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 t