Aug 10, 2010, STRAITS TIMES
NDP 2010
White -hot PASSION
white : pervading and everlasting purity and virtue
Looking smart in their white ceremonial uniforms, the Republic of Singapore Navy's Guard of Honour contingent marching past the old Supreme Court.
GRAMMAR
STANDING ramrod straight, Lieutenant Li Yong Rui cut an imposing figure in his white No. 1 uniform - the ceremonial outfit he wears at official functions.
He 1. _______(bark) a command.
On cue, a powerful bellow 2. _______(come) from a 25-pounder cannon - one of six at the War Memorial Park along Beach Road near the Padang - as it belched a thick cloud of white smoke.
The cannons 3. ________(fire) off at 60-second intervals as President S R Nathan 4. _________(inspect) the front row of the marching contingents over at the Padang. It was a moment Lt Li, commander of the presidential gun salute, will not forget.
'Right before I give the command, I can't describe the feeling. I'm thinking, 'The President is actually here. The whole sequence of events 5. _______(go) to be started by me',' said Lt Li, 22.
'And when it actually fires, it's so powerful and loud, it feels so awesome.'
He is no novice at the National Day Parade, 6. _______(participate) on three previous occasions.
But as the commander of the gun salute, yesterday's was the best, he said. 'The salute is for both the country and the President. I 7. _______(shock) and honoured to be chosen,' he added.
Precision and order were on display throughout the parade, from the RSAF's crowd-pleasing aerial display to the marching of the 30 contingents.
Wild cheers 8. _______(greet) the mobile column, which made a return after five years.
As the 210 battle tanks, armoured personnel carriers and other vehicles trundled past City Hall, spectators 9. ______(whip) out their phones and cameras to record the impressive display of military might featuring vehicles like the Leopard 2A4 main battle tank.
'This is my first time 10. _______(celebrate) NDP at the Padang and my first time being so close to all these vehicles. It's very exciting,' said Mr Govindaswamy Lakshmanan, 43, an executive at a garment manufacturing company.
Just moments before the mobile column made its way 11. ______(pass) the parade ground, Captain Michael Luo, 25, marched along the same stretch as part of the Guard of Honour contingent from the Republic of Singapore Navy.
'Standing on the parade ground, representing not just the navy but also the Singapore Armed Forces, I'm at a place where many people would want to be, but not many get the chance to be there. I'm honoured to 12. _______(select),' he said.
Match the following meanings with the correct word form the passage.
1. Very rigid or straight and stiff. ___________
2. Impressive in size and bearing; dignity. _______________
3. To gush out _________
4. A representative group _____________
5. A loud shout ___________
6. Great wonder, marvel ____________
7. A connected series of events __________
8. Beginner _____________
9. Accurate _____________
10. Haul, wheel , roll, spin _____________
11. In the air ___________
12. Moveable ________________
13. A powerful army ___________
Comprehension
1. Give two words to show the appearance of the Lieutenant Li .
2. What happened when the 25 pounder cannon was fired?
3. Explain which moment will be etched in Lieutenant Li’ s memory for a long time?
4. What was the spectators’ reaction when the tanks and armoured vehicles trundled past City hall?
5. Why did captain Micheal Luo felt honoured?
ANSWERS
Grammar – 1. Barked 2. Came 3. Were found 4. Inspected 5. Is going 6. Having participated 7. Was shocked 8. Greeted 9. Whipped 10. Celebrating 11. Past 12. To have been selected
Vocabulary – 1. Ramrod straight 2. Imposing figure 3. Belched 4. Contingents 5. A powerful bellow 6. Awesome 7. Sequence of events 8. Novice 9. Precision 10. Trundled 11. Aerial 12. Mobile 13. Military might
Sunday, August 22, 2010
NATIONAL DAY PARADE 2010
Aug 10, 2010, STRAITS TIMES
THIS IS home TRULY
A magical night as NDP returns to the Padang, while those in heartland join in celebrations too
FOUR minutes and six seconds.
Time seemed to hold its breath while the nation sang Home together last night, as Singapore's 45th birthday celebrations drew to a resounding close.
'This is Home truly, where I know I must be,' Singaporeans 1. ________(sing) along with homegrown singer Kit Chan. 'Where my dreams wait for me, where that river always flows...'
Ms Chan, a slender presence on a crescent-shaped stage, set the scene for the One Voice moment at 2010 hours, or 8.10pm.
Following Home, the 26,500 people at the Padang, as well as thousands in the surrounding Marina Bay area and in the heartland, 2. ________(rise) to their feet.
In one voice, they 3. __________(recite) the National Pledge and sang the National Anthem.
The night ended with fireworks going off at the Padang and nine other locations in the city, as all-time favourite national songs like Count On Me, Singapore and We Are Singapore played.
Indeed, it was the music of Singapore that 4. _______(draw) the nation together at its 2010 birthday party, which returned to the Padang for a magical night after an absence of five years.
The celebrations come at a time when Singapore is riding high on confidence.
As Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong 5. _________(note) in his National Day Message on Sunday, the economy has rebounded strongly from last year's recession, many jobs have been created, and unemployment is low.
The exceptional performance, Mr Lee said, is the fruit of Singaporeans' united response during the crisis, which enabled the country to take advantage of improved global conditions.
If music set the mood for yesterday's celebrations, what 6. _______(stand) out was how 7. _______(unite) was also a theme.
The parade 8. ________(celebrate) not only at the 9. ________(history) City Hall site in the city, but also at the doorsteps of people's homes in Eunos, Sengkang, Bishan, Choa Chu Kang and Woodlands.
The 21/2-hour parade featured live feeds to the simultaneous celebrations at the five heartland locations, where more than 80,000 people had gathered in open fields, allowing Singaporeans to be almost together in body as well as spirit.
'To sing along with everyone else in the Padang is great,' said jewellery designer Manoj Jaswani, 45, who was at Bishan with his family of three.
'We may not be where the parade is, but the party here is just as big and the atmosphere 10. _______(feel) the same.'
Spectators started gathering as early at 3.30pm at the Padang site, which 11. ______(festoon) with flags in line with this year's parade theme of Live Our Dreams, Fly Our Flag.
After weeks in which the weather 12. _______(swing) from dismal rain to scorching heat, it was a fine evening. It did not rain, and many were seen furiously fanning themselves to keep cool.
The parade kicked off with the daredevil Red Lions parachutists wowing the crowd. The marching contingents that followed also got people onto their feet.
Cheers 13. _______(greet) the arrival of Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong and Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew, 14. ________(follow) by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong a little later.
A high point for the crowd was the four-minute aerial display 15. _________(feature) Singapore's latest F-15 fighter jets and the Gulfstream 550 airborne early warning aircraft.
