SPM English

Learning English is Fun

2017-03-19T06:03:00.001-07:00

2014-05-29T15:35:00.001-07:00

Many students studying English as a second language find grammar difficult. One reason is because every language has different set of rules. The rules of English grammar is definitely DIFFERENT!In Malay Language, the verb used to show past action or event does not change as it does in English.To the first speaker of Malay language, the change in the verb form is puzzling. To most of them, English is a CRAZY language.

RUN IS RAN IN PAST TENSE

WHILE WALK IS WALKED IN PAST TENSE

WHY CAN'T WE PUT 'ED' AFTER EVERY WORD?

IS IT BECAUSE ENGLISH IS A CRAZY LANGUAGE?

2013-03-16T03:14:00.001-07:00

Go to the website below for more quotes:
www.edulang.com/5-quotes-to-share-with-language-learners

This is my personal view on the poem " In The Midst of Hardship".

2013-03-16T01:20:00.000-07:00

For more information about flood in Malaysia,please visit this link.

In The Midst of Hardship is a beautiful poem written by Latiff Mohidin. He describes the hardship which the family from a village has to endure. Nature is chosen by Mohidin to represent the hardship. He specifically chooses the flood as a natural phenomenon that has disturbed the family’s peacefulness.
Flood which should have been the cause of grief and sorrow, however, does not seem to have affected the family. Despite losing their son’s albino buffalo and suffering from the loss incurred by the flood, the family remains optimist about life. They are still able to resume doing their normal activities like cooking, eating, smoking and making jokes.
This family shows an example of poor people who can still gain happiness even though they do not own much and has lost their son’s albino buffalo. They seem grateful with what they have because they do not sigh nor complain. They do not let themselves immerse in deep sorrow but enjoy the little pleasure they still have with each other.

Learning quote

2013-03-16T00:45:00.000-07:00

In The Midst of Hardship by Latiff Mohidin

2013-03-15T15:26:00.001-07:00

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 ciggarete leaves

"Writing A Short Story Using a Poem". Let's take the challenge!

2012-08-04T13:40:00.000-07:00

Dear readers,
Please read this poem and write a short story based on it. Post your short story to my email or this blog (post comment) and you will get a surprise gift from me.:)

Poem: “My Friend, Farah”

We consumed six meals a day
Tons of ice-cream
Tons of chocolate
Yet we remained skinny
Friends called us the Bony F.

Cruel age caught up with me
I began to put weight around my middle
Farah called my fat “love handles”
I was now pleasantly plump
But Farah remained pencil slim.

Then one day Farah called
She wanted to help me lose weight
By dieting with me
But I wasn’t convinced ……
She wasn’t the sacrificing kind.

Farah had put on five kilos
She started a liquid diet
Enrolled for aerobics and yoga classes
And lost two kilos after a week
Yet she was weak and dizzy.

Soon, she lost five kilos
But she did not stop
She was a woman obsessed
No more regular meals
She threw up all the food she ate.

Her eyes were all bloodshot
Her spine was sticking out
She was definitely shrinking
She no longer had the stamina to exercise
She looked like a war or famine victim.

One day I received a call
She had a heart attack
I saw her on hospital bed
With all the tubes in her
What a pitiful sight!

More on The Curse

2012-03-13T04:33:00.001-07:00

Greeting to all
If any of you really need the reference book for The Curse, you may get it from me via email. Leave your contact number.

Do you like the ending of the novel,The Curse?

2011-07-29T06:23:00.000-07:00

One of the bloggers, Vera Anne R.R says:

“The ending of the story is bittersweet. It's tragic that Azreen lost everyone that she loved but I guess that makes it easier for her to go on with her life. I mean now that she's alone, she will only have her own problem to think of.

If I was in Azreen's place, I think I can go through it all. I think I can go on with my life though I don't know how long will I take to do that.”

What about you? Do share your opinion with us?

Here is my answer:

No. I dislike such a sad and tragic ending. I wish that the Old Lady did not die in the fire. She should always be there for Azreen. I hope that Salleh was imprisoned for a period of time, was released and repented.

I also dislike the ending because Azreen was depicted in the story as an incredibly strong courageous young girl despite of the deaths of so many people who were close to her. At this point the character, Azreen appeared to be unrealistic. In reality, such a person might go into depression and recover after a while. Yes, unless she received tremendous support from her foster parents, Datin Sharifah and Datuk Zulkifli.

SPM? Again????

