This picture depicts the aftermath of a natural disaster. From the picture, we can see that the natural disaster has led to the collapse of buildings, leaving behind piles of rubble and debris. Thus, we can infer that this picture was probably taken after a serious earthquake.

From the picture, we can also infer that this natural disaster has badly affected the people. The earthquake had left many people without housing due to the collapse of buildings. I also think that in this natural disaster, the earthquake has lead to many people to hard lives as they have lost all their valuable possession. What they can do is to only wait for the donations from the others so that the government could rebuild houses for the families who were homeless to live in and the government could also buy new books for the children so that they can continue their studies.

There are also a group of onlookers examining the collapsed building. From the way they stand and their look on their face, we can infer that their families are not victims of the earthquake because they were all looking peaceful. It is likely that they were just curious about the aftermath of the earthquake after passing by the collapsed building, thus they stopped to observe any rescue efforts. Some of the onlookers might be on their way to work, hence they passed by the collapsed buildings. We can infer this because there was a factory just beside the collapsed buildings.

We can also see that at that moment, it was raining because most of the onlookers were using umbrellas to shelter themselves from the rain. The rain is also one of the problems in the aftermath of the earthquakes as it hinders the rescue efforts. The rain might cause accidents easily while the rescuer get themselves to the scene as fast as possible. The rain might also cause landslide which might delay the rescue efforts. Hence, the rescuers they themselves might get into danger.

Name: jaslin chua (5)
class: 3g

This picture depicts a scene of a place that had experienced a natural disaster. From the fallen infrastructures in the picture, I can infer that the natural disaster that had occurred will most likely be earthquake. Only earthquake will cause such buildings to fall and since there is no water bodies around in the picture, a tsunami will most likely not be the cause of this disaster. As we can see from the picture, the natural disaster must have experienced quite sometimes ago as many rescuers had already arrived at the scene. The rescuers are already trying to clear away all the destroyed infrastructures and at the same time, they are trying to search for those that are being stuck under it. No matter dead or alive, the rescuers are just trying their best to help as much as they can to save the victims out. From the picture, we can also see that many locals are also trying their best to help, even though they are not a part of the rescue team.

From the picture, I can also infer that many work has to be done as many people is helping out with the rescue of the victims. Even though many people is helping out, there are always some that don't. From the top left hand corner of the picture, we can see a large amount of people. Even though there are many people standing around, they don't even have any intention to help at all. They are just standing there like dummies looking at the commotion, while others are trying their best to save the victims. This kind of action is totally unbelievable. Have they ever wonder what if, it is them that are the ones being stuck down there? What will you feel if no one want to help save you out when you are hoping so they will. The feeling will be terrible when you found out that all the while you are trying to stay alive down there is a waste of time as no one is coming to rescue you at all. There is always a bunch of crowd looking at the commotion only and not helping, whenever an accident or disaster happened. I hope that these bystanders can realize what they are doing now is wrong and should just walk away if they don't feel like helping. They should not just stand there and look at the commotion happening as other people will feel that they are just enjoying the scene of people suffering. There is also a few rescuers that are trying to stop the crowd from coming too close but it doesn't seems to be very effective as the rescuers are being outnumbered. Since they are not helping, why is that a need to push around just to see what is happening. Totally unbelievable!

Judging from the same uniforms the rescuers are wearing, I can infer that they are a specialized group that are being sent to help rescue the victims that are being stuck under the destroyed infrastructures. I am glad that there are people around willing to risk their own lives and help to do a part in rescuing the victims stuck under it. What i admire most is that some of their locals also do a part in helping to rescue the victims under it. This is the spirit I wish to see in the bystanders but from what i see, they are just standing there doing nothing but watching the commotion. I really respect those locals and rescuers because they are willing to risk their own lives just to save the victims out from the fallen infrastructures. From the picture, I can also see that they want to rescue the victims so much until, they even use their bare hands to move away all the huge rocks. They don't mind their hands bleeding as the only thing they care about now is to save as much people out from the fallen infrastructures as possible.

