Holiday Homework 1 - online submission

Social Studies Sec 3

Practice Paper 1

Skills in use: Inference, Compare and Contrast and Reliability Testing. NB: Do note that some questions would need you to apply a combination of skills.

Instructions: You are to submit the homework to me online via the Blog comments page individually. You can also email me your answers to my email at lim_wan_seng_daniel@moe.edu.sg

Deadline: 2 weeks from today - 5th Dec 2010.

Questions

1. How are the views of sources A and B on British healthcare policy different? So does this mean that one of the views is wrong? 
2. Consider Sources C and D. How do these sources differ?
3. Study Source E. What do you think is the British attitude with regards to the provision of healthcare?

Source A Dr Robbie Coull, general practitioner, UK speaking on BBC News in 2002

The NHS is not getting better. It is getting worse. The government may have spent a lot of money on the NHS, but what is really happening in hospitals is that morale is low and doctors and nurses are leaving.

Source B A remark by Dr Marks, a former chairman of the British Medical Association, recalling the period before and after the introduction of NHS.

The NHS is one of the greatest achievements in history. Before that, healthcare in this country was a disaster, particularly if you were poor. The unmet needs were not known until the NHS started, and people who had been ill for years came forward to seek help because they did not have to worry about paying for it.

Source C Ken Davidson, a cardiac surgeon, Glasgow, Scotland speaking on BBC News in 2002.

Most patients can now be offered whatever treatment is required within a few months. No patient has to wait more than six months; most of them wait around three to four months.

Source D Extracted from an article “British Health Scandal” taken from the Straits Times, 26 January 2002.

An 18-month wait for an operation is not uncommon in Britain which is now paying for its citizens to be treated abroad. There are many stories about Britain’s under-equipped and over-burdened healthcare system.

Source E A view expressed by a British citizen on the planned changes to the NHS.

I met a retired judge and his wife recently and they were strongly against any reform of the NHS which meant the government would spend less on NHS. They said that the have never taken private insurance and saw no reason why they should have to do so.

Annoucements: Homework for the holidays

Dear Pupils,

Holiday homework will be posted by this weekend 20th and 21st Nov. Do look out for it.

There are still 12 of you who have not responded to the survey. You know who you are - so please do so.

Enjoy your holidays!

Mr Daniel Lim

Sec 3 Year End Survey - Please complete survey by this coming Sunday 7th Nov 5pm

Create your free online surveys with SurveyMonkey, the world's leading questionnaire tool.

Lesson 2: Headstart Programme [ Healthcare in Britain]

Activity 1
Think Pair Share
What are some possible solutions for the problems facing the National Health Services in Britain?
Discuss.

Activity 1
Think Pair Share
What are some possible solutions for the problems facing the National Health Services in Britain?
Discuss.

1.    Limit the number of visits – annually – 3 times

2.     Provide free services only to those who cannot pay – means testing [ set criteria]  

3.     Just shut down the entire NHS [make all patients pay full cost]  

4.     Promote a healthy lifestyle

5.     Reduce the portion paid by government gradually

6.     Provide more medical staff

7.     Government provides to subsidize rather than pay for everything.

Which of the 3 approaches is the best approach to managing the National healthcare service?

1. Raise efficiency
- Privatisation

2. Manage expenditure
- Cutting down or increase expenditure

3. Improve service quality
- NHS 2000
- NHS 2004
Healthspace
NHS direct

Activity 2
Of the 3 approaches above, whihc is the best way to manage the healthcare service? That is the most sustainable method?

Best method = increasing efficiency.
Less expenditure and yet better or equally good healthcare services.

Lesson 1 & 2: Headstart Programme [ Healthcare in Britain]

(A) Problems that arise because of the FREE or almost FREE healthcare services in Britain

• Strain on healthcare resources
• Increased taxation
• People do not take care of their health since they do not need to pay for treatment.
• Lack of resources for other national needs

(B) What you have learnt about the National Health Services

• Provided as part of the welfare state in Britain
• British government are facing problems funding the scheme.
• Provided Free or almost free for British citizens

       (C) Activity 1
       Think Pair Share
       What are some possible solutions for the problems facing the National Health Services in Britain?  

      

British Healthcare - SEQ

In British Healthcare, we will be looking at the question of which is the best way to manage the National Health Services ( NHS ) in the UK.

To answer this, we need to understand the background of the NHS and also define ( as always ) what it means by "best way" and " manage".

Note also there are 3 factors:
1. Raise productivity
2. Increase spending
3. Improve quality

Typical question:
"The most effective/best way to help manage the National Health Services ( NHS) is through increasing productivity." How far do you agree? Explain.

British Healthcare and the welfare state system

Watch this video. Write down 3 things you have learnt about the British Welfare State.

Video 1



Do you agree with the video's message and with what it says? Why?
What are some of the pros and cons of the British NHS?

Video 2

Situational analysis - Causes of the Iraq-Kuwait Crisis

Examine the information on Iraq, Kuwait and the world situation in 1991. Are you able to identify some possible areas of tension that could arise between Iraq and Kuwait?

(a) What was Iraq like in 1991?
1. Infrastructure destroyed. Just completed a 10 year war with Iran – poverty stricken. Read Page 5 for Iran-Iraq war details.
2. In debt – 230 million in debt for reconstruction
3. Still a military power in the region with world’s 4th largest Army with biological weapons and potential nuclear technology.
4. Saddam Hussein was President.
5. Main Export – oil [ Needed to sell as much oil as possible to pay debt]
6. Owed money to Kuwait – $14 billion
7. Shared a major oil field with Kuwait.
8. Had only 1 port Umm Qasr where oil could be export by sea. Iraq’s port Umm Qasr is directly behind Kuwait 2 islands Bubiyan and Warbah.

(b) What was Kuwait like in 1991?
1. Rich
2. Peaceful
3. Militarily weak
4. Loaned money to Iraq $14 billion to support Iraq during Iran-Iraq war.
5. Main export – oil and was producing a large amount of oil which contributed to the fall in oil prices in 1991
6. Shared a major oil field with Iraq

(c) Global situation
1. Price of oil was falling.
2. Middle Eastern countries were producing a lot of oil.
2. World was dependent on oil from the Middle East including world powers like the United states.

Managing Peace and Security 3

Causes of Iraq and Kuwait war
4.1 Economic problems in Iraq
4.2 Oil Production
4.3 Dispute over territory
Kuwait and Iraq were British colonies.

