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The article on page 22 mentioned about the humble beginnings of the tissue paper. From medical usage to being a medium of artistic expression, the tissue paper is truly a versatile item.

On the page, there is a picture of tissue papers with the word 'chope' on them. In Singapore, we have another use for tissue paper as well - using it as a 'reservation' tool. Placing the tissue paper on empty seats in a hawker centre or eatery is a common way to reserve a seat while one goes to queue for food.

Do you think that such an act is ungracious or is it necessary in our society?

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In your post, consider the following prompts when responding. You may choose just one and provide more details about it.

Question) Have you seen others using personal items to reserve a seat? What are your thoughts on that?

In your post, include your FULL NAME as the title, along with your class.

Use accurate English language and no usage of internet slang and emojis. Be CLEAR in your writing. Check for G.P.S errors (Grammar, Punctuation and Spelling).

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I personally think that this is a very selfish and ungracious habit that a lot of the Singaporeans have . This has not only given us Singaporeans a bad reputation but it also might make tourists refrain from traveling here. At first sight they might think how dirty it is, seeing all the tissue packets on the table. But I’m sure that they’ll soon come to realise it’s just the bad habit of ‘choping’ the tables. This behaviour or action is also inconsiderate as elderly folk or people with families might be able to use the table in the short time it takes you to order your food. I feel that when you ‘Chope’ a table it is as if you think you own the table and it belongs to you, but that is definitely not the case. Anyone that needs a table should be able to use it if no one is there . A more considerate thing to do is to not ‘chope’ your table and to just use it for the amount of time you need it. So everyone can have a pleasant eating experience . Thank you.

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I am in two minds about this. For one thing, ‘chope-ing’ is an ungracious habit. By doing so, you are saying that the table belongs to you, which is not the case. Also, fights may erupt from arguments over a table. But on the other hand, if you searched for a long time for a table at a hawker centre, you would not want to lose it so ‘chope-ing’ the table is the sensible thing to do while you go and buy food.

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Personally, I think that such an act is very ungracious. For some reason, Singaporeans have this bad habit called 'cho-ping'. This kind of bad habit usually is in hawker centres. When  people are buying food, they put a tissue paper on the seat and claim that it is reserved especially for them. It is a public table, it is not their own. They do not have the right to reserve it. Many people need a place to sit and enjoy their food.

There was one time when I saw someone 'cho-ping' one of the tables at the hawker centre. I went up to that person and told him/her to stop acting like that and be considerate of others. That person listened to me at once and stopped acting inconsiderately.

We should never chope as it is a bad habit!

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I, for one, do not think the the idea of ‘Chope-ing) is a very good one. And what’s worse, is that this is one of the basic norms for Singapore that is actually a very bad habit being turned into a ‘trend’.First of all, ‘chope-ing) is actually pretty unhygienic at times. For all we know, people who ‘chope’ their tables might be using their used tissues to ‘reserve’ a table. This would make people who had originally wanted to sit there change their minds and maybe even lose their appetite. Another is that people are leaving , not only their tissues, but also their handbags, wallets, backpack just lying around on a table. Now, because Singapore is a very safe, green and secure country, you surely wouldn’t have to worry as much as if you were somewhere else. But if Singaporeans who have been ‘Chope-ing’ tables their whole lives, they might even bring the habit to other countries where it is considered rude, filthy or disgusting, giving a bad name to our lovely country. That is why I do not think that the idea of ‘Chope-ing’ is a very good one.

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I think this is a very bad habit tissue paper compainys have and it is extremmly unnecssary to just be useing this USELESS POWER an i also think singaprens are still promting his habit because a few monts there was a work shop in bedok's in new community center when i went there with family there were some aracade games and the prizes were not only toys but also tiny packeges of tissue packets with the word CHOPE on them, i thought it was very unessary and the fact they were giveing it out at a COUMMINTY CENTER proboly made some people angry as there were many kids and they shoud not be learning this and engage in the bad habit and useing tissue the mark your seat it is outrages me and there are many old people at hawker centers who minght not 'chope' their seat but would love a seat and so they can have a plesent and enoyable experience eating.

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I am gonna have to put my legs on both sides here. If you put personal items such as tissue paper on your handbag on a table, I really do think that if the place is not that crowded, you are being inconsiderate. On the other hand however, imagine the hawker center is jam-packed and you finally find a place to sit. Yeah, I am not gonna be just leaving it there. Even though it might be considered littering, the person in question has a good reason. I am not saying its a good thing, but in certain conditions, it is not a completely bad thing either.

