FOCUS KSSM TG4 ENGLISH

Perdagangan
English SPM Answers
I stared, open-mouthed at him and before he university. Having studied non-core subjects would
could retract his offer, I found my voice and I jumped mean the student would be in a better position to
at his offer. I did not exactly solve my problems of a enrol in a course they like best.
dysfunctional bike and poor financial budgeting skills, On the other hand, what about the hardcore
Uncle Ah Seng did that for me. students who are into their core subjects and have
It taught me to be financially savvy and be totally no interest at all in non-core subjects. These
prepared for a rainy day in the future as it literally are special cases where they could still opt for core-
did rain that day! related subjects as electives.
All in all, such a provision of learning non-core
2. Students should have a well-rounded education subjects allows students to have an understanding
in that they should learn at least two subjects and appreciation of their counterparts. Along the
which are unrelated to their subject streams. same vein of thought, this implementation could
What do you think? prepare the future employment scene where the
The education system is designed in the interest workforce has cultured, artistic, aesthetic, scientific,
of students – to equip them with the best for them to mathematical and technological features; the workers
face the working world. So, to have a well-rounded are well-rounded personalities.
education, should a student in the Science stream
study Art and Music while a student in the Arts stream 3 Write a story about a teenager who started a
should study Bioscience and Statistics? Let’s look at neighbourhood self-help enterprise to earn
how the education system provides for the school some pocket hobby and as a community service.
children in their thirteen years of schooling. His teenage neighbours became interested and
Schoolchildren generally get an all-round were roped in. Begin your story with : “Hassim
education in playschool and preschool where knocked on his elderly neighbour’s door ....”
learning involves fun-based activities. When the Hassim knocked on his elderly neighbour’s door
six-year-old enters primary school, he is exposed and it was opened immediately. He greeted Encik
to an all-round education with a performance–rated Ismail who welcomed him into the kitchen with a
streaming according to abilities at Year 4 until he wave of his hand.
completes six years of primary school. Then, when “Good morning, Hassim. You’re just the face I
he enrols in lower secondary school, where result- want to see. Thank you for coming so promptly and
based streaming becomes the norm but it is neither punctually. You know what to do.”
Science or Arts biased. However, in the fourth year,
the child is expected to be streamed into the Science This was Hassim’s fourth visit to the Ismail
or Arts where subjects are either strongly Science or home. He was here for the first time four Saturdays
Arts biased. ago. The first time he talked to Encik Ismail was five
I feel that the average sixteen-year-old teenager weeks ago when he was passing by and he saw
Encik Ismail on the step ladder cleaning the louvred
is usually not too sure whether he is suited for windows. The old man was standing unsteadily on
the Sciences or Arts. Some teenagers may have the stepladder. Quickly Hassim rushed in, steadied
strong career choices while the majority are rather it and luckily prevented him from falling.
nonchalant about subjects bias and prefer to go with
the flow. “Oh dear, I’m too old for this type of cleaning.
To cater to the general trend, it would be Thank you. Aren’t you Hassim?
beneficial for a teenager selected for the Science Hassim nodded and offered to do the cleaning
stream to opt for two Arts electives and vice versa. to which Encik Ismail nodded absentmindedly. Puan
The administrators could offer six to eight electives Intan walked out and pointed out that Hassim should
for students to choose from and then emplace them be paid. Hassim protested but they insisted. Not
accordingly. The inclusion of either Science or Arts wanting to embarrass them, he accepted. Hassim
subjects for the students would reduce the “heavy” learnt that the elderly couple had been doing the
burden on either stream - the Pure Sciences or Pure housekeeping and cooking on their own for a month
Arts. since the domestic cleaner upped her charges which
In addition, some students enjoy learning certain they could ill afford.
subjects and they would love to have opportunities Hassim left for home and told his mother about
Answers
to continue learning’s these subjects even though their neighbours. An idea clicked and he discussed
they are not their stream core subjects. When one with his mother about helping the Ismails for a
enjoys learning a subject, it aids in understanding nominal sum. It would not eat into his study time. His
and mastery. mother agreed as long as it did not cut into his study
Then, I think that a student might decide to and recreational time. Hassim ran to his neighbours’
house, offered to help them, leaving the amount he
opt out of the stream emplaced in Forms Four and was paid to them. The couple beamed happily. For
Five and switch to the other stream at college or
a month, he had come in to help the couple clean

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Perdagangan
English SPM Answers
the house. He even ran errands to the grocer’s and there and everywhere. But do they really enjoy the
paid their utility bills. One Saturday, he even brought pleasures of life from their wealth? Not necessarily
them nasi lemak lunch and a cendol treat which so. Most probably they are not because to keep
they enjoyed greatly and beamed happily as they up their grand lifestyle, they have to work and are
savoured the food and dessert. simply too busy with their work. They frequently
His teenage friends noticed him at the Ismail burn the midnight oil to meet deadlines at their work
home and they were curious. They crowded around stations. They sometimes even turn their homes
him at the school canteen and asked what he was into their offices. They attend to their clients that
up to. He told them what was happening. As they they have no time to take proper meals or to relax.
