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MY INTERVIEW EXPERIENCE AT NJALA UNIVERSITY

It all started when I send in an application through the university portal in August 2021. I
applied to gain admission leading to four years studies in BSc (Hons) Business and Information
Technology at the department of Physics and Computer Science, which is now, refers to as the
department of Computer Science and Information Technology at the School of Technology.

On the 25th of September 2021, I received and email notification and SMS from the admin of
the School of Technology with the interview schedule. In both email and SMS my interview date
was schedule on the 27th and 28th of September 2021, and 10am was stated each day at which
the interview was to begin.

I started my preparations on the very day that I got the notification from the administration,
making series of research on how to answer university interview question, and I learn a lot from
that. Very earlier in the morning on Monday to be at Monkode Njala Campus for the interview
just for me to be in time, I arrived before the stipulated time.

At faculty building LR3 I meet others as well whom we all came for the same interview. It took
about two hours patiently waiting for the interview to start as the time which was stated have
already pass and still the interview couldn’t start, I was very much confused, and do not really
know where to start.

In a minute, the admin enters and he said the interview is going to start and it is based on
programs. Agricultural Engineering were the first to be called upon, follow by Computer
Science, BIT which I applied for, we were the last to be called upon as we were in majority. Our
names were boldly printed on A4 Papers, which he was using to called in one by one, it was
really interesting, we have to ask our colleagues, whom were the first to be interviewed, to tell
us some of the questions that was posed on them, each of them will tell us different questions,
and we started making series of research on them. I was feeling panic, waiting for me to be
called upon, and I said to myself there is no need to be panic, I have attended more of such
interviews, just calm down.

Finally I join the queue as my name was called upon with five other colleagues, I stood at the
back in the queue, observing what was really going on and at the same time I was thinking
about the various research that I have made. My turn reached and I entered the interview
room, the interview panel was full of lecturers, majority were academic doctors and professors.
I was asked to give all my documents, and I handled my file which contain all my document,
straight away, upon looking at my documents and my mode of dressing, I was address as
professor Saffa, and he said unto me, wow you own all this document, and you have all this
qualifications, anyway we just in need of the ones that you applied with, you should have
applied with some of these documents, we should have consider you to start from Second year,
but you didn’t, and after all verification of my documents, especially my WASSCE result, I was
ask to write my name on the sheet that was provided for us that attended the interview and I
wish good lucky that let me go and get prepared, the university will get unto me at any time,
and I said thank you sir, then I left the room.

With all my research on questions that was posed to our colleagues, I wasn’t asked any
question, and I said thank you lord, thank you Jesus. Others as well asked me, what were the
question that you were asked, and I said, no question. Nobody asked me a question, I just
submitted my document and I was asked to write my name and wait for me to be called on by
the university. I left to the motor park and I left the campus patently waiting to receive a called
from the university.
Narrative Essay

1. My Garden:

I just love nature. Hills, valleys, sunsets, sea, plants, trees and flowers – I love everything that is
natural and organic. Every time we visit a hill station, I feel like staying there forever. It gets
difficult for me to return as I feel so attached to the very essence of the places where nature
can be seen in its pure, unadulterated form.

My Garden – My Idea

While I cannot bring along hills and valleys back home, I can certainly feel the enchanting smell
of the flowers and plants by growing some at my place. As we were coming back from our trip
to Assam, I was missing the lush green tea gardens and the beautiful flowers in the botanical
garden there. It was like I had left my heart there. It was then that the idea of growing my own
garden sprang in my mind. I spoke about it to my sister and she was equally thrilled.

Since we live in a flat, we did not have a proper area that could be turned into a garden.
However, we could certainly fill one of our balconies with different types of flowers and feel
their aroma fill in our house.

We spoke about the idea with our parents and they agreed to it on the condition that we will
have to take care of the entire thing on our own.

Our Visit to the Nursery

On the weekend that followed, I and my sister visited the nearby nursery. There were
numerous flowers out there and it was difficult to choose a few among them. It took almost 2
hours to choose the plants we wanted to get home. Among the flowering plants we choose
rose, marigold, pansy and aster. Besides, we also brought home areca palm, spider plant, aloe
Vera, basil and asparagus. The nursery in-charge told us ways to take care of different plants so
that they remain green for long.

We handpicked the plant pots. Most of them were white colored plastic pots of the same size.
We called home a gardener to place all the plants in the pots. Once this was done, we arranged
the pots strategically so that the entire balcony was evenly covered with them. It looked
beautiful.

We visit the nursery quite often to pick more plants to add to our collection. Seasonal flowers
do not last long and we love picking different plants to fill their place.

Conclusion
I personally take care of each and every plant grown in my garden. Our balcony turned garden
is extremely beautiful and we often receive compliments for the same from our neighbors and
friends.

2. RAINY DAY:

Rainy day is one such day that is awaited by everyone. People of every age group love and
cherish this day. In my family everyone from my grandfather to my younger sister gets
overjoyed on such a day. Rains transform the weather from blazing hot and dry to refreshing.
Plants, birds and human beings, everyone participates in celebrating rains. Trees turn greener,
peacocks begin to dance, farmers turn cheerful and we all relish the rain party on the earth.

3. HOW THE WEATHER IMPACTS OUR MOOD?

We live in Delhi, a state which is famous for its extreme weather conditions. Heat waves engulf
this part of the country for most part of the year. Rains offer the much needed respite from the
hot weather. Monsoon is thus one of the most awaited times of the year in Delhi.

Weather has a strange way of impacting our mood. During the hot sunny summer days, people
often tend to get angry and aggressive very quickly. The sweat and scorching heat during such a
day gives rise to violence and fury. People are often seen in a bad mood and tend to get into
arguments and fights easily. On the other hand, a pleasant rainy day uplifts the mood
automatically. It is a treat for the senses. Everything around appears joyful. People plan outings
with their loved ones on such a day just because of the awesomeness it offers.

An Ideal Rainy Day

A rainy day is loved by everyone. There would hardly be anyone who despises it. Everyone has
his own way of rejoicing the rain. While some love walking in the rain, others love to drench
and dance while yet others love the view sitting on their window sill.

My ideal rainy day would be sitting by the window and watching rain, catching some droplets of
rain and feeling the chilly breeze on my cheeks. I enjoy writing in my diary sitting by the
window. It calms my heart and brings new and creative thoughts in my mind. My mother gets
me hot cup of coffee and we enjoy our coffee together. I often turn on soft music and relax on
an armchair sipping my coffee.

After spending my afternoon and relaxing with my mom, I love to go on a drive with my dad in
the evening to explore the city and relish the beauty of nature. We visit our favorite restaurant
during the rains and enjoy having crunchy onion and mirchipakoras with mint chutney. By the
time we drive back home, it’s usually dark. I feel so weary and sleepy as I return home. All I do
on my return is just change and go to my bed. I really have a sound sleep on a rainy day as the
weather is extremely chilly.

Conclusion

So my idea of rainy day is to spend my day with my family and enjoy the beauty of nature. It is
so much fun to spend time with family during rains. I love my family and I love rains too.

4. FOREST:

A forest is a vast land that encompasses a large number of trees, vines, shrubs and other
varieties of plants. Forests also consist of mosses, fungi and algae. These are home for a wide
variety of birds, reptiles, microorganisms, insects and animals. Forests maintain biodiversity on
earth and are thus important for maintaining a healthy environment on the planet.

Types of Forests

Forests around the world have been classified into different categories. Here is a look at the
various types of forests that form a part of the earth’s ecological system:

Tropical Rainforests

These are extremely dense forests and majorly or entirely consist of evergreen trees that
remain green all-round the year. You can see lush greenery around however since these are
covered with canopy and an emergent layer over the same, these are devoid of enough sunlight
and are thus mostly dark and damp. They receive plenty of rainfall all-round the year but still
the temperature here is high as these are located near the equator. Numerous species of
animals, birds and fishes breed here.

Sub-Tropical Forests

These forests are situated at the north and south of tropical forests. These forests mostly
experience drought like situation. The trees and plants here are adapted to sustain the summer
drought.

Deciduous Forests

These forests are mainly home for trees that lose their leaves each year. Deciduous forests
mostly penetrate in regions that experience mild winters and warm yet moist summers. These
can be found in different parts of the world including Europe, North America, New Zealand, Asia
and Australia. Walnut, oak, maple, hickory and chestnut trees are mostly found here.
Temperate Forests

Temperate forests see the growth of deciduous and coniferous evergreen trees. Located in
North Eastern Asia, Eastern North America and Western and Eastern Europe, these forests
receive enough rainfall.

Montane Forests

These are known as the cloud forests. This is because these forests receive most of their
downpour from the fog or mist that comes from the lowlands. These are mostly located in the
tropical, sub-tropical and temperate zones. These forests experience cold weather as well as
intense sunlight. Conifers occupy large part of these forests.

