Muar English Module

NOVEL RESPONSE
Section D
1119/2

15 marks
(30 mins)

50

EASY WRITING MODULE PPD MUAR

MARKING CRITERIA FOR NOVEL RESPONSE

MARK CONTENT MARK LANGUAGE
RANGE RANGE
- a consistently relevant - language is accurate
9 -10 and convincing 5 - verywell-organised
response to the task
7–8 specified - language is largely
5–6 accurate
- always provides
3–4 detailed and well- 4 - well-organised
1-2 developed textual
evidence - frequent errors but
meaning is never in doubt
- response is relevant to
the task specified 3 - fairlywell-organised

- usually provides - very frequent errors with
textual evidence with blurring in meaning
some development
2 - poorly organised
- response is
intermittently relevant - makes little or no sense at
to the task specified all

- provides some textual 1 - lacks organisation
evidence with little -
development

- response of little
relevance to the task
specified

- little textual evidence
- response has no

relevance to the task
specified
- has no understanding
of the requirements of
the task

Note: The mark of 0 should only be awarded if
 the response is in a language other thanEnglish
 the response is not related to any of the novels

51

EASY WRITING MODULE PPD MUAR

NOVEL
Captain Nobody

52

EASY WRITING MODULE PPD MUAR

Synopsis

CAPTAIN NOBODY BY DEAN PITCHFORD

Newt Newman never thought he could be a hero. Growing up
in the shadow of his star-athlete brother, Chris, ten-year-old
Newt has a hard time even getting noticed by his own family.
So, when Chris is knocked into a coma during the biggest
football game of the season, Newt – as usual – gets lost in the
whirlwind of concern for his brother.

To get his mind off the accident, Newt’s best friends, JJ and
Cecil, dress him up for Halloween in some of Chris’s old
clothes, and in doing so create an unexpected new identity for
Newt – Captain Nobody, defender of the little guy! His new
alter ego brings Newt so much confidence that, without really
meaning to, he assumes the role of a hero almost instantly…
solving crimes and saving lives. But when it comes to his
brother’s recovery, will Captain Nobody come to the rescue in
time?

53

EASY WRITING MODULE PPD MUAR

CAPTAIN NOBODY EVENTS

NO KEYWORD TEXTUAL EVIDENCE

“.. when...”

1 Breakfast -his parents were busy

-no time to make/eat it

2 Costume -Newt was worried with Chris
3 Drum condition

-He didn’t want to go trick
and treat with Cecil and JJ

-Newt was afraid of
height(the dumpster was
high)

_Cecil convinced CN that he
was the only one could do it

EASY WRITING MODULE PPD MUAR

E + EXPLANATION CLAIM

“...because…” “.I think that…”

-Newt made breakfast for -Newt is understanding

his family -Family support is

important

-Cecil and JJ helped -All of them are good
Newt to make costume friends to each other
from Chris’s old clothes
-Friends support each
other

-Newt helped Cecil to -Friends support each
take down the drum other
from the dumpster
-Newt is kind

-CN is courageous/brave

54

4 Mr. Clay -CN found Mr Clay in the
dumpster

5 Sullivan’s -CN helped JJ to tell the

Jewellery Sullivan about the mistakes

Store on their advert

-It was important to JJ

6 Ferret -The ferret escaped from its

Ferocious cage

-Newt ran after it and caught
it back

7 Reggie -Newt was afraid of height
Ratner
-CN believed he knew the
truth that Reggie didn’t cause
Chris’s coma

EASY WRITING MODULE PPD MUAR

-CN brought Mr Clay -Newt is responsible
home
-Newt is helpful
-CN helped to stop a
robbery -Newt is understanding
of his friends

-Newt is
courageous/brave

-take care of the ferret -Newt is responsible

-Newt cleared the -Newt is

highway for a plane to courageous/brave

make emergency landing

-Newt climbed the water -Newt is forgiving/kind
tower to help Reggie
-Newt is
-Newt helped Reggie to courageous/brave
go down

55

CAPTAIN NOBODY --- IMPORTANT EVENTS

The SPM novel question usually asks on a specific aspect of the novel
like character, moral lesson or theme. To answer the question, you are

required to give relevant points and ideas and relate it with close
reference to the text. This means you have to cite examples and
evidence of particular events and incidents to support your points.
Hence, it is very important to know a few significant events in detail to

be able to explain and elaborate better.

Below are a few important events from the story which can help you
to explain elements of character, theme, lesson, etc.

A. Fill in the blanks with the suitable words given below.

Write about an important decision made by one of the characters. With the
close reference of the text, explain how it affects the other character(s).

Based on the novel that I have read, …(1)…………by Dean Pitchford,
Newt has made an important …(2) .............by wearing his
.(3)….................. costumes to school. Newton Newman is ten –year-old fourth
grader who has been (4)……………………….by his football player brother, Chris
Newman. His decision has made a great (5) ..............to people around him as
below.

