The English Journal

Conversation

2009-07-05T10:20:00.004+08:00

Day 1
I believe that elderly that have a family and children should live in their home or together with their children.Also their children should visit them or meet up with them for dinner or an outing at least once a week or two.This is the very least a child could do to show their love and concern for their parents.Also if their children are financially coping well without much financial problems,they should also give their parents some monthly allowance so that their parents would at least be able to afford the necessity.If i could design a nursing home,it would include television,games,chess boards,interaction room and some exercising stations.I also believe that health care and nursing home for the elderly should be free of charge.This is because some of them do not have children and cannot afford to pay,others have children that have financial problems or do not have the ability to support their parents.Thus some elderlys cannot even afford their own meals let alone medical bills and nursing home.

Day 3
I believe that children should take part in more outdoor activities instead of staying at home watching television or playing video games.However,with the advancement of technology,it becomes more convenient for the children to use gadgets and becomes inevitable for them to stay at home and play instead of going for outdoor activities.Also,video games and technology are more likely to be more fun than going outdoors to play.This are probably the reasons why most children would rather do so.However,such games have their disadvantages,firstly they can spoil the childrens eyesight and cause myopia.Secondly,most of them can cause addiction and children will neglect their studies or become physically inactive.Thirdly,some of these video games have violent content or content that are inappropriate for younger children.Lastly,instead of going outdoors and interacting with friends,these children are at home interacting with their electronic gadgets.This will cause the child to be less sociable.

Day 5
I believe that all subjects are equally important.If i could design my own timetable i would add subjects like music-where students have to learn at least one instruments(recorder not included =)).Physical education's syllybus should also include swimming.I think that the school prepares us for life only to a certain extent.They teach some practical subjects like home economics,design and technology,computer lessons,speech and drama.Other subjects like maths, sciences, languages can more or less be applied to our future career.However,schools place too much emphasis on exams and less of practical work and hands on or independent learning.This will affect the creativity of a student and their ability to think out of the box when they grow up.

Day 7
My house is generally quite tidy and clean but most of the time my room is not tidy.I think that i am not a very organised person as i leave my worksheets and books lying around in my room and most of the worksheets unfiled.I help to keep my house clean by helping my mother to clean the floor and do some housework during the weekends

Day 10
My favourite subject is home economics and biology.This is because the things i learn from both subjects can be greatly applied to my life and are interesting and fun.Also i like eating (and cooking) thus home economics meets my ''need'' as i can eat the food i have cooked after that.Also it provides me with a sense of satisfaction after i have baked or cooked.Unfortunately,home economics is no longer in our secondary three syllabus and i can only cook or bake during my free time but not in the school's curriculum.Biology can be greatly applied to life as it is about living things and yourself.Thus you can know and learn more about your self and other living things which can be very interesting and fun.

Oral - Day 10

2009-07-04T22:19:00.004+08:00

This picture depicts a scene in a science laboratory.Four students wearing rubber gloves and a white coat are working on a science practical.The only male student in the group is observing the agar plates carefully as his other three group members work on the experiment.The four of them are all smiling , i believe that they are having fun from doing the practical and working as a group.I believe that working as a group is important as it allows students to learn the importance of cooperation which is necessary in the later part of these student's lives when they go to work.Also practicals are usually more interesting than lessons from text books and yet with the same learning output.Thus schools should place more importance on science or practicals of any subjects.

Oral - Day 7

2009-07-04T21:44:00.003+08:00

The picture depicts a scene at a hawker center.The people in the picture are all cleaning and washing the hawker center especially the tables and chairs area.Most of them are probably from the town councils or the hawkers.In the center of a picture there is a middle-aged man pointing to one of the tables.From his body language,i believe that he is one of the leaders in this cleaning activity.At the back ground of this picture,there are also a crowd of people watching and observing the cleaning.This cleaning activity may be after the Geylang Serai Rojak poisoning cases which happened only recently or just to raise the hygiene standards of the hawker center.
Whatever the reasons are,i believe that it is always good and important that people and places have their hygiene standards met this is especially so for places like food centres that deal with food or the public toilets.It is important for food centres to do so or poisoning cases like the one in geylang serai may happen again.Everyone should also maintain their own personal hygiene or they will be more suceptible to diseases and viruses like the H1N1.

