Smart Module 2 2011

SPM ENGLISH LANGUAGE 1119 SMART MODULE 2 2011

ENGLISH LANGUAGE UNIT KEDAH EDUCATION DEPARTMENT

1 SPM ENGLISH LANGUAGE 1119 SMART MODULE 2 2011

Patron En. Mansor bin Lat Director of Kedah Education Department

Advisor Tn. Hj. Asmee bin Haji Tajuddin Head of the Academic Sector

Coordinator Pn. Hjh. Zaliha bt Ahmad The Principal Assistant Director (English Language)

Committee Members Pn. Wan Aisyah bt Haris (Assistant District Language Officer for Language, Kota Setar) Pn. Hjh. Fadzillah bt Selamat (Assistant District Language Officer for Languages, Kubang Pasu) En. Yong Kooi Hin (Assistant District Language Officer for Languages, Baling Sik) En. Nordin bin Mohd. Noor (Assistant District Language Officer for Languages, Padang Terap) En. Azmi bin Othman (Assistant District Language Officer for Languages, Kuala Muda Yan) En. Nagaiah Velu (Assistant District Language Officer for Languages, Langkawi) En. Md. Zahir bin Husin (Assistant District Language Officer for Languages, Kulim Bandar Baharu) Pn. Nadia Normala Vimala bt Abdullah (Assistant District Language Officer for Languages, Pendang) Cik Farha bt Sobry (Assistant District Language Officer for English (Secondary), Kuala Muda Yan En. Oslan bin Yum (Assistant District Language Officer for English (Secondary), Kubang Pasu

Panel of Smart Module 2 2011 (SPM 1119) 1. Pn. Farah Ikhmar bt Jafri (SMK Sik) 2. En. Lim Swee Teong (SMK Simpang Kuala) 3. YM Raja Nurhayati bt Raja Abdullah (SMK Seri Pantai) 4. Pn. Norliza bt Abd Hamid (SMK Syed Abu Bakar) 5. Pn. Razliza bt Razak (SM Vokasional Kulim) 6. Pn. Noorkhasimah bt Abdul Halim (SMK Dato’ Syed Ahmad) 7. Pn. Sabjeet Kaur a/p Kasmir Singh (SMK Pendang) 8. Pn. Adibah@Adiba bt Khusairi (SMK Naka) 9. Pn. Fadhilah bt Bukil (SMK Mahsuri)

2 10. En. Zanurin bin Mohamad Safar (SMK Kulim)

3 TABLE OF CONTENT

CONTENT

1. INFORMATION TRANSFER

1.1 Teacher’s Notes 1.2 Student’s Tips 1.3 Practices Practice 1 Practice 2 Practice 3 Practice 4 Practice 5 Practice 6 Practice 7 Practice 8 Practice 9

2.READING COMPREHENSION AND SUMMARY

2.1 Teacher’s Notes 2.2 Student’s Tips 2.3 Practices Practice 1 Practice 2 Practice 3 Practice 4 Practice 5 Practice 6 Practice 7 Practice 8

3. LITERATURE COMPONENT-POEMS

3.1 Teacher’s Notes 3.2 Student’s Tips 3.3 Practices Practice 1 Practice 2 Practice 3 Practice 4 Practice 5 Practice 6 Practice 7 Practice 8 Practice 9 Practice 10 Practice 11 Practice 12

4 4. LITERATURE COMPONENT-NOVEL

4.1 Teacher’s Notes 4.2 Student’s Tips 4.3 Practices Practice 1 Practice 2 Practice 3 Practice 4 Practice 5 Practice 6 Practice 7

5. DIRECTED WRITING

5.1 Teacher’s Notes 5.2 Student’s Tips 5.3 Sample Essays and Practices Sample Essay and Practice 1 Sample Essay and Practice 2 Sample Essay and Practice 3 Sample Essay and Practice 4 Sample Essay and Practice 5 Sample Essay and Practice 6 Sample Essay and Practice 7

6. CONTINUOUS WRITING

6.1 Teacher’s Notes 6.2 Student’s Tips 6.3 Sample Essays Sample Essay 1 Sample Essay 2 Sample Essay 3 Sample Essay 4 Sample Essay 5 Sample Essay 6 Sample Essay 7 Sample Essay 8 Sample Essay 9 Sample Essay 10 Sample Essay 11 Sample Essay 12 Sample Essay 13 Sample Essay 14 Sample Essay 15 Sample Essay 16

5 Table of content

1. Information Transfer

1.1 Teacher’s Notes and Student’s Tips

1.2 Practice Practice 1 Practice 2 Practice 3 Practice 4 Practice 5 Practice 6 Practice 7 Practice 8 Practice 9

6 1 . INFORMATION TRANSFER

1.1 Tips on Answering Information Transfer Question

1. Study the information in the text carefully. -The text can varies from advertisements, notices, movie reviews, news report, catalogues, pamphlets and so forth. 2. Read the questions carefully. -Make sure you know what the questions ask for. -The questions may require you to write the name of events, titles of movies, or relevant words or phrases taken out of the text. 3. The answer should be short and straight to the point. - Do not write in full sentence or use your own words. 4. You may need to do some logical reasoning for some of the questions. -Note the keywords in each question to help you to choose your answer. 5. Spell your answer correctly. 6. If students give more than one answer, mark will be awarded if only all the answers given are correct. - applicable for questions with more than possible answers.

7 1.2 Practice

Practice 1

THE NO. 1 CHOICE AMONGST LAW STUDENTS IN MALAYSIA Over 100 World And National Top Students, 1st Class And 2nd Uppers In The LLB, CLP and ICSA Over The Past 2 Years. 5 Reasons to Study Law at The Wide Range Of Law Programmes Offered Bhaling Law Institute

PRE-UNIVERSITY 1 Comprehensive Law Library- BLI houses • A Level a specialist law library which allow access to (Cambridge International online resources. Examination) 2 Free Books and Study Materials- UNDERGRADUATE students will be provided with free textbook, • LLB (Hons.) Cardiff University statute books, study manuals and revision guide. • LLB (Hons) Liverpool University • LLB (Hons) Northumbria 3 Accomodation Services- BLI provides University ongoing accommodation service and its hall of • LLB (Hons) Reading University residence will be opening in 2011.

Via UK TRANSFER DEGREE 4 Flexible Study Modes- You can choose to PROGRAMME (LAW) study Full Time, Part Time, on weekend or via Distance Learning. PROFESSIONAL • Diploma for Legal Secretaries 5 Financial Assistance- Scholarships, • Professional Development PTPTN loans, EPF withdrawal and installment scheme are available. Programmes

CALL 1- 800- 889- 5324 ( MS. SHANIA TWAINE) OR EMAIL US AT [email protected]

8 Complete the blanks with the information from the text.

MEMO

1.Name of The College :…………………………………………………. (1m)

Types of Programmes offered : 2…………………………………………………… (1m)

3…………………………………………………… (1m)

4……………………………………………………. (1m)

Benefits you get if you study there 5……………………………………………………………………….……………..(1m)

6……………………………………………………………………….……………..(1m)

7……………………………………………………………………..……………….(1m)

8………………………………………………………………………………………(1m)

9…………………………………………………………………….………………..(1m)

10. Discount you get if you register early is …………………….………………(1m)

9 Practice 2

Hundreds attend celebration of Chinese Culture By : Danny Ooi

GEORGE TOWN: Hundreds of Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) students, their family members and the public held a Chinese New Year celebration recently.

The function, held for the fifth time, was to promote Chinese culture and tradition. “ We hold this event yearly because it is of utmost importance for us to preserve our culture. We believe it will help the younger generation to embrace their own culture,” said the celebration’s project director Ng Ze Shen.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon, was the guest- of-honour. Also present was USM deputy vice-chancellor of student affairs and development Datuk Dr Omar Osman.

There were performances by USM drum group, USM Chinese Orchestra and singer Wong Choon Yean. The function also included a lion dance, beat box, twirling diabolo, face changing, model show and fire-eating.Food, games and other stalls were also set up to entertain the crowd.

(Source: NST, March 11, 2011)

10 Fill in the blanks below with answers from the news report above.

1. Headline :………………………………………………………………………………… 2. Reporter: ………………………………………………………………………………… 3. Venue of the event :…………………………………………………………………….. 4. Objective of the event: …………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………… 5. Event manager: ……………………………………………………………………………………

Invited V.I.P : 6) Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon Position: ………………………………………………………………………… 7) Datuk Dr Omar Osman

Position:………………………………………………………………………….

Performances by USM students 8) …………………………………………………………………………………….. 9) …………………………………………………………………………………….. 10) …………………………………………………………………………………....

(10 marks)

11 Practice 3 TOP3 INDIAN RESTAURANTS IN PULAU MUTIARA

Drop by Gem Restaurant which offers North and South Indian cuisines. The restaurant with its fusion of contemporary and traditional décor, serves a wide array of food from spicy dishes to creamy delights. The Mutton Sheekh Kebab marinated in aromatic saffron and spices pack a punch. The restaurant is at the corner of Bishop Street and King Street.

Passions of Kerala has two outlets in Penang-one in Gelugor and the other in New World Park. Numerous fresh spices are used. The dishes are cooked with a generous amount of grated amount of grated coconut and coconut milk. The banana leaf rice is served with an assortment of vegetables dishes.

Sri Ananda Bahwan has a spacious outlet in Tanjung Bungah and Little India. Tuck into specialities such as Gobi Manchurian and the mixed of naan basket which comes with mint and sweet sauce. They have a wide variety of sweet and savoury dessert such as bananas son palpua, palkova and chocolate almond cakes.

(images from yahoo.com)

Sources: NST, March 3 ,2011

12 Fill in the blanks with correct answers from the advertisement .

13 Practice 4

Edinburgh's Hogmanay Torchlight Procession

The Torchlight Procession opens Edinburgh's Hogmanay festivities. It takes place on 30th December, starting at Parliament Square by St Giles Cathedral at 6.30pm and winding its way down the Mound to Calton Hill.

Grab a torchlight and your blonde wig, and join a bunch of noisy, hairy vikings and Scotsmen as they drag a viking warship up Edinburgh's Calton Hill.On arriving at the hill firework displays and the blazing flames from the ship will light up the night sky when the ship itself is put to the torch.

Hogmanay warmer-upper

A troupe of 30 vikings from the Lerwick Up Helly Aa Viking Festival in Shetland will lead hundreds of torch carriers.They're accompanied by the pipes and drums of both traditional and contemporary outfits, which have included Barnton & Dalkeith Pipe Band, the Coalburn Pipes and Drums, the Tartan Dholies, and Schnickelfritz.

How to get your torches

• Torch vouchers cost £5.00 in advance or £6.00 on the night and are available from the Hogmanay Box Office and Edinburgh Hogmanay ticket outlets. On the day you exchange vouchers for the torches from 4.30pm in Parliament Square by St Giles Cathedral. You can also buy torches on the day from 4.30pm in Parliament Square, at the Lawnmarket , the Tron Information Centre and at Mound Place junction. Money raised by the sale of torches to all those taking part in the procession will go to Edinburgh's One City Trust and Radio Forth’s Help a Child Appeal.

Source: http://www.hogmanay.net/events/edinburgh/torchlightprocession

14 Fill in the blanks with correct answers from the advertisement .

The Torchlight Procession

1. Date

2. Time

3. Procession Area

Price of Torch Vouchers: Ticket outlets:

5……………………………………………………. 7………………………………………………….

6…………………………………………………… 8………………………………………………….

The Procession

9. 10. Will be lead by Viking troupe from accompanied by pipes and drum groups …………………………………….. wearing their ……………………………

………………………………………………...

15 Practice 5

The Malay Chronicles: Bloodlines for world markets (“Hikayat Merong Mahawangsa'' ) is a Malay film history published by KRU Studios to the market internationally with the aim of introducing the history and culture of the Malay world. Epic film is clearly adapted from the prose, Hikayat Merong Mahawangsa which narrated the history of the earliest state Kedah.

A film directed by Yusry Abdul Halim (from the KRU) is now showing in Malaysian cinemas starting from March 10, 2011 (after the royal presentation before the February 25 ), by Stephen Rahman Hughes as the character Merong Mahawangsa, accompanied by a large cast of local and foreign, especially Dato 'Haji Rahim Razali, Ummi Nazeera, Khir Rahman, Jehan Miskin , Umie Aida and Maya Karin.

In the year 120, Roman Empire at that time under the reign of Hadrian, while in China, Han dynasty are a powerful empire and has expanded its rule to the Central Asian countries. As the Roman fleet did their repairs and traded in Goa, they asked Merong Mahawangsa to escort a Roman prince to Southeast Asia, to wed a beautiful Chinese princess from the Han Dynasty, Princess Meng Li Hua. The Chinese princess and the Roman prince are supposed to meet halfway and be married on neutral grounds. However, pirate of the Garuda clan has a different design. They decide to kidnap Princess of China and make it as a hostage. At the end of irrigation Strait of Malacca, Merong Mahawangsa and the fleet was attacked by Garuda. Thus, it is the duty of Merong Mahawangsa to rescue Princess of China and integrate her with the Prince of Rome in a marriage of two great civilizations of East and West.

Source:Wikipedia.com

16 Fill in the blanks with correct answer from the text.

1 Movie Title:

2 Released Date:

3 Director:

4 Producer

5. In this film, Stephen Hughes acts as ………………………………………………………………..

6. This epic was adapted from an old prose of the history of early Kedah ,………………………….

……………………………………………….

7. Merong Mahawangsa was instructed to accompany ………………………………………….. to

meet her betrothed Roman Prince.

8. The Han Princess was on her way to ……………………………………………… when she was

kidnapped by Garuda.

9. The grand wedding of Princess of China and Prince of Rome is a marriage of…………………

…………………………………………………………………

10. Names of three local casts in the film are…………………………………………………………..

……………………………………………………………………………………………………..……… .

17 Practice 6

1. Barley: 5. Melon: Barley ranks below only wheat as a The eating of it cures every disease. desirable food. It is the first Generally, the sweeter a melon, the greater recommendation for hot temperament its heat. Green varieties tend to be cold; the diseases. Barley is soaked in water, which is yellow, hot. Melon purifies the bladder and drunk for coughs and sore throats. A soup the stomach, and improves the spinal fluid made from barley is good for anyone and eyesight. Melons should not be eaten suffering from the pain of fever. first in a meal.

2. Figs: 6. Milk : It is a fruit from paradise and a cure for It strengthens the back, improved the brain, piles. Fresh figs are preferred to be dried. renews vision and drives away Although quite nourishing, they are very forgetfulness. A milk diet is the best hot. So eat of it, for it is a cure for piles and treatment there for dropsy; however, helps gout anyone with fever must avoid milk.

7. Olive Oil and olive 3. Grapes: Excellent treatment for skin and hair, delays It purifies the blood, provides vigour and old age, and treats inflammation of the health, strengthens the kidneys and clears stomach. The older olive oil is, the hotter it the bowels. becomes.

4. Honey: Green olives are the most nourishing, and Considered the best remedy for diarrhoea counteract autointoxication. Black olives when mixed in hot water. It is the food of cause the spleen to overproduce bile and foods, drink of drinks and drug of drugs. It are hard on the stomach. Olive leaves can is used for creating appetite, strengthening be chewed as treatment for inflammation of the stomach, eliminating phlegm; as a meat the stomach, skin ulcerations, and eruptions preservative, hair conditioner, eye soother of herpes and hives. and mouthwash. It is extremely beneficial in the morning in warm water.

18 Source: http://chishti.org/foods_of_the_prophet.htm

Fill in the boxes with the correct answers from the article .

Complete the sentences below from the information in the article.

1. If you eat grapes, it will help you to clear …………………………………………………. 2. Honey is good to be taken …………………………………………..to heal your diarrhoea. 3. Someone with fever are not advised to take ……………………………………………….. 4. Olive oil is a tremendous treatment for ……………………………………………………… 5. To treat coughs and sore throats, you should …………………………………………….

19 Practice 7

Do you have what it takes to be a Science Superstar? Come and join the International Petronas Science Talents Competition

THEME: Creatively Act Out Important Discoveries In Science.

Regional winners will compete against other “Science Superstars” from all over Malaysia in the grand finals at Istana Budaya, Kuala Lumpur in 26 December 2011

The competition is eligible to all Form 4 to 5 students

Science Superstars National Level Prizes

A 4D/3N Educational tour package to Tokyo Multimedia Set for school Science Development Programme for school

A 4D/3N Educational tour package to Singapore Multimedia Set for school Science Development Programme for school

An Education/tour package within Malaysia Multimedia Set for school Science Development Programme for school

Judges 1. Dato Siti Noorhaliza 2. Ir.Dr Irwan Shah Ali 3. Tan Sri Dr Nawab Abu

Log on to petrosains.com.my for details or contest entry.

Closing date: 30 June 2011 Endorsed by: Ministry of Education

20 A National Education Initiative organized by: PETROSAINS Fill in the blanks with information from the advertisement.

Name of Competition 1…………………………………………………

2.Theme 3. Organiser …………………………………………… ………………………………………… …………………………………………… ………………………………………..

4. Number of Winners 5. Participants ……………………………………………. ……………………………………….. ……………………………………………. ………………………………………..

6. Entry Closing Date 7. Final Competition Date ……………………………………………. . ………………………………………… ……………………………………………. …………………………………………..

8. Final Competition Venue 9. Judge(s) ……………………………………………… …………………………………………. …………………………………………….. …………………………………………...

21 10. Contact for Information ……………………………………………. …………………………………………….

Practice 8 What is Osteoporosis?

 Osteoporosis means porous bones, where it becomes less dense or more porous. When this happens, bones becomes weak and more likely to break

 Both men and women suffer osteoporosis but women are at higher risk.

 Consequences of Osteoporosis

Broken hip-majority of those who survive are disabled and only 25% will resume normal activity

Vertebral fracture- usually the pain starts suddenly and worsen when a person stands or walks

Wrist fracture- some of the symptoms are pain, swelling and tender wrist. Surgical may be required and followed by splinting.

(source: Ministry Of Health Malaysia)

( Image: http://nutriweb.org.my)

Fill in the blanks with the correct answer from the text above.

OSTEOPOROSIS

Meaning

1…………………………………………………

Potential Victims

2………………………………………………..

Effects

4……………………………………

3………………………………………….

Broken Wrist Symptoms of broken wrist

23 5………………………………………………. 6. ………………………………………………. 7………………………………………………..

Ways to avoid 8…………………………………………………… 9…………………………………………………… 10……………………………………………………

Practice 9 Malay Folks Dance Canggung Endang Zapin Endang is a modern Malay dance that has the influence of Sumatra and practiced by the Minang community of Negeri Sembilan, as seen movements, costumes and music.

The dance movements depict the daily activity of villagers such as plucking leaves and wiping sweat from the brow. The dance often begins with dancers seated in a long This dance is popular in Perlis, a state line performing arms movements It is believed that Muslim near the border of Thailand and once that slowly increases in tempo. missionaries of the Middle East being ruled by Thailand. The Thai namely Persia and Arabia influence is strong and in Thai, Sometimes the dancers hold introduced the dance to Malaya 'canggung' means dancers. traditional tambourines and make during the fifteenth century. sounds with them while dancing. In The dance is performed not only Malaysia, this dance is performed to The dance was originally during festivals but also during the song Din Din Barindin and performed by males only wedding ceremonies. The dance is present choreographers have however it is also performed by 24 performed in pairs with the ladies hold developed it considerably. female dancers these days. a handkerchief in their hands. The simple version of the Zapin The dancers sing (ala canggung mak is performed to the rhythm &1234 si canggung, canggung canggung la la and the foot is extended out to la la le) while dancing. They also sing the side on the last count. famous Malay poems according to the beat and melody of the music. The music for Zapin comes from an ensemble of traditional The musical instruments used the instruments which include the dance are the gong, violin, two rebana lute (gambus), gypsy-type and a gendang ubi. bongos (marwas) and the violin. The dancers can then play with each other, teasing, challenging and enjoying each others company. It is most popular in Johor.

Source: http://www.dancemalaysia.com/Dance/Traditional/Folk_Dance/

Fill in the boxes with the information from the text.

Dance State Musical Instrument(s) used in the dance 1. Johor 2.

Endang 3. 4.

5. 6. Gong, rebana , violin and gendang ubi

Complete the sentences with the information from the text.

7. The Canggung dance is performed in pairs with …………………………………………………

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………...

8. Endang dance movement displays ………………………………………………………………….

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………

25 9. The meaning of Canggung in Thai is …………………………………………………………………

10.Zapin was introduced to Malaya by ………………………………………………………………….

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………

2.3 MARK SCHEME

Practice 1

MEMO

1.Name of The College : Bhaling Law Institute

Types of Programmes offered : 2…Pre-University

3…Undergraduate

4…Professional Benefits you get if you study there

5…Comprehensive Law Library

6…Free books and study material.

