An important event

Describe an important event in the novel and how this event changed the life of the character forever.

An important event  which changed the life of Dawan is the scholarship event. On that morning, the teacher did not announce the winner yet.  He started to talk about the sacks of rice in their homes as rentals to the landlord.  Dawan asked why the landlord owned the land instead of the villagers.  The teacher was surprised at her bravery to speak up.  He went on to talk about the injustice and the need to change the system. 

   Suddenly, the headmaster appeared, peering through the windows and the teacher changed the subject to Geography.  When the headmaster had left, he told them that winning the scholarship was more than a prize, it was a heavy responsibility.  He reminded them that the winner must learn how to think and perceive what is wrong with society, to analyse and understand the rules, and change it for a fairer system.  He asked Dawan if she could do all that.  Then, he announced that Dawan had won the scholarship.  Everyone was surprised.

     This event changed Dawan’s life forever.  We would see how Dawan tried to go against her father who believed that girls should not have a fancy education.  We saw how determined she was when she went to see her cousin Noi, who had lived in the city before.  However, her cousin Noi discouraged her and told her the city was not for a girl like her.  She also went to see the Head Monk to get his support and again, he told her what could a mere girl like her do when many have tried and failed.  Finally, she went to talk to her father.  She persuaded her father for her one chance to try.  Her determination paid off when her father finally allowed her to go.

     In conclusion, the scholarship event where Dawan won the scholarship changed Dawan’s life forever. She went against the system, the gender discrimination and fought for her chance to continue her studies.  Finally, she was able to pursue her studies in the city, hoping to return one day to improve the village.

Past examination questions on the novel

2002 - Write a detail account of an event in the novel you have chosen which teaches  you an important moral lesson. In your account, you must make clear what  the moral lesson is. 

2003 - (a) Which character do you sympathize with in the novel you have studied?            
             (b) Explain why you sympathize with this character. Support your answer with evidences from the novel.   

2004 - Choose an event in the novel you have studied which you find to be most memorable.  Give reasons for your choice and , with reference from the text, discuss the event. 

2005 - “Love is important in a family”   How is this shown in the novel you have read? Support your answer with close reference  to the text.

 2006 - The writer describes the main character as a very determined person. Using the details  from the novel that you have studied write about: some instances that show the character’s determination How the determination affects his/her family. 

 2007 - “ It is important to have a person you look up to in your life”   From the novel that you have read, write about one character that you look up to. Give reasons why you choose him/her 

2008 - Using the detail from the novel that you studied, describe what happened at the end of the novel Explain why you find the ending either happy or sad.   Support your answer with close reference to the text. 

2009 - Using the details from the novel that you have studied, write about a difficult decisio made by one of the characters.             With close reference to the text, do you think this was the right decision?

Should Mobile Phones Be Allowed in Schools?

Mobile Phones Should Be Allowed in Schools.  Do you agree?

     Mobile phones have become an indispensable tool to students.  The modern mobile phones have cutting-edge technology.  They are no longer just used for calling or texting.  These smart phones are able to access the Internet, take notes, keep reminders and have large memories to boot.  With these in mind, should mobile phones be allowed in school?  In my opinion, mobile phones should not be allowed in schools.  This will bring a host of problems to the school.

     Firstly, the mobile phones will be too much of a distraction to the students.  At present, many students are already spending too much time on social networking websites and online games.  What is going to stop them from constantly checking on their Facebook updates or posting their status?  This will disrupt their concentration in class and will definitely affect their studies.

     In addition, these smart phones are also an excellent learning resource.  However, this tool could also be used by students to cheat.  They could access websites to help them answer their exam questions.  Students have been found to use the mobile phones to contact each other for answers.

     Besides,  allowing mobile phones in school would create a social divide between the students.  Students who do not have mobile phones or less capable phone would definitely feel the pressure of keeping up.  Some who cannot afford it would resort to stealing.  This would open up a whole new discipline problem to the school.  Imagine the havoc when everytime some loses a phone, a spot-check has to be done on all the students.  This would disrupt classes and a waste of the resources of the discipline master and prefects.

      When used responsibly, a cell phone can be an excellent learning tool.  Students can use applications like the calculator, dictionary, maps and other online resources.  It is especially useful when students do not understand a word.  They can easily look up the word with their mobile phone.  Students love to use technology and tend to be more motivated when given the freedom to use their mobile phones.

