MONEY

It is truly undeniable that in this science and technology millennium, we can hardly live without
money. Even buying something small such as sweet will cost you some money. However, this does
not mean that money can buy happiness, unlike the misconception of most people in the world. In
fact, wealth is a far cry from happiness. If you disagree with me, let's look at the reasons for my stand.

Firstly, one of the main gates to happiness is to stay healthy. Maybe some people think that
when one is rich, he can be healthy or it does not matter even if they have diseases because these
rich men have lots of money to pay their medication. This is totally wrong. Good health is acquired
from a healthy lifestyle progressively and not in a day. With lots of money we are tend to temp
ourselves to exotic, luxurious food. If this food is taken excessively, it will let to obesity, heart diseases,
diabetes, hypertension and other serious illness. Moreover, rich people are probably lack of exercise
as they hardly walk outdoor due to 24 hours-service debar fetching them about causing them to be at
a higher risk of getting these unnecessarily health problems. How a person can enjoys his life and
feels happy when he is confined to a wheelchair or bed-ridden. He would not even be glad spending
his money and time curing his sickness. Therefore, wealth cannot bring happiness.

Professionals like doctor, nurse, lawyer, engineer, food technologist and accountant earn a lot of
money per month. They are considered the high class citizens who can afford large, expensive house
with huge beautiful gardens. But do they really enjoy the pleasures of life? Most probably not because
they are simply too busy with their work. They frequently burnt the midnight oil in their work place. It is
even more miserable if they have to turn their home into a working place. Most specialists have to
stand-by 24 hours in case of emergency calls from the hospitals. Hence, they can hardly spend any
relax, restful night at their home even if they posse a huge two and a half storey bungalow with a
beautiful garden and artificial waterfall. Successful businessmen may always have a chance of flying
to all parts of the world when they go out station to make business. However, very few of them can
really take it as a holiday as a treat for themselves for their schedules are always full and they are so
stressful with their works. Even fewer businessmen can ignore urgent, pursuing calls from their clients
or office when they are going for holidays or resting. In other words, one can make lots of money but
he may not enjoy even the beauty of nature around them or the branded, expensive things with them.
So what is the use of money when we do not even enjoy a meal properly and discontented with lives.
One with a moderate income can feels happier if he leads a simple life and be grateful with what he
has.

Finally, a children or a teenage brought in moderate family is better than in a rich family. As the
sons or daughters of billionaires, their parents will give them whatever that they want in material.
These children or teenagers get a lot of pocket money from their parents and can afford to buy many
expensive things like branded, latest handset, expensive clothes and branded sport shoes. But the
question is, are they happy if their parents are always working with only an Indonesian maid to
accompany them. If they are asked to choose between wealth and love from their parents, I believe
that they were undoubtedly choose love. A healthy family is not created for the children. These
children mentally are not as healthy as those being cared and loved by their parents. Children need
parents who can listen to their problems and give them words of wisdom, teaching then day by day.
Parents who are not rich may not be able to buy branded things to satisfy their children but with more
communication and understanding, these teenagers will understand the difficulty of their parents in
earning money, learning to be thrifty. In short, money does not promise a happy, caring family.

Money may be able to buy a lot of things but not love, friendship, health and others. These are the
main ingredients for a happy life. Thus, it is a controversy if money can bring happiness. Even, if we
can afford many things we desired with lots of money, we may not be happy and enjoy our lives if we
are always dissatisfied with what we had, yearning for more. Thus, I stand firm that money cannot
bring happiness.
 CELL PHONE

Cell phones have lost their meaning over the years. These small devices were once
developed to get in contact with someone else in case of emergencies, and now talking on
the phone while driving has turned out to be a way of life for millions of American drivers.
More than 85 percent of the 100 million cell-phone subscribers frequently talk on the phone
during driving.(www.smartmotorist.com) Talking on the cell phone while driving should be
illegal, because of the dangers they cause. Driving while using the cell phone is one of the
major problems here in the US. Cell phones should not be used while driving. This matter is
too dangerous to let it go unnoticed.

According to the essay, Yes, Prohibit Their Use, which appeared on the congressional
quarterlys web site on March 16, 2001, the Harvard Center for risk analysis printed a study
in 1999. They appointed a crash risk factor to using cell phones. In the summer of 2000 it
came out to 450 to 1,000 fatalities each year. The NHTSH says that for every fatality, there
are 666 property-damage and injury-producing crashes. There are about 300,000 and
650,000 different crashes due to cell phones! This same essay states that Japan is one of
the 14 countries banning the use of handheld cell phones while driving. The accidents
caused by the use of cell phones dropped by 75 percent the next month, proving cell phones
are not necessary parts of the driving nature.

There are major dangers connected with driving and cell phone use. Drivers have to take
their eyes off the road while dialing. Also, drivers can get so deep into their conversations
that their ability to concentrate may be dangerously limited. This jeopardizes the safety of the
people inside the vehicle, and the pedestrians outside. In order to drive safely, the driver
should be able to put 100% of his or her focus on the road. Cell phones are simply a huge
distraction while driving.

It is understandable that there are some cases where the use of a cell phone is needed. In
these cases, I agree with the author of Yes, Prohibit Their Use, the driver should pull-over
somewhere safe to use the phone. If someone receives an incoming call, he should wait
until the car has come to a complete stop. Then he should proceed to use the phone. If he
feels that the emergency is urgent enough to take action right away, then the person should
use the hands free headset. Only in emergencies should cell phones be used.

Some people argue that there are other distractions other than cell phones. While using a
cell phone when driving may not be the most unsafe distraction, studies prove that it is the
most common cause of car crash accident, and common cause of death here in the US.

The use of cell phones while driving should be banned in Philadelphia, because many
people die due to distraction of cell phones. Cell phone distraction causes 2,600 deaths and
330,000 injuries in the United States every year. (www.livescience.com/technology). Another
reason to not use the cell phone while driving is devastating the many lives of the victims
and their families in the case of an accident.

