Topic 1: Does increasing travels between countries enable people to learn different cultures or to

Topic 112: What are the benefits of requiring young people to serve the army? Does 
participation in community work qualify as an alternative?
 
(peacetime conscription) (teach young people basic skills), (prepare for a future crisis) ;
(expand their social circle), (increase social awareness), (build a sense of independence);
(immense unity and team spirit),
(emphasize conformity, instead of individuality );
(against the will);
(impede personal development);
 ( the value and happiness of civilians' lives in peace), ( waste of workforce)
(make the transition from school to work);
(relieve labour shortages in community work), (demonstrate social solidarity)
Despite the fact that military conscription is voluntary in much of the world, it 
remains compulsory in some countries like South Korea. In peacetime, serving the army is 
more than simply protecting motherland from any potential military attack. An alternative 
view is that it can be deemed as a test of manhood and a rite of passage from boyhood 
into manhood. While military training has its merits, some alternatives, such as 
community service, can be taken into account. Military service allows young people to 
reap personal benefits and enhance their personal growth.
First of all, trainees can raise their physical fitness and enjoy better health. They 
meanwhile develop a sense of team spirit and improve abilities to get along well with 
others. They learn to cope with problems independently and gain self-confidence. It also 
helps expand their social circle, a valuable, although intangible, asset when they return to 
civilian life. Servicemen have no difficulties in winning others' respect and their 
experience is comparable to education work experience or recommendations. They are 
very often perceived as efficient, organized and excellent time managers.
Despite those benefits brought by military service, its mandatory nature is the nub of 
the argument. Many young people cannot cope with the high level of stress in the army. 
That's why community service is suggested as an alternative in most countries. As distinct 
from military service, which demands fun engagement of conscripts, community service 
requires young volunteers to contribute part of their time, energy and skills only. 
Moreover, community service tends to render more direct assistance to participants in 
preparing for the workforce. By volunteering, young adults develop skills, gain work 
experience and explore career options. They can also acquire practical knowledge through 
service.
In view of the advantages and disadvantages of military service outlined above, one 
can conclude that military service is helpful only when it is voluntary. Mandatory military 
service does not fit all young people, whereas community service benefits every young 
person who wants to make a smooth transition from school to work.
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1. Deem=think of=consider=regard 
2. Manhood=adulthood=adult years=maturity 
3. Rite=ritual=ceremony
4. Passage =walkway =path
5. Reap=harvest=garner=obtain=acquire
6. Comparable=similar=analogous
7. Nub=crucial point=core
8. Conscript=recruit=rookie
9. Render=provide=deliver=give
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