Some say that music plays an important role in society whilst others think it is simply a form of entertainment. Discuss both views and give your own opinion
Only a form of entertainment
Music: Provide enjoyment ( a means of relaxation or escape from daily routines )
Emphasis on the recreation aspect (overshadowing the artistic and cultural value )
Role in society
Social advancements : inspire and educate, promote social changes
Ex: throughout history, songs have acted as catalysts for social movements
Cultural significance: intertwine with culture, reflect traditions, beliefs, and values
Ex: traditional music genres is the link to the past
Children today find it difficult to concentrate on or to pay attention to school. What are the reasons? How can we solve this problem?
Causes :
Technological distraction
Expose to fast-paced digital content > brain constantly stimulated > slower pace of classroom >become boring and can not focus
Academic pressure
Increased academic pressure > impaired cognitive functions > impact the capacity to focus
Solution
Digital literacy in the curriculum
Skills to navigate the digital world
Understand the pros and cons
Academic pressure reduction
Moving away from standardized tests > other methods of assessment
Stress management programs
Some people argue that there is no point in preserving old buildings when land is so valuable in our cities. Others believe that old buildings are an important part of our heritage and should be preserved. Discuss both views and state your opinion.
Demolishing old buildings
High demand for commercial and residential development in urban areas: replacing old buildings > maximize land usage and generate economic benefit
New buildings can address environmental concerns
Reason: New buildings incorporate advanced technologies and sustainable design
Maintaining old buildings
Sustaining cultural identity and heritage
Reason: Old buildings (tangible links to the past)
Example: Hoi An ancient town [ connect people to their heritage and provide a sense of continuity with the past] > contribute to the unique identity and character of cities
In the modern world, schools are no longer necessary because there is so much information available through the internet that children can study just as well at home. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
The informational resources found on the Internet can serve to bolster children’s learning
Educational platforms and digital tools
watch educational videos, take interactive lessons
> promotes self-directed learning, personalized educational paths
Anti-thesis
Internet -lack of structure and its impersonal nature
> can not replace traditional schooling
Formal schools remain irreplaceable
A systematic approach to learning
Guidance from trained educators and monitoring from academic staff
Socialization and the development of interpersonal skills
school: -learn to collaborate, communicate and negotiate
> strengthen children's social skills, increase their empathy, and improve their emotional intelligence
In many parts of the world, people do research on their family history. Some people believe that finding out about previous generations is a useful thing to do. However, others believe that it is better to focus on present and future generations. Discuss both views and give your opinion
This essay will explore both perspectives and argue that we should aim to achieve a balance between honoring the past and actively shaping the future
The best way to reduce poverty in developing countries is by giving up to six years of free education, so that they can at least read, write and use numbers. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Thesis: the effectiveness of such a strategy is limited and must be complemented by more comprehensive measures
Establish a strong foundation and alleviate financial strain
Enabling people to read, write and use number > information decisions and productive activities > lead to personal success > contribute to the development of society
Make education more accessible
Break the cycle of poverty
One solution alone cannot holistically address poverty
Lack knowledge and skills needed in globalization and technological advancement > should extend to secondary and higher levels + enhancing employability+ equip individuals for complex economic landscapes
Poverty needs a multifaceted solution
Sole focus on education = overlooks critical factors
Leading to an uneven distribution of wealth and resources between urban and rural communities
Problems:
Widening income gap
Limited access to services
Rural out-migration
Environmental degradation
Solutions:
Investing in rural infrastructure and development
Promoting rural entrepreneurship and job creation
Improving access to education and healthcare
Encouraging sustainable agricultural practices
Decentralizing government services and empowering rural communities
Providing incentives for businesses and individuals to invest in rural areas
Promoting cultural exchange and appreciation for rural life
Widening income gap
Cities attract businesses and opportunities, leading to higher wages and job creation. This can leave rural residents struggling with lower incomes and limited economic prospects, exacerbating poverty and inequality.
Limited access to services
Rural areas often lack essential services like quality healthcare, education, and infrastructure compared to cities. This can hinder development, trap people in poverty, and limit their life chances.
Environmental degradation
As rural populations decline, agricultural practices may become less sustainable, leading to soil erosion, deforestation, and the loss of biodiversity.