56

EASY WRITING MODULE PPD MUAR

First and foremost, Newt makes a life (6)………………….decision when
Newt wears his Halloween (7)……………………to school as he has no other
(8)…………………clothes. His decision has(9) ……………...his teacher and his(10)
.............................perception towards him. His teacher, Mrs. Young thought
Newt is emotionally disturbed as a result of Chris being in a coma at the
hospital and his parents are too (11)………….to look after him. Mrs. Young
becomes more (12) ……………….about the situation. She then takes an (13)…
........................... to call Newt’s parents about the situation. His parents then
(14)………………...that they have been neglecting Newton. His father (15)…
......................... his behaviour. He spends more time and talks to Newt rather
than answering his (16)……………calls. He even apologizes to Newt for
neglecting him. This shows that Newt decision wearing Halloween costumes
to school has changed his teacher and parents behaviour towards him. He
feels (17)… ............... and he has made the right decision.

On top of that, his decision to wear Captain Nobody costumes,
Newt is able to (18)............... up the confident to help Cecil to get his first
drum (19)…………….and makes his friend happy. We can see that after
wearing his Halloween costumes as Captain Nobody, Newt can (20)
................................his fear of heights and able to help his friend Cecil.
Cecil sees the big drum bass on the top of.........................(21)and
garbage cans at the corner of Warren and Kander(22) ...................... He
asks Captain Nobody to help him to get it. Even though Newt
is(23)……………………, he climbs on the top pile of the dumpster and
garbage cans just for the sake of his friend. He

57

EASY WRITING MODULE PPD MUAR

(24)………………….takes the drum bass down to Cecil. Cecil is very
happy as now he has the drum bass. Hence, Newt decision to wear his
Halloween costumes to school has changed Cecil to be a happy friend
in the world as now he has a big drum bass. Personally, I feel that Newt
decision has made a great impact to people around him, especially his
friend.

In addition to that, his (25)…………………….decision to wear the Halloween
costumes to school has motivated him to save Reggie Ratner from doing silly
things at the (26)… .................... Water Tower. As we can see in the novel that
Reggie Ratner is (27) ....................... by the Big Tackle incident and is reported
he wants to jump from Appleton Water Tower. The actual fact that he wants
to (28)……………………the water tank but his left foot is stuck there. Although
Newt is afraid of height, he feels that as Captain Nobody, He is responsible to
save Reggie. He slithers his way up and frees Reggie’s(29)… ...............Even the
situation is very (30)… .................., Newt still helps Reggie to get down from
the Appleton Water Tower where later on we know this incident ends up
sadly. Newt accidentally falls down while climbing down the ladders. This
proves that his decision to wear Halloween costumes to school has changed
him to be a hero and Reggie personally feels thankful to Newt for saving him.
In my humble opinion Newt decision has a great impact to Reggie’s life. Reggie
feels grateful to Newt and I really admire Newt.

58

EASY WRITING MODULE PPD MUAR

Conclusively, Newt has made an important decision by wearing his
Halloween costumes to school and his decision has made a great impact to
people around him.

Captain Nobody ( ) decision( ) overshadowed ( ) changing ( )
Clean ( ) family( ) concerned( ) realize( ) phone( )

Halloween ( ) impact ( ) costumes( ) affected( ) busy (
Initiative( ) changes( ) happy ( ) bass( ) dumpster(

Build( ) overcome ( ) acrophobic ( ) brave ( ) depressed (
Streets( ) carefully ( ) Appleton ( ) vandalise ( )
Dangerous( ) Shoelace(

59

EASY WRITING MODULE PPD MUAR

QUICK CHECK ON YOUR UNDERSTANDING

(BASED ON EXERCISE A)

Use the following graphic organiser to complete the information for each event that you
may find in exercise A.

WHO?

WHAT MORAL VALUES?
HAPPENE D?

EVENT

WHY? WHEN?
WHERE?

WHO?

WHAT MORAL
HAPPENED?

CHEAVEPNTTER:

WHY? WHEN?
WHERE?

60

EASY WRITING MODULE PPD MUAR

WHAT WHO? MORAL
HAPPENED? VALUES?
EVENT

WHY? WHEN?
WHERE?

“PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT”

PLAN YOUR ANSWER :

NOTE: You are required to use your higher order thinking skills (HOTS) when answering the
question on the novel. So, you need to be systematic and organised in your approach.

