WRITING DRILLS 2012

A) EXERCISE 1A: FORMAL LETTER (1)

Present tense is usually used when you write out a speech.

You are the secretary of the Art Club in your school. One of the activities planned is visiting places of
interest. Write a letter to the manager of a batik factory seeking permission to visit the premises.

NOTES
Haryati Batik Factory 44
members 3 teachers
Proposed date and time
Transport by bus
Proposed activities learn skill
Buy some pieces - souvenirs

When writing your letter:

use all the notes given.
elaborate on the given notes to make it more interesting.
make sure it is not less than 120 words.

Sample Answer: Fill in the blanks with the correct phrase. Choose the phrase from the table below. Then,
REWRITE the letter in the examination pad.

request for permission Transport 5 November 2011

learning the skills of batik printing Dear Sir
The details of the visit 8.30 a.m. to 10.30 a.m. Numbers of visitors

expose our members to the art of batik For your information take up new skills
printing
to grant us permission to purchase interested in buying souvenirs
would be given discounts Thank you Yours faithfully
The Secretary the proposed date is not The Manager
Art Club convenient to you Haryati Batik Factory
Sekolah Menengah Sultan Idris Shah 56, Persiaran Tawakal
Jalan Hang Setia 85 000 Kuala Terengganu
35000 Ipoh

Prepared by: Teacher Nuha, SAMBBST, Selangor.

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_________________________________,
_________________________________,
_________________________________,
_________________________________,
_________________________________.

_________________________________,
_________________________________,
_________________________________,
_________________________________. 5 September 2012

_______________,

Permission to Visit Factory

On behalf of the Art Club members of my school, we would like to ________________________________

to visit your factory.

2. ____________________________________________ are as follows:

2.1 Date: ______________________________
2.2 Time: ______________________________
2.3 ________________________: 44 students and 3 teachers
2.4 ________________________: Chartered bus

3. The objectives of the visit include ________________________________________________.

Many of our students are in Form Four and would like to ______________________________________ for
their batik printing project next year. Hence, we would like to ____________________________________.

4. We would also like _________________________ a few pieces as souvenirs and

gifts._________________________________, most of us have never been to Terengganu and this will be
our first visit. Hence, I am very sure that most of us would be _____________________________________
to take home. I hope we ____________________________________ for the souvenirs purchased.

5. I hope you will be able _________________________________ to visit your premises. We are

willing to accept an alternative date if______________________________________________________.

_______________________.

_______________________,
Saddamia Rauddah
(SADDAMIA RAUDDAH)
The Secretary
Art Club
Sekolah Menengah Sultan Idris Shah

Prepared by: Teacher Nuha, SAMBBST, Selangor.

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EXERCISE 1B: FORMAL LETTER (2)

You are a student of a secondary school. You are not happy with the services and facilities of your school
canteen. Write a letter of complaint to the principal of your school.

Complaints:
quality of service
- workers rude; shout loudly
- not properly attired
- hair not covered; dirty aprons
cleanliness
- food prepared; filthy conditions
- leftover food on tables; stray cats and dogs
food price
- high and expensive
- students cannot afford

Sample Answer: Fill in the blanks with the correct phrase. Choose the phrase from the table below. Then,
REWRITE the letter in the examination pad.

hygiene extremely rude health risk

On behalf of filthy conditions too high
stray dogs and cats Encik Amir Bin Johar, Soo Wee Kim,
The Principal, Form 3 Bestari,
SMK Jalan Teko, SMK Jalan Teko,
08100 Bedong, 08100 Bedong,
Kedah. Kedah.
Dear Sir, leftover food dirty aprons
shout loudly burden price of food
swarmed with flies cover their hair effective measures
Thank you Yours faithfully

Prepared by: Teacher Nuha, SAMBBST, Selangor.

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 WRITING DRILLS 2012

_________________________________,
_________________________________,
_________________________________,
_________________________________,
_________________________________.

