iii PREFACE SUPREME Model Essays Form 1,2,3 has been specially written for Form 1, 2 and 3 students who require just that little bit of extra help with their essay writing. In this book, there are a variety of essays that are not only useful for your studies but also in real life. This book is divided into two parts. Part 1 covers four types of short essays. Each type of short essay comes with an Introduction, Model Questions and Model Answers. Part 2 focuses on longer essays. Examples of the essays are presented according to 7 Themes: People, Culture/Education, Health, Environment, Science and Technology, Consumerism and Financial Awareness. In this way, students can not only learn to write different types of essays but they can also learn to write essays on different topics. Each example comes with a Model Question and a Model Answer. A writing plan, The Master Plan, has also been included to guide students through the writing process step-by-step. At the end of each example, a Word Bank is provided to assist students in comprehension and to widen their vocabulary. This book is suitable for classroom use as well as for self-study. It is designed to help students build a strong foundation in writing during their lower secondary years. A strong foundation in essay writing is important so that students can write good essays in Form 4 and 5.
iv CONTENTS Part 1: Short Communicative Message Tips & Techniques 2 A EMAILS Introduction 3 1 Family Outing 4 2 Class Party 5 3 I am Coming Home 6 4 After SPM planning 7 B MESSAGES/ NOTES Introduction 8 5 Stay Safe 9 6 Movie Time 10 7 Spend Time Together 11 8 Dinner 12 C INFORMAL LETTERS Introduction 13 9 My Pen Pal 14 10 Join the Club 15 11 New Hobby 16 D POSTCARDS Introduction 17 12 Pen Pal 18 13 Thank You 19 14 Trip to Sabah 20 Part 2: Note expansion Tips & Techniques 22 A Theme: People 15 Covid-19 Pandemic 23 16 A Visit to a Rehabilitation Centre 25 17 Expressing Thanks for Support 27 18 Congratulating Quiz Winners 28 19 Voting Wisely for Student Leaders 30 20 Farewell Gathering 32 21 Welcoming Visitors 33 22 Expressing Thanks to the Host 35 23 Bidding Farewell to Friends and Relatives 37 24 Choosing a Career 39 25 Which is More Desirable, Working from Home or Working in an Office? 41 26 Respect Has to Be Earned 42 27 The Factors That Determine Success 44 28 Application for the Position of English Editor 46 29 Invitation to Give a Talk 48 30 Request for Sponsorship 50 31 Thank You Letter for a Gift Received 52 32 Expressing Sympathy for a Friend’s Loss of Home 54
v 33 Advice to a Friend Who Has Transferred to a New School 56 34 Seeking Advice on a Problem 58 35 A Reply Letter to Give Advice 60 36 Report on Burglary 62 37 Membership of Clubs in School 64 38 Part-time Jobs Done by Students during the School Holidays 66 39 A Story of Extraordinary Courage 68 40 An Impulsive Decision 70 41 Robbery in a Fast Food Restaurant 72 42 An Ungrateful Son 73 43 My Best Friend 75 44 Yuzuru Hanyu 77 45 Myers-Briggs Type Indicator 79 B Theme: Culture/ Education 46 Impact of the Covid-19 Pandemic 81 47 Student Exchange Programme 83 48 Advantages of Studying Abroad 84 49 Advantages of Studying Locally 86 50 Advantages of Boarding School 88 51 Bidding Farewell to an Exchange Student 90 52 Study Techniques 92 53 Changes to the Education Policy 94 54 Why Are School Holidays Necessary? 96 55 The Importance of Further Education 98 56 Studies Are the Only Priority in a Student’s Life 100 57 A Request for Accommodation Overseas 102 58 Giving Advice on a Scholarship Offer 104 59 Seeking Advice on How to Organise a School Bazaar 106 60 Advice to a Friend Studying at a Boarding School 108 61 First Week at University 110 62 Report by Head Prefect on Disciplinary Problems 112 63 Report on Bullying Incident Witnessed during Recess 114 64 Programme for Prize Giving Day 116 65 Types of Movies Enjoyed by Students 118 66 How Students Spent Their Holidays 120 67 Amount of Time Spent on Reading in a Week 122 68 National Day Community Celebration 124 69 A Family Day Carnival 125 70 Cultural Club 127 71 Mat Kilau 129 C Theme: Health 72 Covid-19 Quarantine 131 73 Covid-19 Vaccination Programme 133 74 A Visit to a Soup Kitchen 135 75 Healthy Living 137 76 Capital Punishment 139 77 How Can Teenagers Deal with Their Emotions? 140 78 Should Cookery be Introduced as a Subject in Schools? 143 79 How Can an Individual Benefit from Voluntary Work? 144 80 Application for Part–Time Work 146
vi 81 Visit to a Children’s Home 148 82 Hospitalised for a Sports Injury 150 83 Comforting a Friend Who is Ill 152 84 Apology for a Last-minute Cancellation of Plan 153 85 Eyewitness Report on Domestic Violence 155 86 Report on Hit-and-run Accident 156 87 Newspaper Report on Road Accident 158 88 Newspaper Report on Kidnapping 159 89 Death Toll of Motorists 161 90 Tragic Day at the Adventure Park 163 91 Florence Nightingale 165 92 A Diet Gone Awry 167 93 A Tragic Accident That Took My Brother’s Life 168 94 Long Covid 170 95 Monkeypox 172 96 Smoking Ban 174 97 Mental Health 176 98 Health Supplements 178 D Theme: Environment 99 Report on Students 180 100 Imported Waste 182 101 Earth Day Celebration 184 102 Replying to a Cousin Who Wishes to Visit 185 103 Newspaper Report on Floods 187 104 Report on Abandoned House 189 105 Report on Fire in National Park 190 106 Report on Improvement Needed in Residential Area 192 107 Report on Discovery of Rare Python 194 108 Report on Illegal Logging Activities 196 109 Newspaper Report on Bee Attack 197 110 Itinerary for a Class Trip 199 111 Suggestions for Excursion 201 112 A Disappointing Visit to the Beach 203 113 An Expedition to Taman Negara 204 114 A Holiday in Cameron Highlands 206 115 A Community Effort 208 116 Earth Hour 210 117 Space Debris 212 118 Flash Floods 214 119 Air Quality 216 120 Climate Change 218 E Theme: Science & Technology 121 Online Classes 220 122 Faulty Speakers 222 123 The Impact of Online Social Media on Teenagers 224 124 Cyberbullying 226 125 Have Computers Truly Enhanced the Education Process? 228 126 Request to Visit Cake and Bread Factory 230 127 Cautioning a Friend against Revealing Personal Information on the Internet 232 128 Report on Slogan Contest by Television Station 234 129 Popular Television Channels 236 130 Number of Vehicles on Jalan Desa Utama 238 131 Modes of Transport of Students 240 132 A Bicycle Accident 241 133 An Amusing Incident You Witnessed 243
