1

Teenagers Don't Smoke

Smoking is one of the worst things teenagers can do to their bodies. Yet every
day,almost 5000 teenagers under age of 18 try smoking for the first time. 

No wonder, tobacco companies spend billions of dollar ever year on advertisements

and other ways to make sure that these young people start smoking and buying their
product. The companies count on them to become hooked for it keeps in them in
business.

The nicotine in cigarettes is a poisonous drug. It even be used to kill insects. Nicotine
and dozens of other poisonous chemicals in tobacco can cause illness like heart
problems and certain kinds of cancer. Some of these illness take years to develop
but others can show up right away.

Generally, smoking makes a teenager's body less fit and more susceptible to
infections. For example, teenagers who smoke are much more likely to get a cold on
pneumonia. Each time they like up, it hurts their heart, lungs and brain. And the
longer the smoke, the worse the damage becomes.

Smoking has such a long list of bads points that wonders why teenagers smoke.
Along with bad breath and stinky hair and clothes, smoking makes it harder to run
and to play sports. It also cause a difficulty for blood to move around in the body.

Smokers often feel tired and cranky and cannot think quickly, not surprisingly, there
are more likely to get in trouble in school and get lower grades. There are also more
likely to lie to their friends or their parents about their activities; what they do and
how they spend their money.Smoking therefore not only brings about health
problems but may also develop undesirable traits. Teen smokers can become lazy,
irresponsible and dishonest.
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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 repellants.

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.
 3

ips On How To Improve Your Reading Habit

Tips On How To Improve Your Reading Habit

Reading is an activity that is both fun and enlightening. Reading also gain
knowledge and get it into one’s head. Having said that, it is an activity
that many people do not engage in often.  For you to advance and not to
get left behind, it is important that you must improve a good reading
habit.

If you have not cultivated a reading habit yet, these are some useful tips
to improve your reading habit. First and foremost, we must have a book
around. Therefore, try to carry a book or any reading material wherever
you go. As the saying goes, “armed to the teeth”. Subsequently, set aside
a regular time to read. If you are busy in the daytime, during the night
time or before going to bed, you can take a book and read.

In addition to this, visit the library or bookstore. Take time to browse and
let your eyes find things of interest. Last but not least, set a reading goal.
Start with something attainable and stick to it. As your reading habit
gradually improves, you may start to set a higher goal.

In a nutshell, reading habit will develop your mental aptitude and it is a

proven fact. Similarly, it improves your ability to think and analyze things.
Taking actions by following the tips given to improve your reading habit.
 4

Drug Abuse: Problems and Solutions

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 counselors 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.
 5

The Unusual Experience

The Unusual Experience

It was the same bus I got onto every morning, but today, I fell asleep in
the bus. When I woke up, I sensed something was unusual. The bus took
me to a strange place that I had not seen before. Before I managed to
ask the bus driver, it vanished.

Wandering around aimlessly looking for anybody, the place seemed weird.
Some crows were flying above me. There was an old building on the
waste land. When I reached the building, a girl tapped me from behind.
Liz was wearing a school uniform. She looked very beautiful as she
gestured me towards the building.

When I got into the building, there were many people. They were wearing
the same uniform as Liz. I realised that it was a school. The students
were going to their classes. Being a new student, Liz brought me to see
the principal. I followed her without saying any word.

In the spacious principal’s office, I was welcomed by En. Juhair. He told

Liz to bring me to Class A. It was overcrowded. We took our seats at the
back row. Everybody stood up and said “Sam! Welcome to Monster
School!” I was so shocked to hear that. I could hardly believe my ears
and eyes. All of a sudden, the students and teachers looked like
monsters.

Looking closer at Ms. Munirah, I noticed she wore a tail. I had an

unpleasant feeling in my stomach. I turned to face pretty Liz and felt
relieved that she was still the same, she was just smiling. The very
thought of this bizzare place made me feel like running away.
Nevertheless, I kept the thought to myself.

When the school bell rang, I planned my escape route. I couldn’t leave LIz
behind and decided to invite her along. She happily agreed to my
infamous plan because she knew that the monsters would kill me for
being a human. We rushed out of school quickly. I showed her the bus
station where I got down in this morning.

Apparently we had been spotted by the monsters. They were trying to

catch us. As we were beginning to feel helpless, fortunately the bus came
into the station. Both Liz and I boarded the bus. It was going at a
 6

maddening speed. Feeling exhausted, I dozed to sleep . When I got up, I

was surprised to see a vacant seat next to me.

“Did you see the girl next to me?”

“Which girl? You were alone.”

The bus driver looked at me with cynical eyes and shook his head
unbelievingly. It was 2.30 pm when the bus stopped in front of my house.
I still could not understand what had happened to me until now. Maybe to
some people this seems like a joke; to others, it is just a fantasy.
However, to me, this has been a very shockingly unexplainable
experience in my life.