7…Accomodation services

8…Flexible study modes

9…Financial assistance 26 10. Discount you get if you register early is …20 %

Practice 2

1.Headline : Hundreds attend celebration of Chinese Culture 2.Reporter: Danny Ooi 3.Venue of the event :George Town 4.Objective of the event: To promote Chinese culture and tradition as well as to preserve the culture 5.Event manager: Ng Ze Shen Invited V.I.P : 6) Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon Position: Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department 7) Datuk Dr Omar Osman Position: USM deputy vice-chancellor of student affairs and development

Performances by USM student 8)USM drum group 9)USM Chinese Orchestra 10)Singer/ Wong Choon Yean

Practice 3 .

27 Practice 4

28 The Torchlight Procession

Date: Time: Procession Area: 1. 30th December 2. 6.30pm 3. the Mound to Calton Hill

Price of Torch Vouchers: Ticket outlets: 5. £5.00 in advance 7. Hogmanay Box Office

6. £6.00 on the night 8. Edinburgh Hogmanay Ticket Outlets

9. Lerwick Up Aa Viking Festival in Shetland 10. traditional and contemporary outfits.

Practice 5

1 Movie Title: The Malay Chronicles: Bloodlines 2 Released Date: 10 March 2011

3 Director: Yusry Abdul Halim 4 Producer KRU Studios

5. In this film, Stephen Hughes acts as Merong Mahawangsa

6. This epic was adapted from an old prose of the history of early Kedah , Hikayat Merong Mahawangsa.

7. Merong Mahawangsa was instructed to accompany Princess Meng Li Hua to meet her betrothed Roman Prince.

8. The Han Princess was on her way to Southeast Asia when she was kidnapped by Garuda.

9. The grand wedding of Princess of China and Prince of Rome is a marriage of two great civilizations of East and West.

10. Names of three local casts in the film are Dato 'Haji Rahim Razali, Ummi Nazeera, Khir Rahman, Jehan Miskin , Umie Aida and Maya Karin. (any three )

Practice 6

29 6.If you eat grapes, it will help you to clear the bowels.

7.Honey is good to be taken in hot water to heal your diarrhoea.

8.Someone with fever are not advised to take milk.

9.Olive oil is a tremendous treatment for skin and hair.

10. To treat coughs and sore throats, you should soak barley in water and drink.

Practice 7

Name of Competition 30 1. Science Superstars

2.Theme 3. Organiser Creatively Act Out Important Petrosains Discoveries In Science

4. Number of Winners 5. Participants Three Form 4 and Form 5 Students

6. Entry Closing Date 7. Final Competition Date 30 June 2011 26 December 2011

8. Final Competition Venue 9. Judge(s) Istana Budaya, Kuala Lumpur Dato Siti Noorhaliza/ Ir.Dr Irwan Shah Ali/ Tan Sri Dr Nawab Abu

10. Contact for Information petrosains.com.my

31 Practice 8

Meaning

1 Porous Bones

Potential Victims of Osteoporosis

2 Men and Women

Effects

4 Vertebral Fracture

3 Broken hip

Broken Wrist Symptoms of broken wrist

5 pain wrist 6 swelling wrist 7 tender wrist

Ways to avoid 8 eat high-calcium foods 9 exercise regularly 10 do not smoke at young age

32 Practice 9

Dance State Musical Instrument(s) used in the dance 1. Zapin Johor 2. the lute, gypsy-type bongos and violin

Endang 3. Negeri Sembilan 4. tambourines

5. Canggung 6. Perlis Gong, rebana , violin and gendang ubi

7. The Canggung dance is performed in pairs with the ladies hold a handkerchief in their hand.

8. Endang dance movement displays the daily activity of villagers.

9. The meaning of Canggung in Thai is dancers.

10.Zapin was introduced to Malaya by Muslim missionaries of the Middle East/ Persian and Arabian

33 CONTENT PAGE

2.READING COMPREHENSION AND SUMMARY

2.1 Teacher’s notes

2.2 Student’s Tips

2.3 Practices

Practice 1 Practice 2 Practice 3 Practice 4 Practice 5 Practice 6 Practice 7

34 1. Reading Comprehension and Summary

1.1 Teacher’s Notes

1 Ask the students to read the summary question first (Question 31) before they read the passage in Section C. The summary question normally allows them to get some ideas of what the passage is all about. It is an advantage for weak students to know the general idea of the passage before they read it. Teachers must remind the students that they should not write the summary first but after reading the summary question, they should read the passage and answer all the comprehension questions. 2. Advise the students to read the passage paragraph by paragraph. After reading each paragraph, they should read and try to answer the question that is based on that paragraph. By doing so, the students will be more focused in finding the correct answer. 3. Students should be able to identify the keywords in each question. The keywords will be clues for them to find the correct answer in the passage. 4. Students should only copy out the sentence from the text once they have identified the sentence containing the answer. Of course, they must also be reminded that pronouns such as I, me, mine, my, our, us and ours must be changed accordingly. 5. Students must be taught to differentiate a word and a phrase. So, if there is a question asking for a word, they must only write a word for their answer. On the other hand, if they are supposed to write a phrase, they must only write down a group of words which is not a complete sentence such as ‘uncomplicated deIivery or ‘indispensable part of our lives’. Similarly, if the question requires students to write words as the answer, teachers should guide students to copy a part of a sentence. Make sure they do not lift the whole sentence. In short, teachers must ensure students are aware of the differences of these terms: word, words, phrase and sentence. 6. Students must attempt to check the accuracy of all their answers.

1.2 Student’s Tips

1. Students must understand the requirement/s of the summary. 2. Students must mark the lines where the summary starts and ends. 3. Students should know that the first 3 lines normally contain the first point or at least a content point. 4. Students must refer to the summary requirement/s before they finally copy out any sentence as their content point. They must be encouraged to question themselves accordingly such as by asking “Is this a danger he faced?” or “Is this how they solved their problems?”. The questions they pose to themselves are their guide in selecting the relevant and accurate content points. 5. When students have picked a sentence as their content point, they should copy the sentence completely to avoid any distortion of meaning. 6. For weak or very weak students, they may copy the longest paragraph up to 130 words. By doing so, they should be able to score several marks for content points.

35 7. Students must also copy the punctuations accurately as they appear in the passage.

8. They should try as far as possible to keep to the word limit. Exceeding it will just be a waste of time and effort as anything written beyond it will not be considered at all. However, no marks will be penalised for the extra words included. 9. By simply copying out sentences correctly, students will be able to earn 2 marks for Use of Language.

Marks for summary:

Paraphrasing (P) : 5 Content points 10 Use of Language (UE): 5 Language 5 10/2= 15 5 (Language) (Total marks)

LANGUAGE DESCRIPTORS

Marks for language: 5 marks (Add marks for paraphrase and use of English and divide by two)

MAR PARAPHRASE MARK USE OF ENGLISH K • sustained rephrasing • language is accurate • allow phrases from text • occasional slips or minor errors • which are difficult to substitute • very well-organised and coherent 5 • expression is secure 5 throughout • marked ability to use original complex structures

• noticeable rephrasing • language is largely accurate • free from stretches of concentrated • isolated serious errors 4 lifting 4 • well-organised and coherent in • expression is generally sound most parts • some ability to use original and complex structures • limited rephrasing • language is sufficiently accurate 3 • intelligent and selective lifting 3 • some serious errors • expression is not always secure • fairly well-organised coherent in some parts • wholesale copying • meaning is not in doubt • attempts to substitute with own • frequent serious errors language limited to single word • poorly organized and lacks 2 expression 2 coherence • meaning is not in doubt • frequent serious errors • poorly organized land lacks coherence 36 • more or less a complete transcript • heavy frequency of serious errors of text • fractured syntax 1 • originality barely noticeable 1 • incoherent • mindless lifting

PRACTICE 1

Section C

[25 marks]

Questions 26 – 31 are based on the following passage.

1 One day, a young man was cleaning out his late grandfather’s belongings when he came across a bright red envelope. Written on the front were the words, "To my grandson”. Recognising his grandfather’s writing, the young man opened the envelope. A letter inside read: 2 “Dear Grandson, years ago you came to me for help. You said, “Grandpa, 5 how is it that you’ve accomplished so much in your life and you’re still full of energy I’m already tired of struggling. How can I get that same enthusiasm that you’ve got?” 3 “I didn’t know what to say to you then as you were still too young to comprehend the complexities of life. But knowing my days are numbered, I figure 10 that I owe you an answer. So here is what I believe. I think a lot of it has to do with how a person looks at things. I call it ‘keeping your eyes wide open’. 4 First, realise that life is filled with surprises, some not so pleasant and others quite shocking but many are good ones. If you don’t keep watching for them, you’ll miss half the excitement. Expect to be thrilled once in a while, and 15 you will be. You attract what you think of the most in life. 5 When you meet up with challenges, welcome them. Do not bolt! They’ll leave you wiser, stronger, and more capable than you were the day before. You’ll be glad you dare to take the bull by its horns. 6 When you make a mistake, be grateful for the things it taught you. Failure 20 should not stop you from pursuing your dreams. No one is perfect. Resolve to use that lesson to help you reach your goals, 7 And always follow the rules — even the little ones. When you follow the rules, life works. If you think you ever really get by with breaking the rules, you’re only fooling yourself. Remember crime does not pay and our past has a sneaky 25 way of creeping up to us. 8 It’s also important to decide exactly what you want. Then, keep your mind focused on it, and be prepared to receive it. Being focused on a goal spurs us towards the right direction by channelling our energy on what is actually important so that we are not too overwhelmed by obstacles. 30 9 But be ready to end up in some new places too. Change is part of growing up. As you grow with the years. you’ll be given bigger shoes to fill. So be ready for endings as well as challenging beginnings. Life will not be so predictable. It can also be fun too. 10 Sometimes we have to be brave enough to move from the familiar to the 35 unfamiliar. Life isn’t just reaching peaks. Part of it is moving from one peak to the next. If you rest too long in between, you might be tempted to quit. Complacency and contentment will set in. You will not desire to move on. You can become lazy or indifferent. 37 11 Leave the past in the past. Climb the next mountain and enjoy the view. 40 Dump things that weigh you down emotionally and spiritually. When an old resentment, belief or attitude becomes heavy, lighten your load. Shed those hurtful attitudes that slow you down and drain your energy. 12 Remember that your choices will create your successes and your failures. So consider all the pathways ahead, and decide which ones to follow. Then, 45 believe in yourself get up, and get going. 13 And be sure to take breaks once in a while. Everyone needs to recharge their batteries. They’ll give you a renewed commitment to your dreams, and a cheerful, healthy perception of the things that matter the most to you. Your vision will be sharper and your goals clearer. 50 14 “Most important of all, never give up on yourself. The person that ends up a winner, is the one who resolves to win. Losers quit too early in the race. Give life everything you’ve got, and life will give its best back to you.” Love always, Grandpa. by Steve Brunkhorst

26 (a) From paragraph 1, why did the young man open the letter in the bright red envelope? ______[1 mark]

(b) From paragraph 2, what inspired the grandfather to write this letter? ______[1 mark]

27 (a) From paragraph 3, what does the phrase ‘keeping your eyes wide open’ mean? ______[1 mark]

(b) From paragraph 4,what are some of the surprises in life if we keep our eyes open? ______( 1 mark )

28 (a) From paragraph 5, how should the young man face challenges in life? ______( 1 mark )

(b) From paragraph 7, what was the grandfather’s advice with regards to rules? ______( 1 mark )

29 (b) From paragraph 9, explain the phrase ‘you’ll be given bigger shoes to fill.’ ______( 1 mark )

(b) From paragraph 14, how can life give its best back to us? ______( 1 mark )

30 Do you think it is important not to be a quitter in the race of life? Why? ______

38 ______( 2 marks )

31 Based on the passage given, write a summary on:

• the lessons of life given by the grandfather to his grandson.

Credit will be given for use of own words but care must be taken not to change the original meaning.

Your summary must • be in continuous writing form (not in note from) • use materials from lines 11 to 53 • not be longer than 130 words, including the 10 words given below

Begin your summary as follows:

I believe that it has a lot to do with ………………………………………………………..

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………

………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 39 …………………………………………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Vocabulary Practice

For each of the meaning of the words used in the article, find the word which matches the meaning.

1 (Line 7) great eagerness to do something - …………………….

2 (Line 10) limited - …………………………………

3 (Line 15) a state in which you are very interested and enthusiastic about something - …………….

4 (Line 25) deceiving - …………………….

5 (Line 28) concentrated - ………………………..

6 (Line 36) highest point of achievement - ……………………

7 (Line 42) a feeling of betterment and anger - ……………………………..

8 (Line 43) make someone tired - ………………………….

40 9 (Line 48) made a new start - …………………………..

10 (Line 49) outlook - …………………….

Editing

SUMMARY WORKSHEET (Student copy)

31 Based on the passage given, write a summary on: • the lessons of life given by the grandfather to his grandson.

Begin your summary as follows: I believe that it has a lot to do with ………………………………………………………..

1. I think a lot of it has to do with how a person looks at things

2. First, realise that life is filled with surprises, some not so pleasant and others quite shocking but many are good ones. If you don’t keep watching for them, you’ll miss half the excitement. Expect to be thrilled once in a while, and you will be.

3. When you meet up with challenges, welcome them. Do not bolt! They’ll leave you wiser, stronger, and more capable than you were the day before.

4. When you make a mistake, be grateful for the things it taught you. Failure should not stop you from pursuing your dreams. No one is perfect. Resolve to use that lesson to help you reach your goals,

5. And always follow the rules — even the little ones. When you follow the rules, life works.

6. It’s also important to decide exactly what you want. Then, keep your mind focused on it, and be prepared to receive it.

7. So be ready for endings as well as challenging beginnings.

41 8. Life will not be so predictable. It can also be fun too. Life isn’t just reaching peaks.

9. Leave the past in the past.

10. Remember that your choices will create your successes and your failures.

11. And be sure to take breaks once in a while. Everyone needs to recharge their batteries.

They’ll give you a renewed commitment to your dreams, and a cheerful, healthy perception of the things that matter the most to you.

12. “Most important of all, never give up on yourself.

13. Give life everything you’ve got, and life will give its best back to you.”

42 PRACTICE 2

Section C

[25 marks]

Questions 26 – 31 are based on the following passage.

1 It is not an easy task to be a good sportsman. What is actually sportsmanship? A good sportsmanship is the quality of someone who is inclined to the area of sports and plays rather fairly by following the rules of the game. Besides, the sportsman respects the judgment of the referees and all the officials in the game, knowing that they are not biased. A good sportsman will also treat 5 the opponents with respect. 2 Practising good sportsmanship in real-life situations is not easy. However, there are some guidelines in which one can follow. 3 Firstly, it is of the utmost importance to learn as much of the sports as possible. This is because a good sportsman should play by the rules. The 10 sportsman must be cooperative by showing up for practice, working hard and realizing that teamwork is important to ensure success. 4 In addition, it is important to talk politely and act courteously towards the teammates, the opponents, the coaches and even the opponents’ coaches before, during and even after the games or events. Furthermore, never forget to 15 get in touch with the officials presiding over the game and also the spectators. 5 Remember to stay cool. Never ever lose your temper. A good sportsman should not give up easily. A game is only a game and the chances of winning are fifty-fifty, so no matter how hard you have played the game, be realistic. Remember that there is a winner and a loser in a game. No one likes to lose, but 20 learn to take defeat as a challenge. 6 Another thing a good sportsman must remember is to avoid settling disputes with violence. In case there is such a dispute, seek the advice of a coach or an official. If you respond with violence, the problem is that as a sportsman, you can be penalized. The effect is that your chances in winning a game are very slim. 25 7 It is important to cheer your teammates with positive statements. Every member in the team is important. It is good to avoid trash talking about the other team. 8 Moreover, remember to acknowledge and applaud the good plays. If your team loses the game, do not feel disappointed. A good play should be given the 30 credit. 9 Lastly, congratulate your opponents if they win the game. Learn to accept defeat gracefully. Congratulate your opponents on a game well played.

26 From paragraph 1, list two qualities of a good sportsmanship. (i) ______[1 mark] 43 (ii) ______[1 mark]

27 From paragraph 3, (a) why is it important to learn as much of the sports as possible? ______[1 mark] (b) how can a good sportsman show his cooperation? ______[1 mark]

28 From paragraph 4, (a) which word in this paragraph has the same meaning as the word ‘adversaries’? ______[1 mark] (b) explain the meaning of the word ‘presiding’. ______[1 mark]

29 (a) From paragraph 5, what are the chances in winning a game? ______[1 mark] (b) From paragraph 6, state the likely thing that will happen to a sportsman if a dispute ends in violence. ______[1 mark]

30 In paragraph 9, what are the ways a good sportsman should do if the opponents win the game? Write in your own words. ______[2 marks]

31 Based on the passage given, write a summary on: • what is good sportsmanship • ways to practise good sportsmanship

Credit will be given for use of own words but care must be taken not to change the original meaning.

Your summary must: • be in continuous writing form (not in note form) • use materials from line 1 to the end • not be longer than 130 words, including the 10 words given below

Begin your summary as follows:

Demonstrating good sportsmanship is important in any games or sports ……………………………...

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..…

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….…

44 ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….…

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….…

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..…

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….…

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..…

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….…

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..…

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….…

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..…

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….…

Vocabulary Practice

For each of the meaning of the words used in the article, find the word which matches the meaning.

1. (Line 2) to tend to think or behave in a particular way - ______

2. (Line 5) showing favour towards or against one group of people or one opinion for personal reasons - ______

3. (Line 13) showing politeness - ______

4. (Line 19) accepting in a sensible way what it is actually possible to do or achieve in a particular situation - ______

5. (Line 23) disagreement between two people - ______

6. (Line 25) not as big as you would like or expect - ______

45 7. (Line 29) to show your approval of somebody by clapping your hands - ______

Editing

SUMMARY (Student use)

31 Based on the passage given, write a summary on: • what is good sportsmanship • ways to practise good sportsmanship

Begin your summary as follows:

Demonstrating good sportsmanship is important in any games or sports …………………...

1. A good sportsmanship is the quality of someone who is inclined to the area of

sports and plays rather fairly by following the rules of the game.

2. Besides, the sportsman respects the judgment of the referees and all the officials

in the game, knowing that they are not biased.

3. A good sportsman will also treat the opponents with respect.

4. Firstly, it is of the utmost importance to learn as much of the sports as possible.

5. The sportsman must be cooperative by showing up for practice, working hard and

realizing that teamwork is important to ensure success.

6. In addition, it is important to talk politely and act courteously towards the

teammates, the opponents, the coaches and even the opponents’ coaches before,

during and even after the games or events.

7. Remember to stay cool. Never ever lose your temper. A good sportsman should

not give up easily.

46 8. Another thing a good sportsman must remember is to avoid settling disputes with

violence.

If you respond with violence, the problem is that as a sportsman, you can be penalized.

9. Moreover, remember to acknowledge and applaud the good plays

10. Lastly, congratulate your opponents if they win the game. Learn to accept defeat

gracefully. Congratulate your opponents on a game well played.

47 PRACTICE 3

Section C

[25 marks]

Questions 26 – 31 are based on the following passage.

1 Many of us have books at home. These books can range from reference books to encyclopedias, journals, magazines or even fiction books. However, we lack the knowledge to convert these books into a home library. The books are normally stacked in boxes and left in the attics or storerooms to collect dust.

2 What is a home library? A home library is a little area of space in a corner 5 of a home or even a small room where we can place all our reading materials, references and electronic resources. A home library can be turned into a cosy room of references by the family members. Here, the family may run activities that are related to reading such as games like Scrabble, chess, word puzzles and crossword puzzles.

3 Normally, a home library contains printed and non-printed reading 10 materials. Materials such as reading tools can also be placed in the home library. Some examples of such reading materials are the dictionaries, atlas, encyclopedias, manuals on bikes or cars, recipes or even telephone directories.

4 In addition, it is good to add in some light reading materials or viewing materials in the home library. There are a vast collection of novels, picture books, 15 magazines, family photo albums and articles that can be collected by the family members for reference. Other added collections to the home library are videotapes, cassettes, CD-ROMs, board games and even brochures.

5 Most people do not realize that having a home library is beneficial. A home library can help to foster a long-life love for reading among the family members. 20 Children can be given the opportunity to be exposed to reading books at a young age. Indirectly, the young readers can be inculcated with the love for reading. Reading can be made as one of the activities for the family members. The parents can guide the children to read books and at the same time, foster good family relationships. Children can also be fostered to adopt a positive attitude to 25 appreciate reading materials and knowledge that can be of value to them. In the long run, the family members can develop their reading process. A home library enables the family members to read materials within the confines of their own homes. The materials can be easily accessed at any time. Moreover, the reading activities can be carried out to improve the thinking skills of family members. 30

6 There are many activities that one can carry out in a home library. In this little library of knowledge, one can test the family members on a skill of chess, Scrabble or the Malay strategic game called ‘congkak’. In this small corner of a room, one can also teach the family members to make some handicrafts like 48 origami. A family can also sit together to test their command of vocabulary 35 through Scrabble, a crossword puzzle and a list of other board games. There are also games that challenge the mind that can be stored in this home library. One example is the ‘Sahibba’.

