SPM

ENGLISH
NOTES
 PAPER 1
(SECTION A : DIRECTED WRITING)
1. ARTICLE

OUR HERO F1 (Title)

by Alina F2 (Writer’s name)

(Main ideas)

(Supporting details) F3(Content)

....................wishing him all the best for his future. Well done John!

F4 Ending (wish/hope)

QUESTION
You find that many of your friends are under a lot of pressure. They spend most
of their day studying and appear to suffer from stress. Write an article for your
school newsletter on how to cope with stress. Include the following points:

 Regular exercise (C1)

 Hobbies (C2)

 Work in groups (C3)

 Balanced meals (C4)

 Enough sleep (C5)

 Study skills (C6)

 Make a check-list (C7)

 Seek advice (C8)

 Games (C9)

 Talk to your family (C10)

 Listen to music (C11)

Surf the internet (C12)
/

SAMPLE

Coping with Stress

by Wira Mohamad

The phenomenon of students under pressure is evident from the behaviour of

those students affected. I am a student and I know when my friends are under
pressure. Some of those active ones will suddenly turn passive. Some will
become too quiet while some tend to get angry fast.

There are many ways one can get rid of stress. Firstly, student, especially
teenagers, must go for regular exercise. A brisk walk in the park would release a
lot of tension. Students should play football, hockey, basketball and badminton to
reduce stress.

Exercise is also said to relax the body muscles and keep you calm.
Students must have hobbies such as reading, collecting stamps, fishing or
listening to music of your choice. These leisure activities help keep students free
from school-related stress.

Therefore, students should plan a time-table. They can also work in groups
to solve some of their academic problems. Besides making friends and
discussing certain issues, group discussions can help improve study skills. One
of these is the ability to make a check-list of all the activities planned and carried
out. This in turn will make studying more effective and avoid unnecessary
pressure.

Students should also have balanced meals and enough sleep. These are
said to be basic to healthy lives. Students, especially those in examination
classes, must sleep and eat well because a healthy body creates a healthy mind.
However, the process of going to sleep can sometimes be difficult. Hence, it is
necessary to seek advice from those whom we trust and love. Counsellors in
school are helpful but you can always talk to your family first. However, if nothing
works, there is a need to seek treatment from the relevant authorities. You may
be surprised but a friend of mine said that screaming at the mountains and
laughing your heart out can take away stress.
2. INFORMAL LETTER

Lorong Hitam,Jalan Puaka F1

No.99 Kota Kinabalu, Sender’s address

Sabah

Dear Atilia, (name) F2

Salutation (Dear name)

(Main ideas) F3

(Supporting details) (Content)

Your friend,

Betty F4 (Signing off)

QUESTION
You are away from home and wish to buy a present for your brother on his
birthday. He bought you an expensive gift on your birthday so you would like to
get him something special.
You have two items in mind for him but you do not have enough money. Using
the information given below write a letter to your mother asking for some money.
In your letter:

 compare both items

 state the item you have chosen

 state the amount of money you have and the amount you need

 give reasons for your choice by providing information

about what your brother’s hobbies are

what you know about your brother

previous birthday gifts he has received
Use the specifications of the items given below to support your request.

Danon Camera Bicycle

Specifications: Specifications:

 RM250.00  RM250.00

 Fully automatic  5-gear

 Panoramic view  Adjustable seat

Sample Answer

Jason Wong,
23, Jalan Hamidah,
19780 Kota Bharu,
Kelantan.

30 April 2011

Dear Mum,

How are you? I hope you are fine. I am sorry for not writing earlier. As you know, life in
the university is quite hectic. How is everyone at home? I miss home.

Mum, Brother Rick’s birthday is in May and I hope to buy him a special gift.
Unfortunately, I do not have enough money. I was wondering if you could give me a
short-term loan. I have about RM200.00 in my savings account. I need another
RM100.00. I promise to pay you back as soon as I receive my scholarship.

I have two items in mind for Rick. One is a Danon Camera and the other item is a bicycle.
Both have a price tag of RM250.00. The camera is a fully automatic one and has a lens to
capture nature in its panoramic view. The Danon Camera looks like a worthwhile buy
compared to the bicycle. I think that there is noth9nbg special about bicycles with five
gears and adjustable seats. I have decided to choose the Danon Camera.