.
 7

WAY TO DEAL EXAM STRESS

Exam stress affects most students in varying ways. It is important to manage this
stress and find little ways of helping to eliminate the risk of burnout. 
For some students, exams can be a breeze; revision is second nature to them and
they could ace an exam with their eyes closed. But for others, sweaty palms and
heart palpitations are just a part of the territory, and it seems that nothing is more
impossible than sitting down and revising. Here are some handy tips that can help to
dissipate stress and make sure you can get through exam season. 

1. Take regular breaks and schedule in fun things to look forward to

Even the most intense exam timetables will allow a little time for a study break. This
can include 20-minute breaks during your revision day, and longer activities that you
can look forward to. Go out for dinner with friends, go to the cinema, attend a gig,
anything that you like doing in your spare time that will take your mind off exams.
Spending a little time away from the books will leave you feeling more refreshed and
relaxed the next time you revise.

2. Exercise and get outdoors

Easily one of the most frustrating things about exam season is that it seems to occur
just as the weather brightens up. Use this to your advantage and go out for a walk,
or a run, or head to the gym or swimming pool. As well as keeping you healthy,
exercise is known to boost your mood and can help to make you more productive
while revising. 

More exam resources

Video: 10 common Exam Results Day questions - answered
How to deal with stress over exam results
How to survive A-level Results Day
How to deal with pressure at university

3. Don’t (always) listen to others

As the old saying goes: "comparison is the thief of joy". While it is helpful to discuss
topics with fellow students and often to revise together, try not to compare other
peoples' revision to your own. Chances are you’re doing just fine, and listening to
other people talk about what they’ve learnt will only stress you out and may make
you feel like you aren't progressing as well as them. Plus, if they themselves are
 8

stressed this can rub off on to you and other people’s stress is not what you need
right now.

4. Speak to someone
If the stress gets to a point where it is overwhelming, and is affecting your day-to-day
life, try and speak to someone about it. Your university or school should have a
service where you can speak to people about your concerns, and will be able to offer
more advice on how to manage it. If that seems like too big a step, open up to a
family member or a friend about the pressure you feel. You’ll be amazed to know
that you aren’t alone in feeling like this.

10 quick ways to help eliminate exam stress 

 Watch a film, a TV show or listen to a podcast or comedian that makes you laugh.
 Drink some herbal tea or a hot chocolate. It’s a well known fact that hot drinks are
known to soothe the soul (avoid too much caffeine though!).
 A shower or a bath can help to relieve stress.
 Cook or bake something. Just the thought of having something delicious to eat can
bring you joy. As a bonus side note, try and cook something healthy too. You can’t
feed your mind well, if you don’t feed your body well.
 Get some sleep. The virtues of a good night’s sleep during exam season should not
be underestimated.
 Keep things in perspective. Yes, exams are important. But you are so much more
than your exam results.
 Avoid other stressed people. You know the ones I mean. The ones with cue cards
outside of the exam hall, frantically trying to remember key dates and equations.
They will do nothing for your stress levels.
 Avoid the exam "post-mortem”. You don’t need to know how other people fared in
the exam. You’ve done your best, you can’t go back and change your answers so
the second you step out of the exam hall, focus on your next exam.
 Be flexible. While having a revision time table is one of the best tools in your arsenal
for exam success, don’t be too hard on yourself if you don’t stick to it. If you
accidentally oversleep, don’t write the day off.
 Write down everything you feel like you need to do and try and tick one thing off. Just
the act of feeling like you are in control of your revision can helP
 9

SAFTEY YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD

Long gone are the days where all the neighborhood kids played kick-the
can in the middle of the street each summer night. Whether you blame it on
paranoid parents or uninterested children, one thing is for certain: many
neighborhoods today are lacking the close-knit feeling was prominent just
ten or 20 years ago. Missing this feeling creates concerns for neighborhood
safety overall.

Neighborhood safety is a team effort, but it starts with you. What can you
do to make your neighborhood a safer place? We have some simple tips
here.

Know your neighbors.

This cannot be emphasized enough. Know whether they work during the
day, whether they have children (and, if so, what they look like), and what
their needs are. Do you live next to an elderly couple that stays home, but
sometimes needs help? Or is there a teenage driver in the family?  Are
there small children you need to look out for? Knowing these things helps
you be aware of who is in your neighborhood and what could be
suspicious.

Have a way to reach your neighbors if they’re gone and something is amiss
in the neighborhood. Feel free to contact them if you see any out-of-
ordinary or suspicious behavior around their home or if you’re gone and
would like them to check up on your house. You might even help develop a
neighborhood calling tree.
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Keep up your yard, and encourage your neighbors to do the same.

