Critical Reflection on essay writing

Through the process of essay writing, I have learnt important skills to improve my content and language in my essay. Although there is improvement, more can be done to enhance my learning in order to become a more proficient writer.

Before the course, I found it difficult to express my thoughts and ideas in the essay due to poor planning of content and structure so the ideas could not flow logically. However, the various lessons on essay planning have allowed me to understand the importance of writing a clear thesis statement to emphasise my main point of argument, having a topic sentence in each paragraph to support my thesis statement as well as using connectors to link the ideas logically. Moreover, learning how to find resources and evidence to support my thoughts and using citations and references in APA style to credit the authors’ ideas have equipped me with the ability to evaluate critically the credibility of sources and prevent plagiarism. All the valuable knowledge has helped me to develop a more informative and cohesive essay.

However, due to my weak foundation in grammar and vocabulary, it is still a challenge to vary my sentence structure and choice of words. Although this course has provided me with many resources and practice which allowed me to identify my weaknesses, more time is needed for me to master the use of language as grammar and vocabulary can only be improved through long term learning and practice. Therefore, I will continue to utilise the resources and do more grammar practices even after the course in order to progress further.

In conclusion, this course has definitely allowed me to recognise my weaknesses in essay writing and has guided me towards improvement. I believe that the skills and knowledge learnt will not be forgotten but will be enhanced as I continue to utilise the knowledge in academic writing.

Globalization Essay Final Draft

With the advancement in transportation and communications technology, there is an increase in the displacement of people in search for better job opportunities in more developed countries. This influx of immigrants has possible advantages to the host countries such as contributing to a more competitive and productive workforce, introducing new investments and business opportunities to promote economic prosperity as well as providing a pool of cheaper labour to occupy low-skilled and tedious jobs which might be shunned by citizens. However, the rapidly growing population of foreigners and the lack of integration between locals and immigrants have resulted in increased tension and conflict which may undermine the social stability of countries. Hence, possible approaches which target different aspects of the problem such as immigration policies and platforms for interaction between the two communities are evaluated.

The lack of control of immigration policies and limited opportunities for foreigners to assimilate into the local society are factors that result in the rising tension between the locals and immigrants. While having more open and flexible immigration policies are essential to attract more foreign talent to contribute to the local economy ("Let them in", 1994), this has led to increased competition in the workforce which threatens the job security of the locals. Moreover, the rapid influx of foreign values and ideas may result in the clash of values due to conflicting ideologies, leading to unhappiness and discontentment in both communities. This problem may further deteriorate as a result of social segregation which increases the potential for misunderstanding and conflict, leading to possible outbreaks of violence. The 2013 riots in poorer suburbs of Stockholm, Sweden where residents are mostly immigrants clearly reflected the serious consequences when immigrants failed to integrate into the local society. The lack of employment opportunities and felt that they are discriminated against by the general population caused the youths to express their frustration and anger through violent acts. This in turn resulted in more local resentment towards the immigrants (Scrutton & Johnson, 2013). Hence, the increased tension between the foreigners and indigenous people may have dire consequences.

In view of the reasons that lead to the strained relationship between locals and foreigners, governments have tried many methods to alleviate the situation. One intervention method used is the implementation of tighter immigration policies to control the quantity and quality of the immigrants. For example, the government in Denmark has implemented strict immigration laws which only allow the entry of foreigners who are able contribute to the economy prosperity of the country while tightly regulating their access to social benefits. Non-EU immigrants are also required to learn Danish, local history and culture. (Day, 2011) While this helps to maximize the economic benefits of immigrants and limit the potential risk of conflict by safeguarding the interest of the citizens, it does not tackle the fundamental problem which is the lack of willingness of locals to embrace foreigners and create a more inclusive society (Kohut & Wike, 2008). Hence, besides preparing the foreigners for assimilation into the local community, intervention should also be targeted at the citizens to educate them about the importance of mutual understanding and cooperation. Thus, local education should include learning the culture of different societies in order to promote greater understanding and acceptance of different cultures.

