Hey,
it's the hols, so let's just put SS aside for the moment and take a breather yah? Here's a Singlish version of Little Red Riding Hood which I used for my Sec 2 English classes. They loved it, so I thought I'll post it up here for you guys.
See if you can correctly decipher the whole thing ok? Enjoy! =)
Wans a porn a time, god wan litter ger — Litter Laid Raiding Hoot. She wan 2 go 2 Grandma house, moarning oredy she go out. She god tek come wan basket 2 put flower 4 Grandma.
"Ah Ma! I cum oready, open der door leh?" she tok.
Den Grandma oso say bak, "Cum in lor, I nvr close!"
Litter Laid Raiding Hoot open der house n go inside der door.
When she go inside, she c Grandma on top of der bed. She go ask, "Ah Ma, how cum ur eye big-big wan?"
"Like dat, den I can c ur fat juicy legs mah!!!" Grandma tok bak.
"Ah Mah, how cum ur tooths is so sharp wan?"
"Den more easier 2 bite ur chubby cheeks laah!!!!"
"Ah Mah, how cum......."
"Aiyaa! So mang-nee question ah u! Wan 2 die izzit? I better faster it u! I not Ah Mah, I air-nee-mer u noe?"
"Wah! Litter Laid Raiding Hoot vary scared wan. She screem vary loud, but laid oredy ah, der air-nee-mer oredy it her!
Sar-den-lee god wan peeper — kad wood wan — go inside der house. He go kad der air-nee-mer stomach n tek out evryting, but he 2 late, Litter Laid Raiding Hoot bcum pangsai oredy......~
Dee End (… really wan!) ~
Try writing this in Standard English! =)
Comment away................
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Of the dreaded SS paper, and hols!
Hey girls,
heard that the SS paper wasn't done very well across the board. I didn't get to see your scripts before they were marked, so I don't really know how you have done.
I understand that the holidays are here, and who wants to mug during hols? Not me. But I do realise that in order for your grades to improve, there has to be some sort of consistent practice. Especially for SBQs, you know that.
So this is what I can do: I am willing to give tuition/remedials/extra lessons/whatever you want to call it, to those who think they want to get some extra practice during the holidays. I have with me some practice SBQs and SEQs that I will give to you, if you need it.
Those who want these extra lessons, pls email me asap ok? I will gather responses latest by end of this month and probably come up with some sort of a schedule in June.
Of course, it's really ok if you girls don't want it or you think you don't need it. No problem at all =). Ms Teo thinks you girls can score, and you definitely can. Just more practice ok?
And yay, it's the holidays! =D
heard that the SS paper wasn't done very well across the board. I didn't get to see your scripts before they were marked, so I don't really know how you have done.
I understand that the holidays are here, and who wants to mug during hols? Not me. But I do realise that in order for your grades to improve, there has to be some sort of consistent practice. Especially for SBQs, you know that.
So this is what I can do: I am willing to give tuition/remedials/extra lessons/whatever you want to call it, to those who think they want to get some extra practice during the holidays. I have with me some practice SBQs and SEQs that I will give to you, if you need it.
Those who want these extra lessons, pls email me asap ok? I will gather responses latest by end of this month and probably come up with some sort of a schedule in June.
Of course, it's really ok if you girls don't want it or you think you don't need it. No problem at all =). Ms Teo thinks you girls can score, and you definitely can. Just more practice ok?
And yay, it's the holidays! =D
Friday, May 16, 2008
Sri Lanka (Not again!)
Yo~
Watched the news recently? Sri Lanka got bombed again! And this time, it's interesting because the government is blaming the Tamil Tigers for the violence when no one was caught. It's a suicide bomber again, remember I showed you girls the billboard which depicted suicide bombings (people dying, etc)? Yup, this is it again. Here's the link: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7404147.stm
Now, who says bad guys can't turn good? But when they DO turn good, does society believe in them at all? A very interesting link here: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7391752.stm
Ex-Tamil Tigers are trying to get into election polls. Note that they used to be Tamil Tigers, do you think the citizens of Sri Lanka will believe in them and vote for them? Why or why not? =)
In class, I showed you the terms of the Good Friday Agreement between the Northern Ireland government and the IRA remember? Now, here are the terms and conditions the Tamil Tigers proposed in 2003 (How do I know it's 2003? Provenance, people... look at when the page was updated! ;) ). One particular term I find it especially amusing:
Being aware that the history of the relations between the Tamil people and the Sinhala people has been a process of broken promises and unilateral abrogation, by successive governments of Sri Lanka, of pacts and agreements solemnly entered into between the government of Sri Lanka (GOSL) and the elected representatives of the Tamil people.
Notice how they "conveniently" left the blame to the government and the people? So it has nothing to do with them, eh? Like how Ms Teo has nothing to do with 3A and 3C besides the fact that she taught them SS Chapter 4 which came out in the exam. Bleah. :
I asked you in class if you thought that the conflict in Sri Lanka/Northern Ireland will ever be resolved. Some said yes, some said no. Let's have a look at what other people say, shall we? http://newsforums.bbc.co.uk/nol/thread.jspa?forumID=4021&edition=2&ttl=20080516102501
Any thoughts on this? =)
Comment away..............
Watched the news recently? Sri Lanka got bombed again! And this time, it's interesting because the government is blaming the Tamil Tigers for the violence when no one was caught. It's a suicide bomber again, remember I showed you girls the billboard which depicted suicide bombings (people dying, etc)? Yup, this is it again. Here's the link: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7404147.stm
Now, who says bad guys can't turn good? But when they DO turn good, does society believe in them at all? A very interesting link here: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7391752.stm
Ex-Tamil Tigers are trying to get into election polls. Note that they used to be Tamil Tigers, do you think the citizens of Sri Lanka will believe in them and vote for them? Why or why not? =)
In class, I showed you the terms of the Good Friday Agreement between the Northern Ireland government and the IRA remember? Now, here are the terms and conditions the Tamil Tigers proposed in 2003 (How do I know it's 2003? Provenance, people... look at when the page was updated! ;) ). One particular term I find it especially amusing:
Being aware that the history of the relations between the Tamil people and the Sinhala people has been a process of broken promises and unilateral abrogation, by successive governments of Sri Lanka, of pacts and agreements solemnly entered into between the government of Sri Lanka (GOSL) and the elected representatives of the Tamil people.