A neighborhood with mowed lawns, flowers, and freshly painted homes

looks like it’s cared for, and this alone can help deter crime. A well-kept
yard also provides fewer places for suspicious persons to take cover. If
there is a certain open lot or abandoned home that is an eyesore, work
together as a neighborhood to clean up weeds, plant trees, and do a bit of
fixing up on the exterior.

Be extra cautious when you go out of town.

Talk to your neighbors and arrange for someone to mow your lawn, shovel
your walks, or pick up your mail and newspapers. Use timers on your lights,
or find a security system that will allow you to turn lamps off and on
remotely.

Close your windows and blinds at night.

A big screen TV is a less enticing steal if no one knows it’s there. Leaving
your blinds open and lights on at night provides a free look into your house,
its layout, and the habits of its occupants. And leaving windows open at
night or when you’re gone is an invitation for an uninvited guest to come on
in.
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Improve the lighting on your street.

Streetlamps are not the only way to do this. Ask that each household turn
on their porch lights in the evenings and install motion-sensor lights in the
backs or sides of the house so potential intruders don’t have the darkness
to hide in.

Encourage outdoor activity.

Go on walks with your neighbor, work in your yard, and let your kids play
with the neighbors down the street. Organizing a neighborhood cookout
can encourage people to feel more comfortable spending time out in the
neighborhood as well.

Know your local police department.

Express to them your desire to keep the neighborhood safe, and notify
them of specific ways they can help. For example, if cars are often
speeding through, ask them to patrol the streets. Request that they make a
drive-through every night when possible. You might even work with the
department to start a Neighborhood Watch program.
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Install a security system.

In the end, one of the surest options to improve safety in your

neighborhood is to get a home security system and use it properly. A 2009
study by Rutgers found that, as the number of home security systems
increased in an area, the number of residential robberies decreased in that
area. Use the Safewise security system finder tool to help you evaluate
what security system will work best for your home.

Improving neighborhood safety is a team effort, but it needs to start with

someone and that someone should be you. As you get to know your
neighbors, discuss your concerns, and apply some of the ideas above,
you’ll find that your neighborhood becomes not only a safer place to be, but
a more enjoyable one.
 13

Here are 5 tips on ensuring security in your neighborhood which you

can share with your family, neighbors and community members.
Tip 1 – Form a neighborhood watch program
The best way to solve challenging security issues in a neighborhood is to form a
neighborhood watch program. The first step towards initiating a program like this is to
make sure everyone understands the importance the program. Arrange a meeting at a
community gathering place, like a community center or a community clubhouse, to
discuss pertinent issues related to neighborhood safety. Assign tasks to participants who
are keen on being a part of the program.

Some could take the responsibility of conducting surveys around the neighborhood to
sign petitions in support of creating a neighborhood watch program. Someone else could
be in charge of presenting this petition to the neighborhood board to get their approval. A
few other members could contact the local law enforcement and request them to give a
demonstration or training on running a neighborhood watch program.

Tip 2 – Invest in a Home Security System

In this day and age of technological advancement, investing in a home security system
involves investing in equipments beyond locks and alarms. Homeowners can have many
options to choose from. Some items could be affordable and some could cost several
thousands of dollars. One such product is an indoor and outdoor monitoring system
which allows homeowners to view what goes inside and outside of their homes through
cameras.

In case of a burglary, the system has the feature to inform you in your smartphone app.
Another innovative product is an emergency notification necklace which could be very
useful for elderly and disabled individuals who live alone. In case of an emergency, the
person has to simply push the button on his or her necklace which notifies someone
competent to help them for immediate assistance.

Tip3 – Incorporate Security Devices in the neighborhood

One of the simplest ways of reducing crime in the neighborhood is to add more lights in
dimly lit areas. Offenders often take advantage of poorly lit areas to commit crimes in
areas such as parking lots, children’s playground, street corners and other parts of
residential neighborhoods.

Along with the streetlights another positive investment would be to install CCTV cameras
around the neighborhood. Surveillance cameras can be monitored from a control room
by a security officer. Offenders can be quickly detected and arrested and at the same
time if there is ever a victim, assistance can also be quickly provided. Most importantly,
the fear of crime will be reduced among the residents.

Tip 4 – Train teenagers for community safety action

Teenagers in the community are a storehouse of talent and energy. The best means of
raising security awareness in a neighborhood is to get the youth to volunteer in
spreading the word. Train the teens to care for their community, respect the elderly and
 14

show concern for everyone’s safety. Let them brainstorm ideas that could improve the
security around the neighborhood. Lead them on identifying security problems in the
neighborhood and encourage them to suggest solutions.

A weekly training could be organized for teens where a mentor could be assigned to
lead groups in discussions and activities. Above all, guide them to becoming role models
for younger children. This will not only help in community vigilance, but also prevent
teenagers from getting involved in criminal activities themselves.

