Social Networking Website

A large number of internet users have

joined social networking websites. A social
network service is an online service, platform, or
site that focuses on building and reflecting of
social networks or social relations among people.
For example is for those who wants to share
interests and, or activities. A social network service
essentially consists of a representation of each
user which known often as a profile, his or her
social links, and a variety of additional services.
Most social network services are web
based and provide means for users to interact over
the internet, such as e-mail and instant messaging.
Online community services are sometimes
considered as a social network service. In a
broader sense, social network service usually
means an individual-centered service whereas
online community services are group-centered.
Social networking sites allow users to share ideas,
activities, events, and interests within their
individual networks.
In the last five years, they have been
growing up more and more popular. This increase
in their popularity has led to a large number of
members.
One of the many reasons why Yahoo!,
MySpace and Facebook social networking websites
have increased in popularity is due to the fact that
they cover a wide variety of different topics, issues
and interest. They do not just focus on one
particular group of individuals or one particular
issue. Their policy is to invite as many types of
internet users to join as possible. By this, it gives
members a wide selection of online friends to
choose from.
If you are looking to join a social
networking website that is more focused on
creating friendships or partnerships between
internet users preferable with the same interests,
then you will want to focus on social networking
websites. They have a particular focus. The
prevalent websites focus on important issues,
topics and hobbies, such as pet owners, religion
travel and others. So before you join, think of an
issue you are interested in and sign up for the
website that focuses on that issue.
What really sets them apart from other
websites? What is so special about them? These
are questions which have been asked by many
who show interest in joining. Primarily, it is the
community. As mentioned, such social networking
sites tend to focus on a particular topic, issue or
hobby. This means that if you are a keen traveller
and you would like to speak to other keen
travellers, you will want to join a travellers
networking sites.
The difference between these social
networking sites and traditional ones is that you
will automatically be paired with hundreds, if not
thousands, of other internet users who share the
same interests, views or beliefs as you. This is a big
bonus to the members.
Another benefit to joining the social
networking website is that you are, in a way, safer
than those who are members of other networks.
Most of them require activation before joining the
site. Before activation can occur, many users are
required to state their reasons for wanting to join
the network or they may be required to fill out a
small questionnaire pertaining to determine
whether or not they have a genuine interest in the
topic focused on by the network in question. By
pairing you with a group of individuals who share
the same beliefs, views and interests as you do is
advantageous to members. It means that you do
not have to spend hours researching a person or
speaking to them just to learn what they are or are
not interested in. Therefore, this enables you to
jump right in and start making friends, almost as
soon as you are granted access to the site that you
have chosen. This service gives the social
networking websites a great edge over other
websites.

