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Past Years' Essay Questions from Other Colleges (1995 - 2005) Arts and Culture Students Students should know the differen difference ce between between ‘art’ ‘art’ (i.e. (i.e. painting painting)) and ‘the arts’ (i.e. literature, music, sculpture etc.) 1. The arts exist for for the sole sole purpose purpose of keeping us entertained. entertained. Do Do you agree? 2. The The arts arts are are crea create ted d only only for for our our leis leisur ure; e; socie society ty has no real real need need for them them.. Comment. 3. Faced Faced with a choic choice, e, would would you you build build a museum museum or or theatre? theatre? 4. The Arts Arts is no longer longer important important in a society society that values values economi economic c success. success. Discuss Discuss this with reference to your country. 5. Is there there a place place for the the arts arts in this this technolo technologica gicall age? age? 6. The pursui pursuitt of the arts arts is not an option option but an an integral integral part part of the growth growth of a people. people. Discuss. 7. Modern movies movies have have become become more more entertaining entertaining but but less meaningful. meaningful. Do you agree? agree? 8. For the arts to flourish, there there must must be complete freedom of expression. expression. Discuss. Discuss. 9. Discuss the the conditions conditions in society society which might enable the arts arts to flourish. 10. Music is the one true universal universal language. language. Discuss. 11. Fine arts is not for for the masses. masses. Is this true? 12. The artist's only responsibility responsibility is to his art. Do you agree? 13. Most modern architecture architecture is ugly and impractical. Do you agree? 14. Assess the factors which have promoted promoted and hindered cultural cultural development development in your country. 15. Can photography photography be considered considered an art form? 16. Can a country preserve its culture nowadays nowadays in the face of increasing globalisation? globalisation? 17. Why are people still concerned about about customs and traditions? traditions? 18. Have rituals, customs customs and ceremonies become become less important in people's lives? 19. One language, language, one culture. Would you like to see this on a global scale? 20. Language Language serves as an essential tool in eradicating racial conflicts. conflicts. Comment. 21. Art is inaccessible to the common common man.’ man.’ Discuss. 22. “The arts are just just a luxury for the rich.” rich.” Do you agree? agree? 23. The sole purpose purpose of the Arts Arts is to entertain. Discuss. 24. Are the Arts still relevant in this age of modern technology? technology? 25. Artistic expression expression should never be restricted. restricted. Discuss. Discuss. 26. ‘Above all, the arts teach teach us to be human.’ human.’ Do you agree? 27. ‘The arts liberate; liberate; science enslaves.’ enslaves.’ Discuss. 28. ‘The arts arts of not a frill… a society without without the arts would would no longer be what we now recognise as human.’ Discuss the value of the arts in your society. Language and Literature 1. Languag Language e is more than than a tool tool of commun communicat ication. ion. Discus Discuss. s. 2. Reading is to the the mind what exercise exercise is to the body. body. Do you you agree? agree? 3. Young oung people people do not read read enoug enough. h. What consequ consequen ence ces s could could this this have have for for your your country? 4. Readin Reading g fictio fiction n may be enterta entertaini ining ng but otherwi otherwise se it has has little little real real value value.. Do you agree? 5. Why study study another another langua language ge when when English English is so widely used used today? today? 6. ‘There is no future for for literature and the arts.’ Discuss this statement statement with reference reference to your society.