From the picture, I can also see that many love ones are being lost as there are people consoling each other. It was such a sad thing that people died mercilessly because of this earthquake. They are innocent but have to die without any reason. Life is surely unfair in this kind of situation but those who had lost their love ones will just have to accept the fate. Nobody will ever know when or where this natural disaster will come. Seeing those people crying bitterly in the picture, I really felt sad for them but I also felt angry of myself for not being able to help but as what I have just said, fate is fate and we can never prevent it. Natural disaster can never be prevent but we can always prepare for it. By doing this we can increase the chance of survival when a natural disaster happen and can also reduce the damages to the surrounding like falling of the infrastructures or pollution of the land, water and air.

Right now, I can only hope that the victims stuck down there can try their best to stay alive and wait to be rescued. I also hope that the rescuers and locals can successfully save out all the victims. There is also one last thing that I want to say to those that had lost their love ones and that is no matter what bad things you had encounter now, you must accept the fate that you can't change it and always have a positive image of your life and continue to live on happily for the rest of your lives. There is nothing impossible to achieve in your life because it only depends on how well you handle it or how much you put your heart in achieving it.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/shedotcomph/1495134406/

© sayote queen

(What is said for the picture discussion is inferred from the picture, and some may not be true. The story behind the picture is given in its original source.)

PICTURE DISCUSSION

This picture depicts a scene outside a children’s home, where the boys were taking a camera shot outside their dormitories. The curtains hanging on the windows of the room act as the background of the picture. Even though the boys were dressed fairly well and smiles painted their faces like honey on a bear’s cheeks, from the looks of the house, they were clearly not rich and were living a life where luxuries were uncommon. The walls of the building were not unscathed and needed painting, but the laughter and joy of the children brightened the picture much.

Although most of the faces were focusing on the camera, some of the boys in the middle were stuck in the middle of wrestling shoulder to shoulder during the shot. They are most probably very close friends as they were teasing each other, inferred from the tight grip of each other. From their expressions, I believe they tasted the fun in their mouths and didn’t mind the teasing. This further confirms that the bonds between the children were strong and that they braved the dangerous winters and enjoyed the comfortable summers together.

Towards the left, there is a boy wearing a blue shirt and raising his arms as if to hide. Possibly, the boy did not want to be part of the photograph but for keepsake, his friends pulled him in. The other boy who wore a striped T-shirt and was smiling at the camera is in it, as his hands were pulling the retaliating boy beside him. He was almost grinning, happy that at least his good buddy is there with them in the picture.

The boy with unkempt hair at the extreme left of the others seems to have got there just in time as he wasn’t drawn into the embrace that was as tight as the others. He was not disappointed though, seen from his smile where the corners of his mouth were almost touching his ears. It was almost a wide grin. His fingers were put into a twist, where a ‘V’ sign is obvious beside his ecstatic mates.

However, the tallest boy at the extreme right was looking a little off balance and his smile was reluctant. His balance problem probably resulted from a sudden grip, the grip of which the middle boys might have pulled the two sides when the cameraman was saying “1, 2…”, and by the time he got to “…3”, this lanky boy was standing on one foot and his arm was rested upon the guy next to him. From the looks of it, he might be unprepared for both the pull and the flash, thus his getting-ready-to-smile smile on his face.

This picture, of which happiness was shown even among poverty, tells us that nothing else matters in the innocence of a child. The children are not bothered by the rundown building where they live, nor do they mind the average Jack lifestyle they had lived. Their future may be tainted by poverty, but hope is present where they survive. As long as the flicker of hope and life exists, these children will surely build a better world for their country and the world.

Leck Choon Ling
3G (15)

This picture depicts an American doctor examining a child. I think this picture is taken in one of the deprived villages in Africa as we can see their native people queuing up to have a medical checkup done by the man above. I can also tell that the village is deprived because the clothes they are wearing seem like old linen also, the man have very little tools and they are all of the most basic kind and the checkup is done with a old dusty wooden table without shelter.

From the run down background, the open air clinic, there is a volunteer worker or doctor examining the African child. In the picture, the little kid in his mother arms is crying out loud. I think it must be his first time seeing a doctor hence he is frightened of the instrument the doctor is using. We can see that the child is clutching his mother tightly for comfort. His mother is bending her head down to comfort her child, probably trying to calm him down.

The American man probably came with an attached group from a charity organization to help out the poor and sick in Africa as it is known worldwide that Africa lack of sanitation and isn’t as advanced in medicine. The man in the picture looks a bit frustrated, probably because of the lack of tools that he needs. He also seems to be rather worried for the child he is examining

The kid beside the mother probably is also curious as he is looking around with a curious look on his face. A woman beside the kid probably is a volunteer from Africa. She is of the same skin color as the patient. I think she must be acting as a nurse to help out.