Managing Peace and Security

Introduction to Managing peace and security: Regional and International Conflict.
Activity 1
Why are we studying this? Why do nations have conflict? Can you recall from Sec 3 Chapter 6?
Think Pair Square
Answer: To understand WHY nations fight so that we can prevent such things for happening to Singapore and this region.

Activity 2
Ask:
 Have you heard of Iraq and Kuwait? In sports?
 What do you know about Iraq? What do you know about Kuwait?
 What do you know about the Middle East?

Activity 3: Where is the Middle East?
Show Map – What do you notice about the map? Think-Pair Square [3 minutes]

Answer: Key points to note regarding map
1. Middle East as part of a larger area - joins Europe, Asia and Africa
2. Persian Gulf [Notice the narrowness of the waterway and the main waterway for Middle Eastern nations.]

Think and discuss and teacher share
What are some things you think the Middle Eastern countries are well-known for? Look at map for some countries which students may be familiar with.
1. Desert and sand dunes
2. Dates
3. Rich people – Why do you think they are rich?
4. Development - Mega-cities [ Dubai in the UAE]

Activity 4:
5. Oil!! [ 10 minutes ]
Think Pair Square
 What is petrol useful for?
 Why is petrol valuable?
 Why do you think nations may want to control the price and production of petrol?

6. Muslims, Christians and Jews – People of different faiths.

Activity 5
Based on what we now know about the Middle East? Why is the Middle East important to the world? Explain. Think-pair-square.

Reading ahead - Managing Peace and Security [ Iraq-Kuwait Crisis]

Watch this video and note down some of the key points.

a) What are you views about this conflict?
b) What are some the reasons why Iraq invaded Kuwait?

Part I




Part II

Answers to Sep Holiday Homework - SBQ on population policy

Take note of the structure of the answers NOT just the answer itself.

Q1a. Study Source A
What is the cartoon trying to tell us? Explain your answer.

Ans:
Look for 2 inferences in the format of IEE x 2. A few students gave a purpos level answer using MAO. This is not needed and you get marks only if you got the message within AMO correct.

Model answer
The cartoon is trying to tell us the Singaporean couples are afraid to have children. I say so so because I see in the cartoon, a couple unsure of whether they shoudl tick the 6th C = children and they look very worried. I know they are worried and fearful of ticking the 6th C because one of them is chewing on a pencil and this shows he is nervous. Both of them also have terrified looks on their faces as they look at the 6th C = children. This means that Singaporeans are fearful of taking the decision to have children.

The cartoon is also telling us that Singaporeans are interested in materialistic things. I say so because the 5Cs are all ticked and these items are all materialistic items such as Cash, Car and Condo. This means that Singaoporean have ticked these items indicating their interest in acquiring them. Hence, this cartoon is telling us that Singaporeans arer materialistic and keen in acquiring things which give them status in society.


Q1b. Study Source B
Why do you think the writer mafde this statement?
Note: This answer requires a purpose level structure. Follow the one below which is the same as the on ein your SBQ notes.

Model Answer
The writer made this statement to convince the Singapore government that the government's efforts to increase the population using monetary incentive is not going to motivate the Singaporeans to have children so that when the Singapore government understand this, the government will make changes to the government policies/improve the government policies to have more effective policies for population growth. I say so because....

Q1c. Study Source B and C.
How different are the 2 sources?
Model Answer [ comparison at content level for Similarity AND difference]

BOC: Source B and C differ in what they say about… whether having children is a boon or a bane/a negative or a positive experience for parents. …[ Basis of comparison- BOC]

Source B states that…having children are a burden and a negative experience [Inference from Source B]….I say so because in Source B it says that…’ Our hands are full running our own Web design company and looking after 2 babies. When I gave birth to my 2^nd child, I was online with a client.”…. [Evidence from Source B] This means that the writer feels rather burdened with 2 children as she had to work and care for the children simultaneously. Overall, the tone is rather negative and unhappy.[Explanation from Source B] On the other hand, Source C states that having children is a joyous event and raising them are an out of this world experience/positive experience… [Inference from Source C]….I say so because in Source C it says that “But we chose to look at it positively…..The pleasures of seeing them grow up - you can't put a price to that.”… [Evidence from Source C]…..This means that even though it is not easy bringing up children, there is a definite joy in doing so which is incomparable to anything else…..[Explanation from Source C]

Hence, source B and C differ in the view on… whether having children is a boon or a bane/a negative or a positive experience for parents. Basis of comparison]

Similarity

BOC: Both Sources B and C are sharing whether it is an easy task to bring up children and both sources agree that there is a considerable amount of sacrifice required to do so……[ Basis of comparison ]

Source B states that parents have to work very hard in order to give their children a good life [Inference from Source B]….I say so because in Source B it says that……” both parents work to support a lifestyle that includes a car, holidays, and enrichment classes for children.” ….[Evidence from Source B] This means that…it is not easy bringing up children and a degree of hard work and sacrifice is needed from parents.[Explanation from Source B]

Similarly, Source C states that…parents have to scrimp and save and face a lack of money when bringing up children… [Inference from source C] I say so because Source C states that…”“Bringing up five children is not without financial headaches and I need to watch every cent”..[Evidence from source C]This means that there is some financial strain on parents when they are bringing up children and a measure of sacrifice and suffering is experienced and it is not an easy task…[Explanation from source C] Hence source B and C are similar in the view on…whether it is easy to bring up children…[ Basis of comparison]

Answers for LMS homework - NEA SBQ question on Compare and Contrast

The skill of Compare and Contrast - We use it everyday!

Issue: Is the government doing enough to revent the spreead of dengue fever in Singapore?

Source A: An article in Today Online on how the NEA can improve on its handing of the dengue problems in Singapore.

Public officials should also work on finding long-term solutions in tackling such mosquito-borne diseases. The National Environment Agency (NEA) should co-ordinate its efforts with other government bodies such as the Building & Construction Authority (BCA) and the Land Transport Authority (LTA). Have the NEA and BCA ever held a joint comprehensive review of the design and construction features of high-rise and low-rise buildings that contribute to mosquito breeding? The NEA identified roof gutters to be a major breeding ground for mosquitoes. Yet many older bus stops still have roof gutters. Why don't the NEA and LTA seal off these gutters? Surely this would have been a quick and inexpensive solution? The roof gutters of houses are often difficult to reach and few home owners bother to clean them. Could the relevant agencies introduce new laws that ban the use of gutters in houses?Perhaps the NEA should also consider introducing legislation to cover these areas as well: Rooftop water tanks, lift wells, basement water-sumps, as well as drains and basement car parks.

