Bahasa Inggeris Program Kecemerlangan

P PR RO OG GR RA AM M K KE EC CE EM ME ER RL LA AN NG GA AN N S SP PM M
P PE ER RI IN NG GK KA AT T N NE EG GE ER RI I M ME EL LA AK KA A

S
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P
P
M
M
E
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N
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G
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L
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I
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H
H
L
L
A
A
N
N
G
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U
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A
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E
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M
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2
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0
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4
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D Di ir re ec ct te ed d W Wr ri it ti in ng g
C Co on nt ti in nu uo ou us s W Wr ri it ti in ng g
N No ov ve el l: : P Pe er rs so on na al l R Re es sp po on ns se e

DIRECTED WRITING
Teachers Notes

The Directed Writing question carries a total of 35 marks 15 marks for content and
20 marks for language. The marks for format, which can vary between 1-3 marks depending
on the text type, are included in the 15 marks allocated for content. In this section, candidates
are given only one question. This means that candidates do not have the luxury of choice
which they are given in the Continuous Writing section.
Most candidates find this question quite manageable. In fact, even weak candidates
can be taught to cope with this question to a certain extent. Several factors make this question
quite do able. Firstly, candidates are given help with content. This means candidates do not
have to worry about what to write as content points are provided. It is not difficult to score
full marks for content. In fact, candidates can score full marks for content if they are able to
use the information given in grammatically sound sentences, irrespective of the sentence type
or length. It is also easy to get marks for format if they have been exposed to the formats of
different text types. Secondly, this question does not demand much linguistically unlike the
continuous writing question. Most candidates are able to cope with this question, even if they
are linguistically limited. Thirdly, the question is usually set around the experiences of
students. Hence, there is no reason for candidates not to attempt this question.

Below is an analysis of the questions which have appeared since 2000:

Year Text type Purpose
2000 Letter (informal)
To inform mother of choice of present for your brother
and persuade mother to lend you some money
2001 Article To inform students on ways of coping with stress
2002 Speech
To inform students about road safety - causes of road
accidents and suggestions to reduce them
2003 Letter (formal)
To inform the class teacher about the choice of class
trip
2004 Report
To inform the school principal about the conditions of
the school canteen
2005 Letter (informal) To inform a friend about a holiday camp
2006 Letter (informal) To convince a friend to run for the post of head prefect
2007 Speech To tell students about a science reference book
2008 Article
To inform students about a friend who has been chosen
as the Best Group Leader
2009 A Report
To inform the Principal of the reasons why students
lack of interest in sports
2010
A letter
(Informal)
To tell a cousin the benefits of taking part in National
Service Program
2011 A Talk
To give a talk to Red Crescent Society members on
how to manage a sprained ankle
2012 A letter
To write a letter to advise her on how to spend her
money wisely
2013 A formal letter A letter of complaint to the Town Council

Common errors

Poor time management. Do not spend more than the allocated 45 minutes on this
question. Otherwise you will not have enough time for the second question.
Lengthy essays. Do not write too much. As mentioned earlier, this question does not make
many demands on a candidate. Directed writing is a succinct piece of writing. All you
have to do is use the given points and provide a sentence or two (maybe three) to
elaborate on them. A response of 1 - 2 pages is more than sufficient. After all, the
more you write the more mistakes you might make. Some candidates make the mistake of
writing one paragraph for each point. If you do this, your essay is going to be very
lengthy. Save the time and energy for Continuous writing.
Usage of informal language. This paper tests your written English. Do not use spoken
language. Avoid using slang words (such as guys, ..), contractions, and informal
language (such as informal idiomatic expressions or informal phrasal verbs).
Poor punctuation. Some candidates do not punctuate their sentences correctly. Make sure
you end your sentence with a full stop and not a comma. Also, make sure that the
pronoun I is written in upper case and not lower case (i) as is the practice among some
candidates.

Students Tips
General Guidelines for Directed Writing

Read the question carefully. Identify your task, your role and your audience.
Use the 45 minutes allocated for this question wisely.
Plan your essay and organize your thoughts (this includes what to write and how to
elaborate on points)
Include an introduction and a conclusion and make sure your paragraphs are well
organized.
Use all content points given. It is advisable to cross out the points you have used, so that
no point is left out.
Include points of your own only if you are asked to. Otherwise, do not waste precious
time doing so because you will not get any extra marks.
Elaborate on the points given. Write 2-3 sentences to elaborate on each point.
Remember a crucial aspect of this paper is language and your ability to write can only be
tested if you provide sufficient language for the examiner to gauge your linguistic ability.
Use a variety of sentence structures so that your essay is not dull and monotonous.
Always read through what you have written. Correct grammatical, spelling and
punctuation errors.

MODULE FOR WEAK STUDENTS
ARTICLE
Sample Essay And Practice
General guidelines
1. Articles are pieces of writing giving information, advice or suggestions to the readers.
2. They are usually written for the school magazine or school newsletter.
3. The tone and style are formal.
4. An articles format
a) Title can be taken from the rubric
b) Writers name Just write By, and then followed by your name just below the
title.
c) The people who are going to read the article.

