ILL 1
June Holidays Week 2
10.30am-11.00am
Source: http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/underwater-world-singapore-to-close-on-june-26-with-lease-ending-public-to-enjoy-lower
What I did: I did not want to spend my June Holidays only at home so I searched for what I could do when I came across this article.
What I learned:
Words I do not understand:
- Oceanarium: a large seawater aquarium in which marine animals are kept for study and public entertainment
- Geriatric: relating to old people, especially with regard to their health care
Summary:
Underwater World Singapore has been opened for 25 years and as the lease for the Sentosa premises is expiring in two years, there will be an early closure such that there would be sufficient time to transfer the marine life in there. There will be the lowering of ticket prices to its original 1991 opening price from June 7.
ILL 2
June Holidays Week 2
1.00pm-1.30pm
Source: http://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/crash-child-destroys-lego-sculpture-that-took-3-days-to-build
What I did:
I was researching on some Lego sets when I came across this article.
What I learned:
The Disney Film Zootopia was very popular among Chinese moviegoers.
Summary:
A Chinese fan of Disney's Zootopia built a large-scaled Nick Wilde the Fox in 72 hours non-stop and put it up for an exhibition. Although there was a "Do Not Touch" sign, a four-year old child put his hand on the statue and broke it.
ILL 3
June Holidays Week 3
10.30am-11.00am
Source: http://www.straitstimes.com/tech/games-apps/e3-2016-microsoft-announces-slimmer-xbox-one-s-more-powerful-project-scorpio
What I did:
I wanted to find out what was revealed at the gaming convention E3 this year.
What I learned:
Words I do not understand:
-extravaganza: an elaborate and spectacular entertainment or production
Summary:
There is a new and slimmer version of Xbox One coming out soon. It will be coming out at the end of the next year and will also be 40% smaller than the Xbox One. Xbox One games would also soon be able to be played on the Windows platforms.
ILL 4
June Holidays Week 3
6.00pm-6.30pm
Source: http://www.bbc.com/sport/football/36566866
What I did:
As I watched the Euro Cup France 2016 England's match against Wales, I wanted to see what the media thought of Joe Hart's failure at saving the free kick from Gareth Bale 32 yards away.
What I learned:
Words I do not understand:
- fraternity: a group of people sharing a common profession or interests
Summary:
It turns out Joe Hart was actually nervous and made a wrong choice by having a wall when the free kick was taken a such a distance. However only if Joe Hart gets injured would coach Hodgson substitute him with another goalkeeper as he was England's best bet.
ILL 5
June Holidays Week 4
2.30pm-3.00pm
Source: http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/courts-crime/police-arrest-19-year-old-suspected-of-cheating-victims-who-made-online
What I did:
I was just surfing the web when this article popped up. As it was about Universal Studios Singapore, I was immediately attracted.
What I learned:
Words I do not understand:
-penal code: a document which compiles all, or a significant amount of, a particular jurisdiction's criminal law
-reputable: having a good reputation
Summary:
A nineteen-year-old teenager was arrested for his suspected involvement in several online scams. The victims paid advance payment for discounted Universal Studios Singapore tickets. When the victims did not receive their tickets, they reported to the police and the police arrested the suspect along New Bridge Road on Monday, June 20th.
Sunday, 19 June 2016
Friday, 17 June 2016
Learning Logs (Rae)
Learning Log 1
June holidays week 2
11am - 11.30am
9 June 2016
Source
What I did
I went onto The Straits Times page to look up on current news to increase my general knowledge. I found an article which I was rather interested in - Government segregating secure systems for civil servants.
What I learnt
Espionage - the practice of spying or of using spies, typically by governments to obtain political and military information.
Segregate - set apart from the rest or from each other; isolate or divide
Summary
Cybercrime and espionage have been an issue for the government. Thus, to solve this issue, they had decided to segregate secure email systems from other activities such as web surfing and transacting. Mr Lee Hsien Loong has clarified that this measure is not to cut off civil servant’s internet access as he understands that having internet access is indispensable in order to access information transact and deliver information to the citizens.
