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My Favourite TV Programme

The television (TV) is part and parcel of many households. Therefore, watching television is a culture of today’s modern society. It is a favourite past-time of many people, cutting across the culture, creed, gender and age. I must admit that I too enjoy “sitting glued” to the TV as mum often laments. Since I watch TV whole day long, I don’t blame mum. However, whenever I watch my favourite TV programme she doesn’t complain. In fact, she often sits together to watch it, the ‘National Geographic’.


The National Geographic is a well-known documentary programme, focusing mainly on the ever-changing world, on Mother Earth and on nature and peoples and creatures that colour it with. Just the press of a switch and a button and ‘Hey Presto!’, the whole world is brought before me, for me to savour its beauty and wonders. Personally, I am often awed and amazed with them.

I like this programme because it is very educational. It is a ‘window to the world’. By watching it, I can ‘travel’, ‘explore’ and ‘discover’ the four corners of the world. I have trekked up the highest peak and conquered Mt. Everest. I have dived down the deepest trenches. I have walked through the wilderness and be amongst the wild beasts, big and small. Thus, this programme has helped to expand my horizon and improve my knowledge and experience. I can proudly say I am no more a ‘frog in the well’.

I also enjoy watching the National Geographic because it is entertaining, interesting and stimulating. I never imagined that such an educational programme can be very enjoyable. I get a chance to enjoy the kaleidoscope of sights, sounds and colours of the world and its different peoples, all in the comfort of my own home.

In addition to that, this programme is of very high quality and it is produced by a team of experts, all are authorities in their own field of interest. The photographic footage is extremely breath-taking and inspiring. Besides, the narration is very accurate, informative, vivid and descriptive. Thus, I have never felt restless, distracted or bored watching this programme.

The National Geographic is my favourite programme as it has helped me to ‘grow’ and ‘mature’. I have watched it since I was a seven-year-old innocent child. Now, I am more sensitive and aware of the world and Mother Earth. I learn to be more appreciative of Mother Earth and its beauty and wonders. I am more concern about the preservation and conservation of the world not only now but also for posterity. In short, the National Geographic has converted me into a more responsible citizen of the world and a caretaker of Mother Earth.

It is a touching and heart-warming TV programme and I will not hesitate to recommend it to others so that they too have a chance to savour amazing moments and appreciate and care for the one and only world we live in.

A speech of “The Disadvantages of Smoking and Tips To Stop Smoking”

Good morning to all teachers and my fellow friends.

In conjunction with the nationwide anti-smoking campaign, I, as the Head Prefect, would like to give a speech on the topic “The Disadvantages of smoking and Tips to stop Smoking.”

It seems today that most of the youngsters including some of us here think that smoking is something common and that it is something that we do not have to worry about. In fact, there are among us here today who smoke without thinking that their actions actually violate the school regulations and they are actually causing harm to their health.

Allow me to highlight the fact that smoking actually brings so many disadvantages. Firstly, smoking can cause health hazard and can lead to diseases like lung cancer and heart problems. You surely do not want to end your life like that. Besides, it is a waste of money. Students tend to use their pocket money to buy cigarettes. Furthermore, when they start smoking, they tend to lack concentration in their studies.

Here, I would like to share with all of you some tips on how to stop smoking. The first strategy on how students can effectively stop smoking is by channeling their energy to studies. You should also be in the company of non-smokers as to avoid yourself from being influenced by those who smoke.

“Health is Wealth”, so, train yourself to do regular exercises such as jogging and swimming. Besides improving your health, it can also help you to forget smoking. Next, get involved in voluntary work. This voluntary service will occupy your time and you will find yourself being further away from smoking.

The last tip that I can share with you is to talk and discuss with ex-smokers on how to kick the bad habit. These people will definitely be the best example to tell you that demerits of smoking.


That is all for the time being and I sincerely hope you have gained something from my speech.

Safety Tips When Going To School

Every year, hundreds of children are injured and sometimes killed in an accidents. this is because, they are neglecting the rules and regulation of roads safety. however, there are many ways to prevent from the increasing of road accidents that effectuate students. 


For those who walks to school alone, needs to be companied by the elderly. Besides, they can also walk in pairs or groups if that makes them feel more safe. Don't ever use short cuts especially through a dark and quiet place such as the back alleys. This place is dangerous for girls to pass through it.

Next, you have to be aware with your surroundings. Watch out for any suspicious person. When you smell anything fishy, immediately inform it to the security guard or straight forward to the principal.This action, sometimes can scare them away from you.

Dicipline is very important. When you are well diciplined, you will never break any rules for every place that you'll go. For an example, students who attends to school by bus. Always queue up before ascending the bus. Patience is needed,because this will prevent them from pushing other bus users whether they are boarding or alighting the bus.Thus, for them who attends to school by public or private transport are also the same.Its just that when you're waiting for your transport to fetch you up, never play on the road or joke with your friend while crossing the road. This may cause an unexpected accidents that occurs you or life of anothers.

In a nut shell, students must follow the tips mentioned.Actions speak louder than words. Therefore, you must ensure that you are always alert whenever you are to and from school so, that you will stay safe. Like all people said "safety comes first".

Cara-Cara Membantu Orang Kelainan Upaya (OKU)

Cara-Cara Membantu Orang Kelainan Upaya (OKU)

Orang Kelainan  Upaya (OKU) merupakan orang yang kurang bernasib baik. Mereka dilahirkan dalam keadaan cacat.  Ada juga yang menjadi cacat akibat mengalami kemalangan yang menjejaskan anggota badan. Mereka tidak dapat menjalani kehidupan yang sempurna kerana kekurangan yang dimiliki. Mereka perlu dibantu untuk melakukan sesuatu pekerjaan. Terdapat pelbagai pihak yang perlu memainkan peranan  untuk membantu Orang Kelainan Upaya (OKU).
               
