1 Section A : Directed Writing a) Article b) Speeches / Talks c) Reports d) Formal Letter e) Informal Letter f) Reminders g) Language Descriptors 2 Section B : Continuous Writing a) General Guidelines b) Narrative c) Descriptive (Events) d) Expository e) Argumentative f) Language Descriptors
B. Paper 2
1 Section C : Reading Comprehension a) Summary b) Language Descriptors 2 Section D : Literature a) Poems b) Short Stories c) Novel d) Language Descriptors
If I hear, I forget, If I see, I remember, If I do, I make it my own.
- Chinese saying - JUJ SPM 2009 http://edu.joshuatly.com/ http://www.joshuatly.com/
ANALYSIS OF PAST YEAR EXAM PAPERS (2001 2008)
YEAR POEMS 2001 An article for school newsletter 2002 A talk on road safety 2003 A formal letter to a class teacher (trip) 2004 A report to principal about the school canteen 2005 An informal letter (to a friend) 2006 An informal letter (to a friend) 2007 A talk on a reference book 2008 An article for school newsletter
GENERAL GUIDELINES The marks given for Directed Writing will be based on the Content of your essay and on your Language. A. Content :- i) Carrying out the instructions correctly. You will be given clear instructions as to the content and form of the expected answer. The examiner will want to see how far you are able to carry out the instructions which have been given in the question. ii) Presenting the basic points. Some basic points will be given in the question, which you are to present in your answer. Marks will be awarded for each relevant point that is mentioned in the answer. iii) Elaborating the basic points The basic points will be given in the question. You will have to elaborate on those points by giving details or examples. Depending on the question, sometimes marks are awarded for each relevant elaboration.
B. Language Language use is assessed according to the following criteria i) Grammatical correctness ii) A variety of sentence types iii) Effective vocabulary iv) Good planning v) Style or tone JUJ SPM 2009 http://edu.joshuatly.com/ http://www.joshuatly.com/
A) ARTICLES
Guidelines On Writing An Article
1. Students must write an ARTICLE using the proper format.
2. The article should have a TITLE.
3. The article must have 3 to 5 paragraphs where the points given are elaborated and supported by examples.
4. Mark allocation:
Format : 3
Content : 12
Language 20 ____________________
TOTAL 35 ____________________
Format - F1- title, F2- conclusion, F3- writer
Content - usually content are given in the form of short notes. Students are also required to elaborate and to provide 2 other points based on the need of the task
Language - Refer to Language Descriptors for Directed Writing.
Sample question from 1119/1 (Bahasa Inggeris SPM 2008)
Section A : Directed Writing
You recently attended a leadership camp organized by your school. At the camp, one of your friends was a chosen as the best group leader. You have been asked to write an article about your friend for your school magazine.
Write your article based on the information below.
BEST GROUP LEADER
Friends details Reasons why he/she Award received was chosen
When writing the article, you should remember:
- to give a suitable title - to give your name as the writer - to use all the information given - to provide an ending - to add two other reasons why your friend was chosen - that your readers are students of your school
name age family background responsible caring best speaker for camp debate school attended certificate of achievement RM500 voted the most cooperative JUJ SPM 2009 http://edu.joshuatly.com/ http://www.joshuatly.com/
SAMPLE ANSWER
Hamids Fantastic Feat ( F1) By Amirul ( F2)
On the 1 st and 2 nd of October 2008, our school organized its 10 th
annual Elite Leadership Camp. Held at Warriors Camp atop Frasers Hill, the two-day camp centred on moulding students of the school into responsible young adults before they bid farewell to their secondary school life. The camp, which was opened to Form Five students, culminated in the presentation of the Best Group Leader title to a deserving student. Born on the 2 nd of July 1991, this 17-year old is the older brother of two young sisters and the only son of Kamarul bin Aznin and Sophia
binti Hamdan. He enrolled in SK Bukit Berjasa at the age of 7 and left the school with honours such as the president of the Drama Society and
the Assistant head Prefect. This person is none other than Hamid bin Kamarul, whom many of us know and like. In fact, I am truly glad to call him as one of my closest friends. Those of us present at the camp were not surprised when it was announced that Hamid bin Kamarul had been chosen as the best group
leader. After all it is undoubtedly a responsible and caring person. He
had no qualms when asked to be in charge of his group and even
showed his nurturing side when a fellow team mate was injured. Hamid helped to treat the grazed knee of David Chew when the latter fell during the obstacle race. When it was announced that there would be an impromptu debate among the group, many of us were overcome with anxiety. On the other hand, Hamid remained calm and composed and led his team to emerge victorious. Not only that , he was voted as the best speaker
of the debate as a testament to his true eloquence and oratory skills.
He had a way of getting his contentions across clearly and effectively. He commanded every one attention with the confidence in his voice. Furthermore, Hamid was voted as the most co-operative team
member of the entire camp. When questioned later, Madam Wong explained that this was because he was always the first person to volunteer for any task or activity and his enthusiasm at getting the challenges completed was a trait that should be exemplified by us all. However, that is not all as Hamid was also the catalyst in his teams win in the poster designing competition, as well as a constant motivator of his team. He was always giving them words of encouragement and his team members were positive that he was a terrific group leader. Thanks to his positive attributes and immense abilities to take the
lead, Hamid received the awards of a certificate of achievement and a
whopping RM500. Hamid later on told me that he would be giving the money to charity and would not keep a single cent. He stressed that the certificate was sufficient and would prove to be a reminder of the wonderful time he had at the Elite Leadership Camp. Truly, he was the mark of a great leader.
In retrospect, Hamid positive traits ought to be emulated by us all. Despite the enormous amount of attention drawn to him since the camp, Hamid remains humble and down-to-earth, He maintains that he is merely being himself and he undeniably happy and contented with his achievements thus far. So, if you were to congratulate him in the hallways, do not expect a pompous Hamid to snub you. Instead, he will give a warm smile. Three cheers for Hamid Kamarul.
Road accidents have been on the rise lately. More and more young people are becoming victims of these road accidents. As the member of the Road Safety Club, you have been asked to write an article on road safety.
Below are some notes you have made on the reasons why road accidents occur and suggestions to reduce the number of accidents:
Reasons Suggestions speed strict enforcement of traffic rules reckless driving increase fines tiredness road worthy vehicles racing awareness campaigns poor maintenance of vehicle increase age limit for new drivers road conditions suspend driving license
Write out the article. When writing out the article, you should remember to:
give a title write the writers name end/conclude the article
As the President of the Youth Club in your school, you had been asked to write an article titled Social Problems among Youths Today for your school magazine. You have the following information to help you to write the article.
1. Students must write a SPEECH/TALK using the proper format.
2. The speech must have 3 to 5 paragraphs where the points given are elaborated and supported by examples.
3. Mark allocation:
Format : 3
Content : 12
Language 20 ____________________
TOTAL 35 ____________________
Format - F1- title, F2- introduction, F3- writer
Content - usually content are given in the form of short notes. Students are also required to elaborate and to provide 2 other points based on the need of the task
Language - Refer to Language Descriptors for Directed Writing.
Speeches are often made on various occasions. For example:
a. to welcome a person b. to introduce someone c. to congratulate someone d. to bid farewell to someone e. to give opinion or provide information about a particular topic
2. Writing a speech/talk
a) When approaching the question on giving a speech:
a. read the question carefully. b. determine the audience and the purpose of the talk. c. ensure your speech is suitable for the occasion.
b) When you give a speech or talk, you usually have to :
a. greet your audience b. tell your audience what you are going to speak about c. give a short introduction to the topic d. give detailed information on the subject you are talking about e. conclude by summarising your main points or restate your views f. thank the audience.
3. Useful Expressions
a) Greeting your audience :
Good morning to the Principal, teachers and fellow students ... Good morning. Mr. Chairman, ladies and gentlemen ...
b) Starting your talk :
Today, I am going to talk on ... / Today, I would like to talk about ... Thank you for giving me this opportunity to talk on ... The title of my speech today is ... Let me start off by saying ...
c) Introducing a new point :
My next point is ... The next issue I would like to talk about is ... I would now like to turn briefly to the problem of
Let me give you an example To illustrate the point, let us .... For example, ... For instance, ...
e) Giving opinions :
I firmly believe that ... Theres no doubt that ... I am certain that ... I am absolutely convinced that ...
f) Strong disagreements :
I do not agree that ... I cannot accept the view that ... I totally disagree with the view that ... I cannot accept the argument that ...
g) Ending your talk :
Now, I am sure that you will agree with me that ... Of course, you would now agree with me that ... From my speech, it is clear that ... In conclusion, I maintain that ... Now, I hope you are convinced that ... I hope I have given you useful information on ... Finally, let me conclude by saying .... ......................................................................... ...............Thank you.
Sample question from 1119/1 (Bahasa Inggeris SPM 2007)
You have been asked by your teacher to give a talk on a reference book that is useful for secondary students. You have decided to talk about a science book.
Use the following notes about the book to write your talk.
Details of the book Reasons why the book is useful
Title : Science Made Simple Author : Sharifah Shazana Publisher : Bunga Publications attractive presentation clear explanation helpful diagrams variety of exercises sample answers practice question papers useful tips
When writing the talk, you should remember :
To use an appropriate greeting and closing To state the purpose of the talk To use all the notes given To give two other reasons of your own That the talk is for school students
MARKING SCHEME
F1 - Salutation F2 - The purpose of the talk F3 - Conclusion
C1 - Title of the book C2 - Author C3 - Publisher C4 - Attractive presentation C5 - Clear explanations C6 - Helpful diagrams C7 - variety of exercises C8 - sample answers C9 - Practice question papers
C10 - Useful tips C11 - First reason C12 - Second reason
F = 3 C = 12 ________ 15
L = 20 ________ 35 JUJ SPM 2009 http://edu.joshuatly.com/ http://www.joshuatly.com/
SAMPLE ANSWER
Good morning to the teachers and students present here. I am the President of the Science Club. I would like to warmly welcome all of you. The reason that I stand here in front of you is because I would like to give a talk on a reference book that is useful for all secondary students. I am sure all of you use many different types of reference books for your studies. The reference book that I am going to talk about a science book. First and foremost, allow me to introduce the titlle of the book. It is Science Made Simple. The author of this book is Sharifah Shazana and the publisher is Bunga Publications There are many reasons as to why the book is useful for secondary students. The first reason is its attractive presentation. The cover of the book itself is so attractive that the moment we see it, our eyes will be glued to the cover. Apart from the cover, the contents of the book are also presented in a very attractive manner. The next reason is clear explanations. Students can easily understand the notes given in the book. Each topic is explained in details and keywords have been given to enable students to remember important facts. The explanations are simplified that even students from weaker classes can understand well. Of course, there are no science books without diagrams. Similarly, this reference book has various helpful diagrams. The diagrams are colourful and clear that students will not et bored and can get a clear picture of the processes explained. I am sure this is what most students prefer. In addition to the above reasons, this reference book is very essential to all secondary students because there are a variety of exercises in it. Each topic is accompanied by various exercises. Students can check their understanding of the topics by attempting the exercises given. The answers for the exercises are also provided in a separate booklet for easy reference. There are also various practice question papers according to exam format. Students can use these question papers for revision purposes. These practice questions will also be useful for group discussions as sample answers are provided as well. Other than the reasons mentioned above, there are many special and useful tips for examination preparation in this reference book. I am sure all of you would be happy in hearing this. Finally, there are two special reasons that add to the merit of this reference book. One special reason is that this reference book consists of short notes which would be very relevant and useful to students in making preparations for exams. In addition, the book is also affordable as compared to the other work books. I think I have given sufficient reasons to all of you regarding this science reference book. I hope all of you will buy and benefit in using this reference book. Before I end my talk, I would like to thank you again for listening to my talk. F1
You are the president of the Crime Prevention Club in your school. You have been asked to give a talk on Safety for Students during your school assembly. Write your talk based on all the notes below.
Always travel in pairs or in groups Do not take short cuts Do not accept anything from strangers Keep walking if a strange vehicle approaches you Inform teacher of any suspicious character Do not play near the street while going home.
When writing you should remember :
- to address the audience - to introduce the topic of the talk - to use all the points given. - to end the talk appropriately
Note : Number of content point given in the question is six so students are required to give another six new ideas. It could be written as elaboration of each point, thus, each point has an elaboration.
The principal of your school is retiring after having served the school for 10 years. As the Head Prefect, you have been asked to give a speech at a special assembly to honour him. Write your speech based on the information below. a. Personal Particulars a. 32 years of service as a teacher b. Promoted as the principal in1999 c. Good Geography teacher
b. Achievements in career School top in PMR and SPM state level Hockey Under - 18 Boys state champions for 3 years Started a special programme for slow learners. Won the Award for Excellent Principal
c. Special Qualities Motto Study Hard, Play Hard Stressed the importance of good moral values Close ties with staff and students
When writing the speech. You should remember:
- to address the assembly appropriately - to state the reason for the special gathering - to use all the information given - to add two other reasons why you honour your Principal - to give a closing - that your listeners are students and teachers of your school
1. Students must write a REPORT using the proper format.
2. The report should have a TITLE.
3. The report must have 3 to 5 paragraphs where the points given are elaborated and supported by examples.
4. Mark allocation:
Format : 3
Content : 12
Language 20 ____________________
TOTAL 35 ____________________
Format - F1- title, F2- introduction, F3- writer
Content - usually content are given in the form of short notes. Students are also required to elaborate and to provide 2 other points based on the need of the task
Language - Refer to Language Descriptors for Directed Writing.
Sample question from 1119/1 (Bahasa Inggeris SPM 2004)
There are a few matters in your school which could be improved. The schools Prefects Board has had a meeting. The prefects have decided to write a report for the principal. As the secretary to the board, you have been asked to write the report.
In your report, include the following:
Do remember to:
- give your report a title - use all the points given - provide two relevant details/examples for each of the four points - write in paragraphs
The unsatisfactory service and high food prices in the school canteen The urgent need to improve the cleanliness of the school The request for a pedestrian and zebra crossing in front of the school JUJ SPM 2009 http://edu.joshuatly.com/ http://www.joshuatly.com/
SAMPLE ANSWER
Suggestions for Improving Facilities in SMK Tanjung Selama (F1)
The Prefects Board of SMK Tanjung Selama had a meeting on 17 October 2004 at 2.30 p.m. in the Prefects Room. The meeting was called by our Head Prefect, Mohd Saiful Nizam Amran, because there have been a lot of complaints about the condition of the school. Here we would like to present a detailed report of the meeting to the Principal (F2) of SMK Tanjung Selama for further action and consideration. The first issue that was discussed is the unsatisfactory service in the
school canteen. The canteen seems to be short of workers because there are
only two people handling the huge crowd of students during recess. Due to
this, some students are not able to buy their food on time. The second issue which is also related to the first one is that the food
prices in the school canteen are too high. The price of food seems rather
expensive for school students. For example, a plate of fried rice is RM2.00. Most of the students only bring around RM1.00 to school, so they are only able to buy light food like bread or buns. There is an urgent need to improve the cleanliness of the school. The
first place to start is the school toilets. Usually, after recess, the toilets are in a
deplorable condition. The workers need to wash the toilets as soon as recess is over. Furthermore, in the canteen, the food is spilt all over the floor, leaving behind stain and stench. The next point of discussion is the safety of the students. Since the traffic is very heavy in front of the school after school is over, there is a need
to have a pedestrian crossing. Even a zebra crossing with a traffic warden
would be ideal for the time being. This is due to the fact that there have been
minor accidents in the past couple of months. We hope that the school authorities would take the necessary actions to improve the condition of the school so that the students would have a safe, clean and comfortable environment in which they could study well.