_________________________________,
_________________________________,
_________________________________,
_________________________________,
_________________________________. 18 September 2012

_________________

Poor Conditions at the School Canteen

______________________________ the students of SMK Jalan Teko, I would like to bring to your
attention the poor conditions of our school canteen.

2. Firstly, the workers in the school canteen are ____________________________. They like to
___________________________ at the students for no reason. Besides, there is a lack of
__________________. The workers do not wear caps to ______________________________. They also
use ___________________________ while cooking or serving food.

3. Moreover, the food is prepared and served under ___________________________. The canteen
is ___________________________________. This can pose a _______________________ as flies are
known to be carriers of diseases such as cholera. There are ________________________ on the tables and
floor. This has attracted __________________________________________ to our school canteen.

4. Another matter is regarding the ____________________________. Although there is a good

variety of food, the prices are ____________________. A plate of fried rice and a glass of syrup cost
RM4.50 which is as high as any restaurant in town. Most students cannot afford the high prices and this
might be a _______________ on them.

5. We hope that the school authorities will look into these problems and take
_________________________ to overcome them.

_________________________.

_________________________,
Wee Kim
(SOO WEE KIM)
Form 3 Bestari
SMK Jalan Teko

Prepared by: Teacher Nuha, SAMBBST, Selangor.

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B) EXERCISE 2A: SPEECH / TALK (1)

Present tense is usually used when you write out a speech.

Sample question:
You are the head prefect in your school. At the beginning of the new school term, you have been asked to
remind students about the school regulations. Write out your speech using the notes below:-
ATTIRE:-
School uniform -neat
-wear white shoes and socks
Hair -boys - short
-girls - short or long - long hair must be tied up
Nails -short
Make up-is not allowed in school!

CONDUCT:-
-No loitering -No handphones
-No jewellery -No smoking
-Be punctual -Respect teachers
-Pay attention in class -No playing truant

Sample Answer: Fill in the blanks with the correct phrase. Choose the phrase from the table below. Then,
REWRITE the speech in the examination pad.

refresh your memory allowed make-up

school uniform our principal, teachers and fellow short
students
head prefect short and neatly combed punctual
keep truant you will have to face the music
tied confiscated Respect
banned pay attention suspended
black sheep influenced regulations

Answer Explanation
Paragraph 1
Good morning to _______________________________________ INTRODUCTION
____________________________________________________________. Greet the audience.
Welcome to the new school term. I am Nuzul Fikrie Ahmad, the e.g: Good morning /
_______________________ of SMK Raja Muda. This morning, I would afternoon / evening to..
like to __________________________________ about our school Introduce yourself to
regulations especially regarding attire and conduct. the audience- (your
name, position held)
e.g: I am Dr Fiqry Nasir
from Assunta Hospital in
Petaling Jaya.
Prepared by: Teacher Nuha, SAMBBST, Selangor.
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Introduce topic
e.g: I am here to present
a talk on the topic Body
Fitness.
Purpose of speech
e.g: The purpose of my
talk today is to make you
realize the importance
looking after your food
intake and how your
health can be
maintained through
exercising.

To create a good impression, always be dressed neatly in your Paragraph 2,3,4,5

_________________________ complete with white shoes and white BODY
socks. Dont forget to wear your school badge and name tag. Main points and their
elaboration (facts,
Your hair should be _____________________________________. figures, examples)
Boys should always _______________ their hair short. Girls are allowed
to keep long hair but it should always be neatly combed and ___________. Discussion on
No one is ___________________ to wear jewellery. If you do, then your vocabulary
jewellery will be _____________________. In addition, you cannot use Attire clothes
___________________. Your nails should always be kept Confiscated -
________________. Remember, no nail polish is allowed. taken away
Comply follow
Regarding your conduct, always be _______________. face the music -
___________________ your teacher and __________________________ face the
in class. Remember, no loitering around and playing ________________. consequences
If you dont comply with the school rules, __________________________ suspended -
___________________________. banned from
attending school
Last term, several students were ___________________ or for a duration
expelled from school for fighting, smoking and other serious offences. black sheep -
Handphones are ____________________. If you bring handphones, they people who are
will be confiscated. considered bad or
embarrassing