Sample Question

Many students feel that they have too many things to do in one day. Many of them really do
not manage their time wisely and end up not completing their homework or school projects
on time. You want to make a few suggestions on how they can manage their time in a better
and more effective way.
Write an article for your school magazine giving your suggestions on how to manage time.
Include the following points.
Change attitude
Pay attention in class
Try to complete as much homework as possible during school hours
Make a To do list
Set priorities right
Set a realistic target for examination
Plan a personal timetable
Make time for rest and relaxation
Join study groups
Seek help from parents, teachers or friends
Speak to school counsellor
Stay happy and healthy

When writing the article, you should remember to:
- Include the title
- Include the writers name
- Include all the points given
- Write in the format of an article

Sample Answer
How to Manage Time
By Albert Moss
Today many students feel that they have too many things to do in one day. Many of
them really do not manage their time wisely and end up not completing their homework or
school projects on time. So, here I would like to give some suggestions to students on how to
manage time.
Firstly, students must change their attitude. Next, students should pay attention in
class. Thirdly, students must try to complete as much homework as possible during
school hours. Furthermore students can make a To do list.
Students ought to set their priorities right. Students should set a realistic target for
their coming examination. Furthermore, students can plan a personal timetable. Students
must also make time for rest and relaxation.
Students can join study groups. All students should seek help from parents,
teachers or friends if needed. Students should speak to the school counsellor if necessary.
Finally students should be happy and healthy when they spend their time wisely.

Examination Tips

1. Introduction of the article can be taken from the rubric as shown in the sample.
2. All students need to do is to add the phrase students followed by a modal, in front of
the given content points to create meaningful sentences.
e.g Students should, Students must etc.
3. Use conjunctions and sequence connectors

PRACTICE
Model SPM Question (adapted from Kelantan SPM Trial Examination 2012)

Based on your observation, many of your schoolmates are not taking proper care of their
health. As you are the president of the Health Club of your school, your teacher adviser has
asked you to write an article for the school magazine on how to lead a healthy lifestyle.
Use the notes below to write your article:

How to lead a healthy life

practise personal hygiene have regular exercise take balanced meals

wash hands before eating keep fit avoid junk food

drink a lot of water get enough sleep share problems with others

at least eight glasses seven to eight hours talk to friends or school
daily a day counselor

When writing the article, you must remember:
- to give a suitable title
- to give your name as the writer
- to include all the points given
- to provide an ending
- that your readers are students of your school.
Note: For your article, you will receive up to 15 marks for the format and content points,
and up to 20 marks for the quality of your writing.

Step 1
Study the question:
Based on your observation, many of your schoolmatesare not
taking proper care of their health.

Situation

You are the president of the Health Club of your school.

Post / position

Write an article for the school magazine

Task

Step 2
Identify the layout based on the task in Step 1
( Format- 3 marks : Title + writers name + ending)
Task: Write an article
Construct sentences using the content points given by identifying the given and
missing parts of speech
For example :
C1 Practice personal hygience
The given parts of speech:
Verb - practice
Object (noun) personal hygience
What are the missing parts of speech? The subject (you/we) and modal verb
(should/must/have to/ need to)
Answer these questions:
- What is the situation
- What is your post/position
in the society or club

BASIC:
PART A
Fill in the table below using the information from the question

Title
By:
(write your
name)

Introduction
(situation/task)
Many students .
So, these are the ways how .
C1 Practice personal hygience
C2
C3
C4
C5
C6
C7
C8
C9
C10
C11
C12
Conclusion

PART B
Construct simple sentence(s) using the notes given.
Example:
C1 : Practise personal hygiene

You / We should practise personal hygiene
(Subject) (Modal) (Note given)
a) C2 : Wash hands before eating
. . ..
b) C3 : Take balanced meals
. . ..
c) C4 : avoid junk food
. . ..
d) C5 : Drink a lot of water
. . ..

e) C6 : at least eight glasses daily
. . ..
(Subject) (Modal) (Verb) (Note given)
f) C7 : Get enough sleep
. . ..

g) C8 : seven to eight hours a day

. . ..
(Subject) (Modal) (Verb) (Note given)
h) C9 : Have regular exercise
. . ..

i) C10 : keep fit

. . ..

j) C11 : Share problems with others

. . ..

k) C12 : talk to friends or school counselors

. . ..

Concluding paragraph

I hope all students lead
(from the question)

PART C

Rewrite all the sentences in PART B in three paragraphs using the correct format of an article

Title: .
By: .

...
...
...
...

MODULE FOR ADVANCED STUDENTS
REPORT

General guidelines
1. A report gives information to a particular person or group.
2. It has to be formal and concise
3. The content is inclusive of facts and opinions.
4. Types of report:
a. Report of an incident
b. Report on activity or event
c. Report on a survey
d. Newspaper report
Basic format

Report On__________________________________
To : ( to whom the report is directed to )
From : ( the person who writes the report ) Date : _______________

Facts and elaboration.

Conclusion

Reported by,
signature

Sample Question
You are the Secretary of the Environment Club in your school. Your club has successfully
organized Environment Week in your school. Write a report to the principal about the event.
Include the following information in your report:

When writing the report, you should remember to:
give the report a title
address the report accordingly
provide an appropriate ending
use all the information given
write in paragraphs

Duration
3
rd
7
th
March 2011
Objectives
raise awareness
beautify school compound
Activities
paint murals
plant trees
recycle old newspapers
poster drawing competition
speech by invited guest
Advantages
create conducive environment
instill love for nature
foster closer relationship
develop co-operation

ENVIRONMENT
WEEK

SAMPLE ANSWER

To: Principal
SMK Gemilang
From: Secretary
The Environment Club
Environment Week In My School

The Environment Club in my school has successfully organized an Environment
Week. The duration of the Environment Week was from 3
rd
- 7
th
March 2011.
The first objective of the programme was to raise awareness about the environment
among the students. The second objective was to beautify the school compound with as
many plants as possible.
There were many activities organized by the Environment Club during the week.
Students painted colourful murals on the wall about environment. They also planted trees
around the school with the help of the school gardeners. They brought old newspapers from
home to be sent for recycling. They took part in poster drawing competition on
environment and they also listened to a speech by an invited guest during the closing
ceremony.
The advantages of the Environment Week are as follows. Firstly. it creates
conducive environment to the students. Secondly, it instils love for nature in everyone.
Thirdly, it fosters closer relationship between students and teachers in the school. Fourthly,
it develops co-operation among students.
The Environment Week was successful and hopefully the programme will be held
every year as an annual event.