Tip 5 – Stay alert

Despite all the security measure taken, the most pivotal part of ensuring security is to
stay alert. If you notice any suspicious activities in the neighborhood, do not hesitate to
inform the authorities. Take note of unfamiliar faces that signal danger. If you have newly
moved to a neighborhood, take time to know all the neighbors.
Keep the doors and windows locked when you are away or asleep. Watch out for the
safety of others as well. Spot dangerous signals that you witness happening to others
around you in any shape or form. Some common instance you may witness could be in
the form of sexual harassment, molestation, mugging or even verbal abuse. When you
watch out for these hazards for others, you are likely to be more careful regarding your
own safety.

A safe neighborhood is enjoyable when everyone is safe. Although neighborhood safety

is a team effort, remember it starts with you first.

If you’re moving into a new neighborhood in the Melbourne area, contact All The Right
Moves Removalists for the best services.
 15

REPORT

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

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.
 16

            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
 17

ARTICAL

We’ve compiled a list of student articles for a school magazine and instructions on how to write
them:
 OPINIONS ON NEW GOVERNMENTAL POLICIES

Go to the government website of your country. Choose a topic that seems interesting and
browse the government plans, news and documents related to that topic until you find an article
that you want to write about.

To start your article for school magazine begin by writing down, in your own words, your
understanding of the article. Then answer the following questions: Why did you choose this
article? What is your opinion on the topic in the article. Do you think it’s good or bad? Explain
why.

 STORIES THAT ARE TRENDING

Go to Google Trends and select your country, or a country you find interesting. You could also
filter by categories you find interesting. Find a trending topic and use this for your article for a
school magazine.

Find a topic and write down, in your own words, what you think of this topic. How does it relate to
how things were in the past? Why do you think this topic is trending now? Do you think this topic
will be tending for a long time? Always give a reason why along with your opinion.

 SOCIAL ISSUES LIKE DATING, RELIGION, DIVERSITY ETC.

You can start this article for a school magazine before doing any research. First write down, in
your own words, what you think of when you think of the above social issues. What do you know
about dating? What do you know about religion? What do you know about diversity? What is your
opinion on these social issues? Do you have any personal experiences related to these social
issues that you would like to share?

If you find it difficult to write about these topics, explain why. This too is valuable information
that you could share.

Alternatively you could try searching online for ‘dating’ and then write about what comes up. In
my case the search results contained a lot of dating sites. This is an interesting topic to write
about. What do you think about dating sites? Do you have any personal experience using them?
Are they good or bad? Why?

 SCHOOL POLICY AND RULES

Go to your school website and look up your school policy and rules. If your school’s website does
not list the policies and rules, or your school doesn’t have a website, ask your teacher where you
can find this information.

You could also write about why there isn’t a school website or why the school policies and rules
are not listed on the website.
 18

If you are able to find your school’s policies and rules, choose a specific rule or policy and write
down, in your own words, what the policy or rule is. Do you agree with it? Why? How do you think
this policy or rule affects the students at your school? Do you think it is a good or bad policy or
rule? Why?

 SCHOOL CLASSES AND SUBJECTS

Pick a class or subject you enjoy and explain what it’s about. Write about what you like about and
what you don’t like about it. Is there anything you would change about the class to improve it? Do
some research on the subject and find out when you would need the information taught in this
class later in life. Are there any specific jobs for which you need this subject?

Address the students that will be reading your article. Compile a few tips to make it easier for
them to get good grades for the class, or add a fun ‘did you know?’ section to your article about
the subject.

 WHAT MAKES A GOOD TEACHER/PRINCIPAL?

Imagine if you were a teacher or principal for a day. What do you think a day in their life looks
like? You could try to get an appointment with a teacher or the principal and interview them about
their job.

What are some unexpected things that are also part of their job? What are some things that you
would enjoy doing? What are things you wouldn’t enjoy? Is there anything you would do
differently if you were to have their job for a day?

Do you have any personal experiences with a teacher or the principal? Did you think they did a
good job or not? Why? What would you do differently?

 WHAT MAKES A GOOD STUDENT?

First write down what you think makes the perfect student. Do you think you are a good student?
Why? Do you know anyone else who is a very good student? Why? Do you know anyone who is a
very bad student? Why?