When driving, cell phones should not be allowed. Help the statistics decrease not increase.
FRIENDS

Friends are people whom we turn to when our spirits need a lift. They are always by
our side through thick and thin. They stand beside us even when our disposition is
not perfectly right and will fight for us if we are oppressed. Therefore, it is clear that
friends play a vital role in shaping who we are today. But what qualities exactly do we
need to look for in a friend?

A friend should always be caring towards you. He or she should take interest in your
problems no matter how big or petty your problem may be. A friend should be able to
sit beside you and encourage you to keep your chin up even when everyone else is
against you. A friends empathy and lovingness will also replenish your worn-out soul
and will make you realize how important a friend really is.

Apart from that, a friend should be an honest person. An honest friend will dissipate
any worries that he or she is lying towards you. A friends honesty will enable you to
trust his or shes opinion when it comes to telling you the truth about yourself. For
example, an honest friend will remand you on your declining grades and will ask you
to work harder while a dishonest friend will see it with a blind eye. Therefore, an
overall improvement in yourself will be noticeable if you have an honest friend.

Moreover, a friend should be generous both emotionally and knowledge wise. A

friend who is generous ought to be able to connect with you and provide emotional
support. He or she should also be generous when it comes to sharing knowledge. A
true friend must be ever-ready to help you when you are inept in certain subjects. A
friend can easily guide you towards understanding the subject matter better as he or
she is often on the same page as you. The only difference is that you cant quite
grasp the content of the page per se.

Besides that, a friend must also be able to humour you. Humour plays a
quintessential role in making your day more lively and enjoyable. Friends who pull
your leg and mess about will indefinitely make life seem so much better. As they say,
laughter is the best medicine and a little levity on rainy days is always welcomed.

In conclusion, friends are people we spend most of our time with. Thus, we have to
be selective when it comes to choosing our friends.

THE NIGHT MARKET

One of the most interesting places in Malaysia is the night market. You may visit and
experience the night market yourselves. Both locals and foreigners agree that the
night market is the most common feature in the local society.

The night market begins when the vendors arrive in the late afternoon. More and
more goods laden vans arrive to begin a brisk day of business. Most of the vendors
busily set out to set up their stalls respectively in order to get ready for a brisk day of
business.

The sun gradually sets and the night market picks up momentum. More cars and
vans are arriving. By now, the stalls are neatly and strategically arranged to entice
their customers. There is an assortment of goods sold ranging from food, toys and
clothes, to name a few. A variety of goods is sold at low prices.

Large rainbow-coloured parasols are used to shade the people from rain and shine.
A concoction of blaring music can be heard in the night market background amidst
the constant shouting. It is an amazing kaleidoscope of sights, sounds, smells and
colours.

The night market is known as a haven by local gourmets who can enjoy various
kinds of mouth-watering local cuisine. Still more people arrive, they come from all
walks of life, mingling freely and harmoniously. Crowds are walking up and down in
an endless stream. Some of them are stopping by the stalls and haggling before
making purchases. Little children tag along, amused and excited. Sprinklings of
tourists join in to experience the lifestyle of typical Malaysian folks.

When night falls, lighted lamps brighten up the place, they add gaiety to this
atmosphere, and it is like a funfair. The night wears on and the traffic of people
recedes. Vendors get a chance to rest their weary legs besides bantering with each
other.

By 10.00 pm, all the stalls call it a day. The vendors pack up and close the van
doors. One by one, they leave, leaving behind pieces of papers, plastic bags and
discarded boxes. It us an eyesore! Finally, the night market disappears. The place
becomes quite and still once more.

Note: Night market is known as "pasar malam" in Malay language.

HEALTH
A healthy lifestyle is associated with the concept of practicing a pattern of good
life in one. Examples of this include healthy lifestyle aspects of proper nutrition
and practice of periodic exercises. The mass media has been many times publish
news about a healthy lifestyle as there is already a review stating that the rate of
obesity among Malaysians. Clearly, there are plenty of healthy lifestyle that can
be practised by Malaysians.
Aspects of a balanced nutrition to be a decisive lead a healthy life. People have
many times reminded that they must take a proper diet in this popular,
especially fruits and vegetables in their diet. A balanced diet ensures that the
body will receive all the nutrients it needs to ward off modern-day life filled with
this problem. So, a good diet to make ones life a healthier human beings for a
long time.
In addition, regular physician examination to guarantee a healthy life. This step
is good for practiced some of the inspections carried out by the doctor is able to
obtain early detect any diseases that can threaten human life anyway. The
successful detection of disease at an early stage to ensure the means of
prevention and treatment in detail bring a positive impact to ones health.
Indeed, the attitude of consult with doctors to become one of the main features
to live a healthy life.
Not only a balanced diet and exercise that doctor but scheduled also played a
major role in a healthy life. Exercise every morning or afternoon sweating out of
guarantee in abundance. This situation led to all toxic body out and stress
caused to continue to be removed. Therefore, exercise becomes an activity that
is best to have one last good lifestyle.
In fact, enough rest also play an important role in a healthy lifestyle. Humans
must be unwind between 6-8 hours a day with quality sleep and also other
common methods. Humans need a break because when its all over the rest of
the human body systems will be able to recover the capacity to make life at
tomorrow morning. So, rest which includes actions that differ from the norm
which is done by a person that can provide energy recovery much needed by the
human body.
Aspects also must be a positive thinking mind if men want to have a healthy
lifestyle. Positive thinking is important because the life of the modern era so
much stress in the Office and also at home together with a range of sophisticated
gadgets and tools. Those who understand themselves and see something the
event with positive perception is certainly capable of accepting the challenges of
living with more mature yet rational. Indeed, a positive mind only able to
overcome the pressure of modern life that is so urgent.
In conclusion, all the steps above prove a healthy lifestyle can be achieved by
human beings. Much needed cooperation of all, particularly the awareness of
yourself to make health a priority in life of all parties. Failure to act promptly in
future saw the searing hard hit by the illness of our society for the sake of
diseases that can lead to adverse impacts. The slogan of the body fit smart brain
proves how important aspects of health in healthy man who wants to lead.
 TELEVISION PROGRAMME
The television (TV) is part and parcel of many households. Therefore, watching
television is a culture of todays modern society. It is a favourite past-time of
many people, cutting across the culture, creed, gender and age. I must admit
that I too enjoy sitting glued to the TV as mum often laments. Since I watch TV
whole day long, I dont blame mum. However, whenever I watch my favourite TV
programme she doesnt complain. In fact, she often sits together to watch it, the
National Geographic.

