Note from the ess

Dear students,

For SBQ: Remember to READ ALL Sources before you start to answer the Questions.Once 45 minutes is up you must start SEQ.Each SEQ is 20 min. Underline the factors and give issue.

I have written many suggested answers.
The worst you can do is to remember and learnt by heart these answers.

You must just read and understand why i choose one factor/reason or causes above the other.

You are free to disagree with me and choose other factors/reason or causes as long as you can give a reason why your choice is better then mine.

You will be shock at how short my answers are. Remember you have 20 minutes for each SEQ and you must give yourself time to THINK. So what the examiner wants is your you to show that you can THINK.. So P.E.E.L. Make your point. explain your point, provide an example for your point and most important of all LINK back to the issue.

For each question, I have showed that I link back to the issue.I also write down
Issue:
Given Factor
Alternative Factor

So that I will not be out of point.

Remember P.E.E.L. for SEQ

For SBQ.
1. for inference question ICE the POA.
2. Ying Yang for Usefulness, proof and reliability
3. Weighing scale for compare and contrast

Study this SBQ http://comhumss.blogspot.com/2008/10/sbq-on-un.html which i have identified the ICE,PAO YingYang and weighing scale.

Remember purpose words
1. to inspire, to motivate, to persuade,
2. to scold, to argue, to discredit, to make fun, to poke fun
3. to draw attention to, to explain, to informed

Outcome words
1.To reinforce the writer's view
2. to change audience's view
3. to achieve his purpose of....
4. to make audience support his point of view
5. to make audienec take action
Good luck.


















Good luck to all the high flyer. I have enjoyed most teaching this year of Sec 5. They are motivated, smart hardworking and a joy to teach

Issue: Effectiveness of United Nations in carrying out its aims

Study the sources carefully, and then answer all the questions.

You may use any of the sources to help you answer the questions, in addition to those sources which you are told to use. In answering the questions you should use your knowledge of the topic to help you interpret and evaluate the sources.

1 (a) Study Source A.


What does Source A tells you about UN's commitment to its aims? Explain your answer. [5]

(b) Study Source B.
How useful is Source B in aiding your understanding of the effectiveness of UN? Explain your answer. [7]

(c) Study Source C.
Does Source C prove that UN has the support of the international community? Explain your answer. [6]

(d) Study Source D and E.
Evaluate the differences between Source D and E. [7]


Issue: Effectiveness of United Nations in carrying out its aims



Background
The United Nations (UN) is an international organization whose stated aims are to facilitate cooperation in international law, international security, economic development, social progress, human rights, and achieving world peace. The UN was founded in 1945 after World War II to stop wars between countries and to provide a platform for dialogue.
There are currently 192 member states, including nearly every recognized independent state in the world. From its headquarters on international territory in New York City, the UN and its specialized agencies decide on substantive and administrative issues in regular meetings held throughout the year. The organization is divided into administrative bodies, primarily:
The General Assembly (the main deliberative assembly);
The Security Council (decides certain resolutions for peace and security);
The Economic and Social Council (assists in promoting international economic and social cooperation and development);
The Secretariat (provides studies, information, and facilities needed by the UN);
The International Court of Justice (the primary judicial organ).
Additional bodies deal with the governance of all other UN System agencies, such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF).



Source A An abstract from an interview with Lord Robertson, Chairman of the Commission for Global Road Safety, which proposed a global ministerial conference to United Nations.




I am delighted that the UN has today recognised the scale of human suffering and economic loss caused by road traffic deaths and injuries [by approving the proposal]. Now we must ensure that the UN Conference is not just another talking shop, but secures real commitments and takes real action to reverse the tide of global road deaths.




Source B An Abstract from The Times, “Bush deploys hawk as new UN envoy”, dated 8th March 2005

Bush nomination of John Bolton as US Ambassador to the United Nations is seen by many as an aggressive move. Mr Bolton once said:“There is no such thing as the United Nations. There is only the international community, which can only be led by the only remaining superpower, which is the United States." He also stated that "The [UN] Secretariat building in New York has 38 stories. If you lost ten stories today, it wouldn't make a bit of difference."

