! Language123

Tổng hợp các web học tiếng Anh hay

2010-08-10T14:59:00.011+07:00

Các website chuyên về tiếng anh để bạn tham khảo:

Website	Hạng site	Chuyên về
http://language123.blogspot.com	12130	Các bài luận tiếng anh
http://essays4free.blogspot.com	191,000	Các bài luận tiếng anh
http://tienganh.com.vn	507	Tiếng Anh
http://www.tienganhonline.net	1580	Tiếng Anh
http://www.petalia.org/Englishpage.htm	299	Mạng giải trí chia sẻ kiến thức
http://www.tienganhonline.com	2106	Tiếng Anh
http://tienganh123.com	12130	Tiếng Anh
http://www.hoc-tieng-anh.com	3144	Tieng Anh
http://lopngoaingu.com	1262	Tieng Anh
http://www.hoctienganh.info	1915	Tieng Anh
http://tienganh.net	5500	Tieng Anh
http://tailieutienganh.wordpress.com	12861	Tieng Anh
http://tienganhcaptoc.com	6227	Tieng Anh
http://www.vnsay.com	3144	Tieng Anh
http://luyennghe24h.info	9768	Luyện nghe Tieng Anh
http://tracnghiemtienganh.info	28024	Trắc nghiệm Tiếng Anh
http://speaking24h.com	6937	Nói Tieng Anh
http://tailieutienganh.info	11740	Tài liệu Tieng Anh
http://hoctienganh24h.com	8326	Tieng Anh
http://hoctienganhmienphi.info	11967	Tieng Anh
http://www.dethi.com	2701	Tieng Anh

Các website khác chưa được liệt kê ở đây xin vui lòng comment bên dưới, chúng tôi sẽ bổ sung vào danh sách

Kho topic Tiếng Anh miễn phí

2010-05-27T15:53:00.006+07:00

Mình xin giới thiệu các link bài luận tiếng Anh sưu tầm. Dưới đây là một số topic Tiếng Anh.

Bài tập về nhà có nên bỏ đi hay không? Thảo luận giá trị của nó!

Giáo viên có nên cho học sinh quá nhiều bài tập về nhà? Thảo luận.

Môn học nào ở trường bạn thích nhất?

Hãy miêu tả ngày khai giảng năm học mới

Ngày đầu tiên đi học có lẽ là một ngày ấn tượng trong cuộc đời bạn. Hãy nêu những điều ấn tượng ấy của bạn trong ngày hôm ấy.

Đi học là khoảng thời gian vất vả nhưng cũng đem lại nhiều niềm vui cho chúng ta. Bạn có đồng ý với nhận định trên không?

Hãy miêu tả những người bạn học cùng trường và ai là người bạn thích nhất?.

Nói về những kinh nghiệm làm lớp trưởng của bạn.

Bạn nghĩ gì về mặt có lợi và bất lợi của việc dạy thêm?

Ngày thi thường làm cho học sinh lo lắng. Bạn đồng ý không?

Ngày thi thường làm cho học sinh lo lắng. Bạn đồng ý không?

Bạn có ý kiến gì về vai trò quan trọng của việc dạy thủ công trong nhà

trường ?

Một người thầy lí tưởng là như thế nào? Cho biết ý kiến của bạn.

Công việc nào bạn thích làm khi ra trường?

Ngày nay có một số thay đổi trong hệ thống giáo dục. Theo bạn, chúng ta nên

thay đổi như thế nào để nâng cao chất lượng dạy học?

Nói về giáo viên dạy tiếng Anh của bạn

Giáo viên có phải là một diễn viên không? Cho ý kiến.

Tả một buổi đi học vào một ngày mưa.

Tả lại những hoạt động của một ngày học ở trường

Tường thuật ngày kết thúc khoá học.

Hãy tả người bạn thân của bạn

Giả sử bạn có điều kiện đi học ở trường bạn muốn. Bạn sẽ học ở đâu và tại sao?

Sống ở một căn hộ thay vì sống ở kí túc xá trường có thuận lợi và bất lợi riêng. Hãy thảo luận về những thuận lợi và bất lợi đó và cho biết ý kiến của bạn.

Đối với sinh viên, mua nhà hay thuê nhà, cái nào thích hợp hơn? Hãy cho ý kiến.

Tiếng Anh là ngôn ngữ nổi tiếng trên toàn thế giới, đặc biệt là đối với sinh viên, du khách và giới kinh doanh. Bạn hãy cho ý kiến.

Ngày nay mọi người rất thích học ngoại ngữ. Tuy nhiên người thành công rất ít. Theo bạn nguyên nhân cơ bản là gì?

Tiếng Anh có phải là ngôn ngữ quốc tế không? Hãy giải thích.

Từ những gì bạn biết về nền văn minh nước Anh, hãy viết một bài luận về đất nước con người Anh

Bạn nghĩ gì về giá trị của giáo dục? Hãy thảo luận.

Theo bạn, rắc rối lớn lao của thế giới là gì? Thảo luận một vài lí do về việc tồn tại của vấn đề lớn lao này. Đưa ra một vài giải pháp của bạn giải quyết vấn đề này. (Gợi ý: Ô nhiễm môi trường)

Theo bạn, ngày nay ô nhiễm môi trường có ảnh hưởng như thế nào? Hãy thảo luận nguyên nhân tồn tại của nó. Cho biện pháp khắc phục.

Một số người cho rằng người mẹ thì không nên đi làm. Một số khác lại không đồng tình. Hãy xem xét những rắc rối người mẹ đi làm phải đối mặt. Bạn có nghĩ rằng người mẹ nên đi làm không? Hãy đưa ra lí do cho câu trả lời của bạn.

Tri thức là sức mạnh. Anh chị hãy bình luận.

Hãy cho biết ích lợi của thú tiêu khiển.

Nói về thú tiêu khiển của bạn vào giờ rảnh rổi.

Chúng ta nên đọc loại sách gì? Hãy cho biết ý kiến của bạn.

Ngày nay, có nhiều sách để đọc. Cho biết ý kiến của bạn về việc chọn sách để đọc.

Hãy tả con vật yêu thích mà bạn đang nuôi.

Nói về người mà bạn ghét nhất

Tả vắn tắt một tờ tạp chí hay mà bạn thường đọc.

Thói quen là việc lặp đi lặp lại hàng ngày. Hãy giải thích.

Hãy thuật lại một lần đến buổi triển lãm sách.

Bàn về tính hấp dẫn của tiểu thuyết khoa học viễn tưởng.

Hãy thảo luận những thuận lợi và bất lợi của tivi

Nói về một chương trình radio thú vị mà bạn đã nghe

Nói về thói quen hút thuốc lá

Nói về sở thích của hai người bạn thân của bạn

Nói về một trong những hoạt động mà bạn thích làm trong thời gian rảnh.

Sự khác nhau giữa cha và em trai tôi trong gia đình.

Bạn nên làm gì để tạo ấn tượng tốt khi xin việc?

Một số người cho rằng đọc tiểu thuyết là phí phạm thời gian hơn là đọc các sách mang tính khoa học.

Nói về bộ phim mà bạn thích nhất.

Theo bạn kĩ năng nào khó nhất trong việc học tiếng Anh?

Nói về thói quen đọc sách của một số sinh viên

Làm thế nào để có trí nhớ tốt?

"Tiền bạc là nguồn gốc của tội lỗi." Bạn hãy cho biết ý kiến

Đăng kí chuyến bay du lịch thế nào?

Loại phương tiện gì bạn chọn khi đi du lịch?

Có phải du lịch là một kinh nghiệm mang tính giáo dục không? Hãy thảo luận.

Hôn nhân nên để ba mẹ sắp đặt hay chúng ta nên tự quyết định. Cho biết ý kiến của bạn.

Công việc của một giám đốc nhân lực là gì?

Người khiếm thính nói chuyện bằng cách nào? Hãy thảo luận.

Bạn nghĩ gì về những cuộc thăm dò ý kiến cá nhân?

Con người nên bảo vệ và giữ gìn tài nguyên thiên nhiên như thế nào?

Cuộc sống ở thành thị

Sống trong một cộng đồng đa chủng tộc

Kể về một lần đến một thành phố nổi tiếng

Nói về những phát minh hiện đại

Kể về một chuyến phiêu lưu vào rừng

Hãy nói về những cơ hội hiếm hoi mà bạn đã có

Hãy nói về giá trị của thư viện

Hãy nói về cảnh tượng kinh hoàng mà bạn từng trãi qua hoặc trông thấy.

Tiền (money) đóng vai trò gì trong đời sống của chúng ta?

Các website tieng anh sưu tầm, mời bạn tham khảo để học tiếng anh tốt hơn.

Bộ sưu tập toppic bài luận tiếng Anh ,nhiều vô kể

2010-05-27T14:30:00.004+07:00

Đây là bộ sưu tập topic tiếng anh và cả link đến các bài essay mẫu. Những topic tiếng anh này giúp bạn trong việc viết các bài topic tiếng anh, cũng như dùng để nói cho các topic tiếng anh.

Có khoảng 1,000 topic tiếng anh trong danh sách ở bên dưới trang này. Tuy vậy có nhiều topic tiếng anh chưa được đưa vào danh sách. Do đó để tìm topic tiếng anh mà bạn cần thì hãy dùng công cụ search ở đầu trang này để tìm topic tieng anh mà bạn muốn. Sử dụng công cụ search, bạn sẽ tìm thấy topic tiếng anh mà bạn cần nhanh chóng và dễ dàng.

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Danh sách topic tiếng anh 2
at essays4free.blogspot.com

How do you spend your weekends?

2010-04-23T17:22:00.001+07:00

Topic: How do you spend your weekends?

Outline:
1. Describe in detail what you do on your weekends and who you usually spend your time with.
2. Describe how you feel when the weekends are over.

As the school-week comes to and end, my class will become rather restless for what we will already be planning to do during the weekend.

On Saturday mornings, I will inevitably receive a telephone call from my good friend, Tom, who will implore me to go over to his place. There, the morning passes very quckly as we play computer games, exchange gossip and boast about each other’s feats during the week.

In the afternoon, we may go to watch a movie together, if there is a good one. Sometimes, we manage to sneak out of the apartment unnoticed, with Tom’s fishing nets, to fish in the nearby canal. However, we bother dread turning home after this escapade, as we will usually be greeted with a good scolding. Fishing in the canal has been categorically forbidden to both of us. Tom often comes to my place for dinner on Saturday evenings because he loves my mother’s cooking.

While the whole family sleeps late on Sunday mornings, go to Sunday school. For me, Sunday school is not just a time of religious learning but also the time play football in the church grounds. There are about fourteen boys in my Sunday school class and all of us are keen on soccer. Sometimes, even the few girls in the class join us in the rough but thrilling game. On my return from Sunday school, a magnificent lunch will be laid out, waiting to be consumed. The whole family congregates to eat and joke. After helping my mother to clean up, we will be off for a family outing usually to the beach.

When I get this gnawing feeling inside me, I know the weekend is over. A sense of loss hangs in the air. Time does seem to pass so quickly during the weekend.

Childhood is the best period of one’s life.

2010-02-13T18:05:00.002+07:00

“Childhood is the best period of one’s life.” Do you agree?

1. Describe briefly how many people treasure their childhood.
2. Describe why childhood is the best period of one’s life.
It is filled with fun and play.
The child has no responsibilities or worries.
3. Describe why childhood may not be the best period of one’s life.
This is true of children who are abused or exploited.
There are also children who live in extreme poverty and who have to shoulder the responsibilities of adults.
4. Briefly conclude that any period of one’s life can be good if it is approached with the right attitude.

Many a time, I have longed for my childhood days. This is especially true at times when I would like to escape from the torture of examinations and homework. Furthermore, my childhood was filled with countless memorable moments that I would love to relive. Many, who have happy childhood memories, would also, I am sure, feel the same.

Childhood is a period which is associated with fun and play. The child hardly cares or knows what the adult thinks of him. He frolics with his childhood playmates in the sand, mud or water. Through his mother may chide him for his pranks, she may, secretly in her heart, wish that she too could be as carefree and happy as her child.

Children normally do not have any major responsibilities to shoulder. Political, economic, social and family problems do not disturb them. They may be confused because they can not comprehend the problem, but most of them will not go through heartbreaking moments over them.

However, the above beautifully painted childhood phase is not true in the case of all children. There are children who are abused and exploited and who suffer from dire poverty. In Ethiopia and other poor countries, children are afflicted with many diseases and continually suffer the pangs of hunger. They have to shoulder the responsibilities of adults, looking for food and taking care of their younger siblings.

These cases, however, may be considered as exceptions. Many still feel that the average child’s life is much merrier. Adult life is filled with responsibilities. Yet, responsibilities need not be viewed negatively. There are many joys that come with responsibilities. For example, I always experience great joy and satisfaction when I do well in my exam after studying hard for it.

Therefore, in my view, childhood can be looked back upon as one of the best periods in one’s life. With a positive attitude, a person can experience happiness in any period of his life.

Watching cartoons can be harmful.

2010-02-09T17:21:00.001+07:00

“Watching cartoons can be harmful.” Do you agree?

1. Briefly talk about the attraction of cartoons to both adults and children.
2. Describe the disadvantages of watching cartoons.
Some promote violence.
Too much time may be spent on watching cartoons.
3. Describe the advantages of watching cartoons.
Some are very entertaining and not violent.
It helps the viewer to develop a sense of humor.
4. Briefly conclude that watching cartoons is not harmful if a person can separate reality from fantasy.

Almost every child develops a natural attraction to cartoons. Even some adults find it difficult to lose their taste for them. Yet, do cartoons cause more harm than good?

The answer to the above question depends on which cartoons one watches. One major concern of parents is that some popular cartoons, like the Transformers, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Superman all promote violence. Several cases have been reported of children who jumped to their death while trying to emulate Superman.

However, some argue that the cartoons impart good moral values because the good guys always win. This illustrates how good triumphs over evil. However, about eighty per cent of the viewing time concentrates on glamorizing violence. As a result, children may think that problems can only be solved through physical force. In addition, many children neglect their studies and other activities when they get carried away watching too many cartoons. However, some cartoons can be rather entertaining and are not harmful at all. Many cartoons are rather humorous too. These are especially enjoyed by adults who find them very entertaining after a hard day’s work. such cartoons help to cultivate the priceless gift of humor. They also help one to be more optimistic, relaxed and cheerful.

Therefore, not all cartoons are harmful. In fact, many children who watch violent cartoons do not necessarily become violent. This is because they know how to separate reality from fantasy.

Examinations should be banned.

2010-02-09T13:23:00.002+07:00

“Examinations should be banned.” Discuss.

1. Briefly describe the existence of examinations in educational systems.
2. Describe the disadvantages of having school examinations.
Examinations may not be an accurate reflection of a student’s ability.
Some students may perform better without pressure.
3. Describe the advantages of having examinations.
There is no better substitute to assess a student’s ability.

School examinations are something which most students dread. Yet, there is hardly any educational system that does not set examinations.

Many feel that examinations should be banned because they test the students’ memory power rather than their analytical or reasoning powers. Such examinations require students only to memorize facts regurgitate them during examinations and conveniently forget them soon after.

Passing examinations could also sometimes be a matter of luck. Lucky student who spots questions accurately will probably do better than one who just studies his books. Moreover, there are some students who perform better when they are not under pressure. These students may panic and perform poorly under examination conditions.

Though reasons for banning examinations may be many, there remains one basic explanation as to why examinations have not been abolished. That is, all educational systems need a standardized method of testing the students’ understanding of what they have learned. No one has thought of a better substitute in that respect. Whether examinations test a student’s memory power or analytical power depends very much on the type of questions asked. Therefore, there is no need to abolish examinations. Rather, examinations could be set such that they truly test the student’s understanding. Some even argue that the students’ ability to withstand pressure during examinations do reflect a certain form of capability.

Furthermore, students need examinations to act as a form of motivation to learn. If examinations were banned, many would become complacent and would not do their best.

In conclusion, it can be said that examinations should not be banned because of the need to assess a student’s ability.

Boys should be taught cookery in school.

2010-02-09T12:22:00.002+07:00

“Boys should be taught cookery in school.” Do you agree?

1. Briefly describe the stereotyped roles of boys and girls.
2. Describe the advantages of teaching boys how to cook.
It teaches boys to be independent.
Cooking is a creative and educational activity.
It prepares boys for married life.
3. Explain why it should not be made compulsory.
Boys might develop hatred for it if they are not interested in cooking.
Boys might not be serious about lessons.
4. Briefly conclude that knowing how to cook is a necessary basic skill.

Most Asian societies shun the idea of boys doing any household chores. This is because, for many generations, only girls helped their mothers in the kitchen. However, times and values have changed. Perhaps, boys could be taught cookery in schools as an elective. Unmarried men, single parent families and men living on their own are common in a modern society. Thus, teaching boys cookery in school would certainly ensure that they eat proper meals. This is especially important since employing maids and eating out are both becoming more expensive by the day.

More significantly, cooking is a creative, challenging and educational activity. Learning about food and nutrition is also an important step towards healthy living. For instance, not many boys know that a deficiency in calcium can cause bone and teeth problems. Once they are aware of things like this and they are able to cook, they will be able to ensure that the ingredients in the dishes they prepare contain the nutrients that they require.

Knowledge of cookery could also prepare boys for married life. Married man who are able and willing to cook, can help lessen the burden of their wives.

Despite their advantages however, I personally feel that cookery lessons should not be made compulsory for boys. This is because if boys do not have an interest in cookery, they might eventually hate cooking if they are forced into the kitchen. Moreover, young boys, by nature, tend to be playful. Thus, they may be unhygienic while handing food. This may lead to contamination of food resulting in food poisoning. Carelessness and playfulness may also result in accidents in the cookery room.

Thus, a good suggestion would be to teach older boys cookery on a voluntary basis. The main aim of education is to prepare the student for life, and teaching cookery is an invaluable step towards achieving that aim. It would be imparting a necessary basic skill to the student – the art of survival.

Keeping pets is wrong.

2010-02-08T17:23:00.001+07:00

“Keeping pets is wrong.” Do you agree?

1. Briefly describe the types of animals kept as pets.
2. Give the good points about keeping pets.
Pets are good companions
Keeping pets develops good qualities.
3. Give the cons of keeping pets.
It is cruel to restrict the freedom of animals.
Owners may not be responsible people.

“A dog is a man’s best friend.” People all over the world keep dogs and other kinds of animals as pets. The more popular pets in Singapore are dogs, cats, birds and fishes. In some countries, people even choose to keep snakes elephants and lions as pets.

From the point of view of most people, keeping pets is not an evil deed at all. In fact, keeping pets nurtures desirable qualities in the owner such as responsibility, care and love. Young children are taught how to take proper care of their pets. They save their pocket money to buy bird seed, worms or other necessities for their pets. Further more, keeping pets can be educational. It stimulates great interest in the particular pet. Pet owners also read and discuss much about the pets they own.

In my view, however, it is wrong to keep pets. Man assumes that animals do not have much intelligence and hence have no rights. He just assumes that animals like being kept as pets. This is especially true in the case of caged birds. By nature, birds are meant to fly. It is most pitiful to see a creature that can fly around the entire globe being imprisoned in a cage.

Keeping pets is even more wrong when people fail to take proper care of their pets. Many pet owners do not ensure that the cages, fish tanks or dog kennels are clean at all times. Sometimes, they even forget to feed their pets. I strongly feel that the very act of caging animals and depriving them of freedom is a form of evil.

