Stressful examinations
The Indian Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) examinations in 2013 introduced a new testing method for grade nine students called the Problem Solving Assessment (PSA). The test is for assessing a student’s skills in decision making, critical thinking, problem solving and communication skills. While this sounds good on paper, the reality is very different. As the schools do not seem to have much of a clue as to how to prepare or guide the children for this examination, this only results in increased stress and confusion for them.
Some of the well known private tutors have stepped up and are holding free seminars on the subject. Clueless and hapless students from most CBSE schools are flocking to these sessions, which are now in high demand. It seems that a lot of schools have done nothing more than mock tests and circulating the previous years’ question papers for preparation.
As expected, there are also many guides and books in the market on this subject, but the benefit or usefulness of these will only be known after the PSA exam - it is scheduled for November 20. In the meantime, students who have to appear for this exam continue to hope that more coaching centres will hold classes so that they can try to gain a better understanding of what to expect.
And as these results also have a 10 per cent grade weight in their grade 10 assessment, it is critical for the children to do well. For students who are repeating the test in grade 10, it is imperative that they do well, as it is their last chance to improve their scores.
From Ms Sarita Sankaran
Dubai
Large increases
I have these problem of increases in Sharjah as well where I have been living for the past nine years (‘Abu Dhabi revises water and electricity tariff,’ Gulf News, November 14). My average bill was Dh250 and I used to pay Dh50 as a service charge. Now my electricity consumption is the same, but I am paying Dh120 in service charges. With paying around Dh80 for electricity, Dh20 for water and Dh20 for services, this is almost a 50 per cent increase of my total electricity!
From Mr Kashif
Sharjah
Website comment
How to cope?
There have been increases in utility charges, increases in school fees, increases in transportation costs – an increase of cost for most expenses, but we have yet to see an increase in salary for private sector workers. All people in the private sector need to get raises in their salaries. What to do?
From Mr Nath
Abu Dhabi
Website comment
Demand in decline
I think that oil prices are on the decline due to monopolistic practices (‘Brent oil slips to just over $81 a barrel, near 4-year low,’ Gulf News, November 13). Countries are switching to coal, renewable energy, nuclear and natural gas from oil powered power plants. Not only this, but vehicles are becoming more fuel efficient. The demand for oil will decline. I think that the days of high-price oil are over.
From Mr Abdul Hameed
Colombo, Sri Lanka
Website comment
Facing the consequences
When it comes to diabetes, people are responsible for their own health (‘Diabetes growing rapidly in GCC region,’ Gulf News, November 14). We make a conscious choice about what we eat and what we allow our children to eat. I believe that when we decide to eat junk food, we have to face the consequences. It’s a simple concept.
From Ms Sam Clarke
Bridgend, UK
Facebook comment
More than just diet
I disagree with Sam Clarke because diabetes is not only a matter of food, it is also genetic. My daughter’s pancreas stopped producing insulin when she was seven years old and she always ate healthy foods, and she has always been active and into playing sports all her life.
From Ms Amira Loreen Habsburg
Gatineau, Canada
Facebook comment
Well done team Pakistan!
The recent outstanding cricket performances by Pakistan are truly performances by champions (‘Misbah-ul-Haq hails PCB’s long-term backing,’ Gulf News, November 14). The credit for this goes to none other than Pakistan captain, Misbah-ul-Haq. He has shown his real potential as a leader with his strong character. Misbah has become the most successful Pakistan test captain after the first test victory against New Zealand. They beat legends like Imran Khan and Javed Miandad. Although, we shouldn’t be comparing Misbah to the greats like Khan who was undoubtedly the best captain in Pakistani cricket.
To his credit are big wins against India, England and the West Indies in their respective home grounds. At the same time, we cannot take away the credit from Misbah, who is leading this young, inexperienced and demoralised team very intelligently and bringing out the best talent from each of the players. His leadership qualities cannot be doubted any further. His individual performance is the icing on the cake. Misbah should be given full support from his teammates and countrymen. I congratulate Misbah and team Pakistan on its recent wins, and I hope that they continue this winning streak in the upcoming cricket season, too.
