2003_02_Session_A_sample speeches
1-A. Healthcare: prevention versus cure
Most people would agree that the best healthcare is to prevent sickness rather than trying to cure them. I personally know several people who have had potentially serious illness detected and treated before they became too sick.
This was because they had routine medical check-ups each year. The problem is that health services are already financially stretched trying to cure already-sick patients. They simply don’t have the resources to give regular check-ups to millions of essentially healthy people. I can see two ways around this. One option is that companies should be oblige by law to provide all employees, as well as their spouses, with annual medical check-ups. A second option is that the government increase funding to healthcare services in the short-term. Hopefully, if people can have free check-ups, it may pay off in the ling term.
Finally, everybody should be educated more to understand that their health is their own responsibility, and that by exercising and eating properly, they can live longer and healthier lives.
[Obunsha 2004 edition]
1-B. Is Japan democratic?
Democracy was born in Athens in ancient Greece. The people’s vote was used to determine the city’s policy, and all eligible citizens were encouraged to vote on every major decision.
These days, such referendums are extremely rare, and are practiced only in a handful of countries. We prefer to think of a democratic system as one where the people elect politicians because they agree with their policies and ideals, and we expect them to make the right choices on our behalf. The system in Japan appears less democratic than in other countries, for several reasons. Firstly, until recently, there was only one political party that had any real chance of winning national elections. Most other democratic countries have two or three parties, with policies ranging from liberal to conservative. Secondly, the Japanese government operates in a visibly different way from Western government. In the West, politicians attain ministerial posts based on personal merit. In Japan, these posts are awarded on the principle of seniority, and so politicians simply wait their turn.
In summary, Japan’s democracy does require the people’s vote, but this vote is not as far reaching as in other democracies.
[Obunsha 2004 edition]
1-C. Could we eliminate crime by eliminating poverty?
Crime is caused by many things. Crimes of passion, greed, and violence are committed by people across the social strata.
A wealthy, successful person is as likely as a poverty-stricken individual to take vengeance on a cheating spouse. Additionally, people with access to money are more likely to commit financial crimes, such as fraud or insider trading. They may also have the means to buy recreational drugs, such as cocaine. That said, it is a fact that poverty can lead to a increase in other kinds of crime. Domestic violence, drug abuse, and petty theft can all be linked to poverty. If people living in deprived areas are given a better quality life, including housing, employment, and a good education, then there will be fewer people who need to rely on theft for an income. Further, petty street crime due to boredom or social frustration will be reduced, and so will drug abuse.
In conclusion, eliminating poverty won’t necessarily eliminating crime altogether. Individuals can be naturally honest or dishonest, regardless of whether they are rich or poor. But eliminating poverty will certainly lead to a dramatic decrease in crime.
[Obunsha 2004 edition]
1-D The Importance of the "Classics" in the study of literature
Literature is the art of written works. Literally translated, the word means "acquaintance with letters" and Classic is the branch of the Humanities comprising the languages, literature, philosophy, history, art, archeology and other culture of the ancient Mediterranean World; especially Ancient Greece and Ancient Rome during Classical Antiquity. Initially, study of the Classics (the period’s literature) was the principal study in the humanities.
To some it up, a classical literature should be ancient, it should be an independent tradition that arose mostly on its own, not as an offshoot of another tradition, and it must have a large and extremely rich body of ancient literature. There is a reason that classic pieces of literature from such authors as Shakespeare, Tennyson, Austen and Dickens continue to be taught in high schools, and not simply because teachers have a fascination with boring their students. Classic literature has been able to stand the test of time and has been revered by many for its greatness - that is why classic literature is taught.
For me it is very important because the messages are timeless and have been taught for so long. And the history repeat for itself and is affecting the modern lives of the people worldwide.
[Edited by kinkin]
1-E How important is self-esteem?
To understand the meaning of self-esteem is we have to break the words into two. So, let's take a look at the word esteem. Esteem is the condition of being honored like respect, look upon or well regarded. Next is self, well, its yourself! So put the two words together and it's easier to see what self-esteem is. It's how much you value yourself and how important you think you are. It's how you see yourself and how you feel about your achievements.
Self-esteem helps you to hold your head high and feel proud of yourself and what you can do. It gives you the courage to try new things and the power to believe in yourself. It lets you respect yourself, even when you make mistakes. And when you respect yourself, adults and other kids usually respect you, too. Having good self-esteem is also the ticket to making good choices about your mind and body. If you think you're important, you'll be less likely to follow the crowd if your friends are doing something dumb or dangerous. If you have good self-esteem, you know that you're smart enough to make your own decisions. You value your safety, your feelings, your health and your whole self! Good self-esteem helps you know that every part of you is worth caring for and protecting.
Self-esteem is important because it helps you know that you are worth a lot meaning you are priceless. It's not about thinking that you are perfect because nobody is but knowing that you are worthy of being loved and accepted. Low self-esteem will not make you a successful person.
[Edited by kinkin]
2- A. What kind of scientific research should receive the most government funding?
It is very hard to say that one kind of science deserves more funding than another. Any researcher would be able to give valid reasons as to why their field of research is important.
