REPORT (DIRECTED WRITING)

Your school library is in a bad state and many of the students have been complaining about
it. As the Secretary of your school’s Reading Club, you have been asked to write a report to
the Principal to inform him about the problem and to suggest solutions. 

Include the following points in your report:

 old books in poor conditions

 insufficient chairs and tables
 media equipment is not functioning
 inefficient and lazy librarian

You should elaborate on the points given and add any further points of your own. When
writing your report you should remember:

 that you are writing to your Principal.

 to address him properly
 to sign off correctly

Comment:

You have to write a report, addressed to the Principal. Make sure you include all the points
provided, elaborating on them through details, examples, explanations or related points. You
can touch briefly on the improvements that you would like to see, but as it was not specified
in the question, you should not stress on them. Note that the word limit was not mentioned so
you are free to add in more material so as to gain the maximum marks that have been
allocated for your points. The language used must be formal. Be sure not to use slang,
contractions or conversational forms.

REPORT (DIRECTED WRITING)

Sample Answer:

To: The Principal, SMK Panglima Bukit Gantang, Kerian, Perak

Poor Conditions and Services of the School Library

I am writing this report to draw your attention to the poor conditions and services of
our school library.

Firstly, the collection of library books needs to be expanded and improved upon.
Many of the books are so old that they are out of-date and in poor condition, with torn or
missing pages.
 Secondly, the seating arrangements are inadequate. Only 12 chairs have been
provided in our library for a school of more than 200 students. Furthermore, many of the
chairs and tables are rickety and the table tops are all so deeply scratched that it is difficult to
write on them. It would also be much more conducive to readers if some easy chairs were
provided, so pupils will able to relax while reading.

Thirdly, the media equipment in the library is not functioning. As far as I know, it has
been out-of-order since January last year and has not been repaired since then.

Finally the school librarians arc rude and unhelpful. To quote just one example, when
asked for help in finding a book, one librarian responded, “Find it yourself. Do you think I
am your mother?” Surely, librarians should be more willing to assist the students.

One of the objectives of our club is to encourage reading among the students of the
school. As we realise that many of the students will have little access to good reading
material apart from the school library we hope that the conditions in our library can be
improved.

……………………………………….……..
(NOOR AISHAH BT MOHAMAD RASOL)
Secretary
School Reading Club
 Report to Principal - Complaint about School Canteen
You are very disappointed by the conditions and services provided by your school canteen.
You decide to write a report to inform your school principal about the poor conditions and
services of the canteen. These would include:

Insufficient table and benches

    Food and drinks not covered
     Too little food counters
    Dirty and clogged drains – smelly
     Food – expensive and lacks variety
    Inadequate food – late comers have nothing to buy, to eat
    Cold food – not fresh
Rude canteen workers

MODEL ANSWER

To        :          Mr. Hasnan bin Jalal,

                        The Principal,
                        Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Permata

From   :          Malik bin Abdul

Date    :          24 March 2011

Report about the School Canteen

           
I am writing this report is to draw your attention regarding the school canteen.  Many
of the students of Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Permata are unhappy about the conditions
at the school canteen. There were lots of complaints regarding this issue.
            In the first place, there are insufficient tables and benches. Our school has a student
population of over 1 000. There is only one period of recess time for all forms. More than 80
per cent of the students go to the canteen during recess to buy food and drinks. Unfortunately,
there are only about twenty-five tables and fifty benches which can accommodate less than
half the number of students. As a result, many students have to stand while eating.

            The food sold at the canteen not only expensive but lacks of variety. The menu is the
same every day. For the past five years, ever since the present canteen management took
over, students go back to the same food.

            The hygiene and preparation of food leave a lot to be desired. The food and drinks are
not covered. They way canteen attendants dress speak volume about hygiene. With their
lackadaisical attitude, the food they sell would one way or the other become contaminated.

            My fourth complaint about the canteen pertains to the etiquette of the canteen
workers. They are rude and arrogant. They often shout at students. The students are always
on the receiving end of their bad moods.

            We hope that conditions at the canteen will improve. The canteen should provide
better amenities. There should also be a different menu everyday so that students will not
have to taste the same food day in and day out. Cleanliness should be given top priority.

            We hope that you will look into our complaints and take steps to remedy the situation.
The students are prepared to boycott the canteen if their complaints go unheeded.

