Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Essays For SPM and Muet Students
Essays For SPM and Muet Students
Do you agree the widespread influence of western culture among students corrupt
them morally ?
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It is very hard for Easterners to resist Westernization. The influence of western ideas
and culture is widespread namely in dressing, mannerisms, food, books, entertainment
and even education. However, western culture can also corrupt a person morally
especially young people.
There are many aspects of the western culture that are deemed not suitable for Asians
namely its sense of fashion, moral values regarding pre-marital sex, pornography and
wild entertainment. The young mind is easily influenced and corrupted. When one
enters shopping complexes, restaurants and other public places, the first thing that
catches one's attention is the way the young dress. Many follow the fashion nuances
of the west with little regard to Asian values and perspectives related to modesty.
Many young teenagers can be seen clad in low cut tops, low waist jeans and in short
very revealing outfits. They mimic western style of clothing as well free intermingling
of sexes.
This situation has led to many undesirable consequences. Chief among them is the
practice of free sex among students. The Asian values of saving oneself for marriage
or until the right person comes along is discarded and considered archaic. Since many
teenagers lack awareness on safe sex, they expose themselves to unwanted
pregnancies, sexually transmitted diseases such as AIDS, gonorrhoea, syphilis and
other life-threatening disease. WE read newspaper reports almost on a daily basis on
how unborn babies are being dumped in toilets, houses of worship, hospitals and other
public places. There are yet many students who upon finding themselves pregnant
resort to abortion. The later can be fatal if not done by professional gynaecologists.
Many charity organizations report of teenagers coming for advice when they find
themselves jilted by their boyfriends. There are also many reports on teenagers
contracting STDs and other dangerous diseases.
Another strong influence of westernization is in the arena of entertainment. Teenagers
find it exciting and fulfilling when they visit video arcades, discotheques, nightclubs
and other places of entertainment. Thus, they expose themselves tot he morally
deficient elements at this kind of places. Apart from picking up bad habits such as
smoking, drinking alcohol and other behaviors unsuitable for people of such a young
age, these teens also expose themselves to abuse and exploitation. Many young people
have admitted to being sexually abused this way by friends or strangers who spike
their drinks with drugs only to awake next morning in the bed of strangers.
Thus, though not all elements of westernization corrupt young people morally, the
latter seem more susceptible and even naive with regards to western influence in the
arena of entertainment, fashion and behavior. Many teenagers demand unfettered
freedom without realizing the consequences o their behavior which brings harm to
them. In their desire to be westernized, they accept those elements which provides
pleasure but places them at great risks.
Money is of course very important for human beings to lead a decent and satisfying
life. unlike animals and plants, money defines the existence of human society as we
cannot live without it. Money is an important exchange for food, shelter and clothing.
Many people believe that money si the root of all evil. But contrary to that, I believe
and agree that money is the key to human happiness. it has become indispensable in
our lives when humans began using money for exchange of goods and services
instead of he barter trade which was popular hundreds of years ago. Humans work to
earn an income that would enable them to bring food to the table, clothe themselves as
well as indulge in pleasures that can be obtained only through money.
When we are able to afford goods and services, it inevitably grants us a lot of
happiness, satisfaction and stability in our lives. In many poor countries such as
Africa, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam and others, millions live in misery due to extreme
poverty. They are deprived of happiness, dignity and a sense of direction n their lives
as they live from hand to mouth and their future is at best uncertain. Thus, it would be
foolish to think that money causes distress, and is the root cause of immorality and
evil behavior. On the contrary, most of us earn an income through legal means which
allows us to maintain a good standard of living. it enable us to travel for holidays and
have access to good food, medical facilities, and a lifestyle that grants us much
happiness and satiety. Many parents admit that they slog at work so that thy could
provided comfort and stability to their offspring. Money especially comes in handy
when a family member is stricken with a disease and cash is needed for treatment.
Unhappiness results when we are denied the above. Many families struggle to make
ends meet and the lack of money almost inevitably sows seeds of unhappiness. They
are exposed to continuous bickering, quarrels and ultimately, misery.
There are of course those, due to greed for more material wealth, resort to illegal
means to become rich quickly. They commit robberies, murders and cheat to get
ahead in lives. However, this does not grant them the happiness or the peace of mind.
In the case of robbers and murders, the constant threat by the law enforcement
authorities closing in on them, creates jitters and a life full of uncertainties and fear.
Hence, money would always be looked at as the most or at least one of the most
important keys to happiness. it has become a part of what defines us as human beings
as it allows us to live a life of dignity, happiness and contentment.
The saying "health is wealth" is very apt as good health comes from a good physique
that enables one to enjoy the pleasures and manage challenges of life. health here
comprises the mental and the physical.
Thus I agree that good health is actually wealth as it allows one lead an existence
without being hampered by disabling circumstances such as disability (both mental
and physical), medical conditions such as diabetes, cancer and other potentially fatal
diseases. A disabled person faces a lot of challenges n life including having to depend
on another for basic needs and perform simple tasks. The situation is even more
daunting if you are paralyzed and mentally unfit to lead a normal existence. One
would not be able to earn an income becoming a burden to family and friends (though
the latter are usually encouraging and supportive).
Many cancer patients and others who suffer from debilitating sickness spend huge
amounts of money for treatment. In addition to that, they have to undergo very painful
medical procedures. A cancer patient for example typically has to undergo
chemotherapy and radiotherapy which have undesirable side effects such as vomiting,
hair loss, weaknesses and other unpleasant symptoms. Despite all that, there is no
guarantee that one would survive such sickness.
