1

SPM ENGLISH LANGUAGE 1119

GUIDELINES FOR ENHANCEMENT
IN ESSAY WRITING

Prepared by
ZANURIN BIN MOHAMAD SAFAR
Guru Cemerlang Bahasa Inggeris
Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Kulim

SPM DIRECTED WRITING: CRITERIA FOR MARKING LANGUAGE

Mark Range

Description

A
19 20

Language accurate with maybe occasional first draft slips. Varied

sentence structures in length and type. Some apt sophisticated
vocabulary. Punctuation and spelling accurate. Paragraphs welllinked and show unity. Style and tone appropriate.

B
16 18

Language almost always accurate. Errors arise because of attempt to

use more ambitious structures. Varied sentence structures. Wide
vocabulary and spelling nearly always accurate. Paragraphs
appropriately linked. Style and tone generally appropriate.

C
13 15

Language largely accurate. Simple structures used without errors.

Mistakes may occur when more sophisticated structures are attempted.
Adequate vocabulary. Punctuation generally accurate. Paragraphs
show some unity. Style and tone fairly appropriate.

D
10 12

Language sufficiently accurate.

Meaning comes through clearly.
Patches of clarity seen when simple structures used. Mistakes creep in
when complex structures are attempted. Adequate vocabulary but not
so apt. Spelling errors when difficult words used. Inappropriate linkers
may be used. Style and tone not always appropriate.

E
79

Sufficiently frequent errors hamper speed of reading but meaning never

in doubt. Some simple accurate structures but accuracy not sustained.
Limited vocabulary. Correct spelling of simple words. Paragraphs lack
unity and incorrect use of linkers. Style and tone may not be
appropriate.

U(i)
46

Frequent serious errors but meaning fairly clear. High incidence of

errors impedes reading. A few simple structures used accurately.
Limited vocabulary. Frequent spelling and punctuation errors. On the
whole lacks planning. Style and tone inappropriate.

U(ii)
23

Multiple errors that make the reader re-read and reorganise before
meaning becomes clear. Whole sections may make little or no sense.
Hardly any accurate sentences, maybe one or two. Vocabulary very
limited.

U(iii)
01

Almost impossible to recognise as pieces of English. May make no

sense at all. 0 is awarded only when no sense at all from
beginning to end.

SPM Section B : Continuous Writing

Maximum : 50 marks
CRITERIA FOR ASSESSMENT
Grade

Mark Range

44 50

38 43

32 37

26 31

20 25

U(i)

14 19

U(ii)

8 13

U(iii)

07

Descriptors
Language entirely accurate. Maybe occasional first draft
slips.
Varied sentence structures in length and type.
Vocabulary wide and apt. Punctuation and spelling
accurate. Paragraphs well-planned and well-linked. Topic
addressed with consistent relevance. Interest aroused and
sustained throughout.
Language accurate. Occasional errors are either minor or
first draft slips. Vocabulary wide and used quite aptly.
Sentences show some variation. Punctuation accurate.
Spelling almost always accurate. Paragraphs show some
planning. Interest aroused and sustained throughout most
of the composition.
Language largely accurate. Accurate simple structures but
errors may occur when more sophisticated structures are
attempted. Vocabulary wide but not so apt. Tendency to use
one type of structure giving a monotonous effect. Correct
spelling of simple words but errors occur when spelling
difficult words. Paragraphs may show some unity but links
may be absent. Interest aroused but not sustained.
Language sufficiently accurate. Meaning clear. Patches of
clarity when simple vocabulary and structures are used.
Some varieties of sentence type and length. Adequate
vocabulary. More spelling errors will occur. Paragraphs lack
unity and planning. Composition lacks liveliness and interest
value.
Meaning never in doubt but errors hamper reading. Simple
structures may be accurate. Limited vocabulary. Frequent
mistakes in spelling and punctuation. Paragraphs lack unity.
Partial treatment of subject matter.
Limitation of subject matter due to lack of linguistic skills.
Meaning fairly clear. Many serious errors, mainly of one-word
type. Communication established but errors may cause
blurring. Sentences simple and often repetitive. There may
be no paragraphs.
Errors multiple in nature, requiring the reader to read and reread before being able to understand. High incidence of error
makes meaning blur. Maybe short of required number of
words. Able to get some sense.
Script almost entirely impossible to read. Full of multiple-word
errors. Whole sections may make little or no sense. Where
occasional patches of clarity occur, marks should be awarded.
0 is awarded only if no sense at all from beginning to

end.