A girl wearing a pink dress hiding behind the tree is probably curious at what the doctor as she does not dare to move closer to see. It probably is the little girl’s first time seeing a doctor in the area.

Labels: Oral - Picture Discussion

This picture depicts a scene where they are carrying out a celebration. There are many people involved in it. It is a joyous occasion.

They are all grinning from ear to ear and some even leaping up in the air for joy. They were all looking at the same direction and waving their hands in the air where I suppose that they were welcoming some distinguished guest that they were anticipating for. They must be elated to see the presence of the guest. Majority of the people were dressed in the colour red and white that was similar to the colour as the flag that they were holding on their hands. It was Singapore’s flag. From the flag that the all of them were holding on, I suppose that this celebration was held in Singapore. It should be the National Day Parade that is being held annually to celebrate their country’s birthday. The participants of the occasion also held it with great respect. We could tell by the way they adhered to the dress code by having majority of the people to be dressed in the colours of the flag they were holding on.

This event was most probably held last year where there were coloured seats allocated for the participants and high-rise buildings in the background. The location of the event was only changed to Marina Bay last year that was unlike the past years where the National Day Parade was held in the National Stadium that is currently under construction. Thus it was easy to identify when this photo was being taken. From the picture, you could also identify people of many races from the way that they are dressed and their skin colour. People of different races are coming together as one for the celebration. There is social cohesion. This is also one of the trademarks of Singapore being a multi-racial country.

In addition, the weather also seems to be fine that day. They seem to be having fun and enjoying themselves a lot. The good weather that day seems to an additional bonus for the activity! In the middle of the picture, there is a male in the centre of the picture that is dressed in red and black. He was jumping with smiles written all over his face. I suppose that he is enjoying himself a lot at that point of time and he must have taken a great liking on the guest-of-honour that was entering the place then. It could be seen from his leaping from his seat in joy and he seems to be cheering aloud. He is also holding on the flag and waving it up high in the air.

The National Day Parade is only held annually. Thus I feel that it is a good opportunity for the entire population to come together and celebrating their country’s birthday. This is definitely the best time for them to show their patriotism for their country. It is a good timing for the nation to bond and interact. Majority of the population would be playing a role to help the country celebrate their nation’s birthday by either being the participants for the performance or to be the audience. Everyone should attend the National Day Parade at least once. I feel that it is a great experience to attend the National Day Parade. The participants would also be having a sense of belonging to the country regardless of race, language or religion.

Doneby: IsellaLim(:(11)

This picture depicts a scene of a group of soldiers carrying some supplies along a damaged road.In my opinion, I think an earthquake has just occurred as the road does not seems to be under construction. Besides, I can see that the soldiers are carrying water , food and some aids supplies. Thus, i suppose they are the rescue workers and are going to send this supplies to the victims of the natural disaster.

Looking at the picture, I can see that vehicles cannot be used to transport supplies as the road is severely damaged.This will cause much inconveniences as aids supplies cannot be delivered to the victims efficiently. With the unstable ground which the rescue workers are walking along and the bulky items they are carrying, I supposed they are drained of energy and are feeling very exhausted .

On the left bottome side of the picture, there is a guy waering a yellow helmet and a different T-shirt from the others.In my opinion, I presume the guy is an official who is in charge of this rescue team.Looking at the picture,I can see that this official is carrying only one plastic bag which seems to be so much lighter compare to what the others are carrying.I think this official is quite selfish.He should help the others so that they can reached the victims in a shorter time as team work make the work done faster!

From the picture, I can see that all the rescue workers are wearing either a helmet or a cap. I supposed they are preventing things which may drop from hitting their head.In my opinion,I think the rescue workers are feeling sacred or afraid as an earthquake may suddenly occur.This will take away their precious lives.

In my conclusion,i think the rescue workers are indeed very brave. Despite the high risk they are facing, the rescue workers still accept this arduous tasks. am very proud to see such touching scene. In addition, I think this is the type of spirit we should learn from.

