Content

1.0 Newspaper article 1 Environment

1-2

1.1 Critical reflection 1

2.0 Newspaper article 2 Health

2.1 Critical reflection 2

3.0 Newspaper article 3 Neighbourhood

3.1 Critical reflection 3

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4.0 Newspaper article 4 Education

5.0 Bibliography

1.1 Critical Reflection 1

Environment : Seas of mercury killing off marine life
The article that I have chosen is about toxic metal, which is mercury threatens marine
life as it accumulates in shallow layers due to human polluting activities. It is undeniable that the
action of indiscriminate pouring elements from variety of sources, encompasses coal-fired
power plants and sewage into the seas have put marine life in great danger.
Mercury is toxic to humans and marine life. It is a liquid-form metal in room temperature.
Therefore, it can be easily absorbed into our skin layer as well as marine animals. After
exposing to sources of mercury over time, it will slowly accumulate in our bodies and brings
harmful consequences.
The industrial revolutions have tripled the mercury content of shallow ocean layers. With
that, I come to an agreement with the letter published in the peer-review journal Nature. In the
presence of flowing water and air, mercury can be deposited and widely dispersed. This will not
only affect the counties with booming industrial activities, the remote areas may suffer elevated
levels of the toxic material, too.
Pregnant women and small children are warned to limit their consumption of certain fish.
Fishes must not be over-consumed as toxic metals have been accumulating in these species.
Over-consumption of poisonous fish takes a toll on our health. It may also cause serious
developmental disorders in growing foetus.
Mercury which accumulates at the surface will disperse to lower layers in time. However,
the process of the damage to marine life becoming apparent can be faster in some areas due to
the winds and oceans currents. Marine animals are sometimes eaten by indigenous Arctic
people. I can say without fear and contradiction that high levels of toxins will be found in their
bodies.
Lastly, mercury emission can be reduced by using chemical filters and other treatment
systems. Instead of pointing an accusing finger on others, it is better for us to fork out time and
effort to keep pollution at bay. We must not turn our blind eyes to the mercury polluting issue. It
is our responsibility to gain awareness to conserve our nature for a better future.
(350 words)

2.1 Critical Reflection 2

Health : Preventing recurring colds in kids
The article that I have chosen explains the differences between common cold and
influenza. The author introduces the reason why children are susceptible to cold and the
solution for it. This article is very useful for parents who face problems when dealing with their
sick child.
School is a hotbed for catching a common cold. Children come into contact with each
other and the object surrounding them. They even play and share food together with their sick
friend. Based on the Cognitive Theory of Jean Piaget, children at young age use their senses to
feel and learn the world. Therefore, little children like to touch and put everything into mouth.
They are too young to notice that there are viruses all around them. This will eventually put their
health at risk.
Although common cold and influenza share many similar symptoms, there are two
different conditions. The cold symptoms develop slowly while influenza symptoms appear
suddenly. Besides, cold symptoms are generally milder than influenza. Hence, parents must be
able to notice the changes in their child and pay doctor a visit before things turn ugly.
Both common cold and influenza are caused by viruses. There are over 200 different
viruses can cause colds but there are not as many viruses that cause influenza. Thus, there is
vaccine for influenza and not for colds. Yet, a cold is a milder illness than influenza as it takes
shorter time for a patient to recover. Even though common colds are just virus infections,
parents should not take it for granted. Parents should consult a doctor to ensure that the illness
is under control.
Young children are highly susceptible to cold attacks. Colds are recurrent in nature
because childrens immune system is not matured fully. This causes them weak. The
combination of two herbs, Thujae and Baptisiae is a natural herbal treatment to beat the cold. It
is undeniable that parents should spend more time to take good care of their children, provide
them with good food and supplements. Parents have to ensure their children carrying out
exercises in order to boost their immune system.
(350 words)

3.1 Critical Reflection 3

Neighbourhood : Super bikers help raise funds for welfare homes
This article tells us about 500 high-powered motorcycles roared their way to Lenggong
Valley after being flagged off at Kinta Riverfront Hotel in Ipoh. This event was known as Three
Countries Charity Ride, which was held on Saturday (10 th May). Bikers from Malaysia,
Singapore and Thailand took part in the event, travelling together to Lenggong. The main
purpose of the event was to raise funds for old folks home and other welfare homes. It was
undeniable a meaningful and great event as the organiser, Ipoh Super Bikers Club worked
hand-in-hand with another two countries for the same purpose, which was to help the disabled
and create a brighter future for the orphans.
While at Sauk, the motorcyclists welcomed by Tourism Ministry officials before being
flagged off again to Lenggong. This clearly shows that the event gains support by many people.
You may not join the convoy; you may not have high-powered motorcycles to take part in the
event. Yet, you can still show your caring and supports through these little actions.
The convoy had travelled about 180km between Ipoh and Lenggong. They successfully
rose about RM8000 for an old folks home in Sungai Siput. The event is a great success. It
eventually raises awareness in the society to lend a helping hand for those in need, the disabled
and orphans by donating. It would be great to know that there is still warmth in the Malaysia
society.
As this year is the Visit Malaysia Year 2014, Ipoh Super Bikers Club worked together
with the Tourism Ministry to promote local tourist spots to their friends from Singapore and
Thailand. Without fear and contradiction, I agree that this idea is no doubt killing two birds with
one stone. The cyclists from neighbouring countries can get to know more about Malaysia, and
then strengthen friendship and bonds between the club members.
In this modern world, where people are caught up in the never-ending rat race and paper
chase, there seems to be little time to socialize and get to know members of our community. It is
time for us to slow down the pace, and start caring just like what had been done by those
motorcyclists.
(350 words)

5.0 Bibliography
Harvey, F. (2014, August 18). Seas of mercury killing off marine life. The Star Online. Retrieved
from http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Environment/2014/08/18/Seas-of-mercury-killingoff-marine-life/
Quanstar Biotech. (2014, July 10). Preventing recurring colds in kids. The Star, p. 3.
Toon, K.T. (2014, May 12). Super bikers help raise funds for welfare homes. The Star, p. 6.
Whyte, E. (2014, July 10). Cultivate a reading habit. The Star, p. 2.