Sample essay

NIGHT MARKET
One of the most interesting places in Malaysia is the night market. You may visit and
experience the night market yourselves. Both locals and foreigners agree that the night
market is the most common feature in the local society.
The night market begins when the vendors arrive in the late afternoon. More and more goods
laden vans arrive to begin a brisk day of business. Most of the vendors busily set out to set up
their stalls respectively in order to get ready for a brisk day of business.
The sun gradually sets and the night market picks up momentum. More cars and vans are
arriving. By now, the stalls are neatly and strategically arranged to entice their customers.
There is an assortment of goods sold ranging from food, toys and clothes, to name a few. A
variety of goods is sold at low prices.
Large rainbow-coloured parasols are used to shade the people from rain and shine. A
concoction of blaring music can be heard in the night market background amidst the constant
shouting. It is an amazing kaleidoscope of sights, sounds, smells and colours.
The night market is known as a haven by local gourmets who can enjoy various kinds of
mouth-watering local cuisine. Still more people arrive, they come from all walks of life,
mingling freely and harmoniously. Crowds are walking up and down in an endless stream.
Some of them are stopping by the stalls and haggling before making purchases. Little
children tag along, amused and excited. Sprinklings of tourists join in to experience the
lifestyle of typical Malaysian folks.
When night falls, lighted lamps brighten up the place, they add gaiety to this atmosphere, and
it is like a funfair. The night wears on and the traffic of people recedes. Vendors get a chance
to rest their weary legs besides bantering with each other.
By 10.00 pm, all the stalls call it a day. The vendors pack up and close the van doors. One by
one, they leave, leaving behind pieces of papers, plastic bags and discarded boxes. It us an
eyesore! Finally, the night market disappears. The place becomes quite and still once more.
Note: Night market is known as "pasar malam" in Malay language.

MALAYSIA A UNIQUE COUNTRY

Malaysia is a multiracial country. Malaysia has a population of 23.27 million consisting of 61
percent Malays, 30 percent Chinese, 8 percent Indians and 1 percent of other ethnic groups.
Malaysia is unique because of its diversity of races, religions and cultures, the stability of the
country and many places of interests. Besides, there are many international achievements
which are the pride of our nation.
Diversity of races, religions and cultures is a significant characteristic of our nation. Malaysia
is a multiracial country with a rich cultural heritage. Unique to Malaysia is the 'Open House'
concept where during the various cultural and religious festival like Hari Raya, Chinese New
Year, Deepavali, Gawai Day and others, friends and families and even strangers would visit
the homes of those who are celebrating the festival, to wish them well and enjoy the feast
prepared by the hosts. Although the visitors may be from different races, they still can tolerate
with each other and live under the same roof where they celebrate the festival together. This
will help to strengthen the ties among themselves.
Moreover, the stability and peacefulness of Malaysia is also a uniqueness of us. We live
harmoniously in a country where there are no wars and conflicts among Malaysians. War is
dreadful and it may deteriorate humans' lives. We are fortunate that our country is safe and
runs off the war. So, people can live safely here. Somehow, Malaysia is a paradise for those
Iraqis or Pakistanis. Besides, our country is freed from natural disasters such as earthquakes.
Earthquakes may bring death and destroy many buildings. Therefore, Malaysia is unique
because of the stability and peaceful environment.
On top of that, there are many places of interests in country such as beaches, islands and rain
forest. Malaysia's rain forest is considered as the oldest in the world. The diverse species of
animals and plant life continue to excite a great deal of scientific research. Many believe that
some undiscovered plant may hold cures to many currently incurable human diseases. There
are many islands in our country such as Pulau Langkawi, Pulau Redang, Pulau Ketam and
many others. Pulau Langkawi has a lot of historitical informations. Those who are in favour
of history can go there to explore the history of that place. All the beaches in those islands are
beautiful. The sand is soft and white. The accommodation is well-established and that makes
those islands ideal places to visit.
Following this, there are also international achievements of our country. Those achievements
include the existence of Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), Formula One (F1)
racing circuit and the Petronas Twin Towers. KLIA is unique because it has all that is needed
for business, entertainment and relaxation within its boundaries. The airport is part and parcel
of the Multimedia Super Corridor where high technology industries are being actively
developed. Nevertheless, there is a Formula One Race Track near the airport, so foreign car
racing enthusiasts from all over the world can come for a visit to gather here. Besides that,
Petronas Twin Towers which is a building that soars 452 metres into the sky is once upon a
time, the tallest building in the world and yet it is a national pride to the people of Malaysia.

In short, Malaysia is unique that it has diversity of races, religions and cultures, a stable and
peaceful environment, places of interest and some internal achievements. Those are important
characteristic of our nation. It is rich of cultural heritage; it would be worth to play a visit
here.
Corrections made in the essay above:
Do not put an extra hyphen - multiracial is correct, multi-racial andmulti racial are wrong
Use noun instead of adjective - diversity of races, religious and cultures is wrong; it should
be diversity of races, religions and cultures; a unique of us is wrong, a uniqueness of us is
correct
This sentence is wrong because there should be two phrases in the sentence where you use
the conjunction although - Although the visitors may be from different races. However It
should be Although the visitors may be from different races, they
Article an unique is wrong, a unique is correct
Subject-verb agreement - the stability and peacefulness of Malaysia isshould be the
stability and peacefulness of Malaysia are Wrong: there isno wars and conflicts. Correct:
there are no wars and conflicts
Use adverb instead of noun we live in a harmony country should be we live
harmoniously in a country or we live in harmony.
Singular or plural - humans' life is wrong, humans lives is correct,human beings is more
appropriate
No plural form Wrong: historitical informations. Correct: historical information
Avoid using informal word - has lots of is informal, has a lot of is formal
Essay Rating: 3.5
Good points and examples are discussed in the essay. However, there are some gross and
minor grammatical and spelling errors. Gross errorsinclude subject-verb agreement errors and
wrong use of nouns and adjectives. All in all, there is still room for improvement. Keep up
your writing effort!

