Form 4 Homework (20 Feb 2012 Submission) Part Two

Copy this in your essay book.

Then, write your own on the same title using the underlined phrases.

NARRATIVE WRITING

Write a story ending with “... En. Nizam was grateful he had such good neighbours.”

            Not even in his wildest dream did En. Nizam think he would lose so much in such a short time. It had been a trying period. When he got word that his father was on his death bed, En. Nizam’s family rushed to his hometown. Even before the funeral rites were over, he received a call from his immediate neighbour that his house was partly destroyed by fire and that the cause of the fire was believed to be arson.

            Members of En. Nizam’s immediate family and his relatives were in the state of disarray. First, it was the death of an elder member of a family, then this misfortune. Although En. Nizam was worried, deep in his heart he knew that he had very good neighbours, friends who would stand by him in good times and bad.

            Sure enough, the minute he set foot in the compound of his house, he knew he was right. His neighbours, Mr. Subra and En. Majid, were there taking a close watch on the house. He learnt from them that the neighbours had been taking turns to keep an all-day vigil on the house. He thanked them from the bottom of his heart.

After inspecting the damage caused by the fire, En. Majid handed donations collected by the residents living in the area. His neighbours had passed the hat around and the donations came up to a significant amount. Although, the donations was still short of the amount required to repair the damages, En. Nizam was grateful.

The next day, En. Nizam was even more overwhelmed by the care and concern shown by his neighbours. They were there to extend their condolences and to show their support. Donations came pouring in. The women folk were busy preparing all the meals for the family.

With the help of his neighbours, En. Nizam got a building contractor to repair the damaged sections of the house. The repair and renovations took almost a week to complete. When the house was ready, the neighbour turned up in full force to congratulate him.

Tears welled up in En. Nizam’s eyes. He was at a loss for words. En. Nizam was grateful he had such good neighbours.

Form 4 Homework (20 Feb 2012 Submission)

Copy this essay in your essay book.
Then, write your own essay on the same title using the underlined phrases.


Friends 
(by Manu Menon)

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 friend’s 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 friend’s honesty will enable you to trust his or she’s 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 can’t 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.

Form 5CA Homework (Continuous Writing) Part Two

Question 2

Write a composition of about 350 words on two of the following topics:

(a) Write an essay on the topic, ``An unexpected turn of events.’’

(b) Describe someone whom you look upon as a role model.

(c) Health is better than wealth. What is your opinion?

(In each of the two essays, use at least ten new words/ phrases/ clauses that we have learnt in class recently)

Form 5CA Homework (Directed Essay Writing) Part One

14 February, 2012

Letter of Complaint: More Sample Essay and tips on elaboration of points

Your class is unhappy with your school canteen. As the monitor of your class, you have been asked to write to your principal, to complain about the following:

- food left uncovered

- attract many flies

- food served is stale

- food too expensive

- oily plates and cups

- rude workers

- workers not properly attired

- dustbins not cleared daily

- same menu daily

In your letter, you would also like to offer three suggestions from your classmates:

- stringent checks

- cheaper food

- serve a variety of food

When writing the letter, you should remember:

- to set out the letter correctly

- to include all the points given

- to write in paragraphs.

(35 marks)

Look at the model answer below to revise the format of a formal letter and see how the points are elaborated.

Form 5 Amanah,

SMK Pasong,

82010 Pontian,

Johor.

Encik Juhair bin Jumaat,

The Principal,

SMK Pasong,

82010 Pontian,

Johor.

11 JANUARY 2012

Dear Sir,

Unsatisfactory School Canteen

On behalf of the students of 5 Amanah, I would like to lodge a complaint about the school canteen.

2. First and foremost, the food served is not covered and many flies can be seen hovering over the food. This may lead to food poisoning. Moreover, the canteen also serves stale food. The ‘nasi lemak’ turns bad by the time the upper forms have their recess. Last week, a few of us had diarrhoea after consuming food from the canteen.

3. Apart from that, the food is also too expensive. A small plate of fried mee costs RM1.50 and many poor students cannot afford it. Besides that, the canteen serves the same menu daily. The students are bored with fried rice and fried mee every day.