Solidarity

2010-02-08T17:00:00.001+07:00

Write a story with the title: “Solidarity”

1. Describe how the students of Secondary 2C lacked the motivation to excel in anything.
2. Describe how their form teacher told them a story to inspire them to work together as a class.
3. Describe in detail how the class then worked together by forming various committees and working responsibly.
4. Describe the result of solidarity in the class.

Three classes were judged to be the top classes of the form. However, Secondary 2C was not on the list. Some of the students felt downcast. They felt that they would never be able to excel.

Mrs. Chen, their form teacher, however, had great faith in her students and felt that they only lacked motivation.

Just before beginning her lessons that day, Mrs. Chen told all her students how a single stick could be broken easily but when a number of them were bound together, it would be impossible to break the bundle of sticks. The students realized that the moral of the story was a guideline for them to put into practice.

As soon as class was over, the class chairman, Thomas, called for a class meeting. He divided the class of thirty-five students into seven equal groups and delegated each group with a special task. There were to be four academic committees, one discipline committee, one social affairs committee and last but not least, one counseling committee.

The academic committees were put in charge of one or two subjects each, and it was the members’ responsibility to collect relevant notes, question papers and model answers. The discipline committee’s duty was to enforce the policies agreed upon by the class as a whole. The members of the social affairs and counseling committees were to organize social activities, and to help those who were facing any personal or family problems, respectively. This plan for solidarity turned out to be a roaring success. The class felt great fervor and excitement in performing the tasks assigned to them. In the process, they interacted more with one another and got to know one another better.

By the time the final examinations were near, the class had a large collection of notes, ideas and model answers to rely upon. Most importantly, there was a strong bond of friendship which was charged with sincere interest for one another’s welfare. After the examinations, none of the Secondary 2C students was even interested in the results of the class evaluation. They knew, in their hearts, that they were winners.

An unsolved mystery

2010-02-07T15:36:00.001+07:00

Write a story with the title: “An unsolved mystery”

1. Describe how three boys were going to camp and how one of them felt that something terrible was going to happen.
2. Describe how they passed by a ruined castle and how Hans suddenly took a different track and went towards the castle.
3. Describe how Hans’ friends followed him to the castle.
4. Describe Hans’ strange behavior and how Bob went for help.
5. Conclude with an unexplainable mystery.

James had a strange foreboding. For no rhyme or reason, he felt that something disastrous was going to happen.

Hans Davidson, Bob Hester and James Clifford were setting off on their summer holiday trip again. This time, they were going to camp at Fraser’s Forest, a developed island resort off Singapore. The camp site was located at the outskirts of the dense forest which covered most of the area.

As they were following their tour guide, Hans suddenly spotted an old and partially ruined castle in a distant clearing. Always the most curious among the three, he suggested that they take a closer look at it. Before either Bob or James could protest Hans had taken a different track and was heading for the castle. The other two ran after him, to try to persuade him to turn back and to remain with the rest of the group.

When he got close to the castle, Hans quickly walked up the stone steps and tried the handle of the front door. The door did not budge. The window frame next to it, however, could be lifted easily. He climbed in and the other two who had just caught up with him, followed suit. None of them wanted to reveal the fear they were feeling.

Amazingly, Hans seemed to know his way about the inside of the gloomy and dusty castle. He walked straight on, as if in a trance, and kept muttering, “I feel I was here when the castle was being built”.

“But how can that be possible? That must have been centuries ago!”, James exclaimed.

Hans did not seem to be aware of the presence of his friends. He proceeded to walk up the old marble stairs. Both James and Bob tried to prevent him but he pushed them aside roughly. James hastily instructed Bob to run off and get the other campers to help while he stood watch with a pounding heart.

After what seemed like an eternity to James, several holiday-makers climbed in through the open window and rushed towards James who stood stupefied. He told the others that Hans had not come down despite his repeated cries for him to do so.

Everyone immediately rushed up, but Hans was nowhere to be found. Then they heard a loud scream from the attic. A few men had found a skeleton in an ancient looking coffin. Dust-ridden but well carved, the coffin looked quite plain except for the words printed in gold – “Hans Davidson”.

A person who bravely overcame his/her depression.

2010-02-07T13:21:00.001+07:00

Write a story about a person who bravely overcame his/her depression.

1. Describe briefly Sumitra’s background.
2. Describe how Sumitra met with an accident and became a quadriplegic.
3. Describe how she met a person who inspired her to live her life bravely
4. Describe Sumitra’s Changed outlook and the subsequent changes in her life.

“I believe that I am just as good as a person with legs”, Sumitra told the bewildered spectators who were also handicapped. Sitting in her wheelchair, Sumitra commanded all their attention as she narrated how she had overcome her depression. Tall, slender and beautiful, Sumitra was the most promising athlete in our school. She had competed at several interschool races and had won many medals for long-distance races.

One fine morning, as she was jogging along the road, a car swerved round the kerb and knocked her down. Sumitra lay in a coma for eight days. When she regained consciousness, she had to undergo three major surgeries. Despite sessions of physiotherapy, she was not able to move her arms or legs an inch. She was paralyzed from her neck downwards. Sumitra was devastated.

For many weeks, Sumitra was in a state of severe depression. Her family visited her in the hospital every day and did all they could to console her. However, she continued to wallow in her misery and refused to talk to anyone.

One day, as the nurse was wheeling her round, Sumitra chanced upon a young man in a wheelchair. He held a paint brush in his mouth. At her request, the nurse took her nearer. The young man, Louis, too was a quadriplegic. Yet, he had mastered the art of drawing and painting with his mouth, and was at that moment, painting a most enchanting picture.

A friendly person, Louis hit it off with Sumitra instantaneously. He both intrigued and inspired her. He taught her how to write by holding a pen in her mouth. More importantly, he taught her the most important lesson of her life – she should not allow her handicap to take control of her and restrain her from enjoying life.

With renewed enthusiasm, Sumitra learnt to love life again. In fact, her bubbling interest in life helped to encourage other handicapped people who were feeling depressed. They liked to crowd round her and listen to her lively and cheerful talk.

A courageous deed

2010-02-07T13:01:00.001+07:00

Write a story with the title: “A courageous deed”

1. Describe how Ron, the disc jockey, felt troubled by the poverty in his country.
2. Describe how Ron made use of his time on the air, to let the public know more about the suffering of the poor.
3. Describe how he bravely went ahead with his plan despite attempts to stop him.
4. Describe how Ron’s courageous deed helped the poor and how he himself was rewarded.

“… And here are the headlines again. The survey carried out by the Welfare Ministry says that at least three children die every day due to acute starvation…” Ron gave a run-down on the main point. Then, he shut down the sound system at the newsroom and went on air to play some sentimental music.

Ron could not understand how there could be so many poor people in this wealthy country. He felt that the chief problem was caused by the general apathy of the public.

Ron wondered if he, as a disc jockey, could do anything. Just then, a brainwave hit him. Dare he do it? “Yes, I must!” he told himself as the idea began to take shape in his mind. The next day, Ron went on air as usual.

“Hi, everybody! Today, I have very special program for you. I was down at our numerous slum areas in the afternoon and have made a recording of the voices of pain and suffering that I heard there”.

With that, Ron played nothing for two hours but the voices of crying and dying children. He interspersed the program with interviews he had carried out with the inhabitants of the slums. It revealed shocking truths about their living conditions. The Management of the Broadcasting Co-operation was alerted about Ron’s conduct and demanded that he stop at once. Ron, however, locked himself in the Control Room.

After two hours, Ron came out of the Control Room, exhausted but happy. He was immediately apprehended by the police. His courageous deed had, however, drawn much public attention to the plight of the poor. Charity shows were held to raise money for them. Moreover, the government began to put in an extra effort to upgrade the standard of living in the slums. Many people demanded that the police release Ron. Hence, instead of being punished, Ron was praised for his courageous deed. Now, Ron is the main host of charity shows and the most popular disc jockey in the country.

An incident when you were faced with a difficult problem.

2010-02-06T13:44:00.001+07:00

Narrate an incident in your life when you were faced with a difficult family problem.

1. Describe how your grandmother discovered that you had run away from home.
2. Describe how your parents quarreled and how upset you felt.
3. Describe how you finally ran away to your grandmother’s house to avoid facing the family problem.
4. Describe how your Grandma took you back to your home, and how you slowly learnt to face the problem.

“What is the meaning of this?” Grandma questioned in a frightened whisper as she thrust the newspaper at me. I took it from her tremulous hands. A picture of me stared back and my parents’ plea for my return was stated in bold print. Now, I had to tell my grandmother the truth.

For weeks, my parents had been bickering. I never understood what started the quarrels and neither of my parents explained the problem to me. When the bickering finally stopped, it was only to be replaced by a cold war between them. They were no longer on speaking terms and they made me relay messages from one to the other.

I was very confused. My performance at school was affected and my teachers thought that I was becoming lazy. This compounded my problems. Finally, I decided to run away from home.

One morning, instead of going to school, I went to Johore Bahru where my grandmother lived. I told her that it was my term break and I had decided to spend the holidays with her. I fabricated a tale about my parents going on a business trip to Australia, as the reason for their not being able to accompany me. However, since my disappearance from home had come to light, I confessed everything to my grandmother. She put her arms round me and comforted me. That afternoon, she took me back home.

My parents were relieved and happy to see me. Before they could question me, my grandmother took them aside and they talked for several hours.

That night, as I prepared to go to bed, my mother quietly came and satisfaction by my side. She apologized to me for not having been sensitive to my needs. She told me that there were irreconcilable differences between her and my father and that they had filed for a divorce. She also said that I was to live with her. She hoped that I would try to be strong as we went through our crisis together. Her soft and soothing voice made the news easier to bear. I now know that running away from a problem will never solve anything.

Revenge!

2010-02-04T14:27:00.001+07:00

Write a story with the title: “Revenge!”

1. Describe how Jinsheng and you planned to take revenge on your principal because he had punished you in public.
2. Describe what plan both of you decided on and how you executed it.
3. Describe how you waited behind a tree to watch the planned accident.
4. Describe how Jinsheng and you were hurt instead.
5. Describe how you felt after the incident.

“We must take revenge on that fat old man!”, Jinsheng snarled.

“Yes, we must!” I agreed enthusiastically. “I will never forgive him for publicly humiliating us.”

Mr. Singaram, our principal, had hit us with a cane on stage, for vandalizing school property. Both of us thought that it was too harsh a punishment. We had only broken the fire alarm glass, hoping that the disturbance would disrupt lessons. Unfortunately, we were caught by our teacher before we could flee from the scene.

“I know, we’ll cut the wires of the brakes of his car,” I said.

“Oh, yes!” Jinsheng said, “If he dies, he’ll never be able to punish us. And if he runs over someone else, he’ll be thrown into prison.”

We executed our plan the next day during our free period. Jinsheng had some knowledge about cars, for his father was a mechanic. He slipped agilely under the car, snipped the brake wire, taped it up, and was on his feet again, in only three minutes. I had stood watch, to ensure nobody saw us.

That evening, after the flag lowering ceremony, we took a short cut to the main road junction. We hid behind a tree and waited for the red Honda. Soon, we saw Mr. Singaram driving towards the function. The traffic lights changed to red and from afar, we could see him struggling to brake. A women and a child were crossing the road. The car swerved abruptly and sped towards the tree behind which were hiding! I heard a loud crash.

I regained consciousness in hospital and later learnt that Mr. Singaram’s car had hit the tree. It was uprooted by the impact and fill on Jinsheng and me. Both of us were seriously injured and we had to wear a cast on our arms for almost two months.

The police never found out who had tampered with the brake wires of Mr. Singaram’s car. Mr. Singaram was using his seat belt and therefore sustained only slight injures. The woman and the child escaped unharmed.

Jinsheng and I never told anyone about or part in the accident. However, we knew that the accident was not a coincidence, but a fitting punishment for our heinous intention.

Richness is not everything

2010-02-04T13:13:00.002+07:00

Write a story with the title: “Richness is not everything”

1. Describe how your new attitude to wealth surprised your father.
2. Describe your former expensive habits and attitude to wealth.
3. Describe how you used to enjoy showing off your wealth to your friends.
4. Describe how you arranged for a grand party and how you were let down.
5. Describe why your friends did not go for the party and how you realized that richness is not everything.

Today, I declined to be driven to school. My father, a prosperous businessman, seemed rather puzzled at this change in me. Instead of my usual expensive gear, I wore an ordinary pair of school shoes and carried a simple haversack. Little did he know hat it took a painful incident for me to realize that richness is not everything.

I used to enjoy being driven to school in my father’s limousine. I enjoyed showing off my collection of Gucci and Charles Jordan watches and bag to my friends. I thought that I could buy friendship with my wealth.

I decided to host a fabulous party for my birthday. I invited all my classmates. My parents decided to go out on that day so that we youngsters could enjoy ourselves to the fullest. I arranged with the chef to prepare the most exquisite dishes for the banquet. The roof garden, where the party was to be held, was transformed into a fantasy land, with a myriad of colored lights. Three waiters were stationed at intervals, from the main gate to the front door where I would greet my friends in my best tuxedo.

My birthday, however, turned out to be a terrible flop. Not a single friend whom I had invited, turned up! I felt greatly humiliated and infuriated. I could not for the world of me, imagine why they would not want to come to such a fabulous party.

Yesterday, I stormed into class, and demanded why they had all failed to attend my party. One of my friends, Jainwei, explained on behalf of the whole class. He said that they would have loved to celebrate my birthday with me. However, they were intimidated by my wealth. They could not afford to bring me expensive gifts. Besides, they did not like having to be on their best behavior all the time. I was shocked. Never had I realized that my wealth was driving away my friends.
I spent the whole day yesterday thinking. Finally, it dawned on me that I myself, and not my wealth, should attract friends. Today, as I head for school, I feel like a changed person-simple, ordinary and unaffected. Richness is not everything.

A lesson learnt

2010-02-04T12:03:00.001+07:00

Write a story with the title: “A lesson learnt”

1. Describe how the three families called in an astrologer to suggest ways for them to get richer.
2. Describe how the astrologer taught them to find out which of the three families was the richest and most virtuous.
3. Describe how each family cheated so that they could boast to one another.
4. Describe how they found out that the astrologer was a swindler.

One day, members of three families invited Yog Fu, an astrologer from Tibet, to suggest ways in which they could become richer.

Living in a competitive neighborhood, the Chens, Lims and Gohs vied with one another fiercely to secure the most wealth. Each wanted to have the most to boast about. After several sessions with the astrologer, Mr. Lim finally asked him which of the three families would become the most prosperous.

Yong Fu smiled benignly, and took out three ornamental boxes with velvet. He gave each of the couples a box and told them to keep it in their prayer room. He then told them that money would soon appear in the box of the most virtuous family. If money appeared in all three boxes, the one containing the most money would be the most virtuous and of course, the richest family.

However, the families had to surrender half of the money that appeared in the box, to the astrologer. He would then offer this money to the goods. If they failed to do this, their whole family would meet with a tragic and fatal end. The superstitious families all gasped and swore to abide by the condition.

The subsequent days, they checked their boxes anxiously but no money appeared. Each felt humiliated as this meant that none of them was virtuous.

One day, during the third week, however, Mr. and Mrs. Lim announced their discovery of a hundred dollars in their box. Following that, each couple claimed that money kept appearing in their box. Of course, half of the money was promptly given to the astrologer.

A month later, a sensational news item appeared in the local newspaper: Bogus Astrologer… Police are searching for Yong Fu. A Tibetan “astrologer” has swindled about thirty thousand dollars from wealthy families. He uses a scheme in which he gives people ordinary boxes and says money will appear in them if the person is virtuous. People who are ashamed normally plant their own money in the box to boast to others.

All three families looked rather sheepish when they read this news and shifted out of their neighborhood in a great hurry. They had each paid about two thousand dollars to learn an expensive lesson that when one attempts to deceive others, he only ends up deceiving himself!

A Teachers’ Day gift

2010-02-04T11:03:00.001+07:00

Write a story with the title “A Teachers’ Day gift”

Suggested Outline
1. Describe how the class planned to give Mr. Nanthan a nasty gift to humiliate him.
2. Describe how Mr. Nanthan accepted the gift graciously.
3. Describe the speech that Mr. Nanthan gave during the concert.
4. Describe how embarrassed the class felt after the speech.

“Let’s insult him with our gift”, I said through tightly gritted teeth.

The class was planning to present all the subject teachers with gifts on Teachers’ Day the next day, and wanted to purposely humiliate Mr. Nanthan, our Biology teacher, was disliked by most of us. He unsparing gave us tons of homework to do. He also had the habit of making us to back to school during the holidays for extra lessons.

I explained to the class that Mr. Nathan was a sensitive man and we should, instead of giving him flowers, give him a cactus! The class was thrilled at this idea and was unanimous in agreeing that it was a fitting insult for such an unpleasant person. He would indeed be terribly humiliated!

The next day, in the midst of the Teachers’ Day celebrations, we publicly presented our “gift” to him. Attached was a message that read. “The gift tells you what we think of you”.

Mr. Nathan was startled at first, but he recovered quickly and thanked us graciously. During the Teachers’ Day concert, however, an unscheduled item was announced – a speech by Mr. Nathan. It was a speech that I shall never forget.

Mr. Nathan first thanked our class for the thoughtful gift and then displayed the cactus to the entire school. There was an ourburst of laughter. Unruffled, Mr. Nathan explained that he thought it was a meaningful gift for the cactus was a life-giving plant that sustains weary travellers in the desert. Symbolically, it signified life and growth. In a sincere voice, Mr. Nathan said it pleased him to think that he had inspired his students to give him such a profound gift.

With the exception of my class which looked awkward and sheepish, the entire school gave Mr. Nathan a round of applause.

Undercover spies

2010-02-02T11:41:00.001+07:00

Write a story with the title: “Undercover spies”

1. Describe how you felt about the violent crimes committed by some youths in the neighborhood.
2. Describe in detail your friends and you joined the gang to spy on their activities.
3. Describe how the police managed to arrest the gangsters with your help.

“Gosh! How dreadful”, I exclaimed when I read in the newspapers about the spate of violent crimes carried out by youths in some neighborhoods.

What I felt was even more alarming was that the number of such crimes, which went unchecked, was increasing by the day. The problem was that many people were reluctant to identify these youths for fear of being assaulted further.

“I’m glad I’m doing something to help stop the crimes”, I thought. Then, I went downstairs to meet my friends, Robert and Terry. A few days earlier, we had agreed to work with the police. Acting as uncover spies, we were to look for a chance to infiltrate the gang, and then inform the police of the gang’s members and activities.

I met Robert and Terry, both looking very excited. “Our chance has come”, Robert said. Then, they told me that two young thugs were bullying an old lady at the playground.

We immediately ran to the playground and grabbed the old lady’s handbag as she tussled with the two bullies. The thugs immediately ran after us. I readily ran after us. I readily gave up the handbag saying that my friends and I indulged in unruly activities for the thrill of it and had not need for the money. This pleased them immensely and they invited us to join their gang. A few days later, we joined their gang officially. We spent a month getting to know everyone, especially the ring leader. Altogether, there were eighteen of them. We went to their favorite haunts and found that they engaged in picking pockets and petty thefts. At the same time, we won the confidence of the members in the gang. This enabled us to get the particulars of all the members.

In the meantime, we kept the police updated about all the gang’s moves. We were cautioned to be careful by the police. After a month, the police arrested all the youths who were tried and sentenced in a juvenile court. The papers covered the story in detail. It had been exciting working as an undercover spy. However, my parents forbade me to do it again as it was too dangerous.

