SG Issues: Changing Values and Norms

http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/more-women-are-staying-childless


Yup, we all looked like that once :P


Anyway :)
Go review the article.
Some old-fashioned points here, demonstrated in class and engaged in the real world-


1. Note that even journalists avoid baseless assertions in writing. They defer to the proper authority in transforming an assertion into an argument. Such moves are made to inject more credibility into what is said. It makes an argument more convincing and 'wins' the reader over.


How many sources / authorities are you able detect in the writer's attempt to convince you about a prevalent social trend in Singapore? Do you detect the same traits in PYTS?


2. Many subtle indications of proper hedging are at work as well. Underline them. In justifying a point made, some writers demonstrate a degree of intellectual humility in not ever pushing for a cause-effect argument. This article deals with malleable notions like human values and behavior and it would be most unwise to make sweeping, simplistic statements about any couple's decisions not to have children.  They come in many forms and what appears as a trend today may not be so in the long term. Perhaps, new citizens may even look at the issue differently from Singaporeans born here.


3. Given these unspoken demands and the confluence of factors shown, social or SG issues are never easy to deal with in Paper 1. Many of you may not have read enough and to engage in one under exam conditions may not be wise. Do yourself a favour and pursue them on another platform instead such as AQ. It's an inescapable fact that all questions will always direct you to provide an INFORMED assessment of the situation in Singapore- easier to manage in 2.5 paragraphs than a full-bodied essay. Learn from past experience.


The same skills are expected in Paper 1 and AQ. Bear this in mind as you engage in more writing exercises and gear up for your final lap.


On an interesting note, you should wonder why men are left out of the equation here.
Think AQ?