SPM PAPER 1 Format (Continuous Writing) SPM English Paper 1 Time: 1 hour 45 minutes Section B: Continuous Writing [ 50 marks] You are advised to spend about one hour on this section. Question 2: Write a composition of about 350 words on one of the following topics: (a) Write an essay on the topic, ``An unexpected turn of events.’’ (b) Describe someone whom you look upon as a role model. (c) Health is better than wealth. What is your opinion? (d) A person who scores straight As is a very intelligent person. What do you think? (e) Write a story that begins with, ``I turned over the question paper….. Sample Answers: Question 2 (a) Write an essay on the topic, ``An unexpected turn of events.’’ Sample Answer: It started off just like any other afternoon after school. I had my lunch and was watching TV before starting on my homework. I normally started on my homework at 3pm and took my tea break at 4.30 in the evening. That day, as I was watching TV, I heard the sound of breaking glass. It sounded as if it came from a neighbour’s house across the road. I listened attentively. Then, I heard the sound of utensils falling down. Then, my immediate neighbour’s dog started barking. I sensed that something was wrong. I opened the front door and looked out at Mr Wee’s house. I thought I saw a movement in the bedroom through the window. I knew that no one would be home and so I called out to the maid. ``kakak, kakak…. But there was no sound. By then, the other two neighbours had joined me. When we heard the maid screaming, my neighbour, Siva jumped over the gate and banged on the front door. Before I knew it, two men with masks rushed out of the house with a bag and were trying to jump over the wall. I made a tackle and brought the man down. He dropped the bag on me and ran away. My head ached awfully and we opened the bag. Inside was a laptop and a digital camera. The maid phoned Mr Wee and he arrived shortly. I went with Siva and Mr Wee to the policestation to make a report. By the time the drama ended, it was already 6.30 and it was time for my Add Maths and Physics tuition till 9.30 pm. When I got back from tuition, I had to relate the whole drama to my brother and sister. It was only when I was getting ready for school the next day that I realised that I had not done my Maths homework. Puan Jessie was a real tyrant. When she walked into the class I dared not look at her. She stared at me and said, ``Muzafar, come here!’’ Expecting the worst, I dragged my feet to the front of the class. Then she said, ``Listen, class. Muzafar here is a hero. He took the initiative to stop a thief from ransacking his neighbour’s house. The Resident’s Association is going to give him a certificate of bravery and neighbourliness.’’ ``But… Puan Jessie, how…’’ ``Muzafar, Mr Wee is my brother. He told me you had saved his laptop which contains a lot of confidential stuff. He said you were a very brave boy. Thank you.’’ The whole class started clapping. I was a hero. That was an unexpected turn of events. Question 2 (b) Describe someone whom you look upon as a role model. Sample Answer: I was at a Hi-tea that my parents had to attend. They didn’t want to leave me home so I had to tag along. I hated every moment of it until, a young man not much older than me walked into the room. There was an aura of authority about him. Even the elderly VIPs stood up and waited to greet him. Young, handome, obviously rich and very friendly. Suddenly, the Hi-tea did not seem too bad. I was 15 and very interested in making money and becoming rich but I did not know how. I normally wait unitil my father introduces me to the guests but this time something about him beckoned me. I went up to him and introduced myself, ``Hi, I’m Billy,’’ ``Hello,’’ he replied with a smile, ``I’m Hisham.’’ The name did not ring a bell and I think he knew I did not know who he was. ``I’m Hisham, Hisham Santiago.’’ I felt the blood go to my feet. This was the Santiago… the young millionaire that my parents would often talk about. He was only 20 but was a self-made internet millionaire. ``Oh, my goodness! I’m sorry. I did not recognise you. You look so terribly young.’’ ``I’m sorry to disappoint you,’’ he replied and then we both burst out laughing. The funny thing is… for some reason, he told his personal assistant to block off half an hour for me!! In that half an hour, from 3.30 to 4.00 pm, I became a changed person. Hisham didn’t tell me the easy way to become a millionaire. He told me that I had to have passion in what I wanted to do. He told me that passion alone was not enough, he warned me that I had to be committed. He showed me that consistency and patience were two other important factors for success. He pointed out that I had no goals, no proper vision, no plan… Hisham was the kind of person I wanted to become. And he is helping me. At the moment, he reminded me that my focus was getting through my exams with flying colours. With his help, I am learning to concentrate and do what I have to do and learning to like studying too!!! He insisted that I must get a good and strong foundation in my studies. He has been guiding me and counselling me. I know now that wealth is not everything but it is important. Hisham Santiago is someone I admire and respect. He is humble and not arrogant like other wealthy people. He is kind and always treats people with great respect. He shares his wealth with the unfortunate. He listens attentively to what his fans have to say. Someday, I hope I become a person with such admirable qualities. Perhaps, someday, someone