2012 SASS EL SA1 P1 SectC w Ans

MYE 2013 SA1 EL P1: Free Writing (Sample Answers) 1. Martin Luther King: “I have a dream.” What are the dreams that young people have? Dreams are fragile. In today’s modern society, many have experienced the sad and tragic affair of having our dreams crushed and ground into the sand. Many teenagers no longer hold on to their childhood dreams of being a famous basketballer, novelist or even an F1 driver. Instead, teenagers now have different dreams – dreams that are dimmed by the darkness of criticism and impossibility. On the bright side, there are those that refuse to be defeated. These are people whose sheer determination and willpower has allowed them to overcome all odds to illuminate a path for all to see, if not follow. I will expound on two dreams that young people have: those that pierce the darkness and those that fade into the darkness. Dreams that fade into the darkness hold no challenge in achieving. Such dreams may include earning astronomical incomes or being the next Bill Gates. While some may say that these young people are ‘dreaming big’, such dreamers are comparable to just another brick in a colossal wall – too common and totally lacking the ambition to make a difference. But why do they end up this way? Young people today are too caught up in the vortex of materialism where they are expected to be better and reach higher goals in life or status. Hence, we hear of how many young people end up desiring to practise medicine not to help the sick and poor, but for the lucrative trade of aesthetics surgery to capitalise on the fantasies of the rich and famous. The physician’s oath has become no more than lip’s service for these young people. Fortunately in the midst of this crumbling force are those that hold on to their ideals. This group anchor themselves on the fine foundation of their humanity, and the inclination to help others in need – may include animals – in society. They dare to make a difference; they dare to dream. These people also include those who pursue their passion, choosing to push against setbacks to be who they want to be. An example would be Bindy Irwin, daughter of the late ‘Crocodile Hunter’ Steve: zoo- keeper, animal lover and television host who was unfortunately killed by a stingray while filming. From a tender age, Bindy loved reptiles as much as her father; she wanted to be just like her father. Despite losing her father to an ironic twist of fate, she chooses to press on with her father’s love of the creatures, saying “my father would want me to continue”. Her love of her father and the animals prevents her from choosing the easy way out: revenge. In conclusion, in life, we have the power to choose to anchor ourselves firmly and be like the beam of a lighthouse, guiding people out of their adversity and storm in life. Or we can just be a passive dreamer, choosing instead to blend in with the crowd and get faded away. Dreams are important weapons that fight