Learning Log 2
June holidays week 2
3pm - 3.30 pm
9 June 2016
Source
What I did
I looked up the internet for interesting news and I found an article which caught my attention. It was regarding a 7-year-old Japanese boy who survived a whole week without food in a forest
What I learnt
Forage - search widely for food or provisions
Summary
A 7-year-old Japanese boy was left in the forest by his parents as a form of punishment for throwing rocks at a car, but after they went back to the forest after some time, he disappeared and could not be found for the next six days. It was only recently when a group of soldiers spotted him in one of a cabins in a forest military base. The boy had survived in the cabin by drinking from a tap and sleeping between two mattresses to keep himself warm at night.
Learning Log 3
June Holidays week 3
2pm - 2.30pm
13 June 2016
Source
What I did
I wanted to find out more about the world’s happenings thus I browsed the web for interesting articles and I found one regarding a terrorist attack in Shanghai.
What I learnt
disgruntle - angry or dissatisfied
cavernous - like a cavern in size, shape, or atmosphere.
Summary
A man from Shanghai hurled home-made explosive bombs at the main international Shanghai airport which caused injuries of four people. He later attempted suicide by slashing his neck and is in critical condition.
Learning Log 4
June Holidays week 3
11pm - 11.30pm
16 June 2016
Source
What I did
I looked up The Straits Times for recent news and found one regarding an accident that took place
What I learnt
Vocational - relating to an occupation or employment
Mitigation - The act of reducing the severity, seriousness, or painful of something
Summary
A 22-year-old full-time national service man caused the death of a couple on a motorcycle when he was driving his friend's minibus. One of the victims, was pronounced dead at 3.15pm on the same day while his wife, who hit her chest on the dashboard, died three days later. He pleaded guilty to the charge of causing their deaths due to his negligence.The driver was also charged for driving the minibus without a vocational licence.
Learning Log 5
June holidays week 3
12.30 pm - 1pm
18 June 2016
Source
http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/scdf-rescues-11-trapped-in-vehicles-by-flash-flood-in-jurong-west
What I did
I decided to look up the internet for interesting news to increase my general knowledge
What I learnt
Wading - walk with effort through water or another liquid or viscous substance
Summary
The SCDF rescued 11 people trapped in 3 different vehicles by a flash flood along Enterprise Road in Jurong West on 17 June, a Friday. The water level was up to knee-high in the vehicles, with those trapped donning life vests provided by SCDF as they were taken to safety. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
What I did
I decided to look up the internet for interesting news to increase my general knowledge
What I learnt
Wading - walk with effort through water or another liquid or viscous substance
Summary
The SCDF rescued 11 people trapped in 3 different vehicles by a flash flood along Enterprise Road in Jurong West on 17 June, a Friday. The water level was up to knee-high in the vehicles, with those trapped donning life vests provided by SCDF as they were taken to safety. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
Thursday, 16 June 2016
All 5 Learning Logs Calvin (24)
June Holidays Week 3:
1pm - 2pm
17/6/2016
Source for all five articles: The Straits Times 16 June 2016
What I Did: I read the five articles because I wanted to stay current
Article #1
Words I did not know: collateral - something pledged as security for repayment of a loan, to be forfeited in the event of a default
contingent - subject to chance
interests - a stake or involvement in an undertaking, especially a financial one
Summary: The number of cases of Chinese university students threatened by loan sharks is on the rise. If the debt is not paid, the loan sharks will upload nude photos of the victims online. Victims are urged to seek help from police or go to court to protect their legal interests.
Article #2
Words I did not know: disconcerted - disturb the composure of; unsettle
denounced - publicly declare to be wrong or evil
presumptive - of the nature of a presumption; presumed in the absence of further information
Summary: President Barack Obama and other Democrats and Republicans are angered by Donald Trump's attitude and actions towards Muslims, especially his proposed ban on Muslim immigrants. Republicans are embarrassed.
1pm - 2pm
17/6/2016
Source for all five articles: The Straits Times 16 June 2016
What I Did: I read the five articles because I wanted to stay current
Article #1
Words I did not know: collateral - something pledged as security for repayment of a loan, to be forfeited in the event of a default
contingent - subject to chance
interests - a stake or involvement in an undertaking, especially a financial one
Summary: The number of cases of Chinese university students threatened by loan sharks is on the rise. If the debt is not paid, the loan sharks will upload nude photos of the victims online. Victims are urged to seek help from police or go to court to protect their legal interests.