exchanged information, Hassim said, “Why don’t Medical specialists are on call for 24 hours. They
we form a team and offer help to the elderly in our hardly have restful days and nights: they charge
housing estate, only to those who have to do their high fees and they have to give service for such
own housekeeping? If they cannot afford the charges, exorbitant charges. Businessmen’s schedules are
we request for nominal payment. To add to our so tight that they hardly have time to sleep properly.
services, once a month, let us give them a treat and They are stressed. Even on holidays, they are
make feel wanted and appreciated.” constantly on call, answering calls and e-mails from
His friends were taken up with the idea and their clients. What is the point of all the money if one
cannot sit down for a leisurely meal and enjoy the
so they started “Hassim’s Cleaners Brigade”. They comforts and pleasures of life? Compare the lifestyle
called on elderly couples and single ladies who were to a moderately successful person who has the time
in need of such domestic help. They were met with to lead a simple life and be happy with what he has.
great enthusiasm. The boys earned some pretty good
pocket money which they returned to their employers A child or a teenager brought up in a moderate
monthly in the form of unexpected treats. The boys’ family is not necessarily unhappy compared to a
parents beamed with pleasure at their enterprising child from a rich family. Granted, a rich family can
children and were proud that none took advantage provide all the trappings of a wealthy life. Children of
of the elderly folks. millionaires get lots of pocket money, go on holidays
overseas, and receive branded products, expensive
clothes and sports gear. The question is: are they
4. Money cannot buy happiness. How far do you happy? They do not get to see their parents, they
agree with this opinion? Explain why. do not bond with them as their parents are too busy
Of the two, which do you hold in more importance, to spend time with them. Their parents are missing.
health or wealth? There are many viewpoints. They have no one to talk to, to ask for advice on
One of the main gates to happiness is wealth their problems or even just to talk and laugh. It is
the maids and the gardeners and the chauffeurs
and one of the main gates to happiness is health. who spend time with them. What is family life then?
Both are equally important. We cannot live in this age Parents who are not as wealthy may not be able
of science and technology without money. However to provide material privileges but they are there
money cannot buy happiness. Wealth does not when their children need them. These children will
equate happiness. learn the difficulty of earning a living and learn to be
Some people think that if they are rich, they responsible and thrifty and become caring individuals.
can remain healthy because they have the money Money does not promise a happy, caring family.
to live healthily. Then, if one falls sick, one has the Money helps but it is not the one thing necessary
money to pay for all the medication and medical care. for happiness.
However, good health comes from living a healthy Money may be able to buy a lot of things but
life continuously and not in a day. With money, one not love, friendship, and health. These are the main
might be tempted to eat exotic, luxurious food. If such ingredients for a happy life. Money helps but it is
food is taken excessively, it might lead to obesity, not the thing that brings happiness. It contributes
and other attendant health problems. Rich people to happiness. Even if we can buy many things to
lack exercise as they hardly walk due to a luxurious make us happy to enjoy our life but should we grow
life where they are chauffeured everywhere and are dissatisfied with what we have, having more would
attended to by others. How can a person enjoy his life not ensure happiness. Money cannot buy happiness. Answers
and feel happy if one is confined to a wheelchair or
bed-ridden? He would not even feel happy spending 5. You were at this year’s Federal Territories
his money curing his illnesses. Therefore, wealth Day celebration. Describe what you saw, what
cannot bring happiness. happened and how you felt on that day.
Professionals like doctors, lawyers, engineers, I was among the sea of eager faces that
accountants, technologists and financial advisors thronged Dataran Merdeka in Kuala Lumpur. We
earn a lot of money per month. They are in the waited with bated breath for the commencement of
upper echelons of society. They can afford large, the celebrations early in the morning on the first of
expensive houses and vehicles, jet-set here and February.


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Perdagangan
English SPM Answers
The celebrations marked the declaration of Kuala 18. From Longhouse to Capital Recollections
Lumpur as a Federal Territory in 1974, Labuan in 19. Dead If You Don’t
1984 and Putrajaya in 2001. 20. The Ghost Bride
To kick off the event, ten parachutists flying the
Jalur Gemilang and the new Federal Territories flag 21. Dayak leader
landed on Dataran Merdeka. 22. historical fantasy fiction
The celebration started at 8.30 a.m. with the 23. Peter James
raising of the Federal Territories flag and the singing 24. protagonist
of the official anthem “Maju and Sejahtera” (Progress 25. Unshakeable
and Prosper). The Prime Minister then inspected the
guard of honour mounted by City Hall officers. 26. Llanes’s medical and social problems were sight
The spectators, including the Prime Minister, problems and having few friends.
local and foreign dignitaries were then treated to an 27. (a) They are important because being visually
hour-long mammoth parade of 101 contigents and impaired, they are unable to see and the voice
bands. They comprised more than 7,000 people from synthesizers turn words on the screen into
schools, associations and government departments. spoken language.