PARAGRAPH ANSWER
1 INTRODUCTION + THESIS STATEMENT
2 POINT 1 + EVIDENCE + JUSTIFICATION
3 POINT 2 + EVIDENCE + JUSTIFICATION
4 POINT 3 + EVIDENCE + JUSTIFICATION
5
CONCLUSION + REFLECTION

61

EASY WRITING MODULE PPD MUAR

Point 1 Point 2 Point 3

Evidence Evidence Evidence

Justification Justification Justification

NOTE: As you read the question, highlight/underline the key words.

62

EASY WRITING MODULE PPD MUAR

EXAMPLE:
Choose ONE character that has undergone some major changes in his/her life. Describe the
changes and support each change with evidence from the novel.

Character

Change 1 Change 2 Change 3

Evidence Evidence Evidence
Justification Justification Justification

63

EASY WRITING MODULE PPD MUAR

Based on the given points, try to write your answer. The introductory paragraph is
already done for you.

PARAGRAPH Based on the novel that I have read, Captain Nobody by Dean
1 Pitchford, Newt has gone through major changes after wearing his
Halloween costumes to school. Newton Newman is ten –year-old
fourth grader who has been overshadowed by his football player
brother, Chris Newman. His major changes have made a great
impact to his life and people around him as below.

PARAGRAPH 2

PARAGRAPH 3

PARAGRAPH 4

PARAGRAPH Conclusively, Newt has gone through major changes in his life and
5 made great impact to the people around him…………...

EASY WRITING MODULE PPD MUAR 64

ANSWER KEY:

EXERCISE A

Captain Nobody (1) decision(2) overshadowed (4) changing (6)
Clean (8) family(10) concerned(12) realize(14) phone(16)

Halloween (3) impact (5) costumes(7) affected(9) busy (11)
Initiative(13) changes(15) happy(17) bass(19) dumpster (21)
Build(18) overcome (20) acrophobic (23) brave (25) depressed (27)

65

EASY WRITING MODULE PPD MUAR

Sample answers for Section D (Novel)

In the novel you have read, choose one character that you dislike. With close reference to the text, give
reasons why you dislike him or her. (SPM 2019)

PLAN/OUTLINE

1st paragraph: Choose novel and show understanding of task
2nd paragraph: Describe the character you dislike plus the reason
3rd paragraph: Give another evidence why you dislike the character plus reason
4th paragraph: Give another evidence plus reason
5th paragraph: Conclude or reiterate the task by giving your personal opinion

In the novel I have read which is Captain Nobody written by Dean Pitchford, there is one character
that I do not like which is Newt’s mom, Mrs. Newman. This is because she has always put her responsibility
towards her kids last on the list. In the following paragraph, I will discuss this character.

Mrs. Newman is Newton Newman’s and Chris Newton’s mother. She never cares about anything
except her job. This is shown when Newton Newman has to make breakfast for his family members even
though he is the youngest. When Newt sacrifices his time and energy, the whole family does not appreciate
his good deed by not eating the breakfast he has made. Mrs. Newman should have known that it is not a
ten-year-old boy’s job to prepare breakfast for his family. I think, Mrs. Newman has shown a bad example
of responsible mother. Furthermore, she should have paid more attention to her household.

Next, Mrs. Newman only remembers the thing that is important to her. This is clearly shown when
she is on the phone with her neighbour, dealing a gathering. Newt has to remind her what to bring for the
gathering, including the quantity. Mrs. Newman never shows her attitude towards her youngest son even
though he does so much for her. In my opinion, Mrs. Newman is forgetful and she cannot even remember
her responsibility towards her neighbours. This should not happen to avoid one from being called selfish.

Mrs. Newman only shows a little affection towards her kids. This is shown when Christ Newman
got into a coma after the Big Game event. This is the only time where she pays full attention towards her
kid and leaves her work behind. She shows affection by not leaving her kids homeless but she never really
carries up her responsibilities as a mother. In my point of view, Mrs. Newman should have known that her
kids are still growing up and they need mother’s love.

In conclusion, Mrs. Newman should have done better. I dislike her because she neglects her duty
as a mother and wife. Her kids need a home full of love and strong family bond. Instead of getting that, all
they have is a home without family love which is like living in a body without a soul.

66

EASY WRITING MODULE PPD MUAR

Based on the novel that you have studied, write about a value that is important to one of the
characters in the story.
Give reasons why it is so, with close reference to the text.
(SPM 2017)

PLAN/OUTLINE

1st paragraph: Choose novel and show understanding of task
2nd paragraph: Describe a VALUE that is important to ONE of the characters
3rd paragraph: First reason plus evidence
4th paragraph: Second reason plus evidence
5th paragraph: Conclude or reiterate the task by listing the reason/ giving your personal opinion

Based on the novel that I have studied, Captain Nobody by Dean Pitchford, there is a value which
is important to one of the characters, Newt, that is bravery. Newt is a boy who went through the process
of self-discovery in being Captain Nobody. He has always been overshadowed by his brother’s
achievements but through his brave act, he had helped a lot of people.

