@ Wollogong

Yes! My first day in Australia involves the daunting task of trying to get to Wollogong from the International Airport. Luckily, the instructions is quite clear so here I am, in Wollogong! ^_^
This is the southern coast of New South Wales , an hour and a half away from Sydney. Today, I learnt to navigate myself around this area so that I can go to the city myself. Spent 3 hours shopping at the local mall, buying chocolates and vegetables for dinner. The fresh produce is cheap and tasty here! I think I can be a vegetarian here. Skin will clear up too ^_<

@ KLCC airport

Whoosh and I'm now at Kuala Lumpur. Eating French Chicken now. Never heard of it? It's from Burger King. Fried checken patty with ham and cheese. Wonder if the French eats it that way. Hehe.... I'm a budget traveller and the cheapest and most filling meal is fast food. At least French Chicken is not sold in SG! Don't think nasi padang will go down well in my delicate stomach either. Wanna eat A&W!!! However, no outlet in KL airport. Sigh~~ Jam, we shall fulfil our cravings one day!~

@ Changi Airport waiting lounge F56

Waiting to board my transit flight to KL. This is the start of my maiden trip to Sydney. Somewhere which I have never been and had no time to research or plan because I had too much to mark!
It has been a harrowing experience. Insisting to embark this trip alone, without the company of any family/friend/ colleague or my ever trustworthy, dependable travel companion - my fiance, has raised a tsunami in my conservative family.

I really pray that everything will be fine and I will grow up to be a more mature and confident person. Of course, refreshed to face new challenges.
I will be back safe and sound. Check this space.

Holiday Assignment

3 annotated articles.

• Articles should be an opinion piece. Eg. Articles from Insight, Review, etc
• No particular topic. You can refer to the 'Expectations of MI GP students' for the list of topics to be covered this year.

How to annotate?
Please refer to the Beauty compre pasage or the RJC sample essay.

The following is taken from your notes:

A good way to read actively is to annotate each paragraph of the passage so that you can outline the structure of the argument. Write your annotations along the sides of the paragraphs.

What exactly are you supposed to annotate?

Anything! But the following list might help you out a bit:

· The thesis statement

· The general structure of the paragraph

- Topic Sentence

- Supporting Details

- Relationship between points, etc.

· The author’s stand

· The use of evidence - facts, examples that the author uses; reasons that the author gives to support his points. You can number these within the passage to make it easier for you to refer to them later on.

· The use of fallacies, unconvincing arguments – points that may discredit the author’s argument.

· Whether the author brings up any points that oppose his viewpoint, whether he acknowledges them or tries to refute them by giving counter examples, etc. (You can number these too.)

· Other observations about the paragraph – style, tone (sarcastic, etc), attitude, assumptions, values, beliefs, etc.

You should also annotate:

· The strength of the arguments

· Your responses toward the arguments

· Any alternative interpretations

· Any unwarranted assumptions

Appeal for tips on Sydney

Woots! 2 more days to the end of Term 2! @_@
Some of you said that I smile more nowadays. Firstly, I have not started marking the papers so I'm not so stressed. Secondly, I am going to Sydney for a well-deserved break. YEAH~~~*excited*

I'm going alone [my fiance is tied up at work >:_( ] so I would really appreciate it if you can give me some tips on what to see, do or even introduce some of your friends or relatives who are staying there if you don't mind. I promise I would say nice comments about you.

I wonder if such an appeal crosses the line of professionalism. Any MOE officer reading this, please alert me if I am. Thank you.

IRP File Submission

I hope you have religiously doing your IRP responses.
It is due for submission this Wednesday 1 pm.

Essay Writing Competition

Express your thoughts on the following
Subject matter with your insights!
Significant details,
Ample material and apt illustrations could win
YOU Attractive Prizes!

Answer one question. Dead line: Thurs 24 May 2 pm
Your essay should be between 500 to 800 words in length.

1. 'Religion only provides an excuse to avoid personal responsibility for actions.' What are your views?

2. Do traditional games still have a role in your country?

3. 'Art is meant to disturb; science reassures.' How far is this comment by Georges Braque true?

4. Is the idea of achieving happiness still a realistic one?

5. 'Language hides the truth more than it reveals it.' Do you agree?

6. Should blogging be restricted in any way?

Submit to your GP Rep or drop in my pigeon hole outside staff rm, No. 12