Academic excellence is overrated. I know I get straight As and all, but these are some reasons why I don't actually study hard:
1. Scholarship is a lie.
2. Charge thousands for information obtainable online like those conman seminars.
3. Strictly follows a marking scheme which has no realistic grading of your actual capabilities.
4. Strictly follows stupid rules and imposing subjective values which does not matter or are of no relation to reality.
5. Colleges forget that you're their customer, but never forget about getting your money.
6. Colleges act as if your academic excellence is important to them, but only to make use of it for free to gain more money.
7. Colleges, even in the UK, having poor coordination and management worse than local government agencies.
8. Lecturers do not strictly follow the stupid rules aforementioned and therefore students get low marks.
9. Lecturers and teachers act as an authoritative figure, or focused on teacher-centered learning.
10. Some idiot who is the husband of the lecturer interrupts the class to ask the customer for respect, although it should be the other way round. =P
11. Theories everywhere, but no realistic application. All talk, no do.
12. Assignments which require you to use certain materials or facilities but not provided in the college, so the student has to pay. After that, use the students projects as part of their free marketing to further con more people.
13. Assignments asking you to do more than what is taught in order to achieve good results such as doing a degree-level project during your diploma, so your own learning is required, further highlighting the expensive tuition as a total ripoff in the first place. They call it "testing your research skills" which is also not taught in the course.
14. Colleges participating and encouraging students to do MLM as part of their business.
15. Colleges don't care. But they're not honest with it, so it's like having a relationship with an affair.
16. I achieved more knowledge and finished projects which benefited everyone in 3 years with free time than 3 years in college.
17. Constant sausagefests from primary school until now.
18. Colleges feel that students with marks above 80% is too high and will do whatever they can to press it down to either 60% or 70% so they don't have to go through the troublesome peer reviewing process due to their stupid rules designed to make peer reviewing sound like some kind of alien technology.
19. Students are always being taught what to think, and not how to think. Students are never taught how to voice out and fight for their rights. No school or college here teaches logic, critical thinking and its applications correctly, yet expect students to apply such skills to get good grades, at the same time exploiting them right under their noses.
20. Good grades are just for show.
Showing posts with label Education. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Education. Show all posts
Logic & Truth Tables
27 April 2011
What is the whole idea about the Laws of Logic we study in Mathematics in our lives?
The laws of logic studied in Mathematics applies in real life, and is all about
developing a valid reasoning to determine what is true, false or indeterminable.
What is Logic?
Logic is our method of determining the validity of a statement. When we solve problems, we use logic and determine what are the possible ways to solve it. Using logic in our daily problems can automatically refute things that CANNOT be done, but not things that can be done.
For example, a question like this, "What is in this box I'm holding now?"
The possible answers are infinite, as long as you have a good imagination. However, we know what CANNOT be in the box, using logic alone to refute them. We know that The Grand Canyon is not in the box. We know that big things such as elephants, trees, cars, humans and so on cannot be in the box unless it's a miniature toy figure.
Logic requires:
- Linear reasoning, not circular.
- Valid.
- Based on facts, not opinions.
- Not subjective, not personal.
- True, false or indeterminate.
- A good mastery of language (English)
Truth Tables
In Mathematics, logic is proved or justified using truth tables. We only deal with propositions in Mathematics, where a statement can only be TRUE or FALSE, but not INDETERMINATE. Now, what exactly does the truth table show?
Let p = "I study hard."
and q = "I pass my exams."
Given the premise, IF p THEN q (p → q) the truth table is shown below.
How did we fill the truth table? Well, we put in all possible truth values for both statements p and q. Then we can determine whether the premise "if p then q" is true or false. So it has all combinations of true and false for p and q.
The If-Then statement specifies that IF the condition is true, THEN the following will be so and so. The IF clause is checked first, before we can proceed to the THEN clause. Now that we know what does IF-THEN mean through our basic English revision, we can now correctly fill in the truth table.
a) First Row
p = True, q = True
I study hard, I passed my exams. IF I study hard, I pass my exams (p → q).
Therefore, p → q is TRUE. Why? Because if we say, "IF I study hard THEN I pass" it means that you will pass your exams IF you study hard. You studied hard, and you passed, so the If-Then statement remains true.
b) Second Row
p = True, q = False
I study hard, I did not pass my exams. IF I study hard, I pass my exams.
Therefore p → q is FALSE. Why? Because "IF I study hard, I pass my exams" specifies exactly that if you did study hard, THEN you WILL pass your exams. If you studied hard, and still failed your exams, then p → q cannot be true and is a false statement, or a lie.
c) Third Row
p = False, q = True
I didn't study hard, I passed my exams. IF I study hard, I pass my exams.
Therefore p → q is still TRUE. Why? Because the If-Then statement only specifies that when you study hard, you will pass the exams. But did it say that if you don't study hard, you will fail? No. You may have passed the exams by cheating or some other method, who knows? The main thing is, the premise does not specify that you will fail, if you do not study. It only specifies that you will pass, if you study.
This fallacy is called Denying the Antecedent which goes like this:
If p then q.
Not p.
Therefore not q.
A better example:
If I am Eric Clapton then I own more than 5 guitars at home.
I am not Eric Clapton.
Therefore, I don't own more than 5 guitars at home.
This is an invalid argument, a fallacy. This fallacy is quite often seen in many daily arguments, just that people tend not to realize it.
d) Fourth Row
p = False, q = False
I did not study hard. I did not pass my exams. IF I study hard, I pass my exams.
Therefore, p → q is TRUE. Why? Because it has no influence over the premise. The premise is only concerned that you DID study hard, THEN so and so will happen. If you did not, it doesn't specify what happens. So the statement p → q remains true.
The Truth Table & Reality
But wait, how come p → q is True even when it has a possibility of being False?
In the truth table, a true statement tells you that it is a VALID statement but not necessarily factual. A valid statement is a statement constructed with the correct form of logic. In short, whatever that is regarded as TRUE in the truth table basically means there is a possibility of it being true or false, but it is not DEMONSTRABLY false.
The false values in the truth tables are DEMONSTRABLY false, which means it is invalid, it has been PROVEN to be false, using logic alone. It CANNOT be true. Remember the box example earlier? We can name what's NOT in the box using logic alone. In other words, we can say what is FALSE using logic alone, with full basis and confidence.
In reality, you might face statements that you cannot determine whether it is true or false. Some of these are CLAIMS that are not mere opinions. What do we do with claims? Claims need to be proven, by the people who make that particular claim. This is called the burden of proof. The burden of proof rests on the person who makes the claim, not on others. If a claim does not have proof or evidence, the default position would be to not believe in it, as it is INDETERMINATE. We have no reason to believe in anything that we don't know whether it's true or false.
This is the logical position to be in for every claim without proof. If we choose to BELIEVE that a claim is true because we can, or just because we want to do so because it feels better, then a belief remains a belief. The claim is still INDETERMINATE, and our beliefs CANNOT influence reality, nor does it deserve any special respect, because there is no reason to believe, apart from our willingness to believe.
Real Life Logic
In Mathematics, we can assume that the premises are relevant to each other, and are correct. When we say, p → q and p is true, we don't have to review whether p is actually really true as we speak or not. Therefore, we can clearly come to the conclusion that q MUST be true.
But in real life, we need to look out and see whether there is relevance in the premises and conclusions or not. Otherwise, we will only have a bunch of logical fallacies. We also need to look out whether the arguments are following the correct logic or not, which is hard to detect in everyday speech. We'll need a good mastery of English to understand what exactly a statement means.
Here are 3 common fallacies in daily life:
a) Non-Sequitur
- A conclusion that does not follow its premise.
Example:
This apple is rotten.
Rotten apples can cause stomach pains.
Therefore, this apple is red in colour.
The conclusion is about the colour of the apple. It has no relation to whether it causes stomach pains or not. Even if the apple is red, there is no way to draw that conclusion from the premises. Any conclusion that does not follow the premise is invalid, unless there are other premises supporting that conclusion. The correct conclusion should be, "Therefore, this apple can cause stomach pains."
b) Circular Reasoning
- Reasoning that goes around in a circle, coming back to its original statement.
Example:
You can get what you want.
By having lots of will power.
By wanting to get what you want.
By having lots of will power.
... so on.
This goes in a circle, a loop that when you ask questions, it comes back to the same answer. In the end, it basically means, "This is so because this is so." Logic is linear, not circular. It either reaches an end answer, or it doesn't, in which the answer would be "I don't know" and not any other claims or opinions.
c) Appeal to Emotion
- The truth is influenced by emotions, in other words, biased reasoning.
Example:
I feel good about X.
I feel bad about Y.
Therefore, X is correct and Y is wrong.
Even if you say that X is PROBABLY correct, and Y is PROBABLY wrong, it is still a fallacy to determine the probability of it being correct or wrong based on your emotions. Your emotions do not change reality, and does not determine probability. Also, you need to know all the parameters, variables and data of an observable event before you can actually determine probability, unless you're generating the numbers out of nowhere.
This is one of the most common fallacies in almost anywhere. Such as saying that being gay is wrong, because of the feeling that it's not right/natural or because you find it disgusting. Being disgusted about something does not influence anything but yourself. Other emotions such as FEAR is also one of the most common for this fallacy.
Conclusion
We need to know how to use English well in order to describe or state something as it is - brevity. It helps if you apply the laws of logic in life to analyze different situations and refute what is not correct with logic alone.
We must learn the different types of logical fallacies so that we do not become victims of it ourselves. Such as, getting 3 heads in a row by flipping a coin does not make it more probable to get a tails in the next flip (Gambler's Fallacy). How many of us disregard logic and use faith as reasoning instead? Stop being biased and illogical. The only method of determining what is true and false is LOGIC, and that is the strong point of human beings, otherwise we'll be useless pieces of shit but still arrogant enough to claim that we're superior to other animals.
Love,
Nicholas.
The laws of logic studied in Mathematics applies in real life, and is all about
developing a valid reasoning to determine what is true, false or indeterminable.
What is Logic?
Logic is our method of determining the validity of a statement. When we solve problems, we use logic and determine what are the possible ways to solve it. Using logic in our daily problems can automatically refute things that CANNOT be done, but not things that can be done.
For example, a question like this, "What is in this box I'm holding now?"
