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You will watch a video which shows a person using the sewing machine.

As you watch the video, think about how you will respond to the following prompt.

Prompt:

Would you like to learn skills like the one shown in the video? Why, or why not?

You can make notes on the paper provided and refer to them during the examination. Your notes will not be assessed.

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You will engage in a discussion with the Examiners on a topic broadly related to the video clip. You will not be asked any questions about what people say.

1) Some students just give up if they fail or don’t do well at something. How would you encourage them to keep trying?

2) Some people think that secondary school students should concentrate on their schoolwork and not spend time learning other things. What do you think?

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1. Planned Response - Submit a 2 min audio.

2. Spoken Interaction - You may choose to submit an audio to practise what you can do on the spot. Alternatively, submit a written response.

3. There is Editing on SLS too.

4. Have a fruitful BL day! Mrs Seah

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Sorry about the wrong layout.

Please edit the post with your Index No when you submit your work. Thank you!

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1.I would encourage them by telling a quote that "failing is the first step to success". No one is good at anything so fast. I believe that practice is key to success and that they should continue to practise to improve. For example, I'm in the Volleyball CCA. However, I joined later than others and may not be as good as the rest. Even so, my teammates never failed to motivate me and teach me how to become better.

On top of that, I could encourage them to keep trying through teaching them or doing the activity that they are doing as well. This will provide them more suppport mentally, as there will be more relatability for us to talk to one another about. For example, if my friend is struggling with math, I can provide help by doing our math homework together and ask each other for help when we need it. With this, we will have each others back and be able to improve together.

2.Personally, I believe that students should not only concentrate on their schoolwork but also spend time learning other things. This allows students to develop new hobbies or passion in other activities. For example, learning new sports is a form of staying healthy which is important for secondary school students who are teenagers. With this, by staying healthy, students will actually be able to concentrate better on their schoolwork, while engaging in other productive activites.

Besides that, learning other things can be a form of stress relief from their school work. For example, SIL, student initiated learning, is conducted on blended learning days for students to pick up a new activity. This new activity can be cooking, sports and others. Such activities can be a form of stress relief for students, allowing them to ease their minds from their schoolwork. With this, students will be able to wind down and take a break from their work, allowing them to continue more energised and focus better.

However, i can understand why people would think that way as learning other things may put more activities on a students schedule, giving them more stress. For example, an average secondary 4 student has remedial at least 2 to 3 times a week which ends at around 4.15. Together with the excessive amounts of school work, it will be hard to keep up while learning a new activity. If done so, students may struggle to complete their school work, making them lack behind others, which will eventually affect how they perform for their national exams.

In conclusion, I believe that students should concentrate on their school work and spend their time learning other things

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Spoken interaction

1. Some students just give up if they fail or don’t do well at something. How would you encourage them to keep trying?

To encourage them to keep trying I would firstly let them know of the quote “ failures are just stepping stones to success” I would let the, know that this quotes means that everyone that became successful like idols all did not do well at some point and I’m sure that many even had the thought of giving up. But it is because they did not give up and continue fighting and learning from their failure that they are able to become this successful right now.

Secondly I would help give them a push to get back up to their feet. For example if they are learning how to crochet and failed miserably I would help find some videos that are related to what they did not do well in and give the, a push in getting back up to restart the craft. Hopefully by giving them the first step of getting back up it would encourage them to continue and learn from their failures. I would also make sure to encourage them by being there for them through the first few steps of getting back up as encouragement to continue further.

Lastly I would educate them about the value of perseverance. I would let them know that if they were to give up now they could be missing the best opportunity to learn something new and the possibility to be great at a new thing that many may not be good at. I would relate the value of hard work and perseverance when trying to encourage them so that they will be motivated to continue on.

I hope by doing these things it would get them encouraged to continue despite their failures.

2. Some people think that secondary school students should concentrate on their school work and not spend time learning other things. What do you think?

I disagree with this mindset to some extend as like many say “ grades aren’t everything” When one were to only focus on their school work and not learn other skills which could last them a lifetime they are mostly not going to be able to rely on anything but their grades to succeed in life.

If we were to compare someone who has good grades but does not know how to sew to someone who has average grades but has the skill of sewing. If the one that only has good grades does not get into a certain job they would not have any other skills to use as qualifications for a different job but the one who knows how to sew can start her own business by selling bags or pouches made with her skill of sewing.

Even though having other skills it’s important, I think that teenagers should have a good balance of their school work and learn other skills as grades are still quite important in moving on from secondary school to a Junior collage or polytechnic. Having a good balance will not only teach them about time management which would be really important once they step into the working life it would also teach them that grades aren’t everything.

In conclusion I think that secondary school students should have a good between school and learning things outside school. I do not think that learning things outside school is considered a waste of time but instead a good thing as they are not fully focused just on grades.

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2.

I will encourage them. I will tell them: hey, don't just focus on the difficult process, think about the success when you overcome the challenges.

Sometimes, we only look at what is difficult, and have the mindset " No I cannot do it". But no, we only do this because we feel no motivation, we see no worth of overcoming the challenges and the initial aim we decided to do it. I will give them a example, like Mr Lee Kuan Yew. At that time, the challenges and hurdles he faced is way more tough and exhausting compared to some minor challenges we faced these days. But guess what? He worked hard everyday, leading the country with the citizens and never told himself to give up. That's the reason why we have Singapore today, the best country in the world. Our future is like a mini country, and to determine it's prosperity is by us the developer. I will tell them, don't suffocate yourself with anxiety and give up when seeing difficulties. Take a break for your brain to calm down, and work step by step. As a saying goes: No sweat no sweet. As long you work hard, you will eventually success.

3.

I used to have the same thinking too. When stepping into Secondary school life, I was told that Secondary school would be much complex and academic demand will be more heavy. But as time goes by, I started to have different opinion. Yes, student should concentrate on their school work, but no 24 hours, no break no fun no game. It is indeed true that Secondary schoolwork is much more heavy, so that's the reason why we should take a break.

We often learn new things in school, especially during CCA. In Sec 1, I have no idea of how Table tennis is about, I only know it is something familiar to badminton but is on table. But when I unfortunately entered the CCa, I realised table tennis is more than table. It has myriad type of serving to start a ball, how to return high speed ball and more.

Another example is badminton. My friend is a skilled badminton player. But she still manages to learn new and advanced skill.

During Co Curriculum training, we are free from academic work and can do whatever we want, releasing stress from school day. I think this is a crucial segment in our Secondary school life. Without it, we may stress ourselves and become anxious without a rel

ease.

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Planned Response:

2. When some students just give up if they fail or don’t do well at something, I think moral encouragement and support is important to  encourage them to keep on trying. When one is morally encouraged, it will drive them to be more motivated and determined to keep trying. For example, when one fails or don’t do well, simple words of affirmation such as “You have done your best, keeping improving next time” and “It’s ok, you did really well.” Such words will encourage to strive to do better next time.

3. I agree to a certain extent that secondary school students should concentrate on their schoolwork. As secondary school students, their main focus is ensuring that they are doing well in their studies. Hence, they should be more focused on their studies instead. For example, a typical secondary school student will end at about 3-4pm and spend their time at home revising before the next day. However, I disagree to a certain extent that secondary school students should concentrate solely on their schoolwork. Learning should take place beyond the classroom too. For example, students who are musically inclined will need time to spend time practising their instruments, preparing for performances etc. Students also need time to rest and relax, spend time with their family and enjoy themselves at times.

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1) I would firstly give them some encouragement and support. Some people give up because they believe that they can’t do any better than what they have done. However, I will reassure them, telling them that there are always ways to improve and failure is not the end.

Secondly, I will give them help to improve, whether it is in the form of advice from personal experience or maybe sending them some videos for them to learn. And if they need assistance or a helping hand, I will definitely be willing to volunteer.

For example, if my friend wants to learn how to draw people, but has given up halfway, I would tell them not to give up. I would send them videos of how to draw certain features of a person’s face or even share some of my own tips on how I draw. I would encourage them to find their own style of drawing and practice at least once a week to improve.

2) While I do agree that it is important to focus on school work, I disagree with the idea of students not spending time learning other things. Learning a new skill can be a way for some students to relax. It can also teach students soft skills, such as time management or creativity. For example, after a long, tiring week at school, I enjoy taking some time during the weekend to bake. Not only does the music in the background and smell of baked goods help me to relax, but I also learn to be patient as it can be frustrating trying not to make a mess while ensuring that I don’t make a mistake.

However, I do see why some people might believe students should solely concentrate on their school work. This might be because students might not be able to juggle the huge amount of work and tests they have with having to learn and practice their skill. But as I mentioned earlier, this can help them develop soft skills, such as time management and flexibility. Students can learn to make time to practice their skill while also doing their schoolwork and revision.

Therefore, students should not only focus on their studies or the skill they want to learn. Having a good balance of both should definitely be the way to go.

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1. I think that students giving up after encountering adversity is a rather natural response and I would firstly steer them clear of any negative thoughts about themselves by reassuring them and reiterating their strengths. I believe that all students have a strength, regardless of which area it is in, be it sports or academics. It is important to acknowledge that not all students may be well-rounded and that mistakes are inevitable, so it is not worth it to beat oneself up over a one-time failure.

Secondly, I would introduce a quote in the Chinese language, which is that “Success stems from failure” and I think that this is vital for students to understand as without failure or obstacles, one will not improve. I would assure them that in the long run, mistakes are inevitable and in their life, this mistake may seem like a minor on in the long run, therefore they shouldn’t fret too much about it. I’d like to think that making mistakes and being able to improve is a privilege, and by instilling that sense of accountability responsibility in students, it can further push them and strengthen their mental fortitude when it comes to making mistakes and failure.