Thus, our good physical and mental well being provides us the opportunity to enjoy
life without any hindrances. The "wealth" one derives from good health is actually a
life free from circumstances that afflicts us in some way and hence, affects our
happiness and comfort.
There are many people in this world who are extremely wealthy but due to poor
health, they are unable to enjoy their material coins. Their daily performance is
hampered by physical and mental incapacitation and hence, they can be actually
considered "poor". A materially poor man or woman but rich in terms of health
actually can be termed as "wealthy' as he or she is not hampered by sickness. the later
does not have to fork out money for treatment and can enjoy a peaceful and blissful
life.
In short, good health si wealth as no amount of money can cure one of terrible
sickness. Good health ensures a fulfilling and enriching life.
Friendships
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Friends are very important in our lives. Friendships are easily formed when we are
young and do not demand too much out of it. According to studies and research,
humans tend to form highest number of friendships at kindergarten and primary level.
However, one tends to have less friends as one grows older and wiser. This is because
we realize there are good friends and bad ones.
The saying that a friend in need is a friend indeed is very apt in this scenario because
good friends are those who are reliable and trustworthy. at a younger age, our
demands are not too high regarding friendships as we rely mostly on our parents,
siblings and relatives for important things. The friends we formed at this age are
merely considered playmates rather than companions and confidants. Thus, our
expectations of them are not high.
More serious friendships are formed when one enters puberty and achieves certain
level of maturity. the latter allows one to forge fellowship with those who share the
same interests, passion as well as similar moral and religious values. Thus, it is not
surprising to observe that in some Asian country, mature students at the upper
secondary level have friends of the same ethnic and religious backgrounds. At the
university level, it is even more apparent. Even the Ministry of education has voiced
concern over this phenomenon where polarization is prominent. The Indians, Chinese
and Malays hardly mix with each other and are seen usually in the company of their
own kind.
One of the main reasons for polarization among university students is that as they
reach a certain level of maturity, common binding factors such as religion, customs
and traditions play important role in selection of friends or mates. In addition, since
majority of these students come from rural backgrounds where there is not much
cultural interchange, they feel rather awkward to forge friendships with students of
other races. However, this does not mean the students are racist or suffer from
superiority complex. Thus, the university should introduce more programs that allow
cultural and religious mixing and understanding of the other.
Nevertheless, in the working world, a different scenario prevails. One finds Indians,
Chinese and other races forging stable and long lasting friendships. This is most
probably due o the fact that to be productive in one's work, one has to believe in team
work. The latter actually enhances the bond between the workers and eventually long
lasting friendships are formed. In fact, this situation has even led to many inter racial
marriages between the three major races. the products of the intermarriages are very
unique as they have friends and relatives from both ethnic backgrounds.
"Examinations" - This is a word that causes sleepless nights, a word can change a
cheerful person into a nervous wreck. So, what are examinations, and how can they be
any good?
An examination can be defined as a detailed inspection or analysis of an object or
person. For example, an engineer will examine a structure, like a bridge, to see if it is
safe. A doctor may conduct a medical examination to gauge whether a patient is
healthy. In the school context, it is the students who take the examinations. These are
usually a series of comprehensive tests held at the end of each term, year or, in the
case of public examinations, after a few years.
One of the main purposes of school examinations is to improve the quality of
education. From the results of the examinations, the teachers and planners of the
curriculum will be able to gauge the extent to which the students have acquired the
knowledge and skills of the course material. This would, first of all, provide an
evaluation of their teaching methods, so they can improve them, if necessary.
Examinations are also used as a yardstick for measuring the capability of the
candidate, for further education or employment. For example, examination results are
the main criteria when selecting students for entrance into universities. It is assumed
that the examination results would indicate whether or not the student will be able to
handle the course. In the case of employment, it is felt that the examination results
will indicate whether or not the job seeker has the skills or intelligence to handle the
job.
However, does the school examination system provide an accurate yardstick of the
candidate's ability? Albert Einstein, at the age of 16, took the entrance exam to the
Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, but failed and so was rejected by this elite
school. Yet, Einstein went on to develop the theory of relativity and quantum theory,
winning the Nobel Prize in Physics at the age of 42. Other examples of famous
achievers who failed in school examinations would include Winston Churchill,
Thomas Edison and Bill Gates.
One may also question whether the present examination system results in better
teaching in schools. In fact, some teachers are so pressured to produce good
examination results that they are forced to practise poor teaching methods. They may
race through the syllabus, ignoring the fact that the weaker students have not grasped
some of the concepts. Some other teachers may concentrate on popular examination
topics, ignoring the topics which are rarely tested in the examinations.
Pressure to succeed in examinations may also be detrimental to the students. They
may be so filled with anxiety and stress that they do not enjoy their school years.
They may be studying only to get good examination results, rather than a rounded
education. Some of the weaker students, who cannot seem to achieve good
examination results, may lose interest in their studies. In extreme cases, students may
be so frustrated or disappointed in their results that they may consider ending their
lives.
In conclusion, I realise that examinations are necessary and useful in many areas of
our lives. However, within the school system, they should be given less emphasis or
conducted in a different way. Furthermore, educationists, employers and students
themselves should be reminded that examination results may not provide the best
assessment of an individual's talents and capabilities.
Everybody wants to be rich and no one wants to be poor by their own choice. This is a
fact. Event he rich wants to be richer and the very rich wants to be super rich. In a
materialistic world, money is an indispensable commodity which everyone, young or
old, man or woman, seeks.
