Critical Reflection (Final)

  Time flies. Last week, we had our English course wrapped up. Before I write this critical reflection, I read my first reflection again. I remember I was freaked out during the first lesson. As time passes through, I am glad that I gain more confidence in either speaking or writing in English.

  From this module, I learnt how to develop a thesis statement, which is a “soul” of an essay. I did not even know what a thesis is before I take this course. Besides, I was exposed to features of academic essay.  The essay process, from how to choose a topic until how to develop it, equips me with better analytical thinking and writing skills. I would not panic when I cope with my future assignments and reports.

  I like the way we had the lesson. We were divided into small groups, conducting discussions, sharing opinions and giving feedbacks to our group members. I think it is meaningful as we learnt from each other and communicate with each other. I believe most of us need to work as a team in near future and unequivocally, great communication skill is an essential tool to attain success.

  I would bring what I learnt in this course along in my future English learning journey. I hope that I can keep improving and developing my interest in English.  

Essay Final Draft

  Globalization has increased cross-border interaction and integrated various aspects of human activity. “McDonaldization” (Keel, 2010, para. 1) is a good example of globalization. It is a process of growing fast food restaurants such as McDonald's, Taco Bell, KFC and Pizza Hut all over the world. McDonald's, with 32,000 outlets in 117 countries, is the biggest fast food chain in the world (Salisbury, 2011).

  Nowadays, worldwide trends in fast food result in massive dietary changes in Singapore. Many people, especially children, put oily and salty food as their first choice because they think those food are much tastier than homecooked food. However, long term consumption of oily food among children contributes to obesity. According to Gan (2013, as cited in Lee, 2013), Singapore’s childhood obesity rate has inched upwards over the past decade. In 2011, about 11 percent of school-age children were overweight, based on the Body Mass Index (BMI)-for-age norms introduced in 2010. From 2000 to 2009, the prevalence rate hovered around 9.7 percent, based on weight-for-height norms. To ameliorate this problem, Singapore government can restrict the fast food advertisements and implement school based intervention.

  In Singapore, many shopping malls have a lot of fast food restaurants that sell the same predictable products such as burgers, French fries and soft drinks. These items are extremely unhealthy with high content of cholesterol, sugar, salt and even chemical additives. For instance, each fast food meal is packed with more calories than children needs in one day. Therefore, children’s bodies store the extra calories in fat cells to use for energy later. However, if this pattern continues over time, their bodies do not need this stored energy, more fat cells are developed and it may cause obesity (Kaneshiro & Zieve, 2012). This directly increases the risk of suffering from chronic diseases such as Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and heart diseases (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, n.d.). Indisputably, more weight-related health problems may be experienced by obese children if they do not have well control of their dietary habits.

  Furthermore, childhood obesity can affect mental health and emotional development of children. Obese children are more likely to have poor body image, as well as low confidence and self-esteem. For example, they may be mocked and discriminated against by their friends. Studies have shown that adolescents and young adults with obesity in the West are less likely to achieve higher education and better pay, and less likely to be married (Gan, 2013, as cited in Lee, 2013, para. 9). This is a bad phenomenon as it could affect future human capital in Singapore.

  To solve these problems, policy approaches can be used to raise awareness of children, especially those who are obese. The Singapore government can restrict the fast food advertisements, especially those are targeted on children, as they are more susceptible to commercial persuasion. Reported by Health Promotion Board (n.d.), children, especially the younger ones, do not comprehend the persuasive intent of advertising. They generally lack the capability to effectively evaluate commercial claims and appeals, and therefore tend to accept the information conveyed in advertising as truthful, accurate and unbiased. Children cannot be blamed if they love Happy Meals at McDonald’s after they see fast food advertisements. Therefore, restriction of those advertisements can effectively minimize children’s exposure to fast food and reduce obesity rate among them.

  Moreover, school based intervention can be implemented by Singapore government. According to Hartman (2012), Singapore has the intriguingly named Model Tuck-Shop Program. Schools are provided with a set of healthier food service guidelines to aim to limit students’ exposure to unhealthy food typically consumed in the tuck shops. It is a great solution as it reduces childhood obesity. To improve on this existing solution, the government can strictly limit the types of food that can be sold in school. For example, junk food should be banned from being sold. Schools which fail to comply with the limitation could be penalized.