The skies were filled with a myriad of colours as (b) He felt the need because he became totally blind
balloons were released into the air. and did not want to be useless.
The celebration continued with a City Hall 28. (a) (i) The phrase is ‘without bias and preferential
treatment’.
squad forming a human pyramid on their bikes and (ii) He understood that blind people were
demonstrating the traditional art of self-defense, silat. struggling to overcome the same barriers
A showcase of Malay, Chinese and Indian drums he faced so he launched a class for them in
livened up the scene. The crowd showed their his home.
appreciation of the parade of bikes and antique cars (b) They chipped in to raise funds for the purchase
by the Federal Territories Vespa and Mini Owners of the computers because computers were
Club. The parade also had participants from the expensive then and they were for teaching the
Paralympic Council contingent consisting of a team blind for free.
in their wheelchairs and a 70-member University of 29. (a) The expression means to give them a chance to
Malaya contingent in their mortarboards and gowns. live like people who are not visually impaired or
To add to the glamour of the occasion, sixty nine blind.
horses and riders paraded in front of the VIP stand, (b) The turning point was when the authorities
offered help with the curriculum, management
followed by the City Hall’s array of the city’s latest and scholarships for the trainees and the
vehicles: cranes, tractors, enforcement vehicles and consequences are the blind and visually impaired
bikes. received training in technology.
The parade closed with flying fox stunts and 30. Action : They should use their knowledge to train
a colourful display of contemporary and traditional others like them.
Malay dances. Reason : This will bring justice to Llanes’s goal of
The pomp and pageantry of drumbeats, music helping the blind and visually impaired to
and dance filled the streets. The spectators were master technology to live a normal life.
enthralled by the magnificent display of talents and 31. Visually impaired Llanes learnt about voice
gaiety. synthesizers. He took up a computer course and
The mood was created by all and sundry, with this, became self-supporting when he became
totally blind at age 33. At the computer course he
from the ordinary man in the street to the VVIPS enrolled in, he didn’t expect any special treatment.
to the unparalled enthusiasm and the appreciation Due to his own experience, Llanes understood the
expressed in the thunderous applause, cheers and problems faced by the blind. So, he offered an
unceasing smiles. informal computer course for five blind friends in his
I was truly privileged to be a witness and house. Computers were expensive and with the help
participant the grandeur of the occasion. of donations, Llanes was able to get the required
computers. He offered free computer skill lessons
Answers
to the blind. Word spread and many blind people
Paper 2 signed up for the course. In 1994, he formed the
ATRIEV Computer School for the blind with four blind
1. B 2. B 3. D 4. C 5. D volunteer teachers. They struggled to keep afloat.
6. D 7. C 8. C 9. B 10. C The authorities stepped in and offered assistance
11. A 12. B 13. D 14. D 15. C with the curriculum, management and scholarships
16. Can You Keep a Secret? for the students. Llanes’s aim to give blind people
access to technology was fulfilled.
17. Unshakeable 150 words


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Perdagangan
English SPM Answers
32 (a) The word is ‘league’. act of defi ance against her situation.
(b) The setting is the battlefi eld or the valley where The statement applies to the characters who face
the battle took place. issues as they travel along the path of life and they solve
(c) The expression ‘do or die’ is used because the the issues as best as they can.
soldiers could not ask questions or think about
the order as all they had to do was to obey the
order.
(c) Description : Brave (Accept any reasonable SPM FORECAST TEST
SPM FORECAST TEST
answer)
Reason : They obeyed their commander’s
orders and charged at the enemy Paper 1
even though it was clear that they Section A Directed Writing
were very outnumbered. (Accept
any reasonable answer) Report by Koh B. L, Form 5 Biru
33 The novel, Sing to the Dawn tells of Dawan, a Keeping the school environment physically healthy and
young Thai girl who lives in a village with her family. conducive for learning.
She is one of the few village girls who attends Keeping the school environment physically healthy and
the village school. She wins fi rst place in a special conducive for learning is a joint responsibility of students
examination and a scholarship to pursue her studies and administrators. The administrators as heads of the
in a city school. Her brother, Kwai comes in second. establishment hold the main role but students as users
Both have great ideas of using their education to of the establishment are no less important. They are in
improve life in the village. the front line as students are users of all the facilities and
equipment.
