Summary 2
Question:
The rediscovery of the Shang began with Malaria. That at least, is the legend. Describe what are oracle bones, how they were discovered, how they were used and their significance. (25m)
USE ONLY MATERIALS FROM PARAGRAPHS 1 to 6.
Your summary, which must be in continuous writing (not note form) must not be longer than 160 words, including the 10 words given below.
The rediscovery of the Shang began with the discovery of oracle bones. They are made from turtle plastrons or cattle scapulas used to make traditional Chinese medicine. It is inscribed with strange Chinese characters. Wang Yirong became the first major collector of the inscribed shells, called oracle bones. Oracle bones represented war and harvest, disease and childbirth. They are heavy with descriptions of sacrifices. Natural forces are feared and respected. Shang diviners used the bones to verify the happening of an event. Turtle plastrons or cattle scapulas are carefully cleaned and treated, then thinned by drilling notches into the back. A hot object is applied until the surface cracks and is presented to the king. The king carves the interpretation of the cracks and the original prediction into the object. The oracle bones refer to people who appear in traditional historical texts. The oracle bones that were discovered at Xiaotun, track more than 150 years at the end of the Shang era.
Word Count: 152
Friday, April 30, 2010
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Summary 1 - Reality Television
Reality television, dominating the tube right now, is about the real behaviours of real people. Reality television feature people getting insulted or humiliated. They are cheap to produce. This is why reality shows are everywhere. People are nosy as we are curious in nature. Reality television erases the boundaries between the public and the private. Dramas are predictable but can still genuinely surprise. It is great storytelling. It grabs us in some fundamental place. Ironically, reality shows are unreal as they are unscripted dramas like sports. Key moments are obviously staged. This may be a new way to tell a story and someday it will be a masterpiece. The history of television is not a popular form of programming that went bankrupt. Producers are forced to add more gimmicks until they turn off both viewers and advertisers. Viewers realise that the old forms of programming have just been snoozing. If programmes that resonate with the public are remembered, viewers will recognise a television menu that looks like life.
Word count : 158
Monday, April 19, 2010
International Friendship Day
International Friendship Day is a day where everyone dedicates a day in honour of their friends. We celebrate by exchanging gifts and cards, showing how much we treasure the friendship between us. This year, the objective for international friendship day is to explore the Youth Olympic Games (YOG) values of Excellence, Friendship and Respect.
• Excellence means doing the best you can at all times.
• Friendship among people of different races is the key to peace and harmony.
• Respect is not confined to respect for those in authority. Respect for peers and self-respect are equally important.
In Singapore we work very hard. We excel because we respect others. We build bonds as a nation and are willing to learn from other countries, respecting their values and sharing what we have. Our school will be having a twinning school programme with other countries to understand the importance of establishing friendly and beneficial relationships in an increasingly connected world. It enables students to be aware and connected to the global landscape while feeling and acting for Singapore.
How can you be a good ambassador of Singapore?
• If I go overseas to study or work, I will come back to Singapore as it is my home.
• I must be loyal to my homeland by building bonds as a nation, working hard to contribute to the country.
• Understand and respecting the religions and cultures of other countries.
• Be proud of my country, Singapore
Why do countries form alliances and can you name some examples of international alliances?
1. Trade
2. Intend to preserve the balance of power by preventing any country to achieve a position of overwhelming strength.
3. have the same beliefs (e.g. Democracy and communism)
Some countries that form international alliances are:
Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) European Union (EU)
North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)
Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC)
United Nations (UN)
World Trade Organization (WTO)
What are some merits of fostering close ties with other countries?
It prevents a war from happening and provides opportunities for countries to discuss differences peacefully.
What are some of the things that unite nations and bring them together?
The acceleration of economic growth, social progress, cultural development among its members, the protection of the peace and stability of the region.
Total Defence Day
Total Defence Day is a day where Singapore commemorates the anniversary of the surrender of the British to the Japanese on February 15, 1942.
Total Defence has five aspects:
- Military Defence
-Civil Defence
-Economic Defence
-Social Defence
-Psychological Defence
PSYCHOLOGICAL DEFENCE
Psychological Defence refers to the individual citizen's commitment to the nation and confidence in the future of our country. It is about having pride, passion and patriotism for our country. United in Psychological Defence, we develop the collective will to stand up for our rights; to protect what is ours; to seek to be left in peace; to progress and prosper in our own way as a nation. A strong Psychological Defence allows us to safeguard our independence and hence chart our own destiny.