However, if the student has been facing repeated failure, and has not been able to find a solution, I would recommend the student to seek professional help, be it from their teachers/coaches/seniors/etc. One thing that students struggle with after facing failure is asking for help, and this could be due to low self esteem or the fear of being judged by the people they are seeking help from. I would accompany the student to ask for advice, and emphasise on the fact that there are professionals to help for a reason. As a teacher or mentor, I would want students to take the initiative to ask for advice because this proves they still have the willingness and vigor to learn from their past mistakes and improve. I think that by encouraging the student to actively seek advice, it can aid the student in improving and making progress towards their goals.

I do hope that by reiterating the students’ strengths, giving assurance and encouraging them to seek advice can help them in the long run whenever they meet adversity.

2. I agree with this statement to a certain extent. While students generally have the mindset that schoolwork shouldn’t be everything and that learning about other things such as their CCAs is vital, some parents may not think so, especially those with a traditional mindset. Most parents want their child to study well, get into a good university and get a good job with a good pay. However, it is also true that not all students are able to achieve this high standard. There are many aspects of a student’s life that can make them well-rounded and that doesn’t have to be restricted to studies and schoolwork.

Firstly, while I think it is important to be well-rounded in academics, it is also important to learn about basic life skills such as cooking or sewing, which are fundamental skills to possess as a homemaker. It is pointless if one is good at studies but is unable to fend for themselves or survive on their own in the future. Learning how to do the house chores can also improve one’s discipline as well as organisational skills.

Then, learning about social etiquette is also fundamental in functioning in society. By working on one’s interpersonal relationships and taking the time off their studies to relax and spend time with friends and family can not only boost one’s mental state, but also cultivate their emotional quotient and lead a fulfilling life.

Lastly, CCAs. I’m sure that many students would want to focus on their CCAs as well as their studies, and some of them may even focus on their CCAs more due to their passion. Learning about sports, arts, etc can expose these students to more things in society that studies alone may not be able to provide exposure to. Being adept in both one’s CCA and academics can reflect well on themselves as it also shows that they are capable of time management and balancing responsibilities, which is vital in tertiary education.

However, concentrating on one’s studies is also extremely important as it is what gets one into a good tertiary education institution. By concentrating and focusing on school work, secondary school students can further enhance their academics which gets them to a good school and maybe a good university. Teachers always remind students that they are not aiming for a pass, but an A1 in their academics and this expectation pushes these students to study more to score better.

Nevertheless, I think that students shouldn’t be solely concentrating on their grades, but also on the world around them and the useful skills that they possess that can actually be used in the real world.

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1)

personally i have been through times where i failed and feel like giving up however, my friends will encourage me to try my best the next time and give me real life stories of successful people that has failed countless times such as the one of colonel sanders, who was rejected a whopping 1000 times before someone tried out his recipe. Despite all those failures he just had to be patient and wait for the small success which resulted in the creation of the well known franchise KFC. The story was able to encourage me to continue to strive for success for my examinations and since then i have improved remarkably for my math examinations. Thus I will always try my best in encouraging them to think about the bright side and keep trying their best no matter the results.

2)

While some may think that secondary school students should only be concentrating on their academics and not waste time on learning other things, i disagree. Life is more than just exams and the marks you get, there are other opportunities for you to learn new skills and explore interests which may allow one to gain valuable life skills.

For example, students are given some days for blended learning where a time slot is allocated for student initiated learning, which encourages students to think about real life activities and not just their studies. This helps them acquire qualities like communication skills by learning different languages, discipline by completing physical goals, and creativity by coding games and crocheting an animal. This can also help students to destress and to manage their mental wellbeing better, allowing them to excel in both their academics and their own hobbies.

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1) personally i have been through times where i failed and feel like giving up however, my friends will encourage me to try my best the next time and give me real life stories of successful people that has failed countless times such as the one of colonel sanders, who was rejected a whopping 1000 times before someone tried out his recipe. Despite all those failures he just had to be patient and wait for the small success which resulted in the creation of the well known franchise KFC. The story was able to encourage me to continue to strive for success for my examinations and since then i have improved remarkably for my math examinations 2) While some may think that secondary school students should only be concentrating on their academics and not waste time on learning other things, i disagree. Life is more than just exams and the marks you get, there are other opportunities for you to learn new skills and explore interests which may allow one to gain valuable life skills.For example, students are given some days for blended learning where a time slot is allocated for student initiated learning, which encourages students to think about real life activities and not just their studies. This helps them acquire qualities like communication skills by learning different languages, discipline by completing physical goals, and creativity by coding games and crocheting an animal. This can also help students to destress and to manage their mental wellbeing better, allowing them to excel in both their academics and their own hobbies.

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1. I think reminding them that failure is a normal part of human growth, that it is a natural part of learning. The main thing is being able to stand up again and push forward after failure, which is understandably hard to do at times when people don’t see the point of pushing on forward. Being able to find what motivates them to push on forward, and being able to supportive presence beside it all will help encourage them to pick themselves up from failure. But in the end, I do believe that as much as I can be there to support them, they have to be able to stand up from failure and continue themselves.

2. I agree to a certain extent. It depends on which stage of secondary school they are in, in my opinion. For example, if the student is in secondary 4, I do agree that the student should focus more on studying as they don’t have much time left and have to focus on taking national exams, having more emphasis on grades However, if the student is only in secondary 1, they definitely should be able to learn more things, as education isn’t only about exams. Students should be able to develop their soft skills and worldly knowledge outside of studying, for example social skills. Exploring hobbies and things outside of studying helps them to enhance their creativity. Things like financial literacy, communication, problem-solving, and critical thinking aren’t always taught in school but are essential for success.

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1. Firstly, I would explain to them the purpose of not giving up on that specific task in the first place, just because you fail at something, doesnt mean you can't or shouldn't try again. In my opinion, if you were going to give up on something after failing once, then there isn't point in even trying the first place. I would encourage them by being by their side of their journey every step of the way, and be there to lend a helping hand. This will motivate them, as the thought of knowing someone is there to catch you when you fall will make the worry of being alone in their journey disappear.

2. I certainly diagree with them. I am a firm believer in the pursuit of skills unrelated to academics, as the result of upskilling yourselves in this society will allow you to be more sought after in the working industry, in some cases even besting that of how academics relate. Learning skills outside of school will also teach students that there are other things in life that are more important than just schoolwork, such as how hobbies allow people to discover pastimes that they love and will enjoy for the rest of their lives.

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teacher, you can only attach 1 audio file onto each post, so my planned response and spoken interaction will be on separate posts

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part 2 spoken interaction

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1) learning something new is a journey. You will not be able to learn something new overnight. The key things needed for them is patience and determination to complete the journey that they have started. I would encourage them to seek out their end goal instead of just being stuck on one part of their journey. In addition, it is not the end goal that it is important, it is about the new things learnt along the way and being able to counter every setback that comes their way.

Another way I would encourage them is to think with a positive mindset on the setting of their end goal. Having a clear end goal in mind is important to set a standard and having a good mindset to complete this goal

2) In my opinion, focusing on their studies is an important thing for students to concentrate on. However, having other things such as hobbies is important so that they are able to relieve stress when needed or just have something that they love to do for fun such as for example playing the guitar or riding their bicycle. These pastime activities are good for their leisure in times when they feel too stressed with their school work or exams preparations

Other than that, they should be able to looking for their future job opportunities that they want to have when they are working adults. Firstly, students should be looking out for the courses that they are interested in and then looking to the future for jobs that they want to work in

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Planned response: (i tried recording a few times but the audio couldn't load)

Yes. I would like to take up such a skill as it is not only useful but also interesting and creative. In the event where one of my pieces of clothing rip tear or a button falls off, i am equipped with the skill to be able to mend my own clothing. I would not feel the need to buy new clothes as my clothes would feel as good as new after being repaired. On top pf that i would not have to find a tailor to mend my clothing so i would not only save time but also money too. I believe that this skill would allow me to also let my creative juices flow as i would be capable of making my own clothes and feel the satisfaction of watching my creations come to life and they would feel more authentic as i would have created them with my own blood sweat and tears. It would instill a sense of pride into me too as i would know that these articles of clothing are purely mine and no one else would be able to replicate it.

Spoken Interaction:

1. I would tell them that failing or not being good at something is all part and parcel of life. You cannot expect yourself to be good at something when you first try it out as no one is perfect no one would be able to do something perfectly without having failed beforehand i believe that that is what makes us all human and there is nothing wrong with being human. On top of that, look towards the positive side of things maybe you failed but you learned that there is still a lot more for you to improve on. So you shouldn't be so hard on yourself try again as it is all part of the learning process.

2. I disagree as i believe that there is more to life than just your studies and that we should not constrict ourselves to doing one thing for our whole life which is just focusing on school work. I believe that through learning other things can also lead to a better way of learning and also eases the mind on doing something that they are not forced or required to do. To me, learning other things of interest is what also makes us unique and stand out more as an individual and as a teenager i feel that through this we get to not only learn about other things but also more about ourselves which is quite important with our growing learning and developing brains.

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The video is about sewing and I would not be interested in learning skills like sewing.

Firstly,I have never tried sewing.Although it would a brand new experience to me,I will not learn it as learning something new is something that is not easy.i would have to find sources to learn how to sew and understand the techniques needed to be use.This would take a lot of time and effort and would be tiring.So,I would not like to learn sewing.