Reported By,
Malik
MALIK BIN MOHD JALIL
 Road Safety
Road accidents have been on the increase with more young people becoming victims.
Your school has decided to launch a “Road Safety Week” to raise awareness among
students of the need to be more responsible on the road chairperson of the school’s
organising committee, you have been asked to give a talk to other students on road
safety.

A very good morning to the Principal of SM Sri Mayang, teachers and fellow friends.
As the chairperson of the school’s organizing committee for the ‘Road Safety Week’, I would
like to give a talk on some safety tips for the students. As we know, there has been an
increase in the accidents reported involving students of this school. I hope this talk will raise
your awareness to be more responsible and careful when using the road.

I would like to identify some of the reasons why road accidents occur. First, speeding
beyond the prescribed limits is the main cause. Some drivers not only speed but also drive
recklessly, breaking road rules and beating the traffic lights. Moreover, drivers who are tired
after long distance driving or after a long day work, may not be able to concentrate on the
road, thus causing accidents. Youngsters using the road as their racing track is another cause
too. Drivers who do not check and maintain their vehicles often may be involved in accidents
because their vehicle is faulty. Many potholes and uneven roads which contribute to the poor
condition of the road too can cause accidents.

However, these problems can be overcome with strict enforcement of traffic rules to
those who flaunt the law. The offenders should be caught and fines should be increased. Only
road-worthy vehicles, which have been maintained well, should be permitted on the roads.
Awareness campaigns on safe driving should be carried out everywhere. Since young drivers
are high on the accident list, their age limit should be increased. If the drivers are involved in
any accidents, their licence should be suspended.

I hope the short talk that I have delivered have given you some ideas of how to use the
road safely. Thank you for listening
 A CAMPING EXPERIENCE
A Camping Experience
I couldn’t sleep the night before. I was just too excited. This was my first time on a
camping trip. I had packed my backpack 3 days ago. There was a list of things that were
required from everyone such as sleeping bags, torchlight, matches, Mars Energy Bars and not
forgetting mosquito repellents.

Around 8am the following day, we arrived in our school bus at the foothills of
Gunung Ledang which is famous for its many myths and also beautiful camping spots. There
were 20 of us. We were all in our school scouts team accompanied by two teachers and our
guide, an Orang Asli man called Adun. First we went to register ourselves at the rangers’
office before starting our hike.

It was a wonderful, cool morning. Adun pointed out to us various types of edible wild
plants and told us to 'respect the jungle' by not littering or thinking bad thoughts. 2 hours later
we reached a waterfall. It was a perfect spot to set up our tents. By the time we finished
setting up the tents, it was lunch time. Adun showed us how to gather firewood and lit up a
fire. He made a makeshift stand over the fire and hung a pot of icy water from the waterfall to
boil. While waiting to cook rice, our teachers said we could all go for a quick swim in the
waterfall. We had so much fun together! After a simple of rice and sardines, we rested for a
while. In the evening, our teachers took us exploring around the area and gather more
firewood before nightfall.

At night, after dinner, we lit a big fire and sat around it. Our teachers talked about
jungle survival tips and later we played games. Then Adun told us a few mystical stories
about Gunung Ledang. Some were scary and a few of us kept looking behind our backs at the
dark jungle. By 10pm our teachers asked us to go to sleep. Some of us couldn’t sleep so
ended up chatting quietly in our tents till wee hours of the morning. We went home the next
morning, tired but happy.
 Anti-Smoking Campaign (Speech)
Your school is having a month-long ‘A Healthy Body Campaign’. As President of the Health
Club of your school, you decide to give a speech on the ‘Tak nak Campaign’ recently
launched by the government.

Model Answer

“Tak Nak” Campaign

            A very good morning to our dear Principal, Mr. Hasnan bin Jaafar, teachers and
students.

            Recently, our former Prime Minister, Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi launched an anti-
smoking campaign called “Tak Nak”. You can now see this short and rhyming catch phrase
“Tak Nak” everywhere – on billboards, posters, TV ads, and sometimes I even hear it on the
radio. Though some people have criticised our government for setting aside a staggering sum
of RM100 million over 6 years for the campaign, it is nothing compared to the huge amounts
that tobacco companies spend to promote smoking.

            But in this war against smoking, money definitely talks; it is necessary for the Tak
Nak Campaign to constantly remind us of the hazard of smoking because about 50 Malaysian
teenagers light up for the first time every day. In fact, some of these youth progress steadily
from this to regular use, with addiction raking hold within a few years. And this is despite the
warning on every pack of cigarettes that states unequivocally “Smoking is dangerous to your
health”.

