SPM ENGLISH LANGUAGE 1119 GUIDELINES FOR ENHANCEMENT

IN ESSAY WRITING

Prepared byZANURIN BIN MOHAMAD SAFARGuru Cemerlang Bahasa Inggeris

Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Kulim

SPM DIRECTED WRITING: CRITERIA FOR MARKING LANGUAGE

Mark Range Description

A19 – 20

Language accurate with maybe occasional first draft slips. Varied sentence structures in length and type. Some apt sophisticated vocabulary. Punctuation and spelling accurate. Paragraphs well-linked and show unity. Style and tone appropriate.

B16 – 18

Language almost always accurate. Errors arise because of attempt to use more ambitious structures. Varied sentence structures. Wide vocabulary and spelling nearly always accurate. Paragraphs appropriately linked. Style and tone generally appropriate.

C13 – 15

Language largely accurate. Simple structures used without errors. Mistakes may occur when more sophisticated structures are attempted. Adequate vocabulary. Punctuation generally accurate. Paragraphs show some unity. Style and tone fairly appropriate.

D10 – 12

Language sufficiently accurate. Meaning comes through clearly. Patches of clarity seen when simple structures used. Mistakes creep in when complex structures are attempted. Adequate vocabulary but not so apt. Spelling errors when difficult words used. Inappropriate linkers may be used. Style and tone not always appropriate.

E7 – 9

Sufficiently frequent errors hamper speed of reading but meaning never in doubt. Some simple accurate structures but accuracy not sustained. Limited vocabulary. Correct spelling of simple words. Paragraphs lack unity and incorrect use of linkers. Style and tone may not be appropriate.

U(i)4 – 6

Frequent serious errors but meaning fairly clear. High incidence of errors impedes reading. A few simple structures used accurately. Limited vocabulary. Frequent spelling and punctuation errors. On the whole lacks planning. Style and tone inappropriate.

U(ii)2 – 3

Multiple errors that make the reader re-read and reorganise before meaning becomes clear. Whole sections may make little or no sense. Hardly any accurate sentences, maybe one or two. Vocabulary very limited.

U(iii)0 – 1

Almost impossible to recognise as pieces of English. May make no sense at all. ‘0’ is awarded only when no sense at all from beginning to end.

2

SPM Section B : Continuous WritingMaximum : 50 marks

CRITERIA FOR ASSESSMENT

Grade Mark Range Descriptors

A 44 – 50

Language entirely accurate. Maybe occasional first draft slips. Varied sentence structures in length and type. Vocabulary wide and apt. Punctuation and spelling accurate. Paragraphs well-planned and well-linked. Topic addressed with consistent relevance. Interest aroused and sustained throughout.

B 38 – 43

Language accurate. Occasional errors are either minor or first draft slips. Vocabulary wide and used quite aptly. Sentences show some variation. Punctuation accurate. Spelling almost always accurate. Paragraphs show some planning. Interest aroused and sustained throughout most of the composition.

C 32 – 37

Language largely accurate. Accurate simple structures but errors may occur when more sophisticated structures are attempted. Vocabulary wide but not so apt. Tendency to use one type of structure giving a monotonous effect. Correct spelling of simple words but errors occur when spelling difficult words. Paragraphs may show some unity but links may be absent. Interest aroused but not sustained.

D 26 – 31

Language sufficiently accurate. Meaning clear. Patches of clarity when simple vocabulary and structures are used. Some varieties of sentence type and length. Adequate vocabulary. More spelling errors will occur. Paragraphs lack unity and planning. Composition lacks liveliness and interest value.

E 20 – 25Meaning never in doubt but errors hamper reading. Simple structures may be accurate. Limited vocabulary. Frequent mistakes in spelling and punctuation. Paragraphs lack unity. Partial treatment of subject matter.

U(i) 14 – 19

Limitation of subject matter due to lack of linguistic skills. Meaning fairly clear. Many serious errors, mainly of one-word type. Communication established but errors may cause blurring. Sentences simple and often repetitive. There may be no paragraphs.

