It’s time to look back at a term where I started my LA blog during the June Holidays:
1.) Book Review: Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes
2.) Book Review: Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro
3.) Book Review: A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle
4.) Elizabeth I & the Politics of the Elizabethan Era
5.) Religion: Jews vs. Christians
6.) Customs & Lifestyle
7.) Truth of Mississippi Burning
8.) The Historical and Cultural Setting of Venice
9.) Shakespeare’s Theatre
10.) Can the Real William Shakespeare Please Stand Up?
11.) Being a Gentleman
12.) Term 3 Comment 1
13.) Term 3 Comment 2
14.) Term 3 Comment 3
15.) Term 3 Comment 4
16.) Term 3 Comment 5
17.) Term 3 Comment 6
18.) Term 3 Comment 7
19.) Term 3 Comment 8
20.) Term 3 Comment 9
21.) Term 3 Comment 10
22.) Arts, having
23.) Shakespeare’s Language & Our Language
24.) Term 3 LA Blog Review
Kudos! It has been yet another term of blogging for Language done it for two years, indefinitely everyone’s blogging skills have improved. Blogging this term has been a source for me to vent my frustration on, because it just soothes one’s mind since it is quick, fast and easy. If not for LA ACE, I really do wonder how many of us will bother to update our blog but today (18th July 2011) could well be my last ever blog post for this year (since I want to get my ACE done quickly such as to concentrate on academics for the rest of the term). Indeed, I have enjoyed this blogging experience of mine and in the hope of next year; I hope it will happen again.
Monday, July 18, 2011
Shakespeare’s Language & Our Language
Blog Prompt: Now that you understand how the English Language evolved, share with us some words into which you have gained new insights (about their origin, their form, etc.)In what ways is Elizabethan English different from the English we use today? Discuss some new terms and grammars that exist in the various Englishes in the world today.
English today is such an important language to all people worldwide and it is not only about new words. While English in the past was vastly different from what we have today, I personally feel that the words today sound much nicer than before. Would you rather say the word “hath” than “have”? It sounds weird to us because we are accustomed to the language today. However, the last two websites/articles have brought out the importance of the English Language today. Today, English is seen as the official and worldwide language to be used everywhere. However, the different English has also resulted in some negatives, such as the construction of profanities or phrases. Nevertheless, Shakespeare’s Language most likely played a crucial role in deciding the language we have today, according to research done, 3000 words from Shakespeare’s language influenced words or were added into the dictionary we have today. Wherever we go, we would hear English. In our normal lives in our school, aren’t the majority of the lessons in English? Even when we converse with our classmates, how many of us converse in different languages such as Chinese? English has been an important tool to all, being recognised as the official language, everyone will need to “at least” have some knowledge of it. Examples include businesses within two different countries, where they use English to converse, besides, what happens when there is an emergency signal? Are you going to give it in all 4 languages (based on Singapore) or only spread the message in English? In one of the articles, a student’s Greek friend who heard of the London Bombings immediately called the student to alight the bus and a minute later, the bus was truly a target of bomb explosions, which had saved his life. The language they used to converse despite having 2 different nationalities: English. Look ahead in the future: Would there be any changes to the English language? What would happen in the future? Would there be new words added to the dictionary?
English today is such an important language to all people worldwide and it is not only about new words. While English in the past was vastly different from what we have today, I personally feel that the words today sound much nicer than before. Would you rather say the word “hath” than “have”? It sounds weird to us because we are accustomed to the language today. However, the last two websites/articles have brought out the importance of the English Language today. Today, English is seen as the official and worldwide language to be used everywhere. However, the different English has also resulted in some negatives, such as the construction of profanities or phrases. Nevertheless, Shakespeare’s Language most likely played a crucial role in deciding the language we have today, according to research done, 3000 words from Shakespeare’s language influenced words or were added into the dictionary we have today. Wherever we go, we would hear English. In our normal lives in our school, aren’t the majority of the lessons in English? Even when we converse with our classmates, how many of us converse in different languages such as Chinese? English has been an important tool to all, being recognised as the official language, everyone will need to “at least” have some knowledge of it. Examples include businesses within two different countries, where they use English to converse, besides, what happens when there is an emergency signal? Are you going to give it in all 4 languages (based on Singapore) or only spread the message in English? In one of the articles, a student’s Greek friend who heard of the London Bombings immediately called the student to alight the bus and a minute later, the bus was truly a target of bomb explosions, which had saved his life. The language they used to converse despite having 2 different nationalities: English. Look ahead in the future: Would there be any changes to the English language? What would happen in the future? Would there be new words added to the dictionary?