Investing in rural infrastructure and development
Building better roads, bridges, irrigation systems, and communication networks can create opportunities for businesses and improve access to markets for rural producers.
Promoting rural entrepreneurship and job creation
Supporting small businesses, cooperatives, and agribusiness initiatives in rural areas can diversify the economy and create new jobs outside of traditional agriculture.
Improving access to education and healthcare
Investing in rural schools and clinics and encouraging qualified professionals to work in rural areas can improve the quality of life and create a more skilled workforce.
Encouraging sustainable agricultural practices
Providing training and resources for farmers to adopt sustainable practices like crop rotation, water conservation, and soil management can protect the environment and ensure long-term agricultural productivity.
Providing incentives for businesses and individuals to invest in rural areas
Tax breaks, subsidies, and other incentives can attract businesses and skilled workers to rural areas, boosting economic activity and development.
Developing innovative technologies to address rural challenges
Technologies like telemedicine, mobile learning, and drone-based agriculture can help overcome geographical barriers and improve access to services in remote areas.
Promoting cultural exchange and appreciation for rural life
Connecting urban and rural communities through cultural events, educational programs, and tourism initiatives can foster understanding and appreciation for the unique value of rural life.
Economic growth is one way to measure a country's success, but what else should we look at? Which do you think is the most important?
It's true that economic growth has long been used as a primary indicator of a country's success, but relying solely on this metric paints an incomplete picture
Additional factors:
Human development
Equality and Opportunity
Environmental sustainability
Governance and institutions
Cultural Flourishing
it's crucial to avoid relying solely on economic growth and consider a more comprehensive set of indicators to paint a more holistic picture of a country's success
Human Development
Health: Life expectancy, infant mortality, access to healthcare, and overall well-being of citizens.
Education: Literacy rates, access to quality education, and skills development across the population.
Standard of living: Poverty rates, access to basic necessities like clean water and sanitation, and overall quality of life.
Equality and Opportunity
Income inequality: Distribution of wealth and resources across different segments of society.
Gender equality: Access to education, opportunities, and political participation for women.
Social mobility: Ability of individuals to move up the economic ladder regardless of their background.
Environmental Sustainability
Pollution levels: Air and water quality, and impact on ecosystems.
Climate change mitigation: Efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to climate impacts.
Sustainability of resource use: Management of natural resources like water, forests, and land.
Governance and Institutions
Democracy and freedom: Level of political participation, respect for human rights, and effectiveness of government institutions.
Rule of law: Adherence to legal principles and fairness in the justice system.
Corruption levels: Transparency and accountability in government and public institutions
Cultural Flourishing
Arts and culture: Support for artistic expression, cultural diversity, and preservation of heritage.
Social cohesion: Level of trust and cooperation within society, and respect for different viewpoints.
Happiness and well-being: Subjective experience of citizens and overall sense of life satisfaction.
Arguments for Punishing young criminal Like Adults:
Justice and Accountability: Some argue that serious crimes deserve severe punishment, regardless of the perpetrator's age. They believe young offenders should be held accountable for their actions and face consequences commensurate with the harm they caused.
Deterrence and Public Safety: Proponents of adult punishment argue that harsher penalties could deter young people from committing serious crimes in the first place, protecting the public from future harm.
Rehabilitation Potential: Some believe adult sentences might offer better access to rehabilitation programs and resources, potentially leading to more effective offender reform compared to juvenile facilities.
Arguments Against Punishing Like Adults
Brain Development: Research suggests that young brains are still developing, impacting their decision-making, impulse control, and understanding of consequences. Punishing them like adults might disregard this crucial factor.
Rehabilitation vs. Punishment: Many advocate for focusing on rehabilitation rather than punishment for young offenders. They believe fostering support, education, and addressing underlying issues can lead to positive change and reduce recidivism rates.
Potential for Negative Impact: Harsh punishments could further damage young lives, pushing them deeper into criminal involvement and hindering their potential for positive development and reintegration into society.
Neither a blanket "punish like adults" approach nor a solely rehabilitative one might be the perfect answer. A balanced approach might consider:
Severity of the Crime: Matching the punishment to the specific crime's severity while acknowledging the offender's age and developmental stage.
Individualized Assessments: Taking into account individual circumstances, motivations, and potential for rehabilitation before deciding on punishment.
