Critical Reflection 2

Take aways from this course

This module has provided me much guidance with regards to essay writing. It was less daunting to start on my other essay assignments. I appreciate the process, as it is not something I would do. It definitely has been helpful in crafting an essay although I felt that the process was a little tedious. The feedback given by my peers and tutor was helpful in allowing me to see the areas I could improve on. The essay process is a valuable take away because I would not have paid much attention to my writing if not for this module. I am more aware of the mistakes I make while writing an essay now. Through the module, I found my weakness and was able to work on it. I did not structure my essay to flow and communicate my thoughts well. ES1102 has definitely not been a waste of time, it has reinforced the importance of what I usually overlook while writing essays. Other activities such as watching TED videos in class have been informative and engaging. Reading and providing feedback for my peers has helped me to be alert to the mistakes that I make in my own essays. It was interesting to read their essays because they have different ways of expressing their views and writing styles. Moving forward, skills learnt and re-emphasised during the module would help me in future writing assignments. I would also strive to improve my writing by trying to make time especially during the holidays to read more books. 

Draft #4

In 2007, frozen meat and vegetable dumplings imported from China contained pesticide causing food poisoning in Japan (Chanda, 2013) and in the next year, melamine contaminated milk products took the lives of at least 6 children and caused 300,000 children to fall ill in china (Branigan, 2009). Melamine had been deliberately added into the milk to boost its protein in order to pass nutritional tests. Singapore, Malaysia, Japan and Hong Kong made a move to ban and recall Chinese dairy products in 2008 (Klamann, 2008). Globalized trade has enabled an increase in the variety of food products available for consumption. At the same time, there is a growing risk of tainted food imported from one country to another.

Singapore imports over 90% of food products as it has a limited land resources (Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority of Singapore, 2013). The over reliance on imported food products exposes Singaporeans to a higher risk of being susceptible to food scandals (Tan, 2013). Singapore has to be alert in ensuring that imports are safe for consumption as tainted food can bring about health problems and severe socio-economic consequences. With the rise in food scandals occurring around Singapore, the Singapore government has to continue to be vigilant and ensure that regulations are secure to protect consumers from being affected by contaminated food from global sources. Two ways in which the government can do so is to work with international food safety authorities and continue to be strict with requirements for imported food. 

Products that are harmful will continuously arise as producers utilize cheap chemicals to fulfill requirements and find ways to reduce costs and maximize profits. Also, unprecedented animal epidemics such as the mad cow disease need to be guarded against. Diseases can be transmitted when a person consumes infected animal meat.

Currently, the Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority of Singapore (AVA) has strict requirements for imported and locally manufactured food to comply with. The import of meat and meat products are authorized only from approved sources. Imports must have a health certificate provided by a veterinary authority of the country of origin to certify that Singapore's animal health and food safety requirements are met (AVA, 2013). Imports with high risks are required to be sent for testing to certify the safety of the imported food (Singapore customs, 2013). The government gives out food safety excellence and food safety partners’ awards to encourage the food industry to guarantee the safety of food provided commitment.

As the saying goes, prevention is better than cure. The government agency AVA should also work closely with food safety authorities internationally to share information and work on protecting the health of consumers. This way, when a certain food is found to be affecting the health of consumers, the food safety authority of that country will pass information regarding the food scandal on to the food safety authorities in other countries immediately to prevent the problem from escalating.

Furthermore, Singapore should not take the zero incident rate for granted. The AVA government agency should not slack in the strict requirements they have. The testing methods for detecting contaminants should be constantly upgraded to identify uncommon contaminants. Employees must be well taken care of so as to prevent them from taking bribes to let imported food that do not meet requirements come into Singapore.

In preventing contaminated food from being consumed, consumers should be protected from harm. Consumers distrust arising from unethical selling of tainted food would not exist and they would not have to be wary about the food they have purchased.

 References

Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority of Singapore. (2013). Singapore's food supply.