My choice is based on several factors. Firstly, Rick loves outdoor activities. I remember
him complaining about not having a camera to record his joyous moments. I also know
that Rick is not an enthusiastic cyclist. He prefers camping, climbing, and trekking. A
camera would be just right for him. If my memory does not fail me, he was given a
bicycle for his twelfth birthday. I can’t remember where the bicycle is now.

That’s all for now. Please send my love to Papa and Alice. Before I forget, please do not
tell Rick anything. I want to surprise him on his birthday.

Yours sincerely,
Jason
3. REPORT

To: Mr Lee F1 (To)

Principal

SMK Kuantan

REPORT ON THE SCHOOL SPORTS EQUIPMENT F2 Title (REPORT ON…)

(Main ideas) F3 ( Contents)

(Supporting details)

Reported by, F4 (From)

Lee Reported by

LEE LI LI & name

Secretary & post)
Sports Committee
QUESTION
You are unhappy with the poor condition and services of your school library.
Write a report to your principal. You must use the notes given below.

 Rude librarian

 Insufficient space

 Old furniture
Old and torn books

 Faulty media
equipment

 Short borrowing
period

 to provide a title

 To use all the notes

given

 To elaborate notes
SAMPLE

To, The Principal

SMK Sri Harmoni,
18000 Kuala Krai,
Kelantan.

The Poor Conditions And Services By The Library

My name is Ahmad Bin Mohd. Ali. I am very unhappy with the conditions
and services provided by our school library. This is a serious matter and should
be solved as soon as possible.

First of all the librarians are very rude. They often scold us when we
return the books late although we pay the fine. It is hard to see them smile. So I
hope you will do something about this.

There is insufficient place to sit and read. Our school has about 1000
students. The library is so small. We have to stand and sit outside the library
along the corridor to read books or newspaper.

Besides, the library has old furniture. The chairs are all rusty and some
even broken. The tables are shaking and might fall one day. The racks are very
old. We are afraid if would fall anytime. I request the school to buy new furniture.

Apart from that, our library is filled with old and torn books, which are not
suitable for the students. Some of us have asked the teacher in charge to buy
new books but he said the library has financial problems.

Other than that, the media equipment is faulty. The students cannot
access computers anytime they want. The television cannot be switched on. We
hope that the school will buy a new television or repair the old one.
Finally the students are not satisfied with the borrowing period, which is too
short. We can only borrow the reference books for two days. We can borrow the
story books for one week. We hope the library would expand the borrowing
period. This is all I would like to complain about. I hope you will look into this
matter as soon as possible.

Reported by,

(Ahmad bin Mohd. Ali)

4. SPEECH
F1

Good morning ........ Greetings (Good

morning/afternoon,evening)

F2
I am going to give a speech entitled “Healthy Lifestyle” in
accordance of World’s Health Day … Speech title & purpose

(Main ideas)

(Supporting details) F3

Contents

F4

......... Thank you. Ending (Thank you)

QUESTION:-

You are the President of the Environmental Club of your school. You
have been requested by your principal to give a speech during school
assembly. Your speech is in conjunction with the “Love your
Environment” campaign.
Using the notes below, write your speech.