DIVER FORMS: REVISION OF BASIC GRAMMAR RULES FOR TENSES

Tense
Simple
present

Simple past

Usage
To show a habitual
or regular action /
to state a truth or
fact / to show an
action that
happens at
present

Formula
Singular subject / + singular
Uncountable noun
verb

Example
She plays netball.
Ali buys a new car.

Plural subject / + plural Plural noun

verb

They play netball.

My teachers buy some books.

To show an action
that happened at a
certain time in the
past

Singular
/ Plural
subj.

[me../ber]
+

past
tense
verb
[me./ber]

Continuous
tense

To show an action
taking place at the
moment of
speaking

Am, is, are

+
Was, were

verb
&
ing

[sedang me]
To show an action
that was
happening in the
past while another
action took place
or was taking
place

Perfect
tense

Passive
verb

To show an action
that has just
happened or
completed but the
time is not
specified

Has, have
Had

To show
something is done
to something else
or someone

is, are
was, were

+ past participle
verb
[telah me]

She played netball ten

minutes ago.
Ali bought a new car
yesterday.
They played netball last week.
My teachers bought some
books two days ago.
She is playing netball.
Ali is buying a new car.
They are playing netball.
My teachers are buying some
books.
Siti was playing netball when I
saw her.
They were buying a new car
when I telephoned them.
She was playing netball when
he was reading the novel.
They were buying a new car
while I was admiring a sports
car.
She has played netball.
They have bought a new car.
She had played netball.
They had bought a new car.

*Teacher may need to revise past

participle verbs
+ past
participle
verb
[di.]

The game is played by her.

The cars are bought by them.
She was sent home.
We were sent home.

DIVER FORMS (Different Verb Forms) Version 2.0

Developed by
ZANURIN BIN MOHAMAD SAFAR
Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Kulim
FORM 4
PRACTICE 1
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Advise
Is advised
Have advised
Are advising
Advised
Advises

PRACTICE 5
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Was explained
Are explaining
Explain
Explains
Has explained
Explained

PRACTICE 9
1. Introduced
2. Is introducing
3. Were
introduced
4. Introduces
5. Introduce
6. Has
introduced
PRACTICE 13

PRACTICE 2

PRACTICE 3

PRACTICE 4

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

PRACTICE 6

1. Have
compared
2. Compare
3. Compares
4. Is compared
5. Are
comparing
6. Compared
PRACTICE 7

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Burns
Burnt
Is burning
Are burnt
Has burnt
Burn

Face
Is faced
Have faced
Are facing
Faced
Faces

Guesses
Guessed
Is guessing
Are guessed
Has guessed
Guess

Divided
Is dividing
Were divided
Divides
Divide
Has divided

PRACTICE 8
Have hunted
Hunt
Hunts
Is hunted
Are hunting
Hunted

PRACTICE 10

PRACTICE 11

PRACTICE 12

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Killed
Have killed
Are killed
Kill
Kills
Is killing

