Gabriel's Poem Recitation - The Visitor

Link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1Ha42lwipznb19MbUlpTVdIYTg/view?usp=sharing

Gabriel Yap Learning Logs

ILL 1

Date:

June Hols Week 2

9 June 2016

5.00 pm - 5.30 pm

Source:

www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/video-hints-japan-abetting-illegal-ivory-trade-conservationists

What I Did:

I decided to read up on some headlines worldwide to increase my general knowledge. I went to the Straits Times website and read this article about the Japanese Government abetting illegal ivory trade and wanted to do a summary of the article. I also wanted to learn some new words in the article. 

What I Learned:

Words I Did Not Understand:

• Abetting - encourage or assist (someone) to do something wrong, in particular, to commit a crime or other offence
• Covertly - without being openly acknowledged or displayed; secretly

Summary:

Conservation activists claim that Japanese Government is abetting ivory-traders who smuggle elephant tusks to China. There were two pieces of evidence,  one a covertly-filmed video, which showed four different ivory traders who showed no hesitation to export ivory illegally to China for money; and two an investigation conducted by an Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA) agent. Based on those videos, the activists accuse the Japanese Government of purposely creating loopholes in Japanese law against ivory trading by not making registration of elephant tasks compulsory, if it was not to be sold; and by not requiring registration for cut up pieces of ivory. The ivory traders could easily just cut up the ivory and then sell it, as they were not selling whole elephant tusks and did not need to register for cutting up ivory. This practically reverses China’s efforts to stop ivory trading. Japan’s trade ministry said that authorities are closely monitoring registered traders.

ILL 2

Date:

June Hols Week 2

10 June 2016

11.00 am - 11.30 am

Source:

http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/courts-crime/indonesian-maid-charged-with-murder-of-woman-employer-in-telok-kurau-home

What I Did:

I decided to read up on some headlines worldwide to increase my general knowledge. I went to the Straits Times website and read this article about an Indonesian maid murdering her employer and wanted to do a summary of the article. I also wanted to learn some new words in the article. 

What I Learned:

Words I Did Not Understand:

• Allegedly - used to convey that something is claimed to be the case or have taken place, although there is no proof
• Remanded - place (a defendant) on bail or in custody, especially when a trial is adjourned

Summary:

An Indonesian maid allegedly murdered her female employer at her employer’s semi-detached house, despite working for her for two months. The deceased was found lying on the floor, motionless, by her husband. The suspect and the deceased’s husband were admitted to Changi General Hospital with injuries to their heads and hands; and neck, forehead and leg respectively. A district judge granted the police prosecutor’s request to remand the suspect at Changi Women’s Prison for psychiatric assessment, upon her discharge from hospital. The Indonesian Embassy has appointed a lawyer for the case, as the suspect could face the death penalty if convicted of murder with intention.

ILL 3

Date:

June Hols Week 2

10 June 2016

11.30 am - 12.00 pm

Source:

http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/hfmd-cases-surge-to-near-record-high

What I Did:

I decided to read up on some headlines worldwide to increase my general knowledge. I went to the Straits Times website and read this article about cases of Hand Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) in Singapore and wanted to do a summary of the article. I also wanted to learn some new words in the article. 

What I Learned:

Words I Did Not Understand:

• Median - denoting or relating to a value or quantity lying at the midpoint of a frequency distribution of observed values or quantities, such that there is an equal probability of falling above or below it

Summary:

In Singapore, HFMD cases are soaring to near-record numbers, the 18,241 infections exceeded by the 21,102 cases in 2012 only. In contrast, the median number for the same period over the past five years is 8,193 only. At KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital, more than 200 children have been hospitalised, according to Associate Professor Chong Chia Yin, a senior infectious disease consultant at KKH. "Most of these children were admitted for fever and poor feeding, mild dehydration or febrile fits due to their high fever. None suffered serious complications," she said. Serious complications from the disease are rare, though if it does happen, the brain, lungs or heart could be damaged. Symptoms of HFMD include fever, ulcers in the mouth and on the tongue, blisters on the hand and feet, poor appetite and lethargy. It may also hurt to drink water, which would cause dehydration.

ILL 4

Date:

June Hols Week 2

10 June 2016

12.00 pm - 12.30 pm

Source:

http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/cutting-internet-access-necessary-to-keep-govt-data-secure-pm-lee

What I Did:

I decided to read up on some headlines worldwide to increase my general knowledge. I went to the Straits Times website and read this article about the Prime Minister announcing that it is necessary to cut internet access to maintain security and wanted to do a summary of the article. I also wanted to learn some new words in the article. 