 Collect waste material and separate

 Send to recycling centers \Collect old newspapers

 Poster competition

 Do not litter

A very good morning I bid to the principal,Pn Halimahton binti

Jamal, senior assistants, teachers and friends,
I am Kamarulzaman bin Ahmad, proudly standing here as the
President of the Environmental Club, and am really honoured to be
given this opportunity to talk to all of you today. In conjunction with the
“Love your Environment” campaign, I would like to talk about the
activities to be carried out to show that we love our environment.
As students, it is our responsibility to keep our environment
clean. We play a vital role in protecting our environment. A lot of waste
can be reused such as bottles, cans, and newspapers. Therefore,
every morning we will go around the school compound and collect all
waste materials. Then we must separate these waste products in
different garbage bags. These garbage bags will then be sent to
recycling centres.
The next activity is collecting old newspapers from our home. You
are requested to collect old newspapers and bring them to school
every morning. The collection centre will be the school canteen. There
will be someone from the club who will be in charge of the collection.
Please make sure that you tie the newspapers into bundles before
handing them in.
Another activity that will be held is the poster competition.
Anyone interested must register with Lim May May from Form 5 Mulia.
th
The closing date of submission is the 10 March 2011. The theme of
the posters must follow the theme of our campaign. The first prize
winner will get a book voucher of RM200, the second prize winner will
get a book voucher of RM100, and the third prize winner will receive a
book voucher of RM50.
Finally, I wish to give a word of reminder to you all. Please do not
litter. We must avoid the habit of throwing rubbish indiscriminately. We
must always remember that a cleaner environment would ensure a
happier and healthier life. I would like to make an appeal for full
cooperation from all parties to make this campaign a success. With
that, thank you
 PAPER 1
(SECTION B : CONTINOUS WRITING)
 SHOWING SENTENCES VS TELLING SENTENCES

• “Show Me, Don’t Tell Me“ is an approach to writing a more vivid paragraph as it
breathes life and energy into any story.
• A reader would want to see how the characters in a story come alive and controls
the attention of the reader. When you ‘tell’ a story…it may seem mundane or boring.
• Telling sentences tell us something and gives general, non-specific and often vague
ideas
• They do not involve the reader and these type of sentences are written in a dull and
lifeless manner.
• Telling is the wrong way of communicating facts to the reader.
• So if “telling” is not an effective way of writing…a good writer should use “showing”
sentences.
• “Showing” sentences show us - they describe the scene and actions, they help us
see by using clear, specific details to create clear, strong pictures in our minds.
• “Showing” sentences will get the reader to experience the story as if the reader is
there participating in the story.
• Now…let’s look at some examples

tou
ch

Telling Sentence Showing Sentence

Jack was afraid. As the footsteps tapped closer and closer, Jack felt his
stomach muscles tighten. He flattened himself to the
wall, the gritty bricks against his cheek. Jack was
afraid.

hear touch

• In the “telling” sentence, we are given information but in a way that doesn’t involve
the reader
• In the “showing” sentence however, the reader is brought in the scene along with
Jack. Here the 5S ( sense of touch, smell, feel, see, hear ) factor is used

Smell touch feel see hear

Jack was afraid.

PARAGRAPH POWER

• Every paragraph should contain the three main elements mentioned below
– Topic Sentence
– Lets the reader know the topic or main idea of the paragraph
– General Statements
– Gives general reason to go along with the main idea
– Supporting Sentences
– Added support and details to enhance a general statement
• Paragraphs should also be structured as a BLOT ( Bottom Line On Top )
– Topic sentence
Sets up the expectation in the mind of the reader. The paragraph fulfills
those expectations
– Key points and supporting details
– Concluding sentences
These sentences should lead into the topic sentence of the next paragraph
and remind us of the main point
 In order to construct a meaning paragraph and establishing logical flow is the
use of transitions – words that logically link supporting sentences in a
paragraph
 To choose the correct transition words, first determine the conceptual
category, then select the words or phrases.

Transition Category Transition Words / Phrases

Adding to also, furthermore, in addition, moreover

Showing sequence then, next, after, finally

first, second, third
one, two, three

Contrasting however, nevertheless, in contrast, on the

other hand, conversely

Showing cause and effect therefore, as a result, consequently, thus for

this reason

Providing examples for instance, for example

Showing similarity similarly, likewise

Conclusion in summary, in conclusion, to sum up, all in

all, all things considered

 Transitions are signals, they establish the relationship between concept and
paragraphs to powerfully move the reader from paragraph to paragraph.
Now let us have some practice on how to construct a topic sentence.

