The Evilution of Goodness

In my opinion, there are mainly two reasons why human beings are willing to do good to others. 

Firstly, (and this is the politically correct answer) humans do good others because they believe that it is the right thing to do, and therefore, are willing to do it. For example, if somebody sees someone else struggling to do something - let's say, do their homework- then that person will help the one in need because, he or she knows that it would be the right thing to do. This sense of right and wrong is driven by our morals and conscience.

On the other hand, some people would do good to others if they themselves can reap some benefits from doing so. This is the case for the more selfish people, who rarely help others unless their actions helps themselves as well. For example, someone who helps an old lady cross the road might be doing so because they expect a reward from the old lady, in return for their "good deed".

...und the commentary...

Deaf to Danger

People say that music is a way to reduce stress levels, especially after a long day at work. Although undoubtedly true, music – especially in the right circumstances – can cause the listener to put himself in danger. The same can be said for text-messaging, as those who text while walking might be obstructing other passers-by. Listening to music makes one unaware of his or her surroundings. This can lead to the listener putting himself at risk of injury, and also putting other passers-by at danger.

By listening to music, the chance of someone falling victim to an accident, and consequently injury, is increased. When one is walking or crossing the road, listening to music reduces his or her reaction time by 35 per cent, according to a study by the RAC Foundation in Britain. Hence this makes him more oblivious to the surroundings. Devices such as noise-cancelling earphones can silence ambient noise by nearly 100 per cent, rendering the listener ‘deaf’ to his surroundings. Thus, a person might not realise that there is a potential danger near him or in his path, and he is simply walking blindly – or rather, deafly – into the danger awaiting him.

Indeed, doctors have warned of the danger people face due to distractions such as listening to music or text-messaging. This is clearly reflected in a study conducted by the Sunday Times, where reporters deliberately bumped into, or rode a bicycle towards, 60 people who were either text-messaging or listening to music. Out of the 30 who were listening to music, 12 did not hear the bicycle bell and thus did not move away. 24 of the 30 had their music volume above 50 per cent. This shows that people are quite indifferent to their surroundings, and are alright with potentially putting themselves at risk, for their own pleasure’s sake.

People might say that listening to music is a way for them to reduce their stress levels. Also it is the duty of the driver, the bicycle rider, or the other pedestrians, to move away from them instead of the listeners themselves moving. They are not willing to sacrifice their pleasure and relaxation, through listening to music, or texting. What they fail to realise is that others are also put at risk, due to the careless and ignorant acts of those who are listening to music, or text-messaging. People who are using their cell phones while driving put themselves, and pedestrians at risk. They will become distracted, and their alertness levels decrease. The number of summonses issued for use of cell phones while driving, according to Traffic Police figures, has increased from 2,505 in 2007 to 2,583 in 2008. This shows that, slowly, more people are potentially endangering themselves and others while they are on the road. These irresponsible actions, as well as the indifferent attitude of music listeners and cell phone users, are the reason why this issue has been brought forward.

Danger can come from the most unlikely of sources, and listening to music is indeed one of them. Listening to music, like text-messaging, is a danger, not only to the listener, but also to others around him. Their indifferent attitude is the main reason why the number of incidents related to this problem has not decreased. People are unwilling to sacrifice their pleasure, for others’ safety.  
 

The 100-summary...

Deaf to the world

The article “Deaf to the World” is mainly about the problem, regarding people who are so immersed in listening to music or text-messaging, that they completely ignore their surroundings.  The young are the majority of those who are guilty of committing this act of ignorance. Although listening to music is a source of relaxation to the listener, it is also a danger - not only for others on the road, but also the listener, who is putting himself at risk of getting injured, or maybe worse. Their reaction time to their surroundings is reduced, and this further increases the danger.  
 

Introduction

In 2007, 7.6 million people around the world died of cancer. One of these people was my uncle, who had been fighting against the disease for nearly a year. His death was a very emotional event for my whole family, and we all had the same question. Wasn't there any way doctors could have saved him from this terrible fate. When I read up on stem cell research, and realised that if it had been at a more advanced stage, my uncle could still have been with us today.

My first Commentary - Embryonic Stem Cell Research

Stem Cell Research is a topic which has been, and still is, hotly debated around the world. It has proved to be very controversial in the eyes of some. Yet for others, it is a necessary step towards finding a cure for many diseases which have caused much suffering to many people, including Parkinson's disease and cancer. Embryonic stem cell research requires the extraction of an egg from a female donor. Although this, in the eyes of some people, is equivalent to 'killing' the embryo, it is a necessary evil, and it is the best way forward to cure many fatal diseases.

Stem cell research has not been perfected yet. However, when an embryonic stem cell is implanted into the body, it does not only fix a problem, it also replaces cells in the body which also have the same problem. According to Elizabeth Cohen, a CNN medical correspondent, this makes stem cells more valuable than ordinary drugs. Thus scientists have been increasing their efforts to perfect the implantation of stem cells, instead of developing the medicines used currently. Embryonic stem cell research should be further researched on and improved, so that cures for diseases such as cancer and Alzheimer's can be found.

However, some readers (including you) might be thinking that the fact that an embryo is being 'killed' is more pertinent than the development of scientific and medicinal technologies. You might say that embryonic stem cell research goes against the very ethics of life. However, I believe strongly against this opinion. The embryo that is being so-called 'killed' is actually being used to potentially save another person's life. Another person is being saved from diseases like cancer. It is not just a case of tit-for-tat. The social, economic and personal costs that are faced if embryonic stem cell is not used, are far greater than the cost of killing one embryo.

Another viewpoint is that there are other alternatives to using embryonic stem cells to treat diseases. Other methods, such as using adult stem cells, have been put forward. Parties which support using adult stem cells over embryonic stem cells do indeed have a point. It has been shown that adult stem cells produce better results than embryonic stem cells. However, embryonic stem cells help cure more diseases than adult stem cells. Also, advances in embryonic stem cell research will come with more time, and breakthroughs in it cannot be predicted. Thus, embryonic stem cells should be promoted instead of adult stem cells.

Although embryonic stem cell research is not as easy to develop as adult stem cell research, the potential benefits that can be obtained through the development of embryonic stem cells far outweigh the disadvantages. Many more diseases can be cured through embryonic stem cell usage. Sacrifices will have to be made, for the greater good of mankind. Maybe pro-life supporters should consider that while they intend that one embryo not be 'killed', they agree to let many other people, who suffer from terminal diseases, lose their lives.

What is an Exposition?

An exposition is a form of writing to express one's views and opinions on a certain issue. Exposition can be used to inform the reader, or to describe and explain the author's ideas. In an exposition, the author presents his points explaining his judgement, elaborates on them, and sometimes provides examples to substantiate his points.

By using an exposition, the author can not only present his own arguments, but also can present possible counter-arguments that the reader might have. Thus, by presenting the counter-arguments, and consequently countering them, the author can help clear doubts the reader might have regarding his judgment...