Source B: Extract of a newspaper report on how the NEA is dealing with the spread of dengue in Singapore.

"On the train there are 2 million commuters every day so the train is a very good medium for us to spread the dengue prevention message." Sadi Dalson Chung of the Environment Health Department of the NEA. On the ground, NEA has also increased its serach and destroy efforts to reduce the Aedes Mosquito population...it carried out more than 170,000 inspections of the premises for breeding grounds, including parks and vacant lands. It is also working with the town councils, to flush out breeding grounds on roof tops and pump rooms.

Question
Study sources A and B.
To what extent is Source A similar to Source B? Explain your answer.

Steps
Step 1.Identify the issue. Immediately know that there must be opposing views or similar views regarding the issue.

Step 2. Find the basis of comparison(BOC) for similarity.
"Both sources are sharing about Singapore's efforts in battling Dengue Fever."
OR
"Both sources are sharing about where the Aedes Mosquitos are breeding."

Step 3. Determine the structure of answer to be:
BOC for similarity
Inference from source A
Evidence from source A
Explanation of evidence from Source A
Connector [ Similarly/Likewise]
Inference from source B
Evidence from source B
Explanation of evidence from Source B

BOC for difference
Inference from source A
Evidence from source A
Explanation of evidence from Source A
Connector [ On the other hand/However]
Inference from source B
Evidence from source B
Explanation of evidence from Source B

Step 4. Next determine if there is a chance for difference or similarity in purpose.

Answer for difference in purpose is based on the structure: AMO vs AMO

BOC for purpose
Determine Audience of Source A , Message of Source A and the Outcome on how the Audience will react to the Message.
Connector[ However]
Determine Audience of Source B , Message of Source B and the Outcome on how the Audience will react to the Message.

Model answer
The answer has 2 parts - 1 paragraph for similarity and 1 paragraph for difference since the question is "How similar..."

Paragraph 1 [ Similarity - BOC + IEE vs IEE ]
Source A and B are similar only to a small extent.
Both Source A and B are talking about where the NEA has identified to be the Aedes mosquito breeding areas. Source A states that the NEA has identified the breeding grounds of the Aedes Mosquito on the roof gutters of homes. I say so because Souurce A says, "The NEA identified roof gutters to be a major breeding ground for mosquitoes." This means that the NEA is aware of the source of mosquito breeding. Similarly, In source B, it says that the NEA has "carried out more than 170,000 inspection of the premises for breeding grounds, including parks and vacant lands.", This means that the NEA is sure where the mosquitos are breeding and so they have carried out checks on these areas. Hence, Source A and B are similar to some extent.

However, Source A and B differ in their opinion on whether the NEA has done enough to stop dengue Fever from spreading. Source A states that the NEA has not done enough whereas Source B states that the NEA is putting in a lot of effort. Source A says that, " Why don't the NEA and LTA seal off these gutters? Surely this would have been a quick and inexpensive solution? The roof gutters of houses are often difficult to reach and few home owners bother to clean them. Could the relevant agencies introduce new laws that ban the use of gutters in houses?" This means that the NEA is currently NOT working closely with other agencies to reduce the spread of the illness which is why Source A is asking for the NEA to take action to prevent mosquito breeding such as taking action to prevent breeding in roof gutters which apparently has not been done. On the other hand, Source B stateas that the NEA has done quite a lot to stop the illness from spreading. I say so because it is stated that the " NEA has also increased its serach and destroy efforts to reduce the Aedes Mosquito population...it carried out more than 170,000 inspections. This means that the NEA has out in more effort to ensure that the Aedes Mosquito is eradicated and wiped out so that Dengue fever is controlled via it many thousands of inspections. Hence, Source A is saying that the NEA is not doing enough to control the spread of Dengue but Source B is saying that the NEa has put in quite a bit of effort to curtial the disease.

Announcement: What to study for the End of Year exams

n

Shhh....I'm studying. I want to ace my Social Studies just as Mr Lim says I can!

Chapters to focus on:
Chapter 2; Chapter 3; Chapter 4; Chapter 5

Specific topics
- Covered this semester

1. Solutions to manage an ageing population
2. Serious consequences of an ageing population
3. Serious consequences of a declining population
4. Solutions to manage a declining population
5. The most important principles of Governance
6. Traffic Management solutions
7. Ways to ensure that healthcare in Singapore is affordable 8. Causes of Sri Lanka crisis

- Covered last semester
8. Causes of Sri Lanka crisis
9. Consequences of Sri Lanka crisis
10. Causes of Northern Ireland conflict
11.Impact of Northern Ireland conflict
12. Methods used by Singapore to manage its diversity
13. Challenges faced in managing a multi-ethnic state.

Duration of paper: 1 hr 30 minutes
Structure of paper
(a) 4 SBQ questions [25 marks]
 Parts a to d
 Compulsory
 6 sources provided

Skills tested:
1. Inference
 Message level – 1EE x 2
 Purpose level – Audience – Message (IEE) – Outcome[ change in the audience’s behaviour after understanding the message]

NB: IEE = Inference + evidence + explanation of how evidence proves the inference

2. Reliability
 Cross referencing x 2 [1 or more sources support AND 1 or more sources refute]

3. Compare and contrast
 1 similarity and 1 difference [at message/content level – BOC + IEE vs IEE]
 Similarity or difference [at purpose level – AMO vs AMO]

NB: BOC = Basis of comparison/criteria for comparison

(b) 2 SEQ questions [Parts a and b] [25 marks]
 There will be 3 sets of questions given, do any 1 set [a and b]
 Write each SEQ in the following format of:
o Stand
o Define weighing word; identify issues and identify factors
o Write out the body paragraphs in the FEEL approach

 Factor [ Define factor ]
 Explain how factor addresses issue
 Example [Explain how examples address issue]
 Link back to issue

o Weighing paragraph

 Example:
o Set 1- 2a and 2b
o Set 2- 3a and 3b
o Set 3- 4a and 4b
Do any 1 of the above sets.

NB: If you do 3a, you must do 3b. You cannot do 3a and 4b.

Singapore healthcare - how we keep healthcare affordable.

