CONTINUOUS WRITING

ASSESSMENT OBJECTIVES

To test candidates’ ability to:

 to produce a piece of continuous prose in accurate Standard English
 respond relevant and creatively to a task chosen from a number of alternatives

Particular emphasis is placed upon the candidates’ ability to:

 write sentences of various length types, using a variety of sentence structures
 use wide range of vocabulary with precision
 punctuate accurately and effectively
 write in paragraphs which are appropriately linked and show cohesion
 spell accurately
 respond and with relevance and precision to the chosen topic
 engage and sustain the interest of the reader

Each script will be read slowly and annotated as detailed in the marking scheme. Each script will
be assessed by impression, using the given grade descriptions.

GENERAL TIPS FOR CONTINUOUS WRITING:

 The task in this section is more challenging than in Section A (DW).

 Five topics will be given and you will only choose one to write on.
 The title for this type of essay usually consists of one or two words and can also be in the
form of a proverb
 The title is general and no guidelines are set
 Consider the various aspects of the title given and choose only one aspect to write on
 If it is in the form of a proverb and you are asked to describe a specific aspect to write on,
please identify the ideas that will carry your descriptions.

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 This questions tests your ability to produce a piece of writing which is
 creative
 original
 relevant
 vivid
 interesting
 coherent
 grammatically correct
 well-organised
 has varied sentence structures
 has accurate spelling
 has wide vocabulary
 has an interesting opening
 has a good ending

DIRECTED WRITING –CRITERIA FOR MARKING LANGUAGE

Mark Range Description of Criteria

 The language is entirely accurate apart from occasional first draft slips.
A  Sentence structure is varied and sophisticated – shows that the candidate
is able to use sentence length and type to achieve an intended effect.
44 - 50  Vocabulary is wide and used with precision.
 Punctuation is accurate and helpful to the reader.
 Spelling is accurate across the full range of vocabulary used.
 Paragraphsare well-planned, have unity and are appropriately linked.
 The topic is addressed with consistence relevance.
 The interest of the reader is aroused and sustained throughout the writing.
Mark Range Description of Criteria

 Meaning is never in doubt, but single word errors are sufficiently frequent
E and serious to hamper precision and speed of reading.
 Some simple structures may be accurate but accuracy is not sustained.
20 - 25  Vocabulary is limited and either too simple to convey precise meaning or
is imperfectly understood.
 Simple words maybe spelt correctly but frequent mistakes in spelling and
punctuation make reading the script difficult.
 Some relevance to the topic but only partial treatment is given.
 Paragraphs lack unity. Links are incorrectly used. There may be errors of
sentence separation and punctuation.
 High incidence of linguistic errors, distract readers.

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Narrative Writing
A narrative composition can either be a short story or the narration of a particular incident. You
would normally be asked to begin or end your writing with a given sentence. When writing, first
plan out the story. Make sure your story has:

 A setting - the place where the story occurs

 Characters – the person/people in the story

 A plot – the events that happens in the story

Think of the important events that you would like to include in the story and write down the main
points. Try to arrange them in the following way:

 Exposition – the beginning of the composition where setting and characters are introduced

 Conflict – a problem arises

 Climax – the highest point in the composition

 Resolution – ending

Give names to the characters in your story and write in the third person or first person point of
view. Rather than merely telling your readers what happens, use adjectives, adverbs, and verbs to
give vivid details of your story.

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FORMAT OF A NARRATIVE WRITING

……..……………………………...…………………………………………………... (A)
……………………………………………………....………………………………………….

…………………………………………………………………………………………………. (B)
………………………………………………………………………………………………….
.…………………………………………………………………………………………………

……………………………………………………………………………………….………… (C)
……………………………………………………………………………………………….…
……….…………………………………………………………………………………………

……….………………………………………………………………………………………… (D)
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
………….………………………………………………………………………………………

……….………………………………………………………………………………………… (E)
.…………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………….

A= Title

B= Exposition (Introduce setting and character)

C= Conflict which leads to (D) (Events)

D= Climax (Events)

E = Resolution (State the lesson you have learned, if any)

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TIPS ON HOW TO WRITE A BETTER NARRATIVE ESSAY

1. BRUSH UP YOUR GRAMMAR

There is nothing more important than having good grammar skills. So, language must be taken
into consideration when writing an essay. Refer to the above writing practises.

2. ESSAY SHOULD DEPICT WIDE USE OF VOCABULARY AND INTERESTING

PHRASES

Narrative writing requires to have a wide repertoire of vocabulary. This is to avoid dullness.
The marking system for continuous writing is based on impression. Study the examples given
below:

Example 1

"It was a boring weekend. We were lazy to read books and study, so we planned for a camping
trip. After gaining permission from our parents, we brought necessary camping things and
food for the camping trip. Then, we went to Mount Tahan."

Example 2

"It was a mundane and lacklustre period after the school final examination. Danny, Erik and
I had had enough of reading books and studying, so we all set on going a camping trip. After
getting the green light from our parents, we equipped ourselves with the necessary camping
gear and enough food to last us for the two-day camping trip. Then, we embarked on our
journey to Mount Tahan with high spirits."

Between both examples, Example 1 depicts a dull story but Example 2 depicts a colourful story
although both are mainly telling the same idea. Why? Here are the answers:

1. Example 1 lacks of vocabulary.

2. Reading Example 1 does not portray sense of maturity in writing unlike Example 2.

3. Example 1 lacks of details but Example 2 has an adequate details in the writing that added
the value of interest.

4. The use of word/phrase like mundane and lacklustre, green light,camping

gear, embarked and high spirits added more sophistication to Example 2.

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 So, how to make your essay more interesting to read?

1. Find words or phrases that can replace a common word that you think can be used for
every essay you want to write. For example happy can be replaced by cheerful, cheery,
merry, joyful, light-hearted, jovial, gleeful, buoyant, carefree, blithe, glad, elated, ecstatic,
euphoric, overjoyed, exuberant, in seventh heaven, propitious, auspicious and
fortuitous. Actually these replaceable words for happy are only a portion of it. A thesaurus
may come handy for this job. Try searching for sad, shocked, scared and so on.

2. Insert at least two idiomatic expressions in your essay like Example 2 that uses the
idiom green light which means giving permission and high spirits which means happy.
From Example 2 which is a complete paragraph there are already two idiomatic
expressions. So, imagine if there are five similar paragraphs!

3. This next tips could be very ambitious. Try to insert common words and phrases from
Latin and modern languages which had been accepted and used in English Language.
Such words like ad initio (Latin) meaning from the beginning, esprit de corps
(French) meaning team spirit, genre (French) meaning style and so on. These words can
be found in English dictionary.

3. HAVE A FIXED PLOT WHEN WRITING A NARRATIVE ESSAY

Another important part in narrative writing is the Plot- A good narrative must have a strong plot.
Begin with an introduction, then a rising action, a climax, then a falling action and lastly a
resolution.

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Example of a narrative essay:

From Terengganu 2010 Trial Examination; beginning with "I could not sleep throughout that
night..."
LANGUAGE
ESSAY
FEATURE
Stranded Title
I could not sleep throughout that night. Not even a minute. It was just Introduction
because I might miss the ships or boat that passed by the island. I was shivering in
cold even it was just a gentle breeze. I thought to myself that things would have been
different if I did not take part in that vacation. Never in my wildest dream that
a spectacular vacation on a cruise ship at the beginning turned out to be
a nightmarish affair.
Raising action
The day before was a joyous one. I embarked on a three-day vacation trip
on a cruise ship. The vacation was amazing. The scenic view was splendid across
the horizon of the sea as far as the eyes could see. The sea water was crystal clear
and the sky was a magnificent azure. My blissful day did not stop there. The
dusk thrilled me as I sat on a chair. The sky gave its golden appeal and the Sun
looked like it was sinking into the sea as night began to unfold. Then, the golden
yellow background of the sky changed to twinkling stars. I was staggered to see the
view of the opulent God's magnum opus.

As the night grew older, something totally different started to appear up to

the sky. The sky was too dark. It darken so much as the glimmering stars started to
disappear. To my instinct, something bad would happen any time soon, but I just
could not figure it out. I went into my room and soon dived into a deep slumber.

'RIIIINNNNGGGG!!!!!!' Climax
"This is your captain speaking. Abandon the ship! This ship is about to sink!"
The loud ringing sound really woke me up from my comfort bed and I was taken
aback to hear the announcement. To my horror, the ship was in topsy-turvy. High
jinks enshrouded the air. Then I realised, there was a storm happening outside. To
my flummox, I dragged myself outside and saw people running higgledy-piggledy as
they did not know what to do. As for me, the only thing I could remember is that a
huge wave came crushing upon the ship and then everything seemed to darken.

Streaks steaks of light awaken me found out that I was on a beach. At last I Falling action
thought that my misery had ended. But a little exploration did not bring much hope.
There was no one there. So, being an optimistic person, I built up a settlement near
the beach. I laid upon my leaves bedding. I wondered. Could I survive? Did my
family know that I loved them? For how long did I have to wait?

70
 Out of the blue, an abrupt siren was heard from afar. Swiftly, I arose from
my leaves bedding and ran nearer to the beach. I shouted for my life while waving
my hands up on the air.

"Help! I'm here! On the island! Help! Help! I'm here!"

Then, the siren became louder and louder. At the moment, I knew they had Resolution
noticed me. Unexpected, tears of joy started to drop from my eyes. Before I even
thought my life was over, now the door back to my life was widely opened. By the
moment I stepped into the rescue boat, I know that it was the time for me to go home.

That is an example of a complete narrative essay written within a week time trial examination.
This essay earned the student 45 marks out of 50 marks.

Note: The underlined words or phrases in the essay really help in earning high marks.

Now back to having a fixed plot. What is the meaning of a fixed plot? A fixed plot is the plot that
you will be using during your exam. How to do that?

The example essay above is from the question; beginning with "I could not sleep throughout that
night..."

But, what will happen if the question says; ending with "...It was truly the experience of a
lifetime." You are suggested to keep on using the same plot, NOT the same essay by means
memorising word by word, but change either the beginning or ending with respect to the
question given.

This an example for changing the ending with the same plot:

"...Then, the siren became louder and louder. At the moment, I knew they had noticed me.
Unexpected, tears of joy started to drop from my eyes. Now, looking back to what had happened
to me I realised that I am surviving alone at a deserted island. Not everyone could say that they
slept on leaves bedding and have the sky as the roof. It was truly an experience of a lifetime."By
practising two or three times, you can easily remember the plot. When writing the essay, try as
much as you can to relate the plot to the question asked.

Note: The benefit of having a fixed plot is that the time that you usually used to plan for your essay
can be used to write.

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IMPORTANT NOTE ON WRITING A NARRATIVE ESSAY

1. Give a title to your essay (refer to the example essay given above; it has a title). The title
itself must be relevant to the plot. The title of an essay can be anything as long as it fits the
story.

2. You must write more than 350 words. But, the essay must not be too long. The longer
you write, the more mistakes you will make. An ideal essay should be around 350 to 400
words.

3. Use only one hour to write the essay and the same for Directed Writing; only use 45
minutes. Be fair when writing the essay;

4. Include wide range of sentence structures, vocabulary and must have at least one
dialogue (MUST HAVE - one of the characteristics of excellent essay). Why you should
have dialogue in your essay? When you include a dialogue in your essay, it shows that you
have the knowledge in punctuation. This is what is special about narrative essay because
there is no dialogue in factual essay, right?

5. At least include a word that plays a specific sound. In the example the word
'RIIIINNNNGGGG!!!!!!'. In English, it does not mean a thing, but it gives the reader a feel
to the story you wrote.

6. Include a wide range of vocabulary to your essay to keep the interests of the readers.

7. Check for any grammatical error after finishing the essay. Make sure it is grammatically
correct in order to get high marks.

72
WHAT TO AVOID?

1. AVOID WRITING SOMETHING THAT YOU DO NOT UNDERSTAND

Narrative essay is relatively a little bit easier that the other types of essays; but it depends on
the question itself! If your do not understand a word or a phrase for a particular questions; DO
NOT even try to write about it! For example you are given this question:

Write about your most propitious moment.

See the underlined word? Most of us do not understand the word "propitious, some may guess
that it means sad, surprise and so on where the real meaning is happy. Avoid writing something
that you are not sure.

2. AVOID MEMORISING THE ESSAY WORD BY WORD

Continuous Writing is very related to Directed Writing in terms of language. The quality of
language you portray in Directed Writing reflects the grammar knowledge that you have.

Therefore, it is crucial for you to have a strong knowledge on basic grammar.

SAMPLE QUESTION

Write a story that ends with, “…we are to be blamed just as the mother!”

SAVE THE CHILD #Characters: Amir, Jasmine’s son, male visitor

#Setting – average neighbourhood

EXPOSITION #Nice and friendly

#Had a nice next-door neighbor-widow with young son

#Often watch son play

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 CONFLICT #Frequently had a male visitor

#Babysit son when running errands

#Son often cried

#Quarrels heard

#Informed the mother but was assured everything was fine

CLIMAX #One day child was rushed to hospital

#had breathing difficulties

#child died

RESOLUTION #police investigation

#story emerged

#child abused by male visitor – mother knew but ignored it

#regretted not going to the police earlier – we are to be

blamed just as the mother!

74
SAMPLE 1(A) – GRADE A ANSWER

ESSAY LANGUAGE
FEATURE
Save the Child Title

Life can be so unpredictable and fragile. No one can really know where and Exposition – start with
how our own life will turn out. As for Haris, he was the victim of circumstances. a statement that would
Amir had a next-door neighbour named Puan Jasmine. She was a pretty widow catch the readers’
with a son aged five. She was nice and friendly, and always had a ready smile attention
whenever she bumped into Amir and his family. Sometimes she would chat
with Amir’s mother as she watched her son, Haris, play in the compound.

Of late, Puan Jasmine had a frequent visitor. He was tall, dark and Used of connectors to
handsome and worked as a technician. He would sometimes babysit Haris create cohesion.
which allowed Puan Jasmine to run errands. Sometimes he would come and
watch Haris while she went to work. Amir did not like the look of the man very
much but figured it was none of his business.

Whenever, the visitor was around, Amir often heard Haris cry. He Conflict – used of
would cry incessantly. Now and again, Amir would hear a male voice shouting, collocation and
‘Shut up!’ and then suddenly the cries would stop. Sometimes, when Puan precise words
Jasmine got back home, Amir would hear voices quarrelling. Amir did not want
to get involved but he kept a close watch on the house next door, especially on
Haris.

After a while Amir could guess what was happening. The man was
abusing little Haris. But he had no proof. He told his mother about it and she
agreed to talk to Puan Jasmine. Puan Jasmine smiled and said there was nothing Climax
to worry about. All was okay. She was convinced that her friend was a nice man
and that he would never hurt little Haris. But that was not the case. The crying
continued and became more serious.

One Sunday morning, Amir and his mother saw the child being rushed
to hospital. Apparently, he was having breathing difficulties. Amir and his
mother waited anxiously for more news. Then it came at noon. The boy had
died!

The next day, police officers were at Amir’s front door asking
questions. Slowly a picture emerged. Just as Amir had guessed, the boyfriend Used variety of
had been abusing the child. The body of the little boy was full of marks and sentences
scars. What was even more shocking, Puan Jasmine had known about this but
chose to ignore it. Both she and the man had been arrested. Resolution

75
 For weeks, Amir and his mother agonized over little Haris’s death. ‘If
only we had gone to the police, the child would be alive today. If only we had
act faster, the child would be alive. If only… If only… But it was too late! We
are to be blamed just as the mother!’

SAMPLE 1(B) – GRADE E ANSWER

ESSAY LANGUAGE
FEATURE
Save the Child Title

Amir livedin KampungSelasih. He lived with his mother. His father Exposition – the
passed away when he was ten years old. His mother had to support the family background of the
since then. Across his house was his friendly neighbour, Puan Jasmine; a character. Used of short
beautiful widow with a five-year old son named Haris. Puan Jasmine likes to simple sentences.
stop by and talk to my mother while watching her son play in their compound.

Puan Jasmine had a frequent visitor. It was a male visitor. The visitor Used of short direct
always helped Puan Jasmine to babysit Haris when she is busy working. Amir sentence
always heard Haris cried. He even heard quarrels from the house. Amir told Vocabulary used is
his mother about it was told not to be busybody. Amir became worried of simple
Haris and he convinced his mother that Haris might be in danger. Finally, Conflict
Amir’s mother agreed to talk to Puan Jasmine. Puan Jasmine said everything
was fine. The next day, Amir still heard quarrels and very rude words from
that visitor. Haris never stopped crying.