Write a story about a bossy person

2010-01-28T14:17:00.001+07:00

Write a story about a bossy person

1. Describe a conversation between two friends which showed what they thought of a bossy person, Mrs. Upal.
2. Describe the unpleasant shopping experience to the friends had.
3. Describe the awful lunch they had.
4. Describe the embarrassing incident where Mrs. Upal made a fool of herself.
5. Describe how the incident affected the bossy and talkative Mrs. Upal.

“Oh, no! Why did you invite Mrs. Upal to shop with us?” Mrs. Ravinder asked, her voice mixed with shock and disappointment.

“Sorry, but you know how bossy Mrs. Upal is. She just invited herself”, Mrs. Anand explained.

The outing turned out to be a harrowing experience. Mrs. Ravinder and Mrs. Anand could do nothing that they really wished to do. Mrs. Upal dictated where they should shop and even what they should buy. The other two ladies were too polite to object to her bossiness. Besides, Mrs. Upal’s husband was their husbands’ boss and they dared not antagonize her.

The unpleasant Mrs. Upal deliberately took them to expensive shops and boutiques. She enjoyed the sense of superiority she felt when shopping with these ladies who could not afford the things in the expensive shops.

Mrs. Upal then took them to an expensive North Indian restaurant. She insisted that they try the hottest dishes. Poor Mrs. Ravinder and Mrs Anand had to drink glasses of water for they did not like hot dishes.

The bossy Mrs. Talked endlessly in between bites. She exlained each dish to her lunch companions. She even instructed them on how to eat each dish the proper way. For instance, the tandoori chicken had to be eaten by holding the chicken at a certain angle.

After this awful lunch, the waiter brought three small bowls of water with slices of lemon in them. Immediately, Mrs. Upal squeezed the lemon and drank the water. She explained that lemon water was good for the digestive system.

Mrs. Ravinder and Mrs. Anand looked at each other and smiled. Then, they merely dipped their fingers into the finger bowls and washed their fingers. Mrs. Upal turned red in the face when she realized what a stupid mistake she had made.

After this embarrassing incident, Mrs. Upal was rather silent for the rest of the afternoon.

The unhealthy influence of a friend.

2010-01-28T13:05:00.002+07:00

Write a story about the unhealthy influence of a friend.

1. Describe how you envied a seemingly admirable friend.
2. Describe how you found out what made him so care-free and happy.
3. Describe how he taught you to sniff glue and shoplift.
4. Describe what happened to him as a result of sniffing glue.
5. Describe how you learn to shake off his unhealthy influence.

Peter skillfully wove between the defenders and scored a goal. The spectators cheered wildly. He was easily the most prominent figure on the football field.

As I cheered, I envied once again, his fun-loving and carefree disposition. Later in the evening, as we were walking home, I asked him, “Peter, how is it that nothing ever perturbs you?”

Seeing my puzzled face, he took out a translucent plastic bag that contained some sticky mass. He put his face near it and drew in a deep breath. I gasped in horror.

“You sniff glue?”, I said in astonishment.

Peter said that the effects of glue-sniffing had been over-dramatized by the media and the government. He had been sniffing glue for months and he felt as healthy as ever. The only effect, he said, was that he was able to feel happy all the time. He had no more worries about examinations or anything else.

Then, he thrust the bag under my nose and asked me to try it for my self. Reluctantly, I inhaled a few deep breaths. To my surprise, I found that I liked it. After this, both Peter and I began to skip lessons together. I learnt to hang out in the streets with him, and even to enjoy the thrill of shoplifting. Once in the while, we sniffed blue.

Later, when our test results were released, we discovered that both of us had failed. We were called into the principal’s office. Peter looked awful that day. His eyes were bloodshot. He told that he had been drinking alcohol and sniffing glue the night before.

I was told to wait outside while the principal spoke to Peter. From where I stood, I could hear Peter swearing at the principal. Suddenly, the door flew open. Peter rushed out, looking flushed and angry. He ran towards the balcony and leapt over. When the ambulance arrived, he was pronounced dead.

It took a long time for me to recover from Peter’s death, and even longer to get over my bad habits. With careful guidance and counseling from my parents and teachers, I learnt to start life anew. I now realize that Peter’s influence over me was very unhealthy.

How your irresponsibility caused an accident.

2010-01-28T12:43:00.001+07:00

Write a story about how your irresponsibility caused an accident.

1. Describe how your little brother decided to pick some flowers for your mother for Mother’s Day.
2. Describe how you were irresponsible by not taking good care of your little brother because you were engrossed chatting on the phone.
3. Describe how your brother met with an accident.
4. Describe how you felt.

Mother’s Day was approaching. My elder brother, Gopal, and I were busy planning to get a surprise gift for Mother. My little six-year-old brother, Raiju, had no money to contribute, so he had to think of something else to give her.

Raju decided to pick a bunch of flowers for Mother. He asked me to take him to the park across the road to get the flowers. Gopal and our parents were not in, so I was put in charge of Raju. However, I was busy having a nice chat with my friend on the phone, and did not want to be disturbed, I waved Raju away, and told him to go on his own. Obediently, Raju set off alone with a big empty basket.

When I finally put down the phone, it was already five o’clock. It was then that I realized, with horror, that Raju was not back. He had been gone for almost four hours! Why, he would have picked all the flowers in the park in that time!

I immediately left the house and hurried off in search of Raju in the park. I finally found his basket, half-filled with flowers, under a rambutan tree in one of the quieter spots in the park. A scared voice came down to me from the tree. I looked up and saw Raju hanging precariously from a tree branch. His face was pale and his voice, choking with a mixture of fright and relief, came down a gain, “Sita, help! I wanted to get rambutans for Mother, but I dare not climb down now”.

Before I could climb up to get him, he lost his grip on the branch and fell sprawling to the grass below. Things happened in a blur after that. A couple who happened to walk past at that time came to my aid. Soon, Raju was warded in the hospital. He had fractured his arm and had to wear a cast on that arm for a month.

I was overwhelmed with remorse. Had I been more responsible and taken Raju to the park, I would never have allowed him to climb the rambutan tree. Then, the accident would never have happened. I realized then what a seemingly harmless little act of irresponsibility could lead to.

A pickpocket

2010-01-26T17:12:00.002+07:00

Write a story with the title: “A pickpocket”

Outline:
1. Describe how you first noticed the pickpocket when he acted suspiciously.
2. Describe how you saw the pickpocket steal the purse of the lady sitting next to him.
3. Describe how you pretended to ask for change from the lady so that she would realize that her purse was missing.
4. Describe how you stopped the pickpocket from escaping
5. Describe what happened to the pickpocket.

“Novena” a robotic voice announced.

The Mass Rapid Transit train was now heading for Toa Payoh station. I was standing in the crowded MRT train, looking at the other passengers to occupy my time. A nodding lady passenger caught my attention. Her eyes were closed and she looked tried. A middle-aged Chinese man satisfaction by her side and appeared to be reading a newspaper. However, I soon noticed that the man was more interested in looking around him. He held the papers loosely with one hand. Then attempting to conceal his other hand with the paper, he gingerly slipped his hand in to the lady’s handbag. Within seconds, he had taken out her purse and had wrapped it with the inner sheet of the papers. I thought hard. I had to do something before the train reached the next stop. Finally I pushed my way to the dozing lady and tapped her on her shoulder.

“Excuse me, madam, could I have change for a dollar, please?, I asked. She obliged immediately by looking into her handbag. She raked through the things in her handbag and then frantically started looking for her purse.

“My purse is missing!” she cried out.

The other passengers turned towards us. Immediately, the pickpocket started moving towards the door of the train. I pretended to bump into him accidentally and he dropped his newspaper. The missing purse was revealed.

The lady gave a cry and pounced on her purse. A few passengers immediately caught hold of the pickpocket. When the train stopped at Toa Payoh station, they handed him over to the MRT officials.

The lady realized how I had helped her and thanked me profusely. What an interesting ride it was!

Inconsidration

2010-01-26T11:01:00.001+07:00

Write a story with a theme: Inconsideration

Outline:
1. Describe how Fadley was inconsiderate at home by making a lot of noise with his friends.
2. Describe how he refused to stop making a din even though his sister had to study for her examinations.
3. Describe how his sister had to return home late to avoid the disturbance.
4. Describe how his sister was almost harmed.
5. Describe how Fadley felt and how he changed his inconsiderate ways.

“I am Michael Jackson!” Fadley told his friends as he impersonated the famous singer. His small group of friends clapped to the beat of the music as Fadley pranced around in his bedroom.

It was a routine now with these boys to gather in Fadley’s room after school to sing or dance to deafening pop music. Fadley’s mother and eleven-year-old sister, Siti, often found the din unbearable. Whenever his mother reprimanded him for the noise, Fadley would say that she had no taste for modern music. However, when the Primary School Leaving Examination was around the corner, Siti found the situation intolerable. The piercing sounds that lasted for hours, made revision impossible. She asked her brother to be more considerate, but he only told her to stuff her ears with cotton wool. Finally, Siti decided to study in the study room at the community center.

Consequently, Siti returned home late every night. Her mother satisfaction fretting at the doorway each night, waiting for her. She felt that Siti was too young to be walking home unaccompanied at night. Fadley, however, was indifferent to his mother’s worries or his sister’s inconvenience.

One night, Siti was unusually late and this even bothered Fadley. He was about to go in search of her, when Siti ame back, crying. With her was their neighbor, Mrs Li.

Mrs. Li told them that she saw a stranger threatening to harm Siti if she did not give him her valuables. Mrs. Li had run to Siti’s help and chased the robber away after hitting him with her big umbrella.

Mrs. Li had then taken Siti to the police post to notify the police of the attempted robbery.

Fadley felt thoroughly ashamed of himself. As an elder brother, he should have been more considerate and responsible. He promised his mother that he would amend his ways. From that night onwards, peace and quiet reigned in their household.

A misunderstanding

2010-01-26T10:16:00.003+07:00

Write a story with the title: "A misunderstanding"

Outline:
1. Describe where the incident occurred
2. Describe how a pretty Caucasian girl was practicing pronouncing Mandarin words using a tape.
3. Describe how she mispronounced the word “ask” and made it sound like “kiss”
4. Describe how the young man sitting next to her misunderstood her and tried to kiss her.
5. Describe how you cleared the misunderstanding.

I was traveling on a bus one day when an amusing incident happened.

Sitting in front of me was a pretty Caucasian girl who was listening to her walkman. She was murmuring to herself. As she became more engrossed in listening to her walkman, she raised her voice. I heard some Mandarin words pronounced with a funny accent. It was then that I realized that she was trying to learn Mandarin.

At the time, a young man boarded the bus and took the seat next to the pretty Caucasian girl. The bus had stopped and the girl’s voice sounded extraordinarily loud. She was, obviously to me, repeating after the voice in the tape, “You can ask me” in Mandarin.

At the time, a young man boarded the bus and took the seat next to the pretty Caucasian girl. The bus had stopped and the girl’s voice sounded extraordinarily loud. She was, obviously to me, repeating after the voice in the tape, “You can ask me” in Mandarin. However, her tonal patterns in the pronunciation of the words made it sound like: “You can kiss me”

The young man next to her did not know that she was trying to learn Mandarin. He stared at the girl, astounded. The girl saw him staring at her and decided to try her newly acquired language skill on him. She obviously did not know how to say, “What’s the matter?” in Mandarin, so she looked into his eyes and repeated expressively, “You can ask me”. Unfortunately, the word “ask” sounded more like “kiss” than ever.

The man thought that there could be no mistake this time. The girl had actually looked at him and addressed him. Thinking that kissing the pretty girl would be an honor, he actually put his face close to hers and tried to kiss her. Startled, the girl pushed him away.

Before the misunderstanding became more serious, I tapped them on their shoulders and explained what I knew. Both of them looked embarrassed but we had a good laugh over it later.

A story about how an admirable character

2010-01-25T19:06:00.001+07:00

Write a story about how an admirable character.

Outline:
1. Describe how Steven confessed to cheating in the examinations.
2. Describe Steven’s family background.
3. Explain why he had no time to study before the examinations.
4. Describe how the school dealt with Steven’s cheating.

“Mr. Xu, I have something to tell you… I cheated in this examination”, Steven informed the chief invigilator.

Mr. Xu almost dropped the pile of papers he was carrying. Steven withdrew a skillfully rolled paper from between the panels of this pencil-case as evidence. Though he was a compassionate person, Mr. Xu felt duty-bound to report the matter to the principal.

Steven’s heart beat wildly as he waited outside principal’s office. Tears of despair rolled down his cheeks as he reflected on his situation.

Always the top student in his class, Steven was almost every teacher’s favorite. Nobody, however, knew the dark secrets of his background.
His father was a drunkard and a gambler. He did not work, so Steven and his mother sold food at Chinatown where they had a small stall. Daily business brought in a small steady income. However, his drunken father always demanded money. This left them with a pittance to run the household and to settle the huge debts his father had incurred.

That particular week before the examinations was a most difficult one. Loan sharks had come demanding payment. They gave Steven’s mother one week to pay up. This meant that Steven had to forego his revision and work extra shifts. Between school and work, he hardly had enough time to sleep. Study time was of course, out of the question. Therefore, out of desperation, he resolved to cheat in his History examination. However, after had handed up his paper, his conscience bothered him for he was actually an honest boy. Therefore, he felt compelled to confess his misdeed to Mr. Xu.

Before the Committee of Heads of Departments decided what to do with Steven, Mr. Xu visited Steven’s family. There, he learnt the whole truth from Steven’s mother.

It was unanimously agreed by the committee that this was an exceptional case. Steven needed help, not punishment. With proper arrangement, Steven won a scholarship for his studies. His father was sent to a rehabilitation center. The family was also offered financial assistance by a welfare organization.

Describe an incident when you helped someone

2010-01-24T22:37:00.001+07:00

Describe an incident when you helped someone

Outline:
1. Describe why the person needed your help
2. Describe how you spent time with the person to understand his problem and to advise him.
3. Describe how you helped that person
4. Describe how you feel about the incident.

Being the eldest in the family, I have always felt responsible for my younger siblings. My youngest brother, Tuan, has always been my favorite. Unfortunately, he was the one who was always getting into all sorts of trouble.

Countless were the times when my parents were asked to see his principal concerning his misbehavior. Tuan got into numerous fights with the other boys in school and had been caught a number of time vandalizing school property. He persistently failed to do his homework and he interrupted classes with his many pranks.

Exasperated, my parents gave up on him. Their method of disciplining him only made him more rebellious. Being the closest to Tuan, I spent evenings talking to him. I also talked to his classmates. It was after many such patient talks and careful analysis that I found the root of the problem.

Tuan, being extremely intelligent, was bored with his school work. Therefore, while his classmates were struggling with their schoolwork, Tuan would rather think of new and interesting pranks. When I spoke to Tuan about his problem, he agreed with me. He wished that his lessons were more interesting and challenging.

I approached Tuan’s principal and told him what I thought of Tuan’s misbehavior. He has skeptical at first, but after examining Tuan’s grades, he said that the idea was worth trying. He then arranged for Tuan to sit for the entrance tests to a special school for highly intelligent children. To everyone’s surprise, Tuan not only passed these tests, but did so with flying colors.

The special school readily admitted Tuan into their academic quarters. Since then he has excelled. At the rate he is going, he may even complete secondary school before I do! Tuan’s conduct reports have also been encouraging. Our parents have only been called up once to see his principal and that was concerning an extra subject that the principal wanted Tuan to take. I am really proud of my brother and I am glad that my help has been instrumental in bringing about his present academic excellence.

Describe a busy shopping center during the Christmas season

2010-01-24T09:40:00.001+07:00

Describe a busy shopping center during the Christmas season

Outline
1. Describe the crowd in the shopping center
2. Describe what you see and hear in the busy shopping center.
3. Describe an interesting occurrence.

Right below my apartment is a leading shopping center in Singapore. Being a frequent visitor, I know the place inside out. It is busiest and most interesting during the Christmas season.

On pre-Christmas shopping days, the place would be teeming with shoppers ceaselessly thronging the passages between the shops. The scene is fascinating. People in colorful attire, bright lights from the stores, gay balloon hanging from the ceiling and shiny tinsel all add to the Christmas atmosphere.

The din created by the Christmas carols, the stereo music blaring from the music stores and the non-stop chatter of crowds is deafening. Escalators tirelessly carry their extra load to all levels. The business-minded shopkeepers cash in on the added crowds by having pre-Christmas sales. The zealous customers have no qualms about pushing and shoving to get the goods they want. With the pushing crowd, many children get separate from their parents. Once, it was reported in the papers that a mother managed to abandon her infant child in the midst of the crowd. Till today, the mother has not been traced and the child has been adopted.

During this period too, pick-pockets and shop-lifters are up to their tricks. Warnings about keeping an eye on one’s belongings boom out now and then over the public address system. Ahmad, a security guard, is extremely vigilant too, but there are times when light-fingered crooks are too deft for him.

The shopping center may be crowded and noisy during the Christmas season, but I still enjoy shopping there.

Describe your sister

2010-01-24T07:40:00.002+07:00

Describe my sister

Outline:
1. Describe your sister’s physical appearance.
2. Describe her interests.
3. Describe her personality.

My sister, Hoa, was born one year after I was, in the afternoon of the second of February, 1978. Since then, we have been dressed alike, fed the same food and have been the closest of playmates. In spite of all this, no two people can be more different than we are.

Hoa is one of those girls who makes head turn wherever she goes. Her soft, curly hair is dark brown, and is usually tied in a pony tail to keep it from falling onto her face. She has an hour-glass figure and looks sensational in brightly colored clothes. Blue, pink and purple are her favorite colors. Although she looks good in formal clothes, she is most often seen in T-shirts and shorts.

By nature, Hoa is an extrovert and enjoys outdoor activities. She is the captain of the school basketball team and is also the best player in the team. She camps and cycles at every possible opportunity.

In school, my sister is very popular. The younger girls in the school admire her because of all the medals she has won. Her basketball team-mates adore her and are willing to do anything she says.

However, Hoa’s enthusiasm for sport does not extend to her academic work. Fortunately, she does manage to pass her examinations by studying frantically at the eleventh hour. My sister aspires to be a teacher of physical education. She hopes one day to improve the status of sports in Ho Chi Minh City. Hoa has an optimistic out look towards life. Once, when she fractured her arm and had to miss an important basketball match, she took it all in stride and said, “Well, I’ll just have to be patient and wait for the next match.” It is fun to have such an interesting person for a sister. Sometimes, I wish that I share some of her interests and her entiring zest for life.

What makes people happy?

2010-01-22T11:58:00.005+07:00

What makes people happy?

by lt2ha.ftu

Everyone in all parts of the world has the same desire and feeling of happiness. It is necessary to know well the causes of happiness for those who want to achieve a happy life. From my experience, there are 3 main causes of happiness that related to emotional, material and physical factors.

It is easy to understand if there are a lot of people thinking about a good physical condition first as a source of happiness. Human body with 5 senses is the first gift that the Creator gives us. It allows us to see the life, to breathe fresh air, to hear the sound etc. All of them are often considered as a matter of course that people don’t care enough about their health until they lost them. Then, they realized that having a good health is the happiest thing of all. It is because a good health gives them a chance to enjoy life and do the things they wish to do.

