Continuous Writing

SPM 1119/1
FOLIO (ENGLISH)

NAME :

CLASS :
NO. I/C :
 CONTENTS
1. Factual
Living in a country with four seasons is better than living in the
tropics. Do you agree?

2. Argumentative
The important of saving money

3. Describe
Happiness. Describe the things that make people happy.

4. Narrative
Write a story ending with I always knew that I would achieve my
dream.

5. Proverb
No pain no gain
Factual
Living in a country with four seasons is better than living in
the tropics. Do you agree?

This has been a long-time tussle between the people of cooler climates and
the natives of the tropics. I feel neither is better as each has its advantages
and disadvantages.

The cooler climates of the northern and southern hemispheres have

their appeal in that they make picturesque postcard material. There is the
snow and the winter landscapes that give the white Christmassy feel to the
environment that many would say is ethereal.

Then, there are the golden hues of the forests and the falling leaves of
autumn that give the feeling of beauty and awe. Summer is always the time
to head to the beach, and spring heralds the blooming flowers and planting
of crops; a renewal of sorts. In short, the crux is variety. It gives different
plants and animals the chance to show off their plumage and man to show
off various fashion trends.

The tropics is one long summer with wet rains intermittently. There is
one fashion statement light, comfortable and colourful. There is little room
for heavier clothing unless its a hill station or in the desert where the
temperature falls tremendously at night. Raincoats and umbrellas are
essential in the tropics rather than trench coats and sweaters. You have the
freedom of going out and staying out for as long as you like.

You can go to the beach any time of the year or just take in a movie
without changing your tyres or clothes. A fan or an air conditioner is enough
to survive the heat.

However, if you talk Londoner or a Russian living in the cold climates of

the north they might lament the high cost of winter heating, clothing and
the troublesome fitting of snow tyres. The rich will jet off to a warmer
climate but the poor suffer from the problems of sludge, mud and show-ins.
Going out is a struggle as the roads are slippery and the winds icy. You need
special shoes and heavy bulky clothing. The consolation is skating and
snowboarding but if the weather gets below minus, even those activities are
impossible.
 The conclusion is both have advantages and disadvantages but its the
individual who decides which is better. The cold is not for everyone and I
personally dont like the heat but the cost and the considerations of
adapting to an environment help the decision-making process.
Argumentative
The important of saving money
Cars, houses, a collage education, holidays and medical bills all have
something in common. They cost money. As time goes on, we need lots of it
as inflation and greed have forced the prices of services and goods upwards.

It is not enough to have money, it is also important to save some of it.

There are always unexpected expenses like wedding gifts, funerals and
birthdays. Even if we give a token, we need to save in order to pay for gifts
or donations.

The next most important reason we need to save is for medical

expenses. This is sometimes covered by medical cards and employers but
we always need some spare cash for the things they dont cover or to pay
the premiums. Savings also help pay for the quality of the medical services
we need.

There are also other benefits of savings which are pleasurable. We

could save to make the trip of a lifetime to a place we want to visit. Savings
could help realize the world tour we dreamed of as a kid. Saving money
enables us to make timely investments when the opportunity arises. We will
not be able to grab that condo or car on offer if we do not have spare cash.

Saving money helps us pay for our dream home without paying too
much interest to the bank. We could save from a young age and be
surprised to see how much we have at the end. We need to save to be able
to afford a college education for ourselves and our future generations. It
helps us to get a better job.

Finally, the habit of saving creates a sense of emotional and mental

security that is essential in todays world. We need assurance that we are
safe financially to enable us to lead a normal life. Many people today suffer
from tremendous stress if they have financial insecurity. It is one of the
causes of marital problems and can cause a rift between siblings and
extended family when you are unable to meet your financial obligations.

Thus, the habit of saving money is essential to live a happy life.

Describe
Happiness. Describe the things that make people happy.
Happiness is the most sought-after emotion. It is the reason for the
existence of all beings. Happiness is not confined to the human world
alone. Animals and even plants seem to display happiness.

A young child is happy when it is well fed and becomes sad when it is
hungry. Even adults succumb to the pleasures of food and associate this
with happiness. A bar of chocolate, an ice cream treat or a sumptuous
spread at a buffet all bring happiness.

People are happiest when they are having a meal and some drink.
Plants that are watered and are given enough nutrients will grow happily.

Clothing and accessories too bring happiness. Toys and gadgets,

present and red packets bring untoward joy. Even a pet cat or dog will show
its happiness at being given a toy or plaything. A ball of wool or a plastic
bone is all it takes.

Then, there is the house and the car, holidays abroad , a simple
picnic or even a movie that evokes happiness. Happiness is found in
obtaining material things or indulging in recreational activities. However,
many are still not happy with all these trappings of luxury. Why? Well, it all
boils down to the individual. Money can buy happiness to a certain extant
but when all is achieved, obtained and bought, there comes a time for the
true sense of happiness.

