culture – Gp Lah!

How true is it that people who crave danger have nothing better to do with their lives?

While some people who crave danger may lack fulfilling alternatives, many seek thrill for personal growth, achievement, and mental health benefits, challenging the notion that they have “nothing better to do.”

I. Introduction

Hook: Those who crave danger are mindless and selfish.
Background: Overview of the reasons behind thrill-seeking behaviour.
Thesis Statement: Craving danger is not necessarily due to a lack of better alternatives; it can be motivated by personal growth, achievement, and mental health benefits.

II. Supporting View 1: Lack of Purpose and Alternatives

Topic Sentence: Some crave danger as there might not be better alternatives.
Example 1: Urban exploration in abandoned buildings in the UK (2019-2021). Young people explore dangerous sites due to boredom and lack of opportunities (source: The Guardian, 2019).
Example 2: Illegal street racing in South Africa (2018-2021) as a thrill-seeking activity.
- Context: Participants often lack access to structured motorsport opportunities (source: BBC, 2020).
Example 3: Cliff jumping in Greece (2017-2021) among unemployed youth.
- Context: High unemployment rates drive young people to seek thrills (source: Reuters, 2018).
Analysis: For some, thrill-seeking fills a void created by lack of purpose or opportunities.

III. Supporting View 2: Personal Growth and Achievement

Topic Sentence: Some crave danger for thrill-seeking high. They feel that such danger is good for personal growth.
Example 1: Mountaineering in Nepal (2016-2021) as a personal challenge. Climbers aim to conquer Everest for personal accomplishment (source: The Guardian, 2019).
Example 2: Free solo climbing in Europe (2017-2021) by professional athletes. Athletes push their limits for achievement and recognition (source: BBC, 2018).
Example 3: Ultra-marathon running in the Sahara (2018-2021) for extreme endurance.
- Context: Participants test their physical and mental limits (source: Reuters, 2019).
Analysis: Personal growth and the pursuit of achievement drive many to seek dangerous activities.

IV. Supporting View 3: Mental Health Benefits

Topic Sentence: Some who crave danger and thrill opine that such adventure can provide significant mental health benefits.
Example 1: Skydiving in New Zealand (2016-2021) as therapy for PTSD. Veterans use extreme sports to cope with trauma (source: The Guardian, 2018).
Example 2: Bungee jumping in Switzerland (2017-2021) for adrenaline therapy. Participants report reduced anxiety and stress levels (source: BBC, 2019).
Example 3: Adventure racing in South Africa (2018-2021) for depression. Outdoor challenges improve mental health and well-being (source: Reuters, 2020).
Analysis: Thrill-seeking activities can offer therapeutic benefits and improve mental health.

V. Opposing View 1: Thrill-Seeking as a Distraction from Life’s Issues

Topic Sentence: Some use thrill-seeking as a distraction from personal problems.
Example 1: BASE jumping in Norway (2017-2021) as an escape.
Participants often seek relief from personal stresses (source: The Guardian, 2020).
Example 2: High-risk skateboarding in Spain (2018-2021) to avoid life pressures. Young people turn to extreme sports to cope with societal pressures (source: BBC, 2019).
Example 3: Parkour in France (2019-2021) to escape urban life challenges.
- Context: Practitioners use parkour to navigate and escape urban stress (source: Reuters, 2020).
Analysis: For some, thrill-seeking serves as a means of escaping personal or societal issues.

VI. Opposing View 2: Thrill-Seeking Due to Societal Influence

Topic Sentence: Societal and cultural influences drive some people to seek danger.
Example 1: Extreme sports in Japan (2018-2021) influenced by media. Media glorification of extreme sports increases participation (source: BBC, 2020).
Example 2: Adventure tourism in Iceland (2017-2021) driven by social media. Social media trends encourage risky tourist behaviours (source: Reuters, 2019).
Example 3: Dangerous stunts in Russia (2019-2021) inspired by online challenges. Viral internet challenges push people towards risky activities (source: The Guardian, 2021).
Analysis: Societal and cultural pressures can significantly influence thrill-seeking behaviour.