Through the value of bravery, Newt had started to become confident in himself. This is because
Newt had become brave and confident in handling emergency situations. This is shown when Cecil called
him for his help to get a bass drum from a dumpster. Newt was reluctant at first because the dumpster
was quite high but with Cecil motivating him and Newt telling himself to be brave and do it, he managed
to get the bass drum. This shows that the value taught Newt to become confident in himself and he could
do it if he believed in himself. In my opinion, this is the turning point in Newt’s self-value where he started
to have self confidence in himself.

Through the value of bravery also, Newt managed to end the rivalry between two schools and gained
new friendship for himself. This is because Newt helped to clear out false accusation on Reggie Ratner
who was innocent and did not do the Big Tackle. When the town was told of Reggie’s attempt to commit
suicide at the Appleton water tower, Newt went to the tower to save Reggie even though he was afraid
of heights. Newt’s bravery had brought peace to both schools and he even gained a new friend. To me,
this is where people of the town started to appreciate Newt’s kindness and all began with Newt being
brave in saving Reggie.

In conclusion, Newt had shown that if we are brave in life, we can achieve anything. Despite him being
unlucky at certain times, he never let it get to him and he even became braver than ever. So, we should
do the same and let positive values become our inner strength like Newt.

67

EASY WRITING MODULE PPD MUAR

Based on the novel that you have studied, describe a SCENE that makes you either happy or sad.
Give reasons why the scene makes you feel happy or sad, with close reference to the text.
(SPM 2016)

ANSWER PLAN
1st paragraph: Choose novel and show understanding of task
2nd paragraph: Describe the SCENE that makes you happy or sad
3rd paragraph: First reason plus evidence
4th paragraph: Second reason plus evidence
5th paragraph: Conclude or reiterate the task by listing the reason/ giving your personal opinion

SAMPLE ANSWER (SPM 2016)

The novel that I have studied for form 5 is Captain Nobody by Dean Pitchford. The novel is about
a ten-year old boy named Newt Newton. There is a scene in the novel that makes me happy which is
Newt climbed up the Appleton Water Tower to save Reggie Ratner.

When Newt was in school, he saw many teachers and students rushing to the lounge. He followed
the crowd with his best friends, JJ and Cecil. The news had broadcasted that Reggie Ratner was on the
Water Tower to commit suicide because of his increasing depression due to the people blaming him for
knocking Chris into coma during the big game. Newt was the only one who knew the truth and he felt
responsible to tell the truth to Reggie. Newt and his friends went to Appleton tower to save Reggie. After
arriving at the water tower, the only way to go to the top was through the broken rung. Unfortunately,
the police had come. Therefore, Cecil helped Newt to distract the attention of the police. When climbing
the water tower, he looked down and felt scared. He wanted to give up but thinking about the innocent
Reggie, he felt he was responsible to tell the truth. Then, he continued to climb the water tower and
successfully saved Reggie.

There are many reasons that the scene makes me feel happy. Firstly, Newt is a brave person.
Although he is afraid of heights, he still continued climbing the water tower. Because of his brave action,
he managed to overcome his acrophobic. Overcoming the fear of heights is very difficult even for an adult
but he managed to do it . In my opinion, we should be brave to do anything because it will give good
effects to us.

I’m also happy with this scene because it also showed the close friendship between friends. If JJ
didn’t help him to reach the second rung, how could he climb up the water tower? If Cecil didn’t help
Newt to distract the police, he might be caught by police. In my opinion, we should always help our friend
when they are in need because a friend in need is a friend indeed.

In a nutshell, based on the reasons given, this scene has made me feel happy. This scene contains
many moral values and gives a good impression to the readers.

68

EASY WRITING MODULE PPD MUAR

SPM QUESTIONS:

2006 Based on the novel that you have studied, write about determination (theme).
2007 Support your answer with evidence from the story.
2008
2009 Based on the novel that you have studied, write about a character you look up
2010 to. Give reasons for your choice.
2011
2012 Based on the novel that you have studied, describe what happens at the end of
2013 the story. Explain why you find the ending either happy or sad.
2014
2015 Write about a difficult decision made by one of the characters. Do you think
2016 this was the right decision?
2017
2018 Write about an important incident that you remember. Give reasons why you
remember the incident.

Which part of the story do you like most? Give reasons for your choice.

Write about an event that makes you angry. Give reasons why the event makes
you feel this way.

Write about an important decision made by one of the characters. Explain how
it affects the other character(s).

“One has to struggle to improve one’s life.” (theme)
How far is this true of the novel you have studied?

Suggest one character that is the best role model for young people. Give
reasons for your choice.

Describe a scene that makes you happy or sad. Give reasons why it makes
you happy or sad.