Everyone has their own reasons for seeking wealth. I have mine as well, and these are
my reasons.
First, I would build my dream house. It would be in a quite and secluded area, away
from the busy city. It would be built on a large tract of land which would also include
facilities such as a swimming pool, a tennis court, a badminton court and a jogging
track that would run around the perimeter of the estate. It would also have a beautiful
garden and a barbecue area for garden parties.
Then, I would also like to own a large yacht in which I could sail out to the sea. The
yacht would have a well-stocked larder with the best foods an drinks available so that
my guests and I could stay at sea for several days or weeks at a stretch.
I would have my own jet plane in which I could fly to anywhere in the world at a
moment's notice. I could be in New York one day and in Paris the next and then in
Shanghai the following day.
Then, I would also like to help people. I would start a charity foundation to help the
needy. I would award scholarships to exceptionally talented youths so that they would
be able to further their education without thought of financial worries. I would also set
up homes for the aged and the handicapped.
Finally, I would donate a princely sum to medical research. Scientists have not found
a cure to diseases such as cancer and Aids. It would be good to render y help to such
worthy causes.
These are my reasons for wanting to be rich.
Tuition
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The word `tuition' refers to remedial teaching in small groups. In the past, students
who are weak in their studies engage the services of a tutor, one who was an expert in
his field of study. Today, it is a different scenario altogether. Tuition has become a
major money spinner for many teachers. Almost every student who can afford it go
for tuition and parents are willing to fork out huge sums of money just to ensure that
their children are not left behind in the rat race or paper chase.
The rationale for sending students for tuition is to provide opportunities for students
who are weak in certain subjects to catch up. In schools, teachers have limited time to
teach students. For example, there are only five lessons per week for subjects like
Mathematics and English. The time allotted is certainly insufficient for weak students
to understand a particular subject. Moreover, with increasing paper work and a load of
other duties, teaching time may actually be further reduced. Teachers may rush
through the syllabus leaving weaker students in the lurch. These students who have
difficulty assimilating what is taught may then resort to tuition.
Nowadays, due to work commitments, parents stay away from home for the greater
part of the day. Parents would then prefer to send their children to tuition classes just
to keep them from getting involved in undesirable activities or just to prevent them
from idling their time away. Some educated parents may be too busy to help their
children with their studies. On the other hand, there are parents who are unable to help
their children because they do not have a sufficient level of education. For these
groups of parents, tuition is helpful.
Tuition classes, nowadays are no longer confined to small groups of students. Many
tuition centers have a large enrolment. It is not uncommon to find tuition classes
which have bigger enrolments than classes in schools. In such instances, students
cannot get personalized attention from tutors and this defeats the whole purpose of
tuition.
The authorities should come down hard on such tuition centers which are out to fleece
students. Otherwise, such centers will be churning out teachers who give their
wholehearted attention and devotion to tuition and slacken in school.
Children's Safety
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News headlines about heinous criminal acts against children such as kidnapping,
abuse, assault, murder and rape are more than just disturbing. They are shocking. It is
right that we condemn these despicable acts. While our hearts go out to
theaggrieved parents who may never see their children again, we must realize that we
live in a time and age where it is no longer safe for children to roam about freely.
Protecting children from harm and violence is not just the duty of parents and the
authorities concerned. Society has to play its part as well.
For starters, action needs to begin with parents and the family. Parents must be
vigilant and know the whereabouts of their children all the time. They nee to watch
out for their children especially when they are outside, be it in the playground or
while shopping. Moreover, they need to chaperone their children constantly, even if
the distance traveled is short. Leaving a child unsupervised and assuming that a child
will ultimately return home safely is unwise. Parents should set boundaries about
places that children may go, people they may see and things they may do. Children
should also be taught to say 'no' to strangers offering lifts and gifts.
The authorities, including the police, can ensure better protection for children by
implementing several measures, for example increasing patrols in high-risk areas such
as shopping malls and playgrounds. They can also carryout awareness campaigns on
child safety. Installing CCTVs in areas frequented by children ill also go a long way
towards ensuring child safety.
Schools should place special emphasis on child safety education. As young children
are the most vulnerable, child safety education should start in primary schools so that
children can learn how to be safe from strangers. Children should also be taught to
trust their instincts and seek help whenever they feel threatened.
It is a harsh but true fact that the world is no longer a safe place for innocent children
as sexual predators lurk in every nook and cranny. A safe environment for children
to live and grow can only be realized when all parties, including parents, schools,
communities and the authorities work together.
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Preventing truancy
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Truancy tops the list of misdemeanors by our students. Almost every day, students
are caught playing truant. Although it is not a serious problem, it must be nipped in
the bud.
Truancy means being absent from school without a valid reason. Students play truant
for number of reasons. Most of them play truant because of negative peer influence.
they follow their friends who skip school. Financial problems can also cause a
student to stay away from school. This explains why students who play truant are
mainly from the lower income groups. Learning problems is another cause of truancy.
Students who find academic subjects difficult or boring would prefer to play truant.
Some students who are addicted to drugs or alcohol will frequently be absent. The
fear of bullying or harassment may also cause timid students to play truant.
If left unchecked, truancy can lead to juvenile delinquency and numerous other
negative outcomes. Youths who play truant have an increased risk of dropping out of
school. School dropouts are more likely to be unemployed as prospective employers
are concerned about attendance of their potential employees. Regular school
attendance is also important for academic success. If a student often plays truant, he
may fail in his examinations. Students who play truant also have low self-esteem and
become social misfits.