Actually, I would like to take part in such event as I know that donating money is defintely not enough for the victims. I really hope to do more to help the victims to get out of the miserable days. Lastly, I sincerely hope that the rescue workers will not meet any misharp during their journey.


hUiru 9

This picture depicts an orphanage. The children are sitting neatly eating the food that they’re served with. These children are age around two to four years old. In the foreground there’s a child looking up at the camera innocently while another hand is holding on to the spoon.

In their plate, they are not served with very nutritious and delicious food but just rice and beans. To them this is what they get to eat everyday and they are already really thankful to it. In the background, there are more children. There’s a child in white looking down at his food. He is probably younger as compared to the others, which is why he was served with different kind of food. Maybe something that’s more suitable for younger children to consume.

I think that they are either abandoned by their parents or their parents passed away. It’s estimated that it will be one million orphans related to the Aids epidemic in South Africa by 2004. About 5.6 million South Africans are infected with the virus and about 1000 day every day. They are living in fear if they will infect with such diseases.

It’s hard for us to truly imagine what they are going through. They are so young yet they have no one to depend on. They have no parents to be there for them. We are so different here in Singapore. We get what we want and we don’t have to eat beans and rice for a meal. Yet, we don’t know how to appreciate what’s given to us. No parents bear to give their child away or leave their child to survive on their own. But since they child have no choice, hopefully they have the courage to overcome any obstacles in their life.

wanching (03)

This picture depicts a scene of a man and a woman slaughtering dead animal at the riverside. The dead animal’s skin was fully pealed off, left only the red flesh and some unwanted organs lying around. By looking at the skeleton of the dead animal and the other dead bodies floating above the river at the back of the picture, I guess it is a buffalo. The two people who are having a difficult time with the buffalo are dressed in worn out and dirty shirts and pants without a pair of footwear. From their appearance, I can conclude that they are from urban area or the third world country, which might be facing some extreme natural or man made disasters. The man at the right is holding a knife, slaughtering the meat from the dead buffalo while the woman at the left hand side is helping him by trying to drag the buffalo’s head apart.
At the first glance of this picture, I have a strong feeling of throwing out what I had earlier. The scene is not only disgusting, with dead animals body lying around, bloody as well. I felt that the two people were so ruthless and cruel, not willing to let go of an already dead animal. But after a second and clearer look at the picture I realise that the people might have no choice but to slaughter the animal for food. Through their skinny limbs which are not covered by clothing, I could see that they are suffering from malnutrition. They might be facing hunger for quite sometime, the dead buffalo might be the only food source they can find.
I feel that I am very lucky to be in Singapore where the government will ensure that all citizens will not face hunger or insufficient food supplier. I am really very glad that I do not need to worry about food like the two people in the picture. I also think that we should not waste food since there are lots of people in the world facing food shortage. We must not take everything for granted or we might face the problem also.


Done by: LinZiYing(17)3G

This picture depicts nine students posing for a photograph.From the picture, it is probably taken during a school exchange programme as the group of students wear different uniforms.The girls at the left side of the picture are from the same school,judging from their white blouse and navy blue skirt. Whereas the girls from the right wear white sweaters with blue stripes and red patch and matching long pants.

From the background of the picture, this picture is probably taken at an outdoor place .Judging from the background,it shows dark coloured buildings beyond uniform fences.Judging from the girls' expressions , the sun must be very sorching astheir eyes are semi-closed.Probably due to the sorching sun , the girl at the far left of the picture didnt pose for the picture.The girl on the right at the front row,shows no expression ,maybe she is not used to twisting infront of the camera .

Judging from the picture, the girls from the left are probably visitors and they are here to have an exchange programme . As the girls at the left of the picture have tags hanging around their neck. It is probably for identification purposes , which make it easier for the girls at the right,who are the host, to identify their names easily.Judging from the picture, the girls at the left side of the picure are probably from another country. This is shown as the hosts of the exchange programme are wearing long sleeves attire, which is probably due to the cold weather there and the host's school has made students wear apportpertiate attire.Wheras the visitors from the foreign country come from a warm country, inferring from their uniforms.From the picture, we can judge that the environmanet there must be cold as the girls' hair are flying around due to strong wind.

The students from both schools have strict attires regulations. Judging from the picture, all the grls have their fringes at their eyebrow, and hair are neatly tied. But due to the winds , some girls' had their hair blown in many directions. Their uniform are neatly wear too. Judging from the picture the students at the left have a button pin on their blouse ,whereas, the students on the right have a red handkerchief-like tied around their collar. The girl at the foreground of the picture do not have a handkerchief on her collar . It is probably that they are having outdoor activities during that time ,so she may take off for easier movement . It is known that they are situated at an outdoor area, by inferring from the background of the picture.