            What can the Tak Nak Campaign do to combat this? Their aggressive advertising
creates media awareness among the public, especially among the fashionable young crowd,
that smokers have yellowed teeth and suffer from shortness of breath and tells them that it is
not cool to smoke. It is also not responsible of them to affect non-smokers with second-hand
smoke.

            Also, there is a succession of infomercials on TV and in the papers showing the
debilitating effects of tobacco addiction on the body and gruesome statistics of smoke-related
deaths. We are now familiar with the graphic pictures of damaged lungs on billboards which
should scare people into not smoking. This works, as I know some of my friends are quitting
now, or trying to reduce the number of cigarettes they smoke per week.

            However, I feel any anti-smoking campaign is more effective if other people and
organisations are actively involved too. Yes, the first step has been taken by the top, but sad
to say, many of our politicians smoke themselves. Nearer to home, so do some of our parents
and teachers.

            These adults have to be good role models by not smoking themselves. If they do
smoke, they should tell their children and students that they regret that they ever started, and
then take steps to quit smoking as soon as possible. They must practise what they preach.

On a more positive note, I commend the Malaysia Amateur Athletic Union for its zero-
tolerance of smoking because they know that smoking and health just do not mix. How can
our sportsmen excel if they cannot stop smoking.

Dear teachers and students, thank you for your attention. Let me end my speech by reiterating
that smoking is a bad habit, so make Tak Nak your mantra. If you have started smoking, say
Tak Nak and quit! And if you haven’t started smoking, say know that smoking not only
damages your health but you are also literally burning your money.
Describe an Afternoon at the Bus Station
It was two o’clock in the afternoon. I was heading towards the bus station with Mohan
after Mrs Wong’s extra class. The sun was beating mercilessly on my back and I could feel
my sweat trickling down my spine. I have often wished that my mother would allow me to
ride a motorcycle to school. She says that I am not ready but we both know that she is
terrified that a car would knock me down.

When I reached the bus station, it was nearly empty except for a handful of boys.
Mohan and I strode to a bench near the stationmaster’s office. I could feel the tension on my
shoulders as the straps of my school bag ate into my shoulder. “Where is the bus?” I sighed to
myself. An elderly woman came and asked me where I was going. She started a conversation
but gave up after my monosyllable answers.

Suddenly, someone shouted and I saw a bus swerved into the station. I got up,
thankful for the chance to escape from the woman. . It was Mohan’s bus. The group of boys
were jostling each other to get into the bus. “Hurry! Hurry!” shouted the conductor but
nobody seemed to be moving. The black fumes made me nauseous. All of a sudden, people
started appearing from all directions to board their bus. In no time, the passengers were
packed like sardines in the bus. It started to move, leaving some unfortunate passengers
behind. I waved at Mohan when I noticed him dangling on the steps of the bus. The bus
swerved out of the station again. It left another trail of black smoke.

I decided to go to ice stall. The iced sugar cane juice soothed my parched throat as I
sipped slowly, all the while keeping an eye on the bus. Then I saw the bus heading towards
the station. I paid for my drinks. “See you tomorrow,” I waved to the owner.

Once more, the crowd began to swell near the bus. I noticed that the elderly woman
was being shoved around by the boys. She started hitting them with her umbrella. Then, I saw
Raja, my classmate at the back of the bus. I hurled my bag through the window and he caught
it. By the time I got into the bus, it had already started moving. I got into my seat and told
myself that I must really try to convince my mother about the motorcycle again.  

Caning

The rise in discipline problems among students has been related to the lack of respect
students have for teachers. This disrespect appears to be linked to the ban on caning by class
teachers. Hence, there has been a call to put the cane back in the teacher's hand to Instil
discipline.

Is it through the fear of caning that students will learn discipline? Can the cane create
a sense of respect for the teacher and the school authority?

Caning can be a powerful deterrent to misbehaviour. Contrary to popular belief,

caning does not scar a child or youngster psychologically unless the punishment meted out Is
unjust or too severe. However, would teachers who are confronted by an onslaught
of disobedience, rudeness and disrespect still be able to act rationally? The number of cases
in which teachers misused their power have caught much attention.