Reported by, Closure
Wanie Signature _______________________ (Shazwani binti Ariff, (F3) Name of the writer Secretary, Post of the writer Prefects Board, SMK Tanjung Selama.
Format : F1 the title F2 the addressee (the school principal) F3 the name of the writer
Content points : C1 the unsatisfactory service in the school canteen C2 the high food prices in the school canteen C3 the urgent need to improve the cleanliness of the school C4 the request for a pedestrian or zebra crossing in front of the school Elaboration Points : E1 Detail/Example of C1 E2 Detail/Example of C1 E3 Detail/Example of C2 E4 Detail/Example of C2 E5 Detail/Example of C3 E6 Detail/Example of C3 E7 Detail/Example of C4 E8 Detail/Example of C4
The English Language Society of your school recently conducted a study to find out students opinion on the possible reasons for the decline in the English Language. A total of 100 students were interviewed. As the Secretary, you are required to write a report on the findings based on the notes given.
Possible reasons for the decline in the English Language
not compulsory - students prefer to spend their time on other subjects
less important - most believe they will get by with Bahasa Melayu, which is the national language
lack of emphasis - teachers concerned in getting their students to pass
not much done to love English - more English campaigns to be organized
lack of exposure - most homes do not subscribe to English reading materials - unqualified teachers - teachers forced to teach when they are not trained for
Do remember to:
- give the title - use all the points given - elaborate by providing appropriate examples - write the name of the person reporting
1. Types of formal letters Letters of complaint Letters of enquiry Letters of job application with curriculum vitae Letters to the newspapers Letters of request or appeal
2. Format of a formal letter
Your address
Receivers address
Salutation
Subject
Body
Complimentary close
Your signature name _________________ _________________ _________________
_________________ _________________ _________________ _________________ 12 January 2008
Dear Sir / Madam,
_________________________________________
With reference
2 I would.....
3 I can ...
4 I hope that
Thank you.
Yours faithfully,
__________________ (NAME IN CAPITAL LETTERS)
Date
Introduction
1 st point
2 nd point
3 rd point JUJ SPM 2009 http://edu.joshuatly.com/ http://www.joshuatly.com/
Sample Letter
a) Letter of application (for a scholarship)
Date
Date
Room 441, First College, University of Malaya,
50603 Kuala Lumpur.
The Manager, The Sun Scholarship Fund, Lot 31, Jalan Barat,
56202 Petaling Jaya, Selangor. 5 MAY 2007
Dear Sir / Madam,
Application for The Sun Scholarship Fund
I refer to your advertisement with regards to The Sun Scholarship Fund which appeared in yesterdays issue of The Sun. I would like to submit my application for the aforementioned scholarship.
2 I am pleased to inform you that I scored 9As in my SPM examination and 2As and 3Bs in my STPM examination respectively. I am presently in my second year in University of Malaya pursuing a degree in Mass Communications.
3 I hope to be a journalist upon graduation and would consider it an honour to work for your newspaper establishment. I was working as a cub- reporter with The Sun for three months before I joined the university.
4 I am enclosing a copy of my curriculum vitae, a passport-sized photograph, photocopies of my SPM, STPM certificated, my first year university results and the names of two referees as requested.
Your address Receivers address Date Salutation Subject Complimentary close Signature Your name JUJ SPM 2009 http://edu.joshuatly.com/ http://www.joshuatly.com/
b) Letter of Complaint
We write letters of complaint when we are not satisfied with something. Do not be rude. A courteously-worded complaint is more likely to receive attention.
In writing a letter of complaint, you should:
Examples: (a) I am writing to complain about the Rexy refrigerator I bought from you. (b) I am afraid I have to express my dissatisfaction over the mobile phone.
Examples: (a) The rubber lining on the doors come off every time I open the door. Besides, the refrigerator is unusually noisy. (b) I have not been able to make long distance calls with the telephone. There is also an irritating continuous beeping sound.
Examples: (a) Of course this has caused my wife considerable inconvenience. As the rubber lining is not intact, the food does not keep well. (b) As a businessman, I need to make regular calls to my associates. With the telephone malfunctioning, I have not been able to make some very important calls.
Examples: (a) I would be grateful if you could send a technician to rectify the problem. (b) I am returning the phone together with this letter. Please send me a replacement immediately.
Examples: (a) I hope you would look into my request immediately. (b) I am convinced that you would act immediately on your customers complaints. Give details of the complaints If possible, point out the inconvenience caused State what action you want them to take Express the hope that your complaint would be looked into immediately State the purpose to the letter JUJ SPM 2009 http://edu.joshuatly.com/ http://www.joshuatly.com/
Sample Letter
Question
You love eating at hawker centres. The place that you frequent, the Old Town Food Centre is however, very dirty. Write to the Enforcement Officer of Majlis Perbandaran Kuantan to complain about the condition of the centre. Give details of the complaint and suggest what action should be taken.
Use the following notes to write your letter: floor is filthy plates left lying around infested with flies clogged drains stench from the drains tables dirty and oily lead to health problems issue warnings clean drains wash floor regularly health officers conduct regular checks on cleanliness
When writing your letter, remember to: use the format of a formal letter include all the points give two suggestions of your own
66, Jalan Mat Kilau, Taman Semegah Jaya, 25300 Kuantan, Pahang. The Enforcement Officer Majlis Perbandaran Kuantan, Jalan Tanah Putih, 25300 Kuantan Pahang 16 Jun 2007
Dear Sir,
Dirty Food Stalls at the Old Town Food Centre
I wish to draw your attention to the condition of the Old Town Food Centre.
2. Though the centre is popular with the residents of this town and the food relatively cheap, the cleanliness of the place leaves much to be desired. Firstly, the floor is filthy. It appears as if the hawkers rarely take the trouble to get it washed often. To make matters worse, plates are left lying around on the dirty floor.
3. Secondly, the place is infested with flies. This, I think is due partly to the clogged drains around the centre. Sometimes, the stench from the drains is terrible and that certainly spoils the evening out. When it rains, the situation becomes worse. In addition, the tables are very dirty and oily which spoils our appetite.
4. I am sure that you would agree with me that such unhygienic conditions would lead to health problem. Kuantan has long enjoyed the reputation of being the cleanest town in our state and we should try to maintain the image. The present state of affairs at the Old Town Food Centre is certainly not going to contribute to that image!
5. My suggestions are that warnings should be issued to those who fail to keep their stalls clean. Your workers too, can help by making sure that the drains are cleaned and do not get clogged. The management should ensure that floors and tables are cleaned every day before closing.
6. Health officers should make regular visits to the centre to ensure its state of cleanliness. Besides that, summons should be issued to hawker stalls that do not kept their stall clean. With cooperation of both parties, there is no doubt that the situation can be improved.
I trust that you will view this matter seriously and take whatever action that may be necessary to make the food centre a more pleasant place for our residents.
Thank you.
Yours faithfully,
Teoh Eng Huat
(TEOH ENG HUAT)
F3
Practice 1 : Parallel Writing (Refer to the sample letter)
You are a student at a secondary school. You are dissatisfied with the services at your canteen. Write a letter of complaint to the principal of your school. Give details of the complaints and suggest what action to be taken.
Use the following notes to write your letter: dirty floor clogged drains sells junk food food and drinks are not covered dead flies and mosquitoes in food and drinks canteen workers never cover hair sink dilled with rubbish insufficient table and chairs conduct surprise checks wear caps and aprons cover food and drinks add more benches and tables
When writing your letter, remember to: use the format of a formal letter include all the points that the letter is addressed to the principal JUJ SPM 2009 http://edu.joshuatly.com/ http://www.joshuatly.com/
Practice 2
As a resident of a housing estate, you are dissatisfied with the night market in your area. Write a letter of complaint to the municipal council in your area, highlighting the problems created by the night market and suggest what action to be taken.
Use the following notes when writing the letter:
lack of parking space traffic congestion stalls obstructs traffic noisy stalls not properly arranged road littered with rubbish attracts stray dos and cats threatens the safety of the residents relocate stalls arrange stalls clean up rubbish fine hawkers for littering
When writing your letter, remember to: use the format of a formal letter include all the points that the letter is addressed to Town Council
1. Students must write an Informal Letter using the proper format.
2. The informal letter should have a TITLE.
3. The letter must have 3 to 5 paragraphs where the points given are elaborated and supported by examples.
4. Mark allocation:
Format : 3
Content : 12
Language 20 ____________________
TOTAL 35 ____________________
Format - F1- address, F2- salutation, F3- closure (eg.Yours sincerely)
Content - usually content are given in the form of short notes. Students are also required to elaborate and to provide 2 other points based on the need of the task
Language - Refer to Language Descriptors for Directed Writing.
1. Refers to social and friendly letter that we write to our friends and family members. 2. The tone of the language used is casual and conversational. 3. Format of the letter ; (a) address of the sender (b) date (c) opening / salutation (d) contents of the letter (e) ending (f) signature
Example :
(a) 11A, Block F, Hill Resort Park, 27000 Jerantut Pahang.
(b) 26 February 2009
Dear Julian, (c)
It was a wonderful surprise to get your letter the other day.. ..
(d) The camp was very . ..
(e) Its getting late. I have to stop now. See you in the next letter.
Types of letters Salutations Ending Letters to close relatives Dear mom, Dear Uncle Lim, Dearest sister Yours lovingly Yours affectionately With lots of love Letters to friends and acquaintances Dear Mr. Ali Dear Muthu Yours sincerely Your friend
MARKING SCHEME
1. The content marks include format, points given in the stimulus and elaborations.
2. Marks are awarded for :
Format - 3m ( salutation) ( closing ) ( signature ) Points - 6m Elaboration - 6m ---------------- Total Marks 15m ----------------
Your pen pal has written to you inquiring about local festivals. You decide to write about the Moon Cake Festival celebrated at your hometown.
Moon Cake Festival celebrated by Chinese ninth month of lunar calendar lanterns of various shapes, colours and sizes moon cakes with different types of filling legend good queen protected nation against the evil king lovely festival joined by all races
Based on the notes given, write a letter to your penpal
Remember :- To write as an informal letter To use all notes given To add relevant information Write in paragraphs.
ANSWER COMMENTS 33, Jalan Raya, Taman Ria, 27400 Dong Raub, Pahang.
3 March 2008
Dear Harry, It was really nice to get your letter. I enjoyed reading about the 4 th of July celebration. In Malaysia, we have many festivals and one of them is the Moon Cake Festival. It is celebrated by the Chinese during the ninth month of the lunar calendar. It is a time when children play with colourful lanterns of various shapes and sizes. The traditional lanterns are lighted up by small candles. It is quite tricky to light these lanterns as we might burn the fragile lanterns. Nowadays, there are many battery-operated plastic lanterns on sale. Nevertheless, I still prefer the old- fashioned lanterns. Besides playing with lanterns, we also eat moon cakes which are made of lotus bean paste coated with a thin layer of pastry. There are so many different types of fillings to choose from. The moon cakes are tasty but rather costly. Some people say that the festival symbolizes the sacrifice of a good queen who protected the nation against the evil king. Whatever the legend, it is a lovely festival to watch, especially all the colourful lanterns. It is a festival that is joined by all races, bringing unity and harmony among us. Well, I have to end here as it is time for dinner. Till next time, bye.
Your cousin has been offered a place to study in a fully residential school. Write a letter encouraging him/her to accept the offer.
o helps to develop a sense of co-operation o to be tolerant o more time to devote to study o learn to be self-reliant o can immediately consult the teachers or friends about study o well-equipped with facilities
Reminders:
o To write as an informal letter o To use all the notes given o To elaborate the notes given o Write in paragraphs
11A, Level 1, Block F, Jasmine Hostel, Sultan Mansor Science School Jalan Palembang 75200 Air Keroh, Melaka. 1 August 2009 Dear Ashraf,
How are you and your family over there in Kuantan? I do hope that all of you are in the pink of health. Congratulations to you on getting such good results in the recent PMR examination. I am confident that you will do equally well in the SPM. I heard that the good news that you have been offered a place to study in the Science Secondary School, Kajang. Congratulations again! You should consider yourself fortunate and lucky to have got this offer as it is not easy to get a place in this particular school. But, what is this I hear that you are not keen to take up this offer? Maybe you are not aware of the advantages of studying in a boarding school. I would like to share about my experience being in a residential school. One of the greatest advantages of studying in a boarding school is that it helps to develop a sense of co-operation among the students. As members of one big family, students help one another in every aspect. Moreover, we live together as a unit. Students will learn to be tolerant and to better understand each other. Our friends have different characters and behaviour. It helps a person to be tolerant of others. In a hostel, students will have more time to devote to their studies. A boarding school is the most suitable place for determined and ambitious students. There is a regular schedule of study and play, and every minute of the day is well planned and spent.
Furthermore, in a residential school, a student will also learn to be self-reliant. He will have to do his own laundry, ironing and other chores that are normally done by his parents at home. Learning to be independent is a great asset for the future, as this school is a good training ground. Many times when doing our work, we come across certain things that we do not understand. In a boarding school, we can immediately consult our friends or teachers for help without loosing much time. Finally, many residential schools are well -equipped in academic and extra curricular activities. We learn better and play better too. I do hope you are convinced now, Ashraf. Please make the right decision and accept the offer. If you have anymore doubts about studying in a boarding school, do not hesitate to ask me. Bye for now, and do convey my best wishes to your mum and dad. Yours sincerely,
Format Points Content Points Elaboration Points Language Points FORMAL LETTER 1. Address of the sender 2. Address of the recipient 3. Date 4. Salutation 5. Heading/title 6. Closure 7. Signature 8. Name and post of the sender Include all the given content points Give details/ examples (only if needed/ mentioned) 20 marks according to specified bands/criteria INFORMAL LETTER 1. Address of the sender 2. Date 3. Salutation 4. Closure 5. Signature 6. Name of the sender Include all the given content points Give details/ examples (only if needed/ mentioned) 20 marks according to specified bands/criteria REPORT 1. Title 2. Addressee 3. Signature 4. Name of the writer 5. Post of the writer Include all the given content points Give details/ examples (only if needed/ mentioned) 20 marks according to specified bands/criteria ARTICLE
1. Title 2. Name of the writer Include all the given content points Give details/ examples (only if needed/ mentioned) 20 marks according to specified bands/criteria TALK/ SPEECH 1. Greeting 2. Introduction/ opening speech 3. Ending Include all the given content points Give details/ examples (only if needed/ mentioned) 20 marks according to specified bands/criteria
The language is entirely accurate apart from occasional first draft slips. Sentence structure is varied and sophisticated shows that the candidate is able to use sentence length and type to achieve an intended effect. Vocabulary is wide and is used with precision. Punctuation is accurate and helpful to the reader. Spelling is accurate across the full range of vocabulary used. Paragraphs are well-planned, have unity and are appropriately linked. The topic is addressed with consistent relevance. The interest of the reader is aroused and sustained throughout the writing. The style and tone are appropriate formal and polite. The reader is convinced that this could be a real article published in a school magazine.
