Remember... Historical Narrative; Draft 3

The rain started to drizzled onto the faces of the people. Looking at their home, they could only see wrecks and destruction. The capital of Sri Lanka, Colombo, which is a beautiful seaport to people, now becomes the nightmare. Horrifying sounds of bomber planes brings the people to another dimension. The loving couple, Ranuga and Sathi, held on tightly to each other, at the same time trying to give each other warmth. In the mid 1990, the Sri Lanka government and Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam are in the middle of dispute. This excruciating dispute brings insufferable and torments to the deplorable ones.

"We can only resign to fate now. Let God decides the rest and remember I will always love you no matter what." Raguna said to his wife.

Tears flow down like the raindrops, Sathi look up at the sky, as though she is questioning it.

The young couple came to know each other since young. Ranuga and Sathi come from the same family backgrounds and share the common interests. Both theirs parents worked in a tea plantation site. Before dawn everyday, they will have breakfast while cycling on the way to school. In order to get to school, both of them must travel for 15 kilometers. After schooling, they help out their parents at home on house chores; this helps to relief the burden of their parents. Each night, they will go to each other houses to help prepare dinner and at the same time reflecting together about day in school.

In the year 1948, the government introduced the Ceylon Citizenship Act 1948; those who is either born in Sri Lanka or those whose forefathers were born there were granted citizenship. Father of Sathi, Rahul, told her that he wanted to apply for citizenship for the whole family, so that Sathi can get married with Raguna at ease. This is when tragedy strikes the two young couple. On a fine day, Rahul went to apply for citizenship, but he was rejected by the officers and went home empty handed. As Rahul's family are Indian Tamils, he could not apply for the citizenship, this caused them to be stateless. Although in 1964, Indian government made an agreement with Sri Lanka, it was not carried out fully as it was interrupted by the outbreak of ethnic violence. Although the family was stateless, this did not stop Raguna and Sathi from getting married.

In 1950, another policy, which causes unhappiness among Tamils, was the resettling of poor Sinhalese peasants. When Sathi was preparing dinner for the family, she was distracted by the loud noises made outside. Out of curiosity, she went out to find out what is happening. She was horrified to see Sinhalese peasants, Buddhists monks and the Sri lanka Army. Few days later, the whole village were emptied and driven out by the Sri Lanka Army. Sinhalese settlers were offered homes and land of the Tamils who used to live in these villages. The government also armed the settlers.

"How could the government made such a decision? I'm pretty sure that the government knows that we Tamils are not against individuals moving here but are against large scale resettlement schemes where large numbers of Sinhalese move into our traditional Tamils areas!" said Rahul angrily.

After Sri Lanka gained independence, English remained the official language. In 1956, Sinhala was declared as the country's official language under the Official Language Act. Tamils in the government service were given three years to learn Sinhala or be dismissed. Unfortunately, Rahul is working in the government service and is the only source of income in the family, with the 'Sinhala Only' policy; he could do nothing but comply. Three years later, he still found it difficult and was dismissed.

"Now I'm jobless. How are we supposed to get on with life? Without money, we can't buy any food. What should we do?" said Rahul.

"Father, don't worry. I'll go out and find a job with you. Nothing is impossible if we ourselves find it impossible,” said Raguna.

Sathi’s younger sister, Neja, wants to go to a university. In Sathi’s eyes, Neja is a brilliant girl who is hardworking and full of perseverance. In year 1972, the government introduced new university admission criteria. Tamil students had to score higher marks than Sinhalese to enter the same courses in universities. Admission was no longer based solely on academic results from then. Being a Tamil, Neja need to score better result then the Sinhalese. Although Neja passed with flying colours; 227 out of 350, she still did not manage to meet the criteria for the admission. Being devastated, she could only accept the fact that she did not make it.

In 1976, demands of the Indian Tamils were still not met; a political party called the Tamil United Liberation Front emerged. Popularly known as Tamils Tigers, besides attacking the Sinhalese, the Tamil tigers also attacked Tamil members of police force, and politicians. Everyone in the family joined the Tamil Tigers, except for Raguna and Sathi who only want to have peace.

"Long Live Tamil Tigers! Long Live Tamil Tigers!" shouted people who joined in the riot...

The Flight Experience

Filled with excited and anxiety, our school brought the Secondary Threes cohort to the Singapore Flyer. As this is my very first time going to the Singapore Flyer, I felt delighted and yet at the same time I was anticipated with fear. My expectations for the ride was not high, as I felt grateful enough to have a chance to have a ride on the World's Largest Giant Observation Wheel. But, I was looking forward to see how the Floating Stadium as I was once a participant the National Day Parade last year.