Article #2
Words I did not know: disconcerted - disturb the composure of; unsettle
denounced - publicly declare to be wrong or evil
presumptive - of the nature of a presumption; presumed in the absence of further information
Summary: President Barack Obama and other Democrats and Republicans are angered by Donald Trump's attitude and actions towards Muslims, especially his proposed ban on Muslim immigrants. Republicans are embarrassed.
Article #3
Words I did not know: lagoon - an artificial pool for the treatment of effluent or to accommodate an overspill from surface drains during heavy rain
Summary: A two-year-old boy was attacked and dragged into the water by an alligator at Lake Buena Vista, unlikely to be found alive. Authorities are still working hard to find the boy's body.
Words I did not know: lagoon - an artificial pool for the treatment of effluent or to accommodate an overspill from surface drains during heavy rain
Summary: A two-year-old boy was attacked and dragged into the water by an alligator at Lake Buena Vista, unlikely to be found alive. Authorities are still working hard to find the boy's body.
Article #4
Words I did not know: federal - having or relating to a system of government in which several states form a unity but remain independent in internal affairs
convened - come or bring together for a meeting or activity; assemble
Summary: The wife of the gunman who killed forty-nine people at an Orlando gay nightclub could face criminal charges. She claimed to know her husband's plans before he wasted numerous lives. The gunman also professed allegiance to ISIS before the Swat team killed him.
Words I did not know: federal - having or relating to a system of government in which several states form a unity but remain independent in internal affairs
convened - come or bring together for a meeting or activity; assemble
Summary: The wife of the gunman who killed forty-nine people at an Orlando gay nightclub could face criminal charges. She claimed to know her husband's plans before he wasted numerous lives. The gunman also professed allegiance to ISIS before the Swat team killed him.
Article #5
Words I did not know: endorsed - declare one's public approval or support of
Summary: Japan accuses Chinese spy ship of entering its waters. Other Chinese ships have also been spotted within Japanese territories with India and the United States' help. China says that Japan may have other motives for hyping up this issue in the media and they must stay vigilant.
Words I did not know: endorsed - declare one's public approval or support of
Summary: Japan accuses Chinese spy ship of entering its waters. Other Chinese ships have also been spotted within Japanese territories with India and the United States' help. China says that Japan may have other motives for hyping up this issue in the media and they must stay vigilant.
Wednesday, 15 June 2016
Learning Log Goh Chin Ray
ILL 1
Date: 14 June 2016
June Holiday Week 3
6pm-6:30pm
Source: http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/courts-crime/10-arrested-after-brawl-at-bugis-village
What I did: I was bored at home, so I decided to head on to the Straits Times websites to read on situations that are happening around Singapore in the past few days. I then decided to come here and summarise the article I just read.
What I learned:
Words that I did not fully understand:
Sparked off- To initiate
Intervening- To take part in something so as to prevent or alter a result or course of events.
Summary:
A fight broke out in Bugis last week. It can be seen that both men and women were involved in the brawl by exchanging punches, while one person can be seen lying on the ground, they were all arrested. Police received calls at 10:22 pm on June 7. When they arrived at the scene, 9 people were arrested in relation to the case. It was claimed that the fight broke out due to the misunderstanding between both parties and the possible abuse of alcohol.
ILL 2
Date: 14 June 2016
June Holiday Week 3
7pm-7:30pm
Source: http://www.straitstimes.com/world/united-states/wife-of-orlando-shooter-knew-of-attack-could-face-charges-soon-source
What I did: I was bored at home, so I decided to head on to the Straits Times websites to read on situations that are happening around Singapore in the past few days. I then decided to come here and summarise the article I just read.
What I learned:
Words that I did not fully understand:
Federal- Having or relating to a system of government in which several states form a unity but remain independent in internal affairs.
Convened- Come or bring together of a meeting
Summary:
The wife of Orlando shooter is now facing the possibility of facing charges. The Orlando shooting the recently happened was deadliest mass shooting in Modern United States history that killed 49 people. Despite she trying to talk her husband out of carrying the attack, she did not inform law enforcement about the possible attack and could have prevented many deaths from happening. She also drove her husband to the nightclub once for him to scope the location. Therefore, she might be facing charges soon.