The statement ‘our progress in life is rarely without
diffi culties’ means life in general is not without problems Survey of school premises
as there are ups and downs. Choosing the right way Students of Form 5 Biru carried out a survey of the school
to solve these ups and downs leads us on the road of premises to determine the areas and aspects that need to
progress in life. In the novel, Dawan faces a few issues. be taken care of. We looked into the physical environment
She faces gender inequality as it is practised by the for security reasons and for further improvement to
villagers and her father who does not believe girls should create a healthy and conducive learning environment.
be educated in any form. Kwai insists that she be allowed We checked out the library, the canteen, classrooms and
also the toilets. The school grounds were checked out too.
to attend school and so the issue of non-education is
solved to a certain extent.
Steps to be taken by administration
Dawan with her intelligence and farsightedness is The administration has to acquire the necessary equipment
aware that she needs further education in the city school to improve the facilities
to make her dreams come true. She wants to have • Books for the library – need to be replaced to keep
economic and social changes and progress in the village. up with changes in the literary scene e.g books on
She wins a scholarship which entitles her to get education technology or robotics
in the city school. She is on the road to progess her life • Sports equipment – Some of the equipment are
towards her goal. But, she faces obstacles in the form of overused and not conducive for students to learn sports
her father’s reluctance to give his permission and also skills. They get put off and some even lose interest in
Kwai’s interest in going to the city school too. Father is games per se. Students are allowed to bring their own
very much infl uenced by the practice of gender inequality equipment but not many can afford to do so.
in the village. Dawan was convincing her father to give • Classrooms – cleaning equipment like brooms, cleaning
his permission while Kwai was disappointed as he has to cloth and dustpan. The notice boards need to be
give up his dream of furthering his education. replaced or repaired.
• Canteen – tables and chairs are not suffi cient and some
Life for the villagers is full of economic obstacles. students have to stand or sit on the edge next to the
They had to pay taxes to the landlords in the form of drains. Two of the wash basins need to be repaired.
bags of rice. This is an obstacle that the villagers hope Students can hurt themselves from the cuts in the Answers
to overcome by educating the boys in the village. The ceramic basins.
teachers made them aware of this problem by discussing • Manpower for physical work – The school needs more
the issues in class and make them think of solutions. gardeners.
Bao, the fl ower girl in the market, faces the issue of • Necessary policies about care for the school need to
trying to live a simple life as a vendor in the market. She be introduced to increase awareness among students
is bullied by her brother who strikes her physically when and workers.
he feels like doing it. Bao may not be able to solve her • A scheduled school clean-up can be carried out on a
issue, but she expresses clear feelings of dissatisfaction termly basis and this should involve everyone from top
like when she opens the doors of the birds’ cages in an to bottom that is, teaching and clerical staff, students
and workers and every part of the school.

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Perdagangan
English SPM Answers
Steps to be taken by students: and appreciate the Malay architecture. A ride along
• Students should be aware of their responsibility as the river will show one the river side cafes and
students – cleanliness is a two-way process – a clean backyards of houses that are partly built on stilts.
environment is conducive to learning In Ayer Keroh, one can visit places of nature like
• There should be involvement of academic and non- the Ayer Keroh Walk and Recreational Park, Butterfly
academic clubs and societies and classes from all Farm and Snake Farm. Mini Malaysia and ASEAN
forms. The clubs and societies should make sure they Park expose one to replicas of Malay homes from
clean up their meeting areas after the meetings while every state in Malaysia and ASEAN homes. This area
sports and games clubs should clear up the playing area is cool with green surroundings.
carefully. To end your visit to Malacca, a visit to places
• If practical and possible, work out a schedule and where cottage industries are still going on. Places like
allocation of premises to bodies of students for their these are in the outskirts and the factories produce
activities and meetings local art and handicraft works of art like pottery and
• Last but not least, the Prefectorial Board should work cane furniture and decorative pieces.
out a programme to beautify the school premises as I would definitely recommend that my friends
and when it is necessary. make a trip to Malacca. I will willingly act as tour
guide as I find this city fascinating from the few times
Signed by I’ve been there.
Koh B. Lin Puan Hamidah
(Class President) (Class teacher) 2. Write a story about your friend’s unforgettable
adventure and why you have to keep it a secret.
Section B – Continuous Writing Tia and I are in the same class and play the
1. If you want to recommend a part of Malaysia same games and join the same clubs and societies.
for an overseas friend. Which part would you We are what the others call ‘Siamese twins’. We
choose? Explain your choice. exchange secrets and do everything together. So,
I would recommend that my friend make a visit to can you imagine my surprise when I learnt something
Malacca, the historical city in Malaysia. My friend is about her – fear of the unknown. A secret which she
a History major with a keen interest in the traditional kept for many years and now I have to promise to
and cultural aspects of many cities worldwide. I know keep it to myself! She told me an amazing story.
she will find Malacca irresistible and will satisfy her Tia used to love going on adventures in the
taste for historical sites and flavours. Besides history, great outdoors with her father. Her dad always took
Malacca offers Malaysian traditional cuisine and her down to the jungle behind their house in Frasers
hawker food and also the Nyonya and Baba culture Hill every weekend. There was no lack of jungles to
and traditions. explore. At times they would set up camp in an open
For the historical aspect, Malacca has a colourful area or near a waterfall and stay for a night or two.
