SPM English Paper 1 [ 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 would include in your letter. Some of my suggestions * 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

Answer Question 1 Janet Rozario 75, Jalan Young, Taman Jaya 55200 Kuala Lumpur Selangor. 20th April 1006 Dear Editor, I am one of the parents who is very concerned about the widening gap between parents and their children. My children are young adults now but I did go through the same problem and would like to share some of my ideas with other parents. First of all I would like to say that parents must talk to their children. They must talk about school, co-curriculum as well as about their friends and social activities. When I say talk, I mean that parents should let their children talk and they should listen without getting angry or upset. They should let their children know very clearly that they are `open minded parents and that they will always be supportive parents. In this way, children learn to trust their parents and will definitely tell their parents what is happening in their lives. Parents must take the time and trouble to know their childrens friends and also to monitor their activities. Parents should put down certain house rules. Some house rules cannot be compromised. This could be a age limit on having `dating. Parents can say that their children cannot go out on single dates but

they can be flexible and allow their teenaged children to go out in groups and to places that they permit. Parents can help close the generation gap by getting to know the parents of their childrens friends. This is one way of getting quick information on where and with whom our children are. The teenagers also will be careful as they will know that their parents are in touch and are aware of their movements. Another great way to be closer to your teenagers would be to have family outings or family games. If your teenage son likes bowling, take the family bowling before having lunch together. You could have a competition where the girls take on the guys. Teenagers love it when they see their mother and father in action. It also gives a chance to parents to show off their skills. And, when the teenagers see that their parents can `bowl, `sprint, `throw the frisbee etc, they begin to respect their parents. Their parents will suddenly become `cool and everyone becomes closer as a family. Have a party or celebration when your teenager achieves something. Teenagers need assurance that they are `worthy and capable of doing difficult feats. When you publicly show that you are proud of your teenager, it becomes very difficult for that teenager to go out of the parameters that you have drawn up for him/her. Finally, dont just show your love and affection by giving him things. Tell your

teenager how important he/she is to you and to the rest of the family, school, community etc. Take every opportunity to tell your teenagers that you love them. They will respond in a loving manner too. This may not give all the answers but I tried and it worked and I hope my little contribution will help some helpless parent out there. Thank you. Yours sincerely, Belinda Harring