Term 3 Comment 10
This comment is based on Yi Da’s blog post entitled “People over Penny (Dr Susan Lim Case).”
Indeed, many people will share the same opinions with you since it is a huge amount of money and doctors should be benevolent, and charge their patients accordingly, regardless of social standing or any other categories. However, there is no evidence to back up the fact that she had overcharged her patient, maybe indeed the cost of the treatment was this high. Besides, doctors do have a heart, but we always need to make known of our intentions. These days, it is a very materialistic world, where money is important to all of us; don’t you hear your parents wanting you to study hard, such that in the future, you will hold high-paid jobs such as lawyers and doctors? So, think: Is it benevolence or money you want when you’re a doctor?
Indeed, many people will share the same opinions with you since it is a huge amount of money and doctors should be benevolent, and charge their patients accordingly, regardless of social standing or any other categories. However, there is no evidence to back up the fact that she had overcharged her patient, maybe indeed the cost of the treatment was this high. Besides, doctors do have a heart, but we always need to make known of our intentions. These days, it is a very materialistic world, where money is important to all of us; don’t you hear your parents wanting you to study hard, such that in the future, you will hold high-paid jobs such as lawyers and doctors? So, think: Is it benevolence or money you want when you’re a doctor?
Term 3 Comment 9
This comment is based on Tian-Le’s blog post entitled “Adolescent Delinquency.”
A meaningful and well-chosen topic for your blog post since some of us could be stuck in this situation currently now. To start, you have given your audience a great in-depth report, which is inclusive of research done on the Internet as well as voicing your own opinions with regards to this highly debatable issue. It is also a very informal way to approach the audience, which could trigger response from the public, especially parents and parents-to-be, whom may want to change their views with regards to this by changing their lifestyle to spend more valuable time with their children. On a brighter side, let’s wish and hope that none of us will ever be caught in this situation and for those that have been caught in it, it is time for you to take action because you are the only one that can help yourself and bring about change for the better.
A meaningful and well-chosen topic for your blog post since some of us could be stuck in this situation currently now. To start, you have given your audience a great in-depth report, which is inclusive of research done on the Internet as well as voicing your own opinions with regards to this highly debatable issue. It is also a very informal way to approach the audience, which could trigger response from the public, especially parents and parents-to-be, whom may want to change their views with regards to this by changing their lifestyle to spend more valuable time with their children. On a brighter side, let’s wish and hope that none of us will ever be caught in this situation and for those that have been caught in it, it is time for you to take action because you are the only one that can help yourself and bring about change for the better.
Term 3 Comment 8
This comment is based on Wei Yang’s blog post entitled “The Upcoming Project’s Day Semi-Finals.”.
I personally feel that this topic could be inappropriate for a blog post that will be read by students and teachers from Hwa Chong. For everything you write in your blog, you should have a purpose and based on the content, your purpose is to let the audience know more about Hwa Chong’s Projects Day Competition, but the audience are people that are aware of it already and at the end of the day, you have failed in your motive to telling others more. Although I believe that this blog post could serve as valuable knowledge to others (students/teachers not from Hwa Chong), you should have added on by giving your opinions on why is there such an event organised or what are the purposes/aims/objectives of holding this competition.
I personally feel that this topic could be inappropriate for a blog post that will be read by students and teachers from Hwa Chong. For everything you write in your blog, you should have a purpose and based on the content, your purpose is to let the audience know more about Hwa Chong’s Projects Day Competition, but the audience are people that are aware of it already and at the end of the day, you have failed in your motive to telling others more. Although I believe that this blog post could serve as valuable knowledge to others (students/teachers not from Hwa Chong), you should have added on by giving your opinions on why is there such an event organised or what are the purposes/aims/objectives of holding this competition.