vii 134 Stranger Danger on the Internet 245 135 A False Accusation 247 136 Directions to a Friend Who Is Visiting from Out of Town 249 137 Safety First 251 138 The Inconsiderate Driver 253 139 National Science Centre 256 140 Science and Technology Camp 258 141 Science Quiz 260 142 Study Group 262 143 Air Taxis 264 144 5G Internet 266 F Theme: Consumerism 145 Useful Apps 268 146 Follow SOP 269 147 Are We Becoming Increasingly Dependent on Foreign Maids? 271 148 Why Are International Schools So Popular? 273 149 Reporting a Lost Item 275 150 Complaint about Unnecessary Disconnection of Electricity Supply 277 151 Order of T-Shirts 279 152 Prize and Certificate for Essay Writing Competition Not Delivered 281 153 Complaint about Defective Product 283 154 Hawkers in Taman Puchong Indah 286 155 Enquiry about Swimming Lessons 288 156 Wrong Delivery of Books 290 157 Complaint about Poor Internet Service 292 158 Invitation to a Book Fair 295 159 Institutions Chosen for Tertiary Education 297 160 Number of Visitors to Merdeka Theme Park 299 161 A Case of Food Poisoning 301 162 A Treatment Gone Wrong 302 163 A Misleading Advertisement 305 164 Honesty is the Best Policy 307 165 Report on Complaints Lodged Against New Canteen 309 166 Shopping in a Foreign Country 311 167 Report on Genetically Modified Products 313 168 Disposal of Electronic Waste 315 169 Travelling Post-Covid 317 G Theme: Financial Awareness 170 e-Wallets 320 171 Honesty Pays 322 172 The Brain Drain 323 173 Rich People Are Happy People 325 174 Should Scholarships Be Awarded Based Solely on Academic Achievements? 327 175 Enquiry about the Cost of a Trip 329 176 Accommodation for Youth Camp 331 177 Permission to Carry Out Fund-raising Activities 333 178 Appeal for Delay in Fee Payment 335 179 Sale of Revision Books 338 180 Change of Address 340 181 Alerting a Friend to a Scam 342 182 Annual Report of the Service Club 344 183 Minutes of English Language Society Committee Meeting 346
viii 184 Report on Jogathon 350 185 Choices of Houses of Working Adults 352 186 Mrs. Chan’s Monthly Expenditure on Groceries 354 187 How the English Language Society Spent Its Funds 356 188 Contributions of Various Groups towards School Hall Building Fund 357 189 A Scam 359 190 Report on Expenses for Class Party 362 191 Getting a New Phone 364 192 Costly Living 367 193 Phone Scams 369 194 How Do Banks Work 371 Type of Essays Speeches 373 Opinions 375 Formal Letters 377 Informal Letters 381 Reports 384 Charts and Graphs 386 Descriptive/ Narrative Essays 388 Articles 390 Common Mistakes in Writing 392 Phrasal Verbs 394 Commonly Misspelled Words 397
Part 1 Short Communicative Message
1. There are four types of short essays: Emails, Messages/Notes, Informal Letters and Postcards. 2. For short essays, the main purpose is to communicate an important message. Therefore, your sentences should be easy to understand and your writing should be straight to the point. 3. Your final essay should be about 80 words. 4. For short essays, you will most likely be provided with a stimulus that you need to respond to. The stimulus will be in the same format as the short essay that you have to write. Messages/ Notes Informal Letters Emails Postcards SHORT COMMUNICATIVE MESSAGE Tips & Techniques 2
3 Introduction A Emails
English Form 1,2,3 Part 1 – Emails 4 1 Family Outing Model Model Question Read the following email from your cousin, Mei Ling. To: [email protected] From: [email protected] Subject: Family Outing Hi Jun Hong, My family and I would like to go for an outing this weekend. Where should we go? Should we go to the zoo, the beach or the Science Centre? Do you know any other place that is suitable for families to spend time? Regards, Mei Ling In about 80 words, write an email to Mei Ling to give her some advice. Model Answer To: [email protected] From: [email protected] Subject: Family Outing Hi Mei Ling, A family outing during the weekend is a great idea! I wish to go on a trip too. I think you and your family should go to the beach. At the beach, there are many activities that you can do. You can go swimming with your siblings. You can also build sandcastles or collect seashells. Once you are tired from all the excitement, you can have a relaxing picnic with your family. I think you and your family will have a blast at the beach! Regards, Jun Hong The subject of an email should briefly summarise what the email is mainly about. USEFUL TIP
English Form 1,2,3 Part 1 – Emails 5 2 Class Party Model Model Question Read the following email from your class monitor, Fikri. To: [email protected] From: [email protected] Subject: Class Party Hi Cindy, Friday is the last day of school. We are having a party to celebrate. Should I prepare pizzas, sandwiches or fried chicken for the party? What other food and drinks do you think I should prepare? From, Fikri In about 80 words, write an email to Fikri to give him some advice. Model Answer To: [email protected] From: [email protected] Subject: Let’s have a pizza party! Hi Fikri, I am so excited for our class party! I can’t wait to play games and take pictures with everyone. I think you should prepare pizzas for the party. Pizzas come with many types of toppings so we can have a variety of flavours. It is also a lot of fun to share a pizza with friends. Besides, pizzas are more convenient as we can hold it with our hands. We do not need to prepare any plates or cutlery. From, Cindy Your answer should be approximately 80 words long. Plan your essay before you start writing to avoid going over the word limit. USEFUL TIP