629 words



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





A Horror / Tragic Story
I opened the door, to my horror, a few
skeletons lay there, chained on the wall.
Okay, time to recap. I and my friends, Jack
and Peter, were playing around an old, abandoned
mansion. We were told that no one was allowed to
enter. However, curiosity overcame us and we
picked the lock, granting us entrance into the
sacred lair of the unknown.
At the sight of the skeletons, the three of
us were completely stunned. Our jaw hung wide
open for a few minutes before we came back to
our senses. My sixth sense told me that something
was about to go wrong, so I urged the other two to
back out of the mansion.
Dont be such a chicken, said Jack, with a shaky
voice.
Arent you scared too? I challenged him.
Yes, but we might never get the chance to
explore here again if we leave now.
All right, but we leave as soon as the first sign of
danger shows.
We ventured deeper into the mansion.
The design looked like some sort of torture room,
or a prison. Even though I was afraid, I was eager
to discover more. Throughout the lair, we did not
lose sight of skeletons or spider webs. These were
at every corner, at every turn. The occasional
howls from a distance made the hair on our backs
stand up straight. We finally arrived at a long
hallway. Jack picked up a piece of wood and
lighted it up with his lighter. The flame seared at
first, but after it simmered down, I was able to see
the walls clearly. There were ancient writings, the
kind we usually see in an Egyptian grave robber
movie. As the expert in history, Jack tried his best
to decipher the carvings. Meanwhile, Peter leaned
towards the wall to catch his breath. At that very
moment, a cold chill went down my spine.
Watch out! I shouted.
Before he could react, that portion of the
wall he was leaning against flipped, trapping him
on the other side. All he could let out was a loud
shriek and he vanished behind the walls. I
pounded against the wall, shouting his name. Only
then did I know what real terror felt like. However,
the chance of rescuing him was bleak. I sank to the
ground, desolated and hopeless.
Lets get out of here, we have to inform the
adults! suggested Jack.
I got to my feet swiftly and both of us
sped through the building. My heart was racing. I
knew that danger may be waiting at the next
corner. I could hear blood pounding in my ears.
Wait, was that a creak I heard? Uh-oh, I thought
to myself. The ceiling began to crumble. My sub-
consciousness took over. I sprang forward and
tackled Jack. Both of us fell to the ground. Just as I
thought that trouble was out of the way, the
burning piece of wood slipped out of his hand and
landed in a pile of grease. Fire started spreading
like mad. I struggled to get up.
Come on, theres not much time left! I screamed
as I turned towards the exit.
Aahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!
In a split second, my head turned 180
degrees. A gigantic marble pillar fell on Jack. I
mustered all the strength from every single cell in
my body, trying to lift it up, to no avail. My eyes
were watery. I was completely out of ideas.
Save yourself, leave me, please, muttered Jack,
with a weak tone.
This was certainly a tough decision for
me. All the moments we had spent together
flashed through my mind. How could I leave him
now? As the fire was close to sealing my only exit, I
knew that I had to be rational. I dived for my
escape route.
Tears rolled down my cheeks as the
mansion erupted into flames behind me.



Write story ending with: "...That is the reward for
my patience and hardwork."

No guts no glory. No pain no gain. Those are
my life mottos. I feel that nothing can be achieved
by simply sitting and doing absolutely nothing to
make dreams come true. Life can be so hard
especially when you are not born with silver spoon
in yuor mouth. It is also the time when true friends
are hard to comeby just because you do not much
money to treat them at Kentucky Fried Chicken or
Burger King. That is something that I have
experienced ever since my family moves to this
metropilitan city and I study in the new school.

In my new school I study hard to complete
with all my fellow classmates who come from all
walks of life but most are from rich background.
They have all that I have ever wanted in my life but
fail to get. They can buy branded shoes and
clothes, unlike my worn out Bata. They afford the
latest handphones brands with the latest
technology but me? There is nothing I could do to
be on par with them. So, I just let them show off
their fancy gadgets without feeling remorse with
the fact that I am only an ordinary student coming
from a family clerk. I just feel sad that they act as if
I do not have feelings. I do not feel the least
discourage since I know that I can also be like them
one day if I work hard enough to score in my SPM
exam.

Day after day, night after night, I do not to do
anything else but concentrate on my studies. Spm
examination is just around the corner and I have
no other wish apart from wanting to pass Spm
with Flying colours. My parents are my
inspirations. They always remind me to work hard
and hange our fate, make them proud as well as
prove to everybody that a son of a plain clerk can
also succeed in life and deserve some respect. At
times, I feel so stressed out that I almost give up
and cry. Nevertheless, thinking of my parent's
hope and wishes, I would never surrender and that
is my final decision. I engage myseld in group
discussion, have consultations with my Physics and
Chemistry teachers, the two subjects that I am
weak at as well as burn as much midnight oil as
possible to atain my ultimate goal-10A+ in the
exam. Sometimes, I feel overworked myself but I
know I have to muster every single once of my
strength to pull through this ordeal and pray that it
will end soon.

The most awaited moment has arrived. With
prayers and good luck wishes from my father and
mother, I step into my examination hall with full
awareness that I have to do really well in the exam
to realize all my parent's dreams and mine. The
torturous moments last for three weeks and as far
as I am concerned time really flies but I trust
myself that I have given my very best for each
paper.