Notice how they "conveniently" left the blame to the government and the people? So it has nothing to do with them, eh? Like how Ms Teo has nothing to do with 3A and 3C besides the fact that she taught them SS Chapter 4 which came out in the exam. Bleah. :
I asked you in class if you thought that the conflict in Sri Lanka/Northern Ireland will ever be resolved. Some said yes, some said no. Let's have a look at what other people say, shall we? http://newsforums.bbc.co.uk/nol/thread.jspa?forumID=4021&edition=2&ttl=20080516102501
Any thoughts on this? =)
Comment away..............
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Sad
I just gotten news from my Sec2 English classes that many of them failed their English paper.
Sigh.
Apparently I'm not as good a teacher as I thought. Girls, I really really hope you do ok for your SS paper. Will you let me know once you have gotten your marks please?
If you don't wish to comment/tag here and let everyone see your marks, then email me ok? kavgal@gmail.com
Saddened. =(
Sigh.
Apparently I'm not as good a teacher as I thought. Girls, I really really hope you do ok for your SS paper. Will you let me know once you have gotten your marks please?
If you don't wish to comment/tag here and let everyone see your marks, then email me ok? kavgal@gmail.com
Saddened. =(
Sunday, May 11, 2008
*sob sob*
Ok. Sorry for the act-cute-title above, but I'm really sad!
It's confirmed, girls. I won't be going back to STC when term starts. =(
Sigh.
In case you are wondering, I'm posted to Commonwealth Secondary School, am pretty excited and nervous all at the same time. I've never been there before so it's a fresh new start for me, just like it was a new start for me at STC 10 weeks ago.
I remember 10 weeks ago, I was apprehensive before I stepped into your classes for SS lessons. Firstly, I wasn't sure that I actually had enough content to teach you girls. Secondly, I came from a girls' school myself so I can somewhat vaguely recall how I felt last time when a trainee teacher came to teach my class. Not good.
But I'm glad I taught your classes. Really. You have taught me so much. Thank you. =)
And girls, like I said, this blog will not end with your SS paper. It will continue on to chapters 5 and 6, and even your Sec4 syllabus as well. There will be a hiatus (short break) for the time being as I have to go back to school (yes, to study!) for about a month or so before I report to the new school proper. Anyway I bet you don't want to read anything to do with SS in your June holidays right? =P Of course if you INSIST, I will continue to post up relevant and interesting stuff. Muahaha.
Remember to let me know how you fared for your SS paper, won't you? I'm really pretty anxious for every single one of you from both 3A and 3C. And because I marked your daily assignments, I know precisely what you girls can achieve. A lot.
So do take care in the meanwhile won't you? =) Keep in contact with me ok? I'm not some ghost teacher who floats by for a while and floats off again when not needed (too heavy to float though, more like plod). I'll always be here, you know my email, you know this blog.
Comment away.....................
It's confirmed, girls. I won't be going back to STC when term starts. =(
Sigh.
In case you are wondering, I'm posted to Commonwealth Secondary School, am pretty excited and nervous all at the same time. I've never been there before so it's a fresh new start for me, just like it was a new start for me at STC 10 weeks ago.
I remember 10 weeks ago, I was apprehensive before I stepped into your classes for SS lessons. Firstly, I wasn't sure that I actually had enough content to teach you girls. Secondly, I came from a girls' school myself so I can somewhat vaguely recall how I felt last time when a trainee teacher came to teach my class. Not good.
But I'm glad I taught your classes. Really. You have taught me so much. Thank you. =)
And girls, like I said, this blog will not end with your SS paper. It will continue on to chapters 5 and 6, and even your Sec4 syllabus as well. There will be a hiatus (short break) for the time being as I have to go back to school (yes, to study!) for about a month or so before I report to the new school proper. Anyway I bet you don't want to read anything to do with SS in your June holidays right? =P Of course if you INSIST, I will continue to post up relevant and interesting stuff. Muahaha.
Remember to let me know how you fared for your SS paper, won't you? I'm really pretty anxious for every single one of you from both 3A and 3C. And because I marked your daily assignments, I know precisely what you girls can achieve. A lot.
So do take care in the meanwhile won't you? =) Keep in contact with me ok? I'm not some ghost teacher who floats by for a while and floats off again when not needed (too heavy to float though, more like plod). I'll always be here, you know my email, you know this blog.
Comment away.....................
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Hey girls,
I'll be online till about 11pm to answer any queries you may have. But pls don't start sms-ing me in a frenzy ok? Do email me at kavgal@gmail.com or comment here and I'll reply promptly ok? =)
Happy studying!
Comment away.............
I'll be online till about 11pm to answer any queries you may have. But pls don't start sms-ing me in a frenzy ok? Do email me at kavgal@gmail.com or comment here and I'll reply promptly ok? =)
Happy studying!
Comment away.............
Monday, May 5, 2008
Of clumsiness and SBQs
Sigh. Had a tumble just now down the stairs while on the way home and sort of dislocated my right ankle. I'm going to have a slight limp tomorrow, but doubt that's gonna mess up my exquisite demeanour *laughs evilly* Don't ask me how I rolled (yes, rolled!) down the steps but I remember thinking of how to explain SBQs to you girls when I fell.
Nah. Just joking. As in, I really have a limp now, but I wasn't thinking of SBQs then. Kinda sad, isn't it, if I think of SS all the time.....
Anyway.
I think I need to make some things clear about SBQs. Some of you have asked about whether the "who what who what" tag is only applicable for inference questions, some asked about whether comparing/contrasting questions require you to follow strictly the table I gave you. Maybe it's my fault for rushing lessons so much that you sort of lost the main points you were supposed to take away from the lessons. My apologies....
OK. First things first.
There WILL be both inference and comparing/contrasting questions in the exam, be sure of that.
In inference questions, the common question format would be "What is the main message of this source?", "Why do you think the cartoonist/author/artist/etc drew this picture/wrote this source?", "What do you think the author is trying to say?". Now, the minute you see questions like these, a "Ding Ding Ding!" (bells ringing) should sound in your head. This is an inference question and immediately you should look for the purpose of the source.
How do you answer inference questions? First, let's assume it's a pictorial source for convenience sake. Look at the picture and see if you can see anything that is out of the ordinary. For example, in the Sri Lanka SBQ I've given you, the sleeping tiger is not alarmed at all by the sound of the alarm clock. This is something out of the ordinary, as you would expect to be erm.. alarmed by the alarm clock. =) Next, look at the provenance. The provenance normally tells you a lot about the source, tells you stuff that you can use as EVIDENCE in your answer. In this case, the author is a third party from Thailand right? So is he involved in the conflict directly? What does this mean then? You go figure.
Next, go on to the general content of the picture. State what the picture shows (the duh part) and then say what it means. OR you can always say what something means first and then point to the part of the picture which is the evidence for it. Whichever way, you have successfully done inference for content.