One day, it was very quiet. Amir was worried more. A lot of negative
thinking came to his mind. What had happened to Haris? Suddenly, Amir Climax
heard the ambulance. Amir and his mother saw the boy being rushed to the
hospital. Haris has breathing difficulties and died on the way to the hospital.

The next day, police came to the neighbourhood to investigate. The

police told them that Haris had serious injuries on his face and blue and black
all over his body. The police suspected that Haris was abused. Amir told the Resolution
police what he and his mother heard everyday from the house. Amir was very
sad. Puan Jasmine chose to ignore what happened to his own son. The man
and Puan Jasmine were arrested.
Normally essay is
shorter.
Amir and his mother were very sad and regretted that they did not
report to the police earlier. They could have saved Haris’s life. If only they
had acted quicker…but it was all too late!

76
TITLE: THE DAY I LOST MY TEMPER

STEP 1: Understand the question

You should write about an occasion when you were angry. You should write about:

The reason why you were angry – an incident, a remark made by

someone, etc.

What you did or what your reactions were after the incident.

STEP 2: Plan your composition

Jot down your ideas. Since you are writing a story, there should be a chain of events or incidents
where one incident leads to another. It is the plot of the story. Look at the example below:

77
STEP 3: Make your story interesting

A wide use of vocabulary would make your story interesting and lively. Good vocabulary can be
acquired through extensive reading. Below are some examples of good use of vocabulary that
describe the feelings and reactions of the people involved.

You can also describe the boy. Look at the examples below.

STEP 4: Composing the essay

After planning the plot and brainstorming on the vocabulary, now you are ready to start composing
the story. Keep in mind the 6 elements that you have learned when writing a story.

78
SAMPLE 2(A) – GRADE A ANSWER

ESSAY LANGUAGE
FEATURE
The Day I Lost My Temper Title

“Ring......”, the shrill ringing of the school bell pierced the air, bringing Exposition
to an end the silence that reigned the class for the past forty minutes. As the
stalwart figure of the Mathematics teacher stepped out of the class, there was a
sense of relief for Mr. Siva was a strict disciplinarian who would not tolerate
any of our pranks.

There were squeals and peals of laughter amidst the din of

conversation. It was at this moment that SengChye bustled to the front of the Conflict
class. Easily the most detestable boy in the class, SengChye was an incorrigible Used of sophisticated
prankster whose impish behaviour was a source of irritation and annoyance to language, collocation
most of us, especially the girls. As his diminutive figure inched his way to and words.
where I was seated, he had the familiar mischievous grin which revealed a set
of yellowish protruding teeth. As he approached, he was grinning from ear to
ear. Then, in the twinkling of an eye, he put something on my desk. As he bolted
out of the classroom, I could hear hysterical screams. Perplexed as I was as to
the cause of this sudden flurry of excitement, I knew that SengChye was up to
mischief again.

It was then that I saw the slimy, creepy creature staring at me with its Used of variety of
moist, beady eyes. All of a sudden with a husky croak and a single, giant leap,
sentence
the four - legged creature landed on my lap. I was frozen with fear. Then, when
the truth finally sank in, I let out a few ear – splitting screams that echoed along Complex
the corridor. All around me, I could hear hilarious laughter while I was Compound
consumed by bitterness and anger. The joke was at my expense. Dialogue

As I seethed in anger and hurled verbal abuses at the top of my voice,

SengChye cowered in silence. His face has turned as red as a beetroot and he
had guilt written all over his face. The pandemonium that resulted was enough
to catch the attention of the discipline master who stalked into the class.
SengChye and I were summoned to his room. Each of us took turns to relate Climax
the incident. SengChye was asked to apologise which he readily obliged and
was let off with a stern warning. “If I hear any more mischief from you
SengChye, I will have no choice but to call your parents!” That was the last of
our conversation. Resolution

As I stepped out of the room, I knew that this was one incident that
would remain in my memory for a long time to come. It was the day I lost my
temper.

Source:Maryann Sebastian. 2006. Step By Step Series Model Essays for SPM.
Penerbitespi: Sungai Petani.

79
SAMPLE 2 (B) – GRADE E ANSWER

ESSAY LANGUAGE
FEATURES
The Day I Lost My Temper Title

“Riiinnngggg!!!! The sound of the bell telling us that it was recess time. Exposition
After eating, I went back to class as I had not finished my Maths homework.
Mr. Lee would be very angry if students do not finish the homework he had
given.

In the classroom, I was doing my Maths homework. Ali came to me.

Ali is a boy who always likes to disturb other students. There was something
wrong with his smile when he came to me. I know he was up to something. Conflict
Then he threw a slimy thing on my lap. Heran away with a loud laugh. I
jumped. I screamed to the top of my lungs. I could hear laughing around me.

I saw Ali talking to and laughing with his friend Chua. I quickly
Climax
grabbed and slapped his face. I was so angry. I swore on my way back to class.
Everyone was looking at me and Ali including the disciplinary teacher, Mr.
Hakim!

When I reached my classroom, I cried. Then I heard my class monitor

called my name. I was told that Mr. hakim wanted to see me. When I reached
Mr. Hakim’s room, I saw Ali standing near Mr. Hakim. Mr. Hakim asked
questions and I saw him wrote something in his file. We took turns to explain
Resolution
what had happened. I was so scared and I saw Ali was scared too. Ali was asked
to apologise to me and both of us were dismissed with stern warnings.

I felt bad when I remembered the incident and felt sorry for slapping
Ali. I knew that this was one incident that would remain in my memory for a
long time. It was the day I lost my temper.
NOTE: Slips or mistakes maybe found in the sample answer. They are not corrected but retained
to show the candidate’s original language performance.

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PRACTICE QUESTIONS

a) Write a story ending with “...I shall never forget this day for the rest of my life.”

I just could not take my eyes away from the empty chair in front of me. It was just too difficult to
concentrate on the task in from of me – my Chemistry exam. So much has happened in just twenty-
four hours.

Twenty-four hours ago, Rahim was sitting in front of me, struggling with the History exam. He
was so relieved when the exam was over. We went to our usual hangout with the gang. He ordered
his usual ‘tehtarik’ and I noticed that he looked a little under the weather. He brushed it aside as
‘exam fever’. Little did I know that it would be the last time I would see him alive.

Later that night, I received a call from Aunty Elena. She told me that Rahim had been admitted to
the hospital for suspected dengue fever. Then, she paused for what seemed like ages and said in
a tearful voice, “Rahim has left us. He slipped into a coma and never regained consciousness.” I
could not recall how I spent the rest of the night. I only remembered calling our friends and we
went to Rahim’s house.

I looked at my friends who were writing furiously and I wondered whether they were struggling
like me. I glanced at my watch and realized that it was already 10.30 in the morning. We would
be going for the funeral prayers in about an hour. How was I going to say goodbye to my dear
friend, my mentor and my counsellor? He was there for me when my father passed away three
years ago and he had always been like a big brother to me. I could still hear his jokes, his clowning
around with us after the exam. How could I not know that he was sick?

The examination hall was unusually quiet. Miss Jeya signalled us to get into her car. Tears
blurred my vision. I suddenly remembered the last time we were together in her car. We were
going for a debate competition and Rahim was our first speaker. He made us laugh at his jokes
till our sides ached.

At the service, Aunty Elena looked calm as we took our places. Then, it was time for the prayers.
There are a quite a number of people performing the prayers including us his classmates. After
performing the prayers, I took a deep breath. I wanted to say a few words when I gave my last
respect and to see his face for the last time but I choked. Aunty Elena looked at me and nodded
encouragingly. Then, I say my goodbye and my last words to him. As my voice wavered, I knew
Rahim was listening and I felt at peace. Goodbye, my friend, till we meet again. I shall never
forget this day for the rest of my life.

(473 words)

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TASK: COMPLETE THE TASK BELOW BY FILLING IN THE TEMPLATE
ACCORDINGLY

Title ________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________
Introduce the: ________________________________________________________________
-setting (time ________________________________________________________________
& place) ________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
-character(s) ________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
Plot
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
(Beginning or
________________________________________________________________
Raising
________________________________________________________________
action)
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
Climax ________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
___________________

________________________________________________________________
Conclusion or ________________________________________________________________
resolution ________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
-include _______________________________________________________________
moral values

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b) THE LAST DAY OF SCHOOL
Task:
Underline: 1) good use of vocabularies; 2) the three types of sentences structures; 3) the
idiom(s); 4) the linkers in the story above.

As I walked into school that day, I felt a strange but exciting difference. Students were
milling around the assembly area, waiting, anticipating… for the day to end! Yes! It is the
last day of school. We were going to have a special ceremony to acknowledge the students
that had a 100% record of attendance. It was a day many had been looking forward to as
their hard work and perseverance to attend school, through rain or shine, had finally paid
off.

Some students were simply here to say goodbye to their friends before they went their
separate ways for the holidays. Others were anxiously waiting to start their first day of
work at various shopping malls and the ever-present McDonalds and KFC. That meant
extra pocket money as well as means to finally get their driving licenses.

As for me, I would miss many of many friends and teachers. After all, I had spent eleven
years of my life in school. Parting would not be easy. I enjoyed school and could not even
imagine not seeing my teachers along the corridors or monkeying with my fellow
classmates. There would no longer be any tests, exams, spot quizzes and assignments to
complain about. Life would be relatively tame back home.

This rite of passage of the last day of school is one that I was expecting since last year but
to actually have to go through it was not easy at all. Mrs.Teh walked towards me. It
would be harder for her, I know. She was retiring today. After 56 years of service, she
was going to take things easy now. Her last child had flown the nest and her husband had
passed away four years ago. She filled her life with the students around her. She would
surely miss the chatter and laughter. She gazed sadly around her and I ran towards her to
give her a hug. It seemed to tell her that we would always be around for her – 5 Tekun
and I.
Soon, the bell would ring the last time for us. Then, the school corridors and walkways
would empty out, waiting for two months before the next wave of students arrive for the
new academic year. I walked out and turned back for the last time… sweet memories…

83
c) Write a story starting with: “The widow had to work hard to bring up her little son
alone...”

TASK: Identify the (i) Simple Sentence (SS) (ii) Compound Sentence (CS) (iii) Complex
Sentence (CXS)

The widow had to work hard to bring up her little son alone. This was after her husband’s
early death. She and her son lived in a wooden house. It was a small house with only one
bedroom and a kitchen.

Mariam wanted Sam to study hard to get good result. So she would not let Sam help her
do any household chores or wash his own clothes. The years flew by. Sam sat for his SPM
examination and pass with flying colours.

His mother was very happy. She went round telling her friends, “My Sam will be leaving
for the city to study in a college. He will become a Manager one day. I’ll move to live with
him in the city. Then, my struggle is worth it.”

So Mariam continued to work hard to send money to Sam who was studying a business
degree. For Mariam, it was a tough life. Meanwhile, Sam kept on phoning home to ask for
more money. Mariam even had to borrow from her neighbours and friends to send her son
the money.

Three years Sam stopped calling home. He did not even let his mother where he was. When
she phoned the faculty, they told her that he had graduated and left for job. However, they
could not her more. Mariam was baffled. Where was Sam? She was so sure he would come
back and fetch her for city. So, she started to pack some of her bags and boxes.

Three months later, there was still no news or call from Sam. One day, Mariam’s niece,
Kate, came to talk to her about Sam. She told her aunt, “Auntie, a friend of mine met Sam
in a bank. He’s the branch manager. This is his address.”

Early in the morning, Mariam took the first bus to the city. At the bus station, she took a
taxi and showed the taxi driver the bank address. On the way there, she told the driver
about Sam and what a filial son he was.

The driver stopped his taxi in front of a tall building. She got out of the taxi and smiled at
him happily. This was the moment she was going to meet Sam. She imagined him showing
surprise and delight at meeting his mother. Inside the building, a security guard asked her
who she was looking for. She told the guard Sam’s name.

84
 The bank staff saw an old lady holding a worn-out handbag. They were wondering, “Who
is this woman? Why is she asking for our manager?”

Meanwhile, Sam pretended he did not know his mother. Feeling disgusted and ashamed,
he asked the security guard to ask her to leave. Mariam was shocked to hear that! She
looked Sam in a disappointed feeling ever, and ran out of the bank.

Back in her house, Mariam cried the whole night. She cried and cried till she had no more
tears. The next morning, she was sitting by the window with Sam’s photo on her lap. She
saw him walking towards their house. Soon she was shouting and crying, “My Sam is back!
My Sam is back!”

Sam ran towards her and hugged Mariam as he never let go. He was so sorry and regretted
the way he behaved. His colleagues were the one who made him realized his big mistakes
neglected his mother.

The neighbours heard her. They too shouted and cheered, feeling happy for her.

NOTES AND FURTHER PRACTICES

85
PRIOR TO THE EXAMINATION: WRITING PRACTISES:

1. To produce a good narrative essay, first you need to brush up your grammar. It does not
work if your grammar is not that good.

2. Buy if you can afford to, if not borrow grammar books, example of English essays, and
anything that is related from friends or library of your school because by reading it will
improve your English skills.

3. Identify your friends who have the highest marks in Continuous Writing. Read his/her
essay and try to relate his/her writing to yours. It is not a bad thing to copy the way they
write the essay as long as it involves study and education.

4. Try to find time to write an additional essay (which is your own personal essay; not
homework) for two or a week times and ask for your teacher's comments.

Descriptive Writing

86
General Tips
 Read the question carefully, know exactly what you have to describe.
 Write clear and vivid descriptions to help the reader create a mental picture.
 Use simple present tense unless you are describing about the past.
 Useadjectives as well asfigurative language like similes or metaphors to help readers
visualise.
 Do not include irrelevant details.
 End with a conclusion on your interest of what has been describe.

TYPES OF DESCRIPTIVE ESSAYS

Type of
Personality event -
traits venue and
PEOPLE EVENTS theme

Anecdotes Descrption Physical

of past
description
Attractiveness Descrption People and
events of People of event involvement
of Events

Reason for Details

interest
of
events

Location
Importance
PLACE THINGS to you

Reason Physical
Descrption attractions Descrption
for of Places and
interest of Physical
facilities Location Animals/ description
Things

Senses -
Visual,
aural, Anecdotes/
touch and
process &
taste
procedure

87
 Occasion
FEELINGS and people
involved

Details of
Descrption Physical
people, place,
of features that
event or items
evoked
that evoked Feelings feelings
feelings

Type of
feelings

88
A. Sample Questions and Answers

Topic 1: Describe a person whom you admire the most

SAMPLE 1(A) - GRADE A ANSWER
LANGUAGE
ESSAY
FEATURE
Teenage girls are often found to adore charming male celebrities while Set the tone and idea
their male counterparts are more likely to idolize strong, successful athletes. of what the essay will
More often than not, we admire someone because of a set of qualities that he or be about.
she has. For example, a girl might admire a Korean actor because she finds him
attractive whereas a boy might admire a football player because he is captivated
by the player’s excellent sportsmanship. As for me, the one person I admire the Does not tell who the
most is neither a famous celebrity nor a strong athlete. If truth be told, she is person directly. Keep
just an ordinary person. Nonetheless, the qualities that she has are absolutely the readers’ attention
extraordinary.

One of her best qualities is her cooking skills. She has the ability to Sentence structure
make even the most mundane dish taste incredibly delicious. The most varied and
memorable dish she has ever prepared was omelette. Whenever she prepared sophisticated;
this dish, I always made sure that I ate it as slowly as I could. It is because I different tenses dan
wanted to enjoy it to the fullest. So far, I have never been disappointed. Her dialogue.
omelette has always been so tasty I could almost feel my stomach jumping with
joy whenever I ate it. I often wondered what she added into the eggs to make
them so tasty but whenever I asked her she would always give me the same
answer: “My unconditional love. That was the secret ingredient.”

Another quality that she has is her problem-solving skills. She has never
failed to find an answer to any of my problems. I once had an argument with Vocabulary-
my best friends over a petty matter. I could not foresee that the argument would sophisticated and
become so heated that, eventually, my best friend and I began to freeze in each precise.
other. As a result, I became so emotionally unstable I could hardly concentrate
on my study. Fortunately, in the midst of all that, one person came to my rescue.
Having listened to my never-endingproblems, she encouraged me to reconcile
with my best friend. She said there was no point in dwelling on anger and self-
righteousness. She was absolutely right! I felt so much better after my best
friend and I made peace with each other.

