1. Argument
1.1. Reward for work, work for reward
1.1.1. Students are granted entry to different Secondary schools based on their PSLE score (which they work for)
1.1.2. In the workforce, workers are able to rise up the ranks if they work hard as they are judged based on merit and thus, this gives rise to a healthy competitiveness within the society which helps to ease racial tension.
1.2. "Equality" among races
1.2.1. Does not seem to be favouring a particular race. Thus, the different races do not feel marginalised or unfairly treated
1.2.1.1. Tensions are thus reduced as other races do not seem to feel extreme hatred towards a particular race because of the differences in treatment
1.2.1.1.1. People from different races can live harmoniously with one another, building a multi-cultural society
1.2.2. Evidence: In education: scholarships are awarded based on merit (students' results) regardless of their race, socio-economic background,etc. In business people are employed based on their merits and given bonus based on their contributions to the company's growth.
1.2.2.1. Race-blind, Culture-Blind
1.3. Meritocracy gives the image of Singapore being a multi-cultural society
1.3.1. As an immigrant society, we are diverse in culture and have to make sure everyone is treated equally.
1.3.2. As everyone is given an equal chance to succeed, different races of people from other countries would feel more welcomed in Singapore
2. Counter-Argument
2.1. Point: However, inequality still exists between the races.
2.1.1. Evidence: SAP schools only cater to students who take Chinese as their Mother Tongue. We do not have other schools in Singapore for minorities who score well like Malay and Indians.
2.1.1.1. Elaboration: Meritocracy benefits only chinese students that do well. Students who take other languages as their Mother Tongue are not given the same opportunities as their peers. Minorities such as the Malays and Indians may feel that they are disadvantaged as they are not granted equal opportunities as the Chinese in terms of education.
2.1.2. Scholars given more opportunities than Singaporeans
2.1.2.1. Even though they are granted more opportunities because they have earned them (do better), this may heighten inter-racial tension as the government is perceived to not have fulfilled its responsibility of ensuring equality among races in aspects such as education. Meritocracy in this case FAILED to create a successful multi-cultural society in Singapore.
2.1.2.1.1. YELLOW!
3. Conclusion
3.1. Ultimately, we disagree with the statement as the government still tries its best to cater to everyone's needs and ensured equality with existence of through-trains for late bloomers, etc.
3.2. Even though there are instances when meritocracy has strayed from creating a multi-cultural society in Singapore, it is impossible to have a win-win situation all the time. In the long run, meritocracy has indeed eased rather than heighten racial tension and thus, been effective in creating a multi-cultural society.
3.3. Comments - Good job. Detailed and well-argued
4. Stand
4.1. We disagree to a large extent with the statement that meritocracy has not effectively created a multi-cultural society in Singapore.
5. Definition
5.1. Multi-cultural
5.1.1. different races of people interact with each other peacefully and live together harmoniously
5.1.2. tolerance for the cultures of different races
5.2. Meritocracy
5.2.1. equal opportunities are given to everyone regardless of race and skin colour
5.2.2. rewards are given based on one's ability and hard work