Making a welcome comeback was the mobile column, an impressive, 210-strong convoy that trundled down St Andrew's Road and, in smaller groups, into the five HDB estates.
Military might made way for grace when the high-energy four-act show got under way. The 90-minute show directed by Dick Lee was divided into acts exploring the ideals symbolised by the red, white, crescent moon, and stars of the Singapore flag.
Los Angeles-based Singaporean singer-songwriter Corrinne May got the crowd onto their feet when she sang her tribute to the nation, Song For Singapore.
As dusk descended, the seating galleries turned into a sea of twinkling colours as spectators waved flag-shaped clappers cum torches, supplied in their fun totes. The bags this year came in designs by seven of the country's top designers.
A light display bathed the stately columns of City Hall in vibrant shades, while a stone's throw away, the waters of Marina Bay shimmered in the neon lights of the Marina Bay Sands integrated resort.
Retiree Chua Gek Soon, 63, was dazzled by the moon- and star-shaped fireworks. 'Marina Bay looks so beautiful now,' said the retiree, who was at the Padang with his wife. 'Singapore has achieved so much within such a short time.'
Singapore Airlines flight attendant Celine Poh, 31, rushed to the Padang after landing at Changi Airport from Ho Chi Minh City, just an hour before the parade.
'Rushing here is really nothing compared with being back here to celebrate the nation's birthday with my fellow Singaporeans,' she said.
She was, after all, Home.
5 magical moments AT THE NATIONAL DAY PARADE
1 ONE VOICE 2010
At exactly 8.10pm, 26,500 spectators at the Padang recited the Pledge and sang the Anthem. They joined voices with 80,000 residents taking part in heartland festivities, and with many more people across the island.
2 AERIAL DISPLAY
The newest additions to Singapore's air force took to the skies yesterday. Two sleek F-15 fighter jets streaked over Marina Bay Sands and executed a 'shackle' manoeuvre, showcasing the aircraft's ability to execute sharp turns.
3 COLOURFUL COSTUMES
Vibrant, cutting-edge, coordinated and 'wow'. The Padang exploded in a riot of colours right from the show's opening act, which featured the multifaceted costumes of Singapore's racial and cultural groups.
4 FIREWORKS OVER THE BAY
The skies above Marina Bay burst into myriad colours as fireworks were set off at an unprecedented nine locations, including the Esplanade and City Hall. Spectators were captivated by the spectacular pyrotechnics.
5 CITY HALL LIGHT SHOW
City Hall was turned into a huge canvas. More than 20 patterns like stars, flowers and futuristic circuit boards were projected on the building, which has witnessed momentous events since Singapore's independence in 1965.
Match the following meanings with the correct word given in the passage.
1. Slim, not fat. ______________
2. Originated from the country of birth or citizenship ___________
3. Having a sense of the supernatural ____________
4. A central region where most people live ___________
5. Enjoying great success ____________
6. A period of time where business is poor __________
7. Recovered very fast __________
8. A situation where there is profit or gain __________
9. Extraordinarily good achievement ___________
10. Celebrations that are going on at the same time ____________
11. Shown on mass media ___________
12. Real time data shown on mass media ___________
13. Very hot __________
14. Causing the audience to marvel _________
15. Depressing and dull rain _________
16. A group of soldiers escorting for protection _____________
17. To represent by a sign ____________
18. A payment as an acknowledgement ________________
19. A large area of bright flashing colours ___________
20. To impress deeply _____________
21. Celebrations ___________
22. A lot of colours _______________
23. Lively, full of energy _____________
24. Very modern, using the latest technology _______________
25. Smooth and shining ___________
26. To move swiftly ____________
27. To move around _____________
28. Carry out, perform , evasive movement ____________
29. Exhibiting to a crowd of people _________
30. Attire worn by performers that show many aspects of the races and cultures ______________________
ANSWERS
Grammar- 1. sang 2. rose 3. recited 4. drew 5. noted 6. stood 7. unity 8. was celebrated
9. historic 10. feels 11. was festooned 12. swung 13. greeted 14. followed 15. featuring
Vocabulary 1. slender 2. homegrown 3. a magical night 4. heartland 5.riding high 6. recession 7. rebound 8. take advantage 9. exceptional performance 10. simultaneous celebrations 11. featured 12. live feeds 13. scorching heat 14. wowing the crowds 15. dismal rain 16. convoy 17. symbolised 18. tribute to the nation 19. a sea of twinkling colours 20. dazzled 21. festivities 22. a riot of colours 23. vibrant 24. cutting-edge 25. sleek 26. streaked 27. manoeuvre 28. execute 29. showcasing 30. multi-faceted costumes
THIS IS home TRULY
A magical night as NDP returns to the Padang, while those in heartland join in celebrations too
FOUR minutes and six seconds.
Time seemed to hold its breath while the nation sang Home together last night, as Singapore's 45th birthday celebrations drew to a resounding close.
'This is Home truly, where I know I must be,' Singaporeans 1. ________(sing) along with homegrown singer Kit Chan. 'Where my dreams wait for me, where that river always flows...'
Ms Chan, a slender presence on a crescent-shaped stage, set the scene for the One Voice moment at 2010 hours, or 8.10pm.
Following Home, the 26,500 people at the Padang, as well as thousands in the surrounding Marina Bay area and in the heartland, 2. ________(rise) to their feet.
In one voice, they 3. __________(recite) the National Pledge and sang the National Anthem.
The night ended with fireworks going off at the Padang and nine other locations in the city, as all-time favourite national songs like Count On Me, Singapore and We Are Singapore played.
Indeed, it was the music of Singapore that 4. _______(draw) the nation together at its 2010 birthday party, which returned to the Padang for a magical night after an absence of five years.
The celebrations come at a time when Singapore is riding high on confidence.
As Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong 5. _________(note) in his National Day Message on Sunday, the economy has rebounded strongly from last year's recession, many jobs have been created, and unemployment is low.
The exceptional performance, Mr Lee said, is the fruit of Singaporeans' united response during the crisis, which enabled the country to take advantage of improved global conditions.
If music set the mood for yesterday's celebrations, what 6. _______(stand) out was how 7. _______(unite) was also a theme.
The parade 8. ________(celebrate) not only at the 9. ________(history) City Hall site in the city, but also at the doorsteps of people's homes in Eunos, Sengkang, Bishan, Choa Chu Kang and Woodlands.
The 21/2-hour parade featured live feeds to the simultaneous celebrations at the five heartland locations, where more than 80,000 people had gathered in open fields, allowing Singaporeans to be almost together in body as well as spirit.
'To sing along with everyone else in the Padang is great,' said jewellery designer Manoj Jaswani, 45, who was at Bishan with his family of three.
'We may not be where the parade is, but the party here is just as big and the atmosphere 10. _______(feel) the same.'