Write about a value that is important to one of the characters. Give reasons
why it is so.

With close reference to the text, describe one problem faced by the main
character in the story.
Give your opinion about the way the problem was solved.

69

ANSWER KEY

PART 1- DIRECTED WRITING

A. SPEECH / TALK

1.auspicious
2. curbing
3. perimeter
4. indulge
5. Civics
6. noses
7. intimidators
8. onlookers
9.measure
10. Thank you

B. ARTICLE

1. noxious
2. beset
3. Wuhan
4. Importance
5. worldwide
6. lockdown
7. protected
8. pharmacists
9. with soap and water
10. citrus
11. virulent
12. daily

C. REPORT

1. trip
2. potential
3. scaling
4. contrived
5. chores
6. poison ivy
7. venomous
8. peak
9. picturesque
10.invigorating

D. INFORMAL LETTER

1. faring 70
2. fever
3. minuscule
4. roseate
5. rustic
6. hues
7. townsfolk
8. edifices
9. cuisine
10. muted

E. FORMAL LETTER

1. complain
2. deteriorated
3. activities
4. nocturnal
5. curse
6. rickety
7. dearth
8. tarnished
9. resolve

71

EASY WRITING MODULE PPD MUAR

PART 2 – CONTINUOUS WRITING
A. NARRATIVE ESSAY
MODEL ESSAY 1

Question: Write a story that ends with 'I am what I am today because of my aunt.' Write
a story about a girl who lost her family years back.

(Instruction: Rearrange the paragraphs according to the correct sequence and write the essay in

your essay book.)

I could clearly remember the tragedy. It was on a Friday night after my 1

tuition class. When I arrived, I felt strange as my parents left the door ajar.

Quietly and suspiciously, I walked into the house. To my horror, my parents

were sprawling right across the carpet.

It was a very disturbing scene. Someone called the ambulance and 2
police. I was so shaken that I could not stop crying. Somehow, they

managed to contact my aunt. She tried to console me but I screamed so

hysterically that I was given a sedative jab and fell asleep instantly.

When I woke up, she was right there by my bedside. I felt safe and secured

in her presence.

I still do not have the answer of why this happened to me but I know God 5

loves them more. Today, I am celebrating this new happiness- this new me

with my loving aunt. Without her support, I would not have made it. Indeed,

I am what I am today because of my aunt.

After six months in the psychiatry unit, I was finally discharged. I was put 3
under my aunt’s custody. My parents were killed in a home robbery. The

prime suspects were finally arrested, convicted and sentenced . Despite that,
the life of my loved ones could not be returned. “You have to learn to let it go. I’m sure your

parents would want you to be alright even when they are not around anymore. God will test those
with strength and I know you are strong.” My aunt advised me not to keep the hatred in my heart.

I knew that I should stay focused in my studies to achieve my dream of 4

joining a forensic team. I am grateful that I still have my aunt whose caring

words awaken me. She, on her own, replaces both of my parents in every
respect. I did not know what happiness was until my aunt’s caring words sank

into me on my graduation day. There she was sitting in the front row,

looking at me with loving eyes, proudly as I stood on the stage giving a speech. She was my

guardian angel who protected and cared for me since the death of my parents.

.

72

EASY WRITING MODULE PPD MUAR

MODEL ESSAY 2

Write a story about someone who promotes a healthy lifestyle to his or her own family. Begin
your story with: “it is very good if family members can …”

(Instruction: Rearrange the paragraphs according to the correct sequence and write the essay in your
essay book.)

Uncle Sam makes sure his family members are always healthy. He loves 2
to cook with his family. He does not go to fast food restaurants. He and his wife
cook every day. They love to cook chicken rice. All his family members love 4
chicken rice. All his children know how to cook chicken rice because Uncle Sam 1
and his wife teach them how to do it. He tells me that it is easy to cook chicken 3
rice. Uncle Sam also wants his children to eat vegetables. He grows his own
vegetables. Sometimes, Uncle Sam’s wife will send the chicken rice to my
house.

Uncle Sam’s family likes to do many interesting and healthy activities
together. Every morning, I can see them exercise together. They jog, cycle and
swim together. Uncle Sam told me we must always exercise because it is good
for our health. As a neighbour, I like Uncle Sam and his family. They have a very
healthy lifestyle. I hope I can have a healthy body like them.

It is very good if family members can have a healthy life – that is what
Uncle Sam, my neighbour, strongly believes in. Uncle Sam, who has been my
neighbour for years, loves his family. He loves his elderly father and his elderly
mother. He also loves his wife, Aunt Rita and his children, Jason, Johnny and
Jackie.