March 2015 comes I heard on the television
that the SPM 2014 result will be out today. With
anticipation and nervousness I walk to school with
my good friend Samah. I cannot imagine getting
less than 8A+ because according to my conselor,
only getting 8A+ will I be able to secure any
scholarship, something which is very important to
me due to my parent's incapability to pay for my
tertiary education. The moment Ms. Asiah, my
form teacher hands me the result slip, my heart
skips a bea. i am cold from feet to toe from the
suspense. Then the moment arrives! It is the most
unforgettable time of my life. I mange to get 10A+
and my prayer has been answered. Thank God for
giving me apportunity to succeed and make my
parents proud. That is the reward for my patience
and harwork.
Forgiven
I stood motionless and looked at the
solid, dark brown wooden door. The house was
painted white, and black on the wooden beams
and window panes. It looked huge and expensive
from the outside. I had to make my mind up
whether to knock or press the bell. I turned to face
the garden. I thought about going back to my car
and drove home. Home. That was where I wanted
to be; or was it where I would be after I knocked
the door? I sighed and walked to the side where
there was a wooden bench by the beautiful
garden. I could see that the woman in the family
loved the garden. The smell of white lilies
reminded me of the florist down the road on
Sixteenth Street. I sat on the sturdy looking
wooden bench, trying to figure out what I would
say if someone was to open the door. I wished I
did not find out where she was so that I would not
have three sleepless nights thinking of why she left
me, whether she was looking for me or whether I
should be angry.
I was abandoned at Bliss Home when I
was barely four. They said they found me playing
joyfully in the playground, innocently thinking that
I was sent to school. After three years, I found out
that my mother left me at the orphanage because
she had to go and find my father who left us when
I was two. I was devastated, knowing that my
mother left me to strangers. Funny, I thought, how
manipulative and contradictory adults could be
when it comes to giving advice. Those at Bliss
Home took good care of me and made me realise
that I was still lucky to be able to enjoy life. Sister
Lisa was one of those who managed to make me
see that I should make the most of myself than
being miserable, grieving my unfortunate life;
thinking nobody loved me. I stayed there till I was
12, when I was then transferred to Rouston Public
School. Well, Sister Lisa thought it was a good
school. Spurred by Sister Lisas determination to
give me life, I did my best in Rouston and would
go back to Bliss Home during semester breaks or
Christmas to be part of the family. Well, I was not
sure whether I knew the meaning of that word,
but Sister Lisa convinced me that I was part of
them when my presence was usually welcomed by
freshly baked apple pie and mince meat. Then we
would all sit in our warm huge and rather aromatic
dining hall. I could still smell Marthas mouth-
watering Yorkshire pudding and roast beef in the
kitchen whenever I visited Bliss Home.
It was 8 years ago when I started digging
files and tailing endless documents to find out who
my biological parents were. Blessed, I found where
my mother lived but was reluctant to go and see
her. I knew it would shake her down to her knees
and she would beg forgiveness for leaving me; that
she was young and naive; that she would not have
managed looking after me on her own. Even worst,
my presence would stop her heart; that she would
collapse unconsciously, leaving me feeling guilty
instead. Sister Lisa was the one who insisted. At
the end of the year, I eventually gave in but
forbade her from calling Mom to inform that I was
coming; in case I changed my mind. She gladly
agreed and even packed me cheese and tomato
sandwiches for the journey. I was skeptical when
she said that Mom would be waiting for me. If
mom knew where I was, why didnt she come and
find me?
My thoughts were interrupted by a
butterfly flying right in front of my nose. I looked
back at the house to see if anyone noticed my
presence. Silence. I glanced at my watch but I
forgot what time I arrived, so I did not know how
long I was there. I stood up and walked back to the
sandy path leading to the house. I stopped at the
wooden door again wishing it was an automatic
door so I did not have to decide. Spotting a
shadow by the window on my left, my heart
pumped. Somebody was at the window and was
walking towards the door. I found it very hard to
swallow a big lump in my throat as my heart
thumped against my chest. I thought that I was the
one who would be unconscious.
Hi, can I help you? asked the girl who
was standing in front of me with a huge grin. I
swallowed hard while admiring her curly blonde.
Seeing that, I knew she must be Moms daughter.
She looked 15, lean and has beautiful brown eyes.
Pretty.
Yess.. Ermm yeah.. I was looking for Mrs
Collins. Hmm well, is this Mrs Collinss house by
any chance?
Ohh yeahh.. Hmm..Moms upstairs. And I
think shes expecting you. Aunt Lisa told mom this
morning. She smiled pleasantly holding the door.
Despite the dazzling big smile, I could see the
quizzical frowns on her forehead. I wondered
whether it was because I frowned first. Obviously
Sister Lisa must have had said something to Mom.
I waited. Looking for words, 1 folded my
arms unintentionally and looked away at the lilies,
biting my lower lips. I thought of saying that it was
a big mistake and should just walk back to my car.
After all, it had been 25 years since she left me. It
would not change anything, would it?
Owh well, you must be freezing. Please
come in, shell be down in a minute.
She opened the door and took my left
hand, looked at me in the eyes as if to ask for
permission and pulled me inside. As I dragged my
feet down the hallway, I could see a family picture
on the wall. Something stabbed me, right on my
chest. Deep. I could feel the pain that I felt years
ago when I found out I was left on my own, and
was on the verge of tears. Again, I thought of
walking back to the door but I brushed the thought
away when I heard the footsteps. It happened so
quickly, I was not sure whether I was actually
there. My stomach tightened when I saw the
hopeful look in her eyes.
William, ohh its you. Ive been waiting
for you for what..like..30 years? I knew you would
find me. See, its in your nature. Being curious,
that is.
Well, as if it was my mistake that she had
to wait so long. I thought I was supposed to wait
for her to find me, or at least she should have gone
to Bliss Home to find out. Silence. I could not say
anything looking at her fragile face. I noticed that
her daughter was standing by the small coffee
table, looking out of the window expressionlessly,
pretending we were not there.