The location of the Singapore Flyer is near Marina Square, which allow people to spend some time to shop around the area. As the wheel turns, I get to see many famous attractions in Singapore, for example, The Marina Barrage, Marina Bay Sands Integrated Resorts, The Fullerton Singapore, The Merlion Park, The Padang, The Esplanade, The Floating Stadium and The New Bridge. Although the vision was a little hazy, it did not affect us due to the magnificent view.

An experience on the Singapore Flyer was a memorable one, with the phobia of heights, which I had. When I first entered the capsule, I felt as though there were butterflies in my stomach. However, I was soon distracted by the cacophony of my classmates and the spectacular view in the capsule. Being a Design and Technology student, I was amazed by the magnificent structure and superb engineering features of the Singapore Flyer. On the other hand, I was glad that my expectation was met, and also I managed to get a bird's eye view of the amazing landmarks in Singapore, for example, the Merlion found in the Merlion Park.

A funny incident happened while we were in the capsule. Due to a remark made by the boys, the girls immediately try to stay away from the side of the capsule as there night be an unnecessary 'exposure' if the girls were not careful. It was hilarious at first but the girls were not bothered by it after a while as they had ways to protect themselves.

On hindsight, I think the trip was worth it as we get to learn outside the classroom and learn more about the landmarks in Singapore, including the structure of The Singapore Flyer. During the trip, we have demonstrated the willingness to take responsibility for our learning and having self-discipline and perseverance and also through the use of pictures, labelling and description, I managed to identify the technology being utilized on the Singapore Flyer. I would definately recommend this tourist attraction to others as it is the brainchild of world renowned architect Dr. Kisho Kurokawa (Japan) and architectural firm DP Architects (Singapore).

Remember...Historical Narratives; Draft 2

The rain started to drizzled onto the faces of the people. Looking at their home, they could only see wrecks and destruction. The capital of Sri Lanka, Colombo, which is a beautiful seaport to people, now becomes the nightmare. Horrifying sounds of bomber planes brings the people to another dimension. The loving couple, Ranuga and Sathi, held on tightly to each other, at the same time trying to give each other warmth. In the mid 1990, the Sri Lanka government and Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam are in the middle of dispute. This excruciating dispute brings insufferable and torments to the deplorable ones. “ We can only resign to fate now. Let God decides the rest and remember I will always love you no matter where I am.”Raguna said to his wife. Tears flow down like the raindrops, Sathi look up at the sky, as though she is questioning it.

The young couple came to know each other since young. Ranuga and Sathi come from the same family backgrounds and share the common interests. Both theirs parents worked in a tea plantation site. Before dawn everyday, they will have breakfast while cycling on the way to school. In order to get to school, both of them must travel for 15 kilometers. After schooling, they help out their parents at home on house chores; this helps to relief the burden of their parents. Each night, they will go to each other houses to help prepare dinner and at the same time reflecting together about day in school.

In the year 1948, the government introduced the Ceylon Citizenship Act 1948, those who are either born in Sri Lanka or those whose forefathers were born there were granted citizenship. Father of Sathi, Rahul, told her that he wanted to apply for citizenship for the whole family, so that Sathi can get married with Raguna at ease. This is when tragedy strikes the two young couple. On a fine day, Rahul went to apply for citizenship, but he was rejected by the officers and went home empty handed. As Rahul's family are Indian Tamils, he could not apply for the citizenship, this caused them to be stateless. Although in 1964, Indian government made an agreement with Sri Lanka, it was not carried out fully as it was interrupted by the outbreak of ethnic violence. Although the family was sate less, this did not stop Raguna and Sathi from getting married.

In 1950, another policy, which causes unhappiness among Tamils, was the resettling of poor Sinhalese peasants. Sathi was preparing dinner for the family before everyone gets home. Suddenly, she was distracted by the loud noises made outside, out of curiosity, she went out. She was horrified to see Sinhalese peasants, Buddhists monks and the Sri lanka Army. Few days later, the whole village were emptied and driven out by the Sri Lanka Army. Sinhalese settlers were offered homes and land of the Tamils who used to live in these villages. The government also armed the settlers.

"How could the government made such a decision? I'm pretty sure that the government knows that we Tamils are not against individuals moving here but are against large scale government resettlement schemes where large numbers of Sinhalese move into these traditional Tamils areas!" said Raguna angrily.

After Sri Lanka gained independence, English remained the official language. In 1956, Sinhala was declared as the country's official language under the Official Language Act. Tamils in the government service were given three years to learn Sinhala or be dismissed. Unfortunately, Raguna is working in the government service and is the only source of income in the family, with the 'Sinhala Only' policy; he could do nothing but comply. Three years later, he still found it difficult and was dismissed.

"Now I'm jobless. How are we supposed to get on with life? Without money, we can't buy any food. What should we do?" said Rahul.