Secondly,I am in one of my most important years,o levels.so I need to study extra hard if I want to get to good school.This would increase my level of stress and reduce leisure time.Spending time on learning sewing would make me more stress as I have to balance my time studying and sewing.So I would not learn sewing.

Lastly,sewing can sometime hurt people if they are careless and not paying attention or just started.I would not learn Sewing ,as I am a very careless person and sometimes daydream so I could hurt myself.

So all in all,I would not learn sewing

2)I would go up to them and give them a pat on shoulders to reassure them.Then I would say something encouraging such as don’t give up ,you can do better next time and you did your best.It should motivate them knowing that someone is supporting them.i would tell them Mrs Bian’s quote “There’s a big circle which out of your control and a small circle which is in your control.If you want to do well ,do things that are in your field of control.Do things one at a time”I would also try and help teach them or give advice on how to do things so that they can learn.However,even if I try my best encourage them whether they will continue is up to them to decide.

3)I disagree that secondary school students should concentrate on their school work and not spend time learning other things.Secondary school students are in their youth when their mind can take in new knowledge and learn quickly.Learning new things is beneficial for their future as the more they learn,the more opportunities can they choose when they enter the society.This is why schools have sil and cca for students.It is for students to learn more soft skills or develop their leadership and teamwork, to work better with college in the future.However,students should not disregard their school work.School work helps students understand better what teachers are teaching.This will result them in getting better grade and getting to a better school.Thus,students can aim for a better job ,allowing them to live a better quality of life.

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1. I understand and empathise with those students as i too find it difficult to carry on doing something that i’m not good at or is hard to achieve. However, if everything were to be easy and achievable, would there really be any joy or sense of achievement in doing anything then? This is why, i would encourage those students to do their best in everything they do. Although things may seem hard at first, but they always get better the more we learn. To learn from our mistakes and improve on them is to grow and improve on ourselves. By pushing through hardships and difficulties, those students would be able to look back on those hard times and see how much they have grown and changed. I feel that the more difficult a challenge is, the prouder we’d feel of ourselves once it’s completed. Hence, i urge students to not give up, if we’re really passionate about something, we should work hard and not regret.

2. I strongly disagree. Secondary school is where students are at the perfect age to explore themselves and the world around them. We’re young and healthy, we should use this to our advantage to do everything we feel passionate about. Sure, when we’re older our lives might revolve more around our job and trying to get a stable income, but what use is it to dedicate ourselves to a suffering we have yet to feel. Students should try everything to broaden our horizons and see the world if given the opportunity. Engaging in sports after school and during the holidays is a great example. If students were just studying all day, when would they be able to socialise and understand the people around them. How would they be able to learn to work with different types of people in the future? By playing sports, students interact with other people who have different strengths and weaknesses and strive to learn from each other. The spirit of sportsmanship would definitely be something just as important as studies. If that student grows up and is incapable of working with and understanding the people they’re working with, what use is it to study so hard and fail to work with others. There should be a balance of everything as well as the freedom for students to enjoy their youth.

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1) One way I would encourage them by not only giving them words of encouragement and also supporting them whether it be physically or mentally. The reason some people give up easily is because they dont have a strongmental resilience and weak discipline. I can help them by giving them encouragement or even acting as a libility. For example, if their goal is to do well in a certain subject, I can study that subject together with them and act as a liability if they feel lazy or unmotivated to study.

Alternatively, I can also be the one to help them directly by teaching them. If the thing they want to achieve is something I know I can do, I can help them directly by giving them tips or showing them the steps to reach their goal.

2) I completely disagree. If students were to only concentrate on their schoolwork, they would not have any passion. Not only that, people will only judge students by how well they do in their studies. I everyone has different strengths, like how you can’t judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree. Students might have strengths outside of studies such as sports or arts. However, I do feel that secondary schoolstudents need to put in a lot of effort in schoolwork as they have O levels,which is one of the most important tests of their life and they should ensure they manage their time wisely and leave time for both schoolwork and other hobbies

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1.) Yes, I would definitely like to learn how to sew, and here’s why:

First, sewing is a very useful skill. If I could sew, I’d be able to fix my own clothes whenever something rips or gets damaged, instead of having to buy new ones. It would save me time and money.

Also, sewing lets you make your own clothes. I could create unique pieces that fit my style perfectly. I could choose the fabrics and colors I like, and make clothes that nobody else has!

Another reason is that sewing is both fun and practical. It’s not just about making things that are useful, like a shirt or a bag. It’s also a way to be creative. People use sewing to make beautiful things, like art or custom designs. Finally, sewing is a relaxing activity. It’s a great way to focus and forget about stress. When I sew, it’s a time to slow down and enjoy making something with my hands. It’s almost like a form of therapy. In conclusion, after watching the video and thinking about it, I would love to learn how to sew.

Spoken Interaction:

1.) I totally understand how frustrating it can be when things don’t go well, and I’ve been there myself. I remember times when I didn’t do as well as I hoped on a test or assignment, and it felt like I wasn’t getting anywhere. But I realized that failure isn’t the end; it’s just part of the process of learning.

As a student myself, I’ve learned that sometimes it’s important to step back, reflect, and see what went wrong, rather than just giving up. For example, in one of my subjects, I didn’t do well on a project at first. Instead of giving up, I asked for feedback from my teacher and worked on improving my skills. Slowly, I started to see progress, and eventually, I felt much more confident.

So, if I were talking to a friend or another student who feels like giving up, I’d encourage them to keep going, just like I did. It’s okay to not get everything right immediately—it’s the effort and the willingness to learn from mistakes that makes all the difference. Plus, it’s important to remember that small progress adds up over time.

2.) I think it’s really important for secondary school students to focus on their schoolwork, because education is the foundation for our future. But at the same time, I don’t believe students should only focus on schoolwork and ignore other things they’re passionate about.

For me, learning other skills outside of schoolwork is also valuable. It helps us grow in different ways. For example, I love learning things like baking, cooking, or even creative hobbies like drawing. These activities not only allow me to relax and have fun, but they also teach me skills I can use in everyday life.

Plus, balancing school with other activities can help improve time management and make us better at handling multiple responsibilities. Sometimes, learning new things outside of schoolwork can even help with our main studies. For example, learning to work in a team through a sports activity can improve how I collaborate in group projects at school.

So, while schoolwork is definitely important, I think having a balance between studies and learning other skills can help students become more well-rounded and prepared for life after school.

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Planned response:

Spoken interaction:

1. I would first remind them that failure is a natural part of learning. Many successful people, like athletes, scientists, and inventors, faced failures before achieving success. For example, Thomas Edison failed thousands of times before inventing the light bulb, but he saw each failure as a step toward improvement.

Secondly, I would help them focus on progress rather than perfection. Instead of feeling discouraged by failure, they can look at what they’ve learned and how they’ve improved. I would encourage them to set small, achievable goals so they can see their progress step by step.

I would also remind them that asking for help is okay. Sometimes, struggling alone can feel overwhelming, but teachers, friends, or mentors can offer guidance and support. Learning from mistakes and getting advice from others can make the process easier.

Lastly, I would encourage them to have a positive mindset. Instead of saying, “I can’t do it,” they should say, “I can’t do it yet.” With persistence and effort, they will get better over time. Everyone faces challenges, but the key to success is to keep trying and never give up.

2. I disagree with the idea that secondary school students should focus only on schoolwork and not spend time learning other things. While schoolwork is important, learning beyond the classroom also has great benefits.

Firstly, developing skills outside of academics can help students grow into well-rounded individuals. For example, learning music, sports, or even practical skills like cooking and financial management can be useful in the future. These skills are not always taught in school but are essential for personal development and independence.

Secondly, exploring different interests can help students discover their passions and career paths. Not all learning comes from textbooks—some students may find their strengths in areas like technology, arts, or leadership through extracurricular activities or hobbies. This can also make them more motivated and engaged in their overall learning journey.

Additionally, only focusing on schoolwork can be stressful and overwhelming. Engaging in other activities provides a healthy balance, reduces stress, and improves mental well-being. For example, participating in a sport or a creative hobby can help students relax and recharge, making them more productive when they return to their studies.

In conclusion, while schoolwork should be a priority, students should also be encouraged to explore and learn beyond their subjects. This helps them develop important life skills, discover their interests, and maintain a balanced lifestyle, all of which are essential for their future success.

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planned response:

yes, i would like to learn the skills like the one shown in the video because sewing allows me to be creative and explore new areas. For instance, i’ve always admired people who can alter their clothes to make it into something more unique or fit them perfectly. Learning to sew would allow me to save money and also have the habit of not splurging money on unnecessary stuff. It would give me the ability to repair my old clothings, as if giving them a “new life” again. Sewing could also let me experiment the different kinds of fabrics, patterns and designs. Allowing me to make my own custom clothes that truly reflect my personal style.

spoken interaction:

1. First of all, i will let them know that everyone faces challenges and failing is a challenge for them. Remind them that failing is just part and parcel of our life and it does not define us. We have to choose to learn from it and move on. Even though it is completely normal for them to feel discouraged, it is important for them to know that it is not the end of the world. Secondly, it is important to remind them to focus on progress, not perfection. Celebrate all the success and victories that they achieved as it will help to boost their confidence and motivate them to keep going. Reinforce the idea that mistakes are just opportunities to learn and the more they try, the better they will get over time. Remind them constantly that it is okay to ask for help and that struggling is something everyone goes through daily.