Term 3 Comment 7
This comment is based on Jonathan’s blog post entitled “Book Review- Jeffrey Archer’s Not a Penny More, Not a Penny Less.”.
I am not trying to be critical here but personally, I feel that a book review is not supposed to be done in this way. A book review is different from a book summary. A book review is supposed to contain an in-depth review of the book such as the themes of the story. Besides, it should contain basic information such as details of publisher, most importantly, concentrate on the themes and try to relate it to real-life examples, at the same time, giving your comments, experiences and feelings after having read the book. However, your book summary has been excellent, covering the important characters in the story as well as giving the audience quick, brief but yet crucial details in the plot.
I am not trying to be critical here but personally, I feel that a book review is not supposed to be done in this way. A book review is different from a book summary. A book review is supposed to contain an in-depth review of the book such as the themes of the story. Besides, it should contain basic information such as details of publisher, most importantly, concentrate on the themes and try to relate it to real-life examples, at the same time, giving your comments, experiences and feelings after having read the book. However, your book summary has been excellent, covering the important characters in the story as well as giving the audience quick, brief but yet crucial details in the plot.
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Term 3 Comment 6
This comment is based on Clarence’s blog post entitled “Russian Ship Capsize”.
Good job in telling all about the current affairs in today’s world. I do definitely agree with you that money should not be saved at the expense of the lives of the people. From this and based on your character, you are one that likes to create or construct new stuff, especially since you are in CCA Robotics. However, maybe you could have added more information about how ships are built such that we could have gained in-depth knowledge about why the ship capsized, which will mean looking at the heavier side of events, in this case being the scientific part. Besides, maybe you could share your experience on a ship if you have sat one before in order to enhance a real visual imagery for your readers.
Good job in telling all about the current affairs in today’s world. I do definitely agree with you that money should not be saved at the expense of the lives of the people. From this and based on your character, you are one that likes to create or construct new stuff, especially since you are in CCA Robotics. However, maybe you could have added more information about how ships are built such that we could have gained in-depth knowledge about why the ship capsized, which will mean looking at the heavier side of events, in this case being the scientific part. Besides, maybe you could share your experience on a ship if you have sat one before in order to enhance a real visual imagery for your readers.
Term 3 Comment 5
This comment is based on Wei Ren’s blog post entitled “Holiday Reading (Book Review-Fortune’s Folly)”.
It’s great having students from our class to introduce good books to us but I would have felt that this book would not interest many people in our class since it is fantasy-based and I believe that minority of the people go for fantasy-based stories, instead we love adventure and science-fiction based stories. Besides, based on my experiences of reading a fantasy based book, it has no relation to our curriculum and the main purpose is for entertainment, which is something we are not looking for. Maybe you could have pointed out the themes of the story, which is not the genre of the story (fantasy) and share what you have learnt from this story such as writing techniques or morals even though it hardly appears in fantasy based books.
It’s great having students from our class to introduce good books to us but I would have felt that this book would not interest many people in our class since it is fantasy-based and I believe that minority of the people go for fantasy-based stories, instead we love adventure and science-fiction based stories. Besides, based on my experiences of reading a fantasy based book, it has no relation to our curriculum and the main purpose is for entertainment, which is something we are not looking for. Maybe you could have pointed out the themes of the story, which is not the genre of the story (fantasy) and share what you have learnt from this story such as writing techniques or morals even though it hardly appears in fantasy based books.
Term 3 Comment 4
This comment is based on Ming Fwu’s blog post entitled “The Gentleman”.
To start, I have no idea on why you say gentlemen are the elite class of the society. It seems weird because elite class of the society, being defined as by many people, are people that have succeeded in their careers and are bringing in huge bucks. The elite class of the society are respected by many since they can be seen as the highest tier in the social class table. Besides, it is questionable why you say that the priority of a gentleman is to be respected by the society? It makes it seem that one will only be a gentleman such as to be respected, why do some people be a gentleman, without any motives? Being a gentleman is up to one to decide whether he wants to or not because it is governed by virtues and how he wants to face and contribute to the society.