ILL 3
Date: 14 June 2016
June Holiday Week 3
9pm-9:30pm
Source: http://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/lawyers-deny-indonesian-woman-poisoned-coffee-to-kill-friend
What I did: I was bored at home, so I decided to head on to the Straits Times websites to read on situations that are happening around Singapore in the past few days. I then decided to come here and summarise the article I just read.
What I learned:
Words that I did not fully understand:
Premeditated- think out a plan for a crime beforehand.
Convulsions- a sudden irregular movement in the body, usually triggered by toxins
Summary:
An Indonesian woman, who was accused of poisoning and killing her friend by putting cyanide into her coffee, denies the involvement in her death. Her lawyer said that she was not guilty as CCTV footage and people who were at the scene did not see or caught the Indonesian woman attempting to put cyanide into her friends coffee. Austrailia had made a deal with Indonesia, stating that if the woman was found gulity, she would not be executed, in order for the Australians to invested the case.
ILL 5
Date: 15 June 2016
June Holiday Week 3
11pm-11:30pm
Source: http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-36535791
What I did: I was bored at home, so I decided to try something new today and head over to BBC and read about some of their interesting articles. I came about some really meaningful and would like to summarize them now.
What I learned:
Words that I did not fully understand:
Polygamy- The practice of having more than 1 wife or husband at the same time.
Summary:
Germany will not recongize any polygamy or minor facing marriage, as this situation is on a rise , Germany had implemented saying that migrants, which includes recent arrivals into the country, must abide by the law, knowing that polygamy is a practice in Islamic culture and a man could have up to 4 wives at any point of time.
Tuesday, 14 June 2016
Learning Logs [Alya]
7 June
3:00 - 3:30
Source:
What I did:
I read some articles on the internet
What I learnt:
Words I didn’t know: liberal - willing to respect or accept behaviour or opinions different from one's own; open to new ideas.
Allay - diminish or put at rest (fear, suspicion, or worry).
Summary:
The net will not be available for the civil servants but they can access it using their own personal devices or government computers dedicated to that purpose. The government feels that this would stop information from leaking out to the public thus they decided to remove internet access from the civil servants from May next year.
8 June
3:00 - 3:30
Source:
What I did:
I decided to find more about the PSLE scoring system for the future generations.
What I learnt:
Words I didn’t know: paradigm - a typical example or pattern of something; a pattern or model.
manifests - show (a quality or feeling) by one's acts or appearance; demonstrate.
Summary:
The new scoring system aims to broaden the child’s ability and also plans to lift the stress off the children from being very focused on academics and pressure from their peers performance since the aggregate students get now is based on how well one does compared to their peers.
10 June
3:00-3:30
Source:
What I did:
I decided to read up about the mass shooting in Orlando I saw in Social Media and the first article I saw is the one above, so I decided to read it.
What I learnt:
Words I didn’t know: federal - having or relating to a system of government in which several states form a unity but remain independent in internal affairs.
Radicalised - Radicalization (or radicalisation) is a process by which an individual or group comes to adopt increasingly extreme political, social, or religious ideals and aspirations that (1) reject or undermine the status quo or (2) reject and/or undermine contemporary ideas and expressions of freedom of choice.
Summary:
The wife of Omar Mateen might be arrested for knowing Omar Mateen’s plans before the mass shooting in a gay club.
11 June
3:00 - 3:30
Source:
What I did:
I decided to read up about the mass shooting in Orlando and wanted to see how Donald Trump reacted to it so I read the article stated above.
What I learnt:
Words I didn’t know: implemented - put (a decision, plan, agreement, etc.) into effect.
Unilateral - (of an action or decision) performed by or affecting only one person, group, or country involved in a situation, without the agreement of another or the others.
Summary:
President Obama isn’t really happy with Donald Trump’s reaction to the mass shooting or his ideas to react to it. He doesn’t feel that it is right.
12 June
3:00 - 3:30
Source:
What I did:
I went online to Strait Times and read the first article I saw.
What I learnt:
Words I didn’t know: decisively - putting an end to controversy; crucial or most important
Two-pronged - use two methods to get to the same goal.