These _____________________ are meant to create a positive Paragraph 6: Ending

image and environment for the school. There are, of course, some thank the audience
________________________ who will break the regulations. Do not be e.g: Thank you very
________________________ by them. Instead, set a good example for much for your kind
others. attention.

Thank you.
Prepared by: Teacher Nuha, SAMBBST, Selangor.
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C) EXERCISE 2B: SPEECH / TALK (2)

You are the president of the Health Club in your school. Your teacher-advisor has asked you to give a speech
on how to prepare for examinations during the school assembly.

make short notes

- easy to remember
get enough sleep
- enable mind and body to rest
ask questions
- clear doubts
form group discussions
- share ideas and viewpoints

Sample Answer: Underline the correct answer. Then, REWRITE the speech in the examination pad.

A very good morning to the principal, teachers and friends. I (is/am) Najwa Latif, the president
of the Health Club in SMK Tanjung Bunga. Today, I would like to present a speech on how we can
(prepare/prepares) for examinations.
Most of us would have butterflies in our stomach when examinations (is/are) drawing near. We
can be so nervous that we will not be able to focus or concentrate on our (study/studies) and revision.
Therefore, I would (like/likes) to share with you some tips on how to handle such situation.
Firstly, it is good idea (to/too) make short notes. This will make it easier to remember some of
the (important/valuable) points. You do not need to (read/reads) the whole text. This will save you time
(browses/browsing) through thick books. (We/You) can draw mind maps to prepare your short notes.
(Although/In addition), you need to have enough sleep. Normally you (would/should) have at
least 6 hours of sleep. (This/These) will enable your mind and body to rest. If you have sufficient hours of
sleep, you will not feel (lethargic/slow) the next morning, but fresh and alert.
Another point (is/are) asking questions. You should not (feels/feel) shy to ask questions in class.
I am sure all teachers would be happy to answer your questions pertaining to what is being (teach/taught).
This will (clear/release) any doubts that you have. You can also ask (our/your) friends to help you.
Finally, you can organize a group discussion (through/with) your friends. Make sure that the
group is not (to/too) big. (Therefore/Otherwise) all of you will divert your attention to other discussions.
A group discussion (foster/fosters) teamwork between you and your friends. It enables you to
(divide/share) your ideas and viewpoints. In this way, you will be able to understand the lesson
(best/better).
So, as you can see, you do not need to worry about (facing/having) examinations. I hope you
will find (this/these) tips useful. Always remember where there is a will, there is (a/the) way. Good luck!

Prepared by: Teacher Nuha, SAMBBST, Selangor.

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D) EXERCISE 3: OPINION
Sample Question:
Ranjit and Suzana are at a food stall. They want to buy some fruit for a class party. Ranjit likes local fruit
but Suzana prefers imported fruit. Read the dialogue. Who do you agree with? Provide reasons to support
your answer.

Suzana : Ranjit, do you prefer to eat local or imported fruit?

Ranjit : I love local fruit. They are nutritious as well as delicious.
Suzana : I like local fruit too but I prefer apples and pears though. Somehow, I feel imported fruit just taste
better.
Ranjit : Well, I find local fruit richer in vitamins and nutrients compared to imported fruit. They are also
cheaper.
Suzana : But eating too much local fruit can make you fall sick. You definitely wont fall sick if you eat too
many apples and oranges.

Sample Answer #1: Fill in the blanks with the correct phrase. Choose the phrase from the table below.
Then, REWRITE the letter in the examination pad.