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This picture shows someone actually took the idea of 'chop-ing' tables but brought it to the next level by 'chop-ing ' a parking lot with a giant tissue packet.

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I am clearly confused about this. One, I find it funny as people actually use tissue to 'chope' their seats. Why not use yourself to 'chope' your seats. Two, I find it very ungracious as if you do it, you are actually telling people you own the table. But on the other hand, maybe let's say you've been searching for a table for at least 15 minutes. And now, you've finally found a table. I guess its not wrong or correct to 'chope' your table.

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I think that this is very unacceptable as it is not fair for other people especially for elderly one who need to sit as their legs are weak.This might get people get into fight and get hurt , this tissue pack will teach younger kid to Chope and that’s really bad.If I saw one I will immediately throw this into the bin I don’t care if it’s anyone tissue paper i will 99% throw this away.

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Honestly, I find using chope tissues is kind of mean and disrespectful to the customer in the restraunt. This will also be mean and disrespectful for the tourists and people from around the world. when you read the message on the chope tissue you feel like their telling you to go away and find another table but there is also something useful for us. when you read the message , you are aware that someone has reserved the table and you can' t just take it so then you will need to find another table. Normally when ' chope tissues ' were not evented, I saw people mistaking reserved as their own reserved tables. when the person who reserved the table heared that someone took the table there is a misunderstandment and an argument begans to start. i think that is the reason why they made ' Chope tissues 'in the first place. Honestly, chope tissues can be are not completly nor completly good. All we know that ' chope tissues' were invented for a good reason .

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‘ Chope-ing’ is an extremely impolite and ungracious bad habit that Singaporeans have. When a person leaves a tissue on the table, others cannot use the table. That is called ‘chope-ing’.
The table does not belong to the people who ‘choped’ it but belongs to the public. They have no right to reserve it for themselves.

Many people search for a table during lunch hours at hawkers but because of the inconsiderate people who ‘choped’ the table, the turnover of tables is much slower. Besides, the tissue that is left on the table might be used and dirty. That is unhygienic as the dirty tissue will spread germs onto the table. I can recall a time when I went to my favorite hawker centre with my parents and I but all the tables that had no people sitting at them all had tissues on them. They were all ‘choped’. I was so disappointed that my family had to eat in a different place.

So, if we ever see anyone ‘chope-ing’, let’s remind them that this is an ungracious bad habit and tell them to stop immediately and that such a rude habit like ‘chope-ing’ is not necessary in our society.

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Yes, I have seen other people reserve their seats using bags, tissues, bottles etc. I think it is not a good habit as it makes people think that Singaporeans are being selfish. By reserving their seat and not others sit. I feel tourists will have negative thoughts and impressions about Singaporeans and how they act. I think we can improve by not choping the seat and instead and only look for a seat after we get our food.

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In my opinion, 'Chope-ing' is not exactly the smartest or hygienic thing to do but I do not think it should be banned or anything as it is just a simple act that cannot harm anyone. Though it may seem disrespectful to some, it really depends on where you do it. 'Chope-ing' has been normalised in Singapore so I doubt that many people would find it disrespectful. The thing is, for those who have been in Singapore for as long as they can remember, they would definitely chope in other countries. In other countries however, 'Chope-ing' is not a thing so it would definitely be disrespectful and you cannot come up with any excuses because it is no longer Singapore. Honestly, if I see someone 'Chope-ing' I wouldn't really mind as its not like it has been made illegal or anything so it can be excused. Even after all of this, I do think that it would be a more proper choice to not chope. If you really wanted a seat, instead of 'Chope-ing' you could simply bring a friend or a family member to sit at the table while you get the food or maybe quickly get your food and put the coaster pager on the table instead of 'Chope-ing' it in an undecent manner. All in all, I think that 'Chope-ing' isn't that much of a big deal, but we must be careful as to not do it in other countries where this is not normalised and should also not take advantage of it.

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This habit of using packets of tissue paper and other items to reserve a seat is a bad habit and now it has become a common habit in Singapore. It is not the right way of reserving a seat when the person is not sitting there. At the same time, it is also not easy to get a seat after you have ordered your food especially during peak hours. Maybe there can be a system in place to help diners get a seat. I honestly think that Singapore government should take action on this matter so there will be no inconvenience of finding tables when we eat outside.

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Yes, I have seen others using personal items to reserve a seat. I do not 'chope' seats but I have seen some people 'chope-ing' the tables with various items. For example, I sometimes see people place their tissue packets or umbrellas on the table. There are even bottles that have the words 'CHOPE' on it. I would not waste my own money on something that has to do with 'chope-ing' as I believe that I should let others find a table easily and not reserving it.