Label
Is labeled
Have labeled
Are labeling
Labeled
Labels

Mixes
Mixed
Is mixing
Are mixed
Has mixed
Mix

PRACTICE 14

PRACTICE 15

PRACTICE 16

1. Have
observed
2. Observe
3. Observes
4. Is observed
5. Are observing
6. Observed

1. Presented
2. Is presenting
3. Were
presented
4. Presents
5. Present
6. Has
presented

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

1. Support
2. Is supported
3. Have
supported
4. Are
supporting
5. Supported
6. Supports

PRACTICE 17

PRACTICE 18

PRACTICE 19

PRACTICE 20

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

1. Scattered
2. Is scattering
3. Were
scattered
4. Scatters

1. Protected
2. Have
protected
3. Are protected
4. Have

Tastes
Tasted
Is tasting
Are tasted
Has tasted

Have weighed
Weigh
Weighs
Is weighed
Are weighing

Rejected
Have rejected
Are rejected
Reject
Rejects
Is rejecting

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6. Taste

6. Weighed

5. Scatter
6. Has scattered

protected
5. Protect
6. Protects

DIVER FORMS (Different Verb Forms) Version 2.0

Developed by
ZANURIN BIN MOHAMAD SAFAR
Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Kulim
FORM 5
PRACTICE 1
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Allow
Allows
Are allowed
Has allowed
Allowed
Is allowing

PRACTICE 2
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Are burying
Have buried
Buries
Bury
Is buried
Buried

PRACTICE 5

PRACTICE 6

1.
2.
3.
4.

Expect
Are expected
Expects
Are
expecting
5. Expected
6. Has
expected

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

PRACTICE 9

PRACTICE 10

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Have invited
Invited
Is invited
Invites
Invite
Is inviting

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

1. Have
punished
2. Punished
3. Is punished
4. Punishes
5. Punish
6. Is punishing

Confesses
Are confessing
Confess
Has confessed
Confessed
Were confessed

PRACTICE 7
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Are guiding
Have guided
Guides
Guide
Is guided
Guided

PRACTICE 11

Kicks
Is kicked
Are kicking
Has kicked
Kick
Kicked

PRACTICE 14

PRACTICE 17

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Fix
Fixes
Are fixed
Has fixed
Fixed
Is fixing

PRACTICE 13
Obtains
Are obtaining
Obtain
Has obtained
Obtained
Were
obtained

PRACTICE 3

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Launch
Launches
Are launched
Has launched
Launched
Is launching

PRACTICE 15
1.
2.
3.
4.

Reproduced
Is reproducing
Has reproduced
Were
reproduced
5. Reproduces
6. Reproduce

PRACTICE 18

PRACTICE 4
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Have dropped
Dropped
Is dropped
Drops
Drop
Is dropping

PRACTICE 8
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Harasses
Are harassing
Harass
Has harassed
Harassed
Were
harassed

PRACTICE 12
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Are moved
Have moved
Moves
Move
Is moved
Moved

PRACTICE 16
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Supply
Supplies
Are supplied
Has supplied
Supplied
Is supplying

PRACTICE 20
PRACTICE 19

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Turn
Have turned
Are turned
Turns
Turned
Is turning

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Wraps
Are wrapping
Wrap
Has wrapped
Wrapped
Were
wrapped

p
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Have separated
Separated
Is separated
Separates
Separate
Is separating

1. Preserved
2. Has
preserved
3. Is preserving
4. Preserves
5. Preserve
6. Was

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preserved

PARAGRAPH WRITING SCHEME (PAWS):

Siti and her

friends used
different
strategies to
study.

The book
exhibition was
very good.

We did many
things to
decorate our
class.

The students
took care of
their safety all
the time at the
camp.

I studied at a
local university
ten years ago.

Our holiday in
Penang was
great.

Yesterday, my
family and I
went
shopping.

I just attended
a very
interesting
camping.

My friends
and I had a
great time
when we were
in form 3.

My first date
with Lisa
yesterday was
memorable.

Last week,
Shila and I
went to
K.Lumpur.

My new
neighbour
moved in last
week.

We sat for our

first test last
week.

I flew to
Singapore last
week.

I organized my
birthday party
last month.