Reported by, 15 March 2011
Labu bin Labi
Labu bin Labi

EXAMINATION TIPS

1. Remind students that they should use the words in the rubric to help them with their
introductory paragraph.
2. All points should be written in complete sentences in order to be awarded marks for
content points.
3. Remind students to write simple sentences instead of lengthy ones to avoid grammar
mistakes.

PRACTICE
Model SPM Question
Recently, the English Language Society of your school organised English Language Week to
improve the level of English among the students. As the secretary of the society, you have
been asked to write a report on the programme to your principal.
In your report, include the following:
- Organiser
English Language Society
- Aims
- make students aware of the importance of the English language
- encourage students to use the English language in their daily lives
- Dates
17- 21 Febr uar y 2013
- Venue
Bestari Hall
- Open to
all students and teachers
- Activities
- essay writing competition
- tongue twister competition
- poem recitation
- treasure hunt
- movie watching
- spelling competition

When writing the report, remember to:
- address it to the principal
- provide your report a title
- write your name
- include all the points given
Note: For your report, you will receive up to 15 marks for the format and content points,
and up to 20 marks for the quality of your writing.

ADVANCED
For this level, the essay should contain a variety of good sentence structures and wide
vocabulary. Remember, the tone of a report should be formal.
To:

Introductory paragraph
Suggested ideas for elaborations :
- What was the name of the programme?
- What was the purpose of the programme?
-Why are you writing it?
...
C1 - Organiser English Language Society
Suggested ideas for elaborations :
- What is the society famous for?

- Who leads the society? Describe his/her contributions to the society, for example, making
it the famous one in school.

- Mentioning of the number of its members every year.

...

C2 & C3 - Aims
- make students aware of the importance of the English language
- encourage students to use the English language in their daily lives
Suggested ideas for elaborations:
- Why do you want the students to be aware of the importance of the English
language? (their mind-setting? Their future? Job market?)

- Why do students need to speak in the English language in their daily lives?
(in terms of vocabulary? students' confidence level? Their surroundings? Future life?
...
C4 Date : 15 -19 March 2012
Why was the programme held on those dates?(The benefits of having it during that time)
...
C5 Venue : Bestari Hall
-Why was it held at the hall ?
-What special features does the hall have? (its size, equipment decorations etc)
- Having it in the hall: what kind of effects does this have on the participants?

C6 Open to all students and teachers
- Why was it open to ALL students?

- Who were the teachers involved?

- How were the activity (ies) carried out (in categories/groups / individuals)? Why?
- Who were the winners?

- What were the prizes?

...
C7: activity : essay writing competition
- What was the title/theme of the essay? How long was given for the participants to write
it?
- Describe the requirements needed in the essay - the length, the vocabulary, the sentences
etc)
- How did the participants do it? (very absorbed in it)

...
C8 : tongue twister competition
- Desribing he activity - how was it carried out? How did the participants as well as the audience respond
to it?
- Why was it chosen as one of the activities? Winners?

C9: poem recitation
- What was the theme of the poem?
- Who composed the poem?
- In how many rounds was it held?
- Who were involved?
- When was it held?

...
C10 : treasure hunt
- Describe the activity - where was it or the area covered / members per group I the
duration I exhilarating? etc
- How were the participants and the students respond to it? (from their special
expressions, their feelings)
...

C11: movie watching
- What was the title of the movie & why was it chosen?
- Based on the movie, what were the participants supposed to do? Why?
-What do you gain from the activity ?
...
C12: spelling competitions
- What did the activity test the students to do?

- Describe the atmosphere - the participants' & the audience's reactions, the surroundings
that had led to such reactions.
- The winner - What was his/her reaction?

...
Concluding paragraph
- When was the prize giving day held? Some general remarks on the pnze giving ceremony.
- What are the effects of the programme on the students?
-What is your hope in the future? Why (briefly)?

CONTINUOUS WRITING

Teachers Notes
Narrative essays are a favourite among students as they are easier to handle. This type of
essay enables the writer to use and share experiences with the readers.
1. Students must read the question carefully and know exactly what they are supposed to
write.
2. Ask the students to decide whether to write their essay from their own perspective or
someone elses. The first person or third person singular is the most popular choice.
3. Students should use a simple plot. Asking students wh-questions will help them to
develop ideas. Advise them to list in chronological order.
4. Students should use the past tense forms.
5. Encourage the students to include adjectives and adverbs.
6. Students may also use dialogue.

STUDENTS TIPS

WRITING A NARRATIVE ESSAY
A narrative is a story with a sequence of connected events. It could be about a personal
experience or an imagined event or events.