Another approach is the creation of more opportunities for social interaction and integration. For example, in Singapore, National Integration Council (NIC) was set up in 2009 to fund projects such as interest-based activities which provide common platforms for people from different social backgrounds to interact through sports, the arts and even by volunteering in social services. Moreover, Programmes that encourage mutual understanding such as diversity workshops and cultural exchange programmes are actively promoted (Community Integration Fund, 2010). These regular interactions help to break down social barriers as they allow locals to gradually understand the uniqueness of different cultures and change their negative perception towards the immigrants through clarifications of common assumptions and stereotypes. Hence, these programmes should be actively promoted and diversified to include more activities such as cultural and food journeys to places that reflect the ways of life in different communities in order to allow greater appreciation of the uniqueness of different culture so that locals will be more willing to accept foreigners in order to create a cohesive society.

In conclusion, social stability is essential to ensure progress and development of a country, especially with the influx of immigrants which change the framework of the society. Hence, programmes which aim to change the xenophobic ideas of locals should be actively promoted so that locals and foreigners can live in harmony. Nevertheless, one should realize that regardless of race, language or religion, every individual is a part of the global community who deserves respect and dignity. Therefore, the decision is up to the individuals whether to value the uniqueness in everyone and work together towards creating an inclusive society or to continue emphasize the differences and build social barriers between one another.

References:

Community Integration Fund. (2010). National Integration Council Retrieved from: http://app.nationalintegrationcouncil.org.sg/CommunityIntegrationFund.aspx

Day, M. (4 May, 2011). Denmark immigration: Strict rules for small community of immigrants. The Telegraph. Retrieved from: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/denmark/8492900/Denmark-immigration-Strict-rules-for-small-community-of-immigrants.html

Kohut, A., & Wike, R. (2008). Assessing globalization: Benefits and drawbacks of trade and integration. Harvard International Review, 30(1), 70. Retrieved from: http://www.pewglobal.org/2008/06/24/assessing-globalization/

Let them in: Asia benefits from more open immigration. (1994). Far Eastern Economic Review, 157(5), 5. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/208206694?accountid=13876

Scrutton, A., & Johnson, S. (27 May, 2013). Riots put Sweden's open-door immigration policy in spotlight. Reuters. Retrieved from: http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/05/27/us-sweden-riots-idUSBRE94Q0E620130527

Reader Response to "Assessing Globalization: Benefits and drawbacks of trade and integration"

In the article "Assessing Globalization: Benefits and drawbacks of trade and integration", Kohut and Wike (2008) discuss about the positive and negative impacts of globalization and state that the perception of people towards globalization is dependent on the impact that it creates on the economy, society and environment.

One key concern about the negative impact of globalization which is highlighted in the article is the increasing inequality between the rich and poor. Many people are worried that the disadvantaged groups in the society will not benefit from the economic progress so they supported the view that the state should be the one responsible for alleviating the plight of the poor. 

In my opinion, although I agree that it is the duty of the state to look after the welfare of the poor, the government should be careful when implementing welfare policies to help the poor in order to prevent the poor from becoming too dependent on the government for support. Being too reliant on the government for assistance will only result in the poor losing the chance to break free from the poverty cycle as they will lose the motivation to work hard and become self-sufficient. For example, in welfare states like the United Kingdom and United States, unemployment benefits were given to the poor to safeguard their welfare. This might lead to the poor having the mindset of remaining poor and unemployed so that they can continue to be eligible for these schemes. According to a survey (The Salvation Army, 2012), twenty-seven percent of the Americans believe that people are poor because they are lazy and not because of the economic circumstances while forty-three percent of the people believe that people living in poverty can always find a job if they really want to. Hence, the government should be cautious and evaluate on the possible drawbacks before embarking on the various welfare schemes to ensure that the poor will truly benefit from the policies and successfully break free from the poverty cycle. In order to prevent the poor from merely depending on the state for help, the government can create more subsidized programs which will increase the skills and knowledge of the lower skilled locals or giving low interest loans to people interested in starting their own businesses so as to encourage the poor to be self-reliant and strive for their best to earn a higher income. These policies will have better long term effects than giving direct financial subsides as they will teach the disadvantaged groups the essential skills and knowledge to stay relevant in the society and even catch up with the rest of the population to enjoy the benefits of economic growth.