Although Furthermore I firmly believe

twice the content of Vitamin C local fruit are better than imported
fruit
takes quite a while not so fresh
on the other hand cheaper, fresher and contain more
nutritional benefits
better for consumers
packed and refrigerated
anytime and anywhere

(Option #1 Agreeing with Ranjits opinion)

I agree with Ranjit that _____________________________________________________________.

Local fruit are not only delicious but they are _________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________.

Since we can get most local fruit __________________________________, they are much cheaper.
Imported fruit, _____________________________, are most expensive because they have to be transported
to our country.

Sometimes, the imported fruit are also_________________________. This is because these fruit are
____________________________________ before they are exported from their countries of origin. It also
______________________________ for the fruit to reach our country.

_______________________, local fruit such as guavas and rambutans have higher Vitamin C
content than most imported fruit. ____________________ many believe that oranges are a good source of
Vitamin C, research has proven that our local fruit has ___________________________________. Local
fruit also have other nutritional benefits and are ___________________________________.

Thus, ____________________________ that local fruit are a much better option than imported fruit.

Prepared by: Teacher Nuha, SAMBBST, Selangor.

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Sample Answer #2: Fill in the blanks with the correct phrase. Choose the phrase from the table below.
Then, REWRITE the letter in the examination pad.

detrimental to health unhealthy side effects overindulging an array of different fruit

easily available easily available, do not I believe that imported certain periods in a year
have unhealthy side fruit have more benefits
effects and come in than local fruit
get bored wider variety wider variety to choose
from

seasonal I agree with any time we want

(Option #2 Agreeing with Suzanas opinion)

__________________________ Suzana that imported fruit are better than local fruit. This is because
imported fruit are________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________.

Most local fruit are ___________________. Therefore, we could only enjoy them during
_______________________________. Imported fruit such as apples, oranges, kiwi fruits and grapes are
___________________________ at the markets and supermarkets all year round. Thus, we can eat these
fruit ________________________________.

Furthermore, eating too much imported fruit such as apples, oranges, grapes and pears will not have
any _______________________________. However, _________________________ in local fruit such as
durians, rambutans, mangosteens and langsats can make us fall sick. Some local fruit such as durians and
bananas also contain fat, which can be _______________________________________.

Finally, although imported fruit may be a bit more expensive than local fruit, there is a
________________________________. One can ________________________ eating the same types of
fruit all year round. Therefore, imported fruit from other countries enable us to get a taste of
____________________________________.

In conclusion, ____________________________________________________________________.

Prepared by: Teacher Nuha, SAMBBST, Selangor.

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E) EXERCISE 4: REPORT
The pie-chart below provides information regarding the activities carried out by students of SMK Seri Perak
during the school holidays. Write a report for your school bulletin and give reasons for the choices made.
RE-WRITE THE REPORT IN YOUR EXAM PAD.

ACTIVITIES DURING SCHOOL HOLIDAYS

10%

15%

Fill in the blanks with the correct phrase. Choose the correct answers from the table below.
watching television. camping and jungle trekking
average background whose parents are mostly to travel, go camping, work part-time, read, hang-
factory workers out with friends and watch television.
highest percentage relaxing and reduces stress
better background and always pass with flying believe in early preparations for any major
colours examination
stress and tension Reading and working part time
indulge in outdoor activities as they find it well-to-do families and travelling has become a
interesting and adventurous compulsory agenda for them
they learn a lot about foreign customs and culture Last but not least
whenever travel to other countries
non-academic materials such as fiction books and to save money from the wages received to buy
magazines things that they like
In conclusion is regarded as unhealthy and not beneficial
useful and could help them to relax after working help build confidence and co-operation among
so hard in school participants
Travelling outdoor activity which is camping
it can help them make many new friends to hang-out with their friends
The Activities Carried Out By Students Of SMK Seri Perak During The School Holidays

Prepared by: Teacher Nuha, SAMBBST, Selangor.

