SPM ENGLISH

Happy New Year

2012-01-06T19:17:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year everyone. It is that time of the year to make resolutions. Those of you who are sitting for SPM may be feeling a little nervous about 2012. Many students have even started tuition classes way back in November. This is how serious they are about their studies. Many students have also asked me how to improve their English. Let me stress once again that there is no short cut. Keep on reading. If you are the type that dislike reading novels, then pick up the newspaper. Subscribe to the newspapers in your school since it is cheaper. Or, you can share with your friends. Read the letters to the editor daily for this is helpful in your directed writing. Cut out articles concerning topics such as ICT, stories, social issues, environment, wildlife protection, health, teenagers and any descriptive essays. These will serve as models for you when you write.
Finish reading your novel in January or the latest in February. Since many of you are spending a lot of time on social network, start a group and help in each other.
Here's to another great year for this blog...looking forward to posting more entries...

Record number of visitors!!!!!

2011-11-15T07:27:00.000-08:00

As predicted, speech came out. I hope this blog has been able to be of some help......

Directed Writing Analysis

2011-11-12T08:40:00.001-08:00

YEAR	DIRECTED WRITING
2000	Informal letter
2001	article
2002	speech
2003	Formal letter
2004	Report to the Principal
2005	An informal letter to a friend
2006	An informal letter to a friend
2007	A talk on a reference book
2008	An article
2009	Report on lack of interest in sports
2010	Informal letter
2011	Speech/Formal Letter ?????

A Horrifying Swim

2011-11-08T01:26:00.000-08:00

Here is an example of a story with a good plot. Read and highlight the use of interesting phrases which are precise. Many students tend to memorise bombastic words and try to insert into their essays. The words or phrases must be suitable. Originally, this was just a 150-word essay. I have expanded it by using dialogues and more details.

A HORRIFYING SWIM

It was a school holiday. Rahman woke up at the crack of dawn and headed for Ah Chong’s house. The boys had agreed to meet Sean and Sasi, their classmates. It was a perfect day for a swim. Although they were all strong swimmers, Rahman’s mother had cautioned him against going for a swim. A week earlier, their neighbour's son had nearly drowned in that river.

“Splash!” Hassan dived off the rock into the inviting river. The water was deep but he was not worried. After all, he was an excellent swimmer and a certified lifeguard. He knew the waters in the area well as he often swam there. He persuaded the rest of the boys to follow him up to a higher waterfall. They clambered up the boulders. “Let’s jump!” an exhilarated Rahman shouted. The boys plunged in together, screaming in delight.
Suddenly, Sean was tumbling out of control. The water smashed him over and over again. The current had smashed the other boys against a rock and they managed to pull themselves out from the raging water. At first, they could not see Sean. Then, as the waves subsided, they saw Sean’s half-submerged figure, face down. Rahman dived into the water immediately. He knew that every second counted. Swimming strongly, he got to Sean in no time. With Sasi and Ah Chong’s help, they managed to pull Sean out of the water and onto the rock.
“Oh God, let him not be dead!” Rahman pleaded. Sean looked so blue. The others stood, paralyzed, not knowing what to do. Rahman grabbed Sean’s wrist but he could not feel any pulse. He remembered what his teacher had told him. A drowning victim had to receive artificial breathing within four minutes or he would die. With his lifeguard training in his mind, Rahman immediately drew Sean’s head back and clamped his mouth over him. He began pumping breath into Sean’s lungs as Sasi compressed Sean’s chest while keeping count. Suddenly, Sean gurgled and threw up. They continued breathing and pumping. “Keep going. One of us has to go for help. Sasi, you are the fastest. Run home and get help. Ask someone to call for an ambulance. Quick.....”
After thirty minutes, and what seemed like a lifetime, Rahman felt something moved against him. Sean’s leg had jerked against him. He felt for a pulse. “Sean’s breathing....” Rahman cried. Just then, they heard an ambulance. “You are going to be alright’ he assured Sean. Within minutes, the paramedics had lifted him to the ambulance and headed for the nearby hospital. At the hospital, the boys were so thankful that Sean was going to be alright and they had saved his life. Rahman’s mother gave him a stern lecture. Rahman felt bad and regretted not listening to his mother.

We have reached 200,000.

2011-11-07T17:59:00.000-08:00

We have reached 200,000 hits. Thanks to all for the continuous support. May this blog be of help to everyone. I wish to apologise to those who wanted me to mark their essays. I am afraid I do not have time to do that, having to juggle my time between classes, marking and my writing. However, if you have any questions, do write in and I will try my best to answer your queries. Study hard, stay cool and all the best in your SPM.

Sad Event Question

2011-11-03T18:47:00.000-07:00

Question: Write about a sad event and its effect on the characters in the novel that you have read. Give evidence to support your answer.

Answer:

The novel that I have studied is Catch Us If You Can by Catherine MacPhail. This novel is about a young boy named Rory who lived alone with his grandfather. When Rory and Granda were separated due to a fire, Rory made a decision to run away with Granda so that they could be together.
One of the sad event in this novel is when a fire broke out at the flats where Rory and Granda were staying. On that day, Rory was heading to the bakery as usual to get lunch, the baker told him that something was going on at his flats, the Fire Brigade had gone there and someone had been sent to the hospital. Rory rushed home immediately to find many people surrounding the building. He tried to get into the building. A policeman told him that Granda had been admitted to the hospital but he was going to be all right. Rory heard that Granda had probably left the chip pan on and forgot about it. Then, Rory was taken to the hospital to see Granda.
This event triggered a few other important events which changed their lives forever. As a result of the fire, Rory had to be sent to stay in Castle Street, the children's home and Granda was sent to Rachnadar Hospital. Rory hated Castle Street as he had to face the terrible Tess who bullied everyone around her. He ended up fighting with her. At the same time, Granda was suffering at Rachnadar Hospital. He blamed himself that Rory had ended up in Castle Street. Rory saw that he was retreating further and further into his shell and he did not want Granda to die 'inside'. So, he made a decision to run away.
During the Great Escape, Rory and Granda had to move from place to place. This affected Granda's health. First, they went to Darren's mum's caravan. When Rory received news from Darren that they were found out, they escaped again. This time they were rescued by Ruby and family. They went on an adventurous journey from place to place. At one time, Granda even had to hit a boy who was threatening to catch Rory. Then, Granda hotwired a car and they escaped again. Their adventure ended when Granda fell unconscious at the bus shelter while they were on the run from the police. Finally, Rory had to ask for help and Granda was sent to the hospital. There, they were reunited with Jeff, Rory's father and his new family.
Thus, we can see that the fire that caused Rory and Granda to be separated triggered other events which changed their lives forever. In the end, Rory's problems were solved when they could stay somewhere near his father and they also received home help for Granda and their meals are taken care of by 'meals on wheels'.

DESCRIPTIVE QUESTIONS

2011-11-01T01:03:00.001-07:00

DESCRIPTIVE WRITING 2004 Describe a festival celebrated in your area. 2005 Describe the biggest challenge in your life. 2006 Describe an enjoyable weekend you have experienced. 2007 Describe an embarrassing experience in your life. 2008 Write about a person who has worked hard to succeed. 2009 Describe an unforgettable incident that you saw on your way home from school 2010 Describe the most popular student in your school.

NARRATIVE QUESTIONS

2011-11-01T01:01:00.000-07:00

PAST YEARS' QUESTIONS FOR NARRATIVE WRITING 2004 Write a story ending with: “…We had never laughed so much in our lives.” 2005 Write a story entitled: ‘An Unexpected Visitor.’ 2006 Write a story ending with: “If only I had been more careful, that wouldn’t have happened.” 2007 Write a story beginning with: “Kim was nervous when the door opened …” 2008 Write a story ending with, “… Now I realized the value a true friend.” 2009 ….We said our goodbyes and went our separate ways. 2010 Write a story beginning with “It had been raining all day…”

spm seminar in penang

2011-09-30T05:31:00.001-07:00

I will be at the SPM seminar organised by the Star newspaper...hope to meet the Penang folks...

Novel - Catch Us If You Can

2011-09-07T08:25:00.000-07:00

What is one life lesson that you have learnt from the main character in the novel that you have studied? Support your answer with close reference to the text.

I have studied the novel 'Catch Us If You Can' by Catherine MacPhail. The story is narrated by Rory, a young boy who lived alone with his grandfather, Mr. McIntosh whom he lovingly calls 'Granda'. Rory's father had left him when he was still small and his mother had died of a broken heart.
One life lesson that I have learnt from Rory is that one should be a responsible family member. Rory was a very responsible boy even though he was still a young kid. He realised that Granda had looked after him all his life and now that Granda needed him, he would take care of him. He did the shopping and cooking. He cleaned the house.
Rory also gave up football for Granda. Mr Hood, his football coach had asked him to join the football team but he lied that he did not like football anymore. The truth was, he needed to look after Granda. Granda relied on him to get his lunch and he also had to make sure Granda took his pills. Sometimes, he rushed home during lunchtime to buy two hot pies for their lunch.
When Granda was hospitalised at Rachnadar, Rory realised that if he left Granda there, he would be very miserable and sick. He was very frightened when he visited Granda and he did not respond to him. He was afraid that he would 'be dead inside'. He decided to run away with Granda in order to save him.
Darren's mother was concerned for Rory. She felt that Rory should not have to bear this kind of responsibility. However, Rory felt that it was his responsibility since there was nobody else. Finally, when he found out about his father, he felt that it was high time he lived up to his responsibility as a son and father.

Trial Exams SPM 2011

2011-09-05T02:08:00.000-07:00

Here are some Trial Exams from various states for you to try:

http://www.mediafire.com/?jbg9wdoz3honlh8

http://www.scribd.com/doc/62718125/2011-PSPM-Kedah-BI-2-w-Ans

Novel questions:

Kedah:

Write about one theme that is found in the novel you have read. Discuss how the theme is portrayed.

SBP:

Using details from the novel that you have studied, write about:
a memorable event how the event affects one of the characters in the story
Support your answer with close reference to the text.

I will update from time to time.

Are You Still Playing Your Flute.... - as explained by the poet Zurinah

2011-07-28T01:54:00.000-07:00

MASIHKAH KAU BERMAIN SERULING/Are you still playing your flute

Sajak ini menggunakan gaya percakapan penyair dengan seseorang. Orang yang dimaksudkan di sini ialah seorang yang pandai bermain seruling. Sekali pandang ia seperti sajak percintaan kerana banyak menggunakan perkataan yang lembut dan romantis.
Are you still playing your flute
Are you still playing your flute
when there is no time for our love
I am feeling guilty
to be longing for your song

Tetapi percakapan yang lembut dan romantis dengan pemain seruling itu hanyalah satu cara atau gaya penyair meluahkan segala yang mengganggu fikirannya. Sajak ini bertemakan kemasyarakatan . Keseluruhannya merupakan luahan rasa penyair tentang keadaan masyarakat di negaranya dan antara bangsa yang penuh kemelut dan kacau bilau.
Penyair mengenang sang pemain seruling. Sebenarnya yang dikenang oleh penyair ialah kampong yang sedang tenat.
Are you still playing your flute
in the village so quiet and deserted
amidst the sick rice field

Dia menceritakan tentang keadaan dirinya yang berada di kota…kota yang sakit sedangkan kampong sudah sunyi kerana ditinggalkan oleh anak-anak muda. Apakah pemain seruling itu masih ada di kampong bermain serulingnya? . Ini juga bermaksud adakah sang pemain seruling masih mempertahankan seni dan tradisinya.

Alat musik seruling dipilih kerana inilah alat muzik yang paling dekat dengan alam. Cuma sebatang buluh dan tidak memerlukan teknologi canggih untuk menciptanya. Jadi semuanya balik kpd alam. Balik kepada keaslian.
the melody concealed in the slim hollow of the bamboo
uncovered by the breath of an artist
composed by his lips
arranged by his fingers
blown by the wind
to the depth of my heart

Penyair merasa bersalah untuk melayan rasa rindu kepada pemain seruling itu. Begitulah rasa bersalahnya dia memikirkan sesuatu yang indah seperti seni . Di kota dia sepatutnya sibuk kerana di situ kehidupan berlalu dengan pantas.
while here it has become a luxury
to spend time watching the rain
gazing at the evening rays
collecting dew drops
or sniffing scented flowers.

Seolah-olah dia memberikan masanya kepada perkara-perkara yang remeh sedangkan kehidupan sedang dilanda oleh masalah yang sangat besar. Masalah-masalah ini dipaparkan dalam bait seterusnya. Pada masa itu ramai yang menganggur. Orang-orang kita berpecah belah kerana politik . Dan di merata dunia spt Bosnia dan Palestin, orang Islam sedang diburu oleh bom-bom ganas.

in the hazard of this city
my younger brothers unemployed and desperate
my people thorn by politic
my Muslim friends slaughtered mercilessly
this world is old and badly injured.

Is this the end of our love?
time is forcing us as artists
not to be ourselves.
Ini bukan masa untuk memberi perhatian kepada seni. Ini adalah masa untuk bekerja keras. Apabila seniman tidak dapat melayani kecintaannya kepada seni maka itu seperti mereka dituntut untuk tidak menjadi seniman lagi
Posted by Zurinah Hassan at zurinahhassan.blogspot.com

astro tutor tv channel 603

2011-07-10T08:39:00.000-07:00

Tune in to channel 603 for spm english revision and practice. There are revision exercises for Paper 1 as well as Paper 2. Each week, one episode is aired on Tuesday, Saturday and Sunday. Go to the astro website to check out the timetable for other subjects. I wrote episode 6 onwards...

Past Years' Questions - Continuous Writing

2011-04-05T02:47:00.000-07:00

2003
a.A day you wished had never happened
b. You have been given a chance to visit a country of your choice. Which country would you choose and why?
c. An invention you cannot live without
d Friends
e Write a story that ends with:
If only I had listened to his/her advice

2004
a.Describe a festival celebrated in your area
b Write a story ending with:
“We had never laughed so much in our lives.”
c My ideal school
d How can we help promote tourism in Malaysia?
e Clothes

2005
a.Describe the biggest challenge in your life
b Write a story with the title: An Unexpected Visitor
c How to keep oneself healthy
d If you were given a chance to be anybody, who would you want to be and why?
e Music

2006
a.Describe an enjoyable weekend you have experienced
b Write a story ending with:
“If only I had been more careful, that wouldn’t have happened.”
c. What changes would you like to see in your life in the next ten years?
d. How can television help students in their studies?
e Food

2007
a.Describe an embarrassing experience in your life
b ‘Teenagers today are only interested in entertainment.’ Do you agree?
c. My early years
d. Write a story beginning with:
Kim was nervous when the door opened
e Tomorrow

2008
a. Write about a person who has worked hard to succeed in life
b Examinations – good or bad?
c. My perfect future husband or wife
d Write a story ending with:
“Now I realise the value of a true friend.”
e. Stars

100,000 hits

2011-03-17T20:38:00.001-07:00

I was caught by surprise this morning when I saw that we have already reached more than 100,000 hits. It shows that you guys have been busy during the holidays searching for notes or doing some research of your own...I also noticed that most of my followers are not my own students..it is high time I rope them in...
Cheers everyone...here's to another 100,000 hits.

Practice 1 In The Midst of Hardship

2011-03-13T07:20:00.000-07:00

IN THE MIDST OF HARDSHIP BY LATIFF MOHIDIN
Practice 1
Read the stanza below and answer the questions that follow,
In the Midst of Hardship by Latiff Mohidin
Stanza 1
At dawn they returned home
their soaky clothes torn
and approached the stove
their limbs marked by scratches
their legs full of wounds
but on their brows
there was not a sign of despair

(a) Which phrase in stanza 1 shows that the people are injured? (1 mark)

(b) Give the meaning of the following words:

(i) ‘soaky’ (1 mark)
(ii) ‘limbs’ (1 mark)
(c) Do you admire the actions of the people? Give a reason for your answer. (2 marks)

IN THE MIDST OF HARDSHIP

2011-03-02T04:25:00.000-08:00

In the Midst of Hardship by Latiff Mohidin

At dawn they returned home

their soaky clothes torn

and approached the stove

their limbs marked by scratches

their legs full of wounds

but on their brows

there was not a sign of despair

The whole day and night just passed

they had to brave the horrendous flood

in the water all the time

between bloated carcasses

and tiny chips of tree barks

desperately looking for their son’s

albino buffalo that was never found

They were born amidst hardship

and grew up without a sigh or a complaint

now they are in the kitchen, making

jokes while rolling their cigarette leaves

Paraphrase:

The villagers returned home early in the morning. Their clothes were torn and wet as they walked into their kitchen. Their arms and legs had cuts all over but they were not depressed.

They had spent one whole day and night searching for their son's albino buffalo, wading through the floodwaters, surrounded by broken twigs, pieces of tree barks and animal carcasses. However, they did not find the buffalo.

The villagers had been born into a life of hardships but they never grumbled. Even after all they had been through, they could still crack jokes and relax in the kitchen.

Exam format 2011

2011-02-28T02:01:00.000-08:00

The new format for the literature component are as follows:

Poem 5 marks
Novel 15 marks
___________
Total 20 marks

As you can see, the short stories and the drama will not be tested in SPM. The poems will include all the four poems.
A circular has been sent to school to confirm this a week ago.

What is an 'A' script for Continuous Writing?

2010-11-23T06:23:00.001-08:00

An 'A'script has the following features:

1 accurate language - few slips only, no serious errors like errors in tenses

2 accurate spelling across the board

3 precise vocabulary - do not be too obsessed with idioms and flowery phrases. many students use bombastic words but it is not suitable.

4 interesting and original...write from the heart

5 correct tone - if it is formal, then use a formal tone, if it is a friendly letter, then it should sound informal...

Jun, go ahead and write your imaginative essays but be careful about your errors. Do not write too long. Leave about 10 minutes for editing.

Answering your questions

2010-11-23T04:36:00.000-08:00

If you are good in English, try to write an original piece instead of memorising. If someone else happens to write the same essay or if the examiner has read it before, then, you might get lower marks.
Some students memorise essays and produce a perfect piece. However, when examiners read their directed writing, their language is not as good as the continuous writing. Therefore, your marks for continuous writing will be lowered.

Continuous Writing

2010-11-21T03:40:00.000-08:00

Tips:

1 Do not memorise whole essays and try to fit it into the given titles. You may try to memorise certain phrases or interesting introductions but if your language does not match the directed writing, your marks will be pulled down.

2 Write about what you know. For example, if your interest is football, then write a story about football. If you like Korean drama, write something Korean, making use of your knowledge and vocabulary. Originality will get you more marks.

3 If you are quite weak in narrative writing, go for the reflective or factual essays.

Topics: How can I help save the environment?
What are the changes I would like to see in my school?

Revision - Part 2

2010-11-19T02:18:00.000-08:00

The novel - The Pearl
5 elements to prepare:

1 Character - I like/dislike/admire

Prepare 3 reasons why you choose the character and give evidence from the story for each reason.

2 Theme - Greed destroys; Money is not everything; Love is important; The discrimination of the poor

Show evidence from the novel which depicts the particular theme..give three events/instances.

3 Setting - the place and time of the story (this has never been tested)

4 Plot - unforgettable event, important event, sad event, happy event

5 Moral values/ Lesson learnt - state the lesson clearly. Read the question carefully. Did they ask for one lesson or many lessons?

The question may also combine two elements.
For example: Describe an important event and a lesson learnt.

The Pearl - Revision

2010-10-18T16:31:00.000-07:00

The Pearl

The following are the novels studied in the literature component in English Language:

Jungle of Hope - Keris Mas
The Pearl – John Steinbeck
The Return – K.S. Maniam

Choose an event in the novel you have studied which you find to be the most unforgettable event. Give reasons for your choice and, with close reference to the text, discuss the event. (Cloned – 2004 SPM)

The Pearl

The event that is most unforgettable in The Pearl is when Juana defies her husband to help save the family. She realises that the pearl has brought them more problems than happiness, and they need to get rid of it. She tells Kino that the pearl is evil and that it will destroy them, including her son. However, Kino refuses to listen to her. So, she decides to defy Kino and throw the pearl back into the sea.

It is still very early in the morning and it is still dark. Juana wakes up and moves quietly to the fireplace to get the pearl. She moves quietly out to the sea. Kino finds out and follows her quietly. When she realises he is after her, she runs and tries to throw the pearl back into the sea. Kino wrenches the pearl from her and strikes her face and kicks her. Juana stares at him with wide unfrightened eyes. Suddenly, someone attacks him and tries to take the pearl from him. In the fight, Kino takes his knife and kills him.
Juana quickly helps him and gets the pearl for him.

This event is the most unforgettable because it reveals how much Kino has changed, from a loving, contented husband to a violent abuser, all because of the pearl. Besides, it also shows me the resilience of Juana and her deep love for her husband. She has no anger for her husband even though he had beaten her. She understands him when he says, “I am a man.” She still follows him and obeys his orders. When she discovers he has killed a man, she even help him hide the body and get his pearl for him.

Show, Not Tell

2010-08-13T22:09:00.000-07:00

One of the ways to write better narrative essays is to use the technique - Show,Not Tell
Below are some examples which I have adapted from the internet.

Telling: The girls were excited.
Showing: Giggles and screams filled the arrival hall. Their hair were now damp with perspiration. They held tight to each other, trying to contain themselves. The moment was here.

Telling: The room was vacant.

Showing: The door opened with a resounding echo that seemed to fill the house. Cob webs once attached flowed freely in the air. The light revealed the peeling paint on the walls and to the silhouettes once covered by pictures. Faded and torn white sheets covered the furniture now drowning in dust.

Telling: The pizza was delicious.

Showing: Steam rising up off the melted cheese made my mouth water. At the first bite, my teeth sinked into the cheese through the tomato sauce and into the moist crust. I chew and swallow rapidly. Even the cheese and tomato sauce, sticking to my fingertips, begged to be licked.

Telling: She is angry.

Showing: Her hands held tightly to the sides of her table. Her jaw tightened. Her eyes flashed heat waves at me. She hissed at me, "I want to see you outside, right now."

Now, try to do the following:
Telling: The morning was beautiful.
Showing:

Telling: The meal was delicious.
Showing:

2010-07-06T21:37:00.000-07:00

From Basic To Complex

In order to write a good essay, students should learn how to write complex sentences.

1. Take a basic sentence:
Julie lost her bag.

2. Expand on it: (add an adjective)
Julie lost her pink handbag.

3. Expand again with additional information:
Julie lost her pink handbag in a bus station.

4. Combine two sentences:
Julie lost her pink handbag. She was waiting for her bus.
Julie lost her pink handbag while waiting for her bus.
Julie lost her pink handbag while waiting for her bus at the bus station.

5. Make substitutions:
Julie lost her handbag ...
Juan lost her mobile phone...etc.

6. Add information and construct a short narrative around the sentences students have created:
Julie was waiting for her bus at the bus station when she lost her handbag. She also lost her mobile phone and everything else in the handbag.

Now, try expanding the following sentences.

1 She likes to play badminton.

2 Cigarette smoking is hazardous to health.

3 A thief entered my house.