Dear Jack,
How have you been? I hope you are in the pink of health! I’m really sorry for having not
written to you in quite some time as I have been busy preparing for my final exams which are
around the corner. However, when I heard that you were considering reserving a seat on one of the
first rockets to space, I could not resist to let you know about my thoughts and why I would not
recommend you to go ahead with this reservation.
Well, what are the major benefits of space tourism? The main factor behind why many
treasure an opportunity to go to space is to acquire a beautiful view of the planet we live on, Earth.
You will undoubtedly get a jaw-dropping sight of the planet from the window, which can make for
great memories to share with your children. Some people also argue that one can gain a new
perspective about our planet, once in space you realise how insignificant and tiny the Earth is in the
universe.
Despite this, there are many detrimental consequences of space travel or tourism. The first
reason I would like to mention is that it is more beneficial and worthwhile to invest the huge amount
of money needed for the reservation to instead help raise a fund. This is one of the best ways you
can become a philanthropist, and aid those who require basic supplies, such as food, clothing,
education for the young, and somewhere to stay. This will definitely benefit the society and the
country economically as a more educated society can provide, care for each other better. Then the
unemployment rate will in turn decrease over time, although of course the space industry offers
many job opportunities.
Another factor worth mentioning is that many still do not even or rarely get a chance to visit
anywhere outside of the country. They have never visited a foreign country, and get a chance to
appreciate the many beauties of their own planet. This is more important to the majority of people –
they should know more about the world they live in, instead of focusing on space.
Anyways, I’ll leave it up to you to make your decision! I would also like to add that only a
minority of people are actually capable of affording such a trip. I’m in no doubt that you are quite
wealthy, but that shouldn’t be a reason for you to waste your hard-earned money. Take care, and I
hope to hear from you soon!
Love,
Tung Jun Qian
Question 2:
Describe a room in a house that belongs to an older person.
As you step into the modestly sized room located in the corner of the enormous house, you
can see it bathed in the gentle light entering through the window. You know it belongs to an older
person when you notice the many marks of wear and tear scattered all over the floor, the wall and
the furniture.
The room is plainly decorated, with walls now yellow that were once white and a dusty fan
hanging from the ceiling. All over the walls you can see photographs in photo frames of the many
stages of the inhabitant’s life. All of the memories, both happy and sad, with laughter and remorse,
contained within this room. The table is littered with rubbish, with dark ink stains clearly visible. The
only arm-chair is also worn-out, with the leather torn, but the main attraction in the room was the
tall bookshelves. Thick, musty books lined the shelves, though the words inside were already faded.
Out of the windows you get a great view of the garden. From the comfort of this room, you
can see the flowers blooming and hear the soft yet melodic chirping of the colourful birds from the
trees.