1. Yes, it is realistic
1.1. correct description
1.1.1. It talks about going into relationships, which is very real in teenagers' life.
1.1.2. It correctly talks about an average boy who goes to JC, and then proceeds on to NS.
1.1.3. friends become further apart from each other after laeving school, as they proceed on with their own lives.
2. No, it is not realistic
2.1. different era
2.1.1. Heartland is written in the 1990s hence it can only be a realistic portrayal of the boys in the 1990s and not for the boys in the present era.
2.1.1.1. The boys in the 1990s has smaller desires or dreams for their future. They are contented if they have their family members with them and being able to support their families. Hence their search for identity is much easier.
2.1.1.2. The boys in the present era has much bigger dreams and desires compared to the boys in the 1990s. They aim for fame and riches also they are more materialistic thus making their search for identity much more different from the boys in the 1990s.
3. Key words & ideas
3.1. realistic portrayal
3.1.1. definition
3.1.1.1. realistic: given to the representation of things as they really are.
3.1.1.2. portrayal: depicting or representing
3.2. search for identity
3.2.1. New node
3.3. Singaporean
3.3.1. Being able to fully sense that they belong to Singapore and proud to be a Singaporean.
3.3.2. Able to recognise that their heart belongs to Singapore and where their roots are.