2. I disagree with the idea that secondary school students should focus only on schoolwork and not spend time learning other things. Schoolwork is most definitely important and our upmost priority now but learning other things also has its benefits. Firstly, learning other things helps us to grow in our character and personality. For example, learning how to cook is a basic skill that almost everyone should know. Learning how to cook will prepare us for the future where we ought to cook for our family or even friends. Learning other things can help to broaden our understanding of the outside world and realise that there are other things as important as studying.

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Q1. I would encourage them to keep trying by firstly, normalising failure as part of learning in life. We must remind them that a failure in life doesn’t determine that your whole life is a failure and it is the end for them. In fact, having a failure in life is a good chance for them to treat it as a stepping stone towards growth and success. Without failure, these students might not be able to learn from their mistakes and improve themselves. For example, if students do not do well for their exams, they can spot out their mistakes and learn from them, so that in the future, they will know on how to answer the types of questions. Having a growth mindset about failure is important as that is what keep them moving towards the road ahead.

Secondly, I will provide support and encouragement for these students. Experiencing failure in life can be devastating for some people, therefore we can provide them with emotional support so that they can remain motivated in striving towards their goal and not feel despair. I can let them acknowledge their feelings about how they feel right now is just temporary and they should focus on the present rather than focusing on the past. If possible, I would offer guidance for them to let them know that they are not alone and we are in this together. To end off, I will praise them for their perseverance and hard work to boost their confidence and let them know that results do not define them.

Lastly, I can share personal experience of perseverance with them to prove them that they can climb back up and move on even after you fail or don’t do well at something. For example, I can share about how during primary school, I barely passed Mathematics and how I felt a sense of despair. However, I didn’t let that emotion affect me from achieving my goal for PSLE. After multiple practices on different types of Maths questions, I achieved AL3 for Maths in PSLE and that is around 80% which is 3 grades improvement from AL6. Therefore, through my personal experience, I can prove to them it is possible to climb towards to success even after you experience multiple failures in life. Hence, making them feel inspired and have a sense of reassurance.

Q2. Personally, I believe that secondary school students should balance between their schoolwork and exploring other interests. On one hand, focusing on academics during secondary school is crucial because it provides students with the core knowledge and skills necessary for their future success. For example, subjects like mathematics and science teach problem solving skills that is important in almost any career. In addition, academic performance can play a role in polytechnic or junior college admissions providing students with more options for their future educational paths. Therefore, prioritizing schoolwork helps to prepare secondary school students for the challenges they will face in the future.

On the other hand, spending time on hobbies or co-curricular activities helps students to develop skills that complement their academics. For example, in my co-curricular activity (CCA) which is Digital Media Club, teaches members of the club about teamwork, discipline, creativity and self-expression through media competitions such as NEmation which is an annual national digital animation competition. Activities like these also improve critical thinking and emotional well-being by providing stress relief and boosting self-confidence. In addition, they teach soft skills such as time management and collaboration, preparing students for both academic and professional success.

In conclusion, a balanced approach to schoolwork and personal interests helps students grow academically and personally.

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Spoken interaction:

1) To encourage, I would firstly give them some moral support such as being there for them when they are at times of need or giving them words of encouragement such as ‘you can do it!’ or ‘don’t give up’, especially if they have come a long way into their journey. I would tell them that it would be a waste of their time and effort if they give up now so that they will realise just how much perseverance they have put in to come this far only to be giving up at the last moment. I would also remind them about the consequences of giving up. For example, if they give up after failing an exam even if they had worked hard for it, giving up their studies would mean that they would be giving up on their future. This could result to them leading an unhappy and unfulfilling life, which everyone would want to avoid.

2) I feel like secondary school students should focus on their studies when needed such as when crucial exams are coming up. Especially for secondary 4 students talking their O and N levels, I feel like they should be consistent at doing their studies because that is the year where they really cannot let their guard down. While studies are important, I feel like students should not be limited to only studying. I feel like students these days can very easily so by always studying everyday, it can lead to bad mental health. Doing activities to distress their minds and relax is so an important part of their lives because at the end of the day, they are still kids who have are living their childhood. Students should be able to take up new activities if it is what they enjoy doing and if it does not distract them from their studies too much.

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1)Failing at something can feel discouraging, but it is a normal part of learning. I would lift the students' mood by using encouraging words, for example, "You can get better with practice". These words may help them feel more confident. I would also recommend breaking big tasks into smaller steps, as to me, it makes things so much more easier. For example, if writing an essay feels too hard, they can start by brainstorming ideas, then writing a draft, and later editing it. Learning can also be more fun with games, group activities, or creative methods. It is important to have a growth mindset, meaning instead of saying “I cannot do this,” they should say “I cannot do this yet.” This helps them believe they can improve with effort. Lastly, I would celebrate their hard work, not just their results. Even if they don’t succeed right away, trying their best is something to be proud of.

2)I believe that while schoolwork is important, secondary school students should also have the opportunity to learn other things outside of academics. School subjects like math, science, and literature help build knowledge, but skills like cooking, coding, public speaking, or even playing a musical instrument are just as valuable. Learning different things helps students discover their interests and talents, which can shape their future careers. It also teaches important life skills, such as time management, creativity, and problem-solving. If students only focus on schoolwork, they might miss out on experiences that help them grow as individuals. However, it is important to find a balance, as students should manage their time well so that learning new things does not negatively affect their studies. Overall, exploring different skills and hobbies can make students more well-rounded and better prepared for life after school.

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1.Personally I myself have given up on something as I have other options to replace that particular subject. However if they still have a certain interest or need for that particular topic they are bad in, there are definitely effective ways to keep them from giving up. Firstly, I would have to make them to love the thing that they are doing or at least let them be fond about it. I could find out the reason they are learning the topic or what they think is the most interesting aspect of the subject. Following this is to help them understand what went wrong in their process of learning or studying. For example, watching videos on tutorials of how to do whatever they are learning to let them understand the process of the activity. They could watch videos of professionals teaching the certain subject that they may be lacking in understanding of. If they don’t feel that the particular video chosen is useful to their understanding, they can find an alternative video to learn from. Lastly, there is a phrasing that says “practice makes perfect” as well as the fact that humans all make mistakes. It doesn’t mean that if you keep failing, you’ll never succeed. It is just the process of learning and how to eventually become better in what you do.

2. I think that this applies to a certain extent. In Secondary one and Secondary 3, it is okay to have time spent on learning other things such as music, cooking or even hand craft arts. These years are more relaxed and don’t make a direct impact on your future. However, for secondary 2 and secondary 4 students, it would be better if the students focus primarily on their studies. They could spend their free time doing their hobbies but it would not be recommended to dedicate a large amount on time learning something new. This is because the secondary 2 year, is used to pick their subject combination which has a direct impact on their future education. As for the Secondary 4 year, it is extremely important due to the large impact it has on which education pathway you would take for example polytechnic or Junior college. The O levels would also have a direct decision on the school you would be going to. As a result it is acceptable to learn new things but it has to be done at the appropriate time and year.

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1) Yes, I would love to learn skills like the one shown in the video, especially sewing, because it’s both practical and creative. Being able to sew allows you to fix, customize, or even design your own clothes, which can save money and give you a unique sense of style. I remember last year when my favorite hoodie got a small tear in the sleeve. At first, I thought about throwing it away, but then I realized that if I knew how to sew, I could have fixed it myself in just a few minutes. Instead, it sat in my closet unused, which was frustrating because I really liked that hoodie.

Sewing also offers endless creative possibilities. Imagine designing a completely custom jacket, picking out the perfect fabric, adding detailed stitching, and making something truly one-of-a-kind. There’s something special about wearing something that no one else has because you made it yourself. I once saw a friend of mine add patches and embroidery to a plain denim jacket, and the final result looked amazing—it was stylish, unique, and completely personal.

Beyond creativity, sewing is also a useful life skill. Clothes, bags, or even household items like curtains and pillowcases can all be repaired or customized instead of being replaced. This not only saves money but also reduces waste, which is great for the environment. Plus, sewing can be a relaxing activity. The rhythmic sound of the sewing machine, the smooth motion of guiding the fabric, and the satisfaction of completing a project all make it feel rewarding.

Lastly, learning how to sew could even lead to new opportunities. Some people turn it into a small business, selling handmade clothes or accessories online. Others use their skills to help others by fixing clothes for friends and family. Whether for personal use, creativity, or even a future career, sewing is a skill that I would love to learn.

2)Failure can be discouraging, but I believe it’s an important part of learning and growing. If I saw a student give up after failing, I would encourage them by reminding them that everyone struggles at first. For example, when I first started learning how to play basketball, I missed almost every shot. I felt frustrated and wanted to quit, but I kept practicing, and over time, I improved. I would tell them that every successful person has faced failure—athletes, musicians, even scientists. The key is to see failure as a stepping stone rather than a roadblock.

I would also remind them of the progress they’ve already made. Sometimes, people focus so much on what they did wrong that they forget how far they’ve come. If a student is struggling with math, for instance, I would ask them to look back at the easier problems they can solve now that they couldn’t before. Progress takes time, and even small improvements matter. Lastly, I would encourage them to have a growth mindset—the belief that effort leads to improvement. No one is born great at something; even the best had to start somewhere. With patience and persistence, they can get better at anything.

3)I strongly believe that secondary school students should not only focus on schoolwork but also learn other skills and explore different interests. While academics are important, life isn’t just about textbooks and exams. Learning new skills outside of school can help students discover their passions, develop creativity, and even prepare for the future.