will also write about me as his role model. Question 2 (c) Health is better than wealth. What is your opinion? Sample Answer: (This kind of question requires a personal response. But, for each point you make, you must back it up with reasonable explanations.) All the wealth in the world is useless if you don’t have the health to enjoy it. For me health IS wealth. It’s as simple as that. If one is in good health, he can find wealth but show me anyone who can buy good health. Good health is a gift money cannot buy not even with all out latest technology. I am one of those who believe in being happy. I know I will be happy just to be able to jump out of bed every day and go for a run in the park or even trek up the mountain path. I would be terribly unhappy if I had to have help even to get to the bathroom. So what if I have the latest motorised wheel chair to get me to the bathroom? Nothing can beat the joy of getting around on our own two feet! Isn’t independence wealth? What price can you put on that? Another of my passions is food. I love to eat good food. I want to be able to eat what I want and when I want. I don’t want to have to swallow pills before I can tuck into a plate of fried rice! I cannot explain the sheer satisfaction of a good meal. Of course, I need money to buy the food, so wealth is important but again, there is no use if you can afford to buy wine and caviar but can only stare at it longingly. A person with good health can earn enough to afford that kind of food and relish it as well! I like to do social service. I feel good when I can actually serve a physically disabled person to achieve a task. I have done it before and I know how happy they are when together we finish a project. If I have given them money, they would not know the satisfaction of knowing their own capabilities. If I had just bought them an album, it would have been easier but because I am healthy, I could run around, get the stuff needed, rush back and forth without being tired and being there for them until the job was done. These are just a few reasons why I would choose to be healthy rather than be wealthy. If I didn’t have to make a choice, I will want both. Who doesn’t want to be healthy and wealthy! Question 2 (d) A person who scores straight As is a very intelligent person. What do you think? Sample Answer: I disagree wholeheartedly with the statement. I do not get straight As but I like to think of myself as a very intelligent person. I would also like to state that more than half my class will agree with me on this. Firstly, I think we should try to understand the meaning of the word `intelligent’. According to the Cambridge dictionary, the meaning of the word `intelligent’ is the ability to understand and learn well, and to form judgments and opinions based on reason. How does scoring As reflect these outcomes? It does not in any way show anything that I feel is close to intelligence. We all know that there are many types of intelligence. According to psychologist Howard Gardner, there are nine types of intelligence. We all fall into different categories. I may have two types of intelligence or even more. Some may have only but but we are all intelligent in our our ways. That’s the point I am trying to make. Policy makers should take these intelligences into consideration before making it seem that only those who are academically smart are intelligent people. I am upset because I am a Bodily-Kinesthetic Intelligent person. This is because I have the capacity to manipulate objects and use a variety of physical skills. This intelligence also involves a sense of timing and the perfection of skills through mind–body union. Athletes, dancers, surgeons, and craftspeople exhibit welldeveloped bodily kinesthetic intelligence. My question is this, ``Did the athlete, dancer or craftspeople get As in school? No! They were sidelined as `slow’. Why was their intellgence ignored?’’ How often have people who were fascinated with mazes or jigsaw puzzles, or spent their free time drawing or daydreaming been branded `stupid’ and `only clever to build castles in the air’? Now, thanks to Howard Gardner, we know that these people are Spatial Intelligence (“Picture Smart”). They have the remarkable ability to think in three dimensions. Core capacities include mental imagery, spatial reasoning, image manipulation, graphic and artistic skills, and an active imagination. Sailors, pilots, sculptors, painters, and architects all exhibit spatial intelligence. I doubt these people scored As in school. There are seven other intelligences which I would like to talk about but these examples should be sufficient to strengthen my case that only a person who scores straight As is intelligent. Question 2 (e) Write a story that begins with, ``I turned over the question paper….. Sample Answer: I turned over the question paper and quickly through the titles. I almost fainted with fear. It just wasn’t happening. All the titles seemed alien to me. My mind went totally blank. I had written so many essays when I was revising but now, I could not even start on any of the topics! Suddenly, I started shivering. I couldn’t control myself. I put my head down on the desk and tried to control my breathing. I was going to cry. I had written two essays the night before. I had gone through all the questions that our teacher had given us. Why couldn’t I remember anything? ``Are you all right?’’ It was the invigilator. He was very concerned. ``Yes, yes. I am fine.’’ The invigilator didn’t seem convinced. He stood near my table. That made me even more nervous. I started shivering again. He stared at me as if I had done something wrong. I looked around me. Everyone had their heads down and were busily writing away. Suddenly, I felt a strange sense of calmness falling over me. I picked up my pen and started writing. What I wrote I don’t know but I managed to fill two foolscap papers. I was numb with shock and fear. What was happening to me. Pretty soon, the bell rang and we passed up our papers. As soon as we got out of the examination hall, we began to discuss our answers. I shut myself off. What did it matter? I would fail anyway. It was over. When I returned home, my mother asked me how the paper was. ``Fine’’ I mumbled and went to my room. There, on the table were the essays I had written. I had taken the trouble to find suitable vocabulary and thrown in suitable proverbs and famous quotations. I took another deep breath. Never mind. I could not turn the clock back. I told myself firmly not to worry. What’s done is done… as the saying goes. Which do you prefer, living in the countryside or living in the city? Countryside I think living in the countryside is far better than living in the city. There are numerous of reasons why living in countryside is the better than the city. The scenery, the streets, the people and the paced are totally different compare to the city. The first outstanding characteristic about the countryside is that it is beautiful and peaceful. The air is fresh and the surroundings green. This is because the countryside is free from pollution, be it air, land or noise pollution. There no such perfect peaceful view that you can see other than in the countryside. There are no crowded streets and heavy traffic in the countryside. Thus there are no fumes from cars and smoke from factories buildings to pollute the air. The trees surrounded the countryside help the people from inhaling the polluted air. The freshness smell of plant somehow helps the people of the countryside to have a healthy life. Furthermore, people in the countryside are more conscious of keeping their surroundings clean and so there is little throwing of rubbish everywhere, only at designated places. This is unlike the cities where if the garbage trucks do not collect the rubbish disposed by household or restaurants, the city will be overflowing with rubbish! This will attract the mosquitoes, fly, rats and wild dogs to pollute their surrounding that will cause them to have diseases like dengue and cholera. Thirdly, heavy traffic and crowded streets increase the level of noise pollution. The honking of cars in the streets is continuous and the crowds on the roads increase the hub of activity. There are also sound of the machine used in manufacturing factories, loud radio in and out the mall. These add to the noise of the city. Even if one lives in residential areas, one is never far from busy streets. However, in the countryside, life is slow-paced. There is no need to rush around because there are not too many places to go. Most places are close by and people can walk or cycle. Less vehicle used, so less fumes is released. The most heart-warming thing about the countryside is the attitude of people. People are friendly and helpful. If there are any happy or festive occasions, everyone pitches in to help. This feeling of cooperation and neighbourliness is what separates the countryside from the city. In the city, people are too busy to take note of the people around. Some hardly even know their neighbours. So they would not even be bothered about what happens to people around. This is why the crime rate is increasing in the city because bystanders do not rush in to help if a crime is committed on the streets. The pace of life in the countryside is slow so people have more time to enjoy life as the day goes on. Thus, for me to enjoy the quality of life, I prefer to live in the countryside. 489 words City In my opinion, one has not experienced life until one has lived in the city. There is so much to see and experience in the bright lights of the city that you cannot get in the countryside. Here in the city, you can learn about how to get along with people of different types, encounter varied situations and solve problems. All these help a person to grow in maturity. After all, experience is the best teacher. In the countryside, however, you only move around people you are used to. So, you seldom encounter strangers or new and demanding situations. Life is more mundane and routine-like. Staying in a secure, safe place does not allow for one to gain new experiences and grow in maturity. Furthermore, young people need a life that is exciting and pleasurable. It is the city that offers you entertainment- cinemas, parks and eating places. Here you can hang out with friends and family members. Life as fast-paced and this keeps you active and alert all times. And when it comes to educational opportunities, the city abounds in this. There are good school and libraries that are necessary for your mental development. Furthermore, there are places like museums and educational centres where you can go, to increase your knowledge. Such places that offer you entertainment or learning opportunities are of course not available in the countryside. For entertainment, there is only the occasional festive celebration or marriage feast or fishing outing. Some may find this appealing but not me. Moreover, opportunities to widen your knowledge are limited in the countryside. Another point in support of living in the city is the available of jobs. In the