Retrieved October 20, 2013, from http://www.ava.gov.sg/Singapore+Food+Supply.htm 

Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority of Singapore (AVA). (2013). Requirements to

Import, Export and Transship Food. Retrieved October 12, 2013, from http://www.ava.gov.sg/AVA/Templates/AVA-GenericContentTemplate.aspx?NRMODE=Published&NRNODEGUID=%7b2BA0A4AA-05D8-4E3C-A8F9-60F26F90EA76%7d&NRORIGINALURL=%2fFoodSector%2fImportExportTransOfFood%2fReqToImportExportTransshipFood%2f&NRCACHEHINT=Guest#begin

Branigan, T. (2009, November 24). China executes two for tainted milk scandal.

theguardian. Retrieved from http://www.theguardian.com/world/2009/nov/24/china-executes-milk-scandal-pair

Chanda, N. (2013, April 4). One man’s meat is another man’s poison. YaleGlobal

online. Retrieved from http://yaleglobal.yale.edu/content/one-man’s-meat-another-man’s-poison

Klamann,  E. (2008, September 20). China Orders recalls as milk scandal widens.

Reuters. Retrieved from http://www.reuters.com/article/2008/09/20/us-china-milk-idUSSHA8903920080920

Singapore customs.(2013). Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (Processed Food).

Retrieved October 10, 2013,from http://www.customs.gov.sg/leftNav/trad/TradeNet/Agri-Food+and+Veterinary+Authority+(Processed+Food).htm

Tan, P.H. (2013, July 19). Opening remarks by Ms Tan Po Hong, chief executive

officer, agri-food and veterinary authority of Singapore, at AVA’s food safety awards night on 19 July 2013. Retrieved October 10,2013, from http://www.ava.gov.sg/NR/rdonlyres/9253E7B2-E57D-4992-982C-1304E73748D6/26395/CEOsSpeechforFoodSafetyAwardsNight13_Final.pdf

Critical Reflection

In the past, my essays would lack organisational structure and my thoughts were all over the place. I rarely had to write essays, as my course in Polytechnic only required me to write business reports, which are unlike academic essays. I was not confident of writing the essay and was quite apprehensive about it. Initially, I did not know where to start and how I was going to proceed on with my essay even though I had some ideas. By learning how to prepare my thesis and revolve my essay around my thesis, I had an easier time starting on the essay. The process leading up to the essay proper was very helpful for me. The summary of globalization allowed me to grasp the topic and understand what this phenomenon was. The reader's response segment was something new to me and I struggled to put it together in the beginning. After the exercise ended, I have learnt much on how to formulate a reader's response with comments provided by the tutor. I also learnt how to put my opinion into writing and substantiate it with findings from academic writings. Advice and feedback from my peers and tutor was very useful as they also saw that my thoughts did not flow and were not cohesive. This whole experience made me realize how much I still have to work on and has motivated me to not stop learning but to continue improving on my writing skills. Recently, I had to write a few essays for other modules and I found it easier to start on them. With more practice, I believe my writing skills would improve.

Globalization and food safety draft #3

How can the Singapore government protect consumers from being affected by contaminated food from global sources?

In 2007, frozen meat and vegetable dumplings imported from China contained pesticide causing food poisoning in Japan (Chanda, 2013) and in the next year, melamine contaminated milk products took the lives of at least 6 children and caused 300,000 children to fall ill in china (Branigan, 2009). Melamine had been deliberately added into the milk to boost its protein in order to pass nutritional tests. Singapore, Malaysia, Japan and Hong Kong made a move to ban and recall Chinese dairy products in 2008 (Klamann, 2008). Globalized trade has enabled an increase in the variety of food products available for consumption and at the same time also increases the growing risk of consuming tainted food brought in from other countries,

Singapore imports over 90% of food products as it has a limited land resources. The over reliance on imported food products exposes Singapore to a high risk of being susceptible to food scandals (Tan, 2013). Singapore has to be alert in ensuring that imports are safe for consumption as tainted food can bring about severe socio-economic consequences. With the rise in food scandals occurring around Singapore, the Singapore government has to continue to be vigilant and ensure that regulations are secure to protect consumers from being affected by contaminated food from global sources. Two ways in which the government can do so is to work with international food safety authorities and continue to remain vigilant.