Uncle Sam also wants his family to stay away from stress. His family loves
picnic. They like to have picnic at the beach. They love beautiful beaches. They
love to swim in the sea. Uncle Sam will bring his family to Port Dickson twice a
month. Swimming is good for their body. They love to play beach volleyball.
When they go for a picnic, they enjoy themselves a lot. They forget about their
problems. They forget about stress. Uncle Sam says picnic is good and healthy
for them. They also will bring food such as sandwiches, fruits and others.

73

EASY WRITING MODULE PPD MUAR

B. FACTUAL ESSAY

FACTUAL ESSAY 1

What is the best way for teenagers to stay fit and healthy?

Teenagers are youngsters between 13 and 19 years of age. As teenage years are the period that
most of our growing occurs, it is of vital importance that teenagers stay fit and healthy to facilitate the
process.

In my opinion, the best way for juveniles to gain good health and fitness is through having a balanced diet,
an active lifestyle and a good night’s sleep.

Eating a balanced diet is a vital part of maintaining good health as it provides the essential nutrients
required for growth. Each of our meals should contain the 7 components of a balanced diet -
carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, unsaturated fats, protein, fibre and water - for optimal health. Whole
foods such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, grains, poultry and fish contribute to a balanced diet. Organic foods
are better by comparison with inorganic ones as the former are grown or farmed without the use of artificial
chemicals, hormones and antibiotics which can be detrimental to our health. Since about 60 percent of
our body is made up of water, consuming adequate water is also an important factor. Drinking 8 to 10
glasses of water is the ideal amount for an adolescent’s body to function well.

The human body is built for movement. If we lead a sedentary lifestyle, health problems are prone
to arise. Hence it is wise to exercise a few times a week for about half an hour each session. Even doing
domestic chores, which brightens your parents up, is better than nothing at all. Cardiovascular exercise
helps to strengthen our heart and lungs while stretching reduces the risk of injury by increasing flexibility.
Strength training helps to strengthen our muscles. Other benefits of doing exercises include preventing
obesity and osteoporosis, improving blood circulation and combating depression.

Sleep is crucial to our health because when we sleep, our body undergoes repair, growth and
detoxification. For instance, sleep is involved in the healing and repair of our heart and blood vessels. As
such, teenage boys and girls should get quality sleep of about 9 hours each night. Sleep improves brain
performance and therefore teenagers with sufficient sleep tend to learn and memorise more effectively.
Thus, they also tend to perform better academically. Apart from that, sleep also helps to prevent
inflammation and obesity, spur creativity, reduce stress levels and boost our immune system, among
many other advantages. Therefore, it is important to cultivate good sleep habits like going to bed at the
same time every night and make sure that your bedroom is dark and quiet when you go to sleep.

Although there are numerous other ways for teenagers to stay fit and healthy, the 3 factors
mentioned above are some of the most effective, from my point of view. Undeniably, teenagers today face
more challenges and pressure. It is therefore essential for them to realise the importance of staying fit and
healthy in order to live life to its fullest and tackle challenges and problems that come along with
confidence.

74

EASY WRITING MODULE PPD MUAR

FACTUAL ESSAY 2

Why are animals important to human beings?

There are a number of reasons why animals are important to human beings. The main reason is
that animals benefit us personally, socially and economically.

Since the time of our cavemen ancestors, there have been interactions between humans and
animals. Animals can be our friends, companions, protectors, benefactors and comforters. Research
studies indicate that people who own pets and have close bond with them have higher self-esteem. They
are also generally happier and healthier. There are many reported cases in which pets protected their
owners and family members. In the United States, a pet dog alerted its owners that their babysitter was
abusive. A couple who hired a babysitter to take care of their baby noticed that their pet dog was
aggressive to the babysitter. Upon investigation, they discovered that their child was abused by the
babysitter.

Animals provide many other benefits to humans. Insulin, a hormone in our body which controls the
amount of sugar absorbed by our blood, could not be artificially produced previously. It had to be derived
from cows and pigs. Nowadays, even though animal insulin has largely been replaced by artificial human
insulin, the former is still available on prescription. Trained guide dogs are available to serve as loyal
companions and ‘pairs of eyes’ for the blind. In the past, hunters took along hunting dogs to track, sniff
out and catch wild game. When night fell, the canines were the hunters’ companions and protectors. In
rehabilitation centres, animals are used to help the sick recover. For instance, petting a pony helps to lift
a sick child’s spirit.

Throughout history, animals have helped humans. We use animals to work for us. In the
agricultural sector, oxen pull ploughs before seeds are planted in the soil. We use horses for transportation
purposes. They pull carriages and covered wagons for us. Even though oxen and horses are rarely used
for farming and travelling purposes respectively today, the horses are still being used for riding and racing.
They are also used to participate in contests in order to win awards. Farmers depend on animals such as
cattle, poultry, sheep, goats, among others, for their livelihood. They sell the animals’ meat, milk and eggs
to earn money. In the fishing industry, although the use of modern equipment and technology have
replaced the use of animals to catch fish, fishermen in some parts of the world still use animals like
dolphins, otters and cormorants for the purpose.