4. Another complaint is that the cups and plates are oily and not washed properly. The workers are also not appropriately attired although they have been told to wear aprons and caps. Moreover, these workers are rude to students. They shout at us and use foul language whenever they get angry. They also do not clear the dustbins and rubbish daily. This is very unhygienic. As a result, there is a foul stench whenever we eat in the canteen.

5. Thus, we would like to suggest that the school authorities make stringent checks on the canteen daily or weekly. They should also ensure that the canteen serves a variety of food at a reasonable price.

We would like to appeal to your sense of fairness and hope prompt action will be taken regarding these matters.

Yours faithfully,

(NORLISSA BT DUSUKI)

The Class Monitor

5 Amanah

Note how the points given are arranged into paragraphs and elaborated where needed.

The last paragraph states the action you want taken.

To elaborate on a point, you may:

- give a reason

- state one effect/outcome

- give details

- explain further with facts or statistics

- give an opinion

Let’s look at some examples from the sample essay.

1. food left uncovered - attract many flies

First and foremost, the food served is left uncovered and many flies can be seen hovering over the food. This may lead to food poisoning.

(Since the two points are connected, group them in one sentence. It is all right if you do not wish to use the exact words given but you must stick to the original meaning when writing. The underlined sentence are elaborated by stating one possible effect of the flies.

Remember that you only need to give a sentence or a phrase. Do not elaborate more than three or four lines. You will be wasting your time and effort.)

2. same menu daily

Besides that, the canteen serves the same menu daily. The students are bored with fried rice and fried mee every day.

(The phrase “same menu” is elaborated by giving a few examples.

Can you identify more examples of elaboration and the methods used?)

Pay attention to the structures in the sample essay above.

Notice how the use of First and foremost, Moreover, Apart from that, Besides that, Another complaint is and so on. These are transitional words and phrases which help to make the essay flow smoothly and to lead the reader from one point to another.

You can use many other transitional words and phrases to make your essay more cohesive.

1. To add to what you have just said: also, similarly, furthermore, in addition, then, moreover, in other words, in the same way
2. To use a specific example to support what you have said: For example, especially, for instance, to illustrate, as an illustration, such as
3. To show sequence: First and foremost, first, The second advantage is, Next, Another reason is, Lastly, Finally
4. To indicate that you are about to contrast what has just been said: but, on the other hand, yet, nevertheless, on the contrary, however
5. To indicate a conclusion: In conclusion, consequently, thus, therefore, in summary, therefore, as a result

Now, do this exercise.

Section A: Directed Writing

[ 35 marks]

You are advised to spend about 45 minutes on this section.

Question 1

You find that the generation gap between teenagers and their parents is

widening. You are very concerned and write a letter to the editor of a local

newspaper giving your suggestions about how the problem can be

reduced.

Below are the suggested ideas that you mustinclude in your letter.

* parents talk to teenagers

* parents listen to teenagers

* parents monitor teenagers activities

* parents lay down house rules

* parents are flexible

* parents know friends’ parents

* family outings

* eating together

* celebrate teenagers’ achievements

* parents tell teenagers they love them

You should use all the points given above.

When writing the letter, you should remember to:

* use the correct format for an informal letter

* elaborate on the points

* start and end your letter correctly

Form 4 Homework (3 - 12 Feb 2012)

Copy and do these exercises.


Part One (QWERTYUIOP) - In your Literature Exercise book


Practice 11. Who are the people involved in the story?
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________


2. Where did the events in the story take place?
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________


3. Why didn’t Lucy and her uncle Bert get along?
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________


4. How did Lucy’s mother react to her daughter getting a job?
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________


5. What strange thing happened to Lucy on her first day of work?
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________


6. How did Lucy handle the situation?
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________


7. Why was Ms. Broome unhappy?
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________


8. How did Lucy persuade Ms. Broome to ‘leave her job’?
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________




Practice 2:


1. Describe the life of Lucy Beck. Focus on:


a) Her relationship with her family
b) Her work
c) Her ‘relationship’ with Ms. Broome


_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________


2. In your opinion, why do Lucy and her mother have a strained relationship with Lucy’s Uncle Bert?
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
3. “Beggars can’t be choosers.” How does this expression apply to Lucy with regards to her job?
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________


4. Why was Ms. Broome reluctant to let go of her job?
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________


5. In your opinion, did Lucy do an amicable job at persuading Mrs. Broome to move on? Justify your answer
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________


Practice 3


Read the following questions and provide short answers.