It is also worth mentioning that this person has a good sense of humour.
Because of this, I always feel happy being at her presence. She repeatedly says
that laughter is the best medicine, which is why whenever she notices I look a The used of
bit tense she always cracks a funny joke. I love it when she does this because expression.
when I laugh, I feel extremely happy. It is when I am happy I realised that I
become more optimistic because I am able to adopt a more positive outlook on
life.

89
 All in all, the most incredible quality this person has is her willingness
to do anything for me. There are just too many things that she has done for me Vocabulary; the use of
but, suffice it to say that, if not for her, I would have not existed at all. “I was adjectives again. Use
in so much pain! But when I saw you, I just cried.” That was what she would of dialogue.
always tell me on my birthday. It is because she endured the indescribable pain
of giving birth to me 17 years ago. What is more, she has sacrificed a lot just to
make sure that I grow up as healthily and happily as possible. Come to think of
it, all the qualities that I have mentioned earlier are merely details. Even without Only reveal the person
those qualities, I will admire her all the same because she is none other than my at the end.
mother.
NOTE: Slips or mistakes may be found in the sample answer. They are not corrected but retained
to show the candidate’s original language performance.

SAMPLE 1(B) - GRADE E ANSWER

LANGUAGE
CONTENT
FEATURE
Everyone in this world has someone they admire. Girls admire Short simple
handsome male celebrities while the boys are interested in athletes. For introduction. Direct
example, a girl admires a Korean actor because she he is handsomeand the telling who is the
boyswouldadmire a football player for his fame. As for me, the one person I
person.
admire the most is my mother.

She is the best cook in the world. Whenever she cooks, I made sure that
I enjoy it slowly.I often wondered what she use to make her cooking so tasty. I Simple short sentences
asked herwhat was her secret, she would tell me: “My love for you!” and vocabulary.

She never failsto answer to any of my problems. Last week, I had an Limited use of
argument with my best friend. I did not think it will become so bad. My best
adjectivesor
friend and I stopped talking to each other. I was so upset. My mom told me to
talk to my friend. She said it was no use to be angry. She was right! I felt better connectors. Simple
after my best friend and I spoke to each other. sentences.

My mother is also a funny person. She always tells me to be happy. Used of simple short
When she knows I am sad, she will always telljokes. I love it when she tells sentences.
jokes because when I laugh, I feel happy
General conclusion
In a nutshell, my mother is a great person becauseshe is willing to do
Essay is shorter and
anything for me. She has done so much for me. All the qualities that I have
less descriptive of the
mentioned earlier are just words. Even without those qualities, she is still the
topic.
best mom anyone can have.
NOTE: Slips or mistakes may be found in the sample answer. They are not corrected but retained
to show the candidate’s original language performance.

90
Topic 2: Write a descriptive essay about the holiday that you remember the most.
SAMPLE 2(A) - GRADE A ANSWER

LANGUAGE
ESSAY
FEATURE
Today is the best day of the week, at least I think it is. It is the day when Start as if telling a story
school was not in session. No waking up before the sun rising, no uncomfortable
school uniforms and the best part, no bossy teachers telling me what to do.
Ahh..bliss! I spend these kinds of days wandering about the pier, my favourite
place to be. I always wondered what it was like to get on a boat of my own and Used of adjectives and
taking it to wonderful places I’ve never been. “To go where no man have ever words that describe and
been! To infinity and beyond!” Ok maybe not exploring the vast and exciting gives a vivid and lively
universe. The pier, a place which always reminds me of the book ‘The Brighton idea.
Rock’ by Graham Greene. The pier, a place filled with fun and mysteries. A place
with interesting yet strange and weird characters and shows!

So here I am getting on to my old but trusty bicycle; Ol’ Faithful, that Precise vocabulary and
my father got me last year as I paddle my way to theever-exciting pier by theclear adjective, adverbs and
blue sea. The beautiful-warm-morningsun is making its way up as I maneuver my imagery used
bikeskillfully on the winding dirt road behind my neighbourhood. As I reached throughout the essay.
the pier, I can hear the screams of seagulls and the stinging of sea salt welcome
me to the seaside. Quickly I chain Ol’ Faithful to the nearest available pole and
run clumsily to my favourite place in the world.

I sit at the edge of the wooden planks, my legs dangle almost touching
the sea with the cool wind brushing against my face and the sun high upon me.
There are a few large fishing boats docked and the men who I call the sea people,
are busy unloading their catch of the day after a long morning of fishing in the
open seas. Most of them are dressed in faded t-shirts and their pants rolled up to Used a variety of
their knees, carrying weaved baskets of fish to the lorry nearby as beads of sweat sentence type.
forms on their heads and backs. There are a multitude of fish of different colours
and sizes. I can see the glimmer of their silver bodies catching light, their scaly Creates a vivid picture of
wet bodies slide smoothly on each other like fluid as they are poured into the the atmosphere at the
bigger plastic containers. The pier is getting noisy as more fishing boats arrive pier.
and the sea people hollers at each other from the distance of their boats
exchanging their news of the day. I ignore their loud conversations and kept still
among the chaos, drowning out their voices while I watch the boats bobbing to
the rhythm of the waves beneath them.

The slow humming of the motor boat engine fills the air, reminding me Gives readers some
of the soft purring of Kaka, the stray cat whom I have taken in unofficially since other ideas then bring
father was not fond of any animals wandering about our little wooden house. My them back to the pier
eyes follow the fairly sized motorboat as a young man steers his way out from the again. Shows good
masses of the bigger boats. White sea foam trails the motorboat as it heads to writing convention and

91
another island, moving closer to the horizon. I have never been there before. I gives readers the feel of
wonder if the place I am now looks almost the same, with a long boardwalk reading a story.
reaching out to sea and stilt houses and ships filling the seashore. Maybe when
I’m old enough I’ll get to ride on a boat and explore the neighbouring island,
perhaps maybe.

A croaking sound caught my attention as my arm instantly placed itself

on my rumbling tummy. If anyone could hear that it would be really embarrassing.
Mother would be furious if I come home late again. Last time, she gave me an Closing: the writer’s
earful after missing on lunch while I was out here watching boats. Mother was personal feelings and
bewildered at my reason and thought I was making up stories! She should come thoughts about the pier.
here sometimes and watch them with me. I look up at the sea one last time before Ended with a promise
I make my way back home, taking in the majestic scene before me of endless which kept the readers in
water and possibilities far beyond the horizon. Nothing is as peaceful and calming a state of uncertainty.
than being on the pier, with the waves crashing upon the shore and boats swaying
to the sea breeze. I’ll come back again another day, just wait for me.

SAMPLE 2(B) - GRADE E ANSWER

LANGUAGE
CONTENT
FEATURE
It was a beautiful day. An d I wanted to go down to watch the boats; my Simple and direct.
favourite place in the whole world. It was holiday and I did not have much to do. Simple words used.
I was free from all my teachers. I read a book ‘The Brighton Rock’ by Graham
Greene. It was a murder thriller that happened at the pier.

So here I am getting on to my bicycle that my father got me.As I paddle Simple, limited
my way to thepier by the sea. The sun was making its way up as I rode my bike vocabulary. Limited
behind my neighbourhood. As I reached the pier, I saw seagulls everywhere. used of adjectives.
Quickly I parked my bike and ran to the end of the pier.

I sat at the edge of the pier and enjoyed the cool sea breeze. There were a
few large fishing boats there. The pier was getting noisier as more fishing boats
arrive and the sea people shouting at each other.

I saw a motorboat moving among bigger boats. It wsrealy fun just sitting
and watching boats. I wonder how it is to be on one of those boats. Maybe when
I’m older I’ll get to ride on a boat and explore the world.

Suddenly, my tummy was making funny noises. I was hungry. I better go General conclusion
home before I am late. Mom would not like it if I was late. Nothing is more fun
than just sitting here and watching the boats pass.

92
Topic 3: Malaysia is known for its multiracial society. Because of that, we celebrate different
types of festivals throughout the year.
Describe one of the most interesting festivals that you have experienced.

SAMPLE 3(A) – GRADE A ANSWER

CONTENT LANGUAGE
FEATURE
The majestic colours… the wonderful music… the smell of sweet Introduction tries to
scents… all these are part of a festival!! And one of the biggest festival celebrated capture readers’
in Sabah is the harvest festival or better known among locals ‘PestaKaamatan’. attention.

Kaamatan is a unique festival celebrated by the Kadazandusun people of

Sabah. The festival commemorates the sacrifice made by a woman named Elaboration of the
Huminodun. Legend has it that, long time ago, she offered herself to be sacrificed history using precise
because she knew that it was the only way to save the people from starvation. vocabulary
Unlike other celebrations, Kaamatan is celebrated in a unique way. I feel so lucky
to have had witnessed the Kaamatan celebration first hand at the KadazanDusun
Cultural Association (KDCA) premise last year.

The first thing I noticed as I arrived at KDCA was the decoration. Even
at the entrance, I could see make-do paddy plants and local musical instruments Use of adjectives
such as gong and sompoton being erected and hung in various places. These throughout essay.
decorative items took my breath away as they were so beautiful and gigantic. As
I entered the premise, I noticed that all the stalls, booths and makeshift traditional
houses were decorated with the same items in addition to other attractive elements
such as exotic beads and ornaments. What made all these decorative items so
unique was the fact that their colours were mostly black, silver and gold.

If I could sum up the whole ambience of KDCA during Kaamatan in three

words, I would say crowded, eventful and loud. Simply exciting. It was not easy
for me to visit all the booths and stalls without walking shoulder-to-shoulder with Variety of sentence
six other strangers on my right and left. There came a point when I was enclosed patterns
by so many people I could hardly breathe. It could also be seen that, at various Short sentence
spots, young children were crying while wandering around searching for their Complex sentence
parents. It certainly didn’t help that, amidst all their panic, explosive music
seemed to be blasting out from various directions. There was nothing I could do
other than pray really hard that, sooner or later, those children got reunited with
their parents.

Overall, the most memorable experience I had was witnessing the entire
4-hour long Kaamatan show in the KDCA hall. As with other formal events, the
show began with various V.I.Ps delivering their speeches. Not long after that, Proper use of linker or
cultural performances from multiple ethnic groups ensued. As I was casting my connectors.

93
gaze around the hall, I could see that the audience was typically composed of
three distinct groups: local Sabahan people, tourists from Peninsular Malaysia
and tourists from western countries. Everyone was clearly entertained by the
performances but it was not until the UndukNgadau started that the entire show
was heightened to a whole new level. I realised that everyone seemed glued to
their seats whenever one of the contestants walked around the stage like models
in a fashion show.

To sum it all up, the whole experience of attending the Kaamatan festival
at KDCA was truly a satisfying one. I am quite sure that I will be attending it
once again this year. This is the celebration that must be experience at least once Closing: personal
in our lifetime. opinion

SAMPLE 3(B) – GRADE E ANSWER

CONTENT LANGUAGE
FEATURE
Kaamatan is a unique festival celebrated by the Kadazandusun Direct and simple
people of Sabah. Legend has it that, long time ago, she offered herself to be introduction
sacrificed because she knew that it was the only way to save the people from
hunger. Kaamatan is celebrated in a unique way. I feel lucky to be part of the
theKaamatan celebration first hand at the KadazanDusun Cultural Association
(KDCA) last year.

When I arrived at KDCA, I was taken by the decoration. Even at the

entrance, there wasfake paddy plants and local musical instruments such as Simple vocabulary and
gong and sompoton being displayed. These decorative items took my breath simple direct sentences
away as they were so beautiful and gigantic. I noticed that all the stalls, booths used
and traditional houses were decorated. What made all these decorative items so
unique was the fact that their colours were mostly black, silver and gold.

KDCA was crowded, eventful and loud. I didn’t visit all the stalls as it
was crowded. I felt safocated. The most memorable experience I had was to Limited used of
watch the Kaamatan show.There were V. I. Ps and speeches. Then finally the sophisticated vocabulary
performance started. The highlight of all was the UndukNgadau. Everyone was
so focused and watching all the contestants on stage.

In short, the whole experience of attending the Kaamatan festival at

KDCA was truly a great one. I will be attending it once again next year.
Short direct conclusion.

94
B. Guide and Development

Steps to Take when Planning Descriptions of People

1. Understand the Question and Brainstorm
 Think of possible people you could write about. Ask yourself these questions:
 What impressions do I want to convey?
 What interesting physical features can I describe that will help present my
theme? Remember that you can make up details of physical features or
aspects of personality to convey your theme.
2. Structure Your Ideas
 Decide on the person and theme that you are going to write about.
 Determine how you are going to structure your composition.
 Write down the physical features, aspects of personality, habits that you want to
describe.
 Plan using a mind-map

Aspects of Personality Personal Response/Reason

Insists on unreasonably neat work Irritated – but realise this indicates good
(give details) discipline

Steps to Take When Planning Descriptions of Events or Incidents

1. Understand the Question and Brainstorm
 It can be very difficult to describe an event if you have no real impressions about
it.
 Think of the various events you have experienced, and incidents which took place
then. Think of the kind of impressions they have made on you.
 Jot all your ideas down in a mind map.
2. Structure Your Ideas
 Select your event and your main impressions about it.

Events/Incidents/Objects Personal Response/Reasons

Headmaster’s Farewell Ceremony speech -touched, tears
A robbery/break-in -night, dark
-frightened
-called policemen

95
C. Practices
Practice for Descriptive Writing (Describing People)

You have just been introduced to a relative whom you think is unusual. Write about the relative
and why you find him an unusual person.

SAMPLE ANSWER

An Unusual Relative

“This is Uncle Sam, the uncle who has been missing for the past twenty years.” I looked
at the stranger standing next to my father. Uncle Sam was burly with broad shoulders. He stood
at one whole head taller than my father. I stretched my neck to have a better look at him. He bent
down and held out his hand. He smiled broadly and said, “Hello, little one!” I was taken in at
once by his pearly-white teeth and the twinkle in his eyes. Before I could say anything, he carried
me up and gave a bear-like hug.

Uncle Sam was the black sheep of the family and we have been forbidden to mention his
name in Grandpa’s presence. Grandpa was sure to lose his temper as he had never been able to
forgive Uncle Sam for what he did twenty-years ago. He had refused to further his studies. Instead,
he had packed up and went on what he called, ‘travel to the four corners of the world and seek
meaning in life.’ Grandpa had not mentioned his name since that fateful day.

When Uncle Sam walked into the house, Grandpa said quietly, “Get out of my sight.”
Grandma looked longingly at Uncle Sam and stretched out her hands to touch him. “Woman, take
me to my room,” Grandpa bellowed. The air was so charged with suppress anger, hidden joy and
expectations. Uncle Sam walked out without a word and Father agreed that he would stay in our
house for the time being.

Actually there was more to Uncle Sam than meets the eye. First of all, he had managed to
travel to the four corners of the world and had gathered immense knowledge about the world. He
had acquired an island in the Pacific Ocean and plan to spend the rest of his life there like Somerset
Maugham’s Eater. He had the habit of stopping in the middle of his stories and take up the stance
of meditation for five minutes.

One night, as I look out of the window, I saw Uncle Sam standing at the main gate. I was
concerned as I knew Uncle Sam had gone to bed earlier. I called Father and we went to check on
him. He was fast asleep literally on his feet! He had sleepwalked!

Uncle Sam is definitely the most unusual person I have ever met.

96
Complete the template below according to the structure given.

Title

Introduction
(State who/what is
being described)

Body
(Give details that are
interesting or special)

Detail 1

Details
should
Detail 2 create an
overall
impression

Detail 3

Conclusion
(Give an opinion or a
fact / describe your
feelings)

97
Underline the use of good vocabularies, idioms and 3 types of sentence structures from the essay
below.

The Matriarch and the Family Secret Recipe

Grandmother Choi was a true-to-life matriarch. Her word was law in the household.

He daughters-in-law kept out of her way, if they could escape her eye. The only person
who could put it a word edgeways was her favourite youngest daughter and I happened to be the
beloved granddaughter. But, I made sure that I did not incur her wrath unknowingly.

As for my grandfather, he tolerated her ways, indulging her whims and fancies but he
stopped short of letting her have the upper hand when his business cronies were around. Then you
would see my grandmother in a different light: a demure, obedient, dutiful wife.