2011-07-28T05:16:00.000-07:00

SPM is coming nearer. For me .....again? Though I don't sit for SPM paper, I feel as if I am sitting for the exam every year. If you kids don't perform, I am the one who will be blamed.
It's crazy right?What to do? So please study hard and smart.

Do you like the ending of the novel,The Curse?

2011-07-18T22:08:00.000-07:00

At the end of the story, Azreen lost everyone that she loved. If you were in her place, would you be able to accept the fate? Think about this!

How To Be Safe on The Road

2011-07-12T05:30:00.000-07:00

Every road user should be responsible for their safety. They should develop a positive attitude and make it a culture to be polite and cautious on the road. A pedestrian is no exception. A pedestrian should follow a few basic safety tips.
As a pedestrian, you should find a safe place to cross the road. You can use either the zebra crossing or pedestrian bridge. If you cannot find a safe place to cross, you should find a place where you can see the traffic and the drivers should also be able to see you clearly.
Moreover you should use your eyes and ears. You should look all around for traffic and listen to the sound of oncoming vehicles. When it is safe to cross, you should walk straight. You must not run.
At night, you must avoid wearing dark-coloured clothes. You must always wear bright –coloured clothes so that motorist can see you. If you are still a child, you must always hold hands with adults.
Motorcyclist is also a high risk group but you can prevent yourself from becoming the victim of road accident. First of all, you need to make sure that your motorcycle is in good condition. The brake and the tyres must always be in the best condition so that your motorcycle would have a good grip on the road.
Next, you must not wear dark-coloured clothes. You should always put on bright-coloured ones because bright-coloured clothes can enhance visibility.
Then, you should put a good helmet and it must be a bright-coloured helmet. If you have a dark coloured helmet, use a luminous stripe across the helmet. You should also fasten your helmet properly in order to ensure that your head is well-protected in case of accident.
Moreover, you should always obey the traffic rules. For example you should not beat the red light as oncoming vehicles may hit you as you do so. When you want to change lane, remember to look at the side mirrors so that you will not hit another vehicle. You must also stop at a junction and only make a turning when there is no oncoming vehicle on the road.
Lastly, do not race. It is illegal to race on the public roads as the act can bring disaster and sadness to many other road users and their family members. Racing is a selfish act as you are not only risking your own life but the lives of other innocent people. So please do not take your safety for granted.

WHEN YOU BELIEVE (Mariah Carey & Whithney Houston)

2011-06-18T18:21:00.000-07:00

Many nights we've prayed
With no proof anyone could hear
In our hearts a hopeful song
We barely understood
Now we are not afraid
Although we know there's much to fear
We were moving mountains
Long before we knew we could
Chorus:
There can be miracles
When you believe
Though hope is frail
It's hard to kill
Who knows what miracles
You can achieve
When you believe
Somehow you will, (Now you will (3rd Chorus through))
You will when you believe
In this time of fear
When prayer so often proves in vain
Hope seemed like the summer birds
Too swiftly flown away
Yet now I'm standing here
My heart's so full, I can't explain
Seeking faith and speaking words
I never thought I'd say
Chorus
So in times when all your hope is gone
And you go through life afraid
In your heart there lies a hopeful song
That is there to guide the way
And all the hurt and all the pain
You soon will learn was not in vain
For all your prayers, they will be heard
They'll come to pass through faith
Chorus

Tommy Page's "Shoulder To Cry On"

2011-06-09T06:56:00.000-07:00

Life is full of lots of up and downs,
And the distance feels further when you're headed for the ground,
And there is nothing more painful than to let you're feelings take
you down,
It's so hard to know the way you feel inside,
When there's many thoughts and feelings that you hide,
But you might feel better if you let me walk with you
by your side,

And when you need a shoulder to cry on,
When you need a friend to rely on,
When the whole world is gone,
You won't be alone, cause I'll be there,
I'll be your shoulder to cry on,
I'll be there,
I'll be a friend to rely on,
When the whole world is gone,
you won't be alone, cause I'll be there.

All of the times when everything is wrong
And you're feeling like
There's no use going on
You can't give it up
I hope you work it out and carry on
Side by side,
With you till the end
I'll always be the one to firmly hold your hand
no matter what is said or done
our love will always continue on

Everyone needs a shoulder to cry on
everyone needs a friend to rely on
When the whole world is gone
you won't be alone cause I'll be there
I'll be your shoulder to cry on
I'll be there
I'll be the one you rely on
when the whole world's gone
you won't be alone
cause I'll be there!

And when the whole world is gone
You'll always have my shoulder to cry on...