The possible answers are infinite, as long as you have a good imagination. However, we know what CANNOT be in the box, using logic alone to refute them. We know that The Grand Canyon is not in the box. We know that big things such as elephants, trees, cars, humans and so on cannot be in the box unless it's a miniature toy figure.
Logic requires:
- Linear reasoning, not circular.
- Valid.
- Based on facts, not opinions.
- Not subjective, not personal.
- True, false or indeterminate.
- A good mastery of language (English)
Truth Tables
In Mathematics, logic is proved or justified using truth tables. We only deal with propositions in Mathematics, where a statement can only be TRUE or FALSE, but not INDETERMINATE. Now, what exactly does the truth table show?
Let p = "I study hard."
and q = "I pass my exams."
Given the premise, IF p THEN q (p → q) the truth table is shown below.
| p | q | p → q |
| T | T | T |
| T | F | F |
| F | T | T |
| F | F | T |
How did we fill the truth table? Well, we put in all possible truth values for both statements p and q. Then we can determine whether the premise "if p then q" is true or false. So it has all combinations of true and false for p and q.
The If-Then statement specifies that IF the condition is true, THEN the following will be so and so. The IF clause is checked first, before we can proceed to the THEN clause. Now that we know what does IF-THEN mean through our basic English revision, we can now correctly fill in the truth table.
a) First Row
p = True, q = True
I study hard, I passed my exams. IF I study hard, I pass my exams (p → q).
Therefore, p → q is TRUE. Why? Because if we say, "IF I study hard THEN I pass" it means that you will pass your exams IF you study hard. You studied hard, and you passed, so the If-Then statement remains true.
b) Second Row
p = True, q = False
I study hard, I did not pass my exams. IF I study hard, I pass my exams.
Therefore p → q is FALSE. Why? Because "IF I study hard, I pass my exams" specifies exactly that if you did study hard, THEN you WILL pass your exams. If you studied hard, and still failed your exams, then p → q cannot be true and is a false statement, or a lie.
c) Third Row
p = False, q = True
I didn't study hard, I passed my exams. IF I study hard, I pass my exams.
Therefore p → q is still TRUE. Why? Because the If-Then statement only specifies that when you study hard, you will pass the exams. But did it say that if you don't study hard, you will fail? No. You may have passed the exams by cheating or some other method, who knows? The main thing is, the premise does not specify that you will fail, if you do not study. It only specifies that you will pass, if you study.
This fallacy is called Denying the Antecedent which goes like this:
If p then q.
Not p.
Therefore not q.
A better example:
If I am Eric Clapton then I own more than 5 guitars at home.
I am not Eric Clapton.
Therefore, I don't own more than 5 guitars at home.
This is an invalid argument, a fallacy. This fallacy is quite often seen in many daily arguments, just that people tend not to realize it.
d) Fourth Row
p = False, q = False
I did not study hard. I did not pass my exams. IF I study hard, I pass my exams.
Therefore, p → q is TRUE. Why? Because it has no influence over the premise. The premise is only concerned that you DID study hard, THEN so and so will happen. If you did not, it doesn't specify what happens. So the statement p → q remains true.
The Truth Table & Reality
But wait, how come p → q is True even when it has a possibility of being False?
In the truth table, a true statement tells you that it is a VALID statement but not necessarily factual. A valid statement is a statement constructed with the correct form of logic. In short, whatever that is regarded as TRUE in the truth table basically means there is a possibility of it being true or false, but it is not DEMONSTRABLY false.
The false values in the truth tables are DEMONSTRABLY false, which means it is invalid, it has been PROVEN to be false, using logic alone. It CANNOT be true. Remember the box example earlier? We can name what's NOT in the box using logic alone. In other words, we can say what is FALSE using logic alone, with full basis and confidence.
In reality, you might face statements that you cannot determine whether it is true or false. Some of these are CLAIMS that are not mere opinions. What do we do with claims? Claims need to be proven, by the people who make that particular claim. This is called the burden of proof. The burden of proof rests on the person who makes the claim, not on others. If a claim does not have proof or evidence, the default position would be to not believe in it, as it is INDETERMINATE. We have no reason to believe in anything that we don't know whether it's true or false.
This is the logical position to be in for every claim without proof. If we choose to BELIEVE that a claim is true because we can, or just because we want to do so because it feels better, then a belief remains a belief. The claim is still INDETERMINATE, and our beliefs CANNOT influence reality, nor does it deserve any special respect, because there is no reason to believe, apart from our willingness to believe.
Real Life Logic
In Mathematics, we can assume that the premises are relevant to each other, and are correct. When we say, p → q and p is true, we don't have to review whether p is actually really true as we speak or not. Therefore, we can clearly come to the conclusion that q MUST be true.
But in real life, we need to look out and see whether there is relevance in the premises and conclusions or not. Otherwise, we will only have a bunch of logical fallacies. We also need to look out whether the arguments are following the correct logic or not, which is hard to detect in everyday speech. We'll need a good mastery of English to understand what exactly a statement means.
Here are 3 common fallacies in daily life:
a) Non-Sequitur
- A conclusion that does not follow its premise.
Example:
This apple is rotten.
Rotten apples can cause stomach pains.
Therefore, this apple is red in colour.
The conclusion is about the colour of the apple. It has no relation to whether it causes stomach pains or not. Even if the apple is red, there is no way to draw that conclusion from the premises. Any conclusion that does not follow the premise is invalid, unless there are other premises supporting that conclusion. The correct conclusion should be, "Therefore, this apple can cause stomach pains."
b) Circular Reasoning
- Reasoning that goes around in a circle, coming back to its original statement.
Example:
You can get what you want.
By having lots of will power.
By wanting to get what you want.
By having lots of will power.
... so on.
This goes in a circle, a loop that when you ask questions, it comes back to the same answer. In the end, it basically means, "This is so because this is so." Logic is linear, not circular. It either reaches an end answer, or it doesn't, in which the answer would be "I don't know" and not any other claims or opinions.
c) Appeal to Emotion
- The truth is influenced by emotions, in other words, biased reasoning.
Example:
I feel good about X.
I feel bad about Y.
Therefore, X is correct and Y is wrong.
Even if you say that X is PROBABLY correct, and Y is PROBABLY wrong, it is still a fallacy to determine the probability of it being correct or wrong based on your emotions. Your emotions do not change reality, and does not determine probability. Also, you need to know all the parameters, variables and data of an observable event before you can actually determine probability, unless you're generating the numbers out of nowhere.
This is one of the most common fallacies in almost anywhere. Such as saying that being gay is wrong, because of the feeling that it's not right/natural or because you find it disgusting. Being disgusted about something does not influence anything but yourself. Other emotions such as FEAR is also one of the most common for this fallacy.
Conclusion
We need to know how to use English well in order to describe or state something as it is - brevity. It helps if you apply the laws of logic in life to analyze different situations and refute what is not correct with logic alone.
We must learn the different types of logical fallacies so that we do not become victims of it ourselves. Such as, getting 3 heads in a row by flipping a coin does not make it more probable to get a tails in the next flip (Gambler's Fallacy). How many of us disregard logic and use faith as reasoning instead? Stop being biased and illogical. The only method of determining what is true and false is LOGIC, and that is the strong point of human beings, otherwise we'll be useless pieces of shit but still arrogant enough to claim that we're superior to other animals.
Love,
Nicholas.
Is Moral Education Important?
01 December 2010
What EXACTLY is Morality? Many people have interpreted it wrongly, including myself.
In Malaysia, secondary school Moral Education is dumb as it requires students to memorize IN EXACT, WORD FOR WORD the definition of each moral value in order to score marks in the examinations.
However, when I entered college, the Moral Education is far different and is based on psychological and philosophical theories proposed (by known people such as Aristotle, Kant and so on) throughout the past as a logical means to convey information about morality.
In this post, I'm going to talk about Moral Education that is taught in my college, which is through psychological, philosophical and religious aspects and theories.
I've just finished my final examinations for this subject, and these are examples of what my coursemates say...
"Moral studies can rot in hell now. Just keep your ass there and I'll be in peace. Thanks."
"NOOB MORAL EDUCATION... MAKES NO SENSE!!"
The Main Importance of Moral Education
From what I realized, MORAL EDUCATION in my college did not TEACH us how to apply morality. It has basically provided theories and philosophy proposed by wise people and their criticisms. This allows us to be more aware of HOW WE DETERMINE MORALITY, as different individuals have different views on it (egoism? utilitarianism? how do you determine what is moral or not?).
There is no supposedly correct theory, and for every theory proposed, there were criticisms. We were educated on ALL theories, including how certain religions think. When we learn it the philosophical way, we learn how to consider, accept and reason things out that covers many aspects. We learn WISDOM. THAT is the aim of the subject.
This subject is talking about how the WORLD thinks, and how different groups/individuals may apply different values. We always say that in the real world, we do not care about moral values, but morality is not as simple as you think. Whatever we do, whatever we think is UNDER the influence of our moral conciousness.
For Example, How are Selfish People Applying Morality?
From what I have learned in this subject, this is what morality means.
Morality is a social instrument that guides individuals and groups in their daily lives. All these concepts refer to the concept of human behavior that deals with right or wrong and also known as ‘good’ or ‘bad’.
This, in actual...is what MORALITY means. It means the "CONCEPT OF HUMAN BEHAVIOUR THAT DEALS WITH RIGHT OR WRONG", it does not mean to be respectful, good or considerate, which I once thought so.
As you can see, it is a concept of human behaviour that may vary from individual to individual. Morality applies to an individual. A selfish person is actually not "immoral" as we speak, but is actually applying one of the theories of ethics called Egoism.
Egoism is the theory where if an act brings benefits to self, it is considered moral/good. So are we correct to say that selfish people are bad and immoral? We only say so because we have our own understanding and theory of morality, and selfishness is contradicting our own moral laws.
Morality as the Cause of Conflict
Learning this subject well enough would have taught you by now that it is due to the difference in morality, values and beliefs that cause conflicts.
Whatever seems rude to you, may not seem rude to others.
Whatever seems nice to you, may not seem nice to others.
WHAT IS CORRECT TO YOU, MAY BE WRONG TO OTHERS.
You may think doing something is okay and benefits others. But some may think that you are overboard and trying to pick on them.
