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Excel in English

 How the problems / conflicts were resolved

Types of narrative writing

 You may have to write about an event, incident or experience.


 You may also have to write a story where the first or the concluding line is given. For this,
you must use the first or the concluding line given.
 For a one-word topic given like “Honesty”, you can write a story too.
.

General Guidelines

 Have a well-planned plot


 Use a few lines of dialogue
 Write about what you saw, heard, felt, tasted and smelled ( sensory details )
 Use figurative language, for example idioms, proverbs and quotations
 Use different types of sentences ( simple, compound and complex sentences )
 Generally use the simple past tense
 Use sentence connectors (e.g. however, besides that, next , finally etc.)
 Use adverbs ( e.g. quickly, carelessly, well ) and adjectives ( e.g. short, rich, lazy )

Topic Sentence

 In narrative writing, for every paragraph there is a topic sentence. This topic sentence
contains the main idea of the paragraph.
 This main idea can be developed with statements, explanations and examples.
 The topic sentence is usually at the beginning or at the end of the paragraph. Sometimes it
is in the middle of the paragraph.

The Plot

When writing the plot, include the following :-

 Where the story took place (e.g. school, jungle, swimming pool)
 When the story took place (e.g. last week, in 1999, when I was young)
 The people who were involved.
 The problems / conflicts in the story (e.g. an incident, carelessness of the character etc.)

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UNIT 1: GETTING STARTED WITH VOCABULARY

When writing stories, students should use a wide range of vocabulary items. They should be
able to describe the characters, things, places, and the weather, for example to make their
writing more interesting.

DESCRIBING CHARACTERS

 Appearance
 Personality
 Feelings

TASK 1: APPEARANCE

Write the following physical features in the appropriate columns.

fair skinny tanned muscular dark fat

well-built slender pimpled freckled slim rosy

smooth broad-shouldered

Complexion Build

TASK 2: PERSONALITY

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Write the following descriptive words and phrases in their respective boxes. Some of them
may be used more than once.

thin big broad small thick bushy

thick lips arched flat straight wavy red lips

brown blue blonde round large blue

bald curly high pointed sharp black

HAIR EYES /EYEBROWS

NOSE MOUTH

TASK 3: POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE QUALITIES

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Identify the words which describe positive and negative qualities. Then write them in the
appropriate columns. Use the dictionary to find the meaning of the words you do not know.

helpful honest clumsy industrious kind foolish


jealous mean rude jovial cruel generous
patient humble cheerful diligent greedy impatient
confident gentle considerate sympathetic lazy caring
boastful neat stubborn reckless popular selfish

POSITIVE QUALITIES NEGATIVE QUALITIES

TASK 4: DICTIONARY SKILLS

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The following adjectives describe feelings. Write the meaning of each adjective.

ADJECTIVES MEANING

angry
ashamed
bored
confident
confused
delighted
exhausted
grateful
nervous
terrified
puzzled
disappointed

TASK 5: FEELINGS

The following words in bold are used to describe a person’s mood, emotions and feelings.
Complete the following sentences.

i) They are angry because________________________________________

ii) I am ashamed that ____________________________________________

iii) Maria felt bored staying at home so ______________________________

iv) Both of them are confident _____________________________________

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v) The old lady is confused _______________________________________

vi) We are delighted when we _____________________________________

vii) Mother is puzzled as to how ____________________________________

viii) The teacher is disappointed ____________________________________

ix) Judith is exhausted after _______________________________________

x) Salmah is grateful ____________________________________________

xi) John is nervous_______________________________________________

xii) The boys are terrified _________________________________________

UNIT 2: A MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE (1)

TASK 1: SUBSTITUTION TABLE

Read and link the correct phrases and words together to form correct sentences

One day during the school holiday, I was


One hot afternoon, my friend and I were
Yesterday, my sister and I

cycling to school. I
walking home from school. On the way we had

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to the beach.

to cross a stream nearby our home.


to pass through a bushy area nearby my school.
a small forest

When I reached the area, I


We arrived at we

saw a pack of stray dogs on


encountered a troop of monkeys under
met a herd of cows near
spotted

the tress. I
the bush. We was
the stream. My friend were
My sister

so terrified and started to cry deafeningly.


so frightened and began to yell loudly.
so scared to shout
to scream

The animals
The dogs felt so shocked
The monkeys disturbed
The cows

to run after us.


and started to chase after me.
to move towards

I to run very fast. One of the


We started to cycle very quickly.
to walk
animals bit my hand. I
monkeys stepped my friend’s leg. We
dogs caught my sister’s head. My friend
cows arm. My sister

screamed A man
shouted for help. A passer-by heard us.
Some boys

He chased away the dog and rescued


They beat the monkey helped
threw stones at the cow give a hand

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us. I to the clinic


me. We was sent to the hospital
my friend. My friend were taken
my sister. My sister

My hand badly injured.


for treatment. My friend’s leg was broken.
My sister’s head wounded.
arm

The doctor I
The nurse treated the injuries. We was
The surgeon took care of My friend were
My sister

admitted a week. I
hospitalised for a month. We was
warded three days. My friend were
My sister

very thankful to the man for saving our lives.


very grateful to the boys my live.
to God

Two weeks later the dogs caught.


Four days ago the monkeys were shot dead.
the cows chased away.

I
We would never forget the incident
My friend
My sister

TASK 2: WRITING OUT

Write a composition using the sentences formed and give a title to your composition.

Title : ______________________________________________

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TASK 3: SUBSTITUTION TABLE

Read and link the correct phrases and words together to form correct sentences

One day, while jogging shop.


walking home from the farm.
cycling market.

spotted a poisonous snake. It was a python.


I saw cobra. I was so I
met viper.

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scared yelled at the top of my voice. The snake was


shocked that I screamed
frightened shouted

startled, so ran after me. It managed to bite me on leg.


frightened, it chased the thigh.
shocked, came .toe

talk
It was so painful that I could not cycle anymore. Luckily, someone
talk

passed sent
came. by and took
walked brought

me to the clinic. a short while


hospital. I fainted for a while
dispensary sometime

and was warded


hospitalised for
admitted

two grateful
three days. I was very thankful
four obliged

could
to the man for helping me . I would have died if it were not for that
might

helpful could ever forget this incident.


kind man. I do not think I would
thoughtful might

TASK 4: GAP-FILLING

Read the text and fill in the blanks with suitable word from the list given. Write a title for the
text.

Title : ______________________________________________

Aminah loves ___1___. Every week-end she ___2___ ___3___ for her ___4___ . On
Saturday morning she ___5___ to the ___6___ to buy some ___7___ . In the afternoon she
works by herself in the ___8___ . She likes to surprise her ___9___ with the ___10___ she
has made. In return, they show their appreciation by ___11___ books on ___12__ .