Singapore uses the concept of :

• Self-reliance [ Medisave and Medishield]
• Government support [Medifund,Restructured hospitals,government subsidies and Means-testing]
• Community support [ Working with community organisations]

To make sure that healthcare remains affordable. Parts of these approaches are linked to our 3M approach - Medisave, Medishield and Medifund. Want to know more about the 3M approach?
Click here : http://mycpf.cpf.gov.sg/CPF/my-cpf/Healthcare/PvdHC2.htm

Homework 9: SEQ: What is the best way to ensure that healthcare is kept affordable in Singapore?

Please work in your pairs to discuss and answer in SEQ format the following question:

"The best way to ensure that healthcare in Singapore remains affordable is through self-reliance." How far do you agree? Explain.

Format
Stand
Explain given factor
Explain other factor 1
Explain other factor 2
Weighing

NB: Define "best way"

Read page 62 to 79 to help you.

Deadline: This Wed 22nd September 9pm.

SBQ - Understanding and answering challenging questions

There are many different ways of asking SBQ questions. We discussed the variation of some of these questions:

1. Study Sources A and C.
Sources A and B have different points of view. Does this make one source more believable than the other? Explain.

2. Study Sources A and B.
Does Source B's agreement with Source A's viewpoint mean that Source A is correct? Explain.

3. Are you surprised by what Source A says about...[Issue]......? Explain.

How would you answer the above questions?
We used the everyday example of a men's colonge to understand what the above questions expect us to do and what are the SBQ skills to be applied.

Issue: Does the use of Davidoff Adventure Cologne make users feel and behave in a more adventurous manner?

Background knowledge
Davidoff Adventure is a Cologne for men. The perfume's tagline is " The thrill of the unknown". According to the company, users of the perfume will experience the following after use, " ...the excitement of going to a distant place you’ve never seen before to grasp a taste for exoticism and feel a rush of emotion you've never felt. With Adventure, you will find your challenge, find your limits, and push beyond them, go your own way, wherever that might take you." Davidoff describes its product as "daring" and "inspired by the world's great wildernesses and raw, masculine emotion".Should we believe what Davidoff perfume company says about its product and the effects it will have on people who use it? Read on to find out.

Source A This is an advertisement by Davidoff men's cologne


Source B Nixon, who recently used Davidoff cologne
Yes, after I used the perfume I certainly felt different. I am now more adventerous, daring and manly.

Source C Vivien's opinion on Davidoff cologne
I do not think Davidoff cologne causes any personality change in anyone. My brother bought a bottle and has been using it. The perfume smells fine and he does smell better of late. Yesterday, he saw a cockroach that day and ran out of the kitchen screaming for me. I had to help him get rid of it and I don't use the perfume myself.

Source D Psychologist , Dr Aw Tia Jing Thomas' opinion on Davidoff
I did some studies with 100 men - getting them to use the perfume and then to ask them to record any changes in their behaviour after 30 days. Majority of the men did not report any change in their personality at all.

Source E Marcus, a Singaporean male
I expected to begin growing a beard quickly once I splashed Davidoff onto my face. I mean I want to look like Ewan McGregor. He's my idol and I have always dreamt of being as macho as him. No, I don't have a licence to ride a motorcycle yet but so what? Anyway, I didn't manage to look rugged. It's all quite disappointing - the bottle of Davidoff cost me almost $60!

How to approach the answering of Q1 to 3. [ Please note that these are NOT the full and complete answers and are merely pointing the direction of how you can answer these questions]
1. Type of SBQ skill: Reliability testing
Cross reference Source A with other sources that agree with it.
Cross reference source C with other sources that agree with it.
The source which has more sources supporting it is more believable.
Clearly more sources support Source C then Source A. Hence, we can say that Source C is more believable.

2. Type of SBQ skill: Reliability testing
Cross reference B with A to see if B supports A, If yes - Source A is more likely to be correct.
BUT cross reference other sources like Source C with A. Since Source C refutes Source A, then Source A is less correct. Compare also Source D with Source A. Since Source D refutes Source A, we can say that overall, more sources refute B. Hence, even if B supports A, we cannot say that Source A is correct.

3. Type of SBQ skill: Reliability testing
Use cross-referencing to state whether you are surprised or not. You would be more surprised if only a few sources support Source A. You would be less surprised if more sources supported Source A.

Today's lesson - solutions for an ageing population

What we revised
1. "Managed an ageing population" = Effectively address/reduce the negative impact of an ageing population
2. We also learnt that an ageing population leads to 4 negative consequences:
- Loss of competitiveness
- Increased expenditure on healthcare and nursing care at the national level
- Increased strain on the working population
- A weakened Defence Force

3. Hence, in a question like:
"The best way to manage an ageing population is through community support." How far do you agree? Explain your answer.

You job is to explain how each factor:
- Helps address/reduce the negative impact of an ageing population
- by lessening or removing the negative impact.

The factors we have explained so far are:
1.Family Support
2.Community Support
3. Individual Responsibility through leading a healthy lifestyle.

Remember to:
1. READ YOUR NOTES on the same day you are taught!

Next Lesson:
1. Last factor: Government support - Read up your textbook ( Last page of chpt 2)
2.  Individual Responsibility through personal financial planning.

A posting for Wei Shan to ask questions

Dear Weishan,
As mentioned to you today, simply post your questions under comments and I will get an email in my email box and I will post the answer to the question in response.

I have include "Wei Shan" under labels so that it is easy for you to find this posting. :-)

Homework 8: Holiday SBQ assignment in LMS

You will find this assignment in LMS as well.

Instead of the N Level paper, I decided to instead upload the Pei Hwa class test which I had set last year for the Sec 4 batch of pupils.
Here is the paper

Source-based Case Study

Study the sources carefully, and then answer all the questions.You may use any of the sources to help you answer the questions, in addition to those sources which you are told to use. In answering the questions, you should use your knowledge of the topic to help you interpret and evaluate the sources.

1a. Study Source A.
What is the cartoon trying to tell us? Explain your answer. [5]

1b. Study Source B
Why do you think the writer made this statement? [6]

1c. Study Sources B & C.
How different are these 2 sources? [7]

1d. Study Source D
How reliable is source D as evidence to show the success level of Singapore’s efforts to boost its population growth? [7]

Issue: Addressing Singapore’s declining birth rate.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

After 15 years of low population growth, Singapore has finally begun taking steps in the last decade or so to try and solve the problem. Yet many are still unsure whether these solutions would work. One of the steps introduced in April 2001 was the Baby Bonus Scheme. The Baby Bonus Scheme was enhanced in August 2004 and gives support to parents’ decision to have more children by helping to lighten the financial costs of raising children. However, many feel skeptical that such a move will help to increase the Singapore population. Some think that it is the mindset of couples that needs to be changed.