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Various activities are usually carried out during school holidays. As for students of SMK Seri Perak,
they prefer [1]______________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
In a survey carried out, it is found that the activity preferred by most students is
[2]_______________________________________________________________________________________.
This activity carries the [3]___________________________________________________________________,
which is 40%. Most students find this activity [4]________________________________________________.
As many people believe that school holiday is the time to relax, watching television is said to be the best cure
for [5]____________________________________________________________________________________.
On the other hand, an [6]______________________________________________________________,
is also a favourite among many students of SMK Seri Perak. 17% of the students prefer going camping during
the school holidays. Boys usually [7]____________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________.
There are many uniformed units in SMK Seri Perak that organize outdoor activities such as
[8]________________________________________________________________. Outdoor activities are good
as they [9]_________________________________________________________________________________.
[10]___________________________________________________________ have the same percentage,
which is 15%. Many students prefer to work part-time because they would be able
[11]______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________. These students usually
come from an [12]__________________________________________________________________________.
However, students who come from a [13]________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________, prefer reading during school holidays.
These students [14]_________________________________________________________________________.
However, there are also students who take up reading in order to relax. These students prefer reading
[15]______________________________________________________________________________________.
[16]________________________________________________________________________________
is an activity carried out by only 10% of SMK Seri Perak students. These students come from
[17]______________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
during the school holidays. Students who travel during the school holidays say that
[18]______________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________.
[19]___________________________________________________________, 3% of the students prefer
[20]___________________________________________________________________ during school holidays.
They enjoy loafing at shopping complexes as they believe that [21]____________________________________
_____________________________________________________________. However, it is very obvious that
many students do not like loafing as this activity [22]_______________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________.
[23]____________________________, most students of SMK Seri Perak prefer activities which are
[24]______________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________.

Reported by:
F) Ain
Nur EXERCISE 5A: ARTICLE (FACTS USE PRESENT TENSE)
(Nur Ain Hidayah)
Prepared by: Teacher Nuha, SAMBBST, Selangor.
Page 11 of 20
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Using the notes below, write an article for your school magazine about How Students Can Achieve
Success.
strike a balance in all aspects of life
study hard and recall information
listen attentively in class
complete homework
join co-curricular activities
pick up new skills, meet new friends
be active in sports and games
take time to rest, relax and recuperate
have a balanced diet, good sleep and regular exercise

Sample Answer: Fill in the blanks with the correct word/phrase. Choose the answer from the table below.
Then, REWRITE the article in the examination pad.

pick up Time build team spirit and leadership

assigned medals and trophies keys
examinations attentively effort
memorise strike a balance vital
well-being recall information co-curricular
rest, relax and recuperate succeed

How Students Can Achieve Success

What is success to a student? Is it scoring straight As in _______________________? Do you

define success by winning many _____________________________? To be truly successful, a student must
_______________________________ in all aspects of life. Mental, physical, spiritual and emotional
____________________ are important.
As a student, we have to put in ________________ and hard work to understand and remember
what we have learnt. We should study hard and ________________________. However, you should merely
not _______________________ facts and numbers. Listen ___________________________ in class and
complete the homework the teachers have ____________________ you.
You should join ______________________________ activities. Active participation in clubs and
societies helps you to _____________________ new skills as well as meet new friends. Sports and games
help to _____________________________________________.
Without a healthy body, it is impossible to __________________ in other areas. Thus, one
should always take time to _______________________________________. Remember to have
_______________ for fun, friends and family. A balanced diet, good sleep and regular exercise are
____________ for good health.
In short, hard work and good health are ____________ to achieve success in life.

Written by:
Aleya Ali

G) EXERCISE 5B: ARTICLE (TELLING EXPERIENCE USE PAST TENSE)

Prepared by: Teacher Nuha, SAMBBST, Selangor.
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During the last holidays, the Nature Club of your school spent a few days on Tail Island. You have visited many
places as indicated on the map. Write an article for your school magazine on what all of you did on Tail Island.