Last, but the most important, PURPOSE. This is, of course, where the tagline that I hope you will remember for the rest of your SS studies comes in.
WHO SAYS WHAT TO WHO TO DO WHAT?
Now, obviously there will be small overlaps between the first "who" and "what", as well as what you have already answered about content above. It's fine. If there are overlaps, then skip those and move on to the second "who" and "to do what". So who's the audience? Look at the provenance again. Does it say anything? Is it the international community? Or is it a local publication meant only for locals? Recall the source I gave you about the Indian man being cornered up on a tree with sharks swimming below. It was published in the Hindustan Times, which probably means only the Indian Tamils will get access to it.
The minute you know the audience, you can then infer what the author wants the audience to do. There are some critical words that are usually used for this part: criticise, accuse, defend, praise, inform, persuade, etc...
And guess what? You're done for inference! Easy? =)
Now I'm actually not going to say much for comparing/contrasting, mainly because I actually think I've done enough by giving you the table format for you to fill in. The 5 common factors you see in the table are things that you HAVE to be able to know when you are comparing or contrasting. Look again at the first page of the comparing/contrasting notes I've given you, the one with the points you need to know for comparing/contrasting. At the bottom, the different variations of comparing/contrasting question forms are given, together with whether you need to answer only similarities, only differences or both. So don't ask me again!
In case you missed out what I've told your class previously, if for example, you look at the clock during your paper and you realise you have not enough time to finish your comparing/contrasting question, dive in straight to the last 2 common factors in your table: tone and purpose. You can leave the rest out if you are short of time.
Now, girls, please note: you WILL NOT get full marks for your answer if you only answer the tone and purpose because the other 3 factors are important as well for a full mark. I only asked you to zoom in straight to tone and purpose ONLY IF you have no time to finish the question. If you do have the time, pls answer ALL 5 common factors in order to score a higher mark. The tone and purpose carry about half the marks, that's why I rather you leave out the other 3 factors and concentrate on these 2 factors.
Phew. I think that's about all I can think of for SBQs. Any questions?
Comment away.......
Nah. Just joking. As in, I really have a limp now, but I wasn't thinking of SBQs then. Kinda sad, isn't it, if I think of SS all the time.....
Anyway.
I think I need to make some things clear about SBQs. Some of you have asked about whether the "who what who what" tag is only applicable for inference questions, some asked about whether comparing/contrasting questions require you to follow strictly the table I gave you. Maybe it's my fault for rushing lessons so much that you sort of lost the main points you were supposed to take away from the lessons. My apologies....
OK. First things first.
There WILL be both inference and comparing/contrasting questions in the exam, be sure of that.
In inference questions, the common question format would be "What is the main message of this source?", "Why do you think the cartoonist/author/artist/etc drew this picture/wrote this source?", "What do you think the author is trying to say?". Now, the minute you see questions like these, a "Ding Ding Ding!" (bells ringing) should sound in your head. This is an inference question and immediately you should look for the purpose of the source.
How do you answer inference questions? First, let's assume it's a pictorial source for convenience sake. Look at the picture and see if you can see anything that is out of the ordinary. For example, in the Sri Lanka SBQ I've given you, the sleeping tiger is not alarmed at all by the sound of the alarm clock. This is something out of the ordinary, as you would expect to be erm.. alarmed by the alarm clock. =) Next, look at the provenance. The provenance normally tells you a lot about the source, tells you stuff that you can use as EVIDENCE in your answer. In this case, the author is a third party from Thailand right? So is he involved in the conflict directly? What does this mean then? You go figure.
Next, go on to the general content of the picture. State what the picture shows (the duh part) and then say what it means. OR you can always say what something means first and then point to the part of the picture which is the evidence for it. Whichever way, you have successfully done inference for content.
Last, but the most important, PURPOSE. This is, of course, where the tagline that I hope you will remember for the rest of your SS studies comes in.
WHO SAYS WHAT TO WHO TO DO WHAT?
Now, obviously there will be small overlaps between the first "who" and "what", as well as what you have already answered about content above. It's fine. If there are overlaps, then skip those and move on to the second "who" and "to do what". So who's the audience? Look at the provenance again. Does it say anything? Is it the international community? Or is it a local publication meant only for locals? Recall the source I gave you about the Indian man being cornered up on a tree with sharks swimming below. It was published in the Hindustan Times, which probably means only the Indian Tamils will get access to it.
The minute you know the audience, you can then infer what the author wants the audience to do. There are some critical words that are usually used for this part: criticise, accuse, defend, praise, inform, persuade, etc...
And guess what? You're done for inference! Easy? =)
Now I'm actually not going to say much for comparing/contrasting, mainly because I actually think I've done enough by giving you the table format for you to fill in. The 5 common factors you see in the table are things that you HAVE to be able to know when you are comparing or contrasting. Look again at the first page of the comparing/contrasting notes I've given you, the one with the points you need to know for comparing/contrasting. At the bottom, the different variations of comparing/contrasting question forms are given, together with whether you need to answer only similarities, only differences or both. So don't ask me again!
In case you missed out what I've told your class previously, if for example, you look at the clock during your paper and you realise you have not enough time to finish your comparing/contrasting question, dive in straight to the last 2 common factors in your table: tone and purpose. You can leave the rest out if you are short of time.
Now, girls, please note: you WILL NOT get full marks for your answer if you only answer the tone and purpose because the other 3 factors are important as well for a full mark. I only asked you to zoom in straight to tone and purpose ONLY IF you have no time to finish the question. If you do have the time, pls answer ALL 5 common factors in order to score a higher mark. The tone and purpose carry about half the marks, that's why I rather you leave out the other 3 factors and concentrate on these 2 factors.
Phew. I think that's about all I can think of for SBQs. Any questions?
Comment away.......
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Healthcare notes
Right, I understand that some of you are getting agitated about Chapters 2 and 3, specifically Chapter 3 Healthcare.
I have here with me some short notes and information on Singapore's healthcare policies, for eg. means-testing, etc. If you want it, do leave me a note or give me an sms to tell me so I can prepare a copy for you.
I don't entertain last minute requests for notes ok (actually it's because I'm too lazy to do last-minute print jobs haha), so let me know before Tuesday 1pm, or else your requests will not be entertained.
Comment away......
I have here with me some short notes and information on Singapore's healthcare policies, for eg. means-testing, etc. If you want it, do leave me a note or give me an sms to tell me so I can prepare a copy for you.