Source C An abstract of a report on a public poll conducte.d for BBC World Service by international polling company GlobeScan published on World Public Opinion’s website dated 24 January 2006

In 30 of the 32 countries polled, a majority (23 countries) rated the United Nations as having a positive influence. On average 59 percent rated the United Nations as having a positive influence, while just 16 percent rated it as having a negative influence.
However, among the 19 countries that were polled in December 2004 and again in the current poll, the percentage giving the U.N. a positive rating is down an average of 10 points.

Source D An abstract from an article taken from a blog in response to the controversies surrounding UN

Haitian underage girls are now paying for taking help from the UN. They have been sexually exploited by Sri Lankan UN peace-keepers for less than $1. Haitian feminists have now woken up to the problem and are demanding inquires by the UN. Olga Benoit of Haitian Women’s Solidarity recalls another case involving two Pakistani soldiers about two years ago. These men in uniform had raped a mentally challenged woman whom they were supposed to protect.
Poor girls in this horribly impoverished nation are just cattle for both Haitian men and their foreign protectors. Excessively patriarchal Haiti chooses to look the other way when girls are exploited. After all, a dollar is better than no money at all.

Source E Brazilian UN soldiers help a handicapped child as they distribute food and a program of music to celebrate peace in the Cite Soleil slum of Port-au-Prince, 25 April 2007

Try to check the answer after you have done the question.

Study Source A
What does Source A tells you about UN’s commitment to its aims? Explain your answer. (5)

(Note from the Ess: This set of answer only have ICE Inference Content and Explanation. If you got two ICE it is o.k.)

Source A tells me that UN is committed to its aims of fostering cooperation in international law, economic development, social progress.(Inference) Based on Source A, “UN today recognised the scale of human suffering and economic loss caused by approving the proposal”(Content). This shows that when called for action by the global community, UN will take immediate actions. Hence, showing that UN is committed to its cause. (Explanation)

In addition, from Source A, “UN conference is not just another talking shop, but secures real commitments and takes real action to reverse the tide of global road deaths.”(Content) This shows that UN does try to involve leaders in the world to work together in solving global issues. (Inference +explanation)

Source A shows that UN may sometime falter in carrying out its programme to achieve its aims.(Inference) From Source A, ““UN conference is not just another talking shop, but secures real commitments and takes real action to reverse the tide of global road deaths.”(Content) This shows that sometimes decisions made were not carried out by the member countries. (Explanation)

(Note from the Ess. You can also ICE the POA which means you infer the purpose and get the content and explanation to support your inference. Do not forget the outcome)


The speaker's purpose in saying that he was delighted that the UN has recognised the scale of human suffering is trying to hint (Purpose words) that the UN did not recognised the human suffering in the past. It is said in an ironic tone. He wants the conference to be a real effective (outcome) one instead of "another talking shop" as he does not seems to have enough faith in the UN. He hope that he can" secures real commitments and takes real action to reverse the tide of global road deaths." Therefore Source A tells me that the UN is not totally committed to its aims.

(b) Study Source B
How useful is Source B in aiding your understanding of the effectiveness of UN? Explain your answer. [7]

Yes. Source B is useful in aiding my understanding of the effectiveness of UN. Source B suggests that one of the reasons for UN ineffectiveness was the commitment and support from member countries. From Source B, “Bush nomination of John Bolton to United Nations is seen by many as an aggressive move”. This suggests that one of the problems which UN faces is the support of its member countries. This information suggests that the some of its member countries has its own agenda when sending envoys to UN and they may not be supportive of UN’s stance.