Products that are harmful will continuously arise as producers utilizing cheap chemicals to fulfill requirements and find ways to reduce costs and maximize profits. Also, unprecedented animal epidemics such as the mad cow disease need to be guarded against. Diseases can be transmitted when a person consumes infected animal meat.

Currently, the Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority of Singapore (AVA) has strict requirements for imported and locally manufactured food to comply with. The import of meat and meat products are authorized only from approved sources. Imports must have a health certificate by a veterinary authority of the country of origin to certify that Singapore's animal health and food safety requirements are met (AVA, 2013). Imports with high risks are required to be sent for testing to certify the safety of the imported food (Singapore customs, 2013). The government gives out food safety excellence and food safety partners’ awards to encourage the food industry to guarantee the safety of food provided commitment.

As the saying goes, prevention is better than cure. The government agency AVA should also work closely with food safety authorities internationally to share information and work on protecting the health of consumers. This way, when a certain food is found to be affecting the health of consumers, the food safety authority of that country will pass information regarding the food scandal on to the food safety authorities in other countries immediately to prevent the problem from escalating.

Furthermore, Singapore should not take the zero incident rate for granted. The AVA government agency should continue to be vigilant and not slack in the strict requirements they have. Employees should be well taken care of to prevent them from taking bribes to let imported food that do not meet requirements in to Singapore.

Despite being a small number, Singapore producers should be educated and warned severely about unethical actions that are harmful to the public. Producers who are guilty of such actions must be severely penalized.

In preventing contaminated food from being consumed, consumers are protected from harm. Issues such as consumers distrust arising from unethical selling of tainted food would not exist.

                                                            References

Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority of Singapore (AVA). (2013). Requirements to

Import, Export and Transship Food. Retrieved October 12, 2013, from http://www.ava.gov.sg/AVA/Templates/AVA-GenericContentTemplate.aspx?NRMODE=Published&NRNODEGUID=%7b2BA0A4AA-05D8-4E3C-A8F9-60F26F90EA76%7d&NRORIGINALURL=%2fFoodSector%2fImportExportTransOfFood%2fReqToImportExportTransshipFood%2f&NRCACHEHINT=Guest#begin

Branigan, T. (2009, November 24). China executes two for tainted milk scandal.

theguardian. Retrieved from http://www.theguardian.com/world/2009/nov/24/china-executes-milk-scandal-pair

Chanda, N. (2013, April 4). One man’s meat is another man’s poison. YaleGlobal

online. Retrieved from http://yaleglobal.yale.edu/content/one-man’s-meat-another-man’s-poison

Klamann,  E. (2008, September 20). China Orders recalls as milk scandal widens.

Reuters. Retrieved from http://www.reuters.com/article/2008/09/20/us-china-milk-idUSSHA8903920080920

Singapore customs.(2013). Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (Processed Food).

Retrieved October 10, 2013,from http://www.customs.gov.sg/leftNav/trad/TradeNet/Agri-Food+and+Veterinary+Authority+(Processed+Food).htm

Tan, P.H. (2013, July 19). Opening remarks by Ms Tan Po Hong, chief executive

officer, agri-food and veterinary authority of Singapore, at AVA’s food safety awards night on 19 July 2013. Retrieved October 10,2013, from http://www.ava.gov.sg/NR/rdonlyres/9253E7B2-E57D-4992-982C-1304E73748D6/26395/CEOsSpeechforFoodSafetyAwardsNight13_Final.pdf

Globalization essay draft 2

Globalization is the process that has allowed the world to become integrated and interdependent. Globalization has brought about a rise in the production of goods and services. The process has enabled free movement of capital, goods and services and expanded international trade. Globalization has changed the world economies and the lives of people. People are exposed to a variety of foods and other products from other countries. Although, people are able to enjoy a diversity of food, contaminated food from global sources can also have a direct impact on them. In 2007, frozen meat and vegetable dumplings imported from China contained pesticide causing food poisoning in Japan (Chanda, 2013). With the rise in food scandals occurring around Singapore, the Singapore government has to be vigilant and ensure that regulations are secure to protect consumers from being affected by contaminated food from global sources.        