I don't entertain last minute requests for notes ok (actually it's because I'm too lazy to do last-minute print jobs haha), so let me know before Tuesday 1pm, or else your requests will not be entertained.
Comment away......
Saturday, May 3, 2008
Questions?
Ok, apparently you have been reading but not commenting. I wonder why though.
The posts and questions here are for you to practise your SBQs, I know it's boring, but one has to start somewhere isn't it? If you girls really are too shy to post your answers/questions here, then I guess I can't force you. But I do hope you get enough practice on your own. Try going on the internet and comparing/contrasting sources you see. That should be enough practice.
Anyway, I'm sorry I'm not able to meet up with some of you after school for consultations. My timetable has been hectic due to the MYE and other consultations as well. So the other thing I can do is, let this post be a "Questions" post ok? Do post any questions you have about SBQs or SEQs and girls, do try to answer your friends' questions if you can. Pls don't worry about getting the wrong answer because I'm here remember? :) You do need to experience answering questions yourselves so that you will remember.
Girls, this blog is for you, not me, and I do hope you can utilise it to the max. Some of you asked me if I'm going to stop this blog after MYE.
OF COURSE NOT.
Hello, I'm Ms Teo ok? Of course I'll continue posting relevant stuff up even after your MYE. Even if I may not get posted back to STC, you girls were my students and forever will be yah? I'll be continuing my blog posts with Chapters 5 and 6 too, things you would need to know for your final-year exams. =)
Let us work together ok? And oh yah, do tell me how you have done after you have completed your SS paper won't you? I'm nervous and excited for all of you as well. I just hope I don't manage to "destroy" some of you because you guys said I don't teach as well as your original teacher. But do let me know how you fared ok? Then I can improve my teaching too! =)
Comment away..........
The posts and questions here are for you to practise your SBQs, I know it's boring, but one has to start somewhere isn't it? If you girls really are too shy to post your answers/questions here, then I guess I can't force you. But I do hope you get enough practice on your own. Try going on the internet and comparing/contrasting sources you see. That should be enough practice.
Anyway, I'm sorry I'm not able to meet up with some of you after school for consultations. My timetable has been hectic due to the MYE and other consultations as well. So the other thing I can do is, let this post be a "Questions" post ok? Do post any questions you have about SBQs or SEQs and girls, do try to answer your friends' questions if you can. Pls don't worry about getting the wrong answer because I'm here remember? :) You do need to experience answering questions yourselves so that you will remember.
Girls, this blog is for you, not me, and I do hope you can utilise it to the max. Some of you asked me if I'm going to stop this blog after MYE.
OF COURSE NOT.
Hello, I'm Ms Teo ok? Of course I'll continue posting relevant stuff up even after your MYE. Even if I may not get posted back to STC, you girls were my students and forever will be yah? I'll be continuing my blog posts with Chapters 5 and 6 too, things you would need to know for your final-year exams. =)
Let us work together ok? And oh yah, do tell me how you have done after you have completed your SS paper won't you? I'm nervous and excited for all of you as well. I just hope I don't manage to "destroy" some of you because you guys said I don't teach as well as your original teacher. But do let me know how you fared ok? Then I can improve my teaching too! =)
Comment away..........
Friday, May 2, 2008
The darn SEQs
Ok, since I didn't go through SEQs very much in class, I shall talk about them here then...
Some people have asked me what to study for SEQs and if certain topics will be tested in the exam. Girls, girls, girls. Sigh. You have 3 chapters to study for, and I told you that all of them are important didn't I? Yes I understand that you have a lot to study as well for the other subjects, especially for those who have another exam on the day of the SS exam, but then if I had a choice, I wouldn't be saying that.
Girls, the 3 chapters are really important, so pls try not to skip studying any chapter ok? Don't worry, just read the notes I've given you in class and you'll be fine. Really. If any of you has somehow lost (!!!) your handouts, let me know and I'll see if I can give you another copy before Wednesday.
Now, SEQs. Remember the template I've given you on answering SEQ questions? That is precisely the template you HAVE to follow for the exams ok? And pls don't forget, PEEL. Any of those 4 important categories left out in your answer, and you will not get the full marks for your answer.
Point
State your point as clearly as you can. For example, How far do you agree that Ms Teo is the most beautiful woman in the world?
How do you state the first point?
"I agree that Ms Teo is the most beautiful woman in the world to a great extent. (Muahaha) Her sense of fashion is something that inspires everyone whenever she goes for her lessons."
Evidence
Any evidence to prove your point?
"Once I saw her wearing this gorgeous navy blue dress, which actually sort of looks like our school uniform. It is a pinafore-like dress, except without our white shirt inside."
Elaboration
Explain your evidence further to show how it proves your point.
"That dress Ms Teo wore has this certain stunning effect on her naturally beautiful silhouette. It emphasises her classic beauty whenever she wears that dress to school. This shows that Ms Teo, without doubt, is the most beautiful woman in the world."
Link
Always remember to link it back to the question!
"Therefore, from the above evidence, we can see that the clothes Ms Teo wears contribute to her natural beauty and thus making her the most beautiful woman in the world."
Ok, you can stop puking now.
Anyway, this simple example is just a simplified version of how your SEQ answer should look like. Comprehendo?
Comment away........
Some people have asked me what to study for SEQs and if certain topics will be tested in the exam. Girls, girls, girls. Sigh. You have 3 chapters to study for, and I told you that all of them are important didn't I? Yes I understand that you have a lot to study as well for the other subjects, especially for those who have another exam on the day of the SS exam, but then if I had a choice, I wouldn't be saying that.
Girls, the 3 chapters are really important, so pls try not to skip studying any chapter ok? Don't worry, just read the notes I've given you in class and you'll be fine. Really. If any of you has somehow lost (!!!) your handouts, let me know and I'll see if I can give you another copy before Wednesday.
Now, SEQs. Remember the template I've given you on answering SEQ questions? That is precisely the template you HAVE to follow for the exams ok? And pls don't forget, PEEL. Any of those 4 important categories left out in your answer, and you will not get the full marks for your answer.
Point
State your point as clearly as you can. For example, How far do you agree that Ms Teo is the most beautiful woman in the world?
How do you state the first point?
"I agree that Ms Teo is the most beautiful woman in the world to a great extent. (Muahaha) Her sense of fashion is something that inspires everyone whenever she goes for her lessons."
Evidence
Any evidence to prove your point?
"Once I saw her wearing this gorgeous navy blue dress, which actually sort of looks like our school uniform. It is a pinafore-like dress, except without our white shirt inside."
Elaboration
Explain your evidence further to show how it proves your point.