Let us look at some typical examination questions:
1. Write a story of a man who returns to his home after many years.
2. The day I lost my temper.
3. Write a story ending with, I shall never forget this day for the rest of my life.
4. Write about an occasion when you got into trouble.
5. Write a story beginning with, I could not believe my eyes.

How do I write a narrative essay for the examination?

ACTION PLAN: (1 hour)
A. Planning = 15 minutes
B. Writing = 35 minutes
C. Checking = 10 minutes

This is how we do it.

A. PLANNING
Lets say you have chosen question 3, - Write a story ending with, I shall never forget this
day for the rest of my life.

1. Read the question carefully and underline important phrases. Pay particular attention
to the ending.

2. Brainstorm for ideas by using the 5Ws and 1H approach and jot down notes.
Who is the character?

When is the event taking place?
Where is it happening?
What is happening?
Why is there a problem?
How is the problem solved?
Example:
Introduction
Who - main character, first person narrator (I) and cousin from Cambodia
When - holidays, one Sunday
Body
What - had to accompany cousin Problem 1
Why - cousin loved riding escalators

Where - at the shopping centre Problem 2
Why - riding escalators again

Who - main character Problem 3
What - nearly had an accident
How - stumbled Climax
Why - tried to escape from cousin
Conclusion
What lesson learnt gratitude

B. WRITING THE ESSAY

Now that you have got the skeleton of your story, it is time to begin writing.

1. Use linkers and phrases which link the events to move your story in a chronological
order. Some phrases that are suitable :
It was very dark.
I will never forget ..
A few minutes later.
Suddenly,
When the disaster happened, ..
2. Use the past tense forms. Check all the verbs you have used.
3. Use descriptive language (adjectives, adverbs)
4. Use sensory details to reveal the events and to get the readers involved. Do not merely
tell but show the events through words and phrases.

Example:
a. I went into the restaurant.
b. I walked into the restaurant.
c. I sauntered into the restaurant.

5. Sentence a: merely states that I went into the restaurant
Sentence b: gives a little more information as to how I went into the restaurant.
Sentence c: uses a more specific word to show clearly the idea of how I went into
the restaurant.

Sentence c. allows the reader to see what I am doing. The word sauntered means to
stroll. It gives the image of a person walking slowly into the restaurant. Thus, sentence c.
is more effective in narrative and descriptive writing.

6. Use direct speech, but use it sparingly and effectively. Remember, you are writing a
narrative, not a script.

7. Avoid using informal language

C. CHECKING
Read your essay once through and check for the following things:

Is the spelling accurate?
Is the punctuation appropriate? Did you use too many commas in a sentence?
Did you vary the sentence structure? Are your sentences too long?
Does one thought follow the next in a logical order?
Did you stick to the topic? Did you use words so that your reader could experience the
incident?
Did you use the appropriate tense of the verb throughout?
Make any corrections neatly.
WRITING A DESCRIPTIVE ESSAY
Writing a descriptive essay is perhaps more difficult than writing a narrative essay because it
makes more demands on ones use of language. In a descriptive essay, you need to give a
detailed description of a person, place, object, experience or memory. Your description must
be so effective that the person, place, object, experience or memory described is clearly
visualised by the reader.
If you are describing a person, the reader should feel that he knows the person well. If it is a
place that is described, the reader should feel as if he is there and seeing it with his very eyes.
How can this be achieved? Through the use of details that appeal to your readers senses and
a lively tone that draws his emotions.

Write a composition of about 350 words on one of the following topics.
1. Describe your most treasured possession.
Teachers guide.
Start with a brainstorming session. Students list down all the things that are important to
them. Among them, choose only one that is the most important.
To activate their thinking skills , ask them all the Wh questions such as
- Who gave it to him/her? Other Wh questions that are suitable.
- On what occasion did he/ she get it?
- Why is it a treasured possession?
- Encourage them to list down the advantages/ benefits of owing it?
Students read the given model essay. (optional)
Students read the given model essay and fill in the blanks with appropriate words.
Reread the completed essay.
Encourage students to write their essay on the same title.
Use all the points they have discussed during the brainstorming session.
Students may use the given headings as a guidance to complete their essay.

MODULE FOR INTERMEDIATE STUDENTS: DESCRIPTIVE ESSAY
My most treasured possession is a .. from my parents. Among all the gifts that I had
ever received, this particular item is my most treasured possession because of its unique
presence which has altered my boring life into a meaningful one. It is simply none other than
my Samsung Galaxy Ace. It is a mobile phone, a very meaningful to me. My
mobile phone also has certain interesting . such as a 8 megapixel camera, a 16
Gigabyte built in memory as well as a wonderful sound system. In fact, most of us now have
mobile phones that we bring along with us everywhere. Ten years back, having a mobile was
considered a . but now it is a necessity.
(gadget , luxury, gift, features)
This Samsung Galaxy Ace phone was given to me as a present by my .
parents, when I got straight As for my A Level programme, and that was just before I flew to
India to . my studies in medicine. The slick and sophisticated gadget has been
with me for the 3 years and it is still in good condition.
(past , further , beloved)
I use my mobile phone to keep in .. with my parents, family members and friends. I
can call them anytime I want, especially if there is an . Besides, I can also text
them. Nowadays, a lot of us text each other and I can even send pictures through text which
makes it a lot more ... This is really useful especially when we want to .. our
homework with each other.
(emergency , fun , touch, share)
I take a lot of pictures with my camera when I am with my family and friends. Besides, my
mobile phone also has . to internet and I can .. these pictures on
Facebook and Instagram no matter where I am.Because of its convenience, it has become
universally popular. With it I can call anyone at any time, independent of a
landlineconnection.I also enjoy listening to music on my phone. I have over 200 songs in my
phone. I also play games on my phone especially . games. I can also read online
storybooks. They are free once you have down loaded the .
(applications, upload , online, access)
I really treasure my mobile phone as a lot of important things are on it. I cannot
losing my phone. Recently I bought a new . for my phone. It is
black and red in colour. My phone is also slim and elegant so it is easy for me to carry it
everywhere. I really take a good care of my phone and I have it with me all the time when
I need to charge it. I have never once dropped it or left it . around..
(cover , except , lying, imagine)
My mobile phone has been useful not only to me but also to my friends, strangers and family
members. On many., my Samsung Galaxy Ace has been to make
emergency calls, send messages and snap wonderful moments. In other words, my mobile
phone has been used to solve problems and provide new channels of communication. My
friends and I can access all the world's information no matter where we are, just by using a
. small enough to fit into one hand.
(useful, device,occasions)
In a nutshell, my mobile phone is my most treasured possession and in the future I hope to
.. my mobile phone but I do not ever want to . from my treasured
possession which has brought a lot of joy and fun to me. My treasured possession, Samsung
Galaxy A is the best . I can ever have.It's hard to picture my life without my
Samsung Galaxy Ace. (company, part,upgrade)