DESCRIBE YOUR EXPERIENCE TAKING PART IN A SCHOOL PROGRAMME AND HOW YOU
FELT.
Last week, Boboi, Yaya, Gopal, Ying and I joined our school language camp. The camp
was held at a two-star hotel in Ipoh. We did not have to pay anything. Everything was

sponsored. There were ten groups. I was in Group 10. The members in my group came
from different classes. But all of us were form 5 students. [59 words]

Seri, from Class 5 Permai, was our group leader. Seri was a very pretty girl. I liked her
so much. I knew the other boys also liked Seri. We named our group Seri Bombastic. In

the first activity, we created our groups logo, motto and song. When we presented our
song, everybody liked it. [54 words]

On the second day, we had many language games. We had spelling competition,
vocabulary game, drama and many other games. Our group won the drama

competition. We presented a very good drama. We presented a story about a princess

who fell in love with a fisherman. Seri played the role of a princess and of course I was
the poor but handsome fisherman. The activities went on until 10.00 p.m. We were

very tired but enjoyed ourselves a lot. [79 words]

On the third day we had a jungle trekking in a forest nearby the hotel. We had to climb

hills. We also had to answer many difficult questions. It was very challenging. Seri was

not feeling well. She could not walk fast. I had to walk slowly. I did not want Seri to be
alone. Finally, we reached our destination. Seri smiled at me. She gave me her photo
and thanked me. [72 words]

I was very happy. Seri was happy too. After the language camp, Seri and I got closer.

We planned to join the language camp again next year. [27 words]

2
0

DESCRIBE YOUR VISIT TO A PUBLIC PLACE AND WHOM YOU MET.

I am the most handsome boy in class. I look like the hero of Hindi movies. I am very
happy with my good look. My friends call me Alif the Handsome Hero. I have a

girlfriend. She is very beautiful. She is beautiful like Miss World. No, I think she is more
beautiful than Miss World. I call her Chom the Bomb! [62 words]

I have a handsome father. My father looks like Shah Rukh Khan. Shah Rukh Khan is a
very famous Hindi superstar. My father is 49 years old. He is a businessman. He has six

restaurants. His restaurants are very famous. Many people like to eat at his
restaurants. [46 words]

Yesterday, I followed my handsome and caring father to visit my uncle at a hospital. We

left home at about 5.00 p.m. and reached the hospital at 6.15 p.m. The hospital was a
new hospital. It was opened two months ago. It was clean and big. There were many

10

people at the hospital. [53 words]

My uncle was also handsome. He was more handsome than my father but I was more
handsome than my uncle. In short, I was the most handsome man. I was happy to be

12

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14
the most handsome man in the family. My uncle was a chronic diabetic. He was in the
hospital because his sugar level was very high. [58 words]
16
My uncles ward was at the second floor. The lift was very big and fast. I saw a nurse in
the lift. The nurse was my mothers old friend. She talked to my father. She told us that

18

my uncle was doing alright. After talking to the nurse, my father and I went to Room
515. My uncle was very happy to see my father and me. [67 words]
20
There was a young doctor. The doctor said that my uncle was getting better and he
could go home soon. My father talked to my uncle for one hour. I felt bored so I went

22

out of the room. I went to level one. I saw a young nurse. She smiled at me. I smiled at
her. She looked like Seri, my girlfriend. [63 words]
24
Then, I went to the hospital caf. The caf was not big but clean. I saw the young nurse
again. She smiled at me again. The young nurse came to my table. I smiled at her. I did

26

not know what to say. I ate my fried rice quickly. After that I ate my burger. Later, I ate
another plate of fried rice. I did not say anything to the young nurse. [72 words]
28
Suddenly, the young nurse stood up and left me. She still smiled. I quickly went to
Room 515. My father was waiting for me. I said goodbye to my uncle. Then, my father
and I went home. I could not forget the young nurse. [44 words]

TOTAL [465 WORDS]