To curb truancy, initiatives must be taken. Prevention is the key. Early intervention
can tackle the problem. Students who often skip classes should be given counseling.
Parents should check with teachers and school authorities periodically to monitor
students' attendance. Police patrols will also deter repeat offenders.
The mass media is flooded with advertisements of every kind. One only has to flip
through the pages of magazines or newspapers or sit through a television program to
see the wide coverage that advertisements receive in terms of space and time.
Companies fork out large amounts of money just to advertise their products or
services.
What, the, are the benefits of advertisements ? Advertisements offer a wide variety of
options to both potential buyers and sellers. Through advertisements, employers can
recruit workers. People who wish to put up their properties for sale can find buyers or
vice versa.
Although there are grouses about advertisements, the numerous benefits of
advertisements remain undisputed. Advertisements are the lifeblood of many
television and radio stations. Many companies build a reputation for their products
through advertisements. Sometimes companies sponsor major sporting events and
help in the development of sports in the country.
Advertisements inform the public about the wide array of products that are available
in the market an dhow much they cost. Customers can compare the prices and merits
of the different products and then decide which product to buy. Advertisements help
increase the sales volume of products. In this way, companies expand their business
and enjoy economies of scale.
As with most things in life, advertisements can be both a bane or a boon.
Nevertheless, in my opinion, the advantages of advertisements far outweigh the
disadvantages and it is up to the discerning public to discard the advertisements which
do not profess the truth.
grouses complaints
A recent health survey indicates that lifestyle diseases such as diabetes, heart attacks,
strokes and certain types of cancers are on the rise. Bulging waistlines, obesity and
clogged arteries are becoming more common as the Chinese continue with their
unhealthy lifestyles. Our preoccupation with tasty but unhealthy meals as well as our
increasingly inactive or sedentary lifestyles have taken a toll on our health. The
government's call for the Chinese to live healthy lifestyles have fallen on deaf ears. As
a result, we have a growing generation of couch potatoes.
The Chinese have to give top priority to ways of keeping fit if they wish to live a
disease-free life. Keeping fit requires sacrifice, determination and discipline.
Our exotic cuisines are enough to whet anyone's appetite. Our choice of food almost
always includes food that appeal to the taste buds regardless of whether they have
nutritional value or otherwise. As a result, we gorge ourselves on food that has a high
oil content such as fried chicken and french fries. To make matters worse, many of us
have a sweet tooth. When calorie intake exceeds output, the inevitable is bound to
occur -- obesity and an inactive lifestyle.
What we need to do is shed all the extra weight by reducing our calorie intake and by
exercising. Choosing nutritious food that is relatively low in calories is a move in the
right direction. If we need to go on a diet o weight reduction program, then it is best
we consult a qualified nutritionist or dietician.
When buying food, choose products with healthier ingredients. When you eat out,
choose dishes that have less fat or oil content.
Exercise is an integral part of keeping fit. Regular exercise not only helps to manage
weight, but also increases fitness levels. A person need not have vigorous workouts in
the gym to keep himself fit. Brisk walking or even walking up the stairs instead of
using the life are good forms of exercise. Health experts recommend that an
individual exercise at least three times a week with each session lasting for about 20
to 30 minutes.
Keeping fit also requires changes in other aspects of our lifestyles. Smoking and
drinking alcohol can wreak havoc on our health. Smoking increases the risks of
developing certain types of cancers while heavy drinking can lead to liver damage. A
chain-smoker and a heavy drinker cannot hope to live a long, disease-free life.
Habitual smokers and drinkers not only have to fork out large amounts of money for
cigarettes and alcohol, but also for higher medical bills.
Life is a precious gift from God. It is the duty of every individual to value this gift.
Keeping fit is therefore our responsibility. Shirking from our responsibility indicates
either ignorance of indifference. We have to get our priorities right before we become
victims of our own careless habits.
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Bullying
As the Head Prefect of your school, you are asked to write an article on bullying.
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Statistics provided by the school's Disciplinary Board show that cases of bullying are
on the rise. There were only 12 cases of bullying in 2010. The number increased to 18
cases in 2009, 20 cases in 2011 and 25 cases this year. This is an unhealthy trend and
if left unchecked, it can become a problem.
Verbal bullying, which includes name-calling and insulting remarks, accounted for 45
per cent of bullying cases. This was followed by indirect bullying, which includes
spreading nasty and malicious stories. It accounted for 35 per cent of all bullying
cases. Physical bullying accounted for one-fifth of the cases.
Bullying occurs for a number of reasons. Often, bullying behavior develops in
response to the environment, whether it is at home, school or within a peer group.
Bullies usually come from homes where physical punishment i used. In such a
scenario, physical punishment is seen as a way to handle problems. The child then
resorts to aggressive behavior. Negative peer influence can further aggravate the
problem. With the absence of a proper role model both at home and in school,
children have no opportunity to learn behavior skills. As a result, bullies tend to derive
satisfaction from inflicting injury or suffering to others without feeling empathy for
their victims.
Close monitoring by parents and school authorities can curb bullying. Parents must
monitor their children's activities. Those who are at the receiving end and bystanders
must report all incidents of bullying. The school must enlist the help of parents when
dealing with such cases. Schools must have clear rules against bullying. Repeat
offenders must face the music. If the offender does not turn over a new leaf, he
should be suspended or expelled from school. The use of deterrents sends a clear and
strong message to perpetrators that bullying is unacceptable.