Describe your most treasured possession
Paragraph 1
State what it is is it an item , or a talent, or a gift that you have ?

Paragraph 2
How long have you had it? How did it come into your possession?

Paragraph 3 and paragraph 4
Why is it treasured? Provide clear examples that help readers visualize and understand better.

Paragraph 5
Do you still have it? Where do you keep / store it if you do?
.....................
Paragraph 5
Has it changed your or other peoples lives?

Paragraph 6
What are your hopes for the future?
........

SAMPLE ANSWER

My most treasured possession is a gift from my parents. Among all the gifts that I had ever
received, this particular item is my most treasured possession because of its unique presence
which has altered my boring life into a meaningful one. It is simply none other than my
Samsung Galaxy Ace. It is a mobile phone, a very meaningful gadget for me. My mobile
phone also has certain interesting features such as a 8 megapixel camera, a 16 Gigabyte built
in memory as well as a wonderful sound system. In fact, most of us now have mobile phones
that we bring along with us everywhere. Ten years back, having a mobile was considered a
luxury but now it is a necessity.
This Samsung Galaxy Ace phone was given to me as a present by my beloved parents, when
I got straight As for my A Level programme, and that was just before I flew to India to
further my studies in medicine. The slick and sophisticated gadget has been with me for the
past 3 years and it is still in good condition.
I use my mobile phone to keep in touch with my parents, family members and friends. I can
call them anytime I want, especially if there is an emergency. Besides, I can also text them.
Nowadays, a lot of us text each other and I can even send pictures through text which makes
it a lot more fun. This is really useful especially when we want to share our homework with
each other.
I take a lot of pictures with my camera when I am with my family and friends. Besides, my
mobile phone also has access to internet and I can upload these pictures on Facebook and
Instagram no matter where I am. Because of its convenience, it has become universally
popular. With it I can call anyone at any time, independent of a landline connection. I also
enjoy listening to music on my phone. I have over 200 songs in my phone.. I also play games
on my phone especially online games. I can also read online storybooks. They are free once
you have down loaded the applications.
I really treasure my mobile phone as a lot of important things are on it. I cannot imagine
losing my phone. Recently I bought a new cover for my phone. It is black and red in colour.
My phone is also slim and elegant so it is easy for me to carry it everywhere. I really take a
good care of my phone and I have it with me all the time except when I need to charge it. I
have never once dropped it or left it lying around..

My mobile phone has been useful not only to me but also to my friends, strangers and family
members. On many occasions my Samsung Galaxy Ace has been useful to make emergency
calls, send messages and snap wonderful moments. In other words, my mobile phone has
been used to solve problems and provide new channels of communication. My friends and I
can access all the world's information no matter where we are, just by using a devices mall
enough to fit into one hand.
In a nutshell, my mobile phone is my most treasured possession and in the future I hope to
upgrade my mobile phone but I do not ever want to part from my treasured possession which
has brought a lot of joy and fun to me. My treasured possession, Samsung Galaxy A is the
best company I can ever have. It's hard to picture my life without my Samsung Galaxy Ace.

MODULE FOR ADVANCED STUDENTS ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY
Sample Teaching Module( Form Five)
Argumentative Essay(First Lesson)
Subject : English
Form : Five
Level : Excellent
Time : 60 minutes
Topic : Rich people are happier than those who are poor. Do you agree?

Steps Activities Indicator Material
1 Students are divided
into two teams.

2 Students choose four
speakers to represent
theirteam as in a
debate- government
and opposition.

GL1
3 Teams brainstorm
and list points.
PSH6/
GL5
Newspaper
cuttings/Information
from Internet

4 Each speaker will
have a group to assist
him to prepare his
script.

PSH7
5 Students from each
team present their
views in a debating
style.
PG6

Argumentative Essay(Second Lesson )
Subject : English
Form : Five
Level : Excellent
Time : 40 minutes

1 Students list points
presented in debate
for both the
government and
opposition.

PSH6 Newspaper
cuttings/Information
from Internet

2 Students discuss and
organise these points
systematically.

PSH9
3 Students expand these
notes and write the
essay in an
argumentative format.
PSH7

# Teachers can make it more interesting by having more teams to debate on the same topic.
Students can benefit from this activity as they can gather more ideas to write their
argumentative essay.