Source A

A cartoon drawn by Straits Times cartoonist MIEL published in the Straits Times in 2004.

Source B
The view of Ms May Tan, a Singaporean mother published on the 15th July 2008 in the Straits Times.

“No official sweetener can sway my husband and I to have more children. Our hands are full running our own Web design company and looking after 2 babies. When I gave birth to my 2nd child, I was online with a client. That was the year the Government handed out its baby bonus, tax reliefs and longer maternity leave. I do not agree that the baby bonus is the reason for parents to have more children. It’s the rat race culture here that is causing low fertility rate in Singapore. If we were living in New Zealand, it's likely that one of us would stay home with the kids, as people there are less focused on career. In Singapore, both parents work to support a lifestyle that includes a car, holidays, and enrichment classes for children.”

Source C
The view of Mrs Jill Tan, who has 5 children, published in The Straits Times 15th July 2008.

“Bringing up five children is not without financial headaches and I need to watch every cent. To save money, we downgraded from a seven-seater multi-purpose vehicle to a smaller Nissan Sunny. The family had to forgo luxuries like long-distance travel in favour of short breaks in Malaysia. The older children have given up their music lessons and other costly enrichment classes. But we chose to look at it positively. Even if the children should be deprived of anything now, they can be compensated in adult life when they start working. The pleasures of seeing them grow up - you can't put a price to that.”

Source D
Dr Paul Cheung, Singapore’s chief family planning statistician, gives his views in a Straits Times article published in September 2008

“Childlessness by choice is a world-wide symptom of most developed countries. What we are doing may be too little and too late. The government's Baby Bonus will not make a decisive difference for better-educated parents. For those with two children, the subsidy works out to $2 per child per day over a six-year period - at the end of which, a parent's duty is by no means done yet. The government is ‘barking up the wrong tree’ by offering money. Only the lower socio-economic group will jump on the breeding band-wagon to get a few more dollars from the baby bonus.”

Common Test Results

Best scores
15/16 - Josephine Khoo ; Joey Ling

14/16 - Eng Xue Qi; Jermaine Tan; Yvonne Koh 

13/16 - Marcus Keh; Ong Yi Hong; Seah Wei Lit; Koh Wei Ru; Emillio; Chow Yu Xiang; Aw Jia Teng

Chan Rui Wen; Toh Ying En

Chapter 3: Singapore healthcare system - For those who are speeding ahead.....

We will be covering the Singapore Healthcare System in Term 4. Good to read ahead. Watch this video and see if you can uncover the 2 points of views about the Singapore healthcare system and list down what are the points for both sides of the argument.

Also write down in point form how the Singapore healthcare system works - see if you can identify two factors discussed as to how Singapore Government makes healthcare affordable.

Common Test - Feedback and results

Feedback  Q1. SBQ- Compare and Contrast
Comments 
1. Similarity or difference in purpose was attempted but the correct structure was not followed.
2. About 3 pupils did not use the connecting words "however" for difference and "similarly" for similarity.
3. Some of you lost marks because your explanation of the evidence was incomplete.
4. A number of you forgot ( maybe about 8 pupils) to add in a Basis of Comparison ( BOC) before doing your comparison. I am glad to say the majority did so which is very good.
5. Some of you did not complete your answer due to the lack of time. 

NB: More comments will be posted together with sample answers

Q2. SEQ on Impact of a declining population
Comments
1. Spelling
Extent NOT Extend

2. Factor 1: Inability to attract MNCs.
Areas for improvement
Key phrases for good explanation
Lack of manpower/Insufficient younger qualified workers to fill positions
Unable to carry out or continue business operations

Majority could explain that:
MNCs would not remain or come to Singapore
Singaporeans would not have enough jobs and lose their jobs
unemployment will rise
loss of income
Singaporeans will become poor
quality if life negatively affected
economy declines

NB: While the question asked about "attracting MNCs" and some of you focused on MNCs leaving Singapore, I accepted the explanations if they were full and complete because "attracting MNCs" includes retaining those MNCs who are already in Singapore. However, it is always good to give an answer that directly addresses the issue which is this case is "attracting MNCs" = getting new MNCs to set up business operations in Singapore.

Overall grade given for the 10 of you who attempted this question was 5 marks for the Given factor. One of you only got 4 marks because there were missing explanation points.

3,. Begin new paragraph with the phrase
" Another impact of a declining population is.........[ factor ]..."

4. Factor 2 - Ageing population
Key phrases needed to score:
National level impact
Less taxes collected since fewer working people
Less funds/resources available by government to meet citizens' needs in other areas like education, housing and defence.
For example - less money for education, quality of education decreases for young Singaporeans - Singaporeans become less likely to be hired for a job - loss of income - Singapore become uncompetitive

NB: Just because the population falls, it may not always mean that the government will increase the tax rate to collect more tax per person to make up the fall in taxes though this could be done.
Family level impact
Financial strain on working people as there are fewer economically productive people supporter a larger group of dependent elderly people.

Best Results for Q2 SEQ - Impact of Declining population
15 Rebecca Lim 9/10
10 Koh Wei Ru 10/10
26 Emillio 10/10


Most frequently achieved grade was 8/10

Q3. SEQ - measures to increase the population

Comments
1. Most of you gave a definition for pro-family measures and stated before explaining the examples such as "extended maternity leave" that these were forms of pro-family measures. [ Excellent!!]

2. However, about 8 pupils did not properly define pro-family measures and a smaller handful also did not use the words "For example" or "such as" before introducing examples of pro-family measures. You need to do this to make sure that your factor is clearly about pro-family measures and not just a mixed-bag of examples.