Unlike other girls, she loved the outdoors even as
and interesting history dating back to the time of the a young toddler and was never into dolls and tea
Malacca Sultanate, Portuguese, Dutch and British parties. Soon, she became old enough to venture
colonial days. You are able to see this in the houses out on her own. On all her adventures, she felt there
and historical buildings in the outskirts of the city and was nothing more beautiful than feeling the cool air
in the buildings in the historical sites in the city. The brushing across on her face and back. The leaves
Stadhuys, churches on St Paul’s Hill and St John’s crunched beneath her feet at every step. She felt
Hill, Old Clock Tower and the museums around there very at home with the greens, trees and nature in
attest to the historical value of Malacca. From this the raw.
area, walk along Jonker Walk and be fascinated by On one of these adventures, she lost her sense
the antiques sold in the shops. The antique pieces of time until the sun dipped down beyond the horizon.
date back to the early days of the city’s history. One There was nothing more to do than to head back
will also be fascinated by the Nyonya and Baba food home. However, she had wandered deeper than
sold along this road. There are many flea market she should and the path back did not seem familiar.
stalls selling knick-knacks. Then, out of nowhere came a screeching eerie chirp. It
For more history lessons, a visit to the Portuguese was the most horrible sound she had ever heard. Sure
Answers
Settlement and Hang Li Po temple and well give a enough, she just had to investigate. It was dark and
glimpse into the days of the Portuguese and Chinese late into the night. She headed towards the screech.
interest. It is said that if we were to drink water Whilst seeking for the screech she came across a lake
from the well, we would return for a second visit. or river of some sort. Looking up and down the river she
Alternatively, take a bus ride to the Chinatown or couldn’t find a way to cross it. She panicked and wanted
bustling Bunga Raya to enjoy some local cuisine and to give up and just sit on the bank. She, a person who
see how the local businessmen operate. From here, has so much experience in outdoor adventuring? She
visit Kampung Morten, a typical Malay community


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English SPM Answers
should know the area like the back of her hand. It was and my parents’ willingness to sponsor my studies
about one o’ clock in the morning and she knew her at tertiary level. Next, I would have to match my
family must be getting worried. But .. aspirations to my results : are my results valid or
But, what’s the secret that she is trying to tell good enough to ensure my acceptance into a course
me? The Adventure Club has arranged for jungle of my liking. Then, am I prepared to slog and work
trekking in the National Park, Pahang. I want to towards my dreams and succeed at my goals
join the trip and knowing Tia is a keen adventurer Putting these aspects into perspective would be
I invited her to partner with me for the trip. Her my priority. My parents have already ensured that
experiences should stand us in good stead. I was I have a basic education that would equip me for
surprised that she outright refused to join the trip. the world stage. However, I believe a degree holder
I pestered her hoping that she will give in. Instead, commands better prospects of position and salary.
she sat me down slowly and told me the story. She As I am just seventeen and turning eighteen, I might
has lost faith in her sense of adventuring and vowed have doubts about the career line I would like to
never to go on any outdoor jungle trip. Her fear of pursue. An uncertain career option could lead me to
getting lost again in the wild and fear of her parents change jobs and merge frustrations into miseries. I
knowing about it surmounts all her love for the great think I am a wee bit immature to focus on a career
outdoors. at this juncture. I prefer to enrol in Form Six and
To conclude her story, as she moved away from give myself another two years to grow in maturity
the lake or river, she could not remember which and confidence and then opt for a career path that
direction she came from. Her mind told me left but would be more suited to my temperament.
her instinct told her right. In my past experiences she These two years of pre-university studies are
had always gone with her instinct. So, of course, she considered by some as killer years. There is a rumour
went with her instinct. As she walked into the distance on the grape vine : “If you can survive two years of
she could see the sun breaking out in the distance. Form Six, you can survive any university course!”
After what seemed like hours, she felt a sigh of relief Some advocates of college foundation courses claim
rush through her body. She saw the country field filled that their course is a breeze. I have my doubts! I am
with cows and sheep. In the foggy distance, she saw not afraid of hard work and I am prepared to hit the
her house. Her father greeted her but she did not books!
say anything about being lost. She merely said she I could and would follow some courses that
was so taken in by her surroundings that she forgot
the time of day or night in this case. She would not would help me become an employable person. At
be able to bear any look of disappointment on her the same time, I would look for a full-time or even a
father’s face if he knew the truth. number of part-time jobs to gain some experience : it
could be working at tables, selling online, promoting
So, that’s the reason – the ego or pride of father goods at a fair or even tutoring. The challenges of
and daughter – I had to promise not to say anything working would be many and diverse like a bully or
to anyone and if I have to explain why Tia would not overpowering, overbearing employer, or backbiting
join the school trip, I will just shrug my shoulders and and non-cooperative co-workers. It is the experience
say, ‘I don’t know.’ that counts and the learning that comes with it, good
or bad. The money (pittance it may be) would teach
3. There are many things to do after the release of me the value of hard-earned cash and I could put
your SPM examination results. Write about your into practice the acquired financial literacy skills of
immediate plans and the challenges you might budgeting.