U(ii) 8 – 13Errors multiple in nature, requiring the reader to read and re-read before being able to understand. High incidence of error makes meaning blur. Maybe short of required number of words. Able to get some sense.

U(iii) 0 – 7

Script almost entirely impossible to read. Full of multiple-word errors. Whole sections may make little or no sense. Where occasional patches of clarity occur, marks should be awarded. “0” is awarded only if no sense at all from beginning to end.

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DIVER FORMS: REVISION OF BASIC GRAMMAR RULES FOR TENSES

Tense Usage Formula ExampleSimple present

To show a habitual or regular action / to state a truth or fact / to show an action that happens at present

Singular subject / + singularUncountable noun verb

Plural subject / + plural Plural noun verb

[me…../ber……]

She plays netball.Ali buys a new car.

They play netball.My teachers buy some books.

Simple past To show an action that happened at a certain time in the past

Singular past/ Plural + tense subj. verb

[me…./ber……]

She played netball ten minutes ago.Ali bought a new car yesterday.They played netball last week.My teachers bought some books two days ago.

Continuous tense

To show an action taking place at the moment of speaking

To show an action that was happening in the past while another action took place or was taking place

Am, is, are verb + & Was, were ing

[sedang me……]

She is playing netball.Ali is buying a new car.They are playing netball.My teachers are buying some books.Siti was playing netball when I saw her.They were buying a new car when I telephoned them.She was playing netball when he was reading the novel.They were buying a new car while I was admiring a sports car.

Perfect tense

To show an action that has just happened or completed but the time is not specified

Has, have + past participleHad verb

[telah me……]

*Teacher may need to revise past participle verbs

She has played netball.They have bought a new car.She had played netball.They had bought a new car.

Passive verb

To show something is done to something else or someone

is, are + pastwas, were participle verb

[di………….]

The game is played by her.The cars are bought by them.She was sent home.We were sent home.

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DIVER FORMS (Different Verb Forms) Version 2.0Developed by

ZANURIN BIN MOHAMAD SAFARSekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Kulim

FORM 4PRACTICE 1

1. Advise2. Is advised3. Have advised4. Are advising5. Advised6. Advises

PRACTICE 2

1. Burns2. Burnt3. Is burning4. Are burnt5. Has burnt6. Burn

PRACTICE 3

1. Have compared

2. Compare3. Compares4. Is compared5. Are

comparing6. Compared

PRACTICE 4

1. Divided2. Is dividing3. Were divided4. Divides5. Divide6. Has divided

PRACTICE 5

1. Was explained

2. Are explaining3. Explain4. Explains5. Has explained6. Explained

PRACTICE 6

1. Face2. Is faced3. Have faced4. Are facing 5. Faced6. Faces

PRACTICE 7

1. Guesses2. Guessed3. Is guessing4. Are guessed5. Has guessed6. Guess

PRACTICE 8

1. Have hunted2. Hunt3. Hunts4. Is hunted5. Are hunting6. Hunted

PRACTICE 9

1. Introduced2. Is introducing3. Were

introduced4. Introduces5. Introduce6. Has

introduced

PRACTICE 10

1. Killed2. Have killed3. Are killed4. Kill5. Kills6. Is killing

PRACTICE 11

1. Label2. Is labeled3. Have labeled4. Are labeling5. Labeled6. Labels

PRACTICE 12

1. Mixes2. Mixed3. Is mixing4. Are mixed5. Has mixed6. Mix

PRACTICE 13

1. Have observed

2. Observe3. Observes4. Is observed5. Are observing6. Observed

PRACTICE 14

1. Presented2. Is presenting3. Were

presented4. Presents5. Present6. Has

presented

PRACTICE 15

1. Rejected2. Have rejected3. Are rejected4. Reject5. Rejects6. Is rejecting

PRACTICE 16

1. Support2. Is supported3. Have

supported4. Are

supporting5. Supported6. Supports

PRACTICE 17

1. Tastes2. Tasted3. Is tasting4. Are tasted5. Has tasted6. Taste

PRACTICE 18

1. Have weighed2. Weigh3. Weighs4. Is weighed5. Are weighing6. Weighed

PRACTICE 19

1. Scattered2. Is scattering3. Were

scattered4. Scatters5. Scatter 6. Has scattered

PRACTICE 20

1. Protected2. Have

protected3. Are protected4. Have

protected5. Protect6. Protects

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DIVER FORMS (Different Verb Forms) Version 2.0Developed by