These are teachers who resort to caning as a way to control students. No improvement
in the student's behaviour results in increased and more severe punishment until the
punishment can rightfully be termed child abuse. it is often the teachers' mood that
determines the severity of the caning. Caning in other words has become a means to release
the teachers' frustration and anger. This is an abuse of power.

Teachers cannot expect to be respected by their students just because they have been
given the power to cane. Respect is not gained through the power of the cane, but by a mutual
understanding through a close student-teacher relationship. If a teacher carries out this
responsibility well and fairly, and is able to show love and concern, he will be admired and
respected. When such a teacher canes a student, the student will realize that is is because the
teacher cares. Not only will he regret his misbehaviour, but he will respect the teacher.

The role of parents in training their children to be courteous and to respect adults,
must not be overlooked. How many parents these days respect their children's teachers? On
top of that, many parents have become over protective. Under such circumstances, how then
do we expect students to respect their teachers?

There is no doubt that caning is useful in changing behaviour if it is properly

implemented. However, it should not be seen as panacea for disrespect for teachers and
indiscipline in schools. Misbehaviour of students is not solely caused by the fact that teachers
are banned from using the cane. Therefore empowering teachers to cane naughty children
will not solve the problems. Parents, teachers and those in authority should look at the root
the problems and work from there.

My Favourite TV Programme
The television (TV) is part and parcel of many households. Therefore, watching
television is a culture of today’s modern society. It is a favourite past-time of many people,
cutting across the culture, creed, gender and age. I must admit that I too enjoy “sitting glued”
to the TV as mum often laments. Since I watch TV whole day long, I don’t blame mum.
However, whenever I watch my favourite TV programme she doesn’t complain. In fact, she
often sits together to watch it, the ‘National Geographic’.

The National Geographic is a well-known documentary programme, focusing mainly

on the ever-changing world, on Mother Earth and on nature and peoples and creatures that
colour it with. Just the press of a switch and a button and ‘Hey Presto!’, the whole world is
brought before me, for me to savour its beauty and wonders. Personally, I am often awed and
amazed with them.

I like this programme because it is very educational. It is a ‘window to the world’. By

watching it, I can ‘travel’, ‘explore’ and ‘discover’ the four corners of the world. I have
trekked up the highest peak and conquered Mt. Everest. I have dived down the deepest
trenches. I have walked through the wilderness and be amongst the wild beasts, big and
small. Thus, this programme has helped to expand my horizon and improve my knowledge
and experience. I can proudly say I am no more a ‘frog in the well’.

I also enjoy watching the National Geographic because it is entertaining, interesting

and stimulating. I never imagined that such an educational programme can be very enjoyable.
I get a chance to enjoy the kaleidoscope of sights, sounds and colours of the world and its
different peoples, all in the comfort of my own home.

In addition to that, this programme is of very high quality and it is produced by a team
of experts, all are authorities in their own field of interest. The photographic footage is
extremely breath-taking and inspiring. Besides, the narration is very accurate, informative,
vivid and descriptive. Thus, I have never felt restless, distracted or bored watching this
programme.

The National Geographic is my favourite programme as it has helped me to ‘grow’

and ‘mature’. I have watched it since I was a seven-year-old innocent child. Now, I am more
sensitive and aware of the world and Mother Earth. I learn to be more appreciative of Mother
Earth and its beauty and wonders. I am more concern about the preservation and conservation
of the world not only now but also for posterity. In short, the National Geographic has
converted me into a more responsible citizen of the world and a caretaker of Mother Earth.
 It is a touching and heart-warming TV programme and I will not hesitate to
recommend it to others so that they too have a chance to savour amazing moments and
appreciate and care for the one and only world we live in.

My Life 20 Years from Now

Everyone have their own future plan for their own good. To see myself from 20 years
from now would be a great gift, but it is indeed impossible. We got no time machine to make
it happen, so we just can plan, predict and pray. I have many dreams for myself.

20 years from now.20 years from now, I would love to see myself as a success man in
career. Being on the top of the particular carrier such as CEO, maybe a boss or a corporate
worker; that’s what I want myself 
to be. This time my occupation is in stable, and my personal economy flows out smoothly. I
am a rich man right now, able to buy anything of my desires easily. That would be a perfect
thing to see my own future self.