Best scores for this question:
Perfect scores 10/10
Jermaine Tan 10/10
Foo Jia Yuan 10/10
Joey Ling 10/10
Josephine Khoo 10/10

9/10
Yvonne Koh 9/10
Chloe Chee 9/10
Chua Boon Kuan 9/10
Nixon Sng 9/10
Indira 9/10
Aw Jia Teng 9/10
Lim Chong Wee 9/10
Ong Yan Ting 9/10
Tan Li Xue 9/10
Vivien Oon 9/10
Hillary Wong 9/10
Toh Ying En 9/10
Eng Xue Qi 9/10

TV Programme and Live streaming Alert - Prime Minister's National Day Rally Speech 2010 - Watch it LIVE at 8pm this Sunday 29 Aug

Watch the National Day Rally speech by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.

Broadcast Time is 8pm 29th August(This Sunday!) in English


For live streaming click here: http://www.reach.gov.sg/Microsite/NationalDayRally2010.aspx
or http://www.pmo.gov.sg/News/PressReleases/National+Day+Rally+2010++Live+in+the+palm+of+your+hand.htm

For TV broadcast, tune in to channel 5 and Channel News Asia at 8pm.Mandarin and Malay speeches start at 645pm

Every year, our Prime Minister gives the National Day Rally Speech. The objectives include sharing with the people the government's plans for the future, the rationale behind their major policies and decisions - both current and future and also to motivate, assure and inspire the citizens of Singapore.

Amongst the topics that may be covered include issues which are relevant to your understanding of Social Studies and current affairs such as:
a) Education system
b) Foreigners working and living in Singapore
c) Healthcare
d) Our economy
e) Creating a united Singapore

Homework 7: Impact of an ageing population

Deadline: 5pm Sunday.



Do you best.


We went through the impact of a declining population in class. However, when a population ages, there are also negative consequences[Impacts] on Singapore.
Word of advice : Make sure you answer the question and show how each factor leads to a serious consequnce - has a negative impact on Singapore in some way. The negative nature of the outcome must be explained properly. Think....

Work in your pairs to draft a good explanation for this question:


There are 4 serious consequences of an ageing population for Singapore:
(a) Loss of competitiveness by Singapore.
(b) A weakened defence force
(c) Strain on the working population
(d) Increased demand for healthcare and nursing care for the elderly.


Explain how each of these factors about can impact Singapore in a negative manner.


Weigh all the factors and by defining the term "serious", explain also which is the most serious consequence of all and why.

Structure of answer:
Stand + definition of "serious" in the context of the question.

4 paragraphs - 1 paragraph per factor to show how each factor is a serious consequence of an ageing population.

AND

1 weighing paragraph

Essay 2: Population Policy - Impact of Population Policy

"The most serious impact of the population decline is a weakened defence force." How far do you agree? Explain.

Definition of weighing phrase - serious impact = damaging to Singapore's survival and future.

Factor 3: Serious impact 3 that affects Singapore's survival and future
An ageing population -->A population where the proportion of elderly people is greater than young people--> In Singapore there are increasingly more elderly people-->fewer young people below 65 years who are economically productive--> There are fewer younger people supporting the older economically unproductive people in each family and across the nation.

In each family-->there are fewer children looking after 2 elderly parents. E.g. in a 1 child family, that 1 child must support 2 elderly parents --> Financial strain on the younger person as he has to care for the financial, medical and other needs of his parents who may be dependent on him/her.

At the national level, with fewer younger people--> government collects lesser and lesser tax such as income tax since there are fewer and fewer young people who are employed--> the elderly and mostly retired and do not pay income tax anymore --> since less tax is collected--> govt. has less money to spend on national needs like defence, education and healthcare --> the quality of these public services will fall--> overall quality of life in Singapore will deteriorate --> Singapore will become a backward nation.

Notes on Population policy

Factor 1
Baby Bonus scheme

• The baby bonus scheme was enhanced in 2004 to provide cash handouts from the government for the 1st to the 4th child totaling $18,000 AND
• Dollar for dollar financing into each child’s CDA(Child Development Account) account up to $30,000.
• Baby Bonus scheme encourages couples to have more children because the money given by the govt. can help defray the cost of raising a child by buying items like diapers and milk powder.
• The CDA account money can also be used to pay for school fees and medical care for the child. The makes the cost of raising more children possible and bearable for more couples and so they may have more children as a result.
• In Singapore the cost of living can be high and raising a child can be expensive.
• But withe the baby bonus, families will have more finances to raise children and so Singaporean parents might want to have more children.

Factor 2
Pro-family measures are government policies to support family life and which give families more time and resources to raise their children. One such pro-family measure is:
a) The 5-day work week where members of the civil service work from Monday to Friday with Sat and Sun off.

• Couples are motivated to have more children because they now have more time for the children and to attend to family matters
• Singaporeans may feel that with more free time available to care for children, they may feel motivated to have more children.
• With the 5 day work week, couples now have the entire weekend to be with their children to give them quality parent-child time.
• Hence, couples may feel motivated to have more children.

b) Another pro-family measure the extended maternity leave.

• This may encourage more women to have children as mothers now have additional time to spend with their children immediately after child-birth during the crucial first few months.
• Mothers will feel it is feasible to have more children since they can spend more time after birth.
• The mothers will also have enough time to recover from the strain of giving birth. Hence, parents may be prepared to have more children to increase Singapore’s population.

c) Another pro-family measure is equalized medical benefits

• which mean both parents can use their employer’s insurance coverage to pay for their children’s medical bills. 
• This would help reduce the financial burden of children’s’ medical bills since both parents can now use their employer’s medical insurance for their children’s medical bills. 
• Hence, this would motivate parents to have more children since the cost of bringing up children is more manageable now.

d) Another pro-family measure is the $3000 tax relief for families whose grandparents lives with them.

• The parents would be able to pay less in income tax because of the tax relief of $3000 if the family stays with their grandparents. 
• With grandparents living with them, parents may feel that they do not mind having more children as there are people around whom they trust to take care of their children. 
• Hence, with more hands helping out, more parents will be encouraged to have more children.
• However, the tax incentive of $3000 does not lead to much tax savings for most Singaporeans and is not much of a motivation or reason to have more children. 