  In conclusion, massive dietary changes affect children’s choice of food. Fast food, as example, is always their first choice compare to other healthy meals. Undeniably, it causes obesity among children and affects their physical and mental health. The Singapore government should recognize the seriousness of childhood obesity and try to mitigate it through policy approaches.

References:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Healthy weight – it’s not a diet, it’s a lifestyle!. Retrieved October 10, 2013, from

http://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/children/      

Gan, E., & Lee, Y.S. (2013, March 27). The weighty issue of obesity in children. National University Hospital. Retrieved October 10, 2013, from http://www.nuh.com.sg/wbn/slot/u3007/Patients%20and%20Visitors/Newsroom/Media%20Articles/2013/MAR/The%20weighty%20issue%20of%20obesity%20in%20children_TDY_27Mar13.pdf

Hartman, P. (2012, May 2). Singapore revisited. Childhood Obesity News. Retrieved October 10, 2013, from

http://childhoodobesitynews.com/2012/05/02/singapore-revisited/

Health Promotion Board. (n.d.). Public consultation on the Proposed Strengthening of Food Advertising Guidelines for Children. Retrieved October 10, 2013, from

http://www.hpb.gov.sg/HOPPortal/health-article/HPB042403

Kaneshiro, N.K., & Zieve, D. (2012, January 8). Causes and risks for obesity-children. U.S. National Library of Medicine. Retrieved October 17, 2013, from

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/patientinstructions/000383.htm 

Keel, R. (2010, July 7). The McDonaldization of society. Retrieved October 17, 2013, from http://www.umsl.edu/~keelr/010/mcdonsoc.html

Salisbury, P. (2011, Jun 16). The globalization of “Fast Food”. Behind the brand: McDonald’s. Global Research. Retrieved October 10, 2013, from http://www.globalresearch.ca/the-globalization-of-fast-food-behind-the-brand-mcdonald-s/25309

Critical Reflection

  "Class, you are going to write an problem and solution essay of 600 to 700 words next week. Try to identify one problematic area of globalization and choose the topic that you are familiar with," said my tutor.

  Once I heard these words, I felt very stressful and helpless. I haven't written such a long essay before. Moreover, I did not really understand the definition of globalization. I spent a lot of time on researching the relevant articles online but I could not find a topic which I was really interested. Fortunately, my tutor gave us a lot of time to develop our ideas and discuss on our topics. During the writing process, I made use of what I had learnt in class such as "developing thesis statement and outlines" and "features of academic essay". I learnt how to select the topic that I want to discuss , how to state my stand clearly, as well as how to do citation.
 
  Undeniably, the writing process was such a suffer for me. I had to search articles online, extract the information I needed for my essay and cite all relevant information according to APA style. I truly hate to do citation. It was so troublesome as there were a lot of rules to be followed. I really got sick to it as it took me such a long time to cite properly.

  Although I faced a lot of obstacles and time constraint for my essay, I felt happy and contented when I finished it. I learnt a lot of new things that I never learnt in my high school. As a Malaysian, I always worry about my English standard. I am not confident in neither writing nor speaking in English. However, this essay process built up my confidence in writing as I knew how to develop an essay properly.  I am improving my English through trial and error.

   Besides, this essay assignment exposed me to university writing. I believe that as time passes, I need to write a lot of reports related to my modules. Indisputably, what I learnt in this essay process equips me with better analytical thinking and writing skills to cope with my future assignments and reports. I won't feel loss when I am instructed to write an academic essay in my next few years in university.

  In short, this essay assignment brought a lot of benefits to me. Now, I am more familiar with essay writing process and more confident in writing. I believe that I can keep learning and improving myself through every essay process that I will encounter in future.

Essay Draft 2

Globalization has increased cross-border interaction and integrated various aspects of human activity. “McDonaldization” (Keel, 2010, para. 1) is a good example of globalization. It is a process of growing fast food restaurants such as McDonald's, Taco Bell, KFC and Pizza Hut all over the world. McDonald's, with 32,000 outlets in 117 countries, is the biggest fast food chain in the world (Salisbury, 2011).

  Nowadays, worldwide trends in fast food result in massive dietary changes in Singapore. Many people, especially children, put oily and salty food as their first choice because they think those food are much tastier than homecooked food. However, long term consumption of oily food among children contributes to obesity. According to Gan (2013, as cited in Lee, 2013), Singapore’s childhood obesity rate has inched upwards over the past decade. In 2011, about 11 percent of school going children are overweight, based on the Body Mass Index (BMI)-for-age norms introduced in 2010. From 2000 to 2009, the prevalence rate hovered around 9.7 percent, based on weight-for-height norms (para. 10). To ameliorate this problem, Singapore government can restrict the fast food advertisements and implement school based intervention.