Also, I want to see myself to be a great father of my children. I am able to teach and
train them well. Make sure they would never forget their customs, and enrich them with
many moral values. This can be a challenge, to teach my children in these wild social
problems. But, I will do what it takes to make sure my bloods are worth to be known as
human.

Furthermore, in the future I really hope I can get myself a car different from the locals
here. It’s my favourite dream car, called BMW Z8 or maybe something better. There must be
new models to come out at the future. This is the only chance for me, I am going to be old, so
still with the local cars would be a shame to me, since it shows me that I made no
improvements.

Last but not least, I want to build myself a nice home for myself and my beloved
family. This home will hold many of our great and sweet memories together. I will decorate it
with superb floral and scape for my future wife and a nice playground for my children to play
with.

There are more things I want to achieve in the next 20 years, these are nothing but some
examples of many other. Hopefully I can do it well to achieve these dreams, so my desire will
be fulfilled while I am still alive.
 My Most Embarrassing Situation
  
Everyone has been embarrassed at one time or another. It is that moment in time when
you wish the earth would open up and swallow you. The anxiety and discomfort felt during
that time which may only last a few seconds feels like time has stood still.

            I remember so well when I had my most embarrassing moment. I was in Form 4 and it
was during the school recess. The minute the bell rang for recess, I rushed to the toilet
because I had been controlling my urges since class started. I didn’t want to miss class
because the lesson taught that morning was to include tips for the forthcoming examination.

            Without realising, I had rushed to the girls’ toilet. The prolonged control and an upset
stomach made worse by two glasses of cold milk in the morning made me grunt and groan in
what I thought in what I thought was the privacy of the cubicle. I thought I heard giggling
outside and wondered why the giggles sounded unusually near. A few minutes later I came
out the cubicle and discovered my horror that I had entered the girls’ toilet. To make matters
worse, the few girls standing outside didn’t even turn away when I came out. Instead they
looked down at me, then only they turned quickly away. Horror of horrors, I had forgotten to
zip up! No beetroot could have matched the colour of my face at this point in time!

            They news of my predicament spread like wild fire throughout school. I was truly the
talk of the town. I felt like I could either walk around feeling perpetually self-conscious and
embarrassed or I could turn the situation round, perhaps even to my advantage. I remembered
my mother’s words that ‘if you can’t beat them, join them’. So I decided to make fun of
myself, to laugh at myself too. It works. Everyone got bored after a while and nobody teased
me after that.

            It was indeed an eye-opening experience for me. I have learnt that when people laugh
at you, you should laugh along. You must not take yourself seriously. Learn to look at
yourself through other people’s eyes and you will realise that most of the time when they
laugh at you, they just want to have some fun. They mean no harm. If you can make people
laugh, it’s like bringing sunshine into their lives and as someone said, ‘those who bring
sunshine to the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves.’
 Drug Abuse: Problems and Solutions
Drug abuse is rife in many countries. Billions of dollars are spent internationally
preventing drug use, treating addicts, and fighting drug-related crime. Although drugs
threaten many societies, their effects can also be combated successfully. This essay looks at
some of the effects of drug use on society, and suggests some solutions to the problem.

Drug abuse causes multiple problems for countries and communities. The medical and
psychological effects are very obvious. Addicts cannot function as normal members of
society. They neglect or abuse their families, and eventually require expensive treatment or
hospitalization. The second effect is on crime. Huge police resources are needed to fight
smuggling and dealing. Criminal gangs and mafia underworlds develop with the money from
drugs.

However, the menace of drugs can be fought. Education is the first battle. Children
need to be told at home and in school about drugs. People need to be aware of the effects so
that they can make avoid this problem. A second approach is to increase police manpower
and powers to stop dealers and to enforce the law. However the main target should be the
user. Families and counsellors need to talk to children and people at risk. Parents need to look
at their children and help them to Jobs are needed to give people a role in society.

In conclusion, although the problem of drugs may seem impossible to eliminate, there
are concrete steps that can be taken to weaken the hold of drugs on society. The danger from
drugs is too great to ignore.
 Honesty
According to the Cambridge dictionary, honesty is the quality of being truthful or
being able to be trusted or the quality of not being able to steal, cheat or lie.So, you can see
what a good quality it is and how important it is for one to possess this quality.

Honesty requires one to be truthful. So it is a good quality for friends to have. Friends
must be truthful to one another so that there is mutual trust. Friends must not cheat or betray
one another. So-called friends who cheat or betray us are not really friends but are actually
enemies in disguise.