Moral Education presents you WHY and HOW the many different theories of human behaviour and judgement that results in conflict. They even proposed strategies of solving conflict, and the most important one was SEEKING COMPROMISE.
So What Exactly is Good and Bad?
In what I have been taught, the good and bad can only be determined through LOGICAL REASONING. This is what philosophers have been trying to do, everything must be logical and there must be a reason. Question everything. Most of us had already treated something as bad or wrong without even considering it because it is customary.
But due to how different individuals can reason things differently in different situations based on different experiences, this is relative as well.
For example, the act of dishonesty may be considered bad. However, sometimes we have to lie in order to make people happy. Thus, if we say that whatever is bad are the acts that hurt people, it may not be correct because sometimes we have to do so for the good of others. Whatever that is good brings happiness may also be incorrect because anyone can be happy over anything (you can feel happy whenever you want to) as long as they feel happy to do it.
So in my opinion, the good and the bad can only be based on ABSOLUTE values with logical reasoning that all parties involved benefit from it and CAN (not must) apply the rule. They are values that can be applied to everyone. For example,
STEALING violates human rights.
Human rights is the freedom to do whatever a human wants as an average person.
(Everyone has rights, humans can do whatever they want by nature)
Stealing takes away a person's possessions and his rights to his own possessions.
It benefits the thief, but brings loss to the victim.
Cannot be applied to everyone because nobody wants to lose his possessions without his/her consent.
Therefore, stealing is wrong.
Of course, there will be some arguments about this, but I guess this (utilitarianism based ethics) is the most logical fundamentals of right and wrong.
Conclusion
Many people think that a certain act is good or bad without even realizing that is is relative and subjective to different individual's thoughts and beliefs.
Moral Education teaches us not to blame people solely on what we BELIEVE is wrong.
Belief is not the right way in doing anything. Logic and reasoning is. To know the correct logic and reasons, we must study and have a very deep understanding on how different people think and act. In other words, we must be wise. Moral Education is teaching us how to do this, and most of us don't even realize it. So is it important? In my opinion, yes it is.
Love,
Nicholas.
In Malaysia, secondary school Moral Education is dumb as it requires students to memorize IN EXACT, WORD FOR WORD the definition of each moral value in order to score marks in the examinations.
However, when I entered college, the Moral Education is far different and is based on psychological and philosophical theories proposed (by known people such as Aristotle, Kant and so on) throughout the past as a logical means to convey information about morality.
In this post, I'm going to talk about Moral Education that is taught in my college, which is through psychological, philosophical and religious aspects and theories.
I've just finished my final examinations for this subject, and these are examples of what my coursemates say...
"Moral studies can rot in hell now. Just keep your ass there and I'll be in peace. Thanks."
"NOOB MORAL EDUCATION... MAKES NO SENSE!!"
Immanuel Kant. Many criticisms on this guy.
The Main Importance of Moral Education
From what I realized, MORAL EDUCATION in my college did not TEACH us how to apply morality. It has basically provided theories and philosophy proposed by wise people and their criticisms. This allows us to be more aware of HOW WE DETERMINE MORALITY, as different individuals have different views on it (egoism? utilitarianism? how do you determine what is moral or not?).
There is no supposedly correct theory, and for every theory proposed, there were criticisms. We were educated on ALL theories, including how certain religions think. When we learn it the philosophical way, we learn how to consider, accept and reason things out that covers many aspects. We learn WISDOM. THAT is the aim of the subject.
This subject is talking about how the WORLD thinks, and how different groups/individuals may apply different values. We always say that in the real world, we do not care about moral values, but morality is not as simple as you think. Whatever we do, whatever we think is UNDER the influence of our moral conciousness.
For Example, How are Selfish People Applying Morality?
From what I have learned in this subject, this is what morality means.
Morality is a social instrument that guides individuals and groups in their daily lives. All these concepts refer to the concept of human behavior that deals with right or wrong and also known as ‘good’ or ‘bad’.
This, in actual...is what MORALITY means. It means the "CONCEPT OF HUMAN BEHAVIOUR THAT DEALS WITH RIGHT OR WRONG", it does not mean to be respectful, good or considerate, which I once thought so.
As you can see, it is a concept of human behaviour that may vary from individual to individual. Morality applies to an individual. A selfish person is actually not "immoral" as we speak, but is actually applying one of the theories of ethics called Egoism.
Egoism Cartoon. Notice that Egoism is good when a person is of good nature like Gabe. Egoism is not entirely wrong.
Egoism is the theory where if an act brings benefits to self, it is considered moral/good. So are we correct to say that selfish people are bad and immoral? We only say so because we have our own understanding and theory of morality, and selfishness is contradicting our own moral laws.
Morality as the Cause of Conflict
Learning this subject well enough would have taught you by now that it is due to the difference in morality, values and beliefs that cause conflicts.
Whatever seems rude to you, may not seem rude to others.
Whatever seems nice to you, may not seem nice to others.
WHAT IS CORRECT TO YOU, MAY BE WRONG TO OTHERS.
You may think doing something is okay and benefits others. But some may think that you are overboard and trying to pick on them.
Moral Education presents you WHY and HOW the many different theories of human behaviour and judgement that results in conflict. They even proposed strategies of solving conflict, and the most important one was SEEKING COMPROMISE.
Some people believe praying helps, some do not.
So What Exactly is Good and Bad?
In what I have been taught, the good and bad can only be determined through LOGICAL REASONING. This is what philosophers have been trying to do, everything must be logical and there must be a reason. Question everything. Most of us had already treated something as bad or wrong without even considering it because it is customary.
But due to how different individuals can reason things differently in different situations based on different experiences, this is relative as well.
For example, the act of dishonesty may be considered bad. However, sometimes we have to lie in order to make people happy. Thus, if we say that whatever is bad are the acts that hurt people, it may not be correct because sometimes we have to do so for the good of others. Whatever that is good brings happiness may also be incorrect because anyone can be happy over anything (you can feel happy whenever you want to) as long as they feel happy to do it.
Good and evil?
So in my opinion, the good and the bad can only be based on ABSOLUTE values with logical reasoning that all parties involved benefit from it and CAN (not must) apply the rule. They are values that can be applied to everyone. For example,
STEALING violates human rights.
Human rights is the freedom to do whatever a human wants as an average person.
(Everyone has rights, humans can do whatever they want by nature)
Stealing takes away a person's possessions and his rights to his own possessions.
It benefits the thief, but brings loss to the victim.
Cannot be applied to everyone because nobody wants to lose his possessions without his/her consent.
Therefore, stealing is wrong.
Of course, there will be some arguments about this, but I guess this (utilitarianism based ethics) is the most logical fundamentals of right and wrong.
Conclusion
Many people think that a certain act is good or bad without even realizing that is is relative and subjective to different individual's thoughts and beliefs.
Moral Education teaches us not to blame people solely on what we BELIEVE is wrong.
Belief is not the right way in doing anything. Logic and reasoning is. To know the correct logic and reasons, we must study and have a very deep understanding on how different people think and act. In other words, we must be wise. Moral Education is teaching us how to do this, and most of us don't even realize it. So is it important? In my opinion, yes it is.
Love,
Nicholas.
Are Video Games Useless?
14 November 2010
Do video games bring any benefits at all or they just make you addicted and regret years after that you've wasted your time?
Right, today's my birthday and it's a Sunday, so there are two notices before I start on this post.
1. No WNx comic strip today because I'm busy on my animation project.
2. Yes, it's my birthday! :D
Now take a look at this video. It says about how video games affected this person's life and how much time he has wasted. He regrets and warns people not to play video games because you'll eventually get addicted and so on.
FIRST THING'S FIRST
Okay, the first thing I would like to say...which is not-related to the video is this.
There are PLENTY of people giving inspiration nowadays and I'm surprised that they could come up with dumb and wrong inspirations that people believe to be good and correct. Take for example, this quote from a talk in INTI University Nilai, in Malaysia where Bill Clinton gave a talk.
"You cannot focus on what you can't do, but you focus on what you can do and find people to do what you can't do."
- William J. "Bill" Clinton.
USE LOGIC AND THINK FOR YOURSELF
1. What do you mean by something that you cannot do? Do you even need to go out there and find people that can do what you can't do? Just learn it and do it yourself!
2. If you can find people to do things for you, you probably need to pay them. There is no free lunch. If you're not capable yourself, just do something simpler or learn how to do it. Leading a team of people who are 5x more knowledgable than you is not going to get you anywhere and you'll just get overwhelmed. You first need to be capable and intelligent in what you do, then become a wise and strong leader, then you lead people.
3. Someone posted this on Facebook and I don't know what in the world is so inspirational about this. There was even this comment, "so inspiring" wtf...?
NOW MY OPINIONS ABOUT THE VIDEO
Back on topic.
Video games waste a hell lot of our time? This is relative and to be honest it is a swooping statement. If you read tons of stories like Harry Potter and the sort as much as a gaming addict plays video games, you are also wasting your time as much as a gaming addict does.
The benefits of reading are just about the same of the benefits of video games. But in video games, I bet you get more of it than reading. Such benefits are:
1. Strategic planning, anticipating changes, solving puzzles, do logical reasoning and so much more especially in strategy, puzzle and simulation games.
2. Socialize. Games unite the world through online gaming and gaming competitions, people share the same interest and stuff. To say that a video game makes you less sociable because you stay at home all day in front of the computer is the same as how bookworms sit at home all day and read books. What's the difference? In games, you get to socialize online and you get to compete with others, that's the difference.
3. Games increase your creativity that lets you solve problems in various ways. Look at Touhou. The fans create videos and music that are so awesome and imaginative, they could've made a hell lot of money if it were original creations.
4. Teamwork, leadership and co-ordination. I got this out of L4D and COD4, and I could watch the actions of my teammates to sync with them without any sort of communication. I was able to use this skill in reality and it's like learning psychology.
5. Hand-eye coordination that helps you do everything with ease. Games like COD4 actually improve your vision and reflexes where you actually strain your eyes to see people blending with the backgrounds and other entities. In COD4, they even had snipers with ghille suits and they're hiding in the grass. Serious gamers could spot them and take them out...while I couldn't. Now that's improving vision...even the slightest colour difference could be seen and your field of vision (you could interpret things even if it is at the corner of your eye) is increased.
