K S LO ENGLISH

Life is full of challenges and pressures, whether they come from school, work, or personal situations. Learning how to effectively manage these pressures is crucial not only for our success, but also for maintaining our mental and physical well-being. In this article, I will be sharing some strategies to help us deal with pressure and difficulties.

First and foremost, a Chinese proverb states, “Know yourself and know the enemy, and you can win every battle you fight.” You first have to identify where your pressures come from. You should understand what specifically causes you stress, as it helps you prepare and respond better. Personally, I like to keep a journal to note down situations that make me feel pressured and how I react to them. It has helped me a lot, especially during the times when schoolwork just feels impossible to handle.

Secondly, break down the problems. Large problems can be overwhelming, and breaking them down into smaller, more manageable parts and tackling them one step at a time can make the situation seem less daunting. Take me as an example—I initially felt overwhelmed by the amount of material I needed to study for my final exams. However, I decided to break down the material into smaller, more focused chunks. I also created a study schedule, dedicating specific times to each subject and topic. By tackling one chapter at a time and taking regular breaks, I ultimately managed to cover all the material without feeling stressed.

Lastly, stay organised. Staying organised is crucial for managing your workload and reducing stress. For me, I use a physical planner to keep track of my assignments, tests, and extracurricular activities. I have also created a weekly study schedule to allocate specific times for each subject, and I include breaks to avoid burnout. These methods have greatly helped me balance my academics and extracurricular commitments without feeling overwhelmed. Moreover, staying organized can also boost your confidence and motivation, making you feel more positive and capable.

In conclusion, to deal with pressure and difficulties, we have to understand our pressures, break down the difficulties, and stay organised. That way, we can gain more energy and motivation for success while maintaining our physical and mental well-being.

The Chinese zodiac is rich with symbolism and animal representations that hold cultural significance. If I could choose another animal to be added, I would choose the giraffe. Here’s why.

First of all, the giraffe is renowned for its elegance and peaceful nature. Adding the giraffe would symbolize these qualities, emphasizing the importance of peace and elegance.

Secondly, the giraffe’s remarkable height makes it stand out among other animals. Adding the giraffe to the Chinese zodiac would highlight the importance of aiming high and aspiring to greatness.

Lastly, the giraffe resembles the Chinese mythical creature Qilin, which symbolizes benevolence and fortune. By including the giraffe, whose appearance shares similarities with the Fortune Beast, we would draw a connection to the mythical Qilin, symbolizing similar virtues.

People with the zodiac sign of the giraffe might have a calm and gentle nature, staying peaceful in their interactions. They would be composed and patient, handling challenges and conflicts with grace and serenity. Similar to the giraffe’s elegance, those with this zodiac sign might possess a refined and sophisticated demeanor, displaying poise and grace in their actions and speech. Moreover, people with the giraffe zodiac sign would be ambitious and aspirational, always striving for personal growth and aiming high in their lives. They would be benevolent and caring, treating others kindly and with integrity, just like the mythical Qilin.

The giraffe has unique qualities and characteristics and might foster interesting relationships with other zodiac animals. For example, it might become companions with the sheep and the rabbit, who also represent peace and harmony. It might also start adventurous and fun relationships with the horse, the dog, and the monkey due to its benevolence and friendliness.

In conclusion, I would choose the giraffe as a new zodiac animal because I think it would fit in perfectly due to its characteristics.

S3 First Runner-up, Chinese Culture Week 2023-24 English Writing Competition