Spectators started gathering as early at 3.30pm at the Padang site, which 11. ______(festoon) with flags in line with this year's parade theme of Live Our Dreams, Fly Our Flag.
After weeks in which the weather 12. _______(swing) from dismal rain to scorching heat, it was a fine evening. It did not rain, and many were seen furiously fanning themselves to keep cool.
The parade kicked off with the daredevil Red Lions parachutists wowing the crowd. The marching contingents that followed also got people onto their feet.
Cheers 13. _______(greet) the arrival of Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong and Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew, 14. ________(follow) by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong a little later.
A high point for the crowd was the four-minute aerial display 15. _________(feature) Singapore's latest F-15 fighter jets and the Gulfstream 550 airborne early warning aircraft.
Making a welcome comeback was the mobile column, an impressive, 210-strong convoy that trundled down St Andrew's Road and, in smaller groups, into the five HDB estates.
Military might made way for grace when the high-energy four-act show got under way. The 90-minute show directed by Dick Lee was divided into acts exploring the ideals symbolised by the red, white, crescent moon, and stars of the Singapore flag.
Los Angeles-based Singaporean singer-songwriter Corrinne May got the crowd onto their feet when she sang her tribute to the nation, Song For Singapore.
As dusk descended, the seating galleries turned into a sea of twinkling colours as spectators waved flag-shaped clappers cum torches, supplied in their fun totes. The bags this year came in designs by seven of the country's top designers.
A light display bathed the stately columns of City Hall in vibrant shades, while a stone's throw away, the waters of Marina Bay shimmered in the neon lights of the Marina Bay Sands integrated resort.
Retiree Chua Gek Soon, 63, was dazzled by the moon- and star-shaped fireworks. 'Marina Bay looks so beautiful now,' said the retiree, who was at the Padang with his wife. 'Singapore has achieved so much within such a short time.'
Singapore Airlines flight attendant Celine Poh, 31, rushed to the Padang after landing at Changi Airport from Ho Chi Minh City, just an hour before the parade.
'Rushing here is really nothing compared with being back here to celebrate the nation's birthday with my fellow Singaporeans,' she said.
She was, after all, Home.
5 magical moments AT THE NATIONAL DAY PARADE
1 ONE VOICE 2010
At exactly 8.10pm, 26,500 spectators at the Padang recited the Pledge and sang the Anthem. They joined voices with 80,000 residents taking part in heartland festivities, and with many more people across the island.
2 AERIAL DISPLAY
The newest additions to Singapore's air force took to the skies yesterday. Two sleek F-15 fighter jets streaked over Marina Bay Sands and executed a 'shackle' manoeuvre, showcasing the aircraft's ability to execute sharp turns.
3 COLOURFUL COSTUMES
Vibrant, cutting-edge, coordinated and 'wow'. The Padang exploded in a riot of colours right from the show's opening act, which featured the multifaceted costumes of Singapore's racial and cultural groups.
4 FIREWORKS OVER THE BAY
The skies above Marina Bay burst into myriad colours as fireworks were set off at an unprecedented nine locations, including the Esplanade and City Hall. Spectators were captivated by the spectacular pyrotechnics.
5 CITY HALL LIGHT SHOW
City Hall was turned into a huge canvas. More than 20 patterns like stars, flowers and futuristic circuit boards were projected on the building, which has witnessed momentous events since Singapore's independence in 1965.
Match the following meanings with the correct word given in the passage.
1. Slim, not fat. ______________
2. Originated from the country of birth or citizenship ___________
3. Having a sense of the supernatural ____________
4. A central region where most people live ___________
5. Enjoying great success ____________
6. A period of time where business is poor __________
7. Recovered very fast __________
8. A situation where there is profit or gain __________
9. Extraordinarily good achievement ___________
10. Celebrations that are going on at the same time ____________
11. Shown on mass media ___________
12. Real time data shown on mass media ___________
13. Very hot __________
14. Causing the audience to marvel _________
15. Depressing and dull rain _________
16. A group of soldiers escorting for protection _____________
17. To represent by a sign ____________
18. A payment as an acknowledgement ________________
19. A large area of bright flashing colours ___________
20. To impress deeply _____________
21. Celebrations ___________
22. A lot of colours _______________
23. Lively, full of energy _____________
24. Very modern, using the latest technology _______________
25. Smooth and shining ___________
26. To move swiftly ____________
27. To move around _____________
28. Carry out, perform , evasive movement ____________
29. Exhibiting to a crowd of people _________
30. Attire worn by performers that show many aspects of the races and cultures ______________________
ANSWERS
Grammar- 1. sang 2. rose 3. recited 4. drew 5. noted 6. stood 7. unity 8. was celebrated
9. historic 10. feels 11. was festooned 12. swung 13. greeted 14. followed 15. featuring
Vocabulary 1. slender 2. homegrown 3. a magical night 4. heartland 5.riding high 6. recession 7. rebound 8. take advantage 9. exceptional performance 10. simultaneous celebrations 11. featured 12. live feeds 13. scorching heat 14. wowing the crowds 15. dismal rain 16. convoy 17. symbolised 18. tribute to the nation 19. a sea of twinkling colours 20. dazzled 21. festivities 22. a riot of colours 23. vibrant 24. cutting-edge 25. sleek 26. streaked 27. manoeuvre 28. execute 29. showcasing 30. multi-faceted costumes
LET THE GAMES BEGIN - YOG
Let the Games Begin
To commemorate the inaugural Youth Olympic Games in Singapore this month, Reader’s Digest and the National Library Board of Singapore organised the Youth Writers Awards Asia on the theme “Dare to Dream: Stories of Imagination, Passion and Sporting Excellence”. This is one of the winning entries, “The Moment”
By LOIS CAPON, KING GEORGE V SCHOOL, HONG KONG
I am flying, Soaring through the air. Looking up to the clouds, I hold my breath. Can I do this?
In that moment, my life 1. ________ before me. It has all come down to this.
My parents have spent 2. _________ and hours driving me to and from training. The money they could have 3. __________, the time they would otherwise not have wasted, sitting through all types of weather, encouraging me through failures and 4. __________ alike.
The first time I got selected to compete in a real competition, not just at school – that odd feeling of 5. __________ and excitement, the rush of 6. __________.
Meeting my coach for the first time, he said to me, “You’re good, Lois. You could be great, but do you really, really want it? Are you hungry enough to be the best?”
Friends came and went. It’s not much fun when you can’t go out when you have training, when you have to be in bed early to travel to a competition the next day, or when dinner becomes a bore because you have to watch what you eat to ensure 7. _______ physical fitness, in time for the start of the season.
The physiotherapist who had reassured me and worked patiently on my ankle after that fall in training – I’d thought my career was over before it had even begun. I cried for hours, believing my 8. _______ had been shattered, but he coaxed me through the pain of 9. __________, daring me to believe in my dream again.