In my opinion, I think that we should not use these items to reserve the spot as it is kind of inconsiderate for the other people that have already bought their food and are looking for a spot, while the tissue packets just lie on the table, indicating that the table has been taken.

'Chope-ing' has surely been common in Singapore, but we must not bring our habits to another country. 'Chope-ing' is actually very rude, so other countries are not used to this type of reservation, and there are bound to have arguments if you chope in other countries.

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Yes as it is very smart especially if you’re going  to eat alone  but if you’re going out with 2 people then one could get food and one can wait at the table.  I have an experience where my friends/cousins came over and we go to a hawker Center and my mother had told them that if there was a package of tissues  we could not sit there that is basically a way to say don’t sit it’s reserved.

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There is nothing wrong with chop-ping a seat .the rules did not say anything about chop-ing a seat,ithink that it is rather smart.or else why would people create these things

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For me, I think that chope-ing isn't that bad as long as you immediately come back to your seat after you get food. But another way to reserve a table (and this is a better way,but only works with 2 or more people) is if you have one person wait at the table which is way better than chope-ing in my opinion.

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Chopping a seat is smart and okay unless you leave the item you used to Chope the table for too long.

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I have seen many people “choping “ seats at the hawker centre.I personally don’t think that it is right to that.We should all just queue up and take a seat only after we get our food or else it is unfair towards the people who come  before is and wait in the line.

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I personally think that using a tissue paper to chope a table is fine. Because a lot of food center and coffee shops tend to be very crowded. So chopping a table is actually fine. But it can be quite selfish if you are going to chope a when it is not during peak hours. Because other people might need the seat. So I think that sometimes it is fine to chope a table but sometimes it is not. I just hope that members of the public chope the table only for good use and not bad.

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“Chope”is irritating because imagine you are old and can’t find place to sit but then you see an empty sit but then you realise there is a tissue packet on top you would of course feel irritated.But if you are the chope person you would feel good that you have a saved or “reserved seat “ Which Is very irritating to others.

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I think that this is a very bad idea.I would not even consider this.First of all,this is very unhygienic.Just imagine a tourist comes in a restaurant and sees all the tissue.They would think Singaporeans litter.Even if they knew it,they would still think it is bad.Secondly,this ‘Chope-ing’ thing is shows people that they think they own the table and the chairs.Overall,I would not do this at all.

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Yes they can do whatever they want with seat only if they put their stuff on it

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I personally feel that leaving tissue paper to reserve the table
is wrong as the elderly need a place to seat. The elderly needs to rest on the bench.

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I think this act is very selfish and ungracious, I think this such act is not needed in our society. I have not seen other people ‘Chope-ing’ seats in the hawker centres, but if I see other people ‘Chope-ing’ seats, my thoughts of that person is that he or she is very selfish and is inconsiderate.

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Yes I have seen people chopping seats in hawker Centers. I think it is very irrelevant.

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I personally think that what they are doing is really selfish and ungracious i cant believe people are putting tissue paper on seats to reserve them what they are doing is called “cho-pe” this is not necessary 

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I personally think that what they are doing is really selfish and ungracious i cant believe people are putting tissue paper on seats to reserve them what they are doing is called “cho-pe” this is not necessary 

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Antonia 5 grace

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In my opinion, choping isn’t a bad act. I even chope seats sometimes. So, when I go to a food centre with my family, I just tell my family what I want to eat and stay at the table.

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I think that the CHOPE help us to used something.Tussue paper is useful for our hand to wipe up alot of things that is dirty.

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In my perspective, I think it is important to bring at least one packet of tissue in your bag.When we sneeze,we can use it.Also,we cannot throw tissue paper on the ground after using it to conserve the environment.Cotton is used to make tissue paper.Therefore,we should always bring a packet of tissue in our bag

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I think it is a bit wierd and rude as people might think it is a rondom tissue paper and throw it away

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I feel that ‘Chope-ing’ is a sign of disrespect and bad luck to reserve a table at a restaurant by simply placing a tissue paper there. For instance, no one knows if the tissue is dirty or clean. This may draw customers away from the restaurant and people, thinking that the staff at the restaurant had put the tissue there,  will not want to eat at that restaurant as they will feel that the store does not maintain cleanliness. Hence, i think that the ‘Chope-ing’ culture in Singapore should be highly discouraged.