Plantation Forests

These are basically large farms that grow cash crops such as coffee, tea, sugarcane, oil palms,
cotton and oil seeds. Plantation forests produce about 40% of the industrial wood. These are
particularly known for producing sustainable timber and fiber.

Mediterranean Forests

These forests are situated around the coasts of the Mediterranean, Chile, California and
Western Australia. These have a mix of softwood and hardwood trees and almost all the trees
here are evergreen.

Coniferous Forests

These forests are found near the poles, mainly the northern hemisphere, and experience a cold
and windy climate all through the year. They experience the growth of hardwood and conifer
trees. The growth of pines, firs, hemlocks and spruces is a common sight here. The conifer trees
are evergreen and well adapted to the drought like condition here.

Conclusion

Forests are a beautiful creation of nature. Different parts of our planet encompass different
types of forests that are home for various plants and animals and a means of livelihood for
numerous people.

5. FREAK WEATHER:

Early one morning when it was still dark, I woke up suddenly. I felt very cold. The funny thing
was that I had the blanket on but I still felt cold. I could not get back to sleep because of it. So I
got up and put on extra clothes. Only then did I manage to get to sleep again.
When dawn came, I woke up to find that my nose was freezing. The rest of the body was
comfortably warm under the blanket, but the head, especially the nose, felt like ice.

Anyhow I got up and immediately felt the cold air around me. I shivered. It was extraordinary
that it should be this cold in the tropics. I checked the thermometer. It read 19 degrees Celsius.
Goodness, I thought, this was really unusual.

Outside the sky was obscured by thick mist. Again this was unusual. On my way to school, my
clothes actually got damp as moisture settled on me. It was cold and damp. The sun was well
hidden. I could not even see where it was.

Most of my schoolmates and the teachers had extra clothes on. The others shivered.

As the day progressed it became more pleasant. Mist still hung all around us. It was strange
having lessons in the unusual conditions.

Only at about 12 noon did the mist clear and the sun shone through. Even then the atmosphere
was pleasantly cool.

It was freak weather but it was enjoyable while it lasted. It gave me an idea of how it was like in
a cold country. How nice it would be if we had this type of weather more often.

6. NATURE:

Nature is the natural environment which surrounds us, cares us and nourishes us every
moment. It provides us a protective layer around us to prevent from the damages. We are not
able to survive on the earth without nature like air, land, water, fire and sky. Nature includes
everything around us like plants, animals, river, forests, rain, lake, birds, sea, thunder, sun,
moon, weather, atmosphere, mountain, desserts, hills, ice, etc. Every form of nature is very
powerful which has ability to nourish as well as destroy us.

Now a day, everyone has less time to enjoy nature. In the increasing crowd we forgot to enjoy
nature and improve health. We started using technological instruments for our health fitness.
However it is very true that nature has power to nourish us and fit us forever. Most of the
writers have described the real beauty and advantage of the nature in their writings. Nature has
ability to make our mind tension free and cure our diseases. Because of technological
advancement in the life of human being, our nature is declining gradually which needs a high
level of awareness to keep it in balance and to conserve natural assets.

God has created everything very beautifully seeing which our eyes can never be tired. But we
forgot that we too have some responsibility towards our nature to relationship between nature
and human beings. How beautiful scenery it looks in morning with sunrise, songs of birds,
sounds of lakes, rivers, air and happy gatherings of friends in the evening in garden after a long
day of crush. But we forgot to enjoy the beauty of the nature in just fulfilling our duties towards
our families.

Sometimes during our holidays we spend our whole day by watching TV, reading newspaper,
playing indoor games or on the computer but we forgot that outside the door we can do
something interesting in the lap of nature ad natural environment. Unnecessarily we left on all
the lights of home; we use electricity without need which ultimately increases the heat in the
environment called global warming. Our other activities like cutting trees and forests increase
the amount of CO2 gas in the environment causing greenhouse effect and global warming.

If we want to be happy and healthy always we should try our best to save our planet and its
beautiful nature by stopping our foolish and selfish activities. In order to keep ecosystem in
balance we should not cut trees, forests, practice energy and water conservation and many
more. Ultimately we are the real user of the nature so we should really take care of it.

7. DOG:

Dog is a pet animal and considered as the man’s best friend. It gives a loving and honest
companion to the man. It loves and respects its owner very much and can go everywhere with
him. It shows affection towards the owner by wagging its tail and licking hand or face of owner.
It helps a lot to its owner all through the life in various ways. It removes loneliness of the people
by providing a friendly companion. It never allows anyone unknown to enter to the gate or
touch anything of its owner. It starts barking very loudly whenever any stranger approaches the
house.

It can bite a thief or stranger when they ignore its barking and try to mischief. Some people
scared away very easily however some strangers never fear of it. Some people, who have pet
sheep, must have dogs as they are very useful to look after sheep. They never allow any wolf or
fox to come near or attack the sheep. It is very watchful animal and can catch strangers, thieves
and criminals even they hide anywhere. Dog uses its sense of smell to find out the hiding
thieves or criminals. Because of its watchful and intelligent nature, it is highly used by the
police, army or other investigation department to catch murderers or criminals. It can led
policemen to the places where murders have taken place.

It never leaves its owner whether he/she is poor, beggar or rich person. It obeys all the orders
of its owner very sincerely. It becomes alert all time whether day or night to offer its services to
the owner. That’s why it is called as faithful animal. It is very vigilant in nature and can hear very
slow sound in the night and take action soon. It can guess the presence of its owner from long
distance through smell and become alert to welcome him home. The life span of a dog is very
small however it can live around 12 to 15 years long. Life span of a dog varies according to their
size such as smaller dogs live longer life than the bigger ones.

A female dog gives birth to a baby and feed milk that’s why dogs come under the category of
mammals. The baby of a dog is called as pup or puppy and its home as kennel. People use dogs
to draws the sledge in the cold countries. Dogs are categorized according to their service to
people such as guard dogs, herding dogs, hunting dogs, police dogs, guide dogs, sniffer dogs,
etc.

8. BIRDS IN MY GARDEN:

I live in a bungalow surrounded by a fairly large garden. There are a number of fruit trees
growing here along with many plants and a lot of grass. At first glance the garden appears very
quiet but actually many birds and animals live in it or visit it frequently.

Every morning I am awakened by the shrill songs of a magpie-robin. The sound is so sweet and I
just lie in bed listening to the songs until the bird flies away.

All through the day I see various birds come and perch on the trees and plants. Some come to
sing or rest a bit. Others come to look for food. So it is always a pleasure to see them. I just sit
quietly and they go about their business undisturbed. I have seen the oriole, spotted-dove,
pigeon, yellow-vented bulbul, mynah, fan-tailed flycatcher and various other little birds which I
cannot name. They sing, dance and display their beautiful colors. It is quite a treat. On the other
hand there are those pesky little sparrows that come into the house to steal food.

One morning I saw a white-breasted water hen sunning itself just next to a mango tree. This
normally shy bird must really be feeling the pinch of progress to take refuge in my garden. Sad
to say, the surrounding area is being developed and the wildlife are being chased away or
destroyed.

Some people keep birds in cages to listen to their songs. I say it is far better for the birds to live
freely. Then they sing, or not sing, their songs naturally. It is wonderful to see them fly freely
among the trees. It is not so wonderful to see caged birds unable to move more than a foot in
any direction.

9. ANIMAL RIGHTS:

Some people believe that animals should be treated in the same way humans are and have
similar rights, whereas others think that it is more important to use them as we desire for food
and medical research. This essay will discuss both points of view.
With regard to the exploitation of animals, people believe it is acceptable for several reasons.
Firstly, they think that humans are the most important beings on the planet, and everything
must be done to ensure human survival. If this means experimenting on animals so that we can
fight and find cures for diseases, then this takes priority over animal suffering. Furthermore, it is
believed by some that animals do not feel pain or loss as humans do, so if we have to kill
animals for food or other uses, then this is morally acceptable.

However, I do not believe these arguments stand up to scrutiny. To begin, it has been shown on
numerous occasions by secret filming in laboratories via animal rights groups that animals feel
as much pain as humans do, and they suffer when they are kept in cages for long periods. In
addition, a substantial amount of animal research is done for cosmetics, not to find cures for
diseases, so this is unnecessary. Finally, it has also been proven that humans can get all the
nutrients and vitamins that they need from green vegetables and fruit. Therefore, again, having
to kill animals for food is not an adequate argument.

To sum up, although some people argue killing animals for research and food is ethical, I would
argue there is sufficient evidence to demonstrate that this is not the case, and, therefore, steps
must be taken to improve the rights of animals.

