Month: July 2023

O’Levels English Literature 2065 – How We Live Now

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O’Levels English Literature Tuition 2065 – How We Live Now

Humanities (Social Studies, Literature in English) 2262 Elective Literature/SS 

 ‘How We Live Now’  is a chosen text for students taking O’Levels Literature in English (Syllabus 2065). It is a MOE Cambridge O-Level text for students taking exams from year beginning 2024. 

This book is a compilation of Short Stories by Writers in Singapore, revolving around issues, themes concerning Singaporean settings and daily living on our sunny shores. 

Close to Home By Jinny Koh

An excerpt

Plot Summary:

Told from the first person perspective of Nicky, readers are given a first hand recount of the narrator’s experience of being sent to live with a neighbourhood Aunty as his mother who is suffering from cancer could no longer take care of him for the moment. 

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During the short stay, Nicky discovers Aunty Loh’s past and current struggles, from an estranged husband to her own daughter suffering a miscarriage. On a fateful day, Aunty Loh’s flat caught fire. After the fire, Aunty Loh sold her flat and disappeared from Nicky’s life. 

 

Characters:

Nicky the Narrator Aunty Loh Nicky’s mother
Nicky’s Father  Aunty Loh’s Daughter Peifen  Aunty Loh’s husband Uncle Loh
     

Points to note for this short story:

Relationships: Nicky and Mother

What is the relationship between Nicky and his mother like? Does Nicky openly express his views and feelings to his mother? Does he have love and affection for his mother? Why does he fear that ‘each time her eyes closed, they might never open again.’ (Pg 27) How was he like when he was preparing Mother’s Day card and why was he “embarrassed” by his own card? Do you think he yearns for her mother while being separated from her? How was that revealed? Was it through his actions such as how he often ‘peer(s) outside Aunty Loh’s window at the common corridor’ with the hope of ‘(catching) a glimpse of (his) mother’. 

Relationships: Nicky and Aunty Loh

How would you describe Nicky’s connection with Aunty Loh? Did his opinions of her changed over time or was it always the same from beginning to end. Do you recall how Aunty Loh greeted Nicky when he arrived (see page 24 of the text) what did she say? What does that tell about her attitude? Similarly, was Nicky acting the same way to Aunty Loh from the beginning of his stay at Aunty Loh’s house to the end? Many interactions between them shows how their relationships evolved, for instance, Nicky helping to thread the needle for Aunty Loh when sewing the pillow for Peifen’s baby. We witness how she taught Nicky how to thread the needle and Nicky helping to clear up the sewing materials when Aunty Loh dozed off. (see page 32 of the text).  

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Preparing for Exams:

Possible Question:

How does the writer make Aunty Loh an likeable / affable character?

Characters bring the readers on the journey. Writers often capture the interests of readers by creating relatable, likeable characters.

In the short story, ‘Close to Home, Aunty Loh is presented to be someone relatable that quickly captures readers’ hearts.

Here’s a quick questions-checklist that you can use to see if writer manages to make you like her.

1) Is Aunty Loh relatable? Most of us reader prefer characters that are interesting and relatable.

2) Is Aunty Loh’s behaviour, antics funny? 

3) What makes Aunty Loh stand out?

4) Does Aunty Loh have sympathy? 

5) Did Aunty Loh encounter some personal setbacks?

Want to improve your literature grades? Stuck with understanding poems? Get professional help now. Reach out to our team of professional and highly experienced tutors for 1 to 1 Private Tuition to help you get the distinction you deserve. Looking for Literature tuition or IB Language Arts tuition? Contact us today.
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2023 ENGLISH O’LEVELS 1184 ORAL DAY 4 (HAZE/ENVIRONMENT)

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Our planet’s alarm is going off, and it is time to wake up and take action!

 

O’LEVELS ENGLISH DAY 4: 2023 ORAL QUESTION (ENVIRONMENT-HAZE)

 

Video: Candidates were shown a 1-min of haze in Singapore with people walking around in their masks

(As you should already know, the sound in the video is immaterial. Focus on the content and subject.)

How to tackle the Oral Planned Response Question:

For planned response, students must present a 2-minute response (usually this means two PEEL Paragraphs) to answer the question. You can refer to your written notes. Use 5Ws and 1H when you are brainstorming for answers. Be certain to answer the prompt, identify keywords and present your thoughts confidently. Refer to our earlier post on O’levels 1184 Planned Response Format. 

