostalgia always came over me, when I see the children of the kindergarden near my house.

2009-02-28T20:42:00.000-08:00

Post #9.

Term1, Week8. (28/02/2009)

Subject: The normal week.

I craved for the end of this week. This week was myriad with tests and homework, and more tests, and more homework. It was as though teachers deemed we had latent abilities to cope with all the stress that was acting on us constantly. It was, however, an abortive attempt to pass my E maths with flying colours - I did not study for the test.

It was yet another week passed.

2009-02-21T17:57:00.000-08:00

Post #8.

Term 1, Week 7. (21/02/2009)

Subject: The weekly life.

The week had passed and here is another entry. There was nothing much to write about, the daily life that had repeated itself for manifold weeks, and weeks to come.

I had overslept on the bus on Wednesday morning, and it was quite late. I got off the stops, and I did not know where I was. However, it was lucky of me to have spotted schoolmates all walking in a certain direction. I was rather resourceful, and followed them. The plan was impeccable. I managed to reach school on time.

During the extra lesson after school on Thursday, I was exceptionally assiduous as we had missed two geography lessons which meant that we were slower than others by two weeks already. It was fraught with knowledge I had to understand but I absorbed them using the methods taught by the teacher.

It was indeed a hectic week.

2009-02-14T19:42:00.000-08:00

Post #7.

Term 1, Week 6. (14/02/2009)

Subject: Start of my CCA leadership course.

Today was the start of my Cadet Leader Training Course (CLTC), which was the course the Sec 3s had to go through in order to take over the entire unit. It was actually not as difficult and tough as I had imagined it to be, but the lectures were lengthy and had much information that was to be absorbed by us.

We had to have certain attributes: Becoming a coterie, altruistic in helping one another, gergarious, getting out of our bulwark zone, etc. It was hard to communicate with the instructors, as we were indigenous to them. Nevertheless, they tried to portray a friendly image. It was quite a nice day today.

2009-02-07T22:12:00.000-08:00

Post #6.

Term1, Week 5. (07/02/2009)

Subject: Coping with stress.

Time flies. Week 5 had flew past without me noticing it. I needed to make full use of the time during the weekends, to do my homework and relax myself.

I often declaim that I would be able to manage time well, but seems like I did not manage to do that for this week. I had many homework that was undone, and had to rush them during lesson time. I feel that that was an extrinsic excuse that was used to deceive myself.

It was obvious that I was sick of the everyday lifestyle of studying, studying, studying and studying, but I had no way to get out of that. I had to persevere through the remaining three-quarters of the year. Though the coming weeks would mean asperity, I would not want to be the accomplice towards my failure.

2009-01-31T16:11:00.000-08:00

Post #5.

Term1, Week4. (31/01/2009)

Subject: My CCA life.

Time flies. In near months, I would be assigned leadership roles in my CCA, together with my other CCA mates. I had aspired to be a leader since the day I joined my CCA, and now the chance is almost in view. I do hope I am not relegated, and thus, I work hard for it.

It was overt to me that it is not easy taking on leadership roles, and I would be going through rigorous trainings before I could take over. Though I feel tired having been through the trainings, it was clear to me that I should not inveigh on the fact that I do feel tired, since I had to cultivate the knowledge and determination of being a leader. Of course, I understand that the seniors do not purposely nettle us, they have reasons for our punishment and it is our responsibility to learn from our mistakes.

I hope I can handle my CCA well, at the same time doing well for my studies.

2009-01-24T18:05:00.000-08:00

Post #4.

(24/01/2009)

Subject: A short argumentative essay.

Title: Can one improve his/her english skills?

I believe one can improve his/her english skills. As the famous saying goes, "if there is a will, there is a way", there is no problem that one is unable to solve. Determination is the key to improving in any subject. An example would be mathematics, where only practices would help to improve in that subject, determination is necessary. Similarly, english, too, needs practise in language and skills, whereby determination comes in.

2009-01-24T14:09:00.000-08:00

Post #3.

Term1, Week3. (24/01/2009)

Subject: Ordinary week.

It was a busy start on Monday. The work started to increase and I had to be more focused in my studies. As usual, during the interaction period, I had to look like the "nerd" who would do homework instead of enjoying free time. However, I think that eventually, I would still be the ultimate one who had used the time wisely. Thus, I was able to do my work subterraneanly, unaffected by others.

On Wednesday, I happened to alight at a wrong stop when I saw the emitting "Bus Stopping" sign (I don't really know why, perhaps too tired) and was a little panicky. That was my first experience of such muddleheaded acts. However, it was near to my house and I had viable ways of reaching home, which was to walk home.

That concludes the week.

2009-01-17T20:15:00.000-08:00

Post #2.

Term1, Week2. (17/01/2009)

Subject: Adapting to school life.

School life of week 2 is an anathema at first. It is hard for me to adapt to the new subjects and cope with the homework. Whats more, part of me is still drifting in the happiness of the holiday mood, which made me lazy and difficult to do work. However, I needed to get used to it.

Mathematics was still okay, I always liked subjects of that ilk, where I could grasp the technique of solving questions easily. Although E Maths and A maths were a little confusing, they both are integral parts of mathematics, and thus, I liked both subjects.

Science seemed timorous to me, all three subjects having thick textbooks containing lots of information that would be taught to us. Till now, I am still trying my best to finish all my assignments on time, therefore, I will truncate this post to finish my other assignments.

2009-01-10T12:09:00.000-08:00

Post #1.

Term1, Week1. (10/01/2009)

Subject: Start of a new year.

The start of school marks a new beginning of an acedamic year for me. Its totally different, with new classmates and new look (long pants). Even the acedamic subjects would be moulded into whichever subject combination I was alocated. I was indeed zealous about school reopening, but yet at the same time, I can't forget the fun times I enjoyed during the holidays. The moment I walked into the school, I was garbled at the fact about the classroom locations, it was totally different.

The lessons were a preview of what kind of pressure there would be during the rest of the year. I was originally sanguine about that, but gradually, I sensed a serious time ahead. It was true. The expectations of the teachers revealed the kind of workload that we will have. Thus, we had to be meticulous about the files that we are going to keep, to be tidy and prepared for our studies. Arguments were obviously going to be fruitless, since its not within our control.

Nevertheless, I look forward to the rest of the year!