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She is ___13___ with these books. She wants to progress from making ___14___ to
___15___ something more ___16___ . She hopes to be able to __17___ soon
Aminah wants to be an excellent ___18___ when she leaves school. She is ambitious
too. She hopes to save ___19___ money to have her own ___20___ later on.

1 sewing / cooking
2 bakes /sews
3 biscuits / handkerchiefs
4 family / friends
5 goes / cycles
6 market / shop
7 sugar / butter and eggs / lace and coloured thread
8 sitting-room / kitchen
9 friends / family
10 biscuits / handkerchiefs
11 giving her / presented her with
12 needlecraft / cookery
13 happy / overjoyed
14 biscuits / handkerchiefs
15. baking / sewing
16 interesting / challenging
17 bake cakes / sew dresses
18. tailor / cook
19 enough / sufficient
20 confectionery / tailor’ s shop

TASK 5: GAP-FILLING

Read the text and fill in the blanks with suitable word from the list given. Write a title for the
text.

Title : __________________________

Everyone in this world has their own best friends. I have a best friend too. Her name is
Nini. Nini ___1___in a village not far from my home. Her father had passed away two years
ago. Now, Nini stays with her mother and her siblings.

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Nini has many hobbies such as sewing, reading, cooking and many others. In school,
we ___2___ in the same class and sit for the same elective subjects, Catering and ERT. We
learn many things about cooking and sewing.
Nini likes ___3___ . Everyday when she has free time, she ___4___ ___5___ for her
___6___. After school, she ___7___ to the ___8___ to buy / borrow some ___9___. After
lunch she will ___10___ in ___11___with her sister. When she has finished doing her work
she ___12__ it to her mother.
Nini wants to be an excellent ___13___ after she has completed her Form 5. She hopes,
she ___14___ further her study in a ___15___ and opens a ___16___ when she has graduated.
I love Nini very much. She is my best and true friend.

1 lives / live
2 is / are
3 sewing / reading / cooking
4 cooks / reads / sews
5 cookies / dresses / books
6 family / brothers and sisters / friends
7 walks / cycles / rides
8 grocery shop / library / supermarket
9 flour / books / threads
10 bake / read / sew
11 the kitchen / her room
12 shows / show
13 chef / newscaster / fashion designer
14 could / would / should
15 university / college
16 bakery / boutique / bookshop

UNIT 3: A MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE (2)

Write a composition using the sentences formed and give a title to your composition.

Situation: E.g. An experience I will never forget in my entire life.


(The students can choose their own situations. It can be an event that had happened to
themselves or someone else)

TASK 1: Discuss the questions below.

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When did it happen?


Who were involved?
What were you doing?
What had happened?
How did it happen?

TASK 2: Write as many verbs which are related to the situation discussed.

Nouns Verbs Verbs Verbs Verbs


I went
We cycled
He crossed
They honked
The doctor knocked down
The paramedic injured
People fell
My friend and I oozed
called

TASK 3: Write a sentence for each verb chosen from the table and then rearrange the
sentences written into a correct sequence of event.

Subject Verb Predicate ( Object / Complement / Expansion )


e.g. I planned to go fishing.

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TASK 4: Using the sentences above, write a continuous piece of writing.

Title : __________________________

___________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

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_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

UNIT 4: A STORY WITH A GIVEN ENDING

Write a story ending with, “Lina regretted what she did.”

TASK 1: SIMPLE PAST TENSE

A. Read the text below and underline all the past tense form of the verbs.

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Lina had a dog. Its name was Brownie. It always looked after Lina’s baby. One day, Lina went
to a shop nearby. Her baby was in the cot. A snake came into the house. It glided towards the
baby’s cot. Brownie ran and bit the snake. When Lina came home, she saw blood on Brownie’s
mouth. She thought Brownie had killed her baby. She took her husband’s hockey stick and hit
Brownie’s head many times. Brownie died. Lina ran to her baby’s cot. Her baby was alive. She
cried. She regretted what she did.

B. Write down the past tense of the following verbs:

1. has 11. take


2. verb “to be” 12. hit
3. look 13. die
4. go 14. cry
5. come 15. regret
6. glide 16. do
7. run 17. feel
8. bite 18. say
9. see 19. enter
10. think 20. scream

TASK 2: ADJECTIVES

Choose adjectives from the box to fill in the blanks.

windy fat obedient cute


impatient sunny irrational long
chubby black faithful logical

1. Lina’s baby was _________________ and _________________ .

2. Brownie, the dog was _________________ and _________________ .

3. It was a _________________ and _________________ Saturday.

4. The snake was _________________ and _________________ in colour.

5. Lina was _________________ and _________________ .

TASK 3: WHO SAID WHAT?

For each of the sentences below, choose the appropriate response from the box.

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a. “Brownie must have killed this snake to protect my baby.”


b. “You’ve killed my baby!”
c. “Oh Brownie, I’m sorry. I’m so sorry. I was irrational”
d. “Look after the baby, Brownie. I won’t be long.”
e. “Oh, you’re alive, my darling baby.”

1. Before going to the shop, Lina told Brownie,

“_____________________________________ ”

2. When Lina saw blood on Brownie’s mouth, she screamed,

“______________________________________ ”

3. When she saw her baby alive, she said,

“______________________________________ ”

4. Seeing the dead snake, she said, “______________________________________ ”

5. Lina ran back to Brownie and cried,

“______________________________________ ”

TASK 4: COMPOSITION

Now, you are going to write the story ending with, “Lina regretted what she did.” Make this
story longer by following the step-by-step guide below. Answer the questions in complete
sentences with the words given in brackets.

Paragraph 1:

Lina had a dog. Its name was Brownie. It always looked after Lina’s baby.

a. What did Lina have? (a dog)


b. What was its name? (Brownie)
c. Describe Lina’s dog - big, brown
- faithful, obedient
d. How much did Lina love her dog? (very much)
e. What did Brownie always do? (looked after Lina’s house and family)
Paragraph 2:

One day, Lina went to the shop nearby. Her baby was in the cot.

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a. Describe the day the incident happened - Saturday morning


- sunny and windy
b. Where did Lina go one day? (shop nearby)
c. How did she go there? (walked)
d. What did she want to buy? (milk powder and diapers)
e. Who looked after the baby? (Brownie)
f. What was the baby doing? (playing happily)
g. Where was the baby? (in the cot)

Paragraph 3:

A snake came into the house. It glided towards the baby’s cot.

a. Suddenly something came. What was it? (a snake)


b. Describe the snake - long, black
b. From where did it come? (the bushes around Lina’s house)
c. Where was the snake going? (towards Lina’s house)
d. How did the snake move? (glided/slithered)
e. What did the snake do after that? (entered the house – towards the cot in the living
room)
f. Where was Brownie and what was he doing? (in the living room - lying near the cot
– keeping watch)

Paragraph 4:

Brownie ran and bit the snake.

a. What sound did Brownie hear? (a hissing sound)


b. What did he do? (opened his eyes)
c. What did he see? (saw the snake)
c. What did Brownie do when he saw the snake? ( got up - ran towards the snake)
d. What did the snake do? (raised itself - hissed - tried to attack Brownie)
e. Then what did Brownie do? (bit the snake)
f. What happened to the snake? (died)

Paragraph 5:

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When Lina came home, she saw blood on Brownie’s mouth. She thought
Brownie had killed her baby.

a. What did Brownie do after that? (went to the front door – lay down – waited for
Lina to come home)
b. When did Lina come back home?
c. What did she do? (opened the front door)
d. What did she see and do next? (Brownie lying down – greeted Brownie)
e. What did Brownie do? (got up – wagged his tail)
f. What did Lina see on Brownie’s neck and mouth? (blood)
g. What did she think? (Brownie had killed her baby)
h. How did she feel? (very angry)
i. What did she do? (shouted/screamed)
j. What did she say to Brownie?