B 16-18
The language is accurate but there may be more minor or first draft slips. Sentences show some variation in length and type, including the use of complex sentences. Vocabulary is wide enough to convey intended shades of meaning with some precision. Punctuation is almost always accurate and generally helpful to the reader. Spelling is nearly always accurate. Written in paragraphs which show some unity and are usually linked appropriately. The piece of writing is relevant to the topic and the interest of the reader is aroused and sustained throughout the writing. The style and tone are formal and appropriate for an article. The reader is satisfied that a genuine attempt has been made to write an article for a school magazine. JUJ SPM 2009 http://edu.joshuatly.com/ http://www.joshuatly.com/
C 13-15
The language is largely accurate. Simple structures are used without errors; mistakes may occur when more sophisticated structures are attempted. Vocabulary is adequate to convey intended meaning although it may not be sufficiently developed to achieve precision. Sentences show some variety of length and structure although there is a tendency to use one type of structure, giving it a monotonous effect. Punctuation is generally accurate although errors may occur in more complex uses. Spelling is generally accurate for common vocabulary. Written in paragraphs which show some unity, although links may be absent or inappropriate at times. The style and tone shows some attempts have been made to achieve formality in an article but this may not be sustained. Informal language is used from time to time.
D 10-12
The language is sufficiently accurate for meaning to come through. There will be patches of clarity particularly when simple vocabulary and structures are used. Mistakes will occur when more complex sentences are attempted. There may be some variety of sentence length and type but this may not be successful in enhancing meaning or arousing interest. Vocabulary is adequate but lacks precision. Punctuation is generally correct but does not enhance or clarify meaning. Simple words are spelt correctly, but errors may occur when unfamiliar words are used. Written in paragraphs but show lack of planning and unity. The topic is addressed with some relevance but the reader may find composition at this level lacking in liveliness and interest value. The style may not be appropriate as an article. Lapses into an informal language may occur consistently. JUJ SPM 2009 http://edu.joshuatly.com/ http://www.joshuatly.com/
E 7-9
Meaning is never in doubt, but single word errors are sufficiently frequent and serious to hamper precision and speed of reading. Some simple structures will be accurate but accuracy is not sustained. Vocabulary is limited and either too simple to convey precise meaning or are imperfectly understood. Simple words may be spelt correctly but frequent mistakes in spelling and punctuation make reading the script difficult. Paragraphs lack unity. Links are incorrectly used. There may be errors of sentence separation and punctuation. The style may fail to achieve the formality required of an article. If it does, it may not show understanding of the detailed requirements of the task. The tone may not be appropriate for an article published in a school magazine.
Ui 4-6
Meaning is fairly clear but the incidence of error is high and definitely impedes the reading. There will be many serious errors of various kinds throughout the script but they are mainly of the single word type, i.e. they could be corrected without rewriting the whole sentence. A script at this level will have very few accurate sentences. There may be frequent spelling errors. Punctuation will sometimes be used correctly but sentence separation errors may occur. Paragraphs may not be used, or if used, show a lack of planning. The tone and style is inappropriate for an article published in a school magazine.
Uii 2-3
Sense will be decipherable, but some of the errors will be multiple, requiring the reader to reread and reorganize before meaning becomes clear. At this level, there may be only a few accurate but simple sentences. This type of script may also be far short of the required number of words Whole sections may make little or no sense. There are unlikely to be more than one or two accurate sentences. The content is comprehensible, but its tone is hidden by the density of errors.
Uiii 0-1
Scripts in this category are mostly entirely impossible to recognise as pieces of English. Whole sections may make no sense at all or are copied from the task. Award 1 mark if some sense can be obtained. The mark 0 should only be awarded if the article makes no sense at all from beginning to end.
- Chinese proverb - JUJ SPM 2009 http://edu.joshuatly.com/ http://www.joshuatly.com/
ANALYSIS OF PAST YEARS QUESTIONS SPM 1119/2, 2005 (a) Describe the biggest challenge in your life (b) Write a story with the title : An Unexpected Visitor (c) How to keep oneself healthy (d) If you were given a chance to be anybody, who would you want to be and why? (e) Music
SPM 1119/2, 2006 (a) Describe an enjoyable weekend you have experienced. (b) Write a story ending with: If only I had been more careful, that wouldnt have happened. (c) What changes would you like to see in your life in the next ten years? (d) How can television help students in their studies? (e) Food
SPM 1119/2, 2007 a) Describe an embarrassing experience in your life. b) Teenagers today are only interested in entertainment. Do you agree? Support your opinion c) My early years d) Write a story beginning with: Kim was nervous when the door opened e) Tomorrow SPM 1119/2, 2008 a) Write about a person who has worked hard to succeed in life. b) Examinations good or bad c) My perfect future husband or wife. d) Write a story ending with : .....Now I realise the value of a true friend. e) Stars
i) Use the right words A wide vocabulary enables you to write better compositions To acquire a wide vocabulary, you need to read a lot of books, magazines, newspapers and other reading materials. Add a list of Idiomatic Expressions, Figurative Language, Colour Idioms, Similes, Proverbs, Double Words, Synonyms, Sounds and Homophones. Compile further list of compound words, prefixes and suffixes. When you come across any of the above-mentioned words or expressions, jot them down. Learn to look up for meanings of these words and expressions in a dictionary.
ii) Write better sentences Use simple sentences, sentences with joining words, longer sentences, sentences with different beginnings and sentences of different lengths for variety in sentence structures. Add adjectives to nouns, adverbs to nouns, phrases and clauses; and use figurative language, idiomatic expressions, proverbs, similes, colour idioms, pairs of words and direct speech for vivid and interesting sentences
D. Variety in sentence structures
i) Simple sentences Examples : Youngsters prefer to watch movies. Exercise is beneficial for health.
ii) Sentences with joining words Examples : Many activities had to be cancelled because there was heavy rain. I could not understand the tourists as they were babbling away in French. JUJ SPM 2009 http://edu.joshuatly.com/ http://www.joshuatly.com/
iii) Longer sentences Examples : On my way home from school, I saw thick black smoke coming from a burning house, and people rushing out with all their belongings. It is impossible to make ends meets if we have the habit of spending too much money buying unnecessary luxury goods.
iv) Sentences with different beginnings Examples : Beginning with gerunds - Jogging is popular with both boys and girls. - Cooking is his mothers favourite pastime. Beginning with particles - Beaming with pleasure, Mr Da Silva thanked us for the present. - Standing on tiptoe, he tried to see what was actually inside the secret room. Beginning with a phrase with preposition - At this moment, not a single sound could be heard. - After trying hard, she managed to do the job well. Beginning with other words - Earlier, one of the students had to reject the offer. - Despite being the only child in her family, she manages to be independent.
v) Sentences of different lengths adding other words, phrases and clauses Examples : I turned and fled. I was so frightened that I turned and fled. We went on a tour of Melaka. We, together with some teachers, went on a three-day tour of Melaka.
iii) Add phrases to nouns and verbs Examples : The apartment with expensive furniture belongs to the young millionaire. The spectators cheered in an excited manner when Shahzan Muda scored another goal.
iv) Add clauses to sentences Examples : Mount Kinabalu which is in the state of Sabah is a popular tourist destination. My neighbour who composes and writes lyrics has won the first prize in the Asian song-writing competition.
G. Use of direct speech - to be used in appropriate situations for more effective writing
Example : A new teacher has just been transferred to the school. One of the students asked her classmate, Jessica, what does the new teacher look like? Jessica replied, You mean Miss Guok? Oh, shes pretty. Looks like a Japanese doll.
Tips on Writing a Good Essay Important Questions to Ask - What is a well-written essay? - What do examiners look for in an essay?
1. Fulfillment of task Have you fully answered the question? Have you used all the points given? Have you given enough relevant points? Do your points reflect mature or intelligent thinking on your part?
2. Cohesion Are all the paragraphs and ideas appropriately linked? Does each paragraph have a main idea and a topic sentence? Have you provided enough elaboration and examples? Have you used transition markers and connectors? Are they correctly used? Have you organised your ideas well? Are your introduction and conclusion interesting?
3. Accurate grammar Do you have a variety of sentence structures? Are your tenses and other grammatical rules correct?
4. Accurate spelling Are all the words you have used correctly spelled?
5. Wide and appropriate vocabulary Are the words used in the essay suitable? Are they precise? Do you use a wide range of simple to difficult words? Are you able to use appropriate idiomatic expressions, figures of speech, proverbs, similes and other linguistic expressions?
6. The topic Is the topic addressed with consistent relevance?
7. The interest of the reader Is the interest of the reader aroused? Is the interest of the reader sustained throughout the writing?
A narrative tells a story or describes a sequence of events. It may be about something unusual, for example, a strange encounter or event, a sudden catastrophe, a crisis, a conflict, a victory, an exciting adventure or discovery. However, it may also be about ordinary experiences, the things that happen everyday.
2. Tips on writing a narrative
a. Mind maps and graphic organizers help create an interesting essay.
b. The essay should be written based on the five senses.
Sense of sight colourful lights, wide variety of food, lush greeneries, dark stormy, tall, dark and handsome man.
Sense of smell - smell of coffee brewing, aroma of crisp fried chicken, pungent smell of rotten eggs.
Sense of touch soft silky material, rough surface, warm pot, hot Iron, slimy dirty plates.
Sense of taste - bitter coffee, sweet and savoury puff, hot and spicy chicken, sour grapes.
Sense of hearing - blaring of horns, the sound of footsteps, doors creaking, brakes screeching.
When you write a narrative it is important for you to pay attention to the following:
a. Tense b. Cohesiveness d. Plot e. Characterization
(a) Tense
A narrative usually describes events or happenings in the past. Thus, the Past Tense forms are usually used in narrative writing. Other tenses are also used, but not as frequently.
Note the Past Tense forms of the verbs used in the following narrative.
Practice:
A Rescue Drama
A week ago, a ten-storey building in the town centre caught fire because a careless man had thrown a smoldering cigarette butt into a waste-paper basket. The whole building was in flames. In the street below a large crowd looked up anxiously at a frantic man who was leaning out of a window on the fifth floor. For him jumping meant certain death.
The flames were getting higher and higher. Just then, the fire-brigade arrived with a ladder long enough to reach the man. A fireman helped him climb down the ladder. Just as they reached the ground, there was a loud crash. The crowd watched in horror as the building collapsed in flames. JUJ SPM 2009 http://edu.joshuatly.com/ http://www.joshuatly.com/
(b) Cohesiveness
The flow of the story is important as it sets the mood of the storyline. Events should be arranged logically and systematically. This can be done by using connectors and suitable linkers.
Connectors / Conjuctions Functions Nevertheless, However, On the other hand To show contrast of ideas To join two ideas which are different As well as, Besides , Bothand Not onlybut also To combine two ideas that are similar or related In addition, Furthermore, Moreover To introduce new ideas or add extra information In Conclusion, In short, To summarize, To conclude the story or the ideas presented
Example:
A JOURNEY BY AIR
My first journey by air was almost my last. I arrived at the airport an hour before we boarded the plane at eleven. Not long after this our flight started. Just as the stewardesses started to serve lunch, the plane began to shake.
Frighteningly. at first, we thought it was just bad weather. We were told to stay in our seats and to fasten our seat belts. Then, the plane began to dip. We were speeding towards the ground. Just when we thought that we had only minutes to live, the plane leveled out. Next, it started to gain height. Twenty minutes later, much to our relief, we landed safely JUJ SPM 2009 http://edu.joshuatly.com/ http://www.joshuatly.com/
(c) Plot
The plot is the storys framework. It is the storyline of, for example, how a character changes or how a mystery is solved or how an enemy is defeated. To be interesting, a story must have a good plot.
Example :
A plot for a story entitled Tricked may be
- A character got a telephone call telling him that his father was in hospital - He rushed there and found his father was not in the hospital - He went home and discovered that his house had been broken into.
(d) Characterization
The events in the story usually happens to the main character, how he solves a problem or overcomes challenges thrown towards him. Thus, characterization should include the description, the characteristics as well as a clear the incidents that show his most outstanding personality
Example :
Ishak was a very wealthy man. A humble person, he led a simple life and was always plainly but neatly dressed. One day, he walked into a very expensive and exclusive jewellery shop. He wanted to buy a present for his wife. However, he was so poorly dressed that as assistant refused to serve him. Ishak left the shop, went to the bank and returned to the shop carrying a large bag. He dumped the heavy bag on the counter. The assistant ordered him to leave. Ignoring him, Ishak asked to see the manager. The manager recognized who the customer was, apologized profusely to him and reprimanded the assistant. After Ishak had selected a necklace, he presented the assistant with the bag. It contained RM 1000 in ten sen coins. Ishak insisted that the assistant count the coins 10,000 coins in all. JUJ SPM 2009 http://edu.joshuatly.com/ http://www.joshuatly.com/
SAMPLE QUESTION 1
Write a story beginning with this sentence
I can never forget the day....
SAMPLE ESSAY 1
I can never forget the day I graduated from university. This was the day my family and I waited for, and it took five years to achieve. It was the day I could formally and officially be called an accountant. I can still recall every moment of that memorable experience. Weeks before graduation day, my friends and I were busy shopping for clothes, shoes and accessories for the big event. Together with my family, we planned a quiet celebration lunch after the morning ceremony. Meanwhile, congratulatory cards and messages came pouring in. For sentimental reasons, I put them all in an album entitled My Graduation. Even today, I often flip through the pages and nostalgia sweeps over me. Finally the day arrived. It was 24 June 2008 and my parents, friends and I were dressed to kill. I felt extra special in my gown and mortar-board because of all the attention I was getting. Cameras clicked away. I posed for countless photographs with my parents and friends. Soon, it was time for us to take our seats in the Great Hall. I still remember looking out to see if I could spot my parents in the vast sea of faces in the hall. This, of course, was impossible. Then the long awaited moment arrived. I walked up to the stage in a daze to receive my scroll. There were butterflies in my stomach and I could feel my heart pounding. In spite of my nervousness, I walked boldly and confidently. The short path to the stage seemed to be never ending. It was like a slow motion. Finally, I stretched out both my arms for my scroll. It was a great moment for me and for my parents. After all the days spent in preparation for this event, everything was over in a few seconds. After the ceremony, we headed for the photo studio to have some photographs taken by professionals. Then, my parents treated me to a wonderful lunch in a cosy restaurant. Later in the evening, I joined my friends for a graduation party at a friends house. We had a great time enjoying the delicious barbecued meat and reminiscing funny and serious moments. We took more photographs. There would probably never be another occasion like this. It was the end to carefree days and the beginning of another chapter in our lives. I do not think I can ever forget any part of it.
