FATIMI ESTAR

ENGLISH UPSR: HOW TO ANSWER BI PAPER 1 AND PAPER 2 EFFECTIVELY

noreply@blogger.com (Fatimi Estar) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 04:26:00 +0000

Tip UPSR: Tinggalkan dulu soalan susah ketika jawab Bahasa Inggeris
Oleh P Rangit Singh
Berita Harian
2010/09/15
Bahasa Inggeris

PAPER 1

English Paper 1 contains 40 multiple choice questions. They cover the vocabulary, social situation, grammar and comprehension aspects of the language.

In Section A, pupils are to answer questions which test their vocabulary.

Pupils are given three different types of questions namely word level questions, phrase level questions and sentence level questions.

For this section pupils need to study the pictures given in order to answer most of the questions. Pupils can use the ‘Wh’ questions to derive the information from the pictures.

Make sure you read all the options given. Understand them and finally make your choice. Remember to choose the best answer.

In Section B, different social situations are given through the speech bubbles in the pictures. Before proceeding to the options (A, B, C and D), look at the picture and then read the dialogues in the speech bubbles. Understand the social function in the questions (to enquire, to assure, to inform, to explain, to apologise). Then choose the best sentence that fits the empty speech bubble based on the social function.

In the grammar section (Section C) pupils are required to answer questions on grammar, punctuation and spelling. For grammar, pupils need to read the questions and understand the grammar rules that need to be applied. After choosing the answer, you need to think whether the answer you have chosen is the best answer. Reason out the answer by recalling the grammar rules you have learnt.

When choosing the answer for the punctuation questions, pupils need to read all the options given. While reading the sentences, circle the errors. Then compare the sentence with the other options in the question until you find the sentence without errors.

When answering questions on synonym or antonym, make sure you give the synonym or antonym in context (the meaning of the word used in the sentences) and not its general meaning.

For questions that test spelling, pupils need to read the options given carefully. After that compare the words with the other options and choose the word that has the correct spelling.

Usually questions in Section D test pupils on vocabulary and grammar. Read the text given first then determine the tense. Look for clues (words that show the tense) in the text to help you. You also need to refer to the picture given.

A linear and a non linear text are given in the comprehension section. Pupils need to read the text given at least twice. During the first reading, pupils need to get an idea what the text is about. This will help them to get a general view of the text. During the second reading, make sure you understand the whole text especially the important points. If there is a word in a sentence that you don’t understand, underline it and read the sentence again a few more times. You may be able to guess the meaning of the word. Then read the questions carefully and choose the best answer. Make sure you read all the options given before choosing the best answer.

PAPER 2

Section A

* This section tests pupils’ ability to write sentences. Pupils will be given a picture and they have to construct five sentences. Pupils may choose to construct the sentences without using the helping words.

* Pupils need to construct a variety of sentences namely:

Simple sentence
Example: The boys are playing football.

Compound sentence
Example: The boys and their friends are playing football in the field.

Complex sentence
Example: Johan, who is wearing jersey number seven, is playing football in the field.

* Do not make assumptions. Write sentences on what you see in the picture. If you want to use names, make sure that you describe clearly the person you are writing about.

Example:
Zul is sitting with his friends. (WRONG)
Zul, who is the tallest among the boys, is holding a hockey stick. (CORRECT)

* After you have completed all the five sentences, make sure you check the grammar, punctuation and spelling. Write clearly so as not to confuse the examiner.

* Don’t relate yourself to the picture.

Example:
My uncle and aunt are watching television in the living room. (WRONG)
A man and a woman are watching television in the living room. (CORRECT)

Section B

* This section contains two questions. Pupils need to transfer the information from the question into the table. Then, they have to make a choice based on the question given and state the reasons for the choice.

* For information transfer pupils need to be aware of the spelling, punctuation and their writing. They need to write clearly and obey the punctuation rules. If the answer written is not legible, no marks will be awarded for the answer. Pick and choose the information based on what is required in the table. Do not copy in any particular sequence.

* For the second part of the question, pupils need to make a choice and state the reasons for their choice. Before you start your answer, read the instruction. Make sure you write based on the choice made.

Example:
You and your family are going on a trip. Based on the information given, which type of tour would you suggest? Give reasons for your choice.

* Don’t only write statements. Support them with logical and suitable reasons. Give some elaboration on your reasons.

Example:
I would choose Aerobus 380 because it can carry the most number of passengers. It is also the longest and the widest among the three planes. Thus, it will be more spacious and I will be able walk around in the plane especially since I’m going to Paris. It is the fastest and does not need any refueling until its destination. It is powered by four jet engines. It will be able to reach the destination faster than the others.

* After completing the answers, pupils must check the sentences for grammar, spelling or punctuation errors.