Interview some of your friends, classmates and teachers to find out what they think makes a
good student. Comparing the results from these interviews can be very interesting, since a
teacher may have different opinions on what makes a good student compared to one of your
friends or classmates.
 19

DIRECTED WRITING: 35 MARKS

DIRECTED: ARTICLE: Factual

You are concerned over the implications and long-term health effects of the haze. Write an article to
the local newspaper expressing your concern based on all the notes below.

the reasons behind the haze

role of government and society

steps that can be taken

give relevant examples of:

-       health complications

-       measures

-       roles of government and individuals

When writing the article you should remember:

-       to lay out the letter carefully

-       to use paragraphs

-       that you letter is to the press

Haze: A Danger to Health

 20

            The haze is a constant phenomenon faced by Malaysia and her neighbouring countries. The
haze is basically pollution of atmosphere, which is clogged with pollutants and other substances
from forest fires.

            The haze is a direct effect of forest fire in Kalimantan and other parts of Indonesia due to slash
and burn method of farming. The Indonesian authorities appear to have no power to control farmers
from practising such methods. The haze is further worsened by open burning practised by most
Malaysians. Open-field burning of rice straw by the rice planters and open burning of dried leaves
and garbage done by the public are a few examples that done by Malaysian. Many are ignorant of
the health effects of open burning.

            During the haze, hospitals and clinic often report a dramatic increase in respiratory problems,
lung infections and asthma attack. The Air Pollution Index (API) usually indicates the hazardous and
dangerous levels of pollution during this period. The haze has long-term side effects. Prolonged
inhalation of polluted air will result in serious lung infection which particularly affects the elderly.

            The government must play its role to reduce the haze treat. It has to cooperate with the
Indonesian authorities to stamp out forest fires. The culprits must be brought to justice, either
through healthy fine or prison sentence. Constant vigilance would ensure the perpetrators do not
repeat their offence.

The government should also raise the public awareness of the dangers of forest fire. Continuous
campaign of the cause, solutions and steps-need-to-be-taken to reduce the haze need to be
promoted through all types of social media like television, radio, newspaper and even via internet.
The authorities should also provide assistance to farmers and introduce more sophisticated forest
clearing methods.

            In Malaysia, strict laws must be imposed to penalise those who practise open burning. On-
going campaigns on the dangers of open burning should be intensified. Individuals too have a role to
play. They must participate in every campaign and stop burning. Students can advise their parents
not to practice open burning.

            Every individual has to remember that we do not own the world, but instead we lent it from
our future generations. We must protect our world so that our grandchildren woulh have a healthy
earth to live.

Ahmad Harun bin Hashim

Seremban, Negeri Sembilan

 375 words

From: Penilaian Topik Vista SPM/Sasbadi/2009

 21

ARTICLE: Article for School Magazine / Newsletter

In spite of government’s clear call to students to study English well, many students still show very
little interest in studying the language. As Chairperson of the English Language Society, you are going
to try to persuade the students to study the language by writing an article in the school newsletter.
In the article you have to tell the students the importance of studying the language. Your article is
given in the point form below:

will help you to further your studies

will help you to get a job

will help you in your job

will help you in your travels

will help you to enjoy many interesting programmes in television

will help you to appreciate many of the world’s most beautiful literary works

The Importance of Studying English

           

            It is a big concerned for teenagers nowadays as they are unaware of the importance of English
language as they tend to ignore to learn the language. Students’ attitude towards the language is
also crucial to make sure that these teenagers can face the future world better by learning English
language as it is an international language.

            Although the government has repeatedly told us of the importance of English, many students
are still not bothered about studying it seriously. There is also a campaign that still on to make all the
Malaysian becomes a better English learner, which is ‘Enhance Proficiency in Bahasa Malaysia,
Strengthen the English’. English is the most important and the most useful language in the world
today. There are many reasons why you should study the language properly.

            First and foremost, English will definitely help you a lot when you want to further studies.
Almost all books at university are written in English in all subjects. Plus, it is a compulsory for any
candidate to pass English with credit before entering any universities. So, if you are poor in English,
you will blow you chance for better education or worse, you are going to have a big problem
studying at university.

            The second reason why you have to study English well is that it will help you to get a job.
When you go for a job interview, the interviewer will surely talk to you in English. The first
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impression you should give in order to success and have the job is, to respond in English fluently.
Your chances of getting the job are very slim if you stutter while interviewing.

            A good command in of English will also help you greatly in your job. If the company you work
is actively involved in international trade, you have to speak to prospective customers in English.
Miscommunication might occur if your English is bad. And this will put your company at risk and you
will likely be dismissed if this happen.

            Good English will also help you a lot when you travel. Every country in the world studies
English. Even the roadside stall-holders in China speak fairly good English! At least some of the
people you meet on your travels in other countries can understand English. The language is certainly
practical when you are lost in your trip. Communication problem will not happen if you can converse
well in English. Inevitably, English is one of the languages used in any airport in the world in making
announcement. Knowing English well, therefore, make travelling overseas easier.