These are just the few benefits I thought of on my mind while writing this. Do you get these benefits in reading? No! Games also portray their story and some games even give you a bunch of stuff to read as if you're reading a novel. Games interact with players so much more and give really healthy benefits.
Why put the blame on video games?
WHO IS TO BE BLAMED
The one to be blamed is the player who lacks self-control and self-discipline. If you're a parent, just get games that a Teen rated or games for kids if your children are still young. Play in moderation. Too much of anything will bring negative effects, DUH.
CONCLUSION
So look, don't say video games are bad. They're only bad if you play too much with no self-control and sense of time. Almost everything's like that. I'm a gamer and I benefit from gaming a lot. I gained confidence and logic skills to sort out things in my life. I am great in my studies, I accept criticism, I do not get angry easily (after all, online gamers like to talk crap and scold you over the simplest things, but in the end you're having fun) and I could manage time properly (the Sims helped me in my time management). And yeah, I'm not friggin' obese. My BMI's normal and I spend my time bboying as well.
I am relaxed and I feel great as ever. Without games, I couldn't have gotten so many benefits. If you do not play excessively, you get a bunch of benefits, so why not?
Love,
Nicholas.
Right, today's my birthday and it's a Sunday, so there are two notices before I start on this post.
1. No WNx comic strip today because I'm busy on my animation project.
2. Yes, it's my birthday! :D
Now take a look at this video. It says about how video games affected this person's life and how much time he has wasted. He regrets and warns people not to play video games because you'll eventually get addicted and so on.
FIRST THING'S FIRST
Okay, the first thing I would like to say...which is not-related to the video is this.
There are PLENTY of people giving inspiration nowadays and I'm surprised that they could come up with dumb and wrong inspirations that people believe to be good and correct. Take for example, this quote from a talk in INTI University Nilai, in Malaysia where Bill Clinton gave a talk.
"You cannot focus on what you can't do, but you focus on what you can do and find people to do what you can't do."
- William J. "Bill" Clinton.
USE LOGIC AND THINK FOR YOURSELF
1. What do you mean by something that you cannot do? Do you even need to go out there and find people that can do what you can't do? Just learn it and do it yourself!
2. If you can find people to do things for you, you probably need to pay them. There is no free lunch. If you're not capable yourself, just do something simpler or learn how to do it. Leading a team of people who are 5x more knowledgable than you is not going to get you anywhere and you'll just get overwhelmed. You first need to be capable and intelligent in what you do, then become a wise and strong leader, then you lead people.
3. Someone posted this on Facebook and I don't know what in the world is so inspirational about this. There was even this comment, "so inspiring" wtf...?
NOW MY OPINIONS ABOUT THE VIDEO
Back on topic.
Video games waste a hell lot of our time? This is relative and to be honest it is a swooping statement. If you read tons of stories like Harry Potter and the sort as much as a gaming addict plays video games, you are also wasting your time as much as a gaming addict does.
The benefits of reading are just about the same of the benefits of video games. But in video games, I bet you get more of it than reading. Such benefits are:
1. Strategic planning, anticipating changes, solving puzzles, do logical reasoning and so much more especially in strategy, puzzle and simulation games.
2. Socialize. Games unite the world through online gaming and gaming competitions, people share the same interest and stuff. To say that a video game makes you less sociable because you stay at home all day in front of the computer is the same as how bookworms sit at home all day and read books. What's the difference? In games, you get to socialize online and you get to compete with others, that's the difference.
It is true that games unite people. This is a picture of me and a bunch of other gamers from other states/country in a gathering. We were going to play paintball.
3. Games increase your creativity that lets you solve problems in various ways. Look at Touhou. The fans create videos and music that are so awesome and imaginative, they could've made a hell lot of money if it were original creations.
IOSYS is a circle that creates high quality (THE BEST) fan-made music and flash animations based on the Touhou game series.
4. Teamwork, leadership and co-ordination. I got this out of L4D and COD4, and I could watch the actions of my teammates to sync with them without any sort of communication. I was able to use this skill in reality and it's like learning psychology.
5. Hand-eye coordination that helps you do everything with ease. Games like COD4 actually improve your vision and reflexes where you actually strain your eyes to see people blending with the backgrounds and other entities. In COD4, they even had snipers with ghille suits and they're hiding in the grass. Serious gamers could spot them and take them out...while I couldn't. Now that's improving vision...even the slightest colour difference could be seen and your field of vision (you could interpret things even if it is at the corner of your eye) is increased.
COD4's Ghille Suits look exactly like grass.
These are just the few benefits I thought of on my mind while writing this. Do you get these benefits in reading? No! Games also portray their story and some games even give you a bunch of stuff to read as if you're reading a novel. Games interact with players so much more and give really healthy benefits.
Why put the blame on video games?
Rinnosuke is a character in Touhou, not much is said/shown about him. The fans called him MANnosuke and gave him MANLY skills. That's just random... and most importantly..FUNNY & CREATIVE! This comic strip is drawn by Wong (not me).
WHO IS TO BE BLAMED
The one to be blamed is the player who lacks self-control and self-discipline. If you're a parent, just get games that a Teen rated or games for kids if your children are still young. Play in moderation. Too much of anything will bring negative effects, DUH.
CONCLUSION
So look, don't say video games are bad. They're only bad if you play too much with no self-control and sense of time. Almost everything's like that. I'm a gamer and I benefit from gaming a lot. I gained confidence and logic skills to sort out things in my life. I am great in my studies, I accept criticism, I do not get angry easily (after all, online gamers like to talk crap and scold you over the simplest things, but in the end you're having fun) and I could manage time properly (the Sims helped me in my time management). And yeah, I'm not friggin' obese. My BMI's normal and I spend my time bboying as well.
I am relaxed and I feel great as ever. Without games, I couldn't have gotten so many benefits. If you do not play excessively, you get a bunch of benefits, so why not?
Love,
Nicholas.
Dark Times
22 October 2010
Another poem that nobody cares about... =D
We face some dark times,
Where white clouds produce rain,
Loudly ringing windchimes,
As a result of something vain.
Dewdrops form on hands,
Because the rain doesn't hold back,
Even after making amends,
There's still something we lack.
Whether the Collie herds the cattle or not,
Dark times come without reason,
Is it too cold or too hot?
We never know; we never learn.
Is setting doves free,
Giving freedom or giving up?
We determine the validity,
Reject or receive the cup.
I know this poem is deep and stuff like that, but it's up to you how you wanna interpret it. I'll just put the meanings down here...
Meanings
We face problems,
Where our eyes produce tears,
Arguing and crying,
Due to something pointless that doesn't go our way.
There are tears on our hands,
Because we can't hold our tears back,
Even after fixing the problem,
We still do not get what we want.
Whether you have control or not,
Problems come without reason,
Problems always change,
We never know how it will be. We never learn.
Is giving up control,
Good or bad?
We determine its logic,
Reject or accept the truth/word/advice/offer.
Love,
Nicholas.
We face some dark times,
Where white clouds produce rain,
Loudly ringing windchimes,
As a result of something vain.
Dewdrops form on hands,
Because the rain doesn't hold back,
Even after making amends,
There's still something we lack.
Whether the Collie herds the cattle or not,
Dark times come without reason,
Is it too cold or too hot?
We never know; we never learn.
Is setting doves free,
Giving freedom or giving up?
We determine the validity,
Reject or receive the cup.
I know this poem is deep and stuff like that, but it's up to you how you wanna interpret it. I'll just put the meanings down here...
Meanings
We face problems,
Where our eyes produce tears,
Arguing and crying,
Due to something pointless that doesn't go our way.
There are tears on our hands,
Because we can't hold our tears back,
Even after fixing the problem,
We still do not get what we want.
Whether you have control or not,
Problems come without reason,
Problems always change,
We never know how it will be. We never learn.
Is giving up control,
Good or bad?
We determine its logic,
Reject or accept the truth/word/advice/offer.
Love,
Nicholas.
Black, Brown and White.
15 October 2010
Black, Brown and White.
How does it feel out there?
When the night is freezing cold,
With loneliness and despair,
Watching life's story unfold.
Everyday aimlessly,
Finding the warmest spot,
It is terribly,
The only goal you've got.
Repeated after roosters crow,
Trapped in your prison,
Looking forward to show,
Life's fabricated reason.
Although sadness in routine,
You still love me,
The misery you've ever seen,
Cursed with loyalty.
Love,
Nicholas.
How does it feel out there?
When the night is freezing cold,
With loneliness and despair,
Watching life's story unfold.
Everyday aimlessly,
Finding the warmest spot,
It is terribly,
The only goal you've got.
Repeated after roosters crow,
Trapped in your prison,
Looking forward to show,
Life's fabricated reason.
Although sadness in routine,
You still love me,
The misery you've ever seen,
Cursed with loyalty.
Love,
Nicholas.
How to Study Effectively?
01 April 2010
Memletics research on effective learning system.
Basically I went for General Studies in my college and I thought I would just highlight a few points on learning styles which may help weaker students in pursuing their studies.
Memletics Learning Styles
Different people have different learning styles. Some prefer to learn by watching or some may prefer reading. Determine what style works for you and try to use it all the time!
1. Visual.
By using pictures and visualizations, you would learn better. A picture tells you a thousand words. By seeing pictures, you could translate it in your mind into words and your understanding of it all.
2. Aural.
If you learn better by listening, then this is a good learning style. Some people can even concentrate better when they listen to music while studying.
3. Verbal.
This style is learning by using words and writing. You might be able to memorize and understand better if you had captured all the information and try to write it back out after some time. People who prefer this style would usually make more notes and drafts.
4. Physical.
By using your hands and body movement, you might be able to understand concepts better. Such as when doing experiments, it is important to do the whole thing yourself than to watch. It would help you understand better.
5. Logical.
While studying, you can use logic, common sense and general knowledge to reason out a concept of the subject you are learning. Using mathematics and systems would generally make you learn better.
6. Social.
If you prefer to learn with groups of people, then it is best to do group study or group research. By exchanging notes and explaining to each other, you might be able to understand more and not be shy to ask anything from your friend.
7. Solitary.
If you're uncomfortable with people, then working alone is a good solution. Finding books in the library and learn in a quiet environment will eventually make you absorb information faster as there are no other distractions.
What Style Suits Me?