  In Singapore, many shopping malls are filled with fast food restaurants that sell the same predictable products such as burgers, French fries and soft drinks. They are extremely unhealthy with high content of cholesterol, sugar, salt and even chemical additives. For instance, each fast food meal is packed with more calories than children needs in a day. Therefore, children’s bodies store the extra calories in fat cells to use for energy later. However, if this pattern continues over time, their bodies do not need this stored energy, more fat cells are developed and it may cause obesity (Kaneshiro & Zieve, 2012). This directly increases the risk of suffering from chronic diseases such as Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and heart diseases (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, n.d.). Indisputably, more weight-related health problems may be experienced by obese children if they do not have well control of their dietary habits.

  Furthermore, childhood obesity can affect mental health and emotional development of children. Obese children are more likely to have poor body image, as well as low confidence and self-esteem. For example, they may be mocked and discriminated by their friends. Studies have shown that adolescents and young adults with obesity in the West are less likely to achieve higher education and better pay, and less likely to be married (Gan, 2013, as cited in Lee, 2013, para. 9). This is a bad phenomenon as it will affect future human capital in Singapore.

  To solve these problems, policy approaches can be used to raise awareness of children especially those they are obese. Singapore government can restrict the fast food advertisements especially those are targeted on children as they are more susceptible to commercial persuasion. Research found that children, especially the younger ones, do not comprehend the persuasive intent of advertising. They generally lack the capability to effectively evaluate commercial claims and appeals, and therefore tend to accept the information conveyed in advertising as truthful, accurate and unbiased (Health Promotion Board, n.d., para. 4). Children cannot be blamed if they love Happy Meals at McDonald’s after they see fast food advertisements. Therefore, restriction of those advertisements can effectively minimize children’s exposure to fast food and reduce obesity rate among them.

  Moreover, school based intervention can be implemented by Singapore government. According to Hartman (2012), Singapore has the intriguingly named Model Tuck-Shop Program. Schools are provided with a set of healthier food service guidelines to aim to limit students’ exposure to unhealthy food typically consumed in the tuck shops. It is a great solution as it reduces childhood obesity. To improve on this existing solution, Singapore government can strictly limit the types of food that can be sold in school. For example, junk food should be banned from selling. Schools which fail to comply with the limitation will be penalized.

  In conclusion, massive dietary changes affect children’s choice of food. Fast food, as example, is always their first choice compare to other healthy meals. Undeniably, it causes obesity among children and affects their physical and mental health. Singapore government should recognize the seriousness of childhood obesity and try to mitigate it through policy approaches.

References:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Healthy weight – it’s not a diet, it’s a lifestyle!. Retrieved October 10, 2013, from

http://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/children/

Gan, E., & Lee, Y.S. (2013, March 27). The weighty issue of obesity in children. National University Hospital. Retrieved October 10, 2013, from http://www.nuh.com.sg/wbn/slot/u3007/Patients%20and%20Visitors/Newsroom/Media%20Articles/2013/MAR/The%20weighty%20issue%20of%20obesity%20in%20children_TDY_27Mar13.pdf

Hartman, P. (2012, May 2). Singapore revisited. Childhood Obesity News. Retrieved October 10, 2013, from

http://childhoodobesitynews.com/2012/05/02/singapore-revisited/

Health Promotion Board. (n.d.). Public consultation on the Proposed Strengthening of Food Advertising Guidelines for Children. Retrieved October 10, 2013, from

http://www.hpb.gov.sg/HOPPortal/health-article/HPB042403

Kaneshiro, N.K., & Zieve, D. (2012, January 8). Causes and risks for obesity-children. U.S. National Library of Medicine. Retrieved October 17, 2013, from

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/patientinstructions/000383.htm 

Keel, R. (2010, July 7). The McDonaldization of society. Retrieved October 17, 2013, from http://www.umsl.edu/~keelr/010/mcdonsoc.html

Salisbury, P. (2011, Jun 16). The Globalization of “Fast Food”. Behind the Brand: McDonald’s. Global Research. Retrieved October 10, 2013, from http://www.globalresearch.ca/the-globalization-of-fast-food-behind-the-brand-mcdonald-s/25309

Essay Draft#1

Sorry for late posting!!Here is my essay draft. =)

  Globalization can be defined as increasing cross-border interaction and integration of various aspects of human activity. Contemporary media technologies such as satellite television and the Internet have created a steady flow of transnational images that connect audiences worldwide (Kraidy, 2002). It contributes to McDonaldization, which is a process of growing fast food restaurants such as McDonald, Taco Bell, KFC and Pizza Hut all over the world. For example, McDonald is the biggest fast food chain in the world, with 32,000 outlets in 117 countries (Salisbury, 2011).