Section C

* Pupils need to write creatively in this section based on the pictures and words given in the question. Pupils must read the instruction before writing their answer. Pupils may need to use all the words. Sometimes they may not need to use all the words. This depends on the instruction. Therefore, it is crucial for pupils to read the instruction carefully.

Example:

1. Write a story based on the pictures below. You may use the words given to help you. Write your answers in the space provided.

OR

2. Write a story based on the pictures below. Use all the words given to help you. Write your answers in
the space provided.

* Pupils are free to name the characters in their answer. They can also name the places in the pictures.

* Start your answer with an interesting introduction and end it with an interesting closure. Your introduction need not be too long. Two or three sentences will be sufficient.

* Write at least four sentences for each picture. Make sure you describe the pictures well. You may use proverbs and similes to make your answer more interesting.

* After completing the answer, read through the sentences. Check for any errors in grammar, punctuation and spelling.

In a nutshell, pupils need to be alert and concentrate while answering the questions. Leave the questions that are difficult, answer the easier ones and come back to the difficult ones later. Read the instruction before attempting to answer the questions. Finally, check all your answers before you hand in the answer script to the invigilators. So, good luck and may God bless you all.

Credit to: Zulkifli Basheer

Results For PMR 2011 @ Pusat Tuisyen Minda Elit

noreply@blogger.com (Fatimi Estar) — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0000

BIL	NAMA PELAJAR	NAMA SEKOLAH	KEPUTUSAN PMR 2011
1	NUR SYUHADAH BT MOHD FADHLI	SMK BANDAR BARU BANGI (JALAN 2)	9A
2	NURSYAFIQIN BT HASNAL	SMK JALAN 3, BDR BARU BANGI	9A
3	NUR SYAZANA BT SALEHUDDIN	SMK JALAN 3, BDR BARU BANGI	9A
4	NURHAZIRAH BT HARIS	SMK MAAHAD HAMIDIAH, KAJANG	9A
5	NILI MASTURA BT MUNIR	SMK MAAHAD HAMIDIAH, KAJANG	9A
6	MARYAM ALIYA BT MOHAMAD	SMKA MAAHAD HAMIDIAH	9A
7	NURUL AMIRA BT ZAINY	SMK JALAN 3, BDR BARU BANGI	7A 1B
8	INTAN NADIA AZUILLA MAULAD MOHD RAWI	SMK JALAN 3, BDR BARU BANGI	7A 1B
9	AHMAD AZRAIE B AZHAR	SMK JALAN 3, BDR BARU BANGI	7A 2B
10	NUR HAZWANI BT MOHD RAZIP	SMI ABIM, SG RAMAL DALAM, KAJANG	7A 2B
11	ALIA NABILA BT MOHAMAD SUPIAN	SMK JALAN 3, BDR BARU BANGI	6A 2B
12	FARHANA BT RUSLI	SMK JALAN 3, BDR BARU BANGI	6A 2B
13	MUHAMMAD AMIR HAKIM B ROSMIDI	SMK BANDAR BARU BANGI (JALAN 2)	6A 2B 1C
14	PUTERI MIMI HARLINA BT ZULKAFLI	SMK BANDAR BARU BANGI (JALAN 2)	3A 5B
15	ADLIN BT ZAHARIN	SEK AGAMA MEN SG MERAB LUAR, SEPANG
16	MUHAMMAD YAZID B MOHD THANI	SMK BANDAR BARU BANGI (JALAN 2)	1C 7D

Cikgu Fatimi, Nursyafiqin (9A) & Nur Syazana (9A)

From the left: Nur Hazwani (7A 2B), Nur Syuhadah (9A), Muhammad Amir Hakim (6A 2B 1C), Ustaz Noorazi, Ahmad Azraei (7A 2B), Nili Mastura (9A) Maryam Aliya (9A) & Nurhazirah (9A)


Front left to right: Ahmad Azraei, Muhammad Amir Hakim, Farhana (6A 2B) & Alia Nabila (6A 2B) Back left to right: Cikgu Nur Illiyin, Nur Syuhadah, Puteri Mimi Harlina (3A 5B) & Nurul Amira (7A 1B)

Sample Answer (Step by Wicked Step)

noreply@blogger.com (Fatimi Estar) — Sun, 13 Nov 2011 03:06:00 +0000

Compare and contrast 2 characters from a novel you have studied. With close reference to the text, give reasons to support your answer.

I choose the novel Step by Wicked Step, written by Anne Fine. I am going to compare and contrast Claudia and Pixie. There are similarities and differences between them which can be observed clearly throughout the story.