Material factor is also considered as an indirect reason that leads to happiness. This is the fact that it is hard to do the things a person wants without money. Although, money is not the most important thing but it is the key for us to access modern technology, to learn, to travel, to raise our families or simply to put more palatable food on the table. Or if you take a step on your career ladder, you will have the feeling of accomplishment. Conversely, it will motivate you to do more to achieve your long-term goal. All of those things bring you a comfortable life and the capacity of doing the things you wish to do which are essential to obtain a happy life.

There is no denying that emotional factor is the main reason that makes people happy. It is that because emotions entirely depend on one’s attitude to life and events that occur around him. When a person is always kind to others, he will definitely gain respect and love from them. Such these things will fill his soul with happiness of being beloved and helpful to others. Another common example is that when one failed and seemed to have no ways to get out. If he insists on keeping the negative attitude, he simply sinks deeper into depression, but if he sees the situation in another way, a positive one, everything might be clearer and he finds not only solutions to cope with it but also opportunities. It will bring him the happiness of handling with failure – one of the hardest lessons of life.

Consciously or unconsciously, we are seeking happiness everyday by thinking about our direction, what we focus on and what we want to do. To do that, you will have to pay a lot of time and effort. Knowing the importance of physical, material and motional factors will help us to gain initiative in obtaining happiness in life.

I am proud of my country

2009-08-11T18:20:00.002+07:00

I am proud of my country

In his poem of patriotism Scott says If a man is not proud of his country, he will be burried without honor. When a man returns after a travel to his country he must be bubbling with enthusiasm and his heart must be pulsating with joy to land on his native soil. We have heard of great martyrs who sacrificed themselves for the sake of their country. So it is only proper and fair that one should love one's country.

To love one's country one need not have taken part in the liberation movements. One need not have carried the flag, shouted slogans and stood in the front line of agitators. His ancestors need not have shed blood for the sake of the land, nor there is any need for any material sacrifice. Still one may be proud of one's country.

There are many things why one must be proud of one's country. It may be due to the climate, natural regions, its people and the government, its tradition and culture and manufactures. The relation which the country has with other countries is also a point to be considered.

Considering the above norms let me say why I am proud of my country. My country has an equable climate. We are having bright sunshine throughout the year and plenty of rain. There are virgin evergreen forests. There are some good rivers, and the hills and valleys make the country beautiful. The sea coast is not straight but has bays so there are some good harbors.

Our people are quiet, hard-working and peace loving. They know their land gives them plenty in the form of grains and fruits and so one need not be hungry. The forests have natural wealth and the plantations are rich producing money spinning rubber. Our mines produce valuable tin making the country rich. We are a developing nation and a lot of good things will have to be done.

We have a good government which is democratic in set up. We have had a succession of enlightened rulers who have taken measures for improvement. The upheavals we see in some countries are practically absent in our country and the people are law-abiding .

Our country has had a long history of several centuries. Several cultures have flowed in here and so there we see a mixed culture. This is reflected in the way people dress and eat; the buildings show the effect of these over-riding cultures. Our country has very friendly relation with neighboring countries and we are held in high esteem. Considering all these I am proud of my country.

Library

2009-08-11T17:05:00.002+07:00

Library

Books cost a fortune and this means that not everybody can afford to buy many useful reference books. There are many people who crave for knowledge but are unable to satisfy their needs due to lack of money. Libraries can help solve this problem.

Libraries are important to people whether it is a developed or developing country. Well-maintained libraries in each town are gift to the people. It is very much a basic need for students ranging form the primary school children to the college students. The public too can make use of the library for a leisure reading and to gain more knowledge thereby making good use of their free time.

A well maintained library should have a wide selection of books. They should have books on almost all subjects such as science, literature, English, art, history, philosophy, engineering, medicine, technology, etc. In addition, newspaper, magazines and periodicals should be available. Hard cover story books, paperback novels, plays should also be available in abundance. They should be neatly arranged by sections and labeled easy access.

Singapore is a model country where everything is properly planned. Each town has its own library which is in turn controlled by the National Library of Singapore. In addition professional bodies and councils have their own libraries catering to their own need. The National Library of Singapore serves the people of all age groups. Ranging from children to senior citizens, separate facilities are provided. The current best sellers, periodicals, magazines from local and oversea publishers are also available in the National Library. Hence the people should make use of the library to gain more knowledge.

Old age and youth

2009-08-11T17:04:00.002+07:00

Old age and youth

Everything that begins will surely end. That is an indisputable fact of living. All of us were born into our bodies some time ago, and some time ahead our bodies will surely die. In between birth and death we go through many periods where our bodies change slowly but imperceptibly. Youth and old age are but two of the distinct periods that many of us go through, the exceptions being the ones who die before they can complete the normal course of living.

The differences between youth and old age are obvious. A young man is usually full of vigor and energy. His body is in its prime and he can do anything that requires physical strength easily. Usually youth is the time when young men and women look the most attractive. Their skin shines with the glow of life. They are drawn to each other and eventually pair off to produce children of their own. They are full of hope for a wonderful life together. They laugh, sing and seek all sorts of things to enjoy themselves with.

Old age is a totally different matter. An old person no longer possesses the vigor and energy of youth. Physical exertion is out of the question. Even climbing the stairs can be impossible. Wrinkles and age-spots ravage the once-smooth skin. The glow of life is gone and the body is no longer attractive. In fact it can even appear repulsive. The magnetic attraction for the opposite sex fades, memory fails, and possibly senility sets in. For most old people laughter is rare and hopes are dashed. The future is only the grave.

Examples of these vast different between youth and old age are my grandparents. I had, on occasions, gone through the family album. Inside the album, in black and white prints are photographs of my grandparents. My grandfather was a handsome young man and my grandmother was not unlike the many pretty girls I meet on the street. I am sure my grandfather was a strong man judging by his considerable muscles in the photographs. Grandmother’s skin was smooth and fair.

That was many years ago. My grandfather is already in his grave and my grandmother is in her late seventies. I remember just before he died a few years back, he was a bent old man withered with age. He could not walk after having a stroke. He either lay in bed or had to be pushed around in a wheelchair. It was quite unbelievable that the handsome young man in the photograph became helpless cripple. Time really changes everything.

My grandmother is still living, but what a hellish life it is for her. She has become what we might call senile. She cannot remember simple things like where she left her comb. Also she gets upset because she knows she cannot remember and keep saying how useless she is now. We, the younger ones, try to help her as much as we can, but she, despite being old, is very stubborn. Sometimes she does remember bits and pieces of things but she cannot put them in any logical order. This adds to her confusion. All we can do is to attend to her daily needs and keep an eye on her so that she does not endanger herself. Sometimes I wonder how such a pretty young lady could turn into such a helpless old woman. Again time changes everything.

In my youth then, I see that I am headed for old age. If I live to see my old age, I would not like to end up like my grandparents. However I do not know if this is for me to choose or not. Only time will tell.

I choose a career

2009-08-11T17:03:00.002+07:00

I choose a career

Soon I will be joining the hundreds of school leavers to enter the world of the adults. Childhood seems to have lasted such a short time and I wish that it could last longer, but it cannot be.

The next phase of my life will require that I choose a career, or at least some kind of employment so that I can become a useful member of society. This presents some difficulties.

I am not inclined towards any career in particular. Some of my friends know exactly what they want to do in the future, but most of us do not. I actually have no idea what sort of job I would like to do. Any job seems all right to me. However I have to consider my parents and I try not to displease them.

It is their wish that I become a doctor, or a lawyer at the least. I suppose those are the dreams of most parents. A doctor or a lawyer is highly respected and makes lots of money. So they are the aspirations of many young people. I have to be realistic though. I cannot become a doctor because I am not in science class. So becoming a doctor is out of the question. I could study to become a lawyer, but I have absolutely no interest in law. So becoming a lawyer seems remote too.

What else could I do? I have to list the possibilities down: teacher, banker, businessman, soldier, policeman, politician, artist, writer, journalist, sailor, interior decorator, farmer, race-driver – the list seems endless. Unfortunately the hippies seem to have faded from the scene. It would be an experience if I could join them for a year or two. That would make my father’s blood pressure shoot up for sure. Come to think of it, my father grew up during the time when the hippies were a rage, so he might not mind.

Anyway hippies and bumming around are definitely not suitable. I have to earn some money in order to live.

If narrow down the list I find that the greatest possibilities lie in journalism, writing or being a commercial artist. These three thins are what I would not mind doing for a living. The other professions contain too many things I do not like. So unless I have no choice, I probably would not do them.

To become a writer or an artist means that I will have to take up a course for these things. I will have to start finding out what sort of courses are available locally. I definitely cannot go overseas to do them. My parents will not be able to afford it. So immediately after leaving school, I will have to make efforts to see whether these possibilities can be realized. If not then I will have to look for other possibilities.

Anyhow I feel better now after having some idea of what I can do in the future. It is still not definite what career I will take up. At least I know where to begin.

What career would you like to choose after leaving school

2009-08-11T16:59:00.003+07:00

What career would you like to choose after leaving school

Today, it is not easy to choose a career. Hundreds of students pass various examinations every year and compete with one another for positions in the various professions which are not so many as there are applicants. I would, however, like to choose teaching as my career.

Teaching is an interesting career for several reasons. As a teacher I can learn many things, especially if I teach to an udder-secondary school. If I teach History or English, for example, I have to read many books to make my teaching lessons more interesting to my pupils. Thus, I can acquire more knowledge of the subjects that I teach than what I can learn from the class text books. It is indeed a fact that a teacher learns a lot from the class text books; but that is hardly enough to make the teacher's lessons interesting to pupils. A good teacher must therefore read many other books.

Again, as a teacher, I have to speak well so that my pupils will be able to understand my instructions well. In this way I can improve my powers of expression. Even my pronunciation of words will improve to great extent.

Further, as a teacher, I shall have enough leisure to read and prepare for various examinations. It is possible today to sit for many important examinations by studying entirely at home. Thus, I can acquire important qualifications.

Finally, as a teacher I will be respected as an educated person. People will assume that I have certain qualifications and show their regard for me and the opinions that I express. Thus, I shall be able to live a happy life.

The advantages and disadvantages of co-education

2009-08-11T15:45:00.004+07:00

The advantages and disadvantages of co-education

I study in a co-education school. In my class there are about twenty boys and twelve girls. We learn many things one another in the course of being in the same class everyday. Sometimes the interaction is pleasant and sometimes not. In other words co-education has its good points and bad points, that is, its advantages and disadvantages.

The main advantage that I can see is that we learn that boys are different from girls in many ways. In short, we learn how to handle each other. Boys tend to be more physical, while girls are far gentler. However this is not a universal rule, for tom-boys do exist in our class and they pack a harder wallop than some sissies who also exist in our class. Anyhow I learn that the two sexes behave generally in fixed manners although there are exceptions.

I suppose this sort of interaction will come in useful in the future when boys and girls become men and women who will produce the next generations. I am a boy and I have to admit that I learn a lot about how to handle both boys and girls. I have a friend who studies in an all-boys’ school. He always asks me how I handle the girls. He is quite ignorant about girls, for I have seen him being tongue-tied in front of girls. None of my classmates have such a problem.

The one big disadvantage about having boys and girls in the same class is when we go for physical education. Boys and girls just cannot do the same type of exercise or play the same game together. So we need to have two teachers, one for the boys and one for the girls. Our headmaster has come up with the ingenious solution of having two classes doing P.E. at the same time so that the boys and girls from each class combine together under one teacher each.

Another advantage of a co-education school becomes obvious when the school holds the school sports, concerts and other functions. In sports a co-education school can see full participation from both sexes. Also the harder physical work of preparing for a sports meet can be done by the boys while the gentler tasks of preparing food and drinks as well as serving guests are best left to the girls. The boys and girls get to learn their social roles.

In concerts and other functions it is undoubted that both boys and girls are needed. In a co-education school there is no problem of finding the persons to take part. However in an all-boys’ or an all-girls’ school, they will have to “borrow” the necessary boys or girls in order to run their functions. I myself and other boys have had to go and serve our all-girls neighbor for some of their functions. I have to admit I thoroughly enjoyed my duties there, for the girls there really appreciate our help thus lavishing their attention on us. I suspect that they enjoy our being there too.

Our girls too get to go and help out at an all-boys’ school. I am sure they enjoy themselves too.

I have not studied in an all-boys’ school before so I do not really know what sort of situation exists there. However I would not change my place here for anything else. It is definitely better to have girls around than to see only boys everyday.

What opportunities have you had at school or elsewhere of listening teacher and speaking English?

2009-08-11T15:40:00.004+07:00

What opportunities have you had at school or elsewhere of listening teacher and speaking English? How far have they been helpful? What changes would you suggest?

All the subjects in school are taught in Bahasa Malaysia except for English Language. Thus the opportunity for using English in school is very limited. I do converse in English with some of my friends, but only with a few of them. This is because most of the others cannot converse in English.

Some of these others do not have ample command of the English Language. Yet there are other who are either too shy to speak English or they simply refuse to do so. The teachers are not much help either for some of them can hardly speak English. It is only outside school hours that I get to speak English to teachers who can do so. Such opportunities only come when we have to return to school for games or other activities.

It would be beneficial if the school could have special periods or days each weak where the students and teachers are encouraged to converse in English. In that way both sides benefit and we do not have to be at a disadvantage because of our poor command of English. My father’s generations are proficient in English because English was the medium of instruction then. I am not saying we should go back to their time. I am just saying that we should not lose our proficiency in English and thus become handicapped when we face the outside world.

However the mass media provide much opportunity for listening to English. Television especially is very helpful. Most of my favorite programs are in English and we hear it being spoken although mostly by Americans. I cannot complain though for I do learn a lot from them. In fact I can see how different spoken English can be in the U.S.A, England, Australia, India, Malaysia and other countries. Though it is basically English each speaks, the pronunciation, accent and local flavor are plainly discernible. I can, quite accurately, tell where a person is from by listening to the English he speaks.

Unfortunately while I can hear English being spoken via television or radio, I cannot speak back. So again the opportunity to speak English is limited.

I suppose I have to live with the fact that the number of opportunities for listening and speaking English is limited. That does not mean that I give up using English. I realize that English is a very important language in the world and it is definitely important that I become proficient in it. We all should be proficient in it because most of the important discoveries and advances in science, technology and other fields are available in English. So if our command of English is lacking, we lose out and always are left behind.

Is family planning necessary?

2009-08-11T15:37:00.003+07:00

Is family planning necessary?

My answer to this question is a definite Yes! My reasons are as follows.

When a man and a woman settle down and start having children without considering what sort of life they and the children will have, they are behaving very irresponsibly. Often the result of such irresponsibility is a family that will undergo a lot of hardship. I give an example of this.

An uncle of mine works as fishmonger. In the eight years of his marriage, he already has eight children and more seem to be on the way. He can hardly make enough to feed himself and his wife. With eight more young mouths to feed it is not surprising that he simply cannot cope.

His children do not have decent clothes to wear or sufficient food to eat. They live in a squalid squatter shack near the edge of town. My mother, who is his sister, does what she can to help. However the amount of help she can give is limited for she is a housewife and my father is not too keen on giving unending assistance to someone (my uncle) who is so irresponsible. So my uncle moans about his misfortune and complains that no one wants to help him. What he will not admit is that he is the cause of his own misery. He suffers the consequences of not planning his family.

There are hundred of families that live the way my uncle does I the squatter settlement. I have visited them on numerous occasions and have to say that they live in miserable conditions. They do not have piped water or proper drains. Basic hygiene is not observed. As a result the people living there are not healthy. The children are especially prone to all sorts of illness. My cousins seem to have perpetual runny noses and smelly bodies.

The future of these children is not bright. Without proper upbringing many of them will end up on the wrong side of the law. I know that some of the residents of this area are thugs and gangsters. Some of them have already been arrested for crimes such as drug trafficking and armed robbery. What hope is there for children brought up here?

On the other hand one of my father’s cousins is careful about his children. He only has three, all of which are given a good home to grow up in. he is by no means rich. He earns his living as a van salesman. The difference is that he is concerned with the quality of the children he has, not quantity. He makes sure they have enough food to eat and their well-being is looked after. The result of such care is so obvious. The children live in much better conditions. They are a joy to be with. At least there is less risk in getting some kind of sickness from them, as in the case with my less fortunate cousins.

On the whole I will say that a planned family of about two or three children is best. The children have a chance of a happy childhood. The likelihood is that they will grow up to be good responsible citizens too. In a large unplanned family, the parents have not enough time to bring the children up properly. Besides having a difficult childhood, the chances of growing up into wrong company is very real indeed. Consequently, they suffer the rest of their lives.

The signs are obvious. A planned family has a much better chance of being a happy one. An unplanned one has virtually no chance at all.

What I dislike most in people

2009-08-11T15:36:00.003+07:00

What I dislike most in people

What I dislike most in people is when they do not keep their words. I have had many encounters with people who do this and I must say I find it most unpleasant.

I usually keep my word. If I find that I am not able to because of extraordinary circumstances, I make it a point to tell the person involved so that he or she will not feel let down. For example if I were to tell a friend that I will come to her house at 9 a.m. but cannot do so, I will make sure I let her know before that time so that she will not have to wait for me in vain.

However, I know from experience that many people do not keep their word. I have been kept waiting a number of times by friends who said they will meet me at certain time but come later or do not show up at all. What is worse is that they do not even apologize or say why they did not keep their word. These people then become less of a friend and more of just an acquaintance. I do not feel sorry for it. I am definitely better off without having to endure further disappointments.

It seems to me that some people simply say things without meaning what they say. They just utter words out of convenience. There is a man who replies “no problem” to any request made to him. He works as an electrician-cum-plumber. When we require his services we would ring him up and invariably his answer will be “no problem”. He always promises to come the next day but almost always he fails to show up. So we ring again and he will again say “no problem” but again he will fail to keep his words. Perhaps after a week or so he will appear to render his services. Sometimes we can wait, but more often now we get someone else to do the job. This someone else also does not usually keep his words but at least he does not say “no problem”.

Then there is an uncle of mine who is just as bad. Once he borrowed my father’s crash-helmet promising to return it the same evening. He never did return the helmet. When asked he denied that he ever borrowed the helmet. My father decided to let the matter rest as it was an old helmet not worth arguing over. It goes to show how untrustworthy a man can become. His words mean nothing. It has no value at all.

I always go by the saying “say what you mean, and mean what you say”. It seems many people can not be bothered about saying what they mean and meaning what they say. They just say anything they like and do something else. It is impossible to trust people like this. They will let you down.

It is best that we keep away from such people. However this is almost impossible to do because the whole world is filled with them. It seems to me there are more people who do not keep their words than people who do. Perhaps this is the result of living in the modern world where people are more concerned about making money than keeping their words. Money can kept in the bank, words cannot. Money can be used to buy things, words can’t.

As for me, I would rather keep my words. At least I also keep my integrity and honesty. If I do not have these two so important things, then whatever I do in the world will only make things worse, for I will have cheated and lied. I will become just another untrustworthy person that I dislike. I cannot allow myself to dislike myself.

A nightmare

2009-08-11T15:35:00.002+07:00

A nightmare

I was seriously preparing for my school examination. Normally people call it exam fever and I believe I was haunted by the feeling of falling ill while the examination was on. But I was able to banish such fears and concentrate on my studies. But this fear crept into my subconscious mind and it played havoc on me. I have now the consolation that it was all a dream.

