Tuesday, April 26, 2011
How has technology affected the way I learn
The infocomm technology had allowed me to look for a wider resource at a faster speed. An example when I was primary six, during a project. I tried a lot method to look for the information I wanted, however, it was really tedious since the information I wanted was just in a paragraph of a book. I decided to turn to the internet. Just by entering the key word to the search engine, I saw a lot relevant link, such as e-book and research papers. This was much faster than what it did in library. Technology had helped me to look for information faster. There were also a lot information that were not available in the library, such as documented research paper done by certain doctors or researchers. Not just that, I can even consider what are some of the opinions of the users and readers.
Monday, April 25, 2011
Reflection on the 21 April talk
Recently, I attended the workshop regarding the book published by Hwa Chong Institution – Towerhill. It was a collation of the students’ works throughout the year. Many of which, does not seem like a work from a students, particularly the ones from the Secondary 4 students. The thoughts and ideas of one was expressed through the writings. The book was initially entitled “Parnassus”, however, it was too difficult for non-poet to understand it, hence, named as Towerhill instead, a straight forward and blunt word-choice, to express the idea of hill top. The theme of the book was black and white, so as to keep it simple. The design of the book cover, is to represent the past to the future.
There are two parts to the book, first part on the traditional elements and cultural themes. While the second part of the book is talking about a progression from the past to future. Regarding the first part of the book, traditional elements and cultural themes, I feel that the poem, about the grandfather clock, had left me a deep impression. It talked about the loneliness of the clock as interpreted, the fading of such tradition. There is also a writing specially pointed out by the speaker, about the culture of Chinese people fading rapidly. It was really a success, with great connections with our daily lives. Until the last sentence, it had left me with a heavy impact, making up unable to forget it. It was mentioned that this piece of writing was inspired by a visit to the writer’s grandfather’s urn. With that, I can conclude that literature, is not something forced out of someone, but something that comes out of someone naturally, and when the ideas starts flowing, the writing could be then, done in no time.
The second part of the book is about a progression from the past to future. It was symbolized by the drawing on the front cover of the book. To me, it was particularly interesting. It is so as such a book is not published every year, however, was the first time after so many years. With that, the theme, progression from the past to future is shown, be it the style of the writings throughout the years, or how the choice of themes had changed. It can only happen when such a book is published only every several years. The book is thus invaluable, since it collated the outstanding pieces from so many students over the years, and is the best way to show the past to future. Knowing to use such a theme, I feel that it is really interesting. It is also a form of reflection, when a writer look back at the past, hence improving his writing.
I am sure that a lot budding writers have this concept, that the heavy usage of bombastic words could impress the readers. However, as the speaker of the workshop suggested, “Writing is to express, not to impress” which is true. What is the point of writing, when the reader could not understand what you want to express? I feel that we can only express our ideas completely when we use the language we are used to, trying the use another style will only result in our writing being unnatural. When producing a work, there are times where we are afraid of being mocked at. However, it may very well be due to the fact that we had not put in enough effort. If we did try our best, however, is still criticized, we should take it positively and taking it as a platform for improvement.
The cost of the book was $10, and the proceeds of the funds will go to the Japan earthquake victims. This had added significance to the book, while enjoying the literature, we can help the victims of the earthquake as well. All in all, I feel that it was an extremely meaningful talk, I have also received a lot new explorations to the world of literature.
There are two parts to the book, first part on the traditional elements and cultural themes. While the second part of the book is talking about a progression from the past to future. Regarding the first part of the book, traditional elements and cultural themes, I feel that the poem, about the grandfather clock, had left me a deep impression. It talked about the loneliness of the clock as interpreted, the fading of such tradition. There is also a writing specially pointed out by the speaker, about the culture of Chinese people fading rapidly. It was really a success, with great connections with our daily lives. Until the last sentence, it had left me with a heavy impact, making up unable to forget it. It was mentioned that this piece of writing was inspired by a visit to the writer’s grandfather’s urn. With that, I can conclude that literature, is not something forced out of someone, but something that comes out of someone naturally, and when the ideas starts flowing, the writing could be then, done in no time.
The second part of the book is about a progression from the past to future. It was symbolized by the drawing on the front cover of the book. To me, it was particularly interesting. It is so as such a book is not published every year, however, was the first time after so many years. With that, the theme, progression from the past to future is shown, be it the style of the writings throughout the years, or how the choice of themes had changed. It can only happen when such a book is published only every several years. The book is thus invaluable, since it collated the outstanding pieces from so many students over the years, and is the best way to show the past to future. Knowing to use such a theme, I feel that it is really interesting. It is also a form of reflection, when a writer look back at the past, hence improving his writing.