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Honestly, I don’t really see any thing wrong in “choping” although I can see the points in some people. For one, this method is rather unhygienic to some people and who would know where that tissue box came from? Secondly, tourists would thin it is disrespectful for others to do such things, as in their country it is most likely that they nobody doing this. But, no one said you can’t do this, and people still do it, so there’s no really good way to prevent people from trying to execute this method. However, choping is usually normal for singaporeans to  do and I have to admit, it is kind of smart. It is basically serves as a reserve sign for Singaporeans and your parents probably use this method. Even I would use this, so I am guilty too, I’ll admit. But, if you are going to other countries, just don’t use this method as a sign of respect for the locals, as you may not know what their culture is.admit.

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I have observed people reserving seats using their personal belongings. I mostly see people using tissue. I occasionally do it too. But sometimes, other individuals don't know about "chope," so they'll leave my belongings aside and occupy the space I've designated for myself. I think that the concept of "chope" is quite unique only to Singapore and that using everyday goods to reserve a space is a great approach to cut costs.

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Honestly, I think that we should not use our personal items to reserve a table as other people that have already bought food and are looking for somewhere to sit cannot sit as you have put your items there. Of course, the table you reserve is public property and not your own and you do not have the right to reserve the table for yourself. Many other people need to sit down to eat their food.

I think the government should take action to stop such inconsiderate people from doing so. To me, this is a very bad habit that we should not pick up.

If we see anyone ‘ choping’ a table, we should go up to them and tell them not to do so.

If I were to do so, I would feel guilty and would stop doing it immediately.

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Personally, I find that Singaporeans “cho-ping” tables is a bad habit to develop. However, Singaporeans have already developed this bad habit by mostly doing it in hawker centres. Not only are they being selfish, but also inconsiderate as the tables are public property, we do not have the right to reserve these tables. Instead of Singaporeans “cho-ping” tables with their tissue paper, they should just wait patiently for tables which are not occupied by people and eating there after recieving our food. I recall that there was once when my family and I went to a hawker centre to eat lunch. After placing an order and recieving the food, I headed to find an empty table for my family and I to sit down and eat our meals. Upon seeing a man “cho-ping” a nearby table, I politely asked him to be mindful of one’s actions, explaining to him why we should not develop the habit of “cho-ping” tables with tissue papers. The man immediatly stopped what he was doing after listening to what I had to say. We should never “chope” tables as we are not thinking of others and stepping into their shoes.

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Personally, I think that this is a very bad and ungracious act that a lot of people in Singapore have. This could give Singapore a bad reputation and tourists might not travel here in the future. I hope that in future we will be more responsible and selfless, and not chope anymore

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I think it is not good to 'Chope' as if you do so it would be unfair to others who need a seat. I also think that it is a bad thing to do. If you 'chope' it will be disrespectful towards others as they may find it unhygenic. Also, 'choping' may create a bad impression towards tourists who visit Singapore. 'Choping' could also start fights between peope if the same tissues papers are coincidentally used to do so or if someone takes it away and replaces it. I think that it is also easy to lose the items you 'chope' as anyone could just take it and leave.

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In response to the mention of the tissue paper's versatile uses in the article and its role in reserving seats in Singapore, I'd like to share my thoughts on whether this act is ungracious or necessary in our society.

The practice of using tissue paper or other personal items to reserve seats, commonly referred to as 'chope-ing' in Singapore, is indeed a unique aspect of local culture. It serves as a practical solution to a common issue faced in hawker centers and eateries, where finding an available seat during peak hours can be a challenge.

From my own experiences and observations, I have seen people using tissue paper, umbrellas, or even their own bags to reserve seats while they queue for their food. It's important to note that this practice is deeply ingrained in Singaporean dining culture, and it is generally accepted by locals.

Whether 'chope-ing' is considered ungracious or necessary can be subjective and context-dependent. On one hand, it can be seen as a courteous way to ensure that one's seat is not taken while they wait in line, preventing potential conflicts over seating. It also reflects the efficiency and pragmatism often associated with Singaporeans.

On the other hand, some individuals might perceive it as slightly inconsiderate, especially if the person 'choping' a seat leaves their belongings unattended for an extended period or uses it to reserve more seats than they need. In such cases, it can inconvenience others who are genuinely seeking a place to sit.

In my opinion, the 'chope-ing' culture is a unique and practical solution to the challenge of securing seats in crowded eating establishments. It becomes ungracious when individuals misuse the practice by monopolizing seats for extended periods or when they fail to exercise consideration for others.