ZANURIN BIN MOHAMAD SAFARSekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Kulim

FORM 5PRACTICE 1

1. Allow2. Allows3. Are allowed4. Has allowed5. Allowed6. Is allowing

PRACTICE 2

1. Are burying2. Have buried3. Buries4. Bury5. Is buried6. Buried

PRACTICE 3

1. Confesses2. Are confessing3. Confess4. Has confessed5. Confessed6. Were confessed

PRACTICE 4

1. Have dropped2. Dropped3. Is dropped4. Drops5. Drop6. Is dropping

PRACTICE 5

1. Expect2. Are expected3. Expects4. Are

expecting5. Expected6. Has

expected

PRACTICE 6

1. Fix2. Fixes3. Are fixed4. Has fixed5. Fixed6. Is fixing

PRACTICE 7

1. Are guiding2. Have guided3. Guides4. Guide5. Is guided6. Guided

PRACTICE 8

1. Harasses2. Are harassing3. Harass4. Has harassed5. Harassed6. Were

harassed

PRACTICE 9

1. Have invited2. Invited3. Is invited4. Invites5. Invite6. Is inviting

PRACTICE 10

1. Kicks2. Is kicked3. Are kicking4. Has kicked5. Kick6. Kicked

PRACTICE 11

1. Launch2. Launches3. Are launched4. Has launched5. Launched6. Is launching

PRACTICE 12

1. Are moved2. Have moved3. Moves4. Move5. Is moved6. Moved

PRACTICE 13

1. Obtains2. Are obtaining3. Obtain4. Has obtained5. Obtained6. Were

obtained

PRACTICE 14

1. Have punished

2. Punished3. Is punished4. Punishes5. Punish6. Is punishing

PRACTICE 15

1. Reproduced2. Is reproducing3. Has reproduced4. Were

reproduced5. Reproduces6. Reproduce

PRACTICE 16

1. Supply2. Supplies3. Are supplied4. Has supplied5. Supplied6. Is supplying

PRACTICE 17

1. Turn2. Have turned3. Are turned4. Turns 5. Turned6. Is turning

PRACTICE 18

1. Wraps2. Are wrapping3. Wrap4. Has wrapped5. Wrapped6. Were

wrapped

PRACTICE 19p

1. Have separated2. Separated3. Is separated4. Separates5. Separate6. Is separating

PRACTICE 20

1. Preserved2. Has

preserved3. Is preserving4. Preserves5. Preserve6. Was

preserved

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PARAGRAPH WRITING SCHEME (PAWS):

Siti and her friends used different strategies to study. …

The book exhibition was very good. …

We did many things to decorate our class. …

The students took care of their safety all the time at the camp. …

I studied at a local university ten years ago. …

Our holiday in Penang was great. …

Yesterday, my family and I went shopping. …

I just attended a very interesting camping. …

My friends and I had a great time when we were in form 3.

My first date with Lisa yesterday was memorable.

Last week, Shila and I went to K.Lumpur. …

My new neighbour moved in last week. …

We sat for our first test last week. …

I flew to Singapore last week. …

I organized my birthday party last month. …

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DESCRIBE YOUR EXPERIENCE TAKING PART IN A SCHOOL PROGRAMME AND HOW YOU FELT.