Ibu bapa berperanan mendidik anak-anak mereka supaya menghormati serta tidak memandang hina OKU.  Hal ini demikian kerana OKU juga mempunyai perasaan mahu dihargai, disayangi dan dihormati oleh masyarakat. Sebagai contoh, anak-anak diajar supaya tidak memandang sebelah mata terhadap OKU. Mereka juga dilarang mentertawakan OKU akibat kecacatan yang mereka alami ketika berhadapan dengan mereka. Tegasnya, ibu bapa perlu mendidik anak-anak supaya menghormati OKU.
              
Selain itu, pihak kerajaan hendaklah menyediakan pelbagai peluang pendidikan dan memberikan kemahiran kepada golongan OKU. Hal ini demikian kerana pendidikan dan kemahiran sangat penting demi masa depan mereka. Langkah pihak kerajaan mewujudkan Kelas Pendidikan Khas amat wajar diberiakan pujian. Jelaslah bahawa pihak kerajaan memainkan peranan penting dalam membantu OKU sebagaimana slogan yang dilaungkan oleh Perdana Menteri Malaysia, Dato’ Seri Najib bin Tun Abdul Razak ,’Rakyat Didahulukan, Pencapaian Diutamakan’.
               
Di samping itu, pihak swasta juga hendaklah turut sama membantu golongan OKU menjalani kehidupan yang lebih baik.  Mereka tidak seharusnya bersikap lepas tangan dan tidak menganggap OKU sebagai beban. Sebagai contoh, usaha murni pengusaha pusat beli-belah yang menyediakan kemudahan untuk golongan OKU seperti lorong khas, tandas dan tempat letak kenderaan amat dihargai.  Sikap pihak swasta yang menunjukkan keperihatinan dan menunaikan tanggungjawab mereka terhadap golongan yang kurang bernasib baik ini perlu dicontohi.
                
Seterusnya, pihak media massa boleh memainkan peranan mereka dengan menyebarkan maklumat tentang peluang pendidikan dan kerjaya bagi  OKU. Setiap maklumat  mestilah disampaikan dan disebarkan oleh pihak media massa  kepada orang ramai. Kempen  Masyarakat Penyayang yang dilancarkan oleh pihak kerajaan perlulah disampaikan melalui saluran media massa. Maklumat tersebut boleh disalurkan melalui iklan, kempen dan melalui drama. Kesannya, orang ramai akan mendapat maklumat tentang OKU secara telus. Jelaslah, nasib OKU akan terbela dengan adanya peranan media massa.
          
Setiap individu perlu menunjukkan nilai-nilai murni. Hal ini demikan kerana setiap individu mempunyai tangungjawab masing-masing. Sebagai contoh, mereka perlu membantu golongan OKU semasa melintas jalan, menaiki bas atau ketika OKU memerlukan sebarang bantuan. Hal ini bertepatan dengan maksud peribahasa ‘berat mata memandang, berat lagi bahu memikul’.  Pendek kata, setiap individu hendaklah mengamalkan nilai-nilai murni bagi membantu golongan ini.
       
Kesimpulannya, sudah terang lagi bersuluh bahawa  pelbagai pihak perlu memainkan peranan untuk membantu OKU.  Semua pihak perlu berganding bahu, bak kata peribahasa berat sama dipikul, ringan sama dijinjing, bagi membela nasib dan masa depan golongan OKU.


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Informal Letter (Directed Writing)

Your friend in Singapore has written to you to inform you that his cousin in Penang was down with dengue fever. He would like to know the situation in Malaysia as he plans to bring his family over for the holidays in June. Write a letter to brief him about the current situation.

In your letter, include the following:

    express concern over the health of your friend’s cousin
    news about the situation
    steps taken authorities
    present situation

Do remember to:

    use the informal letter format
    use all the points given
    expand each of the points given
    write in paragraph



No. 34, Street of Fame,
Taman Bukit Bintang,
Bukit Bintang,
67500 Ipoh,
Perak

14 January 2011

Dear John,
       
            How are you? I’m sorry to hear that your cousin had dengue fever. This problem seems to have become very serious all of sudden. We always feel that the problem is not our concern until someone close to us is affected.

            My neighbour’s daughter who was in Standard 6 last year could not sit for UPSR examination because she was down with dengue fever on the eve of the exam. Fortunately, the authorities gave her an exemption so she is now in Form One. There were also a few students taking the examination in the hospital.

            According to the news, students made up nearly 30 per cent of the 1 500 suspected cases over the first three weeks of the year. About 53 per cent of 621 confirmed cases last year comprised children and youth under the age of 24. These statistics are quite worrying. This has prompted the health ministry to increase checks on aedes breeding grounds in school and public areas. The construction sites are largely to blamed. The problem is made worse by the rainy season. The stagnating water attract the mosquitoes to lay egg and breeding on the areas.

            The authorities have taken various steps to control the situation. Fogging has been carried out in many public areas and most of the housing estates. Contractors at the construction sites have been instructed to take appropriate actions and warned to clean up. They could be fined up to RM 3 000 for breeding aedes mosquitoes. Lot of campaigns through the television, radio and newspapers were taken to make people aware of the issue and take precaution rather than cure them.

            Before the long holidays for the Chinese New Year, schools all over Malaysia carried out a clean-up campaign of the school compound. The residents’ association in my housing are also organised a family day clean-up of the housing estate. There were huge piles of rubbish especially old tyres and containers littered by the hawkers near the might market site.

            The situation in Malaysia has improved since the end of January. There have been no reports of new cases of dengue. So, don’t worry. You can bring your family for a holiday here in June. I’m looking forward to seeing them again.

            Send my regard to your mom and dad. Do take care.