face at this point of time. These are my immediate plans after obtaining my
The post-SPM phase could be a season of great SPM results. I believe in giving myself the space and
joy or abject sorrow, depending on one’s performance the opportunity to grow into a responsible young adult
in the SPM exam. There are the fortunate ones who who can appreciate the sacrifices of parents and
are scions of rich families who have already secured siblings and move towards a brighter and meaningful
places in local or foreign colleges or universities future.
to pursue tertiary education and the straight-A Answers
students who have provisional government or private 4. Write about your first experience at caving.
conglomerates scholarships. However, there are Include the steps one should take to enjoy and
many like me, without the support of wealthy parents, have a safe caving trip.
public and private philanthropic organizations, who
have to fend for themselves in this rat race. “It’s not an activity for the faint-hearted but if
What would I do upon receiving my SPM results? you’re brave enough to try it, it’s lots of fun. Thrill
seekers will not be disappointed.’ This is what I was
My plans would depend on a number of factors, told when I went on my first caving adventure at Batu
challenges or obstacles facing me. I would have Maung, Perlis.
to seriously consider my family’s financial position


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Perdagangan
English SPM Answers
I was with a group of ten cavers – all of whom Go with a positive mindset and enjoy yourself be
were experienced cavers with two to five caving it walking, crawling or sliding when you go caving.
adventures under their belt. I was the only first-timer
and they promised to look out for me all the way. An 5. Write about how you acquired training skills
experienced caving guide took us all the way in and for volunteering work with mentally challenged
out. We first started along a jungle trek through the children and the pleasant surprise that awaited
forest reserve. We only saw the sunlight streaming you.
though the canopy of trees. The carpet of dried My aunt enjoys doing charity work and always
leaves, twigs and patches of moss crunched under tries to impress on me that it’s the most worthwhile
our feet. thing to do. There’s no nobler thing than doing charity
We arrived at an unusual rock formation, the especially for those who are mentally or physically
entrance to the cave complex. Stalactites and challenged. She will attempt to get me to join her
stalagmites formed the major part of the formation. during my semester break or on long weekend
Further in, we had to go down two spiral stairs and breaks. I have yet to agree to help her.
then trek up uneven slopes to get to the main cave. Lately, I discovered that there is a centre for
The cave felt damp and there was evidence of nests mentally challenged children run by a charitable
of bats here and there in the nooks and corners. organisation in my neighbourhood. The thirty
The guide pointed out some rock formations that children are housed in a single storey semi-detached
resembled animals and unusual silhouettes. bungalow sited in an open spacious compound.
The next part was fascinating but strenuous. There are six adult volunteers who come in from
We crawled though enclosed spaces between rock Mondays to Fridays to “educate” the children. Some
crevices. At certain stretches we waded through of the children board there full-time while others are
cold stream waters. We even back crawled through sent there by their family only for the day.
a small gap under the cave wall. These were easy During the long December holidays, the NGO
compared to the next part. We were on the edge of held an open day and an end-of-year party for the
a rock formation and the only way out was to climb children and their well-wishers and donors. Residents
down some 10 metres of rock face with the help of were informed of this event and were invited to
a rope. It was not even a rope ladder but a rope with grace the occasion. Out of curiosity, I attended the
knots here and there for better grip. A guide at the open day. What an eye-opener! Though mentally
bottom of the rock face held the rope to enable us challenged and some even physically challenged,
the children had sweet angelic looks on their faces.
to get down. We had to steady our body and sort of Though slow, they joined in all the activities.
hop down the wall. I talked to the Supervisor and seeing how eager
When I reached the bottom of the wall, thankfully, I was to volunteer to teach, she agreed to train me
safely without scratches, another surprise awaited so that I could be able to teach and deal with these
us. A stream led the way to the outside of the cave special children. She warned me that it was not
but the ceiling of the cave was so low that we had to going to be easy. I attended a few sessions and even
crawl on the stream bed to get out. It was unnerving underwent some practical hours with the children
but there was light at the end – bright sunlight under her watchful supervision. I almost gave up but
greeted us. I persevered!
When asked how I felt as I was a newbie, I On the last day of my training, as I was walking
replied truthfully, “It was scary and unnerving at times out of the hall, I bumped into an ex-classmate,
Joanna Lee from primary school. Her family had
but a good adventure after all is said and done.” I moved to Ipoh We had not seen each other since
did not know how I managed to come out unscathed then. We greeted each other and when I asked her
and if invited to another caving adventure I’ll thumbs what she was doing there, she merely gave a sad
up for it. smile and walked away. I felt very slighted but not
angry. She must have a good reason to do that.
