TMJC GP Bulletin Aug 2019 (JC 2)

1 General Paper Bulletin Aug 2019 (JC 2) Welcome to the second issue of TMJC’s GP Bulletin for 2019! Following the previous edition, we bring you yet another selection of the essays written by your schoolmates during the recent M id-Year Examinations. Once again, thanks to the students wh o have contributed their essays, who have proven that good writing is very possible despite the exam conditions! Just a reminder, these essays are not perfect or model essays, and while reading these essays, you may find some of the examples and points useful for application to other questions. Please exercise judgment and discretion in using such information in a manner that is relevant to the question you are answering. Lastly, you should not attempt to copy and hand them in as your own! All the best for the upcoming Preliminary Exams! Editorial Team ___________________ Mdm Sukhvinder Kaur Mrs Annie Clayton Mr Teddy Tan Mr Max Cheong Contents Q2: In light of the increasing threat of terrorism, are governments justified in restricting people’s rights? 2 Q3: In the world today, is equality for all an attainable goal? … ………………………..………………………………….. 4 Q5: ‘Too little, too late.’ Is this true of environmental conservation efforts today? ………………………………. 6 Q5: ‘‘Too little, too late.’ Is this true of environmental conservation efforts today? ................................. 8 Q8: Consider the claim that science fiction is nothing more than trivial entertainment............................. 11

2 Q2. In light of the increasing threat of terrorism, are governments justified in restricting people’s rights? (TMJCJ2MYE2019) Benjamin Franklin, that renowned American p olitician, once famously said, ‘ Those who would trade liberty for security deserve neither. ’ Certainly, in the light of the American Revolution, with democracy and freedom from British tyr anny an important part of politics, this was an apt statement. However, the world has changed since Franklin’s era, and terrorism, alien to him, is very much familiar to us. In light of the threatening global situation, where threats lurk around every corner, some claim that it is high time for public and national security to take precedence over any admirable, but unrealistic sentiment of human rights. In my opinion, while we should never adopt dictators for the sake of security, it is also foolhardy to as sume that adherence to every one of the UNHCR’s rights is realistic. Pragmatism, not idealism, will see us through. From physical security, social harmony and political unity, some rights must be compromised, lest the spread of radicalism endanger all. Across the world, liberal, democratic supporters decry the expansion of state agencies aimed at protecting national sovereignty. Most pointedly, they argue for the right to life, and