If you do not know what style suits you, you could always try. You can also use different styles of learning for different subjects as you seem fit. If you feel uncomfortable learning in a specific style, try the others, you might like it.
Normally, people will start to lose concentration after 20 minutes of studying. Therefore, it's best to pick a style where you can absorb the most in the shortest amount of time. People who listen to music and study at the same time generally take a longer time to absorb, but can study for longer periods of time.
Experiment! Try it yourself! Visit this site for more information.
http://www.memletics.com/overview.asp
Love,
Nicholas.
Basically I went for General Studies in my college and I thought I would just highlight a few points on learning styles which may help weaker students in pursuing their studies.
Memletics Learning Styles
Different people have different learning styles. Some prefer to learn by watching or some may prefer reading. Determine what style works for you and try to use it all the time!
1. Visual.
By using pictures and visualizations, you would learn better. A picture tells you a thousand words. By seeing pictures, you could translate it in your mind into words and your understanding of it all.
2. Aural.
If you learn better by listening, then this is a good learning style. Some people can even concentrate better when they listen to music while studying.
3. Verbal.
This style is learning by using words and writing. You might be able to memorize and understand better if you had captured all the information and try to write it back out after some time. People who prefer this style would usually make more notes and drafts.
4. Physical.
By using your hands and body movement, you might be able to understand concepts better. Such as when doing experiments, it is important to do the whole thing yourself than to watch. It would help you understand better.
5. Logical.
While studying, you can use logic, common sense and general knowledge to reason out a concept of the subject you are learning. Using mathematics and systems would generally make you learn better.
6. Social.
If you prefer to learn with groups of people, then it is best to do group study or group research. By exchanging notes and explaining to each other, you might be able to understand more and not be shy to ask anything from your friend.
7. Solitary.
If you're uncomfortable with people, then working alone is a good solution. Finding books in the library and learn in a quiet environment will eventually make you absorb information faster as there are no other distractions.
What Style Suits Me?
If you do not know what style suits you, you could always try. You can also use different styles of learning for different subjects as you seem fit. If you feel uncomfortable learning in a specific style, try the others, you might like it.
Normally, people will start to lose concentration after 20 minutes of studying. Therefore, it's best to pick a style where you can absorb the most in the shortest amount of time. People who listen to music and study at the same time generally take a longer time to absorb, but can study for longer periods of time.
Experiment! Try it yourself! Visit this site for more information.
http://www.memletics.com/overview.asp
Love,
Nicholas.
How to Write Love Poems?
27 January 2010
Writing a poem for your lover can be ever so difficult!
Most lovers would really like to write something passionate and heart-melting to express their deep love towards their partner. However, some of us run out of ideas of what to write and how to write.
Portray The Meaning of Your Poem
The main theme of your poem is anything about your partner or your love. Then, for each stanza, it can be your lover's beauty, personality or the things you did together. It can also be about your relationship and love towards your lover.
Know what you have to write about. Then, know what meanings you need to let your lover know in the poem.
Example:
You want to write to Lily that you feel relaxed with her.
Meaning to Portray
- I feel calm when you're around.
Substitute Words / Write Lovely Words
Now you have your meaning, you would want to substitute certain words, or rewrite a sentence that is more lovely and attractive. Your sentence can be a complex sentence, or with the usage of objects to express. It can also contain "hidden" meanings. Exaggerate a little bit and show how much you really mean when you wrote it.
Example:
Meaning to Portray - I feel calm when you're around.
Sentence - Your presence invoked bliss.
When making these sentence it is important to know that you can also use metaphors, personifications, similes, idioms, slang and others.
Writing Progression In Your Poem
When you write in a stanza, you want everything to link together and it's based on something. If you write like say...
You were walking with one shoe,
And with every step my heart paced,
The sky ripples are so blue,
Like how the blue in your eyes interlaced.
It may sound nice but there is no connection in what you're trying to say. Lily was walking with one shoe (it might had really happened on a date) and with every step your heart paced, is good. Then it suddenly switched to how the sky is, and it's like her eyes. No link.
It's best that you continue on after how every step your heart paced, maybe say about how graceful she can become even if she's walking with one shoe, walking like a duck and maybe in one of her most embarassing moments. Example continuation...
I didn't help but stood like a statue,
I was dazed as even so you still graced.
This explains how graceful Lily could be until she had you stunned like a statue, not only in that situation, but possibly almost all situations.
Using a Set Number of Syllables or Words
This is not really important when writing your own poem. However, if you want to make your poem more lovely, you can write a set number of words or syllables for each line. That way, when you say out your poem, you will get a lovely flow and sounds neat.
Lesser words forces you to be even more creative and unique in your writing. Portraying a meaning strongly by using only a few words is always powerful and lovely.
Rhyming
Although you have gotten your meanings to portray, you still need to rhyme it at the end of each line. Make your first two lines first, then after you thought the meanings of the last two lines, think of a word that rhymes.
Example:
Your presence invoked bliss,
Without effort just like magic,
3rd Line Keyword - kiss
Sentence - As with every single kiss,
4th Line Keyword - panic
Sentence - I grew less panic.
If you don't know what words you can rhyme with, you can look up here. (http://www.rhymer.com/)
Recap
1. Know the meaning you want to show to your lover.
2. Write it down in a more strong and romantic way using your own words and style.
3. Make sure they rhyme as you wanted and still keep the meaning.
Love,
Nicholas.
Most lovers would really like to write something passionate and heart-melting to express their deep love towards their partner. However, some of us run out of ideas of what to write and how to write.
Get started with a pencil and a paper.
Portray The Meaning of Your Poem
The main theme of your poem is anything about your partner or your love. Then, for each stanza, it can be your lover's beauty, personality or the things you did together. It can also be about your relationship and love towards your lover.
Know what you have to write about. Then, know what meanings you need to let your lover know in the poem.
Example:
You want to write to Lily that you feel relaxed with her.
Meaning to Portray
- I feel calm when you're around.
Substitute Words / Write Lovely Words
Now you have your meaning, you would want to substitute certain words, or rewrite a sentence that is more lovely and attractive. Your sentence can be a complex sentence, or with the usage of objects to express. It can also contain "hidden" meanings. Exaggerate a little bit and show how much you really mean when you wrote it.
Example:
Meaning to Portray - I feel calm when you're around.
Sentence - Your presence invoked bliss.
When making these sentence it is important to know that you can also use metaphors, personifications, similes, idioms, slang and others.
A letter filled with love is a letter with romantic poems.
Writing Progression In Your Poem
When you write in a stanza, you want everything to link together and it's based on something. If you write like say...
You were walking with one shoe,
And with every step my heart paced,
The sky ripples are so blue,
Like how the blue in your eyes interlaced.
It may sound nice but there is no connection in what you're trying to say. Lily was walking with one shoe (it might had really happened on a date) and with every step your heart paced, is good. Then it suddenly switched to how the sky is, and it's like her eyes. No link.
It's best that you continue on after how every step your heart paced, maybe say about how graceful she can become even if she's walking with one shoe, walking like a duck and maybe in one of her most embarassing moments. Example continuation...
I didn't help but stood like a statue,
I was dazed as even so you still graced.
This explains how graceful Lily could be until she had you stunned like a statue, not only in that situation, but possibly almost all situations.
Simple and nice with a smooth flow will look beautiful.
Using a Set Number of Syllables or Words
This is not really important when writing your own poem. However, if you want to make your poem more lovely, you can write a set number of words or syllables for each line. That way, when you say out your poem, you will get a lovely flow and sounds neat.
Lesser words forces you to be even more creative and unique in your writing. Portraying a meaning strongly by using only a few words is always powerful and lovely.
Rhyming
Although you have gotten your meanings to portray, you still need to rhyme it at the end of each line. Make your first two lines first, then after you thought the meanings of the last two lines, think of a word that rhymes.
Example:
Your presence invoked bliss,
Without effort just like magic,
3rd Line Keyword - kiss
Sentence - As with every single kiss,
4th Line Keyword - panic
Sentence - I grew less panic.
If you don't know what words you can rhyme with, you can look up here. (http://www.rhymer.com/)
Recap
1. Know the meaning you want to show to your lover.
2. Write it down in a more strong and romantic way using your own words and style.
3. Make sure they rhyme as you wanted and still keep the meaning.
Love,
Nicholas.
NS Survival Guide
24 January 2010
A basic guide on Malaysian National Service or Program Latihan Khidmat Negara.
Being in the National Service Malaysia, there a few need-to-knows on the camp before you actually go. This is to ensure that you're ready for the worse things you can get in the camp.
What to Do Beforehand
Before going to National Service, you are provided with a few forms. You will notice this orange and yellow form which is for your medical check-up. This is important, because if you don't do the medical check-up, they will still accept you irresponsibly and if anything happens to your health, your family will be the ones to blame for not bringing you for a check-up and they'll think you're pretending to avoid the training.
State all your medical history to your doctor, your allergies especially and some that couldn't be checked. Normally for these "uncheckable" disorders, you probably had seen a doctor earlier or since you were young. If so, have your doctor write a letter on your medical history to aid the check-up in the government hospital or clinic.
After you've done your check-up and filled in the permission forms needed, you may proceed to the gathering area...
Also, learn to wash your clothes, iron clothes, polish shoes and so on.
What To Bring
- Buckets or Pails for Washing Clothes
- Detergent
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Clothes Peg
- Clothes Hanger
- Your Own Pajamas/Public Clothes/Undergarments
- Biscuits
- Cereals
- Money & Coins
- Identification Card (NRIC)
- Slippers
Yeah they said no need to bring pails, but they wouldn't provide you anyway, so just bring your own. Cereals and biscuits are crucial and I will explain why later.
What You Don't Need to Bring
- Iron
- Cigarettes
- MP3s
- IPods
- PSP or other sort of electronics
- Cup Noodles
- Medication (only pills for gastric, vomiting, etc. allowed)
- Coffee / Milo
They will take all your cup noodles so there's no point in bringing them.
Registration
After packing all your stuff, you're ready to register for National Service. When you reach your gathering area you should see a few booths with the name of your camp. Parents will wait outside of the fenced area. Present the forms needed and you'll be directed to a bus where you will then proceed to your camp.
