English essay

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Questions and Answers

Explain how the Gini Index Coefficient can be used to argue that Singapore faces challenges related to economic inequality.

A higher Gini Index Coefficient indicates greater income inequality. Singapore's coefficient of 0.433 (0.371 adjusted) suggests a significant gap between the rich and poor, highlighting the presence of economic inequality.

Outline a potential argument against allowing transgender athletes to compete in sports without restrictions, drawing on examples of athletes who have cheated such as Lance Armstrong.

Unrestricted participation might create unfair advantages, similar to how doping provides an edge. Just as Lance Armstrong's cheating violated fair play, some argue that physiological differences could unintentionally lead to inequality.

How might the concept of 'inherited prejudice' contribute to occupational inequality, and what are some potential methods to help resolve this issue?

Inherited prejudice can lead to biased hiring practices, limiting opportunities for certain groups. Addressing this could involve implementing blind resume reviews or promoting diversity and inclusion training programs.

How could the proposal for a 2% wealth tax on billionaires, as suggested by the UN, potentially address wealth inequality in countries like Singapore?

A 2% wealth tax could generate revenue that could be used to fund social programs that would then benefit lower-income groups, which would reduce the wealth gap and address inequality. The country could use the additional revenue for education, healthcare or infrastructure. Signup and view all the answers

Critically analyse the statement that 'Justice is blind' with reference to examples of institutional bias or discrimination.

While justice aims to be impartial, institutional biases can undermine its effectiveness. For example, certain communities may face disproportionately higher rates of incarceration due to systemic prejudices, challenging the notion of blind justice. Signup and view all the answers

Name two specific environmental schemes or agreements that aim to address climate change.

Paris Climate Agreement (COP21) and Singapore’s 2030 Green Plan. Signup and view all the answers

Besides the Paris Climate Agreement, name one environmental activist group.

World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Signup and view all the answers

What is the numerical target for increasing solar energy production in Singapore by 2025, according to the Singapore Green Plan 2030?

Singapore aims to increase solar energy fourfold by 2025. Signup and view all the answers

Identify two examples of extreme weather events mentioned in the text.

Dubai flood and Zhengzhou storm. Signup and view all the answers

What is the estimated worth of ecotourism as mentioned in the document?

Ecotourism is worth $172 billion USD. Signup and view all the answers

What is one potential benefit of global warming, as identified in the text regarding new farmland?

Global warming could create 4.2 million square km of new farmland in Canada. Signup and view all the answers

What does the acronym 'CASA' stand for in the context of environmental activism in Singapore?

Climate Action SG Alliance. Signup and view all the answers

What is one specific statistic related to sea ice loss mentioned in the provided text?

28 trillion metric tons of sea ice loss from 1994-2017. Signup and view all the answers

What is '8050 syndrome' and how does it relate to the concept of a 'lost generation'?

'8050 syndrome' refers to adult children in their 50s still depending on parents in their 80s. It exemplifies the 'lost generation' concept, where individuals lack socially acceptable skills, struggle to become independent and are left behind. Signup and view all the answers

How did Naomi Osaka and Simone Biles contribute to the conversation surrounding mental health?

Naomi Osaka and Simone Biles, as prominent athletes, publicly addressed their mental health struggles. Osaka withdrew from competition, and Biles also spoke about her struggles. This brought mental health issues into the spotlight, especially in high-pressure environments. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the concept of 'soft parenting' and its potential connection to the 'Strawberry Generation'.

'Soft parenting' involves excessively accommodating children, potentially spoiling them. This is linked to the 'Strawberry Generation', referring to young people perceived as easily bruised or lacking resilience due to overprotective upbringing. Signup and view all the answers

How can understanding topical vocabulary, like hikikomori, aid in discussing societal issues?

Understanding terms like hikikomori (social recluse) enables a more nuanced discussion of societal problems such as social isolation and its impact, fostering deeper comprehension and targeted solutions. Signup and view all the answers

Connect the concept of 'ennui' from the industrial revolution to modern-day anxieties.

'Ennui,' a sense of existential angst arising from industrialization, reflects a feeling of displacement in society. This connects to modern anxieties where individuals feel lost or insignificant in an increasingly complex world. Signup and view all the answers

What does the phrase 'nail that sticks out gets hammered in' imply about societal expectations?

The phrase 'nail that sticks out gets hammered in' suggests societal pressure to conform. It discourages individuality and promotes adherence to norms, suppressing unique expression or behavior. Signup and view all the answers

How did the River Valley High incident and Woodlands machete incident highlight issues present in Singaporean society?

These incidents exposed underlying mental health concerns and potential social isolation problems that exist within Singaporean youths, signalling a need for greater mental health support and social integration efforts. Signup and view all the answers

What does Singapore's status as a 'city in a garden' reflect about the nation's priorities?

Singapore's status as a 'city in a garden' reflects a national priority of integrating nature within its urban environment, signalling a commitment sustainability, conservation, aesthetics, and quality of life for the population. Signup and view all the answers

What is the crucial first step in dissecting an argumentative essay question, such as 'Technology has made modern society a more dangerous place.'?

Identify the keywords and their associated implications within the question. Signup and view all the answers

After identifying keywords in an argumentative essay question, what is the next step in generating ideas for your essay?

Recall at least 4-5 concrete examples related to the topic keywords. Signup and view all the answers

What should an effective topic sentence accomplish in an argumentative essay?