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Economics and Business This This is the the topic topic area area in which which the the use use of Econ Econom omic ic jargo jargon n disad disadva vanta ntage ges s most most candidates. They tend to rely on unexplained and regurgitated terms and phrases as if they are simply producing a set of note from a textbook. Essays on these questions must still have the writer’s own personal ‘voice’. 1. We are moving moving towards towards a virtually virtually cashless cashless society society.. What are the implicatio implications ns of this for your country? 2. Should Should a nation nation's 's key publi public c services services be be privatis privatised? ed? 3. Do multi-national multi-national companies companies encourage encourage or or retard progress in developing developing countries? countries? 4. How import important ant is transpo transport rt to the devel developm opment ent of a nation nation? ? 5. Aid to developing developing countries countries should should be linked to their human human rights rights record. Discuss. 6. Globalisation Globalisation has little or or nothing to offer developing developing countries. countries. To what extent extent do you you agree with the statement? 7. To what exten extentt can we eradic eradicate ate poverty poverty in the the world world today? today? 8. Why should should we we be concerned concerned about the rich-poor rich-poor gap in the world today? today? 9. It is becom becoming ing increa increasin singly gly diffic difficult ult for any nation nation to live live in economi economic c and and polit politica icall isolation. Do you agree? 10. Should a movie star star be paid more than a teacher? teacher? 11. Should a sports person person be paid more than than a teacher? 12. The most worthwhile jobs are usually those with the least financial gain. Do you agree? 13. ‘The affluent affluent world should be ashamed that poverty poverty still exists.’ Discuss. 14. ‘You ‘You cannot stop globalisation, globalisation, it is something that happens.’ happens.’ (U.S. Secretary Secretary of State Madeleine Albright) Should globalisation be resisted? 15. ‘Globalisation ‘Globalisation has created two worlds, not one.’ To To what extent is this true? Education (Social Issues) 1. 2. 3. 4.
Censorsh Censorship ip is a hindrance hindrance to educat education. ion. Discu Discuss. ss. Everythi Everything, ng, everyo everyone ne around around you you is a teacher teacher.. Discuss. Discuss. Can edu educa catio tion n solve solve all all proble problems ms? ? Educ Educat atio ion n can can be both both a caus cause e of, of, and and an answe answerr to the soci social al and econo economi mic c problems in a country. Do you agree? 5. It would be be a mistake mistake for education education in the technologica technologicall age to ignore the the Humanities. Humanities. Discuss. 6. Should the study study of Literature or History be made made compulsory compulsory in schools? 7. Real Real educa educatio tion n is more than just obtain obtaining ing paper paper qualifi qualifica catio tions. ns. It is the key to achieving individual freedom. Discuss. 8. The main main aim of of education education should should not be knowledge knowledge of facts but but knowledge of values. values. Do you agree? 9. Educatio Education n should be concerne concerned d with developm development ent rather rather than achievem achievement ent.. Do you agree? 10. Teachers will have a less critical role in the school of the future. Do you agree? 11. Discuss Discuss the possibility possibility and consequ consequence ences s of the computer computer replacin replacing g the teacher teacher in the future. 12. Is formal education education over over valued? 13. Parents are more important important than teachers to a child's education. education. Do you agree? 14. Any change in society society begins in school. school. Discuss. 15. Education does does not necessarily promote equality in society. society. Discuss. 16. Is there a case for the abolition of examinations in a modern education education system? 17. “Education kills curiosity.” curiosity.” How far do you you agree with this statement? statement?
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18. Paper qualifications qualifications have have little value in today’s today’s world.” world.” Do you agree? agree? 19. “Schools “Schools teach too much that is unnece unnecessary ssary and too little little of what is interesting. interesting.”” Discuss. 20. ‘Enabling the individual to cope with failure should be the main aim of education.’ Do you agree? 21. “The most important important challenge facing education education is to develop a love for learning and questioning.” Do you agree? 22. How far would would an educa educatio tion n syste system m that that is flexib flexible le and and varie varied d cont contrib ribut ute e to an education worth having? 23. To what extent extent is the education education system in your country country churning churning our efficient efficient but mindless clones? 24. ‘Only the educated educated are free.’ Discuss. Discuss. Environment and Geography 1. Is man man fighting fighting a losing battle against environmental environmental degradation degradation? ? 2. Capitalis Capitalism m and cons conserva ervation tion do do not mix. mix. Do you you agree? agree? 3. It is meaningle meaningless ss to talk about about saving the the environme environment nt when million millions s of people are starving to death. How far do you agree? 4. Soon Soon we shall shall have no air air to breath breathe, e, no water water to drink drink and no food to eat. eat. How seriously should we heed this warning? 