Focus on Rehabilitation: Combining appropriate punishment with robust rehabilitation programs that address underlying issues and equip young offenders with skills for positive change.
Around the world, fewer languages are being spoken, and just a few are becoming more common. Is this a positive or negative development?
The decline of languages and the rise of dominant ones is a complex issue
Positive aspects
Increased communication and understanding
Economic opportunities
Preserving knowledge
Negative aspects:
Loss of cultural diversity
Marginalization and inequality
Loss of knowledge and traditions
Positive aspects of the rise of dominance languages
communication and understanding: Dominant languages like English can facilitate communication and collaboration across borders, potentially promoting globalization and cultural exchange.
Economic opportunities: Proficiency in a dominant language can open doors to better jobs, education, and international opportunities.
Preserving knowledge: Documenting and studying endangered languages can help preserve valuable cultural knowledge and traditional wisdom for future generations.
Negative aspects of the rise of dominance languages
Loss of cultural diversity: Language extinction leads to the disappearance of unique cultural perspectives, stories, and ways of understanding the world.
Marginalization and inequality: Linguistic dominance can marginalize communities that speak non-dominant languages, leading to social and economic inequality.
Loss of knowledge and traditions: Endangered languages often hold unique knowledge about local environments, traditional practices, and ecological relationships, which can be lost with the language itself.
Rush hour gridlock
Accidents and breakdowns
Poor road design
Construction and maintenance
Unpredictable events
Reckless driving/Drunken driving
Traffic violence and road rage
Inefficient public transportation
Parking challenges
Inefficient public transportation
Limited public transport options or unreliable service can discourage people from using them, leading to increased car usage and traffic congestion.
Parking challenges
Lack of affordable and convenient parking options can lead to frustration and contribute to traffic flow issues.
Reckless driving
Speeding, aggressive behavior, and distracted driving increase the risk of accidents and injuries.
Drunken driving
This poses a serious threat to everyone on the road and is a major traffic safety concern.
Congestion and Flow:
Rush hour gridlock: Streets become overloaded during peak travel times, leading to slow-moving traffic and long delays.
Accidents and breakdowns: Even a minor incident can cause major disruptions, rippling through the traffic flow and creating bottlenecks.
Poor road design: Narrow lanes, confusing intersections, and inadequate infrastructure contribute to congestion and accidents.
Construction and maintenance: Necessary roadwork can temporarily worsen traffic flow, creating detours and delays.
Unpredictable events: Floods, power outages, and other unexpected events can throw traffic patterns into chaos.
Safety and Security:
Reckless driving: Speeding, aggressive behavior, and distracted driving increase the risk of accidents and injuries.
Drunken driving: This poses a serious threat to everyone on the road and is a major traffic safety concern.
Pedestrian and cyclist safety: Inadequate infrastructure and lack of awareness can lead to accidents involving vulnerable road users.
Vehicle theft and vandalism: These crimes can cause inconvenience and financial losses, adding stress to the driving experience.
Traffic violence and road rage: Aggressive behavior and anger behind the wheel can lead to dangerous situations and even fatalities.
Allocate: Dành riêng một phần tài nguyên hoặc nhiệm vụ cho một mục đích cụ thể.
Distribute: Chia sẻ hoặc phân phối một thứ gì đó cho nhiều người hoặc nhiều nơi.
Assign: Giao cho ai đó một nhiệm vụ hoặc trách nhiệm cụ thể.
Apportion: Chia một thứ gì đó thành các phần theo một tỷ lệ hoặc công thức cụ thể.
Disburse: Phân phối tiền hoặc tài nguyên khác.
Allocate funding for education: Phân bổ ngân sách cho giáo dục.
Distribute food to the needy: Phân phối thực phẩm cho người nghèo.
Assign tasks to : Giao nhiệm vụ cho nhân viên.
Apportion blame among the parties: Chia sẻ trách nhiệm giữa các bên có lỗi.
Disburse profits to shareholders: Phân phối lợi nhuận cho cổ đông.
Planning and Design in building better infrastructure
Long-term planning: Develop comprehensive plans that consider future population growth, traffic patterns, and economic development.
Multimodal approach: Prioritize not just cars, but also public transportation, cycling, and walking infrastructure.