10. MY FAMILY:

My Family is the lovely family of the world and an important unit of the society. A small or a big
family become of great importance to its members and considered as the strongest unit of the
society because various families together make a nice society. A family becomes first school to
the children where they receive all the cultures, traditions and most importantly the basic
values of life. A family plays great roles in teaching good manners and habits to the new comers
in the family. It helps in nourishing a better character person in the society. I am really feeling
my good fortunate to be born in a small nice family where I learnt everything in the early
childhood.

Actually, I belong to the middle class family having six members (mother, father, grandparents,
me and my younger sister). Every one of us follows the orders of my grandfather because he is
the head of the family. We really respect and enjoy his commanding position in the family. He is
the great person because he had performed various adventurous activities in his time. He
always thinks about our wellness and takes right decision for us. His decision becomes final in
all the family matters. He sits on the front chair on the dining table. He takes our class in the
early morning and evening to teach us Indian cultures and traditions. He is a very cool
personality and friendly person of the family however every one of us do not have dare to go
against him. He is very effective person and wins everyone’s heart through nice talk. He is very
old however helps us in doing our home works because he was teacher. He teaches us about
the tools of success in the life such as discipline, punctuality, cleanliness, moral, hard work and
continuity.

My grandmother is also a nice woman and tells us nice stories every night. My father is a
principal of the school and like discipline very much. He is very punctual, sincere and
hardworking in nature. He teaches us also that when you eat time, time will really eat you one
day so never waste time and use it in positive ways. My mom is a sweet and very simple
housewife. She cares every member of the family and makes a happy environment in the family
every day. She gives special care to the grandparents and kids as well as always helps poor and
needy people in the society. We have always been taught from our childhood to love and
respect elders and help needy people on the way. My sweet small family is really full of love,
care, peace, prosperity, and discipline.

ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY

1. IS MONEY THE MOST IMPORTANT ASPECT OF A JOB?

These days, someone may hold the opinion that the most important aspect of a job is the
money a person earns. It sounds like true, because with a lot of money, one can live a better life
materially. Admittedly, no one can deny the important role money plays in his daily life. But,
when you take other aspects of a job into consideration, such as the precious skills and
experiences one gains from that job, the prospect of the job and the social status, you may
doubt: Is money the most important? Isn't this attitude too narrow? As far as I am concerned, I
don't agree with the statement, I doubt whether it can bear much analysis.

We live in a big society that is composed of people from all walks of life. Different jobs have
different functions in this society. For example, the function of cleaners is to keep the city clean
and tidy; the function of soldiers is to maintain the safety and peace of the society. Maybe they
earn less money than those businessmen, but they still work heart and soul on their duties. I
believe it is the contributions they make to society that makes them work that hard!

Now, let's take a close look at the scientists. Some of them spend their whole lives inventing
new things, exploring the mysterious things and innovating new technology. The scientists, such
as Edison, Einstein and Madam Curie, will be shining like the stars in everyone's heart! We can
say, it is the spirits they have, contributions they have made to all human beings, great findings
and inventions they have left to us that makes them giants! Thanks to them, the society is
developing faster and faster. Can we say what they do is for the sake of money?

Furthermore, if everyone in this society worked only for money, what can it turn out to be?
Severe competitions may make people become cold-blooded, force them to use illegal means
in order to make profit, or even commit some crimes. For their own benefits, no one would like
to help others in the same industry. And the relationships among people might become
estranged. To conclude, I think money cannot be the most important aspect of a job. Money is
not everything! As a saying goes: Money can buy a house but cannot buy a family, money can
buy blood but cannot buy one's life, money can buy a wife but cannot buy true love." So, don't
stress too much on the money one earns. In fact there are other highlights of a job waiting for
you to feel, to find.

2. HEALTH IS WEALTH". TO WHAT EXTENT WOULD YOU AGREE?

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 is wealth as no amount of money can cure one of terrible sickness. Good
health ensures a fulfilling and enriching life.
 3. SCIENCE CAN NEVER PROVIDE A FINAL ANSWER OR THINGS, IT IS ONLY A WAY OF
STUDYING THEM' DO YOU AGREE?

It is somewhat rash to assume that the only role of science is to answer the question 'How?'
That was true in the days of Newton, when an educated person could have a grasp in outline of
all human knowledge. Science then filled some of the gaps left by the deliberations of the
philosopher and the theologian. Since then, it has far outstripped the contributions of both.
Philosophy has degenerated into historical study and has no modern contribution to make.
Theology has made no advance since the middle Ages. The mantle of seeking answers to man's
most fundamental questions has fallen on science. Whether these questions will ever be
answered is an entirely different matter, but there is no other way ahead. So the topic-
statement is fundamentally wrong.

By 'science', of course, is meant physics, which is fundamental to all studies - chemistry,

biology, astronomy, indeed all macro and micro investigation. Physics has identified the laws
which keep the universe in a state of equilibrium, and today seeks a unified theory to account
for the space-time continuum necessary to the existence of that equilibrium, and the various
other 'dimensions' beyond the four known which are postulated. So science moves towards the
first philosophical question, 'Is there a unified theory, or are events ultimately random?' The
answer to this question, if ever found, leads to the far more fundamental question, 'To what
extent, if any, id God (the Creator) limited by his own creation?' The determinism of Laplace is
now seen to be totally beside the point, and belongs to a mechanistic view of the universe
which can no longer be sustained. Today, science is moving rapidly towards a 'chaos' theory
which takes into account God's freedom of action plus the predictable results of laws already
known to us, and also unpredictable events.

It is interesting that whereas the old scientific determinism either limited to the Creator's
function or precluded the necessity of a Creator, or saw the Creator as totally detached from his
creation, science today is begin forced into a belief in God. It also moves towards an acceptance
that the scientifically unknown area, the God - mankind 'personal' relationship, is not only
feasible, but likely. So science has become much more than 'a way of studying things'. Whether
science can get beyond this point is a matter of conjecture. At a shrewd guess, science may well
establish the possibility of 'eternal life', without being able to advance any more proof than
could the old-time theologian. World religions have always said that such a belief depends on
revelation and personal faith, and it may well be the Creator's intention to keep it that way.
Faith, at least, would be greatly devalued if it could ever become the subject of scientific proof,
whatever that may be.

Another answer, again stemming from the 'chaos' theory, is to the co-existence of good and
evil. If there is a Creator, it follows that evil, at least as understood by humanity, must have
been allowed to enter the world-scene at some point, but deliberately. Redemption from its
consequences is another result, and history is the record of the struggle between the two
forces. This says science, although leading to apparently random results, such as the little child
stepping under the bus, or a death from cancer, is not random at all. All the same, it may stem
from 'chaos', if this is seen in conjunction with a belief in the indestructibility of the human
personality. So, say the faithful, 'God not only creates, He cares', and science today is not
disposed to reject this possibility, the two approaches may converge on the same point. The
processes of the universe are incredibly diverse and complicated, so why should the possibility
of life after death be ruled out ?

Such a belief is an essential corollary to any concept of justice in the Creator's character. This is
not justice merely in the sense of retribution. The early Jews believed the Creator got so fed up
with humanity that He destroyed them in the Flood, but made a fresh start with Noah's family
and the paired livestock' Divine justice is part of the concept of Divine Love, which postulated
creation, with mankind as it's highest sentient form, as an expression of that love.

So the great world religions have this at least in common with modern science; there is a
benevolent Creator who offers post-earthly life in some other dimension in exchange for the
human response of kindness and observance of a revealed moral law. Justice, therefore, moves
into an eternal setting.

A religious scientist will find no essential disharmony between his or her faith and the scientific
outlook. The great questions of life have satisfying, if un-provable answers. Some of the
inadequacies of religion, such as early church doctrines of the cosmos, and strictly Bible-based
theories of the origin of species, have been corrected by scientific investigation without
detriment to the central core of belief.

Where science, or more precisely the scientist, inevitably falls short is in the application of an
essentially simple moral code to the complex issues raised by scientific advance. Genetic
manipulation is a case in point. The whole question of in-vitro fertilization is highly
controversial.

All that is on the local scale. On the grand scale the Creator may, or may not allow the discovery
of a unified theory of the universe which will provide answers to supplement, rather than
displace the answers already provided by the higher religions.

4. YOUNG PEOPLE ARE SLAVES TO FASHION. DISCUSS:

Young people, or teenagers, are an invention of the American exploitation of the early 60s. The
contemporary hype built them up into a separate class of society, and since jobs and money
were plentiful in those days, the promotion of fashion in dress, music, politics and general
outlook proved very profitable. Prior to 1960, people aged under eighteen were children; above
eighteen, adults.

The cult swept the USA, then Britain and Europe, and finally many Eastern and Far Eastern
countries, even where it was proscribed, as in China and pre-Gorbachev Russia. The promoters
made full use of two factors common to the thirteen to eighteen age group; adolescent
insecurity, and the concomitant desire to conform to peer pressures. Hence they became slaves
to fashion.