The landslide occurred at 6 a.m. just as we were getting ready for school. We heard a loud rumbling sound coming from the direction of the hill slopes. Although we rushed to the balcony of our apartment on the tenth floor, we could not see anything. The whole area was enveloped in bleak darkness. I knew that the heavy rain during the past week must have taken its toll on the hill slopes. I pushed the thought to the back of my mind and went about having my breakfast By the time we got ready for school, Dad called out to us. We rushed to the balcony where Dad was standing. The sun was already up and in the dazzling brightness we could see boulders, the size of bulldozers resting at the foot of the slopes. A neighbor informed us that a major landslide had occurred. We rushed to the basement. We saw that rescue workers were already there and were removing buried vehicles from the rubble. The landslide had also cut off the only access road to town. Since the only access road could not be used, office workers and school children were left stranded. We were not allowed to go anywhere near the area where the rescue work was in progress. We could not do anything but stand and watch helplessly. There was also a power failure which meant that we could not watch television. During the initial stages, we were told that the residents from the two apartments blocks may be evacuated. This caused residents a great deal of anxiety. Later, when the police, firemen and various authorities met, they decided against the evacuation. Everyone was relieved. We spent the whole day just watching the rescue workers at work We prayed silently that the whole episode would soon be over. We were told to go back to our apartment and remain there until further notice. Later that night, we were told that the access road had been cleared and that there were no casualties or massive damage to property. We all heaved sighs of relief when we heard this. Mum led us into saying a thanks giving prayer. We had a lot to be thankful for. As I got ready to go to bed that night I recollected the events that occurred that day. I was glad the day had come to an end.
1. The purpose of writing is to describe the details of a specific event. 2. Since you have no notes to fall back on (not like in Directed Writing), you need to come up with your own details. 3. You can use your senses to help you give the details : What do you see? What do you hear? What do you taste? What do you feel? What do you think? 4. When describing an event, you can think of : the purpose of the event the date, time and venue the people/audience/participants/guests involved the sequence of events the highs and the lows, incidents, etc. everything you see, hear, taste, feel or think other peoples views a good introduction and a good conclusion
If a visit to a mountain on the bank of the river is regarded as a visit to Heaven, then a visit to a hospital is one to Hell. When I was a child, my mother showed me a chart in which the sinners were being punished in different ways in Hell. When I visited the Sejahtera Hospital to visit one of my relatives who was in the emergency ward recently, it seemed that I was also admitted to the Hell. The emergency ward was more or less like a casualty ward. People cried out of pain. Most of the patients were first admitted to this ward. The number of patients was generally more than the facilities available. My relative was to be operated for appendicitis the next morning. The doctors and the nurses were trying their best to give him comfort at that time. At last, they administered certain drugs to let him sleep. While waiting for him to wake up, I decided to visit the other wards there. At every corner, I would meet a doctor with his stethoscope dangling from side to side. The first ward I visited was orthopaedic ward. It was a pitiable scene. Almost all the patients were in plaster or plaster chassis. The part covered with plaster could not move. Many were not allowed to move at all. Some had their feet stuck to and chained with hangers fixed to their beds. I withdrew from the ward with a heavy heart. The surgical ward was equally horrible. The patients were lying in bandages. A case of open heart surgery had also been done that day, but the patient was in the Intensive Care Unit. There seemed to be a serious case in a corner. Half a dozen nurses rushed to the patient. The resident doctor had to be called. However, none could help the patient. He breathed his last. It was rather too much for me. I did not have the courage to see the pediatrics ward as to me, death hovered like an evil bird. Finally it was time to go home for we had to come again the next morning. In all this gloomy atmosphere, there was something I liked the most the dangling stethoscope. I just wished that I too could be one of these noble souls who devoted their life to the ill and the poor. After all, this was the only Heaven I could experience from my visit to the hospital.
Past year questions :- 1. Describe a day at school when you were very happy. (1998) 2. The day I lost my temper. (1999) 3. Describe how you spent a free day when the weather was very bad. (2001) 4. A day you wished had never happened. (2003) 5. Describe a festival celebrated in your area. (2004) 6. Describe the biggest challenge in your life. (2005) 7. Describe an enjoyable weekend you have experienced. (2006) 8. Describe an embarrassing experience in your life. (2007)
Enrichment questions :- 1. Describe a typical day at school. 2. Describe a visit to an orphanage. 3. Describe a wedding ceremony you have attended. 4. Describe how you spent a weekend in the countryside with your family. 5. Describe a scene on the first day of school.
1. Purposes of Writing :- i) to give detailed information or instructions on how to do something or how something should be / should be done ii) usually the question begins with the word HOW.
2. Guidelines :- i) Analyze the question carefully. It must be a topic you are familiar with. ii) Brainstorm for ideas, and plan your essay. iii) Organise your points so that they flow well. iv) Add details and relevant examples
3. Basic Strategies To Be Used :- i) Introduction - Identify the issue, describe the scenario, give definition (if necessary) ii) Body paragraphs - present the opinions and ideas clearly - begin each main idea with a topic sentence - give details, based on known facts - use specific examples and illustrations to develop your points iii) Conclusion - Sum up the ideas - Give resolution/suggestion/hope
Question : The standard of English is deteriorating in the country. Suggest ways how to raise the standard of English.
We often hear the older generation complaining about the standard of English among out youths today. Even job agencies list this as one of the reasons why graduates today cannot get jobs. There must be some truth in this issue. The question is, what can we do about the declining standard of English in our country? One of the ways lies in the teaching of Mathematics and Science in English. This has already been implemented by the Ministry of Education since 2003. All Maths and Science subjects, in both primary and secondary schools, are now taught in English. It is a little too soon to see a drastic improvement in the level of English as yet, but this programme will definitely benefit our students in the long run. Besides that, the government can take an even more drastic measure by making a pass in English compulsory in all public examinations. Only then will students be really serious about the subject. Otherwise, they will think that English is not crucial in the examination and will not pay any attention to it. A compulsory pass will definitely make them sit up and take notice. However, the learning of English, as in any language, should start from the home. Parents must nurture in their children a love for reading. Start them at an early age. Buy books for them instead of toys, and always make it a point to take them to the library. Parents themselves must set a good example by being ardent readers themselves. In addition, parents should select good educational English programmes for their children to watch on television or to use on the computer. The more children are exposed to the proper use of English at an early age, the more easily they will pick up the language. They will feel confident and will not feel shy or afraid to use the language at home or in school. In short, although the problem seems alarming, it can actually be tackled. However, both the government as well as parents must be serious and cooperative in dealing with this issue. More importantly, we should not push the responsibility to one another.
Past year questions :- 1. How do you think the media has influenced you and your family? (2001) 2. How can I help to make the world a better place to live in? (2002) 3. An invention you cannot live without. (2003) 4. How can we help promote tourism in Malaysia? (2004) 5. How to keep oneself healthy? (2005) 6. How can television help students in their studies? (2006) 7. My early years. (2007) 8. My perfect future husband or wife. (2008)
Other related questions :- 1. How should moral values be taught in schools? 2. Explain how the reading habit is to be encouraged in your school. 3. Give solutions on how to solve social problems among the youth. 4. Can we narrow the generation gap between parents and children? Discuss the ways. 5. How to prevent casualties at home?
1. Purposes of Writing :- a) to present a viewpoint i.e. to argue for or against a topic or to argue in such a way so as to persuade the reader to agree with you b) to discuss the pros and cons of the given topic c) to try to solve a given problem or issue
2. Basic Strategies To Be Used :- a) Introduction state your stand on the topic b) Body paragraphs present the facts and arguments clearly and forcefully begin each main idea with a topic sentence give accurate facts use specific examples and illustrations to support your arguments c) Conclusion reaffirm your stand
A topic sentence is a sentence that introduces and summarizes the whole paragraph, i.e., the main point, the gist without any elaboration, details or examples. A paragraph is a group of sentences dealing with one main idea in a piece of writing. This idea should be simply and clearly expressed in a topic sentence which is usually the first sentence in a paragraph. The following sentences should expand and develop the main idea. JUJ SPM 2009 http://edu.joshuatly.com/ http://www.joshuatly.com/
3. Useful topic vocabulary for argumentative writing a) To introduce the lists of advantages/disadvantages/viewpoints Firstly/In the first place/The first advantage is that/The first disadvantage is that Secondly/In the second place/The second advantage is that/The second disadvantage is that Thirdly/In the third place/The third advantage is that/The third disadvantage is that Another advantage is that/Another plus point is that/Another disadvantage is that/Another drawback is that b) To continue your arguments Furthermore/In addition/Moreover Similarly/Likewise Hence/Thus c) To emphasize arguments Without question/Unquestionably Undoubtedly/Undeniably d) To give an opposing point or opinion On the other hand On the contrary Nevertheless In spite of/Despite However Though/Although/Even though e) To make conclusions Consequently/Therefore/As a result/Thus In conclusion Finally/Lastly
FOCUS 1 Argumentative Essay - Pros and Cons Question : What are the advantages and disadvantages of students participating in sports? Steps :- 1. Identifying the tenses THE PRESENT TENSE 2. Planning the essay a topic sentence for each paragraph notes facts, elaborations and examples 3. Writing the final script write the introduction, the conclusion and elaborate each ideas
Planning generating ideas/arguments 1. Paragraph 1 introduce the topic, give definition 2. Paragraph 2 advantage 1 : it is good for health 3. Paragraph 3 advantage 2 : sports participation instills discipline and develops leadership qualities 4. Paragraph 4 advantage 3 : sports participation helps students to release stress and tension 5. Paragraph 5 disadvantage 1 : sports participation leads students to neglect their homework, studies and even family 6. Paragraph 6 disadvantage 2 : exposure to sports means students are prone to injuries 7. Paragraph 7 disadvantage 3 : it involves high expenses 8. Paragraph 8 conclusion : give final view; do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages or choose not to be committed to either side moderation is the key to success in everything
Model Composition Sports are activities that are carried out for pleasure or exercise. Playing games like football and tennis or taking part in athletics are sports activities. People around the world involve in sports whether professionally or done for individual purposes. However, when it comes to students, there are advantages as well as disadvantages of participating in sports. One of the main reasons for encouraging students to take part in sports is that it is good for health. In sports, especially outdoor activities, fresh air is taken into the lungs, resulting in greater oxygen flow into the heart. With improved blood circulation, other organs of the body function well. Muscles get toned, excess fat is burnt and impurities are excreted through the sweat glands. All these, together with a good diet, make a healthy body. The second advantage is that sports participation instills discipline and develops leadership qualities among students. For example, students must attend the various practices and training programmes punctually. If they are late, they are usually reprimanded and soon they realise that obeying orders is important. In addition, students involved in sports activities are often elected as captains, presidents, secretaries and to other positions. Students holding these positions usually develop distinctive leadership qualities. Thirdly, sports participation helps students to release stress and tension. The increasing amount of homework and the fear of failure at examinations do not allow students to relax. Taking part in sports gives them opportunity to unwind. After a game or a work-out at the gymnasium, the students feel much better and are ready to study after a good bath. This way of releasing stress is healthy unlike some methods many students resort to, for example; smoking, loitering in shopping complexes or taking drugs. On the other hand, there are disadvantages of participating in sports. It often leads students to neglect their homework, studies and even family. When students are over-enthusiastic, driven by great interest or the desire to win at competitions, they tend to spend more and more time away from home. Eventually, this eats into the students study time and time spent with the family. This, in turn, may lead to poor academic performance and a breakdown in family communication. This is certainly not to be encouraged. Furthermore, exposure to sports means students are prone to injuries like torn tendons, sore muscles, sprains and even fractures. Injured students have to stay away from school for some time, causing them to miss lessons and, consequently, fall behind in their studies. Finally, it involves a lot of expenses. Students need to spend money on sports equipment like tennis rackets and track shoes. They may also want to wear sports outfits that their friends have. Moreover, transport to and from training places and pocket money for refreshments means more money has to be spent. This money can be put to better use by buying more books or food. In conclusion, we can say that moderation is the key to success in anything. Therefore, if participation in sports is kept in moderation, it should not pose any danger or threat to the student. However, if the student is over- enthusiastic, then the disadvantages could turn out to be very real. JUJ SPM 2009 http://edu.joshuatly.com/ http://www.joshuatly.com/
Other related questions :- 1. What are the advantages and disadvantages of coeducation? 2. What are the advantages and disadvantages of examinations? 3. What are the advantages and disadvantages of being a member of a large family? 4. What are the advantages and disadvantages of having own business? 5. What are the advantages and disadvantages of travelling?
FOCUS 2 Argumentative Essay - Views
Question : Where would you choose to live in the country or the town? Why?