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Fighting crime
Everyone should be involved in the fight against crime.' Do you agree ?
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The rise in criminal activities has always been a matter of grave concern among
Asians. Gone are the good old days when we could roam the streets freely and safely
without fear of being robbed, assaulted, kidnapped, raped or even murdered. There
have been comments that the authorities have not done enough to fight crime. What
people fail to realize is that crime prevention is a shared responsibility. Crime
prevention should include the authorities, such as the relevant ministries and
government departments, the police, as well as the various NGOs and the public.
For their part, the authorities have beefed up the police force and put more police
officers on the streets. Non-uniformed personnel have been assigned crime-prevention
duties. Moreover, Mobile Police stations and Mobile Police Vehicles have been placed
in crime-prone areas. Law enforcement alone is not enough. Law enforcers can only
patrol areas periodically. They cannot possibly be everywhere all the time. It is the
members of the public who can provide the police with relevant information, report
the dangers that lurk in their neighborhoods or report suspicious characters. We have
to be the eyes and ears of the police if we wish to eradicate crime.
We can also play our part in fighting crime by organizing neighborhood patrols.
Residents can form their own residents' associations and link up with police stations
nearby. It is only when the public become more vigilant and work hand-in-hand with
the police that we see a significant reduction in crime.
More crime prevention campaigns should be organized to reinforce public awareness
on the need to act together to combat crime. The media should not only report
sensational news, such as brutal killings and grisly murders. It should educate the
public on crime prevention. With responsible reporting, the media can help to create
awareness and make the public more safety conscious.
Crime prevention is a collective responsibility. Although police presence has a strong
impact on fighting crime, the public too can play its role by improving security on the
streets and our neighborhoods. Only then can we help to mitigate crime. We must
come together in a true spirit and be resolved to fight crime.
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Many people today are not as happy as they wish to be. Technological advancements
have made our lives easier and more comfortable. We enjoy higher incomes and better
standards of living as a result of progress and development, but happiness has
remained a rather elusive goal for many of us. Our pursuit of material wealth and
worldly possessions has robbed us of the contentment that we long for.
What is happiness and how can we obtain it ? Happiness can be defined as a state of
mind characterized by feelings of contentment, satisfaction and pleasure. People
always think that their achievements, education, career, family and financial security
can make them happy but later find that happiness is not always the end result. We
can own and live in a beautiful home, afford a lavish lifestyle, wear designer clothes
or drive expensive cars and yet we may be unhappy. It is a misconception to think that
having lots of money can make a person happy. What then can provide lasting
happiness ?
Abraham Lincoln once said, 'You are as happy as you make up your mind to be.'
Happiness is a matter of choice. We can make a choice to be either happy or sad.
Being satisfied with who we are and what we have can make us happy. Unfortunately,
there is no short cut to happiness. we should first set our goals and determine the areas
in our lives that are important to us. Then we should strive to attain these goals. we
should make a conscious attempt to change what we can and accept what we cannot.
Being optimistic can aid in creasing our happiness. Always think that life is going to
get better. It helps to have a positive outlook. Dwelling in the past
and ruminating about something that went wrong can lead to depression. At the same
time, we should never try to compare ourselves with others. It will only lead to
unhappiness. Instead, we should count our blessings and be thankful for all the good
things we have -- good health, family, friends and education. Happiness starts at
home. Therefore, we should all try to improve our relationship with our parents and
siblings.
Research ha shown that happy people live longer, are healthier and are more
successful. they also enjoy more fulfilling relationships and are respected by others.
Therefore, instead of brooding over our pains and sorrows, we should always keep
ourselves busy and find pleasure in small things.
The local media, especially the local dailies, have been replete with reports of snatch
thefts. The barrage of media reports has caused more than a sense of anxiety, it has
caused fear and panic among residents. Recently, there has been a spate of snatch
thefts in our area. Snatch thefts tend to escalate during festive seasons and holidays.
Hotspots of snatch thefts are quiet and deserted areas such as residential areas, by the
roadside, in lifts and around the bank.
Snatch thieves choose their targets carefully. They often strike when people are off
guard. They home in on people who are alone and those who are distracted. Women
and senior citizens are especially susceptible as they may be unable to defend
themselves. Often the victims are seriously injured or even killed. To avoid becoming
potential victims, we should take simple crime prevention measures.
Do not walk alone especially in dark and deserted areas. Take your handbag only if
necessary. It is better to carry your purse. Always hold handbags and personal
belongings close to the body. If a snatch thief tugs at your handbag, do not hold on to
it. Just let it go. Although you may never be able to retrieve your belongings, it is
better than to hang on to it and suffer injuries inflicted by the perpetrators. Keep
important or valuable items out of sight and be careful of suspicious-looking motorists
or persons. Always be alert and attentive to your surroundings. If you suspect that you
are being targeted, walk to a crowded area. Walk against the flow of traffic and hold
on to your handbag on the side away from passing motorists.
Be careful of suspicious-looking motorists or persons. Snatch thieves often approach
potential victims on the pretext of striking up a conversation or asking for directions.
If someone approaches you, always keep a safe but polite distance. avoid wearing
excessive jewellery or carrying large amounts of cash. Do not flaunt cash and
valuables in public. Instead, you should always be observant of your surroundings.
Snatch thefts are crimes of opportunity. they occur because people do not take the
preventive measures mentioned. Snatch thefts can be prevented if people are vigilant
at all times.