Prepared by: Teacher Nuha, SAMBBST, Selangor.

Page 13 of 20
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Sample Answer: Fill in the blanks with the correct word/phrase. Choose the answer from the table below.
Then, REWRITE the article in the examination pad.

southern tip crystal clear ferried

boat Trip like logs
eastern side journey kind
interesting rest and relax headed
deep blue Dark wildlife officer
camp out good breakfast sandy beach
star-filled adventurous trudged
laying eggs Pass stayed up
explored rewarded formations
helpful Excited

A Trip To Tail Island

During the last holidays, the Nature Club of SMK Parit Besar went on a ____________. We decided to
spend a few days on Tail Island. Our aim was to ________________________ after so much of hard work and
studying for the PMR examination. We were very ________________________.
On the first day, we took a ferry and reached the ____________________ of the island early in the
morning. The boatman was _____________ enough to direct us to Bandar Tail. When we reached Bandar Tail,
we had a ___________________________ of teh tarik and nasi lemak. The people there were
____________________________. They told us about the _____________________ places to visit.
After breakfast, we travelled along the _____________________ of the island and came to a lovely
stretch of white ___________________. We swam in the _____________________ water. We saw beautiful
corals and fish in the ____________________ sea. At 2.00 p.m. we continued our _________________. We
had to cross a river by ________________. Pak Abu, the boatman who _________________ us here in the
morning, took us across the river. By the time we reached Kampung Utara, it was already ____________. We
decided to ___________________ for the night. That night, we slept ______________ for we were extremely
tired after such a long day.
The next morning, we __________________ for a bay where we could watch turtles coming to shore to
lay eggs. We had to ________________ a river to get there. When we reached there, a
_____________________ told us that turtles only come to shore to lay eggs during the night. So we
________________ that night. It seemed like a very long wait but our patience was ________________.
Watching turtles _____________ was indeed an interesting experience!
The next day, we _________________ some caves in the hills. The stalactites and stalagmites were very
unusual ___________________. Again, we camped out under the clear, __________________ sky.
The following day, before dawn, we packed and ___________________ along to Bandar Tail where Pak
Abu rowed us back to the mainland. It had certainly been an ____________________ holiday.

Written by:
Ahmad Aiman

Prepared by: Teacher Nuha, SAMBBST, Selangor.

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H) EXERCISE 6: RECOUNT (USE PAST TENSE)

During the school holidays, you went on a camping trip with your friends. However, you lost your way
while camping. Using the pictures and notes below, write a recount on what had happened during the trip.

native

Prepared by: Teacher Nuha, SAMBBST, Selangor.

Page 15 of 20
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Sample Answer: Fill in the blanks with the correct word/phrase. Choose the answer from the table below.
Then, REWRITE the recount in the examination pad.

campsite exhausted put up a night

frantically trail trudged
amazed spot pitched
explore armed eager
rested head report
overcome lost our way ordeal
signaled native led the way
determine

It was school holidays, Peter, Rahmad and I decided to go on a camping trip. We left early in the
morning and reached our ___________________ in Hutan Lipur, Pahang around noon. When we arrived, we
followed a narrow ___________________ leading into the jungle. We wanted to look for a good ___________
to set up camp. Finally, we _____________________ our tent near a waterfall.
After cooking our first meal, Peter suggested that we ____________________ the jungle. So we
______________ ourselves with several bottles of mineral water, a small penknife and a torchlight. We were
______________ at the various flora and fauna found. However, after a few hours, we realized that we had
_____________________________. We had also finished the last few drops of our mineral water. We were now
feeling ______________________. Fortunately, we came upon a cave. We decided to
________________________ there as it was getting dark.
The next morning, we were _________________ to find our way back. So we set out to
________________ the direction of the rising sun and went westward. After walking for about two hours, we
came to a river. We ____________________ along the river bank, following the direction of the river. By then,
we were ___________________ with exhaustion.
Suddenly, we saw a __________________ catching fish. We shouted and waved
_______________________ at him to get his attention. The native saw us and _________________ to his
friends. They came to help us and _____________________________ to their village. We were given some
food and drinks, and after that we _____________________.
The following morning, the village headman took us to the police station to make a ________________.
We could not wait to ________________ home. We were tired but relieved our _______________ in the jungle
was over.

