LSP 401 – GENERAL ENGLISH

SEMESTER 1, ACADEMIC SESSION 2021/2022

SAMPLE QUESTIONS FOR RESPONSE WRITING (30%)

EXCERPT 1: HANDPHONES

By their nature, groundbreaking technologies ask hard questions of society,

especially as people adapt to them. Smartphones are no different. If citizens are not
protected from prying eyes, some will suffer while others turn their backs. Societies
will have to develop new norms and companies learn how to balance privacy and
profit. Governments will have to define what is acceptable. But in eight short years
smartphones have changed the world--and they have hardly begun.

(Adapted from: The Economist, February 2015)

Respond in about 100-150 words for EACH question.

1. In your opinion, how will your life be if you are the only person without a
smartphone?
(15 marks)

2. As a university student, how do you ensure that your personal information in

smartphone is protected?
(15 marks)

1
EXCERPT 2: MYSALAM

The MySalam insurance scheme has been expanded to include the middle 40 (M40)
income group, with around eight million people now standing to gain from the free
public health protection scheme. The insurance scheme last year covered 4.3 million
Malaysians between the ages of 18 and 55 in the bottom 40 (B40) income group.

In addition to the one-off payment of RM8,000 for B40 patients who are diagnosed
with any of the critical illnesses under the scheme, MySalam will now also provide a
one-off payment of RM4,000 for M40 patients.

Both groups are eligible to claim a daily payment of RM50 for a maximum amount of
RM700 a year as replacement income if they are hospitalised with any of the critical
illnesses recognised by the scheme.

(Adapted from: The Star, February 2020)

Respond in about 100-150 words for EACH question.

1. Do you think the targeted groups (B40 and M40) are aware of this scheme?
(15 marks)

2. In your opinion, what could be the downside of implementing this scheme?

(15 marks)

2
EXCERPT 3: FINAL FUNERAL RITES

The funeral arrangements and mourning guidelines for those who died from Covid-
19 will be painful for their next of kin, if not worse, say a mufti and a funeral parlour
management. According to the Health Ministry’s guidelines, the bodies of Covid-19
patients can only be handled by those specially trained to handle those who died
from infectious diseases.

Under these circumstances, the bodies will not be handed over to families, who will
also not be allowed to touch them, bathe them (as per Islamic requirements) and
dress them. In short, family members will not be allowed to give them the typical
send-off that is normally done for other deaths.

(Adapted from: The Star, March 2020)

Respond in about 100-150 words for EACH question.

1. In your opinion, is it acceptable to forgo the traditional burial customs during a

pandemic?
(15 marks)

2. How can the family show their last respects to the deceased without violating the
Movement Control Order (MCO)?
(15 marks)

3
EXCERPT 4: GATHERINGS & RELIGIOUS OBLIGATIONS

The government has banned all gatherings, including international meetings,

sporting events, social and religious assemblies until April 30 due to the Covid-19
pandemic. The Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department in charge of religious
affairs issued a guideline for obligations conducted at mosques to avoid the spread
of Covid-19.

"I hope that the Islamic religious authorities in all the states will also release similar
guidelines in accordance with advisories from the Health Ministry. Events for other
faiths involving large-scale assemblies must also be reviewed based on the advice
given by the Health Ministry” he said.

(Adapted from: The New Straits Times, April 2020)

Respond in about 100-150 words for EACH question.

1. In your opinion, are religious obligations more important than one’s health?
(15 marks)

2. How do you keep your religious practices active during MCO?

(15 marks)

4
EXCERPT 5: JOGGER DEFIES MCO

A cardiologist has pleaded not guilty to charges of obstructing a public servant from
discharging duties in enforcing the movement control order (MCO) that took effect on
March 18. On Thursday (March 19), Dr Ong was stopped by Penang Island City
Council enforcers for jogging in City Park here and refusing to return home.

Dr Ong, 61, was charged under Section 186 of the Penal Code, which provides for
imprisonment of up to two years, or a maximum fine of RM10,000, or both, if found
guilty.

(Adapted from: The Star, March 2020)

Respond in about 100-150 words for EACH question.

1. In your opinion, should the cardiologist be punished? Why?

(15 marks)

2. The community is the frontliner that needs to protect the last line of our defence
namely healthcare workers and police officers among others. Give your views on
this statement.
(15 marks)