30

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ESSAY 1
Source:
http://www.indianchild.com/wait_for_the_brick.htm
A young and successful executive was traveling down a neighbourhood street,
going a bit too fast in his new Jaguar. He was watching for kids darting out from
between parked cars and slowed down when he thought he saw something. As
his car passed, no children appeared. Instead, a brick smashed into the Jag's
side door! He slammed on the brakes and spun the Jag back to the spot from
where the brick had been thrown.
He jumped out of the car, grabbed some kid and pushed him up against a
parked car shouting, "What was that all about and who are you? Just what the
heck are you doing?!" Building up a head of steam he went on. That's a new car
and that brick you threw is going to cost a lot of money. Why did you do
it?"
"Please, mister, please. I'm sorry, I didn't know what else to do," pleaded the
youngster. "I threw the brick because no one else would stop..." Tears were
dripping down the boy's chin as he pointed around the parked car.
"It's my brother," he said. "He rolled off the curb and fell out of his wheelchair
and I can't lift him up." Sobbing, the boy asked the executive, "Would you
please help me get him back into his wheelchair? He's hurt and he's too heavy
for me."
Moved beyond words, the driver tried to swallow the rapidly swelling lump in his
throat. He lifted the young man back into the wheelchair and took out his
handkerchief and wiped the scrapes and cuts, checking to see that everything
was going to be okay. "Thank you and may God bless you," the grateful child
said to him.
The man then watched the little boy push his brother down the sidewalk toward

12

their home. It was a long walk back to his jaguar....a long, slow walk. He
never did repair the side door. He kept the dent to remind him not to go
through life so fast that someone has to throw a brick at you to get your
attention. [347 words]

ESSAY 2

Source:
http://www.inspirationallane.com/SadLoveStories3.htm
A boy walked into a CD store and saw a girl behind the counter. She smiled and he
thought it was the most beautiful smile he has ever seen before and wanted to kiss her
right there. He said "Uh... Yeah... Umm... I would like to buy a CD." He picked one out
and gave her money for it.
"Would you like me to wrap it for you?" she asked, displaying her cute smile again.
He nodded and she went to the back. She came back with the wrapped CD and gave it
to him. He took it and walked out of the store. He went home and from then on, he
went to that store everyday and bought a CD and she will have it wrapped for him.
He took the CDs home and put them in his closet. He was still too shy to ask her out and
he really wanted to but he couldn't. His mother found out about this and told him to
just ask her out.
So the next day, he summoned all his courage and went to the store. He bought a CD
like he did everyday and once again she went to the back of the store and came back
with it wrapped. He took it and when she wasn't looking, he left his phone number on
the desk and ran out...
!!!RIING!!! The mother picked up the phone and said, "Hello?" It was the girl!!! She
asked for the boy and the mother started to cry and said, "Don't you know? He passed
away yesterday..." The line was quiet except for the cries of the boy's mother.
Later in the day, the mother went into the boy's room because she wanted to
remember him. She thought she would start by looking at his clothes. Hence, she
opened the closet. She came face to face with piles and piles of wrapped CDs. She
was surprised to find all those CDs and she picked one up and sat down on the bed.
She started to open the wrapped CD.
Inside, there was a CD and as she took it out of the wrapper, out fell a piece of paper.
The mother picked it up and read it. It said, Hi... I think you are really cute. Do you
want to go out with me? Love, Jacelyn.

13

The mother opened another CD. Again there was a piece of paper. It said, Hi... I think
you are really cute. Do you want to go out with me? Love, Jacelyn. [423 words]

