Hey guys, my email has gone a little out of whack so I'm putting up these two efforts from my writing aptitude test up here for your reading. Sorry for the delay.

Question 3 is the rewriting of material given, in my own way, topic is teenage delinquencies. Question 4 is freestyle writing about whether young people in Singapore today enjoy a good life. Enjoy.

Question 3

Trends or Trenches?

Are today’s trends the trenches of tomorrow? Alas, the buoying matter of teenage delinquencies is a consequence of today’s consumerist, self-seeking society, a primary manifestation of where human pride has taken us.

Perhaps however, today’s teenagers should not bear the full blame, for it is the flippant nature of general adult behavior that has strongly influenced the indulgent culture amongst teenagers. Trends no longer seem an option. It’s no longer about needs, but rather wants that showcase flamboyant lifestyles in attempt to match up to the Tans and the Lees of Singapore. The ticket to teenage popularity is now defined by where they hang out, how fashionable and trendy their clothes and possessions are and their living standards. Sadly, it paints a portrait of Singaporean insecurities without the facade of materialistic possessions.

The roots of this issue, stem from our nation’s pursuit for economic excellence. In making Singapore a shopping and nightlife hub, it allows teenagers greater access to mediums that encourage such extravagance and at the same time, promoting less time for family interaction. For some parents, communication levels have dwindled to that of coercion where they end up giving in to their offspring’s profligate impulses, despite financial struggles. And where does morality stand? With shoplifting becoming the quick solution to satisfy these impulses, it is perhaps time for a reality check. It seems that, like the adults, teenagers are fast slipping into the trenches of extravagant lifestyle. In fact, in today’s computer literate society, the latest fashions and trends are only a click away.

Have we Singaporeans set the example of becoming such superficial creatures that wallow in the importance of material greed for our teenagers? Sadly, the answer is leaning towards a yes. Take heed. The direction we are currently headed in will only propel us further into the trenches, of addiction to trends, that we have dug for ourselves.


Question 4
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The question is, what defines a good life? Is it one rich in material possession? If that is the definition, then yes, the life of young people in Singapore has never been as good as it is today. Indeed, they lead undeniably comfortable lives. But really, is their life as good as it seems?

In a fast growing and economically booming society, the youth in Singapore are living it up. Flashy cars, brand names have become a way of life. Unlike the generations of old that have slogged hard to achieve comfort in their lifestyles, many youth are now born with silver spoons in their mouths and live like kings and queens at home. But is this what they really need to have a good life?

What many fail to recognize in the race for riches, is that a good life extends beyond that. In the quest for Singapore’s economic growth, many adults are working extreme hours to fund their thirst for extravagant living. Granted, parents toil long and hard simply to give their children a better life. Parental intentions are certainly appreciated, but is this sacrifice of family bonding time truly worth it? Can it make up for the lack of family time spent with the child to provide support and guidance?

In a bid to fill the voids created from the lack of warmth at home, these youths have turned to bursting social calendars to distract themselves. Family bonding has now become an ancient relic for the many families who live under the same roof, but lead separate and distant lives. Is this the best environment for our young people in their growing up years? Desperate, these youth seek the warmth and trust they lack in family support in the form of friends outside. Yet, with the increasingly superficial natures of socializing, the dangers of untrue friendship are constantly on the rise. Not to mention, the increased likelihood of meeting bad company and being led astray. It is no wonder teenage delinquencies are escalating. Perhaps these attention-seeking antics are not simply bad behaviour, but a frantic call for concern.

That said, other youth face the issue of overprotection. From young, our parents cushion all our falls. Certainly this is done for our benefit, but there comes a time where we have to fall and learn from it. With everything delivered on a silver platter, will we learn resilience and fighting spirit? If we are never allowed to fall, will we develop ability to pick ourselves up? Is it not better to fall when less is at stake and learn to stand up than to fall hard the first time and not be able to stand up?

Perhaps, it is time to reevaluate. From one end of the spectrum of overprotection to the other end of neglect in emotional well being, is it not better to strike a balance and learn to treat our youths like kites, reined in, but with space to roam and explore? In this way, their lives will become even better and richer.