In 2008, melamine contaminated milk products took the lives of at least 6 children and caused 300,000 children to fall ill (Branigan, 2009). Singapore, Malaysia, Japan and Hong Kong made a move to ban and recall Chinese dairy products in 2008 (Klamann, 2008). Singapore is highly reliant on imported food thus there is a high risk of Singapore being susceptible to food scandals (Tan, 2013). Singapore has to be alert in ensuring that imports are safe for consumption as tainted food can bring about severe socio-economic consequences. Food safety in Singapore should not be taken for granted.

Currently, the Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority of Singapore (AVA) has strict requirements for imported and locally manufactured food to comply with. The import of meat and meat products are authorized only from approved sources. Imports must have a health certificate by a veterinary authority of the country of origin to certify that Singapore's animal health and food safety requirements are met (AVA, 2013). Imports with high risks are required to be sent for testing to certify the safety of the imported food (Singapore customs, 2013). The government also encourages with the food industry to guarantee the safety of food provided through awarding food safety excellence and food safety partners’ awards for their commitment. Products that are harmful will continuously arise as producers find ways to cut costs by using cheap chemicals as substitutes or when animal epidemics occur. The government has to ensure that methods used to test for poisonous substances in imported food are reliable and constantly upgraded.

As the saying goes, prevention is better than cure. The government agency AVA should also work closely with food safety authorities internationally to share information and work on protecting the health of consumers. This way, when a certain food is found to be affecting the health of consumers, the food safety authority of that country will pass information regarding the food scandal on to the food safety authorities in other countries immediately to prevent the problem from escalating. In preventing contaminated food from being consumed, consumers are protected from harm. Issues such as consumers distrust arising from unethical selling of tainted food would not exist.

References

Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority of Singapore (AVA). (2013). Requirements to

Import, Export and Transship Food. Retrieved October 12, 2013, from http://www.ava.gov.sg/AVA/Templates/AVA-GenericContentTemplate.aspx?NRMODE=Published&NRNODEGUID=%7b2BA0A4AA-05D8-4E3C-A8F9-60F26F90EA76%7d&NRORIGINALURL=%2fFoodSector%2fImportExportTransOfFood%2fReqToImportExportTransshipFood%2f&NRCACHEHINT=Guest#begin

Branigan, T. (2009, November 24). China executes two for tainted milk scandal.

theguardian. Retrieved from http://www.theguardian.com/world/2009/nov/24/china-executes-milk-scandal-pair

Chanda, N. (2013, April 4). One man’s meat is another man’s poison. YaleGlobal

online. Retrieved from http://yaleglobal.yale.edu/content/one-man’s-meat-another-man’s-poison

Klamann,  E. (2008, September 20). China Orders recalls as milk scandal widens.

Reuters. Retrieved from http://www.reuters.com/article/2008/09/20/us-china-milk-idUSSHA8903920080920

Singapore customs.(2013). Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (Processed Food).

Retrieved October 10, 2013,from http://www.customs.gov.sg/leftNav/trad/TradeNet/Agri-Food+and+Veterinary+Authority+(Processed+Food).htm

Tan, P.H. (2013, July 19). Opening remarks by Ms Tan Po Hong, chief executive

officer, agri-food and veterinary authority of Singapore, at AVA’s food safety awards night on 19 July 2013. Retrieved October 10,2013, from http://www.ava.gov.sg/NR/rdonlyres/9253E7B2-E57D-4992-982C-1304E73748D6/26395/CEOsSpeechforFoodSafetyAwardsNight13_Final.pdf

Essay first draft

Globalisation is a phenomenon resulting in the world becoming integrated and interdependent. The world has become a global market as manufacturing, assembling and purchasing of products occur all over the world. Many companies are outsourcing to take advantage of cheaper labor in other countries.