Oral - Day 5

2009-07-04T21:29:00.003+08:00

This picture depicts a scene in the class room.A teacher is guiding four other students on a science experiment.The boy at the bottom right hand corner seemed to be quite interested in what the teacher is doing and is observing the pulley system very closely.The three other students are all jotting down notes and probably also instructions given by the teacher.Group work are part of school and they help to allow students to cooperate and work with one another.Experiments also allow lessons to be learnt in a more interesting way and to allow students to do hands-on on the lessons they have learnt.Thus i believe that experiments are actually as important as lessons from textbooks and schools should have more science practical lessons.

Oral - Day 3

2009-07-04T21:17:00.004+08:00

This picture depicts a scene in the beach.In the foreground,there is a group of students and a teacher trying to build a structure out of sand or a sand castle.They are probably in an excursion trip or even a sand castle building competition as another group of students and teacher can be seen in the back ground.From the body language of the teacher,i believe that she is telling and briefing the students on what to do.In my opinion,such activities can bond students and also allow them to learn the importance of values such as cooperation,teamwork and to work with one another.
On the background,there are many other visitors hanging around,relaxing.I believe that the beach is a great place to destress and also to spend time and bond with friends and families.

Oral-Day 1

2009-07-04T20:39:00.003+08:00

The picture depicts a scene at a nursing home or an activity center for the elderlys.In the picture there are 7 wheel-chair bound elderlys surrounding a caregiver in a circle.The caregiver ,who is wearing black skirt and a white shirt ,is throwing a ball to the elderlys while the elderlys take turns to pass the ball back to her.I feel that such an activity not only allow the elderlys to interact with one another and also to exercise and allow them to become more healthy.
The foreground of the picture also shows exercise stations with railings and stairs to help the elderlys train their muscles so that they can walk again or to have more strength.
Senior citizens of our society are actually valuable to us and can actually contribute to the society.With their experiences and wisdom they can make the society a better place.Also i believe that the society and the younger generation should all do their best to help these senior citizens,care for them.Moreover,we should do our best to care for our own parents,especially when they become old, to spend as much time as possible with them.

Week 19 and 20

2009-03-21T22:33:00.003+08:00

THOUGHTS

*Jean*

I know i am behind the eight balls.But it is not my fault how would i know if the sms was mendacious or not?Its not like i am a superhero who can read minds?!What rights does he have to revile me and be restrictive?I know being lugubrious won't solve the problem.But it is really not my fault .What should i do to stop Freddy from leaving me to hold the bag?

*Freddy*

I know its not FULLY her fault but she is being pesky due to her pleads.I can't fully blame her after all they are caused by the megalomania duo who wants to get a position in IS and be puissant.They may have tried to play possum and succeeded but this will be the only time.We will get back at them.(Or maybe i will )

Week 17 and 18

2009-03-13T11:40:00.004+08:00

THE HOAX

*Jean*

MONDAY
________________________________________________________________
From:90000000(unknown number)
To:Jean

The IS will be having a holiday because the lobby is fraught with visitors from other
countries and companies .There's no need to report tomorrow thank you .
Freddy ( Temporary Number)
________________________________________________________________

HUH??No IS tomorro ??
I thought Fred was rushing to plan and do his project??
But i need and crave for a good rest anyway .This shall be my chance!!! (:

*Freddy*

TUESDAY

'Is she trying to go against the grain despite my manifolds warnings?'i thought as i waited for her in the office.We were supposed to meet up at 9 to plan for the project but its already 10 and she's still nowhere in sight !

*Jean*

WEDNESDAY

I romp into the building after my 1 day of rest at home.Happily i walked into the office.

Freddy was awaiting me at my sit.Before i could ask about his day at home,he asked me my reasons for not coming in the angry voice.Surprised,i took out my handphone and showed him the SMS.