"That dress Ms Teo wore has this certain stunning effect on her naturally beautiful silhouette. It emphasises her classic beauty whenever she wears that dress to school. This shows that Ms Teo, without doubt, is the most beautiful woman in the world."
Link
Always remember to link it back to the question!
"Therefore, from the above evidence, we can see that the clothes Ms Teo wears contribute to her natural beauty and thus making her the most beautiful woman in the world."
Ok, you can stop puking now.
Anyway, this simple example is just a simplified version of how your SEQ answer should look like. Comprehendo?
Comment away........
Governance in Singapore: Ageing population
I don't ever want to hear my name being associated with the "ageing population" is that clear?
Here are two short articles about policies taken by the Singapore government to tackle the ageing population here. If this is not related to your exam, then what is? =P
Both articles are taken from the Straits Times September 19 2007.
S'pore has 'unique software' for successful ageing
by Sue-Ann Chia
Singapore has developed unique software for successful ageing - the Central Provident Fund (CPF) scheme and proposed re-employment law, among others, labour chief Lim Swee Say said yesterday.
But in the same way that software can be hit by viruses, good policies can be stymied (Ms Teo: stymied means foiled, stopped, destroyed) if people do not believe in them, he told the House.
Citing examples of how this could happen, he said there could, for instance, be ageist employers who believe they will be better off with younger workers - and so not hire older workers.
There could also be older folk who do not believe they will live longer, and so opt for early retirement instead of staying on in the job.
But Mr Lim, who is Minister in the Prime Minister's Office, is confident Singapore has what it takes to successfully help people build up their retirement savings.
"We're setting the pace of breaking new ground. We've every reason to believe that if there's one country in this world that's going to be able to succeed in this active ageing and successful ageing, then I think Singapore stands a very good chance," he said on the second day of the debate on reforming the CPF to boost retirement income.
Mr Lim recited a Chinese saying, "You hao de kai duan, yi jing cheng gong le yi ban". It means a good beginning is already halfway to being successful. (Ms Teo: or like I like to say, a good background knowledge is already halfway to scoring in your exams. Ain't that so true?!)
The labour movement supported changes outlined on Monday by Manpower Minister Ng Eng Hen as these were necessary and would benefit workers, he said.
Among the changes are enhancing CPF interest rates, a new national longevity insurance, and re-employment legislation.
But Mr Lim also reflected concerns from the ground, recounting conversations he had with union leaders.
What people did not appear to accept was that one in two workers today who reaches the age of 62 will go on to live beyond the age of 85.
And because of this belief, some do not see the need to work longer, or to buy longevity insurance that will provide monthly payouts after age 85.
Mr Lim also noted that many people did not realise the impact that working longer would have on their retirement savings.
For every year they work after age 62 - and so delay drawing down on their CPF Minimum Sum - they will be adding two more years' worth to what is in their retirement savings, he said.
Noting that workers were worried about having enough savings to tide them through their golden years, he reminded them that the Government, labour movement and employer groups have already started the process of helping workers.
"Over the next two years, we are going to move very fast because we have thought of the solution, now we must focus on implementation," he said.
"And we hope that the next two years, we'll be able to move so fast that, in fact, more and more workers will be able to look forward to living longer, having good jobs and, at the same time, have sufficient savings for their retirement."
___________________________________
Right, you can let go of your breath now. Go look at some other website before reading on to the next article, I know it can be taxing on your eyes, especially when the topic isn't all that interesting....
Ok ready? Let's go!
_____________________________________
Govt cares for the elderly - here's the proof
by Li Xueying
The Government does help provide for the elderly - and the evidence is in the extra one percentage point in interest on the first $60,000 in their Central Provident Fund (CPF) accounts.
So said Minister of State for Health Heng Chee How, who yesterday put up a defence of the CPF changes, countering those who argued that the Government should do more, particularly in underwriting the annuities scheme.
Noting that the extra interest costs $700 million a year, Mr Heng said: "The way some are arguing is as if it was not a cent in there."
He suggested that the extra payout be placed in a separate sub-account. CPF members can then use that when they turn 55 for the annuities.
This will help Singaporeans be "more aware" of the extra help rendered by the Government, said Mr Heng.
The NTUC deputy secretary-general also raised three concerns on the re-employment law.
First, that the companies may substitute ageing workers with, say, foreign workers way before they reach 62 so that they do not have to offer re-employment.
Second, that offers of re-employment will be for just a few months or up to a year.
Third, that "structural adjustments" will need to be monitored because, when there is a cyclical economic downturn, "the stickiness of the employment may be weak".
Mr Heng called for a public database of companies' re-employment arrangements. Companies that actively pursue re-employment should be rewarded.
"To spur companies to move faster, there must be a difference in outcomes for those who move fast versus those that do not," he said.
______________________________________
Girls, what do you notice about these 2 articles? Can compare and contrast? Try it out! =)
No prizes for correct answers, BUT how can you risk not scoring well for your SBQs if you don't try? Give it your best shot ok?
Comment away...............
Here are two short articles about policies taken by the Singapore government to tackle the ageing population here. If this is not related to your exam, then what is? =P
Both articles are taken from the Straits Times September 19 2007.
S'pore has 'unique software' for successful ageing
by Sue-Ann Chia
Singapore has developed unique software for successful ageing - the Central Provident Fund (CPF) scheme and proposed re-employment law, among others, labour chief Lim Swee Say said yesterday.
But in the same way that software can be hit by viruses, good policies can be stymied (Ms Teo: stymied means foiled, stopped, destroyed) if people do not believe in them, he told the House.
Citing examples of how this could happen, he said there could, for instance, be ageist employers who believe they will be better off with younger workers - and so not hire older workers.
There could also be older folk who do not believe they will live longer, and so opt for early retirement instead of staying on in the job.
But Mr Lim, who is Minister in the Prime Minister's Office, is confident Singapore has what it takes to successfully help people build up their retirement savings.
"We're setting the pace of breaking new ground. We've every reason to believe that if there's one country in this world that's going to be able to succeed in this active ageing and successful ageing, then I think Singapore stands a very good chance," he said on the second day of the debate on reforming the CPF to boost retirement income.
Mr Lim recited a Chinese saying, "You hao de kai duan, yi jing cheng gong le yi ban". It means a good beginning is already halfway to being successful. (Ms Teo: or like I like to say, a good background knowledge is already halfway to scoring in your exams. Ain't that so true?!)
The labour movement supported changes outlined on Monday by Manpower Minister Ng Eng Hen as these were necessary and would benefit workers, he said.
Among the changes are enhancing CPF interest rates, a new national longevity insurance, and re-employment legislation.