Smart design: Implement features like roundabouts, dedicated turning lanes, and traffic signal optimization to improve flow and safety.
Sustainable materials: Utilize recycled materials and energy-efficient construction techniques to minimize environmental impact.
Technology and Innovation in building better infrastructure
Intelligent transportation systems (ITS): Implement technologies like connected vehicles and traffic management systems to improve efficiency and safety.
Autonomous vehicles: Prepare infrastructure for potential future adoption of self-driving cars.
Data-driven decision making: Utilize data from traffic sensors and other sources to inform planning and maintenance decisions.
Green infrastructure: Integrate green spaces and stormwater management solutions to reduce pollution and improve air quality.
Building better road infrastructure
Planning and Design
Investment and Maintenance
Technology and Innovation
Community Engagement and Equity
How to support Investment and Maintenance in building?
Increased funding: Allocate sufficient resources for construction, maintenance, and repair of existing roads and new projects.
Public-private partnerships: Explore collaborative financing models to leverage private sector expertise and resources.
Preventive maintenance: Regularly inspect and maintain roads to prevent deterioration and extend their lifespan.
Performance-based contracts: Reward contractors for exceeding quality and durability standards.
Community Engagement and Equity:
Public participation: Involve communities in planning and design processes to ensure projects address their needs and concerns.
Equity considerations: Prioritize projects that improve access and mobility for underserved communities.
Environment impact assessments: Conduct thorough assessments to minimize negative environmental impacts.
Economic development: Align infrastructure projects with broader economic development goals to create jobs and stimulate local businesses.
Traffic management solutions
Technology and Data
Public Transportation and Demand Management
Education and Enforcement
Long-Term Solutions
Technology and Data in traffic management solutions
Connected vehicles: Vehicles communicate with each other and infrastructure, allowing for real-time traffic management and accident prevention.
Variable limits: Dynamically adjust speed limits based on traffic flow to improve efficiency and safety.
Traffic cameras and sensors: Provide real-time data on traffic conditions, enabling better management decisions.
Mobile apps: Offer drivers real-time traffic information and navigation assistance, promoting informed route choices.
Parking management systems: Guide drivers to available parking spots, reducing congestion and searching time.
Education and Enforcement in traffic management solutions
Public campaigns: Educate drivers about responsible driving habits and traffic safety.
Strict enforcement of traffic laws: Deter dangerous driving behaviors and promote compliance with regulations.
Speed limit enforcement cameras: Automate enforcement and discourage speeding, improving safety.
Alternative transportation education: Inform residents about public transit options, bike paths, and carpooling opportunities.
Ways people use to express their individuality
Self-Presentation
Interests and Activities
Creative Expression
Values and Beliefs
Use Self-Presentation to express individuality
Appearance: This encompasses clothing style, hairstyles, piercings, tattoos, and even the way someone carries themselves. It's a way to visually communicate personality and interests.
Communication: This includes how people speak, their vocabulary choices, and even non-verbal cues like body language and tone of voice.
Use Interests and Activities to express themself
Hobbies and Passions: People express themselves through their free-time activities, whether it's playing music, writing poetry, rock climbing, or volunteering at a local animal shelter.
Careers and Life Choices: The paths individuals choose in life, from their education and career to their personal relationships, can all reflect their unique values and aspirations.
Use Creative Expression to express individuality
Art, Music, and Writing: These creative outlets allow individuals to express their emotions, thoughts, and experiences in a unique and personal way.
Use Values and Beliefs to express themself
Opinions and Perspectives: How individuals approach the world, their personal philosophies, and their stances on various issues all contribute to their unique identity.
Actions and Behaviors: The choices people make, the way they treat others, and the causes they support all reflect their underlying values and beliefs.
The value of teaching history to children 1:
1. Fosters critical thinking and informed decision-making
2. Cultivates a sense of identity and belonging
3. Promotes empathy and understanding
4. Provides lessons from the past:
5. Encourages curiosity and lifelong learning:
6. Develops essential skills:
Fosters critical thinking and informed decision-making
By analyzing historical events, children learn to evaluate evidence, identify different perspectives, and form their own conclusions. This critical thinking skill equips them to make informed decisions in their own lives.
Cultivates a sense of identity and belonging
Learning about their cultural heritage, historical figures, and past events can give children a sense of belonging and connection to a larger community and their ancestors.
