Industrial development has improved the standard of life. How far do you agree with this statement?

Discuss. You should write at least 350 words.

Over the past three decades, there has been an explosion of industrial development in many Asian
countries, ranging from those with no workforce expertise to the far more sophisticated states such as
Japan and Singapore. Most countries have some natural resource to develop, be it oil, timber, rubber or
minerals and gemstones. The general process has been to exploit these resources by importing foreign
expertise and equipment. Ideally, the results have led to dramatic increases in countries' GNP, favorable
balances of trade, and the establishment of hard currencies which attract foreign investment. All these
should lead to the building of hospitals and health centers, schools and colleges, sporting facilities and
other amenities. Good wages should permit radical improvements in living standards.
So to summarize the advantages. Industrial proliferation generates jobs. Money can be spent on
universities, colleges, schools and training centers. State housing, mostly blocks of flats, offers rented
accommodation. Health, social and police services can be financed. Typical health hazards, such as the
anopheles mosquito, can be eliminated, and both hygiene and family planning publicized. Above all,
relatively late industrialization means that state-of-the-art factories can be built. There is no legacy of
ancient factories to modernize or demolish.
Yet all is not sweetness and light. There is something to be said for a more leisurely pace of life. A sudden
shift to urban dwelling and high-tech employment can and does, set up psychological problems, which lead
to health problems. Moreover, there was something to be said for the semi-jungle nature of Singapore, and
it would be pleasant to have a few wild tigers present. However, the main disadvantage is that
industrialization sets up living standard expectations which depend absolutely on a healthy overseas trade.
At present there is a world trade recession. Also, surrounding countries are becoming far more competitive.
Inflation and widespread unemployment are the chief dangers.

amenity

extravagance
demolish

something, such as a swimming pool or shopping centre, that is intended

to make life more pleasant
spending, using or doing more than necessary in an uncontrolled way
to completely destroy

Online shopping
Online shopping is better than conventional shopping. What are your views ?
The Internet has revolutionized the way we do our shopping. The businessman regards the Internet as a
modern effective tool for business transactions. Online shopping is the act of purchasing products or
services over the Internet.
Let us compared online shopping to traditional or conventional shopping. Online shopping, particularly
during a festive holiday season, alleviates the need to wait in long lines o search from store to store for a
particular item. Conventional shopping in the brick and mortar building entails leaving the home to jostle
with the traffic, crowds and long queues.
What are the advantages and benefits of online shopping over conventional shopping ?
First, there is the convenience of being able to shop 24 hours a day for any type of product imaginable.
The ability to shop from home allows many people (the elderly, the disabled, young mothers) to still
purchase the products and services they need. Then it is more comfortable, doing it in the comfort of your