*Freddy*

'Thank you . Freddy'' I read out from his handphone.''and you deemed this is true??!'' i questioned her.How gullible can she be? ''The John and Tan duo must be the ones who concocted this.I shall deal with them later i shall deal with you first!''

I guess our projects will end up being abortive.

sigh

Week 16

2009-02-15T11:36:00.004+08:00

FIRST DAY AT IS 3

*Jean*

I made a bee line back to my house before hiring a taxi to the IS Building.I entered and everyone seemed busy discussing their work although a coterie in the society could be easily spotted.Sadly none one of them took notice of me.Not letting it bother me,i knocked on Freddy's office(out of courtesy) before opening the door.

*Freddy*

I waited at my table for what seemed like eternity,avoiding the world,the fresh,and the devil of killing her.A knock stopped all my thoughts and i looked up as Jean entered.I tried to have the upper hand by using my 'cold voice' and demanded an explanation.Being 'amorous' i coldly accepted her explanation. Without wasting time i explained the important project of IS we were supposed to discuss on and we started with our work.The whole day we didn't speak much and discussed only work.I still can't imagine how i could work with a partner like her.I hope life gets better our project might be a disaster.
Sigh

Week 15

2009-02-08T16:57:00.010+08:00

FIRST DAY AT 'IS' 2

*Freddy*

After a long woolgathering and thinking in the bus,I decided to persevere and accept my fate.After all i need to continue being a paragon for other members and preclude John and Tan(my arch-enemy) from getting a chance to take over my seat.''Yes i shall give us another chance!''i thought as i got off the bus and walked towards 'IS' building.

*Jean*

I can't believe what just happened-As i was walking to the bus stop,a boy accidentally spilled his chocolate icecream onto my supposedly lucky red uniform!Now i have to walk back home ,change then walk back to the bus stop!ARRGH i am going to sue the 'well known' Feng Shui Master!

*Freddy*

I tapped my access card and opened the research room.A number of society members greeted me as i walked in and i smiled back.As I opened the door to my office i was 100% sure Jean must have reached earlier then me thus waiting in my office.When i realise that no one was in there i was surprised.

Just then i received an sms:

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

From:Future partner

I am sorry i may be late today.Something
disastrous happened. i am going to die.Please
forgive me just this once.Sorry.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WHAT?!what could have happened?Or is it just another excuse for her lateness?We've only meet twice and twice she have been late.Great...Now not only do i have a female partner but also a tardy partner.Why does this always happen to me ?!
Sigh

Week 14

2009-02-08T15:52:00.013+08:00

FIRST DAY AT 'IS'

*Jean*

My first day in 'IS' AT LAST.The day I've been waiting for since my graduation.I shall aspire to be the president of 'IS' within 2months...(thinks again)...wait no...2years. I put on my 'Red uniform' the one my Feng Shui master recommended me to wear.It was believed to last a person at least 3 months in a company and also luck.As i walked out of my house,i smiled,knowing(or hoping) that my first day would be a brisk.

*Freddy*

'See you' i shouted out to my friends before laughing again at the jokes we just shared.As i boarded the bus i have yet again 'transformed' from a normal schoolboy to the vice-president of 'IS'.The childish and giggly Freddy have changed to the serious Freddy.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Today will be my partner's first day in 'IS' and also my first day having a new partner- working with a female.Unwilling to accept the changes i thoughtfully realize that i actually have a choice either to 'force' her to quit herself or to accept my fate.I heard by nettling or to inveigh females are good ways to force them into quitting.Yet i believe that i shouldn't be bias and stereotype females.After all i should give her a chance to show her ablities and myself a chance to work with HER.Though i doubt so.
Sigh

Week 13

2009-01-24T22:09:00.001+08:00

FIRST SIGHT,FIRST MEETING,FIRST IMPRESSION

*Jean*

''RIINGG''I received a call from the Invention Society informing me about my recruitment.YES! i thought to myself.I finally got a part-time job that would look good on my resume in future and pays quite well.
I got myself dressed in a casual but smart outfit.Then put on some light makeup before getting out of my house one-half hours before the meeting time.I was determined to give a good impression on the society members and my future partner(who i was told i was going to meet).As i slide open my hand phone and read through the sms of the meeting area again and realized that i read the wrong timing earlier on.It was supposed to be 13:00!! Not 3:00pm!! ARGHHH i am late by half an hour!!!