Note: IF you did not do your medical check-up, they will still accept you. This is a problem as once you're in the camp, you might not get your medical check-up. If anything happens to you, they assume you're just faking it because your medical report says nothing. If you die, they won't take the blame because you had not done your check-up. Demand a medical check-up no matter what, even if you have entered the camp.
Be Prepared For These Situations
1. Inedible Food
This seems to be the most common problem on almost all camps. The food will be extremely bad, it's not your typical kampung-style. Most probably your food will consist of stale eggs, dead chicken, stale fish and so on which they got for a very very cheap price. Vegetables will be half-cooked and the meat will be fried as solid as rock and you can't even stick a fork into it.
This is why cereals and biscuits are crucial because these are the stuff you will eat if you cannot eat any of the food there. Most people experience diarrhoea and vomiting, but some couldn't take it and have indigestion and persistant vomiting until sent to hospital, THEN face the same problem again.
Even if the camp tries to cater for your menu, they will still serve the same thing. Don't bother with them because it's a waste of time so just get your cereals and bread.
2. Filthy Surroundings
There will be many many insects because your camps are mostly near the jungle. Cicadas are most probably the very common insects you'll find lying everywhere on your bathroom. The people you live with are various people and you might not get used to it because they might not be as hygienic as you are. Dead insects in your shower room, dead stuff everywhere.
Some people wear shoes into dormitories even when they're muddy or wet. Be prepared for full-time cleaning or you'll have to bear with it.
3. Strenuous Activities
If you do not really participate much in sports or activities in school, or simply just not physically strong, you will suffer. Especially for girls, marching under the hot sun for 2 hours is enough for them to pass out. So remember to voice out if you really can't take it, or just pretend dizzy so you could rest. If you feel too strained doing the activities in the camp, you could pretend to be sick just to get the extra few hours of rest to ease yourself. Heck, just pretend to be a weakling and relax.
4. Less Sleep
Even if you can withstand the vigorous activities, you wouldn't have enough sleep. On a daily basis, you would probably sleep at around 12am after everything's finished. You would have to wake up at 5.30am in the morning and get ready to assemble. However, Muslims will wake up much earlier at around 4.30 to 5am who will maybe cause a ruckus or noise loud enough to arouse you from your sleep.
So you would only have about 4-6 hours of sleep. With the food you're gonna get, and the constant lengthy activities, most people will be visiting the medic very often.
5. Boredom
As if the food and environment is not enough to kill you, you will be going through various boring activities. You will be going for character building classes which makes not much of a difference. The only fun part is you'll get to play games with your friends in the classes.
And they'll tell you that you have to share everything in class...pour out your personal stuff with people you completely don't know. Your best bet is to just sit down and pretend the class is very exciting, tell utter lies about your life and just look at some pretty girls.
At night you will watch character building videos. If you enjoy watching Malay dramas or movies, then it might suit you. Else, just fall asleep. I also forgot to mention that sometimes you will need to sit in the canteen or hall for hours doing nothing for no apparent reason.
For a first-timer, jungle-trekking, abseiling or firing a M-16 might be pretty fun. You will be restricted to many stuff you could actually do, and it might take away all the fun. For example, you might think getting a chance to hold a rifle is fun, but in the camp, all you do is go prone, fire some shots and that's it. No reloading, no pulling bolt, no checking barrel, no turning safety off, no nothing and you only get to do that once in 3 months period.
6. Unfriendly or Grouchy People
You might meet unfriendly people who might actually be just frustrated and strained, but it's best not to start any arguements or fight within the camp. Just retain calmness and walk away if you need to.
However, most likely you'll be making lots of friends and cracking lame jokes. Most of the time there will still be separated groups of people of different races, but it's okay and there wouldn't be much racism. Girls and guys are obviously segregated except in certain activities only.
Safety Issues
Remember, your own safety comes first. If you feel that your life is at stake, tell your trainer and don't do it. If you don't know how to swim, do not try water sports. If you cannot pass motion or vomit, seek the medics immediately and call your parents. If you couldn't get pass motion or vomit, it means waste substances aren't coming out from your body. If it's not out, you will die. This is a case which happened in Malacca, where a girl, Too Hui Min died of colon infection.
A short info, colon infection is based on the food you take. The food gets stuck in the colon, you get constipated, stuff ain't coming out and you get infection. This may seem like a small matter on the outside, just plain stomach pain and constipation. You think it's curable by medication. Doctors say it's a small problem. But where do big problems come from? They come from these small problems.
Parent's Guide
1. Child's safety comes first.
If you think your child's life is at stake or if your child is unsafe, you can visit your child. If they do not allow you in, cause a ruckus and be upset. You are the parent, you have every right to ensure your child's safety and you don't need to care what the hell is protocol and what the hell doctors say. If you feel your child is in danger, you should be there. National Service is not prison.
2. Understand National Service's protocol.
The problem with how trainers and these people work is that they don't even know their protocols. Their work and coordination is all messed up and you'd probably have to wait unnecessarily. However it is, you must know that they could give your child a leave if your child is quite ill. This allows your child to return home and get treatment from your own doctor instead.
You cannot do medical check-ups yourself after going for the camp. Your child must be escorted by trainers if a check-up is needed.
If anything goes wrong, you can complain to the headquarters in KL. Annoying them is better than nothing if all else fails. You gotta make some noise if there's a problem.
3. Visiting Time
You are allowed to visit your child on Sunday every week. At least that's how it was on my camp. You can bring food, items and stuff for your child.
Last Notes
- Be strong mentally.
- Be street smart.
- Be a good actor.
- Do not hide anything from your family.
- Just do it.
- Do not strain yourself.
Overall, National Service is good for discipline and character building. But let's just face the fact that smokers will still be smokers, mat-rempit will still be mat-rempit and idiots will still be idiots. 3 months of training will not make a difference in lifestyle or thinking. If someone wants to change, they'll change.
Love,
Nicholas.
Being in the National Service Malaysia, there a few need-to-knows on the camp before you actually go. This is to ensure that you're ready for the worse things you can get in the camp.
PLKN Logo for show.
What to Do Beforehand
Before going to National Service, you are provided with a few forms. You will notice this orange and yellow form which is for your medical check-up. This is important, because if you don't do the medical check-up, they will still accept you irresponsibly and if anything happens to your health, your family will be the ones to blame for not bringing you for a check-up and they'll think you're pretending to avoid the training.
State all your medical history to your doctor, your allergies especially and some that couldn't be checked. Normally for these "uncheckable" disorders, you probably had seen a doctor earlier or since you were young. If so, have your doctor write a letter on your medical history to aid the check-up in the government hospital or clinic.
After you've done your check-up and filled in the permission forms needed, you may proceed to the gathering area...
Also, learn to wash your clothes, iron clothes, polish shoes and so on.
What To Bring
- Buckets or Pails for Washing Clothes
- Detergent
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Clothes Peg
- Clothes Hanger
- Your Own Pajamas/Public Clothes/Undergarments
- Biscuits
- Cereals
- Money & Coins
- Identification Card (NRIC)
- Slippers
Yeah they said no need to bring pails, but they wouldn't provide you anyway, so just bring your own. Cereals and biscuits are crucial and I will explain why later.
What You Don't Need to Bring
- Iron
- Cigarettes
- MP3s
- IPods
- PSP or other sort of electronics
- Cup Noodles
- Medication (only pills for gastric, vomiting, etc. allowed)
- Coffee / Milo
They will take all your cup noodles so there's no point in bringing them.
Yeah, cute pretty girl with a bunch of brownies for show.
Registration
After packing all your stuff, you're ready to register for National Service. When you reach your gathering area you should see a few booths with the name of your camp. Parents will wait outside of the fenced area. Present the forms needed and you'll be directed to a bus where you will then proceed to your camp.
Note: IF you did not do your medical check-up, they will still accept you. This is a problem as once you're in the camp, you might not get your medical check-up. If anything happens to you, they assume you're just faking it because your medical report says nothing. If you die, they won't take the blame because you had not done your check-up. Demand a medical check-up no matter what, even if you have entered the camp.
Be Prepared For These Situations
1. Inedible Food
This seems to be the most common problem on almost all camps. The food will be extremely bad, it's not your typical kampung-style. Most probably your food will consist of stale eggs, dead chicken, stale fish and so on which they got for a very very cheap price. Vegetables will be half-cooked and the meat will be fried as solid as rock and you can't even stick a fork into it.
This is why cereals and biscuits are crucial because these are the stuff you will eat if you cannot eat any of the food there. Most people experience diarrhoea and vomiting, but some couldn't take it and have indigestion and persistant vomiting until sent to hospital, THEN face the same problem again.
Even if the camp tries to cater for your menu, they will still serve the same thing. Don't bother with them because it's a waste of time so just get your cereals and bread.
Yeah, rotten apple for show.
2. Filthy Surroundings
There will be many many insects because your camps are mostly near the jungle. Cicadas are most probably the very common insects you'll find lying everywhere on your bathroom. The people you live with are various people and you might not get used to it because they might not be as hygienic as you are. Dead insects in your shower room, dead stuff everywhere.
Some people wear shoes into dormitories even when they're muddy or wet. Be prepared for full-time cleaning or you'll have to bear with it.
3. Strenuous Activities
If you do not really participate much in sports or activities in school, or simply just not physically strong, you will suffer. Especially for girls, marching under the hot sun for 2 hours is enough for them to pass out. So remember to voice out if you really can't take it, or just pretend dizzy so you could rest. If you feel too strained doing the activities in the camp, you could pretend to be sick just to get the extra few hours of rest to ease yourself. Heck, just pretend to be a weakling and relax.
Yeah, all standing still, no movement just for show.
4. Less Sleep
Even if you can withstand the vigorous activities, you wouldn't have enough sleep. On a daily basis, you would probably sleep at around 12am after everything's finished. You would have to wake up at 5.30am in the morning and get ready to assemble. However, Muslims will wake up much earlier at around 4.30 to 5am who will maybe cause a ruckus or noise loud enough to arouse you from your sleep.
So you would only have about 4-6 hours of sleep. With the food you're gonna get, and the constant lengthy activities, most people will be visiting the medic very often.
5. Boredom
As if the food and environment is not enough to kill you, you will be going through various boring activities. You will be going for character building classes which makes not much of a difference. The only fun part is you'll get to play games with your friends in the classes.