The National Geographic is a well-known documentary programme, focusing

mainly on the ever-changing world, on Mother Earth and on nature and peoples
and creatures that colour it with. Just the press of a switch and a button and Hey
Presto!, the whole world is brought before me, for me to savour its beauty and
wonders. Personally, I am often awed and amazed with them.

I like this programme because it is very educational. It is a window to the world.

By watching it, I can travel, explore and discover the four corners of the
world. I have trekked up the highest peak and conquered Mt. Everest. I have
dived down the deepest trenches. I have walked through the wilderness and be
amongst the wild beasts, big and small. Thus, this programme has helped to
expand my horizon and improve my knowledge and experience. I can proudly
say I am no more a frog in the well.

I also enjoy watching the National Geographic because it is entertaining,

interesting and stimulating. I never imagined that such an educational
programme can be very enjoyable. I get a chance to enjoy the kaleidoscope of
sights, sounds and colours of the world and its different peoples, all in the
comfort of my own home.

In addition to that, this programme is of very high quality and it is produced by a

team of experts, all are authorities in their own field of interest. The
photographic footage is extremely breath-taking and inspiring. Besides, the
narration is very accurate, informative, vivid and descriptive. Thus, I have never
felt restless, distracted or bored watching this programme.

The National Geographic is my favourite programme as it has helped me to

grow and mature. I have watched it since I was a seven-year-old innocent
child. Now, I am more sensitive and aware of the world and Mother Earth. I learn
to be more appreciative of Mother Earth and its beauty and wonders. I am more
concern about the preservation and conservation of the world not only now but
also for posterity. In short, the National Geographic has converted me into a
more responsible citizen of the world and a caretaker of Mother Earth.

It is a touching and heart-warming TV programme and I will not hesitate to

recommend it to others so that they too have a chance to savour amazing
moments and appreciate and care for the one and only world we live in.

Write a story starting with: The widow had to work hard to bring up her little son
alone...

The widow had to work hard to bring up her little son alone. This was after her
husbands early death. She and her son lived in a wooden house. It was a small
house with only one bedroom and a kitchen.
Mariam wanted Sam to study hard to get good result. So she would not let
Sam help her do any household chores or wash his own clothes. The years flew
by. Sam sat for his SPM examination and pass with flying colour.
His mother was very happy. She went round telling her friends, My Sam will
be leaving for the city to study in a college. He will become a Manager one day.
Ill move to live with him in the city. Then, my struggle is worth it.
So Mariam continued to work hard to send money to Sam who was
studying a business degree. For Mariam, it was a tough life. Meanwhile, Sam kept
on phoning home to ask for more money. Mariam even had to borrow from her
neighbours and friends to send her son the money.

Three years Sam stopped calling home. He did not even let his mother
where he was. When she phoned the faculty, they told her that he had graduated
and left for job. However, they could not her more. Mariam was baffled. Where
was Sam? She was so sure he would come back and fetch her for city. So, she
started to pack some of her bags and boxes.
Three months later, there was still no news or call from Sam. One day,
Mariams niece, Kate, came to talk to her about Sam. She told her aunt, Auntie,
a friend of mine met Sam in a bank. Hes the branch manager. This is his
address.
Early in the morning, Mariam took the first bus to the city. At the bus
station, she took a taxi and showed the taxi driver the bank address. On the way
there, she told the driver about Sam and what a filial son he was.

The driver stopped his taxi in front of a tall building. She got out of the
taxi and smiled at him happily. This was the moment she was going to meet
Sam. She imagined him showing surprise and delight at meeting his mother.
Inside the building, a security guard asked her who she was looking for. She told
the guard Sams name.

The bank staff saw an old lady holding a worn-out handbag. They were
wondering, Who is this woman? Why is she asking for our manager?
 Meanwhile, Sam pretended he did not know his mother. Feeling disgusted
and ashamed, he asked the security guard to ask her to leave. Mariam was
shocked to hear that! She looked Sam in a disappointed feeling ever, and ran out
of the bank.

Back in her house, Mariam cried the whole night. She cried and cried till
she had no more tears. The next morning, she was sitting by the window with
Sams photo on her lap. She saw him walking towards their house. Soon she was
shouting and crying, My Sam is back! My Sam is back!

Sam ran towards her and hugged Mariam as he never let go. He was so
sorry and regretted the way he behaved. His colleagues were the one who made
him realized his big mistakes neglected his mother.

The neighbours heard her. They too shouted and cheered, feeling happy
for her.
A Road Accident

Road accidents are reported in newspaper and on television every day. There are
more frequently caused by reckless drivers rather than faulty vehicles. Last Saturday, while I
was travelling from Ipoh, I witnessed a serious accident. The scene of the accidents was
vivid in my mind.

A motorcyclist was following behind was taxi very closely. He was so impatient that
he was trying to overtake my taxi even near a sharp bend. At that critical moment, there was
an oncoming car. The taxi driver swerved to the roadside and I got a terrible jolt. It was too
late for the motorcyclist to avoid the car. His motorcycle ran against the bumper of the car
and smashed its windscreen. The motorcyclist somersaulted over the car and was found
lying in a pool of blood. It was a scene to chill the flesh! The car driver, who was cut by the
flying glass, was in a state of shock. All that happened in split second and fear overwhelmed
us.