From Mr Khaula Shahbaz Rao
Dubai
The value of money
Many children of all age groups fail to realise the value of money if they are simply given everything that they want or need. Children must understand that money has its importance and that it is an essential commodity in today’s world. They should not be wasting it on frivolous and needless items. Parents must put an end to this by saying ‘no’ once in a while. Parents can inculcate a ‘no wasting’ habit in their children by opening up child bank accounts or by starting a piggy-bank allowance scheme. This will undoubtedly teach children that money does not grow on trees and that to earn it, we must put in a lot of effort.
From Ms Athulya Ganesh
Dubai
The death of Syrian citizens
It is a matter of grave concern that during the recent US-led airstrikes in Syria, more than 50 innocent civilians have been killed (‘Syrian civilians unable to escape,’ Gulf News, November 14). The coalition strikes have also devastated infrastructure, buildings and residential areas of Syrian citizens. Although the US government has promised to investigate the cause of the casualties, merely promising is not the way to compensate the loss of human lives. There is a serious need to ensure complete safety of Syrian citizens and explore the possibilities to end the ongoing conflict in which Syrian people are badly affected.
It is a matter to note that wherever an American is killed, the whole world starts crying. But when America and its allies invade peace loving countries to eradicate the extremists and it results in a lot of human casualties, nobody protests or protects the innocent citizens.
From Mr Hussain Mumtaz
UAE
Eliminate reckless driving
Nowadays, it is a matter of risk to walk along the streets of Dubai, all thanks to reckless driving (‘National Day celebrations to be regulated,’ Gulf News, November 13). It has become a fashion to drive recklessly at a very high speed and be unaware of the consequences. It seems as though the drivers forget the whole world while they are driving. This really is a menace to the pedestrians and other drivers. In addition, reckless driving can cause significant damage to property. Thus, it goes without saying that reckless driving is a public safety issue that must be properly addressed. I hope the concerned authorities take up the necessary steps and eliminate reckless driving in Dubai, thus making Dubai a safer place.
From Ms Kenisha Sequeira
Dubai
Happy for recycling initiatives
Initiatives to clean up the environment are really appreciative and articles like this motivate many young people to recycle (‘Mirdif welcomes recycling drive,’ Gulf News, November 15). Many schools are holding initiatives like this, our Mother Earth is becoming increasingly polluted, but it is never late to combat these problems. Everything starts with a small step. We can begin with small contributions like these initiatives so our Earth can be brought back to its earlier and cleaner version.
From Ms Jenise James
UAE
More garbage than I knew
I have heard about many clean-up campaigns like, ‘Clean Up UAE’ and also the newly introduced ‘Clean India’ campaign. The ‘Clean Up The World’ campaign was held around Dubai last Thursday, where many participated, including my school in Dubai with great enthusiasm. Since I am a member of the environmental club at the school, I, too, took part in this event, which was organised by the Dubai Municipality in association with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
We went to Jumeirah Beach, happily wearing t-shirts that said: “Clean Up The World”. I was thinking that Jumeirah Beach was pretty clean, and I wondered what was so dirty there. However, I knew that I was wrong when I started picking up the trash. Cigarette butts, bottle caps, glass pieces and plastic bags were only a few of the many things we found. One thing was clear: despite the efforts taken by the authorities and various organisations to spread awareness regarding cleanliness and hygiene, this beach had a lot of litter. This activity taught me how simple steps can make a difference. This day made me realise the importance of keeping the world clean. It doesn’t take much time to pick up some waste and throw it away, but it is very important for ensuring that we walk towards a clean future.
From Ms Rose Vincent
Dubai
USE A BOX FOR THIS RESPONSE LETTER
How to see Global Village
Global Village is bigger and better this year, and therefore there is more walking space than any other year (‘Letters to the editor: Help elderly and families,’ Gulf News, November 10). Global Village provides the elderly with wheelchairs for their comfort and these are available at the information kiosks that are known as: “How can I make you Happy?” Global Village is all about providing its guests with an overall satisfying experience and therefore EZ Taxis are available all around the park, and appear as red colour club cars, for families to move around more comfortably.
From the Global Village managament
Dubai, UAE
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