On November 16, my birthday was arranged to be celebrated in a colorful manner. There was a small party that my father arranged for my friends. I spent the whole evening enjoying myself while my parents were busy watching television. I pretexted as though I had to prepare for the examination, but I was cheating myself with the thought that I would wake up early in the morning and make up the lost time. While in bed, sleep seemed to elude me and the bug of falling ill during the examination began to harass me. However after sometime I slept.

If Alice’s experiences in the wonderland were bizarre, mine was shocking. To my subconscious mind the bogey of illness during the examination was true. I felt a sudden irritation in both my eyes and what started as an irritation became an unbearable pain. I started shouting and my parents rushing into my room. They consoled me, more than that they could do nothing. It was ten at night. My mind became agitated that, I thought that I might not be able to sit for my English and Mathematics examinations.

My father soon realized the problem I was facing, “The Exam Fever”. He made me stand against the wall and by understanding my agony, he carried me downstairs. He then put me in his car and drove me to a nearby hospital. On the way he was consoling me about the examination and trying his level best to make me relax. I explained that I was having an irritation in my eyes as though thousands of needles had pricked. On arrival at the hospital, the doctor performed many tests and finally told my father that, due to nervous feeling of examination, I had spoiled my brain which had affected my eyes. I could not sit for the examination, and he would issue a medical certificate to be produced to the authorities.

My father was undaunted by the doctors’ decision. In total desperation he put me back in his car and drove to another hospital. He explained to a doctor about my case but not the real situation. The doctor had diagnosed correctly at the first sight itself. Before he applied ay medicine he asked me to open my eyes slowly. I said that I could open, but the doctor insisted. By the time tears started rolling down my cheeks and, with the tears forming between my eyelids, I could open my eyes. The room was dark but for a small lamp. There was no doctor. Where had my father gone? I still felt the tears rolling down my cheeks. All I saw was the clock on the wall opposite my bed. Now I realized! Oh! It’s a dream. Soon I overcame myself and was happy to realize my folly. I am really happy because it was just a dream.

Storm caught

2009-08-11T15:33:00.002+07:00

Storm caught

It does not happen to everybody to come face to face with a storm. I had had such a bitter experience. Even today I wonder how I kept alive in that storm.

It happened this way. The afternoon was just pleasant and I took my bicycle and was on my way to a village some six kilometers away where a relative of mine lived. The path lies through an avenue of trees with fields on either side as far as the eyes can see. But for one or two stray cottages here and there, there is nothing to shelter one on the road. When I was about half way, dark clouds gathered in the sky. It was threatening and I pedaled hard but before I had gone a few hundred meters, there was a sudden burst of thunder and a blinding lightning. It began to rain cats and dogs and the rain came down in big drops. The light was very poor and the road was bad. As the rain was lashing on my face I could not pedal at my bicycle. I knew it was dangerous to go and take shelter under a tree in such a heavy rain because lightning would strike green trees, so with great effort I kept to the middle of the road. Suddenly the wind rose and gained momentum. It grew wild and before its force the trees simply danced. One could hear the howling noise of the stormy wind.

I was soaked to the skin. My fingers were benumbed. I could not push hard. Now and then I could see the heavenly rage in the lightning flashes which appeared to hiss almost by my side. To add to my fear, there was a sudden thunderclap and a big tree crashed to the ground. In this situation the will to live alone goaded me on. As the road was soaked with flood water, I could not ride the bicycle. There were pot holes and swirling water. But it was not a question of abandoning. I prayed to God to conduct me safely.

At long last, the flickering light from the village was seen and I was in my relative’s house after a few minutes. What a relief to be under a roof behind closed doors in such weather! My relative gave me a change of warm clothing and I had never enjoyed a warm cup of tea as I did that day.

No room for true craftsmanship in the modern world of mass production

2009-08-11T15:26:00.003+07:00

There is no room for true craftsmanship in the modern world of mass production.

To a larger extent than not, I agree with this statement.

I say this based on my experiences with hand-made and mass-produced things.

In my house there is a set of furniture handed down by my great-grandparents. In spite of more than a hundred years old, the one table and four chairs of this set are in immaculate condition. It is obvious a lot of care had been given in making these beautiful pieces. I cannot detect a single nail in them. The wood used is teak and the table and chairs are still sturdy. In fact I would say that they are sturdier than some new ones. They are products of real craftsmanship.

In my house too are some tables and chairs break after a few months. The wooden ones show signs of slip-shod workmanship and judging by the rate of wear and tear, they will be useless long before the hand-made ones.

The craftsmen of yesteryears made things of high quality. Also they made them to last a long time. Mass-produced things cannot have such high quality and they do not last long. I suspect that manufacturers of mass-produced thing purposely make things not to last so that the consumers will be forced to keep buying new ones. It is good business for them, not so for the consumers though.

Another thing about mass production is that the workers are generally not skilled craftsmen. They are merely employed to operate machines or do some routine work. No creativity is necessary or encouraged. They just do as they are told, and that is to produce as much as possible as cheaply as possible. On the other hand a craftsman is usually not very much concerned about how much profit he will make. He is more concerned about how well he makes something. He has to be creative and skillful. Thus the product of his work is what we admire as craftsmanship. He may not get much for his work, but for him satisfaction is not so much in money but in a job well done.

Modern radios, tape recorders, cars, furniture, computers and other goods are made only to attract buyers. They last only until the manufacturers come out with newer ones with more gimmicks and features. It is an on-going game played by manufacturer on gullible consumers. Their advertisements are basically: “buy, buy, keep buying our products.” So the consumers keep buying and buying. The craftsmen and their laboriously slow ways are forgotten.

“The twentieth century is an age of greed” Do you agree?

2009-08-11T14:28:00.003+07:00

“The twentieth century is an age of greed” Do you agree?

Being in an age of rapid scientific and technological development, it is only natural that man will find himself caught in the endless rat race. If before, we live in prosperity and harmony caring for our neighbors and subordinates, now we live in prosperity and harmony, but caring only for ourselves and never being satisfied with what we have. We are now, sad to say, ignoring the very existence of our neighbors. This selfish attitude is so common that we no longer regard it as a vice but rather as life’s pre-requisite.

In this realm of desire for material well-being, man says that greed is an inevitable consequence. If man in the stone age believed in survival of the fittest, man in this modern era believes in the survival of the wealthiest. Many people let money rule their lives, as they feel that money can buy them fame, respect, power and even happiness.

Take for instance the attitude of children at present. How often do we find kids selecting their friends from amongst the wealthiest and prettiest only. Worst still, some parents instruct their children to behave in this manner.

The attitude of students today, whether they are in the primary, secondary, or tertiary level, are also changing. The only thing on their minds is to obtain the highest possible qualifications. There is no more or at least minimal co-operation among students. Leisure is slowly giving way to textbooks, researches and endless hours of painstaking mugging. They are aiming for an excellent pass so that they would be recognized and their names will be on the lips of everyone around their campus. They hope for the most “respectable” job offering them the highest pay.

Realizing the importance of money, man however has gone so far as to regard money as an end and not as a means. Men will do all they can do to satisfy their greed for money. It is not surprising that crime rates are soaring limitlessly all over the world today. Discontentment and greed are the most common reasons for man to fall into using unscrupulous means. They rob, murder, frame others, cheat, swindle and now the most popular crime is selling and smuggling drugs, to be rich within the shortest possible time.

Last but not least, the numerous crises happening all over the world are classic examples of greed. Greed for power can be seen in innumerable invasions made by many powerful nations over the helpless Czechs, Afghanistan and Vietnam; the sophisticated nuclear balance between Russia and America, the unending terrorism in Palestine, Sri Lanka the civil wars which has time and again broken up all over the American and African Continent.

Above all, the emblem of greed and selfishness rings throughout the world when the hard-earned money that some caring people have donated to the poverty-stricken Ethiopias was swindled by the trustees. What could be worst than this unspeakable, inhumane act! And what can be a better proof that the twentieth century is indeed an age of greed.

Advertisements are boring, unless and often misleading

2009-08-11T14:17:00.004+07:00

“Advertisements are boring, unless and often misleading.” How far do you agree with this opinion?

In our present world of consumerism, advertisements are very much the norm because manufacturers have to attract us to their products, which they do not want and we do not need. Everywhere we go advertisements loom before us on billboards, leap out at us from magazines and newspapers, whiz a lingering impression on the mind. Advertisement jingles hail us every morning over the radio and through the day, and we watch consumer products come alive on television, singing and dancing to promote themselves.

Are they boring? Generally not, but there are exceptions, of course. Take for instance the Pepsi-Cola advertisement on television, “starring” Lionel Ritchie and a host of dancing youths; exuberant excited, bubbling and fizzling with life and energy. With its foot-tapping beats and delightful visual effects, one requires a great deal of self-control to sit still and not dance along. Or consider the advertisement with that famous line, “When a man you’ve never met before suddenly gives you flowers, that’s Impulse.” Yes, the advertisement for the body-spray, Impulse. The whole idea of a man absorbed in his daily routine being suddenly roused out of it by a whiff of Impulse and then going through a series of impulsive actions to compliment the lady wearing it, is romantic and endearing to most women. This combined with the light, tinkling piano accompaniment and soft-focus filming makes the advertisement an attractive one. Then we have the newspaper and magazine advertisements, in vibrant color, interesting graphics and witty slogans. Take a look at most cosmetic advertisements like Maybelline or Cover girl, where the page is attractively splashed with the newest colors the manufacturer has come up with a pretty, lively girl caught in mid-laughter. Therefore, advertisements today are generally interesting due to the visual and sound effects made possible y advanced technology in the various mediums of print, sound and film, and a little imagination, especially when rival companies try their best to attract consumers and so try to advertise better.

Are they useless? Not necessarily. In many ways advertisements help to keep the cost of most publications low so that we can afford them quite easily. This applies in the case of our daily newspaper “The Straits Times”, the Sunday “Asia Magazine”, the popular “Readers Digest” and especially the publication we are all familiar with, our respective school magazines. The advertisers pay to advertise and this payment subsidizes publishing cost so that we pay less than what we might otherwise have to pay. Advertisements also help to ease our boredom sometimes. How many times have people been roused out of a bored stupor once they see an interesting advertisement on a billboard or bus or when lazily flicking through a magazine? Also, advertisements either interesting or otherwise, especially of otherwise, do promote conversation among friends when they discuss them, how an advertisement is so silly, or another is unusual and imaginative and yet another is introducing an interesting and attractive product which might be worth buying. This then brings us to the last point. Are advertisements misleading?

One of their uses is that they inform us as to what is available on the market, but is this information wholly true? Their main function is to attract buyers so naturally, only certain details regarding a product are highlighted while others are not provided at all. We are made to believe that a product is long-lasting, worthwhile, multi-purpose and bound to give us that happiness we cannot find elsewhere. Perfume advertisements promise to bring the opposite sex falling at one’s feet, dictionary and encyclopedia advertisements promise to give us all the wisdom and knowledge in the world, cosmetic advertisement for “Ponderosa Steak & Salad Restaurant” promises juicy and tender steak and delicious salad. I have eaten there and found the steak to be of very low quality, for a very high price, but the salad was everything the advertisement led me to believe.

So in conclusion, I would say that modern commerce trade and industry cannot survive without advertisement. The most advanced advertising technology course gives new ideas and also acts as “Survival of fittest” in this dynamic decade. However there should be control over misleading advertisements.

Honesty is the best policy

2009-08-11T14:14:00.006+07:00

Do you think that “Honesty is the best policy”?

This is an old and often repeated proverb, but it is true? It has a suspiciously worldly flavor, for it means that from a worldly point of view it pays to have honesty. Now a man of complete honesty will not ask whether honesty pays or not. He feels he must be honest, even if honesty brings him loss or suffering, simply because it is right to be honest and wrong to be dishonest. This proverb is therefore of little use to people of sincere honesty: it is really meant only for those unprincipled men who will be honest only if honesty pays, and will be dishonest if they think honesty will pay them worse.

Probably honesty does pay in the long run. In business, for example, a man who deals straight forwardly with the pubic, who sells at fair prices, who gives good quality, and can be relied upon not to cheat, will generally establish a reputation that will be a fine business asset. People will be glad to deal with him; and though he may not make a fortune he will have a sound and satisfactory business.

On the other hand, there is no doubt that success is often due to trickery, and great fortunes have been built up upon dishonesty. Too many successful rogues have proved by experience that for them dishonesty had been the best policy. Of course some of these people come to a bad end, and lose all they have gained by their lies; but many maintain their worldly success is more due to ability, lucky opportunities, and business cunning, than to honesty.

And many examples could be given of men who, from a worldly point of view, have failed because they have scrupulous honesty. A martyr who prefers to be burned at the stake rather than say what he believes to be false, may be a hero; but in the eyes of a worldly man, who thinks only of worldly success, he is a sad failure.

But if we look at such cases from the spiritual point of view – if we consider that truth and righteousness are far more important than wealth and rank and prosperity – then, in the highest sense, honesty is the best policy in the end. “For what it shall profit a man if he gain the whole world and lose his own soul?”

Read other essays on 'Honesty is the best policy':

Read 1:
Honesty is the best policy
From my own experience, I absolutely agree that honesty is the best policy.
One fine day, while I was on my way to school, I found a wallet. It was lying outside the lift.
Opening the wallet, I found two hundred dollars and some coins inside. There were some pieces of paper but no identity card. I was tempted to keep the money, but I remembered what my teacher had taught us that honesty is the best policy... Read more
Source: language123.blogspot.com

Read 2:
Honesty is the best policy (a story)
Source: essays4free.blogspot.com

Read 3:
Honesty is the best policy
Generally, honesty is the best policy in any situation. Some people are very reliable and they hate those who tell lies for any reason. Other people accept “white lies” when situation arises, even if they usually do not like lying. I strongly agree that honesty is the best policy in a relationship... Read more
Source: essays4free.blogspot.com

Read 4:
Honesty is the Best Policy
Living in the world these days is really hard. People do not have much honesty with each other. However, not being honest always causes problems that sometimes leads to someone getting hurt emotionally or physically. It seems that in everyday life there is something someone can always lie about. In my opinion, honesty is the best policy. In other words, lying is wrong and therefore we should tell the truth. Because everyone you come to talk to will trust you, if you do lie the truth will eventually come out, and if you do not lie you will have a clean conscious... Read more
Source: www.123helpme.com

People who look for excitement and danger are foolish.

2009-08-11T14:11:00.003+07:00

People who look for excitement and danger are foolish.

Things that people do for fun or for money are very numerous today. Some of these things are positively dangerous, but there seem to be no lack of people eager to do them. Bungee-jumping, rock-climbing and sky-diving are certainly not everybody’s cup of tea. Then there are less dangerous but no less exciting pursuits of motor-racing and professional boxing. These are all exciting and dangerous things. Some even earn a living doing these dangerous jobs. Why would people put themselves in such dangers? Would they be considered foolish?

Those who purposely go out to get some excitement are usually those who are bored with their lives. Bungee-jumping is a predominantly western invention and the participants are usually bored westerners who would do anything for some excitement. It needs a certain amount of guts to be able to jump off a bridge only to be saved from certain death by a piece of rubber cord failed and the thrill-seekers perished. Yet the others persist. I suspect these others are not only bored with their lives, they could be unconsciously looking to either end their boredom or their lives. In short they could have suicidal tendencies. Would people bent on killing themselves be called foolish?

Rock-climbers and sky-divers also take enormous risks. Deaths resulting from accidents are not uncommon, but people continue to do them. I asked a friend who does rock-climbing why he pursued such a dangerous sport. He said every time he reached the top of a rock, the feeling of excitement and achievement was quite incomparable. It is intoxicating and he is hooked by it. So he seeks to repeat the high, despite the obvious risks.

I suppose the exciting feeling holds true for the other unpaid dangerous sports as well. They get the adrenalin flowing through the blood. These excitement-seekers are obviously addicted to it. The only thing they get out of their pursuits is excitement, which has to be repeated. No other gain is forthcoming except some respect from others. Perhaps respect is also an excitement thing for some.

The professionals who take great risks are far better off than the amateur ones in terms of financial rewards. Race-drivers are usually millionaires. So are boxers. Also these professionals are well covered by insurance and they do not take unnecessary risks. In fact they are very careful indeed in their work.

In conclusion, I would say that amateurs who look only for excitement and danger are foolish because they stand to gain nothing and to lose everything. They are putting their heads on chopping block for the sheer thrill of it. The professionals are different. They get paid and make sure that their necks are well padded. Thus they are not as foolish, not by a long shot.

Women should be restricted to work connected with the home and children

2009-08-11T14:06:00.003+07:00

“Women should be restricted to work connected with the home and children. They should not engage in politics, commerce or industry.” How far do you agree with this statement?

Before I begin with my opinion of the statement, let me analyze the statement itself. The word “work” should not be taken to mean doing something for a salary but rather to engage in an activity. To agree with the first sentence would be to say that women can only obtain jobs such as teaching, since they would be dealing with children then, if they were teaching, lower levels, or jobs like being domestic servants, seamstresses, cooks or interior decorators, since they would then be doing something connected with the home. The statement implies that women should not engage in charity work, literary work, nursing, acting, singing and dancing and many other activities which they do remarkably well and have received critical acclaim for, for example Lady Edwina Mountbatten for her charity work, Jane Austen for her perceptive writing on Victorian society, Anna Parlova and Margot Fonteyn for their breathtakingly beautiful ballet dancing, and Florence Nightingale for the new hospital hygiene rules she established in nineteenth century in England and which we inherit today. Obviously, the whole idea behind the statement is that women should not engage in activities unconnected with the home and children because they are not capable of doing them at all, especially in politics, industry and commerce.

This idea is not necessarily true. For decades and centuries women have been involved in activities not even remotely connected with the home and done them well.

In the fifteenth century, the famous woman Joan of Arc led the soldiers of her country to war, to the admiration of many. Queen Elizabeth I ruled England in the sixteenth century, using her own wisdom and never allowing the decisions of her ministers overrule her, nor did she ever marry. England did not see ruin during her time and in fact, it flourished, especially in arts and culture. The famous and revered works of William Shakespeare, among those of other equally famous writers, were produced in that period. Queen Victoria of England ruled almost half the world, the great British Empire, at the peak of her reign in the nineteenth century. Even in contemporary times there existed Golda Meir of Israel, Indira Gandhi of India, etc. The remarkable thing about these women is that the people voted that they do such work, and they have performed on par with their male counterparts.

With regards to industry, a tour of any factory today will yield the sight of rows of women along the assembly lines, working to produce consumer products which are the basis of today’s civilization. In Singapore, women contribute largely to the economy in this way and have helped fill the labor shortage in this area. This is a vital contribution since Singapore is a country based very much on industrialization. Women are needed in industries and should engage in them, either at the assembly department or even at the top of the company as administrators.

Commerce is one area where women are not a rarity either and where they can succeed. Women today do set up their own businesses and make huge successes of them. Take for instance the cosmetic business with big names like Helena Rubinstein or Elizabeth Arden, or even the fashion business. True, these are businesses largely directed at women, but the fact is that women are also running them and doing it well.

Another reason why the statement restricts women to the home and children would be that if a woman was to engage in something so diversely different from the home, she may neglect her own family and home. This is a cynical approach because, in fact, if a woman were allowed to broaden her horizons and outlook, she would make an open-minded approach towards her family and home. She would make an interesting conversationalist, relate better with her children since she could better understand what they face daily outside home and be a source of knowledge and inspiration to them and also relate better with her husband since she would understand how taxing a job or demanding activity outside the home could be. With today’s modern appliances and gadgets, she would have no excuse for neglecting her housework either, and in fact, it is about time that the family helped women out with the housework.