There are guidelines we should follow for a safe
After that training stint, I came in twice a week
and great cave adventure. Go with a group of people after school to offer two hours of service to these
who have some experience with caving. Make sure special children. Initially, I was apprehensive as I did
you go with a licensed guide who is experienced and not have Mrs. Tan looking over her shoulder, keeping
Answers
familiar with the cave you are going to explore. They an eye on me and coming to my assistance should I
must know how to handle emergencies. Check the fumble. I got over my nervousness and soon got the
weather report before going on a caving adventure. children responding to my awkward attempts to get
Don’t go during the rainy season or when the to know them.
weather is bad. Be prepared to face muddy or wet I was first put in charge of a four-year-old girl
and slippery rock surfaces. Wear suitable shoes with who just smiled at me and stared at me with her big
good grips and don’t have a heavy backpack. round eyes. Her name was Sarah Lee. She had slow


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motor movements and had to be helped to hold a 28. This is true as she states that the novelty of being
pencil in her hand. Oftentimes the pencil fell down in that place was wearing off and she did not seem
and she looked at me. Her eyes were about to tear to be enjoying the stay like the other people there.
but I comforted her. It happened many a time but I 29. (a) We know that from her statement that she began
remained patient and showed her how to hold the to sulk after talking to her father on the phone
pencil and she managed to draw a few straight lines, and hearing the merriment they had in the
not very smoothly but indeed very well for a special background.
child. To praise her efforts, I glued a sticker on the (b) She received a big cake with a card from the
page. I was rewarded with a giggle and a hug! I was family.
touched by her spontaneous actions. The supervisor 30. Friends’ reaction: I think the writer’s friends will be
complimented me and I had to sign a form explaining very surprised and will tell her off. Some might even
what I had done for Sarah for the guardian to know feel it is irresponsible of her to do that.
Sarah’s progress. I could not believe what I saw – Reason: The reason is because Christmas has
Sarah’s guardian was Joanna Lee. How can that be? always been regarded as a family celebration and
As far as I can remember, Joanna does not have a most families spend it together as much as possible.
sister or a mentally challenged one at that!
So, although I had completed my duty, I stayed 31. Christmas is a family celebration and the writer’s
mother expects the whole family to be present to
back as I wanted to meet Joanna. When we saw each exchange gifts and enjoy dinner together. That
other later, she knew she owed me an explanation. Christmas, the writer, an artist, decided to spend
Apparently, her parents had adopted Sarah when the holiday at an artist colony in New Hampshire
they were in Ipoh. They were not told of her medical with some 20-30 artists. The family did not take the
problem. They had come to love her too much to give news well but the writer stood firm and went ahead
her up when they realised her condition. with her plans. A week into her stay in the colony, on
I was glad she trusted me enough to enlighten me Christmas eve, the writer began to feel the absence
about the situation. We got together very often after of family and the festive spirit. The novelty had worn
that to teach and play with Sarah. She progressed off. The holiday did not seem to be as interesting as
a lot under our tutelage. I am glad I attended the she expected in spite of the merriment there. The
course and learnt that the world is small and full of writer called home and this made her miss the family
surprises. Christmas celebration even more. She felt cheated
and unloved. On Christmas morning, she received
Paper 2 a cake and card from her family and life was good
again.
1. C 2. A 3. D 4. A 5. A (150 words)
6. C 7. A 8. C 9. C 10. C 32. (a) The evidence to show the persona is emotional
11. A 12. D 13. B 14. B 15. B is the use of the words ‘angry’ and ‘wrath’.
16. Title Page (b) His actions that show his determination to keep
17. Copyright his angry feelings are he keeps thinking about it
18. Prologue day and night and he puts up a false front with
19. Conclusion smiles and deceitful wiles.
20. Fiction (c) The word ‘it’ refers to the persona’s angry feelings.
21. Title The foe could see it grow with bad effects on the
22. Back cover persona.
23. Front cover (d) Advice: I would advise the persona and foe to
24. Verso let go of the incident that resulted in their bad
25. Recto feelings.
26. (a) (i) Expectation 1: They are expected to be at Reason: The reason for this is both of them
home for the festive season. are not gaining anything by sustaining the bad
(ii) Expectation 2: Join in the fun, exchanging relationship. They have everything to lose. Answers
presents and eating turkey.
(b) This means she is the first of the siblings to miss 33. Sing to the Dawn
the Christmas celebration as she was away at an The novel, Sing to the Dawn tells of the
art colony. obstacles Dawan faces before she is able to leave the
27. (a) The writer’s mother was upset and complained a village to study in a City school. Dawan manages to
overcome these obstacles, that is, gender inequality
lot and she carried on as if the writer was leaving or her father’s unwillingness to let her study in the
the family for good. city. She also gets full support from Kwai who is also
(b) The expression is ‘stood her ground’. interested in furthering his education in the city.