Yours sincerely,
Harun Din

The Night Market

One of the most interesting places in Malaysia is the night market. You may visit and experience the night market yourselves. Both locals and foreigners agree that the night market is the most common feature in the local society.


The night market begins when the vendors arrive in the late afternoon. More and more goods laden vans arrive to begin a brisk day of business. Most of the vendors busily set out to set up their stalls respectively in order to get ready for a brisk day of business.

The sun gradually sets and the night market picks up momentum. More cars and vans are arriving. By now, the stalls are neatly and strategically arranged to entice their customers. There is an assortment of goods sold ranging from food, toys and clothes, to name a few. A variety of goods is sold at low prices.

Large rainbow-coloured parasols are used to shade the people from rain and shine. A concoction of blaring music can be heard in the night market background amidst the constant shouting. It is an amazing kaleidoscope of sights, sounds, smells and colours.

The night market is known as a haven by local ‘gourmets’ who can enjoy various kinds of mouth-watering local cuisine. Still more people arrive, they come from all walks of life, mingling freely and harmoniously. Crowds are walking up and down in an endless stream. Some of them are stopping by the stalls and haggling before making purchases. Little children tag along, amused and excited. Sprinklings of tourists join in to experience the lifestyle of typical Malaysian folks.

When night falls, lighted lamps brighten up the place, they add gaiety to this atmosphere, and it is like a funfair. The night wears on and the traffic of people recedes. Vendors get a chance to rest their weary legs besides bantering with each other.

By 10.00 pm, all the stalls call it a day. The vendors pack up and close the van doors. One by one, they leave, leaving behind pieces of papers, plastic bags and discarded boxes. It us an eyesore! Finally, the night market disappears. The place becomes quite and still once more.

It Was The Last Day of School

I could hardly wait for the school bell to ring as it was the last day of the term. And although I had just finished my last exam, I couldn't help but daydream about the fun I would have for the next few months - getting up late, watching movies with my friends, spending time with my relatives in Pakistan and generally doing things I enjoy doing but don't find the time to.

When the bell finally rang, we rushed out of our classrooms as if released from prison. Chattering and yelling to be heard, we all gathered in a corner of the schoolyard to discuss our plans for the coming weeks. Everyone had something to say.

To begin with, we decided to have a water fight right there and then and did. We got soaked through and through and got caught by one the school nuns. We were lucky to escape with a scolding.

My friends decided they were coming to my place and I had to hurriedly phone and warn my unsuspecting mother. Luckily mom made dozens of hot dogs and French fries and we had a fun lunch in my room.

After lunch we decided to go to the City Centre to watch the third Harry Potter film. We got there an hour too soon but had fun all the same checking out the cosmetics shops, video games outlets and other shops that interested us.

Finally, we bought large bags of popcorn, gigantic paper glasses of cokes and trouped into the cinema hall. The movie was terrific as expected and when it got over I had to overcome the urge to see it again.

The day was not over for us, however, as we still had a friend's birthday party to attend. The only problem was that we had almost run out of money so we pooled together what we had and bought a gift that all thought was just perfect. Luckily, the birthday girl thought so too, so that was a relief.


The party turned out to be full of fun and games and we really enjoyed it no end. When we finally headed our different ways, it was with no regrets. It had been an eventful day and a full one... the perfect start to the summer holidays.

My Most Embarrassing Situation

    Everyone has been embarrassed at one time or another. It is that moment in time when you wish the earth would open up and swallow you. The anxiety and discomfort felt during that time which may only last a few seconds feels like time has stood still.


            I remember so well when I had my most embarrassing moment. I was in Form 4 and it was during the school recess. The minute the bell rang for recess, I rushed to the toilet because I had been controlling my urges since class started. I didn’t want to miss class because the lesson taught that morning was to include tips for the forthcoming examination.

            Without realising, I had rushed to the girls’ toilet. The prolonged control and an upset stomach made worse by two glasses of cold milk in the morning made me grunt and groan in what I thought in what I thought was the privacy of the cubicle. I thought I heard giggling outside and wondered why the giggles sounded unusually near. A few minutes later I came out the cubicle and discovered my horror that I had entered the girls’ toilet. To make matters worse, the few girls standing outside didn’t even turn away when I came out. Instead they looked down at me, then only they turned quickly away. Horror of horrors, I had forgotten to zip up! No beetroot could have matched the colour of my face at this point in time!

            They news of my predicament spread like wild fire throughout school. I was truly the talk of the town. I felt like I could either walk around feeling perpetually self-conscious and embarrassed or I could turn the situation round, perhaps even to my advantage. I remembered my mother’s words that ‘if you can’t beat them, join them’. So I decided to make fun of myself, to laugh at myself too. It works. Everyone got bored after a while and nobody teased me after that.

            It was indeed an eye-opening experience for me. I have learnt that when people laugh at you, you should laugh along. You must not take yourself seriously. Learn to look at yourself through other people’s eyes and you will realise that most of the time when they laugh at you, they just want to have some fun. They mean no harm. If you can make people laugh, it’s like bringing sunshine into their lives and as someone said, ‘those who bring sunshine to the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves.’

Letter of Application (Directed Formal Letter)

You came across the following advertisement for the post Accounts Assistant Clerk.

Text Box: Lim and Sons Manufacturing Sdn. Bhd. requires Accounts Assistant / Accounts Clerk Requirements • Female aged 24 – 30 • LCCI Higher • Preferably with more than two years experience in manufacturing field • Able to handle fullsets of accounts Interested applicants are required to write in with complete resume together with a recent passport-sized photograph to: The Manager, Lim and Sons Manufactoring Sdn. Bhd., Lot 123, Interstate Industrial Area, 76 001 Nilai, Negeri Sembilan

Write a letter of application together with curriculum vitae to the manager.