Then there were the failures and the 10. __________. To start with, there were always one or two competitors better than me. I’d trained hard, I’d 11. __________ my technique, everyone said I had it in me to be a winner, but on the big day itself, something would always go wrong. Was it nerves? Was I overly confident? Or was I just not good enough?
Then this past season, things started going right. At our first meet, I beat the hot favourite. I didn’t just beat her; I 12. _________ her – as well as the rest of the field. Some said it was a fluke, others said I was finally coming into my own, that I was about to fulfil my potential.
But it wasn’t a 13. ________. She and the other girls, they were fantastic, but something had changed, something inside of me. I finally realised that I had what it takes. I began to really believe in myself, and was finally ready to take on the biggest challenge of my life. This was my time.
So I’ve been focusing. I set myself the goal, and I’ve had help, support and encouragement. Now it all comes down to me.
The 14. ________ of the sun as we enter the stadium blocks out all the distractions. Not even watching the other girls go before me will help or hinder me – nothing anyone else does right now will.
A few more minutes to go. I’m prepared, mentally and 15. _________. I look into the crowd. My parents look like they are about to be sick. My coach is writing something on his scorecard, but everything else is a blur. I run through my final routine.
This is it. The crowd gets 16. ________ me. The steady clap, clap, CLAP, CLAP becomes louder and louder. It helps to have the 17. ________ crowd behind you.
London 2012, women’s pole 18. _______ final. I am the odds-on 19. _________, having broken the world record in the heats. Can I do it now? Will I be Olympic 20. _________?
I am flying, Soaring through the air.
ANSWERS
1. passes 2 hours 3 saved 4 successes 5 nerves 6 adrenaline 7 peak
8 dream 9 rehabilitation 10 frustrations 11 perfected 12 annihilated
13 fluke 14 glare 15 physically 16 behind 17 home
18 vault 19 favourite 20 record
To commemorate the inaugural Youth Olympic Games in Singapore this month, Reader’s Digest and the National Library Board of Singapore organised the Youth Writers Awards Asia on the theme “Dare to Dream: Stories of Imagination, Passion and Sporting Excellence”. This is one of the winning entries, “The Moment”
By LOIS CAPON, KING GEORGE V SCHOOL, HONG KONG
I am flying, Soaring through the air. Looking up to the clouds, I hold my breath. Can I do this?
In that moment, my life 1. ________ before me. It has all come down to this.
My parents have spent 2. _________ and hours driving me to and from training. The money they could have 3. __________, the time they would otherwise not have wasted, sitting through all types of weather, encouraging me through failures and 4. __________ alike.
The first time I got selected to compete in a real competition, not just at school – that odd feeling of 5. __________ and excitement, the rush of 6. __________.
Meeting my coach for the first time, he said to me, “You’re good, Lois. You could be great, but do you really, really want it? Are you hungry enough to be the best?”
Friends came and went. It’s not much fun when you can’t go out when you have training, when you have to be in bed early to travel to a competition the next day, or when dinner becomes a bore because you have to watch what you eat to ensure 7. _______ physical fitness, in time for the start of the season.
The physiotherapist who had reassured me and worked patiently on my ankle after that fall in training – I’d thought my career was over before it had even begun. I cried for hours, believing my 8. _______ had been shattered, but he coaxed me through the pain of 9. __________, daring me to believe in my dream again.
Then there were the failures and the 10. __________. To start with, there were always one or two competitors better than me. I’d trained hard, I’d 11. __________ my technique, everyone said I had it in me to be a winner, but on the big day itself, something would always go wrong. Was it nerves? Was I overly confident? Or was I just not good enough?
Then this past season, things started going right. At our first meet, I beat the hot favourite. I didn’t just beat her; I 12. _________ her – as well as the rest of the field. Some said it was a fluke, others said I was finally coming into my own, that I was about to fulfil my potential.
But it wasn’t a 13. ________. She and the other girls, they were fantastic, but something had changed, something inside of me. I finally realised that I had what it takes. I began to really believe in myself, and was finally ready to take on the biggest challenge of my life. This was my time.
So I’ve been focusing. I set myself the goal, and I’ve had help, support and encouragement. Now it all comes down to me.
The 14. ________ of the sun as we enter the stadium blocks out all the distractions. Not even watching the other girls go before me will help or hinder me – nothing anyone else does right now will.
A few more minutes to go. I’m prepared, mentally and 15. _________. I look into the crowd. My parents look like they are about to be sick. My coach is writing something on his scorecard, but everything else is a blur. I run through my final routine.
This is it. The crowd gets 16. ________ me. The steady clap, clap, CLAP, CLAP becomes louder and louder. It helps to have the 17. ________ crowd behind you.
London 2012, women’s pole 18. _______ final. I am the odds-on 19. _________, having broken the world record in the heats. Can I do it now? Will I be Olympic 20. _________?
I am flying, Soaring through the air.
ANSWERS
1. passes 2 hours 3 saved 4 successes 5 nerves 6 adrenaline 7 peak
8 dream 9 rehabilitation 10 frustrations 11 perfected 12 annihilated
13 fluke 14 glare 15 physically 16 behind 17 home
18 vault 19 favourite 20 record
YOUTH OLYMPIC GAMES- inspire admiration for your character by IOC president
Youth Olympic Games
GRAMMAR
Aug 15, 2010, STRAITS TIMES
'Inspire admiration for your character'
IOC president tells young athletes to strive to be role models for others
By Leonard Lim
Cheering along with the spectators were (from left) IOC president Jacques Rogge, President S R Nathan, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong, at the start of the opening ceremony of the Youth Olympic Games last night. --PHOTO: SPH-SYOGOC/BRYAN VAN DER BEEK
GRAMMAR
Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the given word.
The world's future sporting heroes 1. _________(issue) a challenge last night: to win with character.
International Olympic Committee president Jacques Rogge's speech to mark the 2. ________(open) of the Youth Olympic Games (YOG) was not the usual spiel about 3. _________(breach) personal barriers and setting records, but about striving for a more noble ideal.
It was in line with the Belgian's vision for 4. ________(institute) the YOG, an idea he 5. _________(moot) back in 2001.
The former sailor said of the YOG in his speech: 'You will learn the difference between 6. _________(win) and being a champion.
'To win, you merely 7. ________(be+ to +cross ) the finish line first.'
But it entails more to be a role model, and the 3,600 athletes 8. ___________(be+only+look) to look over their shoulders for a glimpse of some in the audience. Pole-vaulting legends Sergey Bubka and Yelena Isinbayeva were among the sporting celebrities present.
Dr Rogge could well 9. ____________(be+describe) the multiple Olympic medallists when he said: 'To be a champion, you have to inspire admiration for your character, as well as for your physical talent.