Another indirectly way in which animals help us is that they assist in the reproduction of a variety
of fruit and vegetable crops, which are an important part of our healthy diet. Without animals to help
disperse seeds and pollinate plants, many of them would have become extinct.

In conclusion, animals are important to human beings because they benefit us socially, personally
as well as economically. Since they are of great benefit to us, we should treat them well.

75

EASY WRITING MODULE PPD MUAR

C. DESCRIPTIVE ESSAY

QUESTION: Find the meaning of the words given. Next, fill in the blanks with the given words.

Num. Word / phrase Meaning
1. Dashed run or travel somewhere in a great hurry.
2. Hastily
3. Dejectedly with excessive speed or urgency
4. Taken-aback With sad and depressed
5. swiftly Surprised / shocked
6. Immense at high speed
7. Bursting with pride extremely large or great
8. In high spirits
9. My heart sank To be so filled up with pride as to be unable to contain it
10. poignant very happy and excited
11. Heart-rending
a feeling of sudden sadness or dismay
evoking a keen sense of sadness or regre

causing great sadness or distress

On the last day before Christmas, I dashed to a supermarket to buy a gift I did not manage to buy earlier.
When I saw a big crowd there, I regretted for not shopping for the gift early. Nonetheless, I made my way
to the toy section. There, I noticed a small boy of about five years old, pressing a doll against his chest.
He had a poignant look. Then, the little boy turned to the old woman next to him, "Granny, are you sure
I don't have enough money?" The old lady replied, "Yes, dear." Then, she asked him to stay there for five
minutes while she went to look around. She left hastily. The little boy was still holding the doll in his hand.

I pity him. I walked toward him and I asked him to whom did he want to give it to. "It is the doll that my
sister loved most and wanted so much for this Christmas." I replied to him that maybe Santa Claus will
bring it to her. But he replied to me dejectedly. "No, Santa Claus cannot bring it to her where she is now.
I have to give the doll to my mother so that she can give it to her when she goes there." His eyes were so
heart-rending while saying this. "My sister has gone to be with God. Daddy says that Mummy will also
go to see God very soon, so I thought that she can bring the doll with her to give it to my sister."

I was taken aback. The little boy said, "I told daddy to tell mummy not to go yet. I asked him to wait until
I come back from the supermarket." Then he showed me a very nice photo of him and told me, "I also
want mummy to take this photo with her so that she will not forget me." I love my mummy and I wish she
doesn't have to leave me but daddy says that she has to go to be with my little sister." My heart sank.

Then he looked again at the doll with sad eyes, very quietly. I swiftly reached for my wallet and took 50

76

EASY WRITING MODULE PPD MUAR

Dollars, gave it to the boy and said, "I hope that is enough." The little boy said, "Thank you." The boy was
in high spirits. He looked at me and added, "I prayed to God yesterday to make sure I have enough
money to buy this doll. He heard me." "I also wanted to have enough money to buy a white rose for my
mummy, but I didn't dare to ask God too much. But today, He gave me enough to buy the doll and the
white rose." "You know, my mummy loves white rose."

A few minutes later, the old lady came again and I quickly left with my trolley. I finished my shopping in a
totally different state from when I started. I could not get the little boy out of my mind. I left the place in
tears, feeling that my life had been changed forever. The love that this little boy had for his mother and
his sister was truly immense. I was bursting with pride to be able to help him. I promise myself that I
would love my mother more than before and would never ever think of hurting her feeling anymore.

D. REFLECTIVE ESSAY

“Nothing ventured, nothing gained”
Rearrange the paragraphs by numbering them from 1 - 7

5 “Ring!!!” The mother picked up the phone and said, "Hello?" It was Mel!!! She asked
for Adam. Adam’s mother was very happy. She started to cry and said, "Oh! Finally

my son has the courage to talk to you!! Mel was shocked. The line was quiet for a
while and then Mel told Adam’s mother that she would call him again.

1 Adam walked into a CD shop and saw Mel behind the counter. Mel was a pretty girl.

Mel smiled and Adam thought it was the most beautiful smile he had ever seen

before and wanted to tell her how much he liked her right away. However, Adam did

not have the gut to do so. He said "Uh... Yeah... Umm... I would like to buy a CD."

Adam picked one out and gave her money for it.

2 "Would you like me to wrap it for you?" she asked, showing her cute smile again.