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http://www.scribd.com/doc/177345641/Muet-Essays
Do you think that there is any need for change in the education system in your
country?
This essay examines the current situation in England and will, if at all, apply only in
part to other countries. Educational tradition and emphasis vary widely, but the fact
remains that whereas Eastern and some Western countries are producing young people
well-trained for key employment and well-suited to modern life, England is, in 1990,
signally failing to do either. How can this decline be reversed?
First, it should be understood that there is a dual system in England. The private, or
fee-paying sector stands alongside the state, or free sector, but between the two there
is a great gulf fixed. Standards in the private sector remain very high, and produce the
best results both academically and behaviorally. A few independent grammar schools
likewise succeed, and even fewer comprehensive schools. The state sector is an
almost unqualified failure. Many pupils leave school illiterate and innumerate and are
fitted only for the lowest-grade jobs. The situation is so bad that both the Labor and
the Conservative parties have education at the top of their respective agendas.
The decline dates from the 1960s, the era of drugs, protest, pop music and the hippy
outlook. All this was a reaction against wartime restraints and disciplines, but with the
coming of the new freedoms the best of the old tradition was lost. Suddenly the
'teenager' was invented. Neither home nor school could any longer exert discipline. In
any case the old sanctions, including corporal punishment, were made illegal. At the
same time the economy was booming and there was plenty of work, and therefore
money, for young people. So parents, even if they had ambitions for their children,
were mostly powerless to instill incentive. At the same time the teaching profession
lost heart in the face of classroom chaos and often personal intimidation. To complete
the cause for decline, the educational theorists had been at work. Education became
child-centered, which means that if little Willy doesn't want to do his match, let him
do what he wants. Competitiveness, both in the classroom and on the games field, was
frowned on, because to lose, they said, made children feel inferior.
The consequence of all this was that teaching no longer attracted the best brains, and
the profession plummeted in reputation. Both political parties now vie with each other
in bringing forward plans to remedy a situation which, if not universally bad, is
appalling in the densely-populated city areas.
Ideally, education should offer the pupil three main objectives. These are: to fit well
into society, to cope with modern types of employment, and to continue with self-
education after school days. Commercially and industrially, England is becoming
increasingly integrated into Europe. That, plus national pride and pride in oneself
should provide incentive enough. The latent talent is there, but how can these
incentives be imparted? And how can teacher quality and morale be improved? Not
merely by throwing money at the problem.
There should be free and subsidized creche places, since most women have to work at
least part-time. England has far too many single-parent families. Ideally there would
be a return to the traditional family. Parents should help children at home and try to
fire their enthusiasm for work. Parental partnership with teachers should be much
closer.
State education should drop peripheral subjects and concentrate on the traditional
teaching of reading, writing and arithmetic in the early years. Only when they are
proficient in these should children branch out into other subjects. There should be
state-run examinations at three-yearly intervals. These would not only check the
child's progress but also the teacher's proficiency. A system of awards to both teachers
and pupils could be introduced. All this implies a national curriculum geared to the
objectives outlined above.
At about age thirteen it will become obvious whether a child is suited to a science or
an arts course, or to neither. Separate provision should then be made for all three
categories. Youth Training Schemes for the third category should be greatly extended
and made compulsory. There should be more technical colleges. Craftsmen should be
encouraged to take on apprentices and the income of both should be subsidized.
The A level and university entrance systems in England are good, and should be
preserved, and steps are being taken to improve the O level examinations which are
now being replaced by the GCSE.
The present Conservative government plans to implement many of these ideas. The
real problem lies in the middle i.e. in primary and secondary education. Correct this,
discard faddy theories, and the new ideas will rapidly bear fruit. Staff will improve,
and will therefore be entitled to increased pay and better standing in the community.
creche a place where young children are cared for during the day
while their parents do something else, especially work,
study or shop
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Can money buy happiness?
The title of the old American movie 'Poor little rich girl' answers the question. It is
true that at weddings we often hear the newly-weds toasted in the words Health,
Wealth and Happiness, but the epithet itself distinguishes between the three
objectives. The fact is that you can be both happy and healthy and poor, by normal
standards, at the same time. Yet, if you are unhappy, money can only cure your misery
in some circumstances. And if you have an incurable illness no amount of money can
buy the treatment to reverse that condition.
Most people would accept that the human being is a composite of body, mind and
spirit. Each of those parts has separate needs which must be fulfilled if happiness is to
result. This fulfillment is most often, though not always, achieved through the love
and companionship found in a good marriage. The newly-weds referred to above may
start out together with few possessions and little money and still be blissfully happy.
Body, mind and spirit are fulfilled. Yet, marital happiness is not a static thing. As the
couple grow older they change, and happiness has to be constantly worked for if it is
to mature into lifelong love and friendship. Sadly enough the divorce rate in the west
shows that many couples lack that incentive, and are not prepared to show the
unselfishness and willingness to put the needs of each other first, necessary if
happiness is to last. Very often, this process of alienation goes on at the very time
when the couple are getting past their money problems, when the pennies no longer
have to be counted.
This situation is highlighted when money never has been a problem, as in the case of
some of the British royal family. Differences in outlook, i.e. in mind and
spirit, severrelationships most effectively. Whereas one royal, for instance, was
interested only in farming and country pursuits, the wife, some years ago, decided to
devote her life to 'Save the Children'. Money never entered the equation. They are
permanently separated. Mind and spirit had grown apart.