Promotes empathy and understanding
Studying different cultures, historical movements, and social issues fosters empathy and understanding of diverse perspectives and experiences, making children more open-minded and respectful of others.
Provides lessons from the past
History is filled with examples of triumphs and failures, successes and mistakes. By learning from these historical events, children can gain valuable insights and avoid repeating past errors, potentially shaping a better future.
Develops essential skills
Studying history helps children refine various skills, including research, analysis, communication, and critical evaluation. These skills are crucial for success in various aspects of their lives, both academic and personal.
The best ways to learn history
Documentaries and Films: While not always perfectly accurate, historical documentaries and films can bring events to life visually and spark interest in specific topics. Keep in mind to verify information with reliable sources.
Museums and Historical Sites: Immersing yourself in historical locations, artifacts, and exhibits can provide a tangible connection to the past.
Interactive learning: Online resources, simulations, and historical games can make learning history more interactive and engaging, especially for younger audiences.
Mindful activities: Meditation, yoga, spending time in nature, journaling, reading a book, listening to calming music.
Creative pursuits: Painting, drawing, writing, playing music, learning a new craft, photography, cooking a new recipe.
Physical activities: Going for a walk, run, bike ride, swimming, dancing, attending a fitness class.
Learning something new: Taking an online course, learning a new language, watching educational documentaries, listening to podcasts or lectures on topics you're interested in.
Solo adventures: Visiting a museum or art gallery, exploring a new part of your city, going to a movie, attending a concert or play.
Social activities: Board games, card games, attending a party or gathering, playing sports, going to a sporting event or concert together.
Collaborative activities: Cooking a meal together, volunteering for a cause you care about, working on a creative project together, taking a group fitness class.
Outdoor activities: Hiking, camping, going to the beach, playing frisbee or other games in the park, having a picnic.
Competitive activities: Playing sports, participating in a trivia night, going bowling or karaoke, engaging in a friendly debate.
Cultural activities: Visiting a museum or art gallery together, attending a cultural event like a play, dance performance, or music festival.
Arguments for Sufficient Control of chemicals
Regulations Exist: Laws like REACH demonstrate a commitment to chemical safety. These regulations require testing and risk assessment before a chemical hits the market
International Cooperation: Efforts are underway to share information and establish common ground for chemical control globally
Arguments for More Control of chemicals
Sheer Number of Chemicals: The vast number of chemicals in use, with estimates ranging from 25,000 to 84,000, makes comprehensive testing difficult [
Legacy Chemicals: Many chemicals already in circulation haven't undergone the same rigorous testing as newer ones .
Focus on New Chemicals: The burden of proof often falls on demonstrating a new chemical's safety, but existing ones might need reevaluation
Limited Scope of Regulation: Regulations might focus on specific aspects like human health but may not fully consider environmental impact
there are control mechanisms, but there's a push for more.
Benefits of Chemicals
Improved Quality of Life: Chemicals play a vital role in advancements across various sectors. Medicines, hygiene products, food preservation, and countless materials like plastics and fabrics all rely on chemicals, significantly improving our lives.
Technological Progress: Chemicals are crucial for developing new technologies like solar panels, energy-efficient materials, and even some components in electric vehicles, all contributing to a more sustainable future.
Drawbacks of Chemical Dependence
Health Risks: Exposure to some chemicals can have negative health impacts, ranging from short-term irritation to chronic illnesses like cancer.
Environmental Damage: Chemical production and disposal can pollute air, water, and soil, harming ecosystems and potentially affecting human health indirectly.
Microplastics and Waste Management: The extensive use of some chemicals, especially plastics, leads to microplastic pollution and challenges in waste management.
Finding a Balance in using chemicals
Safer Alternatives: Research and development of non-toxic or less harmful substitutes can minimize reliance on problematic chemicals.
Regulation and Monitoring: Stricter regulations and improved monitoring of chemical production, use, and disposal can help mitigate risks.
Consumer Awareness: Educating consumers about the potential consequences of certain chemicals can drive demand for safer products and responsible disposal practices.
When it comes to chemical pills harming the environment, there's a shared responsibility between several parties
Chemical Manufacturers: They have a primary responsibility for ensuring the safety of their products throughout the lifecycle. This includes using non-toxic ingredients whenever possible, conducting thorough testing to assess environmental impact, and developing responsible disposal methods.