'You have 10. __________(to+ compete) in the spirit of fair play, respecting your opponents and the rules, without doping or any other unfair advantage.
'If you can reach that pinnacle, if you are ready to serve as role models for your generation, then you will all be champions irrespective of your rankings.'
The YOG, which caters to athletes aged between 14 and 18, aims to prepare them for the future, he said.
It includes a simultaneous culture and education component alongside the sports programme, where the athletes come together for workshops and forums on issues such as sportsmanship and the danger of using drugs.
'The experience here 11. ________(be+help) prepare you for life beyond the field of play,' DrRogge said.
Organisers hope the interaction among athletes from the 204 National Olympic Committees - possibly the highest number at any IOC events in recent history - through the workshops 12. _________(be+ lay) the foundation for better understanding among different cultures.
It was a topic 13. __________(broach) by the Games' organising committee chairman and IOC vice-president Ng Ser Miang as well, in his speech just before Dr Rogge's.
Mr Ng hoped the athletes 14. _________(be+ bring) home more than just their medals and memories of Singapore.
'We hope they will build strong and abiding bonds of friendship, and learn that the power of sports and the ideals of Olympic values can help us build a more united and peaceful world,' he said.
Fittingly, more than 100 white balloons shaped like doves - a symbol of peace - were released into the air by performers in an item which had ended minutes before.
The parallels were not lost on Brazilian rower Tiago Braga.
The 18-year-old said with a smile: 'I'm hoping that through the Youth Olympics, with so many young athletes 15. ________(come) together, that all countries in the world will be unified
ANSWERS
GRAMMAR
1. were issued 2. opening 3. beaching 4. Instituting 5. had mooted 6. Winning 7. Have to cross 8. had only to look 9. have been describing 10. to compete 11 will help 12 will lay 13 broached 14 would bring 15 coming
GRAMMAR
Aug 15, 2010, STRAITS TIMES
'Inspire admiration for your character'
IOC president tells young athletes to strive to be role models for others
By Leonard Lim
Cheering along with the spectators were (from left) IOC president Jacques Rogge, President S R Nathan, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong, at the start of the opening ceremony of the Youth Olympic Games last night. --PHOTO: SPH-SYOGOC/BRYAN VAN DER BEEK
GRAMMAR
Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the given word.
The world's future sporting heroes 1. _________(issue) a challenge last night: to win with character.
International Olympic Committee president Jacques Rogge's speech to mark the 2. ________(open) of the Youth Olympic Games (YOG) was not the usual spiel about 3. _________(breach) personal barriers and setting records, but about striving for a more noble ideal.
It was in line with the Belgian's vision for 4. ________(institute) the YOG, an idea he 5. _________(moot) back in 2001.
The former sailor said of the YOG in his speech: 'You will learn the difference between 6. _________(win) and being a champion.
'To win, you merely 7. ________(be+ to +cross ) the finish line first.'
But it entails more to be a role model, and the 3,600 athletes 8. ___________(be+only+look) to look over their shoulders for a glimpse of some in the audience. Pole-vaulting legends Sergey Bubka and Yelena Isinbayeva were among the sporting celebrities present.
Dr Rogge could well 9. ____________(be+describe) the multiple Olympic medallists when he said: 'To be a champion, you have to inspire admiration for your character, as well as for your physical talent.
'You have 10. __________(to+ compete) in the spirit of fair play, respecting your opponents and the rules, without doping or any other unfair advantage.
'If you can reach that pinnacle, if you are ready to serve as role models for your generation, then you will all be champions irrespective of your rankings.'
The YOG, which caters to athletes aged between 14 and 18, aims to prepare them for the future, he said.
It includes a simultaneous culture and education component alongside the sports programme, where the athletes come together for workshops and forums on issues such as sportsmanship and the danger of using drugs.
'The experience here 11. ________(be+help) prepare you for life beyond the field of play,' DrRogge said.
Organisers hope the interaction among athletes from the 204 National Olympic Committees - possibly the highest number at any IOC events in recent history - through the workshops 12. _________(be+ lay) the foundation for better understanding among different cultures.
It was a topic 13. __________(broach) by the Games' organising committee chairman and IOC vice-president Ng Ser Miang as well, in his speech just before Dr Rogge's.
Mr Ng hoped the athletes 14. _________(be+ bring) home more than just their medals and memories of Singapore.
'We hope they will build strong and abiding bonds of friendship, and learn that the power of sports and the ideals of Olympic values can help us build a more united and peaceful world,' he said.
Fittingly, more than 100 white balloons shaped like doves - a symbol of peace - were released into the air by performers in an item which had ended minutes before.
The parallels were not lost on Brazilian rower Tiago Braga.
The 18-year-old said with a smile: 'I'm hoping that through the Youth Olympics, with so many young athletes 15. ________(come) together, that all countries in the world will be unified
ANSWERS
GRAMMAR
1. were issued 2. opening 3. beaching 4. Instituting 5. had mooted 6. Winning 7. Have to cross 8. had only to look 9. have been describing 10. to compete 11 will help 12 will lay 13 broached 14 would bring 15 coming
The Singapore dream, The 5 Cs
Aug 8, 2010, STRAITS TIMES
Chasing the SINGAPORE DREAM
Follow these investment rules to achieve 5Cs responsibly and wisely
By Lorna Tan, Senior Correspondent
GRAMMAR
We all know the five Cs that many Singaporeans see as signs that they have made it - cash, credit cards, condo, car and country club membership - but escalating prices are pushing the dream away from many.
But they can still be 1. ________(attain) responsibly and wisely if you follow some sound investment rules, as The Sunday Times highlights.
1 Cash
One misconception many people 2. __________(be) is that getting rich is primarily an outcome of investing, noted Mr Christopher Tan, chief executive of wealth management company Providend.
He 3. _________(belief) that the road to wealth does not start from investing but from earning a good income, 4. ________(set) aside an amount for savings every month and keeping expenses low by living within your means so you can have a surplus for investment.
It all takes discipline.
Ask yourself: Do you spend first, then save or save first, then spend? It helps if you inculcate the habit of paying yourself first, said financial experts like Mr Ben Fok, chief executive of Grandtag Financial Consultancy, and Mr Dennis Ng, author of Mastering Your Personal Finance.
One way is to arrange for automatic 5. ________(month) deductions out of your pay to a special savings account.
Mr Ng believes that most people make the mistake of having all their money in one account, which makes it 6. _________(tempt) to spend it all.
'Have at least two bank accounts, one for common trans-actions and another just for the 'pay yourself first' purpose,' he said.
It 7. _____________(recommend) that you save at least 10 per cent of your salary each month, excluding Central Provident Fund (CPF) contributions.
Mr Tan said 8. __________(be) a good budget will help and once you get it going, you should stick with it, even if you receive an unexpected sum like a bonus.