1. Topic ( Fast food ) + Main Point ( What will you say about the topic )

I will tell you about fast food. (×)

Fast food is bad for your health. (√)

This is about fast food. (×)

Fast food chains are opening restaurants in Malaysia
and Indonesia. (√)

Here I will talk about fast food. (×)

Fast food is getting healthier. (√)

I will introduce fast food. (×)

Fast food in Malaysia is highly popular. (√)

*** ( x ) with these type of sentences, not much elaboration can be done

A good paragraph contains a topic sentence, general statements, supporting details and a
concluding sentence

Practice 1

topic sentence general statements

Fast food is getting healthier. Recently, in restaurants such as Mc Donald’s, you can find
veggie burgers and salads on the menu. Burger King even has special menus for people who
have to avoid certain food for health reasons. They list all the ingredients for people to see.
Things have really changed for the better on the fast food chain. Now, when you think of fast
food, it does not have to mean bad food.

supporting details concluding sentence

The above paragraph contains the three elements mentioned above. It shows that a good
paragraph will have ample information about the topic supported with various sentences.

WHY IMAGINATIVE/NARRATIVE ESSAY?

 No format
 Usually in past tense
 Different candidate has different stories,hence, examiners have no choice but to
read until the end of the essay.
 It can be obtained from self-experience/imagination.
 As long as you write and have a good storyline you will be granted with marks.
 Use one or two proverbs only.
 Expand your ideas using WH-questions and your 5 senses.

WH-QUESTIONS 5 SENSES
WHERE? SIGHT
WH0? HEAR
WHAT? SMELL
WHY? TOUCH
WHEN? TASTE
WHICH?
HOW?