In your letter, include the following:

-       your curriculum vitae
-       the reasons for your interest in the job
-       your ability to work independently
-       pursuing a degree in Accountancy

Do remember to:

-       use the formal letter
-       use all the points given
-       elaborate each points given


Chong Mei Lin,
40, Jalan Templer,
Taman Hati Bersih,
76 000 Seremban,
Negeri Sembilan
___________________________________________________________________

The Manager,
Lim and Sons Manufacturing Sdn. Bhd.,
Lot 123, Interstate Industrial Area,
76 001 Nilai,
Negeri Sembilan                                                                                   18 JULY 2010

Dear Sir / Madam,

Application for the Post of Accounts Assistant
I wish to apply for the post of Accounts Assistant as advertised in The New Strait Times dated 15th July 2011.

2.         I have the necessary qualifications as stated in my curriculum vitae which is attached to this letter. I have experience working in both food manufacturing and also auto manufacturing fields. I am currently working in Lazat Ice Cream Sdn. Bhd. in capacity of an Accounts Assistant and have been here since January 2008. Before this, I was working in TFR Auto Enterprise as an Accounts clerk. Since my present position offers little prospect for career advancement, I would like to be attached to a fairly large organisation such as yours.

3.         I would like to work in Nilai as I intend to further my studies and get professional qualification. I have registered with a college in Nilai to do ACCA on part-time basis. With this high additional education level and knowledge, I can perform better in applying the accounts knowledge in the future job.

4.         I can assure you that I am capable person who can work independently. I am able to handle full sets of accounts, up to three sets at a time. I am interested in working with a company like yours as I feel I can grow well with the company. I am a team player, adapt easily to any working environments and can work with people from all works of life.

5.         I was active in extra-curricular activities and was considered as responsible and dedicated worker. I led and organised many activities for the school clubs so I am confident that I can be an asset to your company in this capacity. Furthermore, i have a good command of English.

6.         In view of my qualification and experience, I would expect a salary more than RM 2 000. And since I have my own car, I would have no problems travelling outstation should the job require.

7.         I look forward to hearing from you and I am fully prepared to attend an interview at any time convenient to you.

Thank you.

Yours faithfully,
Raju
(RAJU a/l MANIAM)

Describe An Afternoon at The Bus Station

It was two o’clock in the afternoon. I was heading towards the bus station with Mohan after Mrs Wong’s extra class. The sun was beating mercilessly on my back and I could feel my sweat trickling down my spine. I have often wished that my mother would allow me to ride a motorcycle to school. She says that I am not ready but we both know that she is terrified that a car would knock me down.


When I reached the bus station, it was nearly empty except for a handful of boys. Mohan and I strode to a bench near the stationmaster’s office. I could feel the tension on my shoulders as the straps of my school bag ate into my shoulder. “Where is the bus?” I sighed to myself. An elderly woman came and asked me where I was going. She started a conversation but gave up after my monosyllable answers.

Suddenly, someone shouted and I saw a bus swerved into the station. I got up, thankful for the chance to escape from the woman. . It was Mohan’s bus. The group of boys were jostling each other to get into the bus. “Masuk! Masuk!” shouted the conductor but nobody seemed to be moving. The black fumes made me nauseous. All of a sudden, people started appearing from all directions to board their bus. In no time, the passengers were packed like sardines in the bus. It started to move, leaving some unfortunate passengers behind. I waved at Mohan when I noticed him dangling on the steps of the bus. The bus swerved out of the station again. It left another trail of black smoke.

I decided to go to Panjang’s ice stall. The iced sugar cane juice soothed my parched throat as I sipped slowly, all the while keeping an eye on the bus. Then I saw the bus heading towards the station. I paid for my drinks. “See you tomorrow,” I waved to Panjang.

Once more, the crowd began to swell near the bus. I noticed that the elderly woman was being shoved around by the boys. She started hitting them with her umbrella. Then, I saw Raja, my classmate at the back of the bus. I hurled my bag through the window and he caught it. By the time I got into the bus, it had already started moving. I got into my seat and told myself that I must really try to convince my mother about the motorcycle again.  

My Mother (Descriptive Essay)

About seventeen years ago, a beautiful young woman, named Kari, was trying to adjust and understand the purpose of her life. She was a typical adolescent, making mistakes and hoping each lesson would guide her in the right direction of life. At this time, she was living in Germany, occupied in the US Army, on and off with a boyfriend, and fighting to keep a relationship with her family, through letters. It may not seem like an ideal situation, but everything in life has a purpose, the challenge is discovering it. Unlike most adolescents, her life was put into perspective very quickly. At the age of nineteen, Kari received results from a test, which changed her life forever. She was pregnant.


In January 1995, at the age of twenty years old, Kari gave birth to a baby girl. Her life now revolved around her child, Alexis. She got out of her relationship, got a job, and found a safe place for the two of them. Now living with her mom and step dad, working as a papergirl (newspaper delivery person), and fighting for divorce, Kari was struggling. It didn’t matter though; she made the best of it.

When Alexis was two, Kari married her husband, Mike. Together, they got a town home. Now, with a home and family, it may seem like times were great, but there was still a lot of life to be learned from. Mike was constantly traveling; in fact, he was in Utah for two years after they got married. Kari was now raising Alexis, working seven days a week, and working to keep her marriage healthy. As with everything in her life, Kari took sacrifices and made it work.

Fourteen years later, looking at this 36 year old, you would never realize the struggles she has faced in life. She is a beautiful, young, and caring, mother, friend and wife. She lives in a nice house, takes care of kids, home-schools Alexis and, her husband is home almost every night. She has many great qualities, but I think the characteristic that makes her the most unique and genuine person, is her love and creativity. She was, and is, able to take anything normal and make it enjoyable.