In conclusion, while is it undeniable that the government has the responsibility to take care of the needs of the less fortunate citizens, it is vital that the assistance provided by the state does not come at the expanse of the poor losing the motivation to become financially independent. 

References:

Kohut, A., & Wike, R. (2008). Assessing globalization: Benefits and drawbacks of trade and integration. Harvard International Review, 30(1), 70. Retrieved from: http://www.pewglobal.org/2008/06/24/assessing-globalization/

The Salvation Army. (2012). Perceptions on Poverty: 2012 National Poverty Report- Key Findings and Messages. Retrieved from: http://www.use.salvationarmy.org/use/www_use_Empire_RochesterNY.nsf/vw-dynamic-index/6E02F0261CEC54C385257A5D005DAD9B?Opendocument

Summary on "Assessing Globalization: Benefits and drawbacks of trade and integration" (Final Draft)

Kohut and Wike (2008) state that most people in the world welcome the concept of an interconnected world. People in many countries, especially in less developed countries are in favour of a globalized economy with global trade, international organizations and free markets as it leads to economic progress in these countries. However, the passion for economic globalization is diminishing in many developed countries. Despite the mixed views on economic globalization, most people are united in expressing their concern about the negative impacts of globalization. They are worried that the disadvantaged groups in the society are unable to benefit from the economic progress, resulting in increasing inequality between the rich and poor. Moreover, the environmental degradation due to economic progress has caused people to support the view that economic development should not put the environment in jeopardy. There is also a call for the preservation of local culture in order to prevent the loss of local traditions and identity threatened by overwhelming foreign culture. Many locals also expressed the need to limit the influx of immigrants as they feel that immigrants have a negative impact on their country. Therefore, the perception towards globalization is dependent on the impact that globalization brings to the economy and society.

Source: 
Kohut, A., & Wike, R. (2008).  Assessing globalization: Benefits and drawbacks of trade and integration. Harvard International Review, 30 (1), 70. Retrieved from: http://search.proquest.com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/docview/230903646/fulltextPDF/13F46BB00A0689BAE1B/22?accountid=13876

Summary on "Scary Oil"

The most serious threat to the international economy today is the continuous surge in oil prices, with the fear of war between Israel and Iran being the main cause for concern. This is due to the fact that political instability in the Middle East is the main reason for the past three economic recessions. As the US and Israel might take military actions as a last resort to stop Iran from developing nuclear weapons, Iran might retaliate as proven by its capability to attack Israel's embassies. This could intensify the conflict in the Middle East, leading to further increase in oil prices which will result in another global economic downturn.

The importance of writing in English for me

It is especially important to master English writing in Singapore as English is the official working language in our society and the only common language that connects the different races and religion together in this multiracial society. Thus, writing in English is not only crucial in my studies and career but also essential in my expression of views by allowing people, regardless of race to understand my thoughts. 

In my university education, I will need to write essays and thesis for my modules. Hence, mastering English writing skills will ensure that I am able to explain and emphasize my viewpoints and ideas effectively for my professors to understand and grade my work. Moreover, some modules have learning journeys which require me to write reflections on my experience and integrate the theories  I learn in class with the knowledge I gain from the learning journeys. Therefore, writing down my thoughts and learning points in clear and correct English serves as a great tool to facilitate my learning process which in turn allows me to become a more efficient learner when I gain more knowledge and insights through my reflections.

Writing in English is also important in my future career as I will need to write clear and precise reports for my job. As I aspire to become a teacher, having a good command of English is especially important for me to ensure that I can write my lesson plans and deliver my lessons effectively. Moreover, writing class and school reports for the school committee and parents will definitely require me to have good writing skills. Hence, it is truly important for me to have good English writing skills.