SYNONYMS FOR 95 COMMONLY USED WORDS IN THE ENGLISH

LANGUAGE

1. Amazing — incredible, unbelievable, improbable, fabulous, wonderful,

fantastic, astonishing, astounding, extraordinary
2. Anger — enrage, infuriate, arouse, nettle, exasperate, inflame, madden
3. Angry — mad, furious, enraged, excited, wrathful, indignant, exasperated,
 aroused, inflamed
4. Answer — reply, respond, retort, acknowledge
5. Ask — question, inquire of, seek information from, put a question to,
demand, request, expect, inquire, query, interrogate, examine, quiz
6. Awful — dreadful, terrible, abominable, bad, poor, unpleasant
7. Bad — evil, immoral, wicked, corrupt, sinful, depraved, rotten,
contaminated, spoiled, tainted, harmful, injurious, unfavourable, defective,
inferior, imperfect, substandard, faulty, improper, inappropriate, unsuitable,
disagreeable, unpleasant, cross, nasty, unfriendly, irascible, horrible,
atrocious, outrageous, scandalous, infamous, wrong, noxious, sinister,
putrid, snide, deplorable, dismal, gross, heinous, nefarious, base, obnoxious,
detestable, despicable, contemptible, foul, rank, ghastly, execrable
8. Beautiful — pretty, lovely, handsome, attractive, gorgeous, dazzling,
splendid, magnificent, comely, fair, ravishing, graceful, elegant, fine,
exquisite, aesthetic, pleasing, shapely, delicate, stunning, glorious,
heavenly, resplendent, radiant, glowing, blooming, sparkling
9. Begin — start, open, launch, initiate, commence, inaugurate, originate
10. Big — enormous, huge, immense, gigantic, vast, colossal, gargantuan,
large, sizable, grand, great, tall, substantial, mammoth, astronomical, ample,
broad, expansive, spacious, stout, tremendous, titanic, mountainous
11. Brave — courageous, fearless, dauntless, intrepid, plucky, daring, heroic,
valorous, audacious, bold, gallant, valiant, doughty, mettlesome
12. Break — fracture, rupture, shatter, smash, wreck, crash, demolish, atomize
13. Bright — shining, shiny, gleaming, brilliant, sparkling, shimmering,
radiant, vivid, colourful, lustrous, luminous, incandescent, intelligent,
knowing, quick-witted, smart, intellectual
14. Calm — quiet, peaceful, still, tranquil, mild, serene, smooth, composed,
collected, unruffled, level-headed, unexcited, detached, aloof
15. Come — approach, advance, near, arrive, reach
16. Cool — chilly, cold, frosty, wintry, icy, frigid
17. Crooked — bent, twisted, curved, hooked, zigzag
18. Cry — shout, yell, yowl, scream, roar, bellow, weep, wail, sob, bawl
19. Cut — gash, slash, prick, nick, sever, slice, carve, cleave, slit, chop, crop,
lop, reduce
20. Dangerous — perilous, hazardous, risky, uncertain, unsafe
21. Dark — shadowy, unlit, murky, gloomy, dim, dusky, shaded, sunless,
black, dismal, sad
22. Decide — determine, settle, choose, resolve
23. Definite — certain, sure, positive, determined, clear, distinct, obvious
24. Delicious — savoury, delectable, appetizing, luscious, scrumptious,
palatable, delightful, enjoyable, toothsome, exquisite
25. Describe — portray, characterize, picture, narrate, relate, recount,
represent, report, record
26. Destroy — ruin, demolish, raze, waste, kill, slay, end, extinguish
27. Difference — disagreement, inequity, contrast, dissimilarity,
incompatibility
28. Do — execute, enact, carry out, finish, conclude, effect, accomplish,
achieve, attain
29. Dull — boring, tiring„ tiresome, uninteresting, slow, dumb, stupid,
unimaginative, lifeless, dead, insensible, tedious, wearisome, listless,
expressionless, plain, monotonous, humdrum, dreary
30. Eager — keen, fervent, enthusiastic, involved, interested, alive to
31. End — stop, finish, terminate, conclude, close, halt, cessation,
discontinuance
32. Enjoy — appreciate, delight in, be pleased, indulge in, luxuriate in, bask in,
 relish, devour, savour, like
33. Explain — elaborate, clarify, define, interpret, justify, account for
34. Fair — just, impartial, unbiased, objective, unprejudiced, honest
35. Fall — drop, descend, plunge, topple, tumble
36. False — fake, fraudulent, counterfeit, spurious, untrue, unfounded,
erroneous, deceptive, groundless, fallacious
37. Famous — well-known, renowned, celebrated, famed, eminent, illustrious,
distinguished, noted, notorious
38. Fast — quick, rapid, speedy, fleet, hasty, snappy, mercurial, swiftly,
rapidly, quickly, snappily, speedily, lickety-split, post-haste, hastily,
expeditiously, like a flash
39. Fat — stout, corpulent, fleshy, beefy, paunchy, plump, full, rotund, tubby,
pudgy, chubby, chunky, burly, bulky, elephantine
40. Fear — fright, dread, terror, alarm, dismay, anxiety, scare, awe, horror,
panic, apprehension
41. Fly — soar, hover, flit, wing, flee, waft, glide, coast, skim, sail, cruise
42. Funny — humorous, amusing, droll, comic, comical, laughable, silly
43. Get — acquire, obtain, secure, procure, gain, fetch, find, score, accumulate,
win, earn, rep, catch, net, bag, derive, collect, gather, glean, pick up, accept,
come by, regain, salvage
44. Go — recede, depart, fade, disappear, move, travel, proceed
45. Good — excellent, fine, superior, wonderful, marvellous, qualified, suited,
suitable, apt, proper, capable, generous, kindly, friendly, gracious, obliging,
pleasant, agreeable, pleasurable, satisfactory, well-behaved, obedient,
honourable, reliable, trustworthy, safe, favourable, profitable, advantageous,
righteous, expedient, helpful, valid, genuine, ample, salubrious, estimable,
beneficial, splendid, great, noble, worthy, first-rate, top-notch, grand,
sterling, superb, respectable, edifying
46. Great — noteworthy, worthy, distinguished, remarkable, grand,
considerable, powerful, much, mighty
47. Gross — improper, rude, coarse, indecent, crude, vulgar, outrageous,
extreme, grievous, shameful, uncouth, obscene, low
48. Happy — pleased, contented, satisfied, delighted, elated, joyful, cheerful,
ecstatic, jubilant, gay, tickled, gratified, glad, blissful, overjoyed
49. Hate — despise, loathe, detest, abhor, disfavour, dislike, disapprove,
abominate
50. Have — hold, possess, own, contain, acquire, gain, maintain, believe, bear,
beget, occupy, absorb, fill, enjoy
51. Help — aid, assist, support, encourage, back, wait on, attend, serve, relieve,
succour, benefit, befriend, abet