Last week, Boboi, Yaya, Gopal, Ying and I joined our school language camp. The camp

was held at a two-star hotel in Ipoh. We did not have to pay anything. Everything was

sponsored. There were ten groups. I was in Group 10. The members in my group came

from different classes. But all of us were form 5 students. [59 words]

Seri, from Class 5 Permai, was our group leader. Seri was a very pretty girl. I liked her

so much. I knew the other boys also liked Seri. We named our group Seri Bombastic. In

the first activity, we created our group‘s logo, motto and song. When we presented our

song, everybody liked it. [54 words]

On the second day, we had many language games. We had spelling competition,

vocabulary game, drama and many other games. Our group won the drama

competition. We presented a very good drama. We presented a story about a princess

who fell in love with a fisherman. Seri played the role of a princess and of course I was

the poor but handsome fisherman. The activities went on until 10.00 p.m. We were

very tired but enjoyed ourselves a lot. [79 words]

On the third day we had a jungle trekking in a forest nearby the hotel. We had to climb

hills. We also had to answer many difficult questions. It was very challenging. Seri was

not feeling well. She could not walk fast. I had to walk slowly. I did not want Seri to be

alone. Finally, we reached our destination. Seri smiled at me. She gave me her photo

and thanked me. [72 words]

I was very happy. Seri was happy too. After the language camp, Seri and I got closer.

We planned to join the language camp again next year. [27 words]

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4

6

8

1

0

1

2

1

4

1

6

1

8

8

2

0

DESCRIBE YOUR VISIT TO A PUBLIC PLACE AND WHOM YOU MET.

I am the most handsome boy in class. I look like the hero of Hindi movies. I am very

happy with my good look. My friends call me Alif the Handsome Hero. I have a

girlfriend. She is very beautiful. She is beautiful like Miss World. No, I think she is more

beautiful than Miss World. I call her Chom the “Bomb!” [62 words]

I have a handsome father. My father looks like Shahrukh Khan. Shahrukh Khan is a very

famous Hindi superstar. My father is 49 years old. He is a businessman. He has six

restaurants. His restaurants are very famous. Many people like to eat at his

restaurants. [46 words]

Yesterday, I followed my handsome and caring father to visit my uncle at a hospital.

We left home at about 5.00 p.m. and reached the hospital at 6.15 p.m. The hospital

was a new hospital. It was opened two months ago. It was clean and big. There were

many people at the hospital. [53 words]

My uncle was also handsome. He was more handsome than my father but I was more

handsome than my uncle. In short, I was the most handsome man. I was happy to be

the most handsome man in the family. My uncle was a chronic diabetic. He was in the

hospital because his sugar level was very high. [58 words]

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4

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8

10

12

14

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My uncle‘s ward was at the second floor. The lift was very big and fast. I saw a nurse in

the lift. The nurse was my mother‘s old friend. She talked to my father. She told us that

my uncle was doing alright. After talking to the nurse, my father and I went to Room

515. My uncle was very happy to see my father and me. [67 words]

There was a young doctor. The doctor said that my uncle was getting better and he

could go home soon. My father talked to my uncle for one hour. I felt bored so I went

out of the room. I went to level one. I saw a young nurse. She smiled at me. I smiled at

her. She looked like Seri, my girlfriend. [63 words]

Then, I went to the hospital café. The café was not big but clean. I saw the young nurse

again. She smiled at me again. The young nurse came to my table. I smiled at her. I did

not know what to say. I ate my fried rice quickly. After that I ate my burger. Later, I ate

another plate of fried rice. I did not say anything to the young nurse. [72 words]

Suddenly, the young nurse stood up and left me. She still smiled. I quickly went to

Room 515. My father was waiting for me. I said goodbye to my uncle. Then, my father

and I went home. I could not forget the young nurse. [44 words]

TOTAL [465 WORDS]

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28

30

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ESSAY 1

Source:

http://www.indianchild.com/wait_for_the_brick.htm

A young and successful executive was traveling down a neighbourhood street, going a bit too fast in his new Jaguar. He was watching for kids darting out from between parked cars and slowed down when he thought he saw something. As his car passed, no children appeared. Instead, a brick smashed into the Jag's side door! He slammed on the brakes and spun the Jag back to the spot from where the brick had been thrown.