Sample Graphic Organiser
Argumentative Essay

Sample (Argumentative Essay)

Rich people are happier than those who are poor. Do you agree?
The saying Money does not buy happiness has caused a major hullabaloo among
people for years. Some have even come out with another saying to counter it: Money does
not buy happiness, but it is definitely more comfortable crying in a BMW than a bicycle.
Yes, I do agree it is more comfortable crying in a BMW, but honestly, when you are upset,
does it really matter where you are crying, whether it is in a car or on a bicycle? In my
opinion,money does not buy happiness and rich people are definitely not happier than those
who are poor. After all, happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only
remembers to turn on the light.
It goes without saying that happiness can never be bought. Happiness is a pleasant
feeling that comes deep down from the bottom of our hearts. It is not something which you
can barter trade with someone else or fork out a large sum of money to get it. Sure, there are
things that can bring us happiness and they can be bought with money, but ultimately, at the
end of the day, it is still the little things in life which bring us happiness in life.
Rich people, with their immense wealth and opulent mansions; they can haveluxuries
that poor people can only dream of. However,wealth spawns greed. Having so much money
will cause them to thirst for more, and they have to work day and night just to quench this
insatiable thirst for money. They work hard, forever keying in figures into their calculators,
trying hard to add more zeros to the end of their paycheck. When they reach home, they are
completely exhausted, and not to mention, irritable from all the stressbuilt up from work. In
this case,does it really matter whether you live in an opulent mansion or not? At the end of
the day, rich people are so tired that all they wish for is a good nights sleep. They do not
want to converse with their spouse or children. Their brains are in constant overdrive, barely
leaving them enough space for breathe. Their spouses and children live in absolute misery
too, rarely seeing their counterparts and always having to deal with random mood swings.
The children grow up not knowing their parents, instead, they look up to their nannies; who
have no blood-relation with them at all. Ask yourselves, is this really the happiness you
want?
On the other hand, lets take another scenario. A man who lives in poverty, but still
manages to feed his seven children and wife, leaves his humble home at eight in the morning
and returns from work at six in the evening. He is greeted by his chattering young children
and smiling wife when he steps into the house. The family has to cut their coat according to
the cloth, and never dig deep into the kitty. Though they can never afford luxuries like cars or
branded goods and have to rely on public transportation, they lead a happy lifestyle because
they are contented with what they have. They are never brash and always gracious, always
grateful for what was given to them: a happy family.
It is undeniable that after wealth comes fame. Rich people live in a crystal goldfish
bowl and they are constantly on everyones radar. They faced the risk of having every single
detail of their private lives exposed to everyone on earth. They can never let their guards
down or go anywhere without attracting attention. They can never do anything drastic
without making it to the front page of the newspaper. Every single movement of theirs is
watched. Poor people, on the other hand, do not need to worry about being in awkward
situations like getting caught by the media or paparazzi. They do not need to stay cooped
upin their house for fear 0f being caught by the media.
Family is the most important people in our lives. If a person is rich but does not have
afamily, then who is he going to share his wealth with? He comes home everyday to an eerily
empty mansion, with no one to share his daily life with. He has no one to share his problems
with, so he keeps to himself. Soon, he will be like a rubber band stretched too tight, finally

breaking into two. He goes into deep depression. Is this rich man happy? On the other hand,
if that wealthy man has a family but his family members are constantly trying to get their
hands on his wealth, then he will also be unable to share every single thought, plan or
decision with them. He will forever be in constant fear that his family members will plot his
downfall in order to get their hands on his wealth. Will that be a happy and healthy existence?
Conversely, a poor man who has a loving and caring family can share all his daily
stories with his wife and children. They can laugh over the little things in life and exchange
interesting stories. They can share their problems and solve them together. Though they
barely have enough money to keep everyones stomach happy, to them, it is alright because
they are in it together. They wake up every morning knowing that no matter what problems
life throws at them they will overcome them because they are in it together.
It is indeed crystal clear that rich people are certainly not happier than those who are
poor. Weshould never let this crass materialism blind us or dream about El Dorado. Instead,
be contented and be happy with things life has offered us. The most beautiful things in life
can never be bought with money or seen by the eye, instead, it must be felt with the heart. Be
thankful for ever single moment in your life. Whenever you face a money crisis, do not moan
or grumble, instead, thank life for giving you a chance to go through this challenge or
hardship? Do not let your heart be deceived by cold hard cash. Let your heart feel all those
little moments in life which give you the opportunity to reflect onthose cherished moments
happily, recalling how your closely knitted family came together to rescue you in those trying
times.

LITERATURE NOVEL

Teachers notes:
1. This novel section consists of 7 practices.
2. Drill students on how to identify the keywords in the questions.
3. Students should present their answers in three parts introduction, content and
closing.

Students Tips:
1. Ask students to identify keywords in the question.

2. For introduction
- students should state the novel and the author.

3. For content
- state ideas / opinions with examples / evidence from the text/ novel.
- For weak students, state at least one or two ideas.
- For average students, use as many ideas as possible.

4. For closing
- conclude by stating personal responses / opinions.

5. Students may answer the question using present or past tense. But, bear in mind
they have to be consistent in using one form of tense throughout their response.

PRACTICE:
PERSONAL RESPONSE - QUESTION 33

Teachers guide.