SPM CONTINUOUS WRITING: NEW ESSAY QUESTIONS

1. Describe an event which involved a big crowd and share your experience
being one of them.
2. Describe an incident that you witnessed and how it has taught you to be a
more careful person.
3. Describe a school project that you will lead and your roles as a leader.
4. Describe an important individual in your life and tell why you want to be
like him or her.
5. Describe a misfortune that you witnessed and what you did to help.
6. Describe a joyous occasion that you and your friends will celebrate and
the preparations that you have to make.
7. Describe an individual who has impressed you and how that person has
changed your life.
8. Describe an incident that happened in your town and an act of kindness
by the members of the public.
9. Describe a happening in your neighbourhood which has taught you an
important lesson.
10. Describe a memorable experience with a group of foreign tourists who
visited your hometown.
11. Describe a programme that promotes unity among those who join it.
12. Describe a charity activity that you took part and how you felt about it.
13. Write a story about a hawker beginning with: The stall was crowded. A
customer
14. Write a story about a factory worker beginning with: I was late for my
night shift. My supervisor was
15. Write a story about a popular artiste beginning with: There was a big
crowd at the press conference. A young reporter asked
16. Write a story about a maid beginning with: My employer asked me to
clean the toilet again. I just kept quiet and
17. Write a story about a business tycoon beginning with: The meeting ended
very fast. Outside the room,
18. Write a story about a doctor beginning with: The patient was in a critical
condition. He had to

14

19. Write a story about a professional photographer beginning with: Camera

and all the other equipment were ready. That day, the weather was
20. Write a story about a university student beginning with: The morning
lecture was very interesting. The lecturer was
21. Write a story about a farmer beginning with: It was a hot day. I had to
finish
22. Write a story about a bus driver beginning with: The traffic was heavy.
The bus was
23. Where there is a will there is a way.
Describe how a friend was determined to face a challenge in life.
24. When in Rome, do as the Romans do.
Describe how a teenager had to make some changes to his lifestyle when
he stayed with a foster family for a week.
25. No pain, no gain.
Describe how a father supported his family by also doing a part-time job.
26. Dont judge a book by its cover.
Describe how a neighbour made a wrong judgment about someone.
27. Practice makes perfect.
Describe how a handicapped person was able to do things that normal
people could do.
28. Rome wasnt built in a day.
Describe how villagers of a village gradually brought development to their
village.
29. You are what you eat.
Describe how eating habits of a teenager affected his or her life.
30. One mans meat is another mans poison. / One mans trash is another
mans treasure. Describe how two siblings can differ in some aspects of
life.
31. Out of the frying pan, into the fire.
Describe how a young man got out of one problem but found himself in a
worse situation.
32. Every cloud has a silver lining. Describe how someone was optimistic
despite the hardships in life.

15

ESSAY 1:
QUESTION: Describe an incident of meeting a stranger and how the stranger changed
your life.
On the last day before Christmas, I hurried to a supermarket to buy a gift I did not
manage to buy earlier. When I saw a big crowd there, I regretted for not shopping for the
gift early. Nonetheless, I made my way to the toy section. There, I noticed a small boy of
about five years old, pressing a doll against his chest. He had a sad look. Then, the little
boy turned to the old woman next to him, "Granny, are you sure I don't have enough
money?" The old lady replied, "Yes, dear." Then, she asked him to stay there for five
minutes while she went to look around. She left quickly. The little boy was still holding
the doll in his hand.
I pitied him. I walked toward him and I asked him to whom did he want to give it to. "It is
the doll that my sister loved most and wanted so much for this Christmas." I replied to
him that maybe Santa Claus will bring it to her. But he replied to me sadly. "No, Santa
Claus cannot bring it to her where she is now. I have to give the doll to my mother so
that she can give it to her when she goes there." His eyes were so sad while saying this.
"My sister has gone to be with God. Daddy says that Mummy will also go to see God
very soon, so I thought that she can bring the doll with her to give it to my sister."
I was shocked. The little boy said, "I told daddy to tell mummy not to go yet. I asked him
to wait until I come back from the supermarket." Then he showed me a very nice photo
of him and told me, "I also want mummy to take this photo with her so that she will not
forget me." I love my mummy and I wish she doesn't have to leave me but daddy says
that she has to go to be with my little sister." I cried.
Then he looked again at the doll with sad eyes, very quietly. I quickly reached for my
wallet and took 50 Dollars, gave it to the boy and said, "I hope that is enough." The little
boy said, "Thank you." The boy was happy. He looked at me and added, "I prayed to
God yesterday to make sure I have enough money to buy this doll. He heard me." "I also
wanted to have enough money to buy a white rose for my mummy, but I didn't dare to
ask God too much. But today, He gave me enough to buy the doll and the white rose."
"You know, my mummy loves white rose."
A few minutes later, the old lady came again and I quickly left with my trolley. I finished
my shopping in a totally different state from when I started. I could not get the little boy
out of my mind. I left the place in tears, feeling that my life had been changed forever.
The love that this little boy had for his mother and his sister was truly great. I was happy
to help him. I promise myself that I would love my mother more than before and would
never ever think of hurting her feeling anymore.