For example, I enjoy playing basketball and studying fitness and nutrition. These are not school subjects, but they teach me discipline, teamwork, and the importance of taking care of my body. Another example is my friend who loves music. He spends time learning guitar, which helps him relax and express himself. If he only focused on school, he might never have discovered his love for music.

Additionally, many valuable life skills—like cooking, budgeting, or communication—are not taught in school but are essential for adulthood. If students only study academic subjects, they might struggle with real-world responsibilities later on.

Balancing school with other activities is important. While students should complete their schoolwork, they should also have the freedom to explore other interests. This makes life more enjoyable and helps them grow into well-rounded individuals.

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Spoken interaction

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Qn1

I would encourage students who feel like giving up by reminding them that failure is just part of the learning process. When I first tried to learn how to shoot a basketball properly, I missed almost every shot. It was frustrating, but I kept practicing, and over time, I improved. I’d tell them that every expert was once a beginner, and progress comes with patience and effort. Instead of seeing failure as the end, they should see it as a step toward success.would encourage students who feel like giving up by reminding them that failure is just part of the learning process. When I first tried to learn how to shoot a basketball properly, I missed almost every shot. It was frustrating, but I kept practicing, and over time, I improved. I’d tell them that every expert was once a beginner, and progress comes with patience and effort. Instead of seeing failure as the end, they should see it as a step toward success.

Qn 2

I believe secondary school students should learn more than just school subjects because real-world skills are just as important as academics. Last summer, I started learning basic cooking skills, and now I can make meals instead of relying on fast food. Skills like sewing, budgeting, or even playing an instrument can be useful in life and provide a break from studying. Education isn’t just about textbooks—it’s about preparing for the future in every way possible.believe secondary school students should learn more than just school subjects because real-world skills are just as important as academics. Last summer, I started learning basic cooking skills, and now I can make meals instead of relying on fast food. Skills like sewing, budgeting, or even playing an instrument can be useful in life and provide a break from studying. Education isn’t just about textbooks—it’s about preparing for the future in every way possible.believe secondary school students should learn more than just school subjects because real-world skills are just as important as academics. Last summer, I started learning basic cooking skills, and now I can make meals instead of relying on fast food. Skills like sewing, budgeting, or even playing an instrument can be useful in life and provide a break from studying. Education isn’t just about textbooks—it’s about preparing for the future in every way possible.

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Part 2:spoken interaction

2)I would encourage them by helping them see failure as an opportunity to learn rather than a reason to give up. When students face setbacks, they can identify their mistakes, improve their understanding, and develop problem-solving skills that will help them in the future. Instead of feeling discouraged, they should analyze their errors and adjust their approach, allowing them to adapt and explore different strategies. Failure is not the end but a stepping stone for growth and self-improvement. Many successful individuals have faced difficulties but remained persistent, proving that determination and hard work are essential for success. If students quit too soon, they may never realize their full potential, whereas perseverance builds confidence, patience, and resilience—qualities that are valuable in both academics and life. Challenges should be seen as opportunities to become stronger and more skilled, and with continuous effort, they can eventually overcome difficulties and accomplish their goals.

3) I think secondary school students should not just focus on schoolwork but also learn other things because education is about more than just passing exams. It is important for students to develop different skills like communication, leadership, and time management, which will help them in the future. Learning new things outside of school, such as playing a sport, learning to cook, or starting a small business, can make students more independent and confident. It also allows them to explore their interests and discover new talents that they may not find in the classroom. If students only focus on schoolwork, they might feel stressed and overwhelmed. Doing different activities can actually help them do better in school because it keeps them motivated and improves their ability to think and solve problems. For example, playing a sport teaches teamwork and discipline, while learning a new skill like coding or public speaking can be useful for future jobs. In today’s world, being successful is not just about getting good grades but also about having creativity, problem-solving skills, and the ability to adapt. That is why students should be encouraged to learn beyond school subjects so they can grow into well-rounded and capable individuals.

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1)Failure is something that everyone experiences at some point, but what really matters is how we respond to it. Some students give up when they don’t do well, but I believe it’s important to encourage them to keep trying. If I saw a student struggling, the first thing I would do is remind them that failure is a natural part of learning. No one is perfect, and even the most successful people in the world have faced failure before reaching their goals.

For example, Thomas Edison failed thousands of times before successfully inventing the light bulb. When asked about his failures, he didn’t see them as mistakes—he saw them as steps toward success. Similarly, famous athletes like Michael Jordan didn’t always win every game, but they kept working hard to improve. Stories like these can inspire students to keep going instead of giving up.

Next, I would encourage the student to focus on their progress rather than just the final result. Sometimes, when people fail, they only see what they did wrong, but they don’t recognize the small improvements they have made. Learning takes time, and every small step forward is important. I would help them set realistic goals and celebrate their efforts, even if they haven’t fully succeeded yet. This way, they can stay motivated and see that they are improving.

Another important lesson is to see failure as a learning opportunity. Instead of feeling discouraged, students can analyze what went wrong and think about how to improve. For example, if someone fails a math test, instead of thinking, “I’m bad at math,” they should ask themselves, “What mistakes did I make? How can I fix them next time?” This kind of thinking helps students grow instead of feeling defeated.

Additionally, I would remind the student that they are not alone. Everyone struggles at times, and there are always people who are willing to help. Whether it’s a teacher, a classmate, or a friend, asking for support can make a big difference. Sometimes, just knowing that someone believes in them can give them the motivation to keep trying.

In the end, I would tell the student that success is not about never failing—it’s about never giving up. Every failure is an opportunity to learn, improve, and get stronger. If they stay determined, keep practicing, and have a positive mindset, they will eventually achieve their goals. The most important thing is to keep moving forward, no matter what.

Q2 Some people believe that secondary school students should focus only on their schoolwork and not spend time learning other things. While I understand that academic studies are important, I strongly believe that students should have the opportunity to explore different interests and skills outside of school subjects.

First of all, learning outside of school helps students develop important life skills. School subjects like math, science, and literature are useful, but they don’t teach everything a person needs to know. For example, skills like cooking, managing money, problem-solving, or even learning a new language can be very beneficial in real life. If students only focus on schoolwork, they might miss out on learning practical skills that will help them in the future.

Another reason why students should learn things outside of school is that it can help them discover their passions. Not everyone wants to become a doctor, engineer, or scientist. Some students might be interested in music, sports, art, or even entrepreneurship. If they have time to explore these interests, they might find a career path they truly love. Many successful people started their careers by pursuing hobbies outside of school. For example, famous athletes, musicians, and even business leaders often developed their talents outside of their school studies.

Additionally, learning other things can help students become more well-rounded individuals. If students only focus on schoolwork, they might feel stressed and overwhelmed. Engaging in other activities, such as playing a musical instrument, practicing a sport, or doing community service, can help them relax and develop new skills at the same time. It also improves creativity, teamwork, and confidence, which are important qualities for success in the real world.

Of course, schoolwork should still be a priority, but students should learn how to balance their time. Time management is a valuable skill that will help them in both school and life. If students can manage their schoolwork while also exploring other interests, they will become more independent and responsible.

In conclusion, while academic studies are important, I believe that secondary school students should have the freedom to learn other things as well. It helps them gain life skills, discover their passions, reduce stress, and become more well-rounded individuals. Learning is not just about textbooks and exams—it’s about growing as a person and preparing for the future. That’s why students should have the chance to explore different areas of knowledge, not just focus only on school subjects.

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1. I believe that some students give up easily as they do not know how to tackle their problems or don’t believe in themselves. However, i would definitely encourage them by taking baby steps. Baby steps are crucial in progressing. Is an excellent way as it is easy to take these small yet easy steps. For example, if a student is not good in his language, i would encourage him to do some work like learning some new vocabulary and read more. While that may seem as a huge task, i will advise him to break it down to smaller pieces like learning a new vocabulary everyday. This will benefit him as he is improving on his language while not making him spend too much effort.

Another way i would encourage them is to join them in their problems. For instance, a student might have trouble finding an efficient way to study. They might face difficulties and uncertain on how to solve it. I would encourage them by asking them to share their problems with other students. With more minds working together, we can generate more ideas on different efficient ways to study and what works best for certain students. This will make students not feel left out as they are not going through their challenges on their own and know that they can rely on others for assistance.

2. In my opinion, students should spend time learning in learning other things such as values and skills. This is due to some students having the lack of knowledge and awareness in certain areas which are not taught in academics. For example, students should learn skills such as managing their finances. Being a student, they do not have the awareness or know how to handle their finances and spend money wisely. This is because adolescents have not experienced dealing with large amount of money. When they learn this skills, they will get to apply it in the future and this will benefit them more, as this skills are life skills.

On the other hand, they should be learning on schoolwork as in the end, we will all sit for national exams. As early as secondary one, it is vital that a student have a good foundation in their adequate subjects such as mathematics and science. If they lack this and have a weak foundation, it is more difficult for them to progress and understand the content. If they concentrate on school work, they have more time to face questions of different variations. This will broaden their horizons.

All in all, I believe that students should have be exposed to both academic and non academic aspects. However, i think that schools should prioritise more on schoolwork, but not to the point that they neglect on learning other things like life skills.

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1.   Some students just give up if they fail or don't do well at something. How would you encourage them to keep trying?

2.   Some people think that secondary school students should concentrate on their schoolwork and not spend time learning other things.

What do you think?