First of all, Claudia and Pixie share similar fate where their parents are divorced and their fathers live with another women. Claudia's father lives with his girl friend named Stella. Sometimes Claudia spends her time with her dad and Stella even though she hates Stella. She refuses to enjoy her stay with her dad out of loyalty to her mother and she also ignores Stella. In Pixie's case, her father marries Lucy who has two daughters, Sophie and Hetty. Pixie hates her step sisters. Her father promises that she would have her own room whenever she stays with them but later her step sister, Hetty moves into her room after having a fight with Sophie. This really makes her mad and she tries many ways to get rid of Hetty. Life is miserable for both Pixie and Claudia.

However, the biggest difference which can be observed between Pixie and Claudia is that they have different approaches in dealing with their problems. Claudia is fair and sensible. Even though she hates Stella, she does not blame the lady for her parents' break-up. She is more gentle in her actions. For example, at the dinner party, she thinks that the guests are rude for not appreciating Stella's hard work. She realizes that ignoring Stella would not help solving matters between her parents. Feeling sorry for Stella, she decides to help her get accepted by showing off the green pyjamas which Stella has given to her.

On the contrary, Pixie is more aggressive in her actions. In order to get Hetty out of her room, she creates stories that her room is haunted and when that fails, she tries to irritate Hetty by asking her to help with her maths. Finally, she tries the silent treatment on Hetty and that makes the girl tell Lucy everything. When Lucy confronted her, Pixie refuses to submit but instead she stands up for herself and expresses her feelings. She hates to pretend that her family is normal and she could not accept strangers as family. However, after they both pour out their frustration, things become better for them.

In a nutshell, Claudia and Pixie have both similarities and differences between them. I learn many lessons while reading the story about them and the other children in this novel.

Spot Questions (English 1119) SPM 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Fatimi Estar) — Sat, 12 Nov 2011 04:16:00 +0000

Spotting questions for SPM requires 50% calculation and 50% instinct. The texts for literature component are all new, living no room for me to make any calculation. Therefore, I have to depend solely on my instinct (I am not a fortune teller so I might be wrong anytime). However, students are lucky to have only 4 poems to study now compared to the last time when we used to have 5 short stories and 6 poems. My sincere advice is to prepare for all four, but if I were asked which might come out, then I would say 'Are You Still Playing Your Flute' might be the one (remember that it is only 50% and it is a very risky game we are playing here).

As for the novel, knowing by heart that teachers who prepared the exam papers would always try their best to make things not too easy and not too difficult for students all over Malaysia including those in the rural areas, I personally believe that the question should be on character (again, this is only 50%).

Do not worry too much about Directed Writing. Whatever the format will be, you will find it stated clearly in the question (look at the bottom part of the question). Just make sure you use all the 12 points given. Some people said that formal letter might come out this year, but I think it is not very practical since it is a bit complicated to award marks for the format of formal letter. Anyway, it would be wise to know by heart all the formats of Directed Writing as learned in form 4 & 5, but if you insist on spotting then I would say that it might be a speech.

Continuous Writing will confirm your A. The most useful tips is to memorize an interesting story, and later when you see the question "Write a story beginning/ending with...", just adjust and adapt to it. NEVER write an essay on discussion (not even if it sounds very easy) especially if your language ability is limited.

Good Luck.

Sample Answer (Step by Wicked Step)

noreply@blogger.com (Fatimi Estar) — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 07:47:00 +0000

Based on one of the novel that you have studied, write about a memorable event and how the event affects one of the characters in the story.

Support your answer with close reference to the text.

I choose the novel Step by Wicked Step written by Anne Fine. The memorable event from the novel is the honest conversation between Pixie and her stepmother Lucy. I think that the conversation is important because it affects Pixie's life.

First of all, I think that the conversation is important because Pixie has a chance to tell the truth about her feelings. Pixie tells Lucy that she hates to pretend that their family is normal. It is hard for her to accept strangers as family. She dislikes her stepsisters. When Hetty moves into Pixie's bedroom after quarreling with Sophie, Pixie is very angry. She tries many ways to get rid of Hetty.

Apart from that, I think that the conversation between Lucy and Pixie is important because Lucy also gets a chance to express her feelings towards Pixie. Lucy hates being a step mother. It is very hard for her to take care of someone else's child. Lucy is angry when Pixie when Pixie tries to get rid of Hetty from her bedroom.

Last but not least, I think the heart to heart conversation is memorable because it improves the relationship between Pixie and Lucy. They understand each other better. at the end of the conversation, they are crying and hugging each other. After that day, their relationship becomes better and they are more like a normal family.

In a nutshell, I think that the honest conversation between Lucy and Pixie is memorable because it improves the relationship between Pixie and her step family. I learn many things from this novel.