As already indicated, fashion applied not only to clothes but to the whole of life. Some of it was
harmless enough. Throughout history, the instinct to conform to current clothing styles was an
unchanging phenomenon in the adult world. Up to the 60s, young people wore school uniform;
in leisure hours, adult clothing. The radical change in the early 60s reflected the post-war
instinct to defy conventions which were basically pre-war, and therefore associated with adult
repression. So the tee-shirt and jeans culture was born, the tee-shirts carrying anti-
establishment legends, references to hard left social policies, the lure of uncontrolled sex, the
support of homosexuality, the attractions of the drop-out culture, and the wonders of the fast-
growing hallucinatory drug scene.

As mentioned, some of this was inevitable and harmless. Some of it was pernicious. The
pernicious element was centered in San Francisco, though it later infected London, Paris, and
other major cities.

Alongside this arose the pop music cult, and the successful stars and groups became the objects
of hysterical teenage adulation. Presley, the Rolling Stones, the Beatles became the wealthy
heroes. The subversive and corrupting views of some of them did immense harm. The fashions
they set became irresistible.

In the later 60s and 70s, violence as well as drugs, alcohol and indiscriminate sex became
fashionable. In Britain, for example, teenagers of both sexes joined one of two fashionable
groups, the Mods and the Rockers. The Mods wore trendy, velveteen styles and rode mopeds.
The Rockers dressed in leather and rode powerful motorbikes. Large groups of each faction
would foregather in the main seaside resorts and engage in pitched, sometimes bloody battles.
Later, the same cross-section turned to violent protest, vandalism and football hooliganism. The
police have managed to stamp out most of this, and most teenage hysteria is currently
connected with the pop scene and the occasional acid house party. For thirty years, the slavish
following of fashion has led many young people astray.

But not all, every coin has two sides, and despite all the foregoing, many, perhaps the majority
of young people, are proving to be a very fine generation. Certainly they conform to teenage
dress norms, enjoy pop music and modern dance, but in all essential respects they are first-
class, certainly far more worthwhile than most of my contemporaries at the same age. We were
conformist to adult ideas and attitudes, but in many ways we were lazy, self-interested, and
entirely lacking in any real social conscience. We were quite oblivious to the overseas poor, the
environment, the victims of disaster, whether natural or man-made, and to the animal world. In
fact, we were selfish, and rather self-indulgent. No drugs, certainly, but plenty of cigarettes and
alcohol.

Today, many admirable features are seen in the young. They are individualistic rather than
conformist. They eschew smoking, drugs and alcohol. They are fitter and generally more
athletic than their predecessors. Many do social work in their spare time and some spend a
year on voluntary service overseas. They have a conscience about people less fortunate and
about the well-being of our world. They work hard and prepare for a market in which jobs are
far from plentiful.

Admittedly, the media nowadays bring the world's suffering and problems to their attention
with immediacy unknown in earlier days. Yet the fact is that they respond. They are slaves, not
so much to fashion, as to their consciences, and that is by no means a bad form of slavery.

5. "TO OVEREAT IS AS GREAT AS THE EVIL TO STARVE" - DISCUSS:

Eating is a matter of habit and upbringing. What one eats and how one eats depend on various
circumstances. One may overeat when there is variety and abundance to go through as in a
buffet dinner where people tend to overeat.

The evils of overeating are many. The organs arc overtaxed. The stomach and the other
digestive organs have to function beyond their capacity to help in digestion. As the digestive
system is overtaxed, the needed energy does not reach the brains and so the person who
always overeats is like a python. The efficiency will be low and slow and a person is not able to
sustain long hours of concentration. Obesity may be the result which again tells on the
efficiency of the limbs and their movements. An obese person is again uncouth and ugly and
becomes a laughing stock in public. Obesity leads to diseases like heart failure. Then take a look
at the cost of overeating. Because one overeats his bill of fare will be high. Again by overeating
one deprives another of his legitimate food. This is an important factor to be remembered by
certain people who because of affluence do overeat. The excess food may conveniently be
shared with those unfortunate ones who are not having enough food. Humanitarian societies
help in the distribution of food to the needy.

Overeating is only a matter of habit. The parents have got a duty in teaching children to form
good eating habits. They should not be given beyond their need. We have got a lesson to learn
from animals which do not overeat and hence they keep up their energy and efficiency. We
should not become a slave to our taste because our systems do not require so much of food.

If overeating is an evil, starving is equally bad because the organs don't get the necessary food
for their efficiency. So we find people who are starved or semi starved not as efficient as the
well-fed people. This is economically bad for a nation, because starved people will get fatigued
very soon and the quantum of work which they turn out will be less and so detrimental to the
economy of the country.

Starved people suffer from anaemia, malnutrition and diseases connected with malnutrition.
Semi-starved people continue to be a feature even today in certain countries where women
and children suffer from malnutrition. They cannot resist diseases as the body's natural
resistance becomes poor. So it is a drain on the nation's exchequer which has to meet a heavy
bill in the form of hospitals. Death due to starvation has not been unknown. During famine
millions of people have been wiped out but now with the advance of science and a better
transport system, death by starvation is reduced.

Starvation tells on the growth of children. Where children are starved, infantile mortality is very
high. Starvation during pregnancy and post natal period affects both the mother and the child.

While a person should avoid overeating, there must not be any ghost of a chance for starvation
either. Providing enough food for people is every government's concern and all its economic
machinery must be geared to that end. Dietary education is a must if people must be saved
from overeating.

6. PROFESSIONAL SPORTSMEN ARE MORE INTERESTED IN MAKING MONEY THAN PLAYING

THE GAME. DO YOU AGREE?

Spectator sports are very popular everywhere in the world. In Asia, the most popular one is
football or soccer, and in America, American football and baseball are the most popular ones.
Tennis and basketball are sports that have worldwide appeal. Fans are willing to pay a lot of
money to see high quality sports. Thus, there has developed in the most popular sports a group
of athletes known as professional sportsmen. They are paid for playing in a team. Their
payments are not paltry sums.

Professional sports are very big business, and these sportsmen can demand very high salaries
depending on how good and how popular they are. The best professional sportsmen in the
United States are reported to be paid salaries that run into millions of dollars. There has been
criticism that professional sportsmen are more interested in making money than playing the
game. I do not agree with this criticism because of the very nature of their job. Which is playing
in a sporting team? These sportsmen, to become professional, have to be the best talent
available. Sports are a game where you cannot fake your ability. You must have natural talent,
and normally people who are highly talented in their field love what they are doing. A
sportsman has to have passion and drive for his sports, or else his lack of enthusiasm will show
in his performance.

Besides, professional sports are a very public game. When the sportsman does not perform
well, his failure is seen by thousands, even millions of stadium and television viewers as in the
case of American football and basketball in the United States. Everyone from the man in the
street to the newspaper sports writer will discuss his poor performance. Thus every time a
professional sportsman does not show interest in playing the game, his career is jeopardized.

We must also remember that professional sportsmen have a short career as it is based on his
physical strength and agility. A sportsman hits his prime in his 20's, and by the time he is about
35 years old, his career is over. While in their prime, many of them try to make as much money
as they can. Some make additional money by appearing in advertisements or promoting
merchandise bearing their names. I do not think there is anything wrong with this. After all,
their popularity and ability to make money this way depend on their reputation as a sportsman.
If they do not perform well in the game, it will erode their popularity and affect the sale of
those products.

Due to the demand for their talent, professional sportsmen are highly paid. But the money they
make is tightly linked to their ability to play the game. They cannot afford to be more interested
in making money than in playing the game. If they slip in their performance as professional
sportsmen, their career will soon be over.

7. PATRIOTISM IS A DANGEROUS EMOTION. DISCUSS:

Many a student of English would have studied the famous poem on Patriotism by Scott which
begins this; 'Breathes there the man with soul so dead' and he concluded that such a person
will not be honored nor recognized in his country.

The feeling of patriotism that this is my homeland has done wonders. For the past two
centuries we find one country after another struggling hard to assert its independence.
Practically two centuries from now in 1776 the United States of America waged a war of
independence against the British and got free. That was the turning point in the history of the
world. From then on we find countries struggling for freedom and practically wrestling it from
an alien ruler.

The classical case is that of India. The Indians under the leadership of Mahatma Ghandhi put up
a tough struggle for freedom. Then the British Raj which was very powerful at that time would
not yield. After a long struggle of nearly 25 years the Indians got their freedom.
A number of African countries have fought to get their independence from foreign rule. The
unending fight between Israel and the Arab countries is yet another case of struggle for
freedom. In South Africa there is a ceaseless fight against the white rule. Wherever there is
foreign domination or some colonial power having control, there is an awakening and the
people fret and fume for freedom.