The Climb ,Miley Cyrus

2011-05-04T01:20:00.000-07:00

The Climb lyrics
Songwriters: Alexander, J; Mabe, J;

I can almost see it
That dream I am dreaming
But there's a voice inside my head saying
"You'll never reach it"

Every step I'm taking
Every move I make feels
Lost with no direction
My faith is shaking

But I gotta keep trying
Gotta keep my head held high

There's always gonna be another mountain
I'm always gonna wanna make it move
Always gonna be a uphill battle
Sometimes I'm gonna have to lose

Ain't about how fast I get there
Ain't about what's waiting on the other side
It's the climb

The struggles I'm facing
The chances I'm taking
Sometimes might knock me down
But no, I'm not breaking

I may not know it
But these are the moments that
I'm gonna remember most, yeah
Just gotta keep going
[ From: http://www.elyrics.net/read/m/miley-cyrus-lyrics/the-climb-lyrics.html ]

And I, I got to be strong
Just keep pushing on

'Cause there's always gonna be another mountain
I'm always gonna wanna make it move
Always gonna be a uphill battle
Sometimes I'm gonna have to lose

Ain't about how fast I get there
Ain't about what's waiting on the other side
It's the climb, yeah!

There's always gonna be another mountain
I'm always gonna wanna make it move
Always gonna be an uphill battle
Somebody's gonna have to lose

Ain't about how fast I get there
Ain't about what's waiting on the other side
It's the climb, yeah!

Keep on moving, keep climbing
Keep the faith, baby
It's all about, it's all about the climb
Keep the faith, keep your faith, whoa

Question: The song “The Climb” by Miley Cyrus, tells us that everyone can achieve their dream. It also teaches us that in our quest to success, we have to face a lot of obstacles but we must not give up. We must work hard persistently to achieve our goal. We need to move the mountain that is obstructing our path to success!

So boys and girls out there, based on the song, write one of the compositions below:

1. Sweet Success
2. My Dream Occupation
3. An Admirable Personality
4. There Is No Pain Without Gain.
5. Begin your composition with “I wish I had worked a bit harder and believed ....”

Who is Lee Su Ann?

2011-04-30T05:39:00.001-07:00

Lee Su Ann is the author of the novel "The Curse", which is currently taught in secondary schools as part of the literature component. She was born in Penang and has grown up there. She is married to a local lad. At present, she writes medical books for doctors. In the past, she used to work as an embryo scientist.It must have been a surprise to many people to discover that this young writer is actually a scientist. She wrote "The Curse" when she was still a student at University Putra Malaysia (UPM).

Theme; Love in "The Curse"

2011-04-29T06:42:00.001-07:00

Question: Write about the theme “Love” in the novel you have read.
Skeleton of ideas
1. 3 types of love
a) Love between family members
b) Love between friends
c) Love triangle

2. Love between family members
 Father’s love- Salleh rescues Azreen a few times –from two incidents of fire – from a fight with Puan Normala
 Mother’s love- Azreen’s mother does not scold her for breaking her rattan basket – teaches her how to make new one – does not blame her for the accident
 Sister’s love – Madhuri- protects Azreen a few times from beatings – helps to weave rattan basket to replace the damaged basket – writes many letters to Azreen when she is in London

3. Love between friends
 Azreen and the Old Lady –console each other- Azreen is the Old Lady’s only friend –sacrifices for the Old Lady- tries to rescue the Old Lady when the house is on fire

4. Love triangle
 Azreen /Mohd.Asraf/ Madhuri – Azreen plays hockey for Mohd Asraf’s team - spends a lot of time together after school- sacrifices for Mohd Asraf-making false confession about letting the gate of the farm opened – unrequited love – Mohd.Asraf loves Madhuri – Madhuri returns his love.
 Hj Ghani/ Madhuri/ Puan Fatiha – Hj Ghani loves Madhuri – pampers her- buys things for her- Fatiha-first wife-jealous- Madhuri loves Mohd.Asraf – marries Hj Ghani –because she is forced by Salleh, her father.

I have been too busy

2011-03-28T07:59:00.000-07:00

2011 is moving very fast indeed. I hope all of you are doing constant revision. I shall post some more tips when I am less busy. :)

The Curse:"The Old Lady"

2011-01-31T18:20:00.000-08:00

Who is the Old lady?

Lee Su Ann must have a reason for creating the character “The Old Lady” in the story. The Old Lady seems alien in a small Malay village despite of being Malay.

She has been ostracised for many years only because the villagers believe that she has killed her own husband. She is found guilty without trial even though evidences have proved her innocent.