*Freddy*

I asked the waiter for coffee the 5th time since i first came into the cafe 45minutes ago.Joseph sat beside me staring at the watch keeping track of time.I grew tired as i saw Joseph shaking his head once again and sighing,looking pissed off.What kind of person could my 'partner' be?I thought.It was incontrovertible that she would be......all the negative thoughts came up to me.
''I am so sorry i am late''
a soft voice suddenly got me back to reality.I looked up and saw a rather tall lady looking quite apologetic.i had to repress the negative thoughts i had as i try to be propitious and give her a second chance.I smiled rather forcefully and introduced myself.I almost smiled as she looked shocked because of my age and my status in the society.
''i guess we have to curtail the meeting''i said after i managed to repress the pride and happiness in me.Then rather quickly i told her more about the society and ultimately more about myself.After she introduced herself again we ended the meeting.I guess she is just a so-so partner with rather bad characteristics.But i guess I'll just have to make do with her.
Sigh

Essay 1

2009-01-24T17:36:00.003+08:00

Can one improve his/her English skills?

Improving one's languages can be very easy as long as you start young.As long as the foundation is there,scoring would not be difficult.Parents should expose their children to English by reading to them and letting them watch educational shows like''Sesame Street'' (:This not only entertains the child but also improves their knowledge and English.
However as we grow older,improving English skills may seem impossible.This is especially so if one's English foundation is not that good(like me).However,i believe that by using the language more often and being more exposed to English,one can actually improve his/her English skills.Improving English may take a longer period of time as compared to improving any other subjects because languages are about the exposure and usage of the language.Thus students must bear this in mind and be patient.Furthermore there must be great effort and determination in order to improve.
As long as we are determined we can improve our English through many different ways.One of them would be through reading especially books that we like and are interested in.The other way would be through watching English programmes.Both can improve our English and allow us to gain knowledge at the same time.
Start early if possible,if not just put in effort and be determined,it would never be too late to start.
(Sorry Mr kek i know its very repetitive and weird somehow.Seems VERY unplanned :p)

Week 12

2009-01-24T16:12:00.001+08:00

CHANGES FOR THE BETTER(OR WORSE)

*Freddy*

I can't believe he didn't tell me earlier.After all i have been Leonce partner since my first day in Invention society.For 2 years we've been buddies and yet he told EVERYONE he was going to quit except for me.Why am i always the last to know?!I have always been calm and steady no matter what happened except for this time.But what can you expect?
Knowing that being sad wouldn't make Leonce come back,I went back to my research lab in the prestigious Invention Society Building-my second home,my utopia.On the sofa sat Joseph-the president of 'IS' who greeted me as soon as i stepped in.
Joseph told me about the three candidates for my partner.2 of them were already part of society.Jack the timorous little man and the society's notoriously fractious and ostentatious Tim.Both were a BIG NO-NO for a partner so I guess i found my partner.The Newbie.Frankly i did not expect to get a novice.I mean i am the vice president yet i got a novice as a partner?!This means i still need to train my partner et cetera when my priority was to research on the new project.
Well at least its better than the other two candidates.
sigh

Week 11

2009-01-22T11:47:00.002+08:00

PREFACE -THE UNLIKELY PARTNERS FREDDY AND JANE

'Zealous' and 'phlegmatic' would be two perfect words to describe the 18-year-old Freddy.He can be unfeeling and cold but when it comes to his most passionate subject-Science and Technology he can be a very different person.After all he is both the youngest and the also the vice-president of the prestigious ''Invention Society'' -which deals with the world's greatest engineering and sciences.
His partner-Jean is the opposite of the meticulous Fred, she is often rash and gives Fred problems.Furthermore both of them do not get along well and are facing a competition with other society members.Will the two unlikely partners be able to succeed?Or will their hard work and efforts become fruitless because of their lack of chemistry?