Friday 20 September 2013

Reader's response (Final Draft)

In the article “The Double Edge of Globalization”, Chanda (2007) states that globalization has increased international trade and consumption. It also led to improvements in global telecommunications, which enables instantaneous transmission of information to the world. However, globalization has caused environmental devastation such as deforestation, increased pollution and global warming.

According to Chanda, globalization has accelerated the rate of deforestation, which has caused severe environmental damages. Chanda mentioned, “Globalization does serve as both a conduit and an accelerator to the loss of forest cover worldwide”.

I agree with Chanda’s view on this matter. Globalization encourages the consumption of goods and services, which has led to more forest clearing. An example would be China’s growing demand for soybeans. Chanda also stresses that deforestation is accountable for more global carbon emissions. Furthermore, deforestation has led to global warming, increased pollution and habitat loss for numerous species. Such habitat destruction are also responsible for the extinction of species. 

Globalization has undoubtedly brought about many benefits. Yet the environmental damage has proven to be more detrimental. Therefore, it is of paramount importance to educate people on reforestation and to practice environmentally responsible consumerism. This is to ensure that our forests remain viable and sustainable. 



Word count: 200

Tuesday 17 September 2013

Reader's response (Draft 1)

In the article “The Double Edge of Globalization”, Chanda (2007) states that globalization has increased international trade and consumption. It has also led to the improvement of global telecommunications, which enables instantaneous transmission of information to the world. However, globalization has caused environmental devastation such as deforestation, increased pollution and global warming.

According to Chanda (2007), globalization has accelerated the rate of deforestation, which has caused severe environmental damages. Chanda mentioned, “Globalization does serve as both a conduit and an accelerator to the loss of forest cover worldwide”. 

I agree with Chandra’s view on this matter. Globalization encourages the consumption for goods and services, which has led to more forest clearing in recent years. An example given would be China’s growing demand for soybeans. Chanda also stresses that deforestation is accountable for more global carbon emissions. In addition, deforestation not only leads to global warming and increased pollution, but it has also caused habitat loss for many species. This shows that habitat destruction also became responsible for the extinctions of species.

No doubt, globalization has brought about many benefits to the world. Yet I strongly believe that the environmental damages caused by deforestation is much more detrimental, and it requires immediate attention. However, with the commitment of nations and effective global governance, it is possible to avert these consequences. 

Thursday 12 September 2013

Summary of "The Double Edge of Globalization" (Revised post)

In the article “The Double Edge of Globalization”, Chanda (2007) states that there are pros and cons of globalization, and combined international efforts are essential to solve any problems.

Globalization has increased international trade and consumption, which contributes to the economic growth. It has also led to the improvement of global telecommunications, which enables instantaneous transmission of news and images to the world.

However, globalization has caused deforestation, increased pollution and global warming. The increase in consumers’ demands has led to rapid loss of forest cover worldwide. Accelerated burning of coal and use of chemicals also pollute the world's environment. Furthermore, global warming causes environmental devastation and may potentially shrink the global economy.

Governments should work together to tackle these global challenges. Montreal Protocol was a successful example of efforts in combating ozone depletion. With the commitment of nations and effective global governance, it is possible to avert these consequences.
 

Wednesday 11 September 2013

Thesis Statement

According to Chanda (2007), globalization has accelerated the rate of deforestation, which has caused severe environmental damages.

Sunday 8 September 2013

Summary of "The Double Edge of Globalization" (Final Draft)

In the article “The Double Edge of Globalization”, Chanda (2007) states that there are pros and cons of globalization, and combined international efforts are essential to solve these problems.

Globalization has increased international trade and consumption, which contributes to the economic growth. It has also led to the improvement of global telecommunications, which enables instantaneous transmission of news and images to the world.
 
However, globalization has caused deforestation, increased pollution and global warming. The increase in consumers’ demands has led to rapid loss of forest cover worldwide. Accelerated burning of coal and use of chemicals also pollute the world's environment. Furthermore, global warming causes environmental devastation and may potentially shrink the global economy.

Governments should work together to tackle these global challenges. Montreal Protocol was a successful example of efforts in combating ozone depletion. With the commitment of nations and effective global governance, it is possible to avert these consequences.
 

Friday 6 September 2013

Summary of "The Double Edge of Globalization" (Draft 1)

In the article “The Double Edge of Globalization”, Chanda (2007) states that there are pros and cons of globalization, and government intervention is essential to solve these issues.

Globalization has increased international trade and consumption, which contributed to the economic growth. It has also led to the improvement of global telecommunications, which enabled instantaneous transmission of news and images to the world.

However, globalization has caused deforestation, global warming, and increased pollution. Increasing consumers' demand has led to rapid loss of forest cover worldwide. Global warming causes environmental devastation, and may potentially shrink the global economy. In addition, the burning of coal and use of chemicals can pollute the world's environment.

Governments should work together to tackle these global challenges. Montreal Protocol was a successful example of efforts in combating ozone depletion. With the commitment of nations and effective global governance, it is possible to avert these consequences.




Paraphrasing Naz's English Learning Experience

Paraphrasing:

Naz (2013), states that she has been encountering problems in English writing since primary school, but is determined to improve her writing skills by attending English classes.

Wednesday 4 September 2013

Paraphrasing

As you paraphrase the following paragraph, present the “expected” general features of the nuclear reactors from Declan Butler’s “Nuclear power’s new dawn,” taken from Nature, 20 May, 2004 (Vol. 429, p. 238).

“These new reactors would all operate at high temperatures, improving their efficiency.  And they would include simplified safety features that do not rely on sophisticated backup systems or experienced operators — all are, in principle, ‘meltdown proof’ and can cool themselves down in the event of an accident with minimal, if any, human intervention. . . . Experts agree that reactors will need to be a lot cheaper to run. And to sway a nuclear-averse public, the next generation of reactors will need to produce much less radioactive waste at terrorist-proof facilities.”

Butler (2004), states that all new nuclear reactors are able to operate efficiently at high temperatures. The safety components can eliminate the need for highly developed backup systems or trained workers. It can lower its temperature in times of an accident, with little human interference. Reactors must be affordable to operate. The future reactors must be capable of producing lesser radioactive waste at terrorist-proof facilities, in order to influence the nuclear adverse public.

Tuesday 3 September 2013

My English Language Learning Journey (Draft 2)

I grew up in Singapore and I have been exposed to English since young. That is where my English language learning journey started. Since young, my exposure to English language has been rather limited as I usually converse in Mandarin with my family and friends.

English is a global language, and Singapore being a multi-lingual society, requires one to be able to converse well in English. This is because it will allow better communication across different cultures. Therefore, I started exposing myself by speaking more English as I understand that having the ability to write and communicate in proper English would certainly be an added advantage to my studies and work.

My latest English language learning experience was 3 months ago, when I took the module ES2002, “Business Communications”, in my previous semester. In that module, I was taught interpersonal skills and presentation skills. I also learnt how to write a proper report, which is an essential skill needed in the workplace. My lecturer gave me useful feedback and allows me to work on my areas of improvement. I am also positive that upon completing ES1102, I will certainly gain valuable knowledge in English writing.