Argumentative essay (TELEVISION WATCHING) draft 2

In has become a norm in developed countries where watching television is one of the most popular past-time activity compared to the others. Statistics showed that an average of two and a half hours is spent by total population, dwarfing other leisure and past time activities (American Time Use Survey 2003). Amid the statistics and current social trend, people are still arguing about whether this past time activity brings more harm than good to the society. There are sound evidences to support that watching television actually brings a lot of advantages such as improving an individual’s critical thinking, creating more entertaining education environment and exposing people to current issues and other cultures.

First and foremost, television programs can be harnessed to enhance more critical thinking especially among youngsters. Such programs like ‘Friends’ for example, although it is seen to give a negative influences, but teenagers can discuss with their parents how problems are resolved in the program and finding other more viable solution than shown on the television program (Sharif 1999). From there, students are able to engage in critical thinking when it comes to discussing more serious issues of social problems varying from globalization to poverty (Leigh 2001).

Furthermore, the television provides an alternative medium for learning process. Television as an audio-visual medium proven to be a popular teaching tool among preschools as children are more likely to comprehend and maintain information they have seen and heard rather than simply read (Leigh 2001). Besides that, television uses animation and puppets to make learning more fun and entertaining (Rutherford 2002). On the other hand, older children can cope with subjects like science and geography better through variety techniques in television which is unique and interesting (Leigh 2001).

Ideally, television watching can expose younger generation to gain additional knowledge on local and global issues. Current news broadcast on television provide information to the youth about global problems. Consequently, it may encourage them to take part in charity works (Sharif 1999). In addition, television could be a tool for democracy through direct exposure of latest events to the public (Rutherford 2002). By watching tourism and cultural channel, children proved to be more aware of their own culture and other cultures in the world, garnering knowledge of the animal kingdom and discovering sciences that will increase curiosity about the world around them (Leigh 2001 & Rutherford 2002). Apart from that, watching television can revitalize and able to concentrate on things like homework after a tiring day at school (Rutherford 2002).

In conclusion, it is crystal clear that we can harness the television program to gain benefit from it. We need to be remindful so that watching television excessively can be avoided. We should set aside criticism that singled out only on viewing habits that are unhealthy and excessive (Rutherford 2002). Technology made with good side and flipside, it is up to us to analyze and decide which should we take.

Argumentative essay (TELEVISION WATCHING) draft 1

In has become a norm in developed countries where watching television is one of the most popular past time activity compared to the others. Statistics showed that an average of two and a half hours is spent by total population, dwarfing other leisure and past time activities (American Time Use Survey 2003). Amid the statistics and current social trend, people are still arguing about whether this past time activity brings more harm than good to the society. There are sound evidences to support that watching television is actually brings a lot of advantages such as improving an individual critical thinking, creating more entertaining education environment and exposing people to current issues and other culture.

First and foremost, television programs can be harnessed to enhance more critical thinking especially among youngsters. Such programs like ‘Friends’ for example, although it is seen to give a negative influences, but teenagers can discuss with their parents how problems are resolved in the program and finding other more viable solution than shown on the television program (Sharif 1999). From there, students especially are being able to engage critical thinking when it comes to discussing more serious issues of social problems varying from globalization to poverty (Leigh 2001).

Furthermore, the television provides an alternative medium for learning process. Television as an audio-visual medium proven to be more popular teaching tool among preschools as they are more likely to comprehend and maintain information they have seen and heard rather than simply read (Leigh 2001). Besides that, television uses animation and puppets to make learning more fun and entertaining (Rutherford 2002). On the other hand, older children can cope with subjects like science and geography better through variety techniques in television which is unique and interesting (Leigh 2001).

Ideally, television watching can expose younger generation to gain additional knowledge on local and global issues. Current news broadcast on television can inform to the youth about global problems. Consequently, it may encourage them to take part in charity works (Sharif 1999). In addition, television could be a tool for democracy through direct exposure of latest events to the public (Rutherford 2002). By watching tourism and cultural channel, children proved to be more aware of their and other cultures in the world, garnering knowledge of the animal kingdom and discovering sciences that will increase curiosity about the world around them (Leigh 2001 & Rutherford 2002). Apart from that, watching television can revitalized and able to concentrate on things like homework after a tiring day at school (Rutherford 2002).