The taxi driver stopped his taxi and I quickly ran to the nearest to the nearest
telephone booth to inform the police and the hospital. From a distance I could see some
people trying to help the injured motorcyclist and the car driver. They carried them into one
of the onlookers car and sent them to the hospital for treatment. Meanwhile the taxi driver
tried to control and directs the traffic. Soon the police arrived and they promptly took some
measurements and evidence. After that they moved the damaged car and the motorcycle to
the roadside to ease the traffic congestion. They also took down the evidence provided by
witnesses and onlookers. Some sweepers were clearing the debris and the blood stains on
the road.

When the taxi finally continued the journey, I silently thanked God for my narrow
escape. I learned a good lesson that impatience and recklessness would bring harm and
danger. I was happy to see that Malaysians are public-spirited and they render help to others
readily. Since then I remember and follow the saying more haste less speed and prevention
is better than cure. I believe good road manners and roads safety campaigns can help to
reduce the number of road accidents which cause injuries, loss and lives and properties.
 The Importance of Studying English

It is a big concerned for teenagers nowadays as they are unaware of the

importance of English language as they tend to ignore to learn the language.
Students attitude towards the language is also crucial to make sure that these
teenagers can face the future world better by learning English language as it is
an international language.

Although the government has repeatedly told us of the importance of

English, many students are still not bothered about studying it seriously. There is
also a campaign that still on to make all the Malaysian becomes a better English
learner, which is Enhance Proficiency in Bahasa Malaysia, Strengthen the
English. English is the most important and the most useful language in the world
today. There are many reasons why you should study the language properly.

First and foremost, English will definitely help you a lot when you want to
further studies. Almost all books at university are written in English in all
subjects. Plus, it is a compulsory for any candidate to pass English with credit
before entering any universities. So, if you are poor in English, you will blow you
chance for better education or worse, you are going to have a big problem
studying at university.

The second reason why you have to study English well is that it will help
you to get a job. When you go for a job interview, the interviewer will surely talk
to you in English. The first impression you should give in order to success and
have the job is, to respond in English fluently. Your chances of getting the job are
very slim if you stutter while interviewing.

A good command in of English will also help you greatly in your job. If the
company you work is actively involved in international trade, you have to speak
to prospective customers in English. Miscommunication might occur if your
English is bad. And this will put your company at risk and you will likely be
dismissed if this happen.
 Good English will also help you a lot when you travel. Every country in
the world studies English. Even the roadside stall-holders in China speak fairly
good English! At least some of the people you meet on your travels in other
countries can understand English. The language is certainly practical when you
are lost in your trip. Communication problem will not happen if you can converse
well in English. Inevitably, English is one of the languages used in any airport in
the world in making announcement. Knowing English well, therefore, make
travelling overseas easier.

Besides all these, entertainment is one of the major advantages you will
experience if you good in English. You will enjoy televisions best programmes.
We must admit that many of the best programmes are produced by the
Americans and British companies. High self confidence influenced by the
programmes will indirect inculcate in yourself when you are fluent in the
language. Quality time is worthily spent if you understand and enjoy the
programmes.

Based from all the above elaboration, I hope that students will see the
importance and realise how importance the language is for their own future.
Although it is a second language in our country, it is now a main language all
over the world.

A holiday I would never forget

Holidays, a time everyone gets hyped up over, parents planning activities for the
family to spend quality time with and school children ( as well as teachers)
jumping for joy. Hello, waking up late, celebrating, goin for tuition and best of all,
vacations! In myy case, a holiday I would never forget is a fruitful one I
expereinced five years ago, where my family I spent six days in the land of K-Pop
and ' kimchi '- Korea.

Finally, after ages of waiting, our family arrived in beautiful Korea. Stepping
out of the plane, we could feel the chilly weather to our bones. Never
experiencing that kind of weather, my siblings and I were totally excited. Passing
through immigration and baggage claim, we were talking animatedly about our
new surroundings. Since we went with tour group, we knew we were in good
hands.

Incident number one. We were supposed to take a bus to check in at the

hotel, as instructed. I guessed I was overeager and without thinking. I ran to a
random bus and knocked on the door. The young bus driver opened the door and
looked at me with a puzzled expression. He started asking me something in
Korean, which of course I did not understand. I tried to reply in English, but
before I could make the attempt, my father quickly apologized to the driver and
walked me back to the tour group who was watching from afar, shaking with
laughter. It turned out that the bus I was running to was not the bus we were
supposed to take. I dismissed my burning cheeks. I was glad I could be the butt
of everyone's jokes on my first day in a foreign country.

It was a bit past lunch time when we were done checking in our hotel. Not
doubt, everybody's stomachs were grumbling. Thank God after checking in, we
were going to have our lunch and do a bit of sightseeing. While waiting for the
others outside the hotel, we walked around nearby. There was a row of vending
machines that sold various snacks and beverages, including Haagen Dazs ice-
cream , and instant noodles. My mother had a craving for Nescafe, so she spent
her first Korrean money on that.

At the restaurant, a delicious meal was already spread out for us. That was
the first time we all tried kimchi, a spicy and sour vegetable side dish.I did not
think it was horrible, buut I preferred the fish kimchi much better. We all ate
using chopsticks, so that was kind or awkward for me and my siblings, as we
were not skilled at using them yet. Being Malaysians, we were used to rice, so it
was a good thing that the Korean meal included rice and a few other side dish,
eaten from a Bento box. It was weird though, the rice was stickier compared to
the rice we eat at home, mainly to make it easier to eat using chopsticks. There
was also hot and scumptious miso soup together with the meal. Since my sister
and my brother did not like it much, I finshed up theirs. I gulped the warm soup
down my throat- a nice connntrast from the shivering weather outside.