Today, products are sold globally. In Singapore, a supermarket sells a variety of food and household products imported from countries such as China, America, Malaysia and many more. With such a diverse range to choose from, one is spoilt for choice. However, in the recent years, the number of food scandals have risen. In 2007, Chinese frozen meat and vegetable dumplings containing pesticide caused food poisoning in Japan (Chanda, 2013). With the rise in food scandals occurring around Singapore, the Singapore government has to tighten regulations and ensure testing methods are secure to protect consumers from being affected by contaminated food from global sources.        

Horsemeat was detected in frozen beef burgers in mid January. France beef meals tainted with horsemeat were treated as beef when it was sold from Romania to other countries and eventually back to France. Beef ready meals in other parts of Europe have been recalled after investigation showed horsemeat in them. The UK Food Standards Agency was criticized and doubted after this incident (BBC, 2013). Consumer confidence in labels has to be restored as a result.

In 2008, melamine contaminated milk products took the lives of at least 6 children and caused 300,000 children to fall ill (Branigan, 2009). Singapore, Malaysia, Japan and Hong Kong made a move to ban and recall Chinese dairy products in 2008 (Klamann, 2008). Tainted food can bring about serious health consequences as seen in this example. Food safety should not be taken for granted. Singapore is highly reliant on imported food thus there is a high risk of being susceptible to food scandals (Tan, 2013). Singapore has to be alert in ensuring that imports are safe for consumption.

The Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority of Singapore (AVA) has strict requirements for imported and locally manufactured food to comply with. Imports with high risks are required to be sent for testing to certify the safety of the imported food (Singapore customs, 2013). The government also encourages with the food industry to guarantee the safety of food provided through awarding food safety excellence and food safety partners’ awards for their commitment.

Harmful products will continuously arise as producers find ways to cut costs by using cheap chemicals as substitutes or when animal epidemics occur. The government has to ensure that methods used to test for poisonous substances in imported food are constantly reliable and upgraded. Animals imported should also continue to be strictly controlled and certified to prevent diseases from being introduced into the country. The AVA should also work closely with food safety authorities internationally to share information and work on protecting the health of consumers. This way, when a certain food is found to be affecting the health of consumers, the food safety authority of that country can pass information regarding the food scandal on to food safety authorities in other countries immediately to prevent the problem from escalating. In preventing contaminated food from being consumed, issues such as consumers distrust arising from unethical selling of tainted food would not exist.

(citations soon...)

Essay idea - Globalisation and Food Safety

a.  Description of a situation
Globalisation has resulted in the world being integrated and interdependent and this also means that countries will be affected by another country's mistake. Melamine-tainted milk causing infants to fall ill resulted in a world wide recall of China products containing melamine and the horse meat scandal where horse DNA was found in supposedly processed beef meat. In 2007, Chinese frozen meat and vegetable dumplings containing pesticide caused food poisoning in Japan (Chanda, 2013).

b.  Identification of a problem

Everyone is susceptible to buying dubious food which may be contaminated. There is a reduced trust in food labels.  Products produced from countries where food scandals occur will be boycotted as consumer confidence drops. A decrease of sales of products from these countries will be seen. At the same time, the public's health is at risk. Food safety has to be ensured.

c.  Description of a solution
Governments should require stringent checks on food imports, enforce strict standards. Impose fines if necessary and set regular checks on production factories. 
Food companies should be required to submit reports on the content of their food, ensure their food is safe for consumption. 
Sellers of global food should also implement measures such as requiring food companies to guarantee the safety of their food in order to prevent contaminated food from being sold.

d. Evaluation of the solution
The solution will only be effective if there is action taken. Although it will be a tedious process to check all the products, the health of the public is safe guarded. The implications of the public being affected by contaminated food is far greater.

e. Thesis/Intro.

Thesis
The rise in food scandals resulting in worldwide issues has shown that more attention should be given to food safety.

