ACE Flowers for Algernon (Assignment 1)

Linguistic: There are diverse views and possibly some misunderstandings on Gifted Education in Singapore. Conduct a research and write a letter to the Editor of Straits Times, expressing your point of view on gifted education. Cite your sources. It should be no less than 400 words.


Mr Yeo Kang Le
Blk 142 Lorong ah Soo
#11-255
Singapore 530142

27 January 2009

Editor of The Straits Times
Singapore Press Holdings
1000 Toa Payoh North
News Centre
Singapore 318994

Dear Editor:

Re: Views on the gifted education in Singapore

I am writing to express my views on the gifted education in Singapore. The GEP is definitely a conducive and proven programme which assists and aids "gifted" pupils in soaring to greater heights. This is a fact that has to be agreed on. The GEP pupils are educated on skills that are taught in higher levels of education which is very useful when they leave their primary school. Besides that, the pupils also have numerous projects and reprts to research on, which is a requisite in higher levels of education. Thus, it is encouraging to see that the pupils are given a chance to experience and get used to higher levels of education compared to other fellow primary school mates who do not get that chance.

However, I have noticed that a handful of GEP students are arrogrant, bashful and look down on the "mainstream" pupils (pupils not in the gifted programme). Some are to the extent of not willing to mix and interact with the "mainstream" pupils. I am alarmed and dismayed at the rate things are going with the GEP. I am sure some pupils from the GEP will lead or govern this country in the near future. In that case, they will have to converse and interact with people from all walks of life, including those from humble familys and the less fortunate example people who are mentally or physically challenged. If the GEP students are presently not willing to interact with people who are not in the "mainstream", I personally do not see how they can attain the art or even the basic requisite skills of conversing with fellow singapore citizens, let alone foreigners or Permenant Residents as Singapore is a cosmopolitan city. This a point I would like to voice out about the GEP.

In my opinion, I would humbly propose that the Ministry of Education look into inculcating thoughts and ideas to be shared with the "mainstream" pupils and urging them to participate zealously in CIP (Central Involvement Programme) activities and not concentrate solely on their accademic achievements. By doing so, the GEP pupils will be more exposed, less bashful and not have a "us-vs-them" thinking or mindset. This will also help blend the "mainstream" pupils and the GEP pupils together for the mutual understanding of both streams. Besides that, the Ministry could also hold additional workshops to expose the GEP students with good morals and values a leader should attain in order to work in a harmonious and progressive manner. I am positive that if such actions are taken, the GEP pupils will be more widely accepted and less criticised by the public.

I look foward to seeing changes in the GEP and sincerely hope that the MOE ( Ministry of Education) would consider my humble suggestions.

Yours faithfully,

Yeo Kang Le


Sources: http://www.sgforums.com/forums/10/topics/164520 (SG forums)

Obama's inauguration

It is without doubt, a historical event that the whole whole will remember deep in their hearts. Its not really surprising that the whole world has witnessed this grand event on the TV or live in Washington DC. I am not being sceptical but, is Obama human? If he acomplishes his goal and promise, I must admit, I will be awed and lost for words. How can this man be human if he alone with little assistance, can save the entire world from this purpotedly bleak financial crisis currently and spend ample time with his family? It is really amazing if he can accomplish that. (No offence to Obama hardcore fans) To put it seriously, I tink the americans are kind of unrealistic to place all their hopes on ONE man. " But I would need all your participation and help." quoted from Obama. How long can that last? People will start to be cynical and question his ability in a few months time if nothing has been greatly improved. Okay, again no offence to Obama's fans. It is really HARD to predict presently. Time will tell. Correct me if I am wrong.

ACE Complusory Blog Prompt

Recenlty, I've viewed a video clip in class called "News-In-Class" which reported about the current problems and solutions to the fishing of blue-fin tuna.Its a rather interesting clip but i can't seem to undestand the accent of the news reporter. It sounds like a cross between a British and um French accent? Try deciphering that. So I've received a blog prompt: What if I was a member of the SPCA and was chosen to deliver a speech on the cruelty of the fishing industry to whales? Strings of thoughts and ideas coursed thorugh my adolescent mind......

Ladies and gentlemen.

Tonight, in an effort to get people to understand and realise the cruelty of the fishing industry to whales, I am honoured to be here, to present this speech.

The whale population is dwindling dramatically. It is predicted that the whale population will be extinct in a matter of years if this rate persists. Why is this happening? Why is this happening to us and the whales? The main reason is due to us humans. We are killing these enormous creatures in the sea for food. We are destroying their family lines, their eco-system, the balance of Mother Nature. How horrible is that? Thats the main reason I'm here, to answer that question. It is very horrible. Whale meat may taste delicious, however, I strongly urge that we as humans, the most intelligent mammals, should spare a thought for these creatures. By hunting the whales excessively for supply demand, there will not be a good end for us. Think about it, once the whale population is extinct, the eco-system will be destroyed, resulting in other unforeseen problems that may arise. Eat less whales, hunt less whales, kill less whales. It will make a difference people. A great difference. We need a change. A change in our destiny. We can stop this increasingly treacherous trend of animal populations dwindling drastically. Hunt in moderation and save our wildlife.

Thank you.

MP Seng Han Thong undergoes skin graft operation

I understand that MP Seng H.T. was attacked by a purportedly metally unsound man yesterday. About 14% of his body was burnt and the member of parliament was sent to the hospital to receive skin graft operations. Personally, i feel that attacker is outrageous and ridiculous. Burning someone alive is definitely not a valid solution to solve problems. By doing so, the attacker instills fear in the hearts of the residents and the other MPs, causing them to worry about their safety. However, not much can be done to completely prevent such events from happening. Unless the MPs or ministers stop appearing in public to present speeches or visit the members of the public, there is still that tiny risk in geeting into an event like this.
But, i also realise that this is the second time MP Seng H.T. has been attcked. (The first time was less serious though.) This rings a bell. If he had been doing his job and serve his residents properly, he most probably would not be in such trouble would he?

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