Honesty must also be present in a marriage or the relationship will not last. Marriage
partners must not cheat and have affairs with others. They must remain faithful to the one
they have vowed to love in health or in sickness and during good times or bad. An honest
couple have to stick through thick or thin, through heaven or through hell.

A child must also have honesty. He must be honest to his parents so that his parents
will have complete trust in him. He must not do undesirable things that hurt his parents. He
must act in ways that make them happy such as concentrating on his study and avoiding bad
company.

        Honesty is also important in an employee. An employee must carry out his work
honestly so that both his employer and he, himself, will prosper. Dishonesty at work such as
not doing one's share of work properly or stealing employers' goods will harm both the firm
he is working for and he, himself. Eventually the firm will have to close down and the
employee lose his job.

Honesty is also important in a politician although many people think that politicians
are never honest. Voters can see through a politician's falsehood and not vote for him. An
honest politician stands out as a shining beacon towards whom the voters are attracted.
Although many people believe that no politicians are honest, there are honest ones. And these
are the ones that are elected.

An honest politician is important because when he is elected and governs the country,
he will not mislead, cheat or betray the people who have elected him. He will not act in his
own interest but will act in the interest of the whole nation.

Dishonest politicians are the cause of most of the world's troubles today. From the
foregoing, we can see how important honesty is in our lives, whatever we may be.
 If I Were a Millionaire
If I were a millionaire, then my life would take a dramatic turn from what it is now. I
would adopt the lifestyle of the rich and famous.

The first thing that I would do, if I were a millionaire, is to help my parents. My
parents are poor and live in a small house. It would be a dream come true if I could buy them
a bigger, better and more spacious house. They would also be able to live a life of luxury, as I
would be able to hire servants to help my mother with her domestic chores. My father would
finally get his well-earned break. He has been selling vegetables in the market all his life and
has worked hard. If I become a millionaire, I would ask him to stop working, as he is old and
needs to rest. I would not want him to die in harness.

Money is definitely a boon and can be a friend. My life would change too. I would
finally be able to afford to buy better clothes and would even be able to afford some designer
labels like Gucci or Channel. Furthermore, I would no longer be seen riding my motorcycle,
as I would be driving a fancy car. To maintain this image would mean that I would not be
able to socialize with some of my friends at the teh tarik stall. I would now have to dine at the
best clubs in town and rub shoulders with only very special people.

With more money, I would definitely be able to go on holidays and see the rest of the
world. I would finally be able to fulfil a long cherished dream of helping the poor. I would be
able to donate to charitable organisations, not only in Malaysia but also in other countries.

Being a millionaire definitely means having more fun. It also means having a better
life and seeing many of my dreams come true. Wealth and riches may not be a bad thing, as it
would definitely make me a better person.
 Junk Food
Junk food comes in many colours, flavours and types of packaging. Most of it
contains very little nutrition.

Some are in the form of drinks and others in the form of food and snacks. The drinks
are usually colourful and contain a lot of sugar. These drinks can cause diabetes and
hyperactivity. Many school kids are addicted to these drinks and this has become a big
problem to our health care system.

Burgers and fries are another form of junk food that has caught on here. They
originate from western countries where the lifestyles need fast and convenient food that is
usually fried and coated in sauces. These types of food, which include fried chicken and beef
usually have high salt content. This paired with sweet colas is a recipe for disaster. They can
lead to obesity and heart disease.

Other forms of junk food arc preserved fruits. They usually come from China and arc
known to contain preservatives, artificial colouring and lots of salt or sugar. These preserved
snacks are linked to allergies and cancer. Some food colouring can cause asthma. Almost all
junk food is linked to obesity as it is high in carbohydrate.

When we mention junk food, the doughnut is one famous example. They are usually
coated, glazed and covered in chocolate, sugar and all sorts of unhealthy colourful toppings.
They are not cheap either. So it is an expensive way to diabetes and obesity. Another
worrying example of junk food that is widely available is candy. Candies of all colours and
shapes, flavours and wrappings are found almost everywhere. They are usually cheap and
sold in places where there are children and schools. These candies arc found to contain
banned substances such as flavouring and colouring. Most are made from sugar and starch.
Some have been banned by the Ministry of Health.