VII. Opposing View 3: Controlled Risk-Taking as Part of Professional Pursuits

Topic Sentence: For some, thrill-seeking is an integral part of their personal and professional pursuits.
Example 1: Professional stunt performers in the UK (2016-2021). Thrill-seeking is part of their job and skill set (source: BBC, 2019).
Example 2: Scientific research expeditions in Antarctica (2017-2021). Researchers face extreme conditions for scientific discovery (source: Reuters, 2020).
Example 3: Wildlife photographers in Africa (2018-2021). Documenting wildlife requires facing dangerous environments (source: The Guardian, 2021).
Analysis: For professionals, thrill-seeking is often a necessary and calculated part of their careers.

VIII. Conclusion

Restate Thesis: Craving danger is not necessarily due to a lack of better alternatives; it can be motivated by personal growth, achievement, and mental health benefits.
Summary of Key Points: Lack of purpose, personal growth, mental health versus distraction, societal influence, professional pursuits.
Final Thought: Understanding the diverse motivations behind thrill-seeking can help address misconceptions and provide better support for those engaged in such activities.

Is courage necessarily a virtue?

Courage is often seen as a virtue due to its role in overcoming fear and achieving noble goals, but it can also lead to reckless or harmful actions.

I. Introduction

Hook: Courage is admired in stories and heroes.
Background: Brief overview of courage and its traditional view as a virtue.
Thesis Statement: Courage is often seen as a virtue due to its role in overcoming fear and achieving noble goals, but it can also lead to reckless or harmful actions.

II. Supporting View 1: Overcoming Fear for Noble Goals

Topic Sentence: Courage helps people overcome fear to achieve noble goals.
Example 1: In India, Mahatma Gandhi’s courage led to India’s independence through non-violent resistance.
Analysis: Gandhi’s courage is virtuous because it achieved freedom without violence.

III. Supporting View 2: Promoting Justice and Integrity

Topic Sentence: Courage is essential in promoting justice and integrity.
Example 1: In South Africa, Nelson Mandela’s courage in fighting apartheid inspired global change.
Analysis: Mandela’s courage was virtuous as it fought oppression and promoted equality.

IV. Opposing View 1: Potential for Recklessness

Topic Sentence: Courage can sometimes lead to reckless or dangerous actions.
Example 1: In Russia, young daredevils who climb skyscrapers for thrills risk their lives needlessly.
Analysis: This form of courage is not virtuous as it endangers lives without noble purpose.

V. Opposing View 2: Harmful Consequences

Topic Sentence: Courage can have harmful consequences if not guided by wisdom.
Example 1: In some Middle Eastern conflicts, individuals show courage by joining extremist groups, causing harm.
Analysis: Courage in this context is not virtuous as it leads to violence and suffering.

VI. Conclusion

Restate Thesis: Courage can be a virtue when it achieves noble goals and promotes justice but can also lead to recklessness and harm.
Summary of Key Points: Recap the main supporting and opposing views.
Final Thought: Courage must be guided by wisdom and morality to be truly virtuous.

Should we always extend kindness to others?

I. Introduction

Hook: Acts of kindness can transform lives and communities.
Background: Brief overview of kindness and its importance.
Thesis Statement: Extending kindness is generally beneficial and fosters positive relationships, but there are situations where it may not be appropriate or effective.

II. Supporting View 1: Promotes Positive Relationships

Topic Sentence: Kindness fosters positive relationships and social harmony.
Example 1: In Japan, cultural emphasis on politeness and kindness strengthens community bonds.
Example 2: In Denmark, the concept of “hygge” includes kindness and promotes social well-being.
Analysis: Discuss how kindness leads to stronger, happier communities.

III. Supporting View 2: Enhances Mental Health

Topic Sentence: Acts of kindness improve mental health for both giver and receiver.
Example 1: Studies in the UK show volunteering increases happiness and reduces depression.
Example 2: Kindness practices in Bhutan, influenced by Gross National Happiness, improve societal well-being.
Analysis: Examine how kindness enhances mental health and overall happiness.