What I Learned:

Words I Did Not Understand:

• NIL

Summary:

After being advised by security experts, PM Lee decided to cut internet access from public servants’ computers, so that the government database cannot be hacked. Even though public servants have to go through the hassle of using a second computer to access links, PM Lee managed to survive this since the beginning of 2016. Not the entire government will have to adopt this measure, for example,  teachers can still browse the internet as per normal as schools do not have much sensitive information. But the rest of the government, like the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) and the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) who have already been practising this, will have to adopt this practice gradually. 

ILL 5

Date:

June Hols Week 2

10 June 2016

12.30 pm - 1.00 pm

Source:

http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/tpp-game-changer-for-singapore-and-mexico-says-maliki

What I Did:

I decided to read up on some headlines worldwide to increase my general knowledge. I went to the Straits Times website and read this article about the effectiveness of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) between Singapore and Mexico and wanted to do a summary of the article. I also wanted to learn some new words in the article. 

What I Learned:

Words I Did Not Understand:

• Multilateral - agreed upon or participated in by three or more parties, especially the governments of different countries
• Bilateral - having or relating to two sides; affecting both sides
• Inaugural - marking the beginning of an institution, activity, or period of office

Summary:

The TPP, which was signed between 12 countries, including Singapore, Mexico, the United States, Vietnam and Japan, has yet to be ratified. Both Singapore and Mexico are eager for the quick ratification of the first trade pact linking the two countries, as both parties feel that they wanted to make to good use the pact. As both countries see each other as hubs in their respective regions, Singapore wants to show Mexico how important we see them as. On top of that, the Singapore Film Festival is a good way to give Mexicans a glimpse into life in Singapore, as Dr Maliki puts it, “The political and economic links between two countries will plant the seeds of the relationship, but it is cultural interactions that will help the flower bloom.”

Informal Persuasive Letter Gabriel Yap

6 Sim Lim Park
Singapore 234234

6 April 2016

Dear Tom
I am delighted that your family is staying in Singapore. I wish I could spend more time with your family. Nonetheless, let’s have a great time together while your family is in Singapore.
As most of the attractions only open at ten in the morning, your family can enjoy a delicious breakfast at the hotel before starting our trip. Our first destination will be Chinatown, Singapore’s bustling but historical town. At Chinatown, you can visit old buildings, dating as way back as the British colonial time, as well as other modern buildings. There are also various religious place of worship, not just Chinese, but also that of other religions. Also, many businesses fill the area, ranging from old shophouse selling Chinese medicine to modern cafes. Finally, there is a street market where everything from souvenirs to clothing to leather ware can be bargained for. All these historical buildings can also be enjoyed from a comfortable trishaw. The second cultural location is Little India, where there are similar shophouses as Chinatown, but selling a completely different array of goods, such as gold ware and space. Fish head curry, a Singaporean dish, is also Little India’s speciality. Your family can pick up more souvenirs a Mustafa Centre, a shopping centre there.
There are two modern attractions that I want to bring you to. Firstly, the Singapore Flyer. Enjoy breath-taking views from the comfort of an air-conditioned cabin. From the flyer, you can see various Singapore landmarks, such as Marina Bay, the Merlion and Empress Place. You can also dine in the flyer, but I don't recommend it as all the mouth-watering Singaporean dishes can mostly be found in the hawker centres. The second place is Orchard Road, where your hotel is situated. Even though the shopping district is right on your doorstep, you won’t have much time to go shopping there on your own what with all the activities I have already placed put for your family. So, I will bring you around the bustling Orchard Road, where there are several shopping centres, each a stone’s throw away from the next. Go on a shopping spree at the shopping malls for everything from clothing to bags to shoes to other accessories. After shopping for a few hours, your family can rest their weary feet the hotel room and turn in for the night.
There are a few local dished the must be tried. First is the Curry Fish Head, which can be found in Little India. Other delicacies include laksa, curry with noodles and Chilli Crab, crab with piping-hot chilli sauce drizzled over it. All these food can be found at any hawker centres or coffee shops, which I will bring your family to.
I hope that your family is agreeable to the itinerary. I really look forward to your family coming to Singapore!
Your cousin,
Gabriel

Creative Writing Task 5-Gabriel

Dear John,
There’s nothing to write about except the itch on the pimple on my forehead. It's like a volcano smack in the middle of the ocean, with nothing but skin all around it. The itch troubles me terribly, but I do not dare to touch it, for fear of creating an eruption of white pus.
Everything at home is boring except doing homework. The pile of homework on my table is like a mountain, which I have to climb. I keep getting distracted by all kinds of things, from the roaring of vehicles to my phone beside me. How I feel like just lying down on my bed and sleeping like a log, but I really have to finish my homework.
I haven't been doing much except going to the gym to work out. As I run three kilometres every day, I feel like I am running a full marathon. But after weeks of training, my stamina is gradually improving and now I can almost run the three kilometres without breaking a sweat.
What’s been happening in your life? It’s fun to get letters with such a boring life.
Your friend,
Gabriel

Creative Writing Task 4-Gabriel

   After a night of howling weather, I went out early just to see the massive damage that the storm had caused. I expected trees fallen like dominoes and the sidewalk ripped off the ground, with pieces of brick floating in the air.