1. Describe Lucy's two feelings when the letters 'QWERTYUIOP' kept popping up on the typing paper?
(a) _________________________________________________
(b)_________________________________________________


2. The typewriter 'took over' from Lucy. How did this happen?
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________


3. What was the change in Lucy towards Uncle Bert? What did she do?
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
4. Lucy handled Miss Broome's spirit skillfully. How did she do it?
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
5. What lesson have you learnt from this short story?
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________


Answer the following questions based on the excerpt. (Only the excerpts can be just printed and pasted. The questions and answers must be written)Lucy Beck was young and small and mouse-coloured, easily overlooked. She had a lonely ‘O’ level and a typing speed that would make a tortoise laugh.


“Whoever will want to employ me?” she had asked Mrs. Price once, and Mrs. Price had been at a loss to answer.


Lucy wanted a job. More than anyone, more than anything, she wanted a job. She was tired of being poor. She was fed up with macaroni cheese and baked beans. She was sick of second-hand clothes.


1. What do you think the author means when describing Lucy as “easily overlooked”?
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________


2. What is the author implying when saying that Lucy’s typing speed would “make a
tortoise laugh?
______________________________________________________


3. Which words or phrases have similar meanings to the following?
a) To hire : ______________________________________________
b) Used items : ___________________________________________


4. Why couldn’t Mrs. Price answer Lucy when she asked whether she would ever find a job?
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________


5. If you were in Lucy’s situation, how would you feel? Elaborate.
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________


Answer the following questions based on the excerpt.


She was early. She smoothed down her windy hair, and waited.


At five past nine, an elderly man, with small dark eyes like currants and a thick icing of white hair, came hobbling up the stairs. He was jingling a bunch of keys.


“Ah,” he said, noticing Mary. “Punctuality is the courtesy of kings – but a hard necessity for new brooms, eh? You are the new broom, I suppose? Not an impatient customer waiting to see our new range of Sunburst cushions, by any chance?”


1. In your opinion, why did Lucy arrive early that Monday morning?
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________


2. Which words or phrases from the story have similar meanings to the following?
a) Being on time : _______________________________________
b) Selection : __________________________________________


3. Explain what the author means when describing Lucy as a ‘new broom’.
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________


4. Describe the man who opened the door for Lucy.
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________


5. Paraphrase the excerpt: “Punctuality is the courtesy of kings-but a hard necessity for
new brooms”.
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________


Answer the following questions based on the excerpt.


For an hour, she battled with the machine. As fast as QWERTYUIOPs and unwanted capitals appeared, she attacked with a loaded brush. The white fluid ran down the typing paper like melting ice-cream, and dripped thickly into the depths of the typewriter.


YOU’RE DROWNING ME, it complained pathetically, and she swiped at the words with her brush.


HELP!


Another swipe.


PLEASE!


But Lucy showed no mercy. The large bottle was half-empty when she reached the end of the letter in triumph.


Yours faithfully,
George Ross,


She typed, and set back with a sigh of relief.


The machine began to rattle. Too late, Lucy snatched the completed letter out of the typewriter. Across the bottom of the otherwise faultless page, it now said in large, red capitals:


I HATE YOU!


Furiously she painted the words out.


1. Describe the ‘battle’ between Lucy and the typewriter.
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________


2. Which words or phrases from the story have similar meanings to the following?
a) In a sorrowful state : _________________________________
b) Without error : _____________________________________


3. Why was the typewriter complaining that Lucy was drowning it?
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________


4. Which sentence showed that Lucy was ruthless in the ‘battle’.
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________


5. Describe the outcome of the ‘battle’.
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________


Section 2 (Essay Writing)


Copy the two model essays, and then write your own in the same titles.
Do them in your Essay Writing Exercise book.


Model Essay 1

 DESCRIBE YOUR TEACHERS

Teachers play an important part in the lives of students like me because we usually meet them five days a week. Some of my teachers fill my soul with fear, the very thought of them even makes my heart drop. There are others, however, who are not so frightening at all, and may in act brighten our days.

