Nature Reserves by Xinyan and Meixuan

Stand: Agree

  I agree that we should still set aside land for nature reserves despite the land scarcity problem we have here in Singapore. This is mainly because of our global issues such as extinction of wild animals and flora, and the need to preserve as much wildlife as possible for the good of the world. Singapore is the top worst environmental performer according to a proportional environmental impact index. Thus, it is important that we try to reverse the damage done by building more nature reserves even though the amount of land that we have is little.
  Our primary consideration is to prevent the destruction of indigenous flora and fauna. If we take into consideration the land scarcity, there will be a threat towards the nature of our clean and green country. The relocation will benefit our country greatly by preserving wildlife, and compared to that, the little issues such as longer train rides and higher cost will be too little to consider a problem.
  Hence, we should set aside land for nature reserves.

Disability by Xin Yan & Mei Xuan

T2W8 Read the 3 articles & write 1 para (counterargument & rebuttal) to address this Qn: It is essential for children with disabilities to be integrated into our mainstream education system. DYA?

Stand: Agree

Some people may argue that these children with special needs and disabilities are not as developed in their abilities, making it harder for them to learn in a normal setting such as in our mainstream education system. If they were to be in our mainstream education system, they would not be able to catch up or understand at the same pace as the other students. This would then affect them in the long run. Thus, it is essential for them to be placed in a school specially suited for them, with trained personnel who know the best way to stretch their learning. Furthermore, with them socialising with people of about the same ability as them, they would not feel any discrimination as compared to if they were to be in the mainstr an education system. A 45-year-old homemaker, who wished to be known as Ms Hui, spoke of the challenges she had faced since her son, now 14, was diagnosed with dyslexia seven years ago. He was labelled as “slow and stupid” by classmates and teachers, she said. This shows that if children with special needs are integrated into our mainstream education system, they would be criticised by other children, thus it is better for them to be in a education system that would suit them more.

However, I believe that this may not be a problem as most of them are hardworking students. Even though they may study at a slower pace, maybe due to their disabilities, they are not mentally weak. As long as they have the right attitude to study, they can pay attention during lesson and be detailed in their work, which will allow them to catch up with the other students and become part of their whole. They will not be shunned and this could change their lives forever, when they realize that they have the ability to learn like any other child. Not only that, other students who are faster than them can aim to help them out with their work, pushing them forward to greater success. In fact, aesthetics products distributor Dione International director Clara Chng said that based on her own experience, she enjoys working with foreign workers because of their focus, loyalty and can-do attitude. This shows that despite their differences, people can still get along well, and also their appearance do not matter as long as they have the moral values and motivation to strive for a better future. It is the power of their own to control the future they have, no matter the school they go to. As long as they are hardworking, they can always catch up to their studies. Hence, I agree that it is essential for children with disabilities to be integrated into our mainstream education system.

Education News by xinyan&meixuan

Link: http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/experts-laud-move-to-have-students-clean-schools 

Summary: A move to make all schools include cleaning activities by the end of the year could bring long-term benefits to both students and the community, according to education experts and sociologists. The scheme will help build character, cultivate a sense of ownership and spill over to the home environment. Last Thursday, the Ministry of Education (MOE) announced that students in primary and secondary schools here, as well as those in junior colleges, will have to spend at least a few minutes each day cleaning classrooms, canteens and corridors. The aim, according to the ministry, is to help them cultivate good habits for life. Schools are given the flexibility to decide on what these daily activities should be and when they take place.

Opinion: We feel that the move is good as it cultivates a habit of cleaning from young. Students get to learn to be responsible and take care of their classroom and public areas. This allows them to be more mindful and think for others in places other than home.It will also benefit them in the future as when they see litter outside they would not hesitate to pick them up, showing a sense of responsibility and care for the environment. With this, Singapore will then not be in the danger of becoming filled with rubbish and instead continue becoming a clean and green country.

