Social Commentary (2)

It's Getting Too Hot Here!

Do you know that average temperatures have climbed 1.4 degrees Fahrenheit (0.8 degree Celsius) around the world since 1880? Do you know that Arctic ice is rapidly disappearing, and the region may have its first completely ice-free summer by 2040 or earlier? If you still do not know, then wake up! Let’s face it. We are in a big crisis now, even bigger than the current economic crisis. This is global warming. This is what we have to stop. Global warming has been around for quite a while; its detrimental effects have been felt worldwide, but this is only the beginning. If we do not want this international crisis to persist, we have to do something. That is why I feel that all of us, be it the government or individuals, should work together to preserve our future.

The government certainly has a big role in the fight against global warming. As head of their respective nations, they are responsible for the welfare of the people. They bear the responsibility to ensure the country’s welfare and hence they should be the ones to initiate the efforts to salvage the current situation. Fortunately, governments of the world are aware of their duty. As the article has mentioned, “politicians around the globe scramble to respond with effective policies”, and there will also be an United Nations climate change conference in Copenhagen, at which international bodies will try to agree on an 'ambitious and effective' strategy to combat climate change. Since we humans realize the deep trouble we are in, countries around the world have mostly been active in curbing the problem. They have channel resources to green technology and ways to reduce carbon emission, the main culprit. They have also passed down several laws in view of the crisis. For instance, countries from Ireland to Australia are cracking down on the plastic bags and action is beginning to stir in the United States. However, as the article has shown, the government still needs to give researchers more support that they need to find new solutions and help stave off dangerous climate change. In short, it is really great to hear that the governments of the world are doing something about global warming, but at the same time, they need to step up their efforts.

You may argue that it is all the government’s responsibility, and all we have to do is just to wait and see the results. But you are dead wrong. We as individuals are important in this fight too. Even Pope Benedict XVI had urged hundreds of thousands of young Catholics in 2007 to take better care of the planet and reverse environmental degradation. Being members of the global community, we can join the movement to make the difference about climate change. We as individuals are the backbone of the efforts to counter global warming. Without our support, the government cannot do much. Hence, we should all put in our effort to save the Earth. Individual smart choices can really make an impact on global climate change. We can start by simple actions like using fewer plastic bags, recycle and reuse things; avoid buying products with excessive packaging. No matter how small our contributions may be, they are still significant. Every small bits count.

In conclusion, I cannot stress enough the importance of togetherness in fighting the current climate crisis, that the government and citizens should work hand in hand to combat climate change. All of us have the responsibility to save our Earth and ensure the survival of our future generations. Though we have all done our best, there is still much to be done. We have to put in even more effort. The future lies in our hands, so let’s treasure it, and let’s start acting now before it’s all too late.

(This is in response to the article at http://www.rsc.org/chemistryworld/News/2009/July/21070902.asp)

ERP1

“Once More to the Lake” by E.B. White

Q2a) Write about a place that you would like to share with others, and describe how it became significant to you.

Every so often, I will pace up and down the track, or simply just lying there, enjoying the cool evening breeze brushing against my face. The track seems normal enough, but I just love the way the track smells, the way the heat warms up and energise my body, and most importantly, the memories that it brings back.

I grew up on the track. Since I was a toddler, my father would bring me to the track every evening after dinner. At the age of nine, I took up track as a sport under the influence of my father. That was when my life started to change. The track had become my second home, my refuge from the daily hustle and bustle of busy school life. It had become an integral part of my life, a place to relieve stress, to challenge myself, to run my hearts out.

The track is also where I made many friends and found joy in life. The encouragement from my friends and teammates, the harmless rivalry between us, the help that we gave to each other and the friendship that we had forged were unforgettable. We shared our joys and pains, successes and failures, delights and frustrations together. Though we came from different background, we shared a common trait, the love for the track.

However, most importantly, the track is where I learned many valuable life lessons. Being a hurdler, life, to me, is like a hurdle race. Every hurdle represents an obstacle in life, such as failures, setbacks or challenges. Once the race starts, there is no turning back. Approaching a hurdle is never easy, as it takes tremendous mental concentration and courage. In life, obstacles are unavoidable. We have to be brave and have the tenacity to face up to our challenges. Even if we fail, we still have to move on. Even if we fall, we have to get up bravely. Life has to carry on, and there are still many more challenges up ahead. There is no use grieving, nor will withdrawing help. Instead, we should learn from our mistakes and improve and correct ourselves so that we can overcome the rest of the obstacles. The challenges ahead are never ending. Only after we had conquered all of them will we succeed. Road to success may be full of sweat and tears, but that is how life works. No pain, no gain.

Time really flies. The little boy that once crawled around the track curiously had unknowingly been transformed into a teenage boy that now calls the track his home. Many things have changed, but the track remained the same. The rubbery smell, the intense afternoon heat, the heat waves that permeated the surrounding. Time seem to stand still at the track.

The running track, it is the place where I grew up, share my ups and downs with and learn valuable life lessons. It is the place where I achieve the impossible, the place where most of my memories resided. It is a part of my life, a significant part.

The Evolution of Goodness...

My Response:

I strongly believe that human beings are willing to do good to others.