Therefore, I feel that women should be encouraged and trained to venture into any field of activity if they feel capable of handling it.

Parents and children – Are there ways to improve understanding?

2009-08-11T14:00:00.005+07:00

Parents and children – Are there ways to improve understanding?

In our modernized world today, we tend to take for granted others opinions and feelings. What matters most is our own opinions and ideas. Parents and their children are not excluded from this category. Parents expect their children to think and behave like they do. Their children on the other hand expect them to understand and respect their feelings. This, I feel is the root of all parent-child problems.

In my opinion, it is perfectly normal for parents to want to protect their children. However, this natural instinct should not be overdone or the consequences would be most undesirable. Youngsters of over-protective parents tend to exhibit rebellious tendencies. Behind their parents’ backs they exhibit all kinds of bad behavior and some even find themselves involved with bad company. Worst still, some youngsters deliberately do things forbidden by their parents right under their parents’ noses. This will inevitably result in parent-child quarrels and misunderstandings.

Youngsters on the other hand, in spite of having the right of freedom of speech, thought and action should not be over-demanding. They must realize that parents most often know what is best for them. Thus, advice and, less often, scoldings, should be taken constructively and in a humble manner. They should not regard these as obstacles and hindrances but rather as care and prevention for them to face the world. After all, these parents have tasted more of the spices of life.

Thus, looking at there two points, it is important for parents and their children to strike a balance. Parents must allow freedom but there must be a limit to it. Youngsters must be satisfied with their freedom and respect their parents’ wishes. They must take their parents’ protectiveness as a sign of concern and love and not of selfishness and possessiveness.

In obtaining freedom of speech, youngsters must know the difference between standing up for a point and being merely rude and stubborn. Freedom of thought must be guided so as not to lead one astray. Freedom of action does not mean that one can do anything regardless of other peoples’ wishes and desires. These are the techniques that parents wish to impart to their children and should therefore be accepted gratefully.

Apart from these factors, youngsters, at the age of adolescence are prone to imitating others. They get easily influenced by others, especially by the media. They become impressed by the western idea of freedom and independence. The youngsters who try to adhere religiously to these western norms often abandon the ever-essential virtue, that is, filial piety.

The enormous generation gap between parents and their offspring is the only unavoidable factor giving rise to the parent-child problems. Parents fall to realize the needs of the child because they have never felt these needs during their times. On the other hand, their youngsters fail to realize their parents’ needs as they have not reached that age of wisdom yet. Thus, in my opinion, the only way one (either parent or child) can overcome this problem is by being tolerant. As Harper Lee wrote in the book To Kill A Mockingbird, one can only understand others when one jumps in their shoes and walks around in them!

Physical education is important

2009-08-11T13:50:00.002+07:00

Do you think that physical education is important?

The value of physical education has been realized since the earliest times of human existence. The Greeks and the Romans considered it indispensable to the development of a good personality and character.

Today in all the schools and universities in the world, a great deal emphasis is being placed on physical education as a means of producing citizens of good character and personality.

Physical education develops the muscles of the body scientifically and increases muscular activity and physical strength. All this makes the body active and efficient. It is now also realized that there is a close connection between the body and the mind. Therefore, if the body is active, the mind too is active. Proof of this can be easily found among children. Children who are inactive physically are usually also mentally lazy. An active and efficient body is a healthy body. When the body is healthy, the mind too is and therefore happy. Thus, physical education contributes greatly to the health and happiness of an individual such an individual could do a great deal for the good of society.

Physical education can also contribute to the strength of a nation. If the youths of a country receive proper physical education, they can build up a strong country to protect itself from foreign attacks or invasions.

Further, physical education provides opportunities for contacts with people of other lands. Athletes of all countries meet at various countries at various times to compete with one another and thus promote common understanding among countries for the benefit of one another.

It is therefore, not without reason that physical education has been a part and parcel of academic pursuit today. I do therefore agree that physical education is important to all people.

School leavers should get some working experience before going for further studies

2009-08-10T22:01:00.003+07:00

Do you think school leavers should get some working experience before going for further studies?

It would certainly a good thing if school leavers get some working experience before going for further studies. One reason is that they get a taste of what work is and thus are in a better position to know what they want to study further.

As it is, the smarter students get channeled directly into universities and colleges the moment they finish school. Most, if not all, of them do not know what the real working world is like. When they finish their studies they are plunged into the competitive work market often without a hint of what it is like. So they have to learn very quickly how to cope with the sudden change. The luckier ones get jobs they like. Many get stuck in jobs they have no inclination for and only keep at the jobs because they do not know what else they can do.

This causes job dissatisfaction. The results are unhappy workers in unhappy companies.

However, if school leavers were to get a taste of working life first, they will soon have a pretty good idea of what it is. They will have probably discovered too what sort of jobs they prefer to do. With this precious knowledge, they will then know what courses to take up to ensure they secure the right jobs on graduation.

Most of my teachers are those who went straight to university or college on finishing school. They have virtually no experience of life outside school. So when they return to school to teach, they are ill-equipped to teach the children what it is like outside the school. Some teachers who had had to work outside before becoming a teacher have far better knowledge of the outside world. The difference is obvious. I am in no way saying that the former are inferior teachers. It is just that they would be better ones if they have had outside experience.

As for my self, the moment I leave school, I am going to get myself a job. It does not matter what job it is or for how long I will have it. I only want the experience of working. Only by involving myself fully in the working world will I know what it is like and how to cope with it. Even if it is for a few months, by that time, I will have a fairly good idea ò working life. Thus I will be in a good position to decide what I will like to do in the future. I will not be a confused jobseeker nor an unhappy employee.

Education is very necessary. Do you agree?

2009-08-10T21:56:00.003+07:00

Education is very necessary. Do you agree?

Whether or not education serves the right purpose in our society is a difficult question to decide. Very often people do not take up professions for which they are trained; at other times they do not get the opportunity to use their training. When most education at the school level is either free or subsidized, it becomes essential to examine the question in great detail.

Is education really necessary? Did we not live before this quantitative expansion took place, before education began to be imparted to members of all classes? In Britain till mid-nineteenth century education was class privilege. Britain could expand the area of its education on the basis of the industrial relation. Can the developing and the under-developed countries afford to take similar measures?

For generations our people have depended only on life to educate them and they have all learned through experience. Even at a higher stage of education mere theoretical knowledge is not enough; it has to be related to actual experience. Many young engineers and technicians find that what they have learned in their schools and colleges is not of much use to them and they have to learn everything anew once they take to practical work.

However solid these arguments may appear to be, I firmly believe that education alone can save us. It alone can help us build a better future. Ignorance never was bliss and to believe in it would be a folly. It is not gold that makes good people or good countries. It is knowledge. Knowledge is the only thing which can come to the help of mankind. Education is one we cannot neglect. If we want young minds to grow and be aware of the world around them, if we want our country to be in the forefront or at least on par with other countries, we must educate our people for all advanced knowledge and for peace and war education is necessary. We can never be free if we depend on other countries for the technical know-how. Even if practical knowledge is acquired in the fields and the factories, we have to have some one who knows about the soils and the fertilizers and can build our factories.

Today war is not a mere matter of bravery of courage. Wars are won or lost on the basis of literacy. Modern weapons are so sophisticated that an illiterate soldier cannot use them. Education is not a mere ability to sign one’s name. It is the basis of something much more important. Even basic hygiene and cleanliness are connected with the level of education. To some extent they are also connected with the economic situation. Education helps to solve both the problems at one go. With better education better jobs will be available.

There is no time to dilly-dally about matters related to education. If we want progress, we must ensure minimum education for all.

Student Study Just To Pass Examinations. Do You Agree?

2009-08-10T21:53:00.004+07:00

Student Study Just To Pass Examinations. Do You Agree?

I agree fully with the above statement. I am a student and I study just to pass the examinations. It seems the same with my schoolmates. We are all only concerned with the examinations. We do not study other things that do not require us to sit for examinations.

The reason that we do not study other things is because we have no time for them. School subjects take up all our time in school and much of our time in school and much of our time of school. Everyday we have to learn so many things whether we like it or not. Lesson continues one after the other with hardly a break. Our brains switch from history to geography to mathematics to science with a speed of light. We manage most of the time, but sometimes it get so tiring to study, and many of us think to put off our study. For me, any initial interest I have in any subject is quickly killed off by the sheer amount of information I have to absorb. No one is allowed to learn his or her own pace. Everyone is force-fed a diet of information regardless whether he or she can cope with it or not (haiz…so pity the one’s who study…).

Then there is always the next examination around the corner. Since very young we have been taught this: passing with flying colors an examination is the best, just passing it is just a normal statement, but failing is very bad indeed. We are expected to pass. Our parents, teachers and all grown-ups applaud us when we pass with flying colors. If we pass they say nothing, but when we failed we are made to fell worthless. I myself have been caned by my mother because I got red marks in my report card (but in secondary I have improved better!).

No one wants to be considered worthless or be punished for failure, but that is what the world is. So we become obsessed with examinations. We study because we do not want to fail. I have heard some teachers’ say that we should study to acquire in my years in school is that if I fail I am finished. I have to pass with flying colors to prove that I am not worthless.

That is how I feel. For some of my classmates who cannot cope well with the workload, they simply give up studying in some subjects. They are already marked as failures by the teachers so they see no point in studying anymore ,but some teacher always teaches them, help them on their homework, support them but the hard work seems have no effect on them, maybe they are meant to failed. Lucky I do not fall in that category. I still study and do my homework as diligently as I can, but I do these things with only one thing in mind and that is: I have to pass my examinations with flying colors.

So the students study very hard indeed. Passing means success in the world. Failure is unspeakable. The fact remains that they study not for the sake of knowledge but only so that they can pass the next examinations. I am no different from them.

Private tuition – is it necessary?

2009-08-10T21:39:00.002+07:00

Private tuition – is it necessary?

As far as I am concerned, private tuition is not necessary for me. I shall give some reasons.

I find that if I pay attention in class when the teacher is teaching, it is adequate to see me trough my lessons and homework. If there is any doubt I can always ask the teacher concerned.

Today most of the things taught in school are not too difficult to follow, as long as I do not neglect my work. Mathematics, Science, Geography, History, and English are not that difficult to handle provided I take an interest in them and put in some genuine effort. So in all years in school I never had to have any private tuition. Yet I can get through my examinations without any problem.

I notice that my classmates who take private tuition are usually not interested in their studies. In class they have a “couldn’t-be-bothered” attitude thinking that their tuition teachers will cover the lessons for them later. What they do not realize is that it is so much easier to pay attention in class than having to spend extra time in the afternoons just to cover up for the wasted time in school. The extra time can easily be spent for other more constructive things than having to repeat a lesson.

Also private tutors do not come cheap. The parents have to fork out a considerable sum of money for the services of the tutors who are ordinary teachers anyway.

The trouble with taking private tuition is that the students can become too dependent on the tutors and cannot function on their own. Everything has to be spoon-fed.

Private tuition is only necessary if the child is really weak in certain subjects. But nowadays it is trendy to go to tutorial centers or engage private tutors.

Whether private tuition does really improve the performance of an ordinary student is debatable. Some of my classmates take private tuition. I do not see them doing exceptionally well in tests and examinations. Some of them still fail. Those who do not take private tuition perform just about the same as those who do. One who does not have private tuition, does not feel disadvantaged nor less capable than those who do.

I have to concede that not everyone has the same ability or intelligence. So some students may really need extra tuition before they can grasp what is being taught. Perhaps then these people can benefit from private tuition. But for the majority of students, like my classmates, they do not need private tuition. What they need is to do their classwork properly and they should have no troubles passing any examination.

The teachers in school are always there to help if we bother to ask them. They are already paid for their services. So there is no need to pay them extra for the same things they teach in school.

Is a little knowledge dangerous?

2009-08-10T19:32:00.002+07:00

Is a little knowledge dangerous?

Yes, a little knowledge is always dangerous not only to that person, but also to others. There is certainly a great deal of truth in this statement. We may also refer to another proverb “empty vessels make most noise”. Knowledge is desirable and should be attained by anyone at any cost; however, a little knowledge, which may be slightly better than no knowledge, can be dangerous.

It is normal to see people with little knowledge trying to make others believe that they are very knowledgeable. This often makes them proud and they tend to treat others with little respect as well as looking down upon others. Sometimes, some people might believe them and with this “little knowledge”, these people will try to lead others which will usually end in disappointment and disaster.

Those with little education and some of a particular age and sects of women are such examples. They will try to read on a variety of subjects and then try to impress others. In employment they will think themselves to be high and mighty. They always feel that work is below their dignity. The result is that they will be fired. These people will become dejected, disappointed and confused.

Some people may disagree that a little knowledge is not a dangerous thing. On the other hand, it can motivate them to further their efforts to gain more knowledge. This may be true in some cases. But psychological studies have revealed that this type of persons is very rare.

So it is always good to know something well. Gaining knowledge in a particular field will definitely make one a master in a subject. Let us not be jack of all trades and master of none. Let us at least be a master of some.

The ills of modern cities

2009-08-10T19:30:00.002+07:00

The ills of modern cities

The most glaring ill of modern cities is that the people in it are always in a hurry. Businesspeople, wage-earners, laborers, pedlars, crooks and assorted characters all rush about in their activities. It is rush, rush and more rush. City folks rush to work, rush to get their work done, rush to have lunch and rush home. Then perhaps they rush to have dinner or rush to a party. Finally in the early hours of the morning it is a rush to, as they say, grab some sleep before the rush next morning.

I was in Sydney, Australia, for a visit once. As I took a leisurely stroll along the city streets, I was amazed at how everyone seemed to be walking very quickly past me. Even old ladies of seventy simply overtook me without any difficulty. Some younger ones were actually running towards God knows where. To cross the busy roads, everyone crowded near the traffic lights. The moment the lights changed to green for the pedestrians, they took off not unlike sprinters off the blocks. That was a rush indeed. I was forced to walk quickly too, otherwise I was likely to be trampled on by the crowd.

NO wonder modern city-dwellers suffer from all sorts of stress-related diseases. Some of these stressed people are probably rushing towards an early grave too.

In a city like Kuala Lumpur, after the workers have gone home, the uglier side of the city emerges. The night-sports open up attracting all sorts of people. Prostitutes, drug addicts, drug pushers, con-men, thugs and other potentially dangerous characters abound. The police are hard-pressed to handle them. The crime rate is always rising.

However, compared to other cities like New York, Kuala Lumpur is relatively tame. In New York, everyone knows that it is dangerous to even go for a walk in some areas after 5 p.m. The likelihood of getting mugged or even killed is very high. The street gangs rule and no sane person would go out to tempt them. Still robberies, murders and all manner of human perversion continue. Certainly there is great ill in this city. This trend of lawlessness s spreading in other cities as well and there is no indication that things will get better.

While skyscrapers dominate the skyline in a city, one could say squatters and shanties dominate the baseline. In some cities, it is estimated that these shanties occupy more than half the city space. On one side, the wealthy ones rush around in their posh cars, while on the other side, the less fortunate ones rush around stealing them. The imbalance of wealth is glaring and nothing is done about it. This is another ill of modern cities.

What are the remedies for these ills of modern cities? It would seem that nobody knows. Nobody seems to care too, which is another typical city illness. At the rate the cities are progressing, it certainly looks like they are headed for some sort of social disaster. Already the inner areas of some huge cities are experiencing a breakdown of law and order. The authorities simply cannot cope. There is not much an ordinary person can do to alleviate these ills. All he can do is to hope that they will go away, which seems very unlikely.

The rising cost of living

2009-08-10T19:15:00.003+07:00

The rising cost of living

Older people like my parents are always complaining about the rising cost of living. At first I did not understand what they were talking about until they explained to me what the cost of living was.

My father says that he used to be able to get a bowl of noodles for 20 sen. That is hardly believable considering that a bowl today costs more than a ringgit. Then my grandmother says that a bowl of noodles cost half a sen before World War II. That is even more unbelievable! Now I understand what the cost of living means. It simply means how much it costs to buy things we need.

The cost of living seems to be always rising. The first car my father bought cost less than six thousand ringgit brand new. Nowadays a second hand car costs more than that. Apples used to cost 20 sen each, as my mother says. Now they cost almost a ringgit each.

My grandfather used to earn 5 ringgit a month and that was enough to feed his family of five comfortably. I marvel at that because 5 ringgit today is hardly enough for a meal at a fast food center. Things have certainly become more and more expensive and there is no indication that they will cost less in the future. Compared to my grandfather, my father earned a princely sum of a thousand ringgit a month. That is two hundred times what my grandfather earned. However I know it is hardly sufficient for my father to meet the family expenses. Fortunately my mother earns a bit as a part-time seamstress to help ease the burden. Otherwise he can hardly cope.

Things a few decades ago were much cheaper than today. Besides that there were fewer things to want. Today, the prices of goods shoot up partly because of increased demand and partly because of advertising expenses. There was hardly any advertisement in the days when my grandfather was young. Today advertisements govern every facet of modern living. We are bombarded by them from every angle, via newspapers, magazines, radio and television. No wonder we have to pay more for what we buy.

Also in those days of old, radios were rare and television were unheard of. The people have less to want. So they do not have to spend much. They spend only on everyday necessities. Today there are so many things to want. Some are unnecessary but we still buy them, thus adding to our expenses.

Anyhow bygone days cannot be recovered. The cost of living will keep rising. I hear that in Japan, most of people cannot even afford to buy a house, even though they earn much more than people here. That goes to show how the cost of living can rise to crazy levels. My father says that his Japanese friend told him that my father’s monthly salary cannot even pay for a night’s stay in one of Tokyo’s hotel. That is an example of how high the cost of living has become.

I suppose the cost of living will continue to rise. When I have children of my own in the future, I may have to tell them how cheap things were in my youth. Things will probably cost much more than today and I will have to earn much more than my father in order to cope. Anyhow, when the time comes, I will know what to do. I will have to pay whatever the cost of living requires.

The clothes we wear

2009-08-10T19:12:00.002+07:00

The clothes we wear

It sounds strange to say that of all the animals on Earth, only human beings wear clothes. Well, we cannot deny this. Anyone who walks around without clothes on will probably be quickly apprehended and set to the nearest asylum. So we all wear clothes, basically to protect our bare bodies from the elements of nature and from unwanted attention from our fellow humans.

We also wear clothes to project an image of what we think we are or represent. Most of us would not have the guts to war anything outside our assumed social standing. As far as I can remember my grandmother has always worn the traditional Chinese samfu. It is so much a part of her image that she would wear nothing else. It would indeed be a shock to us if she suddenly wears a skirt for instance. That is very unlikely to happen.

However, my mother who is one generation younger would never be found wearing the old-fashioned samfu. She would not dare to be that brave. For her, like her friends, skirts and jeans are the acceptable norms.

My sister, a further generation down, would wear clothes that shock even my mother. Some of my sister’s latest clothes defy classification. They are a combination of skirt, jeans and pajamas all sewn together like rags. Well, that is according to me anyway. For her, it is the very latest in fashion. I really cannot argue on that. One girl’s fashion is another’s rags.

In our country where so many races live together, each day we can see various types of clothes worn by different of people. A typical Muslim woman is almost totally covered from head to toe. An Indian lady wears the body-hugging sari with her midriff exposed. An old Chinese man walks around in his striped shorts-cum-underwear and singlet. A tall Punjabi stands prominently with his huge turban covering his head.