MILITARY DEFENCE
Military Defence is having an SAF able to deter aggression. A first-class SAF - one that has the capability to act effectively and decisively should deterrence and diplomacy fail - is essential to building a strong Military Defence. While Military Defence is the responsibility of NSmen, full-time National Servicemen and regulars in the SAF, it also involves our own military industries having the capacity to meet the SAF's weapons and ammunition requirements.
SOCIAL DEFENCE
Social Defence is about Singaporeans of all races and religions living and working together in harmony. To build a strong Social Defence, there must be racial and religious tolerance and respect, as well as equal opportunities for all regardless of race, language or religion. Social Defence also refers to every citizen, especially those with the ability, education and training, having the social conscience to contribute to the larger community and country. This includes showing care and concern for the less fortunate and underprivileged, as well as active participation in volunteer work.
ECONOMIC DEFENCE
Economic Defence is the government, business and industry organising themselves in such a way that our economy will not break down in war or under the threat of war. It means putting in place contingency plans to ensure that our offices and factories will be able to continue their operations during emergencies, even after National Servicemen (NSmen) and equipment have been mobilised to deal with the emergencies. Economic Defence involves the economic sector sharing material and manpower resources to meet the needs of Civil and Military Defence. At the level of the individual, Economic Defence requires the cultivation of a good working attitude and constant upgrading of one's skills. This is necessary to help Singapore stay ahead of the competition.
CIVIL DEFENCE
Civil Defence provides for the safety and basic needs of the population on the home-front so that life may go on as normally as possible during emergencies. It involves training, with the help of the Singapore Civil Defence Force, the civilian population in rescue work, evacuation, first-aid and damage control. Civil Defence aims to produce a civilian population familiar with procedures for survival and protection, and with arrangements for relief services and emergency supply of critical items like blood, water and food. The knowledge and assurance that loved ones are cared for will fortify the morale of our citizen-soldiers in military training or fighting at the front-line.
These five aspects help Singaporeans understand how they can be involved. To strengthen Singapore's resilience as a nation, Singaporeans take National Service seriously, volunteer in civil defence exercises, help build a strong economy, strengthen community ties with one another regardless of race and religion, and stay committed to defend the country.
What did we do on Total Defence day?
- Fire drill practice
- Reflected what total defence meant to us after watching some videos by other secondary schools.
-Went around the various booths set-up by our school's uniform groups. The booths taught us more about total defence. An example is at the red-cross booth that taught us what to do when someone is injured.
- Food rationing
- At the end of the day, we watched a performance dedicated to racial harmony.
Total Defence has five aspects:
- Military Defence
-Civil Defence
-Economic Defence
-Social Defence
-Psychological Defence
PSYCHOLOGICAL DEFENCE
Psychological Defence refers to the individual citizen's commitment to the nation and confidence in the future of our country. It is about having pride, passion and patriotism for our country. United in Psychological Defence, we develop the collective will to stand up for our rights; to protect what is ours; to seek to be left in peace; to progress and prosper in our own way as a nation. A strong Psychological Defence allows us to safeguard our independence and hence chart our own destiny.
MILITARY DEFENCE
Military Defence is having an SAF able to deter aggression. A first-class SAF - one that has the capability to act effectively and decisively should deterrence and diplomacy fail - is essential to building a strong Military Defence. While Military Defence is the responsibility of NSmen, full-time National Servicemen and regulars in the SAF, it also involves our own military industries having the capacity to meet the SAF's weapons and ammunition requirements.
SOCIAL DEFENCE
Social Defence is about Singaporeans of all races and religions living and working together in harmony. To build a strong Social Defence, there must be racial and religious tolerance and respect, as well as equal opportunities for all regardless of race, language or religion. Social Defence also refers to every citizen, especially those with the ability, education and training, having the social conscience to contribute to the larger community and country. This includes showing care and concern for the less fortunate and underprivileged, as well as active participation in volunteer work.