He jumped out of the car, grabbed some kid and pushed him up against a parked car shouting, "What was that all about and who are you? Just what the heck are you doing?!" Building up a head of steam he went on. That's a new car and that brick you threw is going to cost a lot of money. Why did you do it?"

"Please, mister, please. I'm sorry, I didn't know what else to do," pleaded the youngster. "I threw the brick because no one else would stop..." Tears were dripping down the boy's chin as he pointed around the parked car.

"It's my brother," he said. "He rolled off the curb and fell out of his wheelchair and I can't lift him up." Sobbing, the boy asked the executive, "Would you please help me get him back into his wheelchair? He's hurt and he's too heavy for me."

Moved beyond words, the driver tried to swallow the rapidly swelling lump in his throat. He lifted the young man back into the wheelchair and took out his handkerchief and wiped the scrapes and cuts, checking to see that everything was going to be okay. "Thank you and may God bless you," the grateful child said to him.

The man then watched the little boy push his brother down the sidewalk toward their home. It was a long walk back to his jaguar....a long, slow walk. He never did repair the side door. He kept the dent to remind him not to go through life so fast that someone has to throw a brick at you to get your attention. [347 words]

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ESSAY 2

Source:

http://www.inspirationallane.com/SadLoveStories3.htm

A boy walked into a CD store and saw a girl behind the counter. She smiled and he thought it was the most beautiful smile he has ever seen before and wanted to kiss her right there. He said "Uh... Yeah... Umm... I would like to buy a CD." He picked one out and gave her money for it.

"Would you like me to wrap it for you?" she asked, displaying her cute smile again. He nodded and she went to the back. She came back with the wrapped CD and gave it to him. He took it and walked out of the store. He went home and from then on, he went to that store everyday and bought a CD and she will have it wrapped for him. He took the CDs home and put them in his closet. He was still too shy to ask her out and he really wanted to but he couldn't. His mother found out about this and told him to just ask her out.

So the next day, he summoned all his courage and went to the store. He bought a CD like he did everyday and once again she went to the back of the store and came back with it wrapped. He took it and when she wasn't looking, he left his phone number on the desk and ran out...

!!!RIING!!! The mother picked up the phone and said, "Hello?" It was the girl!!! She asked for the boy and the mother started to cry and said, "Don't you know? He passed away yesterday..." The line was quiet except for the cries of the boy's mother.

Later in the day, the mother went into the boy's room because she wanted to remember him. She thought she would start by looking at his clothes. Hence, she opened the closet. She came face to face with piles and piles of wrapped CDs. She was surprised to find all those CDs and she picked one up and sat down on the bed. She started to open the wrapped CD.

Inside, there was a CD and as she took it out of the wrapper, out fell a piece of paper. The mother picked it up and read it. It said, “Hi... I think you are really cute. Do you want to go out with me? Love, Jacelyn.”

The mother opened another CD. Again there was a piece of paper. It said, “Hi... I think you are really cute. Do you want to go out with me? Love, Jacelyn.” [423 words]

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SPM CONTINUOUS WRITING: “NEW” ESSAY QUESTIONS

1. Describe an event which involved a big crowd and share your experience being one of them.

2. Describe an incident that you witnessed and how it has taught you to be a more careful person.

3. Describe a school project that you will lead and your roles as a leader.4. Describe an important individual in your life and tell why you want to be

like him or her.5. Describe a misfortune that you witnessed and what you did to help.6. Describe a joyous occasion that you and your friends will celebrate and

the preparations that you have to make.7. Describe an individual who has impressed you and how that person has

changed your life.8. Describe an incident that happened in your town and an act of kindness

by the members of the public.9. Describe a happening in your neighbourhood which has taught you an

important lesson. 10.Describe a memorable experience with a group of foreign tourists who

visited your hometown.11.Describe a programme that promotes unity among those who join it.12. Describe a charity activity that you took part and how you felt about it.13.Write a story about a hawker beginning with: “The stall was crowded. A