If old money can be irrelevant, new money can be a positive menace. Every week
in England somebody becomes a sterling millionaire having entered a winning
football pool forecast. More often than not, the winner's cry is 'spend, spend, spend!' ,
and the money soon goes. In the process, homes shatter, bad relationships are formed,
drugs and alcohol are abused, and often the winner ends up with nothing.
So at least this can be said. Money itself is neutral. The ideal is wise stewardship, i.e.
its proper use, which generally means making one's existing lifestyle more
comfortable, but using excess income for charitable purposes. Money should not be
seen as the key to luxury and self-indulgence. Money is not the root of all evil, but the
correct version is true enough; the love of money is the root of all evil . The love of
money is a cold, alienating obsession. Was Howard Hughes a happy man?
What can also be said is that whereas money cannot buy happiness, the lack of it can
bring misery. Few things are worse than debt, as the family of Charles Dickens' Mr
Micawber knew full well. It is the duty of men, and in many cases today of women, to
provide enough money for the family to live in reasonable comfort. It is not their duty
to provide that comfort by going into debt. The modern way of doing so is through the
credit card which, if abused, is the sure road to unhappiness. As Dickens said, annual
income £1 annual expenditure 19s 6d, the result, happiness. Annual income £1 annual
expenditure £1 6d, the result, misery.
There is, perhaps, one sense in which money can buy happiness, and that is among the
poorest of the poor in the third world. Happiness for them would be a safe home,
enough food, medical care, and a school for their children. One day, the conscience of
the world will ensure that they are given these things.
http://www.scribd.com/doc/177345641/Muet-Essays
In an arranged marriage, the choice of a husband or wife is
made by parents or elders. What do you think of this practise
in today’s society? Discuss
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As time goes by, the world is changing rapidly; so are its people and
the technology itself. Technology brings about a lot of amendments
in people’s life. It is getting more advanced from day to day
especially when it comes to Information Technology or in this case;
electronic communications. Back then, mailing was seemingly to be
one of the most vital ways of communication especially for the
world communication. In contrast, nowadays people are more
prone to communicate the easier ways; by staring on their
electronic accounts on their computers or through their iPods and
sending short messages from their iPhones or Blackberries. Why is
it so?In my slight opinion, this growing trend gives a lot of
dominances in today’s life, which are helping people to save their
time and money, create borderless communication and make it easy
for people to gain prominent information.
First and foremost, the world today is turning more to
electronic communications like e-mail, Facebook and Short
Message System (SMS) and other electronic communications is
because they will prevent people from wasting their time and
money. How do these work? As we all know, sending a letter to
someone will take a lot of processes and will eventually take a long
time and waste a lot of money. On the contrary, electronic
communications entail only the tip of our fingers so as an electronic
device to work with. Then, what is left for us to do is just, typing!
Has that not taken a much lesser time and money? For instance, an
e-mail only requires us to turn on our laptops, open our accounts
on the website and then, you can start write your letter and send
them through e-mails. In short, with the very unstable economy
nowadays, having these kinds of communications will ease
everyone’s burden especially on their daily expenses and also their
valuable time will not be wasted.
Secondly, the growing trend of electronic communications is
making it possible for a borderless communication which is vital
these days. Why is it vital? A lot of things require borderless
communication; in education field, businesses and even daily
activities, especially when foreigners involved. For example, when
trading with foreigners, in order to communicate with each other,
they need Skype or Yahoo Messenger as mediums to interact and
be able to do the trade at a faster rate as compared to by using
‘snail mails’ or regular letters. Skype is the perfect example of an
electronic communication which will cut the boundary that has
separated each country and make communication between two
different countries from around the world possible. In conclusion, it
is crucial to have these electronic communications in today’s age of
globalization as they make it easier for people around the world to
connect with each other.
Last but not least, the dominance of these electronic
communications is people could gain prominent information more
efficiently than before. As there are lesser borders between
countries, the efficiency of getting much more relevant and
prominent information is higher. People will have the ability to
provide and gain information effectively through Facebook or
Twitter accounts. For example, international artists who have
planned to do a world concert can inform their fans about it
through their Facebook account. Likewise, the fans also can ask
just about anything to their favourite artists regarding the concert.
Hence, this explains why people make these electronic
communications as a huge trend these days and in order to keep
the trend ongoing, each person has the responsibility to adapt with
the technology itself.
In a nutshell, the growing trend of using electronic
communications is inevitably vital in people’s lives as it gives out a
lot of benefits as stated in above paragraphs. So, to avoid ourselves
from not getting the chance of keeping up with the changing
trends, we have to try our best to adapt ourselves with the rapid
changes. I believe that the electronic communication trend is a
trend which is very important to be followed as the world is getting
more advanced day to day.
http://muet2000.blogspot.com/
Muet-End 0f 2009
People commit crime because of selfish reasons. Do you
agree?
How do people define crime? Some might define crime as an act
of offence towards the morality of humans. Others might regard
crime as an act that harms the universal human rights. In my
perspectives, I think that crime is an offence made towards the law.
Therefore, why do people still commit crimes? Some crimes were
committed because of hatred, hardships and even because of the
people they loved. All in all, I do agree that people commit crimes
because of selfish reasons. I am saying so based on several reasons.
My first reason to agree with the statement is that people commit
crimes because of greed. Greed is one’s desire to have more than
what one already has. We can look at greed using different
perspectives. One of them is of a poverty-stricken person whose
only desire is to fill up his hungry stomach. Since he was born in
poverty, it would be nearly impossible for him to pay for his food.