Paragraph 6:

She took her husband’s hockey stick and hit Brownie’s head many times.
Brownie died. Lina ran to her baby’s cot.

a. What did Lina take? (her husband’s hockey stick)


b. Where was it? (on the sofa)
c. What did she do with the hockey stick? (hit Brownie’s head many times)
d. What happened to Brownie? (died)
e. What did she do after that?

Paragraph 7:

Her baby was alive. She cried.

a. What did she see? (dead snake)


b. Where was the snake (under her baby’s cot)
c. What else was there? (blood)
d. What did she think? (snake - killed her baby)
e. What did she do? (looked into the cot)
f. How was the baby?
g. What was the baby doing? (playing with a toy)
h. What did Lina do? (cried)
i. Why did she cry?
j. What do you think she would have said?
Paragraph 8:

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She regretted what she did.

a. What had Brownie actually done? (killed the snake - save her baby)
b. Did Lina act rationally?
c. Write the ending: Lina regretted what she did.

UNIT 5: QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

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TASK 1: Answer all the questions that suit your story. You can use a word or a phrase to
answer the questions. Write them in the spaces provided.

1. When? (Time)
e.g, After the PMR examination.

a.
B
c.

2. Who? (Characters – do not involve too many characters)

a.
B
c.
d.

3. What you did? (Event)

a.
B
c.
d.

4. Where did you go? (Place)

a.
B
c.
d.

5. When did you start from home? (Time)

a.
B
c.
d.

6. How did you go there? (Transport)

a.
B
c.
d.

7. Describe your journey.


i. Your feelings.

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ii. What you did during the journey.


iii. What you saw along the journey

a.
B
c.
d.

8. What did you do when you reached the destination? (Place)

a.
B
c.
d.

9. What other activities did you do? (additional events)

a.
B
c.
d.

10. Did you like to do the activities? Why? Give your reasons.

a.
B
c.
d.

11. Did you have a happy or sad experience there? What was it?

a.
B
c.
d.

12. What happened next? Explain.

a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.

13. How did you solve the problem?

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a.
B
c.
d.

14. What did you do after that? Describe.

a.
b
c.
d.

15. When did you leave for home?

a.
b
c.
d.

16. What did you do before you leave?

a.
b
c.
d.

17. What were your feelings after the activity?

a.
b
c.
d.

18. Write a few titles that are suitable for your essay. Then, choose one.

a.
b
c.
d.

UNIT 6: JUMBLED UP WORDS

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TASK 1: REARRANGING WORDS

Rearrange the jumble up words into correct sentences.

On one sunny day

I fishing with my father went

went a river We to

The river was beside my village

a boat My father rented

to the middle He of the river paddled

to fish We started

After an hour I fish caught a big

my line very hard pulled The fish

reeled in my line I

pulled harder The fish

began The boat from left to sway to right

helped My father Me

my fishing rod held on He

again pulled The fish

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balance our We lost

over turned The boat

the river I was thrown into

My father in the water too Was

myself afloat I Kept

towards bank I the river Swam

I After a few minutes so tired Felt

began to cramp My legs

I to drown was going

cried for I help

me the river The current down pushed

Luckily, a log was there me in front of floating

I the log climbed onto

so scared was I

called out help for I

later Half an hour I a boat saw

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I their attention to attract my shirt waved

me saw They

beside pulled in me They

climbed I the boat into

to the jetty took me They

There, My father I met

I so was happy

hugged him I

That was the

TASK 2: WRITING SENTENCES

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Write correct sentences from the notes given.

1. night – Arman – alone


_______________________________________________________________

2. parents – away – on vacation


_______________________________________________________________

3. doing – homework – midnight


_______________________________________________________________

4. tired – went to bed – could not sleep


_______________________________________________________________

5. strong wind – blew


_______________________________________________________________

6. started – rain – together - thunder – lightning


_______________________________________________________________

7. heard – footsteps – the door – opened - door


_______________________________________________________________

8. scared – hid – under – bed


_______________________________________________________________

9. heard – noises – living room – parents – bedroom


_______________________________________________________________

10. heard – something – fell


_______________________________________________________________

11. footsteps – to his bedroom – door - opened


_______________________________________________________________

12. saw – a man – knife – sack


_______________________________________________________________

13. wore – big – boots


_______________________________________________________________

14. could not – see – face


_______________________________________________________________

15. man – saw his leg – bed – pull him out


_______________________________________________________________
16. shouted – help – nobody – heard
_______________________________________________________________
17. man – plastered – mouth – tied – hands – legs
_______________________________________________________________

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18. asked – parents – valuable


_______________________________________________________________

19. put – knife – neck


_______________________________________________________________

20. screamed – no voice – showed – saving box


_______________________________________________________________

21. man – left him – went – another – room


_______________________________________________________________

22. untied – rope – took – baseball bat


_______________________________________________________________

23. slowly – followed – man – hit – back


_______________________________________________________________

24. man – fought back – cut – arm


_______________________________________________________________

25. hit – man’s head – fainted


_______________________________________________________________

26. tied – legs – hands


_______________________________________________________________

27. called – police – came – took – man – police station


_______________________________________________________________

28 sent – Arman – hospital – treatment


_______________________________________________________________

29. called – parents – arrived – next morning


_______________________________________________________________

30 glad – he – save – promise – not to leave – alone – again


_______________________________________________________________

UNIT 7: PARAGRAPH WRITING

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TASK 1: NOTE EXPANSION

Using the notes below, write paragraphs of about 50 words each.