customer…”14.Write a story about a factory worker beginning with: “I was late for my

night shift. My supervisor was …” 15.Write a story about a popular artiste beginning with: “There was a big

crowd at the press conference. A young reporter asked …”16.Write a story about a maid beginning with: “My employer asked me to

clean the toilet again. I just kept quiet and …”17.Write a story about a business tycoon beginning with: “The meeting ended

very fast. Outside the room, …”18.Write a story about a doctor beginning with: “The patient was in a critical

condition. He had to …”19.Write a story about a professional photographer beginning with: “Camera

and all the other equipment were ready. That day, the weather was …” 20.Write a story about a university student beginning with: “The morning

lecture was very interesting. The lecturer was …”

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21.Write a story about a farmer beginning with: “It was a hot day. I had to finish …”

22.Write a story about a bus driver beginning with: “The traffic was heavy. The bus was …”

23. ‘Where there is a will there is a way.’ Describe how a friend was determined to face a challenge in life.

24. ‘When in Rome, do as the Romans do.’ Describe how a teenager had to make some changes to his lifestyle when he stayed with a foster family for a week.

25. ‘No pain, no gain.’ Describe how a father supported his family by also doing a part-time job.

26. ‘Don’t judge a book by its cover.’Describe how a neighbour made a wrong judgment about someone.

27. ‘Practice makes perfect.’ Describe how a handicapped person was able to do things that normal people could do.

28. ‘Rome wasn’t built in a day.’Describe how villagers of a village gradually brought development to their village.

29. ‘You are what you eat.’ Describe how eating habits of a teenager affected his or her life.

30. ‘One man’s meat is another man’s poison.’ / ‘One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.’ Describe how two siblings can differ in some aspects of life.

31. ‘Out of the frying pan, into the fire.’ Describe how a young man got out of one problem but found himself in a worse situation.

32. ‘Every cloud has a silver lining.’ Describe how someone was optimistic despite the hardships in life.

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ESSAY 1:

QUESTION: Describe an incident of meeting a stranger and how the stranger changed your life.

On the last day before Christmas, I hurried to a supermarket to buy a gift I did not manage to buy earlier. When I saw a big crowd there, I regretted for not shopping for the gift early. Nonetheless, I made my way to the toy section. There, I noticed a small boy of about five years old, pressing a doll against his chest. He had a sad look. Then, the little boy turned to the old woman next to him, "Granny, are you sure I don't have enough money?" The old lady replied, "Yes, dear." Then, she asked him to stay there for five minutes while she went to look around. She left quickly. The little boy was still holding the doll in his hand.

I pitied him. I walked toward him and I asked him to whom did he want to give it to. "It is the doll that my sister loved most and wanted so much for this Christmas." I replied to him that maybe Santa Claus will bring it to her. But he replied to me sadly. "No, Santa Claus cannot bring it to her where she is now. I have to give the doll to my mother so that she can give it to her when she goes there." His eyes were so sad while saying this. "My sister has gone to be with God. Daddy says that Mummy will also go to see God very soon, so I thought that she can bring the doll with her to give it to my sister."

I was shocked. The little boy said, "I told daddy to tell mummy not to go yet. I asked him to wait until I come back from the supermarket." Then he showed me a very nice photo of him and told me, "I also want mummy to take this photo with her so that she will not forget me." I love my mummy and I wish she doesn't have to leave me but daddy says that she has to go to be with my little sister." I cried.

Then he looked again at the doll with sad eyes, very quietly. I quickly reached for my wallet and took 50 Dollars, gave it to the boy and said, "I hope that is enough." The little boy said, "Thank you." The boy was happy. He looked at me and added, "I prayed to God yesterday to make sure I have enough money to buy this doll. He heard me." "I also wanted to have enough money to buy a white rose for my mummy, but I didn't dare to ask God too much. But today, He gave me enough to buy the doll and the white rose." "You know, my mummy loves white rose."