Planned Response Question:

“How do you think the haze will impact people who live in the city?”

Suggested Approach

Candidates can mention how people of different health conditions, ages and trades are affected by the haze. From productivity, cancellation of school events, school closures to respiratory illness spikes and cancellation of travel plans, all these are consequences of haze upon people who reside in the city. Candidates need to ensure that they elaborate on their points rather than list down all the problems. For instance, candidates can point out that haze worsen the air pollution in city and exacerbate the respiratory health problems of those with asthma.

Candidates can cite how haze will limit their outdoor activities. For instance, haze may have affected their school’s sports day / CCA. With the air quality deteriorated dramatically due to haze caused by forest fires in the region, people limit their outdoor activities finding themselves confined to indoors / at home /in classrooms, feeling a sense of frustration and helplessness. Others may cite the lack of visibility affects driving conditions and how drivers may have problems navigating around and they may resort to drive with full headlights on a brightly-lit street due to the thick haze. 

Note: You should address the examiner’s question directly and focus on using strong adjectives to relate the video to the question. The two points for your answers should not be too similar and it should have personal observations / examples. The planned response is around two mins long. (2 PEEL 1 adjective + explain with evidence)

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Our planet’s alarm is going off, and it is time to wake up and take action! – Leonardo DiCaprio

Spoken Interaction (Environment)

  1. Do you think that protecting the environment is important to us? 

Suggested Approach:

Candidates can point out being a young person, they/we are the ones who will bear the brunt of climate change impacts in the future. It is hence pivotal for youths to prioritise protection of the environment as this would mean that we/they are safeguarding their own well-being. From a personal perspective, one can cite how one have a deep appreciation for the beauty of nature. By caring for the environment, they ensure that posterity can continue to enjoy and be inspired by the wonders of the natural world.

Important Note: You should use strong vocabulary, provide examples / own personal experience to substantiate your points. Do not get flustered if oral examiners ask you additional questions. 

2) Do you think that human activities are carried out at the expense of the environment?

Suggested Approach: 

State your stand clearly.

Candidates can start by briefly explaining what type of human activities they are going to cite—the burning of fossil fuels, extensive land and water use, overfishing, deforestation—all of these have been increasingly disruptive to Earth’s atmosphere, oceans, and land surface over the past 50 years, before moving on to cite how these disruptions pose serious threats to human health and wellbeing.

Those in agreement should state that although they are aware that efforts are made to mitigate the effects of human activities yet clearly with the rise of global warming, this is clear evidence that anthropogenic activities is deepening the climate crisis.

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For well considered responses, candidates need to point out there are positive human activities and sustainability efforts are on the rise by governments (Singapore 2030 Green Plan), corporations and how individuals to work towards sustainability. For instance, Singapore is expected to get its first hydrogen-ready power plant by the first half of 2026 as the Singapore transitions its power sector into one using less carbon-emitting fuels.  Countries are adopting renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, or hydroelectric power for electricity generation reduces reliance on fossil fuels and lowers greenhouse gas emissions. Individuals are embracing a minimalist lifestyle by reducing consumption and these human activities can have a positive impact on the environment.

Remember as always, we are listening out for your ability to organise your points with clear articulation and style, your ability to engage the examiners with sound, interesting and relevant content will push your grades further to distinction. 

Looking for tips on how to do well for Oral examinations? Want more oral notes and oral practice questions? How do you answer a O’Levels Oral Planned Response Question? Subscribe to our channel for exclusive videos, see below for oral tips like commonly mispronounced words by Singaporeans.

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Get professional help now. Reach out to our team of professional and highly experienced tutors for 1 to 1 Private Tuition to help you get the distinction you deserve. Contact us today. 

 

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O’LEVELS ENGLISH DAY 3: 2023 ORAL QUESTION (ENVIRONMENT/NEIGHBOURHOOD)

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2023 O’LEVELS ORAL ENGLISH DAY 3: ORAL QUESTION (ENVIRONMENT /NEIGHBOURHOOD)

Video: Candidates were shown a 1-min of Marina Barrage, which some may know as a place of recreation. The rooftop park part of the dam is especially popular with families as they spend time there picnicking and kite flying or simply taking in the stunning sunsets.