To start, I have no idea on why you say gentlemen are the elite class of the society. It seems weird because elite class of the society, being defined as by many people, are people that have succeeded in their careers and are bringing in huge bucks. The elite class of the society are respected by many since they can be seen as the highest tier in the social class table. Besides, it is questionable why you say that the priority of a gentleman is to be respected by the society? It makes it seem that one will only be a gentleman such as to be respected, why do some people be a gentleman, without any motives? Being a gentleman is up to one to decide whether he wants to or not because it is governed by virtues and how he wants to face and contribute to the society.
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Term 3 Comment 3
This comment is based on Liak Ghee’s blog post entitled “Being a Gentleman”.
Maybe to add on to these points could be regarding my previous blog post (Term 3 Comment 2) about his actions. First, peer pressure, how would a gentleman tackle the problem of negative peer pressure? A gentleman should know what he is doing and definitely take the actions of N.A.H, preventing himself from succumbing to it. What about positive peer pressure such as the example described? It is up to him to decide really because a gentleman does not need to do well academically in order to be classified as a gentleman. Besides, should he want to pursue his interest, there is nothing wrong about it. However, he should always know his priority and take action accordingly. How would a gentleman then face parental pressure? This is a difficult issue to tackle, he needs to know that he should not disrespect his parents (such as when discussing with them), however, at the same time, protecting his interests and following their wishes.
Maybe to add on to these points could be regarding my previous blog post (Term 3 Comment 2) about his actions. First, peer pressure, how would a gentleman tackle the problem of negative peer pressure? A gentleman should know what he is doing and definitely take the actions of N.A.H, preventing himself from succumbing to it. What about positive peer pressure such as the example described? It is up to him to decide really because a gentleman does not need to do well academically in order to be classified as a gentleman. Besides, should he want to pursue his interest, there is nothing wrong about it. However, he should always know his priority and take action accordingly. How would a gentleman then face parental pressure? This is a difficult issue to tackle, he needs to know that he should not disrespect his parents (such as when discussing with them), however, at the same time, protecting his interests and following their wishes.
Term 3 Comment 2
This comment is based on Liak Ghee’s blog post entitled “Peer Pressure”.
To start, all the points you have mentioned are valid and these actions should be taken by all in order to prevent one from succumbing to peer pressure. However, are you sure that there is no peer pressure that cannot ever be overcome? To start, peer pressure may not always be negative, it could be positive as well. One example would be you are required to attend a sabbatical for one year, while your friends choose a course that is related to academics, allowing one to improve themselves academically, you have chosen a course that has no relation to academics at all and you are in the situation where your academics have been poor. Thus, which one will you choose? Maybe another question to ask would be: Will N.A.H work when you face parental pressure?
To start, all the points you have mentioned are valid and these actions should be taken by all in order to prevent one from succumbing to peer pressure. However, are you sure that there is no peer pressure that cannot ever be overcome? To start, peer pressure may not always be negative, it could be positive as well. One example would be you are required to attend a sabbatical for one year, while your friends choose a course that is related to academics, allowing one to improve themselves academically, you have chosen a course that has no relation to academics at all and you are in the situation where your academics have been poor. Thus, which one will you choose? Maybe another question to ask would be: Will N.A.H work when you face parental pressure?
Monday, July 4, 2011
Term 3 Comment 1
This comment is based on Wei Kiat’s blog post entitled “A True Gentleman”.
I have to agree with you that the definition of a gentleman from the dictionary is definitely wrong. However, I disagree with one point that you raised, you said that if a man was filthy but had a generous heart and possesses other qualities such as appropriate behaviour but look a filthy person indicates that he has no respect for himself, being sloppy about his appearance and does not mind how other people (the public) look at him. Thus, based on this scenario, he should not be classified as a gentleman
I have to agree with you that the definition of a gentleman from the dictionary is definitely wrong. However, I disagree with one point that you raised, you said that if a man was filthy but had a generous heart and possesses other qualities such as appropriate behaviour but look a filthy person indicates that he has no respect for himself, being sloppy about his appearance and does not mind how other people (the public) look at him. Thus, based on this scenario, he should not be classified as a gentleman
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