Write to Win (Round 2): Which skill would you choose to master overnight, and why?
Our writing contest starts with 10 students, who are eliminated one at a time based on your votes and YP editors’ picks.
From speaking languages to playing instruments, readers share what skill they would love to master overnight. Photo: ShutterstockRead the responses to this week’s Write to Win prompt, and choose the answer you like most.
Green: If I could master one skill overnight, it would be speaking every language. This would help me connect with people from various cultures, experience their lives and enjoy multiple cuisines. Being able to communicate with everyone would bring us closer together and promote understanding around the world.
Purple: I would choose to master the skill of learning any skill. This all-in-one package would help me quickly master everything I wish, like speaking all languages, acquiring an eidetic memory (the ability to recall an image from memory with high precision) and solving all seven Millennium Prize Problems (well-known complex mathematical problems).
Brown: I would choose to master parkour because a sudden backflip in an awkward room would be a unique conversation starter. Parkour also has immense health benefits, such as improved flexibility and strength and a healthy release of endorphins (happy chemicals). The increased survival rate in case of an apocalypse doesn’t hurt, either.
Blue: If I could choose one skill to master overnight, it would be the ability to play any musical instrument flawlessly. Imagine sitting down at a piano, guitar or any other instrument and creating beautiful music to entertain others. Making music is a special gift; it brings people together. I could express myself and touch others’ hearts.
Write to Win (Round 1): What would you say to a younger version of yourself?
Red: If I could master any skill overnight, I would choose memorisation. Imagine looking at a sheet of paper and immediately memorising everything on it. The time and energy saved before exams would be unimaginable, and you would be able to do what you love in your spare time instead of studying!
Pink: If I could master reading minds, I would unlock the hidden depths of people’s unspoken fears, dreams and desires. With this gift, I would connect with others deeply, solve misunderstandings and guide others toward peace. By truly understanding others, I would help turn raw, restless thoughts into bridges of empathy and paths toward shared clarity.
Black: Detecting other’s happiness levels. Many people are prone to having mood swings during this tense time, especially adolescents. If I acquaint myself with their emotions, I could put myself in their shoes and cheer up those who are down, creating more joy.
Orange: Authoring an excellent storybook. I am obsessed with writing stories. Aside from using my imagination, I could brainstorm ideas about the story development. I like to picture myself having just finished the story as the sun rises; it would be like a dream come true.
White: “Mum, what’s for dinner?” One question reverberates through households like clockwork, with the answer often met with groans of disappointment when the same meal reappears. But what if you could master cuisines from around the globe overnight? That skill would transform the dinner table into one filled with culinary delights, ensuring that no night is ever dull again!