In the past, there would be tissue paper and food packets on the floor in common spaces like the canteen, and now pupils are now more conscious about picking up litter and the common spaces in the school are much cleaner, with evidence from principal Constance. Such hands on work can also allow students to be more proactive in the future, allowing them to impart values and develop their holistic character. 

Valentine's Day: Xinyan & Meixuan

Article B:
We agree that it is good if one treats one's crush as one's role model. This is because when one has a crush, that person will tend to try to show his or her best side to his or her crush. This will then somehow force the person to improve himself or herself so that he or she will get noticed by his or her crush. This way, even though the feelings may not be mutual, but one’s crush will always be one's role model and one's motivation to constantly improve. This will be a positive influence for them and they would try to impress their crush constantly, and try to become better than before. Their grades will improve that way, and they will not lose out on study. Having a crush is thus a good factor for students when it pushes them to do better.

2015 News: Xinyan and Meixuan

South Pole explorer dies in record attempt

 -link

http://adventureblog.nationalgeographic.com/2016/01/25/south-pole-explorer-dies-in-record-attempt/ 

 -summary

Henry Worsley, a 55-year-old British ex-army officer and veteran polar explorer, has died in his attempt to become the first person in history to cross the Antarctic continent solo, unsupported, and unaided. Worsley was attempting to complete the route proposed by Ernest Shackleton during the ill-fated Endurance expedition, which celebrates its centennial this year. He had been on the ice alone for 71 days, covering 913 miles, and was suffering from exhaustion, dehydration, and severe stomach pains when he called for a rescue only 30 miles from his destination on the edge of the Ross Ice Shelf.

 -Opinion

I feel that this article deserves on the front cover of the national geographic magazine. This was because his actions were honourable. He deserved people’s praises because he was brave enough to try and tackle such a challenge all by himself,without needing extra support or guidance despite his age. Many of us in the younger generation would fear to give new challenges a try. However, this man was daring, and would risk his life just for the sake of being able to break the records, and also, be an inspiration for many. However, I believe that there is a limit to how much one can push itself forward. When we realize that we will not make it before time, I think that we should just turn back and stop continuing the journey lest it fails. Failure could be the solution to our future problems but it could also be the end to our current problem. Thus, we should not push ourselves too far and cause damage to our body and health, such as resulting in death in some cases like these. Such bravery is worth praising but also a lesson to be learnt. There is no need to go this far in order to feel accomplished. Another thing that is worth mentioning is his attitude. He obviously knew that scaling a mountain himself, without extra support or guidance, would be a very hard thing to accomplish. He could have been like the rest of us, not daring to make the first step due to the difficulties that we know we would face due to us making the first move. However, he wanted to try something that people wouldn't try or even think of. This shows that he dares to fulfil his goal and not just be all talk and no action. This also shows that he is sincere and has passion towards pursuing his dream. This article will inspire people to be just like him and we could learn from him by going towards our goals no matter how hard they may seem in the beginning and knowing what obstacles we'll face. Through this, he also showed persistence as like what I've said above, even though he knew that he has a very Low chance of succeeding, he still wanted to make it as far as possible. This also acts as a source of motivation and inspiration for us as if he can bravely pursue his goal, why can't we do it too?

Introduction: Xin Yan & Mei Xuan

Xin Yan:
My name is Xin Yan, and I am originally from class 2E. My previous school is Rulang Primary School, same as my older brother who is now in ACS(I). My hobby is to draw on my tablet or doodle on paper in my free time, and play computer games. I love eating lemons and spicy food, and occasionally I watch anime or Korean variety shows to pass the time. I hope that I can make more new friends who are sociable and quirky by slowly getting to know everyone.

Mei Xuan:
I am Fua Mei Xuan and I was in the very fun class 2A last year. My CCA is Girl Guided, which I enjoy a lot. My primary school was Concord Primary School in Choa Chu Kang and it's very close to my house. My hobbies are drawing or sketching, reading and listening to music. When you first get to know me, I will be very shy and awkward. However, once you get to know me, I'm a totally different person. :D