            Besides all these, entertainment is one of the major advantages you will experience if you
good in English. You will enjoy television’s best programmes. We must admit that many of the best
programmes are produced by the Americans and British companies. High self confidence influenced
by the programmes will indirect inculcate in yourself when you are fluent in the language. Quality
time is worthily spent if you understand and enjoy the programmes.

            Based from all the above elaboration, I hope that students will see the importance and realise
how importance the language is for their own future. Although it is a second language in our
country, it is now a main language all over the world.

544 words

DIRECTED: ARTICLE / REPORT: Newspaper Article / Report

There has been an attempted robbery in your area. As a newspaper reporter, you have been
assigned to write a report of the incident for publication in a local newspaper. Using the notes
below, write out your report.

couple – taking a walk

two men approached them

ordered couple to give jewellery

a struggle – husband injured

one neighbour – taking a dog for a walk

heard shouts – went to investigate

robbers saw dog – fled

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couple made police report

Couple Foils Robbery Attempt

PULAU PINANG, Thu – An elderly businessman and his wife foiled a robbery attempt by two men
armed with a screwdriver and a knife. The victims were reported safe from any bad injury.

            Tan Ah Wok, 60 and his wife were taking a morning walk near their home in Helen Heights
yesterday when two men on a motorcycle stopped them under the pretext of asking for directions.
As Mr. Tan was giving directions, one of the robbers pointed a knife at him and ordered them to
keep quiet. He then relieved Mrs. Tan of her jewellery and instructed Mr. Tan to hand over his ring
and watch. When he refused, a struggle ensued. Meanwhile, his accomplice grabbed a helmet and
hit Mr. Tan on the head with it. On seeing this, his wife started screaming.

            One of their neighbours, R. Subramaniam, who was taking his dog for a walk, heard the
screams and when to investigate. On seeing Subramaniam and his dog, the robbers fled. “I was
taking my dog for a walk when I heard someone shouting for help. Knowing that something was
wrong, I ran there as fast as I could. Before I reached the scene, the robbers fled on a motorbike.
They were probably afraid of my Rottweiler.”

            Mr. Tan, who suffered a small cut on his head, was given outpatient treatment at a private
clinic. He said that it was a horrified experience as he never expected the two men would attack his
wife and him. He thought that they were lost and needed help. He also mentioned that the guard
who in charge nowadays easily allowed the strangers to enter their residents. State CID Chief Supt
Harun Din advised him and the people to be more careful in giving help to strangers. The guard also
must be stricter in letting people from entering any residents without proper permission.

            He added that the suspects, aged between 25 and 30, were believed to be illegal immigrants.
He said there had been similar incident last week when two men approached a factory worker who
was on her way home after work. The duo then relieved her gold chain and cash. He advised the
residents to be alert and reports to police any suspicious-looking characters lurking in their area.

380 words

From: Spot on Model Compositions and Summary/Oxford Fajar/2007

DIRECTED: REPORT – Police Report 

You witnessed an accident. The police officer has asked you to make a report. Use the points given
below:
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-       when the event happened

-       where the event took place

-       how it happened

-       description of the vehicles

-       step taken

To:       Sergeant Razali Kamrin

From:  Julia Selamat

Date:   7th September 2011

Report of the accident on Jalan 2/14

            On 7th September 2011 at 10.30 a.m., I was walking alone Jalan 2/14 which is next to the
children’s playground. As I was about to cross the road to enter the park, I saw a car driving swiftly
down Jalan 4/14. It was a Honda Civic with the number plate BEH 9110. Another car, a Toyota Vios
1.5 with plate number WHM 4657 came out of Jalan 4/14 as well. The Honda Civic was driving too
fast that make it did not have time to avoid collision.

            The accident caused a loud crash. The Honda Civic hit the Toyota Vios on the driver’s door.
The door could not be opened and the driver had to get out from the passenger’s door. The driver of
the Toyota Vios was lucky as he survived with no physical injuries. Both air bags popped up when
they collided to each other. They both were fortunate as their car was not badly damaged and
dented.

The Toyota Vios’s windscreen was shattered to pieces. The Honda Civic’s headlight and signal light
were smashed. There was plenty of glass on the road. The two drivers startled to argue. The driver
of the Honda City was a woman. They blamed each other and the argument stopped when her
mobile phone rang. Most of the passerby slowed down their vehicle to watch the accident. Some
pedestrian came by and offered help.

As it happened, I ran into my house which is close by. I called the nearest police station and in ten
minutes, a police car drove up. I told the police officer I had witnessed the accident and offered to
come out to the station to give a statement. The cars were towed to the side of the road first, and
then were brought to the police station before to workshop. Pictures were taken for insurance
claim.
 25

In my opinion, the driver of the Honda City is to blame for the accident. She was driving too fast and
did not pay any attention to vehicles coming out from the side road. The driver of the Toyota Vios
should have stopped at the junction.