I believe all humans are kind by nature. Though we may have heard of many instances of selfish people, we have to take some time off to reflect on it. Are they really that selfish? They are not. Deep down their heart, they are willing to help others, just that this kindness is masked. Perhaps it was their upbringing, or laziness, or just rushing for time. Whatever it is, it is not that they are unwilling to do good to others, it is just that it is not the right time for them. Looking on the streets, we can also see many acts of kindness spreading among us. People are willing to give up their seats to the elders or help a blind man cross the road, just to name a few. This is enough to show how we humans are willing to do good to others.

Commentary Assessment

“Deaf to the world”

The article raised the issue of youngsters absorbed in their cellphones or music players face greater risk of accidents on the road. Studies showed that plugging into music will increase the risk of accidents because one’s attention will be distracted whether one is driving, crossing the road or doing heavy work. A Sunday Times test on ‘How alert are you?’ further justified the studies. It also revealed how many teens think such behavior is alright. They think that it is the drivers’ responsibility to look out for them because they are in front of the drivers.

Commentary

Spare some ears!

Still listening to your iPod? Whether on the train or walking, I never miss a beat from my iPod. Sometimes, I really cannot hear bicycles coming from behind but I still do not think it is dangerous. I will be bored without my iPod. However, after reading this article, I was shocked at the serious consequences of this habit of mine. I totally agree with the author on this issue. We should not be absorbed in our cellphones or music players as not only does it pose as a nuisance to others but also as a threat to ourselves.

Being too engrossed in our digital devices on the road will cause inconvenience to other people. Imagine riding the bicycle and there is this guy in front of you, absorbed in his world of music, failed to notice you. You certainly do not want to knock into him, but he just would not respond to your constant ringing of the bell. Wouldn’t you be irritated? That is exactly how others will feel if you are the one listening to the music. Some people may even injure themselves while trying to avoid you. Put yourself into their shows. Will you be happy? We should really stop listening to music and be considerate to the other road users.

Some may argue that it is the drivers’ responsibility to look out for them, as they are the ones in front of the drivers. To them, it is not their faults, and so it is still alright to continue their habit. However, I will like to clarify that this mindset is totally ridiculous. Though it is partly the drivers’ responsibility to look out for you, it is ultimately you that will suffer. Being absorbed in our cellphones or music players is hazardous to our safety. If you fail to dodge the vehicles, who is the one at risk? Listening to music on the road will decrease our alertness. In a study done by the Sunday Times, of the 30 pedestrians listening to music, 12 failed to hear the bicycle bell and did not get out of the way. Such lack of alertness will certainly lead to accidents. Though hospitals were unable to say whether they had seen patients with injuries as a result of such distractions, doctors warn of such dangers. Therefore we should avoid such dangerous acts to ensure our own safety.

In conclusion, I will like to reiterate my opinion that we should not be absorbed in our digital devices on the road. We should be alert all time. Of course, this is not to say that we totally cannot listen to music while travelling. We need to exercise discretion. Perhaps we can lower the volume so that we can still hear what is going on around us. But whatever other possible ways there are, I have stopped listening to music on the road. It is better to be safe than sorry.

By Ku Pao Jung 13 3L

Writing a commentary ...(edited intro)

>Streaking

Can you imagine witnessing a bunch of people running nude past you? This is streaking, and in my opinion, it should be banned. It disgusts me to see people running naked in the public, exposing their unsightly bodies and revolting chest hair. Face the facts: Such an act is not only indecent exposure, but also a nuisance to the neighbourhood.

Writing a commentary...

>Streaking

Can you imagine witnessing a bunch of people running nude past you? This is streaking, and in my opinion, it should be banned. Streaking is defined as "the non-sexual act of taking off one's clothes and running naked through a public place and is a craze on college campus in US. Such an act is not only indecent exposure, but also a nuisance to the neighbourhood.

Firstly, streaking is a form of indecent exposure. It is just like stripping yourself in the public. Some people may like it, while others may not be able to stand the sight. Either way, it is a violation of one's modesty and has many harmful psychological effects on the victims. As such, streaking should be banned.

Secondly, streaking can cause many problems in the neighbourhood. For instance, during the June Undie Run, students jumped into Shapiro fountain outside Powell Library, causing about $25,000 worth of damage, Moreover, residents in De Neve suites complained about the noise. Streaking seriously disturbs the serenity of the neighbourhood, especially if the participants run wild (common in such events). To prevent the disturbance of the neighbourhhod, streaking should certainly be banned.

In conclusion, I will like to reiterate my stand that streaking, though a tradition for many colleges, should be banned as it is a form of indecent exposure and will disturb the peace in the surroudning.

My first Argument...

Scrap the CCTs

I definitely agree. In this argument, I will explain my reasons, mainly, the harmful effects of CCTs and the uselessness of CCTs.

Firstly, CCTs are sources of worries and stress for every students. Studies conducted in RI showed that the suicide rate increases by twice fold after every CCTs. No wonder nowadays I feel that people are disappearing. We certainly do not want any more innocent young lives to be lost. As such, we should scrap the CCTs, so that the lives of students can return to normal.

Secondly, I believe we most of us students share a common opinion: CCTs are a waste of time. Teachers often say CCTs are meant to chart out progress in the subject, but have they ever thought of how much time we put in and how many sleepless nights we pulled through? They don't. They merely want to see us suffer. The amount of time spent on revising for CCTs can be put to better use, such as widening our social cycles, developing our talents and making the most of our time. Time and tide waits for no man. Certainly we do not wish to waste time. As such, scrap the CCTs.