5. Nuclear Nuclear energy energy is a mixed mixed bless blessing. ing. Commen Comment. t. 6. What What can can be done done to achie achieve ve a balan balance ce betwee between n touri tourism sm and protec protectio tion n of the environment? 7. Are wild wild anim animals als neces necessar sary? y? 8. On what what grounds grounds could could the killing killing of of animals animals be justif justified? ied? 9. Why should should we be concern concerned ed about about marin marine e life? life? 10. Is the world drowning drowning in its own garbage? garbage? 11. The most challenging crisis of the 21 st century is the shortage and contamination of water. Discuss. 12. The loss of biodiversity is the worst disaster facing the planet. Do you agree? 13. How can we balance the demand for food and conservation conservation of the environment? environment? 14. We need to encourage encourage not curb population growth. growth. Do you agree? 15. Do you think environmental conservation conservation should be made mandatory? 16. A Street is more more important important than than a Meadow Meadow. Discuss. 17. Is it ever possible to meet the demands of the consumer class without incurring great environmental costs? 18. ‘Man does not sufficiently sufficiently appreciate the gifts of nature.’ Discuss Discuss with reference to our use of natural resources. 19. ‘Modern technology technology owes ecology an apology.’ apology.’ How far do you agree? 20. How far do you agree that despite despite Man’s attempt attempt to control Nature, Nature, Nature has instead been more successful in controlling Man? General/Philosophy By their nature, these topics are likely to be quite abstract and demanding, but they can produce very effective responses when carefully planned and planned and effectively effectively illustrated by means of pertinent examples. 1. 2. 3. 4.
Consider Consider the importan importance ce of of beauty beauty.. Consid Consider er the the import importan ance ce of imag image. e. Winning is not the most most important important thing thing in life life – it is everything. everything. Do you agree? agree? Can discip discipline line be taug taught ht to an individ individual? ual?
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5. Religion Religion has has lost its ability ability to to provide provide moral moral guidan guidance. ce. Discuss Discuss.. 6. Religion divide divide rather rather than than unite, unite, destroy rather than than save. save. Do you agree? agree? 7. Too liberty liberty brings stagna stagnation tion;; too much brings brings chaos. How true is this stateme statement nt in the world today? 8. Man was was born free, and he is everywhere everywhere in chains. chains. (Rousseau) (Rousseau) Comment. Comment. 9. Freedom Freedom and slavery slavery are mental mental states. states. (Mahatma (Mahatma Gandhi) Gandhi) Critically Critically examin examine e this statement. 10. Every day, in every way, we we are getting better. Comment. 11. Is longevity a blessing in today’s today’s world? 12. Is honesty still the best best policy? 13. Sometimes Sometimes it is necessary to commit a small evil for a greater good. Do you agree? agree? 14. The only permanent permanent thing thing is change. 15. It matte matters rs not not how a perso person n dies, dies, but how he lives. lives. How can one one make make his life life meaningful? 16. Consider the the importance importance of toys. toys. 17. The greatest pleasures of life are often the simplest. To To what extent is this statement statement true? 18. Should we we always show compassion? compassion? 19. Is it always good good to obey the law? 20. How important important is loyalty in today’s today’s society? society? 21. To succeed in life, we need to take risks. Do you agree? 22. Consider the importance importance of ambition. ambition. 23. Ours is a world of relative relative values. values. There There is no absolute absolute right or wrong anymore. anymore. Discuss. 24. Are the best best things in life free any longer? 25. Mammon (the god of riches) dictate dictate our values and beliefs now. now. Comment. 26. Just do it. How far far should one follow follow this advice? advice? 27. How important important is it to have choices? choices? 28. How important important is reputation in the world today? today? 29. “The poor can help themselves.” To To what extent is this statement statement true?
History 1. Knowledge Knowledge of the the past past can do do more harm than than good. good. Do you agree? agree? 2. That men men do not not learn very very much from the the lessons of of History is the most most important important of all lessons that History has to teach. (Aldous Huxley) Discuss. 3. To what extent extent is it necessary for the common common man man to have have a knowledge knowledge of history? history? 4. ‘History is the the unfolding of miscalculations.’ miscalculations.’ Is this a fair fair comment comment? ? 5. ‘We learn learn from history history that we learn nothing nothing form history history.’ .’ (George (George Bernard Bernard Shaw) Shaw) Discuss. Mass Media The traditional view is that the word ‘media’ should be treated as a plural noun in all its senses in English, and can be used as a plural rather than singular verb: The media have not followed the reports. In practice, it behaves as a collective noun which means it is now acceptable in standard English for it to take either a singular or a plural verb. For the purpose of exams, consistency is the key. 1. Are enterta entertainme inment nt celebriti celebrities es worthy worthy idols or a bad influe influence? nce? 2. The mass mass media media has robbed robbed the individ individual ual of his privacy privacy.. Discuss. Discuss. 3. Television does not not mould mould social values, it merely mirrors them. them. Discuss. Discuss.