Regulatory Bodies: Governments play a crucial role in establishing clear regulations that mandate safety testing, proper labeling, and outlining restrictions on harmful chemicals. They should also be responsible for enforcing these regulations and holding manufacturers accountable for violations.
Who should take responsibility for chemicals use
Consumers: While individual consumers might not be directly responsible for creating these pills, they can influence the market through their choices. Educating oneself about the environmental impact of different products and opting for those with safer ingredients can incentivize manufacturers to prioritize sustainability.
Waste Management Companies: Proper disposal of chemical pills is essential to prevent them from leaching into the environment. Waste management companies have a role to play in developing and implementing safe and responsible disposal procedures for these products
Example for self-driving startup in funding
Wayve Technologies raised more than 1.0 billion to accelerate its efforts to redefine autonomous driving via artificial intelligence and expand operations and partnership in new markets<
How can AI revolutionize mobility?
AI products are used in auto mobility to enable carmakers to efficiently upgrade vehicles to higher levels of driving Vehicles can now interpret their surroundings like humans, enabling enhanced decision-making that promises higher safety standards
Technology plays a crucial role in improving lives by addressing fundamental human rights
Assistive technology, such as wheelchairs, prosthetics, virtual keyboards with eye-gaze tracking, and speech-recognition systems, empowers individuals with disabilities.
Innovative technologies for the visually impaired include helmets with sensors and AI to identify objects, as well as cognitive hearing aids that amplify specific voices.
Why do we need access to reliable electricity?
Access to reliable electricity is essential for economic and human development, and technology offers solutions like solar, wind, and hydropower, as well as advanced energy storage options.
Access to reliable electricity supports essential public services like healthcare, education, water, heating, and light
Examples of innovative technologies that improve lives
Technology is used to support small-scale farmers in managing risk and maximising yields through data analysis and insights.
In the healthcare sector, technology aids frontline workers in providing real-time data sharing, remote diagnostics, and predictive analytics to improve maternal care and reduce complications
A platform uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to optimize the value chain for smallholder farmers, from soil mapping to market pricing.
Capgemini's app in India utilises innovative technologies to improve maternal care, track expectant mothers, provide remote diagnostics, and share real-time data with health professionals
Examples of assistive technology devices that empower people who have some form of disability
Valuable mechanical tools such as wheelchairs and prosthetics also involve ever more sophisticated technologies.
Virtual keyboards with eye-gaze tracking technology allow physically disabled users to type by looking at different spots on the screen; increasingly accurate and intuitive speech-recognition systems enable computers to be controlled through words.
Voice-controlled digital assistants can operate everything from lighting and heating to doors and adjustable beds.
High-tech devices for visually impaired individual
Helmets are being developed that use sensors, cameras, and AI to map a person’s surroundings and help them identify objects and obstacles for greater independence
Cognitive hearing aid uses brain activity to identify and magnify a particular voice the listener is focused on
Example of high-tech devices for those who lose the power of speech
Digital ‘Augmentative and Alternative Communication' or AAC, can all but make famous by Professor Stephen Hawking, using AAC now offers a wide range of inputs and even allows people to choose the digital voice that suits them.
What are the benefits of renewable energy?
Explain: Advances in solar, wind, and hydro power include its small-scale application as mini-grids to support isolated communities cut off from national power grids by distance or terrain
Example: In Chile’s Atacama Desert, villagers in Ollagüe lived with the restraints of intermittent electricity in an extreme environment. Their lives were transformed by reliable 24-hour electricity, delivered through an innovative hybrid system that mixed solar, wind, and cogeneration systems
What are the hurdles of developing broadband internet?
The often prohibitive cost and complications of laying fiber-optic infrastructure
The ever-increasing penetration of cell phone coverage is certainly helping, with the developing world driving demand for mobile banking apps.
These make it possible for adults with no access to banks or bank accounts to use basic financial services, including credit and savings facilities, which help them to become financially resilient
Technological innovations are a great equalizer and a powerful force for improving lives
The farmer harvests at the right time; the doctor contacts and sees their patient; the family can work and play a little longer and easier; and the voice of the disabled person is heard. This is the power of technology to empower people—making lives better.