I am sure that a lot budding writers have this concept, that the heavy usage of bombastic words could impress the readers. However, as the speaker of the workshop suggested, “Writing is to express, not to impress” which is true. What is the point of writing, when the reader could not understand what you want to express? I feel that we can only express our ideas completely when we use the language we are used to, trying the use another style will only result in our writing being unnatural. When producing a work, there are times where we are afraid of being mocked at. However, it may very well be due to the fact that we had not put in enough effort. If we did try our best, however, is still criticized, we should take it positively and taking it as a platform for improvement.
The cost of the book was $10, and the proceeds of the funds will go to the Japan earthquake victims. This had added significance to the book, while enjoying the literature, we can help the victims of the earthquake as well. All in all, I feel that it was an extremely meaningful talk, I have also received a lot new explorations to the world of literature.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Do we still need heroes?
I feel that we do not need heroes. This is because what we truly need is the independence to work alone. What the society needs nowadays is not a single source of strength and contributions, but the unity of the society as a whole. Last but not least, the heroes in many people's eyes are the ones shown on movies, which may create a wrong imaginary denfination of a hero.
Firstly, what we truly need is the independence to work alone, and not to rely on others. In an experiment made by the Ministry of denfence, it says that " only three hours after the suspicious bag had been placed in the MRT station had someone informed the police". However, survey shown that "nearly 70% knew what to do when such a situation arises". This shows that there are so many residents of Singapore that severely lacked the wariness and often relied on others, thinking that others will do the job. This is largely due to the thinking that the government will do the job,resulting in the long term reliance of the residents. With the dependence of heroes, people will become complacent and thus turn to the hazardous of the society.
With the idea of the need of heroes, it will mean the agreement of the single source of strength. However, what a society need is the unity of all the people, to work together as a whole. From my personal experience, during the combined sports meet, my class participated in every single event, even though he may not be the best in that event. Eventually, my class emerged as the champion. It was not due to the fact that we had better althetics, however, it was due to the accumulated total score that helped us to emerge as champion. Whereas for some other classes, they had very good athletic, but merely relying on those only, would be unable to get them enough accumulated scores, since no matter how good the athletic is, he could only play well in a number of sports and not all. This had proved that unity is more important than having heroes, since people of different pros will be accumulated to become better than a single hero.
Lastly, people, especially kids may have the wrong perspective on the idea of "hero". Children, when exposed to movies like spiderman or superman, they are easily absorbed into the grphics and the violence. Even though the movies are meant to produce the idea of heroic acts and acts of justice. However, children are most likely unable to interpret those ideas and concepts. With the survey made, nearly 85% of the children responded that it is because spiderman can fight, and is heroic. However, they had misunderstood and relate heroic and violence together. In such a case, the idea of heroic is not reflected properly. If such concept continues, it can turn the future generations of adults to become violent, causing a lot of social problems.
In conclusion there should be independence in very being and unity in every society. The strength of a single person will be very limited, since there will be no one that is perfect. However, as a group, the pros and cons of different people will be put together to form a greater support. The misconceptions of heros may not seem to be a great problem, but could actually deliver a potential problem.
Firstly, what we truly need is the independence to work alone, and not to rely on others. In an experiment made by the Ministry of denfence, it says that " only three hours after the suspicious bag had been placed in the MRT station had someone informed the police". However, survey shown that "nearly 70% knew what to do when such a situation arises". This shows that there are so many residents of Singapore that severely lacked the wariness and often relied on others, thinking that others will do the job. This is largely due to the thinking that the government will do the job,resulting in the long term reliance of the residents. With the dependence of heroes, people will become complacent and thus turn to the hazardous of the society.
With the idea of the need of heroes, it will mean the agreement of the single source of strength. However, what a society need is the unity of all the people, to work together as a whole. From my personal experience, during the combined sports meet, my class participated in every single event, even though he may not be the best in that event. Eventually, my class emerged as the champion. It was not due to the fact that we had better althetics, however, it was due to the accumulated total score that helped us to emerge as champion. Whereas for some other classes, they had very good athletic, but merely relying on those only, would be unable to get them enough accumulated scores, since no matter how good the athletic is, he could only play well in a number of sports and not all. This had proved that unity is more important than having heroes, since people of different pros will be accumulated to become better than a single hero.
Lastly, people, especially kids may have the wrong perspective on the idea of "hero". Children, when exposed to movies like spiderman or superman, they are easily absorbed into the grphics and the violence. Even though the movies are meant to produce the idea of heroic acts and acts of justice. However, children are most likely unable to interpret those ideas and concepts. With the survey made, nearly 85% of the children responded that it is because spiderman can fight, and is heroic. However, they had misunderstood and relate heroic and violence together. In such a case, the idea of heroic is not reflected properly. If such concept continues, it can turn the future generations of adults to become violent, causing a lot of social problems.