In the name of freedom against the Spanish rule Simon Bolivar did wonders. Once an English
statesman called his people to save the freedom of the land. He gave the cry 'England expects
everyone to do his duty'. Churchill during the Second World War had his V sign for victory with
his two fingers raised. In that way he galvanized the people into action forgetting all the
sufferings and humiliation they faced during the Battles of Britain and Dunkirk.
BalaGangatharTilak of India with his battle cry of 'VandeMatharam' was able to rouse the spirits
of the people who were till then like dumb driven cattle. Even Hitler appealed to the sense of
patriotism in his people and within six or seven years prepared the people ready for a war for
their fatherland. From all these we find patriotism not that bad, because it is an emotion in the
right direction and is certainly a unifying force.

But patriotism becomes dangerous when it is stretched beyond a certain limit. Then it ceases to
be patriotism but fanaticism leading to danger. We saw it during the throes of partition in India
when that land was divided into India and Pakistan. Pakistan called it the Jihad and there was
death to the tune of millions on both sides. Now some Arab as well as Israeli terrorists play
havoc sometimes even on innocents.

Patriotism just like any other good thing in life has its own limitations. When it passes the
bounds of sensibility and turns out to be fanaticism then it is certainly dangerous. Leaders use
this not for national betterment and solidarity but for aggrandizement and out of hatred of
their neighbors. In such instances patriotism stands condemned.

The world is passing through a crucial phase in her existence. The time has come when no
country, however big and powerful it may be, can rule over another country. This may be found
not true in certain areas of the world but time will set in motion, forces, quite unexpected,
when even those countries under foreign sovereignty will shake off the shackle. For the good of
the country, for the solidarity, for national integration, patriotism is the best foundation stone.

8. YOUNG PEOPLE HAVE MORE PROBLEMS THAN ADULTS. DO YOU AGREE?

Every person at some point of his life will encounter problems. I agree that young people have
more problems than adults, especially in today's world where things are changing quickly.
Certainly, adults have their own share of problems. I have known of adults who face financial
difficulties, particularly if they have a family to support. Some also have health problems, and
there are others who worry about finding a life partner or trouble with their marriage.

Young people have their own problems. Our problems are harder to solve because there are
often no clear-cut solutions to them. One of the areas that can trouble young people is the
search for identity. This is an inevitable problem in a teenager's life. He is no longer a child, yet
not quite an adult. Some younger people who have been pampered and sheltered during their
childhood years find it hard to become more independent. I know some students who come
from such backgrounds and they have trouble adjusting to teenage life. They still expect things
to be handed to them. Sometimes their parents make decisions for them.

On the other hand, there are those who want to be 'instant' adults. To show that they are
grown up, they feel that they have to smoke and keep late hours. As a result, they miss out on
normal teenage activities like sports and other extra-curricular activities which they will never
experience again. Some young people also rebel against conventional ideas to assert their
identity. It is typical to show their rebellion in their choices of clothes and music. But those who
have weak family ties may run away from home. or be caught up in bad company.

Young people also become more aware of their looks and the opposite sex at this stage. Among
some of them, there is a tendency to judge people by their looks. I have heard boys and even
girls disparage a girl for her plain looks. This attitude can make the less attractive girl self-
conscious and unsure of herself.

During the teenage years, young people begin to show an interest in dating. There is so much
pressure from the popular media which constantly features stories and songs about couples
and romance. Some students realize that dating will interfere with their studies, but they may
feel like 'nerds' if they do not date. Young people who date often cannot handle the pressures
of the relationship as well as their studies. As a result, they suffer failure in both. Nowadays,
young people face a lot of pressure to do well in their studies. For most of us, we know that
academic success is good for us, but at times we do feel the stress. No one wants to disappoint
his parents.

In many ways, it is wonderful to be young. There are so many things to learn, and the whole
world to explore. But I think we have more problem to resolve than adults have. I suppose
overcoming these problems will lead us on the path towards adulthood.

9. 'MATHEMATICS IS THE MOST PERFECT LANGUAGE OF ALL'. DISCUSS:

Strictly speaking, a language is a verbalized means of communication, enabling the speaker to

convey thought to another person. However, the more complex the thoughts or ideas, the
harder or more cumbersome the language becomes. To explain verbally why 'the square on the
hypotenuse of a right-angled triangle equals the sum of the squares on the other two sides'
would require a long and tedious paragraph. And this is the simplest possible example; anything
more complicated would be unmanageable. So in this way mathematical symbols which
nowadays are universally accepted, compress information in a way that no other language
possibly could, and this fact supports the topic statement.

However, this language is only available to most people in its simplest forms, i.e. arithmetic,
algebra and geometry, and these are taught in schools because they have everyday usages. The
shop assistant needs arithmetic, unless there is an automatic cash till, and technicians of all
kinds need the other two; perhaps more, such as trigonometry, logarithms and the calculus,
should he or she be dealing with quantities that vary in time and space. In this sense, of course,
mathematics is a minority language, a language intelligible only to the specialists of all nations.

The time may come when knowledge of higher mathematics is far more widespread, however.
The new mathematics is now being taught in many schools, sometimes alongside the traditional
approach, and younger students find the new methods more intelligible. The principles of
course have not changed; merely the setting out. However, there are great developments
available to younger students enabling them to see the subject as a whole rather than as a
series of separate compartments, and this should engender more interest in those whose
natural bent is in the direction of the arts.

Mathematics has been described as 'the spearhead of natural philosophy', and this was
certainly true up to about 1800. The subject grew up independently in China, India, the Arab
world and Europe. For example, many of the Alexandrian and Greek schools of geometricians
represented by Thales of Miletus, Pythagoras, Euclid, Archimedes etc. advanced propositions
which were already known elsewhere. The West derived its number system from the Hindu-
Arabic world, which reached Europe in about 1000 AD. The West learnt mathematics from the
Arab world and, from the 15th century, great developments took place.

Descartes revived algebraic geometry; Napier invented logarithms, Newton and Leibnitz the
calculus. Lobachevski developed non-Euclidian geometry, and was followed by Einstein, though
the latter was more of a physicist than a mathematician. From Newton onwards, mechanics and
astronomy began to use advanced mathematics and, later on, physics came in for the same
treatment. Both pure and applied mathematics became the indispensable tools of progress.
Pure maths reaches conclusions by means of the deductive process, and may be independent
of need. Applied maths consists of developments to meet the requirements of science and
technology.
So mathematics has become a beautiful language in several senses. Firstly, in its ability to
compress ideas, just as a great poet achieves desired effects by great verbal economy. Second,
because its tools, the symbols, are internationally accepted. Third, because it is entirely
objective, and completely exact, allowing no room for prejudice or human emotion. Fourth,
because it constantly provides the ground for new hypotheses. These in turn are checked by
logic and observation. Often as with Pythagoras, mathematical conclusions can be checked by
other means. So mathematics can lead man closer to absolute truth than any other means, that
is in the categories of discovery in which it can operate.

Mathematics means facts , verified by experiment, and these facts are true within the four
dimensions in which the human mind can operate. The other dimensions, perhaps six according
to Stephen Hawking, must be compressed into infinitesimal space, so are likely to remain the
prerogative of the Creator!

10. "MAN'S ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL ACTIVITIES HAVE ALWAYS. BEEN CONDITIONED BY HIS
PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHICAL ENVIRONMENT. " DISCUSS THIS STATEMENT.

It is very difficult to say exactly what is covered by the term 'economic and social activities'. The
term has to be understood in the context of man's economic activities and of his social
activities. That is to say, though economic activities and social activities impinge on each other
and are interconnected, those two types of activities have to be considered separately for the
purpose of discussing whether they have always been conditioned by the physical geographical
environment.

The term 'economics' is derived from the Greek oikwnene - 'household' - and every housewife
performs an economic act when she decides how to spend her family budget. Even Robinson
Crusoe on his desert island had to allocate his time between fishing, planting crops, or building
his house and how to ration the limited supplies he had salvaged from his ship. Robinson
Crusoe, however, lived in a very simple economy. Until Man Friday appeared, he had to do
everything himself. Today economic activity is specialized and co-ordinated through markets in
all but the subsistence economies in the least developed parts of the Third World where
families grow their food and make what else they need.

In economic terms a market is not only a particular place where people buy and sell, such as a
fish or fruit market, but also includes all those who are in contact with sellers and buyers of
particular goods and services and can bring them together.

What is important to note is that any economic activity aims at production of wealth to meet
man's needs. In his primitive days man hunted and found food for himself; food to him was
wealth, and that was what he needed. He depended on his environment for the kind of animals
he could hunt for food. Later, when man began to till the soil, he cultivated only those plants
that the soil of the region in which he lived was suitable for. So, he grew rice, wheat or other
cereals, depending on the nature of the soil where he pursued his agricultural activity.

As years passed by he found that certain items which he did not have he would be able to get
from other places through a system of barter. That is to say, his economic activity got linked
with the economic activity of people from other regions because of the scarcity of certain items
he was in need of. The barter system gave way to selling and buying for money.