city, you can find a job that suits your qualification or interest. If you find a job unsuitable, you can always move to another. This, naturally, increases your earning power and you have better chances of a more comfortable life. Of course, one may argue that one can live in the countryside and work in the city but this will only incur extra expenses and unnecessary inconveniences. Thus, for all the reasons mentioned above, I think that life in the city is better than living in the countryside. After all, you are young only once. 374 words Pollution - Sample Essays: Continuous Writing CONTINUOUS WRITING: SAMPLE ESSAY ARTICLE: ONE-WORD ESSAY Pollution Pollution is an issue of concern in the modern world that we live in today. There are many types of pollution, namely air, water and noise. Pollution in our environment will undoubtedly affect our quality of life. Our naturally beautiful world becoming ugly because it is suffering from the effects of environmental pollution. Pollution can also cause various health problems and other negative effects. Air pollution is caused by the emission of toxic gases from vehicles, factories and open burning. Nowadays, there are more and more vehicles on the road as society gets more affluent. More and more people strive to have a better quality of life by having the convenience of driving to their destinations instead of taking public transportation. Automobiles provides transport to millions people around the world to enable them to travel to their workplace, school and other places, therefore, the air around us is getting more polluted by the carbon dioxide that is emitted. Carbon monoxide is another type of gas which harmful to the environment as it can cause the reduction of oxygen in the bloodstream. Another example of contributor to the air pollution is the manufacturing factories. The manufacturing of products in factories to meet the growing demand of society is also causing air pollution. Factories release toxic gases to the environment. Some factories also use coal to generate heat and energy. As a result from the burning of coal, carbon dioxide is released into the environment. Besides factories, many people are still practising open burning as a way of disposing their household wastes. Although burning our household wastes is a convenient way of getting rid of our rubbish, it is harmful to the environment as it contributes to the worsening of the air quality. As a result, air pollution causes people to suffer from health problems such as chest pain and asthma. In extreme cases, people can contract lung cancer. Water pollution is also a problem that we are currently facing. The marine life is the first to suffer from water pollution as they depend on the nutrients in the water to survive. As a result, we are robbed of beautiful sea corals and unique species of fishes. Besides ruining our marine heritage, the disappearance of marine life will affect the livelihood of fishermen, not to mention our source of food. Water pollution is caused by harmful waster from industries, farms and sewerage systems which are dumped into our sources of water such as rivers and lakes. This irresponsible act contaminates our drinking water and can cause serious health problems and can even culminate in death. Noise pollution is another form of pollution. Noise from heavy machinery and vehicles can cause hearing problems and in extreme cases, deafness. As there is growing number of vehicles on the road, we are exposed to noise pollution every day. The government in advanced countries encourage their citizens to take the public buses and trains by providing an affordable and efficient transportation system. This effort discourages people from driving their private vehicles and consequently reduces the number of vehicles on the road. We must work together to reduce pollution so that the future generations can live in a healthy, unpolluted environment. As the saying goes, precaution is better than cure. Lets hands on hands together by recycle and conserve the world for the better future. 558 words DIRECTED WRITING: 35 MARKS DIRECTED: ARTICLE: Factual You are concerned over the implications and long-term health effects of the haze. Write an article to the local newspaper expressing your concern based on all the notes below. • the reasons behind the haze • role of government and society • steps that can be taken • give relevant examples of: - health complications - measures - roles of government and individuals When writing the article you should remember: - to lay out the letter carefully - to use paragraphs - that you letter is to the press Haze: A Danger to Health The haze is a constant phenomenon faced by Malaysia and her neighbouring countries. The haze is basically pollution of atmosphere, which is clogged with pollutants and other substances from forest fires. The haze is a direct effect of forest fire in Kalimantan and other parts of Indonesia due to slash and burn method of farming. The Indonesian authorities appear to have no power to control farmers from practising such methods. The haze is further worsened by open burning practised by most Malaysians. Open-field burning of rice straw by the rice planters and open burning of dried leaves and garbage done by the public are a few examples that done by Malaysian. Many are ignorant of the health effects of open burning. During the haze, hospitals and clinic often report a dramatic increase in respiratory problems, lung infections and asthma attack. The Air Pollution Index (API) usually indicates the hazardous