Hwa Chong Institution
Secondary One Geography
Term 3: Why does water shortage occur?
Open-ended Essay Practice 2
Name: _____________________________ (
)
Date: _____________
Class: ______
For questions on
 X is the best method. How far do you agree?
Guide:
 State your stand in the introduction.
 PEEL Given Factor (Method X): Elaborate on the benefits and problems of
method X.
 PEEL Method Y: Bring in a second method – ie. method Y. Elaborate on the
benefits and problems of method Y.
 Conclude with some evaluation, ie, why X or Y is a better method. For example, if
you say X is a better method, suggest ways to address the problems of using
method X.
Increasing catchment areas is the best method to increase water supply in
Singapore. How far do you agree?
[5]
Point Explain + Example Evaluate Link
Version 1
I agree to a small extent that increasing catchment areas is the best method to
increase water supply in Singapore.
Local catchments provide almost half of the country's water needs. Local catchment
areas take advantage of Singapore's high rainfall. There are now 17 reservoirs. The three
most recently completed are the Marina Reservoir, and the Serangoon and Punggol
reservoirs. With the addition of these reservoirs, the catchment area of Singapore has
increased from half to two-thirds of the country's land area. However, there are some
disadvantages of increasing catchment areas. Land used for local catchment implies less
land is available for other uses such as housing and industry. When there is little rainfall or a
drought, local catchment areas are ineffective. Therefore, water from local catchments is
vulnerable and may be subjected to dry spell due to climate change.
Technologies may also help to increase water supply in Singapore. In Singapore, we
have NEWater, which is the result of clever planning and technology. Used water may be
treated to become drinking water through the processes of microfiltration, reverse osmosis,
and ultraviolet disinfection. One advantage of NEWater is it is not dependent on rainfall
because it is produced from used water. NEWater is ultra-pure and of high quality, which the
wafer fabrication industry in Singapore has found suitable for their use. A percentage of
NEWater is mixed with raw water from the reservoirs and treated at the waterworks.
However, NEWater is expensive to produce due to technology used in purifying the water.
The public may find it difficult to fully accept this new technology of obtaining water from
used water due to lack of knowledge about the treatment process. Therefore, Singapore has
to come out with a way to address these concerns.
In conclusion, I agree to a small extent that increasing catchment areas is the best
method due to Singapore’s constraint in land. NEWater is a better method because it
recycles waste water which will never be depleted. The public’s concern about the idea of
treated used water can be addressed through education. This can be done through the
NEWater Visitor Centre where visitors can view the technology used to produce NEWater,
and sample bottled NEWater. This helps to strengthen public confidence. Hence, NEWater
is a better and a more sustainable method.
Version 2
I agree to a large extent that increasing catchment areas is the best method to
increase water supply in Singapore.
Local catchments provide almost half of the country's water needs. Local catchment
areas take advantage of Singapore's high rainfall. There are now 17 reservoirs. The three
most recently completed are the Marina Reservoir, and the Serangoon and Punggol
reservoirs. With the addition of these reservoirs, the catchment area of Singapore has
increased from half to two-thirds of the country's land area. However, there are some
disadvantages of increasing catchment areas. Land used for local catchment implies less
land is available for other uses such as housing and industry. When there is little rainfall or a
drought, local catchment areas are ineffective. Therefore, water from local catchments is
vulnerable and may be subjected to dry spell due to climate change.
Technologies may also help to increase water supply in Singapore. In Singapore, we
have NEWater, which is the result of clever planning and technology. Used water may be
treated to become drinking water through the processes of microfiltration, reverse osmosis,
and ultraviolet disinfection. One advantage of NEWater is it is not dependent on rainfall
because it is produced from used water. NEWater is ultra-pure and of high quality, which the
wafer fabrication industry in Singapore has found suitable for their use. A percentage of
NEWater is mixed with raw water from the reservoirs and treated at the waterworks.
However, NEWater is expensive to produce due to technology used in purifying the water.
The public may find it difficult to fully accept this new technology of obtaining water from
used water due to lack of knowledge about the treatment process. Therefore, Singapore has
to come out with a way to address these concerns.
In conclusion, I agree to a large extent that increasing catchment areas is the best
method to increase water supply as rainfall is high and regular in Singapore. To address the
issue of land constraint, the Public Utilities Board (PUB) plans to harness water from the
remaining streams near the coastline. This will be done using technology that can treat salt
water. This will boost Singapore's surface catchment area to 90 per cent of the total land
area. Together with non-conventional sources like NEWater, Singapore can be self-reliant in
its water supply by 2061.
Try:
1. “Importing water is the best way to solve the issue of water shortage.” How far do you
agree with this statement? [5]
2. Public education is the only way forward for water management strategies. How far
do you agree with this statement? [5]