home, instead of running around in the store. Online shopping allows you a 24/7shopping time. you can
surf the Internet at any time of the day and buy your goods. You can find and buy products from all over
the world.
Second is that goods are often cheaper as the seller does not have the costs of running a shop. You have
the opportunity to compare as many products and prices as you want without having to spend the time
and money to travel between several different shops. You get cheaper deals and better prices with
discount coupons and rebates thrown in.
Third, you will also be able to read reviews y previous buyers and select your purchases with additional
information from satisfied customers. The photographs and illustrations help you choose and
recommendations from others help you decide.
Like in other forms of business, there are disadvantages too.
First, online shoppers face fraud and security concerns. It has also been widely criticized for being very
insecure. Even with the latest security ware, hackers still manage to find a way to steal your data. Online
shoppers should first familiarize themselves with online stores and how they protect their data before
going on an online shopping spree.
The majority of online shoppers are unaware of various hacker attacks, phishing scams, and how they
affect them. Not knowing how to keep yourself safe is the biggest disadvantage of online shopping. despite
warnings from Snopes and other cyber "police" sites, the store may be a scam put up to gather people's
credit card data and social security numbers.
Second, online shopping puts you at a disadvantage. You can't see and feel first hand or try for size your
purchase. You take the word of the description of the product which is usually cleverly crafted by online
stores to make it sound appealing to people. There is no hands-on inspection, nor visual or physical impact
for product suitability. Only when it arrives at your address, do you have the opportunity to check the
purchases for what it is advertised as. The greatest rip is the inaccurate transactions which could result in
no savings or additional expenses to the buyer. this is probably one of the biggest disadvantages of online
shopping that turns many people of.
Third, there is no means for you to check for full cost or hidden cost not until something unexpected
happens. Online shops do not always list the other additional charges. All these hidden costs: handling
fees, packaging costs, shipping or transit costs, replacement costs, return costs, fluctuating currency rates,
can add up to quite an exorbitant sum. Are they borne wholly by the buyer ?
There are many other online issues which are more technical in nature: usage of the computer, slow online
connectivity, viruses and time zone differences. Other aspects would be personal to buyer: credit card
payment, no cash transactions, immediate gratification, invalid warranties, no refunds and non-delivery of
purchases.
In summary, the main advantages of shopping online are convenience and cost savings, while the main
disadvantages are security risks and reduced hands-on purchase gratification.
In conclusion, to benefit truly from online shopping, one has to be an intelligent experienced Internet user
as well as a streetwise e-commerce online shopper.

alleviates

removes

turn sb of

to stop someone feeling interested or excited

exorbitant

too large

How far has the environment helped you in becoming the person you are now ? Discuss the benefits
and the drawbacks of the environment on an individual. Write an essay of at least 350 words.
The environment is the surroundings and conditions one is _____________________(bring) up in. Does
nurturing an individual in the "correct" surroundings produce a "superior" human being? I believe the
environment can help to nurture an individual to only a certain extent since individual qualities are the
stronger effect on our mental and physical development. Let us examine the evidence. I am going to
use myself as the "guinea pig", the subject of the "test".
The first evidence to my advantage is my home environment. Though I was not born into a rich family,
my parents manage to put food on the table, send us to school, pay the fees and occasionally treat us
to "cheap" school outings which actually are school sponsored or an annual fast-food treat. Happy and
contented, we are able to laugh at our lack of nature comforts.
_______________ able to accept our lot ___________________(make) us more
determined____________________(create)
opportunities with the environment being our teacher. Also, supportive towards our development, my
parents stand by us
__________________(help) overcome the challenges __________________(block) our paths to success.
_______________
(Reliable), they are always there to pull us back up when we fall at the first hurdle,
___________________(urge) us to rise up
and continue the race to victory.___________________, when I look at some of my schoolmates
____________________
(come) from broken homes and traumatized/negatively afected by their conditions, I realize the
environment can have an
adverse/unfavourable/negative effect on them, being unable to focus on their
studies___________________(trouble) by their
personal demons. ______________________(Lack) the crucial support from their absent parents, they
have nobody to fall back on. Therefore, my first conclusion is that the environment is
pivotal/crucial/important to the extent that the individual can cope with the lack or the excesses.
My second evidence stems/comes from my entry into the residential school system. I was plucked out
from my 'stable' home
environment and __________________(throw) into the wilderness, a completely alien world to join 13-