7 To make the home library a good resource centre for family members and even friends, one example is to get the help of the state public library 40 management on ways to manage and run the home library. Some bookshelves will be needed to make the place presentable. Another way is to arrange the books according to the types and interests.

8 It is easy to set up a home library. Get your home organized and have a corner of your room or even a special room to get this place started. You may be 45 surprised that your family members will actually need such a room.

26 From paragraph 2, (a) what is a home library? ______[1 mark] (b) which word in this paragraph has the same meaning as the word comfortable? ______[1 mark]

27 From paragraph 2, what kind of games are related to reading? List two kinds. (a) ______[1 mark] (b) ______[1 mark]

28 From paragraph 3, list two materials that can be found in a home library. (a) ______[1 mark] (b) ______[1 mark]

29 From paragraph 5, state two advantages of having a home library. (a) ______[1 mark] (b) ______[1 mark]

30 From paragraph 7, (a) where can one get help to run a home library? ______[1 mark] (b) explain the meaning of the word ‘presentable’. ______[1 mark]

49 31 Based on the passage given, write a summary on: • what is a home library • the benefits of having a home library

Credit will be given for use of own words but care must be taken not to change the original meaning.

Your summary must: • be in continuous writing form (not in note form) • use materials from lines 5 to 33 • not be longer than 130 words, including the 10 words given below

Begin your summary as follows:

Having a home library is important in every family for......

…………………………………………………………………………………………………

50 …………………………………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………

Vocabulary Practice

For each of the meaning of the words used in the article, find the word which matches the meaning.

1. (Line 4) a room or space just below the roof of a house, often used for storing thing - ______

2. (Line 7 ) something that can be used to help achieve an aim, especially a book, equipment, etc. that provides information for teachers and students - ______

3. (Line 9) connected with something or somebody in some way - ______

4. (Line 16) extremely large in area, size, amount, etc - ______

5. (Line 21) to encourage something to develop - ______

6. (Line 22) to let somebody find out about something by giving them experience of it or showing them what it is like: - ______

7. (Line 29) limits or borders - ______

51 Editing

SUMMARY (Student use)

31 Based on the passage given, write a summary on: • what is a home library • the benefits of having a home library

Begin your summary as follows:

Having a home library is important in every family for......

1. its many benefits

2. A home library is a little area of space in a corner of a home or even a small room

where we can place all our reading materials, references and electronic resources.

3. A home library can be turned into a cosy room of references by the family

members. Here, the family may run activities that are related to reading such as

games like Scrabble, chess, word puzzles and crossword puzzles.

4. Normally, a home library contains printed and non-printed reading materials.

5. In addition, it is good to add in some light reading materials or viewing materials in

the home library. There are a vast collection of novels, picture books, magazines,

family photo albums and articles that can be collected by the family members for

reference. Other added collections to the home library are videotapes, cassettes,

CD-ROMs, board games and even brochures.

6. A home library can help to foster a long-life love for reading among the family members.

7. Children can be given the opportunity to be exposed to reading books at a young

age. Indirectly, the young readers can be inculcated with the love for reading.

52 8. Reading can be made as one of the activities for the family members.

9. The parents can guide the children to read books and at the same time, foster

good family relationships.

10. Children can also be fostered to adopt a positive attitude to appreciate reading

materials and knowledge that can be of value to them.

11. A home library enables the family members to read materials within the confines

of their own homes. The materials can be easily accessed at any time.

12. Moreover, the reading activities can be carried out to improve the thinking skills

of family members.

13. In this small corner of a room, one can also teach the family members to make

some handicrafts like origami.

53 PRACTICE 4

Section C

[25 marks]

Questions 26 – 31 are based on the following passage.

1 The Teddy Bear, once the most loved stuffed toy, is losing its appeal. This alarming news comes from the German company which claims it made the first jointed soft toy bears in 1902. The toy bears were delivered to toy shops before Christmas that year. Toy collectors are losing interest in the Teddy Bear and are looking for other types of stuffed toys. 5 2 Rival British and American companies, however, challenge the German company’s claim to being the creator of the Teddy Bear but the German toy company, Steiff, says that it has documents to prove their claim. Typical of German thoroughness, Steiff has files filled with sketches, diagrams and photographs of the first Teddy Bear. 10 3 Germans learnt about President Theodore ‘Teddy’ Roosevelt’s brush with a bear while hunting. Likely exaggerated, the account went on to say that after the incident, the American president went hunting in an area where there were no bears. In hopes of placating the president someone tied a bear cub to a tree. The president was infuriated at what he termed ‘unsporting behaviour’ and called off 15 the hunt. 4 A field day was had by pundits and cartoonists because of the incident. ‘Teddy Bear’ stories and cartoons cropped up everywhere. This opportunity was not missed by composers and entrepreneurs who quickly pounced on the merchandising gimmick. Soon almost every type of product had pictures of Teddy 20 and his Bear printed on them. 5 Toymakers jumped on the bandwagon, too. Here is where rival companies lay claims to being the creator of the original Teddy Bear. German toymaker, Richard Steiff, said that his company finished making the first jointed Teddy Bears in the autumn of 1902 and supplied toy-shops with them in time for Christmas. 25 6 It was at the Leipzig Trade Fair in 1903 that the breakthrough came for the Teddy Bear when an American toy seller ordered 3 000 bears at the last possible moment. 7 For a century, Teddy Bears played a very important role in the lives of young and old alike. The bears provided comfort and consolation to these people 30 and never went out of fashion through good and bad times. In the nostalgic 90s, Teddy Bears became highly-valued collectors’ items. Previously, there were already serious collectors, but enthusiasm peaked during this period. All at once, there were Teddy Bear Magazines, Teddy Bear fairs and markets only for Teddy Bears and ancient threadbare Teddy Bears fetched astronomical sums. 35 8 However, there are signs that Teddy is losing its appeal as the most desired collectable. Certain manufacturers blame it on the aftermath of September 11 and others on the economic downturn. Whatever the reason, people are buying fewer Teddy Bears than they used to.

54 (A dapted from Ernest Gill, Sunday Star, 24 November 2002)

26 In paragraph 1, according to the writer, (a) Which was once the most popular stuffed toy in the world? ______[1 mark] (b) What has happened to it now? ______[1 mark]

27 From paragraph 1, when and by whom was the first Teddy Bear made? ______[2 marks]

28 From the evidence in paragraphs 4 and 5, name two groups of people who exploited the ‘Teddy Bear’ stories. (i) ______[1 mark] (ii)______[1 mark]

29 In Paragraph 6, the writer says that it was at the Leipzig Trade Fair in 1903 that the ‘breakthrough’ came for the Teddy Bear. What was the ‘breakthrough’? ______[2 marks]

30 In your own words, explain how the Teddy Bear became such an important part of people’s lives in the nostalgic 90s. ______[2 marks]

31 Based on the passage given, write a summary on:

• the origin of the Teddy Bear • its rise in popularity and its recent decline.

Credit will be given for use of own words but care must be taken not to change the original meaning.

Your summary must • be in continuous writing form (not in note from) • use materials from lines 1 to 39 • not be longer than 130 words, including the 10 words given below

Begin your summary as follows:

A German toymaker claimed that he was the creator of ………………………………

………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 55 …………………………………………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Vocabulary Practice For each of the meaning of the words used in the article, find the word which matches the meaning.

1 (Line 1) a quality that makes something attractive or interesting - …………………….

2 (Line 8) having the usual qualities or features of a particular type of person, thing or group - …………………………………

3 (Line 12) done in a way that makes people notice it - …………….

4 (Line 14) making somebody feel less angry about something - …………………….

5 (Line 15) was made extremely angry - ………………………..

6 (Line 18) appeared or happened, especially when it was not expected - ……………………

7 (Line 37) the situation that exists as a result of an important (and usually unpleasant) 56 event, especially a war, an accident, etc.: - ……………………………..

Editing

SUMMARY WORKSHEET (Student copy)

31 Based on the passage given, write a summary on:

• the origin of the Teddy Bear • its rise in popularity and its recent decline.

Begin your summary as follows:

A German toymaker claimed that he was the creator of ………………………………

1. the German company which claims it made the first jointed soft toy bears in 1902.

2. Rival British and American companies, however, challenge the German company’s claim

to being the creator of the Teddy Bear but the German toy company, Steiff, says that it

has documents to prove their claim.

3. Germans learnt about President Theodore ‘Teddy’ Roosevelt’s brush with a bear while hunting.

4. A field day was had by pundits and cartoonists because of the incident. ‘Teddy Bear’

stories and cartoons cropped up everywhere. This opportunity was not missed by

composers and entrepreneurs who quickly pounced on the merchandising gimmick. Soon

almost every type of product had pictures of Teddy and his Bear printed on them.

5. It was at the Leipzig Trade Fair in 1903 that the breakthrough came for the Teddy Bear

when an American toy seller ordered 3 000 bears at the last possible moment.

6. For a century, Teddy Bears played a very important role in the lives of young and old alike.

The bears provided comfort and consolation to these people and never went out of

fashion through good and bad times. In the nostalgic 90s, Teddy Bears became highly

57 -valued collectors’ items.

7. However, there are signs that Teddy is losing its appeal as the most desired collectable.

Certain manufacturers blame it on the aftermath of September 11 and others on the

economic downturn.

58 PRACTICE 5 SECTION C (25 MARKS)

QUESTIONS 26-31 are based on the following passage

1 The descent was endless. After lunch, Chip began to complain of weak legs and a swollen knee. Before long he had to stop every ten minutes to rest. As I watched him sitting down clutching his knee, fear began to creep back into me, a different kind of fear, not for myself but for someone else. It had never occurred to me that my husband would have trouble. I never thought he would be the one who would be left behind. But in the twilight, with 1000 feet to go 2 before the next camp, it looked like we wouldn’t make it before dark. His eyes were 5 filled with stress .I took his daypack, and he put his arm around one of the guides. I coaxed him on, trying to cheer him up with show tunes, jokes, bad Swahili. When we finally fell upon the blue and yellow dome tents and the raging bonfire, he could barely walk on his own. The next day, with 3000 feet left to Mweka Gate, where our Land Cruisers were waiting to pick us up, Chip’s knee was locked up and again he had to lean on guide’s shoulder and limp down. The first to sign up was the last to finish. And his reluctant wife? Her body was intact, but her mind well, her mind was not the same. I thought 10 Alex told us on the way up about two clients who after suffering from altitude sickness, were sure they would never recover their faculties. 3 I knew I would never recover mine, but maybe that was good. I would never take those urban comforts for granted again. I would relish, every manicure, savor every meeting. And I would never climb another mountain. I gleefully gave away all my gear to the porters. In the logbook, I wrote my name and the date, and under comments I defiantly scrawled AGAINST MY RELIGION in capital letters. The irony, of course, 15 was that my experience on Kilimanjaro was the closest i have come to acting on blind faith. When we got home to the safe familiarity of city life, I embarrassed my workday routine with gusto. Logging on to my email, I learnt of a 26 year old climber who had 4 hiked up Kilimanjaro a week after we did. He had developed a severe respiratory illness and died during a nighttime evacuation attempt from the crater camp – a death

59 all the more tragic because he had planned to propose to his girlfriend when they reached the summit. She found the ring later among his possessions. The reality of 20 adventure is chilling : even a walk-up like Kilimanjaro can bite you. In retrospect, all my complaints about the clothing, hygiene and gear seem so trivial. The essence of style in the wilderness has nothing to do with clothes and everything to do with humility. My husband still tells his friend his favorites story about the trip, a story I swear I don’t remember. He recalls the day we drove out of Kilimanjaro National Reserve, the sugar loaf vanishing in the distance behind us. I supposedly turned to him and wistfully said “ I miss the mountains”. It must have been the altitude.

5 25 (An extract from Steep Impact by Katherine Betts,Vogue October 1998)

26 (a) From paragraph 1,how did the author feel on her way down the mountain? ______(1 mark) ( b) From paragraph 2, how did the author try to make her husband feel better? ______(1 mark)

60 27 From paragraph 3, a) Who was the first to sign up in the sentence? ______(1 mark) b) In the line24, the word “they “ refer to? ______(1 mark) 28 From paragraph 4, a) What lesson did the author learn from her climb? ______(1 mark) b) What did the author do to signify that she’ll not climb anymore? ______(1 mark) 29 From paragraph 5, a) What lesson did the author learn from the death of the younger climber? ______(1 mark) b) What did the author learn about herself? ______(1 mark) 30 From paragraph 6, what does the author mean by it must have been the altitude? ______(2 marks)

QUESTION 31 Based on the passage given write a summary on: • The lessons the author learnt from her climb up Kilimanjaro

• How the lesson changed her altitude

Use material from line 18 till the end Not be longer than 130 words including the 10 words given below

Begin your summary as follows: She learnt to cherish and not to take for granted all ...... ………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………. …………………………………………………………………………………………………………

61 ………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………. …………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………. …………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. …………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………. …………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. ………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. …………………………………………………………………………………………………………. EDITING SUMMARY WORKSHEET( Student’s copy)

Based on the passage given write a summary on: • The lessons the author learnt from her climb up Kilimanjaro

• How the lesson changed her attitude

Begin your summary as follows: She learnt to cherish and not to take for granted all ……………………………………

1. She would never take those urban comforts for granted again

2. She would relish, every manicure

3. savour every meeting

62 4. Logging on to my email, she learnt of a 26-year-old climber

5. who had hiked up Kilimanjaro a week after they did

6. He had developed a severe respiratory illness and died during a nighttime evacuation attempt

7. The reality of adventure is chilling: even a walk-up like Kilimanjaro can bite you.

8. In retrospect,all her complaints about the clothing,hygiene, and gear seem so trivial

9. The essence of style in the wilderness as nothing to do with clothes and

10. And everything to do with humility

5.2 Vocabulary Practice For each of the meaning of the words used in the article, find the word which matches the meaning.

1 ( Line 1 ) go down - ………………………………………………………

2 (Line 6 ) faint half-light before sunrise ………………………………………………………

3 (Line 9 ) get somebody or something to do something by kindness or patience

………………………………………………………………….

4 (Line10 ) large fire made outdoors ………………………………………………………………..

5 (Line 15 ) untouched, undamaged, complete …………………………………………………….

6 (Line 17 ) ability to do something …………………………………………………

7 (Line 19 ) liking, zest ………………………………………………………

8( Line 26 ) enjoyment in doing something ……………………………………………….. 63 9 (Line 31) view of past events ……………………………………………………………

10 ( Line 3 )most important quality of a thing ……………………………………………………..

PRACTICE 6 SECTION C (25 MARKS)

QUESTIONS 26 -31 are based on the following passage

1 One of the most common problems in schools are facing today is truancy. Primary and secondary school students can be seen in shopping malls in their school uniforms at any time of the day. What makes them want to play truant and stay away from school? 2 Some students feel that the schools do not provide a conducive and exciting 5 environment to study in. It is the same routine, week in week out until the end the year. They get bored and skip school. They find many exciting things to do out of school with their friends. 3 Yet others complain that the school is very strict with lots of unnecessary school rules. They can’t have slightly long hair, can’t wear earrings, can’t bring hand 10 phones or wear sports shoes. They can only wear canvas shoes! They feel this kind of discipline is unnecessary and unduly harsh! Another very important reason that causes some students to play truant is peer 4 pressure. They want to be part of the group and feel they have to be as “cool” as their friends. They want to show they are independent and will purposely break school 15 rules and regulations and flout the law! This is their way of showing that they won’t conform to anything that they feel is curbing their freedom in speech and action. They

64 are happy as long as they are part of the “group”. Students who play truant are the losers in the end. They will lose out on their formal education and will have a tough time finding jobs. When they can’t get jobs, 20 5 they won’t have money for their daily expenses. This will force them to steal things or harass people to give them money. Others start drinking or smoking just because their friends are doing so. Sometimes, just to show they are cool, they might resort to vandalism. They want to 6 fight the discipline that tells them they should not destroy public amenities. 25 Yet others show off their artistic talents by writing graffiti anywhere they feel like it. Many times, the despair of not having money leads them to take drugs just to get over their feeling of misery. Then, the whole cycle starts all over again. 7 This unnecessary pain and misery could have been avoided if only the students had some self-discipline and stayed in school to gain their academics certificates and 30 school leaving certificates. But the fact remains that school is the place where they learn discipline. It is this 8 discipline that will help them when they become young adults and go into the working world. It is this kind of discipline that will tell them “right” from “wrong” and “good” from “bad” 9 It is only when students know how to stand up for their beliefs that they can actually stand up to bullies and say “no” to begin pressurized into doing anything 35 negative or anything ethically and morally wrong. This comes with discipline which is 10 normally embedded in school and in the home.

26 From paragraphs 1 and 2, a) What is the main problems schools are facing? ______(1 mark) b) Why do students play truant? ______(1 mark) 27 From paragraphs 3 and 4,what causes students to stay away from school? ______(2 marks) 28 From paragraph 5,what will happen to students who play truant? ______(2 marks) 65 29 From paragraphs 6 and 7 state the four bad habits that can arise from playing truant? ______(2 marks) 30 From paragraph 11,where will children usually learn discipline? a) ______(1 mark) b) ______(1 mark)

QUESTION 31 Based on the passage, write a summary on • Cause of students play truant

• The effects of students playing truant credit will be given for use of own words but care must be taken not to change the original meaning.

Your summary must • Be in continuous writting

• Use material from line 5 to 31

• Not be longer than 130 words,including the words given below

Begin your summary as follows Truancy is the most common problems schools face as students

……………………………………..

......

66 ......

......

Vocabulary Practice For each of the meaning of the words used in the article, find the word which matches the meaning.

1 (Line 5) comfortable ......

2 (Line 12) improper manner ......

3 (Line 12) rough and disagreeable ......

4 (Line 16) oppose / treat with contempt ......

5 (Line 17) be in agreement......

6 (Line 17) keep under control ......

7 (Line 22) cause trouble ......

8 (Line 26) things that make life easy......

9 (Line 26) drawing or words scratched on hard surface ......

10 (Line 37) system of moral principles......

67 Editing SUMMARY WORKSHEET ( Student’s copy)

Based on the passage, write a summary on

• Cause of students play truant • The effects of students playing truant

Begin your summary as follows Truancy is the most common problems schools face as students …………………………….

1. Some students feel that the schools do not provide a conducive and exciting environment to study in.

2. Yet others complain that the school is very strict with lots of unnecessary school

3. Another very important reason that causes some students to play truant is peer pressure.

4. They want to be part of the group and feel they have to be as ‘cool ‘ as their friends.

5. They want to show they are independent and will purposely break school rules and regulations and flout the law. 68 6. They will lose out on their formal education and will have a tough time finding jobs.

7. When they can’t get jobs, they won’t have money for their daily expenses.

8. This will force them to steal things or harass people to give them money.

9. Other start drinking or smoking, just because their friends are doing so.

10. Yet, others show off their artistic talents by writing graffiti anywhere they feel like it.

11.This unnecessary pain and misery could have been avoided if only the students had some

self-disciplined and stayed in school to gain their academic certificates and school leaving

certificates.

PRACTICE 7 SECTION C (25 MARKS)

QUESTIONS 26-31 are based on the following passage

1 Newspapers are an important source of information. For the many, reading the morning or daily newspapers puts the start to their day on a pleasant note. However, these days, anyone would probably agree that it is depressing to read the newspaper because there are too many reports on death, devastation and violence. Not a day goes by without a report about people being victims of violent crime. Statistics from the police showed a 5 rapid increase in crime cases between 1988 and 2008 when the employment rate was 2 high. Snatch thefts are now running at around thirty cases a day or 16000 cases a year throughout the country, according to one estimate. Grabbing a handbag from a defenseless woman has become so common place that the police never give priority to 10 snatch thefts if there were no injury or loss of life. It was considered more petty theft and 3 there were other bigger things for the police to take care of. Snatch theft may appear to be minor crimes but in actual fact, they are not. Apart from the cases of deaths and serious injuries that have been highlighted recently, most snatch theft victims are traumatized by the events. Many snatch theft victims will always 15 walk in fear after such a terrifying experience. The physical scars, if any, may heal but the 4 psychological scars, take a long time to heal if they ever heal. Seven main factors have been outlined as reasons for the increase in crime rate in Malaysia over the last twenty years. The factors are unemployment, migration of youths from rural to urban area, influx of illegal immigrants, failure in rehabilitating drug addicts, 20 shortage of police personnel and vehicles to combat crime, the public’s pathetic attitude 69 and failure 5 of town planning committees to consider setting up police stations or the ineffectiveness of local councils to stress safety features in the city. Although snatch theft can occur almost anywhere, they frequently take place 25 in places like bus stops, commuter stations, along main roads and housing estates. The thief usually rides on a motorcycle, often with an accomplice. According to some views, 6 they are usually drug addicts stealing to support their addiction. The fact that 42% of those arrested for snatch thefts in Penang for the first five months of this year attest to this. Snatch theft are also becoming frequent because there are no separations 30 between pedestrian walkways and main roads. The general lack of care by pedestrians regarding their belongings and the reluctance of members of the public to help victims also contribute to the rising incidence of snatch thefts. Greater public awareness of snatch thefts and the ways to minimize it will help the police combat this scourge. Newspapers and other mass media have a vital supportive role to play in educating the public on the 35 simple rules of safety precautions and personal safety. While symptomatic treatment is necessary to immediately cut the rate of such thefts, the ‘cure’ will eventually come if a holistic approach which will go to the root of the problem is used.