Steps :- 1. Identifying the tenses THE PRESENT TENSE 2. Planning the essay a topic sentence for each paragraph (i.e. for each viewpoint) notes facts, opinions, elaborations and examples 3. Writing the final script write the introduction, the conclusion and expand the notes
Planning generating ideas/arguments 1. Paragraph 1 introduce the topic : love the country, feel happy, contented and relaxed 2. Paragraph 2 argument 1 : fresh clean air, clear streams, less pollution; enjoy catching fish & swimming in river 3. Paragraph 3 argument 2 : house with spacious compound, can grow flowers, vegetables & fruits, plants are free from pesticides & chemicals 4. Paragraph 4 argument 3 : prefer attitude of people; warm, friendly & cooperative town people; distant, impersonal & uncooperative 5. Paragraph 5 argument 4 : prefer quiet & peaceful life, no distractions, different from hectic life in town 6. Paragraph 6 argument 5 : dont like entertainment available in town, nowhere to go except watching TV at home 7. Paragraph 7 reaffirm the view : there is no place like the country JUJ SPM 2009 http://edu.joshuatly.com/ http://www.joshuatly.com/
Model Composition I have always loved the country and will continue to do so. When I am in the country, I definitely feel happy, contented and relaxed. Therefore, whenever I am asked which one to choose, whether to live in the city or in the country, I would undoubtedly go for the life in the country. Firstly, in the country, the air is fresh and clean, and the clear streams are teeming with fish. There is less pollution as there are no factories or any industrial sites to emit smoke or discharge wastes into rivers. I really enjoy going for a dip in the cool waters of the rivers and catching fish to barbecue over a charcoal fire. All these activities are not possible to be enjoyed in a town. Another reason why I like the country is that each house usually has a spacious compound. In my free time, I can tend the garden. Apart from growing a variety of beautiful flowers like bougainvillaea and other ferns to beautify the surroundings, I can also plant vegetables and fruit trees. Home- grown fruits and vegetables are free from unhealthy pesticides and other harmful chemicals. Living in town, on the other hand, is different. With land being so expensive and scarce, most people can only afford to live in link houses or flats. So, there is space for perhaps only a few pots of flowers and ferns but definitely no land for vegetables and fruit trees. Furthermore, I prefer the attitude of the people living in the country. There is genuine care and concern for one another and a willingness to lend a helping hand whenever one needs help. It is not uncommon to witness the whole neighbourhood helping out in a wedding kenduri or on less happy occasions like funerals. The villagers cooperate, not out of duty, but out of sincere friendship. More meaningful relationships are formed and it is a joy to be a part of this. However, in the town, it is even possible that neighbours do not know one another. Every one seems busy doing his or her own thing. Often, even next-door neighbours do not bother to get to know one another and are only acquaintances. Other than that, I prefer the quiet and peaceful life of the country. I am able to do a lot of things that I enjoy. The slow pace of life suits me very much. I can do a lot of reading or write books without any distractions. In the town, the environment is noisy and the pace of life is hectic. I find it stressful to cope with the never-ending traffic jams, the rush to go here and there, and the pressures of work in the office. There is hardly any time for leisurely lunch or long chats with friends. Last of all, I do not like the types of entertainment available in the town. Pubs, discotheques, video arcades, snooker joints and coffee-houses are places where the rich and idle frequent. Often the crowds get rowdy, and therefore fights are common. Since I do not like to go to such places, there is nowhere for me. I often stay at home and watch television or listen to music. In a nutshell, for me, there is no place like the country. I only hope that it will not be spoilt by progress and development. I love the country as it makes me always feel happy, contented and relaxed.
Other related questions :- 1. Where would you choose to study in a boarding school or a day- school? 2. Pets help to make life more pleasant. How far do you agree with this opinion? 3. Equal opportunities in education should be given to boys and girls. Do you agree? 4. Should co-curricular activities be made compulsory in schools? Give your arguments. 5. Education or money which is more important to you? Give reasons to support your opinion.
Past Year Questions :- 1. Some people think that the legal age for driving should be increased from 17 to 19. What do you think? (2001) 2. Good results at school do not guarantee success in the future. What is your opinion? (2002) 3. Teenagers today are only interested in entertainment. Do you agree? Support your opinion. (2007) 4. Examinations good or bad? (2008)
The language is entirely accurate apart from very occasional first draft slips. Sentence structure is varied and sophisticated shows that the candidate is able to use various types of sentences to achieve a particular effect. Vocabulary is wide and is used with precision. Punctuation is accurate and helpful to the reader. Spelling is accurate across the full range of vocabulary used. Paragraphs are well-planned, have unity and are linked. The topic is addressed with consistent relevance. The interest of the reader is aroused and sustained throughout the writing.
B
38-43
The language is accurate; occasional errors are either minor or first draft slips. Sentences show some variation of length and type, including some complex sentences. Vocabulary is wide enough to convey intended shades of meaning with some precision. Punctuation is almost always accurate and generally helpful. Spelling is nearly always accurate. Paragraphs show some evidence of planning, have unity and are usually appropriately linked. The piece of writing is relevant to the topic and the interest of the reader is aroused and sustained through most of the composition.
C
32-37
The language is largely accurate. Simple structures are used without error; mistakes may occur when more sophisticated structures are attempted. Sentences may show some variety of structure and length but there is a tendency to use one type of structure, giving it a monotonous effect. Vocabulary is wide enough to convey intended meaning but may lack precision. Punctuation of simple structures is accurate on the whole but errors may occur in more complex uses. Simple words may be spelt correctly but errors may occur when more sophisticated words are used. The composition is written in paragraphs which may show some unity, although links may be absent or inappropriate. The writing is relevant but may lack originality and planning. Some interest is aroused but not sustained. JUJ SPM 2009 http://edu.joshuatly.com/ http://www.joshuatly.com/
D
26-31
The language is sufficiently accurate to communicate meaning clearly to the reader. There will be patches of clear, accurate language, particularly when simple vocabulary and structures are used. There is some variety of sentence type and length but the purpose is not clearly seen. Punctuation is generally correct but does not clarify meaning. Vocabulary is usually adequate to show intended meaning but this is not developed to show precision. Simple words will be spelt correctly, but more spelling errors will occur. Paragraphs are used but show lack of planning or unity. The topic is addressed with some relevance but the reader may find composition at this level lacking in liveliness and interest value.
E
20-25
Meaning is never in doubt, but errors are sufficiently frequent and serious to hamper reading. Some simple structures may be accurate, but a script at this level is unlikely to sustain accuracy for long. Vocabulary is limited either too simple to convey precise meaning or more ambitious but imperfectly understood. Simple words may be spelt correctly but frequent mistakes in spelling and punctuation make reading the script difficult. Paragraphs lack unity or are haphazardly arranged. The subject matter will show some relevance to the topic but only a partial treatment is given. The high incidence of linguistic errors is likely to distract the reader from any merits of content that the composition may have.
Ui
14-19
Meaning is fairly clear but the high incidence of errors throughout the writing will definitely impede the reading. There will be many serious errors of various kinds throughout the script but they are mainly of the single word type, i.e. they could be corrected without rewriting the whole sentence. A script at this level will have very few accurate sentences. Although communication is established, the frequent errors may cause blurring. Sentences will be simple and very often repetitive. Punctuation will sometimes be used correctly but sentence separation errors may occur. Paragraphs lack unity or there may not be any paragraphs at all.
The reader is able to get some sense out of the script but errors are multiple in nature, requiring the reader to read and reread before being able to understand. At this level, there may be only a few accurate but simple sentences. The content may be comprehensible, but the incidence of linguistic error is so high as to make meaning blur. This type of script may also be far short of the required number of words.
Uiii
0-7
Scripts in this category are almost entirely impossible to read. Whole sections may make little or no sense at all. Where occasional patches of clarity occur, marks should be awarded. The mark 0 should only be given if the script makes no sense at all, from the beginning to end.
From the errors of others a wise man corrects his own - Publilius Syrus - JUJ SPM 2009 http://edu.joshuatly.com/ http://www.joshuatly.com/
ANALYSIS OF PAST YEAR EXAM PAPERS (2001 2008)
YEAR POEMS 2001 Extract from magazine - Narrative 2002 Extract from magazine - Factual 2003 Extract from magazine - Narrative 2004 Extract from newspaper - Descriptive 2005 Extract from magazine - Descriptive 2006 Extract from newspaper - Factual 2007 Extract from magazine - Factual 2008 Extract from magazine - Narrative
GUIDELINES Simple steps in writing a summary. 1. Read the questions carefully. a) Bracket the section that needs to be summarized. b) Read the section. c) Underline the key word/ideas that are relevant to the question. d) Make notes based on the underlined key word. e) Expand the notes. 2. Try to write the summary using your own words without changing the its original meaning. 3. Do not copy word for word. 4. Leave out examples, illustrations and details. Never give your own opinions. 5. Link the points using sentence connectors. 6. Do not exceed the word limit but make sure it is not too short. 7. Write down the number of words below the summary. 8. Your summary must be written in the third person pronoun. JUJ SPM 2009 http://edu.joshuatly.com/ http://www.joshuatly.com/
SAMPLE QUESTION
Section C [ 25 marks ]
Questions 26 31 are based on the following passage 1
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Good morning, Mrs Wong, the principal of Sekolah Menengah Cherating, all the teachers, as well as the students of this school. Firstly, I would like to thank the organising committee for this invitation to speak at the schools Dental Health Awareness Week. I am Dr. Melissa Shanmugam, from the Dental Faculty of the University of Malaya. I have been a practicing dentist for more than fifteen years. I am here in the hope that I can enlighten all of you on the importance of dental care. Do you know that your teeth are very important assets? Without teeth, you will not be able to chew your food properly. You will only be able to eat soft food, like porridge, so as not to hurt your gums. I am sure that you will not want to eat soft food all your life, right? But if you have healthy and strong teeth, all your favourite food like steaks, hamburgers, rice, chicken curry and many more will be accessible to you! Teeth also play an important role in enhancing your facial features. Having strong, healthy and especially white teeth, firstly, make you look so much more attractive. Imagine a beautiful girl with fair complexion and perfect features, but when she opens her mouth and gives a smile, what a sight it would be if she had a row of decayed teeth! Secondly, teeth help to hold up the lips so that they would not collapse into the mouth and become wrinkled and obscured. It is rather common to see older people having no teeth, but a young person with no teeth is indeed odd, especially when young people are very self-conscious about their looks! Many people take their teeth for granted, thinking that they would always remain in their mouth. Are you one of them? If so, then it is time you stop taking your pearly whites for granted and start taking precautions with the kind of food that you eat. (For a start, you must always make sure that your teeth are in good condition. It is possible if you start by brushing your teeth at least twice a day. Brushing after meals is necessary to reduce plaque, a mucous film that harbours decay-causing germs on teeth. Use toothpaste that contains fluoride which can help to strengthen your teeth. Also, dont forget to floss because flossing can help remove the food particles that are stuck between the teeth which would eventually lead to bacteria being multiplied and finally tooth decay.
31 Based on the passage given, write a summary on:
the steps you should take to prevent tooth decay
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 32 to 61 not be longer than 130 words, including the 10 words given below
Begin your summary as follows :
To prevent tooth decay, you should brush your teeth at ..
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11 You should also make sure that you eat the right food. Such a diet should include plenty of eggs and milk, whole-grain cereals, fruit and vegetables to supply minerals and vitamins. Calcium, phosphorous and vitamins A, C and D are essential. Vitamins A, B and C are necessary for healthy gums. Avoid food with a lot of sugar such as chocolates and sweets although I know they are favourites among all of you. It is believed that there exists a kind of bacteria in the mouth that ferments sugar and starch and hence produces acid. This acid will in turn attack the ivory-like enamel that protects your teeth, thus causing tooth decay. Having frequent check-ups at the clinic is a must for everyone. It is the only remedy for tooth decay once it occurs. The dentist not only cleans and checks the teeth, but he also fills any cavity to keep decay from progressing. This is to ensure that a person will not suffer from a major toothache if the attacked tooth is detected at an early stage. If the tooth which is attacked is not detected at an early stage, one would lose the teeth. Im sure you would want, if possible, a set of teeth to last forever. This is not impossible if one takes the necessary precautions in taking care of ones teeth.) Thank you.
2. This section must be read through once/twice based on the need of the candidate.
3. As the section is read, candidate can underline the important key words/ideas or information. (Refer to the sample- words in bold and underlined indicate the important information)
4. Make notes based on the underlined information.
5. Expand the notes into a paragraph using appropriate sentence connectors.
Model answer for the summary
To prevent tooth decay, you should brush your teeth at least twice a day to reduce plaque a decay causing germ. Use toothpaste which contains fluoride to strengthen your teeth. Flossing helps remove food particles stuck between teeth which lead to bacteria being multiplied and finally tooth decay. You must make sure to eat the right food. Food like whole grain cereals, fruits, vegetables, minerals and vitamins are necessary for healthy gums. Avoid food with a lot of sugar which is believed to produce acid that will attack the enamel that protects your teeth by causing tooth decay. Do frequent check ups at the clinic which is a must for everyone. A dentist ensure everyone will not suffer a major toothache if it is detected at an early stage. ( 129 words ) JUJ SPM 2009 http://edu.joshuatly.com/ http://www.joshuatly.com/
PRELIMINARY SUMMARY EXERCISES
WORD LEVEL
1. ONE word for TWO
Match the words
1. go into a) accompany 2. take out b) selected 3. go with c) emphasize 4. talk about d) requested 5. talk softly e) extract 6. write down f) record 7. asked for g) whisper 8. picked out h) discuss 9. put emphasis on i) exceed 10.go beyond j) enter
2. ONE word for a PHRASE
Match the words.
1. In a short while a) always 2. All of a sudden b) repeatedly 3. little by little c) meanwhile 4. as time passed d) lastly/finally 5. last of all e) eventually 6. for the time being f) gradually 7. time and again g) suddenly 8. all the time h) soon/shortly 9. once in a while i) periodically 10.now and then j) occasionally
1.in a rude manner a) beautify 2. without making any noise b) barefooted 3. writing that cannot be read c) money-minded 4. thinks of money all the time d) illegible 5. with great care e) rudely 6. walk without shoes f) noiselessly/silently 7. make more beautiful. g) carefully 8. trickling drop by drop. h) people 9. men, women, children i) dripping 10. not very deep j) shallow
1. The Kenyir Lake which was created by man is now a popular fishing spot. (13 words) The Kenyir Lake is now a popular fishing spot. (9 words)
2. The river which flows fast is not suitable for swimming. (10 words)
...(8 words)
3. Many restaurants today sell food which is prepared very quickly.(10 words)
...(5 words)
4. Last night, a thief came into my house and took away my radio, camera, antique clock and some money. (19 words)
...(3 words)
5. Big tears started to roll down her cheeks and soon she was sobbing as if her heart would break. (19 words)
...(3 words)
6. While we were watching the late night movie, we heard a scream that sent shivers down our spine. (18 words)
Whilewe heard a...(11 words)
7. Before she goes home every day, she buys fried chicken, curry fish, meat curry or vegetables. (16 words)
...(7 words)
8. I quarreled with my brother because he wanted to watch the movie over Channel Two while I demanded to see the documentary over another channel. (25 words)
We...(7 words)
9. He studied without stopping until it was time for dinner. (10 words)
...(5 words)
10. Often men, women and children die in countries which experience earthquakes. (11 words)
It was twenty-two years ago that the famous John Clark took over the leadership of the Rainbow Symphony Orchestra. The musical world was thrilled and elated with this move. They compared Clarks orchestra with other world famous ones like the Grand Philharmonic Orchestra and the Super Orchestra. Under Clark, the Rainbow Symphony Orchestra has turned into one of the finest, richest-sounding symphony orchestras in the world.
Question : What has John Clark turned the Rainbow Symphony into?
Summary: He has turned the.into one
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Paragraph 2 :
There are good reasons to diet not only for people who are overweight but also for everyone. Dieting helps people to feel better. It lowers blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and controls blood sugar in diabetics.
Question : Who should diet? What are the results of dieting?