How to tackle the Oral Planned Response Question:

For planned response, students must present a 2-minute response (usually this means two PEEL Paragraphs) to answer the question. You can refer to your written notes. Use 5Ws and 1H when you are brainstorming for answers. Be certain to answer the prompt, identify keywords and present your thoughts confidently. Refer to our earlier post on O’levels 1184 Planned Response Format. 

Planned Response Question:

“Should there be more of such open spaces in Singapore?” Why or Why not? 

Suggested Approach

Candidates must pay attention to the setting and think where/what is this place/event and what’s going on? Candidates can consider the advantages of having such greenery in a modern city like Singapore where we are often called a concrete jungle. Through sharing of their own personal experiences such as how these open spaces and greenery provide areas for candidates to do recreational activities, exercise, and relaxation, contributing to a healthier and more vibrant lifestyle.

For instance, candidates can express their own preferences for such open spaces as it allows them to step away from their devices or take a break from the monotony of their student lives/studies and go outdoors or how it helps them to reduce stress, anxiety. Others may recount learning journeys they had to green spaces such as Botanic Gardens and how they enjoyed it immensely.  

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Note: You should address the examiner’s question directly and focus on building two PEEL paragraphs and relate the video (briefly) to the question. The two points for your answers should not be too similar and it should have personal observations / examples. The planned response is around two mins long. (2 PEEL 1 adjective + explain with evidence)

Spoken Interaction (Neighbourhood)

  1. What suggestions can you give to improve your neighbourhood? 

Suggested Approach: Candidates can start with briefly explaining where/what kind of neighbourhood they reside in. Possible ideas include having more cycling paths or existing footpaths  to be widened so as to create more space for walking and cycling. Candidates can mention how they feel that more cycling paths will allow them to travel to school safely, reduce morning / peak hours congestion and how these improvements will promote walking and cycling promotes physical activity and a sense of community.

Other candidates may feel strongly that their neighbourhood can have more facilities for youths such as study rooms at void decks, parks with features that appeal to young people, such as skate parks, outdoor fitness equipment, and spaces for creative expression and art installations.

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Important Note: You should use strong vocabulary, provide examples / own personal experience to substantiate your points. Do not get flustered if oral examiners ask you additional questions. 

Green spaces play a role in climate change resilience by absorbing carbon dioxide and providing shade, helping Singapore adapt to the impacts of climate change.

2) Do you agree that it is important to have greenery in your environment?

Suggested Approach: 

State your stand clearly. 

Candidates should first point out that in an increasingly urbanized world, cities like Singapore face numerous challenges, including pollution, mental health issues, and declining biodiversity due to urbanisation. Amidst these challenges, the importance of greenery in cities cannot be overstated. Green spaces, such as parks, gardens, and trees, play a pivotal role in enhancing the quality of life for urban dwellers and society as a whole.

For well considered responses, candidates need to point out that Singapore is a land-scarce nation, allocating space for greenery may be challenging (citing the zoning of Bukit Brown and Dover Forest in Ulu Pandan for residential use. Candidates of the opposing view may cite how while greenery / nature is an important buffer against climate change, Singapore being a small nation had to make difficult trade-offs because of its size and to ensure future generations had a place to live. 

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2023 O’LEVELS ENGLISH 1184 DAY 2: ORAL QUESTION (ELDERLY)

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O’LEVELS ENGLISH 1184 DAY 2: 2023 ORAL QUESTION (ELDERLY)

Planned Response Question (Topic: Elderly)

Video: Candidates were shown a 1-min video of elderly women coming together to make wigs. 

How to tackle the Oral Planned Response Question:

For planned response, students must present a 2-minute response (usually this means two PEEL Paragraphs) to answer the question. You can refer to your written notes. Use 5Ws and 1H when you are brainstorming for answers. Be certain to answer the prompt, identify keywords and present your thoughts confidently. Refer to our earlier post on O’levels 1184 Planned Response Format. 

Planned Response Question:

“Are the elderlies in the video making good use of their time? Why or why not?”