52. Hide — conceal, cover, mask, cloak, camouflage, screen, shroud, veil
53. Hurry — rush, run, speed, race, hasten, urge, accelerate, bustle
54. Hurt — damage, harm, injure, wound, distress, afflict, pain
55. Idea — thought, concept, conception, notion, understanding, opinion, plan,
view, belief
56. Important — necessary, vital, critical, indispensable, valuable, essential,
significant, primary, principal, considerable, famous, distinguished, notable,
well-known
57. Interesting — fascinating, engaging, sharp, keen, bright, intelligent,
animated, spirited, attractive, inviting, intriguing, provocative, though-
provoking, challenging, inspiring, involving, moving, titillating, tantalizing,
exciting, entertaining, piquant, lively, racy, spicy, engrossing, absorbing,
consuming, gripping, arresting, enthralling, spellbinding, curious,
captivating, enchanting, bewitching, appealing
58. Keep — hold, retain, withhold, preserve, maintain, sustain, support
59. Kill — slay, execute, assassinate, murder, destroy, cancel, abolish
60. Lazy — indolent, slothful, idle, inactive, sluggish
61. Little — tiny, small, diminutive, shrimp, runt, miniature, puny, exiguous,
dinky, cramped, limited, itsy-bitsy, microscopic, slight, petite, minute
62. Look — gaze, see, glance, watch, survey, study, seek, search for, peek,
peep, glimpse, stare, contemplate, examine, gape, ogle, scrutinize, inspect,
leer, behold, observe, view, witness, perceive, spy, sight, discover, notice,
recognize, peer, eye, gawk, peruse, explore
63. Love — like, admire, esteem, fancy, care for, cherish, adore, treasure,
worship, appreciate, savour
64. Make — create, originate, invent, beget, form, construct, design, fabricate,
manufacture, produce, build, develop, do, effect, execute, compose,
perform, accomplish, earn, gain, obtain, acquire, get
65. Mark — label, tag, price, ticket, impress, effect, trace, imprint, stamp,
brand, sign, note, heed, notice, designate
66. Mischievous — prankish, playful, naughty, roguish, waggish, impish,
sportive
67. Move — plod, go, creep, crawl, inch, poke, drag, toddle, shuffle, trot, dawdle,
walk, traipse, mosey, jog, plug, trudge, slump, lumber, trail, lag, run, sprint,
trip, bound, hotfoot, high-tail, streak, stride, tear, breeze, whisk, rush, dash,
dart, bolt, fling, scamper, scurry, skedaddle, scoot, scuttle, scramble, race,
chase, hasten, hurry, hump, gallop, lope, accelerate, stir, budge, travel,
wander, roam, journey, trek, ride, spin, slip, glide, slide, slither, coast, flow,
sail, saunter, hobble, amble, stagger, paddle, slouch, prance, straggle,
meander, perambulate, waddle, wobble, pace, swagger, promenade, lunge
68. Moody — temperamental, changeable, short-tempered, glum, morose,
sullen, modish, irritable, testy, peevish, fretful, spiteful, sulky, touchy
69. Neat — clean, orderly, tidy, trim, dapper, natty, smart, elegant, well-
organized, super, desirable, spruce, shipshape, well-kept, shapely
70. New — fresh, unique, original, unusual, novel, modern, current, recent
71. Old — feeble, frail, ancient, weak, aged, used, worn, dilapidated, ragged,
faded, broken-down, former, old-fashioned, outmoded, passé, veteran,
mature, venerable, primitive, traditional, archaic, conventional, customary,
stale, musty, obsolete, extinct
72. Part — portion, share, piece, allotment, section, fraction, fragment
73. Place — space, area, spot, plot, region, location, situation, position,
residence, dwelling, set, site, station, status, state
74. Plan — plot, scheme, design, draw, map, diagram, procedure, arrangement,
intention, device, contrivance, method, way, blueprint
75. Popular — well-liked, approved, accepted, favourite, celebrated, common,
current
76. Predicament — quandary, dilemma, pickle, problem, plight, spot, scrape,
jam
77. Put — place, set, attach, establish, assign, keep, save, set aside, effect,
achieve, do, build
78. Quiet — silent, still, soundless, mute, tranquil, peaceful, calm, restful
79. Right — correct, accurate, factual, true, good, just, honest, upright, lawful,
moral, proper, suitable, apt, legal, fair
80. Run — race, speed, hurry, hasten, sprint, dash, rush, escape, elope, flee
81. Scared — afraid, frightened, alarmed, terrified, panicked, fearful, unnerved,
insecure, timid, shy, skittish, jumpy, disquieted, worried, vexed, troubled,
disturbed, horrified, terrorized, shocked, petrified, haunted, timorous,
shrinking, tremulous, stupefied, paralyzed, stunned, apprehensive
82. Show — display, exhibit, present, note, point to, indicate, explain, reveal,
prove, demonstrate, expose
83. Slow — unhurried, gradual, leisurely, late, behind, tedious, slack
84. Stop — cease, halt, stay, pause, discontinue, conclude, end, finish, quit
85. Story — tale, myth, legend, fable, yarn, account, narrative, chronicle, epic,
sage, anecdote, record, memoir
86. Strange — odd, peculiar, unusual, unfamiliar, uncommon, queer, weird,
outlandish, curious, unique, exclusive, irregular
87. Take — hold, catch, seize, grasp, win, capture, acquire, pick, choose,
select, prefer, remove, steal, lift, rob, engage, bewitch, purchase, buy,
retract, recall, assume, occupy, consume
88. Tell — disclose, reveal, show, expose, uncover, relate, narrate, inform,
advise, explain, divulge, declare, command, order, bid, recount, repeat
89. Think — judge, deem, assume, believe, consider, contemplate, reflect,
mediate
90. Trouble — distress, anguish, anxiety, worry, wretchedness, pain, danger,
peril, disaster, grief, misfortune, difficulty, concern, pains, inconvenience,
exertion, effort
91. True — accurate, right, proper, precise, exact, valid, genuine, real, actual,
trusty, steady, loyal, dependable, sincere, staunch
92. Ugly — hideous, frightful, frightening, shocking, horrible, unpleasant,
monstrous, terrifying, gross, grisly, ghastly, horrid, unsightly, plain, homely,
evil, repulsive, repugnant, gruesome
93. Unhappy — miserable, uncomfortable, wretched, heart-broken,
unfortunate, poor, downhearted, sorrowful, depressed, dejected,
melancholy, glum, gloomy, dismal, discouraged, sad
94. Use — employ, utilize, exhaust, spend, expend, consume, exercise
95. Wrong — incorrect, inaccurate, mistaken, erroneous, improper, unsuitable