Example :

camping trip – excited – got backpack ready – gathered at bus station – boarded bus – Gunung
Ledang

Last Saturday, I went on a three-day camping trip organised by the scoutmaster of my


school. As it was my first camping trip, I was extremely excited. The night before, I got my
backpack ready but I was unable to sleep due to my excitement. So, the next morning I was
among the earliest to gather at the bus station. There we boarded a bus to our campsite at
Gunung Ledang.

a) shopping – sale at shopping complex – reduced prices – many women – pushing and
jostling – grabbing clothes – joined in

b) night market – many people – variety of things – cheap – bought – many types
of food

c) stayed up late – revision – next day – trial examination – tired – woke up late -
missed the bus – late for school

d) holidays – trip to Disneyland – beautiful place – wonderful experience – rides and


games – enjoyable – unforgettable

e) family – picnic by the sea – prepared food and drinks – helped mother –
brought swimsuits – by car – Port Dickson

f) market – bought vegetables – floor – wet and slippery – fell down – slightly
bruised – very embarrassed

g) sports day –teachers and students – excited – months of practice and preparation –
trained hard – hoped to win

h) parents – at work – surprise – laundry – dirty clothes –washing machine –


too much detergent – lots of bubbles

i) rich boy – liked showing off – father’s new car – speeding – stray dog – swerved – hit a
concrete wall – car badly dented

j) attended birthday party – wore beautiful dress – centre of attraction – met a


boy - handsome – invited to watch a show

UNIT 8: AN EMBARRASING INCIDENT

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TASK 1: REARRANGING SENTENCES

Rearrange the following sentences in the correct sequence.

a. I queued up and bought a bowl of “cendol”.


b. He threw the handkerchief at my face.
c. I thanked him but refused to take it.
d. After my netball practice, I went to Pak Mat’s “cendol” stall.
e. My bowl of “cendol” fell onto a customer.
f. Pak Mat gave me another bowl of “cendol”.
g. Then, I cycled home.
h. I apologised and gave him my handkerchief.
i. Suddenly, I slipped as I was walking to a stool right at the back.
j. I returned the empty bowl and spoon to Pak Mat.

TASK 2: ADVERBS

Choose adverbs from the box below to fill in the blanks.

suddenly angrily extremely long


happily hard quickly softly

1. We practised playing netball _________________ and _________________.

2. I walked _________________ towards the stool at the far end.

3. As I was walking, _________________ I slipped.

4. The customer shouted _________________ at me.

5. I was _________________ embarrassed.

6. “I’m very sorry, Sir,” I apologised _________________ to the man.

TASK 3: COMPOSITION

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You are now going to write the story entitled, “An embarrassing incident”. For each paragraph
write complete sentences using the notes given. You can add other information to make each
paragraph longer.

Paragraph 1
- hot afternoon
- I cycled to school
- netball practice - 4 p.m.
- practised - two hours
- finished - 6p.m.
- tired, thirsty

Paragraph 2
- wanted something cold to drink
- cycling home - thought of - favourite “cendol”
- Pak Mat’s “cendol” stall - near - roundabout
- delicious - thick coconut milk, brown syrup
- adds red beans, groundnuts

Paragraph 3
- fifteen minutes later - reached - Pak Mat’s stall
- many customers
- queued up- for my “cendol”
- waited long
- finally - my “cendol”- ready
- carried - bowl of “cendol”
- looked for - place to sit
- saw - stool - right at the back

Paragraph 4
- walked quickly - towards stool
- slipped
- bowl of “cendol” - fell - customer
- big, fat man
- he - got up - shouted angrily

Paragraph 5
- I - shocked, embarrassed
- apologised
- man - still scolded

Paragraph 6
- he - wiped - “cendol” - from - shirt
- I - took out - handkerchief - gave - him
- pulled it - from my hand - threw - my face
- scared, shocked
- apologised again
Paragraph 7

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- bent down - took - bowl, spoon - from floor


- saw - banana skin
- somebody - had thrown it - on the floor
- returned empty bowl, spoon - Pak Mat

Paragraph 8
- Pak Mat - had seen - whole incident
- gave another bowl of “cendol” free
- I - still embarrassed
- thanked - refused to take it
- cycled home

 Don’t forget to add some dialogue to your composition to make it more interesting.
 For example, where can you add these lines?
- “Sorry. I’m really sorry.”
- “No, thank you. I’ll come another day, Pak Mat. Bye-bye.”
- “I’m really sorry. I slipped on something. Sorry.”
- “Look at what you have done, you clumsy idiot!”
- “Don’t worry. It’s not your fault.”

UNIT 9: AN UNFORGETTABLE INCIDENT

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TASK 1: GRAMMAR PRACTICE

Underline the correct word from the options given.

When I was (old, young), I was (active, quiet) and always got into trouble. Almost every day, I

returned home from the kindergarten with (clean, dirty) pants and shoes. One day, during

kindergarten playtime, I (have, had) a stomachache. At first I ignored it. I (continue, continued)

climbing a tree. The pain in my stomach became (worse, worst). I let go of the branch and (fall,

fell) to the ground. I (clutch, clutched) my stomach and groaned in pain. The teacher (think,

thought) I was hurt by the fall. The teacher informed my (friends, parents) about it. I was

rushed to the (house, hospital). The doctor started to check for broken bones but there (was,

were) none. Then the doctor pressed my abdomen. I (screamed, laughed). My parents were told

that I had appendicitis and not broken bones. I had to go for an immediate operation. When I

woke up the next day, I was relieved that the (slight, terrible) pain was gone. My grandparents

and relatives came to (visit, investigate) me. I enjoyed the attention and was discharged two

days (later, ago). My parents told me that the (accident, incident) gave them the greatest scare

of their (live, lives). That is the incident that I will never (forget, remember).

TASK 2: PARAGRAPH WRITING

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Based on the exercise in Task 1, organise the story and break it into several paragraphs.

when young – very active –


always got into trouble –
every day returned home –
kindergarten – dirty pants
and shoes

kindergarten playtime –
stomach-ache - ignored
-continued climbing tree

pain became worse – let go


of branch and fell –
clutched stomach and
groaned in pain - teacher
thought hurt by fall

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informed parents - rushed


to hospital – checked for
broken bones – none

doctor pressed abdomen –


screamed – appendicitis –
immediate operation

next day – relieved -


terrible pain gone –
grandparents and relatives
came to visit – enjoyed
attention – discharged two
days later

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parents told – incident -


greatest scare of lives –
never forget

(Adapted from: 150 Model Compositions for SPM 1119 English,Fajar Bakti, 2001)

TASK 3: LET’S WRITE

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Now let’s write the whole story.

UNIT 6 – A ROBBERY

TASK 4: SEQUENCE OF EVENTS

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Number the extracts of the story below according to the correct sequence.

I quickly hid behind a big tree and saw all that was
happening. The two men were threatening the poor lady.
She was crying and pleading for help.

Suddenly, I heard a woman shouting, “Help! Help!” I looked


around in that direction and saw one of them - a big-sized
man held up a woman with a knife at her neck. He was
trying to rob her of her gold chain and cash.

Immediately, they rushed to where the lady


was. The robbers saw the police and took to their
heels in different directions. The policemen chased
them and managed to catch one of them.

I could still remember a terrifying experience.