Factor 3
Attracting foreigners to Singapore

• Another way to boost the population is by liberalising the immigration law and allowing more foreigners work and live in Singapore by offering foreigners subsidized housing. jobs and attractive education package for their children.
• This can increase the population quickly because some of these foreigners may find the Singapore environment suitable for them as it is pollution free with good infrastructure and there is harmony. Some may like the quality of life here and stay on. 
• Some may marry Singaporeans, have a family here and become rooted to Singapore.
• Some may behave and feel like Singaporeans by adopting our cultural traits like the way we speak, how we dress, what we eat. This sense of connection to Singapore could eventually be so strong that they make them become Singaporeans and want to stay in Singapore for life.
• This can be an effective way to increase our population because we can easily attract many foreigners to work and live here especially given Singapore’s international standing as Asia’s most liveable city based on the 2010 Economist Intelligence Unit survey. 
• Hence, with liberal immigration policies, many foreigners may choose to become Singaporeans and this makes the attracting of foreigners to Singapore an effective way to boost the population.

Homework 6: Complere LMS assignment for compare and contrast

Please complete your LMS assignment for compare and contrast by this week when we meet for lesson.

This is worth 20% of your final grade.

Singapore most desired by migrants: Gallup poll - Population Policy

Sunday Times
Singapore 22nd August 2010

The city-state could see its population triple if everyone who wants to move here was allowed to.

WASHINGTON (AFP) - Singapore remained a top immigration hot spot for the second successive year in a global survey conducted by Gallup.

The city-state could see its population triple if everyone who wants to move here was allowed to, the poll released last Friday showed.It found that, in that case, Singapore's population of 4.8 million would increase by 219 per cent.

The second-most popular destination was New Zealand, whose population of four million would rise by 184 per cent. Third was Saudi Arabia, whose population of 26 million would soar by 176 per cent if everyone who wants to come in and wants to leave, could do so.

Gallup researchers interviewed nearly 350,000 adults in 148 countries between 2007 and this year to calculate each country's Potential Net Migration Index (PNMI).

The PNMI is the estimated number of adults who wish to permanently leave a country subtracted from the estimated number who wish to immigrate there, as a proportion of the total adult population.

Singapore also topped a similar survey released in November last year, but with a higher index figure of 260 per cent. Second and third positions were reversed, with Saudi Arabia second and New Zealand third in last year's index.

The preferred destination of most would-be migrants is still the United States, although the already large US population of 300 million inhabitants means that the impact is less acutely felt, Gallup said.

The US is No. 14 on the net migration list, which means that if everyone who wanted to could enter the country, and all those who wished to leave did, its population would rise by about 60 per cent.

For the first time, Switzerland made it onto the list, which was first compiled last year.

Some 800,000 of the country's six million citizens said they would like to leave permanently, while some 10 million foreigners said they would move there, given the chance.

At the opposite end of the scale, the populations of Sierra Leone, Haiti and Zimbabwe would fall by more than half if migrants were allowed to leave at will.

Many countries in Africa and Latin America showed net outflows of population - although four African countries would gain residents, according to the poll.

They are Botswana, which would see its population increase by 39 per cent, South Africa, Zambia and Namibia, which would see rises of 13 per cent, 5 per cent and 2 per cent respectively.

Botswana, which ranked just after the US and just above Norway on the list, is the world's top producer of diamonds and a leading destination for high-end tourism. It prides itself as a model of successful democracy in Africa.

At rock-bottom on the Gallup list is Sierra Leone, the west African country still struggling to recover from a 10-year civil war which ended in 2002.

If everyone who wanted to leave Sierra Leone could, and everyone who wanted to move there did, its population would plunge by 56 per cent.

Haiti, the poorest country in the Americas, would lose 51 per cent of its population.

'While Gallup's findings reflect people's wishes rather than their intentions, the implications of what could happen if these desires become reality are serious considerations for leaders as they plan for the future,' said the organisation.

The lowest-ranked European Union member state on the list is Latvia, which would lose around a quarter of its population of 2.3 million if migrants were allowed to come in and go out as they wished.

Homework 6: Post weighing paragraph for population policy here

Post your weighing paragraph here for the following question:

"The most effective way to increase the population in Singapore is by attracting foreign talent." How far do you agree? Explain.

Common Test - Next week - What will I be tested on?

The paper will be 16 marks.

(A) SEQ. [10 marks]
2 options choose 1:
Q1. Effectiveness of methods to boost the population
Q2. Impact of a declining population

(B) SBQ [Compare and contrast - 6 marks]

Population Policy - How can we increase the Singapore population? Video

Homework 5: Marsiling Sec SBQ Compare and Contrast question

Please complete the SBQ question for Compare and Contrast for Marsiling Sec from your PINK workbook.

Pupils with valid reasons for Sat's absence please complete the Q1c from the Tanglin Sec Paper from your PINK workbook.

Test Results - Traffic Flow Management SEQ

All essays have been graded.

The following 2 pupils achieved a perfect score of 12/12
1. KHOO LI TING JOESEPHINE
2. KOH YI FANG YVONNE

11/12
3. WONG TSE QI HILLARY
4. MUHAMMAD HAIQAL

Areas for improvement
1. Explanation of Park and Ride and how it reduces traffic flow could be better in some cases. Those of you who scored 6/12 marks were those got the 2 other factors explained well but did not explain the given factor of Park and Ride well. This was the part of the explanation for park and ride which these pupils could have written:

Answer: As these drivers take public transport such as the MRT or buses into the CDB, the roads leading to and from the CBD will be less congested. Public transport like MRT trains and buses take up less or even no space or roads as compared to the large amount of road space that is taken up by the number of cars needed to transport an equivalent number of people into and out of the CDB.

Note: The comparison of the space on the roads taken up by public transport vs the number of cars that would be needed to ferry the same number of people had to be made clear. It is not just that public transport can transport more people than a single car.

On the other hand, some of you made very good explanations and were credited for it.

2. A number of pupils for the Park and Ride essay, discussed the historical impact of park and ride and that in was initially unsuccessful and thus used this to explain that it was ineffective. I accepted this answer as an explanation BUT you needed to also explain how Park and Ride works today and how it is now quite well accepted by the public and thus how it helps to effectively manage traffic flow problems in and around the CBD.
3. Some of you are still not defining the weighing word "effective" and ended up being unable to make your arguement clear. Room for improvement for these pupils.
4. For the explanation for VQS, pupils who did not score on this factor were unclear about how VQS works. essentially VQS has 4 parts:
- COE issuing and hence the ability to control COE issuing
- Scrapping of cars after 10 years - this also reduces car population and controls its growth
- bidding and costly nature of COEs - deters potential drivers from buying a car or owning too many cars since COEs add to the cost of owning a car.
- By limiting the number of COEs and issuing fewer COEs than cars scrapped, the government can directly reduce the car population at will if there was a need to do so, thereby effectively reducing car population throughout Singapore and hence cutting down on congestion.