In conclusion, it is crystal clear that we can harness the television program to gain benefit from it. We need to be remindful so that watching television excessively can be avoided. We should set aside criticism that singled out only on viewing habits that are unhealthy and excessive (Rutherford 2002). Technology made with good side and flipside, it is up to us to analyze and decide which should we take.

Argumentative essay (JUNK FOOD) final draft

Obesity among our children has seen an epidemic rise for the past few years and all the fingers are all pointing at the voracious consumption of junk food, which are foods that are believed to be unhealthy and lack in nutrients (Smith 2005). The accusation has some relevance to it as statistic showed that in year 2003, relatively 50 % of children have consume sugar and fat more than recommended, the large source of this came from eating junk foods like fast foods and soda drinks (Australian Nutrition Journal 2004). There is a large debate on should the junk food to be banned from selling in the school canteen or not. I strongly believed that it is indeed a wise solution to ban the sale of junk food in school canteen as it brings a lot of consequences.

Junk food is considered the main culprit of many health problems, including obesity problems. Smith (2005) agrees that eating junk food is a part of healthy diet if taken in moderation. But, the problem is these junk foods are over-consumed by the youngsters (The Food Show 2005). This is backed with the fact that for the past 30 years, the nutritional value of food eaten by Australian children has been falling gradually due to availability of junk foods in school canteens in which more than 50% of schoolchildren buy all their lunches consist of junk foods. This is contributing to weight gain because junk foods raise kilojoule intake and lack physical activity to burn the calories (Tran 2005). Besides that, Dental Association also lauds for banning of soft drinks sale in schools because there is declining trend of dental health in primary-school children (Tran 2005).

Secondly, the chemical additives contained in junk foods are causing behavioural problems in children. Snack foods have a craze towards younger generation. Out of thirteen most popular snack foods, only four of it has high nutritional value (Health Foundation 2005), which means the others have loads of chemical additives used to add flavour, colour or increase their shelf life. This would trigger behavioral problems such as hyperactivity and poor concentration. A child psychologist, Mary Caputo in The Food Show (2005) said that research had revealed that reducing unhealthy foods in children’s diet can improve their behaviour. Jack Green also added that teachers have noticed a clear improvement in student’s behaviour, they are relatively calmer after recess (the Food Show 2005).

Apart from that, the food packaging from junk food has caused some serious litter problems in schools. The pre-packaged meals, crisp packets, cartons, takeaway foods and canned drinks are the major contributor of litter problem as students unethically leave all the rubbishes behind after eating it (The Food Show 2005). School canteens that have already banned the sale of junk food have also reduced their litter problem and consequently reducing the school cleaning cost. Thus, school groundsman can now focus more maintenance for school benefits and image (The Food Show 2005).

In conclusion, I strongly believe that the sale of junk food should be banned in school canteens for the benefit of our younger generation. We should put off their mind from thinking that they can eat junk food whenever they like without any consequences (Tran 2005). If no action to be taken swiftly, one day we might have to pay the piper.

Argumentative essay (JUNK FOOD) draft 2

Obesity among our children has seen an epidemic rise for the past few years and the fingers are all pointing at the voracious consumption of junk food, which are foods that are believed to be unhealthy and lack in nutrients (Smith 2005). The accusation has some relevance to it as statistic showed that in year 2003, relatively 50 % of children have consume sugar and fat more than recommended, the large source of this came from eating junk foods like fast foods and soda drinks (Australian Nutrition Journal 2004). There is a large debate on should the junk food to be ban from selling in the school canteen or not. From my respective view, it is indeed wise solution to ban the sale of junk food in school canteen as it brings a lot of consequences.