year old girls and boys

in a boarding school. Here, we have wardens to keep a vigilant eye on us besides the
school_________________(have) rules and regulations which cover the whole gamut of our life for the
days we are in school. Occasionally during weekends, term breaks and holidays, we make the journey
home; nonetheless,/ nevertheless, /but we come to regard the school as our first
home. We learn discipline and time management from this healthy
environment____________________(promote)
independence__________________ having the luxury of parents to fall back on. In spite of/ Despite many
______________
(take) to the system like a duck to water, there are some ____________cannot adapt to it. Some of them
come from good homes, rich background with some from marginally deprived situations. The figures
show that from within each group, there are a few dropouts or some who managed to swim and not
drown. Some from poor homes made fantastic improvements with
better facilities ________________(provide) than what they could find at home while some
_____________were high
achievers did not succeed eventually __________________the lack of discipline and support from parents.
To some the environment spurs them to excel, to some the environment is a hindrance. The second
conclusion is a mixture of the environment and heredity working in tandem so it really boils down to
the individual _________________(utilize) all that he possesses to achieve his dreams.
My last evidence is when I am compare my abilities with those of my siblings. Although good at
languages, science and
mathematics, I am a fumbler when it coming to nuts and bolts and art. My younger brother could
dismantles a bicycle and put
it all together again in a jiffy. My demure quiet sister drew and colours "dreams". My brother repairing
my bicycle, my sister puts the finishing touches to my artistic goofs/mistakes while I coaching all in
languages and Mathematics. I can not put our
"achievements" to the environment but to the genes inherit from both parent. The third conclusion
lean towards heredity as
the "element" responsible for the latent/hidden talent which only need to be nurture by the
environment to flower and bloom.
Looking back in retrospect, I believe that the environment fine tune the inherited characteristics and
making room for latent talents to emerge. Added to these two elements is the inherent nature of the
individual who nurtures his dreams into reality and realization. The evidences and the conclusions
point towards the fusion of the two: in some cases the environment determines the future and in other
cases heredity dominates. Which reigns falls solely on the individual; he charts his own course in life.

In modern life, many families have both parents working. Is it better for mothers to stay at home?
Discuss.
Write an essay of at least 350 words.

Governments all over the world encouraging education are trying to remove barriers to education.
With more and more women getting an education, there are greater employment opportunities for
them. In spite of this, there is a greater need for women to stay home and be homemakers. Young
children and growing families require the attention of mothers. If women are to spend eight hours
each day at work, then the children, especially the very young ones, would have to be left at day care
centers, nurseries, with maids, grandparents or relatives.
It cannot be denied that mothers are the pillars of strength in any family. If they give up their role as
homemakers and thrust/push it onto others, such as maids, then there may be some unpleasant
consequences. In some cases, children have been abused and in other cases, they have been greatly
influenced by the maids, who are usually foreigners. The children would not only have to learn the
language of the maids, but would also be susceptible to/afected by) the mannerisms, customs and
practices that do not belong to their own cultural background.
As it is expensive to hire maids, in some cases children are left in the care of others who may exert a

negative influence on the children's upbringing. It is therefore imperative that mothers should stay at
home to care for their children, especially during the crucial period of their growth. Furthermore,
mothers would be able to guide and supervise their children in their daily routines and therefore act as
role models for their children. When mothers stay at home, they will be able to mould their children
better.
At these daycare centres, the young are only ensured eating meals but not healthy and adequate
meals. Homework is done but understanding of the subject and concepts not guaranteed. Hence, a
mothers cooking and guidance in academics is undoubtedly better than what the young are getting
at daycare centres. Since they are the mothers offspring, the mother will put more attention and care
to their diet and studies, ensuring better physical and academic development at this vital formative
stage. A good start to their development leads to better success in the future.
It is said that the generation of tomorrow depends on the mothers of today. Social ills and other sociocultural problems, faced by both young children and teenagers, could be eradicated/eliminated/got
rid of if mothers stay at home and not go to work. They will be able to devote more time to caring for
their families.

"Money is the key to happiness". Do you agree? Discuss.