and dangerous levels of pollution during this period. The haze has long-term side effects. Prolonged inhalation of polluted air will result in serious lung infection which particularly affects the elderly. The government must play its role to reduce the haze treat. It has to cooperate with the Indonesian authorities to stamp out forest fires. The culprits must be brought to justice, either through healthy fine or prison sentence. Constant vigilance would ensure the perpetrators do not repeat their offence. The government should also raise the public awareness of the dangers of forest fire. Continuous campaign of the cause, solutions and steps-need-to-be-taken to reduce the haze need to be promoted through all types of social media like television, radio, newspaper and even via internet. The authorities should also provide assistance to farmers and introduce more sophisticated forest clearing methods. In Malaysia, strict laws must be imposed to penalise those who practise open burning. On-going campaigns on the dangers of open burning should be intensified. Individuals too have a role to play. They must participate in every campaign and stop burning. Students can advise their parents not to practice open burning. Every individual has to remember that we do not own the world, but instead we lent it from our future generations. We must protect our world so that our grandchildren woulh have a healthy earth to live. Ahmad Harun bin Hashim Seremban, Negeri Sembilan 375 words ARTICLE: Article for School Magazine / Newsletter In spite of government’s clear call to students to study English well, many students still show very little interest in studying the language. As Chairperson of the English Language Society, you are going to try to persuade the students to study the language by writing an article in the school newsletter. In the article you have to tell the students the importance of studying the language. Your article is given in the point form below: • will help you to further your studies • will help you to get a job • will help you in your job • will help you in your travels • will help you to enjoy many interesting programmes in television • will help you to appreciate many of the world’s most beautiful literary works The Importance of Studying English It is a big concerned for teenagers nowadays as they are unaware of the importance of English language as they tend to ignore to learn the language. Students’ attitude towards the language is also crucial to make sure that these teenagers can face the future world better by learning English language as it is an international language. Although the government has repeatedly told us of the importance of English, many students are still not bothered about studying it seriously. There is also a campaign that still on to make all the Malaysian becomes a better English learner, which is ‘Enhance Proficiency in Bahasa Malaysia, Strengthen the English’. English is the most important and the most useful language in the world today. There are many reasons why you should study the language properly. First and foremost, English will definitely help you a lot when you want to further studies. Almost all books at university are written in English in all subjects. Plus, it is a compulsory for any candidate to pass English with credit before entering any universities. So, if you are poor in English, you will blow you chance for better education or worse, you are going to have a big problem studying at university. The second reason why you have to study English well is that it will help you to get a job. When you go for a job interview, the interviewer will surely talk to you in English. The first impression you should give in order to success and have the job is, to respond in English fluently. Your chances of getting the job are very slim if you stutter while interviewing. A good command in of English will also help you greatly in your job. If the company you work is actively involved in international trade, you have to speak to prospective customers in English. Miscommunication might occur if your English is bad. And this will put your company at risk and you will likely be dismissed if this happen. Good English will also help you a lot when you travel. Every country in the world studies English. Even the roadside stall-holders in China speak fairly good English! At least some of the people you meet on your travels in other countries can understand English. The language is certainly practical when you are lost in your trip. Communication problem will not happen if you can converse well in English. Inevitably, English is one of the languages used in any airport in the world in making announcement. Knowing English well, therefore, make travelling overseas easier. Besides all these, entertainment is one of the major advantages you will experience if you good in English. You will enjoy television’s best programmes. We must admit that many of the best programmes are produced by the Americans and British companies. High self confidence influenced by the programmes will indirect inculcate in yourself when you are fluent in the language. Quality time is worthily spent if you understand and enjoy the programmes. Based from all the above elaboration, I hope that students will see the importance and realise how importance the language is for their own future. Although it is a second language in our country, it is now a main language all over the world. 544 words
Posted on: Wed, 06 Nov 2013 12:18:52 +0000
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