Start with a brainstorming session. Students name all the characters found in the
novel.
Among them, choose only one character that has made a decision.
Encourage students to highlight the characters traits and related incidents.
Highlight the event or events leading the character to do the decision.
Students give their opinions whether the decision is right or wrong.
Students justify their answer by giving evidence from the text to support their opinion.
Students read the given model essay. (Optional)
Students rewrite the given personal response by using the correct subject verb
agreement / tense to complete it.
Encourage students to write their essay on the same title.
Use another character that they have discussed during the brainstorming session.
Students may use the given headings as a guidance to complete their essay.

Introduction :
talk about the novel
characters that are involved in the novel.
state briefly how the 5 children ended up together
their common problems
Body :
focus on one character and tell the character s problem
state whether he or she has made the right choice or not in tackling the problem
describe the situation and the decision made is right or wrong with supporting
details and evidence
Conclusion
Give an overall view on how the characters decision has played crucial role in
solving the problem.

MODULE FOR INTERMEDIATE STUDENTS
Write about a difficult decision made by one of the characters and with close reference
to the text, do you think this was the right decision.
Use the correct subject verb agreement to rewrite the personal response.
The novel Step by Wicked Step is about five schoolchildren from StagfireSchool . They
had very little in common in terms of personality and interest, yet they were chosen to travel
together in a van for a school trip. Upon arriving at Old Harwick Hall, the children stumbled
upon a secret room behind a wall. Once in the room, they found a dusty green album of
Richard Clayton Harwick'sand read the journal of his life with his stepfather and his running
away from home. The five children ..(inspire) to tell their own sad family stories of
broken homes as they all come from homes where their parents . separated or
divorced.
In the story, Richard Clayton Harwickmake a difficult decision of running away from
home. Richard Clayton Harwick feel sidetracked by his father who make him promise to
look after his mother and sister after his death. His father make no reference to him. He
( disappoint) and to make matters worse, his mother remarry. His stepfather Mr.
Coldstone or the 'black, black bat' as Richard refer to him ,impose very strict rules on
Richard, to the extent that he feel his 'home was more of a prison'. He ..
(send) to Mordanger School where he spend four long years' and it a place of
bad memories. He extremely unhappy in his own home, a place where he
..such good memories of his father. He . (disappoint) that his
mother . not seem to want to make any effort to protect him from his stepfather.
Richard decide to run away from home. He feel that the three of them, his stepfather,
mother and Charlotte would be happier without him around. His mother will find life more
pleasant, Mr. Coldstone will be pleased and Charlotte will not miss him. I think this was a
wrong decision as his decision change three lives for the worst. His mother die of heartbreak,
his stepfather die of fury while Charlotte probably die of childbirth.
I feel he should have stayed on and try to get along with his stepfather for his mother's
sake. He should have let the past go and keep the happy memories of his father instead of
feeling and showing his unhappiness all the time. As Charlotte tell him just because life

. (deal) them one hard blow, there no reason for them to be
unhappy forever.
His decision to run away .. not a right decision as it cause too much sorrow and
pain to the family. Richard should have think about the consequences of his action and how
it would affect his family members. His impulsive decision has bring about destruction to his
whole family. Hence, it is advisable to do a wise decision that can give positive impacts.

SAMPLE ANSWER
Write about a difficult decision made by one of the characters and with close reference
to the text, do you think this was the right decision.
Use the correct tense to rewrite the personal response.
The novel Step by Wicked Step is about five schoolchildren from Stagfire School. They
had very little in common in terms of personality and interest, yet they were chosen to travel
together in a van for a school trip. Upon arriving at Old Harwick Hall, the children stumbled
upon a secret room behind a wall. Once in the room, they found a dusty green album of
Richard Clayton Harwick's and read the journal of his life with his stepfather and his running
away from home. The five children were inspired to tell their own sad family stories of
broken homes as they all came from homes where their parents were separated or divorced.
In the story, Richard Clayton Harwick made a difficult decision of running away from his
home. Richard Clayton Harwick felt sidetracked by his father who made him promise to look
after his mother and sister after his death. His father made no reference to him. He was
disappointed and to make matters worse, his mother remarried. His stepfather Mr. Coldstone
or the 'black, black bat' as Richard referred to him , imposed very strict rules on Richard, to
the extent that he felt his 'home was more of a prison'. He was sent to Mordanger School
where he spent four long years' and it was a place of bad memories. He was extremely
unhappy in his own home, a place where he had such good memories of his father. He was
disappointed that his mother did not seem to want to make any effort to protect him from his
stepfather.
Richard decided to run away from home. He felt that the three of them, his stepfather,
mother and Charlotte would be happier without him around. His mother would find life more
pleasant, Mr. Coldstone would be pleased and Charlotte would not miss him. I think this was
a wrong decision as his decision changed three lives for the worst. His mother died of
heartbreak, his stepfather died of fury while Charlotte probably die of childbirth.
I feel he should have stayed on and tried to get along with his stepfather for his mother's
sake. He should have let the past go and kept the happy memories of his father instead of
feeling and showing his unhappiness all the time. As Charlotte tell him just because life had
dealt them one hard blow, there was no reason for them to be unhappy forever.

His decision to run away was not a right decision as it caused too much sorrow and pain
to the family. Richard should have thought about the consequences of his action and how it
would affect his family members. His impulsive decision has brought about destruction to his
whole family. Hence, it is advisable to do a wise decision that can give positive impacts.


