Space Exploration - An Expensive Folly? - Summer 2017

Mankind has always been fascinated by the stars, and with advances in technology we now have the ability to explore deeper and deeper into space. This technology is expensive though, and some people argue that the money used could be better spent on things such as education and healthcare. However, in my opinion, we shouldn’t cut back on funding space exploration for a number of reasons.

From a long-term perspective, at the rate we are destroying the earth, either through overpopulation, pollution or weapons development, the time may come when the earth is no longer habitable. Space exploration allows us to discover new potential worlds to which we can relocate and how the body will react on the long trips needed to get to these new worlds. From a short-term perspective, the technology being developed for space exploration can be used for more terrestrial needs. For example, this technology has allowed us to develop better aircraft, better computing systems and better solar technologies. Furthermore, space exploration, such as the deployment of the Hubble telescope, allows us to better understand the origins of the universe and how Earth was formed.

In conclusion, while education and healthcare should not be left underfunded, I believe that benefits derived from space exploration justify the costs.

(216 words)

Article - Releasing stress through healthy living - May/June 2011

There are expectations that young people should lead healthier lives. While some people say that this puts young people, particularly teenagers doing high-stakes examinations, under stress, I believe that it is still important for young people to look after their health. There are a number of reasons for this.

You have all heard the saying that a healthy body is a healthy mind. There is a lot of truth in this. Without eating healthily, exercising regularly and getting enough sleep, it becomes extremely difficult to study to the best of your abilities. This feeling of inadequacy can lead to even more stress. Furthermore, research has shown that leading unhealthy lives when young can result in more diseases - for example, cancer, obesity, heart problems and depression - in later life. Finally, participating in a healthy activity, such as joining a sports team, a sports club or outdoor adventure club, allows young people to socialise more, which can help mitigate common teenage problems including anxiety, depression and eating disorders.

In conclusion, from my point of view, urging young people to lead healthier lives does not put increased pressure on them. On the contrary, it can act as stress-release mechanism.

Article - Is life easier for current teenagers? - Oct/Nov 2011

Adults are constantly moaning that teenagers these days have it so much easier than teenagers in the past. I believe that there is some truth in this; however, life is not all a bed of roses for today’s generation of teenagers.

There is no doubt that the new technologies have made life easier for everyone, not just teenagers. For example, ubiquitous mobile devices and internet connectivity allows us to easily connect with family and friends. Furthermore, a multitude of information is now at our fingertips, making it easier to do homework or research various topics. Moreover, tedious chores that needed to be done by hand in the past can now be done much quicker and with less effort thanks to devices such as microwaves, blenders and automatic washing machines.

However, the increasing speed of modern life if placing teenagers under a lot more stress. Jobs have become increasingly technical, so teenagers must study harder to get into the “right” college or university. In addition, the sheer speed at which technology and fashion becomes outdated is putting pressure on teenagers to have the latest gadgets and items of clothing.

In conclusion, advances in technology have made life for current teenagers easier, but this wealth of technology and choice is also making life more stressful.

Article - Don't be a slave to fashion - May/June 2010

For some people, buying and wearing up-to-date fashion is of the utmost importance. They believe, as Shakespeare said, “clothes make the man”. However, in my opinion, too much importance is placed on looking fashionable. Instead, we should be more worried about what’s underneath.

By their very nature, fashionable clothes change with the season. What’s in one year is out the next. Therefore, fashionistas must spend a hell of a lot of money to look cool and trendy. If no money is available, these people become desperate and this can lead to crimes such as robbery, shoplifting and much worse. Furthermore, being slaves to fashion results in a loss of individuality as the fashionistas strive to look the same as everyone else.

What’s wrong with looking different? Are you any less a person because you’re not wearing the latest fashions? Certainly not. It means that you have the self-confidence to be yourself. In addition, think of all the exciting things that can be done with the money saved by not buying extravagant clothing.

In conclusion, don’t be a slave to fashion. Be yourself, even when the so-called ‘cool’, fashionable people might be sniggering behind you back!

Article - The Power of Music - Oct/Nov 2009

We are surrounded by music, be it from the television or radio or, more recently, from our mobile devices and youtube. While there is no doubt that listening to music has many benefits, it also has the potential to be disruptive too.

One of the many benefits of music is that it has the power to change our moods. For example, if we are feeling sluggish, listening to an upbeat rock or pop song can give us an energy boost. Or if we are feeling stressed, music can help us to relax and unwind. In addition, listening to music can educate us as it allows us to hear what other people are thinking or saying. Furthermore, if the creator of the music is from another culture, we can get a deeper understanding of the world in which we live.

However, what one person may consider as music is what another may consider as noise. Therefore, we should be considerate when playing music. It should never be played too loud, particularly when in public places. Also, there are some songs with questionable lyrics that might offend others.