English Form 1,2,3 Part 1 – Emails 6 3 I am Coming Home Model Model Question Read the following email from your brother, Ashrul. To: [email protected] From: [email protected] Subject: I am coming home this weekend. Hi Ashraf, I am coming home from the university this weekend. But I don’t know if I should take the bus, the train or take a flight back. What do you think? Your brother, Ashrul In about 80 words, write an email to Ashrul to give him some advice. Model Answer To [email protected] From [email protected] Subject Trains are the best! Hi Ashrul, I am glad you are coming home. Let’s catch a movie together when you are back. I think you should take the train. The train is fast and comfortable. It will save you a lot of time as it only takes 2 hours to reach our town from your university. It is also much cheaper compared to taking the plane. The train station is only a stone’s throw from our house so we can meet you there when you arrive. Your brother, Ashraf Arrange your points carefully. You can offer a suggestion in the first paragraph and provide the justification for your choice in the second paragraph. USEFUL TIP
English Form 1,2,3 Part 1 – Emails 7 4 After SPM planning Model Model Question Read the following email from your cousin, Jason. To: [email protected] From: [email protected] Subject: Plans after SPM Hi Jeff, As you know, I will be taking my SPM this year. But right now, I am more worried about what I want to do after my SPM. Actually, I have been posting videos and photos online for a few months now. Do you think I should continue to create online content, further my studies or take a break before I decide? Do you have any other suggestions for me? From, Jason In about 80 words, write an email to Jason to give him some advice. Model Answer To [email protected] From [email protected] Subject Education is the most important Hi Jason, I know you feel anxious about your future and I understand how you feel. However, I think you should not give up on your studies so easily. Although your videos and photos are popular now, you do not know what will happen in the future. It is always better to have something to fall back on. Even if you further your studies, you can still make videos and take photos in your free time. After you graduate, then you can become a full-time content creator. Hope my suggestion helps! From, Jeff For emails, keep your language simple and casual. USEFUL TIP
8 Introduction B Messages/ Notes
English Form 1,2,3 Part 1 – Messages/Notes 9 5 Note – Stay Safe Model Model Question Read the following note from your mother. Lucas, I hope your first day back in school after the Movement Control Order (MCO) went well. Don’t forget to sanitise your school bag once you are home. There is a sanitising spray and sanitising wipes in the cupboard next to the door. Please let me know which type of sanitiser you prefer as I will be at the supermarket after work. Mom In about 80 words, write a note to your mother to tell her your choice. Model Answer Mom, I think I prefer to use a sanitising spray to sanitise my school bag and shoes after school. As my school bag is quite bulky, it is easier to use a spray. It is also more economical since a single bottle of spray can last for a few weeks. On the other hand, sanitising wipes have to be replaced regularly and they create a lot of rubbish since we have to throw them away afterwards. Please buy more sanitising sprays when you go to the supermarket later. I also need a bottle of hand sanitiser to bring to school. Lucas You can add extra examples of your own as long as they are related to the main topic to make your answer more interesting. USEFUL TIP
English Form 1,2,3 Part 1 – Messages/Notes 10 6 Note – Movie Time Model Model Question Read the following note from your mother. Tasha, We are going out for a movie tonight. Would you like to watch a comedy, a horror film or an action movie? Or would you like to watch something else? Please let your Dad know so he can book the tickets. Mom In about 80 words, write a note to your Dad to tell him your choice. Model Answer Dad, Please book the tickets for our movie date tonight. I would like to watch the new action movie, Ending Game. The movie is about a police officer whose children were kidnapped. I think it will be full of action and very exciting. The main actor is also a very talented actor. The movie was shot in Switzerland so it will be very scenic and different from what we have seen before. I think you and Mom will really enjoy this action movie. Tasha You must choose from one of the options given in the question or suggest an idea of your own. USEFUL TIP
English Form 1,2,3 Part 1 – Messages/Notes 11 7 Message – Spend Time Together Model Model Question Read the following message from your friend, Suzy. Lily, I will come over at 11 a.m. tomorrow. Should we play board games, read magazines or make some desserts? Or do you have something else in mind? Let me know what you think so I can bring the things we need. Suzy In about 80 words, write a message to Suzy to tell her your choice. Model Answer Suzy, Why don’t you come over at 10 a.m. instead? That way we can spend more time together. I think we should make some desserts. I recently found a new recipe for chocolate cupcakes. It is made from dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate. I think it will be really delicious. We can decorate the cupcakes with some sprinkles and give it to our parents as a surprise. Don’t forget to bring your apron when you come over. I am sure our dessert will be delicious! Lily At the end of your answer, you can restate your choice to give it more emphasis. USEFUL TIP
English Form 1,2,3 Part 1 – Messages/Notes 12 8 Note – Dinner Model Model Question Read the following note from your mother. Kim, I will be back late tonight. What would you like for dinner? Would you like me to bring food back for you or would you like to order food delivery? Do you want to make some instant food for dinner? Let me know before you go to school. Mom In about 80 words, write a note to your sister to tell her your choice. Model Answer Mom, I will order food delivery for my dinner tonight. I recently installed a delivery app in my handphone. They have a wide selection of restaurants that I can choose from. The delivery time is also very fast so I don’t have to wait for a long time. They will deliver the food to our doorstep so it is very convenient. The app also has a lot of vouchers that I can use to get discounts. Have a good day at work! I am off to school now. Kim For short messages or notes, the topic is usually about something that took place recently or something that will take place soon. USEFUL TIP