26 From paragraph 1, a) Why is it mentioned that it is depressing to read news? ______(1 mark) b) What was the police trying to say about the rapid increase in crime cases? ______(1 mark)

27 From paragraph 2, a) Find a word that has the same meaning as important. ______(1 mark) b) What does the word petty in line 12 mean? ______(1 mark)

28 From paragraph 3, a) Why is it mentioned that snatch thefts are not minor crimes? ______(1 mark) b) What word described the feeling of fear ? ______(1 mark)

29 From paragraph 4, give two reasons for the increase in crime rate in Malaysia.

70 a) ______(1 mark) b) ______(1 mark)

30. From paragraph 6, what two suggestions are given to reduce snatch thefts? a) ______(1 mark) b) ______(1 mark)

31. Based on the passage write a summary on:

• The increase in snatch thefts in the country

Your summary must:

Be in continuous writing Use material from lines 6 to 36 Not be longer than 130words

Begin your summary as follows: Snatch theft are now running at around thirty cases a …………………………………………….

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

71 …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

Vocabulary Practice For each of the meaning of the words used in the article, find the word which matches the meaning.

1. Damage badly or ruins (line 4) ______

2. Important (line 9) ______

3. Small and unimportant (line 10)______

4. State of shock or fear (line 14)______

5. Feel pity or sadness (line 20) ______

6. A person who helps in the crime (line 25) ______

7. Cause great suffering (line 32) ______

72 EDITING SUMMARY WORKSHEET( Student’s copy)

Based on the passage given write a summary on:

• The increase in snatch thefts in the country

1. Snatch thefts may appear to be minor crimes but in actual fact , they are not.

2. The physical scars, if any, may heal but the psychological scars take a long time to heal if they ever heal.

3. The factors are unemployment, migration of youths from rural to urban area, influx of illegal immigrants, failure in rehabilitating drug addicts, shortage of police personnel and vehicles to combat crime, the public’s pathetic attitude and failure of town planning committee’s to consider setting up police station or the effectiveness of local councils to stress safety features in the city.

4. Although snatch thefts can occur almost anywhere, they frequently take place in places like bus stops, commuter stations, along main roads and housing estates.

73 5. Snatch thefts are becoming frequent because there are no separations between pedestrian walkways and main roads.

6. The general lack of care by pedestrians regarding their belongings and the reluctance of members of the public to help victims also contribute to the rising incidence of snatch thefts.

7. Greater public awareness of snatch thefts and the ways to minimize it will help the police to combat this scourge.

8. Newspapers and other mass media have a vital supportive role to play in educating the public on the simple rules of safety precautions and personal safety.

9. While symptomatic treatment is necessary to immediately cut the rate of snatch thefts, the cure will eventually come if a holistic approach which will go to the root of the problem is used.

MARK SCHEME

1.3 PRACTICE 1

1.3.1 READING COMPREHENSION

No. Suggested answers Lifting / source Notes for teachers 26(a) The letter was addressed “To Line 2 & line 3. Written on Teach the students my grandson” and he could …… opened the envelope. to rephrase the recognize his grandfather’s sentences to make writing. the meaning clearer.

26(b) The grandfather knew that his Deduced from line 5 & 6 Teach the students days were numbered and he about the question asked. to deduce answer wanted to share with his Line 10, about days are from the text. grandson how he managed to numbered and owing the accomplish so much in life. grandson an answer.

27(a) It means to be alert and No lifting. Teach the students observe everything around us to look for clue from carefully. the sentence just before or after.

27(b) We will find life to be full of Line 14 – 15. If you don’t Pronoun ‘you’ must excitement and thrills. …. and you will be. be changed to ‘we’.

28(a) He should meet his challenges Line 16 – 17. When you Pronoun ‘you’ must

74 and welcome them. They will meet … the day before. be changed to ‘he’ leave him wiser, stronger and and ‘him’. more capable.

28(b) He advised his grandson to Line 23 – 24. And always Allow over lifting, line always follow rules, even the follow rules … life works. 24 – 25, ‘If you think little ones because by following …. fooling yourself’. rules, life works. Same context.

29(a) It means one will be given more No lifting. Own explanation and more responsibilities as from previous one grows with the years. knowledge.

29(b) If we give life everything we Line 51 – 52. Most Pronoun ‘yourself’ have got and not give up on important ….. resolves to must be changed to ourselves and be resolved to win. ‘ourselves’. win, life will give its best back to us.

30 Yes. It is important not to be a Own answer. Answer must begin quitter because a quitter never with a ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ wins. then followed by the reason.

1.3.2 Vocabulary Practice Answers

1. enthusiasm 6. peak

2. numbered 7. resentment

3. excitement 8. drain

4. fooling 9. renewed

5. focused 10. perception

1.3.3 Editing

SUMMARY (Teacher’s notes)

31 Based on the passage given, write a summary on:

• the lessons of life given by the grandfather to his grandson.

Begin your summary as follows:

I believe that it has a lot to do with ………………………………………………………..

75 (1) 1. I think a lot of it has to do with how a person looks at things a person’s perception of life.

Life (2) ( elaboration – not wanted ) 2. First, realise that life Λ is filled with surprises, some not so pleasant and others quite shocking but many are good ones. If you don’t keep watching for them, you’ll miss half the so enjoy and (3) excitement. Expect to be thrilled once in a while, and you will be.

Accept as they will make 3. When you meet up with Λ challenges, welcome them. Do not bolt! Λ They’ll leave you wiser, stronger, and more capable than you were the day before. (4)

(elaborations) 4. When you make a mistake, be grateful for the things it taught you. Failure should not stop you from pursuing your dreams. No one is perfect. Resolve to use that lesson to help you reach your goals,(5)

5. And always follow the rules — even the little ones. When you follow the rules, life works. (6)

Then keep your mind focused on 6. It’s also important to decide Λ exactly what you want. Then, keep your mind focused on it, (7) and be prepared to receive it.

7. So be ready for endings as well as challenging beginnings. (8)

8. Life will not be so predictable. It can also be fun too. Life isn’t just reaching peaks.(9)

9. Leave the past in the past. (10)

10. Remember that your choices will create your successes and your failures. (11) 11. And be sure to take breaks once in a while. Everyone needs to recharge their batteries.

to renew your (12) They’ll give you a renewed Λ commitment to your dreams, and a cheerful, healthy perception of the things that matter the most to you.

and (13) 12. “Most important of all, never give up on yourself.

76 13. Give life everything you’ve got, and life will give its best back to you. (14)

[ Total number of words is 127 with 14 content points. Candidate needs only give 10 content points. ]

MARK SCHEME

1.4 PRACTICE 2

1.4.1 READING COMPREHENSION

No. Suggested answers Lifting / source Notes for teachers 26(i) (i) Fair play or playing the game Line 2 to 3. A good …..of If (i) contains both fairly. the game. answers, then award 2 marks and ignore answer (ii)

26(ii) (ii) Following the rules of the Line 2 to 3. A good …. of game. the game

27(a) To know the rules of the game Clue is in line 10 after the Lifting not accepted. well. sentence to learn as much The answer is of the sports as possible. implied.

27(b) The sportsman should show up Line 10 – 11. Cooperative Teach students how for practice, work hard and and teamwork are the key to recognize key ensure good teamwork. words to the answer. words to help them answer.

28(a) “opponents” One word answer.

28(b) in charge of something. Guess the meaning from 77 ‘”officials presiding over the game ….”

29(a) The chances of winning are Line 18. Very clear-cut Teach students not fifty-fifty. answer. to lift unnecessary parts to save time.

29(b) The sportsman can be Line 24-25. If you …. can Pronoun ‘you’ penalized. be penalized. change to he or ‘the sportsman’.

30 It is best to congratulate the No lifting. Use own words Teach students to opponents for a good game based on the points. rephrase where played and also to accept the necessary. defeat gracefully.

1.4.2 Vocabulary Practice Answers

1. inclined 3. courteously 5. disputes 7. applaud 2. biased 4. realistic 6. slim

1.4.3 Editing SUMMARY (Teacher’s notes)

31 Based on the passage given, write a summary on: • what is good sportsmanship • ways to practise good sportsmanship

Begin your summary as follows: Demonstrating good sportsmanship is important in any games or sports …………………...

1. A good sportsmanship is the quality of someone who is inclined to the area of sports and plays rather fairly by following the rules of the game, (1) (2) 2. Besides, the sportsman respects the judgment of the referees and all the officials in the game, knowing that they are not biased. (elaboration)

besides treating (3) 3. A good sportsman will also Λ treat the opponents with respect.

important that the sportsman (4)

4. Firstly, it is of the utmost importance to Λ learn as much of the sports as possible,

(5) (6) 5. The sportsman must be cooperative by showing up for practice, working hard and

(7) 78 realizing that teamwork is important to ensure success.

6. In addition, it is important to talk politely and act courteously towards the teammates, the

everyone (8) opponents, the coaches and even the opponents’ coaches before, during and even after the games or events.(9)

7. Remember to stay cool and (10) 8. Another thing a good sportsman must remember is to avoid settling disputes with violence.

or (11) If you respond with violence, the problem is that as a sportsman, Λ you can be penalized.

Acknowledge (12) 9. Moreover, remember to acknowledge and applaud the good plays

the on a game well played or 10. Lastly, congratulate your Λ opponents Λ if they win the game. Learn to accept defeat (13)

gracefully. Congratulate your opponents on a game well played. (14) MARK SCHEME

1.5 PRACTICE 3

1.5.1 Passage

READING COMPREHENSION No. Suggested answers Lifting / source Notes for teachers 26(a) A home library is a little area of Line 5 to 7. space in a corner of a home or even a small room where one can keep reading materials, references and electronic resources. 26(b) “cosy” Only one word answer. 27(a) Scrabble Any two of the three answers. Chess is not a 27(b) Word puzzles / crossword correct answer. puzzles 28(a) Printed reading materials. Lifting allowed, line 11 to 12. 28(b) Non-printed reading materials. 29(a) Help to foster a long-life love for Lifting line 21 to 22. reading among the family members. 79 29(b) Young readers can be Lifting line 23. inculcated with the love for reading. 30(a) Get the help of the state public Line 41 to 42. One Teach students to do library management on how to example ….. home library. selective lifting. run a home library. 30(b) Looking clean and attractive or Look for clues from looking good enough for people sentences before to see. and after the word.

1.5.2 Vocabulary Practice Answers

1. attics 3. related 5. foster 7. confines 2. resources 4. vast 6. exposed

1.5.3 – Editing

SUMMARY (Teacher’s notes)

31 Based on the passage given, write a summary on: • what is a home library • the benefits of having a home library

Begin your summary as follows: Having a home library is important in every family for......

1. its many benefits (1) (2) 2. A home library is a little area of space in a corner of a home (or even a small room) where we can place all our reading materials, references and electronic resources. ( elaboration – library means having reading materials, references, etc)

(elaboration on the room) 3. A home library can be turned into a cosy room of references by the family members. Here, where (3) Λ the family may run activities that are related to reading such as games like Scrabble, chess, word puzzles and crossword puzzles. (4) 4. Normally, a home library contains printed and non-printed reading materials for.

(elaboration on printed materials

80 5. In addition, it is good to add in some light reading materials or viewing materials in the home library. There are a vast collection of novels, picture books, magazines, family photo albums and articles that can be collected by the family members for reference. Other added collections to the home library are videotapes, cassettes, CD-ROMs, board games and even brochures. (elaboration on non-printed materials)

(5) 6. A home library can help to foster a long-life love for reading among the family members. (elaboration)

(6) and 7. Children can be given the opportunity to be exposed to reading books Λ at a young age.

Indirectly, the young readers can be inculcated with the love for reading.(7)

8. Reading can be made as one of the activities for the family members.(8)

9. The parents can guide the children to read books and at the same time, foster good family relationships. (10)

10. Children can also be fostered to adopt a positive attitude to appreciate reading materials and knowledge that can be of value to them. (9) (elaboration) and easily accessed them 11. A home library enables the family members to read materials Λ within the confines of their own homes. The materials can be easily accessed at any time. (11) family members’ 12. Moreover, the reading activities can be carried out to improve the Λ thinking skills of family members. and making some handicrafts (13) (12)

13. In this small corner of a room, one can also teach the family members to make some handicrafts like origami.

MARK SCHEME

1.6 PRACTICE 4

1.6.1 Passage

READING COMPREHENSION

No. Suggested answers Lifting / source Notes for teachers 26(a) It was the Teddy Bear. Line 1. ‘The Teddy Bear, is losing its appeal.’

26(b) Now it has lost much of its Line 1. ‘.., is losing its Teach the students popularity. appeal’ words in similar context. 27 German toymaker, Richard Line 2 & 3 ‘… the German Teach the students

81 Steiff, said that his company company …. in 1902. The to deduce answer finished making the first jointed toy ….. before Christmas from the sentence(s) Teddy Bears in (the autumn of) that year. 1902. Line 25. ‘.. in the autumn of 1902.’ 28 A field day was had by pundits Para 4 – ‘A field day …up Students must look and cartoonists and ‘Teddy everywhere.’ for the 2 groups of Bear’ stories and cartoons Para 5 – ‘Toymakers …. on people who cropped up everywhere. the bandwagon, too.’ exploited the ‘Teddy Toymakers jumped on the Bear’ stories. bandwagon, too. 29 An American toy seller ordered Line 27. ‘…when an Teach students to 3 000 bears at the last possible American … moment.’ look for the clue moment. before or after the mentioned word in the sentence. 30 The bears helped to comfort Use the content from line Teach students to and consoled the people during 30 to 32. Write in own write in own words the troubled 90s. words. using the contents given.

1.6.2 Vocabulary Practice Answers

1. appeal 2. Typical 3. exaggerated 4. placating

5. infuriated 6. cropped up 7. aftermath 1.6.3 - Editing

SUMMARY (Teacher’s notes)

31 Based on the passage given, write a summary on:

• the origin of the Teddy Bear • its rise in popularity and its recent decline.

Begin your summary as follows: A German toymaker claimed that he was the creator of ………………………………

2. Rival British and American companies, however, challenge the German company’s claim (1) to being the creator of the Teddy Bear but the German toy company, Steiff, says that it has documents to prove their claim.

Richard Steiff he created (2) 1. the German company which Λ claims it made the first jointed soft toy bears in 1902.

3. Germans learnt about President Theodore ‘Teddy’ Roosevelt’s brush with a bear while hunting. (4)

4. A field day was had by pundits and cartoonists because of the incident. ‘Teddy Bear’

82 stories and cartoons cropped up everywhere. This opportunity was not missed by composers and entrepreneurs who quickly pounced on the merchandising gimmick. Soon was soon on (5) Λ almost every type of product had pictures of Teddy and his Bear printed on them.

(6) 5. It was at the Leipzig Trade Fair in 1903 that the breakthrough came for the Teddy Bear (7) when an American toy seller ordered 3 000 bears at the last possible moment.

(8) 6. For a century, Teddy Bears played a very important role in the lives of young and old alike.

The bears provided comfort and consolation to these people and never went out of fashion (9) through good and bad times. In the nostalgic 90s, Teddy Bears became highly-valued

(10) collectors’ items. (11) (elaboration) 7. However, there are signs that Teddy is losing its appeal as the most desired collectable.

owing to (12) Certain manufacturers blame it on Λ the aftermath of September 11 and others on the (elaboration) economic downturn.(13) MARK SCHEME FOR PRACTICE 5 READING COMPREHENSION No Suggested answers Lifting/source Examination tips 26 (a) She felt frightened/afraid/scared not Paragraph 1 Line 2 to Lifting- pronoun I, need for herself but for someone else line 3 to be changed to the “As I watched...... third point of view .else” 26 (b) She tried to cheer him on with show Paragraph 2 Line 8 Lifting- pronoun I, need tunes, jokes and bad Swahili. “ I coaxed him on,trying to be changed to the to cheer him up with third point of view show tunes,jokes,bad Swahili” 27(a) The author’s husband Paragraph 3 Line 14 27 (b) They refer the two clients who suffered Par[agraph 3 Line 16 from altitude sickness 28(a) She will not take her urban comforts Paragraph 4 Line 18 & Lifting- pronoun I, need for granted again. 19 “ I would to be changed to the never...... again” third point of view 28(b) She gave away all her gears to the Paragraph 4 Line 21 till porters/ she wrote in the logbook Line 22 83 “AGAINST MY RELIGION” 29(a) The reality of adventure is chilling Paragraph 5 Line 30 “the reality of adventure is...... can bite you” 29(b) The essence of style in the wilderness Paragraph 5 Line 32 to has nothing to do with Line 34 clothes and everything to do with humility 30 She means that she must have said something she didn’t believe in

SUMMARY ( Teacher’s Note) Begin your summary as follows: She learnt to cherish and not to take for granted all

1. She would never take those urban comforts for granted again

and 2. She would relish,every manicure Λ

3. savor every meeting

4. Logging on to my email, she learnt of a 26-year-old climber

5. who had hiked up Kilimanjaro a week after they did

6. He had developed a severe respiratory illness and died during a nighttime evacuation attempt

7. The reality of adventure is chilling: even a walk-up like Kilimanjaro can bite you.

84 8. In retrospect,all her complaints about the clothing,hygiene, and gear seem so trivial

9. The essence of style in the wilderness as nothing to do with clothes and

10. And everything to do with humility

( 75 words )

5.2 VOCABULARY PRACTICE ANSWER SCHEME

1. descent 6. faculties 2. twilight 7. relish 3. coaxed 8. gusto 4. bonfire 9. retrospect 5. intact 10. essence

MARK SCHEME FOR PRACTICE 6 READING COMPREHENSION No Suggested answers Lifting/source Examination tips 26(a) Truancy Paragraph 1 Line 1 to line 2 “One of the most...... truancy.” 26(b) School environment is not fun to study Paragraph 2 Line 6 - 7 “ Some students feel that...... to study in” 85 27 i-Unnecessary school rules Paragraph 3 Mandatory words in the ii-peer pressure Line 12 answer – unnecessary Paragraph 4 school rules and peer Line15 pressure 28 They will resort to stealing or harassing Paragraph 5 people for money Line 24 29 Drinking,smoking,vandalism and writing Paragraph 6 graffiti Line25 – 29 but must underline the habits 30 a)in school Paragraph 11 b)in the home Line 44-45 “ this comes...... in the home”

SUMMARY ( Teacher’s Note) QUESTION 31 Begin your summary as follows Truancy is the most common problems schools face as students feel 1. Some students feel that the Λschools do not provide a conducive and exciting enviromnet to study in.

Schools have

2. Yet others complain that the school is very strict with Λ lots of unnecessary school

3. Another very important reason that causes some students to play truant is peer pressure.

4. They want to be part of the group and feel they have to be as ‘cool ‘ as their friends.

So they

5. They want to show they are independent and will purposely Λ break school rules and regulations and flout the law.

86 These students

6. ΛThey will lose out on their formal education and will have a tough time finding jobs.

there’s no

7. When they can’t get jobs, they won’t haveΛ money for their daily expenses.

8. This will force them to steal things or harass people to give them money.

9. Other start drinking or smoking, just because their friends are doing so.

Some may

10. Yet, others Λshow off their artistic talents by writting graffiti anywhere they feel like it.

11. This unnecessary pain and misery could have been avoided if only the students had some self- disciplined and stayed in school to gain their academic certificates and school leaving certificates.

( 120 words)

VOCABULARY PRACTICE ANSWER SCHEME

1. Conducive 6. Curbing

2. Unduly 7. Harass

3. Harsh 8. Amenities

4. Flout 9. Graffiti

5. Conform 10. Ethically

87 MARK SCHEME

1.10 PRACTICE 7 1.10.1 READING COMPREHENSION No Suggested answers Lifting/source Examination tips 26 (a) There are many news reports on death, Paragraph 1 Line 3 to Lifting allowed devastation and violence line 4

26 (b) The crime cases increased dramatically Paragraph 1Line 6 to 7 Lifting allowed when there was high unemployment rate 27(a) priority Paragraph 3 Line 10 Lifting allowed but underline the word. 27 (b) Small and unimportant/ not very No lifting allowed important 28(a) This is because the victims are affected Paragraph 3 Line 18& Lifting allowed with psychological scarsand fear for a 19 long time 28(b) traumatized Paragraph Line 16 Lifting allowed but underline the word 29(a) Any seven factors given in paragraph 4 Paragraph 4 Only state 2 factors

30 Great public awareness Paragraph 6 Line 37to Educating the public Line 39

1.10.2 Vocabulary Practice Answers 1. devastation 5.pathetic 2.priority 6.accomplice 3.petty 7. scourge 4. traumatized

1.10.3 Editing Summary (Teacher’s notes)

88 Based on the passage given write a summary on: • The increase in snatch thefts in the country

1.Snatch thefts may appear to be minor crimes but in actual fact , they are not.and vehicles to combat crime(elaboration)

2.The physical scars, if any, may heal but the psychological scars take a long time to heal if they ever heal. 3.The factors Λare unemployment, migration of youths from rural to urban area, influx of illegal immigrants, failure in rehabilitating drug addicts, shortage of police personnel , the public’s pathetic attitude and failure of town planning committee’s to consider setting up police station or the effectiveness of local councils to stress safety features in the city.