Grandmother ruled the kitchen. She could because she was an excellent cook. She could
whip up a feast for a banquet in a jiffy. She remembered all the recipes passed down to her by her
grandmother and mother, both matriarchs before her. There was no need for her to measure the
ingredients. Just a handful, just a cup, just a pinch and it was all just right.

However, Mother told me that there was one recipe which no one knew anything about.
Whenever she needed to cook it, everyone was barred from the kitchen. Then she would do
everything from buying the ingredients to preparing, to cooking, to cleaning and serving. We did
not know what it was called but we gave it our own tag: Grandma’s Magic Tonic.

The dish would only be served on special occasions. Grandmother was adamant in not
revealing the recipe to anyone not even to her favourite daughter and granddaughter.

Then, it happened out of the blue. Grandmother had just cordoned off the kitchen when
we heard a loud thud. We Mother and I ran to the kitchen and saw her sprawled on the floor,
grimacing in pain. Her face was ashen and we could almost feel her pain. The excruciating pain
was all over her alabaster face.

“Help me up, please. These ageing legs are a minus factor in the kitchen. Since you two
are the only ones at home at this moment, you two are to be the recipients of my secret recipe.”

My jaw dropped. Mother looked at me, with her eyes about to pop out. We held our breath,
unwillingly to expel any cries of glee in case the “old tyrant” changed her mind, a stance often
employed her devious mind to subject us to immediate obedience.

She measured out all the ingredients with her antique measuring cup. She gave an
indulgent smile. It was a “new” grandmother: she was never this “entertaining”. Indeed, she was
all sugar and spice, serene and tranquil.

98
 Then she spoke softly and sweetly. “Take a scented bath before you commence cooking.
Become serene and give thanks for the good life. As you prepare the ingredients, concentrate on
the ingredients and think peaceful pure thoughts. Give thanks that those about to consume this
dish will enjoy it and be blessed. Continue in this frame of mind throughout the preparation,
cooking, serving and eating.”

I could hardly believe my ears. Grandmother was advocating peaceful pure vibrations to
create the atmosphere for healthy living.

Grandmother had given us the family secret recipe to enjoy doing what we do and to give
thanks for a good bountiful life.

99
Practice for Descriptive Writing (Describing Event)

Describe the most enjoyable weekend you have experienced

SAMPLE ANSWER

Tina and I had a fabulous time in Terengganu last weekend. Accommodation was free –
we stayed in a relative’s house – and we had the sun, the sand and the sea.

Tina’s aunt’s house was a stone’s throw from the beach. The moment we reached the house,
we flung our bags down and headed for the beach.

It was spectacular. The sea seemed luminous. It was so early in the morning that there was
no one else there. The beach seemed to have been washed away clean by the tide and no one had
walked on it except the little crabs and the gulls.

After the incessant noise of the city and the overnight trip on the train, the silence was utter
bliss. Enjoying the warmth of the sun, both of us just sat on the sand and watched the waves roll
gently on the shore. Far out on the distant horizon were some waded into the shimmering blue and
green sea, jumping to avoid the foam breaking on to the shore. I ran on the wet sand, enjoying the
feel of it under my bare feet. ‘Coee!” I answered the gulls and gave a cartwheel of sheer joy.

Auntie Lis was waiting for us with freshly cooked nasidagang. The aroma welcomed us as
we stepped into the house. After the scrumptious brunch, Auntie Lis said it was time to paint the
town red. The first stop was the Kuala Terengganu market. It was fun exploring floor after floor
of local delicacies and crafts. There was keropoklekor that we sampled at the food court. We
drooled over the hand-painted batik fabric and bought colourful batik pants and T-shirts. Of
course Aunt Lis bought packets and packets of dried fish and keropok for us to bring home with.
The wet market on the ground floor had an intriguing array of fruits and vegetables in all shapes
and colours that we had never seen before. The best part was the dukulangsat. There were
mountains of them and I had never tasted such big succulent and sweet dukulangsat before. Auntie
Lis had to put a stop to our fruit tasting. ‘Enough! Your stomachs will burst soon. Keep some place
for other local delicacies.’

Our next stop was KakYah’s where we sat down for plates of their famous keropok and tea.
It was wonderful. Auntie Lis had to drag us out of the shop to a batik factory. There we tried our
hands at batik painting and created our own masterpieces. We also saw songket weaving and
appreciated the fine craftsmanship.

We went home for dinner after that. Aunty Lis reminded us we would celebrate Earth Hour
’09 by having a barbeque dinner under the stars. It was truly a memorable experience having
dinner underneath thousands of stars, listening to the lapping of the waves and Uncle Shah’s
stories of old Terengganu.

100
 He next morning we set off to the turtle hatchery near Kuantan. We were beside ourselves
with excitement when we were allowed to release little turtle hatchlings into the sea. It was an
incredible experience to watch the week-old hatchlings waddle into the sea. I held my breath when
a huge wave swept the little ones into the sea and whispered a prayer for their safety.

All too soon it was time to take the train home. On the way home we talked and talked of
our unforgettable weekend in Kuala Terengganu. We had left for Kuala Terengganu exhausted
and burnt-out. Now, we left it refreshed and filled with a quiet joy.

Complete the template below according to the structure given.

Title

Introduction
(State who/what is
being described)

Body
(Give details that are
interesting or special)

Detail 1

Details
should
Detail 2 create an
overall
impression

Detail 3

Conclusion
(Give an opinion or a
fact / describe your
feelings)

101
Underline the use of good vocabularies, idioms and 3 types of sentence structures from the essay
below.

The Calm Before the Storm

It was hot, real hot! All the fans were spinning and wheezing in the rooms. All the air-
conditioners were turned to their lowest. Yet the air was immobile, the air musty, the atmosphere
sticky, the odour sweaty – time stood still. It was though all moment had stopped. The steamy stuffy
evening air clung to our skins, noses and eyes.

Then we heard – the faint rumblings of thunder. Our hearts gave a jump. We breathed loud
audible sighs of relief. But, alas! It was a false alarm. It was all quiet again. They were mere
whispers. Were our senses tricked or were our nerves so raw that silence was music? The rumbles
were so far away yet so welcome.

The thunder came and soft and inviting. It grew in resonance, it roared and then – it faded
away. We heard it again after what seemed like hours – in fact, it was a mere minute. The thunder
went on and on, it clapped in merriment, it roared in fury. It was partnered by the zig-zagging
lightning. We drew the curtains to hear and see the two “friends” living it up.

The two forces of nature were now befriended by the wind. The wind started to dance with
the dry brittle leaves on the parched ground and grass. They jumped up, hopped here and there.
The green and the brown, the couloured and the white now danced in dizzy delight, thrown up and
tossed about in the air as they clamoured to climb higher than one another.

The constant flashes of lightning allowed us glimpses of walking and swaying shadows of
trees. We were enticed and gazed in awe as the elements gave in to the cosmic energies of the
heavens. We laughed, happy that our days of ‘suffering’ from the relentless torture of the sun
seemed about to end.

Then it happened. The unexpected sound which we were waiting for in anticipation of the
welcome drop tingled at our ears. It was a little drop, a tick, a plop … It was a pit and a pat, a
pitter and a patter, a splish and a splash, a few drops which increase, albeit slow at first, then fast,
then slow and whoosh! They came: the rains were here. They came, raining glittering tears of
pearls dazzling our eyes and wondrously stretching far beyond the darkness into the wide
unknown.

The rains continued to grow in its ferocity and continued unabated for an hour.

102
Study the table below. Add further information to the basic sentences / ideas by answering
the wh-questions.
Paragraph Simple sentences Questions to help you add more information
to the story
1 I went jungle trekking with a
friend. 1. When did you go jungle trekking?
2. What is the name of your friend?
3. Where did you go?
4. Where is the place?
5. Why did you choose the place?

2 We were walking along the track.

1. What did you see along the track?
2. What did you hear?
3. How did you feel?

3 We heard a buzzing sound. 1. Can you add a word or phrase to show

It became louder and louder.
A swarm of bees attacked us.
4 We ran as fast as we could.
The bees stung me.
5 We saw a lake and we jumped in.
The bees left us.
6 We came out of the water.
sudden change of sound?
2. Did you wonder about the sound at first?
3. How did you feel when the sound became
louder?
1. When did you realise that it was a swarm of
bees?
1. How did you run?
2. Was it easy to run in the jungle?
3. Did you hit the branches?
4. Did you fall down?
1. Did the bees catch up with you?
2. Where did they sting you?
3. What did you do when they sting you?
1. How did you avoid the bees?
2. What did you do next?
3. How long did you hide from the bees?
4. What did you do after that?
5. What did you see?
1. What did you do after the bees were gone?
2. How did you feel? Why?

7 We walked back to the ranger’s 1. How did you get help?

headquarters. 2. How long did it take to walk back?
3. What did you say to the rangers?
They took us to the hospital. 1. What did the doctor give you?
2. How did you feel about the outing?

103
D. Past Year Questions
1. Describe an unforgettable incident you saw on your way home from school. (2009)
2.Describe the most popular student in your school. (2010)
3. A famous person you admire. (2011)
4. Describe an outing with your friends. (2012)
5.'Truly Malaysian.' Describe what this means to you. (2013)
6. Describe an important family celebration and how you felt about it. (2014)
7. ‘A friend in need is a friend indeed’. Describe how a friend helped you in a difficult time.
(2014)

E. Notes & Further practices

1. The beach at night.
2. Write about a person who has a great influence in your life.
3. An open-air market.
4. Describe you school canteen during recess.
5. My Favourite teacher

104
Factual Writing

What is factual composition?

Factual writing explains an event or a series of events in a chronological order that allows
readers to gain information.

(a) The main purpose of factual writing is to inform. You may have to:
1. give instructions or explain processes
2. analysesituations, trends or problems
3. propose solutions or remedies
The main question you have to ask yourself before you decide to tackle a factual topic is “Do
I have enough information on this topic?” You cannot get your facts wrong. Make sure
you read the question carefully so that you do not misinterpret the question. This often
happens in examinations.

(b) There are a few ways you could arrange your facts. Your main concern should be that
your arrangement is clear and logical. You could:
(i) Each paragraph must have a distinct topic with supporting details factually relate
directly to it.
(ii) When describing processes, progress logically, step by step, from the first step to
the last one;
(iii) When listing problems, state the most important problem first and then go on to
the less important ones.
Exam Tips: Steps to take when planning a factual composition

Before writing your composition, you should spend a few minutes planning it.

(a) Brainstorming
(i) Define the scope of your essay
(ii) Jot down all the relevant facts you can think of, in a mind map. Make use of the
thinking tools.
(b) Selecting and organising the points
(i) Select the relevant and most effective points.
(ii) Plan the sequence of the points.
Once you know what you are going to write about, you will be able to concentrate on how to write
it best. That is, you are free to focus on your writing style. You can pace yourself according to the
time and points. Imagine yourself in the examination hall. You are trying to complete your
composition when the invigilator says “Ten more minutes…” If you didn’t have a plan, you might
panic so much that all your ideas would fly out of your head! With a plan, you can just calmly
focus on the next point on your list.

105
Note the specific structure and language features of a factual composition.

Structure Title Language Features

Define the subject Introduction  Use specific vocabulary
Provide facts about the topic Body
and supporting details Fact 1  Use the present tense
Fact 2
Fact 3  Use logical connectors
Summarise the information Conclusion
given  Use vary sentence beginning

Let’s examine the grade A sample text below.

Topic 1: The Problem of Deforestation (Text is taken from Nexus Pro SPM 4.5)

SAMPLE 1(A) – GRADE A ANSWER

Thousands and thousands of acres of lush rainforests are cleared each year to MERITS
make way for development. The once beautiful and spectacular√ forests are
reduced to barren landscapes. This is for the sake of development, for the Words in italic – use
advancement of man. of logical connectors
to link sentences
Yet, what happens when trees are felled? Firstly, the earth is left vulnerable which follow a
to soil erosion. The heavy tropical rains will carry away the rich topsoil, and logical order
the land without its topsoil will no longer be fertile. Slowly but steadily, the
lush vegetation will give way to wasteland.
√ Vocabulary is
Secondly, the flowing water will not only wash away the topsoil but will wide and used with
deposit it in the rivers. As a result, the rivers will become shallower. precision
Consequently, floods will become frequent in the area. Thousands of people
will suffer in these floods.

Another point to note is that forests are home to hundreds of species of flora
and fauna. Animals and plants live in symbiotic relationships in the balance of Par 4: Sentence
nature. Man destroys this balance when he flattens the forest to the ground. structure is varied
Where do they go then, the great and tiny inhabitants√ of these forests? and sophisticated.
Nowhere. They die. If this goes on, the food chain will be disrupted. As
creatures dependent on the flood chain, man is ultimately destroying his own  Compound
sources of food through the destruction of rainforests. sentence
 Complex
When forests are a distant memory√, a shocking fact will hit us full force. sentence
Mankind will be thrown into a state of unimaginable suffering √and agony√.  Short
What I am talking about is the lack of oxygen. While cutting down a tree to sentences
add yet another piece of luxurious furniture to man’s already opulent√  Begin with a
lifestyle, people forget that they are also reducing our supply of oxygen. conjunction
to show
Trees absorb the carbon dioxide breathed out by living creatures, reprocess emphasis
it and, in the end, produce the life-sustaining√ oxygen. Without trees, where

106
 will this oxygen come from? Will we process it in factories? Will a time come Note:
when man will be fighting for the very air he breathes?

Furthermore, the excessive carbon dioxide will also effect a change in the The writer shocks the
microclimate and raise the region’s temperature. There will be a greenhouse audience by painting
effect on earth; warm air and radiation will be trapped under the earth’s a disastrous picture
atmosphere. Then, as the earth’s temperature rises, the ice in the polar caps will of what happens to
melt, raising the sea level. Great floods will hit the lower-lying areas. our planet earth
today in the
As you can see, it is a vicious cycle. A change in our environment will introduction. Good
trigger off another change which will trigger off yet another. This is why we attention getter.
should keep the balance of nature. This is why we ought to preserve our forests.
This is why environmentalist groups are pressurising governments to reduce The writer ends the
the felling and the clearing of forests and to be serious about replanting forests. writing with an
appeal, as one would
With the support of ordinary citizens like you and me, they will get the expect in a
attention of the people in power. We can also help by planting trees. Members composition on this
of this beautiful planet√must be united. By preserving forests, we are topic.
preserving ourselves.

Topic 1: The Problem of Deforestation

107
You may not have such a great deal of knowledge about the subject and may not be able to write so
vividly as the above. It’s alright as long as you fulfill the basic requirements. Refer to the notes in the
right column in the sample text below. Compare this text with the one before.

SAMPLE 1(B) – GRADE E ANSWER

Thousands of acres of rainforests are cleared each year to make way for Note:
development. The beautiful forests are destroyed. This is for development.
. Points are arranged
Firstly, when trees are cut, soil erosion happens. The heavy rains will carry clearly and logically.
away the rich topsoil. The land will become infertile. As a result, the lush Logical connectors
vegetation will become barren. are used to show
link.
Secondly, the rain water will wash away the topsoil and will deposit it in the
rivers. As a result, the rivers will become shallower. As a result, floods will . Simple structure is
occur in this area. People will suffer. used

Forests are home to flora and fauna. So, when man destroys the forest, . Vocabulary used is
where do they go then? Nowhere. They die. Soon the food chain will be simple but able to
disrupted. Man is destroying his own sources of food because they destroy convey the intended
the forests. meaning

If we cut down a tree, it will also affect the supply of oxygen. Trees
absorb the carbon dioxide breathed out by living creatures and produce
oxygen. Without trees, will man be fighting for air?

Too much carbon dioxide will cause a greenhouse effect on earth. When
the earth’s temperature rises, the ice in North Pole will melt. This will raise
the sea level and floods will occur.

A change in our environment will cause other changes. This is why we

should keep the balance of nature. This is why we ought to preserve our
forests. This is why environmentalist are asking governments to reduce the
clearing of forests. We can also help by planting trees. We must be united. By
preserving forests, we are preserving ourselves.