Part 2 Note expansion
Tips & Techniques 22 1. There are nine types of long essays: Speeches, Opinions, Formal Letters, Informal Letters, Reports, Charts and Graphs, Descriptive/Narrative Essays and Articles. 2. These essays are not only useful for your studies but also in real life. 3. Long essays are between 100 to 120 words. 4. Because the essays are longer, you must plan out your essay before you start writing. A good essay should have an introduction, the main body and a conclusion. 5. Make sure your essay is in the right format. 6. You should use more compound and complex sentences in long essays. Use connectors to organize your sentences and paragraphs. 7. Typically, essay questions will come with short notes to help you in your writing. You can expand on the notes or you can use your own points to write your essay. 8. Note expansion consists of the following types of essays: Formal Letters Descriptive/Narrative Essays Informal Letters Opinions Graphs and Charts Speeches and Talks Reports Articles Types of Essays
23 15 Covid-19 Pandemic Model Model Question Speech As the President of the Health Club in your school, you have been asked to give a speech about the Covid-19 pandemic during the school assembly. In 100 – 120 words, write a speech to explain the disease to your fellow schoolmates. You may use the notes below to help you. Symptoms How it spreads Preventive measures Speech greetings Additional advice Covid-19 pandemic Write your speech. A Theme: People
English Form 1,2,3 Part 2 – Theme: People 24 Introduction • Greet teachers and students – introduce purpose of speech Body • Symptoms – cough, breathing difficulties and fever • How it spreads – a person who has the virus – coughs or sneezes – close by • Preventive measures – wash hands – do not gather in crowds Conclusion • Advise everyone to take care of their health Model Answer Good morning, teachers and friends. I am here today to talk about an issue that has been our number one concern for the past year, the Covid-19 pandemic. As we all know, the disease first became known in early 2020. Since then, the disease has spread to all over the world including Malaysia. In simple terms, Covid-19 is a type of virus which attacks our respiratory system, causing coughs, breathing difficulties and fever. In worst case scenarios, it can also be life-threatening especially for the elderly and those who are already sick. However, what makes Covid-19 so dangerous is that it is highly contagious. In general, the disease is spread through human contact. For example, when a person who has the virus coughs or sneezes, the disease can spread to other people who are close by. This is why we are encouraged to wear a face mask in public. The mask protects us from any potential virus in the air around us. Apart from that, we are encouraged to wash our hands frequently. This is because the virus can stick to our hands and enter our body when we touch our eyes, nose or mouth. As an extra preventive measure, people are also told not to gather in crowds. For most of the past year, schools were closed and classes were carried out online. In conclusion, the Covid-19 pandemic is far from over. Although we are back in school for now, we should continue to be vigilant and take good care of our health. This is the only way we can protect ourselves and our loved ones as well. Word Bank contagious – can spread between people vigilant – alert towards danger
English Form 1,2,3 Part 2 – Theme: People 25 16 A Visit to a Rehabilitation Centre Model Model Question Speech The members of the Leo Club of your school recently visited a rehabilitation centre. In about 100 – 120 words, write a speech to share your experience with your schoolmates during the school assembly. You may use the notes below to help you. Give an overview of the centre and its occupants Describe your interaction with the occupants/ residents Relate how the occupants came to the centre Relate what you learnt from your visit and state your feelings/ opinions Describe the activities carried out at the centre Describe the volunteers at the centre Write your speech. Introduction • Greet the audience and introduce the purpose of your speech – to share your experience of visiting a rehabilitation centre Body • Provide a background of the centre – how it was star ted and who were the occupants/ residents – how they came to be there • The plight of the occupants/residents – broken families, financial hardship, bad company – became addicts – lived on the streets • Activities at the centre – farming, recycling and computer labs • The volunteers at the centre – encourage them to be enterprising and resourceful • Describe your interaction with the occupants/residents Conclusion • State your feelings, opinions about your visit • Encourage more students to join in the next visit
English Form 1,2,3 Part 2 – Theme: People 26 Model Answer A very good morning to the principal, teachers and friends. The members of the Leo Club recently embarked on an outreach project to visit the Serene Living Rehabilitation Centre in Batu Arang. The main purpose of our trip was to interact with the inhabitants of the centre and to offer them moral support. When we arrived at the centre, we were greeted by the administrator, Mr. Kasim. He explained how he and his team had gone to areas in the city which were well-known haunts for drug pedlars and addicts. He admits that it was an uphill battle to win their trust, and even more difficult to convince them to leave their life on the streets and to check into the centre for treatment. He related that most of the inhabitants had turned to drugs in their younger years because they could not face the difficulties in life, such as broken families, financial hardship and involvement with bad company. They found temporary solace in drugs because it helped them to forget their fears for the moment. Before they knew it, they had become addicts and were living life on the streets. At the centre, the inhabitants focus on staying clean and living a drug-free life. There are about forty inhabitants at the