A few minutes later, the old lady came again and I quickly left with my trolley. I finished my shopping in a totally different state from when I started. I could not get the little boy out of my mind. I left the place in tears, feeling that my life had been changed forever. The love that this little boy had for his mother and his sister was truly great. I was happy to help him. I promise myself that I would love my mother more than before and would never ever think of hurting her feeling anymore.

[559 words]

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ESSAY 2:

“Nothing ventured, nothing gained”Write a story about how someone kept on trying to do something until he or she achieved success.

Adam walked into a CD shop and saw Mel behind the counter. Mel was a pretty girl. Mel smiled and Adam thought it was the most beautiful smile he had ever seen before and wanted to tell her how much he liked her right away. However, Adam did not have the gut to do so. He said "Uh... Yeah... Umm... I would like to buy a CD." Adam picked one out and gave her money for it.

"Would you like me to wrap it for you?" she asked, showing her cute smile again. Adam nodded and Mel went to the back. She came back with the wrapped CD and gave it to him. He took it and walked out of the shop. Adam went home and from then on he kept on thinking of Mel. Adam was so happy but he was too shy to approach her. Adam went to that shop everyday and bought a CD and Mel would wrap it for him. Adam wanted to say “Hi” to Mel but he just could not. Adam was confused. He did not know why he was so scared but he did not give up.

At home, Adam practised in his room what to say to ask Mel out. He practised in front of the mirror. One day, Adam’s mother found out about this and told him to just ask her out. Adam’s mother was happy that her son liked a girl. His sporting mother encouraged him to be brave. Adam remembered his mother’s advice well, “Nothing ventured, nothing gain”.

So the next day, he tried to be brave and went to the shop. He bought a CD like usual and once again she went to the back of the shop and came back with it wrapped. He was ready to ask her out but suddenly a customer walked in. Adam changed his plan. He quickly left his phone number on Mel’s desk and ran out.

“Ring!!!” The mother picked up the phone and said, "Hello?" It was Mel!!! She asked for Adam. Adam’s mother was very happy. She started to cry and said, "Oh! Finally my son has the courage to talk to you!! Mel was shocked. The line was quiet for a while and then Mel told Adam’s mother that she would call him again.

Later in the day, Adam went to the shop. Mel was alone in the shop. Adam was sweating profusely but not because the air-conditioner in the shop was not functioning. Adam was very nervous. He was whispering to himself “Nothing ventured, nothing gained” a few times. When Mel came nearer, Adam finally opened his mouth and said, “Hi, I am Adam. I…I… know you are Mel. I….I ….I like your smell…so..so...sorry…your smile!”

Mel did not only smile but she gave Adam her cutest smile. Adam was very happy. “Hi, Adam. I have been waiting for this day for so long…thank you. Mel gave to Adam a CD with the title “You Are My Love”. Adam grabbed the CD and shouted “Yahoo!!! Yabedabedoo!!”.

16

[508 words]

ESSAY 3:Write a story about a bus driver beginning with:“The bus was crowded. At the next bus stop, …”

The bus was crowded. At the next bus stop, I could already see Siti standing restlessly. The passengers on the bus watched sympathetically as Siti with the white cane made her way carefully up the steps. Siti paid me her bus fare and, using her hands to feel the location of the seats, walked down the aisle and found the seat which I reserved for her. Then she settled in.

It had been a year since Siti, 34, became blind. Due to a medical misdiagnosis she had been rendered sightless, and she was suddenly thrown into a world of darkness. All she had to cling to was her husband, Mat. Mat was an Air Force officer and he loved Siti with all his heart. When she first lost her sight, he watched her sink into despair and was determined to help his wife gain the strength she needed to become independent again.

One day, Siti felt ready to return to her job, but how would she get there? She used to take my bus, but was now too terrified to travel alone. Mat volunteered to accompany her on the bus every single day. Siti was on cloud nine to know that. I also volunteered to assist Siti in whatever way I could. I felt that my passengers’ welfare was my responsibility.