4.Although snatch thefts can occur almost anywhere, they frequently take place in places like bus stops, commuter stations, along main roads and housing estates. Besides, 5.Snatch thefts are becoming frequent because Λthere are no separations between pedestrian

walkways and main roads. on 6.The general lack of care by pedestrians regarding Λtheir belongings and the reluctance of Increases the members of the public to help victims also contribute to the risingΛ incidence of snatch thefts.

7.Greater public awareness of snatch thefts and the ways to minimize it will help the police to combat this scourge. can

8.Newspapers and the other mass media have a vital supportive role to play inΛ educate the public on the simple rules of safety precautions and personal safety.

9.While symptomatic treatment is necessary to immediately cut the rate of snatch thefts be 10.The cure will eventually come if Λa holistic approach which will go to the root of the problem is used.

89 TEACHER’S NOTES

1. This poem section consists of 12 practices: a. Practice 1-3 on “In the Midst of Hardship” b. Practice 4-7 on “He Had Such Quiet Eyes” c. Practice 8-9 on “Nature” d. Practice 10-12 on “Are You Still Playing Your Flute?”

2. The questions are set according to stanza by stanza of each poem.

3. Bear in mind that students have to give or express their own opinion for question 3 of each practice. This is according to the latest SPM format in answering poems.

4. Drill students on how to identify the keywords in the questions. .

STUDENT’S NOTES

1. Answer the questions using present tense. 2. Try to identify keywords in the questions. 3. Remember that you have to express your opinion for question 3.

90 PRACTICE 1-3 ON POEM “In the Midst of Hardship” Read the poem below and answer the questions that follow.

In the Midst of Hardship

At dawn they returned home their soaky clothes torn and approached the stove their limbs marked by scratches their legs full of wounds but on their brows there was no sign of despair

The whole day and night just passed they had to brave the horrendous flood in the water all the time between bloated carcasses and tiny chips of tiny barks desperately looking for their son’s albino buffalo that was never found

They were born amidst hardship and grew up without a sigh or a complaint now they are in the kitchen, making jokes while rolling their cigarette leaves

Latiff Mohidin

PRACTICE 1

From stanza 1,

(a) which phrase suggests that ‘they’ were drenched?

…………………………………………………………………………. (1 mark)

(b) what happened to their hands?

…………………………………………………………………………...(1 mark)

……………………………………………………………………………(1 mark) 91 (d) in your own words, suggest ways to handle hardships in our life?

………………………………………………………………………………..

……………………………………………………………………………….(2mark)

PRACTICE 2

From stanza 2,

(a) why do you think ‘they’ were enduring the terrible flood water?

…………………………………………………………………………………..(1 mark)

(b) which phrase shows that the flood had caused the loss of lives?

……………………………………………………………………………….….(1 mark)

………………………………………………………………………………….(1 mark)

(d) do you think the buffalo was valuable to the family? Why?

…………………………………………………………………………………

………………………………………………………………………………. (2 marks)

PRACTICE 3

From Stanza 3,

(a) what type of life is a life of hardship?

…………………………………………………………………..……………. (1 mark)

(b) list two activities that they did to relax and unwind.

i. ………………………………………………………………………….. (1 mark)

ii …………………………………………………………………………. (1 mark)

you can do to help the flood victims.

…………………………………………………………………………….

………………………………………………………………...………….. (2 marks)

92 PRACTICE 4-7 ON POEM “He Had Such Quiet Eyes” Read the following poem and answer the questions that follow.

He Had Such Quiet Eyes

He had such quiet eyes She did not realise They were two pools of lies Layered with thinnest ice To her, those quiet eyes Were breathing desolate sighs Imploring her to be nice And to render him paradise

If only she’d been wise And had listened to the advice Never to compromise With pleasure-seeking guys She’d be free from “the hows and whys”

Now here’s a bit of advice Be sure that nice really means nice Then you’ll never be losing at dice Though you may lose your heart once or twice

Bibsy Soenharjo

PRACTICE 4

From stanza1,

(a) what was the woman blind to?

………………………………….…………………………………….…..………. (1 mark) .

(b) which line suggests that the woman was unaware of the kind of man ‘he’ was?

…………………………………………………………………………..……….. (1 mark)

….……………………………..…………………………………………..……... (1 mark) 93 (d) in your own words, suggest how the woman had been tricked?

…………………………………………………………………………….…

………………………………………………………………………………. (2 marks)

PRACTICE 5

From stanza 1,

(a) how did the man try to attract the woman? Mention two ways.

i…………………………………………………………………………………… (1 mark)

ii-…………………………………………………………………………………. (1 mark)

(b) what did the man desire from the woman?

……………………………………………………………………………………. (1 mark)

Give a reason for your answer.

…………………………………………………………………………………..

…………………………………………………………………………..……… (2 marks)

PRACTICE 6

From stanza 2,

(a) what could have saved the woman from committing the mistake?

…………………………………………………………………………………. (1 mark)

(b) what was the advice given to the woman?

…………………………………………………………………………………. (1 mark)

……………………………………………………………………………….… (1 mark)

(d) do you think the woman regretted falling in love with the man? Why?

………………………………………………………………………………….

…………………………………………………………………………..….… (2 marks)

94 PRACTICE 7

From stanza 3,

(a) What is meant by the phrase ‘nice really means nice’?

………………………………………………………………………………….. (1 mark)

(b) Why love is compared to playing dice in the poem?

………………………………………………………………………………….. (1 mark)

……………………………………………………………………….………….. (1 mark)

(d) State two lessons that you can learn from the poem?

………………………………………………………………………………….

…………………………………………………………………………..……… (2 marks)

PRACTICE 8-9 ON POEM “Nature” Read the following poem and answer the questions that follow.

Nature We have neither Summer nor Winter Neither Autumn nor Spring. We have instead the days When the gold sun shines on the lush green canefields- Magnificently. The days when the rain beats like bullets on the roofs And there is no sound but the swish of water in the gullies And trees struggling in the high Jamaica winds. Also there are the days when leaves fade from off guango trees And the reaped canefields lie bare and fallow to the sun.

But best of all there are the days when the mango and the logwood blossom When the bushes are full of the sound of bees and the scent of honey, When the tall grass sways and shivers to the slightest breath of air, When the buttercups have paved the earth with yellow stars And beauty comes suddenly and the rains have gone. 95 HD Carberry

PRACTICE 8

From stanza 1,

(a) what are the two seasons found in Jamaican weather?

…………………..……………………….…………………………..………… (1 mark)

(b) which phrase tells you that the wind blows strongly?

……………………………………………………………………….………... (1 mark)

………………………………..……………………………………..……….… (1 mark)

(d) would you like to live in a country with different weather conditions? Why?

……………………………..……………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………. (2 marks)

PRACTICE 9

From stanza 2,

(a) what can be smelled on the day the persona cherished the most?

………………………………….……………………………………………… (1 mark)

(b) state two things that take place on a day when the weather is good.

i ………………………..……………………………..………………………… (1 mark)

ii ……………………………………………..…………….…….…………….. (1 mark)

what do you think this last line means in relation to man’s life?

…………………………………………………………………………………..

………………………………………………………………………………….. (2 marks)

96 PRACTICE 10-12 ON POEM “Are You Still Playing Your Flute?” Read the poem below and answer the questions that follow.

Are You Still Playing Your Flute?

Are you still playing your flute? When there is hardly time for our love I am feeling guilty To be longing for your song The melody concealed in slim hollow of the bamboo Uncovered by the breath of an artist Composed by his fingers Blown by the wind To the depth of my heart.

Are you still playing your flute? In the village so quiet and deserted Amidst the sick rice field While here it has become a luxury To spend time watching the rain Gazing at the evening rays Collecting dew drops Or enjoying the fragrance of flowers.

Are you still playing the flute? The more it disturbs my conscience to be thinking of you in the hazard of you my younger brothers are unemployed and desperate my people disunited by politics my friend slaughtered mercilessly this world is too old and bleeding. . Zurinah Hassan

PRACTICE 10 From stanza1,

(a) in line 1, to whom does the word ‘you’ refer? ………………………………….…………………………………….…..…………... (1 mark) (b) why do you think the persona feels guilty to be longing for the music? …………………………………………………………………………..………...... (1 mark) 97 (c) write down two words that are related to how a flute is played. i …………………………………………………………………………………………(1 mark) ii ……………………..………………………………………………………………… (1 mark) (d) why do you think the persona can hear the songs of the flute? ..……………………………………………………………………………………….. (1 mark)

PRACTICE 11

From stanza 2,

(a) how does the persona describe her village?

……………………………………………………………..…………..……………... ( 2 marks)

(b) why do you think the rice fields are described as ‘sick’?

………………………………………………………….……………………………… ( 1 mark )

i ……………………….……………………………………………………………… (1 mark)

ii …………………….……………………………………………………………..…. (1 mark)

PRACTICE 12

From stanza 3,

(a) in line 2, what does ‘it’ refer to?

………………………………………………………………………………….. (1 mark)

(a) name one of the problems faced by the nation.

…………………………………………………………………………………. (1 mark)

..………………………………………………………………………………… (1 mark)

(d) ‘The world is too old and bleeding’ . in your own words state the meaning of the last line of the poem. …………………………………………………………………………………………..

…………………………………………………………………………..…… (2 marks) 98 SUGGESTED ANSWERS POEMS

PRACTICE 1-3 ON POEM “In the Midst of Hardship” a Their soaky clothes PRACTICE 1 b Marked by scratches / covered by cuts/bruises • To cook a meal/ to prepare food c • To warm themselves • Have strength/courage • Never give up d • Have positive attitude towards life • OR any POSSIBLE ANSWERS

a To look for/ to search for their son’s albino buffalo PRACTICE 2 b Bloated carcasses c Desperate Yes, their son loves the buffalo very much and that is why the parents brave the terrible flood to look for the buffalo. d -OR any POSSIBLE ANSWERS

a Difficult life / A life of suffering PRACTICE 3 b i-making jokes / joking with each other ii-rolling their cigarette leaves/ smoking • Donate food • Donate clothes • Donate money c • Give moral support • OR any POSSIBLE ANSWERS

PRACTICE 4-7 ON POEM “He Had Such Quiet Eyes” a She was blind to the man’s ill intention / the man’s bad intention PRACTICE 4 b She did not realize c The man’s quiet eyes -The woman had been tricked by the man’s clever dramatisation of sadness and loneliness asking her to give pleasure / d -The woman had been tricked by the man’s look and appearance -OR any POSSIBLE ANSWERS

a i-His eyes were breathing desolate sighs / PRACTICE 5 telling the woman of his loneliness or sadness ii-imploring the woman to be nice / pleading her to kind to him iii-asking her to render him paradise / requesting the woman to give him pleasure 99 ANSWERS are INTERCHANGABLE ACCEPT ANY TWO ANSWERS b Pleasure / to have fun c Yes, because the man was deceiving her with his superficial appearance • Being wise / or a PRACTICE 6 • Listen to the advice Not to be deceived by man / b Not to compromise with pleasure-seeking man The questions the woman asked herself as she tried to come to terms with her bad c experience Yes, because she had learnt a lesson in a hard way / Yes, because she had been deceived by a pleasure-seeking man d Yes, because she had discovered how superficial and shallow the man was -OR Any POSSIBLE ANSWERS

Take time to assess people / PRACTICE 7 a Do not judge people by mere appearance / Be wary of people who pretend to be good b Love is a gamble c Falling in love i-We must not be take in by looks or appearance ii-We must listen and take heed of good advice d -OR any POSSIBLE ANSWERS

PRACTICE 8-9 ON POEM “Nature” a Hot days and Rainy days PRACTICE 8 b The high Jamaica winds c Bare and Fallow Yes, it will be very interesting / or No, it will be difficult for me to adjust to the weather d -OR any POSSIBLE ANSWERS

a The scent of honey / The smell of honey / Honey PRACTICE 9 i-the mango and the logwood trees blossom / are flowering ii-the buzzing bees busy collecting nectar iii-the tall grass sways and shivers to the soft breeze b iv-the buttercups cover the land with yellow stars

ACCEPT ANY TWO ANSWERS Life has its ups and downs, so we have to go through bad days in order to appreciate the c good days

100 PRACTICE 10-12 ON POEM “Are You Still Playing Your Flute?” a The flautist / the flute player / the man playing the flute PRACTICE 10 b Because it is the right time anymore for their love i. breath c ii. fingers The sound is blown by the wind / d The persona can hear it in her heart due to her love

a Quiet and deserted PRACTICE 11 b Gloomy and barren / being abandoned by people i-watching the rain ii-gazing at the evening rays iii-collecting dew drops c iv-enjoying the fragrance of flowers

(ACCEPT ANY TWO ANSWERS)

a The song / the sound of the flute PRACTICE 12 i-young men are jobless / and are desperate / unemployment ii-People are divided by politics b iii-People are killed in war / or war has broken out (ACCEPT ONLY ONE ANSWER) c Killed brutally / killed heartlessly The persona feels trapped in a world that is dying and collapsing due to the serious d problems mentioned.

101 NOTES FOR TEACHERS: 1. This novel section consists of 10 practices. 2. Drill students on how to identify the keywords in the questions. 3. Students should present their answers in three parts – introduction, content and closing.

EXAMINATION TIPS FOR TEACHERS: 1. Ask students to identify keywords in the question.

2. For introduction - students should state the novel and the (author)

3. For content - state ideas / opinions with examples / evidences from the text/ novel. - For weak students, state at least one or two ideas. - For average students, use as many ideas as possible.

4. For closing - conclude by stating personal responses / opinions.

5. Students may answer the question using present or past tense. But, bear in mind they have to be consistent in using one form of tense throughout their response.

102 PRACTICE 1

Which character do you like the most in the novel you have studied? Give reasons why you like this character using information from the novel that you have chosen to support your answer.

like the most

Character admire the most

look up interesting

Suggested answer

Introduction Content =-Textual evidences Closing -Conclusion

PRACTICE 2

Which character do you dislike the most in the novel you have studied? Give reasons why you dislike this character using information from the novel that you have chosen to support your answer.

dislike

Character hate

Suggested answer

Introduction Content =-Textual evidences Closing -Conclusion

103 4. LITERATURE – NOVEL

4.1 Teacher’s notes: 4. This novel section consists of 7 practices. 5. Drill students on how to identify the keywords in the questions. 6. Students should present their answers in three parts – introduction, content and closing.

4.2 Student’s Tips: 6. Ask students to identify keywords in the question.

7. For introduction - students should state the novel and the author.

8. For content - state ideas / opinions with examples / evidence from the text/ novel. - For weak students, state at least one or two ideas. - For average students, use as many ideas as possible.

9. For closing - conclude by stating personal responses / opinions.

10. Students may answer the question using present or past tense. But, bear in mind they have to be consistent in using one form of tense throughout their response.

104 PRACTICE 1

‘It is important to have a person that you look up to your life.’

From the novel that you have read, write about one character that you look up to. Give reasons why you choose him/her.

like the most

Character admire the most

look up to interesting

Guidelines • State the novel and the author. • Identify the character that you look up to. • Give reasons why you choose him/her.

Suggested answer

Introduction In ‘Catch Us If You Can’ by Catherine MacPhail, Rory is one of the most interesting characters that I look up to. He is a young boy but he shows great courage and determination when he goes on an adventure to stop the authorities from separating him and his grandfather.

Content Rory is also very responsible and mature for his age. He =-Textual evidence takes good care of his Granda, making sure that he takes his medication and eats his meals. Rory even stops doing his favourite activities because most of his time is taken up caring for Granda. At a time when most children have adults taking care of them, Rory has to take care of his grandfather, the only adult in his home. Another quality that I admire in Rory is his ability to forgive and move on with his life. Although he is angry at his father for leaving him and his mother when he was small, he still forgives him and even accepts his new family with open arms.

Closing These are the reasons why I choose Rory as the character that -Conclusion I look up to in this novel.

105 PRACTICE 2

‘It is important to have someone that you can trust.’

How is this shown in the novel you have read? Support your answer with close reference to the text. Guidelines • State the novel and the author. • Identify the characters that can be trusted in the novel. • Give your views with examples from the novel.

Suggested answer

Introduction The novel, ‘Catch Us If You Can’ by Catherine MacPhail highlights the message that it is important to have someone that you can trust especially when you are in trouble or face problems.

Content Of course it is not easy to trust strangers, not even when they =-Textual evidence sincerely offer help. Rory and Granda could have rejected the help offered to them due to mistrust. But they choose to trust these strangers instead. Rory and Granda have to put trust in strangers like Tyrone’s family and Rab. These people are sincere in giving their help to Rory and Granda. Rory and Granda learn that these people are kind to those in need of help. Their trust in these kind people pay off for, not only do they get help, they also get new friends. Rory meets Rab when he wants to put petrol in the stolen car. Rab offers help immediately because he knows about them running away from the authorities. At first, Rory does not accept Rab’s offer of help. But then, Rory decides Rab can be trusted and he makes the right decision. Rab proves to be very helpful. Later, Rab’s girlfriend, Annie, helps them to escape to the hill where it all ends well with a reunion between Rory, Granda and his father’s family.

Closing In conclusion, it is clear that from these examples, it is important to -Conclusion trust someone especially when you are in trouble or face problems.

106 PRACTICE 3

‘Love is important in a family.’ How is this shown in the novel you have read? Support your answer with close reference to the text. Guidelines • State the novel and the author. • Identify the characters that show love is important in a family. • Give your views with examples from the text.

Suggested answer

Introduction In the novel, “Catch Us If You Can” by Catherine MacPhail, the love and commitment between Rory and his grandfather are amazing and heart warming. Both want to keep the family united no matter what happens.

Content Rory loves his Granda very much. He makes sure that his =-Textual evidence grandfather takes his medicine on time and does not miss a meal. He also ensures that his basic hygiene is taken care of. Other than that, Rory even gives up the school football team so he can spend time with his Granda. At times, he even trains his Granda on how to behave in public. In return, Granda loves Rory very much and refuses to be parted from him even if it means he has to be away from medical help. When Rory realises that he is to be separated from his Granda, he then makes plans to run away with Granda. They are lucky that along the way, many kind people help them to continue their journey together.

Closing In the end, after all the hardships and challenges they face, Rory -Conclusion and Granda manage to stay together.

107 PRACTICE 4

The writer describes the main character as a very determined person. Using details from the novel that you have studied, write about: examples • some instances that show the character’s determination

• how the determination affects his/her family

Guidelines • State the novel and the author. • State the main character who is a very determined person. • Give examples that show the character’s determination from the novel.

Suggested answer

Introduction In the novel, “Catch Us If You Can” by Catherine MacPhail, Granda is a very determined person. Although old Granda suffers physical pain and experiences memory loss, he is very single-minded in his determination to be with his only grandson, Rory. When his only son Jeff, abandoned his wife and Rory, Granda took care of Rory and his mother.

Content Later, when they become separated, Granda is still determined =-Textual evidence to be with Rory. Despite his sickness and need for medical attention, he agrees to run away with Rory so that they can be together. He cannot imagine a life without his grandson. Although his health condition worsens, he still leaves the hospital and goes on an adventure in order to be with his grandson. His determination also makes him hit a thug who wants to reveal their identity to the police for reward. Granda also manages to steal a car to run away from the police and those who want to separate him from Rory. When they are later reunited with his son, Jeff, Granda is determined to stay with Rory though he loves his other grandchildren very much.

Closing In conclusion, Granda proves that being sick and old, does not -Conclusion weaken his spirit and determination to be with his grandson, Rory. Granda shows that one should not give up when faced with many challenges.

108 PRACTICE 5

Using the details from the novel that you have studied, • describe what happens at the end of the novel

• explain why you find the ending either happy or sad

Guidelines • State the novel and the author. • Describe what happens at the end of the novel. • Identify whether the ending is happy or sad. • Give examples from the novel.

Suggested answer

Introduction I enjoyed reading the novel, “Catch Us If You Can” by Catherine MacPhail as it has a happy ending to the story. Rory gets to stay with his grandfather and is also reunited with his father, Jeff. At first, I was surprised by the happy ending as the story began with so much suspense and the characters faced with many challenges. I thought the story was going to have a sad ending.

Content Towards the end of the story, we find Rory and his grandfather =-Textual evidence running away from the authorities. They stop at a bus shelter to rest because Granda is tired. When Rory wakes up, he tries to wake up Granda but he does not move. In panic, Rory runs to the nearest house for help. The police and ambulance are called. Rory’s father, Jeff also turns up. Luckily, Granda recovers after a stay in the hospital. While his Granda is in hospital, Rory meets his father’s wife and stepsisters. Rory gets along well with them. Once Granda recovers, he and Rory moves into a flat, not far from Jeff’s home. They always have meals together and Rory gets help to take care of his Granda. Rory finally has a family, other than Granda.