centre houses, and it has five volunteers who work on shifts to help out with the daily workings. These volunteers teach the former addicts how to enjoy life without drugs. The inhabitants also work in their own chicken and goat farm, fish farm, recycling centre and even computer labs. They are constantly encouraged to be enterprising and resourceful instead of getting involved in crime. The centre even has a shop that sells the items produced by the inhabitants such as hand-woven baskets, stationery and decorative items made from recycled goods. After the briefing, we were taken on a tour of the compound. We had the opportunity to interact with the occupants of the centre and we listened to their stories. All of them had no family support during their younger days. Most of them had also lost all contact with their family members. Nevertheless, they felt that they had at last found meaning in their lives at the centre. We were very moved to hear their tales, and felt sorry for the ordeals they had to go through. We also realised that all of them were very happy to receive visitors as it gave them a chance to interact with people and to simply have people listen to their stories. We left at the end of the day, feeling grateful that there were good Samaritans like Mr. Kasim and his team, who devote their lives looking after the less fortunate. The Leo Club will be making another trip to the centre and we hope that there will be more students who will join us this time. Thank you for your time. Word Bank solace – comfort in a time of difficulty or sadness good Samaritans – people who go out of their way to help others without expecting any reward uphill battle – a very difficult task to achieve Idioms
English Form 1,2,3 Part 2 – Theme: People 27 17 Expressing Thanks for Support Model Model Question Speech You have just been elected as leader of the youth movement in your town. In about 100 – 120 words, write a speech thanking the members for their confidence in you. You may use the notes below to help you. Thank members for their confidence in you Congratulate the newly elected members New projects to be introduced Ongoing projects to be continued Welcome other suggestions Write your speech. Introduction • Greet the audience – members of the youth movement Body • Thank them for electing you • Congratulate the newly elected members • Thank the outgoing office-bearers • Plans for the year – ongoing projects to be continued – monthly get-together, recruitment drive • New projects – voluntary tuition service, youth camp • Other activities – monthly visits to senior home – pot-luck gatherings during festivals • Welcome other suggestions Conclusion • Look forward to a productive year ahead • Thank the members Model Answer Good evening to the advisors and the members of the Youth Movement of Bandar Tenggara. I thank all of you for choosing me as your leader for the new term. I am humbled by the confidence you have shown in me and I will strive to live up to your expectations.
English Form 1,2,3 Part 2 – Theme: People 28 I would also like to congratulate all the newly elected office-bearers who will be working with me to lead the youth movement. To all the outgoing office-bearers, I thank you for your untiring service during the past year. Under your guidance, the movement has grown in terms of membership and has assumed a greater role in the community. We hope that you will continue to guide and advise us. There are many plans in the pipeline this year. Some are ongoing projects that were initiated by the previous committee, such as the monthly get-togethers and the annual recruitment drive. These projects will continue to receive our attention. There are also a few more projects that I would like to introduce this year. One such project is the voluntary tuition service for students preparing for major exams. Another activity that I think would be beneficial is a youth camp which could be held during the school holidays. Other activities planned include monthly visits to the Tenggara Senior Home and pot-luck dinners during festive celebarations. I welcome other suggestions you may want the committee to consider. I anticipate a productive year ahead and look forward to working with all of you. Thank you. Word Bank humbled – not proud or arrogant office-bearers – people who hold positions of authority in clubs or societies outgoing – leaving the position of authority mentioned ongoing – continuing to exist or develop recruitment – the process of getting people to join an organisation beneficial – having a good effect anticipate – to expect something in the pipeline – being discussed or planned Idioms 18 Congratulating uiz Winners Model Model Question Speech Your classmate emerged as the champion of the National-Level Quiz Contest. In about 100 – 120 words, write a congratulatory speech during the school assembly. You may use the notes below to help you.
English Form 1,2,3 Part 2 – Theme: People 29 Congratulating Quiz Winners Congratulate winner Passion for learning has paid off Well-read and knowledgeable Brief history of various stages of competition National level – Grand Champion Write your speech. Introduction • Greet the audience – principal, teachers and school friends Body • Purpose – congratulate winner – National Level Quiz Contest • Succeeded – many levels of competition – district – state – national • National level – final three – defeated two other states – emerged Grand Champion • Well-read and knowledgeable – passion for learning paid off • Benefit – encourages students to explore information beyond what is given in textbooks Conclusion • Extend congratulations – call upon winner to give a speech • Thank the audience Model Answer A very good morning to the principal, the teachers and fellow friends. I am here today on behalf of the teachers and students to congratulate Karen Lim who emerged the champion of the National Level Quiz Contest. Karen was initially selected to represent our school at the District level Quiz Contest where she emerged the champion. She then went on to represent the district at the State level contest where she once again proved her mettle and emerged as the winner.