HAZE
You are concerned over the implications and long-term health effects of the haze. Write an
article to the local newspaper expressing your concern based on all the notes below.
the reasons behind the haze
role of government and society
steps that can be taken
give relevant examples of:
-

health complications

measures

roles of government and individuals

When writing the article you should remember:

-

to lay out the letter carefully

to use paragraphs

that you letter is to the press

Haze: A Danger to Health

The haze is a constant phenomenon faced by Malaysia and her neighbouring
countries. The haze is basically pollution of atmosphere, which is clogged with pollutants and
other substances from forest fires.
The haze is a direct effect of forest fire in Kalimantan and other parts of Indonesia due
to slash and burn method of farming. The Indonesian authorities appear to have no power to
control farmers from practising such methods. The haze is further worsened by open burning
practised by most Malaysians. Open-field burning of rice straw by the rice planters and open
burning of dried leaves and garbage done by the public are a few examples that done by
Malaysian. Many are ignorant of the health effects of open burning.
During the haze, hospitals and clinic often report a dramatic increase in respiratory
problems, lung infections and asthma attack. The Air Pollution Index (API) usually indicates
the hazardous and dangerous levels of pollution during this period. The haze has long-term
side effects. Prolonged inhalation of polluted air will result in serious lung infection which
particularly affects the elderly.

The government must play its role to reduce the haze treat. It has to cooperate with the
Indonesian authorities to stamp out forest fires. The culprits must be brought to justice, either
through healthy fine or prison sentence. Constant vigilance would ensure the perpetrators do
not repeat their offence.
The government should also raise the public awareness of the dangers of forest fire.
Continuous campaign of the cause, solutions and steps-need-to-be-taken to reduce the haze
need to be promoted through all types of social media like television, radio, newspaper and
even via internet. The authorities should also provide assistance to farmers and introduce
more sophisticated forest clearing methods.
In Malaysia, strict laws must be imposed to penalise those who practise open burning.
On-going campaigns on the dangers of open burning should be intensified. Individuals too
have a role to play. They must participate in every campaign and stop burning. Students can
advise their parents not to practice open burning.
Every individual has to remember that we do not own the world, but instead we lent it
from our future generations. We must protect our world so that our grandchildren woulh have
a healthy earth to live.
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.

TAK NAK CAMPAIGN

A very good morning to our dear Principal, Mr. Hasnan bin Jaafar, teachers and
students.
Recently, our former Prime Minister, Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi launched an antismoking campaign called Tak Nak. You can now see this short and rhyming catch phrase
Tak Nak everywhere on billboards, posters, TV ads, and sometimes I even hear it on the
radio. Though some people have criticised our government for setting aside a staggering sum
of RM100 million over 6 years for the campaign, it is nothing compared to the huge amounts
that tobacco companies spend to promote smoking.
But in this war against smoking, money definitely talks; it is necessary for the Tak
Nak Campaign to constanly remind us of the hazard of smoking because about 50 Malaysian
teenagers light up for the first time every day. In fact, some of these youth progress steadily
from this to regular use, with addiction raking hold within a few years. And this is despite the
warning on every pack of cigarettes that states unequivocally Smoking is dangerous to your
health.
What can the Tak Nak Campaign do to combat this? Their aggressive advertising
creates media awareness among the public, especially among the fashionable young crowd,

that smokers have yellowed teeth and suffer from shortness of breath and tells them that it is
not cool to smoke. It is also not responsible of them to affect non-smokers with second-hand
smoke.
Also, there is a succession of infomercials on TV and in the papers showing the
debilitating effects of tobacco addiction on the body and gruesome statistics of smoke-related
deaths. We are now familiar with the graphic pictures of damaged lungs on billboards which
should scare people into not smoking. This works, as I know some of my friends are quitting
now, or trying to reduce the number of cigarettes they smoke per week.
However, I feel any anti-smoking campaign is more effective if other people and
organisations are actively involved too. Yes, the first step has been taken by the top, but sad
to say, many of our politicians smoke themselves. Nearer to home, so do some of our parents
and teachers.
These adults have to be good role models by not smoking themselves. If they do
smoke, they should tell their children and students that they regret that they ever started, and
then take steps to quit smoking as soon as possible. They must practise what they preach.
On a more positive note, I commend the Malaysia Amateur Athletic Union for its zerotolerance of smoking because they know that smoking and health just do not mix. How can
our sportsmen excel if they cannot stop smoking.
Dear teachers and students, thank you for your attention. Let me end my speech by reiterating
that smoking is a bad habit, so make Tak Nak your mantra. If you have started smoking, say
Tak Nak and quit! And if you havent started smoking, say know that smoking not only
damages your health but you are also literally burning your money.