  In Singapore, many shopping malls are filled with McDonaldized shops that sell the same predictable products in all of their stores. It increases accessibility of children to fast food restaurants. Besides, most women involving in labor force prefer fast food to homecooked food for their kids. Children who face a lot of stress from school put fast food as their first choice because it is efficient, cheap and fast. These reasons contribute to increasing fast food consumption and obesity among children in Singapore. To ameliorate this problem, Singapore government can restrict the fast food advertisements and implement school-based intervention.

  Child obesity is the main problem resulting from growing of fast food restaurants. According to Eveline (2013), Singapore’s childhood obesity rate has inched upwards over the past decade. In 2011, about 11 percent of school going children are overweight, based on the Body Mass Index (BMI)-for-age norms introduced in 2010. From 2000 to 2009, the prevalence rate hovered around 9.7 percent, based on weight-for-height norms. Diet is one of the important factors to cause child obesity. For instance, fast food is extremely unhealthy as it is high in cholesterol, sugar, salt and even chemical additives. Each fast food meal is packed with more calories than children needs in a day and actually excess calories are hazardous to children as it will be stored in the body and converted to fat. This directly increases the risk of suffering from chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and heart diseases. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, n.d.) Indisputably, more weight-related health problems may be experienced by obese children if they do not have well control of their dietary habits.

  Furthermore, child obesity can affect mental health and emotional development of children. People who were obese in childhood are more likely to have poor body image, as well as low self-esteem and confidence. They may be mocked and discriminated by their friends. Studies have shown that adolescents and young adults with obesity in the West are less likely to achieve higher education and better pay, and less likely to be married. This can lead to reactive depression. (Eveline, 2013) Unequivocally, this is a bad phenomenon as it will affect future human capital in Singapore.

  To solve these problems, policy approaches can be used to raise awareness of children as well as public. Singapore government can restrict the fast food advertisements especially those are targeted on children as they are more susceptible to commercial persuasion. Research found that children, especially the younger ones, do not comprehend the persuasive intent of advertising. They generally lack the capability to effectively evaluate commercial claims and appeals, and therefore tend to accept the information conveyed in advertising as truthful, accurate and unbiased. (Health Promotion Board, n.d.) For example, children cannot be blamed if they love Happy Meals at McDonald’s. Therefore, restriction of fast food advertisements can effectively reduce obesity among children.

  Moreover, school based intervention can be implemented by Singapore government. According to Hartman (2012), Singapore’s Ministry of Education (MOE) focuses on promoting mental wellness at an early age to ensure children have the coping skills to go through different life stages. In Singapore, children face a lot of stress to cope with their hectic school life. Therefore, coping skills are essential so that they will not become addicted to fast food due to shorter waiting time. To improve the efficiency to reduce child obesity, Singapore government can stipulate some regulations to limit the types of food that can be sold in school. For example, school can provide healthy meal plan for students instead of selling fast food to limit students’ exposure to sugar, salt and cholesterol.

  In conclusion, increasing fast food consumption among children can raise obesity and affect their physical and mental health. Singapore government should recognize this problem and try to mitigate it through policy approaches.