Suggested Approach:

Candidates are to present a 2-mins response on why they feel that or don’t feel that the Seniors in the videos are doing something meaningful with references to what the Seniors are doing in the video. Candidates can explain how it is heartening to see the elderly engaging themselves in such gainful employment and how this gives seniors a sense of purpose and fulfillment. It provides them with opportunities to contribute to society, stay engaged, and feel valued for their skills and experience. This sense of purpose can positively impact their mental and emotional well-being, reducing the risk of feelings of isolation or boredom.

Well considered responses can mention how they are engaging in mentally stimulating activities, such as making wigs, can help maintain cognitive function and prevent cognitive decline in elderly individuals. Staying mentally active through employment/activity can contribute to better memory, problem-solving skills, and overall cognitive abilities. 

Spoken Interaction

2) What do you think can be done to get the elderly to pursue lifelong learning?

Candidates can mention how the learning needs and approach for elderly may differ from younger people. Candidates can draw from their own life observations of how they witness / observe their own grandparents’ lifestyle and behaviour as they recommend solutions for these group of seniors in their golden years.

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For instance Candidates can mention how they observe that their grandparents/neighbours encounter challenges in learning such as not being able to keep pace with the class or use digital technology, to emotional hurdles like fear of speaking up in class or a lack of motivational support and learning resources. Hence to encourage them to learn, the programmes must be designed specifically to cater to their varied learning needs. Some other suggests may include how society can foster a environment that is supportive of lifelong learning or how elderlies can be partnered with youths, subsidies to be given (in doing so we breaking down barriers to provide affordable learning to Seniors.)

Q3: Do you think it is possible to bridge the generation gap between the young and the elderly?

Suggested approach: 

Candidates should state their stand clearly. 

For candidates who feel that it is indeed a possibility to bridge the differences between the two generations can cite how it has been said that as the saying goes “The generation gap is nothing more than a communication gap.” Candidates can then proceed to cite how with regular communication and mutual communication between the two generations, it is indeed a plausible idea.

Well considered responses will recognise how initially it may seem like an uphill task to bridge the gap between generations but in this digital age with the advent of technology, it is not as far fetched as one may imagine.

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Candidates can mention how it is possible to bring the two generations together by harnessing on powers of technology and how technology can be used in bridging the generation gap by facilitating communication, knowledge sharing, and mutual understanding between different age groups. For instance, the rise of tik tok senior influencers and how growing trend of seniors embracing technology. It is absolutely critical for candidates to be able to link the answer back to narrowing the gaps between the two generations and not digress to arguments espousing the benefits of technology. 

Candidates can also mention how society and government can play a part in bringing the two generations closer, for instance, through Intergenerational Projects. Some examples that can be mentioned may include events that was held by ground-up initiative GenLab Collective in Singapore to bring together the young and older adults through games and conversations. During the event, youth-senior pairs can play games such as quiz to discover their love language, raced to complete a scavenger hunt and shared memories about objects from their childhood. In doing so, seniors share work, life experiences with these youth thus promoting intergenerational bonding. Candidates can end with how these shared activities can break down barriers and create bonds based on mutual interests and goals.

Looking for more oral notes and oral practice questions? How do you answer a O’Levels Oral Planned Response Question? Subscribe to our channel for exclusive videos, see below for oral tips like commonly mispronounced words by Singaporeans.

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Get professional help now. Reach out to our team of professional and highly experienced tutors for 1 to 1 Private Tuition to help you get the distinction you deserve. Contact us today. 

 

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O’LEVELS 2023 ORAL ENGLISH LANGUAGE 1184 DAY 1 QUESTION

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O’LEVELS ENGLISH DAY 1: 2023 ORAL QUESTION (YOUTH CHARACTER)

Video: Candidates were shown a 1-min of NS men in uniform at their Passing Out Parade

(As you should already know, the sound in the video is immaterial. Focus on the content and subject.)

How to tackle the Oral Planned Response Question:

For planned response, students must present a 2-minute response (usually this means two PEEL Paragraphs) to answer the question. You can refer to your written notes. Use 5Ws and 1H when you are brainstorming for answers. Be certain to answer the prompt, identify keywords and present your thoughts confidently. Refer to our earlier post on O’levels 1184 Planned Response Format. 

Planned Response Question:

“Who do you think was watching this and what were they thinking?”