     In conclusion, mobile phones  are very useful in a student’s life.  However, they cause too much disruptions in school and might create a social divide between the ‘haves’ and the ‘have nots’.  Our students have not reached the maturity and they are not ready for this responsibility.  Therefore, mobile phones should not be allowed in schools.

(Adapted from:  Reading and Writing, Nilam Pub, Jenny Ho and Rahmah Sayuti)

Common errors found in students' essays

Correct the following sentences
1. We were enjoyed ourselves very much.
2. We also can prevent the breeding of the mosquitoes.
3. The principle reminded the students to come early for their exam.
4. Thanks for give me this opportunity.
5. Suddently, the car crashed into the tree.
6. If you are effected by dengue fever, you will have the following symptoms.
7. Than, we need to destroy the breeding grounds of the mosquitoes.
8. Then, dengue fever have more at our housing area.
9. Nowaday, we can see many cases of dengue fever.
10. Dengue fever have many symptoms.
11. Futhermore, the patience of dengue fever will vomit.
12. Because of dengue fever, many people have died.
13. And another symptom of dengue fever is vomiting regularly.
14. There are ways how to control the breeding of Aedes mosquitoes.
15. Not just that, you will also have a headache.
16. Dengue fever also make we tired.
17. This will avoid the breeding of the mosquitoes.
18. I am sure you all will agree with me that dengue fever is dangerous.
19. As we know that dengue fever is dangerous ill to everyone.
20. You must take care of your healthy.

5 types of errors found in students' answer for the novel

5 types of errors found in students' answer for the novel:
1. mere mention
Students do no elaborate or give evidence.
For example:
The most important event in the novel is the great escape. Rory took Granda out of Rachnadar.

2. mere narration
Students tell the story without answering the question. They are merely giving a synopsis of the story.

3. factual errors

Students do not know the novel well and they tried to elaborate but ended up giving factual errors.
For example:
Granda died at the bus shelter.

4. switching between tenses
If you answer in the present tense, do not change. If you are more comfortable answering in the past tense, make sure it is all in the past tense.

5. answering only one part of the question

For example:
Describe a sad event in the novel and how this event affect the main character.

Describe an event which teaches you a moral lesson.

HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR VOCABULARY?

There are a few things that we can do if we are serious about improving our vocabulary.

1  Read, read and read

Aim to read at least a book a month.  Make it a habit to read magazines, newspapers and anything you can get your hand on.  Look at the way good writers write.  What are the interesting phrases and words used?

2  Look it up

Is there a particular word that is always appearing when you read?  Look it up. Keep a dictionary nearby.  You don't need to look up every word you don't know.  That would kill the joy of reading.  Look up words which will help you understand the passage better.

3  Keep a vocabulary notebook

When I was in school, my English teacher made us keep a notebook for new words we learnt.  At the end of the year, it was fun to look back at what we had collected and used.  Many words became a part of our vocabulary daily.

4  Do word puzzles and play word games
There are many online games that will help you in improving your vocabulary.  For example, go to www.wordgames.com for games such as word search, crossword puzzle and puzzles.

5  Use online dictionaries

Use the free services of online dictionaries.  Sign up to learn a word a day. Learn the pronunciation of a new word from these websites.

6  Write daily
The fastest way of learning a new word is to use it.  Write about the happenings in your school or about your life.  Look for ways to use these words aptly.  There are many students who turn to the dictionary to memorise some bombastic words to use in their essays but they ended up using them wrongly.

7  Do your own research
Find words that are associated with certain topics. Do a mind map of these words.
For example, when you think of the word 'environment', what are the words that come to your mind?  Use the Internet to help you.

Words associated with 'football' -( nouns, verbs, adjectives)

TIPS FOR SUCCESS

 ESSAY WRITING – TIPS FOR SUCCESS

There are no shortcuts to writing good essays.  
1 - Answer the question 
Do not try to memorise an essay and use it as an answer.

2 - Be original 
Try not to use the usual boring plot that you have read before.  I always tell my students to relate real life experiences or write it from the heart.

3 - Don't thesaurize your composition 
Some students like to use bombastic words all over their essays.  It can make the essay very awkward if the vocabulary used is inapt.


4 - Spend some time on your introduction 
Plan your introduction carefully so that it grabs the attention of the reader.  Stay away from the "Everyone in this world......" introduction.
5 - Body paragraphs must relate to your introduction 
Make sure that your introduction leads to the paragraphs and all your paragraphs are cohesive.  Plan for only one main idea for each paragraph.