But Mr Lim also reflected concerns from the ground, recounting conversations he had with union leaders.
What people did not appear to accept was that one in two workers today who reaches the age of 62 will go on to live beyond the age of 85.
And because of this belief, some do not see the need to work longer, or to buy longevity insurance that will provide monthly payouts after age 85.
Mr Lim also noted that many people did not realise the impact that working longer would have on their retirement savings.
For every year they work after age 62 - and so delay drawing down on their CPF Minimum Sum - they will be adding two more years' worth to what is in their retirement savings, he said.
Noting that workers were worried about having enough savings to tide them through their golden years, he reminded them that the Government, labour movement and employer groups have already started the process of helping workers.
"Over the next two years, we are going to move very fast because we have thought of the solution, now we must focus on implementation," he said.
"And we hope that the next two years, we'll be able to move so fast that, in fact, more and more workers will be able to look forward to living longer, having good jobs and, at the same time, have sufficient savings for their retirement."
___________________________________
Right, you can let go of your breath now. Go look at some other website before reading on to the next article, I know it can be taxing on your eyes, especially when the topic isn't all that interesting....
Ok ready? Let's go!
_____________________________________
Govt cares for the elderly - here's the proof
by Li Xueying
The Government does help provide for the elderly - and the evidence is in the extra one percentage point in interest on the first $60,000 in their Central Provident Fund (CPF) accounts.
So said Minister of State for Health Heng Chee How, who yesterday put up a defence of the CPF changes, countering those who argued that the Government should do more, particularly in underwriting the annuities scheme.
Noting that the extra interest costs $700 million a year, Mr Heng said: "The way some are arguing is as if it was not a cent in there."
He suggested that the extra payout be placed in a separate sub-account. CPF members can then use that when they turn 55 for the annuities.
This will help Singaporeans be "more aware" of the extra help rendered by the Government, said Mr Heng.
The NTUC deputy secretary-general also raised three concerns on the re-employment law.
First, that the companies may substitute ageing workers with, say, foreign workers way before they reach 62 so that they do not have to offer re-employment.
Second, that offers of re-employment will be for just a few months or up to a year.
Third, that "structural adjustments" will need to be monitored because, when there is a cyclical economic downturn, "the stickiness of the employment may be weak".
Mr Heng called for a public database of companies' re-employment arrangements. Companies that actively pursue re-employment should be rewarded.
"To spur companies to move faster, there must be a difference in outcomes for those who move fast versus those that do not," he said.
______________________________________
Girls, what do you notice about these 2 articles? Can compare and contrast? Try it out! =)
No prizes for correct answers, BUT how can you risk not scoring well for your SBQs if you don't try? Give it your best shot ok?
Comment away...............
Healthcare in Singapore: Self-reliance?
Yoyo,
as mentioned, here's an article from the Straits Times October 30 2007 about Singapore's healthcare system. (Girls, this is the provenance, you know what to do...)
Sidetrack: Towards the end of the article, there is actually something on governance (land and road transport). Remember your ERP, COE, etc?
PM signals tough measures ahead
by Goh Chin Lian
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong yesterday served notice that some major policy measures which may be tough or "painful", likes means-testing for hospital care and further steps to deal with car ownership and usage, are on the cards.
He cited these as some of the initiatives that will be taken in coming months to help Singapore tackle problems.
Noting that it is time to implement means-testing in hospitals, he said this is one way to make sure lower-income Singaporeans get a higher subsidy than those who are better off.
The Health Ministry is studying the idea and will consult the unions when it has firmer ideas on what to do, he told some 1,000 unionists and guests at the National Trades Union Congress National Delegates Conference.
He was speaking on the first day of the three-day conference at Orchid Country Club in Khatib. The conference is held every four years to chart the labour movement's future direction.
In a speech that outlined the unions' role in economic progress and government policy-making, Mr Lee said that Singapore must keep adapting to change to stay ahead, which means, at times, more major policies.
Health care is one area where many initiatives are being rolled out to improve the system and ease fears about its affordability.
Health Minister Khaw Boon Wan, who was present at the conference but declined to speak to reporters on the issue, gave notice in April that means-testing will start in a limited form in public hospitals within a year.
He said then it may include checking a patient's finances if he exceeds the average five-day stay in hospital.
In step-down facilities like nursing homes, patients get a 75, 50 or 25 percent subsidy if their family income divided by the number of family members is $1,000 a month or less. Public hospitals have no such income criteria.
Mr Lee said yesterday the idea is to target government subsidies at the lower-income group "who need these subsidies most".
"It's not easy to do. It's very sensitive... How to implement it fairly and simply, without making hospital care unaffordable for the middle-income group?"
The unions, he noted, are also working towards a portable medical benefits system that it has talked of for nearly 10 years. "It's something which we should pursue with some urgency," he said.
Land transport is another major policy area under review.
Recounting his drive to the conference that morning, he said: "I was watching the trains going down into town along the Central Expressway. Every carriage was packed. I think we need to improve the public transport. We've got some ideas."
Roads also need to be free-flowing: "Driving out from town, the roads were fine. Driving down in the opposite direction along the CTE was not so good."
There is no easy way to implement road traffic and "painful measures" like Electronic Road Pricing and certificates of entitlement are "necessary and we have to do more with them."
"We are working out schemes and I think they'll be ready to be worked out... early next year, in January."
Mr Lee said that, on all such major issues, the Government will keep in close touch with unions. He added that ministers Lim Boon Heng and Lim Swee Say will speak for the unions and "ask the other ministers very tough questions".
____________________________________________
*phew* That was finally done, I was typing like some mad person just now. Don't ask why I can't just put up the article here, remember how I said I'm a tech-idiot and that my knowledge of technology is limited? Scanning is out too, long story...
Right, girls, having read the article, what do you think about means-testing? Do you think it is feasible in both the short term and the long term? Why or why not?
Notice that this article was written in 2007, just last year. Singapore is always on the move to further her healthcare system, hoping to cater to the masses as well as she can. Compare this to Britain's healthcare system. What are the similarities and differences you see in both healthcare systems?
Comment away..................
as mentioned, here's an article from the Straits Times October 30 2007 about Singapore's healthcare system. (Girls, this is the provenance, you know what to do...)
Sidetrack: Towards the end of the article, there is actually something on governance (land and road transport). Remember your ERP, COE, etc?
PM signals tough measures ahead
by Goh Chin Lian
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong yesterday served notice that some major policy measures which may be tough or "painful", likes means-testing for hospital care and further steps to deal with car ownership and usage, are on the cards.