Suggested Approach

Candidates must pay attention to the setting and think where/what is this event and what’s going on? It is a safe assumption to think that the people who are watching these young men are their proud parents, relatives, friends. Candidates should mention briefly as precise as you possibly can to why you conclude these are the ‘audience’ before moving on to conclude why these loved ones who are standing at the sidelines with keen anticipation, beaming with pride as they witness a proud moment in these NS men’s lives. 

For instance, you could say that this is a military passing out parade which is a moment of immense pride and honour, both for the new graduates and the armed forces as a whole. It is a ceremonious occasion held to mark the successful completion of rigorous training and the official entry of our NS men recruits into the military ranks.

Stronger candidates will be able to give different emotions and not dwell on similar emotions. They should also be able to weave in good expressions into their response such as citing how these military personnel often draw strength from the support of their families, friends, and the wider community. During a passing out parade, loved ones witness the fruition of the graduates’ hard work and sacrifices. The pride felt by the recruits is magnified as they see their families’ joy and sense of accomplishment in witnessing this significant milestone.

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An interesting angle to add would be that the parents and older relatives may experience a touch of nostalgia during the passing out parade as they reminisce on the journey that led to this moment. They may remember the early years, the struggles, and the growth of their loved ones, which adds a sentimental aspect to the event. Candidates can also mention that parents may feel can also bring a sense of relief, especially if the training was physically and emotionally demanding.  Seeing their children successfully complete the training reassures them that their children or friends are well-prepared for their new responsibilities.

Other possible responses include a sense of anticipation and hope as the passing out parade signifies the beginning of a new phase in the graduates’ lives, and parents and friends feel anticipation for the exciting opportunities that lie ahead as they embark on their next milestone.

Note: You should address the examiner’s question directly and focus on using strong adjectives to relate the video to the question. The two points for your answers should not be too similar and it should have personal observations / examples. The planned response is around two mins long. (2 PEEL 1 adjective + explain with evidence)

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Spoken Interaction (Character Development / Youth)

  1. What can schools and parents do to develop the character of teenagers? 

Suggested Approach: You can separate parents and schools if it helps you to organise your thoughts better. 

For Schools: 

  • You can mention how schools can organise VIA / Service Learning Opportunities (Community Service / Empathy) which will allow youths to give back to their communities and allow them to foster a sense of empathy and social responsibility. 
  • Sports / Camps OBS (Sec 3)
  • Offer Leadership Opportunities 
  • Internship Opportunities 

What can parents do? 

  • Avoid being helicopter parents? Encourage autonomy, avoid mollycoddling and allow teens to develop a sense of agency. Provide them with the support they need to develop growth mindset in face of setbacks. 
  • Parents can also nurture resilience by creating a supportive environment (just like how schools can foster a culture ) that embraces growth when encountering setbacks. 

Important Note: You should use strong vocabulary, provide examples / own personal experience to substantiate your points. Do not get flustered if oral examiners ask you additional questions. 

2) Do you think that every student should join Uniform Group (UG) CCA? 

Suggested Approach: 

State your stand clearly.

Candidates should first point out how it is like to be part of UG CCA (how UG CCA tend to put traditions, seniority, discipline as a priority or how many uniformed groups engage in leadership training, physical and outdoor activities, such as camping, hiking, first aid training, drills, and other adventure-based learning experiences. In view of this, candidates need to point out that due to our varied personalities, not all individuals will suit UG CCA.  You can give personal examples like how your personality would not suit the rigorous training or discipline required in an UG. 

For well considered responses, candidates need to point out the commonly acknowledged advantages of joining UG CCA yet explain how it may not suit everyone due to personality, interests, goals (such as how most students often look for CCA that align with their interests, passions, and personal development goals.) Remember as always, we are listening out for your ability to organise your points with clear articulation and style, your ability to engage the examiners with sound, interesting and relevant content will push your grades further to distinction. 

Looking for tips on how to do well for Oral examinations? Want more oral notes and oral practice questions? How do you answer a O’Levels Oral Planned Response Question? Subscribe to our channel for exclusive videos, see below for oral tips like commonly mispronounced words by Singaporeans.

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Get professional help now. Reach out to our team of professional and highly experienced tutors for 1 to 1 Private Tuition to help you get the distinction you deserve. Contact us today. 

 

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