Are we becoming a “litterbug” nation? Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong seems to think so, judging by the amount of litter left behind after a music festival at Gardens by the Bay. Straits Times editor-at-large Han Fook Kwang opines on the issue and suggests that we start doing away with cleaners in schools. 

Some questions to consider:

* Do you think that Singaporeans are too sheltered by having domestic helpers and cleaners to pick up after them?

* What do you think are other factors that contribute to a society that is not socially conscious?

* How do we incentivise locals to accord respect to blue-collar workers such as cleaners?

* Do you think that making students clean their schools will be effective? Why or why not?

One of the easiest ways to write well for the composition is to use alliteration, which is a technique in writing. Alliteration refers to the repetition of the same sound or letter at the beginning of two or more words in a sentence. The allure of alliteration allows all authors to wield words well and write with verve, vigour and vitality!

Some examples

The snake slithered slowly and silently.

Tristan dreads “Tepid Thursdays”, when nothing exciting really happens.

Tim took tons of tools to the toolshed.

In fact, there are some more examples of alliteration in the first paragraph. Can you find them?