"Father, don't worry. I'll go out and find a job with you. Nothing is impossible if we ourselves find it impossible,” said Raguna.

Sathi’s younger sister, Neja, wants to go to a university. In Sathi’s eyes, Neja is a brilliant girl who is hardworking and full of perseverance. In year 1972, the government introduced new university admission criteria. Tamil students had to score higher marks than Sinhalese to enter the same courses in universities. Admission was no longer based solely on academic results. Being a Tamil, Neja need to score better result then the Sinhalese. Although Neja passed with flying colours; 227 out of 350, she still did not manage to meet the criteria for the admission. Being devastated, she could only accept the fact that she did not make it.

In 1976, demands of the Indian Tamils were still not met; a new political party called the Tamil United Liberation Front emerged. Popularly known as Tamils Tigers, besides attacking the Sinhalese, the Tamil tigers also attacked Tamil members of police force, and politicians. Everyone in the family joined the Tamil Tigers, except for Raguna and Sathi who only want to have peace.

"Long Live Tamil Tigers! Long Live Tamil Tigers!" shouted people who joined in the riot...

(Words: 861)

Remember...Historical Narratives; Draft 1

The rain started to drizzled onto the faces of the people. Looking at their home, they could only see wrecks and destruction. The capital of Sri Lanka, Colombo, which is a beautiful seaport to people, now becomes the nightmare. Horrifying sounds of bomber planes brings the people to another dimension. The newly weds, Ranuga and Sathi, held on tightly to each other, at the same time trying to give each other warmth. In the mid 1990, the Sri Lanka government and Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam are in the middle of dispute. This excruciating dispute brings insufferable and torments to the deplorable ones. “ We can only resign to fate now. Let God decides the rest and remember I will always love you no matter where I am.” Raguna said to his wife. Tears flow down like the raindrops, Sathi look up at the sky, as though she is questioning it.

The young couple came to know each other since young. Ranuga and Sathi come from the same family backgrounds and share the common interests. Both theirs parents worked in a tea plantation site. Before dawn everyday, they will have breakfast while cycling on the way to school. In order to get to school, both of them must travel for 15 kilometers. After schooling, they help out their parents at home on house chores; this helps to relief the burden of their parents. Each night, they will go to each other houses to help prepare dinner and at the same time reflecting together about day in school. It was until one fine day when tragedy strikes them.

Father of Sathi, Rahul, told her that he wanted to move away from Raguna’s family. This is when tragedy strikes the two young couple. Sathi cried and pleaded, “Oh Father, please do not do this to us. Although we are both young, we already had an inseparable relationship. And also, I want to be together with him for the rest of my life!” Being speechless, Raul could do nothing at all but feel apologetic towards his daughter. Weeks later, Sathi was on her way to the market to refilled household necessities. Still feeling upset and frustrated by her father decision, she starts to see vandalism in Tamil along the way, “Sinhalese have basic rights! So do we Tamils!” and “Contributions is as important as citizenships!” This was then when Sathi came to realize about her father’s decision.

Sathi’s best friend, Neja, wants to go to a university. In Sathi’s eyes, Neja is a brilliant girl who is hardworking and full of perseverance. She is a Tamil, resulting her to have a need to score better result then the Sinhalese. Due to financial difficulty at home and disagreement from parents, Neja finds it hard to apply for admission to a university. Neja finally worked out a plan, while studying in a university; she shall work at the same time. Neja soon got admitted into a university, at the same time she ran away from home. For years, no one knew where she went, other then Sathi. Neja finally graduated, she went home, her home that she has ran away for three years. She entered the house full with apologies. To her horror, she received news that her only family members, father and mother, passed away.

Since Sathi’s family moved away, Raguna had been very quiet, not being the old bubbly him. Suddenly, the door of his room open, he saw a girl, Sathi. Raguna was stunned at first, after getting his mind back, he immediately run towards her and kneel down, “Will you marry me, Sathi? I have waited so long for you and finally you came back.” Sathi nodded her head and tears of joy flow down from her cheeks. Weeks later, they held a small celebration at home, inviting all neighbors and relatives. Despite Raguna is a Tamil and Sathi begin a Sinhalese, they still received blessings from everyone, except from their parents. After the celebration, the young couple received a letter from their parents and in-laws. The letter stated that they were sorry but they still could not give them their blessings. Sathi cried, Raguna was stunned, for that fact that their parents still could not accept their relationship.