Sample Teaching Module( Form Five)
Personal Response (Literature/Novel Step By Wicked Step)
Subject : English
Form : Five
Level : Excellent
Time : 40 minutes
Topic :
Step By Wicked Step
Personal Response Question

With reference to the novel, Step by Wicked Step by Anne Fine, answer the question
below:

All the characters in the novel faced problems, either directly or indirectly. With reference
to any one character, write how he or she solved the problem and how it affected the other
character(s). Refer closely to the text.

1 Students are divided into groups
of four.
KM3 Lit.
Text
book

2 Students discuss given task and
highlight thesections that need
attention.

GL1
3 Brainstorm and draw graphic
organiser
PSH6

4 Teacher selects two groups to
present their work.

PG6
5 Students write these points in
continuous form
PSH7

Sample Graphic Organiser
Character : Richard Harwick
Problem : Father dies, Mother (Lilith) remarries- Reverend Coldstone,
Sister (Charlotte) gets on well with Coldstone
Solution : runs away from home - works at sea as cabin
boy

Sample Answer Script

Based on the novel Step by Wicked Step, by Anne Fine, the character, Richard
Clayton Harwick faces many problems in his life. The way he chooses to solve the problems
he faces also significantly affects the other characters around him.
The problems in Richards life first begin to surface when his father becomes ill with
fever and passes away. This leaves his mother devastated together with the rest of the
Harwick household. However, matters become worse when Richards mother marries the
cruel Reverend Coldstone. There is much tension in the household as Richard blatantly
refuses to get along with his new stepfather. On the other hand, his sister, Charlotte, seems to
have moved on from her fathers death and gets along well with Reverend Coldstone. This
scenario created a problem in Richards life as he harbours a deep resentment towards his
mother and sister for what he considers a betrayal of his fathers memory. The problem
becomes more serious when Richard is sent away to Mordangerschool by his stepfather,
where he suffers from bullying. Richards hatred towards his stepfather deepens as Reverend
Coldstone beats and punishes him cruelly in his attempts to educate Richard. Richard
believes that his family is better off without him and decides to solve the problem by running
away from home after a heated disagreement with Charlotte. This drastic decision of
Richards significantly affects the lives of the people around him.
Richards decision to runaway from home to be a cabin boy takes the worst toll on his
mother, Lilith. Having already left her husband to fever, Lilith cannot bear to lose her son as
well. Richards hasty solution to the problems in his family causes his mother to lose money
and happiness. This is shown when Lilith spends a fortune to conduct searches in the hope of
finding Richard. The large amount of money spent on these fruitless searches causes the once
wealthy Harwick household to become poor. This clearly shows that Richards decision to
run away in order to solve his problem, costs his mother dearly financially. In addition, the
little happiness in Liliths life is destroyed when Richard runs away. Due to her extravagant
spending in searching for Richard, Reverend Coldstone is furious with Lilith and punishes
her for what he considers to be a waste of money. Lilith bears the weight of Richards
decision all her life and eventually dies both of heartbreak for her missing son and of
misery from her husbands punishment. Thus, it is clearly shown that Richards attempt to
solve his problems by running away negatively affects his mother and eventually leads to her
death.
Besides that, Richards decision to runaway also has a great impact on the life of
Charlotte, his sister. Richards thoughtless decision forces Charlotte to choose between her
mother and her stepfather and pushes her into a loveless marriage. When Richard and
Charlottes mother passes away, Reverend Coldstone refuses to spend more money on the
search for Richard. Charlotte is torn between the wishes of her stepfather and her deceased
mother. She makes the decision to continue to search for Richard and faces the dilemma of
the lack of finances for the search. This shows that Richards decision to run away from
home in order to solve his problems caused more worry and pain for his sister, Charlotte. Due
to the lack of funds to search for Richard, Charlotte is forced to marry Charles Devere, whom
she does not love, merely because he is wealthy and promises to continue the search for
Richard. Therefore, it is clear that Richards decision also adversely impacts his sister as it
causes her more worry and forces her into a marriage with one who cannot make her
happy.
Moreover, Richards attempt to solve hisproblems by running away to sea also affects
the life of Reverend Coldstone and makes him crueler. Reverend Coldstone is furious with
Richards mother for spending a large sum of money on searching for Richard, and displays

his cruelty by punishing her for it. He also displays cruelty when he refuses to continue the
search for Richard after Liliths death, thus forcing Charlotte to a loveless marriage. Being so
furious and cruel with his family, Coldstone also dies in anger. Furthermore, Richards
decision to run away not only affects his immediate family but also the rest of the Harwicks
household including George Digby, the gardener and Lucy, the maid. This is because
nobody in the Harwick family is able to employ George and Lucy as they are not able to pay
them their wages as the Harwicks fortune is depleted by the search for Richard.As a result,
even George and Lucy are forced to leave the Harwick household in search for alternative
employment. This is shown when Richard comes back from the sea to visit his home only to
find it shrouded in gloom and loneliness like a mausoleum.
In conclusion, Richards decision to take matters into his own hands and solve his
problem by running away to sea, only serves to make the problem worse. His decision
significantly affects the lives of those around him and makes their lives take a turn for the
worse. This is shown when his mother loses money, happiness and her own life, his sister has
more worries as she is forced into a loveless marriage and finally dies in childbirth, his
stepfather becomes crueller and also dies in the end and even George and Lucy have to leave
the Harwick household causing the whole household to be overshadowed by sorrow.

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