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[559 words]

ESSAY 2:
Nothing ventured, nothing gained
Write a story about how someone kept on trying to do something until he or she
achieved success.
Adam walked into a CD shop and saw Mel behind the counter. Mel was a pretty girl. Mel
smiled and Adam thought it was the most beautiful smile he had ever seen before and
wanted to tell her how much he liked her right away. However, Adam did not have the
gut to do so. He said "Uh... Yeah... Umm... I would like to buy a CD." Adam picked one
out and gave her money for it.
"Would you like me to wrap it for you?" she asked, showing her cute smile again. Adam
nodded and Mel went to the back. She came back with the wrapped CD and gave it to
him. He took it and walked out of the shop. Adam went home and from then on he kept
on thinking of Mel. Adam was so happy but he was too shy to approach her. Adam went
to that shop everyday and bought a CD and Mel would wrap it for him. Adam wanted to
say Hi to Mel but he just could not. Adam was confused. He did not know why he was
so scared but he did not give up.
At home, Adam practised in his room what to say to ask Mel out. He practised in front of
the mirror. One day, Adams mother found out about this and told him to just ask her out.
Adams mother was happy that her son liked a girl. His sporting mother encouraged him
to be brave. Adam remembered his mothers advice well, Nothing ventured, nothing
gain.
So the next day, he tried to be brave and went to the shop. He bought a CD like usual
and once again she went to the back of the shop and came back with it wrapped. He
was ready to ask her out but suddenly a customer walked in. Adam changed his plan.
He quickly left his phone number on Mels desk and ran out.
Ring!!! The mother picked up the phone and said, "Hello?" It was Mel!!! She asked for
Adam. Adams mother was very happy. She started to cry and said, "Oh! Finally my son
has the courage to talk to you!! Mel was shocked. The line was quiet for a while and
then Mel told Adams mother that she would call him again.
Later in the day, Adam went to the shop. Mel was alone in the shop. Adam was sweating
profusely but not because the air-conditioner in the shop was not functioning. Adam was
very nervous. He was whispering to himself Nothing ventured, nothing gained a few
times. When Mel came nearer, Adam finally opened his mouth and said, Hi, I am Adam.
II know you are Mel. I.I .I like your smellso..so...sorryyour smile!

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Mel did not only smile but she gave Adam her cutest smile. Adam was very happy. Hi,
Adam. I have been waiting for this day for so longthank you. Mel gave to Adam a CD
with the title You Are My Love. Adam grabbed the CD and shouted Yahoo!!!
Yabedabedoo!!.
[508 words]