From the picture, the girls are smiling happily .They probably enjoyed the exchange programme conducted for the two school. Judging from the picture, the students from the left side of the picture , like to pose 'twist' . Hence, they may have influence they liking to pose 'twist ' to their new friend. This can be infer from the girl at the far right of the picture.Though she is from another school, she has pick up the liking to pose with a 'twist' . We can judge that it is not a common practice to 'twist' infront of the camera for the school at the right side of the picture. This can be infer as the other two students did not pose as likewise.

I feel that school exchange is a good chance for students from different schools , countries to interact,learn,inspire. Different countries has different teaching styles,students can take up good studies attitude from their new friends.It is also a good chance to learn new things which students may not find it in their own schools or textbooks. Learning their school cultures and histories can be interesting too. School exchange is a good chance to make new fiends too. These friends are hard to come by, hence by interecting with them, students may find out new and interesting hobbies.I hope to be invovle in a school exchange myself. Going aboard is a good chance for me to experience independence ,but also allow me to make new friends and understand new study culture.

BY SEAHHWEEJOO [21] HELLO PEOPLE I ROCK!

This picture depicts a swimming pool. There are many female and male adults in the swimming pool. The adults in the picture are standing in two rows, with a man, probably their instructor in the middle. From the direction that the adults are facing , i can tell that they are probably having a activity that required team work, as they are split into two rows. They listening attentively to the instructor's instructions, so as not to commit any mistakes.

From the tone of the hair, i can tell that the adults are mostly from the western side of the world.
There are not only older elderly, but also some young adults. They are probably experiencing summer, as the water reflects light from the sun. The activity that the adults are going to participate in, is most likely a water activity, as the activity takes place in a swimming pool.
The activity may also require some swimming skills. Swimming is a good form of exercise and entertainment.Swimming can help to slim down and also to keep fit. Swimming is not an exercise only for kids or young adult. It is for everyone. Just like in the picture, such activities can help team building and also to allow elderly and young adults to work and bond together.Taking part in such water activities or swimming can help us maintain a healthy life style.

Water activities are only fun when you know how to play them safety.Sometimes, while carrying out water activities, accidents may happen. Therefore it is important to look out and help each other if anyone requires any help. In the picture, there are no signs of puddles of water found along the swimming pool. This is a good sign as it shows that the people responsible for maintaining the swimming pool are cautious and aware of the dangers that may be present if they do not do their job properly and cautiously.

To conclude, there have also been a rise of obesity in the western part of the world, the government can also continue introducing more interesting ways of exercising, just like what the above picture shows, to solve the problems that obesity may cause. This way, it will interest more people to continue exercising,or to take part in exercising and caring for their own bodies.

By Lau Wei Ying (13)

Title of Picture Discussion: A Natural Disaster.

This picture depicts the scene of a natural disaster. It is probably a flood as the water level is near to submerging the few cars nearby. The houses behind maybe rather strong and sturdy as they do not seemed to be damaged by the flood. In the middle of the picture, there are three people standing on and old, small and dented boat. They are stranded there, left on their own. There are only two people paddling and controlling the boat. One of them, a young man, probably in his late teens, is in green and white Polo shirt, has used something that seemed like a pole to paddle. The young man beside him, who looked around his age, is in a white crewneck shirt, has used a dustpan to paddle. The boat that they are on may not be theirs, but rather found somewhere. It is because the boat is of bad condition and there are no proper oars to paddle. They need a boat to travel as the path is filled with water. Some of the people on the boat may not know how to swim, therefore they are using a boat. They are probably trying to make their way home, they might have lost their way or are separated from their family.

They are survivors of the natural disaster. They look like they are very helpless and desperate. They are paddling as hard as they can to leave the place. One of them looked rather frantic and annoyed, they may have paddled for days, but are still trapped in the same area. This may have caused them much worry. I think all three of them may have been very good friends. This is a very good opportunity for them to stay united as one and to work as one. If they do not cooperate well, they may end up drifting and getting to nowhere. I feel that they are showing quite a good team spirit here. The one in green is probably the leader, as he is standing at the tip of the boat, and is controlling the boat. He may have been experienced in survival skills and gave instructions to the two behind. He have to remain calm at such a time, he is the only one that the rest can rely on.