Early in the morning before nine, young executives in business suits can be seen seated with laborers in T-shirts at various tea-stalls around town. Though the clothes they wear are very different, they would just as happily sit down together for a glass of the tarik.

Students, of course, do not have much choice about the clothes they wear in school. Once outside, however, it is a totally different story. Colorful clothes that are both cool and practical are favored by teenagers. These younger people seem to have discarded the traditional clothes of their ancestors for modern trendy ones. Well, I suppose it is an inescapable consequence of modernization.

Judging from what I have seen on films and in magazines, the clothes worn by people of other nations are far different from ours. One thing is clear though, people wear clothes to suit the conditions they live in. as for me, I normally wear T-shirts and jeans for they are the most practical clothes to wear in this hot climate. This is all right for a teenager. I can see that when I begin to work I the future, I will have to wear different clothes to suit the situation. Well, when the time comes, I will know what to wear.

The problems faced by old people in our society

2009-08-10T18:52:00.004+07:00

The problems faced by old people in our society

Modern society is built by the young for the young. It is a dynamic creation that does not give much consideration to the old, sick, handicapped or incapable. They are merely tolerated as so much liability or nuisance. So these hardly wanted people face many problems in their everyday living.

The old, who were once young, helped to make the present society. Now they pay the price of their former neglect of the old. They themselves are neglected and unappreciated in turn.

An old person does not have the physical ability of a young person. Walking can be an effort. Crossing a road can be impossible without assistance. On many occasions I have come across old men and old women who just could not cross a busy road that had no pedestrian crossing. No driver stopped for them. So these old folks had to wait patiently until a kind soul happened along to lead them across. I have helped a number of them. Some of them were very grateful but some simply cursed the traffic. Whatever their attitudes, they were better off staying at home.

It is common to hear of old people being knocked down by vehicles on the roads. They just cannot handle the traffic anymore.

This busy world is certainly not kind to old folks. Crossing a road is just one problem they encounter. Getting onto a bus is another. The old person is usually the last to get on, if he manages. I have seen a bus conductor telling an old man to wait for the next bus because his bus was full. If the old man does get on, the likelihood is that he will have to stand, which does no good for his old bones. Rarely does anyone give up his seat for an old man, or old woman.

In the old days, most people did not go very far from their birth-place and thus families usually stayed together. The family unit is strong and practical. Today the family unit is breaking apart as young men and women travel widely in search of better jobs. So the chances are that the old folks will be left alone and neglected. Sometimes they are not wanted by their children at all. The luckier ones may have a child or two staying with them. The less fortunate ones may have to pine their lives away in an old-folk home or in their empty house that once was filled with the sound of children’s laughter. This neglect is a very real problem in our society and it is what the old dread the most – being unwanted and uncared for in the time of need.

There are other problems old folks face, but none can be as bad as the indifference and neglect of the young. The young have no time for the old even though the old have virtually no time left. Soon they will die and the young will take their place.

P18 http://language123.blogspot.com
Students study just to pass the examinations - Do you agree?
Education is very necessary. Do you agree?
School leavers should get some working experience before going for further studies
Physical education is important
Parents and children - Are there ways to improve understanding?
Women should be restricted to work connected with the home and children.
People who look for excitement and danger are foolish. Do you agree?
Honesty is the best policy
Advertisement are boring, unless, and often misleading
The twentieth century is an age of greed. Do you agree?
No room for true craftmanship in the modern world of mass production
Storm caught
A nightmare
What I dislike most in people
Is family planning necessary?
What opportunities have you had at school or elsewhere of listening teacher and speaking English?
The advantages and disadvantages of co-education.
What career would you like to choose after leaving school?
I choose a career
Old age and youth
Library
I am proud of my country

Drop it where it belongs

2009-08-10T17:12:00.002+07:00

Drop it where it belongs.

The Ministry of Environment is gearing up its campaign on television with an advertisement accompanied by a song. The song ends with a melodious jingle called “drop it where it belongs” with the letters shrinking and going inside the dustbin. Environment is the surroundings such as the roads, lanes, grounds, private or government housing estates. Singapore is the world’s cleanest city and it is important that every citizen tries to maintain the record. We should make sure that all places are kept clean and tidy.

Littering on roads, lanes, playgrounds or anywhere would make the places dirty. The drains should remain clean without being clogged up with waste materials or stagnant water as these are the ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes and other flies. Though the Ministry of Environment and the Community Centers arrange to maintain the housing blocks clean and tidy, it is the duty of every citizen to see that these places are not polluted by the rubbish thrown indiscriminately. That is why dustbins are provided in every nook and corner for us to throw or drop it where it belongs.

The clean environment should start from our houses itself. The leftover foodstuffs, other wastes and rubbish should be put in a plastic bag, tied and disposed through chutes. We can see the Ministry of Environment garbage trucks collecting these wastes daily. Since we have been provided with so many facilities, we should try our best to keep the city clean.

Our Government periodically launches “clean environment” campaigns to make every citizen aware of the value of a dust-free, pollution-free, clean, neat and tidy country. Strict measures, such as heavy fines for littering may achieve this purpose. But it is the citizens who are reminded of their responsibility to keep a pollution-free environment for a healthy and comfortable lifestyle in Singapore.

Crowds

2009-08-10T17:09:00.002+07:00

Crowds

A crowd is a gathering of many people in a place of limited size, such as in a hall, a supermarket or a town square. In a crowd, the movement of a person is restricted. He or she cannot move freely and may often have to take action to avoid collision with another person.

I have been in many types of crowds before and I have to say that the experience is not pleasant. Though a crowd can be bearable, most of the time it is uncomfortable to be in one and I get out as quickly as possible.

Once I had the misfortune of going to a popular supermarket when it was having a sale on. I did not know that until I reached the place. All I wanted to buy was some mosquito coils and some sweets. When I arrived there, I was shocked to see the place packed with people. Nevertheless, as I had come quite a distance by bus, I decided to join in the crowd to see what was inside the supermarket that attracted the people so.

That was one of the biggest mistakes of my life. The moment I squeezed into the crowd at the entrance, I was swept into the supermarket by the sheer wave of eager people. There were all sorts of people here. Young and old, men, women and children were all gripped by the 70% discount fever that was plastered all over the place.

I had intended to go to the confectionery section but I was pushed against my will towards the clothes section. That was where most of the action was taking place. The clothes were on sale. I could hardly believe my eyes when I saw respectable-looking adults involved in what looked like a gold-rush. They were literally tearing at the clothes. No quarter was given or asked. It was madness. I could see how people could behave when they stood to gain from something. Manners, courtesy and shyness were all thrown aside as they grabbed the dirt-cheap clothes.

After some struggle I managed to free myself. However it was no different in other sections. I had to fight my way through the throng to get what I wanted. Then I had to wait in line at the checkout counter, which was the only orderly place in the entire supermarket, for a long time to pay for what I got. After paying it was another struggle to get to the exit. Finally outside the supermarket, I breathed a huge sigh of relief. I swore that I would never join in such a mad crowd again.

Another crowd that is unpleasant is the going-home crowd in the bus station every evening. As night approaches everyone is eager to get home and that is when people can become impatient and unruly. Young and old jostle with each other to get on the bus. The conductors yell out obscenities but no one takes any notice. All each person wants is to go home, regardless of others. So everyone rushes. If one does not then one has to wait for the last bus.

There are other crowds like those in stadiums, processions and other social activities that involve many people. Not all are unruly. This is so as long as there is no disturbance. A crowd, however, has the tendency of turning into a mob if there is excitation, as evident in football matches. I shy away from such dangerous emotions. A crowd is definitely not my cup of tea.

Hospitality

2009-08-10T17:06:00.003+07:00

Hospitality

Hospitality is everywhere regarded as a virtue; but it is perhaps more common in the country than in the town. It is a common saying that in a big city like London, a man does not know even his next-door neighbor, and there is no place where one can feel as utterly lonely as among the millions of that huge city. The inhabitants of a large town would be astonished if a passing traveler, a complete stranger, came to their houses and demanded food and lodging from them. They would probably shut their doors in his face. But it is the commonest thing for villagers to welcome a passing stranger and give him freely food and shelter and entertainment, expecting nothing to return. This is not only because villagers are simpler and more unsophisticated than town-dwellers but because their lives are so lonely and monotonous that a visit from a stranger is a welcome event; and also because in the sparsely populated country-side there are, as a rule, no public inns or rest-houses where travelers can stay. So in the country, hospitality is looked on more as a duty than a virtue, the performance of which is a matter of pride.

The people of the East, especially in Arabia and parts of India, are noted for their hospitality. And among the people of the North-West Indian Frontier, the laws of hospitality are strictly observed; and even the most lawless raider will never rob or hunt a man who has eaten his salt, even though he is an enemy.

A great deal of hospitality is merely a matter of fashion, and is selfish in its spirit. People ask acquaintances to dinner, not because they want to do them a service but because it is “the thing to do” and because they hope to be asked back again in return. This is not the kind of hospitality which is a virtue; for that is unselfish and inspired by kindly feelings. So the Founder of Christianity taught his disciples to show hospitality only to the poor, who needed food, and who could not reward them for their kindness. While he sat at meal in the house of a rich Pharisee who had invited him to dine with him one day, he said to his host: “When thou makest a dinner or a supper, call not thy friends, nor thy brethren, nor thy kinsmen, nor rich neighbors, lest haply they also bid thee again and a recompense be made thee. But when thou makest a feast, bid the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind; because that have not wherewith to recompense thee.”

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Proficiency Examinations - Who Needs Them
Physical Education Is Important
Progress - Its Benefits And Harms
What Difficulties Are You Facing In Choosing A Career?
I Am Proud Of My Country
Crowds
The Advantages And Disadvantages In Teaching English To Adult Learners
The Way I Spend The First Few Days After Examination
What Have You Gained From University Education?

Floods

2009-08-10T16:57:00.004+07:00

Floods

Floods are a natural phenomenon. They cause tremendous havoc to human life and property but are sometimes also a blessing in disguise because they bring alluvial soil which is essential for crops. This is a great benefit compared to the havoc it creates.

Floods are natural calamities and occur regularly in certain low lying area. The unexpected flood causes great misery. The rush of water demolishes houses and destroys homes. It inundates large areas under cultivation, wrecks public services and makes the life of the survivors miserable. Sometimes man is prepared for it and has learned to take advantage of floods to enrich their soil, trap fish and more logs of wood.

Floods, however have always brought out the best in men. Men organize rescue and relief activities for strangers without expectation of personal gain. Voluntary organizations organize relief camps and provide medical facilities. Floods bring out the best in men to the surface. People throughout the world make collections and airlift relief materials to the victims.

The increasing incidence of floods can be reduced by construction of dams and catchments areas. These activities cannot be carried out by a single man, but can be achieved only by the Government as these require colossal resources, organization and manpower.

Every single man can contribute to prevent flood by planting trees and preventing denudation of vegetable plots. Forestation is one of the best alternatives to arrest floods.

language123.blogspot.com
Progress - Its Benefits And Harms
The Advantages And Disadvantages Of Co-Education.
The Advantages And Disadvantages In Teaching English To Adult Learners
No Room For True Craftmanship In The Modern World Of Mass Production
Home Accidents And Its Preventions
The Laser: Solution To Many Problems
Modes Of Traveling
I Am Proud Of My Country
The Unselfish Devotion Of A Housewife
People Who Look For Excitement And Danger Are Foolish. Do You Agree?

The unselfish devotion of a housewife

2009-08-10T16:49:00.004+07:00

The unselfish devotion of a housewife

The housewife has always been among the unappreciated lot. Her unflagging devotion to her husband, children and grandchildren has always been taken for granted. She slaves all day as wife, mother, nanny, cook and housekeeper without any thoughts of rewards. Her only satisfaction lies in the harmony that her hardwork creates in the family.

Her main duty lies in creating a comfortable environment so that the breadwinner can come home from work to relax. She becomes the sympathetic listener of all his problems at the office. She dusts, vacuums and sweeps all day. Her hobbies normally include knitting, sewing and flower making for the purpose of creating a more delightful home. She mends his favorite shirt time and time again without grudging. Her only gratification comes from those casual compliments she receives for the delicious dishes she serves which involve so much preparation and work.

Little children are quite lost without their dear mummies. The mother nurses the tiny, helpless infant. She cares for, feeds, washes and cloths the baby. She gets up several times in the middle of the night just so that her baby is soothed and comfortable, rocking and singing to her baby the old, lovely lullabies.

The mother never forgets birthdays and always manages to whip up a cake for that special day. She remembers our first words, looks out for our first front tooth. She is always there to wipe our tears after we toddle, tumble and fall.

She is always there to teach us our numbers and alphabet. She works and wears herself out to prepare us for our first day at school. She runs out of the house at the last minute to hand to us our forgotten homework book we have left behind. She always manages to stand just outside the school gate with an umbrella so that we do not get soaked in the rain.

Her sharp eyes always watch for the first signs of cold. She waits over her children night and day worried and anxious as they go through their share of flu, measles, mumps and chicken pox. She coddles her poor sick children. Then when we are well again, she scolds us sharply for not finishing our vegetables.

She administers the timely slaps on the hand every time we get into those mischievous pranks. She angrily sends the whole lot to bed without any supper. Then she gets up in the middle of the night to pull over us our blankets and stroke our hair reassuringly.

She continues to remain her daughter’s best friend, her son’s best confidant. She nags at us with her old fashioned values and chides us for being stubborn. But she is always there when things go wrong to lend a shoulder for us to cry on.

Her grandchildren look to her as a marvelous “sugar-mummy” who spoils them with home-made toys, sweets, ice-cream and jellies. She has an infinite store of old, fascinating stories to keep us bewitched for hours. She has a marvelous knack for providing delightful old fashioned remedies to cold, cuts or broken toys.

There is indeed no tribute which is fitting to the housewife’s simple, selfless devotion to her family.

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The use of forests

2009-08-10T16:48:00.003+07:00

The use of forests

Forest form an important part of the wealth of a country; and in India, the preservation of the of the forests is so important that it has long been taken over by the Government, and is in charge of the Government, and is in charge of the Government Forest Department.

Forests have a great influence upon climate; for they attract rain and preserve moisture – an important matter in a dry country like India. The leaves of a tree are always giving off moisture; and this constant evaporation cools the surrounding atmosphere. In consequence, when moisture-laden winds blow over a forest, the moisture they carry is condensed and forms clouds and these dissolve in rain. This is not mere theory. It has been proved that the destruction of forests of any extent quickly changes the climate of the whole district. Whereas before it had an abundant rainfall, after disafforestation the rainfall became scanty, the land went out of cultivation and became an arid desert. On the other hand, afforestation or the planting of forests, will turn a desert into a well-watered and fertile district.

Further, forests on hill sides do much to prevent destructive floods. When heavy rain falls on bare hills, it rushes down at once to the plains I roaring torrents, carrying parts of the hill with it, and flooding the country below. But when the hills are covered with forests, the trees and the spongy soil they create absorb a large part of the water, and allow the rest to flow down to the plain quietly and without any destructive effects.

Forest products, especially timber, form an important part of a nation’s wealth. The Indian forests supply all the timber that is required in the country and much is exported, the sale of it bringing in a very respectable revenue to the State. Forests also provide abundant fuel to the districts near by.

The planting and preservation of forests is therefore a matter of great importance.

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The advantages and disadvantages in teaching English to Adult Learners

2009-03-30T21:47:00.008+07:00

The advantages and disadvantages in teaching English to Adult Learners in the Current Situation in Vietnam

A brief look at the current English language teaching and learning context in Vietnam will show that the demand for English learning is very great. This is clearly seen in the multitude of institutions and centers that offer English courses as well as in the great number of learners who go to English classes. Among these learners adult learners form a big special group. Due to some of their characteristics the teaching of English to this group of adult learners has some advantages and disadvantages as follows.

The first advantage is that adult learners have some degree of extrinsic motivation. They may study English for a variety of reasons but they all do so because they want to or need to. For some students, the motivation may be in the form of integrative motivation because they wish to integrate themselves into the culture of an English-speaking country like Britain, America, Canada or Australia. For others, the motivation is instrumental in the sense that the mastery of the English language is seen as an instrument that can bring them a better job or position. When these adult students go to class with some motivation they are easier to teach than those who bring no motivation to the classroom.

The second advantage is that adult students can transfer those study skills and learning strategies they have acquired in their first language to their study of English. Unlike children and adolescents, adults are autonomous in some way. They have finished their studies or have undertaken at least some in their own language, so they must have gained some basic skills like reading, summarizing, identifying and applying formulae and information and such critical thinking skills as analyzing, synthesizing, hypothesizing, speculating, etc. Moreover, they may also have some well-established strategies for learning. Therefore, the English language teacher can make his job easier by creating conditions for adult students to reactivate these study skills and learning strategies and apply them to their study of a new language.

One more advantage is that adult learners can make use of whatever kind of knowledge they have accumulated in their own language. Again this advantage cannot be seen in other groups of learners like children and adolescents. First, adult learners have extensive experience of using a language, which is their mother tongue. Now that they start learning English, they can remember the new langue system better by making use of what they know about their own language. It is not uncommon to see learners comparing and contrasting their first language with the foreign language they are learning to find out areas in which the two languages are different or similar so that they can learn the new language more quickly. Second, adult students’ life experience, world knowledge and specialist knowledge can contribute much to their learning a foreign language. It can help them a lot when they have to read about or discuss complex or controversial topics in English. So the English teacher can engage adult learners more easily if he knows how to tap the knowledge they have gained over time.

On the contrary, there are some disadvantages to the teaching of English to adult students as well. The first disadvantage is that English learning makes a strong demand on adult learners in terms of time. As a matter of fact, it is really difficult for adult students to make time to learn English. As most institutions and centers teach English in the evening adult students have to study after work. Three one-hour-and-a-half sessions or three three-hour sessions a week seem not to add up to a lot of time but not all adult students can manage to set aside that much time for study purposes. The simple reason is that they all have their own lives to live outside the classroom or they all have other commitments in life than learning English. As a result, some students fail to invest as much time and effort in learning as they should. Of course, teachers will have difficulty in monitoring the performance and progress of those students who cannot attend class regularly.

Another factor that can interfere with or even impede adult students’ learning English is their fear of failure and frustration with lack of progress. As can be seen, some adult students are very successful professionals or have a high status at their work place. And now, at school they are just normal students coping with tasks, assignments, examinations, etc. as they have been successful in their career, they do not want to fail to achieve their desired goal of mastering English. They may therefore put themselves under unnecessary stress if they do not give themselves enough time to achieve their goals or if they set themselves unrealistic goals. Other students may be hard on themselves in a different way. For example, adult intermediate and advanced students, those who already know a lot, may find progress difficult to perceive. In this case, the teacher has more work to do: they must help these students get the level of challenge right or view success in a broader sense.

In addition, the lack of well-qualified teachers and the poor physical conditions of the classrooms at some English language schools and centers can be damaging to student motivation. Currently, in Vietnam a great number of institutions and centers provide English courses and they range form universities and their satellite centers, joint-venture centers, privately-owned centers to privately-run home-based classes. Such proliferation of schools and centers is useful in the sense that it offers students a wide variety of programs to choose from. However, because of a lack of quality control, the reality of some schools and centers may fall short of student expectations. Some teachers are untrained or inexperienced, delivering boring or uninteresting lessons; the physical classroom conditions and resources for learning are just basic. All this cannot of course supply students in general and adult students in particular with any intrinsic motivation, a crucial factor for successful language learning.