In conclusion, we must educate the public of this huge threat to our health. The
younger generation must be informed of the danger and laws must be formulated to lessen the
damage it causes.
 The Night Market
One of the most interesting places in Malaysia is the night market. You may visit and
experience the night market yourselves. Both locals and foreigners agree that the night
market is the most common feature in the local society.

The night market begins when the vendors arrive in the late afternoon. More and more
goods laden vans arrive to begin a brisk day of business. Most of the vendors busily set out to
set up their stalls respectively in order to get ready for a brisk day of business.

The sun gradually sets and the night market picks up momentum. More cars and vans
are arriving. By now, the stalls are neatly and strategically arranged to entice their customers.
There is an assortment of goods sold ranging from food, toys and clothes, to name a few. A
variety of goods is sold at low prices.

Large rainbow-coloured parasols are used to shade the people from rain and shine. A
concoction of blaring music can be heard in the night market background amidst the constant
shouting. It is an amazing kaleidoscope of sights, sounds, smells and colours.

The night market is known as a haven by local ‘gourmets’ who can enjoy various
kinds of mouth-watering local cuisine. Still more people arrive, they come from all walks of
life, mingling freely and harmoniously. Crowds are walking up and down in an endless
stream. Some of them are stopping by the stalls and haggling before making purchases. Little
children tag along, amused and excited. Sprinklings of tourists join in to experience the
lifestyle of typical Malaysian folks.

When night falls, lighted lamps brighten up the place, they add gaiety to this
atmosphere, and it is like a funfair. The night wears on and the traffic of people recedes.
Vendors get a chance to rest their weary legs besides bantering with each other.

By 10.00 pm, all the stalls call it a day. The vendors pack up and close the van doors.
One by one, they leave, leaving behind pieces of papers, plastic bags and discarded boxes. It
us an eyesore! Finally, the night market disappears. The place becomes quiet and still once
more.
Cell phones - One of Our Greatest Technologies Misused

Cell phones have lost their meaning over the years. These small devices were once
developed to get in contact with someone else in case of emergencies, and now talking on the
phone while driving has turned out to be a way of life for millions of American drivers.

More than 85 percent of the 100 million cell-phone subscribers frequently talk on the
phone during driving. (www.smartmotorist.com) Talking on the cell phone while driving
should be illegal, because of the dangers they cause. Driving while using the cell phone is one
of the major problems here in the US. Cell phones should not be used while driving. This
matter is too dangerous to let it go unnoticed.

According to the essay, Yes, Prohibit Their Use, which appeared on the congressional
quarterly’s web site on March 16, 2001, the Harvard Centre for risk analysis printed a study
in 1999. They appointed a crash risk factor to using cell phones. In the summer of 2000 it
came out to 450 to 1,000 fatalities each year. The NHTSH says that for every fatality, there
are 666 property-damage and injury-producing crashes. There are about 300,000 and 650,000
different crashes due to cell phones! This same essay states that Japan is one of the 14
countries banning the use of handheld cell phones while driving. The accidents caused by the
use of cell phones dropped by 75 percent the next month, proving cell phones are not
necessary parts of the driving nature.

There are major dangers connected with driving and cell phone use. Drivers have to
take their eyes off the road while dialling. Also, drivers can get so deep into their
conversations that their ability to concentrate may be dangerously limited. This jeopardizes
the safety of the people inside the vehicle, and the pedestrians outside. In order to drive
safely, the driver should be able to put 100% of his or her focus on the road. Cell phones are
simply a huge distraction while driving.

It is understandable that there are some cases where the use of a cell phone is needed.
In these cases, I agree with the author of Yes, Prohibit Their Use, the driver should pull-over
somewhere safe to use the phone. If someone receives an incoming call, he should wait until
the car has come to a complete stop. Then he should proceed to use the phone. If he feels that
the emergency is urgent enough to take action right away, then the person should use the
hands free headset. Only in emergencies should cell phones be used.

Some people argue that there are other distractions other than cell phones. While
using a cell phone when driving may not be the most unsafe distraction, studies prove that it
is the most common cause of car crash accident, and common cause of death here in the US.

The use of cell phones while driving should be banned in Philadelphia, because many
people die due to distraction of cell phones. Cell phone distraction causes 2,600 deaths and
330,000 injuries in the United States every year. (www.livescience.com/technology). Another
reason to not use the cell phone while driving is devastating the many lives of the victims and
their families in the case of an accident.

When driving, cell phones should not be allowed. Help the statistics decrease not
increase.