Closing I am glad that the story has a happy ending because I feel that 109 -Conclusion Rory deserves one. He is a brave, loving and responsible boy who finally gets the family that he has always wanted.

PRACTICE 6

Using the details from the novel that you have studied, write about a difficult decision made by one of the characters. With close reference to the text, do you think this was the right decision? Guidelines • State the novel and the author. • State the difficult decision made by one of the characters • Give your opinions by using the examples from the novel.

Suggested answer

Introduction In the novel, “Catch Us If You Can” by Catherine MacPhail, I believe the decision Rory made to run away with Granda was the right one. It was indeed a difficult decision to make because it would change their lives forever.

Content Rory and Granda had been separated- Rory was placed in =-Textual evidence the children’s home while Granda was in Rachnadar, a home for elderly. Both are deeply unhappy about this. Rory finally decided to run away with Granda when he saw how unhappy his Granda was. Rory managed to rescue his Granda from further mental trauma and during their journey to freedom; he met many kind people such as Sammy, Ruby, Nicole and Rab. I believe if Rory had stayed at the home and Granda at Rachnadar, he would have eventually run away from there as he could not stand Tess’ violent behaviour. He also would remain separated from his Granda. In addition, Rory would not have been reunited with his father and met his new family.

Closing Thus, despite the tough decision Rory made, it was the right -Conclusion one. He is able to stay with his grandfather and have the support of a family.

110 PRACTICE 7

Based on the novel that you have read, write about an important incident that you remember. Give reasons why you remember the incident.

Guidelines • State the novel and the author. • Describe the important incident that you remember. • Give reasons why you remember it.

Suggested answer

Introduction In the novel, “Catch Us If You Can” by Catherine MacPhail, the one incident that I remember most is when Rory thought Granda had died.

Content After a narrow escape from the authorities, Rory and his =-Textual evidence grandfather stopped to rest in a bus shelter. When Rory could not wake up Granda, he thought Granda had died. The frightened Rory ran to get help and when he returned to where his Granda was, he noticed his grandfather had fallen and appeared to be dead. I remember the incident the most because I thought that Granda had died. I felt sad for Rory because all his efforts would have been for nothing and he would have felt guilty for taking his grandfather away from Rachnadar. Luckily, Granda did not die. Rory managed to get help in time and Granda was taken to the hospital.

Closing These are the reasons why I remember the incident the -Conclusion most.

111 5. DIRECTED WRITING

5.1 Teacher’s Notes

The Directed Writing question carries a total of 35 marks – 15 marks for content and 20 marks for language. The marks for format, which can vary between 1-3 marks depending on the text type, are included in the 15 marks allocated for content. In this section, candidates are given only one question. This means that candidates do not have the luxury of choice which they are given in the Continuous Writing section. Most candidates find this question quite manageable. In fact, even weak candidates can be taught to cope with this question to a certain extent. Several factors make this question quite do able. Firstly, candidates are given help with content. This means candidates do not have to worry about what to write as content points are provided. It is not difficult to score full marks for content. In fact, candidates can score full marks for content if they are able to use the information given in grammatically sound sentences, irrespective of the sentence type or length. It is also easy to get marks for format if they have been exposed to the formats of different text types. Secondly, this question does not demand much linguistically unlike the continuous writing question. Most candidates are able to cope with this question, even if they are linguistically limited. Thirdly, the question is usually set around the experiences of students. Hence, there is no reason for candidates not to attempt this question.

Below is an analysis of the questions which have appeared over the past ten years:

Year Text type Purpose

112 To inform mother of choice of present for your 2000 Letter (informal) brother and persuade mother to lend you some money 2001 Article To inform students on ways of coping with stress To inform students about road safety - causes of 2002 Speech road accidents and suggestions to reduce them To inform the class teacher about the choice of class 2003 Letter (formal) trip To inform the school principal about the conditions 2004 Report of the school canteen 2005 Letter (informal) To inform a friend about a holiday camp To convince a friend to run for the post of head 2006 Letter (informal) prefect 2007 Speech To tell students about a science reference book To inform students about a friend who has been 2008 Article chosen as the Best Group Leader To inform the Principal of the reasons why students 2009 A Report lack of interest in sports A letter To tell a cousin the benefits of taking part in National 2010 (Informal) Service Program

Common errors • Poor time management. Do not spend more than the allocated 45 minutes on this question. Otherwise you will not have enough time for the second question. • Lengthy essays. Do not write too much. As mentioned earlier, this question does not make many demands on a candidate. Directed writing is a succinct piece of writing. All you have to do is use the given points and provide a sentence or two (maybe three) to elaborate on them. A response of 1 ½ - 2 pages is more than sufficient. After all, the more you write the more mistakes you might make. Some candidates make the mistake of writing one paragraph for each point. If you do this, your essay is going to be very lengthy. Save the time and energy for Continuous writing. • Usage of informal language. This paper tests your written English. Do not use spoken language. Avoid using slang words (such as guys, …..), contractions, and informal language (such as informal idiomatic expressions or informal phrasal verbs). 113 • Poor punctuation. Some candidates do not punctuate their sentences correctly. Make sure you end your sentence with a full stop and not a comma. Also, make sure that the pronoun I is written in upper case and not lower case (i) as is the practice among some candidates. 5.2 Student’s Tips

General Guidelines for Directed Writing

• Read the question carefully. Identify your task, your role and your audience. • Use the 45 minutes allocated for this question wisely. • Plan your essay and organize your thoughts (this includes what to write and how to elaborate on points) • Include an introduction and a conclusion and make sure your paragraphs are well organized. • Use all content points given. It is advisable to cross out the points you have used, so that no point is left out. • Include points of your own only if you are asked to. Otherwise, do not waste precious time doing so because you will not get any extra marks. • Elaborate on the points given. Write 2-3 sentences to elaborate on each point. Remember a crucial aspect of this paper is language and your ability to write can only be tested if you provide sufficient language for the examiner to gauge your linguistic ability. • Use a variety of sentence structures so that your essay is not dull and monotonous. • Always read through what you have written. Correct grammatical, spelling and punctuation errors.

114 5.3 Sample Essays And Practices

Sample essay and practice 1 Articles General guidelines 1. Articles are pieces of writing giving information, advice or suggestions to the readers. 2. They are usually written for the school magazine or school newsletter. 3. The tone and style are formal. 4. An article’s format a) Title – can be taken from the rubric b) Writer’s name – Just write ‘By,’ and then followed by your name just below the title. c) The people who are going to read the article.

Question Many students feel that they have too many things to do in one day. Many of them really do not manage their time wisely and end up not completing their homework or school projects on time. You want to make a few suggestions on how they can manage their time in a better and more effective way. Write an article for your school magazine giving your suggestions on how to manage time. Include the following points. • Change attitude • Pay attention in class • Try to complete as much homework as possible during school hours • Make a ‘To do’ list • Set priorities right • Set a realistic target for examination • Plan a personal timetable • Make time for rest and relaxation 115 • Join study groups • Seek help from parents, teachers or friends • Speak to school counsellor • Stay happy and healthy When writing the article, you should remember to: - Include the title - Include the writer’s name - Include all the points given - Write in the format of an article

Sample Answer How to Manage Time By Albert Moss Today many students feel that they have too many things to do in one day. Many of them really do not manage their time wisely and end up not completing their homework or school projects on time. So, here I would like to give some suggestions to students on how to manage time. Firstly, students must change their attitude. Next, students should pay attention in class. Thirdly, students must try to complete as much homework as possible during school hours. Furthermore students can make a ‘To do’ list. Students ought to set their priorities right. Students should set a realistic target for their coming examination. Furthermore, students can plan a personal timetable. Students must also make time for rest and relaxation. Students can join study groups. All students should seek help from parents, teachers or friends if needed. Students should speak to the school counsellor if necessary. Finally students should be happy and healthy when they spend their time wisely.

Examination Tips

1. Introduction of the article can be taken from the rubric as shown in the sample.

116 2. All students need to do is to add the phrase students followed by a modal, in front of the given content points to create meaningful sentences. e.g – Students should, Students must etc. 3. Use conjunctions and sequence connectors

Practice 1

You are asked to write an article for your school magazine Your article is on ‘Disciplinary Problems in Schools’. In your article, you also suggest ways to overcome the problems. Below are some notes you have made.

Problems • Playing truant – cutting classes, loitering in shopping complexes, frequenting cybercafes during school hours • Smoking – in toilets, behind the bushes, cutting classes to smoke • Bullying – intimidating, beating, extorting money • Vandalism – destroying school property, graffiti • Gangsterism – involved in gangs, fighting, recruiting juniors

Suggestions to overcome the problems • Counselling • Joining voluntary organization • Being active in games and societies • Doing part-time job • Taking up a hobby • Intervention by parents

Do remember: • To give a title • That your audience are students • To use all the notes given above 117 • To write in paragraphs

Sample essay and practice 2 Speech/Talk

General guidelines 1. Read questions and notes to understand situation. Determine:

a. Type of speech – thank you/farewell/informative

b. Main idea/theme of speech – pollution/safety/smoking/dumping babies

c. Who is your audience? – students, teachers, club members

2. Identify the relevant points in the questions.

3. Elaborate on the points. Give examples.

4. Know the format of the speech:

a. Address the audience

b. Introduce yourself

c. State the topic

d. Conclude by summarizing all the points

e. Thank the audience

5. Some useful expressions

a. Opening.

- Good morning/afternoon/evening to the Principal, teachers…..

- A very good morning I bid to the Chairman, teachers and my fellow friends….

b. Beginning. 118 - Today, I would like to talk about….

- I am Adiba bt Kassim and this morning I wish to talk about…..

- Thank you for giving me the opportunity to talk about….

c. Closing

- I hope I have given you all the information on………..Thank you

- Finally, let me end my speech by…………..

Question As the President of the Environment Club, you have been asked by your teacher to give a speech to all students in your school on how they can help to reduce environmental problems. In your speech, include the following notes:

HOW TO REDUCE ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS

Reduce energy usage Reduce air pollution • Do not waste Reduce waste • Avoid open electricity • Use environmental burning • Use products that friendly products • Use unleaded 119 have timers • Use recycled petrol • Use energy materials • Practise car saving appliances • Use washable pooling items When writing your speech text, you should remember to: • use the appropriate greeting and closing • state the purpose of the speech • use all the notes given • write in paragraphs

Sample Answer Good morning to the Principal, teachers and friends. My name is Labu bin Labi from class 5 Science. As the President of the Environment Club, I have been asked by my teacher to give a speech to all students in my school on how they can help to reduce environmental problems. Firstly, we have to reduce energy usage. Do not waste electricity. For example we must switch off the lights and fans before we leave the classroom. We should use products that have timers so they will switch off automatically when the time is up. We should also use energy saving appliances like light bulbs and many others. Secondly, we have to reduce air pollution. For example, we should avoid open burning. It is better to bury than to burn rubbish in the open. We should also use unleaded petrol for our cars. It is also good to practise car pooling to work. Fewer cars on the road means less traffic and less pollution.

120 Thirdly, we have to reduce waste. We must use environmental friendly products that do not harm the environment. We should also use recycled materials like paper bags instead of plastic bags. We should also use washable items to reduce waste. That is all for now. Thank you everyone for listening.

Examination Tips 1. Remind students to write an appropriate greeting according to the question requirement. 2. All points should be written in complete sentences in order to be awarded marks for content points. 3. Remind students to write simple sentences instead of lengthy ones to avoid grammar mistakes. 4. Giving examples is considered as an elaboration.

Practice 2(a) - Speech As the President of The Road Safety Club, you have been asked by your teacher to give a speech to all students in your school on how motorists cause accidents and suggest some ways to reduce these accidents. Use the notes below to guide you.

Causes  Turning without signalling  Switching lanes, traffic jams - highways  Breaking traffic rules after midnight  Weaving in and out of traffic  Beating traffic lights  Underaged motorists

121  Speeding in housing estates

Ways to reduce accidents  Vehicle - in good condition  Traffic police - peak hours, after midnight  More speed traps  Impose heavier fines  Road safety campaign - raise awareness In your speech, remember to:  provide a title  use all the information above  add two other ways to reduce accidents

Practice 2(b) – Talk Many students in your school complain that they are stressed. As the President of the Health Club in your school, you have been asked to give a talk during assembly. You have made a list of the reasons given by these students and you would like to give them some suggestions on how to cope with their problem. Use the following notes to write your talk.

• Causes - long hours spent at school - too much homework - too many projects - frequent exams - tuition classes - high expectations from parents 122 - lack of sleep

• Suggestions - have a positive outlook - plan a timetable - study consistently - have manageable goals - exercise regularly

When writing out your talk, you should remember to: • address your audience • state the purpose of the talk • use all the points given • end your talk appropriately

Sample essay and practice 3 Report General guidelines 1. A report gives information to a particular person or group.

2. It has to be formal and concise

3. The content is inclusive of facts and opinions.

4. Types of report:

a. Report of an incident

b. Report on activity or event

c. Report on a survey

d. Newspaper report

Basic format 123

Report On______

To : ( to whom the report is directed to )

From : ( the person who writes the report ) Date : ______

Facts and elaboration…………………………….

Conclusion………………………………………

Reported by, signature

Question You are the Secretary of the Environment Club in your school. Your club has successfully organized Environment Week in your school. Write a report to the principal about the event. Include the following information in your report:

Duration • 3rd – 7th March 2011

Objectives • raise awareness • beautify school compound 124 Activities • paint murals • ENVIRONMENT plant trees WEEK • recycle old newspapers • poster drawing competition • speech by invited guest

Advantages • create conducive environment • instill love for nature • foster closer relationship • develop co-operation

When writing the report, you should remember to: • give the report a title • address the report accordingly • provide an appropriate ending • use all the information given • write in paragraphs

SAMPLE ANSWER

To: Principal SMK Gemilang From: Secretary The Environment Club Environment Week In My School

The Environment Club in my school has successfully organized an Environment Week. The duration of the Environment Week was from 3rd - 7th March 2011. The first objective of the programme was to raise awareness about the environment among the students. The second objective was to beautify the school compound with as many plants as possible. 125 There were many activities organized by the Environment Club during the week. Students painted colourful murals on the wall about environment. They also planted trees around the school with the help of the school gardeners. They brought old newspapers from home to be sent for recycling. They took part in poster drawing competition on environment and they also listened to a speech by an invited guest during the closing ceremony. The advantages of the Environment Week are as follows. Firstly. it creates conducive environment to the students. Secondly, it instils love for nature in everyone. Thirdly, it fosters closer relationship between students and teachers in the school. Fourthly, it develops co-operation among students. The Environment Week was successful and hopefully the programme will be held every year as an annual event.

Reported by, 15 March 2011 Labu bin Labi Labu bin Labi

EXAMINATION TIPS 1. Remind students that they should use the words in the rubric to help them with their introductory paragraph. 2. All points should be written in complete sentences in order to be awarded marks for content points. 3. Remind students to write simple sentences instead of lengthy ones to avoid grammar mistakes.

Practice 3 You and your classmates have just returned from a trip to Kuala Lumpur. You are the class monitor. Write a report to your class teacher about the trip.

Include the following information. Trip to Kuala Lumpur Date : 15 - 17 December Duration: 3 days and 2 nights

126 No of students : 32 No of teachers: 3 Mode of transport: Bus Accommodation: Hotel Cost per person: RM 120.00

Paces of interest: • Art gallery • Shopping complexes • Parks and gardens • Zoos • Museums

When writing the report you should remember to: • give the report a title • address the report accordingly • provide an appropriate ending • use all the information given

Sample essay and practice 4 Formal Letter Basic Format

Nur Adilah bt Mufti 24, Taman Desa Minangkabau 06400 Pokok Sena

127 The Director, Municipal Council P.O. Box 43 063500 Alor Setar Kedah. 24 APRIL 2011

Dear Sir, Complaint About Services With the reference to the above matter, I……………………… ………………………………………………………………………… 2 …………………………………………………………………….. ……………………………………………………………………………… 3 I hope………………………………………………………………. …………………………………………………………………………….

Thank you.

Yours faithfully,

128 (a) Letter of complaint There has been a plan to build a mega shopping complex near the public beach in your neighbourhood. As a concerned citizen, write a letter to the editor of a local newspaper protesting against the plan. Write the letter based on the notes below: • A shopping complex already exists • Project may drive tourists away • Spoil the beauty of the beach • Local businesses affected • Increase traffic flow in the area • Social ills will increase

When writing the letter, you should remember to: • Address the letter to the editor of a local newspaper • Use all the notes given • Elaborate all the notes

Sample Answer Jason James, 5, Kampung Pantai Merdeka, 08100 Pantai Merdeka, Kedah Darul Aman.

Editor, The Star, 08000 Sungai Petani, Kedah Darul Aman. 26 MAY 2011

Dear Sir, PROTESTING AGAINST A PLAN TO BUILD A MEGA SHOPPING COMPLEX I am writing this letter on behalf of the residents of Kampung Pantai Merdeka. It has come to our knowledge that the local authority has already given the green light to build a mega shopping complex near the public beach of Pantai Merdeka. We are totally against the mega project. These are our reasons.

129 2. Firstly, we do not need a mega shopping complex as a shopping complex already exists in our area. [Where?] The existing shopping complex is only 1 kilometre from the proposed site. Secondly, the new shopping complex will spoil the beauty of the beach. [What will happen?] The swaying coconut and casuarina trees will be cut down. Besides, there will be more rubbish on the white sandy beach. 3. Next, the project may drive tourists away. [How?] The beach area will be reduced and the shady areas will be demolished. With the mega project, there will also be an increase of traffic flow in the area. [How?] [When?] More heavy vehicles such as lorries and trailers will use the village road throughout the construction period. [What effect?] This will increase the number of road accidents. 4. Furthermore, local business will also be affected. [Who are involved?] Ten hawkers who sell foods and drinks along the beach will be affected. [What are the effects?] They will lose their income and will be unable to support their families. Finally, we believe social ills will increase. [How?] The mega shopping complex will have a big cinema and a bowling arena. These kinds of places may attract more teenagers to loiter and play truant. These may lead to an increase in social ills. 5. We appeal to the authorities to shelve their plans without any further delay as it would mar the beauty of the beach. Yours faithfully, Jason James (JASON JAMES)

Examination Tips 1. Make a simple introduction. Explain more about the location of the neighbourhood. 2. Rewrite the points given in complete sentences. Elaborate each of the points given by giving simple details. Ask wh-questions to help you to elaborate. 3. Plan the organisation of each point. 4. If you do not have any personal experience regarding the issue, try to be imaginative. Your imagination may help you to provide some relevant details.

130 (b): Formal Letter of request The Parent-Teacher Association of your school is organising a food fair to raise funds for various projects. As the Secretary of the Interact Club, you are in charge of writing a letter to a fast-food restaurant asking them to sponsor the food.

In your letter, include the following: • date, day, time and venue of the food fair • 2 objectives of the food fair – learn to share, experience the importance of cooperation • further details about the food fair - involve all clubs and societies - expected crowd: 1,000 people - amount of money to be raised: RM10,000 • request for sponsorship of food • request for lucky draw hampers

When writing the letter, you should remember to: • Address the letter to the manager • Use appropriate opening and closing • Include other relevant details

Sample Answer: Interact Club,

Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Cempaka, 11900 Bayan Lepas, Pulau Pinang.

The Manager, KKC Fast Food Sdn. Bhd., 28, BL Free Trade Zone,

131 11900 Bayan Lepas, Pulau Pinang. 12 JULY 2011

Dear Sir, A REQUEST TO SPONSOR FOOD AND DRINKS FOR THE FOOD FAIR Our school is organising a food fair to raise funds for various projects. Here are the details of the food fair: Date : 5 August 2011 Day : Thursday Time : 9.00 am – 2.00 pm Venue : School Hall

2. The food fair has two objectives. First of all, the club aims to encourage the students to learn to share with others. [How can they share with others?] They must learn not to be selfish and help others in any way they can. Another objective is to allow students to experience the importance of cooperation. [With whom will they cooperate?] Through this food fair we are sure the students will learn how to work with other students of different clubs and societies.

3. The followings are further details of the food fair. This project will involve all clubs and societies. [How many?] So far 12 clubs and 9 societies have confirmed their participations. They will sell different kinds of foods to the expected crowd which is about 1,000 people. [Who are they?] The fair is open to all the students and their parents. Our target amount of money to be raised is RM10,000. [Why RM10,000?] We need that amount of money to organise various projects that will benefit the students.

4. We would like to make two humble requests here. The first is to request for your sponsorship of food. [How much? What kind of food?] We really appreciate if you could sponsor 100 pieces of fried chickens and 100 pieces of fish burgers. There is also a request for your company to sponsor lucky draw hampers. [How many? What is the cost?] It would be good if you can sponsor 3 hampers. Each hamper may cost RM20.00 each.

132 5. Every member of the Interact Club prays hard that your company would be able to sponsor the food and hampers. We put a very high hope that you will be part of our fund-raising activity. Your generosity is truly appreciated.