From what is said above it is clear that man could pursue his economic activity in his early
history only with the help of what was available or what could be made available to him from
his environment. This is by and large true today too. The resources available in a country
determine its economic activity. For example, in the Gulf countries the main economic activity
centres round production of oil. India which has extensive land remains primarily an agricultural
country; this is so with countries like China and Russia. In India itself, depending on the environ-
mental conditions that vary from region to region, the agricultural activities present a diverse
spectrum. For example, in Bengal and Kerala rice is produced whereas in the Punjab wheat is
grown; so also, in many parts of Maharashitra and the Uttar Pradesh sugar cane is grown. This
variety is due to the differences in climatic conditions and the character of the soil.

Growing coconuts, rubber and pepper is an agricultural activity in Kerala. This is because of the
suitability of the environment there for the cultivation of these crops. Malaysia grows rubber in
wide areas. Again, it is because of the suitability of the environment.

Industries which have their moorings in agricultural activities are also conditioned by the
environment. Rubber is an agricultural product. But rubber is the base for several industries.
For industries to grow we require raw materials. Raw materials are products of the
environment. This is why mining of coal, gold, minerals and metals as an economic activity
continues to depend on the environment.

Not all economic activities need be conditioned by the environment. This is because the world
has shrunk because of easier and quicker modes of communication and transport. Industries
which bring in wealth can be located in areas that have nothing to do with the environment. A
thermal plant need not necessarily be situated in a place where coal is easily available.
Factories manufacturing fertilisers, for the same reason, need not be dependent on the
environment.

Social activities are very much bound up with economic and industrial activities. The social
activities of an agricultural community are different from those of a community of people
running industries. This is why there is great divergence between the lifestyles of those in cities
and towns and of those in villages. The social activities of a people are determined by their
economic welfare, and the economic welfare in turn is conditioned by the environment. So, it is
by and large true to say that the social activities of a people have a bearing on the environment.

Social activities are an outward expression of the culture of a people. By `culture' we mean a
people's way of life, their food habits, dress, manners, etc. In Kerala and Bengal people eat rice
and fish, wear loin-clothes, engage themselves in festivities that have sprung from the native
soil largely influenced by the environment and climate.

In conclusion we may say that both economic and social activities are interlinked in such a way
that the one cannot be divorced from the other. The wealth that one produces from economic
activities utilising the resources available to him in his environment becomes the guiding factor
of his social activities.

EXPOSITORY ESSAY

1. THE PROBLEM OF OVER POPULATION:

The world today faces many problems despite the fact that it has taken long strides in science,
technology and knowledge. One such problem is over population especially in developing
countries. The population is growing so fast, that it grows in geometric progression whereas
economic goods grow only in Arithmetic progression that demographers say there will not be
literally any standing space on earth for her teeming millions. Let us find out the causes for such
a growth, the problem or problems such a growth causes and the possible remedies.

The fast growth in population can be attributed to good health, lowering of mortality rate,
combating famine when and where it occurs. With the knowledge of science many killer
diseases have been literally conquered. For instance, smallpox which used to take a heavy toll
of lives has been eradicated from almost all countries, so too has cholera, plague and so on.
Even Tuberculosis is kept under control. The wave of flu which accounted for millions of death
in 1919 was nothing but a common cold. Infant mortality has been reduced considerably by
taking pre-natal and post-natal care. Child mortality is kept under check by protecting the child
against Tetanus and Polio. Thus while the number of deaths is reduced, there is no control on
birth as a result the population is increasing at a runaway speed.

Again periodic famine in certain countries used to take away the lives of thousands of people.
Now with the better management of the world's food, in the matter of production, storage and
distribution, no part of the world needs suffer from famine. Add to this the better methods of
producing more food that are being adopted. By using better manures and fertilizers, high
yielding seeds, by pest control and water management there has been a revolution in food
production. These are some positive conditions which contribute to the growth of population.
The growth of population has its problems as we shall see. As there are more and more mouths
to be fed, there comes a great strain on the resources of a country; this is real in the case of
developing countries with the result they are unable to push ahead economically. As food is not
sufficient there is chronic malnutrition in these countries especially in women and children
resulting in weaker population who would only economically be a drain on the country as their
productive years will be short. As health and education are the State's affair, they affect the
country's finances. So in developing countries health and illiteracy continue to be the problem.
The unwieldy growth of population leads to the problem of housing and sanitation. In many
countries the slums are a sore to the eyes. Slums grow round big cities and are found with all
the drawbacks. These are the areas of disease, filth and crime.

Now people have realized the dangers of over population. Every country is caught up with this
problem and population growth control has become an economic necessity. In fact it is a
survival necessity. Family planning has become a household word. Though there has been an
objection on religious and other grounds, people have come to accept family planning as a fact
of life. Some countries have taken it seriously that it has become a national effort. Through
mass media people are being warned and educated. Inducements are made in the forms of free
treatment, earned leave and cash gifts. Men and woman in their productive age can get
themselves sterilized. Vast research is going on to introduce simpler methods.

Still the world may be saved from population explosion. May be there are more Green
Revolution miracles up the sleeves. May be birth control miracles in the next ten years may
save us. Right now the whole world seems bored with Family Planning. Can the world afford the
luxury of such boredom?

2. THE BENEFITS VERSUS THE DANGERS OF TELEVISION:

Any man-made invention is always accompanied by good and bad points. The most popular
mode of convenience is the motor car but today the motor car is a great contributor of
atmospheric pollution. Even antibiotics which were hailed as miracle drugs are not entirely free
from bad side effects. The discovery of 'N' energy has left the world on the brink of a nuclear
disaster and certain annihilation. So too, the invention of Television.

Television was invented following the principle of the movie and the radio. In movies one sees a
picture and hears the sound when the film is projected with the help of a projector. The film
will have to be made before hand. In the case of a Radio broadcast one hears the sound alone.
In combining the effect of the two the television has practically brought the world to one's
drawing room. It is no exaggeration. When the 25th Olympic was being conducted in Barcelona
one could see the colorful events in his television set. The lively actuality of the scenes and
sound makes the television very welcome.

There are many kinds of programs one can enjoy seeing on television. It may be a live telecast
of great events of the world, a cricket match between the West Indies and England, a football
match between two internationally famous teams, boxing match or a chess match between two
stalwarts of the game.

Many political events may be telecast like the party conventions in the USA. to select its
candidate for the future President. Events like the opening of Parliament or the last march for a
great national leader. In many of these things the television easily and effectively displaces the
morning newspapers and it is more effective than written words. It is both visual and aural and
creates a greater impact on the minds of viewers.

Hence the worth of television as an emotional tool has been high. With pre-planning lessons
could be broadcast effectively. It is useful for teachers because it can help them in the
reorientation and furthering of

children's' knowledge. Many subjects could be made more lively with a natural effect. It is a
boon to the medical student because he views intricate surgery with the help of television. As
an entertainment it is excellent.

But television has also its disadvantages. Unless the light effect is in correct frequency it will
affect the eye of the viewer. The television program has fixed hours and one has to tailor time
to it. There is also no free choice of programs because channels are limited.

Certain programs may have a corrupting influence on young minds. Cartoons which arc telecast
have cruelty as a theme and is a bad influence on the young minds. There has been instances
where youngsters have shot their teachers or parents. Television has reduced the influence of
discipline in the classroom.

It is quite likely that the happy relationship between the members of the family is likely to be
corroded. However, when the history of inventions of this century is written, certainly television
shall find a prominent place there along with the X Ray, nuclear bombs and space flights.

3. COLORS IN NATURE:

The world of nature is colorful and bright and human ingenuity cannot hope to match it. Right
from the sky above to the sea below, nature abounds in the richness of color. The human eye
and the human mind respond to this world of color and identify themselves with it. When a
person is cheerful and bright we refer to him as a 'colorful personality', similarly the different
colors are used to indicate human moods and attitudes: blue is associated with depression,
white is likened with serenity, green with jealousy and red with rage. Color is also used to
relieve tension. Psychologists have investigated the effect of color on the working ability of
workers and have come to the conclusion that certain colors are more conducive to Positive
thinking than others.

Nature fulfils man's longing for color: there is variety in everything. The sky can be clear and
blue, it can be dark with clouds, it reflects the glory of the rising sun and the variegated hues of
the setting sun. The sea which is normally associated with blue is not really so all the time. The
sea water can he blue, green, grey and many more subtle shades and even the rivers and
streams reflect the surrounding area and acquire that colour. Coleridge's poem 'The Ancient
Mariner' is rich in its description of the world of nature. People who do not observe are not able
to notice the finer shades and are consequently not able to enjoy this valuable side of life.