IV. Opposing View 1: Potential for Exploitation

Topic Sentence: Kindness can sometimes lead to exploitation and dependency.
Example 1: In India, excessive kindness in business contexts may lead to unfair practices.
Example 2: In Greece, economic crisis showed how continuous kindness without boundaries led to exploitation.
Analysis: Discuss how constant kindness might lead to negative outcomes like exploitation.

V. Opposing View 2: Ineffectiveness in Certain Situations

Topic Sentence: Kindness is not always effective in all situations.
Example 1: In conflict zones, like parts of the Middle East, kindness alone does not resolve deep-seated issues.
Example 2: In competitive environments, such as in some South Korean schools, strict discipline is valued over kindness.
Analysis: Explore how in some situations, other approaches may be more appropriate than kindness.

VI. Conclusion

Restate Thesis: While kindness is generally beneficial and fosters positive relationships, it may not always be appropriate or effective.
Summary of Key Points: Recap the main supporting and opposing views.
Final Thought: Strive for a balance, recognising when kindness is best and when other responses are necessary.

Poetry has little to no value today. Discuss.

I. Introduction

Hook: In an age dominated by digital media and rapid communication, poetry often seems like a relic of the past.
Background: Brief overview of poetry’s historical significance and its current status in modern culture.
Thesis Statement: Despite claims that poetry holds little value in contemporary society due to its perceived irrelevance and diminishing readership, it continues to offer profound cultural, educational, and emotional benefits that validate its enduring significance.

II. Supporting View 1: Perceived Irrelevance

Topic Sentence: Critics argue that poetry is increasingly irrelevant in today’s fast-paced world.
Example 1: The decline in poetry book sales and readership statistics, such as reports from the Publishers Association highlighting lower sales figures compared to other genres.
Example 2: The reduction of poetry in school curriculums in favour of more utilitarian subjects like STEM, as evidenced by changes in the UK’s National Curriculum.
Analysis: Discuss how these trends reflect a societal shift away from valuing poetry, contributing to the perception of its diminished importance.

III. Supporting View 2: Diminishing Readership

Topic Sentence: The readership of poetry is diminishing, leading to questions about its relevance and value.
Example 1: Surveys showing that a smaller percentage of the population regularly reads poetry compared to other forms of literature, such as novels or non-fiction.
Example 2: The closure of several renowned poetry magazines and journals due to lack of subscriptions and financial support, indicating waning interest.
Analysis: Examine how these examples highlight the challenges poetry faces in maintaining a significant presence in contemporary literary culture.

IV. Opposing View 1: Cultural and Educational Value

Topic Sentence: Poetry continues to offer substantial cultural and educational value in modern society.
Example 1: The success of initiatives like National Poetry Day in the UK, which celebrates poetry’s role in culture and education and engages people of all ages.
Example 2: The incorporation of poetry into therapeutic and educational programmes, such as Poetry Therapy, which uses verse to promote mental health and literacy.
Analysis: Discuss how these examples illustrate poetry’s ongoing relevance and its ability to enrich cultural and educational experiences.

V. Opposing View 2: Emotional and Social Impact

Topic Sentence: Poetry remains a powerful medium for emotional expression and social commentary.
Example 1: The popularity of contemporary poets like Rupi Kaur and Amanda Gorman, whose works resonate with wide audiences and address pressing social issues.
Example 2: The use of poetry in social movements and protests, such as the #MeToo movement, where poetry has been employed to articulate experiences and inspire change.
Analysis: Explore how these instances demonstrate poetry’s capacity to connect with people emotionally and drive social discourse, underscoring its lasting value.

VI. Conclusion

Restate Thesis: While poetry faces challenges related to perceived irrelevance and diminishing readership, its cultural, educational, and emotional contributions affirm its continued importance in modern society.
Summary of Key Points: Recap the main supporting and opposing views discussed.
Final Thought: Emphasise the need to recognise and support poetry’s unique ability to enrich human experience and foster deeper understanding in an increasingly complex world.