English Form 1,2,3 Part 2 – Theme: People 30 Last week she went to Kuala Lumpur to take part in the finals where she had to face the brightest students from all over the country. The rest, as they say, is history. I am sure that we all watched the live telecast of the contest where she made it to the final and then beat the contestants from Sabah and Penang to emerge as the Grand Champion. Karen was the school’s obvious choice for the competition as we all know that she is well-read and knowledgeable. Her thirst for knowledge is legendary and she is always willing to share her knowledge with her friends. Her passion for learning has obviously paid off. We should emulate Karen’s passion for seeking knowledge. Joining such competitions will increase our self-confidence and encourage us to explore information beyond what is given in textbooks. Karen, on behalf of everyone here, I congratulate you. You have done us proud. Keep up the good work. I would now like to call upon Karen to say a few words. Thank you. Word Bank emerged – to gradually become known mettle – spirit and strength in the face of difficulty telecast – a television broadcast well-read – having read a lot of books and therefore having gained a lot of knowledge legendary – remarkable enough to be known by many 19 Voting Wisely for Student Leaders Model Model Question Speech As the outgoing president of the student council, you have been asked to brief the students on how to elect a good student leader. In about 100 – 120 words, write a speech. You may use the notes below to help you. How to elect a good student leader Good reputation Commands respect of students and teachers Ability to lead Willingness to serve Write your speech.
English Form 1,2,3 Part 2 – Theme: People 31 Introduction • Greet the audience Body • Purpose of speech – brief students on how to elect a student leader wisely • Elect based on ability to lead, not popularity • Vote for candidates who are willing to serve • A good leader must be passionate and committed • A student leader must command the respect of fellow students Conclusion • Wish all candidates luck and thank the audience Model Answer A very good morning to everyone present. As you are all aware, our school will be holding its annual election for the Student Council tomorrow. Having been in office for the past one year, I must say that it has been an enlightening and enjoyable experience for me. I would like to take this opportunity to brief you on some of the qualities that you should look for in a student leader. As responsible students, we must evaluate all the candidates in the election and vote for those who are capable of leading the students of this school. We must elect leaders based on their ability, not because of our personal relationships with them. We all have many friends in this school, but not everyone is capable of taking on the role of a leader. Bear in mind that popularity does not necessarily make a good leader. We must vote for candidates who are willing to serve. People who are reluctant to serve will not make good leaders. A student leader must be passionate and committed towards the betterment of the school. A leader must be someone who commands the respect of his or her fellow students. He or she must have integrity and carry out his or her duties without fear or favour. He or she must act for the good of the school, not for the sake of power or glamour. I hope that you will vote wisely and elect a student council that is committed to serving the school wholeheartedly. I wish all candidates the best of luck in the coming election. Thank you. Word Bank enlightening – giving someone greater knowledge and understanding evaluate – to form an idea of the value of something or someone passionate – having an intense enthusiasm for something integrity – the quality of being honest and morally upright
English Form 1,2,3 Part 2 – Theme: People 32 20 Farewell Gathering Model Model Question Speech Your class teacher is going to be transferred to another school. In about 100 – 120 words, write a speech at the farewell party held in her honour. You may use the notes below to help you. Farewell Gathering Class teacher Inspiration to students and colleagues Contribution – debating team Wish her well Write your speech. Introduction • Greet the audience – principal, teachers and students Body • Purpose of gathering – farewell to class teacher – promoted and transferred • Honoured to have her as class teacher – motherly – instilled unity and solidarity • Inspiration to teachers and students alike • Contributions – debating team, Bookworm Club, Toastmasters Club Conclusion • Wish her success in her new position • Thank the audience Model Answer Good morning to the Principal, the teachers and my fellow students. I thank you all for being here today. We are gathered here to bid farewell to our beloved class teacher, Mrs. Menon, who will leave us at the end of the month. Most of us already know that she has been promoted to the position of Senior Assistant at a neighbouring school.
English Form 1,2,3 Part 2 – Theme: People 33 We have been honoured to have her as our class teacher this year. Mrs. Menon has been more than just a teacher to us. She has looked after us in a very motherly way and has gone out of her way to help us. She has instilled a sense of unity and solidarity amongst the students of our class and has taught us how to be caring and reliable friends. Mrs. Menon’s absence will also be felt by the debating team. Her tireless efforts and dedication have made our debating team one of the best in the state. She has done the school proud with her achievements in this area. As a teacher, she is truly an inspiration, not only to the students but also to her colleagues. She has introduced many interesting teaching methods that have made her lessons memorable and enlightening. In fact, I dare to say that because of her many of my classmates are now considering the teaching profession as their career choice. She is also credited for the formation of the Bookworm Club, a society that promotes reading among students. Besides this, she also started the Toastmasters Club in school, an activity which builds up confidence in public speaking. I hope that she will stay in contact with us and I think I speak for everyone here when I say that she will remain in our hearts and prayers. Thank you, Mrs. Menon, for what you have done for us and we wish you all the best in your new position. Thank you. Word Bank instilled – gradually established an idea in somebody’s mind dedication – hard work and effort that has been put into an activity inspiration – somebody or something that is the reason why you create or do something 21 Welcoming Visitors Model Model Question Speech The Leo Club of your school is playing host to the Leo Club of a neighbouring school for a weekend camp. You are the President of the Leo Club of your school. In about 100 – 120 words, write a welcome speech for the visiting members. You may use the notes below to help you.