ECONOMIC DEFENCE
Economic Defence is the government, business and industry organising themselves in such a way that our economy will not break down in war or under the threat of war. It means putting in place contingency plans to ensure that our offices and factories will be able to continue their operations during emergencies, even after National Servicemen (NSmen) and equipment have been mobilised to deal with the emergencies. Economic Defence involves the economic sector sharing material and manpower resources to meet the needs of Civil and Military Defence. At the level of the individual, Economic Defence requires the cultivation of a good working attitude and constant upgrading of one's skills. This is necessary to help Singapore stay ahead of the competition.
CIVIL DEFENCE
Civil Defence provides for the safety and basic needs of the population on the home-front so that life may go on as normally as possible during emergencies. It involves training, with the help of the Singapore Civil Defence Force, the civilian population in rescue work, evacuation, first-aid and damage control. Civil Defence aims to produce a civilian population familiar with procedures for survival and protection, and with arrangements for relief services and emergency supply of critical items like blood, water and food. The knowledge and assurance that loved ones are cared for will fortify the morale of our citizen-soldiers in military training or fighting at the front-line.
These five aspects help Singaporeans understand how they can be involved. To strengthen Singapore's resilience as a nation, Singaporeans take National Service seriously, volunteer in civil defence exercises, help build a strong economy, strengthen community ties with one another regardless of race and religion, and stay committed to defend the country.
What did we do on Total Defence day?
- Fire drill practice
- Reflected what total defence meant to us after watching some videos by other secondary schools.
-Went around the various booths set-up by our school's uniform groups. The booths taught us more about total defence. An example is at the red-cross booth that taught us what to do when someone is injured.
- Food rationing
- At the end of the day, we watched a performance dedicated to racial harmony.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
English mock exam summary
Lukas family was worried because …
He was missing when the fog closed in. Elias denied Lucas’ disappearance. They searched for Lukas until dark. Barta thought Lukas was dead and cried. They worried about the bigfeet. Anna came back with the men at midnight. Martiens, gave orders to search while they ate. The men spilt up to search since the fog was clearing. Martiens ordered Malie and Sofie to make a big fire in the middle of the Island in case the child sees the glow and follows it. The next morning, they told the nearest forester about the missing child. Woodcutters and the constable helped to search. The constable was found battered and lost. He addressed them that the child was dead. Martiens disapproved but gave in on the eighth day. Elias refused to admit that it was the end. There was a skeleton supposing belonged to a child but could have belonged to a baboon.
He was missing when the fog closed in. Elias denied Lucas’ disappearance. They searched for Lukas until dark. Barta thought Lukas was dead and cried. They worried about the bigfeet. Anna came back with the men at midnight. Martiens, gave orders to search while they ate. The men spilt up to search since the fog was clearing. Martiens ordered Malie and Sofie to make a big fire in the middle of the Island in case the child sees the glow and follows it. The next morning, they told the nearest forester about the missing child. Woodcutters and the constable helped to search. The constable was found battered and lost. He addressed them that the child was dead. Martiens disapproved but gave in on the eighth day. Elias refused to admit that it was the end. There was a skeleton supposing belonged to a child but could have belonged to a baboon.
Monday, August 3, 2009
English historical narative - draft 6
DRAFT 5 - Justice
It was pitch black, the sound of crickets filled the night as they were quietly waiting in the bushes for the Sinhalese soldiers. They waited patiently in the forest, hoping for the first glimpse of light coming from the truck filled with Sinhalese soldiers. Suddenly a loud explosion came from the opposite direction. The plan to ambush the Sinhalese soldiers was a success! Kumar heaved a sigh of relief and said to his comrade, “Yes, we did it!”
Kumar was a 15 years old Tamil boy who aspired to be a government official one day, was living with his parents in Sri Lanka, which meant beautiful island. Kumar’s great grandparents were brought in by the British to work in a tea plantation. However, when the Tamils were brought in, tension between the Sinhalese and Tamils started during British colonial rule which favoured the Tamil minority in terms of jobs and education. In 1948, Sri Lanka gained independence. The government was mainly made up of Sinhalese, who passed the Ceylon Citizenship Act of 1948.
The Ceylon Citizenship Act caused Kumar and his family to become stateless, not a citizen of any country. However, his parents continued to work in the tea plantations, contributing to the Sri Lankan economy. Soon after, resettlement was introduced and caused unhappiness among Tamils. Sinhalese peasants were transferred to Tamil areas. Kumar found it annoying to live with Sinhalese peasants because of the Ceylon Citizen Act.