He cited these as some of the initiatives that will be taken in coming months to help Singapore tackle problems.
Noting that it is time to implement means-testing in hospitals, he said this is one way to make sure lower-income Singaporeans get a higher subsidy than those who are better off.
The Health Ministry is studying the idea and will consult the unions when it has firmer ideas on what to do, he told some 1,000 unionists and guests at the National Trades Union Congress National Delegates Conference.
He was speaking on the first day of the three-day conference at Orchid Country Club in Khatib. The conference is held every four years to chart the labour movement's future direction.
In a speech that outlined the unions' role in economic progress and government policy-making, Mr Lee said that Singapore must keep adapting to change to stay ahead, which means, at times, more major policies.
Health care is one area where many initiatives are being rolled out to improve the system and ease fears about its affordability.
Health Minister Khaw Boon Wan, who was present at the conference but declined to speak to reporters on the issue, gave notice in April that means-testing will start in a limited form in public hospitals within a year.
He said then it may include checking a patient's finances if he exceeds the average five-day stay in hospital.
In step-down facilities like nursing homes, patients get a 75, 50 or 25 percent subsidy if their family income divided by the number of family members is $1,000 a month or less. Public hospitals have no such income criteria.
Mr Lee said yesterday the idea is to target government subsidies at the lower-income group "who need these subsidies most".
"It's not easy to do. It's very sensitive... How to implement it fairly and simply, without making hospital care unaffordable for the middle-income group?"
The unions, he noted, are also working towards a portable medical benefits system that it has talked of for nearly 10 years. "It's something which we should pursue with some urgency," he said.
Land transport is another major policy area under review.
Recounting his drive to the conference that morning, he said: "I was watching the trains going down into town along the Central Expressway. Every carriage was packed. I think we need to improve the public transport. We've got some ideas."
Roads also need to be free-flowing: "Driving out from town, the roads were fine. Driving down in the opposite direction along the CTE was not so good."
There is no easy way to implement road traffic and "painful measures" like Electronic Road Pricing and certificates of entitlement are "necessary and we have to do more with them."
"We are working out schemes and I think they'll be ready to be worked out... early next year, in January."
Mr Lee said that, on all such major issues, the Government will keep in close touch with unions. He added that ministers Lim Boon Heng and Lim Swee Say will speak for the unions and "ask the other ministers very tough questions".
____________________________________________
*phew* That was finally done, I was typing like some mad person just now. Don't ask why I can't just put up the article here, remember how I said I'm a tech-idiot and that my knowledge of technology is limited? Scanning is out too, long story...
Right, girls, having read the article, what do you think about means-testing? Do you think it is feasible in both the short term and the long term? Why or why not?
Notice that this article was written in 2007, just last year. Singapore is always on the move to further her healthcare system, hoping to cater to the masses as well as she can. Compare this to Britain's healthcare system. What are the similarities and differences you see in both healthcare systems?
Comment away..................
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Britain and her healthcare
I know I didn't teach Chapter 3 to you girls, but then since it's included in the exam syllabus as well, I might as well show you this (last entry of today, I promise!). You can of course still comment/ask questions regarding Chapters 2 and 3, and I'll help out if you can't get any answers =)
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/7367806.stm
Right, will post up some stuff related to Singapore's healthcare system soon, do take note!
Comment away........
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/7367806.stm
Right, will post up some stuff related to Singapore's healthcare system soon, do take note!
Comment away........
Everything you need to know about Sri Lanka
Hey girls,
sorry for the Sri Lanka information overload, but then I chanced upon this site which basically sums up EVERYTHING you need for the exams! Is that cool or what? Sri Lanka's history/background (remember how I emphasised the importance of that in class??), Tamil Tigers, the conflict in general (Black July), etc... All can be found here. Do take a look, of course preferably before Wednesday! You know why...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/country_profiles/1168427.stm
Comment away............
sorry for the Sri Lanka information overload, but then I chanced upon this site which basically sums up EVERYTHING you need for the exams! Is that cool or what? Sri Lanka's history/background (remember how I emphasised the importance of that in class??), Tamil Tigers, the conflict in general (Black July), etc... All can be found here. Do take a look, of course preferably before Wednesday! You know why...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/country_profiles/1168427.stm
Comment away............
Tamil Tigers *roar*
Another one from BBC (it has really good articles!).. Do look at the few related links on the right of this website too: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/7377179.stm
More time to quiz Tigers suspects
The men are being questioned at Paddington Green police station
Detectives have been granted extra time to quiz three men arrested as part of an investigation into the Tamil Tigers.
Officers can now hold the men until next Tuesday. They are being held as part of a long-term investigation into the Sri Lankan-based group.
Two of the men, aged 39 and 46, were arrested in raids in Powys, Wales and a third, aged 33, in south-west London.
All three are being held on suspicion of the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism.
They are being questioned at the high-security Paddington Green police station in central London.
The arrests were made during early-morning raids at residential and business addresses in Newtown in Powys, Mitcham in south-west London, and Harrow in north-west London on Tuesday.
Two charged
A Scotland Yard spokesman confirmed on Wednesday the arrests were part of a long-term investigation into "alleged funding and procurement activity in support of terrorism overseas".
Two men from south London have already appeared in court charged with terror offences in connection with the investigation.
One is accused of arranging meetings of the Tamil Tigers and addressing an event in Hyde Park, central London.
He is also accused of amassing military equipment including machetes, combat boots, camouflage clothes, spades and handcuffs. He denies the offences.
In November, the leader of a breakaway faction of the Tamil Tigers, Colonel Karuna Amman, was arrested in a joint operation by British police and immigration officials.
No details have been released of where he was detained or whether Sri Lanka will begin extradition proceedings.
In Sri Lanka, the Tamil Tigers have fought for a generation for an independent state for the Tamil minority.
At least 70,000 people have died since the civil war began in 1983.
_______________________________________________
Remember how I said the conflict is still on-going today? Now, people suspected of being involved in the LTTE are being arrested. Is this too little, too late? What do you think? Will the conflict be solved anytime soon, you think? Why or why not?
It has been going on long enough surely! Look at the number of people who died! 70,000. That's like almost one-third of Singapore's population (pardon my maths if I'm wrong, there's a reason why I'm not a Maths teacher).
Comment away................
More time to quiz Tigers suspects
The men are being questioned at Paddington Green police station
Detectives have been granted extra time to quiz three men arrested as part of an investigation into the Tamil Tigers.
Officers can now hold the men until next Tuesday. They are being held as part of a long-term investigation into the Sri Lankan-based group.