Clearly state the main idea of the paragraph, answer the question, and address the question's keywords. Signup and view all the answers

When brainstorming examples for an argumentative essay, what should you consider about each example in relation to the essay question?

Consider whether each example supports or opposes the statement made in the essay question. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of writing an argumentative essay, what does the term 'tension' refer to, regarding the essay question?

It refers to the inherent conflict or debate suggested by the question that the essay needs to explore. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important for a topic sentence to be both specific and broad in an argumentative essay?

It needs to be specific enough to provide clear direction for the paragraph, while also being broad enough to allow for elaboration and supporting evidence. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the purpose of using one of your brainstormed examples as a 'hook' in the introduction of your argumentative essay?

The hook grabs the reader's attention and introduces the topic in an engaging way, setting the stage for your argument. Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between the topic sentence of a paragraph and the main question in an argumentative essay?

The topic sentence should directly answer the main question posed in the argumentative essay, acting as a mini-thesis for that specific paragraph. Signup and view all the answers

What are the three key elements that should be included in an effective introduction for an argumentative essay?

An effective introduction should include a hook, a debate outlining opposing viewpoints, and a thesis statement clearly stating the writer's stand and reasons. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to include opposing viewpoints in the introduction of an argumentative essay?

Including opposing viewpoints is important to provide background to the issue, establish why the issue is worth debating, and demonstrate a balanced understanding of the topic. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a 'hook' in the introduction of an argumentative essay, and how should it relate to the essay question?

The purpose of a hook is to engage the reader's attention at the beginning of the essay. It should be clearly linked back to the essay question, often through a summary of its illustrative point or a rhetorical question. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the importance of a clearly signalled thesis statement in an argumentative essay introduction.

A clearly signalled thesis statement is important because it tells the reader the main argument of the essay. Using phrases like, 'In light of the above discussion, it is my opinion that…' helps to avoid ambiguity. Signup and view all the answers

Identify a potential weakness in an argumentative essay introduction that only presents one side of the issue being discussed.

A potential weakness is that it fails to acknowledge and address counterarguments, presenting a biased perspective and potentially weakening overall persuasiveness. Signup and view all the answers

In the example introduction provided about the use of AI in Gaza, how does the author attempt to balance showcasing the technology's potential with raising ethical concerns?

The author attempts to balance the technology's potential with ethical concerns by first highlighting its use in military strategy but then immediately pointing out the potential for misidentification and civilian casualties. Signup and view all the answers

Describe how signposting phrases like 'While proponents of social media opine…, detractors advocate…' contribute to the effectiveness of an argumentative essay introduction.

These signposting phrases clearly indicate opposing viewpoints, helping to structure the debate and guide the reader through the different perspectives on the issue. Signup and view all the answers

Explain how the inclusion of specific examples or statistics in an argumentative essay introduction can enhance the essay's persuasiveness.

Specific examples or statistics can enhance persuasiveness by providing concrete evidence to support the existence and importance of the issue being discussed, making the introduction more engaging and credible. Signup and view all the answers

What is the central question explored regarding technology's impact on modern society?

Whether technology's relentless progress has made modern society a more dangerous place. Signup and view all the answers

Name three ways technology has seemingly enhanced safety, according to the text.

Improving emergency response times, aiding in crime prevention through predictive policing, and facilitating better coordination among law enforcement agencies. Signup and view all the answers

Identify three risks associated with the pervasive deployment of advanced technologies that make modern society more dangerous.

Potential for misuse, the ethical dilemmas of ‘authoritarian-like’ surveillance, and the increased threat of cyber warfare. Signup and view all the answers

Explain how you could use 'As a matter of fact' and 'In addition' in a sentence within a paragraph to add emphasis in your argumentative essay.

When elaborating on a point, you could say: 'Technology has improved communication; as a matter of fact, response times have decreased. In addition, coordination amongst departments has vastly improved'. Signup and view all the answers

Provide an example of how you could start a sentence using one of the phrases that provides objectivity from the text.

An example opening sentence is: 'It has been observed that technology has vastly improved communication.' Signup and view all the answers

How might you use statistics effectively in a PEEL paragraph to support your argument about technology and safety?

For instance, stating: 'Reports indicate a 30% decrease in crime rates in areas with advanced surveillance technology.' Signup and view all the answers

Describe how you can use the PEEL paragraph structure in your argumentative essay.

P - Point (main argument), E - Evidence (support with facts), E - Explanation (analyze the evidence) and L - Link (connect back to the thesis). Signup and view all the answers

Explain the role of a clear thesis statement in the introduction of your argumentative essay.

The thesis statement clearly states your position on the topic (e.g., technology's safety impact) and provides a roadmap for the essay. Signup and view all the answers

In the conclusion of your essay, what key elements should you include to effectively summarize your argument?

Restate thesis, summarize main points, and offer a final thought or implication. Signup and view all the answers

How would you use 'On one hand…on the other hand' to present a balanced discussion about technology and safety?

You can begin one sentence with: 'On the one hand, technology has improved emergency response times...', which suggests you need to add a contrasting point of view. For example: 'On the other hand, the over-reliance on technology undermines basic human connection.' Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Stress

A state of mental or emotional strain or tension resulting from adverse or demanding circumstances.

Mental Illness

Mental health conditions characterized by changes in mood, thinking, or behavior.