   I stepped out of my house, seeing the street, unchanged, save for some litter strewn on the floor. The trees stood like giants, with lush leaves for hair. A few cats had retreated to the safety of the rubbish bins, some of which had tipped over.

   Striding down the empty streets, the birds’ songs filled my ears, reflecting the exact opposite of what the storm would have been like. A few lone cars rumbled down the road, bleary-eyed drivers trying desperately to stay awake. Several cats, seeing me, shrunk into the shadows when they saw me. One or two people, with bloodshot eyes, staggered forward like zombies. In the eerie light of the early morning, I could almost imagine a werewolf howling at the top of its voice, keeping other wolves at bay while invoking fear into fearful people. The occasional flickering streetlight cast long shadows into every dark corner, making it difficult for me to see anything clearly. Not wanting to be mistaken for a werewolf, on the hunt for its next unfortunate victim, I hurried down the street.

Gabriel Yap Advertisement Analysis

Advertisement Analysis

Image

The image depicts a man smoking, however, as he smokes, he is disappearing into smoke. The part in which he is disappearing is turning greyish-black, which show how he is being burnt even as he lights the cigarette and starts smoking, which show how smoking can burn you from the inside and eventually kill you.

Colours

There are two sides of the person who is smoking, the normal, skin-colour side and the greyish ash side. This shows the contrast in which the person is slowly transforming from a normal person into a person addicted to smoking and is dying because of it. The background of the poster is black, which is a negative colour and shows the harm smoking can bring you.

Words

The are not many words on this poster. Only the words “you fade away with every puff” can be found, which shows that smoking will gradually cause death, as life will gradually fade away. This also fits into the context of smoking fading away after time, which says that both the smoke and the life will fade away. 

Typographical Features

In the words “you fade away with every puff”, the words “every puff” is faded which adds even more emphasis on the fact that life will fade away with smoking. The font is also bolded, which creates a bigger impact.

Layout

The image of the man smoking is put in the middle of the poster which guides readers to which part to look at first. Normally, people will look at any picture first, as such is the human instinct not to look at words, much less a picture in the middle. When they see how much the smoking man is enjoying himself, non-smokers will be horrified and will not start smoking. Then, people will look to the next eye-drawing feature of the poster, the words “you fade away with every puff”. When smokers see how they must have looked when smoking, and see that they will die earlier due to their compulsive habit, they might stop smoking or at least try to stop.

PACC

• Purpose: The purpose of this poster is to stop smokers from smoking and also to discourage non-smokers from smoking. 
• Audience: The general public, but especially smokers.
• Context: Since smokers are commonly seen smoking in public, they will see the poster, which will stop them from smoking as they will see the health implications such as lung cancer, and will stop smoking. Also, non-smokers will also know that lung cancer is caused by smoking, and will not smoke.
• Culture: Seeing drifts of smoke is commonly linked with smoking, thus it fits the culture that people will fade away into smoke, which is what is produced, with every puff.

Science Fiction-Gravity

Gravity

“Welcome to the news on five, 27 December 1032571. Have you noticed the recent increase in temperature? In fact, if you exited your personal transporter, your temperature sensor would beep a warning. Scientists doing research have discovered that increased weight on Venus and Mercury have increased their gravity, pulling Earth towards them and the Sun. This is due to Newton’s law of universal gravity — the more the mass of an object, the more the gravity. So, what are we to do? Well, the president of the International Space Agency said that they are planning to send shuttles to push Earth away from the Sun. Also, we need the help of all scientists in related fields.

“Off,” Percy, a short, intelligent, scaredy-cat, commanded, turning off the holographic television. “Inbox,” he continued. “You are required to go on the trip to save Earth. Please get the insurance needed. Legal action will be taken against those who opt out.” Reading the horrifying email, his pimply face turned white, and his heart sank to his feet. His fear of death begged him not to go, but deep in his heart, he knew that he had to. For the sake of the world, as he knew it.

After the draining 4-month space camp filled with medical tests, low gravity training and fitness training, the day of the takeoff loomed.

“5! 4! 3! 2! 1! Takeoff!” the announcer blared deafeningly. Experienced astronauts and scientist alike gripped their plush seats until their knuckles turned white as the, though modern, rattling shuttle took off. Percy breathed the metallic air in short gasps, and when the soft, furry seat belts were released, flailing limbs filled the spacious, zero gravity shuttle. 

When Percy floated near a familiar face, he let out a cry of surprise. “Jack! You're here!” Percy and Jack were best friends, and Percy felt relieved to have both an experienced astronaut and a good friend in one person. 

