Sample A (i) The author of Passage 1 mentions that as technology advances, we have less security and less freedom

in our daily lives, I strongly agree with his view and clearly what he describes in Passage 1 is evident in Singapore where the internet and other forms of information technology have compromised our privacy and security. Leakage of credit card information through internet transactions is a common trend among modern societies like Singapore which has one of the highest rates of online transactions. However, we must acknowledge that technology cuts both ways; it also gives us more freedom to choose our working hours and where we want to work.

(ii) However, the biggest challenge would be the lack of public support to conserve the environment. Singaporeans are pragmatic and will not change their current materialistic lifestyle of overseas trips and owning private cars unless they are directly affected. We value convenience and a life of comfort above the exhortations to save the environment. As Bunting aptly said, unless it hurts, it aint working. This is precisely why the government has had to resort to more ERP gantries to persuade people to turn to public transport. The rising oil prices are also burning a hole in our pockets and this may lead to some considering how they can save money. The NEA has cleverly introduced the 10% Energy Saving Challenge to kill two birds with one stone. Not only can we save energy, we can also cut down on our expenditure. An Inter-Ministerial Committee has also been set up to welcome ideas from the public. This gives people the ownership and responsibility to improve the physical environment.

Sample B (i) I am less inclined toward the perspective of the author of Passage 1. He draws the conclusion that we are therefore enslaved as technology develops and proliferates and we are sealed into a techno-box. Though I cant deny the flip side of technology, I think his view is far too extreme. I strongly believe that with human ingenuity, we can minimize, if not avert, the negative aspects of technology. We need not be enslaved by technology. Instead, we can use technology to empower us. There is no doubt that technology has improved the quality of life in general. In Singapore, the notion of the technical fix is widely applied in many aspects of our lives to enhance the quality of life. For instance, technology has undeniably made some work processes more efficient and convenient. Technology also gives us more freedom to choose our working hours and where we want to work. It definitely frees up more time for leisure. The problem does not lie with technology but rather with our mindset, are we mentally prepared to opt for a leisurely lifestyle that technology can now accord us?

(ii) However, this mindset is slowly changing as the government realises that we can actually benefit from our efforts to conserve the environment. Unlike Buntings view that individual efforts or a nations efforts are insufficient, my country believes in being a role model to other countries. Singapore aims to be an environment hub that attracts green companies to set up their base here. Our government also encourages R&D in the development of clean energy and water management. An example would be the TechPioneer scheme which provides a grant of $1m to develop technology for the environment or water industry. These efforts not only benefit the environment in the near future but also boosts Singapores economic growth. Furthermore, Singapore is spearheading the initiative to save the environment by organising environmental summits and ratifying regional and international environmental agreements such as the ASEAN Agreement on the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources and the Rio Declaration.

Sample C (i) Kluger observes that the upper middle class people are more ambitious than the other classes. I feel that this is a generalization and is not true in Singapore. Generally, because Singaporeans are given equal education opportunities, there are as many ambitious people in the middle and lower income groups as there are in the upper class. In fact, many people from poorer homes work very hard and have great ambitions to achieve good grades and to succeed in their job because they have a great desire to improve their financial condition. One good example is BreadTalk owner, George Quek. Born into a poor family, he was ambitious enough to start and expand the confectionery business, and achieve such great results. Despite becoming rich, he still continues to strive on and plans to make BreadTalk an international brand. This shows that the poor can and do have big dreams, and the rich will never be satisfied but will still aim for more. Therefore, man will always have ambitions and achieve their many goals despite their social status. (ii) However, Schweitzers other measures, such as military retaliation and imposing sanctions are not feasible to implement in Singapore. Since most Singaporeans are not personally affected by the terrorists and is relatively safe, retaliation may not come into play. Rather, prevention should be the emphasis, and prevention should begin at home. Furthermore, Singapore has little say in the international arena, and so should focus instead on what it can do within the country. Singapore tends to remain diplomatically neutral in world politics. Rather than involving itself with other nations, they should focus on the local fight against terrorism, within its own soil. This begins with the education of its citizens in terms of their awareness and readiness. Sample D One of the measures in Passage A that is very necessary to implement in my country is to have tighter security at airports and other public places. With the recent London subway bombing, it has become pertinent for protect our public areas and make sure that any attempt to attack such places is foiled. The Singapore government is aware of this and has already placed guards at key areas such as Dhoby Ghaut MRT and Changi Airport as these are places of high traffic and it is essential to protect the lives of citizens. By implementing this measure, the military presence in airports and public places acts as a deterrent to terrorist activity. However, this may also have a detrimental effect on the psyche of the locals as they may become complacent or apathetic, thinking that all is well. My government has made efforts to address this issue by educating the public about the need to stay alert and the key roles citizens play in protecting the nation. This is done via the Civil Defence advertisements found at the MRT stations and bus stops. In schools, the young are taught about the dangers of terrorism. The media also educates the public through news stories about the importance of racial harmony. I believe that that with greater awareness, people will be more proactive, responsible and in the long-run, my country will be successful in its fight against terrorism.