Questions 26 31 are based on the following passage
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Procrastination is the act of putting off doing something important until a later time or date. Most of us procrastinate now and then. We may make big plans but never carry them out, such as cleaning the house or starting on a diet. We may feel reluctant to take risks or try something new. We may also get sick when faced with an unpleasant job, and prefer to avoid confrontations or decisions. Some of us blame others or situations for our unhappiness or to avoid doing something. While its only an occasional problem for most, procrastination can be a chronic stumbling block for some. There are many reasons for procrastinating. The first is that we may dread taking on a difficult and boring job. The other reason is fear of failure. When a task is perceived as long or difficult, many will procrastinate simply because there is no immediate gratification. For example, it will take months to lose those ten pounds or it will take tons of energy to clear the room. Putting off a diet programme one more day (and eating that yummy chocolate cake) will not make much difference. Sleeping in a cluttered room for another day wont make a difference, and the list goes on. Fear of failure often comes into play at school where performance is evaluated and can affect our future success. A student may put off studying for a test until the last minute. Lack of time spent studying is a more desirable explanation for failure than lacking intelligence to learn the material. But that one extra day (and the cake) does make a difference. Procrastination causes stress, anxiety and a feeling of failure. Students who fear failure ultimately ensure failure when they do not prepare for tests or start projects on time. Employees who begin tasks at the last minute rarely perform as well as their non- procrastinating colleagues. Putting off a diet programme ultimately adds to the number of pounds you need to lose to be healthy, thus making the job that much harder to accomplish. If you are a chronic procrastinator, you will not cure yourself in a day. Reward yourself for every step taken in the right direction.
First, figure out why you are procrastinating. Is it fear of failure or lack of confidence? Write down all the reasons why putting off your project will bring you one step closer to failure. Does it make sense to put it off any longer? NO. Next, break down the task into smaller jobs. If it is a thirty- page paper due in two weeks, write down a goal of finishing three pages a night. After you have finished your nightly quota, give yourself a reward of some sort. Watch your favourite television programme or have a treat. Remind yourself (write it down and put it on the fridge) of how good you will feel when your project is done or when you have lost those ten pounds. Plan a big reward for that time. If the end seems too far away, give yourself a reward at the half-way point. Those of us who procrastinate on a day-to-day basis need a realistic to-do list. Keep the list with you and stick to the order. Cross things off as they are accomplished. Plan a reward for the end of the day if you accomplish all your tasks. Tell your friends and family about your goals. If you have someone asking you how your diet is coming along, it is more difficult to cheat. If you have a major school project to do, ask a friend to help keep you on the task by calling each day to see what you have accomplished. In conclusion, procrastination can cause you to miss opportunities and sabotage your future. Remember the saying, Procrastination is the thief of time and stop procrastinating!
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26. (a) From paragraph 1, what is procrastination?
... [1mark]
(b) From paragraph 2, what are the reasons for procrastination?
(i) ... [1mark]
(ii). [1mark]
27. From paragraph 2, which word means reluctant ?
..... [1mark]
28. From paragraph 4, why do students put off studying for a test until the last minute?
Questions 26 31 are based on the following passage
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Electronic Mail or email is often said to be the post office of the future. It is not true. It is the post office of today. Millions of people around the world are using email to send their business correspondence and to keep in touch with friends. If the Internet is a communication revolution, then email is its driver. Email is the process of sending messages across the Net using PCs and phone lines. Email takes just a few seconds to arrive on the other side of the world. It is not just the speed that attracts users today but it is the power. Normally, only a message or a short letter and perhaps a photo or two fill up an envelope. By email, just about any kind of information in the form of pictures, video clips, sound files and even software programs can be sent in a very short time. Email provides many advantages. Users are often concerned with cost. No matter where an email is heading the cost is the same and in just a few sen for the minute or two the user is connected to the local ISP by phone. By subscribing to a monthly fee, the user can use the Internet to surf the Web, chat with people, watch a movie, download programs and plenty more. Compare the cost with that of sending a letter overseas by airmail, it is certainly cheaper. Next, it is safe as well. This is because it cannot get lost if the letter is addressed properly. Furthermore, there is little chance of it being stolen because it is delivered within seconds. Sending and receiving email is easy. The user can just register with the any local ISP, which often offers subscription to include email software as part of the membership package. There are many different email packages but they work in much the same way. Better software allows the user to check spelling and it has an address book where a list of email address can be kept and recalled at the convenience of the user. Besides, technology has advanced to provide even the facility to attach pictures and add sounds to the message. When one signs up with an Internet Service Provider one gets at least one email address which look something like this sonyt@tm.net.my. This is unique to the user and is like any street address except that it is an electronic one. Users can create any electronic address that they like but it has to be registered with the ISP. A scan of available addresses shows the myriad of unique creativity of individual address, some of which look weird. The registered user needs a password to access his/her own mailbox and this helps to safeguard unauthorised mailers to open other peoples mails. It acts almost like a key to the lock of the mailbox.
Unfortunately, there are some disadvantages of email. Just as one might get junk mail through the ordinary letterbox each week, the same applies online. These undesirable mails are called electronic junk mail. While this creates inconvenience, it is better than those that come through the door. Users can recognise it immediately and delete it without opening it. The majority of electronic junk mail is get-rich-quick schemes, advertisements and they are as powerful as they come. Email seems to be gaining popularity especially with the youths who have taken in to this new fashion in communication with their peers around the globe. Not just for the young, big business corporations have begun to trust email as a faster mode of communication, which saves costs and documents online business matters almost immediately. Although the modern society speaks highly of the advantages of email, it should be remembered that anything consumed in excess is never healthy for anyone!
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31. Based on the passage given, write a summary on:
the advantages of email the disadvantages of email
Credit will be given for use of own words but care must be given not to change the original meaning.
Your summary must:
be in continuous writing form (not in note form) use materials from lines 6 to 57 not be longer than 130 words, including the 10 words given below
Begin your summary as follows :
Email is sending message across the Internet using computers and
26 (a) the act of putting off doing something important until a later time or date. ( i) dread taking on a difficult and boring job. (ii) fear of failure (iii) task perceived as long or difficult with no immediate gratification. (iv) where ones performance when evaluated can affect ones future success.
27 dread
28 fear of failure when school performance is evaluated and can affect a students future of success.
29 ( i) causes stress (ii) causes anxiety (iii) causes a feeling of failure
30 accept any reasonable answers based on the text or the students personal experience or response but must be written in their own words.
B. CONTENT POINTS FOR SUMMARY 1. Doing a difficult and boring job 2. No immediate reward 3. Fear of failure 4. Causes stress, anxiety and feeling of failure 5. People rarely do well in a task and the task looks harder 6. Find out why you are procrastinating 7. Break difficult tasks into smaller parts 8. Reward yourself after completing a task 9. Write down a remainder about the reward 10. Keep a practical to do list and follow it closely daily 11. Tick off completed task 12. Tell someone about your goals will keep you on the right track
ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES 1) cheaper 15) junk mails advertisement of get-rich-quick schemes 2) faster 16) user can easily delete junk mail without opening them 3) safer 4) can surf the Web 5) can chat 6) can watch movie 7) can download programs 8) entitled to one email add with password if sign up with local ISP
9) password acts like key to user Mailbox
10) password guards against unauthorized intrusion
11) email provides spell check 12) email provides address book 13) email provides attaching pictures 14) email provides adding sound to the message
YEAR POEMS SHORT STORIES NOVEL 2001 a) Theres Been A Death In The Opposite House (MCQ) b) Si Tenggangs Homecoming a) The Drovers Wife (MCQ) b) The Necklace
Character you like best and three reasons why. 2002 a) The Road Not Taken (MCQ) b) If a) The Sound Machine (MCQ) b) The Sound Machine Event that teaches you an important moral lesson. 2003 a) Sonnet 18 (MCQ) b) Monsoon History a) The Lotus Eater (MCQ) b) The Drovers Wife Character you sympathize with. 2004 Sonnet 18 The Lotus Eater Memorable event. 2005 Si Tenggangs Homecoming Looking For A Rain God Theme: Love is important in a family. How is it shown in the novel you have read. 2006 The Road Not Taken The Drovers Wife Describe the main characters determination. 2007 Si Tenggangs Homecoming The Lotus Eater It is important to have a person you look up to in your life. Write about one character that you look up to. Give reasons why you choose him / her. 2008 If The Sound Machine Describe what happens at the end of the novel. Explain why you find the ending either happy/sad.
Anyone who stops learning is old, Whether at 20 or 80, Anyone who keeps learning stays young. - Henry Ford - JUJ SPM 2009 http://edu.joshuatly.com/ http://www.joshuatly.com/
1. IF
LINES MEANINGS If you can keep your head when all about you Are losing theirs and blaming it on you If you can be calm and sensible when others around you are blaming you for their bad luck. (Value- rational) If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you But make allowance for their doubting too You need to believe in yourself when others think that you are wrong. Do not be angry and also consider their ideas too (Value-self confidence) If you can wait and not be tired by waiting Or being lied about dont deal in lies You need to be patient and not give up. Do not lie although others tell lies about you ( Value- patience) Or being hated dont give way to hating And yet dont look too good, nor talk too wise Although others hate you ,you should not hate them back. Be humble and moderate in your speech and appearance (Value-forgiving) If you can dream and not make dream your master If you can think- and not make thoughts your aim If you have any ambition , work towards achieving them. You need to act on your plan (Value- hardworking) If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster And treat those two imposters just the same If you achieve success or meet with failure accept both situation as they are. (Value- humble) If you can bear to hear the truth youve spoken Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools Remain calm when people manipulate your words for their own benefits and also toke advantage of the innocent. (Value-patience) Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken And stoop and build em up with worn-out-tools Do not be upset when your life effort is destroyed by dishonest people. Work to start all over again. (Value-do not give up) If you can make one heap of all your winnings And risk it on one turn of pitch-and- toss You should be willing to take risk and not be afraid of the material loss.
LINES MEANINGS And lose, and start again at your beginnings And never breathe a word about your loss If you fail, start all over again without complaining.
(Value- do not give up) If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew To serve your turn long after they are gone You must have strength and determination to continue even in your weakness moment. (Value- perseverance) And so hold on when there is nothing in you Except the Will which says to them: Hold on! You must have the will power to continue consistently in your attitude even when faced with difficulties. (Value- determination) If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue Or walk with Kings- nor lose the common touch You must be humble when mixing with people of all walk of life. (Value- humility) If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you If all men count with you, but none too much You must be fair to all regardless of your friends or enemies. (Value- just) If you can fill the unforgiving minute With sixty seconds worth of distance run Time is precious. (Value- use time wisely) Yours is the Earth and everything thats in it And- which is more youll be a Man, my son! You can have the whole world and you will be a complete person
LINES MEANINGS Shall I compare thee to a summers day? The poet is comparing his beloved to a beautiful sunny summers day Thou art more lovely and more temperate His beloved is more beautiful and moderate in her behaviour unlike summer which could be hot or cold Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May The strong wind in summer can destroy the beautiful flower buds that appear in May And summers lease hath all too short a date Summer is short as it lasts a few months. Sometime too hot the eye of heaven shines Summer sometimes shines strongly And often is his gold complexion dimmd At times the sun is hidden by clouds. And every fair from fair sometimes declines Beauty may not last forever. By chance, or natures changing course, untrimmd The beauty could be destroyed accidentally or through aging. But thy eternal summer shall not fade However his beloved will not lose her beauty. Nor lose possession of that fair thou owst Her beauty will last forever. Nor shall Death brag thou wandrest in his shade Even death cannot take her beauty away When in eternal lines to time thou growst Her beauty will remain forever So long as men can breathe, or eyes can see As long as they are people who will read this poem
LINES MEANINGS The air is wet, soaks into mattresses, and curls in apparitions of smoke. The atmosphere is cold, wet and misty. Like fat white slugs furled Among the timber, The wet air is full of vapour that looks like slugs on pieces of timber. Or silver fish tunneling The damp linen covers of schoolbooks The covers of the schoolbooks feel wet and we the image silverfish insects inside the books. Or walking Quietly like centipedes The air walking everywhere On its hundred feet The damp air caresses the skin like centipedes crawling on you. Is filled with the glare Of tropical water The suns glare is reflected on spots of water found everywhere. Again we are taken over By clouds and rolling darkness Dark clouds in the sky shows that it is going to rain again. Small snails appear Clashing their timid horns Among the morning glory vines The small snails appear among the morning glory vines because of the cold weather. Drinking milo Nyonya and baba sit at home The Chinese couple , who has adopted some Malay culture, drinks Milo at home. This was forty years ago This incident happened forty years ago. Sarong-wrapped they counted Silver paper for the dead The Chinese couple counted paper money that will be offered to dead and it is part of Chinese culture. Portraits of grandfathers Hung always in the parlour They hung pictures of their ancestors as a sign of respect. Reading Tennyson, at six p.m. in pajamas, The poet reads English poem in the evening, wearing pyjamas. This shows the influence of western education. Listening to down pouring rain As she reads, the rain is falling heavily outside. JUJ SPM 2009 http://edu.joshuatly.com/ http://www.joshuatly.com/
the air ticks with gnats, black spiders fly The air is filled with sounds of insects that come out during rainy season. Moths sweep out of our rooms Moths are flying around the rooms. Where termites built Their hills of eggs and queens zoom in heat White ants have built their nests and they multiply during summer. We wash our feet for bed Watch mother uncoil Her snake hair The children are getting ready for bed. Washing the feet is a Malay culture. Mother lets her hair down. Unbuckle The silver mesh around her waist Mother releases her belt round her waist Waiting for father pacing The sand as fishers pull From the Straits after monsoon The children are waiting for their father who is at the beach waiting for the fishermen to come back after the heavy rain The air is still, silent The air is calm and tranquil Like sleepers rocked in the pantun, Sheltered by Malacca There is an image of peace and harmony at the end of the day This was forty years ago, When nyonya married baba. This incident happened forty years ago when the poets parents lived in the nyonya baba traditions
LINES MEANINGS the physical journey that I traverse is a journey of the soul The physical trip done by the poet also reflects the changes in his inner self transport of the self from a fatherland The poet leaves his homeland to a country collected by sight and mind, To a foreign country which he has only read about and seen in pictures The knowledge that sweats from it The poet had to work hard to gain knowledge from it In a strangers knowledge The knowledge were all foreign experiences to him From one who has learnt to see, think and choose between the changing realities The poet has learnt to observe, analyse and choose between the two worlds that he knows Its true I have growled at my mother and grandmother It is true that the poet had spoken harshly to his mother and grandmother But only after having told of my predicament But only after he had told them of his difficulties and challenges That they have never brought to reason Unfortunately they could not understand his situation The wife that I began to love in my loneliness The loneliness has caused the poet to love and appreciate his wife more. In the country that alienated me He was ignored by his family and friends in his homeland They took to their predecisions They had already formed their own opinions about the poet I have not entirely returned, I know The poet admits that he was not the same as before Having been changed by time and place Time and experience had changed the poet Coarsened by problems More matured due to the challenges he had faced Estranged by absence Distanced because of his long absence But look, I have brought myself home, The poet had willingly come home Seasoned by confidence, The poet is more confident now JUJ SPM 2009 http://edu.joshuatly.com/ http://www.joshuatly.com/
Broadened by land and languages The poet has gained new ideas and learnt new languages I am no longer afraid of the oceans The poet is not afraid to travel far away to foreign countries Or the differences between people The poet is not afraid of the differences between people Not easily fooled by words or ideas He is also not easily deceived by words and ideas The journey was a loyal teacher The trip has taught him many things Who was never tardy In explaining cultures or variousness It was effective in teaching him the different cultures and lifestyles of people around the world Look, I am just like you Despite all this, the poet is still the same Still malay The poet is still a Malay Sensitive to what (I believe is true) Aware of what is right And more ready to understand And willing to understand the situation around him Than my brothers More understanding compared to his fellow country-men The contents of these boats are yours too The knowledge that the poet brought back is to be shared by all Because I have returned Because the poet has come back to his homeland Travel made me A seeker who does not take What is given without sincerity The poet has learnt not to ask for things that are not given willingly by others Or that which demands payments from beliefs Or accept anything that would go against his beliefs The years at sea and coastal states have taught me to choose The years of traveling overseas had taught me to choose To accept only those tested by comparison And accept only values that had been proven Or that which matches the words of my ancestors And those which reflect what he had learnt when he was young
Which returns me to my village and its perfection By accepting what is good, the poet has kept himself close to his roots which he considers are perfect. Ive learnt The ways of the rude The poet has learnt to question and argue with others To hold reality in a new logic To think for himself and to be rational Debate with hard and loud facts Able to defend his opinions with strong arguments But I too am humble, respecting man and life But he is still humble as he respects man and life I am not a new man, Not very different From you The poet stresses that he is not different from his country-men The people and cities of coastal ports The people and places of his journey Taught me not to brood Had taught him not to feel sorry for himself Over a foreign world In a foreign country Suffer difficulties Or fear possibilities And how to overcome challenges or fear changes in life I am you Freed from the village The poet is still a Malay but free Its soils and ways From the tradition, culture and lifestyle of the village Independent, because I have found myself The poet is independent as he is able to think for himself and not accept the traditional ways of the village.
