2013-2016 EL TYS Discursive Exemplars

Discursive Essay – Exemplars (Based on O level papers from 2013-16) 2015 Q2: ‘The world would be a very dull place without music.’ What are your views? “And I think to myself…what a wonderful world”, Jazz legend Louis Armstrong croons the world with his classic masterpiece “What a Wonderful World”. Indeed, the world is a wonderful place to live in, with breath-taking sights, delicious cuisine and diverse peoples from unique cultures all around this blue marble. The key driving force that unites us from all different parts of the world is music -- the bridge that connects and inspires and the universal language of love, peace and all emotions. Music colours our lives -- taking us away from the routines of daily life -- and provides us an outlet to express ourselves. Firstly, music enhances our lives. Be it a boring plane ride, or our daily commutes to work from home and back, music is always there to give us a window that brings us away from painfully slow bus or car journeys that inch on a jammed highway. Humming to a soothing melody, tapping to the beat and moving in sync with a tune, music grants us such pleasures. Some people even become rappers, op eratic sopranos or popstars in the privacy of their showers, belting at the top of their lungs to the cake of soap in their hands, before shuffling routinely to the office or school. Such nuances and thrills music gives us in our life! Disco, karaoke and concerts allow us to unload our burdens and dance and sing our hearts out without a care. Additionally, classical repertoires and musicals enthral and captivate us in stunning musical numbers that relax us or floor our jaws. To immerse in music haven, a ll we need are an earpiece and our ears – of course -- and a library of thousands of songs via a mobile device are at our fingertips to relish. Indeed, music rejuvenates our spirits, touching the soul. Next, music speaks for us when our words fail. Through music, we can express our feelings to someone else through a romantic song about love and courtship. Alternatively, feelings of spite and anger can also be translated into a catchy melody – a frequent antic that Taylor Swift pulls off about her countless failed relationships with different partners. Simply put, music speaks to our emotions and speaks for us. Sing ing or playing a musical instrument transports us to the centre-stage, where we become stars – empowering us to be ourselves and not conform to being a guppy in an ocean of million fishes . When we choose to represent ourselves through music, others will be gin to relate to and understand our plight better. Using music to communicate breaks prejudices and stereotypes that hinder and obstruct who we are in society today. Therefore music is an effective platform to express ourselves. To conclude, music is something we can all enjoy, regardless of race, language or religion. Jazz, rock, pop or classical – we all have our own favourite genre to “j