Julia Selamat

Julia Selamat

355 words

Write Better Compositions and Summaries for SPM 1119 English/Oxford Fajar/2006

DIRECTED: REPORT – Book Report

As a class project, you have been asked to write a book report. You decide to write a report of a
book you have just read.

Use the following notes in your report:

-       author

-       title

-       setting

-       synopsis

-       main characters

-       themes

-       response

“The Story of My Life” is an autobiography written by Helen Keller. It tells us how Helen Keller, who
was deaf, blind and mute, defied the odds to become one of the most celebrated personalities in the
world. The story was set in Alabama in 1997.

            In the first half of the book, Helen Keller writes about how she was afflicted with scarlet fever
while she was still a baby and how illness left her deaf, blind and mute. The story outlines the
 26

frustration Helen Keller experienced as a child – alone in a dark and silent world – unable to
communicate with anybody. The author then goes on to say how her life changed with the arrival of
her new-employed teacher and nanny, Anne Mansfield Sullivan.

            The second part of the book relates how Helen Keller studied the deaf and dumb language
and learnt how to write using Braille and then went to college and graduated. The story goes on to
say how she spent the rest of her life helping the deaf and dumb all over the world.

            I enjoyed reading every page of the book. I found some sections of the book, especially those
that deal with the early part of her life, poignant and touching. It made me realize how difficult life
must be for the handicapped. It also made me realize how fortunate I was. It has made me more
sympathetic towards the plight of those who are less fortunate than I am, especially the
handicapped who has given up hope in the face of misfortune, and the severely handicapped who
have lost the will to live.

            The story is very touching and informative. It arouses the feelings of the readers. I admire
Helen Keller for her determination and diligence. I appreciate the painstakingefforts taken by the
teacher. The book has a good moral lesson for all. It shows the triumph of the human spirit in the
face of indomitable obstacles. It makes us wonder whether Helen Keller was just another victim of
fate or whether her birth has a special significance. Was Helen Keller fortunate or unfortunate?
Helen Keller was unfortunate to have suffered the cruel twist of fate but the world is fortunate to
have had a person like her. Her life shining example to prove the adage, “where there is a will, there
is a way”.

393 words

__________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________

DIRECTED: REPORT – Report to Principal

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

 27

inadequate food – late comers have nothing to buy, to eat

cold food – not fresh

rude canteen workers

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.
 28

            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

314 words

DIRECTED: FORMAL LETTER: Letter of Complaint

Raju a/l Lingam,

123 A, Lorong Bahagia,

Taman Sentosa,

07231 Bandar Baru Sentol,

Kelantan

_________________________________________________________________________

The President,

Bandar Baru Sentol Council,

Kompleks Utama,

07200 Bandar Baru Sentol                                                                             16 JUNE 2011

Dear Sir,

Uncollected Rubbish and Clogged Drains

I am writing this letter is to attract your attention to the above title. As the representative of the
community, I am calling to tell you that the 300 odd residents living in Taman Sentosa are extremely
 29

unhappy about the lackadaisical attitude of the local town council towards the uncollected rubbish
and clogged drains in our area.

2.         The rubbish in our area has not been collected for more than a week. The rubbish is supposed
to be collected on alternate days but this has not been the case. The town council workers collect
the rubbish according to their own whims and fancies. The uncollected garbage has attracted not
only flies and mosquitoes but also wild dogs which had attacked the residents on several occasions.
These stray animals also scatter the rubbish and make the roads dirty and smelly. As a result,
residents have to bear the discomfort of stench from the garbage and risk their health.

3.         We are also disappointed with the town council workers for not clearing the clogged drains
which are filled with rubbish. The drains would usually overflow when there is heavy rain and the
rubbish would then flow into the compounds of our houses. Besides, putting up with the unbearable
stench emitted from them, the residents have to spend hours cleaning their compounds of rotten
vegetables, food leftovers and other rubbish.

4.         Due to dengue outbreak recently, we are really concerned about the residents’ health
especially the children. Fogging service also was not done accordingly to the schedule. The fogging
authority only did their job whenever a case of dengue aroused. They even fogging the
neighbourhood late at night that caused us to leave the residents. They need to consider the
residents who have babies and also to those who need to wake up early in the morning for work.
The fogging also caused the people to have breathing problem when we were not told the exact
time of fogging.

5.         We have made numerous appeals to the Municipal Council to look into our complaints but to
no avail. We have been putting up with this predicament for more than a week. We hope the health
authorities would do something to check these health hazards.

Thank you.

Yours faithfully,

Raju

(RAJU a/l MANIAM)

 30

380 words

DIRECTED: FORMAL LETTER: Letter of Application

You came across the following advertisement for the post Accounts Assistant Clerk.

 
 31

Write a letter of application together with curriculum vitae to the manager.