Literature SPM (Poem)

noreply@blogger.com (Fatimi Estar) — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 08:36:00 +0000

I would like to make a correction here. In one of my earlier post, I mentioned that only one poem learned in form 4 will be tested in SPM. However, it turned out that the poem that will be tested might be the one learned in either form 4 or form 5. Therefore, it is necessary for us to focus on all four poems which are Nature, Are You Still Playing Your Flute, In The Midst of Hardship and He Had Such Quiet Eyes as preparation for SPM. Good luck.

Sample Answer (The Phantom of The Opera)

noreply@blogger.com (Fatimi Estar) — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 10:13:00 +0000

Based on a novel that you have learned, write about the theme of loyalty in the story.

Provide evidence from the text to support your answer.

I choose the novel The Phantom of The Opera written by Gaston Leroux. The theme of loyalty is clearly shown in this novel. There are many examples that show loyalty throughout the story.

First of all, we can see loyalty in Raoul. He falls in love with Christine when they meet in Brittany. However, their love doesn’t grow because they are later separated for four years. Even though they are separated, Raoul is always loyal in his love to Christine. Later, when Raoul and Christine meet again at The Opera House, Raoul really wants to continue their love story. He writes a letter to Christine, asking her to meet him at a garden. Since that day, their love is refreshed and becomes stronger.

Apart from that, Raoul’s loyalty to Christine can be seen when she is kidnapped by Erik. After the blackout at The Opera House, Christine is missing. Raoul runs around looking for her. The Persian shows Raoul to Erik’s house on a lake under the Opera House. It is very dangerous because there are many traps along the way, but Raoul only think about Christine’s safety. His loyalty to her makes him risk his own life.

Last but not least, we can see loyalty in Christine. When Raoul and The Persian are trapped in the torture chamber and almost die there, Christine has to make a difficult decision. She kisses Erik and agrees to marry him so that Erik will let Raoul and The Persian free. Her love and loyalty to Raoul is above everything, and she is willing to sacrifice her life just to save her lover from danger.

In a nutshell, the theme of loyalty can be seen in Raoul and Christine. I hope I can have a loyal boyfriend when I grow up.

Sample Answer (Step by Wicked Step)

noreply@blogger.com (Fatimi Estar) — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 11:08:00 +0000

Sample Question:
What is the most important moral value that you have learnt from the novel you have studied? With close reference to the text, give reasons to support your answer.

I choose the novel Step by Wicked Step written by Anne Fine. The most important moral value that I have learnt from this novel is honesty. There are many examples which show the importance of honesty throughout this novel.

First of all, we can see that in this novel, parents are not being honest to their children. They do not tell their children what is happening between them. This causes the children a lot of stress and worry. For example, Lilith Harwick does not tell her children that their father is dying. We see how distressed Richard is when guessing the truth about his father's condition. When Colin's mother decides to leave Colin's dad and move up north, she does not explain the reason to Colin. Colin does not like his new life and misses his dad a lot, but his mother does not seem to be aware of how he felt.

Apart from that, the parents' lack of honesty makes the children keep their thoughts and feelings to themselves. This is bad because it may cause the children to take the wrong action. For example, Colin stops talking about his dad to his mother, but plans to run away to find him one day. However, when parents are honest about their feelings and open up to their children, their relationship will get better. This can be seen in the case of Lucy and Pixie. After they burst out and tell each other their true feelings, their relationship improves a lot. Pixie respects Lucy and Lucy gives Pixie time and space to adapt to her new family.

In a nutshell, honesty is the most important moral value that can be learnt from this novel because it helps to heal and rebuild relationships in the family. I hope everyone can practice honesty in their lives.

Tips to Study English Literature for SPM (part 2)

noreply@blogger.com (Fatimi Estar) — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 02:20:00 +0000

NOVEL

Important things that we need to understand are:

the question on novel must be adaptable to all three novels (The Curse, Catch Us If You Can and Step By Wicked Step).
the question will always be in positive tone. For example, the question on character will always ask you to discuss the good aspects being portrayed by a particular character (usually the main character). Therefore, you should always see a question that looks like this "Choose a character who you look up to from a novel that you have learned in Form 5, and give reasons to support your answer by giving close reference to the text." but nothing like this "Choose a character that you hate from a novel that you have learned in Form 5, and give reasons to support your answer by giving close reference to the text."
your answer must be properly written in an essay form. I suggest that you write five paragraphs; 1st paragraph for introduction, 2nd-4th paragraphs for content and last paragraph for conclusion. To make sure that you answer falls into higher band (7-8 or 9-10), it is important that you organize your content well by stating your points clearly and provide convincing elaboration which is supported by as many evidence as possible from the text for every main point.
not to worry to much about your language. Just try your level best, and leave it to the examiner to judge. After all, the examiners are Malaysian too so I believe they would be able to understand your English (or at least they would try hard to understand you...teachers are the most kindhearted people in this world).

