Task: To write a talk about 'Social Problems among Teenagers'

Good morning to the school principal, teachers and friends, (F1)

Firstly, I would like to thank my teacher advisor, Madam Lim Ai Ling, for giving me a chance to give a
speech on this lovely morning. I, Rachel Yap, as the president of the English Language Society will be
talking to you about social problems among teenagers (F2) in conjunction with the Social Awareness
Campaign launched by the school.

The purpose of my giving this speech today is to raise the awareness of the students that social problems
among teenagers cannot be avoided but they can be overcome. Teenagers will experience changes during
this period of time and they may make decisions that will change their lives forever. However, the decisions
that they make will change their lives for the better or worse. Therefore, I am here today to guide you on
what to do when you are in sticky situations.

Teenagers are involved in social problems such as extortion, crimes, bullying and theft (C1). Why are they
doing all these? Well, it can be because of the easy availability of unsuitable movies (C2). Teenagers watch
movies that are unsuitable for them without adult supervision. The movies that they watch have sex scenes,
killings, bullying and violent acts. Teenagers are easily influenced and thus unconsciously apply these
actions into their daily lives. To prevent this from happening, they should spend more quality time with their
family. For example, they can do sports together or just simply eat together for dinner. Parents should also
spend time with their growing children (C7) and pay attention to them (C8), always keeping an eye on their
children's quirks and behaviour. If there is a change in their children's behaviour, they will know.

Social problems are also caused by peer influence (C3). Peer pressure is something very common among
teenagers. They feel the need to belong to a group (C4) in order to feel appreciated. They would go to
extremes like smoking or taking drugs to be in the "in" group. Therefore, the schools should organise
beneficial activities (C9) or motivational camps (C10) to prevent this from happening. The schools could
involve these students to help them with running the activities. Then the students will not feel left out as they
have been chosen to help out the school and this will boost their self-esteem.

Teenagers also have a stressful life at home and school (C5). The good students are pressured by family and
teachers to pass their examinations with flying colours while the weak students are pressured to do
reasonably well or manage a pass in their exams. Some students are also living in poverty (C6). These
students feel pity for themselves and thus get involved in social problems like gangsterism and vandalism to
feel 'bigger' and more powerful. Such teenagers can be helped by bringing them to the school counsellors.
They should also develop good self-discipline (C11) within themselves. Mixing with good company (C12)
also helps influence their mindsets and the decisions that they make.

Therefore, teenagers should always think twice before making any decisions as you will never know
whether it will change your lives forever. Always seek a shoulder to lean on whenever you need help.
Remember: no man is an island, no man stands alone. With that, I thank you (F3).