Prepared by: Teacher Nuha, SAMBBST, Selangor.

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I) EXERCISE 7A: INFORMAL LETTER (GIVING ADVICE USE PRESENT TENSE)

Your younger brother has just enrolled into a residential school. He is facing some problems. Write a letter
to your brother, giving him some advice on how he can overcome some of his problems. Use the points
given below in your letter.

organise your time

choose friends carefully - have an open mind
concentrate on studies
make use of the facilities available
follow school rules

Expressions used:
as fit as a fiddle in good health
time is gold
bad hats troublemakers
state-of-the-art modern
a healthy mind creates a healthy body
pen off stop writing

Underline the correct answer. Then, REWRITE the letter.

________________,
________________,
________________.

16 January 2011

Dearest ______________,

I hope you [1- is, are, was, were] as fit as a fiddle and not too homesick. All of us are fine back
home although we [2- miss, misses, missed, are missing] having you around. I especially miss you as I no
longer have anyone to [3- play, plays, played, playing] badminton with.

In your last letter, you [4- tell, tells, told, are telling] me that youre having some difficulties in your
new school. As you may already know, life in residential school [5- is, are, was, were] very different from
home. It is more difficult and you may [6- face, faces, faced, facing] many problems. [7-
In addition, Since, However, Next], dont fret too much because all these problems can be overcome.

First, make sure that you organise your time [8- foolishly, slowly, wisely, quickly] because time is
gold. Divide your time for doing homework, studying, [9- wash, washes, washed, washing] clothes and so
on. I suggest that you have [10- a, an, the] timetable. So, you may find [11- it, its, its] easier to finish all
that you have to do and still have some free time for yourself.

Next, please do be careful [12- on, in, at, of] your choice of friends. There [13- is, are, was, were]
bound to be some bad hats around. So, make sure that youre not [14- influence, influences, influenced,
Prepared by: Teacher Nuha, SAMBBST, Selangor.
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influencing] by the wrong set of friends. Stay away from any unhealthy [15- activity, activities] such as
smoking or drug abuse. These [16- habit, habits] will only lead to disaster and jeopardize your studies. You
will [17- meet, meets, met, meeting] friends from various cultures and backgrounds. So, please keep
[18- a, an, the] open mind. Dont [19- belittle, belittles, belittled] anyone elses beliefs or traditions. At the
same time, dont forget all that you have [20- learn, learns, learnt, learning] at home.

The main reason you were sent there [21- is, are, was, were] to help you get better results and
hopefully a scholarship. [22- However, Besides, Therefore, In addition], concentrate on your studies and
do well in your examinations. This is your best chance to [23- achieve, achieves, achieved, achieving] your
ambitions. Dont be shy to consult your teachers if you [24- has, have, had, are having] any problems with
any subjects. Youre advisable to study in group so that it will be much easier to have discussions.

SM Sains Muzaffar Syah is distinguished for [25- it, its, its] state-of-the-art facilities. For that
reason, make full use of them. Study in the library whenever you can because [26- it, its, its] comfortable
and more conducive. There [27- is, are, was, were] many reference books you can look at. Your school is
also [27- equip, equips, equipped, equipping] with the latest computers. So, you can [28- use, uses, used,
using] the internet conveniently not only to carry out school tasks or projects but also to [29- gain, gains,
gained, gaining] as much knowledge as possible. Besides, play games now and then. I know your school
[30- has, have, had, is having] tennis and badminton courts. Perhaps you should [31- take up, takes up,
took up, taking up] one of these games. [32- Play, Plays, Played, Playing] games is not only a form of
exercise but it is also a way for you to relax. Plus, a healthy body [33- create, creates, created, is creating]
a healthy mind.