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4. The evils evils of the media media have been been grossl grossly y exagge exaggerat rated ed.. To what what extent extent do you agree? 5. The media media decei deceives ves more more than than it revea reveals. ls. Do you you agree? agree? 6. Are cartoons cartoons only for entertain entertainmen ment? t? 7. A coun country try is only only as free free as its press press.. Do you agree agree? ? 8. Self-censorship Self-censorship is the best censorship. censorship. To To what extent is this this true in your country? country? 9. Ever Every y soci societ ety y has has a righ rightt to prohib prohibit it the the prop propag agat atio ion n of opinio opinions ns which which has has a dangerous tendency. Is censorship justifiable? 10. The media divides divides the young from the old. old. Do you agree? 11. Movies and television television can never replace replace books. Discuss. Discuss. 12. ‘Buyer beware!’ To To what extent should we pay heed to this advice? 13. Advertisers create create demand for things we do not need. Discuss. 14. ‘Popu ‘Popular lar films films only only serve serve to enter entertai tain n the the masse masses.’ s.’ Asses Assess s the validi validity ty of the the statement. 15. ‘The public has an insatiable curiosity to know everything, except what is worth knowing.’ Is this a valid statement? 16. “You “You deserve the media you get.” get.” How true is this statement? statement? 17. “The young are victims of today’s multi-channelled multi-channelled and Internet-linked world”. 18. ‘Television ‘Television is a necessary evil.’ Comment. Comment. 19. Does TV viewing erode a person’s person’s ability to think about complex issues? issues? 20. Is the television television a lens of is it a mirror? mirror? 21. ‘Advertisements ‘Advertisements are merely reflections reflections of a society’s ideals.’ How far is this true? Politics and Government 1. The cure cure for terro terrorism rism is demo democracy cracy.. Do you agree? agree? 2. Global Global peace peace is an illusion. illusion. Do you you agree agree? ? 3. Glob Global al peac peace e is an impo imposs ssib ible le drea dream m as lone lone as huma human n righ rights ts are are viol violat ated ed.. Comment. 4. Discu Discuss ss the view that that more more rights rights and freed freedom om should should be given given to women women in the Third World. 5. A good good count country ry needs needs to be be run like like a good good busine business. ss. 6. Power Power is no longer longer in the hand hands s of the govern governmen ment. t. Discuss. Discuss. 7. Do you agree agree that the the form of a governme government nt is less importa important nt than the the quality quality of its members? 8. Political ideologies ideologies are fast fast dying in a world world dominated dominated by economic economic interests. interests. 9. How far, far, if at all, should should the government government intervene intervene in family matters? matters? 10. To what extent should the movement of people across borders be restricted? 11. In international relations, relations, there are no permanent friends, only permanent permanent interests. Discuss. 12. We do not need great leaders, leaders, only pragmatic politicians. politicians. Discuss. 13. Patriotism is no longer relevant in an increasingly increasingly borderless world. Do you agree? 14. ‘There never was a good war or bad peace.’ (Benjamin (Benjamin Franklin) Do you agree? 15. The pen is mightier mightier than the the sword. Discuss. Discuss. 16. It is ideas not force that changes changes the world. Discuss. Discuss. 17. Leaders are born, not made. made. Discuss. 18. Democracy is nothing but the tyranny tyranny of the majority. majority. Discuss. 19. Is communism communism dead? 20. The United Nations Nations serves no real purpose in internat internationa ionall affairs affairs today today.. To what extent is this a fair statement? 21. All war is nothing more than than ‘an organised crime’. crime’. Do you agree? 22. Is a world without without conflicts possible? possible?