        One teacher who is liked by almost every pupil in my school is Mrs Jenny Lee, who teaches us English. Tall and slim, with a heart-shaped face, Mrs Lee is known as the prettiest teacher in our of school. The boys of my school often look out their classrooms to admire this lovely teacher as she passes by their classrooms, gliding on her high heels, with her long silky hair flowing behind her.

      Mrs Lee has a personality to match her looks. You will nearly always see her face wreathed in a sunny smile. She almost never gets angry and even when she scolds us, she still sounds sweet and gentle. I clearly remember the last time she chided me for not doing my composition homework.

      “How will you ever improve if you don’t make the effort, Brian,” she murmured kindly, looking at me with warm eyes. I felt so sorry!

      Another teacher who has made me feel really sorry for neglecting my work is Mr Joginder Singh, my teacher for Accounts. However, his method for doing so is completely different!

      Mr Singh is a huge mountain of a man. He is over six feet in height and over 200 pounds in weight, all of it muscle. He looks the typical Punjabi warrior, with his turban, bushy beard, hooked nose, and piercing eyes.

      As in the case of Mrs Lee, Mr Singh's looks also match his personality, especially his voice, which is always very loud. He is about the only teacher I know who can deliver an hour-long lesson at full volume without getting a sore throat! No one falls asleep during his lessons. Actually, no one would dare to, as this fierce teacher would take quick action with his long cane. No one ever dares to neglect the homework that he sets either — the piles and piles of it! Mr Singh’s motto is “No pain, no gain”. I am not sure whether he is referring to the pain from the cane or the pain from doing the homework.

      Yet, however much we students may complain, there is no doubt that many students have gained tremendously from being under Mr Singh’s care. Our school’s performance in Accounts for SPM is exceptionally high! Clearly, Mr Singh’s motto is a sound one. However, it can also be noted that our performance in English Language is also considered excellent. Perhaps, Mrs Lee’s motto is also valid, and it is “A spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down”.

Use these phrases in your own essay.

1. fill my soul with fear
2. the very thought of
3. brighten our days
4. has a personality to match her looks
5. face wreathed in a sunny smile
6. chided
7. exceptionally high

Model Essay 2


Question

Road accidents have been on the increase with more young people becoming victims. Your school has decided to launch a “Road Safety Week” to raise awareness among students of the need to be more responsible on the road chairperson of the school’s organising committee, you have been asked to give a talk to other students on road safety.

Below are some notes you have made on the reasons why road accidents occur and suggestions to reduce the number of accidents.

Reasons

* Speed
* Reckless driving
* Tiredness
* Racing
* Poor maintenance of vehicles
* Road conditions

Suggestions

* Strict enforcement of traffic rules
* Increase fines
* Road-worthy vehicles
* Awareness campaigns
* Increase age limit for new drivers
* Suspend driving license

Write out the talk that you would give. When writing out what you plan to say, you should remember to:

- address the audience
- introduce the topic of the talk
- use all the notes above
- end the talk appropriately 

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sample Answer

A very good morning to the Principal of SM Sri Mayang, teachers and fellow friends. As the chairperson of the school’s organizing committee for the ‘Road Safety Week’, I would like to give a talk on some safety tips for the students. As we know, there has been an increase in the accidents reported involving students of this school. I hope this talk will raise your awareness to be more responsible and careful when using the road.

I would like to identify some of the reasons why road accidents occur. First, speeding beyond the prescribed limits is the main cause. Some drivers not only speed but also drive recklessly, breaking road rules and beating the traffic lights. Moreover, drivers who are tired after long distance driving or after a long day work, may not be able to concentrate on the road, thus causing accidents. Youngsters using the road as their racing track is another cause too. Drivers who do not check and maintain their vehicles often may be involved in accidents because their vehicle is faulty. Many potholes and uneven roads which contribute to the poor condition of the road too can cause accidents.

However, these problems can be overcome with strict enforcement of traffic rules to those who flaunt the law. The offenders should be caught and fines should be increased. Only road-worthy vehicles, which have been maintained well, should be permitted on the roads. Awareness campaigns on safe driving should be carried out everywhere. Since young drivers are high on the accident list, their age limit should be increased. If the drivers are involved in any accidents, their licence should be suspended.

I hope the short talk that I have delivered have given you some ideas of how to use the road safely. Thank you for listening.