Being devastated, Raguna went out of the house, in less then a minute he return and grab Sathi’s hand. Sathi was puzzled by Raguna’s action. They run and run, along the way they saw people hugging onto their love ones. Many soldiers were covered with bloodstains; some were vomited blood at the same time. At this horrifying moment a gunshot stunned the both of them. Raugna was shot! Raguna unconsciously fainted and blood started to flow out from his stomach. Due to the chaotic circumstances, Raguna did not received immediate treatment; resulting death and Sathi became a widow. The only memories that Raguna left for Sathi is that happy yet short moments. Up till now, Sathi live in sadness, remembering that last declaration of love that her husband left for her.

Living with her best friend, Neja, Sathi told her, “ The war brought unnecessary sadness and unhappiness to people. Be it to the people I love or those whom I do not know. If government could give in, Raguna will not die.” Not long after, outside their house corridor they heard, “Long live Tamil Tigers! Long live Tamil Tigers!” Looking at this scenario, Sathi broke down and cried in Neja’s arms. Soon, Sathi started singing Raguna’s favorite song…

(Words: 917)

Term 2, Week 1. Topic: Growth Camp.

This year, the theme for Secondary 3 for the camp is, "Attaining Balance."

Attaining balance in both social awareness and relationship management. Through the camp we learn to appreciate diversity and working together to foster better understanding of one another. And also to develop teamwork and inter-personal skills to find the balance in working effectively to achieve one's goals.

Upon reaching the Dairy Farm Adventure Center, we were brief on the camp regulations. Ice- breaking activities and objectives setting was the next. Right after our lunch, we set off for our Bukit Timah Hike.

Hiking to the Bukit Timah Hill has been indeed an enriching experience. It has tested our bonding and perseverance as a class. Although the path was steep, everyone still manage to help one another to reach the summit.

Went back to the campsite with exhaustion. Dinner came on the right time to replenish our energy. Night hike was a spooky and eerie experience. A group of 10 people are to stand in one line, and walk into the dark area. Everyone was worried, as anything might happen along the way. Despite the fact that we were worried, we manage to complete the hike. The reward for us was the beautiful scenery of the stars shining on us.

On the second day of the camp, I have experience endless fear during the morning. The 'Flying Fox' was an 'unforgettable' and 'memorable' experience. What I can say is somehow I had conquer my fear. Kayaking has made me realized that sea water is really salty. Before kayaking was the team building games, it has tested our brain and put everyone's brain into use.

Campfire was next after dinner. The campfire was an enjoyable one. But it is a pity to say that the campfire didn't last long.

Departed the Dairy Farm Adventure Center on the next day. After reaching the school, Mrs Menon have gave the school a short speech and declared the camp officailly closed!

Lastly! Home Sweet Home!

Summary 2 (Edited)

Using your own words as far as possible, summarise how Hurricane Katrina affected Louisiana and the plans which have been discussed to improve conditions in this US state.

USE THE MATERIAL IN PASSAGE B from line 6 to line 47

Your summary, which must be in continuous writing (not note form), must not be more than 150 words (not counting the words given to help you to begin).

Begin your summary as follows: [25]

Hurricane Katrina had the most devastating impact on Louisiana where the wetlands were damage. Vegetation in marshes may not grow back and vegetation along water sources disappeared, whatever remains became brown. Katrina decrease local oyster harvests by two-thirds. US imported oysters. Fisherman becomes unemployed and unsettled. Floodwater became contaminated and disturbed underground gas and oil tanks. Sewer and pipes contaminated the water. Human corpses and death pets increase contamination. Place dredged material for a platform for the plants to grow on. The Louisiana Coastal Area Ecosystem Restoration Plan plans to rebuild barrier islands and marsh grass.

(Words: 86)

Summary 2

Using your own words as far as possible, summarise how Hurricane Katrina affected Louisiana and the plans which have been discussed to improve conditions in this US state.

USE THE MATERIAL IN PASSAGE B from line 6 to line 47

Your summary, which must be in continuous writing (not note form), must not be more than 150 words (not counting the words given to help you to begin).

Begin your summary as follows: [25]

Hurricane Katrina had the most devastating impact on Louisiana where islands have sustained heavy losses from it. Islands chains like Chandeleur Islands scarcely exist today. Many islands were reduced to sandbars and acres of marshes were washed out, without natural defenses. Hurricane Katrina has blown out marshes, which cause vegetation unable to grow back, leading remains to unhealthy shade. Natural wildlife has also been affected by the hurricane, causing thousands of fishermen to be unemployed and unsettled. Therefore, sea contamination have causes fisherman unable to fend for them. Houses have been destroyed by floodwater, which is being contaminated, causing many people living without roof over their heads. Hurricane Katrina have cause soil erosion, causing death in living things. This has further raise the risk of bacterial contamination. In order to salvage the situation, the Louisiana Coastal Area Ecosystem Restoration Plan is planning to rebuild the islands and plant acres of marshes.

(Words: 141)