320 170 e-Wallets Model Model Question Report The Consumer Club has been asked to carry out a survey on the usage of e-wallets among the youths in your hometown. As the President of the club, write a report on the findings of the survey in 100 – 120 words. You may use the notes below to help you. Advantages Use of e-wallets during pandemic Disadvantages Concept of e-wallets Future use e-Wallets Write your report. G Theme: Financial Awareness
English Form 1,2,3 Part 2 – Theme: Financial Awareness 321 Introduction • Explain the concept of e-wallets Body • Advantages – convenient – do not have to bring purse • Use of e-wallets during pandemic – safer option – more hygienic • Disadvantages – not accepted at some shops – requires internet connection Conclusion • Make a prediction about the future of e-wallets Model Answer Report on Usage of E-Wallets among Youths This is a report on the use of e-wallets among youths in Ipoh, Perak. As we know, e-wallets are apps on our phones that we can use to pay for merchandise. All we have to do is to transfer money into the app from our bank account. Examples of e-wallets are Grabpay, Boost and many more. A survey revealed that youths like to use e-wallets because it is convenient as they have their phones with them at all times. Using e-wallets means that they do not have to bring an additional purse when they go out. They also do not have to make special trips to the bank to withdraw cash when they run out. Apart from that, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, using e-wallets is also the safer option. We do not have to hand over money to the cashier or receive change from them. We merely have to hold our phones up and scan a QR code. This makes the process of paying more hygienic and faster too so we can minimise the time we spent outside. However, as with all technology, e-wallets are not without its disadvantages. For example, not all shops accept e-wallets. Some shops only accept certain e-wallets and not others. If you live in an area with poor internet connection, it might be hard for you to pay with an e-wallet as it requires a strong connection. All in all, it seems that e-wallets are here to stay. Even the older generation are starting to switch to e-wallets. If some of the weaknesses stated above can be overcome, then e-wallets may even replace all cash transactions in the future. Written by, Alea Natasha (ALEA NATASHA BINTI SALLEH) President Consumer Club Word Bank merchandise – products that are sold at shops withdraw – take out transactions – when you buy or sell something
English Form 1,2,3 Part 2 – Theme: Financial Awareness 322 171 Honesty Pays Model Model Question Descriptive/Narrative Do good for others and it will come back to you in unexpected ways. In 100 – 120 words, write a story about a person who was rewarded for doing a good deed. You may use the notes below to help you. works in hotel – pandemic – close down – lost job – worried about family – breadwinner – not able to find job – go to city – look for work – saw wallet on the ground – full of money – waited for owner – returned – grateful – reward – thanked – home Write your story. Introduction • works in hotel – pandemic – close down – lost job Body • worried about family – breadwinner – not able to find job • go to city – look for work – saw wallet on the ground – full of money • waited for owner – returned Conclusion • grateful – reward – thanked – home Model Answer Encik Bakar works at a big hotel in the city. Encik Bakar loves his job as he can meet different people everyday. However, due to the lack of travellers during the pandemic, the hotel was forced to close down. As a result, En Bakar lost his job. Although Encik Bakar was very sad that he lost his job, his greatest worry is his wife and three children. This is because Encik Bakar is the sole breadwinner of his family. He is afraid that he will not be able to find a new job. Most businesses are suffering from the pandemic so they are not hiring new staff. One day, Encik Bakar decided to go to the city to look for work. To save money, he went to the city by foot. As he was walking past a bus stop, he saw something on
English Form 1,2,3 Part 2 – Theme: Financial Awareness 323 the ground. It was a men’s wallet! Encik Bakar reached down and picked up the wallet. It was then that he realised the wallet was full of money. Although Encik Bakar desperately needed money himself, he knows that honesty is the best policy. He decided to wait at the bus stop for the owner to come back. After half an hour, a man on a motorcycle stopped in front of the bus stop. The man asked Encik Bakar if he had seen a wallet anywhere. Encik Bakar happily returned the wallet to its rightful owner. The man was so grateful for Encik Bakar’s honesty that he gave Encik Bakar some money as a reward. Encik Bakar thanked the man for his kindness. After the man left, Encik Bakar quickly went home to share the good news with his family. Word Bank desperately – extremely honesty is the best policy – it is better to tell the truth rather than to lie 172 The Brain Drain Model Model Question Article In 100 – 120 words, write an article giving your opinion on the topic of ‘The Brain Drain’. Your article should discuss why the brain drain occurs and the steps that Malaysia has taken to stem it. You may use the notes below to help you. • Definition of the term ‘brain drain’ • Why people migrate – push and pull factors • Push factors – corruption, social inequality, etc. • Pull factors – career advancement, earning capacity, etc. • In Malaysia – situation not critical yet – government has taken steps to address the problem • TalentCorp – to encourage foreign skilled workers to work in Malaysia • The Returning Expert Programme – to encourage Malaysians working overseas to return Write your article.