Yours faithfully,

Ssyyyysweirtv

(SYLVIA DIANA BT WIRA)

Secretary,

Interact Club,

Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Cempaka.

Examination Tips: 1. Make a simple introduction. Refer to the question for the key ideas to be written in the introduction. 2. Rewrite the points given in complete sentences. Elaborate each of the points given by giving simple details. Ask wh-questions when giving elaboration. Certain wh-questions are much easier for you to answer such as when, who, how many and where. Answering why is normally more challenging. 3. Plan the organisation of each point.

Practice 4

Letter of complaint There are a few matters in your school which could be improved. You and your classmates have had a meeting and decided to write a formal letter of complaint to the principal. As the class monitor, you have been asked to write the letter. In your letter, include the following: Classroom: • Unsafe wooden chairs

• Fans not working

133 Toilets: • Broken doors

• Unhygienic

Canteen: • Limited choices of foods

• High price of foods

When writing the letter, you should remember to: • Set out the letter correctly

• Use all the notes given

• Elaborate each note appropriately

Sample essay and practice 5 Informal Letter General guidelines 1. Informal letter is written to pen pals, friends, relatives and family members. 2. The format of an informal letter has the following features. a) Sender’s address b) Date – any form – but avoid writing in the formal form – 30 August 2011 Both a) and b) must be written on the top right-hand corner of the letter c) Salutation – on the left hand side of the letter – Dear mum, Dear sister, d) Start your letter asking about the receiver’s well-being – How are you? e) If you are replying a letter you may start like this – I received your letter… f) State the purpose of your letter – I am writing this letter because………. g) Closing – Yours sincerely (for friends, pen-pals, etc.), Your loving daughter, etc. Do not use ‘Yours faithfully’ as it is used for formal letter. 3. Three marks are usually awarded for format although there are more than 3 features. 4. Write your letter in 3 - 4 paragraphs.

134 5. Informal language can be used in an informal letter – I’ve, dad, mum, sis, be happy, etc. 6. Do not use “sms language” such as “u” for “you” and “b4” for “before”

7. Basic Format

Muhammad Akiff bin Azizan, No. 4, Taman Desa Impian, 06350 Naka, 12 April 2011 Dear Hani, I have just received your letter ……………………………………... ………………………………………………………………………………………..

Yours sincerely, Akiff

Question

Your father wants to buy a computer but he is not sure whether it is better to buy a laptop or a desktop computer. He asks for your opinion. After doing some research, you come up with some information on both computers. Using the notes given below, write an informal letter to your father stating your choice and supporting it with reasons.

135 LAPTOP COMPUTER DESKTOP COMPUTER • Portable • Cheaper • Slim and light • Easier to upgrade • Can function on battery • Harder to steal • More expensive • Bulkier- difficult to carry around • More fragile • Require more space • Easier to steal • Rely on direct supply of electricity

When writing out your letter, you should remember to include the following: • To state your choice • To make comparisons • To state the purpose of the letter • To give appropriate greeting and closing • Use all the points given

SAMPLE ANSWER 122,Taman Pearlview Avenue,

High Tech Park,

09000 Kulim,

Kedah Darul Aman.

30/8/10 Dear father, How are you over there? I hope you are fine. I am doing okay here. I am writing this letter to let you know about my opinion on whether to buy a laptop or a desktop computer. I think you should buy a desktop computer. Firstly, desktop computers are cheaper. They are also easier to be upgraded. It is harder to steal desktop computers because they are heavy.

136 However they have some weaknesses too. They are bulkier and difficult to be carried around. They also require more space and rely on direct supply of electricity. On the other hand, laptops are portable, slim and light and can function on battery. However I do not recommend it to you because laptops are more expensive and fragile. Besides, they are easier for people to steal. I hope that I have been helpful. I know that you will make a right choice. If you still have doubts, feel free to contact me again. Till then. Goodbye .

Your loving son / daughter, signature ….……………….

EXAMINATION TIPS 1. Refer to other model letters to see how the given content points are constructed into meaningful sentences. 2. Sentences need not be long. 3. Just add phrases like “They are” or “Desktop computers” to the given content points. 4. Remember there would be 12 content points and it is easy to get marks for all the content points. 5. End your letter in a friendly, informal manner – Well, till we meet again, Goodbye.

Practice 5 You have a cousin who lives in Kuala Lumpur. You have decided to organize a trip there for you and your classmates during the second term holidays. Write a letter to your cousin informing him or her of your plan. In your letter, ask your cousin to help you rent rooms at a hostel. You should also include the following informations:

Details of your visit • Date • Number of people going • Number of days you intend to stay there

137 • Number of rooms required • Budget for the rooms per day

What you plan to do • Visit:  Kuala Lumpur Tower  National Zoo  Science Centre  Putrajaya • Tour the city • Go shopping at KLCC

When writing the letter, you should remember to: - Use suitable format - Use all the informations given above - Elaborate on what you plan to do

138 6 CONTINUOUS WRITING

6.1 Teacher’s Notes

Narrative essays are a favourite among students as they are easier to handle. This type of essay enables the writer to use and share experiences with the readers.

1. Students must read the question carefully and know exactly what they are supposed to write. 2. Ask the students to decide whether to write their essay from their own perspective or someone else’s. The first person or third person singular is the most popular choice. 3. Students should use a simple plot. Asking students wh-questions will help them to develop ideas. Advise them to list in chronological order. 4. Students should use the past tense forms. 5. Encourage the students to include adjectives and adverbs. 6. Students may also use dialogue.

STUDENT’S TIPS

WRITING A NARRATIVE ESSAY A narrative is a story with a sequence of connected events. It could be about a personal experience or an imagined event or events.

Let us look at some typical examination questions: 1. Write a story of a man who returns to his home after many years. 2. The day I lost my temper. 3. Write a story ending with, “I shall never forget this day for the rest of my life.” 4. Write about an occasion when you got into trouble. 5. Write a story beginning with, “I could not believe my eyes….”

139 How do I write a narrative essay for the examination?

ACTION PLAN: (1 hour) A. Planning = 15 minutes B. Writing = 35 minutes C. Checking = 10 minutes

This is how we do it.

A. PLANNING Let’s say you have chosen question 3, - Write a story ending with, “I shall never forget this day for the rest of my life.”

1. Read the question carefully and underline important phrases. Pay particular attention to the ending.

2. Brainstorm for ideas by using the 5Ws and 1H approach and jot down notes.

• Who is the character?

• When is the event taking place?

• Where is it happening?

• What is happening?

• Why is there a problem?

• How is the problem solved?

Example: Introduction • Who - main character, first person narrator (I) and cousin from Cambodia

• When - holidays, one Sunday

Body • What - had to accompany cousin Problem 1

• Why - cousin loved riding escalators

• Where - at the shopping centre Problem 2

• Why - riding escalators again

140 • Who - main character Problem 3

• What - nearly had an accident

• How - stumbled Climax

• Why - tried to escape from cousin

Conclusion • What lesson learnt – gratitude

B. WRITING THE ESSAY

Now that you have got the skeleton of your story, it is time to begin writing.

1. Use linkers and phrases which link the events to move your story in a chronological order. Some phrases that are suitable :

• It was very dark….

• I will never forget …..

• A few minutes later….

• Suddenly,…

• When the disaster happened, …..

2. Use the past tense forms. Check all the verbs you have used. 3. Use descriptive language (adjectives, adverbs)

4. Use sensory details to reveal the events and to get the readers involved. Do not merely tell but show the events through words and phrases.

Example: a. I went into the restaurant. b. I walked into the restaurant. c. I sauntered into the restaurant.

5. Sentence a: merely states that I went into the restaurant

Sentence b: gives a little more information as to how I went into the restaurant.

Sentence c: uses a more specific word to show clearly the idea of how I went into

the restaurant. 141 Sentence c. allows the reader to see what I am doing. The word ‘sauntered’ means ‘to stroll’. It gives the image of a person walking slowly into the restaurant. Thus, sentence c. is more effective in narrative and descriptive writing.

6. Use direct speech, but use it sparingly and effectively. Remember, you are writing a narrative, not a script.

7. Avoid using informal language

C. CHECKING Read your essay once through and check for the following things:

• Is the spelling accurate?

• Is the punctuation appropriate? Did you use too many commas in a sentence?

• Did you vary the sentence structure? Are your sentences too long?

• Does one thought follow the next in a logical order?

• Did you stick to the topic? Did you use words so that your reader could experience the incident?

• Did you use the appropriate tense of the verb throughout? Make any corrections neatly.

WRITING A DESCRIPTIVE ESSAY

Writing a descriptive essay is perhaps more difficult than writing a narrative essay because it makes more demands on one’s use of language. In a descriptive essay, you need to give a detailed description of a person, place, object, experience or memory. Your description must be so effective that the person, place, object, experience or memory described is clearly visualised by the reader.

If you are describing a person, the reader should feel that he knows the person well. If it is a place that is described, the reader should feel as if he is there and seeing it with his very eyes. How can this be achieved? Through the use of details that appeal to your reader’s senses and a lively tone that draws his emotions.

Techniques in Descriptive Writing

STEPS A. PLANNING 1. Read the question carefully. (eg. An Unforgettable Character) 142 2. Understand the question.

a. What does the phrase ‘Unforgettable Character’ mean?

He/She is a person you will always remember.

b. What is your focus?

A favourable or unfavourable impression of the character.

3. Brainstorm for ideas. Expand and elaborate the points.

Introduction

• Who is being describe - the canteen lady

Body • Detail 1 - General Appearance

 Neat

 Height – short

 Age – 50

 The way she walked - limps

• Detail 2 - Non-physical features

 Manners of speaking – gentle, low voice

 Habit – smiled a lot

• Detail 3 - Why she is unforgettable

 Kind - art lesson

- the way she treated a bully

 Keenness to learn – the way she read newspapers even though she was illiterate

Conclusion • Give an opinion – not a person to sit back and let things go by

B. WRITING THE ESSAY

143 1. Use details – Focus on the five senses (sight, sound, smell, taste and touch). Details are very important and when properly used, enable descriptions to come to life. Use nouns, adjectives and verbs to evoke these senses. Nouns and adjectives help the reader see; verbs help the reader feel. 2. Use a lively tone – Show your own feelings, responses and reactions as these make your description more vivid and lively. 3. Describe different aspects – If you are describing a person, do not limit your description to the person’s physical appearance. Include a detailed description of the person’s character and personality and how other people react to him. Include a detailed paragraph of an incident which highlights one of these aspects.

Let’s look at the two extracts below on the topic “An Unforgettable Aunt”.

Sample 1

Aunt Eleanor had a sharp nose and a pair of black eyes. She was thin, and had a thin, long face, an aquiline nose and sunken cheeks. Her hair was always tied in a knot and her clothes were only of one colour – grey. My cousins and I were afraid of her and always found an excuse to disappear whenever she was around.

Sample 2

Aunt Eleanor was thin and scrawny and her protruding bones almost made her look like a walking skeleton. Her aquiline nose and sunken cheeks added to her witch-like looks and her dark eyes, when they flashed in anger, were capable of sending tremors of fear down one’s spine. The dreary grey tones of her clothes and her sparse dark hair, which was always tied in a knot, further emphasised her sternness. My cousins and I cringed with fear and were reduced to silence when she glared at us with her smouldering dark eyes. Her serious demeanour and scrooge-like appearance did nothing to endear her to us.

• Sample 1 is a plain description of the narrator’s aunt. Although there are several verbs and adjectives, the description is somewhat dull. Sample 2, on the other hand, is a vivid and interesting description which brings the character to life. We can almost see her in our mind’s eye and this effect is achieved through the description of the person’s features that are prominent and striking. • Note the details about

- her overall physical appearance (thin, skeleton-like)

- her facial features (aquiline nose, sunken cheeks, dark eyes)

- her manner of dressing and grooming (dreary grey tones, tight bun)

- feelings stirred by her appearance (tremors of fear, reduced to silence, cringed with fear).

The description of her physical appearance supports and reinforces her character and personality, and this makes the essay interesting and engaging.

• Some writers like to merge descriptive writing with narrative writing. There is nothing wrong with this as the description enriches the narration.

144 C. CHECKING Read your essay once through and check for the following things: • Is the spelling accurate?

• Is the punctuation appropriate? Did you use too many commas in a sentence?

• Did you vary the sentence structure? Are your sentences too long?

• Does one thought follow the next in a logical order?

• Did you stick to the topic?

• Did you use the appropriate tense of the verb throughout? Make any corrections neatly.

Sample Essay 1

Write a story beginning with, “I was happy to be in Group 10...... ”.

I was happy to be in Group 10. There were six members in my group. There were three other boys and six girls. All of them, just like me, were happy to take part in the district level language camp. The camp was held at a two-star hotel in Ipoh. We did not have to pay anything. Everything was sponsored. The members in my group came from different secondary schools in the district. But all of us were form 5 students. We were chosen to join the language camp because we had the potential to score an A in the SPM 1119 examination. Seri, from SMK Seri Permai, was our group leader. Seri was a very pretty girl. I had a crush on her. I knew the other boys also admired Seri. We named our group Seri Bombastic. In the first activity, we created our group’s logo, motto and song. When we presented our song, everybody liked it. Then, there was a talk on how to answer examination questions. On the second day, we had several language games. We had spelling competition, vocabulary game, sketch and many others. Our group won the sketch competition. We presented a very good performance. We presented a story about a princess who fell in love with a fisherman. Seri played the role of a princess and of course I was the poor but handsome fisherman. The activities went on until 10.00 p.m. We were very tired but enjoyed ourselves a lot. On the third day we had a jungle trekking in a forest nearby the hotel. All instructions were given in English. We also had to solve some problems and answer tricky questions throughout the trekking activity. It was very challenging. The camp ended with a simple closing ceremony. Each participant was given a certificate. After going through all the activities I felt more confident that I would be able to get an ‘A’ for English in my SPM. I would also miss my group members, especially Seri. I would never forget them. We promised that we would continue to contact each other. Seri also promised to help me improve my English.

Sample 2

A Visit To A Hospital 145 Yesterday, I followed my father to visit my uncle who was hospitalised at a private hospital. We left home at about 5.00 p.m. and reached the hospital at 6.15 p.m. The private hospital was a new hospital. It was opened two months ago. My uncle suffered from chronic diabetes. Two days ago he came to the hospital for his regular check-up but the doctor had to admit him because his sugar level was very high. The doctor had to monitor him all the time. He would be allowed to go home once his sugar level stabilised. My uncle’s ward was at the fifth floor. The lift was very spacious and fast. A nurse, who was my mother’s old friend, greeted my father. She told us that my uncle was doing fine. After talking to the nurse for a while we went to Room 515. My uncle was very happy to see my father and me. A young Egyptian doctor was examining my uncle at that time. The doctor said that my uncle was getting better and he would be discharged soon. My father chitchatted with my uncle for almost one hour. I felt bored so I went out of the room to explore the new hospital. I went to the hospital lobby. It was like a hotel lobby. There was a long list of specialists and their academic qualifications on the wall. Altogether, the hospital had 35 specialists and some of them were foreigners. Then, I went to the cafe. I was surprised as the cafe was like a five-star restaurant. They served a variety of healthy dishes. But I would not eat there on my own as a plate of fried rice alone was RM7.50! Even a glass of plain water cost RM1.00! Initially, I planned to have something there but I just walked out as I only had RM2.15 in my pocket. When I was waiting for the lift to go back to the fifth floor, a woman cried hysterically with her daughter. From her words, I understood that she had just lost her husband. I did not say a word but I sympathised them, especially her cute and charming daughter. I wish I could console her daughter. But before I could offer some help, the door of the lift opened and my father appeared. He indicated it was time to go home so I just followed him. I walked to the main entrance while my eyes still looking at the girl.

Sample 3

My Favourite Restaurant Last week, the SPM result was announced. The night before, I could not sleep. I was very nervous. I was scared I did not get a good result because my parents were really hoping that I could go to university. I went to school to collect my result with my parents. My hands were shaking when I held the result slip. My class teacher congratulated me. I looked at my result and hugged my father and mother. I got 5A+, 1A and 4A-. Even though I was not the best student in my school, I was very happy with my result. My parents were very proud of me. That night, my father took me and the rest of the family members to my favourite restaurant, Bamboo Restaurant. It was only five kilometres from my house. The restaurant was opened three years ago. I liked the restaurant very much because it offered a wide range of local, Thai and western foods. I would always try different dishes each time I went there. All the customers said the restaurant was very spacious. Some said Bamboo Restaurant was the biggest restaurant in town. When we arrived at the restaurant, I saw a big crowd. My father took some time to park his car. My mother said, “We have a surprise for you!” I insisted my mother to tell me about the surprise but she just asked me to be patient. My family and I walked to a room which my father booked for us. The room was quite big and it could accommodate more than 50 people. When I opened the door, I saw many people standing while clapping their hands happily. They were my grandparents, uncles, aunties, cousins and immediate neighbours. I was really surprised to see my girlfriend with her parents too! Everybody congratulated me for my SPM result. I was deeply touched. I hugged my parents for organising such a dinner to celebrate my success. I sat beside Mimi, my girlfriend. She gave a gift but I had to promise her to open it at home. My father ordered my most favourite dish for all of us – chicken chop with black pepper sauce. We 146 also had garlic bread, salad and crab meat soup. I always told my friends to come to Bamboo Restaurant if they wanted to taste the best chicken chop in town. It was a long night at my favourite restaurant. My cousins sang a Justin Bieber’s song for me. My grandparents sponsored prizes for lucky draw. In short, we had so much fun at the restaurant. It was really a memorable night.

Sample 4

The Day When Everything Went Wrong I had just started working as a despatch boy at an international company in Kuala Lumpur. The job was not great but I accepted it after failing to get a job in my hometown, Kuala Nerang. Actually, my neighbour’s son who was staying in Kuala Lumpur recommended me for the job. Living in a big city was totally different from living in Kuala Nerang. But, whatever it was, Kuala Nerang was still in my heart. After six months working, I began to fall in love with Lisa, a clerk at a primary school. One day, I approached her at a coffee shop. She was having lunch alone. I joined her. She was very happy and really welcomed me to accompany her. Nothing much happened on that day but we just talked. We got to know each other better. After lunch, I asked her if she would be interested to watch a movie with me on the coming weekend. I was surprised when she gave me a definite ‘Yes!’. From that day, we became closer and love began to bloom between us. Lisa confessed to me that she was worried about what some other people might say to me because she was ten years older than me. But I convinced her that age was not important to me. What was more important was her sincerity and happy-going attitude. Lisa believed in me. She knew I truly loved her. So, one day she asked me to meet her parents. On one Sunday, I went to Lisa’s house. I was supposed to be there at 9.00 am. However, I only reached her house at 11.00 am. My motorcycle broke down once I left my house. I did not know why I was so stupid not to take a taxi but waited for two hours to get my motorcycle repaired. It was supposed to be an important day in my life but everything went wrong. I also left my mobile phone at home. I borrowed the mechanic’s mobile phone to inform Lisa about what happened to me but I just could not recall her contact number. My mind went blank. When I reached her house at 11.00 am, I could see her parents’ unhappy faces. Their conversation with me was very limited. I was confident they were not listening to me when I was explaining about what happened to me. To make it worse, I left a box of chocolate, which I promised to give to Lisa’s mother, at the workshop. I knew Lisa was frustrated with me but she still treated me well. Lisa served tea and some curry puffs. I was very hungry as I missed my breakfast so I kept eating them one after another. Lisa’s parents were speechless to see my act. When I saw their shocking faces, only then I slowly put back the curry puff in my hand into the plate. It was the last piece. After that, I asked for permission to go to the washroom as I really had to answer nature’s call. I was too clumsy. I fell in the washroom as the floor was slippery. My pants were soaking wet. I did not know what to do so I stayed in the washroom for about fifteen minutes. Finally, I came out with my wet pants. I quickly said goodbye to Lisa and her parents and left the house. It was truly a day when everything went wrong.

Sample 5 Examination

This morning I sent my son to school. It was the first day of his SPM examination. My son, Dean, was a diligent boy. Unlike me when I was his age, he did not need any motivation to study for 147 examination. He was able to manage his own time very well. He made his own timetable. Dean knew when to study, play, watch television and go out to have fun with his friends. I really saluted him for his independence and maturity. I respected him because I was very much different from him when I was 17 years old. When I was in Form 5, I was a lazy student. Perhaps, the laziest in my family and in class. My parents especially my mother was always angry with me when she came back from work and saw me sleeping in my room. Even my teachers in school did not know what to say to advise me to study for my SPM examination. Mr. Nick, my History teacher, always punished me for my laziness. I had never completed his History notes and exercises. My Chemistry teacher, Madam Beh, could not even look at my face. She gave up on me. I really did not have any idea how could I prepare for my examination. I realised I could not blame anybody but myself. I was the one who refused to listen to all the advice given by my parents, teachers as well as friends. Even when the school organised motivational talks and study skills seminar, I would find ways and create excuses not to attend the programme. I only picked up my revision books and began to study two months before the examination. My mother was surprised to see me with SPM books around me. She just could not believe her eyes. She did not say a word but gave me a hug while shedding tears. I promised her that though it could be too late for me to prepare for my SPM, I promised my mother that I would still try my best. For two months, I did all I could for my SPM examination. The result was announced several months later. Of course, I did not get straight As but I did not fail in any subject. My parents were not happy with my result. Me too. I learnt my lesson well.