One of the highlights of our activities that we did in Korea was skiling.
Everybody from the tour group was looking forward to that, even the 52-year old
couple traveling with us. Since it was'nt fully snownig yet, the hill was coverred
with artificial snow. After grobbing our ski gear, we listen to a briefing by the
instructor. He was very help ful, especially with us kids annd the elderly couple.

Feeling jumpy and hyperactive, me and my sister made our way to the
cable car and successfully skied down a slope. I thought, " We're natural at this,"
and my sister could not agree more. When we came to see how our parents and
brother were doing, my brother started to throw a snowball towards me and my
sister. It hit me, and we started having a small snowball fight of our own, just like
in the movies! I guessed we got a bit out of hand and my sister accidentally hit a
woman's back. when she turned around, she had this angry look on her face and
started to walk towards us.I hurried my siblings to continue skiing with our
parents,and we ran away before she cold catch us. Breathless, we giggled
innaivety as we recapped the moment.

In a way, skiing is like swimming. Why do I say so? Well, when swimming
,you do not feel tired , but you would see the effect when you get ravenous and
eat more after a session or when you aintend to tke a nap, but it is extended to
long hours. The same goes to skiing. When we arrived at the hotel after skiing,
we were drained out and starving. Instant noodles saved the day! We all ate
curry-flavoured Maggi together, savouring the memontary pleasure. We also
dozed off quite early that night , right after going for a walk to enjoy the amazing
night view of th mountains, and breathing the cool, fresh winter air.

Shopping in Korea was also different compared to Malaysia. Its malls were
packed with small shops or stalla on every floor. Big boutiques were not seen as
much as the quaint kiosks. Nevertheless, I found shopping at their markets more
enjoyable, especially because you could haggle the price. Their specialities
were crystals, fabrics and outerwear. Apart form that, I also liked their wet
markets , mainly because they were very clean and they did not have that fishy
smell. I remembered a shocking incident when walking through the stalls of the
wet market. A large fish jumped out its aquarium and onto the floor. I stared at
it and suddenly, I saw a huge cutting knife slicing through the fish's neck! It was
the owner of the stall's doing. Then, the owner left the fish flapping around
lifelessly without a head.

There was also a treasure trove among the stalls of the wet market- a tiny
shoop which served grilled seafood. My family stepped into the shop and ordered
some grilled fish and cockles.

After saying our prayers, we devoured our mouth-watering find of the day.
Dripped in a type of souce, the seafood was the best I had ever eaten, as you
could taste the freshness. Or maybe I was just hungry after a full day of
activities.

If it was up to me, there were so many things to write on my memorabe trip

to Korean. Not onli we got to spend quality time together as a family, but we also
learnt countless new things and even discovered hidden talents. My father
always said we should travel with an open mind and an open heart. This is when
you get to see your capability to adapt to changes. Just enjoy the simple things
in life and be thankful of what you have. So, do just that. Who knows you might
discover a part of yourself you never know existed?

DIRECTED: FORMAL LETTER: Letter of Complaint

Raju a/l Lingam,

123 A, Lorong Bahagia,
Taman Sentosa,
07231 Bandar Baru Sentol,
Kelantan
_________________________________________________________________________

The President,
Bandar Baru Sentol Council,
Kompleks Utama,
07200 Bandar Baru Sentol 16 JUNE 2011

Dear Sir,

Uncollected Rubbish and Clogged Drains

I am writing this letter is to attract your attention to the above title. As the representative
of the community, I am calling to tell you that the 300 odd residents living in Taman
Sentosa are extremely unhappy about the lackadaisical attitude of the local town council
towards the uncollected rubbish and clogged drains in our area.

2. The rubbish in our area has not been collected for more than a week. The rubbish
is supposed to be collected on alternate days but this has not been the case. The town
council workers collect the rubbish according to their own whims and fancies. The
uncollected garbage has attracted not only flies and mosquitoes but also wild dogs which
had attacked the residents on several occasions. These stray animals also scatter the
rubbish and make the roads dirty and smelly. As a result, residents have to bear the
discomfort of stench from the garbage and risk their health.

3. We are also disappointed with the town council workers for not clearing the
clogged drains which are filled with rubbish. The drains would usually overflow when
there is heavy rain and the rubbish would then flow into the compounds of our houses.
Besides, putting up with the unbearable stench emitted from them, the residents have to
spend hours cleaning their compounds of rotten vegetables, food leftovers and other
rubbish.

4. Due to dengue outbreak recently, we are really concerned about the residents
health especially the children. Fogging service also was not done accordingly to the
schedule. The fogging authority only did their job whenever a case of dengue aroused.
They even fogging the neighbourhood late at night that caused us to leave the residents.
They need to consider the residents who have babies and also to those who need to
wake up early in the morning for work. The fogging also caused the people to have
breathing problem when we were not told the exact time of fogging.

5. We have made numerous appeals to the Municipal Council to look into our
complaints but to no avail. We have been putting up with this predicament for more than
a week. We hope the health authorities would do something to check these health
hazards.

Thank you.

Yours faithfully,
Raju
(RAJU a/l MANIAM)

380 words

CONTINUOUS WRITING: SAMPLE ESSAY ARTICLE: ONE-WORD ESSAY

Pollution
Pollution is an issue of concern in the modern world that we live in today. There are many types of
pollution, namely air, water and noise. Pollution in our environment will undoubtedly affect our quality
of life. Our naturally beautiful world becoming ugly because it is suffering from the effects of
environmental pollution. Pollution can also cause various health problems and other negative effects.

Air pollution is caused by the emission of toxic gases from vehicles, factories and open burning.
Nowadays, there are more and more vehicles on the road as society gets more affluent. More and
more people strive to have a better quality of life by having the convenience of driving to their
destinations instead of taking public transportation. Automobiles provides transport to millions people
around the world to enable them to travel to their workplace, school and other places, therefore, the
air around us is getting more polluted by the carbon dioxide that is emitted. Carbon monoxide is
another type of gas which harmful to the environment as it can cause the reduction of oxygen in the
bloodstream.
Another example of contributor to the air pollution is the manufacturing factories. The manufacturing
of products in factories to meet the growing demand of society is also causing air pollution. Factories
release toxic gases to the environment. Some factories also use coal to generate heat and energy. As
a result from the burning of coal, carbon dioxide is released into the environment.