It was 10 o’clock at night. I was standing at the bus
stop to catch a bus home. Then, I saw two men
entering a shop. They looked suspicious.

I raced to the nearest telephone booth and called the


police. Just as I was putting down the phone, I saw two
policemen on patrol. I told them what was happening.

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After a while, I heard a siren. The police car was chasing


the other robber. Finally, the second
robber was also caught.

The lady thanked me and the police


congratulated me. They also praised me for my
bravery and quick action.

TASK 5: LET’S WRITE

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Now write the whole story following the correct sequence.

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TASK 6: GETTING ORGANISED

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Read the notes below. Write the notes given above in their respective boxes.

still remember – terrifying incident – night – bus stop – catch bus home – two men – looked
suspicious – heard woman shouting – big-sized man – held up a woman – knife at her neck –
trying to rob her - gold chain and cash – quickly hid behind tree – saw the men threatening –
lady crying and pleading for help – raced to nearest booth – saw two policemen on patrol -
rushed to the lady – robbers saw them – took to their heels – policemen chased – caught one of
them – heard siren – police car – second robber was caught – lady thanked me – praised for
bravey and quick action

(Adapted from: Handbook for Writing and Summary, Setia Emas, 2008)

Introduction

Second Paragraph

Third Paragraph

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Fourth Paragraph

Fifth Paragraph

Sixth Paragraph

Conclusion

UNIT 10: MY FIRST EXPERIENCE RIDING A BICYCLE

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TASK 1 : FILLING IN THE BLANKS

Fill in the blanks with the best answer from the words in brackets.

My First Experience Riding A Bicycle

I was ten when I first learned to ride a bicycle. I found it an exciting experience. It was
my elder sister who ___________ (showed, taught, told) me how to ride.

One day, Mona , my sister, brought out her bicycle from the garden shed. She told me
to sit on it, and place my feet on the ________________ (seat, handle, pedals) while she held
the bicycle. Then she ________________ (advised, ordered, pleaded with) me to pedal slowly
around our big garden. Meanwhile, she ran slowly along, holding the bicycle so that I would
not lose my balance. Gradually, Mona let me pedal by _________ (herself, yourself, myself)
without her help. She ___________ (gave, spent, lost) several hours trying to teach me how to
ride the bicycle. I was really grateful for her kindness and patience.

The next day, my sister took me to a ____________ (sea, road, rail) near our house.
There was hardly any traffic there, so it was quite safe for me to ride. Mona then told me to
ride without her help at all. Initially, I fell several times and had ___________ (cuts, swellings,
boils) on my hands and legs. Soon, I found that I could pedal ____________ (some
distance, far away, very near) without falling. My sister then told me that I had learned to
cycle. I now needed some __________________ (learning, practice, pushing) before I
could cycle to anywhere I wanted to go.

I am proud to say that, within a week, I had indeed learned how to ride the bicycle and
was able to run errands for my mother. I will always be thankful to my sister, Mona, for
teaching me to ride the bicycle.

TASK 2 : WRITING OUT THE STORY

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Write out the story that you have completed in Task 1.

My First Experience Riding A Bicycle

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UNIT 11: THE HUNT

TASK 1: NOTE EXPANSION

Using the notes below, write a story of not fewer than 250 words.

The Hunt

went to estate – tiger – on outskirts – with Game Wardens –shot wild boar – bait –difficult –
took position – near rubber tree – waited for wild boars to appear – movement in bushes –
jungle fowl – darted across clearing – expected trouble

wild boar appeared – surveyed the scene – moved out of bushes – sows and small pigs – single
file - entered – rows of rubber trees

waited – aimed for neck and shoulder – fired – boar staggered slightly – lips curled back –
long sharp tusks – charged – fired again – shot had no effect – merely grazed – escaped from
wild boar – leapt up tree – trunk too large – no low branches – slid down again – sat on ground
– boar hurtled past – brushed tree – disappeared into rubber trees – not injured but disappointed
– gave up the hunt

next day – boar found dead - shot had been accurate – severely injured - travelled four
hundred metres – wild boar – toughest animal

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UNIT 12: A FIRE

TASK 1 : SEQUENCING

The paragraphs below are NOT in the correct order. Rearrange them to form a story entitled ‘A
FIRE’.

a) The fire-brigade was immediately notified and forty firemen soon arrived at the
hotel in five fire-engines. One team of firemen went up the burning building to find
the source of the fire and put it out. The rest of the firemen, wearing snorkels,
fought the fire from below.

b) It took the firemen half an hour to bring the fire under control. What damage did
the fire cause? “The whole top floor of the hotel was completely destroyed,” said
the hotel manager. “Altogether the damage is estimated to be more than half a
million ringgit.”

c) Early one morning, a fire broke out at a hotel. One of the hotel bell-boys saw
smoke coming out of the top floor of the building. Immediately he raised the alarm.
He and the other bell-boys went round the hotel, banging on every door and
shouting, “Fire! Fire!” The guests, some of whom were still in their pyjamas,
scrambled out of their rooms and made their way out of the hotel. By then, the fire
had spread and the entire top floor was covered with smoke.

d) No one knew how the fire had really started. The matter is now under the
investigation of the police department.

e) Puan Rosnah Salim, one of the hotel guests, said, “I was very shocked when I
heard the bell-boys’ shouts. Quickly, I woke my husband and children up and
together we made our way out of the hotel. We managed to take our bags along
with us, too.” Another hotel guest, Encik Henry Aru, was a cripple and had to be
carried down the steps by the other hotel guests. Fortunately, no one was hurt in the
fire.

f) “When we reached the top floor of the hotel, we found that the fire had not started
there,” said one of the firemen. “It had started in a store-room one floor below and
had spread to the top.”

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TASK 2 : PARAGRAPH EXPANSION

Expand each of the given paragraphs with additional information to make the story more
interesting. Below is an example of how the first paragraph can be expanded.

Sample: Early one morning a fire broke out at a five-star hotel named ‘Flora’ in the city
centre. One of the bell-boys, who was on the night shift, saw thick black smoke coming out of
the top floor of the building. Immediately he raised the alarm to alert the sleeping guests. He
and the other bell-boys went round the hotel, banging on every door at every floor and
shouting, “Fire! Fire!” The guests, some of whom were half-asleep and still in their pyjamas,
scrambled out of their rooms and quickly made their way out of the hotel. The whole scene
was rather chaotic. By then, the fire had spread and the entire top floor was covered with
smoke.

a) Early one morning, a fire broke out at a hotel. One of the hotel bell-boys saw smoke
coming out of the top floor of the building. Immediately he raised the alarm. He and the other
bell-boys went round the hotel, banging on every door and shouting, “Fire! Fire!” The guests,
some of whom were still in their pyjamas, scrambled out of their rooms and made their way
out of the hotel. By then, the fire had spread and the entire top floor was covered with smoke.