LIST OF USEFUL IDIOMS/PHRASES

01. Absence makes the heart grow fonder

(we miss our friends and relatives more when they are away)
eg. She used to quarrel with her sister but now, she misses her. It
is a case of absence makes the heart grow fonder.

02. All and sundry

( everybody, all types of people)
eg. The government’s new rule concerns all and sundry.

03. As different as night and day

( completely different)
eg. The twins sister may look alike but their mannerisms are as
different as night and day.

04. Bed of roses

( a happy, comfortable situation)
eg. Life is not always a bed of roses. At times, it can be challenging, too

05. Boiling point

( when one is very angry)
eg. When he repeated the mistake for the third time, the
teachers
 reached the boiling point.

06. Cost a bomb

(very expensive)
eg. His new bungalow house costs a bomb.

07. Curry favour with someone

(to sweet talk/ pretending to be nice to someone for own’s advantage)
eg. Some students have been currying favour with the new
form
teacher.

08. Cut your coat according to your cloth

(adjust the spending /expenses according to the money one has)
eg. That shirt is too expensive, so I have to cut my coat according to my cloth.

09. Dream come true

( a wish which has come true)
eg. Having you as a friend is a dream come true.

10. Dyed in the wool

(holds certain principles/believes strongly since small)
eg. For a person dyed in the wool, it was difficult for him to change
his ideas and values.

11. Eat humble pie

( to be apologetic when proven wrong)
eg. You’ll have to eat humble pie if you’re proved wrong.