In your letter, include the following:

-       your curriculum vitae

-       the reasons for your interest in the job

-       your ability to work independently

-       pursuing a degree in Accountancy

Do remember to:

-       use the formal letter

-       use all the points given

-       elaborate each points given

 32

Chong Mei Lin,

40, Jalan Templer,

Taman Hati Bersih,

76 000 Seremban,

Negeri Sembilan

_________________________________________________________________________

The Manager,

Lim and Sons Manufacturing Sdn. Bhd.,

Lot 123, Interstate Industrial Area,

76 001 Nilai,

Negeri Sembilan                                                                                             18 JULY 2010

Dear Sir / Madam,

Application for the Post of Accounts Assistant

I wish to apply for the post of Accounts Assistant as advertised in The New Strait Times dated
15th July 2011.

2.         I have the necessary qualifications as stated in my curriculum vitae which is attached to this
letter. I have experience working in both food manufacturing and also auto manufacturing fields. I
am currently working in Lazat Ice Cream Sdn. Bhd. in capacity of an Accounts Assistant and have
been here since January 2008. Before this, I was working in TFR Auto Enterprise as an Accounts clerk.
Since my present position offers little prospect for career advancement, I would like to be attached
to a fairly large organisation such as yours.

3.         I would like to work in Nilai as I intend to further my studies and get professional
qualification. I have registered with a college in Nilai to do ACCA on part-time basis. With this high
 33

additional education level and knowledge, I can perform better in applying the accounts knowledge
in the future job.

4.         I can assure you that I am capable person who can work independently. I am able to handle
full sets of accounts, up to three sets at a time. I am interested in working with a company like yours
as I feel I can grow well with the company. I am a team player, adapt easily to any working
environments and can work with people from all works of life.

5.         I was active in extra-curricular activities and was considered as responsible and dedicated
worker. I led and organised many activities for the school clubs so I am confident that I can be an
asset to your company in this capacity. Furthermore, i have a good command of English.

6.         In view of my qualification and experience, I would expect a salary more than RM 2 000. And
since I have my own car, I would have no problems travelling outstation should the job require.

7.         I look forward to hearing from you and I am fully prepared to attend an interview at any time
convenient to you.

Thank you.

Yours faithfully,

Raju

(RAJU a/l MANIAM)

358 words

DIRECTED: INFORMAL LETTER
 34

Your friend in Singapore has written to you to inform you that his cousin in Penang was down with
dengue fever. He would like to know the situation in Malaysia as he plans to bring his family over for
the holidays in June. Write a letter to brief him about the current situation.

In your letter, include the following:

express concern over the health of your friend’s cousin

news about the situation

steps taken authorities

present situation

Do remember to:

use the informal letter format

use all the points given

expand each of the points given

write in paragraph

No. 34, Street of Fame,

Taman Bukit Bintang,

Bukit Bintang,

67500 Ipoh,

Perak

14 January 2011

Dear John,

           

            How are you? I’m sorry to hear that your cousin had dengue fever. This problem seems to
have become very serious all of sudden. We always feel that the problem is not our concern until
someone close to us is affected.
 35

            My neighbour’s daughter who was in Standard 6 last year could not sit for UPSR examination
because she was down with dengue fever on the eve of the exam. Fortunately, the authorities gave
her an exemption so she is now in Form One. There were also a few students taking the examination
in the hospital.

            According to the news, students made up nearly 30 per cent of the 1 500 suspected cases
over the first three weeks of the year. About 53 per cent of 621 confirmed cases last year comprised
children and youth under the age of 24. These statistics are quite worrying. This has prompted the
health ministry to increase checks on aedes breeding grounds in school and public areas. The
construction sites are largely to blamed. The problem is made worse by the rainy season. The
stagnating water attract the mosquitoes to lay egg and breeding on the areas.

            The authorities have taken various steps to control the situation. Fogging has been carried out
in many public areas and most of the housing estates. Contractors at the construction sites have
been instructed to take appropriate actions and warned to clean up. They could be fined up to RM 3
000 for breeding aedes mosquitoes. Lot of campaigns through the television, radio and newspapers
were taken to make people aware of the issue and take precaution rather than cure them.

            Before the long holidays for the Chinese New Year, schools all over Malaysia carried out a
clean-up campaign of the school compound. The residents’ association in my housing are also
organised a family day clean-up of the housing estate. There were huge piles of rubbish especially
old tyres and containers littered by the hawkers near the might market site.

            The situation in Malaysia has improved since the end of January. There have been no reports
of new cases of dengue. So, don’t worry. You can bring your family for a holiday here in June. I’m
looking forward to seeing them again.

            Send my regard to your mom and dad. Do take care.

Yours sincerely,

Harun Din

387 words

DIRECTED: 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.
 36

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 constanly 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.
37