ESSAY 3:
Write a story about a bus driver beginning with:
The bus was crowded. At the next bus stop,
The bus was crowded. At the next bus stop, I could already see Siti standing
restlessly. The passengers on the bus watched sympathetically as Siti with the white
cane made her way carefully up the steps. Siti paid me her bus fare and, using her
hands to feel the location of the seats, walked down the aisle and found the seat which I
reserved for her. Then she settled in.
It had been a year since Siti, 34, became blind. Due to a medical misdiagnosis she had
been rendered sightless, and she was suddenly thrown into a world of darkness. All
she had to cling to was her husband, Mat. Mat was an Air Force officer and he loved Siti
with all his heart. When she first lost her sight, he watched her sink into despair and
was determined to help his wife gain the strength she needed to become independent
again.
One day, Siti felt ready to return to her job, but how would she get there? She used to
take my bus, but was now too terrified to travel alone. Mat volunteered to accompany
her on the bus every single day. Siti was on cloud nine to know that. I also
volunteered to assist Siti in whatever way I could. I felt that my passengers welfare
was my responsibility.
Siti was horrified at the idea of taking the bus again. "I'm blind!", she responded
bitterly. "How am I supposed to know where I am going? Mat was worried but he did not
give up hope. As he promised Siti, for two weeks, Mat, in his military uniform, he
accompanied her to and from work each day. I respected Mat for what he did to boost
Sitis confidence.
As the driver of the bus that Siti took daily to work, I witnessed how Mat taught
her how to rely on her other senses, specifically her hearing, to adapt to her new
environment. I also offered my assistance to Mat to watch out for her, and save
her a seat. Mat was reassured to hear my offer. Finally, Siti decided that she was ready
to travel on her own. Monday morning arrived, and before she left, she hugged Mat, her
temporary bus-riding companion. Her eyes filled with tears of gratitude for his devotion
and love. She said good-bye, and for the first time, Siti took the bus alone. I chatted
with her along the way to make her feel relaxed. After a few days, Siti felt better. As
her bus driver, I was proud that she was going to work all by herself.
On Friday morning, Siti took my bus to work as usual. As she was paying the fare
to me, I said, "Siti, I sure do envy you." She asked me inquisitively, "Why do you say

18

that you envy me?" I explained, "You know, every morning for the past week, your
husband, Mat, in his military uniform has been standing across the corner watching you
as you get off my bus. He makes sure you cross the street safely and he watches until
you enter your office building. Then he blows you a kiss, gives you a little salute and
walks away. You are one blessed lady." Tears of contentment poured down Siti's
cheeks. Although she couldn't physically see him, she had always felt Mat's presence.
She was so lucky, for he had given her a gift more powerful than sight, a gift she didn't
need to see to believe - the gift of true love. [590 words]

ESSAY 4:
Write a story about a single mother beginning with:
Mona had to work hard days and nights. After her husband
Mona had to work hard days and nights. After her husband passed away, she had to toil
to bring up her little son alone. She and her son lived in a dilapidated wooden house. It
was a small house with only one bedroom and a kitchen.
Mona wanted Sam to get a good result. 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 passed with flying colours. Mona was delirious with joy. She went
round telling her friends, My Sam will go to college and become a manager one day. Ill
move to live with him in the city. My son will take me from rags to riches.
Mona continued to work hard to send money to Sam who was studying a business
degree. For Mona, her life was no picnic. Meanwhile, Sam kept on phoning home to
ask for more money. Mona even had to borrow from her neighbours to send her son the
money.
However, Sam stopped calling home for three years. He simply disappeared. When
Mona phoned the faculty, they told her that he had graduated and left for job. Mona was
baffled. Her heart sank when she thought of her only child. Where was Sam? How
could he do that to her?
One day, Monas neighbour, Lola, came to talk to her about Sam. She told Mona, A
friend of mine met Sam in a bank. He is the branch manager. This is his address. Mona
was bursting with joy. Early in the morning, Mona took the first bus to the city. At the
bus station, she took a taxi to the bank. 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 state-of-the-art building. Mona smiled gleefully.
It was the moment she was going to meet Sam. She imagined he was surprised to meet
her. 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, Why
is she asking for our manager? Meanwhile, Sam pretended he did not know his mother.
Feeling appalled and ashamed, he asked the security guard to ask her to leave. Mona

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was shocked to hear that! She looked at Sam in disenchantment and ran out of the
bank.
Back in her house, Mona cried the whole night for her son had become a cold fish. The
next morning, she sat by the window with Sams photo on her lap. Out of thin air, she
saw him walking towards their house. Soon, she shouted, My Sam is back! My Sam is
back! Sam ran towards Mona and hugged tightly. He regretted the way he behaved. His
colleagues were the ones who made him realized his big mistakes neglected his mother.
His heart bled for what he did to his mother.
[506 words]