Adam nodded and Mel went to the back. She came back with the wrapped CD and

gave it to him. He took it and walked out of the shop. Adam went home and from

then on he kept on thinking of Mel. Adam was so happy but he was too shy to

approach her. Adam went to that shop everyday and bought a CD and Mel would
wrap it for him. Adam wanted to say “Hi” to Mel but he just could not. Adam was

confused. He did not know why he was so scared but he did not give up.

3 At home, Adam practised in his room what to say to ask Mel out. He practised in
front of the mirror. One day, Adam’s mother found out about this and told him to just
ask her out. Adam’s mother was happy that her son liked a girl. His sporting mother
encouraged him to be brave. Adam remembered his mother’s advice well, “Nothing
ventured, nothing gain”.

7 Mel did not only smile but she gave Adam her cutest smile. Adam was very happy.
“Hi, Adam. I have been waiting for this day for so long…thank you. Mel gave to Adam
a CD with the title “You Are My Love”. Adam grabbed the CD and shouted “Yahoo!!!
Yabedabedoo!!”.

4 So the next day, he tried to be brave and went to the shop. He bought a CD like

usual and once again she went to the back of the shop and came back with it

wrapped. He was ready to ask her out but suddenly a customer walked in. Adam
changed his plan. He quickly left his phone number on Mel’s desk and ran out.

6 Later in the day, Adam went to the shop. Mel was alone in the shop. Adam was

sweating profusely but not because the air-conditioner in the shop was not
functioning. Adam was very nervous. He was whispering to himself “Nothing

77

EASY WRITING MODULE PPD MUAR

ventured, nothing gained” a few times. When Mel came nearer, Adam finally opened
his mouth and said, “Hi, I am Adam. I…I… know you are Mel. I….I ….I like your
smell…so..so...sorry…your smile!”

PART 3 – LITERATURE COMPONENT

ANSWER KEY:

EXERCISE A

Captain Nobody (1) decision(2) overshadowed (4) changing (6)
Clean (8) family(10) concerned(12) realize(14) phone(16)

Halloween (3) impact (5) costumes(7) affected(9) busy (11)
Initiative(13) changes(15) happy(17) bass(19) dumpster (21)
Build(18) overcome (20) acrophobic (23) brave (25) depressed (27)

Streets(22) carefully (24) Appleton (26) vandalise (28) dangerous (30)
Shoelace (29)

78

EASY WRITING MODULE PPD MUAR

SAMPLE ANSWER (JOHOR TRIAL 2020)

INTRODUCTION The novel that I have studied is Captain Nobody written by Dean
- Name of novel Pitchford In this novel, there are some events that show the value of
- Name of determination to one of the characters, Newton Newman.
author
- Answer the
question

PARAGRAPH 1 Firstly, the value of determination is shown by the main character,
- Point
- Evidence Newton Newman who is also known as Captain Nobody. Captain
- Justification
- Relate Nobody helps his friend, Cecil to get a big bass drum from the top of a

dumpster. As Cecil could not get the big bass drum by himself, he insists

that Captain Nobody is the one who should climb the dumpster. Captain

Nobody hesitates when he sees how high it is. It is a difficult task for him
as he is acrophobic – he has a fear of heights. However, he tries his best
to get the big bass drum to fulfil Cecil’s dream of owning it. Captain

Nobody helps him to do something he is afraid of.

PARAGRAPH 1 Secondly, the value of determination also helps Captain Nobody
- Point to save Ferocious the Ferret. Captain Nobody runs after the ferret when it
- Evidence runs out from its cage. He runs to the highway to save the ferret and waves
- Justification frantically to stop the traffic despite being in dangerous situation.
- Relate Miraculously, the traffic stops and an airplane lands down due to a
technical breakdown. Therefore, due to his action, not only the ferret is
PARAGRAPH 1 saved but all the passengers in the airplane are saved. Again, Captain
- Point Nobody’s determination has made him become the hero of the day.
- Evidence
- Justification Lastly, the value of determination also helps Captain Nobody to
- Relate save Reggie Ratner, whom people think wants to commit suicide. When
Captain Nobody notices that the news on television is reporting about
ENDING Reggie Ratner wanting to jump off the Appleton Water Tower due to
depression since the Big Tackle Incident, he runs to the tower quickly.
Captain Nobody is nervous as he claims himself is the only one who
knows the truth about the Big Tackle incident. However, he learns that
Reggie’s purpose is not to commit suicide but to vandalise it. He helps
Reggie to free his foot which is stuck in a hole on the rooftop. After that,
they land down in full view of the audience. Captain Nobody first,
followed by 280 pounds Reggie lands on him, causing Captain Nobody
to break his leg and two rib bones. His determination makes him willing
to climb the highest structure in town.

In conclusion, the value of determination helps Captain Nobody to step
out of his comfort zone. He is determined to help others and sacrifice himself. I
have learned the value of determination after reading this novel.

79

EASY WRITING MODULE PPD MUAR