LINES MEANINGS Two roads in a yellow wood A road separates into two in a forest during autumn And sorry I could not travel both However, the poet could not travel on both the roads at the same time And be one traveler, long I stood The poet stood at the junction for a long time And looked down one as far as I could He looked as far as he could down one of the roads. To where it bent in the undergrowth Until the road bent and hidden by thick bushes Then took the other, as just as fair Then he chose the other road which looked equally good And having perhaps the better claim And was more inviting Because it was grassy and wanted wear Because it was grassy and not used by people Though as for that the passing there At that moment the poet was thinking about his two choices Had worn them really about the same The poet feels the roads looked the same And both that morning equally lay At that particular morning both the roads were equally appealing In leaves no step had trodden black And were not used by people yet Oh, I kept the first for another day! Finally the poet decided to the first road for another time Yet knowing how way leads on to way Although he knew as time passed one thing would lead to another I doubted if I should ever come back The poet is unsure if would have the chance to try the first option that was left behind. I shall be telling this with a sigh The poet will recall this incident with a sigh Somewhere ages and ages hence Some time in the future Two roads diverged in a wood, and I - Two roads separated at a junction in the forest JUJ SPM 2009 http://edu.joshuatly.com/ http://www.joshuatly.com/
I took the one less traveled by the poet took the road that was used by fewer people And that has made all the difference And that choice has made all the difference in his life
10. Explain the title The Road Not Taken. Why do you say so?
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11. Which road did the persona take? Which line tells this?
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12. Do you think the persona will keep his promise to come back to the road which he did not choose in the first place? Give a reason to support your answer.
LINES MEANINGS Theres been a death in the opposite house Someone has died in the opposite house As lately as today It happened quite recently I know it by the numb look Such houses have always The persona knows that someone has died as the house has a serious atmosphere The neighbours rustle in and out The neighbours move in and out to pay their last respects The doctor drives away The doctor leaves after confirming the persons death A window opens like a pod Abrupt, mechanically; A window is flung open suddenly Someone flings a mattress out,- The mattress of the deceased is thrown out of the window The children hurry by The children passed by the house quickly as they are afraid They wonder if IT died on that The children are curious to know if the deceased had died on that mattress I used to when a boy The persona recalls his childhood experiences The minister goes stiffly in as if the house Were his The priest enters the house with authority And he owned all the mourners now, and little boys besides The people were fascinated by his words while the boys were captivated by his appearance And then the milliner The hat-maker arrives to do his job and the man of the Of the appalling trade, To take the measure of the house The undertaker has come to measure the coffin Therell be that dark parade A funeral procession will take place Of tassels and of coaches soon Consisting of coaches and hearse used in the funeral Its easy as a sign It is easy to know that there is a funeral based on the things mentioned above The intuition of the news In just a country town News spreads very quickly in a small town JUJ SPM 2009 http://edu.joshuatly.com/ http://www.joshuatly.com/
Read the above poem and answer the following questions.
1. What message do you think the persona wishes to convey in this poem?
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2. When and where did the death occur?
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3. The word it in stanza 3 would probably refer to
4. What do you think is the role of the minister?
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5. In your own words, describe the town the persona live in.
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6. What do tassels and coaches refer to?
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7. State two people who came to the house. Give reasons why these people came.
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8. Describe the way the minister comes into the house.
Tell me, and I forget, Teach me, and I may remember, Involve me, and I learn. - Benjamin Franklin - JUJ SPM 2009 http://edu.joshuatly.com/ http://www.joshuatly.com/
1. THE LOTUS EATER
SYNOPSIS
QUESTIONS
1. Briefly describe the importance of Wilsons decision to the story.
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2. Briefly describe Wilsons lifestyle on the Island of Capri.
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When Thomas Wilson was 34 years old, he visited the island of Capri in the Bay of Naples. He fell in love with the island at first sight. He wanted to extend his stay there but he had to return to London to continue his work as a bank manager. After a year in London, he decided to move to Capri as he was bored with his job. Furthermore, he did not have a family as his wife and child had died and he was alone. He had also been working at the same bank since he was 17. Finally, he sold his house and bought annuity for 25 years. In Capri, he lived a simple life doing normal routine such as going for walks, reading books and playing the piano. Assunta, the landlords wife helped in his housekeeping. However, after 25 years (when he was 60 years old ) his money ran out. He borrowed money to continue his lifestyle but when he could pay his rent anymore, he was asked to vacate. Wilson was very depressed and tried to kill himself by shutting the windows and lighting a charcoal fire. The next morning, Assunta found Thomas Wilson nearly dead and sent him to the hospital. As a result of his suicide attempt, Wilsons behaviour changed probably because his mind had been damaged. Assunta and her husband took pity on him and let him stay in a woodshed. He was put in charge of the goats and the chicken. He continued to live a miserable, anti- social life for six years. He died at the age of 67, on the hillside overlooking the Bay of Naples, in the moonlight.
Mathilde was married to Loisel, a simple clerk. She was not happy with her husband as she dreamed of a rich luxurious life which her husband could not provide. However, her husband was a simpleton who loved the simple things in life. One day, Loisel received an invitation to attend a Ball at the Ministry of Public Instruction. The invitation was only for the selected few. But, Mathilde refused to go to the ball as she did not have a suitable gown to wear. Loisel gave her the two hundred francs which he had kept to buy a gun, to buy a dress. She was still not happy as she did not have any jewellery to wear. She also turned down Liosels suggestion of using natural flowers for it would make her look poor. Finally, Mathide was persuaded to borrow some jewellery from her friend, Madam Forriester. She borrowed a beautiful diamond necklace which made her look beautiful. Dressed in a new gown and borrowed necklace, she was a success at the ball as it was the happiest night of her life.
When she returned home, she discovered that she had lost the necklace. Immediately, Loisel retraced their steps on foot, hoping to find it but to no avail. So, he reported the lost to the police and the newspaper offices. By the end of the week, there was no news about the lost necklace. Since they had to return the necklace, they bought a similar necklace at Palais Royale which cost thirty-six thousand francs. Loisel had eighteen thousand francs inherited from his father and he borrowed the rest. To repay the debt, they had to change their lifestyle. They had to move from their old house while Loisel had to take three jobs to repay the debt. Matilde worked as washer woman and was thrifty in their daily spending. Their hardship lasted ten years, resulting in Matlide looking old and haggard. Finally, the debts were settled.
One Sunday, Matilde met Madame Forriestier while going for a walk. Her friend looked beautiful and charming compared to Matilde who looked plain. She explained to her friend about the lost necklace and the subsequent events. Matlide got a shock when her friend told her that the necklace that she borrowed was a fake worth only five hundred francs.
This story takes place in the interiors of Australia. A drovers wife lives with her four children in a remote place far away from others. The house is surrounded by empty land with a few bushes. Her husband is away droving and has left the house for months. One day a snake appears and slithers under the house. As the eldest son, Tommy tries to hit it with a big stick. The drovers wife tries to tempt the snake out with some milk but is not successful. After a few hours of waiting, she decides to take her children in. The weather is not good and storm is coming. She did not take the children into the house as she is afraid that the snake is hiding in the cracks of the rough slab floor. Then, she decides to take them to the kitchen which has earthen floor. She makes a bed on the kitchen table, gives them supper puts them to bed. Later, she waits for the snake to appear. Alligator is also with her. While waiting she sews and reads in turns. She is afraid because a little son of her brother-in law died of a snake bite. However, Alligator stands guard, waiting for the snake. The dog hates snakes and is quite good in killing them. The drovers wife feels lonely as she has few visitors and misses the social life that she had when she was living in town. To overcome her boredom, she dresses herself and her children, and go for a walk every Sunday afternoon. Soon it will be daylight. Alligator becomes tense when he senses the snake coming out from the crack. Quickly, the dog tries to jump onto the snake but the snake manages to escape. Alligator tries again and this time, is successful in pulling out the five foot long black brute. The drovers wife kills the snake with a stick and throws the mangled snake into the fire. She allows her son and the dog to watch the snake burn. Finally, she feels relieved and cries as the danger has gone. Seeing his mother in tears, the son promises to stay by her side unlike his drover father.
Klausner is a scientist who thinks that he has invented a machine that can record sounds. One day, he was interrupted by his doctor who came to check on him. The doctor was curious and skeptical about the black box and wished him luck. To test the machine, he took the box out to his garden. As he was engrossed in his machine, he heard frightful, piercing shriek. He look around and saw no one accept for the woman in the garden next door. As she cut the roses with a pair of scissors, he heard a throatless inhumane shriek that was clear and cold. He immediately rushed to his neighbour and asked her to cut another rose. Mrs. Saunders wanted to humour him and cut another as requested. Again, he heard the same sound coming from the machine. So, he ran to Mrs. Saunders and ordered her to stop as she was causing a lot of pain to the plant. On his explanation, she ran back to house, terrified. To test the machine further, he pulled out a small white daisy until the stem broke. He heard a faint high pitch cry. The next morning, Klausner went to the park with his machine and an axe. He made a deep cut into the base of a trunk of a large tree. Again, he heard a harsh noteless enormous noise that lasted for a minute. Horrified, Klausner tried to cover the wound on tree while apologising to it. He was upset and went home to call his friend, Dr. Scott. It was early in the morning but he managed to persuade the doctor to come to the park. In the park, the doctor was told to listen carefully to the sound made by the tree as Klausner struck it again. Unfortunately, the branch broke and fell onto the sound machine, smashing it to pieces. Klausner asked the doctor whether he had heard the sound made by the tree. The doctor was unsure as he thought the sound was probably the branch breaking. Then, Klausner asked the doctor to treat the cut in the tree trunk by applying iodine on the two cuts. The doctor agreed to do so and Klausner was satisfied. Then, he waved his axe and smiled a wild excited smile. This behaviour made the doctor think that he was crazy and slowly, lead him home.
There was a terrible seven years drought in Botswana. The air was dry and there was no farming activity as there was no rain. However, a little bit of rain came in early November with a promise of more to come. It softens the earth and ploughing season begins. Mokgobja and his family were the first to clear and plough their land. Having done that, they waited for the crops to grow. Unfortunately, by mid November, the rain stopped. The family waited in despair as it was impossible to grow crops in a dry land. Only their children, Neo and Boseyong were happy. They were role-playing the adults anger. However the adults did not pay any attention to them as they were preoccupied with their own problems. As the days went by, animals were sold to buy food as they were still unable to work their land. Every body was stressed and it was the women who broke down first. Each night they started a weird, high pitch wailing, stamped their feet and shouted like mad. The men were self-control but their nerves were breaking too. Every one was terrified by the thought of starvation in the coming years. In this tense moment, Mokgobja began to recall an ancient ritual which could help to bring rain. He suggested offering the children as sacrifice to the Rain God. First he convinced Ramani and then both of them managed to convince the women. The children were killed and their bodies were scattered over the land. However, the rain still did not come. Mokgobja and his family were filled with terror and sorrow as they returned to the village. The absence of the two girls was noticed by the villagers but they told that the children died. However, the villagers became suspicious and called the police. During investigation, the mother broke down and confessed to the crime. Mokgobja and his son Ramani were sentence to death for the ritual killing.
9. The priest told the people that the loss of the pearls is a punishment from God because they went against the religion. Why do you think the priest would make such a statement to these people?
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10. No one shall take our good fortune from us. Who made this statement and to whom it is said? What do these words indicate about the speaker?
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11. What was Juanas reaction in chapter 4?
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Chapter Five
1. Why did Juana want to get rid of the pearl?
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2. Do you sympathise with Juana? Why?
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3. Why do you think Kino hit Juana?
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4. Give 2 possible reasons why the dark ones burnt down Kinos house . i.
12. They have taken the pearl. I have lost it.The pearl is gone. Kino thinks that he has lost his pearl. Who actually has his pearl at the time and how does this person come by it?
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13. When do Kino and his family flee La Paz?
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14. In your opinion, what is the main conflict facing Kino at this point in time. Explain.
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15. In your opinion, will Kino succeed in his mission to sell the pearl?
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Chapter Six
1. Where did Kino and Juana hide?
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2. List the changes that Kino notices as he looks into the pearl.
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3. Which has changed- the pearl or Kino? Why?
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4. Why does Kino advise Juana to go ahead with the baby?
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5. Why does Juana refuse to go ahead without Kino?
14. If you were Kino, would you throw away the pearl? Why?
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15. In the end, the author presents a pretty picture of the pearl settled into the lovely green water ..(pg 87). What do you think the author is saying?
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EXERCISE 2 (Exam Format)
Using the details from the novel that you have studied answer the following questions.