I feel that it is very unfortunate for something like this to happen. The flood will probably cause many to be homeless like them. These people have to suffer from lack of food and shelter. Many are as desperate as them, it is because their life ahead is much gloom and bleak. I hope that their government will see to their needs as soon as possible, giving them an answer and a glimpse of hope to their lives.

Done By : Tze Hui Yi[26] 3G

This picture depicts a scene of a road side full of parents. These parents are holding photos of their children. I think that they are having a memorial service of the children. It seems that the children were killed in the China Sichuan earthquake that is over as rubbles and pieces of stones could be seen on the floor and the parents are sitting on the stones.

One parent, wearing a white top, on the right of the picture is crying as she is holding a white handkerchief, using it to wipe the tears. Many parents look depressed and kept looking down. Maybe they are mourning for their children. A parent in the middle of the picture is holding on the phone. Maybe she is talking on the phone to a relative that her child is dead and asking about the condition of her relatives. Wreaths could be seen leaning against the wall behind the parents.

I think that Singaporeans are very fortunate as we do not experience any natural disasters. Hence, many of us do not experience the pain of seeing relatives leaving us due to natural disasters. We could also receive sufficient education unlike some rural parts of other countries. We should be grateful that we could live in such a safe country instead of taking things granted. Very often, Singaporeans would waste food by not finishing our food and throwing it away. However, many of us did not think that many other people in countries are suffering from hunger. Many would die due to malnutrition or die due to hunger. Usually, Singaporeans would buy things that they do not really need. Hence, after buying them, they would use for a few times and then throw away or leave it in a corner to collect dust. I think that for these things, they could donate to those who really need them instead of throwing them away or leaving it in a corner. At least it would come to use one day.

I hope that those people who suffered in the China Sichuan earthquake would get over this tragedy and continue their lives. I think that those who are experts in the psychology should lend a helping hand by going there to psychoanalysis them, by relieving them from the fright they have experienced during the earthquake. People from all over the world should also play a part to help these victims of the earthquake by donating money to rebuild their homelands, donating clean food and water for them to consume and medical appliances to help them prevent from the spread of disease.

Done by: Chee Zhi Ying (1)

This picture shows me a scene of a group of children whom I assume to be primary school students judging from their age and attire, inside a dilapidated wooden shelter which appears to be their classroom. Other than the run-down infrastructure, the furniture (such as tables and chairs) inside the shelter are also of inferior quality and in poor condition. However, the children, most of whom are wearing brown uniforms, do not seem to mind the low standards of facilities. In fact, the small classroom was packed with students, indicating that learning opportunities may probably be very limited in the area where the school is located and that places in classes are so sought after to the extent that the students cannot be bothered by the state of the school and its facilities.

Judging from the picture, I can infer that this “school” is probably located in an undeveloped area or a third-world country where the local education system is not well established and weak, run-down infrastructure are a common sight due to frail economies and outdated technology. In many of these under-developed areas and countries, access to education is not widely available, in addition to the poor quality and facilities of schools. Every opportunity to receive education is hard to come by and desperately sought after, with the few fortunate ones relinquishing and grateful for the chance to study and learn, for that could represent a change of their fates and lives for the better.

From the picture, I can also see that most of the children are well-disciplined, as most of them are properly seated with their study materials (such as their bags and books) laid out neatly on their tables. Despite the lack of a conducive learning environment, the decrepit classroom and ramshackle furniture were kept neat and clean. I find it ironic that if we were to compare this picture to another one of a typical classroom in contemporary Singapore, where every single school have, at the very least, proper and structurally-safe classrooms for all students. Despite the availability of proper classrooms and learning facilities, more than often do we see vandalised tables, strewn chairs and littered floors …… in most classrooms. Material-wise, the students in the picture have nothing comparable to what students in Singapore have, but they treasure and protect what they have, in contrary, many Singaporean students do not appreciate what we have right now, be it the opportunity to attend school or the excellent facilities that were made available to us in school, or even high standard of living of living that we enjoy right now.