Summary:
United we stand, divided we fall. We have to stand together against the threats and help each other
Sunday, 12 June 2016
Faqih's learning logs
Muhammad Faqih Akmal Learning Log 1
June Holidays Week 2
6am - 7am
10-6-16
Source:
http://environment.nationalgeographic.com/environment/global-warming/solar-power-profile/
What I Did:
I decide to read about how the sun is useful to man.
What I Learnt:
Words I did not know:
lauded- transitive, intransitive to praise, to glorify
Summary:
The sun is a major source of energy for the earth. It has been shining onto the earth since 4.5 billion years ago. Plants need sunlight to make food while animals feed on plants to survive. We humans use methods to generate electricity from the sun. The methods are by using photovoltaic cells or mirrors to reflect the heat onto a concentrated area for generating electricity.
Muhammad Faqih Akmal Learning Log 2
June Holidays Week 2
8am - 9am
10-6-16
Source:
http://edition.cnn.com/2015/03/10/travel/sr71-blackbird-worlds-fastest-plane/
What I Did:
I decide to read about how the fastest plane in the world.
What I Learnt:
Words I did not know:
reconnaissance- The act of scouting or exploring (especially military or medical) to gain information.
Summary:
Planes are a well-known transport because travelling with it took very less time compared to ground vehicles. However, the fastest plane in the world is called Lockheed SR-71. The pilots were well trained and in the end, the plane travel at a speed of 2193 mph which is about as fast as a bullet.
Muhammad Faqih Akmal Learning Log 3
June Holidays Week 2
10am - 11am
10-6-16
Source:
http://www.globalissues.org/article/165/racism
What I Did:
I decide to read about racism.
What I Learnt:
Words I did not know:
Benevolent - Having the disposition to do good. Possessing or manifesting love for humanity. Altruistic, charitable, kind, just and fair.
Summary:
Racism is everywhere in the world to the present day. Some people are racist because they want to tell the victim that their race has more power or more civilised. Racism causes conflicts or even war. Thus, many people make campaigns to stop all the racism but instead it still continues. This shows how stubborn they are and that they only care about themselves.
Muhammad Faqih Akmal Learning Log 4
June Holidays Week 3
8am - 9am
13-6-16
Source:
http://environment.nationalgeographic.com/environment/freshwater/freshwater-crisis/
What I Did:
I decide to read about the freshwater crisis.
What I Learnt:
Words I did not know:
Copious - Great in quantity or number, profuse, abundant; taking place on a large scale.
Having an ample supply.
Full of thought, information, or matter; exuberant in words, expression, or style.
Summary:
We need water to stay hydrated and alive. However, some parts of the world do not have access to freshwater as only 1% of all the waters in the world are drinkable. Those who do not have access to fresh water, take their water from unhygienic sources such as drains and dirty rivers. That water has viruses or even bacteria such as E-coli. This leads to the spread of diseases and thus, a lot of people are dying due to the lack of drinkable water.
Muhammad Faqih Akmal Learning Log 5
June Holidays Week 3
10am - 11am
13-6-16
Source:
http://wwf.panda.org/about_our_earth/blue_planet/coasts/coral_reefs/coral_importance/
What I Did:
I decide to read about the corals under the sea.
What I Learnt:
Words I did not know:
Commerce - The exchange or buying and selling of commodities; especially the exchange of merchandise, on a large scale, between different places or communities; extended trade or traffic.
Summary:
Sea creatures depend on corals for protection against predators or searching for food. Corals also attract tourist from around the world to admire the beauty of the corals. Thus, the country has a greater revenue. The reason why some countries do not have many natural disasters is that they have coral reefs. Coral reefs prevent or minimise the chance of having the tsunami, hurricane or even storms. These are why coral reefs need to be protected by us, humans.
Learning Logs( Chloe)
ILL 1
Date:
June Hols Week 2
11th June
7.00 - 7.30p.m
Source:
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/2016/06/tiger-temple-thailand-animal-abuse/
What I did:
I was reading national geographic magazine when I came across this article that caught my attention.