Introduction
Globalisation refers to the shift towards a more integrated and interdependent world economy. The ease of transporting and distributing products worldwide has increased. Falling transportation costs and removed trade barriers have enabled companies to sell their products in global supermarkets. In Singapore, a supermarket sells a variety of food and household products imported from countries such as China, America, Malaysia and many more. This expands the choices people have when choosing a particular product to purchase. However, in the recent years, food scandals have been rising.  In 2007, Chinese frozen meat and vegetable dumplings containing pesticide caused food poisoning in Japan (Chanda, 2013).

Reader Response final draft

In the article ‘The Double Edge Of Globalisation’, Chanda (2007) suggests that the effects caused by globalisation in the past were not as obvious as they are now. The increasing ability to correlate globalisation with its effects is due to the growing connectedness of the world. I agree with the author and also see the growing ease to link globalisation and its after effects with advancements in technology.

Since the world has become smaller, world trade has enlarged due to thriving demand and supply. One case Chanda brought up was the 2.5 million acres of tropical forest cleared in Brazil to earn profit from China's immense demand. Although the demands of men are met, the earth suffers environmental degradation and these consequences can only be seen in the future. Should we continue to be irresponsible just because we do not see the effects now? 

Moreover, technology has also enabled us to connect globalisation with its effects. Zabarenko from the Reuters reported last year that small amounts of nuclear radiation with origins from Japan were found in bluefin tunas from California. With technology, one is able to associate a country's irresponsible acts with environmental changes in another country. Much evidence can be disclosed but as Chandra mentioned, without collaboration from governments to take action, environmental issues cannot be resolved.


http://yaleglobal.yale.edu/content/double-edge-globalization

http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2012-05-28/business/sns-rt-us-japan-nuclear-tunabre84r0mf-20120528_1_bluefin-tuna-cesium-california-coast

Reader Response to Double Edge Of Globalisation Draft #1

In the article ‘The Double Edge Of Globalisation’, Chandra suggests that the effects caused by globalisation in the past were not as obvious as they are now. The increasing ability to correlate globalisation with its effects is due to the growing connectedness of the world. I do agree with the author and also see growing ease to link globalisation and its after effects with advancements in technology.


Since the world has become smaller, world trade has enlarged due to thriving demand and supply. One case Chandra brings up is the 2.5 million acres of tropical forest cleared in Brazil to earn profit from China's immense demand. Although the demands of men are met, the earth suffers environmental degradation and consequences can only be seen in the future. Should we continue to be irresponsible just because we do not see the effects now? 

Technology enables us to connect globalisation with its effects. Zabarenko from Reuters reported last year that small amounts of nuclear radiation with origins from Japan were found in the tuna from California. With technology, one is able to associate a country's irresponsible acts with environmental changes in another country. Much evidence can be disclosed but as Chandra mentioned, without collaboration from governments to take action, environmental issues cannot be resolved.


http://yaleglobal.yale.edu/content/double-edge-globalization

http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2012-05-28/business/sns-rt-us-japan-nuclear-tunabre84r0mf-20120528_1_bluefin-tuna-cesium-california-coast

Thesis for ‘The Double Edge Of Globalisation’

In the article ‘The Double Edge Of Globalisation’, Chandra suggests that the effects caused by globalisation in the past were not as obvious as it is now. The increasing ability to correlate globalisation with its effects is due to the growing connectedness of the world.

Globalization summary

In the article 'The Double Edge of Globalization', Chanda (2007) explains the harmful effects and benefits that globalisation has directly and indirectly brought. The effects are severe but countries are unwilling to responsibly tackle the challenges threatening our environment.

Chanda presents globalisation as merely a channel hastening global warming and encouraging high intake of goods. Expanding international trade increases deforestation and pollution, which contribute to climate and environmental changes. Global warming, as a result, will cause potentially serious social and economic problems.

The awareness of natural disasters and suffering has increased with technology such as the internet providing the information. Nations who have not taken action ought to see how their actions affect other nations and not neglect the consequences of global warming. Chanda also points out that if governments are willing to collaborate, environmental degradation can be reduced.