Besides factories, many people are still practising open burning as a way of disposing their
household wastes. Although burning our household wastes is a convenient way of getting rid of our
rubbish, it is harmful to the environment as it contributes to the worsening of the air quality. As a
result, air pollution causes people to suffer from health problems such as chest pain and asthma. In
extreme cases, people can contract lung cancer.

Water pollution is also a problem that we are currently facing. The marine life is the first to
suffer from water pollution as they depend on the nutrients in the water to survive. As a result, we are
robbed of beautiful sea corals and unique species of fishes. Besides ruining our marine heritage, the
disappearance of marine life will affect the livelihood of fishermen, not to mention our source of food.
Water pollution is caused by harmful waster from industries, farms and sewerage systems which are
dumped into our sources of water such as rivers and lakes. This irresponsible act contaminates our
drinking water and can cause serious health problems and can even culminate in death.

Noise pollution is another form of pollution. Noise from heavy machinery and vehicles can
cause hearing problems and in extreme cases, deafness. As there is growing number of vehicles on
the road, we are exposed to noise pollution every day. The government in advanced countries
encourage their citizens to take the public buses and trains by providing an affordable and efficient
transportation system. This effort discourages people from driving their private vehicles and
consequently reduces the number of vehicles on the road.

We must work together to reduce pollution so that the future generations can live in a healthy,
unpolluted environment. As the saying goes, precaution is better than cure. Lets hands on hands
together by recycle and conserve the world for the better future.

558 words

Describe an outing with your friends.

Last year during the first semester holidays, I went on an outing with my
classmates and best friends, Ariff and Adam. Adam's father won a trip to Penang,
which came with a hotel suite stay for three people for two nights. As he was
busy with his work, he decided to let us go on the trip instead. We were
overjoyed to hear the good news.
From Kuala Lumpur, we went to the 'Pearl of the Orient' by coach. The journey
took about five hours. After checking in the five-star and high-rise hotel, we
proceeded to our suite which was located on the top floor. Upon seeing the king-
size bed, I jumped onto it as I had always loved staying in hotels. Adam and Ariff
giggled at my silliness. We then went to the balcony to enjoy the superb
panorama of George Town, Penang's capital city. We could also see the blue sea
as the hotel was located by the beach. The views were simply breathtaking.
After unpacking our stuff and having our baths, it was almost dinner time. Since
all meals were provided throughout our stay, we went to the hotel restaurant as
we were famished. A buffet dinner was served and we had a variety of delicious
food. When the meal was over, we brought our torches and strolled along the
beach, where we collected some colourful and pretty seashells. Occasionally, we
saw jellyfish that were stranded on the beach. After the stroll, we retired early
that night because we felt tired.
The next morning, we woke up to a sumptuous and nutritious breakfast. Next, we
went snorkelling in the shallow sea. It was a wonderful feeling swimming among
the exotic and flamboyant sea-fishes. We also had a chance to explore the
spectacular coral reefs. In the afternoon, we had a karaoke session. The karaoke
machines were part of the leisure facilities of the hotel. As we were fans of the
latest hits, we had a good time singing them. Influenced by his parents and
having a great voice, Adam could even render golden oldies.
When evening came, we went to play at the beach. We met a group of teenagers
in our same age group. They were camping by the beach. When we met them,
they were playing Frisbee. We greeted them and they invited us to join them in
their game. We had a lot of fun together. We were glad to have made new
friends. After the game, we rested and watched the enchanting sunset together.
On the third day, we decided to use the health spa facilities of the hotel. We
swam in the Olympic-sized swimming pool and did some workout in the
gymnasium. We also took a sauna. A friendly reflexology professional gave each
one of us a foot massage. We felt mentally relaxed after the reflexology session.
At noon, we checked out of the hotel. We went back to Kuala Lumpur by coach as
well.
Overall, it was a happy trip for us. We considered ourselves extremely fortunate
to be able to enjoy this free trip and stay in a luxurious hotel where everything
was provided free of charge. I had had a wonderful time with my friends and
wondered when such a rare opportunity would come again in future.

Kim was nervous when the door opened. It was her parents. She was
unsure whether per parents had known about her misadventure.
Kim was one of the members of the school choir. This morning, the school
choir went on a trip to Kuala Lumpur to participate in a choir competition.
During the competition, they tried their best to perform well but were only
placed third. They were a bit upset and disappointed as they had
practised hard for the competition. So, the choir mistress comforted them
and decided to bring them shopping.
When they reached the shopping centre, they were happy again. They
saw a lot of shops in the shopping centre. For example, bookshops,
fashion houses, jewellery shops, boutiques, toy shops, et cetera. Before
they started shopping, their teacher told them to stay close to her and
avoid wandering off from the group. When they passed by a jewellery
shop, Kim saw a pair of earrings. She wanted the pair of earrings so badly
but when she caught sight of the price tag, she was quite taken aback to
learn that they cost RM300 a pair! It was too expensive and Kim could not
afford to buy it.
Kim looked around the jewellery shop and noticed that the salesgirls were
not watching her. She quickly slipped the expensive earrings into her
handbag. Just when Kim was walking out of the shop, the shop alarm went
off. The price tag of the earnings that Kim had just shoplifted was still
attached and it triggered the alarm. Kim was extremely frightened and
took to her heels at once. Unfortunately, she was caught by a security
guard who was much faster than her. She was then brought to the
manager's office, where she stayed for hours. She was very nervous and
started to cry. She regretted her wrongdoing but it was too late.
After some time, Kim's teacher came to the manager's office. She begged
for leniency and promised to punish Kim.
"I'm truly sorry for stealing the earrings," said Kim regretfully. "I promise
not to repeat the offence again."
The manager, who was a kind-hearted man, showed mercy to Kim and
forgave her for what she did. Kim and her teacher thanked him profusely.
After that, Kim's teacher sent the choir home. Back home, Kim's parents
were still working. So she waited patiently for them. When they came
home in the evening, Kim learnt that her teacher had called her parents
and informed them of her misdemeanour. They were furious with her and
gave her a good scolding. Kim was also grounded for a month.