What I learnt:
Words that I do not understand:
embattled: place or people involved in a conflict
abbot: ecclesiastical title given to the head of the monastery
lactating: secretion of milk from the mammery glands and the period of time that a mother lactates to feed her young
Summary:
The famous Thai Tiger Temple faces the risk of closing down as police suspect the temple of illegal trafficking of wildlife and illegal possession of wildlife. Last week, apart from seizing 137 tigers from the temple, police also found 60 frozen and bottled tiger cub carcasses and pelts and a cache of other endangered species parts and products. On Tuesday, police also raided a house 30 miles from the temple where they found 4 tigers in a fenced compound. The house is where police suspect that the temple used to hold live tigers before slaughtering them for their skin, meat and bones. The abbot knew nothing about the products from tigers or the frozen tiger cub carcasses as the temple personnel smuggled them in behind the abbot's back. If confirmed to be involved in wildlife trafficking, the temple's license might be revoked.
ILL 2
Date:
June Hols Week 2
11th June
8.30 - 9.00p.m
Source:
http://www.straitstimes.com/asia/south-china-sea-fish-wars
What I did:
I wanted to learn more about what was going on in our world currently. I thought that the topic of the South China Sea was an interesting topic to start on.
What I learnt:
Words that I do not understand:
allure: to tempt with something desirable
affluent: flowing freely or in great quantity
Summary:
Tension in the South China Sea has greatly grown among countries who fish in the South China Sea, including, Indonesia, China, Philippines and Vietnam. Countries have been known to sink fishing boats or vessels poaching in its waters by blowing them up. However, the great demand for fish is driving fishermen farther from their shores and closer to other countries' shores. Although fish can be farmed ad bred, only certain fishes can survive in breeding conditions. Other prized types of fish such as, Tuna and Swordfish cannot be bred and cannot survive breeding conditions. The growing competition is fuelling rows over maritime borders and fishing rights. The countries are locked in tense territorial disputes.
ILL 3
Date:
June Hols Week 2
12th June
8.30 - 9.00a.m
Source:
http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/all-electric-taxi-fleet-may-hit-the-roads-soon
What I learnt:
Words that I did not understand:
mileage: distance covered or travelled in miles
Summary:
Singapore's LTA has confirmed that it is accessing an application from a local firm to be the first to launch an all- electric fleet of taxis. The LTA said that they are working with Economic Development Board to launch an island- wide sharing EV-sharing programme with 1000 cars and 2000 charging points. According to LTA figures, there are currently about 120 electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. While taxis account for only 3% of the total vehicle population, they account for about 15% of vehicle emissions. Emissions from taxis could be reduced by 27% if 85% of taxis go electrical. The island's taxi fleet, expected to grow to 30,000 by 2050, could be a combination of battery electric vehicles(60%), plug-in hybrid electric cars(25%) and fuel cars(15%).
ILL 4
Date:
June Hols Week 2
12th June
9.00 - 9.30p.m
Source:
http://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/explosion-rocks-shanghais-pudong-airport-report
What I learnt:
Words that I did not understand:
disgruntled: angry or dissatisfied
Summary:
On June 12, at about 2.20p.m, a man hurled homemade explosives at the main international airport in Shanghai. 4 others were injured, while the suspect is in critical condition after slashing his neck, he is now being treated at the hospital. The injured included a man from Philippines and a chinese man and woman. Flights were not affected. Many nervous Chinese are speculating on the motive of the attack , with many pointing to a terror attack.
ILL 5
Date:
June Hols Week 3
13th June
10 - 10.30a.m
Source:
http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/education/moe-no-penalty-for-using-singlish-appropriately
What I learnt:
Words that I did not understand:
Nil
Summary:
MOE has decided that students will not be penalised if they use Singlish appropriately. The ministry said that for formal communication ing general, Singlish should still not be used in its written or spoken form. However, there are exceptions. For example," I have decided to sabo my friend and play a nasty prank on him." Several parents who were interviewed were relieved that their children would not be penalised if they used Singlish appropriately. They said that students were able to express themselves better and Singlish also added a little of colour to the essay. Some, however, noted that some people who are not familiar with the Singaporean culture of using Singlish, may not understand what the Singlish terms mean.
Date:
June Hols Week 2
11th June
7.00 - 7.30p.m
Source:
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/2016/06/tiger-temple-thailand-animal-abuse/
What I did:
I was reading national geographic magazine when I came across this article that caught my attention.