Two of the men, aged 39 and 46, were arrested in raids in Powys, Wales and a third, aged 33, in south-west London.
All three are being held on suspicion of the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism.
They are being questioned at the high-security Paddington Green police station in central London.
The arrests were made during early-morning raids at residential and business addresses in Newtown in Powys, Mitcham in south-west London, and Harrow in north-west London on Tuesday.
Two charged
A Scotland Yard spokesman confirmed on Wednesday the arrests were part of a long-term investigation into "alleged funding and procurement activity in support of terrorism overseas".
Two men from south London have already appeared in court charged with terror offences in connection with the investigation.
One is accused of arranging meetings of the Tamil Tigers and addressing an event in Hyde Park, central London.
He is also accused of amassing military equipment including machetes, combat boots, camouflage clothes, spades and handcuffs. He denies the offences.
In November, the leader of a breakaway faction of the Tamil Tigers, Colonel Karuna Amman, was arrested in a joint operation by British police and immigration officials.
No details have been released of where he was detained or whether Sri Lanka will begin extradition proceedings.
In Sri Lanka, the Tamil Tigers have fought for a generation for an independent state for the Tamil minority.
At least 70,000 people have died since the civil war began in 1983.
_______________________________________________
Remember how I said the conflict is still on-going today? Now, people suspected of being involved in the LTTE are being arrested. Is this too little, too late? What do you think? Will the conflict be solved anytime soon, you think? Why or why not?
It has been going on long enough surely! Look at the number of people who died! 70,000. That's like almost one-third of Singapore's population (pardon my maths if I'm wrong, there's a reason why I'm not a Maths teacher).
Comment away................
Chapter 4
This is taken from BBC website http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7372512.stm
E Timor rebel leader surrenders
Gastao Salsinha handed in his weapons at a formal ceremony
The leader of a group of rebels accused of trying to assassinate East Timor's president has surrendered.
Gastao Salsinha and 11 other rebels handed themselves in to Deputy Prime Minister Jose Luis Guterres at the government palace in the capital, Dili.
Mr Guterres described the surrender as a "historic moment" for East Timor.
President Jose Ramos-Horta was seriously hurt in the February attack, which triggered fears for the stability of the newly-independent nation.
He underwent weeks of treatment for bullet wounds in an Australian hospital and only returned to East Timor earlier this month.
'Harmony and stability'
Gastao Salsinha took over the leadership of the rebels from Alfredo Reinado, who was shot dead in the attack on Mr Ramos-Horta.
Surrender ends rebellion
His decision to surrender followed days of negotiations with officials in a house in the west of the country.
Mr Gutteres confirmed that the rebels had turned in their guns.
"So officially the rebellion is over, and now what we have to do is bring all of them to justice," he said.
"It's a historic moment for the country, and a historic moment for the people of East Timor.
"We believe that from now on the Timorese development will start and people will have a better future, as well as living in peace, harmony and stability."
Mr Ramos-Horta witnessed the surrender, as did United Nations mission chief Atul Khare.
Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao, who escaped unhurt from an attack on the same day the president was shot, is in Indonesia on an official visit.
The rebels - former soldiers - had been on the run since violent protests in 2006 that left more than 30 people dead.
The protests were triggered by then Prime Minister Mari Alkatiri's decision to sack 600 striking members of the army.
Girls, what do you see in common here in E Timor and Sri Lanka/Northern Ireland?
*hint* surrender of arms... did it happen? If yes, how? If no, why not?
Comment away..............
E Timor rebel leader surrenders
Gastao Salsinha handed in his weapons at a formal ceremony
The leader of a group of rebels accused of trying to assassinate East Timor's president has surrendered.
Gastao Salsinha and 11 other rebels handed themselves in to Deputy Prime Minister Jose Luis Guterres at the government palace in the capital, Dili.
Mr Guterres described the surrender as a "historic moment" for East Timor.
President Jose Ramos-Horta was seriously hurt in the February attack, which triggered fears for the stability of the newly-independent nation.
He underwent weeks of treatment for bullet wounds in an Australian hospital and only returned to East Timor earlier this month.
'Harmony and stability'
Gastao Salsinha took over the leadership of the rebels from Alfredo Reinado, who was shot dead in the attack on Mr Ramos-Horta.
Surrender ends rebellion
His decision to surrender followed days of negotiations with officials in a house in the west of the country.
Mr Gutteres confirmed that the rebels had turned in their guns.
"So officially the rebellion is over, and now what we have to do is bring all of them to justice," he said.
"It's a historic moment for the country, and a historic moment for the people of East Timor.
"We believe that from now on the Timorese development will start and people will have a better future, as well as living in peace, harmony and stability."
Mr Ramos-Horta witnessed the surrender, as did United Nations mission chief Atul Khare.
Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao, who escaped unhurt from an attack on the same day the president was shot, is in Indonesia on an official visit.
The rebels - former soldiers - had been on the run since violent protests in 2006 that left more than 30 people dead.
The protests were triggered by then Prime Minister Mari Alkatiri's decision to sack 600 striking members of the army.
Girls, what do you see in common here in E Timor and Sri Lanka/Northern Ireland?
*hint* surrender of arms... did it happen? If yes, how? If no, why not?
Comment away..............
A starting place...
Hello hello...
Welcome to the SS blog I specially created for you guys. =)
I always have the idea that we can sustain our interest in any subject/topic if we look to our daily lives and what is happening around us. I realise that I can stay interested in SS as long as I relate what I have learnt to daily events and happenings, so you can too..
I will be posting up some healthcare related plus Sri Lanka material soon, so stay tuned ok?
And one more thing, this blog can also be used as a form of communication and interaction for you people from 3A and 3C, so do comment away and discuss whatever SS topics you want to ok?
You know what will happen if I see offensive and personal remarks right? I behave here exactly how I behave in class *grin*, so if you want to try, then go ahead........ =P
Ok, will be posting up something real soon, look out for it!
Welcome to the SS blog I specially created for you guys. =)
I always have the idea that we can sustain our interest in any subject/topic if we look to our daily lives and what is happening around us. I realise that I can stay interested in SS as long as I relate what I have learnt to daily events and happenings, so you can too..
I will be posting up some healthcare related plus Sri Lanka material soon, so stay tuned ok?
And one more thing, this blog can also be used as a form of communication and interaction for you people from 3A and 3C, so do comment away and discuss whatever SS topics you want to ok?
You know what will happen if I see offensive and personal remarks right? I behave here exactly how I behave in class *grin*, so if you want to try, then go ahead........ =P
Ok, will be posting up something real soon, look out for it!
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