1. I think that in life, there are many things that we may not be good at. Failure is definitely something that everyone faces as nobody in this world is able to face all the challenges we have in life. Some students give up on things that they fail or don’t do well as they might think that it was not for them or that maybe they should just let it go and try something different. To respond to these student, i will try my best to convince them to get back on their feet and try till the end and help them clear all their negative thoughts. I might just tell them “maybe its just a bad day” or “i believe you can do it”. These simple sentences that we can tell them might actually just give them to glimpse of encouragement that they need to carry on and give it another shot. Whether it be sports or acdemics, we all need a little encouragement to give our 100 percent and the “I can do it mindset” . For example, when i had a short period of low moral during my school’s weighted assessment due to the results i got, i almost wanted to just give up. Thought like “Why am i trying so hard for something ill never reach or achieve.” However, we sharing this to my parents, they sat down to have a talk about this. They said things like “Never forgot the dream you have” and “Don’t let a small setback push you to your lowest.” Hearing this, i managed to relight the dormant flame of courage i had and reimagined the dream that i was working for. This is just an example that happened to me, which could absolutely happen to everyone around us, with just a simple word of encouragement and motivation, we will all be able to succeed. Nobody is bad at something and nobody is great at everything, we all just need to drive to do the things we want.

2. I definitely have to disagree on that. Nobody matters the age, we should always be learning something new everyday. This helps us to build ourselves and improve on our lifes as a whole. People may find things like learning new sports or new skills as not important, but as secondary school students, we are all in our primes for growth and learning. As students, we should reap the ability we have to learn things quickly and make the most of it. Academics is not everything, it doesnt shape who you are, who you are depends on the character you have and the skills that are engraved in you. Spending time learning a thing or two can benefit students in the future where they may have to apply it in the workforce or just interacting with people in general. Things doesnt just apply for us students, i think it applys for everyone. Elderly or retirees can also learn many things like keeping up with technology or even just basic skills that they may not need. Who knows when it may come in handing. Learning knew things will allow up to enter and explore the many wonders life have to offer, reiterating that studies is not everything. For example, although the o levels this year is indeed very important and that i have to be studying for many hours as i want to do well and get into a good JC of my choice however, that shouldnt stop me from doing the things i love and learning new skills everyday. I strive to improve myself everyday, no matter academic or not. We may not have alot of time on earth, which is why this gives me the reason to be the best i can be. In conclusion, i think that when people say that students should focus on studying and not learn new things, they are far from the truth and that we should all work towards our dreams and ambitions. Academics is certainly and never will be everything.

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1)

I would encourage them by reminding them that failure isn’t the end of the road. It’s actually just part of the learning process. When you try something new, whether it’s a sport, a school subject, or even a skill like sewing, you’re bound to make mistakes. In sewing, for example, your first few stitches might be messy, or you might sew the wrong pieces of fabric together. But that doesn’t mean you should stop. Every mistake teaches you something, and with time and practice, you’ll get better.

This applies to everything in life. Think about sports. No one becomes a great footballer or runner overnight. Even professional athletes started off making mistakes, missing shots, or losing races. But what makes them great is that they kept pushing forward, learning from their mistakes, and improving each time. The same thing happens in school. If someone fails a math test, it doesn’t mean they’ll never understand math. It just means they need to put in more effort, try a different approach, or get some help from teachers or friends.

Another important thing to remember is that even the most successful people have failed before. Many famous inventors, scientists, and business leaders failed multiple times before they succeeded. If they had given up, we wouldn’t have many of the things we use today. For example, Thomas Edison, the inventor of the light bulb, failed thousands of times before he finally got it right. But he didn’t see failure as the end. He saw it as a way to learn what didn’t work so he could try something else.

So if someone is struggling with something and feels like giving up, I would tell them to take a step back and see what they can learn from their mistakes. I would also remind them that progress takes time, and improvement doesn’t happen overnight. Whether it’s sewing, academics, sports, or any other skill, the key is to focus on growth, not just immediate success. Every expert was once a beginner, and the only way to truly fail is to stop trying.

2)

I don’t fully agree with that. While schoolwork is important, I think learning other skills outside of school is just as valuable, if not more in some cases. Education isn’t just about memorizing facts and passing exams. It’s also about gaining skills that will help us in life, and not everything we need to learn comes from a textbook.

Take sewing as an example. Some might say it’s not an important skill for students to learn, but in reality, it teaches a lot of useful things. It helps with patience because you have to be careful and precise. It encourages creativity because you can design and create your own clothes or even start a small business. It also teaches problem-solving. If you make a mistake while sewing, you have to figure out how to fix it. These are the same skills that are useful in school and in life.

Beyond sewing, there are so many other skills that can be beneficial. Learning how to play an instrument improves memory and concentration. Playing sports teaches teamwork, discipline, and perseverance. Learning coding, photography, or even basic cooking are all valuable skills that could help students in the future. Some of these skills could even lead to future careers or passions that they might never discover if they only focused on schoolwork.

Another reason why students should learn other things besides school is that it helps with stress management. School can be really stressful, especially with exams, assignments, and all the pressure to get good grades. Having a hobby or learning a new skill can actually help students feel more balanced and motivated. Instead of seeing learning as something boring or stressful, they can find joy in discovering new things.

At the end of the day, I think it’s all about balance. Of course, students should focus on their schoolwork and do their best academically, but that doesn’t mean they should ignore everything else. Some of the most successful people in the world didn’t just focus on school—they explored their interests, learned new skills, and became well-rounded individuals. So instead of limiting students to only schoolwork, we should encourage them to explore different skills and passions

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Spoken interaction

1) I would try my best to encourage my classmates or friend to keep on trying with whatever I can do. I feel like it is a pity if someone gave up after failing or doing badly as it might just need a few more tries to succeed. Firstly, I would accompany them with what they were doing. For someone’s accompany, the person would not feel lonely or left out. With the peer support, the person will be motivated to continue trying. For example, I was one of the only few that failed my 2.4km run and had to run the second time. I was reluctant to run and wanted to give up but as I run, my friends start running with me, I felt motivated and touch while we run and I put in all my effort and energy to run and pass my 2.4km. Secondly, even I am unsure of what difficulty the person might be facing, I could still be a good listener and provide words of encouragement. Listen to their difficulties and giving advice or words of affirmation, student will not feel so sad after all. They would recover from the negative emotion given by the failing of the task.

2) I think that student should still focus mostly on schoolwork. It is our the students responsibility to understand what the teacher teaching and do well academically. However it will also depends on ur importance of ur academic that point of time. For example, Secondary 1 students should be encouraged to try out ned things and spend more time. Sec 1s would have lesser workload compared to upper secs and have more time to spend on other things. In contrary to the upper secs, they had more workloads, and had to prepare for their national exams. Upper secs would need spend more time on their school work to get good grades thus no time to spend on other things. Students learning other things might not bring big benefits for their future but academic can create big changes and lead to a more fulfilling life for them.

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1)personally,i would encourage them by telling them that failure is an essential step to success.Nobody is perfect and in life,even the most successful people in the world would fail as much if not more than us,but they know how to learn from their failures and avoid their mistakes again,eventually leading to their success.I would also encourage them to look at their progress they have made and not the results,maybe in times like this,their progress might motivate them,allowing them to see their improvements they have made along the way

2)i would discourage people from having such thought or idea.Although studies is very important in secondary school life,for example preparing for their national exams,in which the results would determine their future pathways and their future education,in some case even determining their career options.However,it is even more important to balance studies with other co corricular activies like sports,music and their hobbies,etc.Spending a part of their time on such activities help attribute to their personal and character development,participating in such activities also help students to relief stress from studying,allowing them to let their mind off of academics

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sewing is a skill that many people consider as their favourite thing to do during their past times, it can hone our skills to become more focused either on our school work or other matters that require us to have a lot of concentration and it can also make us feel accomplished after finishing sewing. Talk about hitting two birds with one stone!

When I was a child, my mom would use the sewing machine to do various types of things like, repairing clothes with holes in them or fabrics that are torn. From then on, I have been very interested in learning that skill.

Firstly, I have noticed that if you want to get your clothes tailored or customised by professionals outside it would be very expensive and would take a long time to complete sewing, further more, the shop that provide these types of services are very hard to find now. So if I learn the skill like the one in the video, I would be able to save money and save time.

Next, studies have shown that if we do things that requires us to focus and concentrate ,we would be able to be better at tasks that needs to have our fullest attention to.

Last but not least, for me, threading a needle, stitching, guiding fabric through a machine—can be soothing, almost like a form of meditation. When I am concentrating on each stitch, it helps clear my mind and keeps me in the moment. It almost tells as if the world around me has stop moving and there is nothing I have to worry about

It can also provide a sense of accomplishment for me after Completing a sewing project, whether it’s a simple repair or a handmade garment, That feeling of creating something with my own hands is deeply satisfying and boosts my confidence.

Thus I would love to take up the skill of sewing

Personally, I am fine with people failing, as long as they keep on trying their best and at least try to do better next time. However, if someone completely give up on trying, I would try my best to help them and keep on trying. If they completely give up, their efforts in the future would be completely wasted.

The  way I will encourage them to keep on trying is by telling them that if they fail now and completely give up, they will definitely lose the chance to succeed in that particular area. On the other hand, if they don’t give up and keep on trying, they can still succeed. For example, in secondary one and two, I was failing my sciences every exam, at one point I almost felt like giving up, but in the end I didn’t. To my surprise, I actually managed to score quite well in secondary 3 and continue keeping up my results. This goes to show that not giving up is the key to success and this is how I will encourage someone not to give up.