I looked at Mom pityingly and sighed. I
was unsure of what to say. As if to wait for me to
invite her in her own living room, she stood by the
door and smiled awkwardly. Despite the quivered
smile, I could still vaguely recognise those
beautiful brown eyes when she smiled. Then, she
looked down at her hands, which she clenched and
unclenched nervously. I presumed that she was as
uneasy as I was. After a moment, I cleared my
throat and forced a weak smile. Seeing that, she
ran towards me and hugged me. Sobbing. Tears
welled in my eyes. I closed my eyes, afraid that
anyone would see me, but I knew she was
forgiven.
Finally, A Voice Message
[PLEASE LEAVE A VOICE MESSAGE AFTER THE
TONE...BEEP!]
[Hello...How do I start this? Err, its
Pippy here. So, how was school? Ive tried reaching
your phone but I was always answered by a robot-
voice woman. Your Uncle Tom said you might be
too busy, but I knew my grandson was just being a
good boy who wouldnt break the school
regulations. How are you?]
Amongst hundreds of scholars
scattered dot-like in front of the brick-red edifices
of an elite boarding school, were two friends
deeply absorbed in their conversation.
Mick, a bright student, was bargaining
his friend to stay with him during the holiday. With
little reluctance, his friend said yes, so much for
the 3DVC* Mick owned and so that they could
discuss the Passive Cigarette Filter project.
[Heres the truth about your mother,
Diana. When it came time you were born, not a
glimpse of disgust had she shown despite your
condition. There was only one regret...]
True, as they say, life isnt all beer and
skittles. His fantastic blueprints of childhood
dreams, hardship borne flying suit, smart robot
maid, and fountain of youth were sold by his
associate, Mick, out of the trust and friendship
they had been through for so long. In fact, there
was a story about a mans-best-friend terrier biting
its master.
[...her chicken boyfriend. She besought
me to be strict with you, and soon she died of
AIDS. By Gods will, you were alive! Dont play fool
with lust, believe me He wont save you twice.]
Somehow, somewhere in the midst of
glory, he was dragged back to where he began
assembling, bit by bit, the ingredients to bake a
cake of success. He felt for and found an old
luggage.
Strewn inside were a Bible, an iPhone,
and a forgotten photo capturing a grinning boy
clasping the eyes of an old man picture perfect.
From this place in an old apartment, through the
windowpane, as he started combining the pieces
of nostalgic puzzle, he caught a forlorn view of the
boarding school, his alma mater. Then it dawned
on him; his friend wasnt just a biting terrier, he
was an evil obscured beyond the look of an angel.
[Once, you asked why there were still
bad people if really God is almighty. You see, on a
rainy day, some cursed, but in truth, farmers,
trees, and starving African all gave their thanks. He
is fair...simple answer for simple question. Now
stop questioning and read the Bible.]
Soon the decelerating car halted to a
rest, floating aloft the electromagnetic roadway.
Hence he set forth all he could an effort to run,
with an anxiety that just grew stronger, almost
staggeringly so.
He dashed his way inside the house, all
the rush only to witness a humorous hanging
banner: WELCOME HOME, CITY BOY. His sight
improved to a wider angle. At once he was
dumbfounded as he realized the dust in place
everywhere; the unwanted but the logic had
happened.
[No one can travel to the past but its
never not alright to make mistakes. Upon every
breath, give your best; cherish every chapter of
life. If on your way the road gets harsh, step into a
carriage of faith and it will escort you to the
triumphant sky. One of these days when your feet
crumble, flip the Bible and inside it youll find
wisdom, with little or no searching. Sometimes
even the slightest failure can shut the voice of a
fighter, thats when others advices can guide you,
but above all, bow your head and pray...]
Gone were the days of storm and
chillness, and after came the warmth of the sun
and comfort of the breeze, which blew a pale gold
leaf pass three figures, already loud in a lunatic
burlesque. While one busied himself fixing the
camera, the other was persuading his cheeky
grandson not to stand on the bench. The way it
defied the world, the grandsons synthetic leg
wasnt something that brought him slumping. But
that is how it goes with young children: the more
you prevent them, the more rebellious they will
be.