12. Every nook and cranny

(everywhere)
eg. They searched every nook and cranny for the missing book
but to no
avail.

13. Fall on deaf ears

( did not pay attention to the advice/warning)
eg. The teacher’s advice to him seemed to have fallen on deaf ears.

14. Few and far between

(very few/limited)
eg. Good jobs with bright chances for promotion are few and far between.

15. Fish out of water

(someone who is uncomfortable with the surroundings)
eg. I was like a fish out of water as I was not familiar with the place.

16. From A to Z
( to know everything in detail)
eg. You should know the details of the topic from A to Z.

17. From cradle to the grave

( throughout one’s life)
eg. Whatever you learn now, you should remember it from cradle to the grave.
18. Give a big hand
( to clap/applause)
eg. Everybody gave a big hand after the dancers finished their eautiful performance.

19. Give a pat on the back

(to praise/congratulate someone)
eg. Although Lim did not excel in his exams, his parents gave him a pat on the
back for
trying hard.

20. Green with envy

(feeling very envious)
eg. If you buy a new car, your neighbours will be green with envy.

21. Haste makes waste

(doing something in a hurry will spoil the work)
eg. She was in such a hurry that she spilt the milk on the floor. Haste makes waste.

22. In hot water

(in serious trouble)
eg. The principal caught him red-handed vandalizing. Now, he is in hot water.

23. On the dot

(at exactly the right time)
eg. We are expected to be at there at 2.30 on the dot.

24. On one’s high horse

( very arrogant/proud)
eg. She has been on her high horse ever since she was admitted to the prestigious
university

25. Pride and joy

(A special object that is someone’s love and pride)
eg. The table that he built on his own, is his pride and joy.

26. Shake like a leaf

(to tremble with fear)
eg. The boy who was caught stealing, was shaking like a leaf.

27. Show one’s true colours

(to show one’s true character)
eg. He pretended to be generous but he showed his true colours when he refused to
donate
money to charity.

28. See red

(to become very angry)
eg. My mother saw red when she caught me coming home late at night.

29. Thick and fast

(comes in great numbers and fast)
eg. Offers to help the tragedy-stricken family came thick and fast.
30. Tom, Dick and Harry
(anybody)
eg. We do not want any Tom, Dick and Harry to enter the hall.

31. Ways and means

(methods or ways to do something)
eg. There are ways and means of making money through business deals.

PAPER 1
SECTION A : MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION
SECTION A : MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

 Read the questions & answers carefully.

 Take your time to look for keywords.

 Use pencil to blacken the correct space on page 20 (OMR).

 Choose only one answer per question.

 Recheck your answers.

SECTION B : INFORMATION TRANSFER

 Read the questions carefully and make sure not to exceed the word limit for
each question.

eg. use no more than three words for each blank.

 Make sure your spelling is correct.

 look for answers from the text only.( There's no need for you to think of your
own answers as this is information transfer aka copy & paste)

SECTION C : STRUCTURED QUESTIONS & SUMMARY

 Read and follow the instructions for each question obediently.

eg. which one word in paragraph 2 tells us that Sarah's father was one of
the earliest surfers in Malaysia?

 Do not ever avoid HOTS question. Try to answers logically. Most answers are
accepted.

eg. Refer question no.30

HOW TO WRITE SUMMARY?

 Write no longer than 130 words, including the 10 words given. (no marks will be
given for the extra words even if the content is included)
 Read the questions carefully to look for the specific information.

eg. use material from line 5 to line 31.

 write in continous writing form(not note form)

 Search for content point as much as you can. (CP=10 marks)

 Try to write the content points in your own words without changing the
meaning/context. (if you can't,DON'T!)

SECTION D : POEM & NOVEL

 Make sure you understand the poem.

 Do not avoid HOTS questions as most answers are accepted.

 For novel, please specify your choice; the title of the novel & the author.

 Read the question carefully. If the question asks for one character, do not give
more than one.

 Provide textual evidences from the text to support your answer. Be specific by
elaborating on the events and give examples.

 Do not write a general answer ( touching only on the surface of the story).

 If you are asked to give an opinion, please indicate by using “in my opinion or
from my point of view”.