Instead of getting herself immersed in self-pity, the Old Lady rises with pride. She chooses to stay in a small house in the forest. She relies only on herself. She plants her own vegetables and herbs.

Moving to the mainland has not been her dream as she does not have money. So, after her husband’s death, the house in the forest becomes her sanctuary.

Her friendship with Azreen has led her to be more receptive of the outside world. She lends her hand to treat Mohd Asraf’s grandmother who is seriously ill. She treats the sick lady with her herbs but fate plays its role when the sick lady succumbs to her illness.

The death of Mohd Asraf's grandmother causes her own final departure from the world. She is accused of poisoning Mohd Asraf’s grandmother. Mohd Asraf who has been overwhelmed with anger has accidentally lit her house on fire. Azreen fails to save the Old Lady who has been trapped in the fire. Her life is ended cruelly.

Do you like how the Old Lady dies? I don’t! A good person should be repaid with kindness. Tell me your opinion. Does she deserve to die in such a way?

More about Madhuri from "The Curse" written by Lee Su Ann

2011-01-19T01:50:00.001-08:00

Well,Madhuri seems to have led a perfect life. She has everything.She has the beauty.She has parents who love and adore her. She has a rich husband who spends generously and lavishly on her.

Yet, nobody knows what is in her heart.Even her sister,Azreen does not understand her.Azreen has been too busy in her own conflict that she forgets about the sister who always defends her. She has not given the attention Madhuri may have needed.Azreen forgets that Madhuri is also a human being. She also has feelings and dreams.Madhuri has been sending letters religiously to Azreen but Azreen has been very reserve of her feeling towards her sister.

Madhuri's sudden death finally makes Azreen realises how kind and wonderful her sister has been towards her. It is not her external beauty alone that draws admirers. Madhuri's kindness and sweet nature has actually attracted people to her. She also has an extra value.She can recite "syair" beautifully.

Let us imagine ourselves in Madhuri's shoes.She is so young but she has to marry an old man twice her age.I will run away if I am forced to do so.However Madhuri remains obedient to her father,Salleh. She marries Hj Ghani to please her father.Even after Mohd. Asraf declares his feeling towards her, she does not just leave Hj Ghani. She wants to tell her parents first and asks for a divorce from Hj Ghani.She is a sensible woman.It is a pity that she becomes the victim of anger.Salleh who is actually her adopted father has accidentally killed her when she tries to stop him from chasing Mohd.Asraf.So sad and tragic!

The Curse: Who is Madhuri?

2011-01-15T01:22:00.000-08:00

Let's talk about Madhuri!

Do you know anyone in school who is beautiful,kind-hearted and helpful? In other words, do you know someone who is an angel? She is admired by the men and the envy of her female friends?

Madhuri has everything that her parents want. She grows up to be a fine woman and wife. She has always been the obedient daughter. She is being compared to her boisterous and rude sister, Azreen. However in "The Curse", fate plays its role. Read the novel and find out how fate changes Madhuri's life.

More on "Azreen" from The Curse

2010-12-18T18:10:00.001-08:00

Dear readers,
I was not in a very good mood yesterday when I discovered my synopsis on "The Curse" has been copied and pasted by a blogger who claims it as hers.I'm writing this blog to help Malaysian students in their SPM.I've also indicated to the writer of the book,Lee Su Ann, I will write more of her work on my blog so that people recognise and acknowledge her work. I am proud that she is a Malaysian and is really looking forward to reading more novels written by her.

MORE ON AZREEN

I find Azreen in many of us.At one period of our lives,we can be so vulnerable and emotional.However as we grow up, we learn a few tricks about how to live a happy contented life.A person changes with time.So does Azreen.Her friendship with the Old Lady has changed her outlook towards life.She begins to accept what has been fated and not to suck over small things that happen around her.

I have heard many times people saying that you cannot choose your parents.It is very true in Azreen's case.Though Salleh is extremely strict and hot-tempered, as a daughter,she ought to accept him. She mustn't have any ill-thoughts about her father.He must have loved her so much.He lays out some of his expectations clearly.He may be orthodox in his thinking but he never abandons her.He comes to her rescue in a few occasions such as when she is being attacked by Puan Normala and the villagers.

Many of us have conflict with our parents because we have so much in common with them.Lee tries to show this through Azreen.Azreen takes after her father a lot!She has his temper, his stubbornness and frankness.

So my dear readers/students, do read the novel.Try to understand the characters.Relate them to you or people around you.