For example, research into physics and space exploration adds to our knowledge about the universe. Environmental studies show us how to sustain the planet we live on. Biology and medicine are a requirement for those who work to keep us healthy, and even social sciences, such as education and politics, must be understood because humans are social animals. Some might say that it is the primary duty of the Japanese government to promote research in such fields as computer technology and machinery, as a way to help Japan sustain a competitive edge business and industry. Technical sciences that need expensive equipment, or require researchers who have extremely specialized knowledge, should probably receive some sort of special assistance.
I feel that all scientific research is important and money should be distributed to them in the amount that they need to conduct that research. Thus, I believe that all sciences should receive generous government funding.
[Obunsha 2004 edition]
2- B. The pros and cons of capitalism
Capitalism may not be the philosophical ideal, but it does seem to be the least offensive economic system.
The main advantage of capitalism is that a successful business can thrive and bring great economic wealth to those involved in that business. Any entrepreneur with a good idea or a product can strike it rich. Capitalism rewards talent and hard work. Furthermore, no real alternative to capitalism exists. In theory, communism seems like an attractive political system because supposedly everyone in the society would be cared for. But in practice, it has been impossible to implement. Countries like North Korea and Cuba are desperately poor. The main disadvantage of capitalism, however, is that it leaves behind the less able, less educated people. They end up with low paying jobs and are often exploited by the companies they work for.
Capitalist economies create the classes of the people, both rich and poor. In conclusion, capitalism is the only realistic option, but government regulation is required in order to protect the rights of individuals.
[Obunsha 2004 edition]
2-C. The company versus the family in modern Japan
Japan is a nation that is slowly becoming untraditional because of the many changes occurring within and around it. Western civilization and traits have greatly affected the lives of contemporary Japanese.
Traditional Japanese families used to have a lot of members in it, but now, modern couples would opt to having only one or two offsprings whilst modern Japanese companies are also now into the more advance field of work like; advancing technologies, developing softwares and many others. After thousands of years after mankind were able to follow its origin and developments, a lot of changes have been taking place and along with it are the changes occurring in both modern Japanese companies and modern Japanese families. These changes are in answer to the advancements of the world and to the shifts of modern lifestyle. Modern companies are busy with keeping abreast to maintain the countries economic system with the world and modern Japanese families are busy with the country's companies. And the cycle goes on. The declining Japanese population has been in the news for quite sometime, and so are the countless Japanese innovations in the field of science, technology, medicine and many others.
Japanese companies and families have clearly evolved to be one of the most modern in the world, yet some traditions are still visible though not like the olden times. Younger generations have deviated from the traditional ways of living, but that doesn't mean that Japan will no longer be a powerhouse. It has always been and will always be.
[Edited by pace]
2-D. Can world hunger be alleviated?
World hunger has been a problem eversince I was born into this world. And in my 22 years of existence, sadly it remains unresolved. The argument is simply moot and, thus, everyone needs to spend effort, more than ever, to find solutions to this disheartening reality.
I've heard a many stories about how people, specially those living in Africa, die because of famishment. Many talk about it, some even found themselves dumbfounded of the news. But what can these people do? What can we do to help those who are in dire hunger? Those are the questions often asked but have never been answered. Yes, we talk about it but really, what do we do about it?. We simply slack and not care about what's happening in the world we live in. Hunger is not much of a problem if you really get into it, there are a lot of bigger problems than that; like plague if diseases, terrorism, environmental concerns and among others, but why is this hunger problem never been solved? The answer is simple. Because we don't do our part to help. Contributing money to any fundraising that supports this kinds of organization aint enough. A mere amount of money could never be the answer to solve this debilitating plight but self-sacrifice and real actions to answer this dilemma is what we need. It is our obligation to help those who are dying of hunger not only by giving them food, shelter, and clothing but also by giving them livelihood so they can support their basic needs.
Wouldn't it be a wonderful sight if nobody was as thin as a stick? Wouldn't it be better to live knowing that no one is struggling with their lives and specially if no one is dying of hunger? We can make that happen if we work together and if we dedicate ourselves to helping those people. Love and concern, as well as dedication and perseverance are what we need for us to pursue this mission we are ought to respond to. Yes, hunger can be alleviated, but if you ask me when, that I cannot answer.
[Edited by pace]
2-E. Can creativity be taught?
The question of whether or not creativity can be taught is similar to the argument of nature versus nurture. Are we born with talent and intelligence, or are they things that can be developed?
Humans appear to possess creativity in different amounts. For instance, schoolteachers can identify those children in the class who demonstrate greater imagination and creativity, and those who show a lack of these traits. In my opinion, we are all born with different capacities for creativity. Some people are born with a natural talent for arts, music, or invention, and others simply are not. But I also think that people develop their creativity to varying degrees. I may not be, by nature, inherently creative, but by being exposed to poetry or science fiction, I can maximize my creativity.
I think that people with a natural, creative gift may have their talent stifled if they receive a narrow education. Conversely, people who are born with little creative talent can develop that creativity to its fullest, if they are taught correctly.
[Obunsha 2004 edition]