Summary 2 - The rediscovery of the Shang began with Malaria

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

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

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.