References:

Kraidy, M.M.. (2002). Globalization of Culture through Media. Retrieved 10 October 2013 from http://repository.upenn.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1333&context=asc_papers

Salisbury, P.. (2011, Jun 16). The Globalization of “Fast Food”. Behind the Brand: McDonald’s. Global Research. Retrieved 10 October 2013 from

http://www.globalresearch.ca/the-globalization-of-fast-food-behind-the-brand-mcdonald-s/25309

Eveline. (2013, March 27). The weighty issue of obesity in children. Health. Retrieved 10 October 2013 from

http://www.nuh.com.sg/wbn/slot/u3007/Patients%20and%20Visitors/Newsroom/Media%20Articles/2013/MAR/The%20weighty%20issue%20of%20obesity%20in%20children_TDY_27Mar13.pdf

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Healthy Weight – it’s not a diet, it’s a lifestyle!. Retrieved 10 October 2013 from

http://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/children/

Health Promotion Board. (n.d.). Public Consultation on the Proposed Strengthening of Food Advertising Guidelines for Children. Retrieved 10 October 2013 from

http://www.hpb.gov.sg/HOPPortal/health-article/HPB042403

 

Hartman, P.. (2012, May 2). Singapore Revisited. Childhood Obesity News. Retrieved 10 October 2013 from

http://childhoodobesitynews.com/2012/05/02/singapore-revisited/

Essay outline of academic essay

>>Description of a situation:

Global media and information technologies leads to culture of McDonaldization, which is a process of growing of fast-food restaurants all over the world. Nowadays, many shopping malls are filled with McDonaldized shops that sell the same predictable products in all of their stores. No matter how late it is, if you want to eat the fast food, what you need to do is calling twenty four delivery hotline and fast food will be delivered to your home within hours. Undeniably, spread of technology and competitiveness in work change the human behavior. Fast food has become the first option for those employees who lead a hectic life because it is efficient, cheap, and fast. However, fast food is extremely unhealthy as it is high in fat, sugar, salt and even chemical additives.

>>Identification of a problem

Globalization>> McDonaldization>> Globesity

Globesity can lead to many chronic ailments such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease and affect the healthcare system in the world.

>>Description of a solution

Organize exercise camp for obese children during vacation (http://www.ndtv.com/article/world/fat-camps-to-slim-obese-chinese-children-41247)

Encourage women in the labor force to cook for their kids and family>>decrease consumption of fast food

Improve the quality of fast food (switch to healthier cooking fats, add healthier menu options etc) For example, of all the fast food chains, KFC was the only one that showed a somewhat significant improvement in nutritional quality - a nine-point increase. Although the scores did not improve for fruit or vegetables, they did for meats, saturated fat and added sugars. (http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/260259.php)

Individual awareness>> disadvantages of fast food

>>Evaluation of solution

As fast food culture is spread all over the world, individual and government have to work together to solve globesity. Health campaign can be organized by government to increase individual awareness and solve the hazards of globesity.

>>Thesis

Globalization leads to spread of McDonalized culture in the world and brings about globesity.

Reader Response for "The Double Edge of Globalization" (Final Draft)

  In “The Double Edge of Globalization”, Chanda (2007) points out that expanded international trade, which contributes to urbanization and economic growth, leads to environmental destruction. I do not totally agree with the idea. In my opinion, instead of expanded international trade, the lack of global awareness is the root cause of environmental degradation.

  I cannot rebut that intensified international trade encourages consumption but it causes the loss of forest cover worldwide. For instance, according to Chanda, the environmental organization Greenpeace estimates that more than 2.5 million acres of tropical forest have been cleared by China in recent years to increase the demand for soybeans for other countries. In my point of view, many multinational companies choose to destroy the environment rather than using any other ways, which are more environmental friendly, for their own economic benefits. They fail to realise long-term conservation of environment is much more important than short-term benefits.

  As we all know, nowadays, ecological system is seriously affected by trade. Many nations wreak havoc on the habitats of flora and fauna to product traded goods. What if they are clearly aware of the potential of environmental devastation to shrink the global economy? I think they will not act without prudent consideration.

  I believe that environmental degradation brought by expanded international trade can be ameliorated by global awareness. Therefore, I think that international consensus on pollution reduction should be built to curb the problems.

Word Count: 236 words

Reader Response for "The Double Edge of Globalization" (1st draft)

  In Chanda’s work on “The Double Edge of Globalization”, he points out that expanded international trade, which contributes to urbanization and economic growth, leads to environmental destruction. I do not totally agree with the idea. In my opinion, instead of expanded international trade, the lack of global awareness is the root cause of environmental degradation.

  I cannot deny that intensified international trade encourages consumption and causes the loss of forest cover worldwide. For instance, according to Chanda, the environmental organization Greenpeace estimates that more than 2.5 million acres of tropical forest have been cleared by China in recent years to increase the demand for soybeans for other countries. However, I think the root cause of this phenomenon is not the trade but the lack of awareness. The nations choose to destroy the environment rather than using any other ways for their own economic benefits. It reveals that they fail to realise long-term conservation of environment is much important than short-term benefits.