1. Write about a character that you detest. Give textual evidence to support your answer.
2. In your opinion, what is the main theme of the The Pearl.
3. What is the most important moral values learnt in the novel?
4. Identify a significant event in the novel and explain how it contribute to the development of the plot. Use textual evidence to support your answer.
5. What is the significance of the title to the novel?
6. Write about a theme that has taught you an important lesson. Give textual evidence.
7. Identify a symbol that is present in the novel and discuss its significance. Support with textual evidence.
1. Advices on how to live a good life. 2. A father. 3. The whole world. 4. Triumph and Disaster 5. Calm and sensible/ do not be angry easily 6. If you can keep your head when all about you Are losing theirs and blaming it on you 7. hardworking, humble, patience, perseverance ( any two) 8. Work hard to achieve your ambition. 9. Be humble 10. Be patient and forgiving 11. Yes. To have a purpose or aim in life. 12. Do not moan or complain about your lose. 13. Any logical answer.
SONNET 18
1. love 2. a summers day 3. vibrant and beautiful season 4. death 5. you 6. beauty will fade 7. the summers beauty is short while his beloveds is eternal 8. the sun 9. Any logical answer 10. By reading the poem 11. the personas beloveds beauty 12. the poem 13. Any logical answers JUJ SPM 2009 http://edu.joshuatly.com/ http://www.joshuatly.com/
THE MOONSON HISTORY
1. Melaka/Malacca 2. 40 years ago 3. air and mattresses 4. white slugs/ silver fish/ snails/ 5. snails 6. impatient/worry 7. antennae 8. respect the elders 9. Any logical answers 10. Any logical answers 11. Any logical answers 12. apparitions of smoke and fat while slugs. The air is wet and misty and full of vapour that looks like slugs. 13. Baba and nyonya. Silver belt, wearing sarong, washing feet before going to bed
SI TENGGANGS HOMECOMING
1. Returning home from a journey 2. A foreign country/abroad 3. A loyal teacher 4. The journey where he has to leave his country is hard and has changed him 5. The personas journey and how his people receive him 6. The persona has become more knowledgeable and brave/open- minded/etc 7. The journey has taught him many things without fail 8. Any logical answers 9. He is still a malay, the knowledge that he has gained is to be shared with 10. alienated, predecisions, coarsened. The words describe how the personas journey affect his people because of their beliefs that the persona has changed. JUJ SPM 2009 http://edu.joshuatly.com/ http://www.joshuatly.com/
11. He has to work hard to obtain the knowledge 12. Any logical answers 13. He has changed from what he was before 14. Sceptical 15. Any logical answers
THE ROAD NOT TAKEN
1. Two 2. Making a decision/choice 3. One 4. A forest 5. Autumn 6. The road and hidden by the bushes 7. The road was not used by people. 8. Choices 9. Making the right decisions/ We must accept the consequences of our choice. 10. Any logical answers 11. The second road. Then took the other, as just as fair,. 12. Any logical answers
THERES BEEN A DEATH IN THE OPPOSITE HOUSE
1. Life and death is a natural cycle. 2. Today and at the opposite house. 3. dead person. 4. To conduct the prayers and last rites for the deceased. 5. Any logical answers 6. Decorations and the hearse 7. The minister, doctor, milliner and the undertaker. 8. Solemnly and with authority 9. A boy 10. gloomy and sad atmosphere of the house. JUJ SPM 2009 http://edu.joshuatly.com/ http://www.joshuatly.com/
11. To pay their last respect. 12. He is in-charge of the funeral. 13. funeral procession. 14. house of the dead person 15. coffin.
SHORT STORIES
THE LOTUS EATER
1. Any logical answers 2. He bathe in the sea, go for walks, read books and play the piano and patience. 3. To leave a comfortable life in the city and live in Capri. 4. Any logical answers 5. By buying an annuity. 6. By burning charcoal in his bedroom and inhaling the smoke. 7. The landlords wife. 8. He has no money to support himself. 9. Wilson has made a decision that no one has made before. 10. He becomes deranged./ he behaves like a wild animal. 11. He dies under a tree, overlooking the Bay of Naples in a moonlit night. 12. He plans to kill himself./ He plans to end his life.
THE NECKLACE
1. Any logical answers 2. Any logical answers 3. He loves Mathilde very because he is willing to scarify his money and willing to work three jobs to pay the debts. 4. Mathilde is demanding and unhappy woman while Mr Loisel is very simple man who is happy with his life.( Any logical answers) 5. Madame Forestier JUJ SPM 2009 http://edu.joshuatly.com/ http://www.joshuatly.com/
6. She wants to look like a rich person. 7. Everybody praises her beauty and she made many friends that night. 8. Sad/angry/devasted 9. Angry 10. Not everyone is invited to the ball. 11. She has the chance to be admired by the people at the ball. 12. Any logical answers.
THE DROVERS WIFE
1. Responsible 2. Dress up herself and her children and go for a walk as though doing the block. 3. Alligator 4. To chase the snake 5. The firewood was almost burnt out. 6. Any logical answers 7. Out droving 8. For food 9. Her four children 10. In the large cracks in the wall.
THE SOUND MACHINE
1. Any logical answers 2. They think that he is a strange man. 3. Mr Klausner is Dr Scotts patient. 4. She is skeptical. 5. Any logical answers. 6. He is a scientist who likes to invent things./ He wants to listen to the sound made by plants. 7. He was afraid of Klausner because he was holding an axe. 8. The cut on the beech tree. 9. She is afraid. 10. A man man. JUJ SPM 2009 http://edu.joshuatly.com/ http://www.joshuatly.com/
LOOKING FOR A RAIN GOD
1. An ancient ritual which could help to bring rain. 2. Seven years. 3. Any logical answers. 4. The land had dried up and it was impossible to grow crops. 5. The crops could not grow and the animals have to be sold to buy food. 6. The dry season causes the family to a drastic decision. 7. Any logical answers 8. The girls were killed to bring rain. 9. The animal could not produce milk or the animals which produced milk are sold. 10. They are innocent and unaware of the hardship faced by the adults. 11. Impatient. 12. They were killed and their bodies were scattered on the land. 13. They considered it as a murder. 14. When they were questioned by the police. 15. The bodies were spread over the land.
NOVEL
THE PEARL
CHAPTER 1
1. La Paz 2. Song of the Family 3. Mexican-Indian 4. Juana 5. Corn cake 6. Any logical answers 7. On his shoulder. 8. He grabbed the scorpion, squashed it, threw it to the ground and smashed it with his bare hand. JUJ SPM 2009 http://edu.joshuatly.com/ http://www.joshuatly.com/
9. She sucked out the poison from the wound without thinking of her safety. 10. Kino was a Mexican-Indian who had no money. 11. They are a very loving and close-knit family who are willing to do anything to save their son. 12. A greedy man who is more interested in money than doing his job.
CHAPTER 2
1. His canoe. 2. Poultice made of seaweeds. 3. Fiddler crabs, little lobsters and canoes. 4. Brown algae, green eel-grass and little sea horse. 5. A perfect round-shaped pearl which was as big as a seagulls egg. 6. Hope for a better future. 7. Refinished his canoe with hard shell-like plaster. 8. A clever, loving and caring mother. 9. She was surprised to see the swell on Coyotitos shoulder had receded 10. One rope is tied to a rock which is thrown into the sea to help him go down faster. The other rope is tied to a basket.
CHAPTER 3
1. any logical answers 2. The priest to repair the church The doctor- wants money to go to Paris The beggar- will get more alms The shopkeeper- to sell their old stock of clothes The pearl buyer- to make a lot of profit if they are able to buy the pearl cheap. 3. He said that he was treating Kinos son for the scorpion sting. 4. To marry Juana in church. To buy new clothes for his family To buy a rifle JUJ SPM 2009 http://edu.joshuatly.com/ http://www.joshuatly.com/
To buy a harpoon To send Coyotito to school. 5. He said that Coyotitos eyes were blue because of the poison. 6. The baby face was flushed and his throat was working and a little thick drool of saliva issued from his lips. The spasm of the stomach muscles began and the baby was very sick. 7. To make Coyotito sick so that he can pretend to treat Coyotito as he wanted to get money from Kino. 8. The doctor poison Coyotito. Attacks on Kino. Kino becomes greedy and defensive. 9. He wants to ask some money from Kino to help repair the church. 10. Any logical answers.
CHAPTER 4
1. Kino is going to sell the pearl. 2. They work for the same person. 3. It looks expensive but actually it is worthless. 4. 500 pesos 5. 4 6. 1500 pesos 7. The pearl buyers become the middlemen and monopolise the pearl trade. 8. He was angry and felt cheated. 9. The priest wants the people to respect him and to control them. 10. Kino said this to Juana. He is determined to sell the pearl. 11. Juana advised Kino to throw the pearl back into the sea.
CHAPTER 5
1. She thought that the pearl brought evil. 2. Yes, because she has to face a lot of hardships. 3. Juana tries to throw the pearl back into the sea. JUJ SPM 2009 http://edu.joshuatly.com/ http://www.joshuatly.com/
4. To warn Kino. They were angry because they could not find the pearl. 5. The pearl will fulfilled his dream and without it he will lose all his dream. 6. Any logical answers 7. Loyal, clever, patient, loving 8. She stared at Kino as though a sheep facing a butcher. 9. He killed the attacker. 10. Any logical answer. 11. The attacker. Kino slashed his throat. 12. Juana has the pearl. She found it by Kinos side as he lay unconscious after the third attack. 13. Before dawn on the fourth day. 14. Any logical answer 15. Any logical answers
CHAPTER 6
1. Behind some bushes beside the road. 2. Instead of his dreams coming true, he saw all the incidents that had happened to him and his family. 3. Kino. Any suitable reasons. 4. He wants to ensure that Juana is safe while he distract the trackers. 5. She wants to be with her husband although there would be trouble. 6. To acknowledge that Kino was right. 7. They were trackers who were trying to get the pearl from him. 8. They were trackers that could follow the trails of bighorn sheep like a hound. 9. She said that the trackers will kill all of them to get the pearl. 10. To attack the trackers before sunrise as at daybreak the trackers might see them. 11. Kino kill the first tracker with a knife and shot the other two trackers. 12. Any logical answers. 13. He was shot by a stray bullet. JUJ SPM 2009 http://edu.joshuatly.com/ http://www.joshuatly.com/
Answer : occurred Reason : The sentence is in the past tense so the verb must be in the past.
5. Ali is more cleverer than his brother.
Answer : cleverer Reason : more is redundant.
Single (adjective) Comparative (between two things) Superlative (among many) Clever Cleverer than The cleverest Fast Faster than The fastest High Higher than The highest Beautiful More beautiful than The most beautiful Intelligent More intelligent than The most intelligent Handsome More handsome The most handsome
6. I asked for a apple but I got an pear but a pear was juicy
Answer : an apple, a pear, the pear Reason : a is used for words/nouns (singular) starting with consonants (a hammer, a table, a ring)
An - is used for words/nouns (singular) starting with vowels (an ink bottle, an open door)
The - is used for definite/ specific nouns
She went to school early yesterday morning. My mother visited her sister in Pahang last week. During the major flood last month, all the victims were evacuated to a higher place.
7. The student asked he friend to accompany he to the library.
Answer : his friend, accompany him Reason : should use the correct combination of pronouns according to the sentence
COMBINATION OF PRONOUNS I me mine Myself you you yours Yourself he him his Himself she her hers Herself we us ours Ourselves they them theirs Themselves it it its Itself
8. Although he is strong but he is scared.
Answer : Omit the word but Reason : If although is used, the word but need not be used and vice versa.
9. She lives at Jerantut, Pahang .
He lives in No 1, Jalan Hang Tuah.
Answer : lives in Jerantut, lives at No. 1... Reason : in for a general place, at for a specific place
a) Although it was raining, he went out to play. b) It was raining but he went out to play. c) Even though she studied hard for the exam, she was not able to achieve an A d) She studied hard for the exam but she was not able to achieve an A.
a) Since ( for specific time ) for ( for quantity/amount ) I have lived there since 1997. I have been there for 12 years.
b) Arguing with ( person ), arguing about/over ( issue ) They are arguing about the topic given for the debate. They are arguing with the members of their team.
c) By ( using transport ) on ( using foot ) We go to school by bus. Some of my classmates go to school on foot.
10. Misused pairs of words
a. affect, effect * Late nights always affect the health of students. (causes) * The medicine has no side effects. (the result)
b. advice, advise * John advised his brother not to smoke. (verb) * He turned a deaf ear to Johns advice. (noun)
c. stationery , stationary * You can get your stationery from the shop.(noun) * The cyclist banged into a stationary van. (adjective)
d. interested, interesting * We are interested in the cheap sale. (describes feelings) * The book was interesting and entertaining. (describes objects )
e. relieve, relief * We need another worker to relieve us. (verb) * It is a relief to know that everyone is safe and sound (noun)
1 At the time of the incident, Kamala is playing outside her house. There was a big trees near by. Suddenly, a monkey climb down the tree and attacked the girls fiercely. It scratched her all over. Kamala cries and called her, mother that was in the kitchen at that moment. When Mrs. Rani heard the scream, she rushed for her aid. As soon as a monkey saw Mrs. Rani coming, its ran to the tree. With the help of hers neighbour, Mrs. Rani take her to the hospital. She was give about thirty stitches and warded.
Answer:
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2 My new school is actually quiet small. There is six six blocks of buildings and a field spread out at a rectangular peace of land. As you enter the school gate, you will saw a football field in your left. There are also two block of single-storey buildings. The first block was Industrial Arts workshop and the second block has three science laboratory. A land between these two blocks is use by the Agricultural Science students for growing vegetables, plants and also for raring chickens.
3 Malaria is spread with a kind of mosquito called Anopheles. People that suffer from malaria usually have fever. The body temperature can rose to about 40 C and they will sweat profusely. A patient may have several headaches and vomit. The fever is usually intermediate. This mean that the patient can have fever one day followed by one or two day without fever. He may develop fever again at the third or forth day. A doctor can detect if a patients has malaria by conducting a special bood test.
Answer:
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4 On my opinion, town life is more better than country life. Town schools is better equipped then schools in the rural areas. Their are public libraries in most towns for the school children. The towns also has better forms of entertainment. Live is more exciting. In contrast, the countryside is quite and monotonous, especially night. A towns also have better transportation system. Shopping are fun and convenient. Essential services like banking, banking and medical is readily \ available. There are also more job opportunity in towns
5 A very good evening to all my fellow students. As you know, we were here this evening for a very special event. Ali will be leave Canada tomorrow. I am sure you will agree that she has contributed a lot in our school. He is the backbone of our schools football team. We want he to know that we will miss him dearly. We would always remember him with fondness and hopes he will keep in touch with us. We also hope that he will come back to Malaysia for visit.