Tips to Study English Literature for SPM (part 1)

noreply@blogger.com (Fatimi Estar) — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 09:46:00 +0000

NOVEL

I would like to share some past experience in dealing with novels for Form 5. When literature was first introduced to Form 5 students in Malaysian schools, there were three different novels which have to be studied by students based on the regions divided by the government. They were The Pearl, The Return and The Jungle of Hope. On the first year, everybody (teachers and students) was so obedient. They studied what had been decided for them (I was in Johor then, and we studied The Jungle of Hope which was the most difficult and complicated among the three. It was very thick and hard to read because it was translated from BM) and chose to answer Section D in SPM English 1119 based on that particular novel. However, on the following year onwards we learned our lesson and started to play smart (of course after seeing what the question looked like). I believe that others around Malaysia also learned their lesson too. It was so obvious that The Pearl was the easiest to study since the plot is simpler and the language used is easier to be understood. Since then, teachers all over Malaysia started to teach The Pearl to their students who didn't seem to mind buying the text on their own (which means putting aside the other text provided by the SPBT).

What I am trying to say is that the situation is going to be the same this time around even with the new texts. Since the question allows us to choose one of the three novels (Step by Wicked Step, The Curse or Catch Us If You Can), why don't we figure out first which one is the easiest to be taught and studied in class before we start preparing for SPM. I have great respect for those who are very concerned about using creative approaches in teaching literature (musical theater as done by Ms. Hafeezah Sulong or her Cast Name Adreena Aleeyza Adli, a teacher from SMK Permas Jaya 3, Masai Johor is a very good example). However, being me, I am far more interested in helping students to perform in their SPM. Understanding the story doesn't mean that one would be able to write proper answer in exam. You must know the correct technique before you could write an aswer that will confirm with the highest band possible. At the end of the day, it is your A that would make a difference (if you aim to get 5As, by confirming an A for English you would only have to work for another four...)

Tips to Study English Literature for SPM

noreply@blogger.com (Fatimi Estar) — Sat, 09 Jul 2011 07:12:00 +0000

Upper secondary students in Malaysian schools are having a lot of worries in their minds especially those sitting for SPM at the end of this year, and one of the reasons is the literature component which they have to learn during their English lessons in form 4 and form 5. The syllabus covers different genres from poems, short stories, plays to novels. These poor students are expected to understand all these literary works written in a language which for many students is not their second but sometimes third or fourth. However, like it or not, they will have to answer questions on literature in their SPM English 1119.

Fortunately, regardless of the so many items that they have to study in class, they would only be tested on the poems (learned in form 4) and the novels. As there is not much time left, students need to be smart and think of the most practical approach to study the literature components so that the valuable marks would not be wasted unnecessarily.

I believe that most students have already understood the content of the poems and the novels. If one hasn't finished or not even planning to finish reading the novels, they could still understand the storyline by reading the synopsis or the summary. However, do bear in mind that exam questions will never ask you to write a synopsis. It will be more analytical, where you need to be able to analyze and discuss certain aspects of the novel such as the characters and their characteristics, the themes, the moral values and so on.

I would try to give further elaboration and discussion on these aspects in my future posts, with the hope that I could at least help these worried students all over Malaysia to prepare for their SPM. InsyaAllah.

Sample Answer (The Phantom of The Opera)

noreply@blogger.com (Fatimi Estar) — Fri, 03 Jun 2011 08:45:00 +0000

Sample Question:

Discuss a moral value that you learn from a novel that you have studied at school. Support your answer with close reference to the novel.

source: images.search.yahoo.com

I choose The Phantom of The Opera written by Gaston Leroux. The moral value that I learn from this novel is bravery. There are many examples throughout the novel which show us about the bravery of the characters.

First of all, a character that shows a true bravery is Raoul. When Christine is kidnapped by the Phantom, Raoul does not waste any time but runs around looking for her. When the Persian offers to show him where the Phantom lives, Raoul is more than happy to follow him. He does not know what is waiting for him ahead but there is no fear at all in his mind because Christine's safety is more important.

Apart from that, another character that shows bravery is the Persian. Even though he knows that the path to the Phantoms house on the lake below the Opera House is dangerous and full of traps, he is not scared at all. He only thinks that he must help Raoul to save Christine from the evil Phantom. However, his bravery as well as Raoul's are tested when they are trapped in the torture chamber and almost die there.