In addition, you should set aside an emergency fund that can take care of three to six months of your expenses.
2 Credit cards
These can be double-edged swords. You can benefit from the cash rebates and reward points they bring, but they can also make you poorer and even bankrupt in some cases.
It is prudent to use credit cards for their convenience, to earn reward points and as a tool to
leverage on your cash flow because you can take advantage of the
interest-free period of about 55 days. The golden rule is always to pay off your credit card bill in full every month.
And do not fall into the habit of 9. ________(roll) over balances, said Mr Ng.
This 10. ________(attract) a 2 per cent monthly interest or a 24 per cent interest per year.
'There is no way you can get a return higher than 24 per cent by investing your money, so if you owe a credit card debt, you're heading towards financial disaster and further and further away from financial freedom,' he said.
Mr Patrick Lim, associate director at financial advice firm PromiseLand Independent, also warns that consumers should never allow themselves to be lulled into signing up for any interest-free instalment scheme.
This is because there is a risk that the supplier will not be able to continue delivering the services. A recent example was the closure of several spas, leaving customers stranded.
And the longer the period for the interest-free payments to be fully paid off, the higher the risk of not being able to pay the monthly instalments should you lose your job.
If you lack the discipline, a safer alternative is a debit card. It looks and works like a credit card in that you have the same convenience of cashless payment, but minus the reward points and you are not spending future money.
You can use your debit card only up to the amount you have in your account.
It can also be used as an ATM card and for Nets transactions.
3 Condos
This is a big-ticket item, so you have to be very clear on why you want one and whether you can afford it. Don't chase the condo dream just because others are doing so, said Mr Tan.
The prudent way to buy a condo or any home, said Mr Fok, is to pay at least 20 per cent downpayment. The higher the downpayment, the better to buffer you against a decline in home prices, mortgage rates creeping up or the loss of a job.
This will prevent you going into negative equity - a situation where you owe more than the property is worth. If that happens, the bank may force you to reduce your loan by coughing up cash.
Before signing the mortgage agreement, calculate your debt service ratio. This is the percentage of your monthly income needed to service long-term liabilities and it should not exceed 35 per cent.
Another yardstick is your debt-to-asset ratio, which should be less than 50 per cent.
Mr Ng said that if not for status or security reasons, buying an HDB flat might help one become richer because of the lower costs compared with living in a condo.
And you get more square feet of space for every dollar you pay. For the same size, condos could be 30 per cent to over 200 per cent more expensive than HDB flats, depending on the location.
'It is not exactly 'upgrading' one's lifestyle if one sells a five-room HDB flat that is 1,100 sq ft to move to an 800 sq ft condo,' said Mr Ng.
4 Cars
Cars depreciate in value over time, so they should not be considered an asset. Mr Tan noted that on average, you need to set aside $1,000 to $1,500 per month just to pay off the loan of a car, pay for petrol, parking, maintenance and so on. This may not leave enough surplus cash to invest towards your future.
If you really want to own a car, buy one that is reliable enough and that you will continue to like for about five years.
'This is because the first few years of a car's life experience the highest depreciation. So if you sell a car just one to two years into your purchase, the depreciation and the bank loan repayment will cost you quite a bit,' said Mr Tan.
Bear in mind that the effective interest rate of a car loan is about 5 per cent, said Mr Ng.
So if you take a car loan, you suffer both ways in terms of a falling asset value and paying higher interest over time.
In fact, some financial experts question if you really need a car given Singapore's efficient public transport system.
Taking public transport is definitely cheaper if you live near your workplace. For instance, Mr Ng travels by taxi 90 per cent of the time and spends about $800 a month on transport.
This is a saving of $700 a month assuming the cost of owning a car is $1,500. Grow this at 5 per cent and at the end of 10 years, you will have $109,150.
5 Country club membership
Before signing up, ask yourself how likely you are to use the club facilities.
Mr Tan recalled buying his first country club membership when he was in his 20s just because he wanted to make a good impression on his friends.
The club's car decal looked impressive on his car windscreen but he is not a golfer, prefers running outdoors than in a gym, and the club was far from his home. He ended up not visiting it and sold his membership a few years later, $15,000 poorer from his decision.
Mr Fok advises people to be mindful of the other costs associated with clubs, such as paying a service fee every month and a transfer fee when you sell.
'I don't see country club membership as an investment and I do not advocate borrowing money to buy the membership. In fact, this is my last priority out of the 5Cs,' he added.
But if you do need the facilities, there are more affordable club memberships, like the NUS/NTU Alumni Club, where membership costs $10,000 and comes with low monthly fees of around $50
VOCABULARY ONE – Choose the correct word.
Aug 8, 2010
SM Goh recasts the 5 Cs
Don't gripe; focus on career, comfort, children, consideration and charity, he says
By Zakir Hussain
Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong last night called on Singaporeans to 1. ( gripe/ roll/ spin) their own Singapore Dream and live it, rather than focus on what he termed the Singapore Gripe.
While gripes about current 2. ( outcomes/ interests/ concerns) such as floods, high home prices, crowded trains and distance-based bus fares were understandable, he urged people to not lose sight of the many more things which are going well for Singapore.
'For instance, we have rebounded with a vengeance from last year's recession. Take a walk along Marina Bay and soak in the beauty and 3. (vibrancy/ juiciness/ trend).
'Look at the 4. (bright / dull/ grey)side of things and live your dreams. This is far healthier than to live the Singapore Gripe and drone on like vuvuzelas,' he told more than 1,000 residents at a National Day dinner in his Marine Parade ward.
Today, many young Singaporeans are well educated and have a good chance of 5. ( receiving/ stretching/ attaining) the five Cs of cash, credit cards, car, 6. ( HDB flat/ bungalow/ condominium) and country club membership, provided there was good economic growth and they worked hard, he said.
But Mr Goh challenged them to go further, to dream larger not only for themselves but also for their 7. ( neighbourhood/ constituency/ community).
'At this stage of Singapore's development, should we still be spinning this same dream of five Cs? Should we not rethink our priorities? Should our young not aim at something different, something more meaningful, a life more fulfilling?
'I am not suggesting that material goods are not important or that there is anything wrong with chasing after the five Cs. But the five Cs should not be our end goals.'
Many Generation Y Singaporeans have begun seeking more rounded lives, he observed, which 8. ( include/ embrace/ exclude) sports, the arts and a good work-life balance.
Some left well-paying jobs to 9. ( delete/ pursue/ give up) their passions. Others were active in non-governmental organisations, such as those involved in humanitarian and green issues.
While happy about the trend, Mr Goh said he worried that along the way, many had dropped family from their dreams.
'In my view, having a family is a vital part of a fulfilling life. It should be at the 10. ( root/ core / centre)of every Singapore dream,' he said.