Last but not least, you should [34- follow, follows, followed, following] the school rules. Never
break any rules. The rules may [35- seem, seems, seemed, seeming] tiresome but they instill self-discipline
and are good for character building. If you [36- break, breaks, broke, are breaking] the school rules, you
may be suspended or expelled. We would be [37- disappoint, disappoints, disappointed, disappointing] if
such a thing were to happen.

I hope my advice will [38- help, helps, helped, helping] you to solve your problems. Please write
whenever you [39- has, have, had, are having] time. We are all anxious about you and eagerly wait for
[40- your, yours, youre] letter. I will pen off here. Take care and goodbye!

Your loving brother,

_______________

Prepared by: Teacher Nuha, SAMBBST, Selangor.

Page 18 of 20
 WRITING DRILLS 2012

J) EXERCISE 7B: INFORMAL LETTER (TELLING EXPERIENCE USE PAST TENSE)

Your uncle suggested that you and your family visit a tea plantation which was owned by his friends.
Write a letter to your uncle to thank him for his suggestion and to tell the wonderful trip that you had
experienced.

Fill in the blanks by choosing the correct answer from the box below. Then, REWRITE the letter.

enjoyable and educational keeping well take a tour

stayed at drove up tour by
tea leaves How are you your suggestion
was invigorating were awestruck a sea of green leaves
We borrowed At the end of the tour learnt about
full loads tea plantation Send my regards to Auntie
had the time of our lives eye-opener waved warmly
grand treat plucking tea leaves fast and hard
made from
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
________________,
________________,
________________.

31 July 2011

My dear ______________,

(1)_________________________________ and Auntie? I hope that both of you are

(2)______________________________.Thank you so much for (3) ______________________________ to
visit the Highlands tea plantation. We had such an (4)____________________________________________
trip.

As we (5) ______________________________ to the plantation resort, through the rows of tea

plants, we (6) ______________________________ by the vastness of the plantation land. There were rows
and rows of tea plants like (7) _____________________________________, as far as the eye can see!

We (8) ______________________________ the Highlands Tea Garden Resort for a night. The first
thing we did when we arrived was to (9) ______________________________ of the plantation on the back
of a lorry. We chose to (10) ______________________________ lorry because in the open vehicle, we
could almost touch the (11) ______________________________ as it slowly weaved its way between the
low tea shrubs. The smell of fresh tea leaves (12) ______________________________!

Then the lorry took us to the tea factory where we (13) ______________________________ tea
drying and the different grades of tea. (14) ______________________________, we had afternoon tea at
the caf where there were so many delicious cakes and pastries, some (15)
______________________________ tea. Father gave us a (16) ______________________________. We
could choose anything we wanted!
Prepared by: Teacher Nuha, SAMBBST, Selangor.
Page 19 of 20
 WRITING DRILLS 2012

(17) ______________________________ bicycles from the resort and we went cycling to the
plantation workers settlement. They were very friendly as we passed their houses and they
(18) ______________________________ at us.

The next morning before we left, we got up very early to watch the workers (19)
______________________________. They worked so (20) ______________________________. Soon
they were walking with (21) ______________________________ of tea leaves to the collecting lorries.

You know, Uncle, this trip has been an (22) ______________________________ for me. Whenever
I drink tea now, I will always remember the tea shrubs and the workers who worked so hard at the
(23) ______________________________. Thank you once again for your suggestion. Everyone truly
enjoyed themselves. We really (24) _______________________________________________________.
(25) ___________________________________. Until then, bye!

Your niece,
_______________

Prepared by: Teacher Nuha, SAMBBST, Selangor.

Page 20 of 20