Summary of 'The Double Edge of Globalization' Final Draft

In the article 'The Double Edge of Globalization', Chanda (2007) explains the harmful effects and benefits, which globalisation has directly and indirectly brought. The harmful effects will impact everyone greatly but yet countries are unwilling to responsibly tackle the challenges threatening our environment.

Globalisation merely serves as a conduit and an accelerator encouraging consumption. Expanding international trade increases deforestation and pollution, which contribute to climate and environmental changes. As a result, global warming has a potential of causing disruptions as severe as the Great depression and World War I and II.

Awareness of natural disasters and suffering has increased and some nations have taken action. Nations who have not taken action ought to see how intertwined and interdependent nations are; their actions do affect other nations. The consequences of global warming should not be neglected.

History has shown that there can be change if governments use their power to lead a change.

Word count: 151

Summary of 'The Double Edge of Globalisation' draft #1

In the article 'The Double Edge of Globalisation', Chanda explains the harmful effects and benefits globalisation has directly and indirectly brought. The harmful effects will impact everyone greatly but yet countries are unwilling to responsibly tackle the challenges threatening our environment.

Globalisation merely serves as a conduit and an accelerator encouraging consumption. Expanding international trade has quickened deforestation and pollution, which contribute to climate and environmental changes. As a result, global warming has a potential of causing disruptions as severe as the Great depression and World War I and II.

Even though there has been an increase in awareness of natural disasters and suffering, and some nations taking action, the rest of the world has to see how intertwined and interdependent countries are. The consequences of global warming should not be neglected.

History has shown that there can be change if governments use their power to lead a change.

Reflective Writing Draft 2

English was never one of my favourite subjects until I was eleven. As compared to the other subjects I took in primary school, I found English classes to be the most mundane. The grades I obtained for English also decreased my liking for the subject and as a result, I focused more of my time on other subjects. 

Everything changed when my primary five teacher came to class and told us to put aside everything while she handed out a piece of paper with song lyrics on it and played the song. After listening to the music, we were asked comprehension questions in the form of a quiz. It was a refreshing change for me and for once I was brimming with enthusiasm in class. I began to participate actively in English classes. Everybody has different learning styles and since I am an audio learner, the music activity I did in class naturally appealed to me.

Yet in primary six, I went back to my 'old' ways. My English tutor had to be strict and harsh towards me to get work done. I lacked the discipline and could not see the importance of learning.

Looking back, I should have been more of an active learner rather than allowing the teaching methods to determine my learning attitude. By being inquisitive and taking charge of my own learning journey, I realised that learning can be fun and interesting. But it is never too late to start :)

Summary exercise on Declan Butler’s “Nuclear power’s new dawn,”

The latest reactors with simplified safety features will be able to function at high temperatures and not depend on backup systems or technical support. The reactors are able to cool themselves down when an accident occurs, reducing the need for human intervention. Experts commented that reactors have to be more affordable and produce less radioactive waste to convince a nuclear-averse public. (Butler 2004).

Survey Questions for "The Double Edge of Globalisation"

Questions:

1. What are the charges protestors have accused globalisation of?
2. How is globalisation accelerating environmental problems? Give examples.
3. What are the effects of global warming?
4. The threat of global warming is real but no action is taken to prevent the effects of global warming from happening. Why?

Reflective writing

English was never one of my favourite subjects until I was eleven. As compared to the other subjects I took in primary school, I found English classes to be the most mundane. The grades I obtained for English also decreased my liking for the subject and as a result, I focused more of my time on other subjects. Everything changed when my primary five teacher came to class and told us to put aside everything while she handed out a piece of paper with song lyrics on it and played the song. After listening to the music, we were asked comprehension questions in the form of a quiz. It was a refreshing change for me and for once I was brimming with enthusiasm in class. I began to participate actively in English classes. Yet in primary six, I went back to my 'old' ways. My English tutor had to be strict and harsh towards me to get work done. I lacked the discipline and could not see the importance of learning. Looking back, I should have been more of an active learner rather than allowing the teaching methods to determine my learning attitude. By being inquisitive and taking charge of my own learning journey, I realised that learning can be fun and interesting. But its never too late to start :)