Topic 2: Why we should exercise? (Text is taken from Focus SPM Form 4.5)

108
SAMPLE 2(A) – GRADE A ANSWER

MERITS
A healthy person is a ‘wealthy’ person. Wealth is here measured in terms of
the person’s physical well-being so that he or she is able to go about and
carry out day-to-day tasks easily. He or she will look good and feel good. To Words in italic – use
attain this, physical exercise is a must. of logical connectors
to link sentences
Firstly, exercise ensures our good health. Modern-day chronic diseases√ which follow a logical
Like heart problems, diabetes and certain cancers are all caused by the lack of order
exercise. Conversely,anyone having these ailments will recover better if they
include exercise as part of their daily routine. √ Vocabulary is wide
and used with
Another instance why we need to exercise is doctors link the lack of precision
exercise to many people having one form or another of insomnia. Moreover,
when we sleep better, we have better resistance to infections. This has been Variety sentence
proven by astronauts. During mission, their bodies physically deteriorate√. structure:
Their bones, internal organs and cardiovascular system are all negatively
affected. However, it has been found that exercise reduces the changes Simple sentence
significantly√.
Complex sentence
Another example of how exercise helps us to feel better is it gets rid of
obesity. It burns calories. In our push-button lifestyle√, we have become Begin with
quite sedentary√. ‘Why walk when we can take a car’ seems to be the way of subordinate clause
life for all of us. Nowadays, even shopping is done online. Moreover, we
seem to be only exercising our fingers as we play computer games, surf the
Net and press the control button to change the channel to our favourite Short sentence
television programme. Add that to the Malaysia favourite pastime of eating, it
is no wonder that our young have bellies and double chins.
Note:
Lastly, students should exercise at least three times a week for at least twenty Present tense is used
minutes per session, as exercise is a good stress buster√. Exercise in factual composition.
stimulates different brain chemicals. One of those chemicals is endorphin
which makes a person become less stressed and more cheerful. Students The writer starts with
preparing for their examinations are therefore able to concentrate better. As a a popular saying and
result, they will do better in their examinations. goes on to define the
meaning of wealthy.
In conclusion, regular exercise is an effective way by which we can not only
feel young, but look younger. The writer ends the
writing by
summarising the
information given in a
sentence.

Topic 2: Why we should exercise?

109
Let’s compare this sample text with the one before. Do you notice the differences? Of course,
this one is shorter, simple structure is prevalent, vocabulary used are simpler. However, the
points are arranged clearly and logically.

SAMPLE 2(B) – GRADE E ANSWER

A healthy person is a ‘wealthy’ person. Wealth is measured in terms Note:

of the person’s physical health so that he or she is able to go about and do her
daily activities. He or she will look good and feel good. Therefore, we should
exercise. -Points are arranged
clearly and logically.
Firstly, exercise is good for our health. A lot of diseases like heart Logical connectors are
problems, diabetes and cancers are caused by the lack of exercise. However, used to show link.
they will recover better if they exercise.
-Simple structure is
We also need to exercise because doctors link the lack of exercise to many used
people having insomnia. When we sleep better, we have better immune
system. We can resist diseases. -Vocabulary used is
simple but able to
Exercise also helps us to prevent obesity. It burns calories. Today, we convey the intended
have become inactive. ‘Why walk when we can take a car’ is the way of life meaning
for all of us. Nowadays, even shopping is done online. Moreover, we are only
exercising our fingers as we play computer games, surf the Net and press the
control button to change the television programme. In addition, our favourite
pastime is eating; it is no wonder that many people are obese.

Students should exercise at least three times a week for at least twenty
minutes because exercise is a good to reduce stress. Exercise stimulates
different brain chemicals. One of those chemicals is endorphin which makes
a person become less stressed and more cheerful. Students preparing for their
examinations are then able to concentrate better. As a result, they will do
better in their examinations.

In conclusion, exercise is important to all of us.

PRACTICE

110
 Q1: The disadvantages of the internet

Introduction
• What is the Internet?
• How it has influenced our lives – access to information, connect to people around the world,
fast updates to developments across the world

1st paragraph
• Waste time – hours on the Internet browsing or chatting
• Less time for studies
• Neglect homework, assignments and chores at home
• Students get addicted to playing online games
2nd paragraph
• High phone bills
• Waste money – online shopping, gambling, sites which require payment to get information
3rd paragraph
• Easy access to websites not suitable for teenagers – pornographic materials or adult content
• Chatting with strangers can be dangerous
4th paragraph
• No filtering of information
• Teenagers can get access to various types of information such as ‘do-it-yourself’ or homemade
bombs, cult groups

Conclusion
• The Internet can have negative influences if not used wisely by students
• Many benefits if used responsibly

However, if you think the above is too overwhelming, try a shorter version with much more help
provided. Like the one below. Remember to use logical connectors

111
 Q1: The disadvantages of the internet

Introduction
• The Internet- global network connecting millions of computers
• enable us - access to information, connect to people around the world, fast updates to
developments across the world
• Although there are many advantages- some disadvantages of an internet

1st paragraph
• Waste time – hours on the Internet browsing or chatting
• Less time for studies
• Neglect homework, assignments and chores at home
• Students get addicted to playing online games
2nd paragraph
• Waste money – online shopping - so easy to search and purchase different items online- end up
becoming at-home shopaholics - may not need the product
3rd paragraph
• Easy access to websites not suitable for teenagers – pornographic materials or adult content
• Chatting with strangers can be dangerous – never give out personal details, addresses or
photographs

Conclusion
• The Internet can have negative influences if not used wisely by students
• Many benefits if used responsibly

More exercises for practice!

Q2: Road bullies

Introduction

112
 Start with an account of an incident involving a road bully.
• Define “road bully“– give more examples.

1st paragraph
• Reasons e.g. stress/lack of self-control, anger, no patience, no conscience/violent nature.

2nd paragraph
• Effects on the victims e.g. fear/injuries/death.

3rd paragraph
• Suggestions e.g. jail offenders/ban them from driving/ police to take immediate action.

4th paragraph
• Educate/remind public not to become road bullies via the mass media such as radio and
television
• More emphasis on courtesy and safety on the roads.

Conclusion
• hope for co-operation/ responsibility of all road users.

Q3: How to protect ourselves during a heat wave

Introduction
• Define “heat wave” – a period of very hot weather

1st paragraph
• Reasons – no rain, change of weather

2nd paragraph
• Effects of heat wave: sweating, discomfort, fainting spells, dehydration, feeling sick, etc.

3rd paragraph
• Suggestions on what to do: e.g. drink more water, avoid strenuous exercise outdoors, stay in the
shade, take more baths, cool down, and eat fruit

Conclusion
• Conclusion: keep yourself cool, be practical

Q4: Robots
Introduction
• Define ‘robots’ – mechanical/automated machines
– can be programmed to obey certain commands.

113
1st paragraph
• Advantages – can do repetitive/dangerous/heavy work,
e.g. in radioactive areas
– can do the work of many human workers e.g. in factories
2nd paragraph
• Give examples – e.g. Japan’s robotic babysitter can laugh, crack jokes and dance

3rd paragraph
• Disadvantages – cannot respond to emergencies
– high maintenance
– expensive
Conclusion
• Conclusion – give your opinion about robots

Q5: Why and how should an obese person lose weight?

Introduction
• Define an ‘obese person’ e.g. overweight/fat.

1st paragraph & 2nd paragraph

• Give reasons why an obese person should lose weight:
– e.g. excess weight is bad for the heart/bad for health:
• cardiovascular problem
• heart disease
• high cholesterol
• diabetes
• sickness

3rd paragraph & 4th paragraph

• Give suggestions on proper weight control:
– eat a balanced diet/cut down intake of fried food, canned drinks, sugary food and drinks.
– Regular meals
– Regular exercise
– Enough rest
– Medical check-ups
– Change to a more active lifestyle

Conclusion
• Health is wealth/use a quotation/end by giving an advice.

Q6: A Caring Society

Introduction

114
• What is a caring society?
– Individuals in a society who are courteous, helpful, generous, friendly
– Willing to help any time
– Willing to share

1st paragraph
• Why is it important to be a caring society?
– Happier, safer, harmonious society
– People are well adjusted, lead more fulfilled lives
– Better and richer family life

2nd paragraph
• How we can be more caring?
– Be a volunteer, offer professional services or help whenever possible
– Offer help that is needed, appropriate to the crisis or disaster
– Money, donations in kind, clothes or basic necessities, medical supplies, books, furniture,
services such as from a nurse or doctor to treat and care for victims of disasters or from engineers
to help rebuild towns or villagers after a storm
- Kindness or help in the form of money, food, blood, clothes, basic necessities

3rd paragraph
• How students can play a part
– Be a better son/daughter, relative, friend, neighbour, classmate
– Offer to help without hesitation if you are able to do so
– Share ideas, things with those less fortunate
– Be a peer counsellor, student leader

Conclusion
• Caring society will lead to happy families
• Better environment to live, work and socialise
• Country will develop steadily and progressively
• Benefits will be seen economically, socially and politically

Past Year Questions

115
2013 – Reality shows

2012 – Saving money for the future

2011 – The best things in life are free

2010 – What can we do to save the environment?

2009 – My favourite day of the week.

Grammar Activities

The exercises here help to create an awareness as well as to provide some practices on what
makes a good piece of writing.

Exercise 1

What link words can you use to present different facts?

Use the words in the box below to help you fill in the table.

Second In conclusion On the other hand An example of this is

Third For instance In addition Let me give you an

example

To show different facts First, …

To show contrasting points However,

To give an illustration For example,

To sum up Finally,

Exercise 2

Complete the following sentences using the link words above.

1. There are teachers who are truly committed to their job. ________________, there are
some who do not seem to feel the slightest obligation to do their job well nor the slightest
feeling of guilt when their students fail in the examination.

116
2. Another aspect of the school that needs changing is the set of school rules. Some are so
irrational and petty. _____________________, the rule on short hair for boys.
___________________________, punishment for serious acts of indiscipline should be
made more effective, even if they have to be harsher.
3. Vandals should be made to pay for what they have destroyed. ___________________, I
feel that criminal action should be taken against students who beat people up.
4. Modern-day chronic diseases ___________________ heart problems, diabetes and certain
cancers are all caused by the lack of exercise. ____________________,anyone having these
ailments will recover better if they include exercise as part of their daily routine.
5. Nowadays, even shopping is done online. ___________________, we seem to be only exercising
our fingers as we play computer games, surf the Net and press the control button to change the
channel to our favourite television programme.

Exercise 3 – Vary Sentence beginning

Varying the way a sentence starts can add interest to your writing.

Study the four variations on this sentence: Amin did his best karate routine.

You might start the sentence with

 A prepositional phrase With pride, Amin did his best karate routine.
 A participial phrase Bowing to the teacher, Amin did his best karate routine.
 An adverb Modestly, Amin did his best karate routine.
 A subordinate clause Despite being nervous, Amin did his best karate routine.

A. Practise writing sentences with different beginnings. Complete the sentences below.
Beginning with participles
1. Driving quickly,
2. Disguising herself as a boy, …
3. Jumping as high as he could,
4. Writing quickly,
5. Eating healthily,

B. Beginning with a phrase with preposition.

1. For more than a year,
2. On seeing the tiger,
3. Before the examination,
4. Without a doubt, …
5. Of all the teenagers, …

117
C. Beginning with a subordinate clause
Placing an adverb clause at the beginning of a sentence helps to create suspense as the
sentence builds toward a main point.
1. When GST is imposed,
2. As rubbish is thrown indiscriminately, …
3. Although exhausted after a long drive, …
4. Frightened by the lightning and thunder,
5. As temperature rises, …

D. Beginning with an adverb.

1. Rudely,
2. Panic stricken, …
3. Mercilessly, …
4. Fortunately,
5. Hopefully, …

E. Write four different beginnings for the following sentence about computers.

________________________________________, computers have changed the way

people write.

________________________________________, computers have changed the way

people write.

________________________________________, computers have changed the way

people write.

_______________________________________, computers have changed the way

people write.

118
NOTES AND FURTHER PRACTICES

A Winning Beginning

There are many techniques of getting the attention of your audience. However, only four
of them will be discussed here:

1. Question the audience

“If you have a wonderful news and you want to share it with someone, to whom would
you tell first?”

Or, you may find a series of questions which enhances vitality in an introduction. Here is an
example:

Do you always surf the web for hours, nights and days? Do you spend more time reading
advertisement and stories in cyberspace that reading books, notes and reports for your
lectures and tutorials? Do you fell more connected emotionally with people you chat
with in chatting programmes like MIRC, ICQ, Schmooze than your family members and
friends? Do you feel uneasy any aimless when you are not logged on? If so, you may be
included as part of the growing numbers of people whom psychologist label as ‘internet
addicts’.

2. Shock the audience

Another interesting way to get your audience’s attention is by shocking them. It is our nature
that if we hear something shocking, we immediately want to hear more. Thus, this type of
attention getter can give you credits quickly and effectively. Here is an example:

We badly need nuclear power in our country. We need nuclear power in Malaysia.
Maybe most or maybe all of you don’t agree with my idea. To you, it may sound
disastrous or you prefer to put it catastrophic but to me it is ambitious and vital to
meet our growing energy needs.

The sample text 1, this technique is applied. The writer informs the readers of the shocking
condition of our once beautiful forest.

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3. Begin with a quotation
You may obtain the quotes from Shakespeare, the Bible or from words of famous writers or
politicians.

“”Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.
By John F. Kennedy

“I have a dream” by Martin Luther King.

4. Tell stories
Another effective method to introduce your topic is by telling stories. This famous way of
beginning a writing will rouse the audience’s interest and get them emotionally involved in
the topic.

I still remember the first time I was asked to observe an English class a part of my
teaching practice fifteen years ago. I hated so much the idea of classroom
observation. To get to the school was another experience: air transportation is one
out of two gateways to the district. When I reached the classroom, I was welcomed
by shoeless pupils running in and out boisterously. I was introduced to the English
teacher, Mr. Rama. ………………. So, I would like to share with you four beneficial
aspects of classroom observation and how it would mould a better and more
resourceful teacher.

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Answers:

Exercise 1

To show different facts First, second, third, in addition

To show contrasting points However, on the other hand

To give an illustration For example, an example of this is, Let me give you an example,
for instance

To sum up Finally, in conclusion

Exercise 2

1. However
2. For instance, on the other hand
3. In addition
4. For instance, however
5. In addition
Exercise 3

A. Beginning with participles

1. Driving quickly, he tried to get to his destination on time.
2. Disguising herself as a boy, she went to the children’s fair where she received
chocolates and sweets, free of charge.
3. Jumping as high as he could, he tried to pick the rambutans from the lower branches
of the tree.
4. Writing quickly, she managed to complete the essay in one hour.
5. Eating healthily, she recuperated in just one month.

B. Beginning with a phrase with preposition

1. For more than a year, he was without a job and faced many problems.
2. On seeing the tiger, we ran for our lives to the nearest tree and climbed up.
3. Before the examination, we must study hard.
4. Without a doubt, she told a lie.
5. Of all the teenagers, Rose stands out as the most talkative.

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C. Beginning with a subordinate clause
1. When GST is imposed, the citizens are extremely angry.
2. As rubbish is thrown indiscriminately, the village is infested with rodents.
3. Although exhausted after a long drive, he was happily chatting with his friends in the
reunion.
4. Frightened by the lightning and thunder, she hid under her bed.
5. As temperature rises, the ice in the North Pole is melting quickly.

D. Beginning with an adverb.

1. Rudely, she stormed out of the meeting room.
2. Panic stricken, the occupants rushed out of the building.
3. Mercilessly, he kicked the stray dog.
4. Fortunately, we were allowed to extend our stay.
5. Hopefully, the matter will be resolved as soon as possible.

E. Write four different beginnings for the following sentence about computers.

Fortunately, computers have changed the way people write.

Across the globe, computers have changed the way people write.

Evolving very quickly, computers have changed the way people write.

Without me realizing it, computers have changed the way people write.

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Argumentative Composition
General Tips
When writing an argumentative essay:
 Your aim is to convince the reader of your viewpoint.
 Present strong and effective arguments which must be supported by elaboration and
details.
 Be sure whether you need to argue on both sides or make a stand to either or oppose the
given topic.
 In the SPM examination, you are asked to give your opinions on both sides. For example,
“Do you think …”, “Do you agree …” or “Discuss’. So you have to explain both sides of
the argument and make a stand at the end of the essay.

A. Sample Questions and Answers

Topic 1: Students should be encouraged to participate in sports. Do you agree?