Many have sought it in ashrams and from wise men, but all it takes is
an act of kindness and sharing. True happiness is eventually not in the
receiving, possessing and getting but in the giving. Giving time, things,
labour to those around us, loved ones or strangers is the true happiness that
lives on in our lives. Making others happy is the core of being happy. It
doesnt have to be grand or expensive but has to be sincere and thoughtful.
As Mark Twain once said, The best way to cheer yourself up is to try to
cheer somebody else up. So, go out there and cheer someone up!
Narrative
Write a story ending with I always knew that I would
achieve my dream.

The Malaysian teen is faced with many questions and challenges when it
comes to deciding what to do in life. Is quite difficult to get into local
universities, let alone get the courses you want. Private universities on the
other hand cost too much.

I dreamt of becoming a chef, but the best chef schools were either too
far away or too expensive. Coming from a moderate-income family, I knew
Mum and Dad couldnt afford to send me to the cordon bleu institutions. So,
after the SPM examination, I opted to work instead in a hotel restaurant as a
kitchen helper. There I learnt basic kitchen skills, such as butchering,
filleting, and carving food.

At times I was given the responsibility of preparing simple dishes. I

eagerly jumped at any opportunity to improve my skills as I was hungry to
wear the chefs hat. The head chef saw the determination in my eyes and
would often send me to beverage preparation courses as well as food
sanitation and safety courses. Certificates piled up, but not without sacrifice.
I was working long hours and studying during all my free time. I was tired
and worn out.

Many times I almost threw in the towel, but my mother and father
encouraged me to keep going. They supported me by keeping our kitchen
well equipped at home. I would practice in my free time, cooking and baking
away, using all the knowledge that I had acquired.

Soon it was time for the annual Chef Competition. My chef asked me
to be the kitchen assistant. I was excited because the show aired on live TV.
We won the competition and many after that. Eventually I completed the
last two components of my higher diploma: catering management and dish
preparation. I wish gaining a reputation as a chef in my own right.

One day a famous chef spotted me at the restaurant and called me

over. He offered me a job and an internship at his restaurant in Switzerland.
I couldnt believe it! I was on my way to becoming a cordon bleu chef in the
Mecca of chef schools. Well, all that is history now as I have my own
restaurant in Langkawi. I always knew I would achieve my dream.
Proverb
No pain no gain

This is clearly a motivational proverb. One has to really work hard and prove
to the whole world that one's effort, commitment and sacrifices paid off.
There is no such thing as 'success without effort'. One has to burn the
midnight oil to get the required knowledge. Then without doubt, one can
taste the success and glory. Truly no pains, no gains is a motivational factor
for one to taste success and glory.

The story revolved on a life of a successful businesswoman, Qu Puteh.

Until now, she is so successful having empires of businesses within the
nation with a business turn over of RM200 million. She has branch offices in
all states and total employees of almost 500. Qu Puteh is so successful that
she has wide range of cosmetics, beauty and health products. The products
are widely sold in all states and some key products are becoming the major
income earners as they are popularly advertised in all television networks.
Qu Puteh also become the sponsor of some major television hit programmer.

All these successes were due to her hard work, commitment and
effort. She started very small business during her younger days and has to
face with tons of difficulties. There was hardly any response and she failed
badly in her first attempt. Then she took a bank loan to expand her
coverage and turn over but sadly she received poor response. Finally she
had to close shop and declared a bankrupt.

A very tragic incident happened where her flat was on fire which
resulted in the death of her two sons. She was totally in despair and pulled
out from the limelight. Then she rose from her grief and tried not to
remember the tragic event. She said that, before her two sons passed away
she could feel with all her heart the bad omen that would happen to her.
After she received the news, she remained calmed and accepted the life's
trial and tribulation with open heart.

She re-emerged again after two years of complete silence. She

reorganise her businesses taking into account of the bitter lesson she had
before. She utilized all her strengths and composed them to suit the
business structure. She made use of all the opportunities and worked along
with her competitors. She became a renowned figure in her business circle
and her expertise is well accepted both by her friends and foes.
 Conclusively, nothing good can materialism to a person without
commitments, efforts and pains. Some people might think that pain only
happens to certain people, but in truth, it happens to every person who
wants to make a difference in this world. That's why we have to realize that
nothing is going to be given on a golden platter or just handed over to you.
We have to work for it. And if that means going through some pains, it
doesn't matter for if we have to really work hard until you reach that
satisfaction level Truly the saying holds for people who believe and confident
that hard work pays off. So next time, any venture you want to be involved,
remember no pains no gains.