Last but not least, the character that shows bravery is Christine. It takes a lot of courage for her to face the angry Phantom. In order to save Raoul and the Persian from death in the torture chamber, she braves herself to kiss the ugly Phantom. As a result of her brave act, things turn out to be better for everybody. The Phantom realizes his wrongdoings and turn over a new leaf. Raoul and Christine continue their love without any disturbance from anyone.

In a nutshell, while reading this novel I learn about bravery as shown by the characters such as Raoul, the Persian and Christian. I think this novel is good to read.

Sample Answer (Step by Wicked Step)

noreply@blogger.com (Fatimi Estar) — Sun, 15 May 2011 07:36:00 +0000

Sample Question:

Choose a character that you admire from a novel that you have learned in Form 5. With close reference to the text, give reasons to support your answer.

I choose the novel Step by Wicked Step, written by Anne Fine. The character that I admire is Claudia. There are many reasons why I admire her very much.

First of all, I admire Claudia because she is a gentle person. Listening to Richard's sad story, makes her weep. Besides, she is loyal to her mother. She tries not to sound too happy when speaking to her father because she does not want to hurt her mother's feeling. She rejects Stella and refuses to enjoy her time with her father out of loyalty to her mother. She knows that her parents break-up is serious even though her mother sounded cheerful.

Apart from that, I really admire Claudia because she is a fair and sensible person. She does not blame Stella for her parents' break-up. At the dinner party, she thinks that the guests are rude for not appreciating Stella's hard work. She realizes that ignoring Stella would not help solving matters between her parents. Feeling sorry for Stella who is being ignored by the guests, she decides to help her get accepted by showing off the green pyjamas which Stella gave her.

In a nutshell, the character that I admire from Step by Wicked Step is Claudia because she is gentle, loyal, fair and sensible. I think we could learn a lot from her character.

Analysing the Characters in Step by Wicked Step

noreply@blogger.com (Fatimi Estar) — Fri, 29 Apr 2011 09:45:00 +0000

Claudia

Claudia is a gentle person. Listening to Richard's sad story, makes her weep. She is loyal to her mother. She tries not to sound too happy when speaking to her father because she does not want to hurt her mother's feeling. She rejects Stella and refuses to enjoy her time with her father out of loyalty to her mother. She knows that her parents break-up is serious even though her mother sounded cheerful.

http://images.search.yahoo.com

Claudia is a fair and sensible person. She does not blame Stella for her parents' break-up. At the dinner party, she thinks that the guests are rude for not appreciating Stella's hard work. She realizes that ignoring Stella would not help solving matters between her parents. Feeling sorry for Stella who is being ignored by the guests, she decides to help her get accepted by showing off the green pyjamas which Stella gave her.

Analysing the Characters in Step by Wicked Step

noreply@blogger.com (Fatimi Estar) — Wed, 27 Apr 2011 02:40:00 +0000

Richard Harwick

Richard is a loyal person. He is too loyal to his father that he becomes so angry with his mother for betraying his father's memory by marrying Coldstone. He hates his stepfather and calls him a black bat. He also thinks that his sister is disloyal for getting along with their stepfather. He refuses to listen to his sister's advice to make peace with their stepfather.

http://images.search.yahoo.com

Indulging too much in his own grief, Richard becomes an irresponsible and thoughtless person. Feeling that no one cares about his feelings, he runs off to the sea and explores the world. Disappearing without a word, Richard has caused his mother and sister much grief. He does not even realize the damage that he has done to these two people who really love him until it is too late.

Sample Answer (The Phantom of The Opera)

noreply@blogger.com (Fatimi Estar) — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 09:09:00 +0000

Sample Question:

Write about an incident that you think is important from the novel that you have learned at school. Give reasons to support your answer.

source: www.google.com.my/search

I choose The Phantom of The Opera written by Gaston Leroux. The incident that I think is important from this novel is when The Phantom kidnaps Christine in the middle of her performance at the Opera House. There are many reasons why I think it is important.

First of all, this incident reveals the true nature of The Phantom. He loves Christine so much. He overheard the conversation between Raoul and Christine who plan to escape from the Opera House after the performance. Therefore, he kidnaps Christine so that he will not loose her to Raoul. Later, Christine's gentle kiss brings out the soft side of The Phantom. No woman has ever kissed him, not even his own mother and it is just because he has an ugly face. This is a turning point in his life, and he changes into a better person later on. Even though it is very hard, he lets Christine and Raoul free so that they can get married and live happily together.

Apart from that, from this incident we could see how much Raoul loves Christine. After the blackout, when he finds out that Christine is missing, he does not waste any time but runs around looking for her. He is lucky because The Persian is willing to help him by showing him the way to The Phantom's house on the lake below the Opera House. They are trapped in the torture chamber and almost die there. Luck is on their side when finally The Phantom, who is touched by the gentleness of Christine's kiss, has decided to let them go.