  Chanda points out that global warming has the potential to shrink the global economy and paralyze the world. Indeed, this is an indisputable fact. However, many countries are still willing to wreak havoc on the global environment to maximize their outputs and profits. It shows us that the lack of awareness drives them to act without prudent consideration.

  I believe that consequences of expanded international trade can be ameliorated by the global awareness. Therefore, I agree with Chanda that international consensus on pollution reduction should be built via the cooperation by nations and powerful advancements in communication. Furthermore, I suggest that more energy-efficient technologies should be developed to curb the environmental degradation. 

Thesis Statement for "The Double Edge of Globalization" (second draft)

Instead of expanded international trade, the lack of global awareness is the root cause of environmental degradation.

Thesis Statement for "The Double Edge of Globalization"

International cooperation is indisputably essential to reduce negative impacts of globalization such as air pollution and widespread deforestation. 

Revised Summary on "The Double Edge of Globalization"

  In “The Double Edge of Globalization”, Chanda (2007) states that globalization brings about both positive and negative impacts on environment and governments play a pivotal role to raise public awareness and tackle global challenges. Expanded international trade, which is attributed to globalization, contributes to urbanization, economic growth and increased consumption. It will lead to widespread deforestation, pollution and global warming. As a result, natural catastrophes may occur, shrinking the global economy and causing social disruption.  However, powerful advancements in communication can instantaneously transmit information and ideas about environmental degradation to citizens around the world to raise their awareness. Although many nations have signed the Kyoto Protocol, they have been inconsistent in their approach to reducing emissions of greenhouse gases. This shows us the failure of international cooperation to encourage the importance of hyperconnected world, as well as the unwillingness of key actors on the global scene. Therefore, governments and non-governmental organizations should work together to build international consensus on pollution reduction to solve the environmental problems.

Summary on "The Double Edge of Globalization" (Second Draft)

  Thanks Lewis, Chin Hwee and Gio for your comments, really appreciate your efforts!!=)

  

  In “The Double Edge of Globalization”, Chanda (2007) states that globalization brings about both positive and negative impacts on environment; and governments play a pivotal role to raise public awareness and tackle global challenges. Expanded international trade, which is attributed to globalization, contributes to urbanization, economic growth and increased consumption. It will lead to widespread deforestation, pollution and global warming. As a result, natural catastrophe may occur, shrinking the global economy and causing social disruption. Powerful advancements in communication can instantaneously transmit information and ideas of environmental degradation to citizens of the world to raise their awareness. Although many nations have signed the Kyoto Protocol, they have been inconsistent with reducing emissions of greenhouse gases. This shows us the failure of international system to realize the importance of hyperconnected world and the unwillingness of key actors on the global scene. Therefore, governments and non-governmental organizations should work together to build international consensus on pollution reduction to solve the environmental problems.

Summary on "The Double Edge of Globalization" (First Draft)

  In “The Double Edge of Globalization”, Chandra (2007) states that globalization brings about both positive and negative impacts on environment and government plays a pivotal role to raise public awareness and tackle global challenges. Expanded international trade, which contributes to urbanization and economic growth, also encourages consumption, which leads to widespread deforestation, pollution and global warming. As a result, natural catastrophe will occur, shrink the global economy and cause social disruption.  Powerful new advances in communication can instantaneously transmit information and ideas of environmental degradation to citizens of world to raise their awareness. Although many nations have signed the Kyoto Protocol, they have been inconsistent to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases. This shows us that the international system fails to realize the importance of hyperconnected world and the unwillingness of key actors on the global scene. Therefore, governments and non-governmental organizations should work in hand to build international consensus on pollution reduction and solve the environmental problems.

Paraphrasing

As you paraphrase the following paragraph, present the “expected” general features of the nuclear reactors from Declan Butler’s “Nuclear power’s new dawn,” taken from Nature, 20 May, 2004 (Vol. 429, p. 238).

“These new reactors would all operate at high temperatures, improving their efficiency.  And they would include simplified safety features that do not rely on sophisticated backup systems or experienced operators — all are, in principle, ‘meltdown proof’ and can cool themselves down in the event of an accident with minimal, if any, human intervention. . . . Experts agree that reactors will need to be a lot cheaper to run. And to sway a nuclear-averse public, the next generation of reactors will need to produce much less radioactive waste at terrorist-proof facilities.”