In 1956, The Official Language Act was established. Since Tamils were better at English, they occupied some of the most powerful jobs in the government service although they were the minority in the country. Now that the Official Language Act was established, Sinhala was made as the country’s official language. Tamils in the government were given three years to learn Sinhala or be dismissed. Kumar wanted to try to learn Sinhala so as to get a high ranking job to support his parents so that they would not need to work so hard in the plantations.
Three years passed and Kumar could not understand Sinhala. He felt so disappointed with himself. Luckily, there was a new university admission criteria and the examination was in English. Kumar felt there was hope again. He took the examination and qualified for an engineering course. He later found out that only a certain number of Tamils were able to get in the course since there was a higher number of Sinhalese in the population. Unfortunately, Kumar was unable to get in. He felt that the Sinhalese government was unfair to the Tamils. He decided to discuss the issue with his father.
Kumar looked up at his father, “Why is the government like this father?”
“I don’t know my son. We don’t have a choice.” His father replied with sorrow in his eyes.
“This is so unfair!” as Kumar clenched his fists in anger, “I will do something about this!”
With much anger, he decided to gather other Tamils to support him in making peaceful demands to the government to be fair to everyone and not give special treatment to certain religions. The Tamils did not resort to violence in their demands. When their demands were still not met, Kumar formed a militant group called the Liberation Tiger of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). They believed that violence was the only way to demand and obtain their Tamil rights. The Sinhalese also showed hostility towards the Tamils with violence, causing many riots for the next few years.
During one of the riots, Kumar had a plan to bomb up some Sinhalese soldiers. He ordered the members of LTTE to bury mines in the road which the Sinhalese soldiers used frequently. Beside the road there was a forest that proved to be a good hiding place for the LTTE. They hid in the forest quietly, waiting for their enemy to come.
Word count: 642
It was pitch black, the sound of crickets filled the night as they were quietly waiting in the bushes for the Sinhalese soldiers. They waited patiently in the forest, hoping for the first glimpse of light coming from the truck filled with Sinhalese soldiers. Suddenly a loud explosion came from the opposite direction. The plan to ambush the Sinhalese soldiers was a success! Kumar heaved a sigh of relief and said to his comrade, “Yes, we did it!”
Kumar was a 15 years old Tamil boy who aspired to be a government official one day, was living with his parents in Sri Lanka, which meant beautiful island. Kumar’s great grandparents were brought in by the British to work in a tea plantation. However, when the Tamils were brought in, tension between the Sinhalese and Tamils started during British colonial rule which favoured the Tamil minority in terms of jobs and education. In 1948, Sri Lanka gained independence. The government was mainly made up of Sinhalese, who passed the Ceylon Citizenship Act of 1948.
The Ceylon Citizenship Act caused Kumar and his family to become stateless, not a citizen of any country. However, his parents continued to work in the tea plantations, contributing to the Sri Lankan economy. Soon after, resettlement was introduced and caused unhappiness among Tamils. Sinhalese peasants were transferred to Tamil areas. Kumar found it annoying to live with Sinhalese peasants because of the Ceylon Citizen Act.
In 1956, The Official Language Act was established. Since Tamils were better at English, they occupied some of the most powerful jobs in the government service although they were the minority in the country. Now that the Official Language Act was established, Sinhala was made as the country’s official language. Tamils in the government were given three years to learn Sinhala or be dismissed. Kumar wanted to try to learn Sinhala so as to get a high ranking job to support his parents so that they would not need to work so hard in the plantations.
Three years passed and Kumar could not understand Sinhala. He felt so disappointed with himself. Luckily, there was a new university admission criteria and the examination was in English. Kumar felt there was hope again. He took the examination and qualified for an engineering course. He later found out that only a certain number of Tamils were able to get in the course since there was a higher number of Sinhalese in the population. Unfortunately, Kumar was unable to get in. He felt that the Sinhalese government was unfair to the Tamils. He decided to discuss the issue with his father.
Kumar looked up at his father, “Why is the government like this father?”
“I don’t know my son. We don’t have a choice.” His father replied with sorrow in his eyes.
“This is so unfair!” as Kumar clenched his fists in anger, “I will do something about this!”