6 - Use transition 
Use transition markers to begin each paragraph as well as within the paragraph to ensure the smooth flow of the essays.

7 - Remember to write a good conclusion
Remember to end your essay with an appropriate conclusion.  You can summarise your points, state the implication of a certain issue or state your hope for the future.

8 - Time management

Spare some time to check your work.  Watch out for spelling errors, grammatical errors esp tenses.

Hello

Hello everyone,
Sorry I have not been able to update my blog due to time constraints.  However, most of the notes and stuff are still usable.  Thanks for all your comments and continuous support.  I will try to update the blog more often.


Regards,

Jenny

TRIAL EXAM.....

Time really flies...  I thought we had just started the new year and now we are actually approaching the end.  For those of you who are preparing for the trial exam, here are some tips for you:

Directed Writing

1  Make sure you know all the format for each task required.

    E.g.  formal letter, informal letter, report, article, speech and recount.

2  Remember to use all the points given.  Add some elaboration.  

3  Do not spend too much time on this essay and neglect your CW.

Continuous Writing

1  Prepare two short stories of your own, just in case there is no other choice.  

    A happy story and a sad story.  Do not memorise from the workbook or anywhere else.

   If you need to do that, change the ending, and the characters.

GO THROUGH SOME OF THE POSTS IN THIS BLOG FOR MORE TIPS.

Do post any questions over here.  I am sorry I do not have time to grade your essays, so do not e-mail me your essays.

Overused words

These are some words you can use to replace the 'tired' words.

Corrections for essays..common errors

This is the essay posted by Farah. I is a good effort.   Anyone care to correct some of the common errors?  I have highlighted the errors.  The yellow highlights show the serious errors, blue - word usage..and red - spelling.


Fea and I had been friends since primary school. We were so close as we did almost everything together. We were also well known as one of the top students in our school. Eventhough we were in different classes, but we still dear to each other. Fea was also my neighbour. Which made us become even closer.

It was the second day of school since it was started on 3rd January 2011. A new girl named Nazirah registered at our school. She became popular drastically as she was beautiful and rich. Most of the boys were attracted to her. Everyone wanted to be her friends including me. That was the moment I started neglecting Fea. She noticed that I wanted to make Nazirah pay attention to me.

"What are you doing now? You have left me for that new girl." Fea asked me. I did not give any response to her. I just walked away without even looking at her. After a few steps, I turned and I noticed there were tears falling from her eyes. Maybe she was hurt by the way I treated her. I did not care about other matters. All I knew was, I needed to befriend with Nazirah. I did not want Fea to be an interrupter in my life.

A few days later, Nazirah and I had been friends. We were together no matter where we went. Rumors about Nazirah and I were spreading all over the school. They said I had been Nazirah's follower as I was there where ever she was. I started to abandon my studies and my results dropped terribly. I was afraid to to show my result to my parents as I was one of the top students before. Finally, no matter how hard I hide it, they knew about y result. They were really angry with my behavior when I tried to lie to them. I was grounded and my pocket money was cut. I was sad and stressed up.

I tried to ask for Fea's help but no avail. She did not wanted to help me. She said that was my problem not hers. So she asked me to stay away from her. I was shocked. I never thought she would ever did that. Out of sudden, I realised I was nobody to her. While I was having a major problem in my studies, to pick up every lessons that I learnt back, Fea came.

"I am always here for you." Fea put her hand on my shoulder. I was shocked with Fea appearance at my house. I never thought that she still wanted to be my friend. I realised that Fea never left me. She kept her eyes on me from far away. I bursted into tears. I asked for forgiveness and she just smiled and nodded her head. I was really thankful that Fea still wanted to befriends with me again and that was the happiest moment in my l

Linking words and phrases

Linking words and phrases are very useful to make your paragraphs cohesive.

Go to this website and make a printout


https://www.dlsweb.rmit.edu.au/lsu/content/4_writingskills/writing_tuts/linking_LL/linking3.html

Happy New Year

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

Record number of visitors!!!!!

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

Directed Writing Analysis

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

A Horrifying Swim

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

We have reached 200,000.

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

Sad Event Question

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


Answer:



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

DESCRIPTIVE QUESTIONS

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

NARRATIVE QUESTIONS

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