D. Butler (2004), states that to improve new nuclear reactors’ efficiency, withstand to high temperatures is needed. Simplified safety features, that reduce reliance on system and human resources, are included so reactors can cool themselves down during emergency to minimize any human intervention, whilst running a lower cost. To ameliorate public resistance to nuclear reactors, the amount of radioactive waste should be lessened in future.

Second Draft: My English Language Learning Journey

 How was my English language learning journey? I have to admit that it was very tough as I was born in a Chinese-speaking family. Since young, I can count my “English-speaking times” within ten fingers. All of my English teachers explained English grammar and writing skills in Chinese. In my secondary school, we seldom had oral examinations, but mostly had grammar and writing exams. This is why I cannot pronounce English fluently and naturally. Although I watched some English movies and read some magazines to improve myself, I was always defeated by “Chinese-speaking” environment around me. Many a time in secondary school, my friends and I decided to speak in English, but we mixed many Mandarin words with English, and we ended up giving up.

 A few years ago, I travelled to Singapore with my family to visit my brother who studied here. My brother brought us around. That time, I got shocked by people who spoke flowing English. I have never thought I would study in Singapore. However, it realised last week. Last week, I came to NUS and started my university life. I heard from many seniors that studying in a university is a fantastic journey in our life. However, temporarily, I don’t think so. My first week in NUS made me depressed and defeated. It was rather difficult for me to understand what the lecturer talking about and interact with my course mates. Whenever I see people around me speak in English, I feel envious but also stressful.

  “Setbacks are inevitable in our life. Harsh environment will mould you into a stronger person.” This was what my mother told me when she knew my situation. I know I just need some time to adapt to this new environment, English-talking environment. However, I really cannot deny that there is some time I think to give up because I am really tired. Now, I just try my best to have positive thinking and affirmations every day.

  Up to now, I believe the path of success is thrown with stones and thorns. It takes perseverance and determination to pass through it. Hopefully, I can have a good and vivid experience of my English learning journey in Singapore. There will be a day I can overcome my language barrier and interact with my friends without gaps right? Now, please forgive me for my broken English.

Survey Questions for "The Double Edge of Globalization"

Here are my questions regarding the reading article:

1.  How does the extension of globalization affect the environment?

2. How does the visibility of the connections change between past globalization and its present state?

3. What is the connection between carbon-emitting economic growth and increasing trade and industrialization?

4. Why has the United Sates refused to sign the Kyoto Protocol?

5. What is the institutional capacity needed to address the issues we face as a result of globalization?


Thanks.

My English Language Learning Journey

  How was my English language learning journey? I have to admit that it was very tough as I born in a Chinese-speaking family. Since young, I can count my “English-speaking times” within ten fingers. All of my English teachers explain English grammars and writing skills with Chinese. In my secondary school, we seldom had oral exam, but mostly had grammar and writing exams. This is why I cannot pronounce English fluently and naturally. Although I watched some English movies and magazines to improve myself, I was always defeated by “Chinese-speaking” environment around me. Many a time in secondary school, my friends and I decided to speak in English, but we mixed many Mandarin words with English, and we ended up giving up.

  Few years ago, I travelled to Singapore with my family to visit my brother who studied here. My brother brought us around.That time, I got shocked by people who speak flowing English. I haven’t thought before that I will study in Singapore. However, all of these realised last week. Last week, I came to NUS and started my university life. I heard from many seniors that studying university is a fantastic journey in our life. However, temporarily, I don’t think so. My first week in NUS made me depressed and defeated. It is rather difficult for me to understand what the lecturer talking about and interact with my coursemates. Whenever I see people around me speaking in English, I feel envious but also stressful.

  “Setbacks are inevitable in our life. Worst environment will mould you into a stronger person.” This is what my mother told me when she knew my situation. I know I just need some time to adapt to this new environment, English-talking environment. However, I really cannot deny that there is some time I think to give up because I am really tired. Now, I just try my best to have positive thinking and affirmations every day.

  Up to now, I believe the path of success is thrown with stones and thorns. It takes perseverance and determination to pass through it. Hopefully, I can have a good and vivid experience of my English learning journey in Singapore. There will be a day I can overcome my language barrier and interact with my friends without gaps right? Now, please forgive me for my broken English.