By now you have probably realized, I am Alexis, her daughter. I have a great relationship with my mom, something many girls, my age, are lacking. In some ways, it’s like we grew up together (although twenty years apart), best friends. She has always provided the loving, but strict mother figure, which I can rely on, in my life. Her creativity brought me lots of fun times, and cherished memories, throughout my adolescents. Her strong words and lectures, many she has learned from in the past, bring me wisdom and guidance for the rest of my life. And her open and loving heart, gives me a safe place to share my emotions. I never could ask for a better person to spend my memories with, for they wouldn’t be the memories they are, without her.

Cara Menghargai Jasa Guru

Cara Menghargai Jasa Guru

Sasterawan Negara, Datuk Usman Awang pernah menyatakan bahawa lahirnya seorang Perdana Menteri, doktor, peguam dan pensyarah adalah bermula daripada seorang guru biasa yang mengajarnya membaca dan menulis. Nah, inilah ungkapan yang mengangkat martabat seorang guru dalam mendidik anak bangsa tanpa mengira masa, tenaga serta wang ringgit. Mereka ibarat matahari yang menyinari kehidupan insaniah dengan cahaya ilmunya. Kegigihan guru dalam mendidik anak watan dengan ikhlas tanpa rasa jemu tidak perlu dipertikaikan.  Tanpa usaha dan pengorbanan guru, tidak mungkin pelajar mencapai kejayaan yang cemerlang.  Oleh itu, cara-cara menghargai jasa guru yang mewarnai fokus perbincangan akan dihuraikan dan dipericikan untuk kepentingan bersama.

             
Memetik kata-kata daripada Mantan Menteri Pelajaran, Datuk Seri Hishamuddin Hussein yang menyatakan bahawa pemupukan adab menghormati guru bermula dari rumah dan mengharapkan ibu bapa menggalakkan anak-anak mereka menghargai jasa guru.  Berdasarkan pernyataan tersebut, jelaslah adab menghormati guru merupakan elemen penting dalam memupuk budi bahasa dan adab sopan dalam kalangan pelajar. Pelajar yang menjaga tutur kata dan adab ketika berhadapan dengan guru merupakan antara cara kita menghargai jasa guru. Para pelajar perlulah sentiasa bermanis muka sambil mengucapkan selamat sejahtera atau memberikan salam ketika berhadapan atau berselisih dengan guru tanpa mengira keadaan.  Semasa di dalam kelas, pelajar yang menghormati guru tidak sesekali membuat bising sehingga mengganggu  guru semasa proses pengajaran dan pembelajaran berlangsung.  Sikap seperti masuk telinga kiri keluar telinga kanan perlu dielakkan. Dalam konteks ini, mereka sewajarnya memberikan tumpuan dan perhatian sepenuhnya semasa pengajaran guru dan sentiasa mengambil peluang bertanya dan berbincang tentang pelajaran. Ketika mengadakan sesi perbincangan di kelas, pelajar perlu menjaga  tata susila, tidak meninggikan suara dan memandang guru serta rakan dengan mesra. Bukankah guru merupakan lubuk akal lautan ilmu? Tegasnya, berbudi bahasa serta beradab sopan merupakan amalan terpuji bagi menghargai guru yang mengajar serta mendidik kita.


Berdisiplin dan mematuhi peraturan sekolah juga merupakan salah satu  cara yang tidak boleh dikesampingkan oleh pelajar yang terpancar akhlak mulianya.  Antara ciri pelajar yang berdisiplin ialah mereka sentiasa datang awal ke sekolah, sentiasa menepati masa, tidak terlibat dalam gangsterisme, vandalisme mahupun ponteng sekolah. Selain itu, pelajar berpakaian seragam dengan kemas  dengan rambut bersisir rapi. Amalan seumpama ini, memupuk disiplin pelajar untuk bersedia belajar seterusnya mematuhi peraturan yang ditetapkan oleh pihak sekolah.  Jika disiplin terkawal sudah tentu memudahkan tugas guru untuk mengajar seterusnya mendidik pelajar agar berjaya dengan cemerlang. Peribahasa bulat air kerana pembentung, bulat manusia kerana muafakat, membuktikan kerjasama erat antara guru dan pelajar dalam mematuhi  peraturan yang ditetapkan pasti menjadi pemangkin kecemerlangan akademik serta sahsiah pelajar. Jelaslah, mematuhi disiplin mencerminkan penghormatan pelajar kepada guru.


Di samping itu, pelajar perlu prihatin dan menunjukkan kasih sayang terhadap guru. Amalan mengingati dan menghargai jasa guru merupakan amalan yang mulia. Para guru akan berasa bahawa jasa  mereka dihargai walaupun mereka tidak berkhidmat sebagai pendidik lagi. Kita boleh menghargai jasa guru dengan meraikan sambutan Hari Guru pada setiap tanggal 16 Mei. Pada  hari tersebut, sewajarnya pelajar memberikan hadiah kepada guru yang mengajar mereka sebagai tanda penghargaan  atas segala usaha dan titik peluh yang dicurahkan. Hadiah yang diberikan tidak semestinya berpaksi kepada wang ringgit semata-mata tetapi mestilah disertakan dengan hati yang tulus lagi ikhlas. Nilai bukan ukuran tetapi pemberian yang ikhlas itu lebih bermakna. Sekiranya pelajar tidak mampu memberikan hadiah, cukuplah sekadaru ucapan selamat hari guru.