Just looking at the school building itself, I do not think that one can ever find anything similar here in Singapore. Nor can we see students here wearing the threadbare uniforms that the children in the picture are wearing. Neither will we receive rickety, makeshift furniture for our tables and chairs. Perhaps, it is due to the high standard of living that we enjoy which made us overlooked the fact that most of us are very fortunate in the sense that we need not worry for our lives and are provided with a safe and conducive environment to study and etc. As a result, we may not appreciate or treasure what we have.

Personally, I was awed by the spirit displayed by the children in the picture. In order to have a chance to receive education, they are jeopardizing their own safety by studying in such a precarious structure and are trying their best to make the best out of what they have, as shown by how they treasure and care for their school’s environment and properties. It seems almost consuetudinary for them to treasure every learning opportunity for they understand how hard is such an opportunity to come by and to maximize its value. Disregarding their shabby physical environment, their hunger for knowledge and will to learn probably helped to fuel their inquisitive minds, and such a drive is something that I feel is lacking among students here.

Students here have basic and proper necessities to facilitate their learning, in fact, some even enjoy state-of-the-art or advanced learning materials which can be considered avant-garde. However, some students are nonchalant about studying despite having the chance to. I feel that we should really reflect on our approach and attitude towards learning, for children, not only in this picture, but in many other rural and undeveloped areas, have showed to the world that learning is not restricted by their environment, but spurred on by their spirit, and that is what impressed me. Looking back at recent events such as the devastating Si Chuan Earthquake and Cyclone Nargis which ripped through Myanmar’s Irrawaddy delta, we often receive reports of affected students who had to make do with makeshift and often, dangerous shelters as replacement for their ruined schools being more excited at the prospect of being able to return to school than hopes of receiving aid, this further displays the importance and value of education to these children, which some students here have failed to identify.

To conclude, I think that the children in the picture have provided us with a role model, for their learning journey was an arduous one and it is through hardships that we can identify the real value of something important to us, which in this case, is education.


Done By: Huang Jian Yi (35) 3G :)

Labels: Picture Discussion

This picture depicts a rundown place , which is built for temporary purpose. This picture shows that a girl is wearing a rather dirty dress , together with the other villagers. This is most probably a place built for villagers for temporary shelter purpose after a natural disaster.

From this picture , we can see that bicycles , tables and brooms are all lying around the area in a disorderly manner and water are splashed around the area too. On top of the temporary built houses , there are also clothes being hanged around by the villagers. This shows that the houses built does not have sufficient spaces for the villagers to hang their clothes or to put their own necessary household furnitures , showing how rundown and small the place really is. This picture also shows that people has accepted the kind of living condition they are in and share their place well with the other villages and not occupying the place all by themselves.

I think that the little girl in the picture is very brave. She is at such a young age but had went through such a terrible disaster. Although she did not seem to be crying in the picture , but we do not know what had actually happened to her relatives or even parents. She is really brave and I am very happy that she is alright after the disaster. I am also happy to see that the villagers are living together in harmony and are making full use of the area , without occupying only by themselves but sharing with the other villagers too. This should be the spirit of how villagers should in times of a disaster befalling on the country , lending each other a helping hand and living in harmony.

I really pity them that their house is now destroyed by the natural disaster and they can no longer return to their house or even to retrieve their belongings which might be buried under the fallen houses. Some of the villagers might even lost their close kins due to the terrible disaster. Many things had been lost in this disaster and can never be brought back. I am glad that the villagers are still getting on with their life with a positive attitude and not brooding over this disaster.

The deceased could no longer be brought back to life anymore and lost items can no longer be found. Life still has to go on for the villagers who had escaped from the terrible natural disaster. They are all really brave to live on with their life. Although they are no longer staying in the comfortable and familiar houses they had stayed for years before the disaster , they seems to be getting used to their living conditions now.

I felt really helpless that I could do nothing to salvage the situation. But I am sure they need our support and donations now. I hope that more people would be donating more clothes , tents , sleeping bags , food and mostly importantly money to help the villagers improve their living condition. Many schools , including ours had started donation drives to help the people that had experienced this terrible disaster. I really hope that everyone would play a part and show your support for them ! I hope that the villagers would remain positive and get on well with life , because there is no point brooding over matters that can no longer be salvaged. I am lucky that I am still living in comfortable places with sufficient food and clothings. I do not mind sharing with them because I am sure they need it more than I do !

Done By : Sophie (25 ) (:

This picture depicts a scene at which people are participating in a dumpling-making competition.

