Yup.ACSian/Scout/NJCian/Debater/Student at Uni of Birmingham/UNA—all rolled into one.
Links:
The ACS OBA Website
Anglo Chinese School (Independent)
University of Birmingham
Institute of Defence and Strategic Studies(now S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies)
United Nations Association Birmingham University
United Nations Youth & Student Association UK
ACS (I) Scout Troop WebsiteThe Debate Association (Singapore)
The Singapore Scout Association
Living Waters Methodist Church
International Baptist Church (Singapore)
"Of all the gin joints in all the towns in all the world, she walks into mine"--Rick Blaine, Casablanca
"Some men see things as they are and say why; I dream things that never were and say why not"--George Benard Shaw
Ecclesiastes 3:1: "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven:"
Philippians 3:14: "I press on towards the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenwards in Christ Jesus"
Isaiah 40:31: "But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.They will soar on wing like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint"
Isaiah 2:4: He will judge between the nations and will settle disputes for many peoples. They will beat their swords into ploughshares and their spears into hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore."
About Me
The writer is currently an Undergraduate at the University of Birmingham, UK. He wishes to espouse an amalgamation of entries and thoughts in this site with the aim not just to entertain but to provoke discussion, especially on his write ups on social issues and current affairs. Apart from heavily engaging in this activity, he enjoys a wide range dramas and musicals, especially those that carry insightful messages. He is also a self proclaimed music critic, a history buff and most recently a novelist and a scriptwriter. He holds a strong interest in the workings of macro-economics, particularly international trade policies and international development, Post-Modernism/Post-Structuralism as well as International Political Economy. Any discussion with regards his write ups or interests is most appreciated. Do kindly use the Guestbook function located below, leaving some means of contact. Alternatively, click on the “contact me” function above.
My favourite entries are marked with an asterisk *.
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Autolycus
Wee Jian
Hendri
Debbie
Nicholas
Terence
Jennifer
Rachel
Mr. Loh
Charles
Kelvin
Jin Yang
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Ivan
Min Zhi
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Argumentative subjects
2003-03-01 9:20 p.m.
I must admit what challenged me most when I entered for an arts course was the fact that I would have to face four subjects whereby I have to present arguments in the essay sections of these subjects (namely Literature, History, Economics and General Paper). Although I had taken geography before in secondary school, it seemed extremely boring, looking at the physical aspects of the earth. (sorry Mr Lim, but that's how it seemed to me). Furthermore, I believe there's no much to argue about in geography. Sure, you could pose questions like " To what extent is weather responsible for crop damage" or"Pollution is not only man's fault.' Discuss." but it seems so bland and uninteresting to debate these facts. In fact, the way I see it, there's nothing to discuss in Geography at all. on the other hand take a look at History. Facts are also present, nut they can be twisted in such a way that there are numerous views and approaches to one single idea laid down by so and so many years ago.
History presents a wider scope for you to debate and examine. Geography, however, is almost fixed. There is certainly nothing to argue about whether plate movement will affect our world or not, or the effects of the hole in the ozone layer. Everything present is almost inevitable. Yet, people still enjoy pursuing geography at 'A' level. Its not that I want to discourage students from taking Geography, by all means do go ahead, it just strikes me that there's less to argue about in it than history. Adding on to that fact, only two humanities scholars in my school take history. It seems so unusual, especially since one does not need History at 'O' level to take history at 'A' level. I guess they just want to continue with the same subjects they took at 'O' level, but there's no excitement or vigour in studying rocks, the movement of people or the seasonal changes. It seems unfair that we have to rack our brains and argue in the world of Napoleon, Babarossa, Kennedy and Deng Xiaoping while they can sit back and regurgitate they information on how the weather is in this part of the world.
Fair or not, why not take up the challenge and pursue something new? From what i understand, many students who never took history take it as an 'A' subject and do reasonably well in it. No, I'm no scolding the geography humanities scholars, it just seems distinctively odd.
Oh ,to Deborah, Nicholas, Yong Jian, Marianne, Lucas, Debbie and all those other geog students form AO1 and AO2, i love your comments on this topic. Prove me wrong. ( with no arrogance intended)