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The story portrays a few themes and one of From the theme of patriotism, the moral value
these themes is looking forward to the future. The learnt is we should love the country we are born
main characters, Dawan and Kwai portray the theme in or live in and be ready to fight or die for it. the
very clearly. Both of them realise the economic characters showed patriotism in their own way. The
conditions of the villagers – the injustice and poverty Schermers may be Germans but to them, as they
they faced need to be remedied for the villagers to have lived in America for a long time, it has become
have a better future. Kwai hopes to teach their father their country. So, irrespective of whether one is a
and the villagers ways to raise new crops and use citizen or not, a country that one has lived in for a
better fertilizers while Dawan hopes to end gender long time becomes one’s country. Mr Kilmer lost his
bias among the villagers. They want to change the life in the war and Richard pays tribute to him with a
tax system and exploitation of the villagers by the poem. Richard’s uncle, Roland is also a patriot who
landlords. For this, Kwai and Dawan hope to have lost his life in the war against Spain.
better and further education in the city. Bao, the Patriotism is a strong feeling and it should be
flower girl in the market is also in favour of arresting present in every citizen of every country. This is well
the issue of gender inequality. She supports Dawan’s portrayed in the novel.
move to pursue her ideals in the city.
From the theme of looking forward to the future, Captain Nobody
the moral value learnt is looking forward to the future The novel, Captain Nobody tells of 10-year-
with a positive attitude and not be held back by the old Newton Newman who dons a costume made
past. Kwai and Dawan sit for a qualifying test for a from some old clothes for Halloween night and ends
scholarship to get into a City school. Dawan wins up calling himself Captain Nobody. He continues
the scholarship to the disappointment of Kwai and wearing the costume and gets involved in a few
father. The latter two are keen about the scholarship adventures as Captain Nobody.
for different reasons – Kwai because of his ambitions The novel portrays a number of themes and
while father because of his prejudice against woman one of the themes is teamwork. The Newman family
going for further studies. Initially, Kwai is disappointed shows strong family teamwork. The parents are
and resents the fact that Dawan is able to go to the busy with their work and most times Newt prepares
city. Father adamantly refuses to give permission for breakfast for the family. He even reminds his mother
Dawan to leave the village until Kwai convinces him not to miss breakfast. Whenever Chris has a match,
to accept the situation. So, with father’s blessing and the whole family is there to support him. Chris falls
support, Dawan is able to go to the City school with into a coma due to an accident during the finals
ease of mind. match. Mr and Mrs Newman have to take care
Kwai waves farewell to Dawan and sings her of him in the hospital. Although Newt is only 10,
song showing that he is looking forward to the future he does not complain about being left to his own
with a positive mind leaving the past with no regrets. devices. He does not even complain when his mother
forgets about his Halloween costume. This is a good
Dear Mr Kilmer example of family teamwork.
The novel, Dear Mr Kilmer tells of Richard Newton and his friends also show good
Knight and the events and challenges he faces as teamwork. His friends, JJ and Cecil help Newt
a young man during the First World War. The novel to prepare a Halloween costume and it is such a
portrays a few themes and one of the themes is good effort that it gives him confidence as he calls
patriotism and sacrifice for one’s country. himself Captain Nobody. With this costume and new
The story is set during the First World War and confidence, Newt gets into adventures which also
America joined the war in 1917 to 1918 when the war involve helping his friends.
ended. The characters showed their patriotic feelings From this theme, a moral value learnt is
in their own ways. Richard writes a poem about the strength in good relationships among family members
soldiers after he sees the troop train packed with and friends. Families and friends spend quality time
young men going to war in Europe. President Wilson together when there is strong good relationships. The
calls the war everybody’s concern and a war to end Newman family may be busy with their own things
all wars. These words arouse the patriotic feelings of like work and play but when it’s necessary, they
Mr Kilmer and Gus. They sign up to fight in the war. stand together as a family. Newt prepares breakfast
The Schermers’ son, Otto Schermers also signs up for the family, goes about his schooling and spends
although he is a German as he thinks it is the right time with his friends when the family faces a crisis.
thing to do. Hannah says it well – he is a patriotic Newt also gives his friends priority when they need
American born in America. He loves the country his help. Although he is afraid of heights, Newt climbs
and considers it his country and so he should make up and down into a garbage dump to retrieve a big
sacrifices for it. bass drum for Cecil. He does what JJ asks of him
The locals in Turtle Lake town, show their about the wordings on one of the shopfronts.
Answers
patriotic feelings by racially discriminating against The theme and moral value reflect the
the Schermers. Although they have stayed there for characters’ character traits well.
a long time, they are of German origin. The locals
deface the Schmers’ tavern, a place they have been
patronising and enjoyed German food and drinks.
Their actions may be wrong but to the locals it is a
show of patriotism.




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