Personally, I think that the people are organising this competition to celebrate dragon boat festival. In my opinion, I think that the organizer of this competition is probably a Chinese as there are many Chinese characters printed on the banner. Moreover, the weather must be fine that day as the competition is held outdoors. In the picture shown above, the participants of the competition are mostly foreigners or non-Chinese.


At the bottom right hand corner of the picture, there is a woman with long hair. She is busy tying the dumpling. I believe that she could be feeling miserable with the method she used to tie the dumpling as dissatisfaction has been clearly expressed out from her face. It could be her first time tying the dumpling, as she seems to have much difficulty coping with it. In the bottom of the picture, there are many bamboo leaves lying all over the table. Hence, I strongly believe that the foreigners must have felt too nervous during the competition as many bamboo leaves are being placed in an untidy manner during the competition.


From the picture, the participants are too engrossed in making the dumplings as we can see that their eyes are all on the bamboo leaves. Most of them are quite unskilful in making it. However, they have showed the perseverance in the process. Moreover, I think that the purpose of organising this competition is to promote Chinese culture, as the participants shown in the picture are all foreigners learning on how to make a dumpling. Basically, I think that the photographer is trying to show the determination is the key to success as the foreigners have finally learnt how to make a dumpling although they met with a lot of difficulties in making it.


In conclusion, I think that this competition is quite a meaningful event as the non-Chinese people are given a golden opportunity to participate in a Chinese event. This activity is a type of cultural exchange and it is good as it could spread the Chinese culture to the non-Chinese and also strengthen the relationship among the different races. In my opinion, I think that organising such an event would be a memorable one. Lastly, I hope that such events should be organised more often as the different races can get a chance to learn the culture of other races through such activities and most importantly, they can get a wonderful experience.





Done By: Poon Le Ning (19) 3G

This picture depicts a scene after a natural disaster. I think this might be a scene after an earthquake. The buildings around look destroyed and old, many people were at the scene wearing ponchos or taking umbrella when this picture was taken. Many can be seen lying on the ground, most probably because they were unable to move, or disabled due to the earthquake. On the bottom right hand corner, I can see a person wrapped in a bleach colour cloth. There’s a high possibility that the person is already dead, probably his/her body had been taken out from the actual place where buildings collapsed.
Another lady lying on some mat at the foreground can be seen holding can umbrella. Her family members might not have found her and she was rescued out as her clothes have mud and sand stains. Her legs might have been disabled as she is just lying there and not moving, if she had the ability to move around, I believe she would not have just laid there and holding an umbrella to cover the upper part of her body. Around her are other people who were too, lying on the ground not moving except holding and umbrella above their body, the umbrellas might have been given to them by some other kind souls as they would not have found umbrellas, in such good conditions at the earthquake scene.
On the top right hand corner, a group of people can be seen walking towards a certain direction, they might be walking towards a place to get medical help or walking towards temporary shelters to stay for the time being. They’re all holding umbrellas or wearing ponchos, I suppose all these have been provided by the team of rescuers who went to aid in the earthquake.
I think that those people should help to move the others lying on the ground, unable to move, to the shelter or the medical team, it is pretty selfish of them to just fend for themselves and ignore the misery of the rest as they were unable to move. They could have just asked the medical team to go over to the injured ones, but in the scene, no paramedics could be seen and thus, I conclude that those people have just been left there with umbrellas by themselves.
There’s a guy on the top right hand corner of the picture, holding a black umbrella, looking at the helpless ones lying on the ground, I suppose he’d felt sorry for them as the expression on his face was not very pleasant.
Smoke can be seen on the top left hand corner, it might have been produced due to the cement and sand, buildings collapse in the earthquake. The person in brown near the smoke might be using his/her hand to fan the smoke away.
Looking at this picture, I see helplessness of the disabled people, and also, selfishness of those who are still alive and kicking. They should not be so self-centered, if they could help out, they might just save a life or two. And the family members of those people will certainly be grateful to the life-savers.
I also think that other countries who don’t experience earthquakes should be glad and grateful, or else those pitiful people they see in the pictures could just be them the next time. We should realize how fortunate we are to be living in a safe place without earthquakes, as these natural disasters can just take away many lives.
We should also always cherish what we have in our life or it will be too late for regrets when we finally realized how important certain things are to us, but those things are lost forever already.

By : CARIE (16) ;D