In general, this analysis of the current teaching context for adult learners of English in Vietnam in general and of the characteristics of this group of learners in particular partly reflects the increasing need for English language learning and mainly shows the advantages and disadvantages that adult students have in their English study. Both teachers and students need to be aware of these findings of the analysis so that they can find ways to maximize the advantages and minimize the disadvantages. Only in this way can teachers deliver quality English language programs for students to benefit from.

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The goal of teachers who use the Communicative Approach is to have students become communicatively competent.

2009-03-30T21:41:00.005+07:00

“the goal of teachers who use the Communicative Approach is to have students become communicatively competent. While this has been the stated goal of many of the other methods, in the Communicative Approach the notion of what it takes to be communicatively competent is much expanded.” State the reasons why you are for or against the above idea.
(The notion of communicative competence as expanded in the communicative approach)

In the English language teaching methods come and go but few can establish themselves firmly in the field. The Communicative Approach is one of those few exceptions it has gained much popularity since its advent in the late 1960s. Most of the value of this approach lies in the fact that it expands the notion of communicative competence in such a way that no other method is able to.

First, the Communicative Approach highlights the fact that understanding language functions is an important aspect of communicative competence. This can be clearly seen in the following comparison. The Direct Method, the Audio-Lingual Method and the Communicative Approach are similar in that they all aim at teaching language for communication. However, each of them has its own way to achieve its goal. While the Direct Method tries to establish a direct link between the target language and meaning by immersing students in a rich sample of the structural and lexical items being taught and the Audio-Lingual Method insists on mastery of structural patterns through imitation and repetition, the Communicative Approach stands out with its emphasis not only on linguistic forms and meaning but also on functions. It claims that as language is used for performing a variety of functions such as apologizing, requesting, thanking, inviting, an understanding of language functions is really necessary. Learners need to know that a function can be realized by different forms or that a form can serve different functions. What is important, learners must draw on this knowledge to choose the most appropriate form to fulfill the function intended. So, though the Communicative Approach is not the first to put forward the idea of teaching a second/foreign language for communication, it is definitely the first to advocate the learning of language functions to gain communicative competence.

The Communicative Approach emphasizes that the ability to use language appropriately is another essential aspect of communicative competence. The principle applied here is that grammatical competence and lexical knowledge are not enough to enable students to operate efficiently in the target language. They must be able to use the language appropriate to the speech event they find themselves in. Some variables that decide the appropriateness of their language use are the purpose of their interaction, the role relationships between them, the topic they are engaged in and the shared knowledge they have. In other words, by considering who they are talking to, what they are talking about, when, where, and why they are talking, speakers know what words to use. And of course, the ability to use language appropriately helps to distinguish skilled communicators from unskilled ones.

The Communicative Approach also points out that the ability to develop strategies that can ensure effective communication is an indispensable part of communicative competence. As the Communicative Approach views langue as a vehicle for communication the process of negotiating meaning receives much attention. Engaged in oral communication, speakers not only have to make themselves understood but also have to interpret the listener’s intention correctly. To do this they need to employ a number of strategies to make sure that communication can take place smoothly. These strategies cover a wide range, from initiating and maintaining communication, sharing and clarifying information to reparing, redirecting and terminating communication. Obviously, successful communicators must be able to devise strategies that suit them as well as the social context they are involved in.

It can be concluded that the concept of communicative competence as defined by the Communicative Approach is very broad indeed. It embraces three fundamental dimensions: the ability to use linguistic means to realize a variety of language functions, the ability to use language appropriately with due consideration of the social context in which communication takes place and the ability to develop strategies to manage the negotiation of meaning. This specification of communicate competence is the hallmark of the communicative Approach because it cannot be founding the theoretical framework of any other method of or approach to language teaching.

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* Các bài luận tiếng anh mẫu miễn phí - rất nhiều essay tham khảo

* Parent: - I know what life is like. If you have any sense take my advice.
Young person: - the world has changed since you were young. You don’t understand our problem today. Besides we ought to be free to do what we like.
What are your views on this argument?
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Should all errors made by foreign language learners be corrected at any cost?

2009-03-30T21:26:00.004+07:00

Should all errors made by foreign language learners be corrected at any cost?
(Overcorrection should be avoided at any cost)

Error correction may prove to be a difficult task to language teachers because it involves decision-making about what to correct, when to correct, how to correct and how much to correct. Several approaches to correcting student errors have been suggested. One of them holds that all errors made by learners should be corrected at any cost. On the surface, this approach seems to be of much benefit to students. However, a close examination will reveal that this approach to error correction will do students more harm than good.

The first reason that teachers will undermine students’ confidence if they correct student mistakes all the time. It is not difficult to realize the demotivating effect of this overcorrection. Perhaps there is nothing more disconcerting or intimidating to students than to be interrupted every time they make a mistake in oral practice. Distracted and discouraged in this way, they may forget what they intend to say or feel that they will never be able to say anything right. The damage that over written correction does to students is no less serious. Most students will feel a sense of failure or defeat when they see their piece of written work covered with red corrections and comments from the teacher. Only very few well-motivated students will not lose heart in this case. Thus the teacher’s over emphasis on accuracy at the expense of fluency or comprehensibility has a detrimental effect on students indeed. It goes against the principle of language teaching that part of the teacher’s job is to support and encourage students, not to discourage or demotivate them.

The second reason is that overcorrection fails to focus students on genuine errors. Apparently, teachers who tend to overcorrect think that all incorrect forms produced by learners are dangerous and need to be fixed. However, their indiscriminate treatment of student errors may backfire because students may not understand what is worth correcting. There are many kinds of errors or mistakes and if all the errors or mistakes are picked up and dealt with, students will assume that they are of equal importance. In reality, some of the inaccuracies produced by learners are just unfortunate mistakes resulting from mere confusion, from lapses of memory, from slips of the tongue or the pen, etc. Given time and help or guidance form the teacher and friends, learners can remedy these mistakes themselves. In contrast, genuine errors reflect students’ lack of knowledge about the target language. For example, they do not know what the correct form or word should be or they believe that what they are saying or writing is correct. In other words, these errors are clear indications of problem areas to students and as such they should be addressed immediately if teachers do not want them to persist and hinder learning in the long run.

The last and also the most important reason is that teachers who are in favor of constant error correction fail to realize that mistakes are a natural and important part of learning. If teachers insist on putting right anything incorrect in students’ oral and written communication, they will over time reinforce the false belief that mistakes of any type are something to be feared and should be avoided at any cost. However, in so doing, they ignore a very basic fact that even native speakers, those who are supposed to have a good, if not perfect, command of the language, make mistakes all the time. The main reason is that communication, oral or written, is a complex activity. To process the language people have to simultaneously make use of several language systems such as syntax, lexis, phonology. They also need to draw on their communicative competence to use the language appropriately. It is understandable why any instance of using the target language is quite challenging to learners. It is therefore quite unrealistic to ask learners’ speech or written work to be faultless. So teachers have to be open to the fact that mistakes made by learners are natural and inevitable. What is more important, not all mistakes are regrettable and should be condemned; they have a role to play too. As an expert in language teaching puts it, mistakes are sometimes “healthy proof that learning is taking place”. It may sound strange but it is true. A telling example can be found when students are adventurous enough to experiment with the structure or the word or the sound they have just learned instead of sticking to the safe old one. In this case the students’ brave attempt should be encouraged rather than thwarted.

In summary, error correction is an area in which teachers can offer direct service to students. However, they will do their students a grave disservice if they insist on overcorrection. The implication for foreign language teaching is that remedial work done by the teacher should highlight important mistakes to encourage students to use the correct form to improve their performance. Moreover, teachers should be sensitive enough to tolerate some errors, especially those that are evidence of learning taking place. Such an attitude to errors on the part of the teacher will have positive effects on students the most important of which is to boost their confidence and overcome their fear of making mistakes.

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One who is good at English grammar can write well in English?

2009-03-30T21:21:00.006+07:00

Is it true that one who is good at English grammar can write well in English?
(Acquisition of good writing skills requires more than Mastery of English Grammar)

In the English language teaching writing is called a productive skill because it is concerned with the production of the language. The teaching and learning of this specific skill has provoked much discussion about the question of how to write well in English. Some people may think that a good knowledge of English grammar is sufficient to enable them to achieve a high level of competence in written English. However, this is a somewhat simplistic view. As will be analyzed below, the acquisition of good writing skills requires not just a good command of the grammatical system of English but a wide lexical knowledge, a thorough understanding of the topic given and a repertoire of organizational skills.

Apart from a good knowledge of English grammar, one needs to demonstrate a broad lexical knowledge in a good piece of writing. There is an element of truth in the fact that grammar rules help to generate sentences. However, if the writer has no real understanding of the lexis of the English language and just applies the grammatical rules mechanically, he will run the risk of producing grammatically correct but semantically inappropriate or anomalous sentences. To use the English language with clarity and precision, he needs to know what words mean literally and figuratively, what words can collocate and how words, though synonymous, are different form each other in subtle ways. Therefore, the writer’s ability to manipulate structures and his word choice are both needed for the appropriate use of language. For example, while one can write ‘Sorry, I can’t make it’ in response to a friend’s invitation he must formulate his refusal to a business partner more formally ‘I apologize I will not be able to be there.’ In other words, structural accuracy is just as important as vocabulary selection in effective writing.

Next, one needs to rely on one’s general and/or specialist knowledge to develop the topic given in depth to produce an original piece of writing. If one’s mastery of English grammar can partly help shape the form of a piece of writing, it is the ideas presented that decide the content. A good writer does not write merely to reach the word limit (within the time limit); he must write to achieve his purpose, whether to narrate a story, to describe someone or something, to discuss a topic, to inform or to persuade the reader. The best way for him to do this is to ensure that the content of his paper is excellent. He is therefore expected to exploit whatever kind of knowledge he has acquired, be it his general knowledge, his knowledge of current affairs or his specialist knowledge to come up with brilliant ideas that can attract and maintain readers’ attention. As the writer is not in direct contact with readers and cannot therefore get direct feedback from them, he cannot afford to be vague. He has to elaborate his ideas or explanations to get his message across, leaving no scope for misunderstanding or interpretation of any type. This makes an enormous demand on the writer indeed. So in his treatment of the subject assigned, the writer has to draw on the above mentioned areas of his knowledge, which are by nature different from his knowledge of English grammar, to search for worthwhile ideas and arguments.

In addition, one needs to know a number of generally called organizational skills which are essential for the production of a fine piece of writing. Viewed as a process, writing involves the following major skills. The skill of much use during the first stage is that of planning. Before starting off, the writer has to envisage how he would like to go about his writing assignment. He has to take into consideration all the resources he has at his disposal (such as time, vocabulary, language, structures, his understanding of the topic) to make a detailed plan as to how to turn out the end product: a letter, a story, s description, a report, an essay, a term paper, etc. Next comes the skill of much importance here, the skill of paragraphing. After a brainstorming session in the planning stage, the writer may have hit on many ideas and now it is time for him to select and organize those that are really relevant to the topic under discussion. The organization of ideas requires a clear understanding of the discourse structure of the target language, which is English in this case. Here the non-native writer is expected to go beyond the realm of grammar to explore the realm of discourse. For example, he needs to acquaint himself with a variety of genres or styles produced by native writers so that he knows what is expected of him when he writes in English. Besides, the skill of structuring discourse is often coupled with the skill of using liking devices. It is because ideas must not only be grouped together but also developed in logical and coherent paragraphs. Then the skills of drafting, editing and proofreading come into play. The writer has to work on his draft to revise his ideas and check for spelling and punctuation. Only when all the necessary changes have been made can the writer be sure that his end product is ready for ‘publication’.

In general, writing is not an easy skill to get native speakers of English. As can be seen above, the mastery of the skill demands different areas of knowledge such as vocabulary, world knowledge and specialist knowledge and organizational skills in addition to that of grammar. Thus a wide knowledge of English grammar is a necessary condition, not the only necessary and sufficient condition for the acquisition of the writing skill. A high level of written English can only be achieved when one puts huge efforts in building up his knowledge of the areas mentioned above.

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Federal student aid - Loan consolidation

2009-03-30T21:19:00.002+07:00

Federal student aid - Loan consolidation

Borrowers Currently Enrolled in school can no longer Consolidate Their Loans (Federal student loan consolidation)

The Higher Education Reconciliation Act of 2005 eliminated the provision that allowed a FFEL or Direct Loan borrower who is enrolled in school on at least a half-time basis to request to enter repayment early on his or her Stafford Loans if the lender approves. Repayment is now defined as not beginning until 6 months and one day after the date the student ceases to carry at least one-half the normal full- time academic workload, as determined by the school. Therefore, a FFEL or Direct Loan borrower who is still enrolled in school at least half-time may no longer request to enter repayment early to apply for a FFEL or Direct Consolidation Loan.

To apply for a Direct Loan Consolidation or an FFEL Consolidation the borrower must contact the lender and complete an application. Most lenders provide borrowers with the ability to apply on-line or request an application over the telephone. Once an application is completed and submitted, the lender will request information from the borrower’s other lenders or from its own system to determine the amounts outstanding on the borrowers loans. The borrower will then receive notification about the consolidation loan, normal consumer disclosures, the amount owed, and if appropriate, where to make payments.

FFEL Consolidation Loan Weighted Average Interest Rate (Federal student loan consolidation)

Consolidation loans have fixed interest rates that are based on the weighted average of the interest rates on the loans being consolidated. A lender can provide a new consolidation loan borrower with the lowest statutory weighted average interest rate for loans by using the lower of the weighted average of the interest rates on the loans being consolidated as of July 1 or the date the lender received the borrower's consolidation loan application. The lender should apply a consistent method of determining when an application is received.

Most federal education loans are eligible for consolidation, including subsidized and unsubsidized Direct and FFEL Stafford Loans, SLS, Federal Perkins Loans, Federal Nursing Loans, and Health Education Assistance Loans. PLUS Loan borrowers (parent and graduate/professional degree students) can also consolidate their loans. Private education loans are not eligible for consolidation.

To obtain a complete list of the federal student loans that can be consolidated

contact the Direct Loan Origination Center's Consolidation Department if you’re applying for a Direct Consolidation Loan. You can reach them by calling 1-800-557-7392. TTY users may call 1-800-557-7395. Or visit loanconsolidation.ed.gov.
contact a participating FFEL lender if you’re applying for a FFEL Consolidation Loan. If you do not know who your FFEL lender is, please call 1-800-433-3243 for assistance.

Eligibility rules (Federal student loan consolidation)

All FFEL and Direct Stafford Loan borrowers are eligible to consolidate after they graduate, leave school, or drop below half-time enrollment.

PLUS loans are eligible for consolidation once they are fully disbursed.

Borrowers who are delinquent or in default must meet certain requirements before they may consolidate their loans. Contact your loan holder for more information.

Eligibility Requirements:

To qualify for a Direct Consolidation Loan, borrowers must have at least one Direct Loan or Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) that is in grace, repayment, deferment or default status. Loans that are in an in-school status cannot be included in a Direct Consolidation Loan.
Borrowers can consolidate most defaulted education loans, if they make satisfactory repayment arrangements with the current loan holders or agree to repay their new Direct Consolidation Loan under the Income Contingent Repayment Plan.
Borrowers who do not have Direct Loans may be eligible for a Direct Consolidation Loan if they include at least one FFEL Loan and have been unable to obtain a Federal Consolidation Loan with a FFEL consolidation lender or have been unable to obtain a Federal Consolidation Loan with income-sensitive repayment terms acceptable to them or intend to apply for loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Borrowers who have only a Direct Consolidation Loan cannot consolidate again unless they include an additional loan.

For more details regarding Direct Loan Consolidation, click here.

Interest rate (Federal student loan consolidation)

The interest rate for FFEL and Direct Consolidation Loans is set according to a formula established by federal statute. The fixed rate is based on the weighted average of the interest rates on the loans at the time you consolidate, rounded up to the nearest one-eighth of a percent. The interest rate does not exceed 8.25 percent. The consolidation rate is fixed for the life of the loan, which protects you from future increases in variable rate loans but prevents you from benefiting from future decreases in variable rates.

Borrowers with Stafford Loans issued on or after July 1, 1995, can reduce the consolidation rate by up to half a percentage point or more by consolidating before the end of the grace period.

The interest rate you would receive, however, depends on which federal student loans are being consolidated. For example, your rate would be higher if you consolidated a 5 percent Federal Perkins Loan along with a 6.62 percent Direct or FFEL Stafford Loan.

For the new interest rates in effect from July 1, 2008 through June 30, 2009 for variable rate Direct Subsidized Consolidation Loans, Direct Unsubsidized Consolidation Loans, Direct PLUS Consolidation Loans, Direct Subsidized Loans, Direct Unsubsidized Loans, and Direct PLUS Loans click here.

Obtaining a Consolidation Loan (Federal student loan consolidation)

For a FFEL Consolidation Loan, contact the consolidation department of a participating lender for an application or more information. (Your parents should do the same thing if they want to apply for a FFEL PLUS Consolidation Loan.)

For Direct Loans, you (and your parents, for a Direct PLUS Consolidation Loan) can contact the Direct Loan Origination Center’s Consolidation Department at the Web site given above.

Note that if your parents want to apply for a FFEL PLUS Consolidation Loan, no credit checks are required. If they want to apply for a Direct PLUS Consolidation Loan, they are subject to a check for adverse credit history.

Repayment period (Federal student loan consolidation)

Repayment of Consolidation Loans begins within 60 days of the disbursement of the loan. The payback term ranges from 10 to 30 years, depending on the amount of education debt being repaid and the repayment option you select. Education loans not included in the Consolidation Loan are considered in determining the maximum payback period. You may elect to repay your loans under a shorter period than the maximum allowed.

All the FFEL repayment plans are available to FFEL Consolidation Loan borrowers. For Direct Consolidation Loan borrowers, most of the Direct Loan repayment plans are available, except that Direct PLUS Consolidation Loans are not eligible to be repaid under the Income Contingent Repayment Plan and might not be eligible for some discharge/cancellation benefits. Check with the holder of your loan. You can also read more about repayment plan choices in the Repaying Your Student Loan section of Funding Education Beyond High School: The Guide to Federal Student Aid, click here to access the publication.

Fees - Borrowers who consolidate will not pay any application fees or prepayment penalties.
Credit checks - Under FFEL Consolidation Loans, no credit checks are required, even for PLUS borrowers. Under Direct Loan consolidation, PLUS borrowers are subject to a check for adverse credit history.

Always Consider the Cost (Federal student loan consolidation)

You should keep in mind that although consolidation can simplify loan repayment and lower your monthly payment, it also can significantly increase the total cost of repaying your loans. Consolidation offers lower monthly payments by giving borrowers up to 30 years to repay their loans. So, you'll make more payments and pay more in interest. In fact, in some situations consolidation can double your total interest expense. If you don't need monthly payment relief, you should compare the cost of repaying your unconsolidated loans against the cost of repaying a consolidation loan. You also should take into account the impact of losing any borrower benefits offered under non-consolidated repayment plans. Borrower benefits, which may include interest rate discounts, principal rebates, or some loan cancellation benefits can significantly reduce the cost of repaying your loans.

Once made, Federal Consolidation Loans cannot be unmade. That's because the loans that were consolidated have been paid off and no longer exist. Take the time to study your consolidation options before you submit your application. This checklist has been designed to help you determine whether and how you should consolidate your loans.

Last updated/reviewed December 23, 2008

Material source: studentaid.ed.gov