                 
Amalan ziarah-menziarahi guru perlulah dijadikan budaya dalam kalangan pelajar.     Menziarahi guru ketika mereka mengalami kesusahan dan sakit juga cara kita menghargai jasa para guru. Sebagai manusia tentunya para guru menghadapi pelbagai masalah dalam kehidupan. Sebagai contohnya,  kemungkinan guru ditimpa kemalangan, bencana, menghidapi penyakit dan sebagainya kerana malang tidak berbau.  Sebagai pelajar, kita perlu menziarahi mereka jika mereka menghadapi situasi tersebut sebagai tanda melahirkan rasa simpati ibarat cubit paha kanan paha kiri terasa sakitnya. Ketika menziarahi mereka sakit, kita perlulah membawa buah tangan untuk menggembirakan guru sekali gus mengurangkan beban kesakitan yang ditanggung. Jika mereka mengalami kemalangan atau bencana alam, kita perlu mengutip derma bagi meringankan beban yang mereka tanggung. Hal ini amat bertepatan dengan peribahasa, berat mata memandang, berat lagi bahu memikul. Jelaslah bahawa frasa, jasamu dikenang, budimu disanjung bukanlah sekadar omongan kosong kerana pengorbanan guru sentiasa dikenang oleh para pelajar.

                   
Selain itu, kita juga boleh menghargai jasa guru dengan mendoakan kesejahteraan guru yang telah mengajar dan mendidik kita selama ini. Mendoakan kesejahteraan guru sama ada semasa hayatnya atau sesudah mereka kembali ke rahmatullah membuktikan kita sentiasa mengenang jasa mereka. Kita perlulah mendoakan mereka agar sentiasa sihat sejahtera dan dielakkan daripada segala bahaya. Hal ini kerana jika guru sihat sudah tentu mereka akan dapat menjalankan tugas mendidik anak watan dengan sempurna. Bagi mereka yang telah meninggal dunia, kita perlulah mendoakan agar dosa-dosa mereka diampunkan agar mereka sejahtera di alam barzakh. Sesungguhnya, harimau mati meninggalkan belang, manusia mati meninggalkan nama dan sudah tentu jasa serta pengorbanan guru akan terus dikenang sepanjang masa.

              
Sudah terang lagi bersuluh, jasa dan  pengorbanan seorang guru itu sukar untuk dibalas walaupun dengan segunung intan. Tanpa guru siapalah kita kerana gurulah yang mengajar kita mengenali erti kehidupan. Justeru, marilah kita bersama-sama menghargai jasa guru agar ilmu yang kita peroleh daripadanya mendapat keberkatan daripada Tuhan.


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Money

It is truly undeniable that in this science and technology millennium, we can hardly live without money. Even buying something small such as sweet will cost you some money. However, this does not mean that money can buy happiness, unlike the misconception of most people in the world. In fact, wealth is a far cry from happiness. If you disagree with me, let's look at the reasons for my stand.


Firstly, one of the main gates to happiness is to stay healthy. Maybe some people think that when one is rich, he can be healthy or it does not matter even if they have diseases because these rich men have lots of money to pay their medication. This is totally wrong. Good health is acquired from a healthy lifestyle progressively and not in a day. With lots of money we are tend to temp ourselves to exotic, luxurious food. If this food is taken excessively, it will let to obesity, heart diseases, diabetes, hypertension and other serious illness. Moreover, rich people are probably lack of exercise as they hardly walk outdoor due to 24 hours-service debar fetching them about causing them to be at a higher risk of getting these unnecessarily health problems. How a person can enjoys his life and feels happy when he is confined to a wheelchair or bed-ridden. He would not even be glad spending his money and time curing his sickness. Therefore, wealth cannot bring happiness.

Professionals like doctor, nurse, lawyer, engineer, food technologist and accountant earn a lot of money per month. They are considered the high class citizens who can afford large, expensive house with huge beautiful gardens. But do they really enjoy the pleasures of life? Most probably not because they are simply too busy with their work. They frequently burnt the midnight oil in their work place. It is even more miserable if they have to turn their home into a working place. Most specialists have to stand-by 24 hours in case of emergency calls from the hospitals. Hence, they can hardly spend any relax, restful night at their home even if they posse a huge two and a half storey bungalow with a beautiful garden and artificial waterfall. Successful businessmen may always have a chance of flying to all parts of the world when they go out station to make business. However, very few of them can really take it as a holiday as a treat for themselves for their schedules are always full and they are so stressful with their works. Even fewer businessmen can ignore urgent, pursuing calls from their clients or office when they are going for holidays or resting. In other words, one can make lots of money but he may not enjoy even the beauty of nature around them or the branded, expensive things with them. So what is the use of money when we do not even enjoy a meal properly and discontented with lives. One with a moderate income can feels happier if he leads a simple life and be grateful with what he has.

Finally, a children or a teenage brought in moderate family is better than in a rich family. As the sons or daughters of billionaires, their parents will give them whatever that they want in material. These children or teenagers get a lot of pocket money from their parents and can afford to buy many expensive things like branded, latest handset, expensive clothes and branded sport shoes. But the question is, are they happy if their parents are always working with only an Indonesian maid to accompany them. If they are asked to choose between wealth and love from their parents, I believe that they were undoubtedly choose love. A healthy family is not created for the children. These children mentally are not as healthy as those being cared and loved by their parents. Children need parents who can listen to their problems and give them words of wisdom, teaching then day by day. Parents who are not rich may not be able to buy branded things to satisfy their children but with more communication and understanding, these teenagers will understand the difficulty of their parents in earning money, learning to be thrifty. In short, money does not promise a happy, caring family.

Money may be able to buy a lot of things but not love, friendship, health and others. These are the main ‘ingredients’ for a happy life. Thus, it is a controversy if money can bring happiness. Even, if we can afford many things we desired with lots of money, we may not be happy and enjoy our lives if we are always dissatisfied with what we had, yearning for more. Thus, I stand firm that money cannot bring happiness.

A Horror / Tragic Story

I opened the door, to my horror, a few skeletons lay there, chained on the wall.