Money is of course very important for human beings to lead a decent and satisfying life. unlike animals
and plants, money defines the existence of human society as we cannot live without it. Money is an
important exchange for food, shelter and clothing.
Many people believe that money is the root of all evil. But contrary to that, I believe and agree that money
is the key to human happiness. it has become indispensable in our lives when humans began using money
for exchange of goods and services instead of he barter trade which was popular hundreds of years ago.
Humans work to earn an income that would enable them to bring food to the table, clothe themselves as
well as indulge in pleasures that can be obtained only through money.
When we are able to afford goods and services, it inevitably grants us a lot of happiness, satisfaction and
stability in our lives. In many poor countries such as Africa, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam and others, millions
live in misery due to extreme poverty. They are deprived of happiness, dignity and a sense of direction n
their lives as they live from hand to mouth and their future is at best uncertain. Thus, it would be foolish to
think that money causes distress, and is the root cause of immorality and evil behavior. On the contrary,
most of us earn an income through legal means which allows us to maintain a good standard of living. it
enable us to travel for holidays and have access to good food, medical facilities, and a lifestyle that grants
us much happiness and satiety. Many parents admit that they slog at work so that they could provide
comfort and stability to their offspring. Money especially comes in handy when a family member is stricken
with a disease and cash is needed for treatment.
Unhappiness results when we are denied the above. Many families struggle to make ends meet and the
lack of money almost inevitably sows seeds of unhappiness. They are exposed to continuous bickering,
quarrels and ultimately, misery.
There are of course those, due to greed for more material wealth, resort to illegal means to become rich

quickly. They commit robberies, murders and cheat to get ahead in lives. However, this does not grant
them the happiness or the peace of mind. In the case of robbers and murders, the constant threat by the
law enforcement authorities closing in on them, creates jitters and a life full of uncertainties and fear.
Hence, money would always be looked at as the most or at least one of the most important keys to
happiness. it has become a part of what defines us as human beings as it allows us to live a life of dignity,
happiness and contentment.

Do you agree the widespread influence of western culture among students corrupt them morally? Discuss.

It is very hard for Easterners to resist Westernization. The influence of western ideas and culture is
widespread namely in dressing, mannerisms, food, books, entertainment and even education. However,
western culture can also corrupt a person morally especially young people.
There are many aspects of the western culture that are deemed not suitable for Asians namely its sense of
fashion, moral values regarding pre-marital sex, pornography and wild entertainment. The young mind is
easily influenced and corrupted. When one enters shopping complexes, restaurants and other public
places, the first thing that catches one's attention is the way the young dress. Many follow the fashion
nuances of the west with little regard to Asian values and perspectives related to modesty. Many young
teenagers can be seen clad in low cut tops, low waist jeans and in short very revealing outfits. They mimic
western style of clothing as well free intermingling of sexes.
This situation has led to many undesirable consequences. Chief among them is the practice of free sex
among students. The Asian values of saving oneself for marriage or until the right person comes along is
discarded and considered archaic. Since many teenagers lack awareness on safe sex, they expose
themselves to unwanted pregnancies, sexually transmitted diseases such as AIDS, gonorrhoea, syphilis
and other life-threatening disease. WE read newspaper reports almost on a daily basis on how unborn
babies are being dumped in toilets, houses of worship, hospitals and other public places. There are yet
many students who upon finding themselves pregnant resort to abortion. The later can be fatal if not done
by professional gynaecologists. Many charity organizations report of teenagers coming for advice when
they find themselves jilted by their boyfriends. There are also many reports on teenagers contracting STDs
and other dangerous diseases.

Another strong influence of westernization is in the arena of entertainment. Teenagers find it exciting and
fulfilling when they visit video arcades, discotheques, nightclubs and other places of entertainment. Thus,
they expose themselves to the morally deficient elements at this kind of places. Apart from picking up bad
habits such as smoking, drinking alcohol and other behaviors unsuitable for people of such a young age,
these teens also expose themselves to abuse and exploitation. Many young people have admitted to being
sexually abused this way by friends or strangers who spike their drinks with drugs only to awake next
morning in the bed of strangers.
Thus, though not all elements of westernization corrupt young people morally, the latter seem more
susceptible and even naive with regards to western influence in the arena of entertainment, fashion and
behavior. Many teenagers demand unfettered freedom without realizing the consequences o their behavior
which brings harm to them. In their desire to be westernized, they accept those elements which provide
pleasure but places them at great risks.