In conclusion, music has the power to uplift us but we must always be sensitive to the needs of others when we play it.

Article - Are dangerous sports worth the risk? (Oct/Nov 2008)

Recently, more and more people have been ending up in hospitals due to accidents resulting from dangerous or risky sports and activities. There have been calls to limit access to these activities; however, I believe that with proper regulation, people should be encouraged to participate as much as possible.

First of all, people have become bored with traditional sports and are looking for new challenges. Without access to more adventurous sports, they might give up on doing any exercise, which in the long run will lead to more hospital admissions. Furthermore, these challenges add spice to people’s lives, making them happier which will ultimately result in people leading more productive lives. Moreover, these new activities are a boon to the economy, particularly in rural areas. They create extra employment and bring much needed money into local communities, both rural and urban.

So I believe that we should not restrict people for doing these so-called ‘dangerous’ activities. Instead, we should ensure that there is a system of rules and regulations in place, which is properly enforced, to minimise the number of accidents. By doing this, we can reap all the benefits that these activities provide.

Article - Benefits and drawbacks of using new technologies - May/June 2008 V1

Nowadays, technology and computers are playing a more prominent role in everyone’s lives. While there is no doubt that the use of new technologies, such as the internet and mobile devices, has many benefits, I believe that over-reliance on them has some drawbacks too.

First of all, using new technologies allows us to be connected anytime, anywhere and anyplace. As a result, we have more knowledge at our fingertips. We can quickly find out about current and past affairs, and this is crucial in allowing us to produce better work for school and to solve problems that come up in our lives. In addition, the ability to use new technologies is essential for us to get better jobs after school as technology plays such an important role in modern workplaces.

However, being connected 24/7 to the internet also has some negative consequences. For example, people can become obsessed with checking their social media accounts and playing online games, leading them to losing skills such as face-to-face communication and becoming unhealthy due to lack of exercise.

In conclusion, using new technologies allows us to develop important new skills but we must also be careful not to lose existing ones.

Article - Are mixed schools or separate schools better for teenagers?

Here are a couple of good responses from students:

Nowadays, many people think that boys and girls aged 14 to 18 should attend separate schools. In my opinion they should not attend separate schools.

There are many reasons for girls and boys to attend mixed schools. One reason is that it is important for both boys and girls to learn how to understand each other and help each other. Another reason is when both girls and boys are grown up they will have to find a life partner; if they don't understand each other, they will not be able to gave a good life and help each other in any situations or share any things together. The third reason is even though people think that girls and boys will concentrate better if they are separated, I think that school will be more fun if boys and girls are together.

In conclusion, I think that boys and girls should not be separated because it will be better for everyone. (Aasis, Year 10 ESL)

These days, some people think that students at aged between 14 and 18 should go to separated schools. However others think that they should go to mixed schools. In my opinion, there are advantages to both.

There are lots of advantages to mixed schools. One advantage is that they make boys and girls both work harder by creating competition between them. Another advantage is that boys and girls can learn to try to understand each other. This is an advantage because in the future it will make them know how to react to the other gender.

However, there are also lots of advantages to separate schools. One of them is that the students can concentrate more at school and on their work rather than on their relationships or friends. Furthermore, behaviour is better in separate schools.

In conclusion, I think that both mixed and separate schools both advantages and disadvantages. (PeiPei, Year 10 ESL)

Cycle 10 - 08/11/16 to 16/11/16

Time	Place	Content
D3-P7	ELS2	Writing articles - SB Pg 41, writing 2 HW - Pg 41, writing 1 (HW Due: Day 6 - Period 2)
D5-P7	ELS2	SB - Page 43-47 WB - Pg 23-25
D5-P8	ICT1	2nd draft - mixed or separate schools Quizlet - Sport and fitness 1
D6-P2	ELS2	SB - Page 43-47 WB - Pg 23-25 (HW Due: Day 3 - Period 7)

Cycle 9 - 01/11/16 to 09/11/16

Time	Place	Content
D3-P7	ELS2	Check HW - Summary Television SB - Page 37-40 HW - Rewrite letter (Ex 39) (HW Due: Day 6 - Period 2)
D5-P7	ELS2	SB - Page 37-40
D5-P8	ICT1	2nd draft - mixed or separate schools Quizlet - Words that describe home
D6-P2	ELS2	Check D3 homework HW - Letter writing (HW Due: Day 3 - Period 7)

Cycle 4 - 12/06/16 to 20/06/16

Time	Place	Content
D3-P7	ELS2	Exam-type activity - James Bond HW - Letter (Due: Day 4)
D5-P7	ELS2	Success International SB P20-21, 41-45 WB P11
D5-P8	ICT1	2nd draft - Describing a person Quizlet - Describing People 2
D6-P2	ELS2	Success International SB P22 HW: SB, Pg 20, Ex 44; WB, Pg 12, Ex 16 (Due: Day 3)