Okay, time to recap. I and my friends, Jack and Peter, were playing around an old, abandoned mansion. We were told that no one was allowed to enter. However, curiosity overcame us and we picked the lock, granting us entrance into the sacred lair of the unknown.

At the sight of the skeletons, the three of us were completely stunned. Our jaw hung wide open for a few minutes before we came back to our senses. My sixth sense told me that something was about to go wrong, so I urged the other two to back out of the mansion.

“Don’t be such a chicken,” said Jack, with a shaky voice.

“Aren’t you scared too?” I challenged him.

“Yes, but we might never get the chance to explore here again if we leave now.”

“…All right, but we leave as soon as the first sign of danger shows.”

We ventured deeper into the mansion. The design looked like some sort of torture room, or a prison. Even though I was afraid, I was eager to discover more. Throughout the lair, we did not lose sight of skeletons or spider webs. These were at every corner, at every turn. The occasional howls from a distance made the hair on our backs stand up straight. We finally arrived at a long hallway. Jack picked up a piece of wood and lighted it up with his lighter. The flame seared at first, but after it simmered down, I was able to see the walls clearly. There were ancient writings, the kind we usually see in an Egyptian grave robber movie. As the expert in history, Jack tried his best to decipher the carvings. Meanwhile, Peter leaned towards the wall to catch his breath. At that very moment, a cold chill went down my spine.

“Watch out!” I shouted.

Before he could react, that portion of the wall he was leaning against flipped, trapping him on the other side. All he could let out was a loud shriek and he vanished behind the walls. I pounded against the wall, shouting his name. Only then did I know what real terror felt like. However, the chance of rescuing him was bleak. I sank to the ground, desolated and hopeless.

“Let’s get out of here, we have to inform the adults!” suggested Jack.

I got to my feet swiftly and both of us sped through the building. My heart was racing. I knew that danger may be waiting at the next corner. I could hear blood pounding in my ears. Wait, was that a creak I heard? “Uh-oh,” I thought to myself. The ceiling began to crumble. My sub-consciousness took over. I sprang forward and tackled Jack. Both of us fell to the ground. Just as I thought that trouble was out of the way, the burning piece of wood slipped out of his hand and landed in a pile of grease. Fire started spreading like mad. I struggled to get up.

“Come on, there’s not much time left!” I screamed as I turned towards the exit.

“Aahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!”

In a split second, my head turned 180 degrees. A gigantic marble pillar fell on Jack. I mustered all the strength from every single cell in my body, trying to lift it up, to no avail. My eyes were watery. I was completely out of ideas.

“Save yourself, leave me, please,” muttered Jack, with a weak tone.

This was certainly a tough decision for me. All the moments we had spent together flashed through my mind. How could I leave him now? As the fire was close to sealing my only exit, I knew that I had to be rational. I dived for my escape route.

Tears rolled down my cheeks as the mansion erupted into flames behind me.

Recess Time in Our School

R-r-ring! These goes the daily bell at 10.30 a.m. for recess. An audible sigh of relief can be heard in each classroom as the students immediately rush to the school tuck-shop. Hungry and thirsty students make straight for the mee-man, the iced-drinks seller or the curry and rice stall, for many have come to school early in the morning without any breakfast as there is hardly any time to eat.

I find the stall-holders busy serving food to the students, who are impatient and sometimes downright rude if the stall-holder is slow in serving them. The chatter of students, the noise of frying noodles, the chopping up of ingredients and the delicious smell of food floating in the air contribute to the typical tuck-shop environment which makes one hungry and eager to eat the daily snack.

R-r-ring! The unwelcome bell goes at 10.50 a.m. for the students to get back to class. It is another rush, this time for lessons which begin promptly and late-comers will be punished. Recess time is a welcome break, for hungry stomachs are filled and dry throats are refreshed with iced drinks. 


Now the tuck-shop is quiet except for the clatter of plates, glasses and cups being washed by the stall-holders, who then rest till the next session.

Teachers' Day

Every year, all schools throughout Malaysia celebrate Teachers' Day - a day to honour and remember our teachers who are our leaders and who guide us in our education during our youthful days.

Teachers are very much a part of a student's life as they influence a child, right from Kindergarten days to Upper Secondary days; and perhaps beyond. It is they who prepare the child for his or her life in society.

Teachers' Day is held to show our appreciation to our teachers who work hard and bear patiently with us. In most schools, pupils bring gifts of flowers, presents and other 
tokens, which are sometimes hand-made, to show that they care for their teachers. A party is held where tasty refreshments and drinks are served in the classroom for both the teachers and the students. Everyone has a good time and the day ends earlier than usual.


Teachers play a very important role in the development of a child. However, their effortsare seldom appreciated. That is why Teachers' Day is so significant to teachers; it is only on this day that they are appreciated and honoured for their deeds.

Cara-Cara Mewujudkan Perpaduan Dalam Kalangan Pelajar

Cara-Cara Mewujudkan Perpaduan Dalam Kalangan Pelajar

Sekolah merupakan satu pusat integrasi antara pelajar pelbagai kaum. Ia bukan sahaja tempat untuk menimba ilmu malah ia juga menjadi alat memupuk perpaduan di kalangan pelajar. aktivis sosial ‘integrasi di peringkat sekolah rendah adalah penting untuk perpaduan’. Untuk itu, pihak sekolah perlu mengambil pelbagai langkah agar perpaduan serta integrasi dapat dipupuk sejak dari bangku sekolah kepada pemimpin masa hadapan.