392 Poor Structure • A well-organised essay must have an introduction, body and conclusion. The first paragraph must give an introduction to the main topic of the essay. The body contains the main points of the essays and should comprise 3 to 5 paragraphs. The final paragraph should provide a suitable conclusion to the topic of discussion. Unorganised • The essay is haphazard. Before starting the essay, a draft must be prepared on the main points to be discussed. This will ensure that ideas are presented in an organised manner. Beating around the bush • Get to the point. You must keep to the word limit and write within the given frame of time. Therefore, an essay must not contain excessive elaboration or irrelevant information. Spelling • Pay attention to spelling as errors will result in deduction of marks. (Refer to Page 397 for list of commonly misspelled words). Incorrect spelling may also alter the meaning of your sentence. Punctuation • Use appropriate punctuation marks as a guide to how the examiner should read the sentences. The most common mistake is joining two sentences with a comma instead of a full stop. Another common error is the use of the comma before the word ‘and’. Improper Paragraphs • The most common mistake is to present two or more main ideas in a single paragraph. A paragraph should contain a topic sentence, which is the main idea of the paragraph. The remaining sentences in the paragraphs should contain information to support the central idea. Each main idea should be presented in an individual paragraph. Format • Read the question correctly and determine the appropriate format to be used – letter (formal or informal), speech, reports, narrative essays, etc. Common Mistakes in Writing
English Form 1,2,3 Common Mistakes in Writing 393 Grammar Mistakes • Decide whether to use the present or past tense before start writing. Once a choice has been made, you must be consistent. Remember that every sentence needs a subject and a verb. Also pay attention to Subject-Verb Agreement. Singular subjects take singular verbs and plural subjects take plural verbs. Vocabulary • Avoid repeating the same words and never use slang. Do not use words which you are unfamiliar with as they may change the meaning of your sentence. Plagiarism • Plagiarism is an act of fraud. If you have used someone else’s work or ideas, you must acknowledge the source. Essay Writing Checklist Execution of task • Have you answered the question? • Have you used all the points given? • Have you elaborated on all the points? Organisation of task • Do you have an interesting introduction that will capture your examiner’s attention? • Does each paragraph have a main idea? • Does your essay have an appropriate conclusion that sums up the points in your essay? • Have you fulfilled the word requirement? Language • Are your sentences grammatically correct? • Have you used the right tenses? • Have you used interesting phrases and appropriate vocabulary? • Have you used the correct punctuation?
394 A phrasal verb is a verb plus a preposition which creates a different meaning from the original verb. Below are some phrasal verbs. Phrasal Verb Meaning Example 1. account for explain the cause for • The Treasurer could not account for the shortage of money in the bank. → The Treasurer could not explain the cause for the shortage of money in the bank. 2. back out to withdraw • John promised to help but he backed out at the last minute. → John promised to help but he withdrew at the last minute. 3. keep abreast informed • The newspapers keep me abreast on local and global issues. → The newspapers keep me informed on local and global issues. 4. take advantage of to exploit • We should not take advantage of his generosity just because he is rich. → We should not exploit his generosity just because he is rich. 5. give up relinquish • Don’t give up – you can still meet the deadline. → Don’t relinquish – you can still meet the deadline. 6. back down to give way or retreat • Although Sam was right, he decided to back down when the argument escalated. → Although Sam was right, he decided to give way when the argument escalated. 7. pass out lose consciousness • The injured athlete finished the run and passed out at the finish line. → The injured athlete finished the run and lost consciousness at the finish line. Phrasal Verbs
English Form 1,2,3 Phrasal Verbs 395 8. go back upon to fail to keep to one’s word • It is not right to go back upon your word once you have made a promise. → It is not right to fail to keep to your word once you have made a promise. 9. bear with be patient • Please bear with me as I need more time to decide which house to purchase. → Please be patient as I need more time to decide which house to purchase. 10. beef up to make more interesting • He beefed up his speech by adding more facts and figures. → He made his speech more interesting by adding more facts and figures. 11. blow over subside • Don’t worry, his anger will soon blow over. → Don’t worry, his anger will soon subside. 12. bent on determined • She is bent on taking part in the beauty contest. → She is determined to take part in the beauty contest. 13. lift a finger to make an effort to do something or help out • The lazy servant was fired for not lifting a finger in the house. → The lazy servant was fired for not making an effort to do something or help out during special occasions. 14. branch out to expand • He decided to branch out and take his business overseas. → He decided to expand and take his business overseas. 15. break down succumb to emotion • If you start scolding her again she will break down. → If you start scolding her again she will succumb to emotion. 16. pull down demolish • All the houses in the squatter area will be pulled down by December. → All the houses in the squatter area will be demolished by December.
English Form 1,2,3 Phrasal Verbs 396 17. call off cancel • The hiking trip will be called off if it rains. → The hiking trip will be cancelled if it rains. 18. keep up be on par with • You must keep up with the other Scouts if you want to earn a badge. → You must be on par with the other Scouts if you want to earn a badge. 19. put off to delay • Do not put off until tomorrow what you can accomplish today. → Do not delay until tomorrow what you can accomplish today. 20. look after to take care of • She was charged with looking after her younger siblings. → She was charged with taking care of her younger siblings. 21. call on to visit • Last Sunday I decided to call on an old friend that I had not seen in a while. → Last Sunday I decided to visit an old friend that I had not seen in a while. 22. check on to investigate • The police came to check on the loud noise coming from the bungalow. → The police came to investigate the loud noise coming from the bungalow. 23. chip in to contribute • We appreciate any sum you can chip in for the school fund-raiser. → We appreciate any sum you can contribute for the school fund-raiser. 24. cave in collapse • The roof of the house caved in during the thunderstorm. → The roof of the house collapsed during the thunderstorm. 25. draw upon rely on • The hikers had to draw upon their common sense to survive in the jungle. → The hikers had to rely on their common sense to survive in the jungle.
397 Correct Spelling Wrong Spelling absence absense, absance acceptable acceptible accidentally accidently accommodate accomodate, acommodate acknowledge acknowlege, aknowledge achieve acheive adultery adultary acquaintance aquaintance advisable adviseable alcohol alchohol algorithm algorythm almost allmost a lot alot amateur amatuer amend ammend annually annualy Correct Spelling Wrong Spelling arctic artic atheist athiest beautiful beutiful believe beleive beginning begining burglar burgler business bisness calendar calender camouflage camoflage category catagory cemetery cemetary changeable changable column colum committed commited consensus concensus definite definit desperate desparate Commonly Misspelled Words