SAMPLE 1(A) - GRADE A ANSWER
LANGUAGE
CONTENT
FEATURES
‘Sports’ are activities carried out for pleasure or exercise. Playing games like MERITS
tennis and football or taking part in athletics are sports activities. I am of the Note the use of
strongest opinion that students should be encouraged to participate in sports. It transition markers
would allow students to maintain good health, instill good discipline as well as One of the main
providing an opportunity for them to release stress. reasons/advantages

One of the main reasons for encouraging students to take part in sports is that
it is good for health. In sports, especially outdoor activities, fresh air is taken into Varied sentence
the lungs, resulting in greater oxygen flow into the heart. It keeps our heart healthy structure
indeed! With improved blood circulation, other organs of the body function well. Simple sentence
Muscles get toned, excess fat is burnt and impurities are excreted through the Complex sentence
sweat glands. All this, together with good diet, makes a healthy body. Compound
The second advantage is that sports participation instills discipline and sentence
develops leadership qualities among students. For example, students must attend
the various practices and training programmes punctually. If they are late, they are Impressive
usually reprimanded and soon they realise that obeying orders is important. In words/phrases
addition, students involved in sports activities are elected as captains, secretaries
and to other positions. Students holding these positions usually develop leadership
qualities.
Third, participation in sports also helps students to be ambitious and set Good use of
challenging goals for themselves. By persevering to achieve these goals, students quotation by a
are preparing themselves for adulthood where they will face every more difficult famous figure
challenges. As the late Bruce Lee said, “If you always put a limit on everything
you do, you cannot gor far. There are no limits. You must go beyond to achieve.”

123
That aside, sports participation helps students to release stress and tension. The
increasing amount of homework and the fear of failure at examinations do not
allow students to relax. Taking part in sports allows them to unwind. After a game
or workout at the gymnasium, the students feel much better and are ready to study
after a good bath. This way of releasing stress is healthy unlike some methods
many students resort to, for examples smoking, loitering in shopping complexes
or taking drugs.

On the other hand, there are disadvantages of participating in sports. It often leads Counter argument
to students to neglect their homework, studies and even family. When students are On the other hand
over- enthusiastic; driven by great interest or the desire to win at competitions,
they tend to spend more and more time away from home. Eventually, this eats Punctuation have
into the students’ study time and time spent with the family. This, in turn, may unity and
lead to poor academic performance and a breakdown in family communication. appropriately
This is certainly not to be encouraged. linked
Intensifier
Furthermore, exposure to sports means students are prone to injuries like torn certainly not
tendons, sore muscles, sprains and even fractures. Injured students have to stay
away from school for some time, causing them to miss lessons and, consequently,
fall behind in their studies.

Finally, it involves high expenses. Students need to spend money on equipment

like tennis rackets and track shoes. They may also want to wear sports outfits
which their friends have. In addition, transport to and fro for practices and pocket-
money for refreshments means money has to be spent. This money can be put to
better use by buying more books or food.

In conclusion, we can say that moderation is the key to success in anything. Proverb
Therefore, if participation in sports is kept in moderation, it should not pose a “Moderation is the
danger or threat to students. However, if the student is over-enthusiasms, then key to success”
disadvantages could turn out to be very real.

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SAMPLE 1(B) - GRADE E ANSWER
CONTENT LANGUAGE
FEATURES
All students should participate in sports. Sports is good for students. A stand is given
First, sports is good for students to stay healthy. When students play outdoor
Inconsistency in
games, oksigen is take into their lungs and heart.
tenses
Secondly, sports make students more discipline. They learn to follow rules of Spelling error
many games. Students must come on time for training. Students must be punctual. ‘oksigen'
Thirdly, sports help students to enjoy sports activities. Examples, playing
football and jogging. When they play, they feel happy and fun.
Finally, there are many disadvantages to participate in sports. Students do not Conclusion is dull
have time to study because spend too much time in training. They will fail in their and vague
exams.

Topic 2: Students of today are too busy to enjoy life. Do you agree? (AGAINST)
SAMPLE 2(A) - GRADE A ANSWER
In recent years, there has been a belief going around that modern students are A stand is made
much too busy to enjoy life. This sweeping statement is based on the fact that
students spend most of their time in school and tuitions, and are unable to find
time to enjoy life’s simple pleasures. Is that true? Students are too busy that they
can’t find time to enjoy life, to laugh, to have fun? I strongly disagree with this
opinion.

First, let me give the definition of the topic at hand. The topic clearly states
that students of today are too busy to enjoy life. Too busy, as in they have no spare
time. I think the statement is absurd, how can students be too busy, when they can
spend time loitering in supermarkets or in their online games? How would students Vary sentence
be able to go shopping with their friends, or catch up with the latest trends, or structures
listen to popular music, or watch cartoons during weekends? How indeed. Short sentence to
create effect
Students are not too busy to enjoy life. Nobody is. Even the jaded Simple sentence
businessmen working in the fast paced corporate world can fine time to enjoy the Compound
simple pleasure of life. In my opinion, the simplest pleasure of life is, of course, sentence
family. . A student having a conversation with his or her parents and siblings Complex sentence
during a meal, or over a phone in the campus, is enjoying life. He or she is enjoying
the feeling of loving and being loved. Who says that quality time has to be fixed
or planned, life a picnic or an outing? Quality time can be eating meals together, Impressive
or watching television together, or even sharing the sink whilst brushing your vocabulary
teeth. This shows that students are not too busy to enjoy the basic pleasure of life, ‘jaded
which is being with family. businessmen’

125
 Besides that, students can also enjoy life at school. A great person once
said that life without its challenges would be dull. I totally agree with this ‘derive pleasure’
statement. We can never be too busy. In fact, many people derive pleasure out of
doing hard work and excruciating the body and mind. Nobody wants to hang
around all day, doing nothing. This probably one of the main reasons students are Transition markers
anxious to get back to school after a long vacation. Some of the simplest pleasures Besides that
in life are hard work, accomplishment and success. Remember the last time you
did an assignment that you scored full marks? Or the time you finished an extra
tough algebra question and shouted, “Finally, I did it!” didn’t that feel good?
Wasn’t the sense of accomplishment is an enjoyment in its own way? That, my Proverb
friends, is how ‘busy’ students can enjoy life. After all, being busy is not all that “An idle mind, is
bad. Remember as the saying goes, “An idle mind, is the devil’s workshop.” the devil’s
workshop.”
Now, I know that one of my statements probably raised a controversy.
The statement I mad about why students are anxious to return to school. I know
that some of you readers are probably thinking along the lines of, “Hey, that’s not
true. The reason I want to go back to school is to meet up with my friends.” I can’t
argue with that. That’s also true. This brings me to my next point, friendship. No
man is meant to be an island. No student can stand being lonely for too long. This “No man is meant
is why we require companionship. Friendships are one of the pleasures that we to be an island.”
have in life. Students usually make some of their best friendships during school
life. Nobody takes “too busy” as an excuse to not make friends. Socializing is
human nature. Now flashback to when you talked with your friends on the phone,
or went to the movies with them, had a SMS tennis session with them, just to chat.
Enjoyed that? Definitely. Obviously, friendship in itself is one of the many
pleasure in life that students are not too busy to have.

In addition to that, some may argue that students today are too busy to sit
back and relax. They hardly have the chance to stop and look at nature’s wonder
and beauty. For that, I simply answer they have weekends, but then again, you
might say these students have to attend tuitions on weekends. Well, if all else fails, Punctuation have
there’s always the semester end break that lasts a few weeks, if not months. unity and
Students can go for a picnic at the beach or in the woods. This is time they can appropriately
walk, not run. This the time they can stop to smell the flowers, to lie on the grass, linked
to run around in the sprinklers, with nothing but heir swimsuits. Now, isn’t that
enjoying life?

Finally, it is at school that students obtain knowledge of the recent

happenings around them. Our current education system is wonderful. By
introducing recent happenings into our syllabus as essay topics, it makes, or should
I say forces students to read about them. Students would need to catch with news
and read on current issues about disasters. Subsequently, this teaches them the Impressive
values of humanity, of compassion, of love. Now, what does this have to do with words/phrases
the hectic lifestyle of students and them enjoying and appreciating life? Well,

126
 besides being busy absorbing facts, students learn to love, to be environmentally
friendly as they expand their scope of reading. Loving others, loving
unconditionally is enjoying life in its own way. They say that with knowledge
comes power and responsibility. I say that knowledge also brings love. Love,
which is the most basic requirement, in enjoying life.

In conclusion, I would like to state that students are not too busy to enjoy
life. Nobody ever was, is, or ever will be too busy to enjoy life. Life is simple yet
special this day. We definitely can obtain pleasure and happiness in the simplest
of things around us. Obviously, students can too. If our world leaders, such as our
Prime Minister ,….., undoubtedly the most busy people in our country, can find
time to enjoy life, then what is restricting the students? I stress again, that students
today are definitely and undeniably not too busy to enjoy life. I’m sure by now,
you, my fellow reader, fully agree with me.

SAMPLE 2(B) - GRADE E ANSWER

CONTENT LANGUAGE
FEATURES
I disagree that students of today are too busy to enjoy life. We have no A stand is given
worry. We have no children.
Simple structures
First, our parent give us money to spend. We have not much responsibility.
but accuracy is not
We have to only study and pass the exam.
sustained.
Second, at school, we have our friends. I have many friends, too. Friends are - error in singular
important in our life. I belief in the saying that, ‘No man is meant to be an and plural terms
island.’ Having many friends around us help to enjoy our busy life. We can play
and laugh together. Frequent mistakes in
Students need to learn many things in school academically or in sports. We spelling
must know how to plan out time. Then, we can have fun and enjoy our busy Vocabulary is
life. limited and too
simple to convey
In conclusion, I belief students today are not too busy to enjoy life. precise meaning.

Conclusion is dull
and vague

B. Guide and Development

127
In argumentative essay, one has to discuss the pros and cons of the topic or to give opinion. You
must present clear and accurate facts and give logical reasons to support your arguments. It is
necessary to use transition markers to indicate the order of these arguments.

Using Transitions Markers

Markers are easily recognized phrases which show the reader at a glance the place of a sentence,
a paragraph or a new argument.

The words and phrases in the box are used to link ideas in a sentence or a paragraph.

As a result Undoubtedly Although

For instance Similarly Nevertheless
Undeniably Likewise Despite
Unquestionably Moreover All the same
In addition On the contrary Also
Secondly However Thus
Thirdly The main reason/advantage/disadvantage/drawback
Finally Another reason/advantage/disadvantage/drawback
In other words Apart from that But

Put each one in the right list to show the kind of link it indicates.
1. To mark a series or reasons/ advantage/ disadvantage
(a) Firstly
(b) _______________________________________
(c) _______________________________________
(d) _______________________________________
(e) _______________________________________
(f) _______________________________________

2. To show contrast
(a) On the other hand (d) ____________________
(b) ____________________ (e) ____________________
(c) ____________________ (f) ____________________

3. To add further
(a) Furthermore (d) ____________________
(b) ____________________ (e) ____________________
(c) ____________________

4. To show result

128
 (a) Therefore (c) ____________________
(b) ____________________ (d) ____________________

5. To give emphasis
(a) without question (c) ____________________
(b) ____________________ (d) ____________________

6. To give example
(a) For example (b) ____________________

7. To express the same idea

(a) ____________________ (c) ____________________
(b) ____________________ (d) ____________________

C. Practice
Exercise 1
Fill in the blanks using the appropriate transition markers below.
For example Furthermore The first drawback In addition

Owning a car has so many disadvantages that one wonders why a person want one.
…………………..is the cost. A car owner has to pay at least RM45 000 for the cheapest new car
available. ……………………., there are all kinds of expenses to pay. …………………………,
he has to pay road tax, insurance, petrol and highway toll. ………………….., if his car breaks
down, bills for tow trucks, car repairs and spare parts will put a dent in his pocket.

Exercise 2

129
Complete the model essay below with transition markers from the list provided and punctuate
them correctly. Use each word or phrase more than once.
In conclusion , on the other hand , finally , secondly , however
In other words , apart from that , thirdly , the main reason
Where would you choose to study in: a boarding school or a day school?

Most students in Malaysia attend lessons in day schools. Students usually arrive for their classes
in school by 7.00 a.m. later during dismissal, at 1.30 p.m., it is a mad rush home for them.
……………………, the situation is different in a boarding school. This is because a boarding
school provided food and lodging for its students. I have never attended a boarding school but,
given a choice, I would choose to study in one.
……………………….. Is that student learning to be independent. In a boarding school, they
have to make their own beds and wash and iron their own clothes. ……………………, they have
to look after their personal belongings such as their important documents and money. They also
learn to study on their own without their parents breathing down their necks.
………………………..., students learn to manage their time wisely. They have to follow a
planned daily schedule which includes fixed hours for meals, studies, games and relaxation. These
planned activities help them to realise the importance of proper time management under the close
supervision of teachers-in-charge.
………………………, students in a boarding school have easy access to facilities after school
hours. A boarding school usually well-equipped with a library, good games facilities and language
and computer laboratories. A day school is also equipped with such facilities. However, day school
students may find it a hassle coming to school to use the facilities because of problems with
transportation.
………………………, staying in a boarding school enables a student to learn to tolerate one
another. Students learn to share their problems and to accept each other’s weaknesses.
………………………., students cannot expect to think only of themselves. Being away from their
families and loved ones, they have to rely on one another.
………………………, it can be said that staying in a boarding school has its pros and cons.
………………………, if the students can effectively manage their time in a conducive
environment, then they will find that the pros will far outweigh the cons.

D. Past Year Questions

1. School children should not have long holidays. Do you agree?(2009)
2. “The internet is mostly a good thing.” Do you agree? Support your opinion. (2010)
3. Should school students have part time jobs? Discuss (2011)
4. Should parents give children more freedom? Discuss. (2012)
5. Is tuition necessary? Discuss.(2013)
6. There is lack of freedom given to teenagers today. Do you agree? (2014)
E. Further Practices

130
1. Science has done more harm than good. Do you agree?
2. Competition is both beneficial and detrimental. Discuss.
3. ‘Education is more important than money.’ Do you agree?

131
Topical / Thematic / Phrase / Proverb

“A friend in need is a friend indeed”

Describe how a friend helped you in a difficult time.

SAMPLE 1(A) – GRADE A ANSWER

The Essay Language

Features
When I was little and I scraped my knee, my mother hugged me and offered a Good opening
band aid and a treat. I felt safe and cared for. I think everyone still craves for
that kind of attention even though we are all grown up. Getting a little mother
love from what we call a friend can help you get through a difficult time.
MERITS:
Whenever I have a bad hair day, I would call my best friend. Whenever The use of
an angry teacher just picked on me, I would send my best friend a text and her figurative
response would always make me laugh. Yes, my friend means a whole lot to language
me. Her name is Audrina. Whenever I am low or moody or upset, she is always
right there ready to hold my hand, offer the tissues and make me a mega Phrasal verb
margarita. She would always rush over if I have a fight with my boyfriend and Varied sentence
spend the night with me in couch potato land. She would turn up to my place structures
with a spare pretty dress when I spilt coffee all down my elegant outfit for a Simple sentence
friend’s birthday party. Not only does she come to my rescue all the time but
she picks me up, straightens me out and makes me feel strong enough to face Complex
the world again. sentence

She is indeed a friend in need. With her there, I always have emotional
support when something goes wrong- so 24/7 my best friend is my own personal
agony aunt. She gives me 100 percent attention when I need to debrief about
the subject I failed or the embarrassing thing I said on a date. But that’s not all Punctuations
– she nurtures me in other mother-style ways such as keeping my favourite 3- are accurate and
in-1 drink at her place or borrowing the Frozen DVD even though she has seen helpful to the
it because she knows that it will cheer me up. reader

Truth be told, I am actually suffering from Panic Disorder and Wide range of
Agoraphobia. There was once an incident where I thought that I was going to vocabulary
die of panic attack during a school project presentation. Many of my school
friends did not understand my psychological condition and so they thought that
I was just going through difficulties memorising my presentation script. They Compound
laughed at me not knowing that the fear an agoraphobic experiences is not just sentence

132
 nervousness or feeling a little anxious. It is part of a biological and
psychological process that is far beyond these limits and is often life-changing.

Luckily, Audrina came to my rescue. She explained my condition to my

other classmates and urged them to help support me with my recovery. She Accurate tense
wholeheartedly built an alliance with me and accommodated my limitations used
without judgement. She is really the one true friend.

Now, If we are out with my friend or loved one in my fearful world, she
would always let me know that she will provide the assistance I need without
question. Living in a world of fear, day-in and day-out, is not an easy Good closure
proposition. Every time I venture past my safe zone, Audrina would signal that
I am showing my monumental strength. I am so blessed to have a friend in need
like her, who is a friend indeed.