Whether someone should completely focus on their schoolwork or spend time learning other things is a topic that people have different opinions on. My thoughts on this topic is that we should not just focus on our schoolwork or spend work completely. Even though our academic results are very important to us this year because of our o-levels, it is important to note that if we keep on forcing our selves to revise repeatedly.we will eventually suffer from a problem that many people face, that is burn out. I have seen many people who suffer from this since they push themselves to the limit and never do something else that is relaxing. For example, my cousin who had his o-levels last year kept on revising, he told me that it was as if there was a boss telling him to revise. Whenever he was eating his ,brain would tell him that he could be revising and getting good results and when he was out with his friends it would happen again.

Next,Learning other things can make us learn something that we can’t learn in the textbook for example, team work or empathy. For example Taking on roles such as a team captain, club president, or event organizer helps students learn how to lead, make decisions, and take responsibility for their actions.

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Part 2)If students feel like giving up after failing or not doing well at something, I would remind them that failure isn’t the end—it's part of the learning process. Everyone faces challenges, and struggling with something means they’re pushing themselves to grow. I’d tell them that no one becomes great at something right away. Even the most successful people have failed many times before reaching their goals.

I would encourage them to shift their perspective on failure. Instead of seeing it as a setback, they could view it as an opportunity to learn and improve. Every time something doesn't work out, they can figure out what went wrong and use that information to try again, but smarter. It's important to celebrate small wins along the way and understand that progress isn't alwaylinear.2)I believe that while schoolwork is very important, secondary school students should not limit themselves to just focusing on academics. Learning other things outside of school can be incredibly valuable. First, it helps students develop a well-rounded set of skills. For example, learning to sew, play an instrument, or even engaging in a sport teaches discipline, creativity, and time management—skills that are useful in both school and life in general.

Additionally, exploring other interests can provide students with a much-needed break from the pressure of schoolwork. This balance can help them avoid burnout and stay motivated. Engaging in activities outside of school also encourages personal growth, helping students discover passions or talents they might not have discovered otherwise. It’s these experiences that can shape their future choices, whether they end up pursuing a career in something they learned outside of school or using those skills in other areas of life.

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Firstly, I feel that being a good listener is very important when it comes to communicating with peers about their feelings. Sometimes, just being there for them and listening to what they’re going through can make a big difference. Let them vent and express their feelings without immediately trying to solve everything. I feel that lending a listening ear can make them feel heard and understood.

For example, my friend once wanted to give up a sport that he had played since he was young, he spoke to me about his feelings and opened up to me. This made me understand him more and allowed me to give him the necessary advice that he needed. Secondly, I feel that giving advice from a different perspective is important. Encourage them to look at things from a different angle. Sometimes a change in perspective helps them realize things aren’t as bad as they seem or that they have more control than they thought.

2) In secondary school, it’s important to focus on academics, but it's also good to make time for other interests like sports, music, or hobbies. These activities help you develop useful skills like creativity, teamwork, and time management, and they also give you a break from school stress, which can help with mental health and prevent burnout.

Having different interests makes you more well-rounded and can help you make new friends. Balancing schoolwork with hobbies also teaches you how to manage your time better and keeps you motivated. Personally, i feel that it is all about finding a healthy balance that helps you succeed in both school and life.

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1) I would encourage them by telling them that true success always comes with failures. Some people are already talented at a certain skill without needing to practice often, whereas others need more time to master a skill, and that means having to go through failure. Failure is also a stepping stone towards success, as without failure, we would not be able to learn from our mistakes. For example, I used to be bad in Maths and always struggled to pass the examinations. However, through each failure and setback, I learnt more about my weak points and worked harder to improve. Eventually, I did very good for the exams and was proud of myself for not giving up.

2) I think that secondary school students should still spend time on other things like hobbies or skills instead of just focusing on schoolwork. While schoolwork may be the top priority for most, self development is still very important as we would not know much about ourselves if we did not develop our skills and hobbies. Having a hobby that we practice often can also help to relieve stress from the heavy workload from school, and we can still do both if we manage our time well. If we just focused on schoolwork and not other personal things that can lead to our personal growth and development, we might as well just be robots producing ‘A’ grades. For example, the student initiated learning in schools help to develop and nurture students, so that they will be able to find out what they are interested in or what they are good at. This would help us to find out more about ourselves, and we would develop confidence when meeting future obstacles with a clearer indentity.

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1.I believe that some students give up easily as they do not know how to tackle their problems or don’t believe in themselves. However, i would definitely encourage them by taking baby steps. Baby steps are crucial in progressing. Is an excellent way as it is easy to take these small yet easy steps. For example, if a student is not good in his language, i would encourage him to do some work like learning some new vocabulary and read more. While that may seem as a huge task, i will advise him to break it down to smaller pieces like learning a new vocabulary everyday. This will benefit him as he is improving on his language while not making him spend too much effort.

Another way i would encourage them is to join them in their problems. For instance, a student might have trouble finding an efficient way to study. They might face difficulties and uncertain on how to solve it. I would encourage them by asking them to share their problems with other students. With more minds working together, we can generate more ideas on different efficient ways to study and what works best for certain students. This will make students not feel left out as they are not going through their challenges on their own and know that they can rely on others for assistance.

2.In my opinion, students should spend time learning in learning other things such as values and skills. This is due to some students having the lack of knowledge and awareness in certain areas which are not taught in academics. For example, students should learn skills such as managing their finances. Being a student, they do not have the awareness or know how to handle their finances and spend money wisely. This is because adolescents have not experienced dealing with large amount of money. When they learn this skills, they will get to apply it in the future and this will benefit them more, as this skills are life skills.

On the other hand, they should be learning on schoolwork as in the end, we will all sit for national exams. As early as secondary one, it is vital that a student have a good foundation in their adequate subjects such as mathematics and science. If they lack this and have a weak foundation, it is more difficult for them to progress and understand the content. If they concentrate on school work, they have more time to face questions of different variations. This will broaden their horizons.

All in all, I believe that students should have be exposed to both academic and non academic aspects. However, i think that schools should prioritise more on schoolwork, but not to the point that they neglect on learning other things like life skills.

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Spoken Interaction:

1) I myself am very perservering, i rarely give up when i have my mind set on a task or goal.  Whenever i feel like giving up, i would tell myself the same thing i will tell others. I will always tell myself that right now, i have no choice but to suffer so that i can prevail and thrive in the future as everything i am doing now, is for the future me. Despite the road seeming bleak, there is always light at the end of a tunnel. Everyone has different paths in life and it all depends on what you do in this moment. If you choose to endure this suffering, you will thrive in the future, but if you do give up to save urself from suffering now, you will likely have to go through this tenfold in the future.
Although this line of thinking may seem harsh, it has always been effective for me and im sure that it can and will help others

2) No, I do not agree that students should focus solely on studies and not pursue other endeavours. In life, grades are not everything. Even if a student only focuses on grades, things may still not work out in the future due to social situations and job opportunities etc. When unpredictable events like this happen, it is always good to have a skill or talent to fall back on if grades are obselete. For example, a student could be really good at basketball due to their practice. If their grades cannot bring them to where they want to be, they can rely on their basketball skills to perhaps become a coach, or club player to make a living. I am not saying that studies are not important, but one should always have a backup plan or alternative should their main goal not work out.
Hence, I feel that students should not focus solely on their studies and they should pursue other endeavours

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spoken interaction

1 When students give up after failure, it is important to change their mindset. I would Emphasize that failure is a stepping stone, not a roadblock. Explain that learning involves mistakes, it offers valuable lessons. Encourage a "growth mindset".

Break down difficult tasks into smaller, manageable steps, fostering a sense of achievable progress. Celebrate small victories and acknowledge their effort, not just the outcome. I would also provide personalized support, offering extra help or alternative explanations. Share stories of successful individuals who overcame similar challenges, demonstrating that perseverance pays off. Create a safe, supportive environment where mistakes are seen as opportunities for growth, not sources of shame. By fostering resilience and highlighting the value of persistent effort, I can encourage students to keep trying, even when faced with setbacks.

2. I believe that while schoolwork is important, secondary school students should also have the opportunity to learn other skills and explore different interests. Focusing only on academic subjects can limit their overall development. Learning new things, like sports, music, art, or practical skills such as sewing or coding, helps students develop creativity, problem-solving abilities, and confidence.

Additionally, extracurricular activities can teach valuable life skills such as teamwork, time management, and perseverance. These skills are just as important as academic knowledge when preparing for the future. Some students may also discover new passions that could lead to future careers.

Balancing schoolwork with other learning experiences is key. As long as students manage their time well and prioritize their studies, engaging in different activities can make them more well-rounded individuals.

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1. firstly, i would comfort and try to understand them by asking why they want to give up in the beginning and try to encourage them by saying “you shouldnt give up just yet. you might end up liking it” . secondly, after they told me what is causing them to feel unmotivated, i will try to find ways to help them solve the problem. for example, if they want to give up studying for science because they feel like science is not fun, i will try to find different ways such as funny videos on the concepts to make it seem more interesting to study. thirdly, if they are struggling, i can try to support them such as trying to take their mind off things before going back to continue. for example, if they are struggling with science, i can try to take them out for a walk to help them to unwind. sometimes, the stress may pile up due to a lack of self-care and while i may not be able to directly solve the problem, i can at least help them to relax so that they are more willing to continue.