Siti was horrified at the idea of taking the bus again. "I'm blind!", she responded bitterly. "How am I supposed to know where I am going? Mat was worried but he did not give up hope. As he promised Siti, for two weeks, Mat, in his military uniform, he accompanied her to and from work each day. I respected Mat for what he did to boost Siti’s confidence.

As the driver of the bus that Siti took daily to work, I witnessed how Mat taught her how to rely on her other senses, specifically her hearing, to adapt to her new environment. I also offered my assistance to Mat to watch out for her, and save her a seat. Mat was reassured to hear my offer. Finally, Siti decided that she was ready to travel on her own. Monday morning arrived, and before she left, she hugged Mat, her temporary bus-riding companion. Her eyes filled with tears of gratitude for his devotion and love. She said good-bye, and for the first time, Siti took the bus alone. I chatted with her along the way to make her feel relaxed. After a few days, Siti felt better. As her bus driver, I was proud that she was going to work all by herself.

On Friday morning, Siti took my bus to work as usual. As she was paying the fare to me, I said, "Siti, I sure do envy you." She asked me inquisitively, "Why do you say that you envy me?" I explained, "You know, every morning for the past week, your husband, Mat, in his military uniform has been standing across the corner watching you as you get off my bus. He makes sure you cross the street safely and he watches until you enter your office building. Then he blows you a kiss, gives you a little salute and walks away. You are one blessed lady." Tears of contentment poured down Siti's cheeks. Although she couldn't physically see him, she had always felt Mat's presence.

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She was so lucky, for he had given her a gift more powerful than sight, a gift she didn't need to see to believe - the gift of true love. [590 words]

ESSAY 4:

Write a story about a single mother beginning with:“Mona had to work hard days and nights. After her husband …”

Mona had to work hard days and nights. After her husband passed away, she had to toil to bring up her little son alone. She and her son lived in a dilapidated wooden house. It was a small house with only one bedroom and a kitchen.

Mona wanted Sam to get a good result. She would not let Sam help her do any household chores or wash his own clothes. The years flew by. Sam sat for his SPM examination and passed with flying colours. Mona was delirious with joy. She went round telling her friends, “My Sam will go to college and become a manager one day. I’ll move to live with him in the city. My son will take me from rags to riches.”

Mona continued to work hard to send money to Sam who was studying a business degree. For Mona, her life was no picnic. Meanwhile, Sam kept on phoning home to ask for more money. Mona even had to borrow from her neighbours to send her son the money.

However, Sam stopped calling home for three years. He simply disappeared. When Mona phoned the faculty, they told her that he had graduated and left for job. Mona was baffled. Her heart sank when she thought of her only child. Where was Sam? How could he do that to her?

One day, Mona’s neighbour, Lola, came to talk to her about Sam. She told Mona, “A friend of mine met Sam in a bank. He is the branch manager. This is his address.” Mona was bursting with joy. Early in the morning, Mona took the first bus to the city. At the bus station, she took a taxi to the bank. On the way there, she told the driver about Sam and what a filial son he was.

The driver stopped his taxi in front of a state-of-the-art building. Mona smiled gleefully. It was the moment she was going to meet Sam. She imagined he was surprised to meet her. Inside the building, a security guard asked her who she was looking for. She told the guard Sam’s name.

The bank staff saw an old lady holding a worn-out handbag. They were wondering, “Why is she asking for our manager?” Meanwhile, Sam pretended he did not know his mother. Feeling appalled and ashamed, he asked the security guard to ask her to leave. Mona was shocked to hear that! She looked at Sam in disenchantment and ran out of the bank.

Back in her house, Mona cried the whole night for her son had become a cold fish. The next morning, she sat by the window with Sam’s photo on her lap. Out of thin air, she saw him walking towards their house. Soon, she shouted, “My Sam is back! My Sam is back!” Sam ran towards Mona and hugged tightly. He regretted the way he behaved. His

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colleagues were the ones who made him realized his big mistakes neglected his mother. His heart bled for what he did to his mother. [506 words]

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