THE INTERNET IS THE MOST GOOD THING

Firstly, the biggest advantage of the Internet is its role as a search platform. For
example, Google, a popular online search engine, makes our life much easier. Everyone
needs it. For example, with internet access, a stockbroker will always have up-to-date
information about the stock market. A student finds relevant educational materials from
the Internet to facilitate his or her studies. A housewife follows online recipes to cook
finger-licking food to feed the family. Yes, you may say that sources from books and
papers are more reliable. However, the traditional book-flipping method is not as efficient
as the Internet as it is time consuming. Moreover, the information contained is limited.

The Internet shortens distance. But how? It keeps people in touch, no matter where they
are. Social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter have been blooming for a
decade. They provide various features such as real-time chatting and video calling,
enabling us to communicate with our relatives and friends easily. We can also know
more about their life through their regular photo and status updates. Now, parents can
easily see their children, who are studying abroad, and have conversations with them.
Trading can be done online, without the need to be present at business or commercial
premises. Old friends can reunite. People all around the world no longer need to write
letters and post them to communicate with one another.

Buying and selling are also easier when carried out through the Internet. Online
shopping is popular in our modern world now. Sellers earn their living in sales through
their online stores. They have flexible working hours. Buyers get to buy products at lower
prices because the online stores bear lower overhead costs compared to bricks and
mortar stores. Besides, customers reviews are posted on the Internet and people get to
compare and make better decisions before purchasing anything. No more long queues,
no more awkwardly-standing shop assistants and no more parking fees. What you buy
will be delivered right on your doorstep after a few clicks. Have you ever noticed how
convenient our life is with the help of the famous Mr Internet?

The Internet brightens up our life. We can find entertainments on the Internet. There are
films and dramas that we can watch online. There are plenty of video games on the
Internet to satisfy your interest too. All of them can relieve ones stress and refresh ones
mind. Who would not enjoy a moment of personal time watching films or playing games
in their cozy rooms, away from tensions in life? In addition, these entertainments can
liven up a boring school or work day. After all, life is not really all about school and work,
is it?

Lastly, the Internet plays an important role in the education field too. People are getting
busier and busier every day. Not everyone has the chance to further their studies
abroad. The good news is they can enrol on online courses offered by the worlds top
universities. Nine-to-fivers are equally eligible to do so as they can study on a part-time
basis! Do you not think that the Internet has helped lots of people all around the world?

In a nutshell, the Internet is mostly a good thing. Although some may say that it causes
many social problems like cheating and propaganda spreading, its advantages outweigh
its disadvantages. Instead of misusing it, we should use it wisely to gain maximum
benefits.

TUITION
Tuition is the act of teaching, especially to people in smaller groups or individuals. It
is extremely common among Malaysians, especially primary and secondary
students. When asked if tuition is really necessary, different people have different
opinions. From my point of view, tuition is necessary and I provide my reasons
below.

In this competitive world, students undoubtedly need some extra assistance to help
them perform better academically. Tuition is necessary to complement their school
work, especially when it comes to the more difficult topics and challenging areas.
Additional practice is required to help improve the students' understanding. Through
having private tuition, students are able to obtain extra helpful tips from their
teachers and thus they are more likely to excel in their studies.

When having tuition, students get to learn in smaller groups or on a one-to-one

basis. This is certainly advantageous to timid students as they get the opportunities
to speak up and ask questions. In a typical Malaysian public school, a class usually
comprises about 45 students. Among so many classmates, the shy and introverted
ones normally find it difficult to ask any questions they have while attending classes.
Such problem can be solved through having tuition.

Furthermore, students are able to get personal attention and develop good study
skills with their teachers' help. Since the group is small, it would be easier for
teachers to spot students' weaknesses and help strengthen them. In other words,
through close collaboration with their tuition teachers, students are able to learn and
improve more effectively.

Through receiving tuition, students get to occupy their time wisely. This is especially
true for latchkey kids. Undeniably, it is better for students to spend their time studying
and revising for examinations rather than wasting time socialising with the wrong
crowd. Things can go really wrong when students get into wrong company.

Even though tuition fees can be expensive and tuition may take up too much of
students' time, the benefit far outweighs the negatives. Through having tuition,
students are able to acquire unrivalled mastery of a particular subject. Therefore I
firmly believe that tuition is absolutely a necessary tool for students to strengthen
their weaker subjects and boost their self-confidence and morale.
A FRIGHTENING ENCOUNTER

It was an extremely hot afternoon. I was home alone and doing my revision for an
examination in my study. After revising for about 2 hours, I felt hungry and wanted to
have something to eat and drink. So, I went downstairs to the dining room to have some
biscuits and a cup of tea.

After I had finished having my refreshment, I heard a hissing sound when I was cleaning
up the dining table. I did not know where the hissing sound came from. So I searched
carefully in the dining room. Suddenly, I saw a rope-like object under the cupboard. I
used a stick to push it to see whether there was any response. After the push, the object
moved. It emerged from under the cupboard and I could see that it was a cobra! When it
saw me, it stood on its belly, flattened its hood and hissed fiercely at me. It then opened
its jaws and exposed its fangs. I was terrified at the sight. I screamed loudly and rushed
out of the dining room as fast as I could.