Perpaduan di peringkat sekolah dapat dicapai melalui mengadakan kurikulum yang seragam untuk semua sekolah. Kurikulum boleh dikatakan sebagai bidang pelajaran di sekolah. Menurut Mok Soon Sang, kurikulum merangkumi pengalaman kehidupan nyata dan tidak nyata yang diplih, diorganisasi dan disusun oleh sarjana pendidikan dan pakar kurikulum dengan secara teliti dan profesional, demi menjadikan pelbagai jenis aktiviti pembelajaran nyata dan tidak nyata seperti yang dijalankan dalam dan luar bilik darjah, dalam dan luar sekolah, untuk semua peringkat persekolahan.

Kokurikulum merupakan satu saluran pembelajaran yang berasaskan gerak kerja yang terancang. Kepentingan pelaksanaan aktiviti ini setara dengan  kepentingan pelaksanaan aktiviti di dalam bilik darjah kerana peranannya juga turut menjadi penyumbang dan pelengkap kepada keberkesanan pengajaran dan pembelajaran di sekolah keseluruhannya. Aktiviti-aktiviti kokurikulum membantu pelajar untuk menambah,mengukuh dan mengamalkan pengetahuan, kemahiran dan nilai-nilai yang telah dipelajari di dalam bilik darjah. Peranan utama kokurikulum ialah untuk memupuk dan mengeratkan hubungan di kalangan pelajar dan juga antara sekolah dengan masyarakat. Dengan ini perpaduan mula berpucuk di kalangan pelajar dan secara langsung menuju ke arah integrasi nasional.

Sukan juga menjadi salah satu daripada alat perpaduan di peringkat sekolah. Sukan dijalankan bukan semata-mata untuk kesihatan tetapi juga untuk perpaduan di kalangan masyarakat. Matlamat utama hari sukan ialah mewujudkan persefahaman, semangat kekitaan dan perpaduan diantara pelajar-pelajar sekolah. Pada hari sukan, semua pelajar akan terlibat dalam sesuatu aktiviti permainan, perarakan dan perhiasan khemah dengan bersatupadu tanpa mengira apa-apa jua tetapi sebagai satu kumpulan yang majmuk. Ini menuju ke arah perpaduan di antara palajar-pelajar.

Program anak angkat merupakan satu rancangan pertukaran pelajar untuk sesuatu aktiviti demi kebaikan pelajar. Selalunya ia berfokuskan kepada pembinaan perhubungan yang tidak mengira agama, bangsa dan negara atau dengan kata lain menuju perpaduan. Program anak angkat dijalankan oleh pihak sekolah contohnya ke Sabah, Sarawak atau Brunei agar seseorang pelajar dapat mengenali ciri-ciri kehidupan dan kebudayaan sesuatu tempat. Dengan ini, wujudlah persefahaman dan perpaduan di antara pelajar dan penduduk sesuatu tempat. Ia juga menjurus kepada tercapainya integrasi nasional.

Perkhemahan merupakan satu aktiviti yang dijalankan oleh badan-badan beruniform seperti pengakap, pandu puteri, bulan sabit merah dan sebagainya. Tujuan utama aktiviti-aktiviti perkhemahan ini dianjurkan adalah untuk memupuk perpaduan dan membentuk integrasi di kalangan peserta-peserta perkhemahan. Semangat kekitaan akan mula berbunga apabila menjalankan aktiviti-aktiviti secara kumpulan dan berkerjasama untuk mengharungi segala cabaran semasa aktiviti. Kerjasama antara satu sama lain dan tolong-menolong akan membentuk sikap bersatupadu. Dengan ini wujudlah perpaduan di antara peserta-peserta perkhemahan yang datang dari sekolah yang berbeza, latar belakang yang berbeza dan kebudayaan berbeza. 

Kesimpulannya, peranan seorang guru dalam mewujudkan perpaduan dalam kalangan para pelajar amatlah besar. Namun, kerjasama daripada pihak yang lain juga perlu dalam merialisasikan perpaduan ini. 


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Report to Principal - Complaint About School Canteen

You are very disappointed by the conditions and services provided by your school canteen. You decide to write a report to inform your school principal about the poor conditions and services of the canteen. These would include:

    insufficient table and benches
    food and drinks not covered
     too little food counters
    dirty and clogged drains – smelly
     food – expensive and lacks variety
    inadequate food – late comers have nothing to buy, to eat
    cold food – not fresh
rude canteen workers



To        :          Mr. Hasnan bin Jalal,
                        The Principal,
                        Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Permata

From   :          Malik bin Abdul

Date    :          24 March 2011

Report about the School Canteen
            I am writing this report is to draw your attention regarding the school canteen.  Many of the students of Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Permata are unhappy about the conditions at the school canteen. There were lots of complaints regarding this issue.

                        In the first place, there are insufficient tables and benches. Our school has a student population of over 1 000. There is only one period of recess time for all forms. More than 80 per cent of the students go to the canteen during recess to buy food and drinks. Unfortunately, there are only about twenty-five tables and fifty benches which can accommodate less than half the number of students. As a result, many students have to stand while eating.

            The food sold at the canteen not only expensive but lacks of variety. The menu is the same every day. For the past five years, ever since the present canteen management took over, students go back to the same food.

            The hygiene and preparation of food leave a lot to be desired. The food and drinks are not covered. They way canteen attendants dress speak volume about hygiene. With their lackadaisical attitude, the food they sell would one way or the other become contaminated.

            My fourth complaint about the canteen pertains to the etiquette of the canteen workers. They are rude and arrogant. They often shout at students. The students are always on the receiving end of their bad moods.

            We hope that conditions at the canteen will improve. The canteen should provide better amenities. There should also be a different menu everyday so that students will not have to taste the same food day in and day out. Cleanliness should be given top priority.

            We hope that you will look into our complaints and take steps to remedy the situation. The students are prepared to boycott the canteen if their complaints go unheeded.

Reported by:
Malik
Malik bin. Mohd Jalil