This is further supported by information from Source C, “among 19 countries polled in December 2004 and again in the current poll, the percentage giving the UN a positive rating is down” Since more countries are seeing UN as having a less positive influence. This suggests that they would be less supportive of UN’s actions and decisions. This concurs with that of Source B. Hence, Source B is useful to my understanding of UN limitations.

However, Source B has its limitations. Source B shows comments and reaction from one source. It does not represent the reaction from all member countries. Source B does not represent the extend of UN’s problems.

(Note from the Ess Notice, the Ying Yang (useful and not useful aspect) +cross reference) You must have these three elements to score full marks.

(c)Study Source C. Does Source C prove that UN has the support of the international community? Explain your answer.

(Explain why it does not prove)

No, Source C does not prove that UN has the support of the international community. From Source C, “average 59 percent rated the United Nations as having a positive influence, while just 16 percent rated it as having a negative influence”. This shows that out of the countries polled, there are some which thinks that UN has a negative influence. If these countries do not see UN in a positive light they would be less likely to be supportive of what UN does.

(Cross ref to support)

In addition, cross-referenced against Source D, “Haitian underage girls are now paying for taking help from the UN. They have been sexually exploited by Sri Lankan UN peace-keepers” This shows that UN peacekeepers are not helping the people in need. This agrees with Source C in saying that there are countries which does not see UN as a positive influence. Hence, Source C is unreliable to prove that UN has the support of the international community.

(Explain why it does prove)

However, we can trust Source C that it does prove that UN is getting the support from the international community. As Source C is a factual source, with neutral tone. It does not take side of the UN. It is a report by an international polling company which has no stake in UN. The purpose of the source is to inform the public about the popularity of UN.

(d) Study Source D and E
Evaluate the differences between Source D and E. [7]

Source D and E are similar in identifying the role of the UN peacekeeping troops. (Comparing statement) From Source D, “raped a mentally challenged woman whom they were supposed to protect” and from Source E showing UN soldiers helping a boy by carrying him. Both sources inform us that UN’s role in the countries that they were deployed to is to help the people.

Source D and E are different in assessing the service rendered by UN troops. (comparing statement)

Source D shows that UN peacekeeping troops were a negative addition to the people. From Source D, “they have been sexually exploited by Sri Lankan UN peace-keepers”, these men in uniform had raped a mentally challenged woman whom they were supposed to protect” This shows that instead of helping the people in need, UN soldiers are adding to their misery.

On the other hand, Source E shows that UN soldiers are a positive addition to the people. From Source E, UN soldiers were carrying a handicapped boy. This shows that UN soldiers were doing good in the place that they are helping. Hence, Source D and E are different.

Source D and E are different in their purpose by depicting UN soldiers in different light. (Comparing statement)

Source D’s purpose in to vilify UN soldiers by discussing the ill-behaviours of UN soldiers, the author hopes to highlight the negative behaviours of the soldiers in hope the UN take action against such acts.

On the other hand, Source E is glorifying the works of UN troops by showing UN soldiers doing a good job in the country they are helping. The photographer may be attempting to gather more support for UN.

(Note from the Ess. Notcie the structure of the answer. You have a comparing statement then you find ifnormation in Source D and Source C to support the comparing statement.)

What to focus for the exam?
First of all these are the theme that will not come out as it has already come out in 2007.

1. Venice (Theme 6)
2. Sustainable development (Theme 5)
3. Population.(Theme 4)

So it is safe to focus on the following theme as it has not come out in 2007.
1. Merger and Separation (Theme 1)
2.Sri Lanka (Theme 2)
3.Conflict and Cooperation (Theme 3)

But you must study everything within these three theme. No short cut.

For additional insurance do the following
1.Good governance (Theme 5)
2.Singapore Industrialisation (Theme 4)
3. Housing in Singapore (Theme 4)

Should be safe. Good luck.

Click the words on the left hand side of the blog to go to particular question.
Detail syllabus.

Theme 1. The Making Of A Homeland
The emotional bonding to one’s country comes with the understanding of how a young
nation is born as a result of the struggles, determination and commitment of the country’s pioneering fathers.