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23. “Politicians build walls, businessmen businessmen build bridges.” bridges.” Do you agree? 24. Is there a case for patriotism patriotism in today’s world? 25. "Despite all of man’s efforts, efforts, we still live in a divided world.” Consider this statement statement using illustrations from recent world events. 26. ‘Government ‘Government no longer determines determines the fate of its people.’ Discuss. 27. ‘To ‘To be a leader of men, one must turn one’s back on men.’ Discuss. 28. Does the State have a right to influence an individual’s individual’s choices in life? 29. Is there a case for patriotism patriotism in today’s world? 30. What influence influence can the smallest countries in the world have on the largest nations? nations? 31. Should all governments work towards homogeneity among their people? 32. ‘One should have the freedom of choice as long as it harms no one else.’ Do you agree that this should be the basis of law? 33. ‘It is not the function of our government government to keep the citizen citizen from falling into error; it is the function of the citizen to keep the government from falling into error.’ Do you agree? Science, Technology and Medicine 1. 2. 3. 4.
Is Scien Science ce our our mas master ter or or servan servant? t? Is the possibility of controlling controlling our our children’s children’s genes genes a good good or bad thing? thing? In this this scientif scientific ic age, age, is the world world still still a place place of wonde wonder? r? The The adva advanc ncem emen ents ts of Scie Scienc nce e and and Techn echnol olog ogy y have have both both empo empowe were red d and and weakened Man. Discuss. 5. Has man man gained gained anyth anything ing from from space space explor exploratio ation? n? 6. The scientis scientistt should should enjoy total total freedom freedom in research research for science science to advance. advance. Do you agree? 7. Too much knowled knowledge ge is a dangero dangerous us thing. thing. Is this applicable applicable to the world of science science today? 8. How far should should we depen depend d on Science Science to solve solve the world’s world’s problem problems? s? 9. Discuss Discuss the view view that that scienc science e is now Man’ Man’s s religion. religion. 10. Too much faith is placed in Science. Discuss. 11. The application of knowledge knowledge gained by research is something beyond beyond our control. Do you agree? 12. 12. The The bes best way to asse ssess a country try’s prog rogres ress is throu rough its its scie scien ntif tific accomplishments. Do you agree? 13. Can the transplanting transplanting of animal organs into human being being ever be justified? 14. Examine the advantages advantages and disadvantages disadvantages of satellite technology. technology. 15. Science should should always seek to prolong prolong life. Discuss. 16. “With great power comes great responsibility.” Discuss with reference to scientific development. 17. ‘It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has exceeded our humanity.’ humanity.’ How far would you agree with this view? 18. Would you agree agree that the only importance and value of science lies in its power to improve and save lives? 19. ‘Science generates generates irresponsible dreams.’ dreams.’ Is this statement valid? 20. ‘Along ‘Along with great power power comes comes great great responsi responsibilit bility y.’ Discuss Discuss the relevance relevance of this observation to the roles of and responsibilities of scientists today. 21. As science advances, advances, man regresses. regresses. Do you agree? 22. Has Science become become a new new religion?