The old man gave in and sat beside his
grandson. Just a split second before the
cameraman (whose name was Tom) flashed his
camera, the bolt-quick hands of the grandson had
closed the eyes of his grandfather picture
perfect.

[I know its busy life there but...I really
miss my boy. I can still kick a ball you know...I need
a tissue, Tom...Why in the world am I crying like a
sissy? Maybe my boy has turned handsome and
gentleman now, but if you need a Grandpa, Pippys
not going anywhere ]

[YOU HAVE ZERO TALK-TIME LEFT ON...]

[...I hate that robot woman, for real...]

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?

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 colours.
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.

574 words.

My Most Embarrassing Situation
Everyone has been embarrassed at one
time or another. It is that moment in time when
you wish the earth would open up and swallow
you. The anxiety and discomfort felt during that
time which may only last a few seconds feels like
time has stood still.
I remember so well when I had my most
embarrassing moment. I was in Form 4 and it was
during the school recess. The minute the bell rang
for recess, I rushed to the toilet because I had
been controlling my urges since class started. I
didnt want to miss class because the lesson taught
that morning was to include tips for the
forthcoming examination.
Without realising, I had rushed to the girls
toilet. The prolonged control and an upset
stomach made worse by two glasses of cold milk in
the morning made me grunt and groan in what I
thought in what I thought was the privacy of the
cubicle. I thought I heard giggling outside and
wondered why the giggles sounded unusually
near. A few minutes later I came out the cubicle
and discovered my horror that I had entered the
girls toilet. To make matters worse, the few girls
standing outside didnt even turn away when I
came out. Instead they looked down at me, then
only they turned quickly away. Horror of horrors, I
had forgotten to zip up! No beetroot could have
matched the colour of my face at this point in
time!
They news of my predicament spread like
wild fire throughout school. I was truly the talk of
the town. I felt like I could either walk around
feeling perpetually self-conscious and
embarrassed or I could turn the situation round,
perhaps even to my advantage. I remembered my
mothers words that if you cant beat them, join
them. So I decided to make fun of myself, to laugh
at myself too. It works. Everyone got bored after a
while and nobody teased me after that.
It was indeed an eye-opening experience for
me. I have learnt that when people laugh at you,
you should laugh along. You must not take yourself
seriously. Learn to look at yourself through other
peoples eyes and you will realise that most of the
time when they laugh at you, they just want to
have some fun. They mean no harm. If you can
make people laugh, its like bringing sunshine into
their lives and as someone said, those who bring
sunshine to the lives of others cannot keep it from
themselves.

421 words

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.

381 words