Characters in "The Curse" by Lee Su Ann

2010-12-18T02:44:00.000-08:00

Dear readers,

Today,I am not going to discuss the characters in the novel for exam purposes. I shall state what I have in my mind for the sake of appreciating it as a piece of literature.

Lee succeeds to explore the various themes in her novel through her main and minor characters.I can personally relate to the characters even though they are only fictional characters.

In my own life journey, I have met a person like Puan Normala, the gossiper or "Mami Jarum"(as called in the famous movie "Mami Jarum.)- the kind of person who causes misery to other people's life but still feels that she is the benevolent one.

There are many real-life characters like Madhuri and Mohd Asraf(or Asraf)- the ill-fated lovers whom I have met.Being a practical person, I can't help feeling how silly a person can be when it comes to love.To me,if the person is not meant for you, then he or she is not meant for you. (The fans of the romantic movies will definitely disagree with me on this matter.)If I were Asraf,I would seek the love of a single woman.Why should I make my life miserable?

I love Azreen.She represents the modern woman.The kind of woman who fights to improve her life and not easily swayed by emotions.She dares to speak out her mind.(I guess most successful woman has some of her characteristics)

That's all for now.I shall continue some other time.

Theme:Education "The Pearl"

2010-11-13T05:31:00.000-08:00

Based on the novel “The Pearl”, written by John Steinbeck, explain the role of "education".

First of all, it is shown that education plays an important role in Mexico during the colonisation of the Spanish. It widens the gap between the two classes of people; the coloniser and the Mexican Indians. The colonisers like the doctor, the priest and the pearl buyers live a luxurious life because they are educated. The doctor for example earns his living because of his medical qualification. Kino has to trust him to treat his son even though the doctor is known for his corruption. The doctor able to live in a huge mansion, drink hot chocolates from porcelain cup, wear silk robe and pay a servant to serve him. Meanwhile, the Mexican Indian, like Kino who is uneducated lives in a brush hut and eats simple corn cakes for breakfast. Unlike the doctor, he has to live from hand to mouth every day. He has to dive into the sea to look for pearl.

Moreover, when Kino finds the great pearl, he determines to sell it at a high price so that he can send his son, Coyotito to school. He believes that education can help to improve his standard of living. He does not want his son to be ignorant like him and can easily be cheated by the rich and educated. At one point of the story when the doctor visits his brush hut, Kino has no other choice but to let the doctor to treat his son. He has to rely on the doctor’s expertise because of his lack of education.

Finally, education determines one’s status in a society. “The Priest” is one figure which is highly respected in La Paz City because he is the only one who can read and write in Latin. He is the only one who understands the bible which is written in Latin. So, by being given the authority as a priest at the church, “The Priest” earns the highest status and respects from the people. In the novel, it is depicted that after Kino finds the great pearl, “The Priest” visits Kino and Juana at their brush hut and reminds them to get marry at the church. The Priest seems to have an authority over them and very much respected by them and other Mexican Indians.
Education is clearly shown as important in this novel. Education determines one’s way of life, one’s standard of living and one’s status in a society.

SYNOPSIS "The Curse" by Lee Su Ann

2010-11-12T02:41:00.000-08:00

“The Curse” is about a girl, named Azreen, her parents and sister, Madhuri. Azreen, a strong-headed girl is studying in London but has to take a leave from her study when she receives the news about her sister’s death. She is curious about the cause of her sister’s sudden death. When she reaches home, her sister’s body has been brought to the cemetery. She overhears a village gossiper, Puan Normala talks about her sister’s death. Normala claims that her sister has been murdered and has shed white blood.

On her return, Azreen discovers a few truths about her family and people around her. First she finds out that her sister has been in love with Asraf, and has planned to marry and divorced her husband, Hj Ghani. Second, Awang, the Shaman has actually caused the accident which his parents are involved in and causes her mother to become paralysed. Third, she learns that Madhuri is actually her adopted sister and the crazy woman is Madhuri’s biological mother. Fourth and finally, she discovers that Madhuri has accidentally been killed by her father.

There is one old woman whom Azreen has turned to for emotional support. The old woman lives alone in an abandoned house in the jungle. Azreen learns a lot about life from this wise old woman. The old woman however dies in a fire started by Asraf who has blamed her for his grandmother’s death.

At the end, Azreen returns to London to finish her study. She has learned a valuable lesson from her short break at her little village in Langkawi Island. She has learned to forgive others and to look ahead.

Contact me for further information about this novel.Good Luck dear.