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Mathematics 1. Mathema Mathematics tics is the the perfec perfectt language language.. Do you you agree? agree? 2. To what what exte extent nt is the the use use of meas measur urem emen entt accu accura rate te and and nece necess ssar ary y for for the the assessment of our schools today? 3. To what what exte extent nt is the the use use of meas measur urem emen entt accu accura rate te and and nece necess ssar ary y for for the the assessment in our schools today? 4. Why should should Mathema Mathematics tics be be a compuls compulsory ory subjec subject? t? 5. Mathema Mathematics tics is an an impracti impractical cal subjec subject. t. Do you you agree? agree? 6. It is not not what statistics reveal that that matters; matters; it’s what they do not. not. Discuss. Social Issues (Sports) 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Discu Discuss ss the the import importan ance ce of spo sports rts.. Does sports sports always always contribute contribute to international international harmony and understand understanding? ing? Sports Sports merely merely diverts diverts people people from from what really really matters matters in life. life. Discuss. Discuss. Sports Sports is all about about talent talent explo exploitin iting g Science. Science. Do you you agree? agree? Do you you agre agree e that that inte intern rnat atio iona nall spor sports ts has has made made spor sports ts fans fans vict victim ims s of glob global al business ventures? 6. Competitive Competitive sports brings out out the best and and worst in people. people. Do you you agree? agree? Social Issues (Others)
1. Does the concept of gender gender should have any any relevance relevance in today’s society? 2. Have moder modern n women women paid paid too high high a price price for for equality? equality? 3. How far do you you agree that that the values values of the the youth youth are in conflict conflict with with the values values of society? 4. Affluence Affluence brings brings about about as many problems as poverty poverty.. Discuss. 5. How far should a criminal’s criminal’s age influence influence the nature nature of his punishment? punishment? 6. Today’s crimes reflect reflect a world that that is rapidly rapidly losing its values. values. Comment. Comment. 7. ‘Our ‘Our mercy mercy is becom become e our our crime crime.’ .’ (John (John Dryde Dryden) n) Are harshe harsherr punis punishm hmen ents ts the the answer to curbing crime today? 8. Do you think think parents parents should be punishe punished d for the crimes crimes that their teenage teenage childre children n commit? 9. Society prepares prepares the the crime; the the criminal commits it. Is it justified justified to blame blame the society for its crimes? 10. How valid is the claim that, for most people, work today is less satisfying satisfying and more time-consuming than before? 11. Do you think modern life has become unnecessarily unnecessarily complex? complex? 12. Most criminals need help rather than punishment. To To what extent do you agree? 13. In trying to provide the best for their their children, parents have deprived deprived them of what what is really important in life. Discuss. 14. Is the role of the family still as important important as it used to be? 15. It is up to the individual whether to smoke or not; it is not the proper concern concern of the government. How far would you agree with this statement? 16. To what extent should a government be responsible for the needs of the elderly and disabled? 17. To reduce divorce rates, couples should cohabit before marriage. marriage. Discuss. 18. The test of a civilised society is in the way it treats its children. To To what extent do you agree? 19. ‘How man treats treats animals is a reflection reflection of how civilised he is.’ Comment. Comment. 20. Is the term ‘spoilt generation’ a fair description of today’s youth? youth?
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21. Do you agree that the youths of today subscribe only only to values that suit them? 22. Do you think that the institut institution ion of the family may be in for a radical radical revision in the future? 23. 23. How How far far woul would d you you agre agree e that that immi immigr gran ants ts are are nece necess ssar ary y for for a soci societ ety y to be successful today? 24. Discrimination Discrimination is not always bad. Do you agree? agree? 25. ‘Juvenile delinquents delinquents are not criminals – they are simply misunderstood misunderstood teenagers.’ teenagers.’ How far do you agree? 26. Feminism should should be as liberating to men as it is to women. Comment. Comment. 27. “Women “Women are edging men men out from their their comfortable comfortable niches.” niches.” Comment. Comment. 28. Having Having children is increasi increasingly ngly seen as a chore chore and not a blessing blessing.. What What impact impact would this have on the institution of family? 29. “Women “Women make better leaders leaders than than men.” men.” Discuss. 30. The youths of today have an opinion opinion on everything but but a heart for none. Is this a fair assessment of young people in your country? 31. Discrimination is not always bad. Do you agree?
32. Women Women now have equality and freedom freedom in everything. Do you agree? 33. Is the growing acceptance acceptance of singlehood singlehood a blessing or or a curse? 34. 'Infidel 'Infidelity ity is the greatest greatest threat threat to the well-bein well-being g of the family today.' today.' Do you agree agree with this claim? 35. ‘The golden golden years’. Is this an accurate accurate description description of old age in your society? 36. Should divorce divorce be banned? 37. ‘A house house needs a man more than it needs a woman.’ Discuss Discuss 38. ‘We have become become a society of excesses.’ Discuss. Discuss. 39. Singlehood Singlehood is becoming increasingly increasingly attractive today. today. Comment. 40. Do you agree that Singaporean Singaporeans s are victims of trends? Final Note: There will be about 2 – 3 Singapore-based questions based on any of the above, though more likely to confined to social issues, culture, media and education. Know thy country! All the best and keep writing!
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