And they'll tell you that you have to share everything in class...pour out your personal stuff with people you completely don't know. Your best bet is to just sit down and pretend the class is very exciting, tell utter lies about your life and just look at some pretty girls.
At night you will watch character building videos. If you enjoy watching Malay dramas or movies, then it might suit you. Else, just fall asleep. I also forgot to mention that sometimes you will need to sit in the canteen or hall for hours doing nothing for no apparent reason.
For a first-timer, jungle-trekking, abseiling or firing a M-16 might be pretty fun. You will be restricted to many stuff you could actually do, and it might take away all the fun. For example, you might think getting a chance to hold a rifle is fun, but in the camp, all you do is go prone, fire some shots and that's it. No reloading, no pulling bolt, no checking barrel, no turning safety off, no nothing and you only get to do that once in 3 months period.
Yeah, fo' show man, for show.
6. Unfriendly or Grouchy People
You might meet unfriendly people who might actually be just frustrated and strained, but it's best not to start any arguements or fight within the camp. Just retain calmness and walk away if you need to.
However, most likely you'll be making lots of friends and cracking lame jokes. Most of the time there will still be separated groups of people of different races, but it's okay and there wouldn't be much racism. Girls and guys are obviously segregated except in certain activities only.
Yeah, girls only area, for show.
Safety Issues
Remember, your own safety comes first. If you feel that your life is at stake, tell your trainer and don't do it. If you don't know how to swim, do not try water sports. If you cannot pass motion or vomit, seek the medics immediately and call your parents. If you couldn't get pass motion or vomit, it means waste substances aren't coming out from your body. If it's not out, you will die. This is a case which happened in Malacca, where a girl, Too Hui Min died of colon infection.
A short info, colon infection is based on the food you take. The food gets stuck in the colon, you get constipated, stuff ain't coming out and you get infection. This may seem like a small matter on the outside, just plain stomach pain and constipation. You think it's curable by medication. Doctors say it's a small problem. But where do big problems come from? They come from these small problems.
Parent's Guide
1. Child's safety comes first.
If you think your child's life is at stake or if your child is unsafe, you can visit your child. If they do not allow you in, cause a ruckus and be upset. You are the parent, you have every right to ensure your child's safety and you don't need to care what the hell is protocol and what the hell doctors say. If you feel your child is in danger, you should be there. National Service is not prison.
2. Understand National Service's protocol.
The problem with how trainers and these people work is that they don't even know their protocols. Their work and coordination is all messed up and you'd probably have to wait unnecessarily. However it is, you must know that they could give your child a leave if your child is quite ill. This allows your child to return home and get treatment from your own doctor instead.
You cannot do medical check-ups yourself after going for the camp. Your child must be escorted by trainers if a check-up is needed.
If anything goes wrong, you can complain to the headquarters in KL. Annoying them is better than nothing if all else fails. You gotta make some noise if there's a problem.
3. Visiting Time
You are allowed to visit your child on Sunday every week. At least that's how it was on my camp. You can bring food, items and stuff for your child.
This is better than PLKN fo' show a hundred times man.
Last Notes
- Be strong mentally.
- Be street smart.
- Be a good actor.
- Do not hide anything from your family.
- Just do it.
- Do not strain yourself.
Overall, National Service is good for discipline and character building. But let's just face the fact that smokers will still be smokers, mat-rempit will still be mat-rempit and idiots will still be idiots. 3 months of training will not make a difference in lifestyle or thinking. If someone wants to change, they'll change.
Love,
Nicholas.
SPM is Over
08 December 2009
Congratulations to those who have taken the 9 subjects, which are the science classes.
It's just a matter of time for the rest of the Form 5s finish their examinations, so be sure to enjoy your holidays! Christmas is also coming, so enjoy your day and make sure you get lots of presents. Congratulations to those who've finished their exams and happy holidays!
A few new guides will be coming up these few days. Be sure to visit and take a look!
Love,
Nicholas.
It's just a matter of time for the rest of the Form 5s finish their examinations, so be sure to enjoy your holidays! Christmas is also coming, so enjoy your day and make sure you get lots of presents. Congratulations to those who've finished their exams and happy holidays!
A few new guides will be coming up these few days. Be sure to visit and take a look!
Love,
Nicholas.
SPM 2009 Biology Tips
28 November 2009
These are the tips for Biology, SPM Examinations 2009!
Again, a little reminder, the tips are merely a forecast and prediction. It may not exactly be the topics asked in the examination. Spotting questions will not necessarily bring you to success!
Paper 1
Cell Structure
Plasma Membrane
Cell Division (Mitosis/Meiosis)
Nutrition
Transport
Coordination and Response
Reproduction
Inheritance
Paper 2
Cell Division
Transportation
Respiration
Endangered Ecosystem
Reproduction
Inheritance
Variation
Paper 3
Nutrition
Dynamic Ecosystem
Variation
Love,
Nicholas.
Again, a little reminder, the tips are merely a forecast and prediction. It may not exactly be the topics asked in the examination. Spotting questions will not necessarily bring you to success!
Paper 1
Cell Structure
Plasma Membrane
Cell Division (Mitosis/Meiosis)
Nutrition
Transport
Coordination and Response
Reproduction
Inheritance
Paper 2
Cell Division
Transportation
Respiration
Endangered Ecosystem
Reproduction
Inheritance
Variation
Paper 3
Nutrition
Dynamic Ecosystem
Variation
Love,
Nicholas.
SPM 2009 Sejarah Tips
16 November 2009
These are the tips for the upcoming SPM 2009, Sejarah.
As usual, these are merely a forecast and spotting questions may not necessarily bring you to success!! Do not rely heavily on the tips given!
Form 4
Tamadun Indus / India (Persatuan, Perdagangan, Srestin)
Hindu-Buddha (Pentadbiran, Angkor Wat)
Penjelajahan dan Penerokaaan (Bab 9)
Bani Umaiyah
Bani Uthmaniyah
Teori Kedatangan Islam ke Asia Tenggara
Form 5
Nasionalisme (Thailand & Filipina)
Gerakan Pan-Islamisme / Gerakan Islah
Kesultanan Melayu Melaka
Perlembagaan Johor & Terengganu
Bidang Kuasa Yang Di-Pertuan Agong
Dewan Negara / Dewan Rakyat
Lambang
Perang Dunia I (Faktor & Kesan)
NAM / OIC
Cabaran Masa Hadapan (Globalisasi / MSC / K-Masyarakat)
Thanks to Razif for the tips.
Love,
Nicholas.
As usual, these are merely a forecast and spotting questions may not necessarily bring you to success!! Do not rely heavily on the tips given!
Form 4
Tamadun Indus / India (Persatuan, Perdagangan, Srestin)
Hindu-Buddha (Pentadbiran, Angkor Wat)
Penjelajahan dan Penerokaaan (Bab 9)
Bani Umaiyah
Bani Uthmaniyah
Teori Kedatangan Islam ke Asia Tenggara
Form 5
Nasionalisme (Thailand & Filipina)
Gerakan Pan-Islamisme / Gerakan Islah
Kesultanan Melayu Melaka
Perlembagaan Johor & Terengganu
Bidang Kuasa Yang Di-Pertuan Agong
Dewan Negara / Dewan Rakyat
Lambang
Perang Dunia I (Faktor & Kesan)
NAM / OIC
Cabaran Masa Hadapan (Globalisasi / MSC / K-Masyarakat)
Thanks to Razif for the tips.
Love,
Nicholas.
How to Publish a Book?
02 November 2009
Publishing your book for free online.
With the website called Lulu.com, you can now publish your books or e-books on the net for FREE! What happens is, if someone places an order for your book, Lulu.com will print your book out and sell to the customer, and they keep only about 20% the profit. Who says you can't write novels for profit? You can do it now!
What You Need
- Your finished work in .pdf format probably.
- Internet
Steps
1. Visit http://www.lulu.com
2. Create your own account first before going to the homepage again.
3. Click Start Your Book at the left-hand side or click Publish at the top.
4. You just need to follow the steps in the site, it's very direct. Select the type of book and so on.
5. Upload your masterpiece, make sure you've finished everything in it.
6. Choose your book cover, continue.
7. Choose your price and finish it!
Note
Lulu.com does not charge you anything for the publishing. However, they will offer certain book covers and promote your book for fees, but you can choose not to pay for it.
You have to promote and market your book once it's published. Tell people about your book, write articles, give freebies and so on. The better you promote your book, the better the chance of people buying your book.
Love,
Nicholas.
With the website called Lulu.com, you can now publish your books or e-books on the net for FREE! What happens is, if someone places an order for your book, Lulu.com will print your book out and sell to the customer, and they keep only about 20% the profit. Who says you can't write novels for profit? You can do it now!
What You Need
- Your finished work in .pdf format probably.
- Internet
Steps
1. Visit http://www.lulu.com
2. Create your own account first before going to the homepage again.
3. Click Start Your Book at the left-hand side or click Publish at the top.
4. You just need to follow the steps in the site, it's very direct. Select the type of book and so on.
5. Upload your masterpiece, make sure you've finished everything in it.
6. Choose your book cover, continue.
7. Choose your price and finish it!
Note
Lulu.com does not charge you anything for the publishing. However, they will offer certain book covers and promote your book for fees, but you can choose not to pay for it.
You have to promote and market your book once it's published. Tell people about your book, write articles, give freebies and so on. The better you promote your book, the better the chance of people buying your book.
Love,
Nicholas.
How to Schedule for Exams?
19 October 2009
This is mainly for SPM students in Malaysia here!
Alright! You have around 30 days from now to prepare! Can you, face the ultimate challenge of it all, to do your best and obtain the best results you can for your own future?! The future is uncertain, but we could always try our best to do anything we can.
Realizing
Now, realizing how late it is to start now, this is the last minute revision thing and you should be as relaxed as possible. This is not the time to panic, because it will not make much of a difference. Now you just have to realise you need to spend about 30 minutes to an hour everyday to revise and learn the things you don't know.
Scheduling
Now, we will make a schedule like this. This is my way of doing it, so if you wanna copy, go ahead. For every day, you just put in one subject, and study for that subject for only about 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on your mood on that day.
I made this timetable according to my tuition and school timetable. On Monday I have Physics tuition, so I would study about Physics on Sunday to be ready. Tuesday I have Chemistry in school, so I will study about it on Monday. The others are the same as well.