Including obesity problems, junk food is considered the main culprit of many health problems. Smith (2005) agrees that eating junk food is a part of healthy diet if taken in moderation. But, the problem is these junk foods are over-consumed by the youngsters (The Food Show 2005). This is backed with the fact that for the past 30 years, the nutritional value of food eaten by Australian children has been falling gradually due to availability of junk foods in school canteens in which more than 50% of schoolchildren buy all their lunches consist of junk foods. This is contributing to weight gain because junk foods raise kilojoule intake and lack physical activity to burn the calories (Tran 2005). Besides that, Dental Association also lauds for banning of soft drinks sale in schools because there is declining trend of dental health in primary-school children (Tran 2005).

Secondly, the chemical additives contained in junk foods are causing behavioural problems in children. Snack foods have a craze towards younger generation. Out of thirteen most popular snack foods, only four of it has high nutritional value (Health Foundation 2005), which means he others have loads of chemical additives used to add flavour, colour or increase their shelf life. This would trigger behavioral problems such as hyperactivity and poor concentration. A child psychologist, Mary Caputo in The Food Show (2005) said that research had revealed that reducing unhealthy foods in children’s diet can improve their behaviour. Jack Green also added that teachers have noticed a clear improvement in student’s behaviour, they are relatively calmer after recess (the Food Show 2005).

Apart from that, the food packaging from junk food has caused some serious litter problem in schools. The pre-packaged meals, crisp packets, cartons, takeaway foods and canned drinks are the major contributor of litter problem as students unethically leave all the rubbishes behind after eating it (The Food Show 2005). School canteens that have already banned the sale of junk food have also reduced their litter problem and consequently reducing the school cleaning cost. Thus, school groundsman can now focus more maintenance for school benefits and image (The Food Show 2005).

In conclusion, I strongly believe that the sale of junk food should be ban in school canteens for the benefit of our younger generation. We should put off their mind from thinking that they can eat junk food whenever they like without any consequences (Tran 2005). If no action to be taken swiftly, one day might have to pay the piper.

Bali Nine's Scott Rush circumcised in jail 'for Islam'

• Rush undergoes secretive circumcision
• Rush at Christian services a week ago
• Authorities question his motives

BALI Nine death row prisoner Scott Rush has been circumcised in a secret jail ceremony in Bali and has told authorities he is learning about Islam.

Authorities at Kerobokan Jail confirmed that Rush had undergone a circumcision on Friday in the jail's Muslim prayer area.

The jail's doctor and other officials were not even aware the circumcision had taken place until the weekend and were angered that such a procedure had been conducted by someone who was not authorised by the jail.

They have since questioned Rush's motives and whether he had really converted to Islam. Rush is a Catholic and his parents are staunchly religious.

As recently as a week ago Rush attending Christian church services at the jail.

The jail's head of education and rehabilitation, Anang, said that Rush had told him he was still learning about Islam.

His answers were complicated,'' Anang said about his discussion with Rush, whom he has told to provide him with more answers today.

And the jail's doctor, Agung Hartawan, who was only aware of the circumcision on the weekend said luckily it was a good job and not bleeding too much.

Dr Hartawan said he had asked Rush if he converted to Islam and that he said: "I want to learn Islam."

And he said when he further questioned Rush about the secretive procedure and whether his parents were even aware of it, that Rush had told him: "This is my right and I just want to know about Islam, I want to learn about Islam.''

Rush is one of three members of the Bali Nine on death row for their role in the heroin trafficking gang. He is due to lodge his final appeal very soon.-Herald Sun

Critique:

The news is about Scott Rush, an Australian who is on trial in Indonesia for drug trafficking has told the court that he had secretly circumcised ( cutting a piece of skin on his private part) on the jail's mosque and learning about islam. However, he did not commit that he has changed religion when asked and the authorities seems suspicious of his intention. If he is proven guilty for drug trafficking, he may faces death sentence there. What disappoints me a comment gave by Peter.T of his ignorance about the muslims and their feqah. One should accept and understand other people's religion and not label them with insulting words. To read the comment made by him, the news can be viewed at http://www.news.com.au/national/bali-nines-scott-rush-circumcised-in-jail-for-islam/story-e6frfkvr-1225864792025