With much anger, he decided to gather other Tamils to support him in making peaceful demands to the government to be fair to everyone and not give special treatment to certain religions. The Tamils did not resort to violence in their demands. When their demands were still not met, Kumar formed a militant group called the Liberation Tiger of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). They believed that violence was the only way to demand and obtain their Tamil rights. The Sinhalese also showed hostility towards the Tamils with violence, causing many riots for the next few years.
During one of the riots, Kumar had a plan to bomb up some Sinhalese soldiers. He ordered the members of LTTE to bury mines in the road which the Sinhalese soldiers used frequently. Beside the road there was a forest that proved to be a good hiding place for the LTTE. They hid in the forest quietly, waiting for their enemy to come.
Word count: 642
Singapore Flyer Draft 2
DRAFT 2 - The Flight Experience
I was excited to go on the Singapore flyer as it was my first time. A few days before I went onto the flyer, I did some reading and research about it. Each of the 28 air-conditioned capsules is capable of holding 28 passengers, and a complete rotation of the wheel takes approximately 30 minutes. Less than a year ago the flyer had stopped half-way, leaving 70 passengers stranded in the capsules. I was afraid that the flyer might stop a second time but I had hoped that the ride would be exciting.
When I reached, I was filled with excitement and anxiety, as if there were butterflies in my stomach. At the entrance here were a lot of trees, like a small forest. I stared in wonderment at the magnificent structure and superb engineering feat when I saw it. The cacophony of the students’ chatter was all I could hear while we made our way to the platform to board the flyer. We got on the flyer but could not really feel it moving. When we were half-way to the highest point of the flyer, I could almost see the whole of Singapore. The view was spectacular. Some places I could see were the Marina Barage, the Esplanade, the Padang and the Merlion. At the highest point, I took pictures of some breath-taking views of Singapore.
On the flyer, I felt amazing to be able to see such wonderful sights of Singapore from a bird’s eye view. Although it was my first time, I would want to ride it again. My expectations were met. It was so exciting and spectacular that I did not realize time had passed so quickly.
During the ride on the flyer, one of my friends was afraid of heights. The moment she step foot into the capsule, she sat on the floor and clung onto one of the seats. For the whole ride she did not dare to move around. While everyone was busy taking pictures and enjoying the magnificent view from the capsule, she clung to the seat and did the worksheets that we were supposed to complete.
In the end, the trip was joyous and exhilarating. I would recommend others to go as I have never seen anything like this of Singapore until I went on the flyer. I feel that having this Singapore flyer will enable tourists to see the real Singapore.
Word count: 401
I was excited to go on the Singapore flyer as it was my first time. A few days before I went onto the flyer, I did some reading and research about it. Each of the 28 air-conditioned capsules is capable of holding 28 passengers, and a complete rotation of the wheel takes approximately 30 minutes. Less than a year ago the flyer had stopped half-way, leaving 70 passengers stranded in the capsules. I was afraid that the flyer might stop a second time but I had hoped that the ride would be exciting.
When I reached, I was filled with excitement and anxiety, as if there were butterflies in my stomach. At the entrance here were a lot of trees, like a small forest. I stared in wonderment at the magnificent structure and superb engineering feat when I saw it. The cacophony of the students’ chatter was all I could hear while we made our way to the platform to board the flyer. We got on the flyer but could not really feel it moving. When we were half-way to the highest point of the flyer, I could almost see the whole of Singapore. The view was spectacular. Some places I could see were the Marina Barage, the Esplanade, the Padang and the Merlion. At the highest point, I took pictures of some breath-taking views of Singapore.
On the flyer, I felt amazing to be able to see such wonderful sights of Singapore from a bird’s eye view. Although it was my first time, I would want to ride it again. My expectations were met. It was so exciting and spectacular that I did not realize time had passed so quickly.
During the ride on the flyer, one of my friends was afraid of heights. The moment she step foot into the capsule, she sat on the floor and clung onto one of the seats. For the whole ride she did not dare to move around. While everyone was busy taking pictures and enjoying the magnificent view from the capsule, she clung to the seat and did the worksheets that we were supposed to complete.
In the end, the trip was joyous and exhilarating. I would recommend others to go as I have never seen anything like this of Singapore until I went on the flyer. I feel that having this Singapore flyer will enable tourists to see the real Singapore.
Word count: 401
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