So, in order to fill up his stomach, he decided to steal, for instance,
a piece of bread from a nearby bakery shop. This is a kind of greed
that is used to fullfill one’s basic needs, like to kill the dying
hunger.
However, there is another perspective that can be used to view
upon greed. It is the wanting to lead a luxurious life or even to own
something that is beyond one’s financial budget. For example, a
person of moderate income would like to own an expensive plasma
television which the price is beyond his budget. However, his greed
prompts him to own that item by either stealing money to purchase
it or to steal the item itself. When the person get caught by any law
enforcer, the person will be charged in court for committing a
crime. To steal to fulfill one’s desire to own an item which one
understands that it is beyond his financial budget is committing a
crime by the cause of greed. This, in my view, shows that people
commit crimes for selfish reason.
Next, people commit crimes because of hatred. Why are there
hatred within people? The root of hatred might be caused by peer
influence or environmental sway or even being envious towards
others’ wealth and prosperity. One of the crimes that was
committed by the cause of hatred was the Nazi’s genocide. That
was Adolf Hitler’s policy to literally eliminate the Jews
throughout Europe. Many Jews had been sent to concentration
camps in order to be sentenced to death, and many Jews died
during that period of Nazi’s administration.
The common question is, why did Adolf Hitler commit genocide
on the Jews? It was said that Hitler’s hatred towards the Jews
began when his letter of application had been rejected by the
famous Art Academy in Venice, that was controlled by wealthy
Jews. Hitler was probably rejected because Hitler himself was not a
Jew. Probably having felt discriminated, when Adolf Hitler headed
the Nazi’s party, this hatred led him to formulate a policy to
eliminate the Jews throughout Europe, once and for all. In
reference to Hitler’s case, I think that it can be justified that people
commit crime because of selfish reasons like one’s hatred towards
another person or race.
Third of all, people commit crimes because of ignorance. An
ignorant person is said to be a person having blind and stubborn
determination. For instance, they insisted on being correct at all
times, without any knowledge that what they had actually done was
wrong by the side of law. The most prominent example was the war
waged by the government of the United States of America towards
Afghanistan following the incident of 9/11, which was when
‘terrorists’ attacked the World Trade Centre in New York in two air
crafts. As claimed by George Washington Bush, former president of
the United States of America, after the 9/11 attack, “ the surest
way to avoid attacks on our people is to engage the enemy where
he lives and plans. We are fighting … Afghanistan today so that we
do not meet him again on our streets, in our own cities.”
Consequently, the government of the United States of America had
declared war with the country that had been suspected to house
the major terrorist who instigated the 9/11 incident, Osama Bin
Laden. They then sent troops to savage Afghanistan, bombing the
residences of Afghanistan, thus killing thousands and thousands of
innocent lives there.
From my point of view, the government of the United States of
America was actually committing a crime as the mass killing of
Iraqi citizens for something they are not responsible of is a crime.
Furthermore, to champion on a revenge as what the Americans
were trying to do for the killing in 9/11 is an ignorant act. The
Americans might have been ignorant of the real truth and had been
misguided by their anger into believing that Osama Bin Laden was
the actual culprit for the 9/11 incident. In short, the government of
the United States of America committed a crime because of
ignorance. And by this, they are actually committing a crime out of
a selfish reason.
In conclusion, based on what have been discussed, it is true that
people commit crimes for selfish reasons. I hope that people will
realize that whatever crimes that they had committed, it is more for
selfish reasons. In order to stop this cycle of violence from
recurring, they should avoid committing themselves to crime
activities, thus ensuring the world to be a safer place to live in for
future generations.
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Muet-Mid 2009
Information and communications technology (ICT) is the
cause of today's many social ills. What is your opinion?
Support your answers with examples. You should write at
least 350 words.
Suggest some measures that you think should be taken to prevent snatch
thefts. Support your answer with examples. Give your views in not fewer
Recently, there have been a lot of reports in the newspapers on the rising cases
of snatch theft. I fully agree with the writer’s opinions which were published in
your editorial column. In order to curb this problem, the public and the police
One of the ways to curb this problem is the public to be more aware of
characters and make a report to the police, if necessary. Often, the police rely on
public information to make a head start in solving cases. They must also learn to
take better care of themselves. For example, they should make sure that they
have a friend with them they have to walk in a deserted area. As far as possible,
One mistake which people make is to wear a lot of jewellery or take along
a lot of money when going out. Flashy jewellery will attract the attention of
snatch thieves. In addition, they should take better care of their belongings. For
example, girls or women with handbags need to ensure that they hold on their
handbags properly so that they will not be easily snatched. They should always
walk facing oncoming traffic so that they can see what or who is approaching
them. Women are also advised not carry handbags with long straps as these are
easy to snatch.
The public should also cooperate and be more civic minded in helping
others. They should try and help victims of snatch thefts and not just turn a blind
eye. In many cases of snatch thefts, not many people came up to help the victims
even though there were cries for help. The least they could have done was to try
to take down the vehicle registration number of the motorcycle or to help give a
description of the perpetrators to the police. If people look out for and each
Last but not least, the police should come up with preventive measures to
curb this problem. They should patrol snatch-theft prone areas such as bus
stations and LRT stations. They should also come up with posters to remind the
public to be more careful about snatch thieves. Aside from this, they can conduct
thefts.
All in all, in order to curb this growing problem, it is necessary for the
public and the police to cooperate with each other. By being more responsible for
their own safety and working hand in hand with the police, the public can play a