I took out Pendidikan Moral and Modern Mathematics because I have the confidence in these two subjects. I can just look it up anytime on Sunday. Remember, 30 minutes to 2 hours would already be enough! Don't stress yourself, start revising!
Love,
Nicholas.
Alright! You have around 30 days from now to prepare! Can you, face the ultimate challenge of it all, to do your best and obtain the best results you can for your own future?! The future is uncertain, but we could always try our best to do anything we can.
Realizing
Now, realizing how late it is to start now, this is the last minute revision thing and you should be as relaxed as possible. This is not the time to panic, because it will not make much of a difference. Now you just have to realise you need to spend about 30 minutes to an hour everyday to revise and learn the things you don't know.
Scheduling
Now, we will make a schedule like this. This is my way of doing it, so if you wanna copy, go ahead. For every day, you just put in one subject, and study for that subject for only about 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on your mood on that day.
| Sunday | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Physics | Chemistry | History | Add. Maths | Biology | BM / BI | Anything |
I made this timetable according to my tuition and school timetable. On Monday I have Physics tuition, so I would study about Physics on Sunday to be ready. Tuesday I have Chemistry in school, so I will study about it on Monday. The others are the same as well.
I took out Pendidikan Moral and Modern Mathematics because I have the confidence in these two subjects. I can just look it up anytime on Sunday. Remember, 30 minutes to 2 hours would already be enough! Don't stress yourself, start revising!
Love,
Nicholas.
How to Write Good Essay?
07 October 2009
A couple of tips to write a composition mainly for those who are currently in secondary school.
What you write must be eye-catching and compelling in order for your readers to absorb everything you want to deliver to them immediately. In secondary schools, our English examination on Continious Writing provides 5 topics to write on, which some have no format. As usual, just pick the one without a format, as these topics are normally one word topics, or sometihng very general where you can write anything related to that topic. It is a question where your answer cannot be wrong, because it is how you think of it!
Grammar and spelling are the two most important things in an essay. These two are the main things you should focus on first before you come looking on how to write something that catches the eye.
Simple Tips
1. Wide and correct usage of vocabulary.
If you are basically good at English already, improving vocabulary helps in showing off your skills and understanding of English. Your general usage of words shows how thorough you are and your ability in describing almost anything.
2. Describe situations precisely.
Most of us do not completely describe a situation that we want to write about. Especially when writing a story, we need to have the ability to convert what happened in our mind into words. That is why the vocabulary is important, because you can describe anything. Assume the reader knows nothing, even if it is general.
3. Being organized.
Once you look at the topic, be sure to develop a plan or a main theme for it. Understand what you are going to write about, and how you are going to write it. If you do not plan, you tend to change topics and jump back and forth in your composition. This will confuse the reader and your points will not be elaborated correctly.
4. Avoid being repetitive.
Do not repeat the same sentence or write about something which has the same meaning. Do not repeat a sentence just to strengthen a point but you can try giving the importance/reason of your point instead.
5. Use examples.
What most examiners want are REAL-LIFE EXAMPLES or APPLICATIONS that relate to our lives. If you know a tragedy that you read about in the news which you can relate in your topic, do it.
6. Tell something that not everyone knows just by common sense.
This is the use of the one word topics you can answer in your examinations. When you answer these questions, you can basically write anything as long as there is a slight relation to the topic. Write your own views, your own interpretation and how you look at it. Your original views generally develops the interest of readers. When writing about facts, be sure your facts are accurate and complete. Tell facts using your own words, not copy and paste/memorized sentences from the Internet.
Examples of Words
You can use certain words to replace the words you are currently using so your essay won't be so dull.
Show - Portray, Illustrate, Bestow
Home - House, Abode, Habitat
Destroy - Devastate, Ravage, Obliterate
Do not simply switch your words though, some words may have somewhat the same meaning, but not suitable for that condition you are trying to explain.
Lastly, finish your essay with a strong and definitive conclusion! Be sure to relax and have fun while composing your own essay. If you're stressed, you might not be able to get the results you wanted! Don't put people to sleep with your writing too.
Love,
Nicholas.
What you write must be eye-catching and compelling in order for your readers to absorb everything you want to deliver to them immediately. In secondary schools, our English examination on Continious Writing provides 5 topics to write on, which some have no format. As usual, just pick the one without a format, as these topics are normally one word topics, or sometihng very general where you can write anything related to that topic. It is a question where your answer cannot be wrong, because it is how you think of it!
Grammar and spelling are the two most important things in an essay. These two are the main things you should focus on first before you come looking on how to write something that catches the eye.
Simple Tips
1. Wide and correct usage of vocabulary.
If you are basically good at English already, improving vocabulary helps in showing off your skills and understanding of English. Your general usage of words shows how thorough you are and your ability in describing almost anything.
2. Describe situations precisely.
Most of us do not completely describe a situation that we want to write about. Especially when writing a story, we need to have the ability to convert what happened in our mind into words. That is why the vocabulary is important, because you can describe anything. Assume the reader knows nothing, even if it is general.
3. Being organized.
Once you look at the topic, be sure to develop a plan or a main theme for it. Understand what you are going to write about, and how you are going to write it. If you do not plan, you tend to change topics and jump back and forth in your composition. This will confuse the reader and your points will not be elaborated correctly.
4. Avoid being repetitive.
Do not repeat the same sentence or write about something which has the same meaning. Do not repeat a sentence just to strengthen a point but you can try giving the importance/reason of your point instead.
5. Use examples.
What most examiners want are REAL-LIFE EXAMPLES or APPLICATIONS that relate to our lives. If you know a tragedy that you read about in the news which you can relate in your topic, do it.
6. Tell something that not everyone knows just by common sense.
This is the use of the one word topics you can answer in your examinations. When you answer these questions, you can basically write anything as long as there is a slight relation to the topic. Write your own views, your own interpretation and how you look at it. Your original views generally develops the interest of readers. When writing about facts, be sure your facts are accurate and complete. Tell facts using your own words, not copy and paste/memorized sentences from the Internet.
Examples of Words
You can use certain words to replace the words you are currently using so your essay won't be so dull.
Show - Portray, Illustrate, Bestow
Home - House, Abode, Habitat
Destroy - Devastate, Ravage, Obliterate
Do not simply switch your words though, some words may have somewhat the same meaning, but not suitable for that condition you are trying to explain.
Lastly, finish your essay with a strong and definitive conclusion! Be sure to relax and have fun while composing your own essay. If you're stressed, you might not be able to get the results you wanted! Don't put people to sleep with your writing too.
Love,
Nicholas.
SPM Trials 2009 Physics Tips
13 September 2009
Tips for SPM Trials 2009, Physics.
The following are the tips for the SPM trials of 2009. Take note that this is just a forecast and spotting questions may not lead you to success!
Paper 2
Sound Waves
Half Life
Light (Lens)
Heat (Evaporation)
Electric (Circuits)
Archimedes' Principle
Bernoulli's Principle (Aerofoil)
Elevator (Acceleration and Weight)
Paper 3
Voltmeter
Acceleration (F = ma, based on trolleys/toy cars)
Light - Graph of UV against U + V
Love,
Nicholas.
The following are the tips for the SPM trials of 2009. Take note that this is just a forecast and spotting questions may not lead you to success!
Paper 2
Sound Waves
Half Life
Light (Lens)
Heat (Evaporation)
Electric (Circuits)
Archimedes' Principle
Bernoulli's Principle (Aerofoil)
Elevator (Acceleration and Weight)
Paper 3
Voltmeter
Acceleration (F = ma, based on trolleys/toy cars)
Light - Graph of UV against U + V
Love,
Nicholas.
SPM Trials 2009 Biology Tips
07 September 2009
The following are the tips for Biology in SPM Trials 2009.
Take note that this is all just a forecast and it may not be exact! Spotting questions will not always bring you to success! You could use this as an extra boost.
Paper 2
Section A
Cell Structure - Organelles
Homeostasis
Growth
Blood Circulatory System
Section B
Digestive System
Dynamic Ecosystem
Section C
Reproduction
Inheritance
Paper 3
Anaerobic Respiration - Yeast
Biochemical Oxygen Demand (Experiment)
Thanks to Xuan Xu for the tips.
Love,
Nicholas.
Take note that this is all just a forecast and it may not be exact! Spotting questions will not always bring you to success! You could use this as an extra boost.
Paper 2
Section A
Cell Structure - Organelles
Homeostasis
Growth
Blood Circulatory System
Section B
Digestive System
Dynamic Ecosystem
Section C
Reproduction
Inheritance
Paper 3
Anaerobic Respiration - Yeast
Biochemical Oxygen Demand (Experiment)
Thanks to Xuan Xu for the tips.
Love,
Nicholas.
SPM Trials 2009 Sejarah Tips
29 August 2009
Tips for Sejarah in SPM Trials 2009
These are the tips for Sejarah. Take note this is merely a forecast, spotting questions might not give you the upper hand! But for those who have already covered everything or those who haven't covered anything at all, this will be an extra boost if it really comes out for the trials.
Structured Questions
Form 4 Topics
Bani Abbaisyah
Tamadun Indus
Form 5 Topics
Gerakan Islah
Perpaduan Bangsa
Essay Questions
Form 4 Topics
Pengaruh Hindu-Buddha
Zaman Gelap / Zaman Renaissance
Form 5 Topics
Persekutuan Tanah Melayu (1948-1957)
UMNO / Pakatan Murni
Pertubuhan Peringkat Antarabangsa
Thanks to Chai Kein Yong for the tips.
Love,
Nicholas.
These are the tips for Sejarah. Take note this is merely a forecast, spotting questions might not give you the upper hand! But for those who have already covered everything or those who haven't covered anything at all, this will be an extra boost if it really comes out for the trials.
Structured Questions
Form 4 Topics
Bani Abbaisyah
Tamadun Indus
Form 5 Topics
Gerakan Islah
Perpaduan Bangsa
Essay Questions
Form 4 Topics
Pengaruh Hindu-Buddha
Zaman Gelap / Zaman Renaissance
Form 5 Topics
Persekutuan Tanah Melayu (1948-1957)
UMNO / Pakatan Murni
Pertubuhan Peringkat Antarabangsa
Thanks to Chai Kein Yong for the tips.
Love,
Nicholas.
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