To strike a balance, it's important for individuals to be responsible 'chopers.' This means using the method judiciously, reserving only the seats they genuinely need, and being mindful of other diners. In this way, 'chope-ing' can coexist harmoniously with Singaporean dining culture and continue to serve its practical purpose.

In conclusion, the 'chope-ing' culture in Singapore, while specific to the local context, is a reflection of the pragmatism and efficiency of the society. Whether it is seen as ungracious or necessary depends on how it is practiced and whether it respects the needs of others.

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In my opinion, I think it is ungracious because when Singaporeans put a tissue on the table that says ‘ Chope-ing’  people from another country may think that is free tissue and take it or ignore it and take the seat *etc. My mother had also experienced it before. When my mother was at a hawker centre in Singapore, a Singaporean put a tissue with the word 'Chope-ing' on it. My mother thought it was free tissue from someone. She realised that it was not free tissue and it meant reserved. ( this was her first time in Singapore) I also know some Singaporeans who do this. I feel that this is a very bad habit because, in my opinion, I think it is very selfish to do that.
My suggestion to Singaporeans who do this, do not grow this bad habit of putting tissue that says ' Chope-ing'. So instead of putting tissue that says 'Chope-ing',    We can use a sign that says reserved. But we should always respect others and treat people fair even though they are doing it. Sometimes it can also be very annoying because if you have to walk around the hawker centre just to find a seat for yourself to eat and there is  tissues with the word 'chope' on it. Singaporeans who do this should think of other people and also use the “Stop,Think,Do” method

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Muhammad Bilal (5H)
In my opinion,I think that this such act is really wrong because whoever is doing this is not being graceful and respectful.I also think it is rude as you just leave your stuff there and let others know that you have occupied the seat. I have also seen other people doing it and reserving seats using their belongings such as tissue boxes and other things.But the most common thing that I have observed people doing is using tissue and that is really wrong.Sometimes,others do not know about “chope”.So,they would usually place the belongings the belongings aside and use up the space the person who have designated for him/herself. I think that the meaning of “chope” is actually unique only to to us Singaporean’s and that using everyday goods to reserve a space is a space to cut costs.Thank you for reading.

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Look at this image. This is very accurate and is going on practically every day. Based on what I have seen for myself, 1 in 3 Singaporeans do this every time. This greedy and ungracious habit of using a tissue to, so-called "chope" a seat is ruining our beloved Singapore's reputation. We are known as the garden city. Yet ironically, we use a tissue to reserve a seat. Imagine a tourist/foreigner has come to a hawker center in Singapore and they think they found an empty table but there is a pack of tissue there. What do you think they are going to do?
a) Leave it and go to another table
b) Just take it off the table and sit
c) Leave the hawker center
The answer here is obviously (b). If the person who left the tissue packet there will probably not be happy to find out some foreigner has taken their seat and may resort to uncalled-for violence. Personally, I would not blame the foreigner for not knowing what a tissue on the table means in Singapore. For us, 'chope-ing' might seem okay but to a foreigner, it will be how they judge us. On the contrary, we can't blame ourselves for having a unique style of reserving seats. However, to others, this may be very unhygienic and disgusting for them. Hence, we, as citizens/the people living in Singapore, must try to cut down on this habit for the sake of our country. If you need to try and reserve a seat, I recommend using a larger object such as a bag or water bottle. Otherwise, we might be identified as the "tissue reservers"!

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In the past, I have reserved seats for myself, but I've come to realize that it's a completely inconsiderate and selfish action, especially towards elderly people. As young people, it's more respectful and considerate to offer our seats to others. Waiting for your food to arrive can take some time, so it's important to exercise patience. In my opinion, Food Centers should prohibit the use of tissue paper for seat reservations to discourage this behaviour. The law should mandate that companies producing 'chope' tissue packets should be fined in court. In Food Courts, Singaporeans tend to reserve seats as the queues can be quite long. However, Singaporeans should not take advantage of the situation and instead improve or help the situation. Therefore, the law should also regulate the maximum stay time in Food Courts. Singapore is known for its stringent laws, and as its citizens or permanent residents, it's important that we don't exploit the situation but instead work to better it.

Sincerely,
Zaki Muhd Amiyn Jailani.

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I think that chope-ing your seat is very bad. Firstly, Chope-ing your seat is bad for the environment. Hawker centre cleaners can come to the table and just throw a whole pack of tissue paper away. This means that all that paper will go to waste. Plus, a lot of families and friends will be looking for a table. They cannot even use a choped table until you remove the tissue paper. Also, why use tissue paper? You could use anything, like a bag. Thus, I think chope-ing is ungracious to others and the environment.