Sample Essay 6

The day that I will never forget

One evening when the sun was about to set, my mother asked me to buy some onions and salt from a nearby sundry shop. The shop is run by Ah Kow, a jovial middle-age Chinese man with a huge pot-belly. His wife and three young children, two boys and a girl help him everyday. It was almost completely dark when I reached the shop. Ah Kow had switched on the lights in his small but adequately stocked shop. He was alone at that time and I was the only customer. Ah Kow greeted me with a warm smile. I always want to ask him how he kept his teeth so sparkling white but I was afraid to ask. I told him what I wanted and he went to get the things. Next door to Ah Kow is a coffee shop, owns by an Indian man. It was still open at that time. From the coffee shop came two men. They came into Ah Kow’s shop. I could smell bad breathe from these two men and I knew they both drunk. Both of them were young but from the way they half- walked half-staggered into the shop, it was obvious they had too much drink. I kept a safe distance from these men. It is never a good idea to be near drunks. One never knows what they will do next. True enough, my caution was justified. For the next moment, without any warning, one of the men swept a pile of tinned goods from a table onto the floor. In a second the neat rows were reduced to utter chaos. The man who did it roared but in laughter. I could see Ah Kow’s anger rising. He raised his voice. As if in reply to his retort, the two men started shouting at him. Then, suddenly a knife appeared in one of the men’s hand. The man that held the knife was small and wiry, judging from the muscles in his hand and I had no doubt he was very strong

148 The knife-man lunged and in a flash he had the point of his knife at Ah Kow’s throat. Ah Kow froze and his face paled. I was overwhelmed by the suddenness of events that the next thing I knew I could not move my hands, nor the other parts of my body. I was held in a vice-like grip by the other man. I did not even see him coming. I struggled but all I could do was to make the grip tighten more. It got difficult to breathe. I hears a lot of shouting and I could see the knife=men slapping Ah Kow. Reluctantly, Ah Kow opened the drawer where he kept his cash and the knife-man leaned over and made a grab of cash. That was a big mistake he made. For a fleeting moment, his knife was forgotten and in that short time Ah Kow seized his chance. Ah Kow’s huge right hand came down hard over the back of the leaning man’s head right down hard on the table. There was a sickening thud when face met table. The knife- man’s head rebounded like a rubber ball from the table and I could see blood all over his face. He was badly hurt. The knife dropped from lifeless hands on the floor. Moving with surprising speed, Ah Kow grabbed a bottle of tomato ketchup from a shelf and knocked the man’s head. The red tomato ketchup splattered all over the place. I could not distinguish how much of the red stuff on the man’s face was his own blood, or tomato ketchup. Slowly he sank to the floor and lay still. I struggled to get loose. It felt so easy. Then I realized that hands no longer held me. I turned around and saw the dark figure of a man running out of the shop and disappearing to the semi- darkness. I was about to go in pursuit but Ah Kow stopped me. He said it was useless pursuing somebody in the dark. Moreover the man could be armed and that would be dangerous. Ten minutes later, the shop was filled with curious people wanting to know what had happened. The knife-man was herded in the police car. Ah Kow and I had to give our statements to the police. When I arrived home half an hour later, my mother was waiting impatiently for me. I told her everything and she smiled. She said she was glad I was not injured. I will never forget for the rest of my life.

Sample Essay 7

My Favourite Holiday Destination

My favourite holiday destination is Langkawi, which is made up of 99 islands on Malaysia’s west coast. It is the country’s best-known holiday destination. Surrounded by stunning turquoise sea, it is the most popular and is frequented by both local and foreign tourists.

The sightseeing attractions in Langkawi certainly will not disappoint visitors. One of the interesting places I love to go is the Underwater World – Malaysia’s largest aquarium – which features 200 different species of marine and freshwater creatures. It is located at Langkawi’s most popular beach, Pantai Cenang, where visitors can enjoy the varieties of water sports or simply strolling along the white sandy beach.

Mahsuri’s Tomb is another tourist attraction which preserves the historical past of Langkawi. This memorial is built in honour of Mahsuri, a fair maiden who was accused of adultery and unjustly put to death. According to legend, she bled white blood as a sign of her innocence and she cursed Langkawi for seven generations. Besides, you can visit the Gamat Factory nearby where you can purchase a wide variety of this traditional Malay medicine. Just 5 kilometers away from Mahsuri’s Tomb, the Field of Burnt Rice is another must-visit place. It is believed that when the Siamese army invaded Langkawi, the local chief ordered that all the rice in the land be cut and burnt to prevent it

149 from falling into enemy hands. To this day you can purportedly still see the burnt rice on the ground during heavy rain-fall.

Your visit to Langkawi is not complete without experiencing the gondola ride at Oriental Village, home of the cable car. It takes you from the foot of Gunung Machinchang to its apex. From the peak, you will get a bird’s eye view of Langkawi’s thick greenery and also the Telaga Tujuh waterfalls.

If you are a nature lover, you can enjoy a glimpse of the lush flora and fauna of the Kilim Nature Park. This trip will take you on a fascinating journey to explore the park’s natural inhabitants as well as its natural limestone caves.

Finally, if you are intent on carting off duty-free perfumes, imported dishes, batik and chocolates, then this is the place to be. There are many shops offering these items at good prices, especially in Kuah Town. It is indeed a shopping heaven especially for ladies.

Langkawi is definitely my favorite holiday destination. Besides being a duty-free island and beautiful tourist spots to go, it is a place where I can relax and feel as if I am in another world. I will definitely spend my holidays in Langkawi again.

Sample Essay 8

Internet

The Internet or the World Wide Web is indeed a wonderful and amazing addition in our lives. The Internet can be known as a kind of global meeting place where people from all parts of the world can come together. However, there are advantages and disadvantages of using the internet.

One of the things that you can do via the Internet is e-mail. With e-mail you can send and receive instant electronic messages, which works like writing letters. Your messages are delivered instantly to people anywhere in the world, unlike traditional mail that takes a lot of time. There are also many ‘chat rooms’ on the web that can be accessed to meet new people, make new friends, as well as to stay in touch with old friends. It is a great way to meet up with people of similar interest and discuss common issues.

Information is probably the biggest advantage internet is offering. Any kind of information on any topic under the sun is available on the Internet. The ‘search engines’ on the Internet can help you to find data on any subject that you need. Along with getting information on the Internet, you can also shop online. There are many online stores and sites that can be used to look for products as well as buy them using your credit card. You do not need to leave your house and can do all your shopping from the convenience of your home. 150 Besides, we can also download software from internet. This is one of the most happening and fun things to do via the Internet. You can download games, music, videos, movies, and a host of other entertainment software from the Internet, most of which are free.

However, there are certain cons and dangers relating to the use of Internet. If you use the Internet, your personal information can be accessed by other people. If you use a credit card to shop online, then your credit card information can also be ‘stolen’ which could be akin to giving someone a blank check. Besides, pornography is a very serious issue concerning the Internet, especially when it comes to young children. There are thousands of pornographic sites on the Internet that can be easily found and can be harmful to children.

Such illegal activities are frustrating for all Internet users, and so instead of just ignoring it, we should make an effort to try and stop these activities so that using the Internet can become much safer. In conclusion, the advantages of the Internet far outweigh the disadvantages, and millions of people each day benefit from using the Internet for work and for pleasure.

Sample Essay 9

Write a story beginning with, “I could not believe my eyes”…

I could not believe my eyes as I saw the skinny lady who was walking slowly towards the medicine counter. She looked old, haggard and depressed. She looked so familiar to me, but a younger, happier version. There was no way I could be wrong.

Quietly, she sat on one of the chairs and waited patiently for her turn to collect her medicine. I suddenly remembered, it had to be Diana, my best friend in secondary school. But this person looked too old to be 30. Anyway, I braved myself to approach her. Hearing my footsteps, she looked up slowly.

“You are Diana Yusof, aren’t you?”

She nodded her head silently. “Hello, Amira? You are looking good.”

Her remarks reminded me of how beautiful she had been once. Diana had been the school beauty. Everyone had admired her for her looks, her brains and her beautiful character.

151 One day, Diana had stopped coming to school. No one knew where her family had gone and why they had left so suddenly.

Taking a seat next to her, I wondered what had happened to her.

“Why did you leave so suddenly, Diana? Why?”

She looked at me nervously. I could sense that she was reluctant to talk and expose a part of her life. After a long silence, finally, she started telling me her story.

Her mother had been diagnosed with cancer and there was nothing the doctors could do. They said that she had only three months to live. Her father decided to return to their hometown, to let her live in peace.

Her father, distressed by his wife’s death, started to neglect his own health and three months later, he too died, leaving Diana in the care of her aunt.

Tears rolled down Diana’s cheeks as she related the difficult years with her aunt. Her aunt treated her badly. She forced her to quit school and to work at a restaurant. The cruel old lady often beat her. Her cousins, jealous of her beauty, were nastier than their mother.

Now that the aunt was old, her five children had left her when they realised that she needed special care. Despite her aunt’s poor treatment of her, Diana felt sorry for her.

“She has no one else,” she said. “I have promised to take care of her.”

I looked at Diana and saw her goodness. Instead of seeing a gaunt and weary figure, I saw an amazingly beautiful human being. My heart went out to her. Just then, her name was called. She got up and collected the medicine which, I knew, was for her aunt. Her story reminded me of something my mother used to say,

“Life is like an onion: You peel it off one layer at a time, and sometimes you weep.”

Before leaving, Diana turned and smiled sadly at me. I never saw her again after that.

Sample Essay 10

Football / My favourite sport / Interest

Manchester United? Liverpool? Arsenal? Kedah?

It's Tuesday morning. Do you find yourself longing for the weekend? Not because the idea of having two days off from school, but because your living room television is bombarded by football matches, both local and international scenes. Football is the greatest sport of all time and has endured the test of time, dating back to the ancient Greece. Here are the little things that get me through the week and reasons why I love football.

152 Firstly, I love football because it is simply far more entertaining than any other sport in the world. It’s the world’s most popular sport, simple. As a sport it is far less predictable than most. It’s a sport where upsets can and do occur on a regular basis. Besides, it is a simple and inexpensive sport that anyone can play. All you need are shoes and a ball.

Obviously among other reason, my family and I share a love for football which means family gatherings of watching our favorite teams during football season. My mother would prepare some crackers and hot, black coffee, allowing us to enjoy the match despites her favourite Malay drama is playing on the other channel.

Football is also source of national pride. A great example of this is Iraq. Even though their country was in shreds, they still managed to piece together a national soccer team to represent in the Olympics. I remember when they came out during the opening ceremony and received a standing ovation, it was very touching.

It sounds like an old cliché, but football really is a sport that unites all. The game of football is played by more worldwide than any other sport. Therefore, when the World Cup arrive in Brazil in the summer of 2014, for those two weeks, civil wars will cease and people will gather and watch their national teams play for the most coveted trophy on the planet.

It’s a beautiful thing. I do not like football. I simply love it.

Sample Essay 11

The Person I Admire Most

The person I admire most is none other than my maternal aunt, Mak Su Midah. She is my mother’s youngest sister. I love Mak Su Midah because she is a responsible and understanding person. Mak Su Midah stands 161 cm, with a petite, slim figure. She has fair complexion, smiling eyes and lustrous, black, shoulder-length hair. Her face is as smooth as silk, and she has rosy cheeks and pink lips. Being a successful businesswoman, she holds herself very well and has the charm and grace to go with it. Mak Su Midah owns a chain of bakeries in Johor Bahru. She is a person who always puts her best foot forward and she is planning to expand her business to other major cities like Melaka, Seremban and Singapore. As a single mother, Mak Su Midah always works hard to provide for her three sons. Although she is busy with her business, she always finds time to spend with them. She makes sure they have dinner together. During school holidays, Mak Su Midah would also take some time off to take her sons for a vacation. Her sons are doing very well in school as they are very disciplined and focused. Mak Su Midah is a good role model not only to me, but also to her sons. Although she is very successful, Mak Su Midah is very humble, modest and respectful to everyone. She is also supportive towards her siblings and never fails to help anyone who is in trouble. Sometime ago, my father was in a financial distress and Mak Su Midah stepped up and helped him to solve his problem. I have learnt to be like her in this respect. She always says that helping others brings her joy. 153 Mak Su Midah is also always understanding and supportive towards me. As a young child, I used to play with her and I even broke her favourite vase, but she was very patient with me and never lost her temper. Besides that she always encourages me to study hard and reminds me to stay focused. She is like a friend to me and also the favourite aunt of all her nephews and nieces. To me, she is my role model. When I grow up, I want to be like her. That would certainly make my parents very happy – to have a daughter who is not only successful, but also respectful to everyone.

Sample Essay 12

Hari Raya Celebration

One of the biggest celebrations in Malaysia is Eid or more commonly known as Hari Raya Aidilfitri or Hari Raya Puasa. Hari Raya literally means 'Celebration Day'. It is celebrated by Muslims on 1 Syawal of Muslim Calendar after a month of fasting.

Shopping malls and bazaars are usually filled with people days ahead of Hari Raya, which creates a distinctive festive atmosphere throughout the country. This is the time when my mother and I will do our last minute shopping for clothes and delicacies. Then, we will return to our home town to celebrate the festival.

The night before Hari Raya is filled with the sounds of the takbir in the mosques. Just like in many parts of Malaysia, especially in the rural areas, I will lit oil lamps and place them outside and around my grandmother’s home. My brothers, together with my cousins, will light traditional bamboo cannon or firecrackers which are notoriously loud and can be very dangerous. My mother and aunts will be busy preparing special dishes like ketupat, dodol, rendang and other delicacies to serve on the next day. My favourite is definitely lemang which is a type of glutinous rice cooked in bamboo.

On the morning of Hari Raya, we will wear our traditional clothing, baju kurung. Before heading to the mosque for prayer, we will greet one another and ask for forgiveness for sins which we may have committed. Once the prayer is completed, it is common for many Muslims to visit the graves of loved ones. During this visit, we will clean the grave, recite Yassin, and also perform the tahlil ceremony. All these are done as a means to ask God to forgive both the dead and the living for our sins. The rest of the day is spent visiting relatives or serving visitors. Hari Raya is a very joyous day for me and other children as we will be given token sums of money, also known as "duit raya", from our parents or elders.

I truly enjoy the Hari Raya celebration which is a really unique festival. It is more than a religious celebration as it fosters closer relation in a family as well as the neighbourhood.

Sample Essay 13 154 My school

My school, Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Sri Cempaka is located in Taman Indah, about three kilometers away from the town center. It was built in 1961, the first secondary school in the district. It is a grade A school and has more than 2000 students. To cater such a big population, there are thirty classrooms with busy sessions both in the morning and afternoon as well. As you enter the school compound, you will immediately come to the office. It is on the ground floor of a three storey building which also holds the library and two Science laboratories. The school hall which can seat 1000 students is next to the office. The hall has witnessed a lot of glorious moments ever since it was built 25 years ago. There is a spacious garden behind the office block. It is a beautiful garden with exotic palm trees and a fish pond. Each of uniform body in the school takes turn to clean the garden every weekend. Just beside the garden is the school canteen. It is a large canteen and sells varieties of food. I particularly love the Laksa. It is very delicious. The school field is well-equipped. It has a football field, a hockey field, a basketball court and two volleyball courts. It is not surprising as the students in this school are active in sports. Many of the students play football, basketball and hockey for the state. The school is also the champion in the district athletics games for three consecutive years. Although the school is old, it has a proud history of producing brilliant students who are good in sports and in their studies. I love the school because of the friendly students and dedicated teachers there. I will definitely miss this school when I leave it at the end of this year.

Sample Essay 14

An Unforgetable Experience

May 25 2001 is a day I will never forget. It was the day when my family suffered a tragedy. The day began like any other day and we all got ready for school while my father got ready to go to work. We all had breakfast together, enjoying our favourite banana pancakes and hot chocolate, before leaving the house. My sister and I got on our school bus while I saw father got into his car to get to work, leaving my mother doing her usual house chores. At 10.00 a.m., I was having a Mathematics lesson when a teacher came and told me my father was at the canteen waiting to take me home. I could sense something bad had happened. Fearing the worst, and thinking of all kinds of bad things that could have happened, I met my father who had already fetched my sister. Her face was white as a sheet. ‘Our house was burnt down and mom is in the hospital,’ explained my father sadly. His voice shook as he spoke. I was so shocked. We rushed to the hospital and the doctor told us that mom was all right. We thanked God that nothing serious had happened to her. She only suffered minor injuries. However, we lost everything in the fire, our computer, furniture, books and clothes. I found my piggy-bank in the ashes and the coins were still inside. That was all I had left. My father comforted us by saying that the house could be built and the things inside could be bought. ‘Mother is all right and that is the most important thing,’ he said. That is why May 25 is a day I will never forget. 155 Sample Essay 15

The Dong Festival

Chinese celebrate thanksgiving on 22nd December for the Dong Festival. It is the day of merriment, feasting and giving thanks. It is also a day for setting out hopes for the coming year and for ancestor worship. In ancient times, according to tradition, the Emperor had to fast on the eve of Dong to prepare for the ceremonial rituals and ancestor worship, which was carried out on the Altar of Heaven in Beijing. On the day itself, the Emperor would offer sacrifices at the Temple of Heaven. If the day was dry and clear, the coming year would be peaceful. Dong is a family celebration with a family dinner for those who live nearby or are free to come. Prayers are offered at the family altar. The day is marked by the preparation of ‘tong yuen’, a dish of glutinous rice flour balls in syrup. The process involved the making of ground glutinous powder into dough. Then, half of the dough would be coloured red and the rest left white. The roundness of the balls symbolizes family co-operation and union. Usually there would be twelve larger white balls symbolizing the number of months of the year. The rice balls would be boiled until they are cooked. Everyone must eat at least one such ball to indicate that one is a year older. I can recall those early years when I helped to make the rice balls. It was a fun activity when we would compete to see who could roll the roundest and the most number of balls. Mother would be the judge and give a reward to the winner. When she had enough of the rice balls, we were allowed to shape the balance into any shape we like. They would also be boiled and we would eat our own creations. Nowadays, Dong is not celebrated like it should be. The balls with fillings can be bought ready- made. People are too busy to observe traditions and customs. It is not a public holiday and many young people tend to forget that such a festival even exists. Moreover, no one wants to eat ‘tong yuen’ as it is tasteless and not attractive at all. We seem to have become too sophisticated to enjoy the simple pleasures of life as a family.

Sample Essay 16

Chronicles of Rina : Mother’s walk Of Life

The postman was at the door with a parcel for me. It was from my sister who was pursuing a degree in London. I tore the packaging paper and what I had in my hand was a book that traced my mother’s walk of life from the day she was born up to today. There were all together 50 pages for each year of her life. I had e-mailed all the documents, photographs and even couriered a host of other things that I could not e-mail. She had utilized all that she needed into treasure of a moment for Mama or Mother’s Day. The cover was a stained glass rose design of a fusion of Mama’s favourite colours. As I turned the pages, I was taken on a walk down memory lane. The first five pages showed her entry into this world, her birth certificate, photos of birthdays, rides, swim and cries. The next few pages illustrated her years in kindergarten, the concerts and her graduation photograph. She capped with her mortal board and holding a scroll which had a toothy grin.

156 Her thirteen years in primary and secondary school were written in pictures. There are sports activities, bicycle rides, school excursions, science projects of pressed flowers and leaves as well as candid photographs of her teenaged peer activities. She next left to pursue tertiary education in Kuala Lumpur where she met Papa. I managed to find photos of them together culminating in their wedding ceremony. She was splendid in her wedding attire, so was Papa in his Malay suit. She started a teaching career and I followed her posting to the interior of Pahang. Being young and inexperienced, she enjoyed in her work which we read about in her letters. These letters were to her family, relatives and friends. Then we came on the scene, the five of us, commencing with my eldest brother and wnding with me. She has her favourite photographs and Lia knew just the one each of us to include in the chronicles of events. Next were photographs of Rahim’s graduation with our proud parents. It was followed immediately by Rahmah’s entry to the medical profession and Rahman’s setting up his accountancy firm. Then, came photographs of Papa and Mama’s pilgrimage to Mecca with ‘Opah’ and ‘Atuk’. The serene looks on their faces were crystal clear to us. The children sponsored Mama and Papa’s first overseas tour of Western world. Although we stayed home, we were the armchair travelers when they showed us the candid shots of their tour. The last page of the never-ending “Saga” was the celebration of the 25th wedding anniversary of Papa and Mama. It was a joyous occasion for everyone and the emotional outpourings could been on their faces and heard in the recording made on the CD. The souvenir ended with the words, “the saga continues- Happy Mother’s day!” and to accompany it was another CD with messages from all her five children. I closed the book, wrapped it up with batik cloth, tied it up with ribbon, largely written with the words, ‘WE LOVE YOU’.

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