As they blasted away from Earth to gain run-up, Percy chatted happily with Jack, a tall, muscular person, glad to destress. But as they caught up on each other’s life, Percy noticed, out of the corner of his eye, that Venus was too close for comfort. As the metal-covered planet grew larger rapidly, Percy was speechless. The dehumidifiers for his gloves were working at full power. “Fuel leakage,” the computer announced. Everyone looked at one another in dismay. Who would go out to fix it? No one dared to volunteer lest they lost their lives in the process. 

Deciding to face his fear of death, Percy said shakily, “I’ll do it.”

“No need for that!” someone suddenly croaked, “Just use Newton’s third law which states that there is always an opposite force for every force applied. Once a fuel capsule is empty, release it. Doing so will propel the ship in the opposite direction.” All the shuttles’ computer carried out the instructions immediately. As thousands of rockets zoomed towards Earth, metal claws extended out to push Earth.

The force of 350 shuttles pushed Earth successfully. After successfully completing the 10-day mission, the team could finally return home. Landing, they were greeted by a deafening roar from a crowd. Percy, having faced his fear and saved the world, let out a loud cheer himself, relieved.

Gabriel Yap (10)

S1-04

Creative Writing Task 3

   When I was a child, I well remember breaking a glass. I was just holding it when it slipped out of my palm like it had a mind of its own. I stared in horror and waited an eternity for the sound of shattering glass. “Ping!” My mother hurried over, mouth in a big circle. Seeing my sheepish face and the pieces of glass, she quickly put two and two together and gave me a good dressing down. “Off to bed you go!” she finished. I went down on my hands and knees and begged her to have mercy on me, but to no avail.

   I dragged my feet grudgingly to my brightly-painted room, which reflected the exact opposite of what I was feeling. Slowly turning on the fan to kill time, I slumped into bed bitterly. Hearing high-pitched chatter, laughter and the light pattering of footsteps, my blood started boiling. Staring at the bright sunshine, I steamed and, exhausted, blacked out.

   Hours later, the golden light had turned into blackness. Hearing a soft rustling from under the bed, I fled in terror to the other side of the bed. Creeping slowly towards the “visitor”, I peered down, only to see two green eyes blinking back at me.

   The next morning, I sat in bed, blurry-eyes, wondering about who or what had come the previous night. Dua to my ignorance, I could not, for my life, figure out what he, she or it was.

Gabriel Yap (10)

S1-04

Creative Writing 1 and 2

Writing 1

One of my earliest memories was of my mother. Her almost shoulder-length, ivory-black hair covered her thick eyebrows. Her eyes, large and black as coal, were filled with warmth and love. Her tall figure bent down to pick me up and give me a peck on the cheek. I was but a small infant, red-faced and blurry-eyed, unable to walk properly. Putting me in a highchair, she would feed me porridge, which I would make a disgusted face at and refuse to eat. She would patiently feed me until I finally gave in.

I toddled up the steps of the playground and walked unsteadily to the slide. Travelling down the slide at top speed left me with a feeling of exhilaration. Craving for more, I repeated the process, until finally, I was exhausted. Sitting at the bottom of the slide, I gazed at the sky, building sandcastles in the air. All of a sudden, a thundering like a stampede if wild gazelles drifted into my ears. I looked around, seeing a herd of older children charging towards me. I fled in terror.

I sat on the soft, plush sofa, gazing at the TV screen in front of my eyes. The images changed continuously, fixing my eyes on the flickering screen. At lunchtime, my stomach grumbled its protest at having to stay empty, but I ignored it, unable to tear my gaze away from the screen. Suddenly, all the colours and shapes turned into pure blackness, save for the reflection of my angry mother. I whipped around only to see my furious mother holding the remote control, glaring at me. 

These were my earliest memories.

Writing 2

The dark alley lay before the mouse. Dark shadows crept along the vandalism-filled walls and a lone street light flickered on and off, on and off. Piles of rubbish strewed on the floor let off an unbearable, rancid stench. Every once in a while, a vehicle would rumble by, shaking the floor. “Okay, all I have to do is to get some food. A piece of cake,” the mouse told himself.

As the mouse strode forward confidently, he thought he heard a faint rustling noise, which stopped the moment he whipped his head in its direction. Glancing at the piles of rubbish, he thought he saw a pair of tiny, red eyes, which vanished just as quickly as they had appeared. The mouse twitched his whiskers and quickened his pace waving the rustling off as the wind.

Another rustling sound, this time longer and louder, crept into the mouse’s sensitive ears. His sharp eyes spotted the red eyes again, but this time, they did not disappear and they blinked more furiously than before. The small, beady eyes of the mouse darted left and right and his heart beat rapidly. He backed away slowly, then dashed away as fast as his tiny feet could go, away to safety.

And he wished he had not stepped near that dark alley.

My True Me Poem by Gabriel Yap

This is my True Me Poem: