Just English

Most memorable moment, the MTCP Programme-IAB 2015

2015-11-30T19:32:00.002-08:00

Hi. It has been ages I have not been updating my journey. I have taken a new post since February 2014. A post that is rather challenging and at the same time gives me the satisfaction. Due to that new post, I have been busy lately and unable to update anything...

15th-27thNovember 2015 has changed all that and I could not help to start writing my journey...sharing my experiences. I have been in the teaching field for 22 years. This was my first time attended an International Training Course(it was held in Kuching though but still INTERNATIONAL okay...hehehe). Made new friends from ASEAN countries such as Philipines, Laos, Cambodia, Mynmar, Vietnam and Indonesia. I, however have been following INTERNATIONAL events twice. First time as a presenter for the Melta Conference Teacher Showcase.

Here it goes...my memorable journey. It all started when I received a call from IAB, informing me that I have to attend MTCP(Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme) 2015: 21st Century Leadership for Educational Leaders of Rural and Indigenous Schools from ASEAN Member States in Kuching, Sarawak for two weeks. The caller was Caroline, from IAB sarawak. She managed to call me at 10pm on Friday. Asking for my e-mail account to enable her to e-mail me my air ticket. At first I was reluctant to go as it was such a short notice. Imagine that IAB called me on Friday night to get my personal info, Saturday received my air ticket via e-mail and Sunday I took a flight to Kuching.

I took the 3.30pm flight to Miri from Lawas. Met Saiful, Mr Markus and Hj Jaffri at Miri airport. An hour before we boarde the plane, I got a call from Lily. She told me that the training would not be in Merdeka Palace as planned. The venue has changed to IAB Santubong. The four of us boarded the 7pm flight to Kuching with mixed-feeling. We reached Kuching about 9pm. The flight was bumpy all the way. It was showering when we landed in Kuching. We took a taxi to IAB, Santubong and it seemed gaes for us to reach IAB Santubong. We were practically drenched when we got out of the taxi. After we have registered for our rooms, we dragged our luggage with the help of the IAB staffs. At least it lightened our burdens and grudges after being informed that we have to stay in IAB instead of Merdeka Palace...hehehe. Thank you Hairol for the help and the hospitality that night. Thank you for the band aid too. I shared an apartment with Lily, who was also my TESL coursemate in UNIMAS. We slept soundly that night which I usually don't on the first day. Later we were informed that we have to move to Merdeka Palace at about 9pm. Thanks Hjh Serina, Mr Gerald, the Ministry of Foreign affairs and IAB Sarawak especially Beatrice for working hard to make sure we have a comfortable place to stay for 2 weeks.

For that two weeks, I have made friends with everybody. I met many interesting and important people from ASEAN countries. Getting to know our ASEAN friends Nay Min Aye, Chau, Jehane, Jonaid, Leav Ora, Souk, Ly Keang, Ye Myint Than, Kaygyosone, Dr Hanna and Samer. Not forgotten our Malaysian participants too...it is a pleasure knowing you Mr Marcus, a wise and humble man. Mr K.Mutharasu, who is such a cool guy and will jog every morning at Dataran Merdeka without fail. Dennis, our 'Penghulu' who is always full of ideas on what to say. Same goes to our witty Ms Jalilah. Thanks kak Ramsi for the 'story-mory' and Janet for the car ride. I would not leave you out Clare...hehehe. Thanks for the car ride and for accompanying me to the Dentist on the third day of our training...hehehe. Did I leave anyone out? Oh yeah...Hj Jaffri, my dancing partner. Saiful, our dancing instructor and thanks Cg Edward for the gift. Dr Fareeda, nice knowing you. Hj Edmund, whom I knew when I was still teaching in SMK Semerah Padi and that time he was teaching in SMK Openg. Teena Chang, it is great knowing you. You are such a humble and friendly young lady, who has the look and height(a compliment okay...hehehe). Dr Hanna or known as Pak Hanna by most us, thanks for the gift. Thank you everyone for the gifts that each of you brought from your respective countries.

Within that two weeks, we seemed to tango very well. We became one big family despite our differences in culture and belief. The bond that we have are special and it will be treasured forever. I could not resist writing about a young man from Mindanao, Philipines. He is an interesting young man from Philipines. His ideas always amazed me since the very first day of the Training Course. As I got to know more about him and his people, my interest deepens. He has changed my perspective and views of the world around me. Since then, I have considered him as my little brother(since I don't have any...hehehe). Thanks little brother Samer for that. It is a great pleasure knowing you...

There are so many things that I wanted to write and tell...but let the pictures tell you everything.

The last day of the Training Course was the hardest moment and the farewell at the airport was the hardest too...Could not help crying no matter how hard I tried not too. Seeing Souk from Laos cried and I also cried...

Bon voyage little brother Samer...Insyallah, we will meet one day in the future.

Well...What have I learnt from the training course? I learnt a LOT. There were new and beneficial information shared from our ASEAN friends. There are similarities and differences. My conclusion is...in order to change the mind set, it must come from the individual herself or himself. No matter how good are the teachers, the education system and also the infrastructure...if you are not able to change their mind set...it would not work...bear this in mind the importance of local wisdom.

Psst..Sorry for any spelling error

i-THINK in the classroom

2014-03-31T22:10:00.000-07:00

http://www.slideshare.net/hazleegapal/3-peta-pemikiran

OH MY WORDS!!!

2013-11-27T21:39:00.001-08:00

Common Errors in English Usage!!! The definition of errors can be very complicated and controversial, hence I will not elaborate on this technical term. Rather, I am more concerned with some usual deviations from the standard use of English, especially by ESL students. In this part, we’re looking at the errors in word usage.

ADVANCE vs. ADVANCED
When you hear about something in advance, you get notice or information ahead of time. Advance also means to move forward or to make progress. Advance can also function as adjective, as in the case of “an advance payment”, which means payment made ahead of time/before hand.
When you say something is advanced, it means “complex or sophisticated” and should not be confused with the past tense form of “advance”.

Note: We often see advertisements use “Advance Level”, which should be “Advanced Level”.

ALPHABET
A, B and C are called letters of the alphabet, NOT alphabets. Alphabet is a character set that includes letters and is used to write a language.

AWHILE vs. A WHILE
When “awhile” is spelled as a single word, it is an adverb meaning “for a time” (“stay awhile”); but when “while” is the object of a prepositional phrase, like “Lend me your monkey wrench for a while” the “while” must be separated from the “a.” (But if the preposition “for” were lacking in this sentence, “awhile” could be used in this way: “Lend me your monkey wrench awhile.”)

BACKUP vs. BACK UP
To “back up” is an activity; “back up your computer regularly”; “back up the truck to the garden plot and unload the compost.”
A “backup” is a thing: “keep your backup copies in a safe place.” Other examples: a traffic backup, sewage backup, backup plan, backup forces.

COMPLEMENT vs. COMPLIMENT
Most of the time the word people intend is “compliment”: nice things said about someone or praise.
Complement, on the other hands, means supplement each other or making something complete.

e.g. vs. i.e.
“e.g.” is the short form for exempli gratia, and means “for example”. “i.e.” is the short form for id est, and means “that is”. Use “e.g.” when you want to give an example (or several examples) of something just mentioned. Use “i.e.” when you wish to explain briefly or to clarify what you just said, or say the same thing in other words.

Mexico Hat for tea anyone???

2013-11-27T21:15:00.000-08:00

FYI, we used to eat this and most of us know it as 'Kuih Penyaram' in Malay. In English, it is known as MEXICO HAT...

JAMBU AIR IN ENGLISH???

2013-11-27T20:56:00.002-08:00

Most Malaysians know that JAMBU BATU is Guava in English. But how many of us know JAMBU AIR in English???

Add caption

THIS FRUIT IS CALLED THE ROSE APPLE, OR WAS KNOWN IN THE U.S. MARKET AS CHAMPOO, REFERRED TO AS THE MOST INTERESTING EXOTIC FRUITS IN THE WORLD.

In English, this fruit is called the Rose Apple, or was known in the U.S. market as champoo, referred to as the most interesting exotic fruits in the world. According to the tongue of the Caucasians, this fruit has the smell and taste like roses. The fruit is hard to come by in Europe and America because of rapid deterioration. It is also known as wax apple, Water apple, bell fruit, water cherry, watery rose apple.

Have you ever wonder the name of certain Malaysian fruits and food found in English???

2013-11-27T20:41:00.001-08:00

You might be wondering the name of this fruit in English???

This is 'buah salak', scientifically known as salacca zalacca, or SNAKESKIN FRUIT in English. It’s a fruit native to Malaysia and Indonesia, closely resembling the size and shape of a fig…but — as its name suggests — with a skin like that of a snake.

Don’t be scared of its reptile-like outer covering. Just break off the top portion of the fruit and the skin will tear apart quite easily, revealing the garlic-like cloves inside.

Are Still Playing Your Flute: Form 5 Poem

2013-10-13T19:26:00.001-07:00

Are You Still Playing Flute?

The Original Version of the Poem (Malay Version)

Masihkah Kau Bermain Seruling oleh Zurinah Hassan

Masihkah kau bermain seruling
walau waktu telah terlewat untuk kita bercinta
aku semakin terasa bersalah
melayani godaan irama
lagu yang tersimpan pada lorong halus buluh
dikeluarkan oleh nafas seniman
diukir oleh bibir
diatur oleh jari
dilayangkan oleh alun angin
menolak ke dasar rasa.

Masihkah kau bermain seruling
ketika kampung semakin sunyi
sawah telah uzur
waktu jadi terlalu mahal
untuk memerhatikan hujan turun
merenung jalur senja
mengutip manik embun
menghidu harum bunga.

Masihkah kau bermain seruling
ketika aku terasa mata bersalah
untuk melayani rasa rindu padamu
di kota yang semakin kusut dan tenat
adik-adikku menganggur dan sakit jiwa
bangsaku dipecahkan oleh politik
saudara diserang bom-bom ganas
dunia sudah terlalu tua dan parah.

Di sinilah berakhirnya percintaan kita
kerana zaman sedang menuntut para seniman
hidup di luar dirinya.

BIODATA OF ZURINAH HASSAN

Date / Place of birth : 13 June 1949, Alor Setar Kedah.
Permanent address : No.2, Jalan Pinggir, 8/1L, Seksyen 8, 40000 Shah Alam since 1974.
Academic Qualifications : B.A.Hons (Universiti Sains Malaysia), M.A. (Universiti Putra Malaysia). Doktor Falsafah, Akademi Pengajian Melayu, Universiti Malaya.
Awards :
Anugerah Penulisan Asia Tenggara (S.E.A. Write Award) 2004
Book Category Award
i- Pujangga Tidak Bernama, Hadiah Sastera Perdana(1994/1995)

ii- Memoir Zurinah Hassan Menjejak Puisi, Hadiah Buku Perpustakaan Negara 2002/2004)
iii- Memoir Zurinah Hassan Menjejak Puisi , Hadiah Sastera Perdana 2002/2003.

Are You Still Playing Your Flute? by Zurinah Hassan (English Version)

Are you still playing your flute?
When there is hardly time for our love
I am feeling guilty
To be longing for your song
The melody concealed in the slim hollow of the bamboo
Uncovered by the breath of an artist
Composed by his fingers
Blown by the wind
To the depth of my heart.

Are you still playing your flute?
In the village so quiet and deserted
Amidst the sick rice fields
While here it has become a luxury
To spend time watching the rain
Gazing at the evening rays
Collecting dew drops
Or enjoying the fragrance of flowers.

Are you still playing your flute?
The more it disturbs my conscience
to be thinking of you
in the hazard of you
my younger brothers unemployed and desperate
my people disunited by politics
my friend slaughtered mercilessly
this world is too old and bleeding.

You can view the poet’s opinion regarding her own poem http://zurinahhassan.blogspot.com/2010/05/masihkah-kau-bermain-serulingare-you.html

SYNOPSIS:
This poem his about a persona who reminisces the time he/she spends when in a village. There are many things that are now luxury to her such as listening to the melody of the flute itself, gazing at the evening rays, collecting dew drops, or enjoying the fragrance of flowers. The village is now deserted as many have moved to the city. Now that she has moved on with her life, she wonders whether the flutist is still playing the flute. This is because, there are many challenges in the world today such as the world is dying, the unemployment issue and the people are disunited because of different political views.

THEMES:
Family commitments
Priorities in life
Neglect of one’s duties

MORAL VALUES:
We should be aware of our family commitments and carry them out properly.
Everyone has priorities in, life and we should know what is important and what is not.
Following a hobby is good but there is a time for work and a time for play.

POINT OF VIEW:
The poem is the first point of view.
The person is addressing another person and describing a situation to him.

LANGUAGE AND STYLE:
Rhetorical question
Descriptive and questioning
Simple style and no rhyme

TONE, MOOD AND ATMOSPHERE:
Sombre and regretful
Serious atmosphere

POETIC DEVICES:
Imagery – e.g. ‘blown by the wind’, ‘depth of my heart’
Alliteration – e.g. ‘fragrance of flowers’
Symbol – e.g. ‘flute’, ‘song’
Repetition – e.g. ‘Are you still playing your flute?’
Figurative Language – Metaphor e.g. ‘The melody concealed in the slime hollow of bamboo – Personification e.g. ‘sick rice field’

English In Camp: Post PMR 2013

2013-10-11T19:06:00.005-07:00

On Friday, 11th October 2013 our Post-PMR programme started of with English In Camp by the English Panel. The activities were facilitated by the Form 3 English teachers Mdm Nursyazrina, Mdm Grace and me...:). Of course not forgotten our technician Hj Aliusin and another teacher, a young gentleman Mr. Elvis.

The activities were:
1. Action Song
i. The Chicken Dance
ii. You Are Beautiful
2. Singing Together
3. NIE: Searching The Paper

Activity 1: Action Song

Activity 2: Singing Together

Activity 2: NIE (Searching The Paper)

Mdm Nursyazrina, Mr. Elvis and I with the group that won the NIE activity: Searching The Paper

I will miss this moment and teaching life if I get my SISC+. My students are my soul besides my family. The passion is still burning and keeps on burning because of these angelic being....:)

The Chicken Dance Song and Steps

Just Dance: One Direction-You are beautiful

2013-10-09T22:22:00.002-07:00

Upon receiving a fax for an interview in Kuching on Friday, I had mixed feeling whether to go for the interview or not to go at all. Family and friends encouraged me to go for it. What worries me was the responsibilities being SISC+. Will I neglect my family once i got the post? Will it affect my relationship with my family? Will I have time for my family during long school holiday? Everything seemed to be flying and spinning in my mind. What the heck, I told myself. Just gave myself the chance to go for the interview. I trust it in the hand of Allah to decide my future. Only Allah knows what is best for me. On 6th October I was sent by my hubby to the airport, Terminal Two. It was such a tiring journey on a big bike 650cc but it was fast. It only took two hours to reach KK. I boarded the airasia to Kuching at 3.30pm.

On 7th October 2013, I went for an interview for SISC+ at PKG Kuching, Astana Road. I was very nervous and I had butterflies in my stomach. I saw familiar faces and was hoping they would not be my interviewers but was disappointed to know that they were the panels. We had the group discussion for 45 minutes on anything shown in the video clip. After the group discussion, it was the writing test. About 20 topics were given n we have to choose only one. All the questions were mind blowing type of questions except one question that was near to my heart...hehehe. I did the topic within 15 minutes for 80-100 words only. Mind you, only for 15 minutes. After done with the test, the last session was the individual interview. I was the last. Seeing all the other interviewees done with their interview, I was left with the fluttering in my stomach. At last it was my turn. Each of us were given about 15 minutes for the interview but mine seemed to be more than 15 minutes. I have done my best during the interview and it is up to Allah to decide.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE: FORM 3

2013-05-12T22:05:00.003-07:00

Daily Lesson Plan Class/Time: Form 3 [80 minutes] Subject: English Language Date : Day :
Theme	Environment
Topic	Earth Hour
Learning outcomes	Language for Interpersonal Use 2.2 Process information by: a. making short notes and mapping out ideas 2.3 Present information in different audiences by: b. composing, revising and editing drafts; and checking accuracy of spelling, punctuation and grammar
Objective(s) of the lesson	At the end of the lesson the students should be able to: 1. listen for information 2. indicate the true and false answer on the task sheet 3. write an informal letter
Activities:		L	D	S	PS
1. Set Induction	1. Tr. asks a few questions based on the picture shown on the slide: Qns: 1. What can you see on the slides? 2. What do you called this type of phenomena? 3. What causes natural disaster to occur? 4. Can we blame man or human being as one of the factor that causes natural disaster to occur? 5. Tr. introduce the theme and topic.	1 2	IP IF	S	CX
2. Lesson Development	Activity 1: (Pair Work) 1. Ss. listen to a talk and attempt to answer the worksheet based from the talk. 2. Tr. and Ss. discuss the answer in class. Activity 2: (Whole Class) 1. Tr. shows the exercise on the slide and asks a few questions. 2. Ss. gives their opinions on the issue. Activity 3: (Pair Work) 1. Ss. read the article silently. 2. Ss. attempt the task and discuss the answers orally.	1 1/2	IF	L S R	MI MI CCTS CT
3. Post Activity(ies)	Activity 4:(Individual Task) 1. Tr. explains the purpose of an informal letter. 2. Tr. shows and explains the format of an informal letter. 3. Tr. explains the individual task to the students. 4. Ss. attempt to write an informal letter.	3 3	IF	R S W	MI
Moral values	Appreciate and grateful
Language content	Vocabulary
Resources	Textbook, www. breaking_newsenglish.html.com, Dictionary & Thesaurus
Reflection (achievement of objectives)

Daily Lesson Plan Class/Time: Form 3 [80 minutes] Subject: English Language Date : Day :
Theme	Social Issues
Topic	Life Challenges
Learning outcomes	Language for Interpersonal Use 2.2 Process information by: a. making short notes and mapping out ideas 2.3 Present information in different audiences by: b. composing, revising and editing drafts; and checking accuracy of spelling, punctuation and grammar
Objective(s) of the lesson	At the end of the lesson the students should be able to: 1. listen for information from a talk 2. indicate the true and false answer on the task sheet 3. answer 5 MCQ correctly 4. write an informal letter to a friend
Activities:		L	D	S	PS
1. Set Induction	1.Tr. asks the students to sing a song entitled ‘I Have A Dream’ by Westlife. 2. Tr. prompts a few questions regarding to the song: Qns: 1. What is the title of the song? 2. What is the song all about?/What is the message of the song? 3. Do you have dreams? 4. What do you want to be? 5. What kind of challenges do you experiences as a teenagers? 5. Tr. introduce the theme and topic.	1 2	IP IF	S	CX
2. Lesson Development	Activity 1: (Pair Work) 1. Ss. listen to a talk and attempt to answer the worksheet based from the talk. 2. Tr. and Ss. discuss the answer in class. Activity 2: (Group Work) 1. Tr. shows the task on the slide and asks the students to discuss in their group. 2. Ss. gives their opinions on the issue. Activity 3: (Pair Work) 1. Ss. read the survey report silently and later read the text aloud. [refer to pg 60 Form 3 Textbook] 2. Ss. attempt the task and discuss the answers orally.	1 1/2	IF	L S R	MI MI CCTS CT
3. Post Activity(ies)	Activity 4:(Individual Task) 1. Tr. explains the purpose of an informal letter. 2. Tr. shows and explains the format of an informal letter. 3. Tr. explains the individual task to the students. 4. Ss. attempt to write an informal letter.	3 3	IF	R S W	MI
Moral values	Appreciate and grateful
Language content	Vocabulary
Resources	Textbook, Dictionary & Thesaurus
Reflection (achievement of objectives)

Sample Q & A: The Curse

2013-05-10T07:16:00.002-07:00

Question 1:

Based on the novel that you have read, what is the lesson that you have learned from the ending of the novel? Give reasons why you think the lesson is important.

The novel I have read is The curse by Lee Su Ann. In the novel, it ended with Azreen learning the truth about a lot of things surrounding her sister’s death. It was very sad for Azreen too because she had to cope with the deaths of the Old Lady and her parents. In the epilogue, Azreen went back to London to continue her studies. It is important to not that in the end, Azreen learned to forgive. The theme of forgiveness and the importance of the truth resonate throughout the ending of the novel.

I learned that forgiveness is the key to finding inner peace and strength. Somehow, it helps a person to move on despite having gone through negative situations. Azreen’s character teaches us to be strong, bold and upright in order to withstand vicious gossips and to fight injustice like how she defended the Old Lady.

The same goes for Azreen when she returned to London. If she allowed hatred, anger and other negative emotions to take over, those emotions would have consumed her and made her life worse. But because she learned to accept the truth and to forgive, she was able to smile at the end. Although the truth was difficult to handle for Azreen, especially about Madhuri and Mohd Asraf, her father being Madhuri’s murderer, and how Madhuri was not her real sister, Azreen managed to cope with all those unfortunate events.

From the ending of the novel, I learned that sometimes, although the truth may not be what everybody wants to hear, it is always best to tell the truth because it helps people to find inner peace and to be truly happy.

Question 2:

Based on the novel that you have read, give examples of what hope means to the characters that you have chosen.

The novel I have read is The curse by Lee Su Ann. Hope is the feeling of wanting something you desire to come true. In the novel, Mohd Asraf and Madhuri are in love and they hope to be together when Mohd Asraf leaves for Kuala Lumpur for a teaching course.

However, Madhuri is married to Haji Ghani. She plans to confess everything to her husband and get his permission to release her. Asraf hopes that Madhuri is right that her husband is a reasonable person who wants the best for her and she will ultimately be released from her marriage. Madhuri also plans to reveal everything to her parents about their relationship. Unfortunately, their hope of being together is dashed when Madhuri’s father discovers the truth before she could explain everything tohhim. Saleh Abdullah, catches Madhuri and Mohd Asraf together in the rubber estate and he wanted to go after

Mohd Asraf. Sadly, as he wields his parang, it strikes Madhuri and kills her.

Due to Mohd Asraf’s ailing grandmother, he forced himself to visit the Old Lady and ask her to cure his grandmother. When she did come to his house, some of the villagers found out about it and they think that all the bad incidents happening around the village is due to her presence.

In addition, another character, Puan Fatihah feels like she is slowly losing her husband after Madhuri’s death. She hopes to win his affections again by cooking a breakfast feast for him. But he did not appreciate her deed due to the many happenings in the village; instead, he left without eating what she had cooked for him.

In conclusion, the novel helps us to see how hope drives different characters to do different things and there are positive and negative consequences of their actions.

Question 3:

Using details from the novel you have studied, write about a theme that you can relate to in your daily life. Give examples of the theme that you have chosen. Support your answer with close reference to the text.

The novel I have read is ‘The Curse’ by Lee Su Ann. A theme from ‘The Curse’ is about the negative effects or rumours and hearsay. Gossip is basically idle talk that goes bad if one is not careful enough but malicious gossip is even more dangerous because it does the most damage.

For example, in the past, the villagers’ constant gossiping had caused the Old Lady to move to the jungle because they thought that she was a crazy woman who killed her husband in cold blood. They failed to understand and consider the reason behind the act and it caused the Old Lady to live alone for the rest of her life in the jungle. The villagers continued to spread wrong information about the Old Lady by saying that she will cast a spell or kill those who trespass on her property.

Puan Normala warned that a curse will befall the village by claiming that the incessant rain was caused by the Old Lady coming into the village even though she came only to cure Nek, Mohd Asraf’s grandmother. She gathered some of her neighbours and convinced them to drive the Old Lady out of the village. Sadly, not long after the Old Lady had cured Nek, Nek passed away and the neighbours convinced Mohd Asraf that the Old Lady was to be blamed. The confrontation between them and the Old Lady ended tragically with her house being burnt down and her untimely death.

Throughout the novel, we are constantly reminded of how rumours can turn bad and how they can lead to destruction or a tragic conclusion. As stated by the Old Lady, “Rumours can be damaging even if they are untrue, especially if they are untrue. All a person can do is to ignore them and the rumours will die off as soon as another juicier one comes along.”

I have learnt from the theme in this novel that I should not believe or be influenced by rumours in our daily lives. More importantly, I should also not create and spread rumours about another person. These, we must apply in our daily lives.

Question 4:

Using details from the novel you have studied, describe how it has taught you to be a responsible person. Give examples of how you learned to be a responsible person.

The novel I have read is The curse by Lee Su Ann. In the novel, we learn about responsibility in terms of thinking before we speak and not spreading rumours. The gossipy villagers spread rumours about Madhuri’s death and how it will bring a curse to the village. Puan Normala begins to spread rumours by claiming to have seen Madhuri’s dead body and white blood. To make matters worse, she starts to link happenings like the endless rain and flood to the curse. This only creates more fear among the villagers. Puan Normala and her neighbours gossip and speculate about everything. To top it all off, when the Old Lady is sought after by Mohd Asraf to treat his sick grandmother, the villagers gang up to chase her away because they consider her evil as she had murdered her husband in the past. They feel that she is the cause of the curse.

Sadly, due to the irresponsible villagers’ rumours at that time, the Old Lady becomes the victim and she is labelled as a mad woman and a murderer. She was forced to leave the village and had to live in a deserted house in the jungle. She is forced to come to the village again when Mohd Asraf pleads with her to treat his grandmother. When his grandmother passed away, the villagers were quick to accuse the Old Lady of poisoning Mohd Asraf’s Nek and it was enough to convince Mohd Asraf to confront the Old Lady at her house. When things got out of hand, the house is burned down and the Old Lady dies.

On the other hand, Azreen is a responsible person by the way she treats her parents even though she feels that they love Madhuri more than her. She never receives her father’s warmth as his daughter as much as Madhuri but being the responsible daughter that she is, she continues to treat her father respectfully. Azreen also takes care of her mother who suffers from Alzheimer’s till her mother’s death.

I have learned that I have to be responsible for my own actions. I should not spread rumours nor cause harm to others without thinking carefully no matter what happens or challengers I have to face. For being irresponsible, we can also cause harm to other people.

Question 5:

Based on the novel you have read, write about a character whom you admire. Give reasons why you admire him or her. Support your answer with close reference to the text.

The novel I have read is The Curse written by Lee Su Ann. There are many characters in the novel but the character I find most admirable is none other than Azreen, the younger daughter of Saleh Abdullah. I admire Azreen because she has many positive characteristics. I will give examples from the novel to support my answer.

First and foremost, Azreen is an independent girl. She goes wherever she wants to without seeking permission from her parents. She was determined to go for the exchange programme where she lived with Datin Sharifah and Datuk Zulkipli in Georgetown. She even applied for a scholarship in an effort to leave the village. Azreen is also loyal. This can be seen when Azreen saw Encik Mohan and his sons manhandling Asraf, she came to his aid by taking the blame for him.

In addition, Azreen prepares meals for her parents and takes good care of her mother after Madhuri’s death. She is a filial and dutiful daughter. Azreen did not believe the villagers who claimed that the Old Lady could turn anyone into squirrels or rats as well as cook and eat them for dinner. This shows that she is a sensible person.

I also admire Azreen because she accepts challenges. Azreen was dared to pay a visit to the Old Lady and she went to her house. They became good friends

Azreen is also a determined person. Azreen could not tolerate her father’s and neighbours constant complaints. So, she accepted the two-month foster programme to stay with Datin Sharifah and Datuk Zulkipli. Similarly, she was determined to accept the scholarship to study in London and so her foster parents decided to support her financially

From the novel, we know that Azreen is also an open-minded. I admire Azreen as she does not believe in the stereotype role of a woman who is supposedly to be docile and feminine. She is also modest. Azreen is not proud and does not put on airs although she is studying in London. Besides that, Azreen is admirable because of her diligence. Both Azreen and Madhuri work diligently to weave a new basket for their mother as the former broke the basket which was laden with durians. I also admire Azreen because she is intelligent. Azreen obtained a scholarship to pursue her tertiary education in London.

In conclusion, the character I admire most from the novel I have read is Azreen. Although she is not perfect and has some negative characteristics, she has even more positive characteristics. She is someone I can relate to and I hope to be just like her.

Question 6:

There are many interesting events in the novel you have read. Write about an event or incident that you think is important or that you will never forget. Give reasons to substantiate your answer.

The novel I have read is The Curse by Lee Su Ann. I think the incident when Mohd Asraf tells Azreen that he and Madhuri were in a relationship is important in the novel The Curse. Here are a few reasons to substantiate my answer.

First and foremost, this piece of news is shocking to Azreen as she has always liked Mohd Asraf from her school days. She even joined Mohd Asraf’s hockey team so she could spend more time with him. Though she knew that Mohd Asraf was taken up by Madhuri’s beauty and always praised her syair recitals, she never knew that Madhuri too, had feelings for him as she had never mentioned it to anyone before.

Secondly, this event adds a twist to the story as Madhuri agreed to the idea of getting a divorce from Haji Ghani and run away from the village with Mohd Asraf to Kuala Lumpur where he will be furthering his studies. This should never have happened in the first place as Madhuri is already married to Haji Ghani, the village headman.

Thirdly, with this revelation, Azreen is able to understand what Madhuri had intended to tell her in the letter she had written to her before she died. She also realised that Madhuri has not been happy with her marriage. This is because, to many, she seems to be living a perfect family life. Nobody knows what she is going through.

In conclusion, this incident is very important and I will never forget this incident because it makes the story more interesting. From this incident, I also learn that people are not always as they seem to be so we should not judge them just based on what they portray.

Idioms

2013-05-09T09:15:00.001-07:00

1.LEAVE NO STONE UNTURNED

(To leave every possible means)

•They left no stone unturned in their search for the hidden treasure.

2. A dog with two tails

(A person who is extremely pleased)

•When he left the manager’s room, he looked like a dog with two tails because the manager offered him the post of supervisor.

3. BEAT ABOUT THE BUSH

(Keep evading the point instead of stating the matter clearly)

•Present your facts clearly and don’t beat about the bush.

4. RED LETTER DAY

(An important day; a day to be recalled with delight)

•My graduation day is a red letter day for me.

5. A WOLF IN A SHEEP CLOTHING

(A person who appears friendly or trustworthy but is really an enemy)

•Do not trust him. He is a wolf in sheep’s clothing.

6. BY HOOK OR BY CROOK

(To solve a problem by any means including trickery)

•By hook or by crook, the organiser must find another singer to perform tonight.

Kelab Pidato SMK Lawas

2013-05-09T08:47:00.002-07:00

These are my young and dedicated committee members of Kelab Pidato. Picture was taken on 9th May 2013 mainly for the school magazine. As I was busy hunting for my committee members and just to make sure that I didn't miss out anybody, I have forgotten about my working partner. After the photo shooting, I went to class to teach until I got this picture from Miss Norermawati at about 1pm, then I realised that someone was missing in the picture....my working partner@Mr. Krismond...hehehe. I could only manage to laugh and blaming myself. I informed my committee members about it and they also laughed out loud. I went and approached Miss Norermawati for a reshoot on 10th May 2013 with Mr. Krismond. Luckily Miss Norermawati agreed to have another reshoot of the club picture with Mr. Krismond. I just couldn't leave out Mr. Krismond because he has helped me a lot.

My Kelab Pidato members will represent Limbang Division for the second time in the English Parliamentary Debate(State Level) on 20-21 May 2013. Besides, the other club members will also join the 'Bahas Bahasa Melayu Piala Ketua Menteri' in Limbang too.

Hall of Fame by The Script

2013-03-12T07:18:00.001-07:00

Enjoy the song. You can also use this song to teach noun. Play this song and ask your students to sing the song. After singing the song, ask your students to write 10 nouns that they can identify from video.

Anaz Marathon...

2013-03-10T08:59:00.000-07:00

Hi and Hello!!!
The beginning of 2013 was and is a busy routine for me...As a teacher, I was busy preparing my yearly plan. Done with that, busy planning for plans and activities for my 'Kelab Pidato' documentation. A sudden news from hubby's family in Brunei, hubby's grandma has passed away. That night, we drove to Brunei but we were too late to pay our last respect before the funeral. Four days after the funeral, drove to Muara, Brunei for hubby's cousin wedding. My first time attended and experience Bruneian wedding. It was grand and in style.

As one thing comes after another, due to the travelling and tiredness, for three weeks not feeling well...guess due to stress that led to gastric and insomnia. However, I needed to be strong to train my debaters for Limbang Language Carnival. I ignored my pain and be with them after school to prepare the debate text and points. My hard work was being rewarded when they won in final. Happy for them but sad to say that i was not with them for the final as I have to fly to Kuching for SISC workshop for Sarawak Zone...another important national task for me as SISC Coach. What is SISC??? SISC stands for School Improvement specialist Coaches. Pray and hope that I'm able to do my best as SISC Coach.

My group visited SK Tabuan, Kuching.

My group during the workshop

The last day of the SISC workshop in Harbour View, Kuching
05-08 March 2013

Only today I'm able to write something. Very sorry for the long absence. Promise to upload more materials and tips for you...

Sample Question and Answer Script: AROUND THE WORLD IN EIGHTY DAYS

2012-10-07T07:39:00.001-07:00

AROUND THE WORLD IN EIGHTY DAYS

CHARACTER

Based on the novel “Around The World In Eighty Days” by Jules Verne, the character that I like is Phileas Fogg. I like Phileas Fogg because he is disciplined. He wants everything done with perfect timing. For example, he wakes up at precisely eight o‟clock in the morning and has breakfast exactly twenty three minutes later.

Furthermore, Phileas Fogg is patient. He does not panic easily if things are not done his way. Although the ship falls behind schedule, he remains calm.

In conclusion, these are the reasons why I like Phileas Fogg. He is a role model. His discipline and patience are admirable.

CHARACTER

Based on the novel “Around The World In Eighty Days” by Jules Verne, the character that I admire is Phileas Fogg. I admire him because he is kind. He wants everyone who travels with him to be comfortable and safe. He makes sure that Aouda has her own cabin and provides everything she needs. He also offers to pay Passepartout‟s bail of two thousand pounds so that Passepartout need not go to jail.

Phileas Fogg is kind as he is willing to go all out to help anyone. For example, he saves Auoda when she is kidnapped by the bandits. He had to cut open the wall of the hut to rescue her.

These are some examples of how kind Phileas Fogg is. Although he is engrossed with his own problems, he still thinks of the safety of others and how to help them when they are in danger.

MORAL VALUES

Based on the novel “Around The World In Eighty Days” by Jules Verne, the

moral value I want to talk about is gratitude.This moral value is shown in Passespartout and Aouda. Passepartout is grateful when Phileas Fogg saves him from going to prison. Fogg has to pay two thousand pounds for his bail. Passespartout is touched by this gesture because he knows that Fogg does not have to pay for his mistakes. That is why he tries so hard to please Phileas Fogg all the time.

Aouda is grateful for things that have been done for her. She appreciates Phileas Fogg for rescuing her from the bandits and being kind to her throughout the trip. Fogg provides a cabin for her and makes sure she is safe. In return she is willing to marry Phileas even though she knows that he has no money.

Passepartout and Aouda are grateful for all the help they have received. We should always be thankful when we receive help from others.

EVENT

Based on the novel “Around The World In Eighty Days” by Jules Verne, one of the events that I find memorable is when Phileas Fogg and Passepartout rescue Aouda from the bandits.

While travelling through the forest in India, Fogg, Sir Francis, Ali and Passepartout rescue the daughter of a wealthy merchant who is held captive in a hut by the bandits. Even though they do not know her, they go all out to save her.

Another reason why this event is memorable is how the four men manage to get Aouda out of the hut. They work together to break the wall of the hut and escape from the bandits.

The above event is very memorable to me because they went through a lot of trouble to save a stranger.

THEME

Based on the novel “Around The World In Eighty Days” by Jules Verne, the theme of determination is clearly shown by Phileas Fogg. He puts in great effort in everything that he does. Fogg’s determination and perseverance led him to overcome many obstacles.

One of the examples of a difficult obstacle that Fogg overcomes is when he decides to rescue Aouda. He and his companions cut through the wall of a hut to set her free. They almost lost their lives when the bandits shot arrows at them.

Another example is when he goes to the extent of buying the ship from Captain Speedy just to reach Liverpool on time. When they are short of coal, he orders the crew to burn parts of the ship to keep the ship going.

The examples above show the determination in Phileas Fogg.

The Most Interesting Setting in the Novel

I have chosen the novel entitled ‘Around the World in 80 Days’ written by Jules Verne. The novel tells about a gentleman named Phileas Fogg who goes around the world in 80 days with his butler, Jean Passepartout as they embark on journey which is full of adventures and surprises.

The most interesting setting is the hut where Aouda is imprisoned by the kidnappers. This setting is the most interesting setting because it is the place where Phileas Fogg’s rescue actions start. First and foremost, Phileas Fogg waits until it is dark and goes to the hut, he cuts open the hut and rescues Aouda who looks half-dead. In addition to this, Phileas Fogg quickly runs and climbs onto Kiouni when the bandits chase after them. Phileas Fogg safely tucks Aouda in one of the howdahs with her still sleeping soundly. Last but not least, to make sure Aouda is safe, Phileas Fogg offers to take Aouda to Hong Kong, his next destination.

In conclusion, the most interesting setting in the novel is the hut where Aouda is imprisoned by the kidnappers. This place is the most interesting place because it is the place where Phileas Fogg’s rescue actions start. Finally, the two of them are safe. They get married and live happily ever after.

Sample answer scripts : THE RAILWAY CHILDREN

2012-10-07T07:33:00.000-07:00

PMR.....

2012-10-07T07:01:00.001-07:00

Dear friends and students, especially those sitting for PMR starting 9th October 2012,
Best of luck...my prayers that you will do well in your PMR and the same goes for my son, who is studying in SM Sains, Miri. I have shared tips and English materials for those sitting for PMR.

REFLECTIVE WRITING

2012-08-05T08:27:00.000-07:00

Introduction

Reflection is great tool which leads us towards better learning. It is important aspect for teacher as well students. Being both I’m observing this issue from the near and practising this, which is certainly enhancing my teaching and learning activities. As a teacher throughout the year, we can share our ideas about teaching and learning in staff meetings, conversations in the staff room, and outside the classroom. It is truth that most of us know the theory of reflective practice. In order to take this theory into practice, teachers should become aware that within their own teaching routine they have the main tools for personal professional progress: their own teaching experience and their reflections on it, and the interaction with other teachers in the institution. I believe that “teacher development takes place when teachers, as individuals or in a group, consciously take advantage of such resources to forward their own professional learning” Ur (1999: 318). Development does not just happen with time, it happens with awareness.

Bashyal (2007) expresses Reflective practice is a mode that integrates or links thought and action with reflection. It involves thinking about and critically analyzing one’s actions with the goal of improving professional practice. Engaging in reflective practice requires individuals to assume the perspective of an external observer in order to identify the assumptions and feelings underlying their practice and then to speculate about how these assumptions and feelings affects practice. It is interesting to note that Ur (1999) also considers that the Reflective Model can tend to over-emphasize teacher experience, with a relative neglect of external input – lectures, reading, and so on – which can make a real contribution to understanding. She comes to the conclusion that a fully effective Reflective Model should make room for external as well as personal input. She calls this model “enriched reflection”.

Professionalisation has become a very important issue in the field of e education. Reflection on one’s own work is a key component of being a professional and is essential to teacher education. Teachers must examine their beliefs, assumptions and biases regarding teaching and learning, and determine how those beliefs influence classroom practice. Reflection improves a teacher’s ability to make appropriate and sound judgments and, therefore, become an empowered decision-maker.

Reflection refers to the ongoing process of critically examining and refining practice, taking into careful consideration the personal, pedagogical, societal and ethical contexts associated with schools, college, classrooms and the multiple roles of teachers. So reflection can be summarized as a natural process that facilitates the development of future action from the contemplation of past and/or current behaviour.

The Collaboration in Reflection

The opportunity to share with colleagues and friends is important in becoming a more reflective practitioner. Feedback, comments, and discussion about your reflections might come from your mentor or supervising teachers, your university supervisor/coordinator and/or your peers in the program. Reflection, as a method of inquiry into teaching, can be collaborative. For example, questions from a friend can help clarify an issue for you, just as a probe or comment from a university supervisor can help you look deeper into the situation. Collaboration when developing a portfolio includes requesting feedback from you mentor, university supervisor, or colleagues and peers. It can also take the form of discussion with colleagues who will assist you in identifying appropriate artifacts to or to help you clarify your beliefs and dispositions. The feedback option provides opportunities for peer evaluation and editing as part of this collaborative process.

It has been noticed that teachers talk about their students in particular, whenever they meet their colleagues. In addition, it is quite revealing that the topics teachers touch on are frequently related to some problematic classroom situation, some negative attitudes or some difficulties students have in their learning process. Rarely do teachers speak about their student´s achievements in a spontaneous way. We often hear teachers say: “They don´t feel like studying and therefore they are getting low marks.” “They never get the initiative in oral interaction; I have to push them on all the time!” “They make too many spelling mistakes.” “Nothing seems to interest them.” “They don´t care about their homework”, “they are not serious about their study.” On the other hand, the principal, head teacher and managements committees blame teachers that they don’t prepare well. Therefore, it’s better to assign to self reflect on their own teaching of the teachers for their and institutions’ professional development.

Although we may agree that teachers´ complaints have become commonplace, we are inclined to think that when teachers talk to colleagues about their students´ problems, difficulties or attitudes they are expressing what they are really worried about or dissatisfied at. Conversations drawback to struggles and disappointments which must be attended to in a reflective and professional way.

Moreover, the basic idea of reflection in teacher development is that a teacher learns about her/his teaching by observing and understanding what is happening in her/his own classroom and reflecting in it. Reflection involves a structured approach to learning experiences.

Approaches to develop Reflective Practice

Underhill, 2006 presents the following most frequently adopted approaches for developing the skill of reflecting practice:

a. Self monitoring

b. Writing a teaching journal

c. Peer observation

d. Teacher support group

e. Reflective conversation

f. Action inquiry

g. Teaching portfolio

Thus, reflection is a developmental learning process which can be acquire through practice teaching, attending seminars and conferences, subscribing to professional journals and publications. There are other important issues to be taken into account are individual or group reflection and interaction with colleagues, learning through experience etc.
A reflective approach to teaching involves changes in the way we usually perceive teaching and our role in the process of teaching. As the examples above illustrate, teachers who explore their own teaching through critical reflection develop changes in attitudes and awareness which they believe can benefit their professional growth as teachers, as well as improve the kind of support they provide their students. Like other forms of self-inquiry, reflective teaching is not without its risks, since journal writing, self-reporting or making recordings of lessons can be time-consuming. However teachers engaged in reflective analysis of their own teaching report that it is a valuable tool for self-evaluation and professional growth. Reflective teaching suggests that experience alone is insufficient for professional growth, but that experience coupled with reflection can be a powerful impetus for teacher development.

References:
Bashyal, G.P.(2007) Reflection and critical pedagogy, Journal of NELA: NELTA
UR, P. (1999) A Course in Language Teaching: Practice and theory. Cambridge. CUP
Neupane, M. (2006) Reflective learning and teaching .Young Voice in ELT: Faculty of

Education. T.U.

They Have to See It to Write It: Visualization and the Reading-Writing Connection - National Writing Project

2012-07-07T03:03:00.001-07:00

They Have to See It to Write It: Visualization and the Reading-Writing Connection - National Writing Project

Visualise, Draw and Write for Continuous Writing

2012-07-04T05:10:00.002-07:00

I have came up with another innovative and approach to writing essay. I finally came up with this idea when my students always gave me the reason for not able to write more due to shortage of ideas. Therefore, I thought of using graphic that they visualise and draw on a blank paper. Whatever they visualise and draw will base on the topic or title of the essay. After visualising and drawing the graphics, they will have to write what they draw with the help of WH-questions.
Before they are in this stage, I have applied the combination of mastery approach and process writing. I have introduced and explained them the generic structure of a writing text. First, I will start with the introduction of the essay. After the students have mastered the introduction part, then they are able to proceed with the next part of the essay, the content of the body and last the conclusion part.


My Form 4 Cemerlang Students after finally done with their presentation

Visualise, Draw and Write

An Accident


My Fantasy Home

A Festival In Your Town


Pollution Destroys The Earth

[The essay for this graphic will be uploaded later]

These are my students writing product for the First Phase of Visualise, Draw and Write. The errors and correction are done together with the students. I only informed them that there are errors in the sentences but the corrections and choice of words used are provided by my students.The students did the essay in a group of four.
The second phase will be either in pairs or individual.

SMK Lawas School Sport Day

2012-06-28T18:22:00.001-07:00

     ANUN BALA IKO? APA KHABAR KAMU? HOW ARE YOU? APA HABA MU? APA KABAR BISKITA?
     These are the greetings that you will commonly heard in Lawas.

      This is the last@third day of SMK Lawas Sport Day for 2012. For the first time we have used the stadium track for the running events. It was such a tiring week before the sport day. The first day of the sport day was extremely hot and dry. It was hazy due to the smoke and fire from the burning bushes. However, late evening there were strong wind and rain. What a blessing!!! It has not been raining for a week. Shortage of water supply for the people of Lawas.
      The second day was a blessing too. The weather was fine, raining at the 3pm. Nothing much though, except I have to go back rather late for the marching rehearsal at 6.20pm.
       Luckily, everything goes well today@last day today for the school sport day. I have done my part for my team and also for the school. Till we meet again for next year School Sport Day.

Melta 21st International Conference: Creative Teacher Showcase

2012-06-07T11:33:00.002-07:00

I was one of the presenter for the Creative Teacher Showcase. The title of my presentation was Enfagrow.

INTRODUCTION

Enfagrow Programme has been carried out since 2010 and continues till now, 2012. Enfagrow stands for English is Fun with Activities, Gaining Attention and Reaching Out Warmly. It is a REACHING OUT programme to produce quality. It is sort of a weekend and holiday programme that focuses on the skills learnt, and at the same time motivates my students. It is outside the conventional classroom activities. Surprisingly, my Form Three students love the name of the programme even though they find the name sound like milk product.

OBJECTIVES

1. To create the awareness among the students that in their lives they need to have goals/purposes.

2. To accomplish these goal(s), they have to be creative. They should also realise that each one of them is unique in his or her own way.

3. To enable the students to carry out a variety of language functions and taking part in social interaction by discussing plans and arrangements, and also solving problems.

4. To inculcate values, respect, mutual understanding and responsibility.

5. To motivate the students to love and enjoy learning English Language. To show them that learning English Language is fun.

MY WEEKLY JOURNAL

REACHING OUT

NIE POSTER

Happy Holiday my friends and students

2012-05-25T19:21:00.001-07:00

Dear friends and students,
It has been awhile I update my blog. I've been busy with school works. Sorry for the inconvenience especially my Form 3 students. I know that you have been browsing my blog looking for the literature notes for your presentation after the semester break.
The trip to Kpg Gadong, Limbang was an exciting one. We went up on one of the vehicles which was quite adventurous. We sat at the back of the vehicle which was open space except the roof. We were on our best dress@baju kurung and as the vehicle moved, it seemed that our 'tudung' was flying to the wind. Our skirts flew up and we had to stop them from giving free show to the others...hehehe. The function ended at 4pm. By 5pm we managed to cross the river to Limbang town. Quickly took our leave and drove back home to Lawas. Luckily it was not a long queue. Reached Lawas by 7pm.

Form 4 and Form 5 Poem Analysis

2012-04-09T22:11:00.001-07:00

In the Midst of Hardship by Latiff Mohidin

Latiff was born in 1941. He is Malaysia's most celebrated living artist and poet and is considered a national treasure. Called 'Boy Wonder' since age 11, he got his art training in Germany at Hochschule fur Bildende Kunste, Atelier La Courriere in France and Pratt Graphic Centre in America. He shaped the development of art practice and literature through his extraordinary vision.

Poem analysis

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 first stanza tells us about the condition of the people returning home as they were out in the flood. They returned home starving as they approached the stove, mentioned in the third line. Though their condition is quite bad with scratches and wounds, yet they do not show any sign of hopeless or worried.

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

The second stanza explains to us how they faced the terrible flood together. Surrounded by dead animals and parts of trees that had been destroyed, they failed in searching for their son’s albino buffalo.

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 ciggarete leaves

Although these people were born in poverty and hardship but they do not complain about their lives. Instead, they are enjoying their lives happily among each other.

Glossary:

1.Torn /teər/ to pull or be pulled apart, or to pull pieces off

2. Stove /stəʊv/ a piece of equipment which burns fuel or uses electricity in order to heat a place

3. Limbs /lɪm/ an arm or leg of a person or animal, or a large branch of a tree

4. Wounds /wuːnd/ a damaged area of the body, such as a cut or hole in the skin or flesh made by a weapon

5. Despair /dɪˈspeər /he feeling that there is no hope and that you can do nothing to improve a difficult or worrying situation

6. Horrendous/həˈren.dəs/extremely unpleasant or bad

7. Bloated/ˈbləʊ.tɪd/swollen and rounded because of containing too much air, liquid or food

8. Carcasses/ˈkɑː.kəs/the body of a dead animal, especially a large one that is soon to be cut up as meat or eaten by wild animals

9. Amidst/əˈmɪd/in the middle of or surrounded by; among

10. Sigh/saɪ/to breathe out slowly and noisily, expressing tiredness, sadness, pleasure, etc.

11. Complaint/kəmˈpleɪnt/when someone says that something is wrong or not satisfactory

Midst/mɪdst/the middle of a group of people or things

He Had Such Quiet Eyes by Bibsy Soenharjo

Bibsy Soenharjo was born in Jakarta on 22 November 1928. Her father was one of the founding fathers of the Republic of Indonesia. Bibsy began writing her first prose in 1957 and then poetry in the sixties. Her poems have appeared in bilingual anthologies, with her Indonesian works translated into English, Dutch and Japanese and her English poems into Indonesian and Dutch. Bibsy continued to write prose pieces in Indonesian that appeared in Jakarta dailies under the pen name Nusapati. She now lives in Jakarta with the youngest of her three sons, Haryo, his wife Sutji and their children.

Poem analysis

He Had Such Quite Eyes by Bibsy Soenharjo

He had such quiet eyes

She did not realise

They were two pools of lies

Layered with thinnest ice

To her, those quiet eyes

Were breathing desolate sighs

Imploring her to be nice

And to render him paradise

In the first stanza, the persona explains how the girl is blinded by the guy’s personality. The girl had been lied by the guy’s eyes and surrendered her heart and soul to the guy.

If only she’d been wise

And had listened to the advice

Never to compromise

With pleasure-seeking guys

She’d be free from ‘the hows and whys’

The second stanza tells the possibility if the girl had only been clever to think and listen to the advice that may had been given from her family or friends and not to easily fall for men who are only searching for pleasure in women.

Now here’s a bit of advice

Be sure that nice really nice

Then you’ll never be losing at dice

Though you lose your heart once or twice

In the last stanza, the persona includes an advice for women to be sure whether the man is sincere or just playing with words in a relationship. In this stanza, life is referred to as a dice that we may lose or win at the same time.

Glossary:

1.Desolate /ˈdes.əl.ət/describes a place that is empty and not attractive, with no people or nothing pleasant in it

2. Sighs saɪ/to breathe out slowly and noisily, expressing tiredness, sadness, pleasure, etc.

3. Imploring /ɪmˈplɔːr/ to ask someone to do or not do something in a very sincere, emotional and determined way

4. Render /ˈren.dər/ to cause someone or something to be in a particular state

5. Paradise /ˈpær.ə.daɪs/ a place or condition of great happiness where everything is exactly as you would like it to be

6. Wise /waɪz/ having or showing the ability to make good judgments, based on a deep understanding and experience of life

7. Compromise /ˈkɒm.prə.maɪz/ an agreement in an argument in which the people involved reduce their demands or change their opinion in order to agree

8. Pleasure /ˈpleʒ.ər/ enjoyment, happiness or satisfaction, or something that gives this

9. Dice /daɪs/ a small cube (= object with six equal square sides) with a different number of spots on each side, used in games involving chance

Nature by H.D Carberry

Hugh Doston (“Dossie”) Carberry was born July 12, 1921, the son of sir John Carberry, a former Chief Justice of Jamaica, and Lady Georgina Carberry, in Montreal, Canada. He came to Jamaica in infancy and spent most of his life there. He had his primary education at Decarteret school in Mandeville, Jamaica and then attended Jamaica College. After working with the Civil Service, to which he qualified as second out of over 100 applicants, Carberry went to St. Catherrine College, Oxford University, where he obtained his B. A. and B. C. L.. He read Law at Middle Temple and was called to the Bar in 1951, then returning to Jamaica to engage in private practice.

In 1954, Carberry married Dorothea, and they had two sons, Martin and John, and a daughter, Christine. In addition to his career in law, Carberry was a poet and gave outstanding service in the cultural field, being a member of the Managing Committee of the Little Theatre since 1951. A devout Christian, he was also a pillar of the Providence Methodist church as Class Co-leader. Carberry was Clerk to the Houses of Parliament from 1969-1978 and a member of the commonwealth Parliamentary Association. He was appointed Judge of the Jamaican court of appeal in 1978 and served for a decade. H. D. Carberry died on June 28, 1989.

Poem analysis

This poem by H.D Cranberry tells us about the weather conditions in Jamaica. Though Jamaica does not have all four seasons as in other countries, it is just as beautiful as compared to those that have. The other message that is being conveyed in this poem is we have to be proud for who we are and what we have. As seen in this poem, the persona starts with “we have neither summer nor winter neither autumn nor spring” as if he is lacking of something in his life. However, as we move on to the third line, “we have instead the days”, we can see that the persona is telling us that he has something that others don’t have.

Glossary:

1. Summer /ˈsʌm.ər/ the season of the year between spring and autumn when the weather is warmest, lasting from June to September north of the equator and from December to March south of the equator

2. Winter /ˈwɪn.tər/ the season between autumn and spring, lasting from November to March north of the equator and from May to September south of the equator, when the weather is coldest

3. Autumn /ˈɔː.təm/ the season of the year between summer and winter, lasting from September to November north of the equator and from March to May south of the equator, when fruits and crops become ripe and are picked, and leaves fall

4. Spring /sprɪŋ/ the season of the year between winter and summer, lasting from March to June north of the equator, and from September to December south of the equator, when the weather becomes warmer, leaves and plants start to grow again and flowers appear

5. Instead /ɪnˈsted/ n place of someone or something else

6. Lush /lʌʃ/ A lush area has a lot of green, healthy plants, grass and trees

7. Cane /keɪn/ the long, hard, hollow stem of particular plants such asbamboo, sometimes used to make furniture or support other plants in the garden

8. Magnificently /mægˈnɪf.ɪ.sənt/ ery good, beautiful or deserving to be admired

9. Swish /swɪʃ/ to (cause to) move quickly through the air making a soft sound

10. Gullies /ˈgʌl.i/ a narrow, rocky valley or channel with steep sides, made by a fast flowing stream

11. Fade /feɪd/ to (cause to) lose colour, brightness or strength gradually

12. Reaped /riːp/ to cut and collect a grain crop

13. Bare /beər / without any clothes or not covered by anything

14. Fallow /ˈfæl.əʊ/ describes land that is not planted with crops, in order to improve the quality of the soil

15. Blossom /ˈblɒs.əm/ When a tree or plant blossoms, it produces flowers before producing fruit which can be eaten

16. Scent /sent/ a pleasant natural smell

17. Sways /sweɪ/ to move slowly from side to side

18. Shivers /ˈʃɪv.ər/ When people or animals shiver, they shake slightly because they feel cold, ill or frightened

19. Slightest /slaɪt/ small in amount or degree

20. Buttercups /ˈbʌt.ə.kʌp/ a small, bright yellow wild flower

21. Paved /peɪv/ an area of ground with a hard flat surface of pieces of stone, concrete or bricks

Are You Still Playing Your Flute by Zurinah Hassan

BIODATA OF ZURINAH HASSAN

Date / Place of birth : 13 June 1949, Alor Setar Kedah.

Permanent address : No.2, Jalan Pinggir, 8/1L, Seksyen 8, 40000 Shah Alam since 1974.

Academic Qualifications : B.A.Hons (Universiti Sains Malaysia), M.A. (Universiti Putra Malaysia). Doktor Falsafah, Akademi Pengajian Melayu, Universiti Malaya.

Awards :

1. Anugerah Penulisan Asia Tenggara (S.E.A. Write Award) 2004

2. Book Category Award

- Pujangga Tidak Bernama, Hadiah Sastera Perdana(1994/1995)

- Memoir Zurinah Hassan Menjejak Puisi, Hadiah Buku Perpustakaan Negara 2002/2004)

- Memoir Zurinah Hassan Menjejak Puisi , Hadiah Sastera Perdana 2002/2003.

Poem analysis

Are You Still Playing Your Flute by Zurinah Hassan

Are you still playing your flute?

When there is hardly time for our love

I am feeling guilty

To be longing for your song

The melody concealed in the slim hollow of the bamboo

Uncovered by the breath of an artist

Composed by his fingers

Blown by the wind

To the depth of my heart.

Stanza 1

This poem talks about the responsibility of the leaders in the world which the leadership is symbolized as the flute. “Are you still playing your flute?” meaning iis the leader still doing his job in leading the country. “The melody” is the government system and “in the slim hollow of the bamboo” is the government system as written in the book of constitution. “Artist” is referred to as the leader and “his fingers” symbolizes the style used by the leader in administrating the system. “To be longing for your song” here means the people is longing for a wise leader that can bring them the peace and harmony in the country once again.

Are you still playing your flute?

In the village so quiet and deserted

Amidst the sick rice fields

While here it has become a luxury

To spend time watching the rain

Gazing at the evening rays

Collecting dew drops

Or enjoying the fragrance of flowers.

Stanza 2

People nowadays are focusing more on the city life until there are less people to take care of the paddy fields in the village. The second stanza also tells us that it would have been so hard for people in the city to have leisure times enjoying the nature as it has been so much chaos with less people caring for each other.

Are you still playing your flute?

The more it disturbs my conscience

to be thinking of you

in the hazard of you

my younger brothers unemployed and desperate

my people disunited by politics

my friend slaughtered mercilessly

this world is too old and bleeding.

Stanza 3

Day by day, there are more people to suffer for the consequences of the irresponsible leaders. Politics disunite the people and kill more other innocent people in other country. This world is old until a leader comes and unites us all.

Glossary:

1. Flute /fluːt/ a tube-shaped musical instrument with a hole that you blow across at one end while holding the tube out horizontally to one side of you

2. Longing /ˈlɒŋ.ɪŋ/ a feeling of wanting something or someone very much

3. Concealed /kənˈsiːl/ to prevent something from being seen or known about; to hide something

4. Hollow /ˈhɒl.əʊ/ having a hole or empty space inside

5. Composed /kəmˈpəʊzd/ calm and in control of your emotions

6. Deserted /dɪˈzɜː.tɪd/ If a place is deserted, there are no people in it

7. Amidst /əˈmɪd/ in the middle of or surrounded by; among

8. Luxury /ˈlʌk.ʃər.i/ great comfort, especially as provided by expensive and beautiful things

9. Gazing /geɪz/ to look at something or someone for a long time, especially in surprise, admiration or because you are thinking about something else

10. Rays /reɪ/ a narrow beam of light, heat, etc. travelling in a straight line from its place of origin

11. Dew /djuː/ drops of water that form on the ground and other surfaces outside during the night

12. Fragrance /ˈfreɪ.grənt s/ a sweet or pleasant smell

13. Conscience /ˈkɒn.t ʃənt s/ the part of you that judges how moral your own actions are and makes you feel guilty about bad things that you have done or things you feel responsible for

14. Hazard /ˈhæz.əd/ something that is dangerous and likely to cause damage

15. Unemployed /ˌʌn.ɪmˈplɔɪd/ not having a job that provides money

16. Slaughtered /ˈslɔː.tər/ to cruelly and unfairly kill a lot of people

17. Mercilessly /ˈmɜː.sɪ.ləs/ /ˈmɜː.sɪ.lə.sli/ having or showing no mercy