He also proposed his version of the Singapore dream, where the five Cs would stand for career, comfort, children, consideration and charity.
Career means striving to be better in one's 11. ( given/ ordained/ chosen) field and to realise one's full potential.
Comfort encompasses both material and emotional comfort, while children are key to 'home and family and a new 12. ( bicycle/ cycle/ carriage) of life'.
The last two Cs, consideration and charity, are essential to living harmoniously, especially in a place like Singapore with potential divisions inherent within society, between different races and religions, locals and foreigners, and the young and the old.
Mr Goh said that the Government, on its part, would create the fertile soil Singaporeans need to sow and grow their dreams, by growing the 13. (people/ plants/economy) and providing a quality education system that would reach out to every Singaporean and at every level.
The Government would also 'always put Singaporeans first', even as it welcomed workers of all 14. ( races/ creed/nationalities) and backgrounds to be present, National Development Minister Mah Bow Tan said in his National Day speech in Tampines.
With the entry of large numbers of new citizens, 15. ( resident/permanent/ temporal) residents and foreign workers, Singaporeans are understandably concerned about competition for jobs, housing, schools and even seats on buses and trains.
But the Government's policies, whether in housing, health care or education, would always put Singaporeans first, he said.
Mr Mah urged Singaporeans to welcome foreigners who 'want to join us and play for Singapore'.
He also urged newcomers to 'join the rest of Singapore, learn our languages, our cultures and traditions, and become integrated with us'.
VOCABULARY TWO
Match the following words with the correct word in the passage
1. merged , combined with other things _______________
2. initial deposit _______________
3. rising prices _____________
4. complaining _____________
5. fulfilling two objectives with the same action __________
6. the way to achieve an objective ______________
7. expenditure _______________
8. fall in value of money, a property or an asset ______________
9. strongly persuaded _______________
10 important, essential _______________
11. an expense object ___________
12. balanced lifestyle ______________
13. recovered greatly from a setback _______________
___________________________________________________________________________
ANSWERS
Grammar – 1. attained 2. have 3. believes 4. setting 5. monthly 6. tempting 7. is recommended 8. having 9. rolling 10. will attract
Vocabulary One- 1. spin 2. concerns 3. vibrancy 4. bright 5. attaining 6. condominium 7. community 8. embrace 9. pursuit 10. core 11. chosen 12. cycle 13. economy 14. nationalities 15. permanent
Vocabulary Two - 1. integrated 2. downpayment 3. escalating 4. gripe 5. double-edged 6. the road 7. expenses 8. depreciation 9. urged 10. vital 11. a big ticket item 12. rounded lives 13. rebounded with a vengeance
Chasing the SINGAPORE DREAM
Follow these investment rules to achieve 5Cs responsibly and wisely
By Lorna Tan, Senior Correspondent
GRAMMAR
We all know the five Cs that many Singaporeans see as signs that they have made it - cash, credit cards, condo, car and country club membership - but escalating prices are pushing the dream away from many.
But they can still be 1. ________(attain) responsibly and wisely if you follow some sound investment rules, as The Sunday Times highlights.
1 Cash
One misconception many people 2. __________(be) is that getting rich is primarily an outcome of investing, noted Mr Christopher Tan, chief executive of wealth management company Providend.
He 3. _________(belief) that the road to wealth does not start from investing but from earning a good income, 4. ________(set) aside an amount for savings every month and keeping expenses low by living within your means so you can have a surplus for investment.
It all takes discipline.
Ask yourself: Do you spend first, then save or save first, then spend? It helps if you inculcate the habit of paying yourself first, said financial experts like Mr Ben Fok, chief executive of Grandtag Financial Consultancy, and Mr Dennis Ng, author of Mastering Your Personal Finance.
One way is to arrange for automatic 5. ________(month) deductions out of your pay to a special savings account.
Mr Ng believes that most people make the mistake of having all their money in one account, which makes it 6. _________(tempt) to spend it all.
'Have at least two bank accounts, one for common trans-actions and another just for the 'pay yourself first' purpose,' he said.
It 7. _____________(recommend) that you save at least 10 per cent of your salary each month, excluding Central Provident Fund (CPF) contributions.
Mr Tan said 8. __________(be) a good budget will help and once you get it going, you should stick with it, even if you receive an unexpected sum like a bonus.
In addition, you should set aside an emergency fund that can take care of three to six months of your expenses.
2 Credit cards
These can be double-edged swords. You can benefit from the cash rebates and reward points they bring, but they can also make you poorer and even bankrupt in some cases.
It is prudent to use credit cards for their convenience, to earn reward points and as a tool to
leverage on your cash flow because you can take advantage of the
interest-free period of about 55 days. The golden rule is always to pay off your credit card bill in full every month.
And do not fall into the habit of 9. ________(roll) over balances, said Mr Ng.
This 10. ________(attract) a 2 per cent monthly interest or a 24 per cent interest per year.
'There is no way you can get a return higher than 24 per cent by investing your money, so if you owe a credit card debt, you're heading towards financial disaster and further and further away from financial freedom,' he said.
Mr Patrick Lim, associate director at financial advice firm PromiseLand Independent, also warns that consumers should never allow themselves to be lulled into signing up for any interest-free instalment scheme.
This is because there is a risk that the supplier will not be able to continue delivering the services. A recent example was the closure of several spas, leaving customers stranded.
And the longer the period for the interest-free payments to be fully paid off, the higher the risk of not being able to pay the monthly instalments should you lose your job.
If you lack the discipline, a safer alternative is a debit card. It looks and works like a credit card in that you have the same convenience of cashless payment, but minus the reward points and you are not spending future money.
You can use your debit card only up to the amount you have in your account.
It can also be used as an ATM card and for Nets transactions.
3 Condos
This is a big-ticket item, so you have to be very clear on why you want one and whether you can afford it. Don't chase the condo dream just because others are doing so, said Mr Tan.
The prudent way to buy a condo or any home, said Mr Fok, is to pay at least 20 per cent downpayment. The higher the downpayment, the better to buffer you against a decline in home prices, mortgage rates creeping up or the loss of a job.
This will prevent you going into negative equity - a situation where you owe more than the property is worth. If that happens, the bank may force you to reduce your loan by coughing up cash.
Before signing the mortgage agreement, calculate your debt service ratio. This is the percentage of your monthly income needed to service long-term liabilities and it should not exceed 35 per cent.
Another yardstick is your debt-to-asset ratio, which should be less than 50 per cent.
Mr Ng said that if not for status or security reasons, buying an HDB flat might help one become richer because of the lower costs compared with living in a condo.
And you get more square feet of space for every dollar you pay. For the same size, condos could be 30 per cent to over 200 per cent more expensive than HDB flats, depending on the location.
'It is not exactly 'upgrading' one's lifestyle if one sells a five-room HDB flat that is 1,100 sq ft to move to an 800 sq ft condo,' said Mr Ng.