In the west, seasonal changes bring in changes in the landscape. While spring is rich with
colour, autumn provides a restful view to the eye with its soft browns and ripe greens and
winter brings in the whiteness of snow along with its stillness conveying the effect of sleepiness
and hibernation. And if on the one hand there is joy and vivacity in spring, there is coolness in
the abundance of the green forests, and a challenge in the dark rocks of the mountains and an
immensity in the vast, barren stretches of sand.

On the question of birds, I have discovered that in their world there are endless color
combinations. If green and grey birds mate, the new born chick has a lovely soft green color; if
yellow and blue mate the chicks may be either a heightened blue or a softened yellow. No
painter's effort can successfully capture the elusive world of nature.

Nature's world of color, especially among the animals, has a deeper purpose than there variety.
The colour of animals helps them to successfully camouflage themselves. If the toad is brown
and mingles with the color of the earth, the frog merges with the green color of the scum. The
polar bear is white but not so the tropical bear. Fishes also have the ability to change color in
order to mingle with their surroundings as do some birds like the willow ptarmigan. Lizards also
have different colors according to their surroundings - a desert lizard will be sand-colored while
a lizard in a heavy monsoon area will be of greenish hue. Butterflies and insects also share this
characteristic. This is not to say that animals and birds do not have bright colors which contrast
with their surroundings. This also has a purpose. The bright colors of the peacock are not only a
pleasure to the human eye but they also push the peahen into obscurity and offer her greater
protection. A male bird may display some brilliant coloration to scare a rival. The Chinese ring-
necked pheasant does exactly this, he puffs out his red pouches on the side of his neck when
confronted by another male.
Thus color does not only give pleasure, it also has a purpose. Imagine life without the color of
nature! It would indeed be dull and monotonous: the sparkles of life will not be there. Color
also has brought up problems. The whole problem of racial discrimination is connected with the
color of the human skin. Men are hidebound in their narrow beliefs and have not yet learnt to
value the variety of color and have not understood nature's purpose behind this.

4. EXPERIENCE IS THE BEST TEACHER:

Books are considered to be the source of all knowledge, but all that one learns through a book
is only of theoretical nature in the form of ideas and concepts. It is essential to utilize them in a
real environment and experience the knowledge that is learned from books.

Learning is nothing but understanding the world around us. Books, no doubt are a great source
of knowledge as it gives us an idea about a particular subject in detail. But all that one could
learn from it is limited to the level of knowing how a certain phenomenon occurs, or how a
certain concept works. The knowledge gained through books alone cannot help anyone,
because what one learns through the books should be put in to use to harvest the benefits. For
instance, a person who wants to learn driving can go through various manuals and guides that
teach people how to drive, but all this knowledge is useful only when you are actually driving
the car on the roads. It would be an utter waste of time if one just reads the books and does not
use them for practical purpose.

Learning through experience is always a lot different from learning through books. Let us
consider the same example of a person wanting to learn to drive: even if he goes through every
book that is available on driving, still it cannot qualify him as an expert driver. This is because of
the fact that books about driving can only teach people traffic rules and provide solutions on
how to handle certain situations. The situations faced by a driver could be totally different from
what he had learnt from a book. Sometimes we find that the real environment is quite different
from the one perceived by us through reading books. This is the very reason why, even in
educational institutions, all theoretical classes are followed by practical sessions.

Learning through experience can also be more effective than learning through books because
one does not envision everything on his own, but is given a chance to experience the reality.
The art of driving can be enjoyed only when we are behind the wheels and not when reading it
in books. Moreover, any book is actually an account of past experiences, i.e. it is based on the
experiences of people who tried to develop a new idea. The books are their experiences, telling
us what they already have tried. Thus from their experiences we can correct ourselves and thus
save valuable time and resources. It helps us to concentrate on their failures and to correct
them, but they alone cannot teach us everything we need to know. The knowledge learned
through books alone cannot help us to face all the exigencies that we would face in real life
situations; we have to practice on our own.

Books are like a guiding light in one's pursuit for knowledge. But it is left to every one of us to
experience it first hand and learn new things for the betterment of their lives. So the notion
"experience is the best teacher" is perfectly true.

5. PRESERVATION OF WILD LIFE:

Man's ever increasing needs and greed have led him to intrude indiscriminately into the world
of nature. He has not only lost the awe and fear which was a part of nature worship in the early
religions, but has developed an almost ruthless attitude towards the world of animals. He has
felled trees, built dams and has disturbed the peaceful seclusion of the forests. With thousands
of men working on dam sites and vehicular traffic moving round the clock, animals are forced to
retreat further and further into the fast receding forests. Added to these the rapid
industrialization with its accompanying pollution, the use of pesticides and insecticides has
made the struggle for survival a losing battle for a large number of birds and animals. Nuclear
explosions and even holiday picnickers are driving the fish towards extinction. The lack of
oxygen in the coastal waters drives them to their death. Another contributory factor is man's
desire to capture animals and keep them in captivity. The idea is not wrong but the
unimaginative method is wrong. For lack of space. animals are kept in small, uniform cages,
without bothering to cater to their individual needs and living habits. In order to avoid
cluttering of their cages they are of even provided with the necessary perches, branches or
wooden trunks which they can bore into. They are thus frustrated, unhappy and at times
unduly ferocious.

All the above factors, it is clear, are detrimental to the growth of wild life. Yet animals and birds
are necessary. Man needs them first of all to retain the balance in the world of nature: he also
needs them to keep a part of himself alive for the tenderness which birds and animals arouse is
perhaps the most unselfish emotion. Medical and scientific experiments have used animals to
benefit mankind. Sociologists and psychologists also depend on studies of animal behavior in
order to understand human behavior.

Preservation of wild life means preventing the extinction of species no matter how ungainly or
unattractive they may be and cultivating living conditions which may be conducive to their
growth and happiness. And the first step towards this is limiting human greed. Instead of felling
trees, man should grow them; pollution should be controlled. The disposal of solid wastes into
sea waters should be checked and controlled. If nuclear experiments have to be conducted they
should be done on a very limited scale and only in selected sites.
In many countries the old fashioned concept of a zoo has changed and more imagination is
brought into play. As far as possible conditions most conducive to their growth are created and
there is an attempt to cater to the varying individual needs of the animals. And this is as it
should be. Animals need their natural habitat in order to flourish. Wide spaces, ponds and pools
provide them this. More and more specialized zoos are coming into being. Those animals which
cannot procreate in captivity are being gradually allowed to return to wild life. In Sabah,
orangutans are being weaned away from captivity back to a natural existence where they can
procreate.

The worst enemy of animals is man with his superior intelligence and ability to use machines
and medicines to help him. It is man's hunting instinct and his desire to exercise power which
has led him into this inconsiderate attitude towards animals. Many countries have attempted to
curb this by proclaiming various birds and animals either as national animals or as protected
animals and by imposing a ban on the shooting of these animals. All these measures are not
enough to help preserve wild life. More than these, what is required is a check on man's
attitude towards animals. Man thinks of them as raw material for consumption and not as
fellow beings. What had helped preserve nature in the past was the attitude of divinity towards
them. Today if we cannot have a divine feeling, we can at least cultivate an anthropomorphic
attitude.

6. ROAD SAFETY:

Everyday many people are involved in road accidents. Some are killed. Many more are injured
or maimed. So it is important for us to learn to use the roads properly and safely. No sane
person would like to be involved in an accident.

As the roads are very busy nowadays, we should be very careful when crossing one. It is safer to
use a pedestrian crossing or an overhead bridge whenever one is available. Never cross a road
by dashing across it. That is inviting trouble. If there are no crossings, then we must look
carefully right and left and cross only when it is safe to do so.

Some of us take the bus to school. It is important that we do not try to get on or off a bus while
it is still moving. I tried to get on a moving bus once. It dragged me a short distance and nearly
ran over me. I was lucky to escape with only some scratches on my legs. Also we must not fool
around while in the bus. A suddenly lurch can send us knocking our heads against something
hard.

Using a bicycle can be dangerous too. We must pay attention on the road and never cycle too
far out to the middle of the road. We must obey all traffic rules. Also we must make sure our
bicycles are in good condition with working brakes, lights etc.
These are some things we can do to avoid accidents. However there is no guarantee that we
will never be involved in one. The important thing is to stay alert at all times while using the
roads. We must know what is happening around us. In that way we can take necessary action to
avoid danger whenever we see one. Road safety is very much up to how we use the roads. Use
them carefully and we may be able to use them for a long time. Use them carelessly and we
may never be able to use them again.

maim = to injure a person so severely that a part of their body will no longer work as it should

dash = move quickly

lurch = to move in an irregular way, especially making sudden movements backwards or

forwards or from side to side.

7. SCIENCE IN THE DETECTION OF CRIME:

Much to his housekeeper's disgust, the great fictional detective Sherlock Holmes carried out
scientific experiments in his Baker street rooms in the cause of solving crimes. Since his day,
science had played an increasingly important part in both the detection and the proof of crime.
Technology, the derivative of science, is used by most countries' police forces today and is
responsible for bringing many criminals to justice. Dr Crippen escaped by liner to the Unites
States, but an early ship to shore radio telephone enabled the police to arrest him when the
line docked.