SAMPLE 1(B) – GRADE E ANSWER

1. Mostly SWE
2. Meaning fairly clear
3. Need to think to understand/require sentence by sentence reading
4. Partial treatment –partly addressing the topic

The Essay Language Features

All of us need someone to talk to. I like to talk to my friend. Everyone needs Opening too general
a friend in her lifetime. This is because a friend in need is a friend indeed.

I have a friend. My friend’s name is Audrina. She is always there for Simple sentence
me. She is always there when I am in trouble. She always makes me happy No connectors
when I feel down. She never fails to be my friend. Repetition

There was a happening I never forget in my life. I was at a canteen during Inappropriate and limited
recess to buy food. Someone pushed me. I fell on the floor. I was panic. vocabulary
People are laughing at me.
Tenses error
Luckily, Audrina was nearby. She come to help me. She help me to get
up. Then, she told everyone it is not nice to laugh. Then the person who
pushed me say sorry to me.

Audrina really made me feel safe. She knew that I have panic problem. I thank
her very much. She is really a friend in need is a friend indeed. Shorter than the required
number of words

133
Question 5/2:
“Beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder”.
Describe what beauty means to you.

1. Language is entirely accurate.

2. Sentence structures are varied in length and type.
3. Vocabulary is wide and used with precision.
4. Spelling and punctuation are accurate.
5. Paragraphs are well-planned, have unity and are linked.
6. Topic is consistently relevant.
7. Interest is aroused and sustained throughout.

SAMPLE 2(A) – GRADE A ANSWER

The Essay Language Features
If beauty is in the eye of the beholder, what would that mean Good opening. The
to a blind person? Why, though, are we drawn to the beautiful? Does use of questions to
that have something to do with thinking that these things or these arouse the reader’s
people are somehow beyond our normal, mediocre world? It is quite interest.
unfortunate that beauty is exploited to the point that it has become
ugly.

Take, for instance, our fascination with the female body. Varied word choice
Undoubtedly, many people have deemed it the most beautiful form on
earth. But then we see the female body defamed by awful fashion or
cultural taboos that corrupt it. If the female body is part of a goddess- Varied and effective
like persona, why are all these misfortunes heaped upon it? sentence structures

Beauty has also been detrimental to society, but it is sad to say

that people have made it that way. Beauty in the media translates into Compound sentence
trends and fads, many of them leading young teenagers into bouts of
anorexia and bulimia.
Beauty in nature is also somewhat paradoxical. We take for
granted that our planet is the only one we have, and on top of that, it
seems that Earth is the most beautiful rock of them all. Yet we are the
destroyers of this ultimate beauty.

If we can pause for a moment and think about what the Complex sentence
definition of beauty actually is, we can see that beauty is relative.
Therefore, can’t it exist everywhere? Whatever the case, there’s no
need to search the whole world for true beauty. True beauty rest in

134
 realizing that beauty is everywhere and it begins within one’s self. As
with other concepts such as love or peace, finding beauty elsewhere
can’t happen if it doesn’t begin by finding beauty within.

By way of this thinking, I absolutely acknowledge that life itself Good closure
is beauty. For me, there is no standard for beauty, because there is no
absolute, universal standard that can exist for beauty. After all, beauty
is in the eye of the beholder, right? Find beauty in everyday life by
realising that it exists everywhere in the world. Make the distinction
between inner and outer beauty, and that inner beauty is the one that Simple sentence
never really disappears. Inner beauty lasts forever.

SAMPLE 2(B) – GRADE E ANSWER

8. Mostly SWE
9. Meaning fairly clear
10. Need to think to understand/require sentence by sentence reading
11. Partial treatment –partly addressing the topic

The Essay Language Features

What is beauty? They say beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder. Opening too general
True or not? For me, beauty is from God.

Beauty can come from inside or outside. Some people think that Simple sentence
beauty only for models. But I feel I am beautiful also. I am beautiful No connectors
because I am good from inside and outside. I am good because I am Repetition
kind to all my friends.
Inappropriate and limited
Beauty is good. For me beauty depend on what you see. If you vocabulary
are good, you are beautiful. That is why the proverb say beauty lies
in the eyes of the beholder. SVA errors

Beauty is something good. Lastly, beauty is forever. Shorter than the required
number of words
General opening

Question 5/3

135
“My Childhood Days”

SAMPLE 3(A) – GRADE A ANSWER

1. Very figurative, descriptive and lots of language elements in it
2. Sophisticated
3. Linkers are used beautifully
4. Only a few slips
5. Purposeful punctuation
6. Sentence structures:
**May have dialogues (direct & indirect but not overdo-purposeful)
7. Active & passive
8. 3 types of sentences
9. Basic grammar perfect (SVA, singular-plural, tenses)

The Essay Language Features

There I stood on top of the tree, with the wind blowing at me and the warm Interest is aroused
glow of the heaven’s eye shining upon me. The limitless sky was
surrounding me. In the distance, I caught sight of a bird, probably a stork, The use of idiomatic
flying gracefully in the sky almost like it was dancing to the music of the expression
blowing wind trough trees. A thought generated in my mind; what if I could
fly like it? I would be able to climb higher to the sky and watch the world
Correct punctuations
from above. Without another moment of thinking, I stretched my arms to
each side of my body, put a leg forward and felt the cool fast air whipping
my face and then excruciating in pain.

The next day, I woke up in the hospital with bandages and cast all Varied and effective
over my body where they were injuries. The smell of medicine was strong sentence structures
on me. That’s what you will expect from a stupid thought of flying. But
then, I was only a child, five years old living in this world. I was curious, The use of correct
and as the saying goes “curiosity kills the cat”, which in my case landed me tenses
in the hospital and a fair share of scolding from the folks. This is one of the
many childhood memories I cherish. The days of my childhood was no less
to me the days of peace, happiness and adventurous.

As a child, I was like the many other children in the neighbourhood.

I did whatever seemed fun, which they were, but occasionally getting
disapproving comments and gestures from the authority known as adults. I
was not exactly labelled as a ‘wild child’ by the adults unlike some of my
friends for I knew when not to put a toe over the many lines of my doings.
The days in my neighbourhood were spent by the constant roaming around
with friends of neighbouring hoods. Bestowed upon us all was a measure of
limitless free time that could be otherwise spent for studying, doing
household chores or feeding the chickens.

136
 But how can you not resist the game of hide-and-seek with the whole
neighbourhood as the playground? Not me. I remember the time when it Short sentence
was fruit season. The ripe fruits hanging innocently on the trees, unguarded,
or so we thought until came the barking dogs and their owners, screaming
threats and curse words. But that was worth everything for the sweet taste
of a ripe mango with a pinch of victory and satisfaction. But as time mature,
so do people. I left behind the days of minor child mischief and went to
school.

The school years of my life were in my idea the years of

development. It prepared me for the future. It was like a torch that turned
on shines down the light of guidance through the dark room filled with Long sentence
choices that one must make and take. I spent my school years like any other
student with constant studying, change in hormones that cause drastic
changes, physically and mentally, the socializing with peers and may be
worst, pimples! Days I spent with my classmates were very memorable. And
some, I’m neither fond nor too proud of reminiscing. Realization came to
me as I look back at times in school. It was to me a second home and my
classmates a family of no blood-relation but a family nonetheless. Back then,
I always had mix feelings and a thought about school, to think it was nothing
but a learning facility. To feel that it was boring to spend my days in school.
Those thoughts have left me now, and in its place, the desire of going back
and starting over again with the hope of rectifying a few mischief, replaces
it. I brave myself to overcome these thoughts and move on to new things.

Time never stops. This is proven to me by the fact that now I am old
enough to leave the house of my parents to pursue my dreams. And as I sit
now awaiting for my flight, I tell myself that I have lived a good childhood
Effective closure
that stretched from the day I was born to the day I ride a plane to another
place to continue my studies.

SAMPLE 3(B) – GRADE E ANSWER

The Essay Language Features

137
My childhood days were full of wonderful memories. When I was a Opening too general
child, I used to spend time with my childhood friends, playing at the
paddy field. Sometimes, from the sun rose in the east till the sun set in
the west, we would spend time playing hide and seek at our favourite
paddy field spot.

We would not go back home until our parents came looking for us. Simple sentence
We would run and hide until our parents got tired of searching. When No connectors
they seemed to be giving up, we would come out from our hiding place Repetition
and went back home quickly before they got mad at us. Before they
could get angry, we would quickly take bath and got ready for dinner. Inappropriate and
limited vocabulary
My childhood days were well-spent swimming in the river trying to
catch fish. My siblings and I loved to swim in the river while catching SVA errors
fish. I remember fondly how my big brother told us that we should
catch some fish to bring back home so that we would not be scolded by Shorter than the
our parents. Of course when we reached home, my mother would be required number of
very pleased to see the fish that we caught. She would then cook the words General
fish for our dinner. opening

I love remembering my precious childhood days. Now that I am

a grown up, I wish I could go back to the time when we could play all
day long without getting stress of studying. I really miss my childhood
days.

PRACTICES

138
Practice 1:
“Actions speaks louder than words”
How true is this statement according to your life as a student?

Practice 2:
“Practice makes perfect”
To what extent this proverb has helped you in your co-academic life?

Practice 3:
“Social Networking”
What does this phrase have in store for humans nowadays?

Practice 4:
“Honesty is the best policy”
Do you think this proverb is still applicable in today’s society?

Practice 5:
“Don’t judge the book by its cover”
Describe an incident where you misjudged a person or a situation because of your first
impression.

ENRICHMENT
TENSES

139
 TYPES OF TENSES
Past Present Future
Simple Past Simple Present Simple Future
Past Continuous Present Continuous Future Continuous
Past Perfect Present Perfect Future Perfect
Past Perfect Continuous Present Perfect Continuous Future Perfect Continuous

1. Simple Present
The simple present tense can be used to indicate:
1. Repeated/ habitual actions
e.g. He goes to school every day.
I study every night.
2. Instructions/ Directions
e.g. Please close the door.
Turn left at the junction.
3. Scheduled events in the near future
e.g. The bus leaves at 9 o’clock tonight.
The event starts at 5 pm.
4. Facts/ Generalisations
e.g. Kota Kinabalu is the capital of Sabah.
Cats like milk.

2. Present Continuous
The present continuous tense can be used to indicate:
1. Actions happening/ not happening at the time of speaking
e.g. My brother is jogging around the park.
She is not watching the Korean Drama.
2. Longer actions that are in progress
e.g. I am studying to become a doctor.
They are working on a project for the Earth Hour Programme.
3. Events in the near future
e.g. I am meeting my friends tonight.
They are moving into their new house next week.

3. Present Perfect
The present perfect tense can be used to indicate:

140
 1. Actions that happened at an unspecified time before now
e.g I have been to France many times.
There have been many landslides along the road to Tambunan.
2. Duration from the past until now (Non-continuous Verbs)
e.g. She has known about it since December.
I have had the flu for five days

4. Present Perfect Continuous

The present perfect continuous tense can be used to indicate:
1. Duration from the past until now (continuous verbs)
e.g. I have been studying for three hours
They have been working at that company for ten years
2. Actions started in the past until now (without specific duration)
e.g I have been feeling happy lately
Recently, he has been paying too much attention to his looks

5. Simple Past
The simple past tense can be used to indicate:
1. Completed actions in the past
e.g. Last year, my family and I travelled to Korea
The boy tripped over a cable and injured his knees
2. Duration in the past
e.g. She stayed in Sandakan for a year
We talked for 15 minutes
3. Habits in the past
e.g. he played the piano. (He used to play the piano but not anymore)
I studied Japanese when I was a child.
4. Past facts/ Generalisations
e.g. She was friendly as a child, now she is rather shy
I didn’t like carrots before.

6. Past Continuous
The past continuous tense can be used to indicate:
1. Interruption in the past
e.g. He was texting me when the car came up from behind
At 7 pm last night, I was having dinner
2. Parallel actions/ Atmosphere
e.g. While I was cooking for dinner, he was watching television

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 When I walked into the house, my sister was playing with her Barbie dolls, my
father was reading the newspaper, my brother was talking on the phone and my
mother was cooking in the kitchen.

7. Past Perfect
The past perfect tense can be used to indicate:
1. Completed action before another event, incident, action etc. in the past
e.g. she did not have any money because she had lost her purse
I had learnt English before I moved to New Zealand
2. Duration before another event, incident, action etc. In the past
e.g. He had been in Jamaica for a month when his cousin came for a visit She
had owned the car for ten years before she decided to sell it.

8. Past Perfect Continuous

The past perfect continuous tense can be used to indicate:
1. Duration before something in the past
e.g. My baby had been sleeping for two hours when I walked into the room
They had been working at that company for a month before it suddenly closed
down.
2. Cause of something in the past
e.g He was sleepy because he had been studying all night
I was tired because I had been exercising.

9. Simple Future
The simple future tense can be used to indicate:
1. A future promise – “will”
e.g. He will drive you to school
I will call him later
2. A voluntary action – “will”
e.g. I will email you the recipe later
You look tired, so I will prepare tonight’s dinner
3. A plan – “is/am/are going to”
e.g. I am going to drive to Kota Kinabalu
She is going to make a cheesecake for his birthday
4. A prediction – “will” and “is/am/are going to”
e.g. Next year will be an interesting year
Next year is going to be a hectic year

10. Future Continuous

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The future continuous tense can be used to indicate:
1. Interruption in the future
e.g. I will be having dinner at my uncle’s house when you arrive tonight
At 8 pm tonight, I will be watching a movie with my daughter
2. Parallel actions/ Atmosphere
e.g. Tonight, I will be studying English and my brother will be watching football

11. Future Perfect

The future perfect tense can be used to indicate:
1. completed action before something in the future
e.g. Florence is going to have completed the course by the time she turns 20
By next December, the company will have recruited 50 new employees
2. Duration before something in the future (non-continuous verbs)
e.g. Jason will have had my car for a week by the time I return from Korea

12. Future Perfect Continuous

The future perfect continuous tense can be used to indicate:
1. Duration before something in the future
e.g. James will have been working at the company for more than a year by the time he
leaves for Singapore
She is going to have been sleeping for three hours when her children come home
from school
2. Cause of something in the future
e.g. He will be tired by the time he gets home because he will have been working for
over ten hours
My French will be perfect when I return to Milan because I am going to have
been learning French for over two years.

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EXERCISES/ TENSES DRILLS

Exercise 1 (Present Tense)

Fill in the blanks with the words given in the boxes below. You may change its form
according to the number indicated by the noun (singular or plural).

Enjoy prefer progress watch notice

Do advise increase like screen
Be become widen be forget

I (1) ___________ a 15-year-old student who (2) ______________ to watch television. However,
I (3) _____________ that TVM and 6TV (4) _______________ not air enough documentaries.
They (5) ______________ to air action movies and sports programmes.
Once in a while, TVM (6) ______________ some interesting documentaries, for example,
on Egypt. My family and I (7) _______________ such shows. My English teacher often (8)
________________ us to watch such programmes. But how can we watch them when there (9)
______________ none aired?
Some people only (10) _________________ sports programmes. They (11)
______________ angry when TVM and 6TV (12) _______________ the number of ocumentary
shows. Our TV stations often (13) _________________ their responsibility to educate the public.
Watching television (14) ___________________ one’s knowledge. The nation (15)
_______________ only if people are well-informed about the world around them.

Exercise 2 (Present Continuous Tense)

Brazaitis is trying to catch a king cobra which has escaped from its cage in the zoo. Fill in the
blanks with the present continuous form of the verbs given in brackets.

Brazaitis (1) ____________ (go) up the ladder to the attic. Foster and the curator (2)
_____________________ (helping) him. He (3) ____________ (peer) through the holes in the
ceiling, knowing that there will be no escape if the cobra attacks. Brazaities’ heart (4)
________________ (pound) interror.A shadowy, scaly being (5) ______________ (rest) between
two metal constructions.Brazaitis (6) _____________ (shine) a torch on it now.
Brazaitis (7) ________________________ (cut) a hole in the bottom of the ceiling
occupied by the snake. He (8) __________________ (reach) through it with a long noose and pole
to capture the reptile. Foster (9) _________________ (hold) the ladder steady while the curator
of the Reptile House (10) ____________________ (aim) a shotgun at the hole. The snake must
be shot dead if it tries to escape.

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Exercise 3 (Past Tense)

Change the words in the brackets to the simple past tense in the following description of a
woman who got lost in the Sahara Desert.

Amanda (1) _______________ (realise) with horror that she (2) __________________ (be) lost.
There (3) _______________ (be) no landmarks to help her and there (4) ______________ (be)
no footprints either.