Again, some of you did very well in your explanation.

Social Studies Test - Next Thursday 12th Aug in class

Topic: Essay on Traffic Flow Management

25 minutes in class.

Homework 3:SEQ The best way to increase the population in Singapore

Deadline is by SUNDAY 5pm 8th August. Do it properly.

Work individually to write out the answers to this question.
"The most effective measure in ensuring population growth is by attracting foriegners to Singapore." How far do you agree? Explain your answer. [13 marks]

Definition of effective measure:
You may define effective as - the method that can guarantee results in terms of increasing the population OR as the method that can increase the population most quickly OR the method that can lead to a permenant increase in the population.

Answer in the form of an SEQ. You would need to:
1. Give a stand
2. Write 3 body paragraphs:
- Explain given factor
- Explain 2 other factors
3. Write a weighing paragraph

SEQ writing techniques IV - The stand MUST match the weighing word

The stand of the essay depends on the weighing paragraph.

Example 1:
The most effective way to manage traffic flow is through ERP. How far do you agree? Explain.

NB: We know that ERP is NOT the most effective way. Hence we agree with this statement to only " a small extent.".

Example 2:
The most effective way to manage traffic flow is through VQS. How far do you agree? Explain.
NB: Since we know that VQS is the most effective way, we will agree with this statement to " a large extent."

Learning point: The stand is linked to the weighing paragraph AND you must already decide beforehand what is your peferred factor.

SEQ writing techniques III - How the weighing paragraph looks like

2 key things in weighing:
1. The choice of preferred factor MUST match the stand. Hence, you need to pre-decide your factor beforehand. You need to study and prepare!

2. The weighing paragraph consists of:
a. Defining the weighing word
b. Explain how the chosen factor meets the defiition
c. Explain how the other 2 factors are less able to meet the definition.

Model answer for traffic flow essay weighing paragraph:
In conclusion, the most effective method of mangaing traffic flow is the method that has the widest impact by controlling traffic flow throughout Singapore and at any time of the day. The VQS will be able too directly control the number of vehicles on the road by issuing fewer COEs than cars scrapped. By doing this over a few months, the overall car population will decrease and all roads will be free from jams. This will cut down the number of vehicles on all Singapore roads and therefore reduce traffic congestion across Singapore at any one time. However, ERP and Park and Ride can only control traffic at the CBD area and has no impact on traffic flow outside of the CBD area. The ERP system is also operational at only some times and thus it has no impact on taffic flow outside of these times. Hence, the method that can control traffic on all road and at all times would be the VQS.

Singapore's population policy - Paired thinking activity

Activity
Singapore has been facing an ageing population as our fertility rate falls. How can Singapore increase its population?
Think of 3 ways to boost Singapore's population and explain how these approaches will work.

[ You may search the web and refer to your textbook to get some ideas. Your ideas may be variations of exisiting methods]

SEQ writing techniques II - The link between the stand & the weighing paragraph

The stand must agree with the weighing paragraph which is linked to the question asked and the given factor.
Confused? Don't be!

Here is what can be done:

Take this everyday example:
100 Plus is the best canned drink. How far do you agree? Explain.

Step 1: Define "best"
Step 2: Use that definition to decide which is the "best" drink.
Step 3: If you believe the given factor is the "best" drink - your stand will be:
I agree with the statement to a large extent.
If you feel that the given factor is NOT the "best" drink - your stand will be:
I agree with the statement to a small extent.

Step 4: Write 3 paragraphs - Explaining why the given drink and 2 other drinks are good drinks.
Step 5: Write the weighing paragraph which must explain why the drink you have chosen to be the "best" drink is the best based on the criterion you have set for the comparison and why the other 2 drinks based on the criterion are not as good.

NB: Your criterion for comparison could be:
1. Nutrition level
2. Replenishes energy faster
3. Not too sweet

SEQ writing techniques I - How to do weighing

SEQ - How to do weighing.

Weighing requires:
1. Find a criterion to compare all factors.
2. Explain why based on the criterion 1 factor is superior to the other factors.

For example:
Here are 3 drinks:
1. Pokka Green Tea
2. 100 Plus
3. Coca Cola
Explain which of these 3 drinks is the best.
Questioin to chew on: Best in what way?

Here are 3 ways to control traffic flow:
1. VQS
2. ERP
3. Park and Ride
Explain which of these 3 method is the most effective way to control traffic flow.

Here are the steps to weigh well.
Step 1: Define the weighing word - how would you want to define "effective". This will be your criterion for comparison. In what way "effective"? All methods do reduce traffic flow right?


Step 2: Explain how your chosen factor is "effective" based on your definition and why the other 2 factors are not as "effective" based on your definition.

Population Policy - How can we increase the Singapore population?

Tasks
1. Spend the next few minutes thinking of the different methods to increase the population in Singapore. Discuss with your partner. Come up with 3 ideas.

2. Let us examine a question on PP:
"The most effective measure in ensuring population growth is giving financial rewards." How far do you agree? Explain.

Homework 2: Traffic Flow Management - Governance Chapter 2

Deadline Wed 5pm 27 July: Submit explanation for how
1. Area Licensing Scheme
2. Electronic Road Pricing
3. Park and Ride
4. Vehicel Quota Scheme ( Already explained in class - so no need to post)

helps to control traffic flow in Singapore.

Principles of governance - teacher's comments Part IV

By:Jermaine(16)Chong Wee (30)

Meritocracy
What?:a system that rewards hard work and talent.
Why?:so that everybody in the society have an equal opportunity to achieve their best and be rewarded for their performance,regardless of race,religion and socio-economic barkground.[So how is this going to achieve success?]
How?:When they perform well they will get rewards.The better they do the more rewards they will get.[So what? How does this benefit Singapore?]
So what?:people will want to work harder and work more so that they will get more rewards.[ No you are going in circles - what will happen when people realise that they will get rewarded when they work and do well? What will they do? ]

Leadership
What?:Leaders who will do what is right rather than popular.
Why?:to maintain stability in the nation ,making right decision,have moral courage to do the right thing,win confidence and respect.[ Why is this beneficial for Singapore? How will this lead to Singapore's success?]
How?:Specially selected and groomed plus good character.
So what?:They can meet the need of the people then.. everyone would be happy
[ What sort of needs are met and how will this help Singapore succeed?]