In the living room, I picked up my mobile phone and telephoned my neighbour, Encik
Ramasamy, at once. He knew how to deal with the venomous creature. Not long after,
he came with 2 pieces of wood and a cage. He asked me where the snake was. I told
him it was in the dining room. We walked slowly and quietly into the dining room. I told
Encik Ramasamy that the snake was about 1 meter long. In the dining room, we saw the
snake's tail under a table where my mother put her cooking utensils.

Encik Ramasamy told me not to come too close for the sake of my security. He then
urged the cobra to emerge from its hiding place with one of the pieces of wood. When it
appeared from under the table, it opened its jaws again and hissed fiercely at Encik
Ramasamy. I was scared but Encik Ramasamy, who was as brave as a lion, pinned it
against the floor by its head with the wood. It then wriggled desperately to get free.
Skilfully, Encik Ramasamy caught hold of its head and put it into the cage carefully.

After closing the cage, Encik Ramasamy looked at the backyard of my house. He said
that the yard was overgrown with weeds. He advised me to remove the weeds, since
they attract snakes and other creatures which might be dangerous. He also told me that
snakes loved to hide in cool places. Since the weather was hot that day, the snake might
have found my house a cool place to rest. So, it came into my house.

I thanked Encik Ramasamy for helping me and offered him a glass of cold orange juice
as a token of my gratitude. After the refreshing drink, he took the snake to the
countryside and released it into the wild.

In the evening, when my parents came home from work, I told them everything. We then
weeded the backyard to make sure that there was no hiding place for unwanted
creatures. My parents also thanked Encik Ramasamy for helping us to get rid of the
snake.

What a frightening encounter!

 Write a story ending with: "I only I had been more careful, that wouldn't have
happened."

It was a hot and quiet afternoon. I was having a nap in my bedroom. When I woke
up, I was hungry and wanted to have something to eat. So I went to the kitchen. I
found a note on the dining table. My mother told me that she had gone shopping with
her friends. I put down the note and had two slices of bread and a glass of milk.

After that, I went to the living room to do my homework. While doing my homework, I
accidentally dropped my mobile phone onto the floor and it went under the table.
Just when I was about to pick it up, I heard someone calling outside my house. I
looked through the window and saw a man whose age was around forty. I went to
the gate and asked him what he wanted. He said that he was from a village and
arrived in Miri not long ago. He wanted to find his son's house but he had lost his
way, since he was not familiar with the housing area. Earlier, when he was searching
for his son's home, he was bitten by a dog. After showing me the bite wounds, he
requested me to give him a helping hand.

I took pity on him. Therefore, I opened the gate and let him in. I invited him into the
house and after he was seated in the living room, I went to fetch the first aid kit.
When I returned to the living room with the kit, I was extremely taken aback by what I
saw. The man was wielding a knife!

"Keep very quiet or I'll hurt you with the knife," threatened the man, pointing the knife
at me at the same time.

He then found a rope and tied my hands and legs. I was extremely nervous at that
time. It was only then that I recalled what my mother told me - never let any
strangers into the house due to the risks involved.

Subsequently, the man took out a gunnysack and started to ransack my house for
valuables. He searched every part of my house. When he went to the master
bedroom which was located upstairs, I found that my mobile phone was still under
the table. I struggled to see if I could my phone. Luckily, I managed to bet hold of the
phone after putting in a lot of efforts. I quickly called my neighbour, Encik Abu, and
told him everything.

Encik Abu telephoned the police at once. When the police came, they surrounded
my house quietly. After the man had completed his illegal acts, he opened the front
door. The police apprehended him immediately. Encik Abu came to my aid at once
and untied me. A police officer told me that the man was a robber who escaped from
prison not long ago. The robber was then handcuffed and sent to the police station.
From the incident, I learnt a valuable lesson. I would never allow strangers into my
house again, since prevention was better than cure. If only I had been more careful,
that wouldn't have happened.

Write about a person who has succeeded in life.

It is lunch hour. A large restaurant located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur city is packed
with regular customers. Waiters and waitresses are busy serving the customers.
Outside the restaurant, the owner of the restaurant is seen arriving in a luxury car.
After parking his car, he enters the restaurant and starts mingling with the customers.
The humble man is none other than my beloved grandfather.

My grandfather is a man of little education. He comes from a poor family. After

attending primary school, he had to stop schooling due to poverty. As the eldest son
of the family, he helped his father at his stall selling barbecued meats. Life was
indeed difficult for him then. He had to get up early in the morning before dawn and
go to the market together with his father to buy fresh chickens and ducks. Then, they
returned home to slaughter them, prepare the meats and barbecue them.

My grandfather was extremely interested in culinary skills. As a teenager, he was a

fast learner and was able to prepare the meats as well as his father before long.

One morning, my grandfather woke up early in the morning as usual. He assumed

that everything would go on smoothly but little did he know that he had lost his father.
When he went to wake his father up, there was no response from him. My
grandfather panicked and called for an ambulance. When his father was sent to
hospital, he was pronounced dead on arrival by a doctor. My grandfather was totally
devastated by the sudden demise of his father. In the midst of his sadness, he knew
he had to find strength to carry on.

To earn a living, he had no alternative but to take over the stall that his father left
behind. Using the small savings that he inherited from his father, he continued with
the business. He learnt about finance from his own experience and whatever he
could recall when he was with his father. He led a frugal lifestyle and only spent
money when it was necessary. He was so thrifty that when he got married a few
years later, his guests were only treated to rice and barbecued meats. He was
industrious and saved as much money as he could. He kept his savings in a bank.

After a couple of years, his diligence and modesty finally paid off - he had saved
enough money to open a restaurant. Thanks to his excellent management skills that
he acquired earlier, his restaurant prospered and his business expanded. Apart from
selling barbecued meats, he also sold other food such as chicken rice, economical
meals, dim sum and a variety of noodles.
Today, my grandfather is an extremely successful and well-established restaurateur.
He often advises me to study hard and be a knowledgeable person in order to
contribute to society in future. He also emphasises the virtues of diligence, frugality
and honesty. I will not forget his advices for as long as I live because he is my role
model.