The cold (5) ____________ (descend) and Amanda (6) ______________ (tremble).
Sahara nights are as frigid as the days are hot. As she (7) _________________ (lurch) over the
feautureless land, she (8) ________________ (know) her fellow travellers would be sleeping and
there would be no light to guide her.
Then she (9) ________________ (see) a fire glowing in the distance. After an initial
rush or relief, she (10) ________________ (freeze).She (11) _____________ (be) a young
blonde woman alone at night.Tuareg rebels (12) _________________ (roam) the area. They
(13) ______________ (be) not known for their tenderness towards women.
But having little choice, she (15) _______________ (walk) towards the glow as bravely
as possible.She (15) __________________ (recognise) the figure of a Wodaabe tribesman.

Exercise 4 (Past Continuous Tense)

Write the past continuous form of the verb given in brackets in the blanks provided below.

1. My daughter _______________ always _______________ (misplace) her things.

2. Mr and Mrs Lim ________________ (help) their seven-year-old son to make paper
Animals.
3. He _________________ (use) a hand pump, which required enormous effort.
4. She ________________ (visit) her grandparents at that time.
5. He _________________ (look) at the cover of the book when Tim spotted him.
6. The lights went out while Joe and I _______________ (do) our homework.
7. While they ______________ (get) out of the police car, one man got away.
8. The patient ______________ (respond) slowly to the treatment.
9. Bob __________________ (attend) an interview for a job in a supermarket.
10. He __________________ (visit) Texas when he was assassinated.
11. The man _________________ (walk) into the restaurant when he was stopped by the
police.
12. As Abdul _________________ (drive) to work, he witnessed a robbery.
13. I heard my friend complain that her computer ______________ (run) slowly.

145
14. the rescue team _______________ (prepare) to throw a line to the woman when one of
the men slipped.
15. Ah Leng, who _________________ not ________________ (wear) a seat belt, was
thrown seven metres into the air.

Exercise 5 (Present Perfect Tense)

Rewrite the passage below. Change the tense to the simple present and present perfect tenses
accordingly. Underline the verbs that you have changed.

The Interviewer didn’t like my smile and proceeded with teaching me how to d it properly.
“Do it like this”. He began to smile for me and called out, “Good morning, sir.”
Surprisingly, I got the job.
I had a very busy weekend trying out different smiles. Then came Monday morning and I
set out to work, dragging my feet along the pavement.
I thought all of my friends whom I had left at school and I envied their sums and
compositions and geography and history. I suddenly realised what a happy life I had left, and
what a hard, uncertain world I had moved into. I reached a place called Green Fold, and had to
turn into a narrow country road that led to the automotive workshop.

______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________

146
 Answers: Exercise 3:
1. realised
Exercise 1 2. was
1. am 3. were
2. likes 4. were
3. notice 5. descended
4. do 6. trembled
5. prefer 7. lurched
6. screens 8. knew
7. enjoy 9. saw
8. advises 10. froze
9. are 11. was
10. watch 12. roamed
11. become 13. were
12. increase 14. walked
13. forget 15. recognised
14. widens
15. progresses Exercise 4:
1. was...misplacing
Exercise 2: 2. were helping
1. is going 3. was using
2. are helping 4. was visiting
3. is peering 5. was looking
4. is pounding 6. were doing
5. is resting 7. were getting
6. is shining 8. were responding
7. is cutting 9. was attending
8. is reaching 10. was visiting
9. is holding 11. was walking
10. is aiming 12. was driving
13. was running
14. was preparing
15. was...wearing

Exercise 5:

The Interviewer doesn’t like my smile and proceeds with teaching me how to d it properly.
“Do it like this”. He begins to smile for me and called out, “Good morning, sir.” Surprisingly, I
get the job.
I have a very busy weekend trying out different smiles. Then comes Monday morning and I set out
to work, dragging my feet along the pavement.
I think all of my friends whom I have left at school and I envy their sums and compositions and
geography and history. I suddenly realise what a happy life I have left, and what a hard, uncertain world I
have moved into. I reached a place called Green Fold, and have to turn into a narrow country road that
leads to the automotive workshop.

147
VOCABULARY
Describing People

Physical Attributes Physical Attributes

1 Shape/Size 1. Chubby 5 Mouth 1. Big lips
2. Fat 2. Pouting mouth
3. Muscular 3. Thick lips
4. Of average 4. Thin lips
height/size 5. Toothless smile
5. Plump 6. Rosebud lips
6. Short 7. Yellow teeth
7. Tall 8. Shining teeth
8. Thin
2 Shape of Face 1. Broad 6 Skin / 1. Dark
2. Heart-shaped complexion 2. Fair
3. Oval 3. Freckles
4. Round 4. Pimples
5. Square 5. Smooth
6. Thin 6. Soft
7. Wrinkled
3 Cheeks 1. Dimpled 7 Hands 1. Broad
2. Fat 2. Huge
3. Pale 3. Long/Skinny
4. Rosy fingers
4. Soft
5. Rough
6. Tiny
4 Nose 1. Big 8 Arms / legs 1. Fat
2. Crooked 2. Long
3. Flat 3. Muscular
4. Hooked 4. Skinny
Personality (Adjectives)
Ambitious Dull Helpful Polite Trustworthy
Amusing Fair Ill-mannered Quiet Understanding
Boring Fearful Irresponsible Rude Unfriendly
Brave Firm Kind Selfish Loyal
Caring Friendly Lazy Snobbish Loving
Cruel Generous Nosey Sociable Tolerant
Cheerful Gentle Patient Stingy Zealous
Dependable Hardworking Playful Timid Hardworking

148
Verbs

Organise Schedule See

Campaign / Doctor /
Hold Implement Police patrol Consult
seminar / talk veterinary
Carry out Arrange Visit

Handle Solve Receive

Overcome Situation Overcome Problem Accept Award
Cope with Work out

Provide Launch Held

Build Facilities Write Report Chair Meeting
Improve Attend

Suggest Deliver Buy

Goods /
Propose Idea Present Speech Purchase
Groceries
Recommend Convey

Movement

E.g.: said loudly yelled

To replace “said”
1 Loudly/Angry/Fierce 1. Bellowed
2. Growled
3. Grumbled
4. Ranted
5. Raved
6. Roared
7. Screamed
8. Screeched
9. Snapped
10. Snarled
11. Thundered
12. Yelled
2 Slowly 1. Drawled
3 Happy 1. Chattered
2. Chirped
4 Amused 1. Chortled
2. Giggled
3. Joked
4. Prattled
5 Scared 1. Croaked
2. Sputtered
3. Stammered
4. Stuttered

149
6 Boastful 1. Bragged
2. Crowed
3. Exclaimed
4. Gushed
5. Jabbered
6. Sputtered
7 Repetition 1. Echoed
2. Mimicked
3. Repeated
8 Insulting 1. Jeered
2. Sneered
3. Sniggered
4. Mimicked

To replace “walked” or “ran”

1 In haste/Too excited 1. Barged
2. Burst
3. Charged
4. Dashed
5. Dived
6. Flew
7. Hurried
8. Jumped
9. Leapt
10. Rushed
11. Scrambled
12. Shot
13. Skidded
2 Slow 1. Crawled
2. Inched
3 Happy/Childish/Graceful 1. Danced
2. Flitted
3. Floated
4. Glided
5. Hopped
6. Sauntered
7. Skated
8. Skipped
9. Strolled
10. Twirled
11. Waltzed
4 Boastful 1. Pranced
2. Strutted
3. Swaggered

150
5 Sad/Tired/Hurt 1. Crawled
2. Dragged
3. Drooped
4. Hobbled
5. Limped
6. Plodded
7. Shuffled
8. Staggered
9. Tottered
10. Trudged
6 Fearful/Sneaky 1. Crept
2. Edged
3. Prowled
4. Slid
5. Slipped
6. Sneaked
7. Tiptoed
7 Angry/Stern 1. Marched
2. Stamped
3. Stormed
4. Stomped

Describing Scenes
1 Sea Sand Soft, silky, coarse, burning, white, golden, shimmering
Coconut palms Dancing, waving, rustling … as if to welcome us
The water Blue, green, grey (storm approaching), crystal-clear,
shimmering in the sun
The waves Gentle waves rushed to the shore; Gigantic waves crashed on
the rocks
1. Far out on the sea/on the horizon … a fishing boat, an ocean liner …
2. Couples … walking hand in hand, splashing the shallows/frolicking on the
water’s edge
3. A cool/warm/gentle breeze caresses my skin
2 Sky 1. The sun rose … a ball of fire/in a pool of liquid gold/crimson and gold.
2. The sky was streaked with red, orange and gold.
3. The clouds blushed a shade of deep pink.
4. The sky seems ablaze with red and gold.
5. Fluffy white clouds drifted across the blue sky.
6. Ominous black clouds hung overhead.
7. It was a grey afternoon with dull clouds threatening the rain.

151
3 Rainstorm 1. The dark clouds that had been gathering all day gave way to pouring
sheets of rain.
2. A flash of lightning streaked across the sky, followed by a roll of thunder.
3. The distant rumble of thunder …
4. The soft patter of raindrops …
5. The torrential rain thundered on our zinc roof.
6. The rain poured from the heavens.
7. Sheets of rain … / A curtain of rain …
8. The storm raged
9. The wind was trashing in the treetops/howled overhead
10. A high wind swept across the plain.
11. Late that night, the rain finally abated.
4 Traffic 1. A motorbike/racing car whizzed by/roared past…
2. A lorry/An old bus rumbled by … in a cloud of dust/petrol fumes …
3. The traffic piled up …
4. Long rows/A sea … of cars, motorcycles and lorries … / traffic
5. We crawled along the road … / We inched forward, bit by bit …
6. Dust … Exhaust fumes …
7. Impatient drivers honked their horns … cursing … waving their fists
8. Red, sweaty faces …

Happy Occasions
1 Wedding 1. Delicious / finger-licking food
2. Happy faces
3. Toast to the newly weds
4. Performance
5. Cake-cutting ceremony
2 Achieved excellent results 1. Leaping with joy
2. Tears of joy
3. Words could not describe my happiness
4. Flying colours
5. Proud
6. Thankful
7. Grateful
8. Congratulating
3 Vacation 1. Relax
2. Happy
3. Beautiful sceneries
4. Spend quality time
5. Bonding session

152
Sad Occasions
1 Car accidents 1. A pool of blood stained the road
2. Unconscious
3. Crying
4. Ambulance
5. Policemen
6. Shattered glass
2 Natural Disasters (Flood, earthquake, etc) 1. Sad
2. Lifeless bodies
3. Ruins
4. Tears of sorrow
3 Fire 1. Fire brigade
2. Fire engine
3. Screaming
4. Burnt bodies
5. Thick smoke filled the air
6. Choke

153
VARIETY IN SENTENCE STRUCTURES

SENTENCE
STRUCTURES

COMPOUND SENTENCES WITH

COMPLEX SENTENCE-
SIMPLE SENTENCES SENTENCES-sentence DIFFERENT
longer sentences
with joining words BEGINNINGS

SENTENCE PATTERNS

PATTERN ONE: SIMPLE SENTENCE

 Contains a subject and a verb.

 It expresses a complete thought/only one main idea.
 This means that it doesn't contain more than one independent clause, and it doesn't
contain any subordinate clauses.

This pattern is an example of a simple sentence:

Independent clause [. ]

Example: Doctors are concerned about the rising death rate from asthma.

COMPOUND SENTENCE :A compound sentence contains at least two independent clauses.

These clauses are joined by a coordinating conjunction or a semicolon.

154
PATTERN TWO :COMPOUND SENTENCE

This pattern is an example of a compound sentence with a coordinating conjunction:

Independent clause[ , ] coordinating conjunction independent clause [ . ]

There are seven coordinating conjunctions: and, but, for, or, nor, so, yet.

Example: Doctors are concerned about the rising death rate from asthma (independent

clause) but (coordinating conjunction) they don't know the reasons for it (independent clause).

PATTERN THREE: COMPOUND SENTENCE

This pattern is an example of a compound sentence with a semicolon.

Independent clause[ ; ] independent clause [ . ]

Example: Doctors are concerned about the rising death rate from asthma; they are unsure

of its cause.

PATTERN FOUR: COMPOUND SENTENCE

This pattern is an example of a compound sentence with an independent marker.

Independent clause[ ; ] independent marker [ , ] independent clause [ . ]

Examples of independent markers are the following: therefore, moreover, thus, consequently,
however, also.

Example: Doctors are concerned about the rising death rate from asthma (independent

clause); therefore (independent marker), they have called for more research into its causes (

independent clause).

155
COMPLEX SENTENCE :A complex sentence contains a subordinate clause and an
independent clause.
A subordinate clause is a group of words that has a subject and a verb but does not express a
complete thought.

PATTERN FIVE: COMPLEX SENTENCE

This pattern is an example of a complex sentence with a dependent marker.

Dependent markerdependent clause[ , ] Independent clause[ . ]

Examples of dependent markers are as follows: because, before, since, while, although, if,
until, when, after, as, as if.

Example: Because doctors are concerned about the rising death rate from asthma

(independent marker) they have called for more research into its causes (independent clause).

PATTERN SIX: COMPLEX SENTENCE

This pattern is an example of a complex sentence with a dependent marker.

Independent clausedependent markerdependent clause[ . ]

Examples of dependent markers are as follows: because, before, since, while, although, if,
until, when, after, as, as if.

Example: Doctors are concerned about the rising death rate from asthma (independent

clause))because it is a common(dependent marker), treatable illness (dependent clause).

156
PATTERN SEVEN :COMPLEX SENTENCE

This pattern includes an independent clause with an embedded non-essential clause or phrase

First part of an independent clause[ , ] non-essential clause or phrase, rest of the

independent clause [ . ]

A non-essential clause or phrase is one that can be removed without changing the meaning of the
sentence or making it ungrammatical. In other words, the non-essential clause or phrase gives
additional information, but the sentence can stand alone without it.

Example: Many doctors, including both pediatricians and family practice physicians, are

concerned about the rising death rate from asthma.

PATTERN EIGHT :COMPLEX SENTENCE

This pattern includes a / at least two independent clauses and at least one subordinate clause OR
compound-complex type

SENTENCES WITH DIFFERENT BEGINNINGS

a. Begins with a gerund

Examples :i. Complaining about the noise is useless
ii. Solving crime is one of the jobs of an inspector.
iii. Retrenching of workers results in unemployment.

b. Begins with a preposition

Examples :i. With the guidance of her teacher, she passed the test.
ii. To his surprise, he won the first prize in the contest
iii. Before the match, they met in front of the stadium.

157
Exercise
Identify the following sentences as S=simple, CP=compound, CX=complex,
CC=Compound-Complex. To make this easier, circle the subjects, underline the verbs, and
cross out the prepositional phrases.

_____ 1. The most popular sport in the world is soccer.

_____ 2. People in ancient China and Japan had a form of soccer, and even Rome had a
game that resembled soccer.
_____ 3. The game as it is played today got its start in England.
_____ 4. In the Middle Ages, whole towns played soccer on Shrove Tuesday.
_____ 5. Goals were built at opposite ends of town, and hundreds of people who lived in
those towns would play on each side.
_____ 6. Such games resembled full-scale brawls.
_____ 7. The first side to score a goal won and was declared village champion.
_____ 8. Then both sides tended to the wounded, and they didn’t play again for a whole year.
_____ 9. The rules of the game were written in the late 1800s at British boarding schools.
_____10.Now, nearly every European country has a national soccer team, and the teams
participate in international tournaments.
_____11.For both rich and poor in Rome, public baths were a daily pleasure.
_____12.The baths were somewhat similar to modern health clubs, although they had little
equipment for exercising.
_____13.Rome alone had 856 baths; most of them were private.
_____14.Citizens who became rich were expected to build baths for their fellow citizens, and
many generously built huge marble facilities.
_____15.For the equivalent of about a quarter-penny, any Roman could be massaged,
scrubbed, and soaked in a public bath.
_____16.First, bathers might exercise, and then they went to a hot, dry room to sweat.
_____17.Next, they visited a hot, steamy room, and the final stage was a plunge into ice-cold
water.

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_____18.After the citizens finished their baths, they would wrap themselves in towels and
visit with friends or walk about the grounds.
_____19.The serious-minded could browse through the bath’s library.
_____20.They also sat around and played chess and checkers in game rooms.

GOOD LUCK!

THE END

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