2. i disagree. while it is important for secondary school students to focus and prepare for their upcoming examinations, if they only continue doing work endlessly, this will only bring more stress to them and result in them being more unwilling to study. imagine if students could only study and not be able to play sports or do things they enjoy, the pressure of working hard and studying may be too much for students and may even result in students suiciding due to the stress. it is important to have a healthy and balance lifestyle of fun and work. having fun will also allow students to unwind and be more productive in their work. for example, going for cca and playing table tennis helps me to relax, allowing me to be able to get my mind off my studies and get rid of unncessary pressure. while studies are crucial in a student’s life, they should also learn to take time for themselves and lead a happy and fulfilling life.

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I would firstly ask them this question. Is the reason why they want to give up valid? Is it because they just can’t do it or they don’t want to do it. To encourage someone, you need to firstly ask the person you are encouraging to think about their own situation with a calm mind first, then, they would be able to understand what went wrong easier. To help the person achieve the state of calmness in their minds, you need to encourage them to calm down first, once the person you are encouraging is clear in their head, they would be able to think better.

When I was in secondary 3, I did not focus on my studies as much and I would always be getting mediocre grades such as Cs and sometimes even Es. All these grades made me and my mother stressed and I was constantly reprimanded. However, one day, my father asked me to sit down and have a chat with him. He encouraged me to cheer up and told me to think. To think about my future, to think about my careers, to think about my life. All these words made me feel more serious about my life and I suddenly had the motivation to study hard in hopes of not disappointing my father or my mother and disappoint my future self. This experience taught me that sometimes, if you want to encourage a person, you need to firstly ask them to think clearly about their own situation first.

I do not agree with that sentence. Only relying on school to learn is not the best thing you can do for yourselves as most of the time, school only teaches you to work hard in your studies for success.

Every school test relies solely on our memory of what is tested. Firstly, a common scene in a classroom before a test starts are students repeatedly blurting out information to themselves, what these students are doing is relying solely on remembering, and not on understanding. I once had a teacher who held a heartfelt talk with me. She Osage that studying hard and getting good grades, as much as the amount of glory and glamore it gets you, it does not guarantee you a good future, a good job, a good life. She said that she was once a student of straight As, and even had a good job such as a teacher. However, with the rising costs in the current 21st century, a good job is still not enough to sustain you for the long run in life. She then dabbled with a little bit of trading in stocks, however, she had little knowledge of the stocks and trading and lost quite a sum of money. All the money she earned from hard work in studies, was lost from not knowing how to trade. The school did not taught us trading in stocks or how to survive in the outside world, thus many are suffering in their adult life. Therefore, I feel that students should concentrate on their future just as much as their studies.

Planned response.

No, I would not like learn the skills shown in the video as I am not the type of person to have the patience to sew. Firstly, I feel that sewing is dangerous. I have a big fear in machineries with sharp edges, when I was small, I remember I had seen in the news that an actor by the name of Aloysius pang had been severely crushed by a machine and this actor was well known in Singapore and me and I was severely shocked by this news, this caused me to have an extreme fear of machinery that has sharp edges. Secondly, sewing demands a lot of patience, to sew a full proper clothing, it would you require more than 6 hours of constant concentration and that is something I have yet to attain. Furthermore, if I wanted to learn it right now, I simply do not have the time to learn it. As I am having o levels and NSG this year, my schedule is as packed as a flock of tuna. Furthermore, Sewing is a very difficult skill to pick up as it requires a steady hand and a patient heart, even so, mastering the skill of sewing could take up months and even years, thus, with my personality being quick and sometimes impatient together with the packed schedule, I do not think that i would take and learn the skill shown in the video

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If they fail and do not do well at something, I would tell them to start small and not rush for success. Many students when they want to achieve something, would want to rush for success but as the saying goes, Rome is not build in a day and thus they must make small actions that contribute to their success. I would want to help them to stop focusing on their failures and instead, allow them to recognise their efforts and improvement. If they are able to see significant improvements, their mentality will change for the better and be more positive and confident in themselves. Mentality is everything, if they have a good mentality from my encouragement. They might not stop failing immediately but they will be able to see the effort that they put in, eventually reaching success.

2. I believe that education is important for secondary students and they should obtain the best results. Paper qualification is very important for a good foreseeable future, it almost seems necessary for a good income. However, that is not all a student should focus on. A student should know important life knowledge and hard, soft skills such as communicating with others effectively and having empathy for others. Students should also explore their own hobbies and talents as they could use their talent later in life life as well. For example, our school has Student initiated learning(SIL) where they can explore a new set of skills and hobbies with and without relation to their academics. CCA aka co-corricular activities also allow the students to explore their different interests. This way, students can have a better character, intelligence and hobbies

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spoken interaction:

qn1: some students just give up if they fail or dont do well at something. how would you encourage them to keep trying?

it is understandable that a student would feel like giving up after failing something especially if the student had put in a lot of efforts to do it. as a student, there are times when i feel like a failure as i was not able to do something and also feel that all of my efforts are wasted. however, whenever i felt like giving up, my parents and friends would encourage me by telling me that “nobody is perfect” and guide me to have a more positive mindset to keep trying. that was when i understood that it is okay to fail at something on a first few tries but as long as we know that we put in the effort, it is worth it to fail and we can take it as a learning point to improve so on our next tries we will eventually be good at doing that thing. thus, if i were to encourage a friend who also feel this way, i would help them by guiding towards the more positive mindset to keep trying and also to be by their side as their support.

qn2: some people think that secondary school students should concentrate on their schoolwork and not spend time learning other things. what do you think?

personally, i agree with this statement to a certain extent. it is true that secondary school students should concentrate on their schoolwork as secondary school journey is a crucial step in our life. it can determine our career and pathways and thus i would understand if people think that secondary school students should focus on their studies.

however, solely focusing on our studies is not going to help a student in expanding their knowledge. this is because this world is not just about knowledges that we gain in our studies, but the skills we get when learning other things matters too. for example, if everyone only focus on studies, who will be there to design all the clothing that we wear? who will be creating wonderful art pieces for us to appreciate? who will be making this world more colourful? knowledges only help us to do things that are more practical but this world is not only about being practical.

thus, secondary students should not only focus on their studies, they should also take some time to learn other skills as learning more skills can also be a way to provide more opportunities for our future. for example, even after getting a practical job, with the other skills i have learnt such as sewing and crocheting, i can have a small business for my products and earn extra income. in addition, learning skills that we are interested in can also be a way to help us relieve stress after a long day in school studying.

in conclusion, it is important for secondary school students to focus on their schoolwork as it can deter their future. however, learning other skills can provide more opportunities for them and also a way to improve our mental health if the skill is something that we enjoy doing.

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Planned response:

I would love to earn sewing. I've always enjoyed crocheting and I’ve even made my own bags, accessories and plushies in the past. Sewing seems like a natural extension of my interest as it falls under a similar category and I feel that it will take my crochet journey to a whole other level. For example, I could combine crocheting with sewing to add different texture to my work even create clothes for my plushies which makes them look more unique and adds a personal touch. Incorporating sewing into crochet opens up a whole new world of creative possibilities!

Recently I have heard news of the detrimental impact of fast fashion industry led to millions of tons of clothings to end up in landfills every year, contributing to pollution and waste of clothes that could have been given to the needy. By learning to sew, I would be able to make a once worn out clothing turn into a completely new and stylish piece that I’d definitely wear, which reduces my contribution to this already huge problem. This could range from simple repairs to upcycling unused clothing scraps, helping me reduce waste while allowing me to express my creativity and creating one of a kind pieces in the meaningful way.

However, I do recognise that learning to so come with its own set of challenges such as the cost of purchasing a sewing machine and learning how to use it effectively. Fabrics, threads, needles, and other tools it up quickly, especially if I want quality materials unlike crochet, where I just need a yarn and a hook that cost less than $5 each. So requires huge financial commitment which I am not able to carry as I am preparing for o-levels this year. This also means that I do not have enough time to work on sewing projects. I would put this idea on hold and financially stable and have enough time to start on my sewing journey.

Spoken interaction:

1) I’d tell them that failing or not doing well doesn’t mean they’re not capable. It just means they haven’t gotten there YET. Everyone has their own learning pace, and setbacks are part of the process. I’d remind them to focus on progress rather than perfection and to look at mistakes as lessons instead of roadblocks. I also truly believe in the saying “good things take time.” If they are able to do something well at the first try, it may seem like a good thing but actually, it is not beneficial to their learning at all. It causes what is known as a fixed mindset. They may think that they are good enough and limit themselves to their current standard, instead of finding areas of improvement to refine. This prevents them from reaching their fullest potential. A growth mindset is important when it comes to picking up a skill as it helps them embrace challenges, learn from their mistakes, and stay motivated even when they feel that their progress is stagnant. With this mindset, they are more likely to develop new skills, achieve their goals, and adapt to changes effectively through continuous improvement.

2) I think schoolwork is important, but that doesn’t mean secondary school students should only focus on studying. There’s more to life than just academics, and learning other things can actually help in the long run. For example, picking up practical skills like photography, first aid, or even leadership skills through CCAs can be useful in the future, whether in daily life or a career. Plus, having other interests makes life more balanced. If all we do is study, it can get overwhelming and lead to burnout. Sometimes, stepping away from books and doing something different, like a hobby or sport, actually helps us focus better when we return to studying. Of course, schoolwork should still be a priority, but as long as we manage our time well, learning other things isn’t a distraction, it’s part of growing as a person and it is generally what makes up part of a person’s character.