Footprint casts and fingerprints are traditional methods of detection. Fingerprinting was
invented in Great Britain by Francis Galton and has been of fundamental importance in
detection for decades. Some countries fingerprint their whole populations, though others,
Britain included, regard this as an infringement of personal freedom, and restrict fingerprinting
to those accused of a criminal offence, or to those who are screened for certain security
categories. science has greatly enhanced the efficiency of this system. Fingerprints are now held
on computer, and much time and cost is saved by the fact that information can be exchanged
instantaneously throughout the country. Co-operation with the National Crime Information
center in the US and with Interpol in the continent of Europe greatly enhances this facility.

Records of convicted criminals are now held on microfilm in conjunction with fingerprints,
photographs and personal profiles and stores as computer data. These, again, are capable of
instant retrieval countrywide and can also be made available overseas. In the UK this data
cannot be disclosed to a jury during a criminal trial, but should the verdict be guilty a previous
criminal record becomes available in the matter of sentencing.
The polygraph, or lie detector, is not university sanctioned. Its supporters claim that its ability
to record nervous tensions is infallible. Others disagree.

Very recently, DNA printing has revolutionized the process of bringing the criminal to justice,
and in civil actions establishing paternity. The minutes quantities of blood, skin, hair or nail-
parings can positively identify or eliminate the individual concerned. No two individuals have
identical sets of genes. This scientific advance is particularly important in the examination of
cars and rooms where crimes have been committed.

Interrogation has always been an important part of criminal investigation. In uncivilized

counties, drugs, psychological pressure and often physical torture have been, and still are used.
These methods are banned in civilized countries. However, even in the latter, the police
occasionally enforce signatures to false statements or to statements which are subsequently
mutilated. Taped interviews today now go some way to overcome this abuse, though even
tapes can be falsified.

A good deal of crime detection and prevention has been privatized in recent years. Some
countries allow firearms to security guards, others, such as the UK, do not. Various pieces of
technology are in common use. Closed-circuit TV cameras allow centralized observation of
customers in large stores. Flood-lighting around buildings can be triggered electronically when
anybody approaches in the dark. Foot patrols are issued with light intensifiers, a military
development, enabling them to see without being seen. 'Electric eye' burglar alarms have been
in use both in public buildings and in private homes for many years.

Observation by police 'on the beat' who knows their own areas intimately has always been a
recognized and valuable means of crime detection and prevention, bolstering the citizen's
sense of security. Unfortunately, this is being replaced by police car patrols. And although the
latter are in radio communication with officers on foot and with police headquarters, the
general public sees this development as retrograde.

Despite all the above, crime is on the increase in many countries. Its detection is no doubt
becoming more efficient, due to scientific advance. This is related to an entirely different factor,
the decline in religious faith and observance, which instills moral standards into children.

8. NATIONALIZATION:

The distinguishing feature of the political world today is the disappearance of the monarchy in
many countries of the world and the appearance of popular governments in them. It is a new
venture which is still young. The ideal of monarchy had held the field for many centuries. The
new popular governments that are on the saddle in many countries cannot boast of such a long
record or illustrious pedigree.
Three distinct types stand out unpopular management of nationalizations --- the democratic
form, the socialistic form and the communistic form. The advanced nations of the west--- the
U.S.A., Great Britain and France are all democracies. Even where the monarchy survives as in
Norway, Sweden and Belgium, there is a democratic set-up. The communist form exists in the
U.S.S.R. and her allies.

The supporters of Nationalization urge that in as much as all the people of the country have to
be engaged in work (i.e., kept employed) and the profits of the undertakings made viable to the
state, Nationalization is necessary. Under nationalizations, the state dictates the procedure and
mops up the profits. The laborers would have no options but to merely obey and accept what
the state awards them by way of wages.

The democratic form depends upon the will of the people as exercised through votes in
elections. Different parties contest the elections. The governments run according to
parliamentary traditions. Private Capital and enterprise form the backbone of the system. In
socialist and communist countries, the power is largely in the hands of the socialist or
communist party. The socialist and the communists believe in Nationalization - that is taking
over and managing of industries, mines, transport, banks - in fact all the vital aspects of industry
and commerce.

Those who oppose nationalization point out its inherent defects. First nationalization saps
private initiative and enterprise. Secondly, it reduces human efforts to a dead monotonous
level. Thirdly, it makes sheep of people who gradually drift to conditions of being led. Fourthly,
it inhibits the enthusiasm of the people. So to say, according to the opponents of nationalism,
the people will become slaves of the state.

9. NATURAL DISASTERS:

Natural disasters are natural events that cause the loss of lives and property. Sometimes
hundreds and thousands are killed, and millions of dollars of property are destroyed. What are
these events and what causes them?

The earth is a dynamic entity that is undergoing changes all the time. Normal changes such as
those occurring to the weather and the seasons are part and parcel of living. We live our lives
according to these changes regardless of whether we like it or not. However, sometimes the
forces of nature cause great and drastic changes, and for us puny human beings, the effect can
be disastrous.

There are many types of natural events that can spell disaster for us. They include earthquakes,
volcanic eruptions, tornadoes, hurricanes, floods, droughts, tidal waves, tsunamis, fires,
landslides, and avalanches.
The earth crust is made up of a number of plates that sit on a sea of lava beneath. At some
places on the crust, lava, ash, smoke etc breaks through and the result is volcanic eruptions.
Sometimes the eruption is so violent that it destroys living things that are near it. The eruption
of Vesuvius in 79 AD destroyed the towns of Pompeii and Herculaneum. In 1883, the
catastrophic explosion of Krakatoa off the west coast of Java generated tsunamis that killed
hundreds of thousands of people in Indonesia. In 2004, underwater volcanic eruptions in the
Indian Ocean caused tsunamis that again killed hundreds of thousands living nearby.

The plates of the earth crust are not static. They push and grind against one another producing
earthquakes that sometimes cause widespread destruction to the affected area.

In addition to volcanic eruptions and earthquakes, other natural phenomena also brings
destruction. In Malaysia, the Northeast monsoon rains that come around December bring
floods to the east coast of the peninsula. In Australia, bushfires in summer destroy vast tracts of
land. Snowstorms in the polar regions of the earth cut the residents from the rest of the world.
Droughts in parts of India and Africa cause famine and tragedy.

No place on earth is totally free from disaster-causing events. We can only do our best to deal
with these events when they occur. People and property are inevitably destroyed. Those who
survive pick up the pieces and continue living.

10. CUSTOMS AND TRADITIONS OF PAST AGES CAN OFTEN HINDER THE INTRODUCTION OF
MEASURES WHICH WOULD IMPROVE THE HEALTH AND WELFARE OF PEOPLES:

Man is by nature conservative and it is very difficult for him to change quickly. This nature is not
so bad after all; for it helps in the continuity of the race and also their identity. Thus by customs
and manners we are able to distinguish the different people in different parts of the world. The
European nations are not so tradition bound, but among them there are peculiar customs and
manners which help to identify the French from the German and the Italian from the Spaniard.
How these customs have grown comes from historical, geographical and ethnical conditions.

With the coming of science these customs and traditions are fading. People are able to mingle
easily and customs are getting universalized. Look at the expression, 'Thank You'. Wherever
English is spoken and understood, everybody knows the value of this phrase. But the same may
require different expressions in different languages of the world.

In spite of the growth of science, customs and traditions still linger on. It is very difficult to
obliterate them. In a small group they give the `we' feeling. They make things much easier
within the group. Take the marriage customs among different peoples of the world. They are so
different as to make them meaningless or even silly in the eyes of others.

There are certain customs which positively harm the health and welfare of the people. There
are people in the world who still believe that: smallpox is caused by the evil deities or forces.
They would avoid getting themselves vaccinated, if they can help it. There are people who'
think that their food can get polluted it someone looks at it. So these people would starve while
traveling by train because other passengers might see their food. Some people would willingly
draw water from a dirty river or canal for drinking while the clean water from the tap is ignored
because others are taking water from it. Some people keep their sick in dark and ill ventilated
rooms not knowing the value of healthy air. To add to the misery of the sick they sometimes
keep an oil lamp burning in the room and shut the windows, quite unaware of the fact that the
burning lamp will consume quickly whatever oxygen is available in the room.

In the disposal of waste and garbage, people are quite careless and follow the traditional way of
dumping them somewhere near the house such that rodents and flies can multiply. Even in the
case of the so-called educated classes the old customs still linger. They shut their eyes to
hygienic principles.

Not all customs and traditions can be branded as harmful or detrimental to progress. Customs
which cannot stand any scientific scrutiny must be discarded for good.