What I learnt:
Words that I do not understand:
embattled: place or people involved in a conflict
abbot: ecclesiastical title given to the head of the monastery
lactating: secretion of milk from the mammery glands and the period of time that a mother lactates to feed her young
Summary:
The famous Thai Tiger Temple faces the risk of closing down as police suspect the temple of illegal trafficking of wildlife and illegal possession of wildlife. Last week, apart from seizing 137 tigers from the temple, police also found 60 frozen and bottled tiger cub carcasses and pelts and a cache of other endangered species parts and products. On Tuesday, police also raided a house 30 miles from the temple where they found 4 tigers in a fenced compound. The house is where police suspect that the temple used to hold live tigers before slaughtering them for their skin, meat and bones. The abbot knew nothing about the products from tigers or the frozen tiger cub carcasses as the temple personnel smuggled them in behind the abbot's back. If confirmed to be involved in wildlife trafficking, the temple's license might be revoked.
ILL 2
Date:
June Hols Week 2
11th June
8.30 - 9.00p.m
Source:
http://www.straitstimes.com/asia/south-china-sea-fish-wars
What I did:
I wanted to learn more about what was going on in our world currently. I thought that the topic of the South China Sea was an interesting topic to start on.
What I learnt:
Words that I do not understand:
allure: to tempt with something desirable
affluent: flowing freely or in great quantity
Summary:
Tension in the South China Sea has greatly grown among countries who fish in the South China Sea, including, Indonesia, China, Philippines and Vietnam. Countries have been known to sink fishing boats or vessels poaching in its waters by blowing them up. However, the great demand for fish is driving fishermen farther from their shores and closer to other countries' shores. Although fish can be farmed ad bred, only certain fishes can survive in breeding conditions. Other prized types of fish such as, Tuna and Swordfish cannot be bred and cannot survive breeding conditions. The growing competition is fuelling rows over maritime borders and fishing rights. The countries are locked in tense territorial disputes.
ILL 3
Date:
June Hols Week 2
12th June
8.30 - 9.00a.m
Source:
http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/all-electric-taxi-fleet-may-hit-the-roads-soon
What I learnt:
Words that I did not understand:
mileage: distance covered or travelled in miles
Summary:
Singapore's LTA has confirmed that it is accessing an application from a local firm to be the first to launch an all- electric fleet of taxis. The LTA said that they are working with Economic Development Board to launch an island- wide sharing EV-sharing programme with 1000 cars and 2000 charging points. According to LTA figures, there are currently about 120 electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. While taxis account for only 3% of the total vehicle population, they account for about 15% of vehicle emissions. Emissions from taxis could be reduced by 27% if 85% of taxis go electrical. The island's taxi fleet, expected to grow to 30,000 by 2050, could be a combination of battery electric vehicles(60%), plug-in hybrid electric cars(25%) and fuel cars(15%).
ILL 4
Date:
June Hols Week 2
12th June
9.00 - 9.30p.m
Source:
http://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/explosion-rocks-shanghais-pudong-airport-report
What I learnt:
Words that I did not understand:
disgruntled: angry or dissatisfied
Summary:
On June 12, at about 2.20p.m, a man hurled homemade explosives at the main international airport in Shanghai. 4 others were injured, while the suspect is in critical condition after slashing his neck, he is now being treated at the hospital. The injured included a man from Philippines and a chinese man and woman. Flights were not affected. Many nervous Chinese are speculating on the motive of the attack , with many pointing to a terror attack.
ILL 5
Date:
June Hols Week 3
13th June
10 - 10.30a.m
Source:
http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/education/moe-no-penalty-for-using-singlish-appropriately
What I learnt:
Words that I did not understand:
Nil
Summary:
MOE has decided that students will not be penalised if they use Singlish appropriately. The ministry said that for formal communication ing general, Singlish should still not be used in its written or spoken form. However, there are exceptions. For example," I have decided to sabo my friend and play a nasty prank on him." Several parents who were interviewed were relieved that their children would not be penalised if they used Singlish appropriately. They said that students were able to express themselves better and Singlish also added a little of colour to the essay. Some, however, noted that some people who are not familiar with the Singaporean culture of using Singlish, may not understand what the Singlish terms mean.
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