In conclusion there should be independence in very being and unity in every society. The strength of a single person will be very limited, since there will be no one that is perfect. However, as a group, the pros and cons of different people will be put together to form a greater support. The misconceptions of heros may not seem to be a great problem, but could actually deliver a potential problem.
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Online lesson 6
A. Identify the southern US states during the Civil War.
Taxas, Florida, Tennessee, LA, ARK, MISS, ALA, Georgia, N.Carolina, S.Carolina and Virginia.
B. Who was the US president who proclaimed war against the South?
Abraham Lincoln was the US president who proclaimed war against the South.
C. Why was the Civil War fought?
http://journals.cambridge.org/action/displayAbstract?fromPage=online&aid=142717
http://oep.oxfordjournals.org/content/50/4/563.short
The Civil War was fought mainly because of steady accumulation of protracted conflicts since the 1950s and 1960s and conditions that favor insurgency. These include poverty—which marks financially and bureaucratically weak states and also favors rebel recruitment—political instability, rough terrain, and large populations.
D. When was this war fought?
The war was fought 1861 - 1865
E. What was the outcome of this war?
http://www.uky.edu/~clthyn2/PS439G/readings/derouen_sobek_2004.pdf
Many people were sacrificed with Union having the victory.
F. How does the Civil War relate to TKAM?
Both are similar in the factor of racial tension. So, the American Civil War was based a lot upon the disagreement over slavery. In "To Kill a Mockingbird" the case about Tom Robinson also has to do with the racial tensions that were going on in this time period
Reflections
From this activity, I had learnt more about the Civil War. I learnt the reason for such a war to occur, mainly because of the prejudice between countries. Similarly to that of Missippi Burning, in which the blacks had tolerated enough of the mistreatment towards them. Civil war had occurred for the same reason, for the people turned against the unfair treatment towards them. Then, while the civil war was led by the president, in the movie, the whites were represented by the government body and being thought as the stronger party. Lastly, the civil war was won by the unions and the civil war was won by the union. Hence, as a result, both parts were about poverty, races which turned rebellious against the political side.
Taxas, Florida, Tennessee, LA, ARK, MISS, ALA, Georgia, N.Carolina, S.Carolina and Virginia.
B. Who was the US president who proclaimed war against the South?
Abraham Lincoln was the US president who proclaimed war against the South.
C. Why was the Civil War fought?
http://journals.cambridge.org/action/displayAbstract?fromPage=online&aid=142717
http://oep.oxfordjournals.org/content/50/4/563.short
The Civil War was fought mainly because of steady accumulation of protracted conflicts since the 1950s and 1960s and conditions that favor insurgency. These include poverty—which marks financially and bureaucratically weak states and also favors rebel recruitment—political instability, rough terrain, and large populations.
D. When was this war fought?
The war was fought 1861 - 1865
E. What was the outcome of this war?
http://www.uky.edu/~clthyn2/PS439G/readings/derouen_sobek_2004.pdf
Many people were sacrificed with Union having the victory.
F. How does the Civil War relate to TKAM?
Both are similar in the factor of racial tension. So, the American Civil War was based a lot upon the disagreement over slavery. In "To Kill a Mockingbird" the case about Tom Robinson also has to do with the racial tensions that were going on in this time period
Reflections
From this activity, I had learnt more about the Civil War. I learnt the reason for such a war to occur, mainly because of the prejudice between countries. Similarly to that of Missippi Burning, in which the blacks had tolerated enough of the mistreatment towards them. Civil war had occurred for the same reason, for the people turned against the unfair treatment towards them. Then, while the civil war was led by the president, in the movie, the whites were represented by the government body and being thought as the stronger party. Lastly, the civil war was won by the unions and the civil war was won by the union. Hence, as a result, both parts were about poverty, races which turned rebellious against the political side.
Monday, April 11, 2011
Letter of encouragement to a victim in Japan
Dear Shigenori Kikuta,
I am sorry to have heard the earthquake that struck Fukushima, which left a massive damage. Again, I received the news that both your wide and your children have died in the event, I today, I am writing this letter to express my deepest regret.
I can understand the sorrowfulness of yours and it is understandable for you to take a longer period of time to calm down. However, you have to persist on after all the crying and depression. Do you know that behind you, you still have other relatives, families and friends? They all need you! Also, I am sure that your family members, who had unfortunately passed away during this disaster, would want you to stay strong and not give up. Just with this as a reason, should be a strong encouragement and motivation for you to conquer the difficulties and the treacherous path ahead of you.
I believe that it would not take long for the government to reconstruct the houses and schools for all the residents of Fukushima, the warmth that left now will surely come back later. As you can see, many workers and volunteers are trying their best to help you, and the rest of the residents to go back to their normal lives and live happily! Would you want their efforts to be futile?
Please believe that for whatever thing you do, there will be people behind you, supporting you. There are much more for you to do, instead of living in grievances, why not get out of it and encourage the others who suffer the same fate as you? After saying so much, I truly hope you can understand. Stay strong, strive on! I will be supporting you always!
Yours sincerely,
Kah Xuan
I am sorry to have heard the earthquake that struck Fukushima, which left a massive damage. Again, I received the news that both your wide and your children have died in the event, I today, I am writing this letter to express my deepest regret.
I can understand the sorrowfulness of yours and it is understandable for you to take a longer period of time to calm down. However, you have to persist on after all the crying and depression. Do you know that behind you, you still have other relatives, families and friends? They all need you! Also, I am sure that your family members, who had unfortunately passed away during this disaster, would want you to stay strong and not give up. Just with this as a reason, should be a strong encouragement and motivation for you to conquer the difficulties and the treacherous path ahead of you.
I believe that it would not take long for the government to reconstruct the houses and schools for all the residents of Fukushima, the warmth that left now will surely come back later. As you can see, many workers and volunteers are trying their best to help you, and the rest of the residents to go back to their normal lives and live happily! Would you want their efforts to be futile?
Please believe that for whatever thing you do, there will be people behind you, supporting you. There are much more for you to do, instead of living in grievances, why not get out of it and encourage the others who suffer the same fate as you? After saying so much, I truly hope you can understand. Stay strong, strive on! I will be supporting you always!
Yours sincerely,
Kah Xuan
Experience during projects day competition presentation
During the presentation of the projects day competition, I was the third speaker. When it was my turn to speak, initially, I stuttered a lot and had a failure in my attempt to speak clearly. This was perhaps due to my shaking lips as I was too nervous.
Before it was my group’s turn to present, I felt really cold. However, when I was presenting, I could actually feel the heat from within me! All eyes seem to be looking at me, which made me became very cautious in whatever I speak, which may have been the reason for my pauses and stoppages. Going on, I tried to calm down a little. However, I realized that the best way to avoid being so nervous, is to be more confident. I decided to speak louder and stood more upright. I tried not to look into the eyes of the judges and students. This was extremely effective! After that, even though I did not have much more to say already, I could feel that the rest of what I have said have been conveyed in a more effective manner.
Before it was my group’s turn to present, I felt really cold. However, when I was presenting, I could actually feel the heat from within me! All eyes seem to be looking at me, which made me became very cautious in whatever I speak, which may have been the reason for my pauses and stoppages. Going on, I tried to calm down a little. However, I realized that the best way to avoid being so nervous, is to be more confident. I decided to speak louder and stood more upright. I tried not to look into the eyes of the judges and students. This was extremely effective! After that, even though I did not have much more to say already, I could feel that the rest of what I have said have been conveyed in a more effective manner.
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Reflection on racial slurs
On an event of racial slurs, made by a few primary school friends of mine, I was a bystander who witnessed such comments. I did not agree with what they have said, since they targeted at the skin color of other races. However, I did not have the moral courage to stop them, since they were the main group of friends of mind. However, a teacher of other race (specifically from the race my friends were making fun of) heard the comments. She was greatly offended and brought all of them to the principal. On that, such acts were made known to the whole school and the principal also made an official warning.
She explained how serious such comments can get. Not just affecting the harmonious of a multi-racial country like Singapore, also, it can have a great mental impact on a person hearing such remarks.
Upon that, I felt guilty. Even though I did not participate in the discussion, I had not stop them. I feel that I should have done a part, to educate my friends how they should cherish the multi-racial characteristic of Singapore. Instead of making racial slurs, there could be even more to learn from other races. Thus, after this incident, not only had I contributed to much stoppages of racial slurs, I also tried to understand the people of other races.
She explained how serious such comments can get. Not just affecting the harmonious of a multi-racial country like Singapore, also, it can have a great mental impact on a person hearing such remarks.
Upon that, I felt guilty. Even though I did not participate in the discussion, I had not stop them. I feel that I should have done a part, to educate my friends how they should cherish the multi-racial characteristic of Singapore. Instead of making racial slurs, there could be even more to learn from other races. Thus, after this incident, not only had I contributed to much stoppages of racial slurs, I also tried to understand the people of other races.
Expository writing
Racial slurs should be illegal and be dealt with heavily, such as imprisonment. Imprisonment should be used on slurers as this can control the circulation of such slurs. If racial slurs are not dealt with using laws, it may cost the harmonious among races, resulting in disputes causing unrest. Such unrest will slowly develop into hatred; crisis in the country will be threatened. Hence, such acts are acts to show that the slurers want to arouse unrest in the country, giving sufficient reason to punish them accordingly.
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