• Introduction: an overview of colonialism, nationalism and independence in Southeast Asia (Not examined)

• In and out of Malaysia (1963-1965)
- Political and economic reasons for merger
- Political, economic and racial reasons for separation with emphasis on the concept of a Malaysian Malaysia based on equality of all races
- Independence and nationhood


Theme 2. HARMONY AND DISCORD

Unity and Disunity
It is possible to live together in harmony despite differences in race, language and religion.
However, it is important to be relentlessly vigilant against the forces of divisiveness in a multiracial and multi-cultural society.

Discord and disunity with examples of the following countries
• Sri Lanka
• Northern Ireland

The following issues will be discussed for both Sri Lanka and Northern Ireland:
- Different causes of conflicts among ethnic and religious groups, e.g. colonialism, competition for economic resources, breakdown of a strong national government
- Manifestations of conflicts among ethnic and religious groups, e.g. extensive fighting between groups; sporadic attacks against the national government; conflicts between ethnic groups leading to foreign intervention

Theme 3. CONFLICT AND COOPERATION
Diplomacy and Deterrence Events and developments happening outside Singapore’s
borders can affect the lives of the people on this island.

• Conflicts among nations
- Causes of international conflicts

• Prevention and resolution of conflicts among nations:
- Diplomacy: bilateral relations with other countries, membership in international organisations, such as ASEAN and UN, social/cultural and economic cooperation among nations
- Deterrence: military self-reliance through either a professional army or a citizen armed force
- Example of Singapore’s two-pronged approach of diplomacy and deterrence

Theme 4 GROWTH OF NATIONS

Development Strategies
A nation can stand on it own by careful planning to optimise the allocation and use of physical and human resources. Reliance on its own resourcefulness will enable a nation to contribute to the world community.

Planning and Development

Planning for economic development and growth
- Case study of Singapore:
o Importance of planning in Singapore(physical characteristics such as limited resources, land)
o Industrialisation and industrial restructuring: role of EDB, JTC, NTUC

Planning for social development
Case study of Singapore: overview of public services with special reference to
- Education
- changes to education in Singapore and the response to changing goals and needs
- Example of Switzerland: the role of education in the economic and social development of Switzerland
- Health care Services
o changes to health services in Singapore and the response to changing goals and needs
o Example of Britain: trends towards privatisation in the provision of public services
- Population planning
o Case study of Singapore: population policies and planning for an ageing population (self-reliance versus state welfarism)
- Public Housing
o Case study of Singapore: role of HDB in public housing

Theme 5 .LOOKING AHEAD

Going Global, Staying Centred

Our track record of succeeding against the odds shows that as a people we can have a bright future if we continue to take a forward looking and practical approach to facing challenges. Besides, we need to ensure that sufficient vital resources are available to future generations of Singaporeans.

Constraints to further growth (regional and global factors) and sustainable development
- Constraints to further growth
o Economic e.g. competition from other countries
o Socio-political e.g. instability, war
o Environmental e.g. pollution
- Sustainable development
o Definition of sustainable development and what it means to Singapore
o Economic strategies for sustainable development: e.g. enhancing economic competitiveness through skills upgrading, IT, R&D, regionalisation and globalization
o Environmental strategies for sustainable development: e.g. environmental and resource management

Good governance and sustainable development: Case study of Singapore
- Principles of good governance – a pragmatic, meritocratic, fair, clean and transparent government
- Socio-political strategies for sustainable development: e.g. forging of social cohesion of multi-ethnic population, good diplomacy, forward-looking and incorruptible civil service


Theme 6. CHALLENGE AND CHANGE

Transformation of a Great City- State
There were city-states in history that rose from obscurity to
splendour and power, and which eventually went into decline. Even
great city-states, which were centres of prosperity and culture,
can fall prey to weaknesses and complacency within the system.