In a nutshell, the incident when The Phantom kidnaps Christine in the middle of her performance at the Opera House is important because it reveals the true nature of the Phantom, as well as showing to us how much Raoul loves Christine. I learn many lessons from this incident.

Sample Answer (The Phantom of The Opera)

noreply@blogger.com (Fatimi Estar) — Fri, 08 Apr 2011 08:07:00 +0000

Sample Question:

Choose a character that you like from a novel that you have learned at school. Give reasons to support your answer.

source: http://www.google.com.my/search

I choose The Phantom of The Opera written by Gaston Leroux . The character that I like is Raoul. There are many reasons why I like him.

First of all, I like Raoul because he is a great lover. He loves Christine very much. Even though they were separated for four years, he is still in love with her. Therefore, when he gets the chance to be with Christine again he tries his best to prove his love towards her.

Apart from that, I like Raoul because he is very protective. When he knows that The Phantom has threatened Christine, he vows that he would murder him. Then, he would take Christine away from the Opera House so that she could be safe and they could live happily together.

Last but not least, I like Raoul very much because he is a brave man. He is willing to sacrifice his own life in order to save Christine. When The Phantom kidnaps Christine during her performance, Raoul does not waste any time but runs around looking for her. He is lucky because The Persian is willing to help him by showing him the way to The Phantom's house on the lake below the Opera House. They are trapped in the torture chamber and almost die there. Luck is on their side when finally The Phantom, who is touched by the gentleness of Christine's kiss, has decided to let them go.

In a nutshell, I like Raoul because he is a great lover, a protective man and the most important of all is that he is brave. I wish that one day I would have a boy friend like him.

Sweet Moment

noreply@blogger.com (Fatimi Estar) — Sat, 02 Apr 2011 05:29:00 +0000

Alhamdulillah. My daughter Nur Amalina bt Holidi scored 2A+, 3A, 2A-, 2B+ in her SPM. She scored A for her English 1119 and 2A for her GCE-O. Well done my dear.

Synopsis of I WONDER

noreply@blogger.com (Fatimi Estar) — Sun, 06 Mar 2011 03:24:00 +0000

source: http://images.search.yahoo.com

The persona, a child, is wondering about the natural happenings, asking why the grass is green (instead of being other colours) and why the wind is invisible. He or she continues to ponder on how the birds know how to build nests without any instruction and why the trees shed their leaves in autumn.

He also wonders where the other part of the moon is (when the moon shows up in the sky in a crescent shape). He wonders about who makes the stars shine and what makes the lightning flash about. He asks who colours the rainbow and puts the clouds high in the sky. His father, however, would not answer the child's questions. He wonders why the father was unwilling to give him the answers.

Source: Curriculum Development Division. Ministry of Education Malaysia. 2010

I WONDER

noreply@blogger.com (Fatimi Estar) — Sat, 05 Mar 2011 06:38:00 +0000

Jeannie Kirby

source: http://images.search.yahoo.com

I wonder why the grass is green,
And why the wind is never seen?

Who taught the birds to build a nest,
And told the trees to take a rest?

O, when the moon is not quite round,
Where can the missing bit be found?

Who lights the stars, when they blow out,

source: http://images.search.yahoo.com

And makes the lightning flash about?

Who paints the rainbow in the sky,
And hangs the fluffy clouds so high?

Why is it now, do you suppose,
That Dad won‟t tell me, if he knows?

Source: Curriculum Development Division. Ministry of Education Malaysia. 2010

Synopsis of Heir Conditioning

noreply@blogger.com (Fatimi Estar) — Sat, 26 Feb 2011 07:41:00 +0000

source: http://images.search.yahoo.com

This poem is written in London, May 4, 1995. It talks about issues regarding different lifestyles and values of two generations. It also talks about the generation gap that exists between grandparents and their grandchildren. This poem is like a dialogue between them. In the first stanza, the grandchild asks his grandfather if he could breathe without air conditioner and how people manage to survive without modern devices such as air conditioners, fans, faxes and telephones. The child asks his grandmother if she was uncomfortable fanning herself with paper fans. He inquisitively questions how they could communicate without today's modern media of communication which he cannot do without.

source: http://images.search.yahoo.com

In the second stanza, the grandparents' answer sets the two generations apart. Though they lived void of the "basic necessities", they lived contentedly and respected nature. Also, they were God-fearing people. The grandparents warn the younger generations that they have inherited much technological advancement and it has led to a separation from his spiritual well-being. God has been replaced by money and nature has begun to fear man. Natural surroundings are being taken over by rapid development and that has led to pollution, deforestation and destruction of natural habitats that now threatens man.