4 Cars
Cars depreciate in value over time, so they should not be considered an asset. Mr Tan noted that on average, you need to set aside $1,000 to $1,500 per month just to pay off the loan of a car, pay for petrol, parking, maintenance and so on. This may not leave enough surplus cash to invest towards your future.
If you really want to own a car, buy one that is reliable enough and that you will continue to like for about five years.
'This is because the first few years of a car's life experience the highest depreciation. So if you sell a car just one to two years into your purchase, the depreciation and the bank loan repayment will cost you quite a bit,' said Mr Tan.
Bear in mind that the effective interest rate of a car loan is about 5 per cent, said Mr Ng.
So if you take a car loan, you suffer both ways in terms of a falling asset value and paying higher interest over time.
In fact, some financial experts question if you really need a car given Singapore's efficient public transport system.
Taking public transport is definitely cheaper if you live near your workplace. For instance, Mr Ng travels by taxi 90 per cent of the time and spends about $800 a month on transport.
This is a saving of $700 a month assuming the cost of owning a car is $1,500. Grow this at 5 per cent and at the end of 10 years, you will have $109,150.
5 Country club membership
Before signing up, ask yourself how likely you are to use the club facilities.
Mr Tan recalled buying his first country club membership when he was in his 20s just because he wanted to make a good impression on his friends.
The club's car decal looked impressive on his car windscreen but he is not a golfer, prefers running outdoors than in a gym, and the club was far from his home. He ended up not visiting it and sold his membership a few years later, $15,000 poorer from his decision.
Mr Fok advises people to be mindful of the other costs associated with clubs, such as paying a service fee every month and a transfer fee when you sell.
'I don't see country club membership as an investment and I do not advocate borrowing money to buy the membership. In fact, this is my last priority out of the 5Cs,' he added.
But if you do need the facilities, there are more affordable club memberships, like the NUS/NTU Alumni Club, where membership costs $10,000 and comes with low monthly fees of around $50
VOCABULARY ONE – Choose the correct word.
Aug 8, 2010
SM Goh recasts the 5 Cs
Don't gripe; focus on career, comfort, children, consideration and charity, he says
By Zakir Hussain
Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong last night called on Singaporeans to 1. ( gripe/ roll/ spin) their own Singapore Dream and live it, rather than focus on what he termed the Singapore Gripe.
While gripes about current 2. ( outcomes/ interests/ concerns) such as floods, high home prices, crowded trains and distance-based bus fares were understandable, he urged people to not lose sight of the many more things which are going well for Singapore.
'For instance, we have rebounded with a vengeance from last year's recession. Take a walk along Marina Bay and soak in the beauty and 3. (vibrancy/ juiciness/ trend).
'Look at the 4. (bright / dull/ grey)side of things and live your dreams. This is far healthier than to live the Singapore Gripe and drone on like vuvuzelas,' he told more than 1,000 residents at a National Day dinner in his Marine Parade ward.
Today, many young Singaporeans are well educated and have a good chance of 5. ( receiving/ stretching/ attaining) the five Cs of cash, credit cards, car, 6. ( HDB flat/ bungalow/ condominium) and country club membership, provided there was good economic growth and they worked hard, he said.
But Mr Goh challenged them to go further, to dream larger not only for themselves but also for their 7. ( neighbourhood/ constituency/ community).
'At this stage of Singapore's development, should we still be spinning this same dream of five Cs? Should we not rethink our priorities? Should our young not aim at something different, something more meaningful, a life more fulfilling?
'I am not suggesting that material goods are not important or that there is anything wrong with chasing after the five Cs. But the five Cs should not be our end goals.'
Many Generation Y Singaporeans have begun seeking more rounded lives, he observed, which 8. ( include/ embrace/ exclude) sports, the arts and a good work-life balance.
Some left well-paying jobs to 9. ( delete/ pursue/ give up) their passions. Others were active in non-governmental organisations, such as those involved in humanitarian and green issues.
While happy about the trend, Mr Goh said he worried that along the way, many had dropped family from their dreams.
'In my view, having a family is a vital part of a fulfilling life. It should be at the 10. ( root/ core / centre)of every Singapore dream,' he said.
He also proposed his version of the Singapore dream, where the five Cs would stand for career, comfort, children, consideration and charity.
Career means striving to be better in one's 11. ( given/ ordained/ chosen) field and to realise one's full potential.
Comfort encompasses both material and emotional comfort, while children are key to 'home and family and a new 12. ( bicycle/ cycle/ carriage) of life'.
The last two Cs, consideration and charity, are essential to living harmoniously, especially in a place like Singapore with potential divisions inherent within society, between different races and religions, locals and foreigners, and the young and the old.
Mr Goh said that the Government, on its part, would create the fertile soil Singaporeans need to sow and grow their dreams, by growing the 13. (people/ plants/economy) and providing a quality education system that would reach out to every Singaporean and at every level.
The Government would also 'always put Singaporeans first', even as it welcomed workers of all 14. ( races/ creed/nationalities) and backgrounds to be present, National Development Minister Mah Bow Tan said in his National Day speech in Tampines.
With the entry of large numbers of new citizens, 15. ( resident/permanent/ temporal) residents and foreign workers, Singaporeans are understandably concerned about competition for jobs, housing, schools and even seats on buses and trains.
But the Government's policies, whether in housing, health care or education, would always put Singaporeans first, he said.
Mr Mah urged Singaporeans to welcome foreigners who 'want to join us and play for Singapore'.
He also urged newcomers to 'join the rest of Singapore, learn our languages, our cultures and traditions, and become integrated with us'.
VOCABULARY TWO
Match the following words with the correct word in the passage
1. merged , combined with other things _______________
2. initial deposit _______________
3. rising prices _____________
4. complaining _____________
5. fulfilling two objectives with the same action __________
6. the way to achieve an objective ______________
7. expenditure _______________
8. fall in value of money, a property or an asset ______________
9. strongly persuaded _______________
10 important, essential _______________
11. an expense object ___________
12. balanced lifestyle ______________
13. recovered greatly from a setback _______________
___________________________________________________________________________
ANSWERS
Grammar – 1. attained 2. have 3. believes 4. setting 5. monthly 6. tempting 7. is recommended 8. having 9. rolling 10. will attract
Vocabulary One- 1. spin 2. concerns 3. vibrancy 4. bright 5. attaining 6. condominium 7. community 8. embrace 9. pursuit 10. core 11. chosen 12. cycle 13. economy 14. nationalities 15. permanent
Vocabulary Two - 1. integrated 2. downpayment 3. escalating 4. gripe 5. double-edged 6. the road 7. expenses 8. depreciation 9. urged 10. vital 11. a big ticket item 12. rounded lives 13. rebounded with a vengeance
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