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b) The fire-brigade was immediately notified and forty firemen soon arrived at the hotel in five
fire-engines. One team of firemen went up the burning building to find the source of the fire
and put it out. The rest of the firemen, wearing snorkels, fought the fire from below.

____________________________________________________________________________
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c) “When we reached the top floor of the hotel, we found that the fire had not started there,” said
one of the firemen. “It had started in a store-room one floor below and had spread to the top.”

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d) Puan Rosnah Salim, one of the hotel guests, said, “I was very shocked when I heard the bell-
boys’ shouts. Quickly, I woke my husband and children up and together we made our way out
of the hotel. We managed to take our bags along with us, too.” Another hotel guest, Encik
Henry Aru, was a cripple and had to be carried down the steps by the other hotel guests.
Fortunately, no one was hurt in the fire.

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e) It took the firemen half an hour to bring the fire under control. What damage did the fire cause?
“The whole top floor of the hotel was completely destroyed,” said the hotel manager.
“Altogether the damage is estimated to be more than half a million ringgit.”

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f) No one knew how the fire had really started. The matter is now under the
investigation of the police department.

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TASK 3 : WRITING OUT

Using the story on ‘A Fire’ as a guide, write a similar story and give it a title.

______________________

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GUIDELINES

 To describe a place, person, scene or event, use adverbs and adjectives to


make your descriptions more interesting.

 Make the description alive and vivid by describing what you see, hear, smell,
taste and touch (whichever is relevant). Use the five senses. Describe how you feel
too.

 Include only details which help you to get the point across by using comparisons
to enrich the description.

 Organise the paragraphs differently for different types of descriptions:


a scene and place - describe what you did, saw, heard , etc
b event and process- use time sequence e.g. Firstly, next, then, etc
c people- describe physical appearance and personality characteristics

 Your conclusion should leave readers with the dominant impression of what you have
described.

 Use the right tense- the present to describe a person still living or a place and the
past tense to describe a past event or a person who is no longer around.

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UNIT 1: A POPULAR TOURIST SPOT THAT I HAVE VISITED

TASK 1: REARRANGING WORDS

Rearrange the words in the boxes below to form correct sentences.

1. island climate The tropical enjoys a

…………………………………………………………………………………………

2. expect Visitors occasional from rain especially November to

heavy February can

…………………………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………

3. be out may usual Activities carried as

…………………………………………………………………………………………

4. islands developed volcanic largest Tioman and most of the

the is

…………………………………………………………………………………………

5. well shellfish activities strictly Coral and forbidden gathering as

as other damaging are

…………………………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………

6. or marine harm activities that do destroy life Only not

…………………………………………………………………………………………

7. spot Tioman a watersports is the activities perfect for of host

…………………………………………………………………………………………

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8. also kayaking may enjoy island-hopping Visitors and

…………………………………………………………………………………………

9. equipped Tioman comfortable has a of which are but

accommodation range modestly wide

…………………………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………

10. restaurants are island There and eateries to from the

many around choose

…………………………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………

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TASK 2 : FILLING IN THE BLANKS

Fill in the blanks with the correct sentences in TASK 1 to complete the essay.

A POPULAR TOURIST SPOT THAT I HAVE VISITED

Pulau Tioman or Tioman Island lies about 56 km. off the east coast of Peninsular
Malaysia. It spans over 38 km. in length and 19 km. at its widest point. _____ __________
_______ ___ ___________ _____________,with temperatures ranging from 28ºC to 30ºC. The
water temperature is 28ºC. __________ _____ __________ ____________ ________ ______
_______________ ______ _____________ ____ ____________. However, most resorts
continue to operate during this season and ____________ _____ ___ ____________ _____
___ ________.

_________ ___ ____ __________ _____ _____ ____________ ___ ___ __________
________ that form the Tioman marine park. Tioman’s waters are home to a splendid array of
marine life such as barracudas, turtles, stingrays, clownfish, parrotfish and eels. As a protected
area, ________ ____ ___________ ___________ ___ _____ __ ______ _____________
_____________ ____ ____________ ___________. Fishing is not allowed within a 3 km.
radius of the island. _____ __________ ______ ___ ____ ______ __ __________ _________
_____, such as snorkelling, scuba diving, swimming and underwater photography are
permitted.

Blessed with a sunny tropical climate, ___________ ___ ____ __________ _____
____ __ _____ ___ ____________ ____________. The warm and clear waters make Tioman a
popular destination for snorkelling and diving. Besides that, _________ ____ ______ _______
_____________ _____ _____________________.

_________ ___ __ ______ ________ ___ _______________ ______ ____ _________


_____________ ____ ____________. Visitors may choose from basic beach huts, chalets with
fan or air-conditioned rooms to international standard resorts.

A wide range of delicious food awaits the visitors of Tioman. Try out the seafood
platter, local dishes and desserts or enjoy the freshly plucked tropical fruits. ________ ____
______ __________________ ____ _________ ___ _________ _____ __________ _____
___________.

(Adapted from: TIOMAN..Alluring Underwater Paradise, Tourism Malaysia, 2007)

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UNIT 2 - THE PERSON I ADMIRE MOST

TASK 1: FILLING IN THE BOXES

Fill in the boxes with appropriate words from the box below.

APPEARANCE

MY SISTER

PERSONALITY DISLIKES

HOBBIES
LIKES

surfing the Internet cheerful long hair short-sighted helpful

watching TV programmes durians eating reality TV shows snakes

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TASK 2: FILLING IN THE BLANKS

Fill in the blanks with the correct words from Task 1 to complete the essay.

THE PERSON I ADMIRE MOST

I have a wonderful sister. Her name is Joanne Ai Ling. I admire her a lot. I would like
to describe her appearance, personality, hobbies, likes and dislikes.
First and foremost, I would like to describe her appearance. She has ______ black hair.
She wears a pair of spectacles because she is _______________. She has worn glasses since
she was in Standard Three.
I really like her _______________. She is a unique person. She is very
_____________. She always helps me to complete my homework, especially Mathematics.
She never gets upset because she is a ____________ person. Everyone likes her.
She and I share the same _____________, which are ___________________ and
__________________. She likes to watch Korean dramas and reality TV shows. She always
surfs the Internet during her free time and she knows what happens all around the world.
She has some _______. One thing that she really likes is _________. She loves eating
pizza, burger and chicken rice. She also likes watching _________________, for example
Akademi Fantasia and Fear Factor.
She also has her _____________. She dislikes the ____________ because its smell is
strong and stinky. She also dislikes reptiles like ___________.
Based on the above reasons, I admire my sister so much. I always pray that she will
succeed in her life. She is a great sister.

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UNIT 3: THE PERSON WHO HAS INFLUENCED ME

Describe the person who has influenced you to be what you are today.

Introduction:
*Describe the influence this person (e.g. your grandmother) has on you

Body:
* Outstanding characteristics of your grandmother
* Physical description of your grandmother
* Some personality traits of your grandmother
* Her relationship with other people

Conclusion:
* Influence left by my grandmother

TASK 1 : FILLING IN THE BLANKS

For the following texts, fill in the blanks with words or phrases from the clues
given.