Source: Curriculum Development Division. Ministry of Education Malaysia. 2010

Heir Conditioning

noreply@blogger.com (Fatimi Estar) — Fri, 25 Feb 2011 03:27:00 +0000

M. Shanmughalingam

Grand dad did you breathe
Before air cons were invented
Wasn't it hard staying
Alive without modern inventions
Gandma weren't you flustered
As you fluttered with paper fans
Could you communicate before
Faxes and long distance calls
Became basic necessities?

source: http://images.search.yahoo.com

Grand child we lived
Before your age because
Of our ignorance,
We did not know
Pollution, stress, traffic jams
Destruction of forests, streams and hills
We feared God and nature
Now nature fears you and
Money is your new God

Source: Curriculum Development Division. Ministry of Education Malaysia. 2010

Analysing the Characters in One is One and All Alone

noreply@blogger.com (Fatimi Estar) — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 05:34:00 +0000

Trish

Main character.
11 years old; the only child on the spaceship heading towards Trion.
Lonely and bored.
Misses personal interactions with her parents as her Dad is busy with his work and Mum is away.
Relies on the VoicePrinter (VP) for companionship and information.
Intelligent: she masters the cloning technology and created a clone of herself.
Short sighted as her cloning plan backfires.
Clo becomes a nuisance to her.
Clo in turn gets rid of Trish through the Disposal Hatch instead.

Clo

Identical twin created by Trish in the Biolab using cloning technology.
Trish's friend and companion before she "got sick" of her.
Quick thinking as she out manoeuvres Trish and gets rid of her creator.
Cautious, as she assumes Trish's identity at the end of the story.

Trish's Dad

Executive Officer of the spaceship.
Busy and preoccupied with work as the captain of the spaceship.
Tries to spend time with Trish, his daughter at the diner; indulging her with chocolate milkshakes.
Does not realise that Trish has been replaced by Clo at the end of the story.

Voice Printer

Versatile and intelligent computer.
Tutor and companion to Trish in her lonely days.
An avenue for Trish's private thoughts, feelings and opinions.

Source: Curriculum Development Division. Ministry of Education Malaysia. 2010

Synopsis of One is One and All Alone

noreply@blogger.com (Fatimi Estar) — Thu, 17 Feb 2011 09:59:00 +0000

source: http://images.search.yahoo.com

“One is One and All Alone” by Nicholas Fisk is a science fiction story, set in 2045. The main character is Trish, an 11-year old girl who is the only child on a spaceship to Trion. Her father is the Executive Officer of the spaceship and her mother is in Trion helping to set up a space station. She will only meet her mother in mid January 2047.

After three months, she feels lonely and bored as she does not have any real friends to talk to except her private, multi-functional diary: the VoicePrinter (VP). VP is an intelligent computer which keeps Trish entertained with its ability to perform many functions.

Through her dialogue sessions with VP, Trish learns about clones and the cloning process. The idea of cloning fascinates Trish and she soon decides to create a clone to keep her company in the spaceship Biolab without her father's knowledge. She names her new identical twin “Clo” and initially it becomes her perfect friend and companion. They have fun playing and sharing their time together.

However, certain mannerism of Clo begins to irritate Trish as the clone behaves and thinks like her. Soon they start to argue and disagree with each other over trivial matters. The last straw happens one night when Clo starts referring to Trish's mum as her mum and this upsets Trish as she feels her privacy is being invaded.

The next day, Trish opens up her diary and confides in VP that she does not like to be “swamped, invaded and taken over.” At that instant, she decides to dispose off Clo forever through the “DISPOSAL” hatch near her cabin.

The story ends with a twist when it is Trish who is disposed by Clo. Clo then assumes Trish's identity and Trish's dad is not aware of the change at all. Clo then enjoys being “one is one and all alone” and her new lease of life as Trish in the spaceship.

Source: Curriculum Development Division. Ministry of Education Malaysia. 2010

Synopsis of Are You Still Playing Your Flute?

noreply@blogger.com (Fatimi Estar) — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 03:56:00 +0000

source: http://images.search.yahoo.com

This poem is told from a first person point of view, where the persona, reminisces her feeling of guilt, missing the beautiful melody of the bamboo flute played by her beloved long ago. She later questions and wonders if the flute is still being played now, as the village is now under populated and the paddy field is in a deplorable state. She mentions that, nowadays, relaxing and savoring the beauty of nature is a rare luxury. In the final stanza, she questions for the third time, whether her beloved is still playing the flute. This time around, she admits that she couldn't help but on the contrary, she feels guilty to be thinking of their love at their difficult times. The hardships portrayed here are unemployed young men, people disunited by politics and a "dying" world.

Source: Curriculum Development Division. Ministry of Education Malaysia. 2010