VJC Kaleidoscope 2021

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2 Editor’s Foreword Kaleidoscope is a compilation of VJ’s best - top-tier essays written by students under rigorous exam conditions and compiled by a dedicated editorial team, aiming to assist you as much as possible in recapping the events of the previous year. It is my wish that you see Kaleidoscope for more than what it seems at face value. More than a compilation of model essays, it is a collection of students’ perspectives and personal voices, supplemented by concrete elaboration of their stances to anchor their argu ments. Similar to the cherry blossoms incorporated into this year’s design which represent rejuvenation and new beginnings, I hope that these essays remind you that there is always a point to start from and motivate you to take that first step, reminding y ou of the beauty it can potentially lead to - that spring is always around the corner, no matter how harsh the current winter might be. I am aware that doing well for General Paper may seem like a puzzle at points, which is why apart from regular practi ces, I encourage you to be up to date with the developments in various communities and cultures all around the world. This is reflected in the inclusion of features such as a list of significant events in 2020, as well as a timeline noting how the world has evolved over the course of the pandemic that has otherwise cast a shadow on the year. Through this compilation with its added features, I hope you can draw inspiration and ideas from the world around us , and incorporate these elements into your writing as you reach new levels of confidence in your writing. Yours Sincerely, Eswaravaka Keerthana Reddy, 20A12 Chief Editor

3 Table of Contents Editor’s Foreword 2 Events of 2020 6 COVID-19 Timeline 10 Social Issues “A decline of religion will create problems for the world.” How far do you agree? 12 Ngm Yujie 20S54 “The arts do not matter in times of crisis.” What do you think? 15 Khoon Cheong Bin, Kenneth 20S53 “The arts do not matter in times of crisis.” What do you think? 17 Tan Gin Suang (Chen Renxuan) 20S31 “The arts do not matter in times of crisis.” What do you think? 21 Anjali Elankovan 20A11 “Traditions are no longer relevant.” To what extent is this true in your society? 24 Lim Yu Heng Ansen 20S42 Do celebrities have too much influence in modern society? 27 Kaila Boh Tsui Ning 19S52 Is modern life making us more lonely? 30 Neo Boon Zan 19S38 Assess the view that today’s young people are a misunderstood generation. 33 Timothy Swee Yong Xiang 19S53 Assess the view that today’s young people are a misunderstood generation. 35 Chai Gien Lyn 19S51 Assess the view that today’s young people are a misunderstood generation. 38 Esther Tang Hui Jun 19S38 Is censorship still necessary in today’s society? 41 Lee Young Kai 19S38 Is censorship still necessary in today’s society? 44 Kayla Yong Enxin 19S38 Is censorship still necessary in today’s society? 47 Julianne Faye Ong 19S33 “Traditional schooling is more important than ever in the age of the Internet.” Discuss. 51 Fong Wai Kei 19A11 “Poverty can be eliminated if the poor work hard.” How far do you agree with the statement? 54 Lim Zhao Xun Jerrell 19S55 “Celebrities today do not make good role models for young people.” Comment. 58 Chan Li Hsin Adele 20A11

4 Science & Technology “Technology will destroy us one day.” Do you agree? 62 Tengku Shamel B Tengku Abdul K 19S53 “Technology will destroy us one day”. Do you agree? 65 Eunice Chew 19S63 Do celebrities have too much influence in the modern world? 67 Aung Miri Yin-Toe 19S33 “It has never been more pressing to impose regulations on scientific research than today.” Discuss. 70 Kong Zheng Yao 19S38 “It has never been more pressing to impose regulations on scientific research than today.” Discuss . 73 Muhammad Farhan 19S62 Has the impact of recycling on the environment been overrated? 76 Veronica Angelin Setiyo 19S41 Has modern technology made people more vulnerable to exploitation? 78 Neo Celene 19S31 “Science and technology is the answer to global challenges today.” Do you agree? 80 Mattheus Cheong Chi En 20S54 Examine the view that advancements in science and technology should always be for economic gain. 83 Kiran Mika Rajlingam 20S31 Examine the view that advancements in science and technology should always be for economic gain. 86 Ahmed Saheer 20S52 Examine the view that advancements in science and technology should always be for economic gain. 89 Dewangan Neya Praveen 20S55 Examine the view that advancements in science and technology should always be for economic gain. 92 Wang Penghao 20S64

5 Politics, Economics & History In today’s world, can a country afford to isolate itself? 95 Lau Yong De, Lucas 20A11 In today’s world, can a country afford to isolate itself? 98 Lim Jin Le, Alexius 20S49 “Firms should pursue profit as their key goal.” Do you agree? 101 Lam Shi Le 19S38 “Economic growth should never be at the expense of the environment.” Do you agree? 103 Thum Wei Hong Nicholas 19S30 “Democracy has failed to live up to expectations.” To what extent is this true? 106 Kristen Joseph Fernando 19S36 “Democracy has failed to live up to expectations.” To what extent is this true? 108 Zhang Ming Jun 19S38 “Democracy has failed to live up to expectations.” To what extent is this true? 111 Timothy Yap, 19S62 “The public, not politicians, hold the key to social change.” How far do you agree? 114 Hong Jun Hao, Kelvin 19A12 “The public, not politicians, hold the key to social change.” How far do you agree? 117 Kaaviya Ramesh 19S31 “The public, not politicians, hold the key to social change.” How far do you agree? 120 Lee Zhi Rong 19S62 “The main role of governments should be to ensure economic development.” What is your view? 123 Lau Yong De, Lucas 20A11 Is it necessary for people to be aware of the history of their country? 127 Anjali Elankovan 20A11 Is it necessary for people to be aware of the history of their country? 130 Lock Yi Xuan 20A12 Is it necessary for people to be aware of the history of their country? 133 Theodore Choy Zhi Yang 20A12 Is it fair to claim that your society is overly reliant on the government to resolve issues? 136 Arya Bharathwaj Vijay 20S37 Consider the view that the mass media bring more detriments to politics than benefits. 139 Lim Min Keat, Terence 20S52 Consider the view that the mass media bring more detriments to politics than benefits. 142 Sim Yan Zi 20S42 Miscellaneous “Libraries have no place in modern society.” Discuss. 147 Fathinah Al-Husna Subhan 19A11 To what extent are games a waste of time? 149 Tsai Yi Zhen 19S36 “The Arts should only be enjoyed.” Comment. 151 Sam Lie Yong Wen 20A12 Does failure serve any purpose? 153 Lim Lyn-Zhou 20S61 Should fashion ever be taken seriously? 156 Ang Jia Ning Alyssa 20S37 Should fashion ever be taken seriously? 159 Chung Suh Yun 20S53 Should fashion ever be taken seriously? 162 Joyce Ho Shi Huei 20S43 Consider the importance of creativity in your society. 165 Kang Kaiyu 20S47

6 Events of 2020 Socio-political Events 24 Feb: Muhyiddin Yassin appointed as Prime Minister of Malaysia Coming after the collapse of the Mahathir-led Pakatan Harapan government, PM Muhyiddin was elected the head of another coalition government involving UMNO. This shows how any opposition coalitions in Malaysia will have to be truly cohesive to mount a proper challenge against the Barisan Nasional coalition, instead of succumbing to infighting and losing their influence. http://go.vjc.sg/pmmuhyiddin 9 May to 15 Jun: India-China border tensions The latest round of tensions escalated from border guards throwing rocks at each other, to 20 Indian soldiers and reportedly 40 Chinese soldiers dying in a second clash. B