CLUES

- her presence - neighbours and their children


- did not stop caring - pick quarrels
- mother-in-law - extended family
- optimistic - to keep trying
- wise words - such a great loss
- for further studies - silvery grey hair
- creases of worries - there were examinations
- succeed academically - thin legs and miniature feet
- higher academic pursuits - migrated to Malaysia

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Introduction:

She had been with me twenty-three years of my life. When she passed away in the third
year of my bachelor degree, I experienced ________________ that I felt like giving up my
studies. My grandmother needed me by her side but I had left her to go _________________.

Body:

Paragraph 1

My grandmother was the one to spur me on to ______________. Few would expect this
of her since she hardly had any education in China. She got married at eighteen and
______________ when she was twenty without knowing much about the world. Due to her
lack of education, she felt an intense desire to see her children and grandchildren
___________. She sat by me doing her patchwork blanket while I did my homework. When
_____________, she woke me up an hour or so earlier so that I could read through my notes
for the last time.

Paragraph 2

She was five foot tall and she was rather plump. Her ____________________ looked as if
they could not withstand her weight. Yet, they did, all through the ninety years of her life.
Her _____________ was thinning. I loved gazing at her gentle face which did not bear the
_____________ and frustrations.

Paragraph 3

My grandmother was _______________. When she left China, she could not afford to
buy clothes for her children. By sheer determination, she learnt how to sew and managed to
pass the skills on to my sisters and me. When workers were laid off during the recession, she
helped my grandfather in the rubber estate although she was weak. From her, I learnt how
important it was __________ and not give up hope.

Paragraph 4

My grandmother was a very loving person. Even when her children had grown up, she
____________ for them. At eighty, she could still prepare chicken soup for my father when he
had an appendicitis operation. She ____________ with my mother, unlike the proverbial
___________. Instead, she loved my mother like her daughter. Her abundant love
overflowed to her _________________.

Conclusion:

Although my grandmother has passed away, ____________ is still felt in my family. We


remember her __________ and love which brought our ____________ together.

(Adapted from: Descriptive Writing Guide, Preston,1997.)

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TASK 2 : REWRITING THE ESSAY

Rewrite the essay in Task 1 by changing the person’s (e.g. your mother) characteristics,
physical description, traits and his or her relationship with others.

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_____________________________

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UNIT 4 - A FESTIVAL CELEBRATED IN MALAYSIA

Introduction:
- preparation for Hari Raya
- going to tailors to have clothes made

Body:
- fasting month
- the time
- activities
- one or two weeks before Hari Raya
- women make cakes and cookies
- men - paint house
- do gardening
- children love this time
- on Hari Raya day itself - atmosphere of the house – happy
- types of food served

Conclusion:
- people visit one another
- non-Muslims visit their Muslim friends

TASK 1 : FILLING IN THE BLANKS

For the following texts, fill in the blanks with the words and phrases from the clues given below.

CLUES

- keeping in touch - in the heart of Muslims


- off the shelf - delicacies
- fasting month - come in the morning
- disappear - flurry of activities
- get very tired - welcome visitors
- strengthen ties - elders and relatives

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Introduction:

Hari Raya begins ____________________ three to four months before the special day
itself. This is the time when they go to the tailors to get their “baju kurung” and “baju Melayu”
sewn. Those who go too late find that they need to buy clothes ______________ at boutiques
and departmental stores.

Body:

Paragraph 1

The countdown begins with the ___________ Ramadhan. The fast starts at the moment
when it is possible to distinguish between a white thread and a black thread held against the
rising sun. It ends at sunset when the last rays of the sun _______. A spirit of joy is felt at the
breaking of fast which usually begins with sweets and cold drinks. These can be bought at
stalls which mushroom all over the place. Working parents usually stop by these stalls on their
way home from work. The fasting is as much a part of Hari Raya as the day itself.

Paragraph 2

In the last one or two weeks before Hari Raya, there is a ________________ in the Muslim
homes. The women are on their feet most of their free time baking many types of cakes and
cookies. The men paint their houses and clear the garden to prepare for the day. This is also
the time when new curtains are put up. In some homes, the old furniture is traded in for new
designs. The adults usually ____________ preparing for Hari Raya but children love this
busy atmosphere.

Paragraph 3

On the Hari Raya day itself, they are all set to _______________. Everything looks new,
from the food to the carpet. There would be curry, “rendang” and “ketupat” for visitors who
___________________ of the first day. By afternoon, these _________ have disappeared but
there are plenty of cakes and other savoury food to last a whole month.

Conclusion:

Hari Raya is the time for _______________ because people are too busy to visit one
another at other times of the year. Visiting ________________ is a must. Hari Raya is a
joyous time, not only for Muslims but also for non-Muslims because this is the time for them
to _____________ with their Muslim friends.

(Adapted from: Descriptive Writing Guide, Pelangi, 1997)

63 PPMP SPM English2008


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TASK 2 : REWRITING THE ESSAY

Rewrite the essay describing another festival celebrated in Malaysia.

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64 PPMP SPM English2008


Excel in English

UNIT 5 - MY NEW HOUSE

TASK 1: REARRANGING JUMBLED UP PARAGRAPHS

You and your family have moved into a new house recently. Below is a description of your
new house. Rearrange the paragraphs into the correct order.

The front door opens to the living room. It is rectangular in shape and measures 22 feet by 10
feet. We have our old rattan furniture here but my parents have bought some new things for the
new house. They bought a television set, a new hi-fi set and a new carpet for the living room.
Some of us will sit together in front of our new 30-inch television while others will listen to
music on our new hi-fi set. We also have two big armchairs into which we can sink and relax.
The windows in the living room are huge so the breeze would gently cool the house.

My family moved last month from our low-cost flat into a single storey terrace house. It was a
very exciting experience because it was very different from what we had grown used to. Our
new house is within walking distance of facilities like the local library, the post office and
some shops. And of course, it is near my school too.

There are three bedrooms in the new house. The largest room is the master bedroom with a
bathroom attached. It has a lot of space and the bathroom is equipped with hot and cold
showers. The other two rooms are smaller. There are beds and built-in cupboards in all the
rooms.

Instead of being on the 13th floor, we actually have a garden. The garden is next to the
driveway. It is beautifully maintained by my mother, with a variety of beautiful flowering
plants of various colours, a few bushes and a big angsana tree. There is also a small pond with
goldfish swimming lazily in it. We even have a covered porch for our car.

Behind the living room is the dining area and kitchen. My sister and I enjoy cooking, trying out
recipes and new dishes in our new kitchen. There is a whole range of cooking facilities. They
include a microwave oven which I could not do without. In addition, there is plenty of work
space to cut and prepare food and a big double sink for efficient washing-up jobs.