Man's mastery over nature is good. How far do you agree with this statement?

The modern scientific revolution has certainly enabled man to make enormous strides in harnessing
Nature's power and potential for his own purposes. Yet, e should be careful not to assume too easily that
final and complete control is only a matter of time.
Before the days of freedom of though and research, progress was held up by ignorance and superstition.
Early cosmologies pronounced the earth flat, the fixed center of the universe. Being flat, it therefore had
edges, precipices in fact, so, wide travel and exploration was discouraged, and none by the most intrepid
would venture far. Religion especially Judaism and the mediaeval Christianity rooted in Jewish concepts,
taught this cosmology as a religious fact and banned all scientific research based on independent thought.
It was believed that the world was God's -- in the sense that he discouraged interference and undue
investigation, all knowledge necessary to man's salvation being contained in the Bible. Knowledge,
therefore, belonged to the Church. Men died at the stake to contest this assertion. But it was the
Renaissance which set thought free. Galileo pronounced the earth round. the door was open, and science
struggled free from religion. Thus, the beginning of man's conquest of nature came about, and it was not
until the 20th century, well after the Darwinian theory of evolution has been fully accepted, that science
and religion came to terms, that the enlightened began to realize it was a case of 'both and' rather than

'either or.'
But whatever knowledge was groped after the Renaissance, such knowledge had virtually no practical
application, until the 18th century in Britain, which marked the beginning of the scientific revolution. This
was because there was virtually no such thing as systematic scientific research. From times up to Watt's
steam engine, applied science was almost non-existent. But from 1733 onwards to the present day,
discovery has followed discovery with fantastic speed; the steam engine -- hence industrial machines,
'horseless carriages,' and railways -- now of course petrol jet, atomic and nuclear power; electricity with its
manifold applications; radio, telegraphy, radar, television; rocket propulsion and therefore space probes;
lighter metals resulting in freedom to use them for aircraft; plastics, with their thousand one uses; manmade fibers and a host of others. And apart from these dramatic discoveries, great advances have been
made in medical science, in public health and in crop growing -- to mention but a few.
The more man probes nature's laws, the more he seems to control nature. Today, he an extract precious
metals from ore -- he can even transmute them; he can move earth and forests and rapidly lay roads,
construct airfields and parts, build new cities. He can defend himself by using modern weapons, guns,
bombs or missiles. He can ride the earth's surface by car, rail, bicycle and ship; he can search the sea's
bottom by using diving gear, or sail beneath the surface for months on end in submarines. He can fly over
it in jet aircraft high over the earth's atmosphere. He can photograph the moon from a few kilometers
range and transmit the pictures instantaneously to earth. We have seen him land on the moon. He can
move and till the earth with giant machines. He can defeat disease by antibiotics and prolong his life by
observing scientific health-rules. He can use natural products as never before; timber for his daily
newsprint; coal and oil for his machines; waterfalls for his hydro-electric plant; steel and concrete for his
buildings; nuclear power to produce his electricity.
There seems to be no end to it all, and it is easy to assume that man will soon master the world and
eventually the universe. This, on reflection, seems to be a fallacy, for what man is really doing is
discovering and applying the forces of nature -- not inventing them, and in his applications, merely
scratching the surface. Science may probe space, but it cannot defeat the laws of time and motion. there
is no foreseeable way tin which man could ever venture beyond Mars; Medicine had advanced, but we still
suffer from the common cold. The psychiatrist can diagnose a psychopath, but cannot cure him. The
technologist can make a robot or a computer, but cannot begin to understand the human brain.
It seems the giant intelligence we call God has said 'thus far and no further'. And the facts of man's moral
nature give no cause for optimism. The truth seems to be that man has not and never will master nature.
It is nature which gently tolerates man.