65 PPMP SPM English2008


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Finally, comparing it to our old flat, this house is a very large and spacious house. It would
indeed be “Home Sweet Home”.

(Adapted from: Write Better Compositions for SPM 1119 English, Fajar Bakti,2003)

TASK 2: WRITING AN ESSAY

You and your family have bought a new bungalow recently. Using the notes below, write a
description of your new house in about 250 words.

 a bungalow, very big


 entrance to the bungalow – garden, big car porch
 living room – large and spacious, furniture
 bedrooms – five rooms, furniture
 living room – big armchairs, new television set, karaoke set
 dining room – many cooking utensils, plenty of work space
 swimming pool
 a badminton court

66 PPMP SPM English2008


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Now, write the description of your new house.

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67 PPMP SPM English2008


Excel in English

UNIT 6 - A NIGHT MARKET

TASK 1: WORD ASSOCIATION

Look at the picture of the ‘night market’ below. Write down the words associated with your
five senses.

A. Sense of smell B. Sense of hearing


- sweet aroma - loud voices of stall owners
- _______________ - ________________
- _______________ - ________________

C. Sense of sight D. Sense of touch


- rubbish thrown everywhere - smooth cloth
- ________________ - ________________
- ________________ - ________________

E. Sense of taste
- hot chillies
- ________________
- ________________

68 PPMP SPM English2008


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TASK 2: FILLING IN THE BLANKS

Fill in the blanks with the correct words from the box.

stomach – fruit stalls – stall owners – early – customer – lorries – toys –


amazing – night markets – water-melons - drinks – aroma – eat out –
costume jewellery – music cassettes – genuine – evening – roads – watch
sellers

A NIGHT MARKET

__________ ___________ are found all over Malaysia. They are found in big cities,
housing estates and villages. These night markets are set up on fixed days of the week. It can
be Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday or any other day of the week. Sometimes they are called by
the names of the day on which they appear such as Monday Market, Tuesday Market and so
on.

The __________ ____________ usually go to the site __________ in the


____________ in their vans or ______________. With a lot of experience, they can set up their
stalls and arrange their things within a short period of time. Their stalls are usually arranged
on both sides of the _________ to make it easier for shoppers to go to their stalls. The bright
lights of the stalls give the place a festival-like atmosphere.

The variety of things sold at night markets are truly ______________. There are
___________ ________ selling bananas, papayas, rambutans, langsat, jackfruits,
_________________ and durians. There are also stalls selling all sorts of food and
___________ . The drinks tempt one to come to their stalls. The ______________ of spiced,
deep-fried chicken greets even long before one comes near the stalls selling it. Fried noodles
and vermicelli garnished with browned garlic, sliced chillies and chopped spring onions look
more like works of art than food to be eaten. It is true that the food is feast for the eyes as well
as the ____________. The food stalls also sell “satay”, “popiah” and “murtabak”. Isn’t it any
surprise that many families ________ _________ on night market days?

There are also stalls selling ___________ ____________ and fashion accessories.
The fake jewellery looks the real with its imitation diamonds and jewels. Women and young
girls are attracted to these stalls. The __________ ____________ are also there with their
glass cases of cheap imitation watches. The watches look no different from the much more

69 PPMP SPM English2008


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expensive ______________ ones. A ______________ can buy a “Rolex” for less than forty
ringgit! The stalls attracting many children are the ones selling ________. The noisiest stalls
are the ones selling _________ __________ and video compact discs. Music and other
sounds come forth from their gigantic loudspeakers or television sets. People go to the night
market for a variety of reasons. Many of them go there not to buy anything but to watch other
people. Genuine shoppers are also plentiful. Many also go there to eat. The rest go there to
enjoy the sights and sounds of the night markets.

(Adapted from: SPM Model Essays, Sistem,2002)

70 PPMP SPM English2008


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TASK 3: A FUNFAIR

A fun fair is a place where many interesting activities take place. Complete the following grid
with words/phrases related to a fun fair.

ATMOSPHERE

- crowded
PEOPLE
- ____________
- children
- ____________
- _____________

- _____________

A FUN FAIR

FEELINGS

- excited
ACTIVITIES
- ____________
- merry-go-round
- ____________
-__________________

-__________________

71 PPMP SPM English2008


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TASK 4 : NOW YOU TRY!

Using the words and phrases in Task 3, above, write about a funfair in about 75 words.

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72 PPMP SPM English2008


Excel in English

UNIT 7 - THE NATIONAL DAY CELEBRATION

TASK 1: FILLING IN THE BLANKS

The following is a description of the National Day Celebrations. Fill in the blanks with the
correct adjectives from the box.

smart loud huge dazzling excited colourful vibrant

different famous beautiful grand long metallic

The National Day Celebration

31st August 2007 marked the fiftieth year of Malaysia’s independence. It was
celebrated grandly as Malaysia turned 50. The highlight was the National Day Parade which
was held in Putrajaya. The theme for the year was “Malaysiaku Gemilang”.

Thousands of ____________ spectators formed a three-kilometre, ________ chain


along Jalan Precinct 2, Putrajaya. They cheered loudly when the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri
Abdullah Badawi, arrived with his _____________ wife, Datin Seri Jeanne Abdullah in a
brand new, ______________ green Proton Perdana. Also present were the Deputy Prime
Minister and other cabinet ministers. The ____________ parade started with the arrival of the
Yang di-Pertuan Agong and the Raja Permaisuri Agong.

First, everyone sang the national anthem “Negaraku”, followed by the flag raising
ceremony. The stadium grounds were filled with _____________ banners and bantings.

Next on the agenda was the inspection of the guard of honour mounted by 103
___________ officers of the Royal Malay Regiment.

Led by seven ____________ pupils representing the ______________ races in the


country, 1800 secondary school pupils from 16 schools participated in the formation of the
National Day logo. This was followed by three _________ shouts of “Merdeka”. A patriotic
poem written by the ___________ local poet, Azuan Haron, was then read out by the national
poetry recital champion, Jamaliah Hassan.

After that, there was the march past. About 90 contingents participated in the march
past and a loud applause came from the spectators. The crowd’s favourite was the Tenaga
Nasional Bhd (TNB) contingent.

Next was the martial arts performances. Taekwondo and silat were performed.

The grand finale was a ____________ display of the fly past by the Royal Malaysia
Armed Forces (RMAF) helicopters bearing the national flag and an air show by the RMAF
fighter jets. After that, the _________ crowd dispersed with the spirit of “Malaysia Boleh”
burning brightly in their hearts.

(Adapted from: SPM Model Essay, Sistem,2002 )

73 PPMP SPM English2008


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TASK 2: WRITING THE ESSAY

Now you write your own essay on the National Day celebration by changing the adjectives in
Task 1. Make your essay as interesting as possible.

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74 PPMP SPM English2008


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-END OF MODULE-

75 PPMP SPM English2008

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