A Close Relationship

Novel, Catch Us If You Can - A Close Relationship

Using details from the novel you have studied,
•  describe a close relationship between two characters
•  explain why you would consider them to be very close.

Support your answer with close reference to the text.

SAMPLE ANSWER

In the novel “Catch Us If You Can” by Catherine MacPhail, Rory McIntosh and his grandfather share an inseparable bond.

According to Rory, they are “like a double act”. His father abandoned his mother and him, so when his mother died, he was taken care of by his grandparents. The death of his grandmother had left him with his grandfather. He called him „Granda‟ and Granda had looked after him all his life and now it was his turn to look after Granda. However both of them were incapable of looking after themselves because Granda was too old and sick while his grandson was too young to shoulder the responsibility of looking after himself and his forgetful and sometimes disorientated grandfather. Whatever the difficulties, Rory and Granda refused to be separated. Rory argued that sending Granda to a home would kill his grandfather and forcing him to stay in a children‟s home would be unbearable. That showed how close they were and how emotionally dependent they were on each other.

Rory loved Granda so much that he was prepared to make a lot of sacrifices for the old man. He let go the chance to be in the school football team because he needed to look after Granda. He had to run home from school during lunch break to bring Granda lunch. On several occasions, Granda had unwittingly „lost‟ or „misplaced‟ Rory‟s homework and that had earned him the wrath of his teacher, Mrs Foley. Besides all these, he had to think of the little precautions to take to keep Granda out of harm. Still, he did not want to part with his Granda who would have been better off in an old folks‟ home. Granda felt the same also. The bond between the two was a special one. However, events took a decisive turn when Granda accidentally caused a fire in the kitchen of their flat. Granda was taken to hospital and then to Rachnadar, a home for the elderly. Rory ended up in Castle Street where he met the troubled Tess and fought with her.

He was miserable there. Granda fared no better at the home. Rory felt that they had been cheated by his social worker, Val Jessup. He plotted on the run while the police launched a hunt for them. The news of the runway pair was everywhere on television but they managed to evade the police with the help from sympathizers along the way. They suffered a lot of discomfort while on the run and the old man‟s condition worsened but they seemed happy. Being together has become a source of strength to them. They were finally persuaded to go and see Rory‟s long-lost father, Jeff McIntosh, who had been traced to Liverpool as a result of the publicity. But before they could do this, Jeff came for them. They ended up together again, and this time in a flat near where Jeff and his new family lived. Jeff was finally ready to assume responsibility for his father and his son.

Rory and Granda were inseparable. It looked as if only death could separate them. Nothing mattered as long as they were together.

Which Do You Prefer, Living in The Countryside or Living In The City? (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.

Some Characters Solve Their Problems but Some Do Not

Novel, Catch Us If You Can – Some Characters Solve Their Problems but Some Do Not

The characters in novels often face problems. Some solve their problems but some do not. Using information from the novel you have studied, show how
• one character solves his/ her problems
• one who does not solve his/ her problems
Support your answer with close reference to the text.

SAMPLE ANSWER

It is true that characters in novels often face problems. Some manage to solve their problems but some do not.

In Catherine MacPhail‟s „Catch Us If You Can‟, a character who manages to solve his problem is Rory. His apartment is burnt down due to Granda‟s carelessness. He is then forced to part with his Granda. He is sent to stay at the children‟s home in Castle Street, and Granda is sent to the old folks‟ home in Rachnadar. Being very close to Granda, Rory can see that Granda is miserable at the home. Rory can sense that Granda has lost interest in everything and it breaks Rory‟s heart to see Granda like that.

So, Rory comes up with a plan to run away with Granda. He knows, by doing so, he can always be together with Granda. As long as they are on the run, they will be together. It can only be for a few days or a couple of weeks, but to Rory and Granda, their time together is precious.

On the other hand, Tess, a girl whom Rory meets at the children‟s home, fails to solve her problems. She has a sad life. Her mother is in prison and all her relatives reject her. Being homeless and unwanted, she is sent to Castle Street. Instead of making the best of her life there, she worsens it by becoming a bitter, angry and violent person.

Her violent outbursts become so bad that she loses control of herself and her actions. She injures others, making them keep away from her. She fails to make friends and so, remains lonely and friendless. She cannot overcome her loneliness and sense of rejection. If she had chosen to be more positive, she would probably have made some friends who can help her instead of feeling rejected and unloved.

Usaha-usaha Mengekalkan Keamanan Negara Kita

Usaha-usaha Mengekalkan Keamanan Negara Kita

Malaysia merupakan sebuah syurga dunia kerana kejadian buruk jarang berlaku di sini terutama ancaman bencana alam dan peperangan. Rakyatnya hidup dalam suasana aman sentosa bersama-sama arus pembangunan kemodenan yang pesat. Keamanan inilah yang memberikan imej yang positif kepada negara sehingga menjadikan banyak negara cemburu akan kejayaan tersebut. Jadi, memang banyak tindakan yang telah dilakukan oleh semua pihak di negara ini untuk memastikan negara terus berada dalam situasi harmoni itu.

Tindakan yang paling ketara ialah negara telah meningkatkan lagi kemampuan ketenteraannya. Angkatan tentera negara ini telah cuba menarik lebih banyak remaja yang berkaliber untuk menyertai perkhidmatan mereka bersama-sama dengan pembelian peralatan ketenteraan yang serba canggih. Semua ini bertujuan memastikan tahap keselamatan negara berada pada tahap yang tertinggi lalu menjamin keamanan negara yang stabil. Jelaslah, negara menjadi aman kerana memiliki satu ketumbukan tentera yang berkaliber dan berteknologi tinggi.

Selain itu, negara turut membuat kerjasama yang erat dengan Negara-negara jiran terutama negara-negara ASEAN. Kita semua sedia maklum bahawa ASEAN ditubuhkan untuk menjamin keselamatan serantau lalu memastikan perkembangan ekonomi boleh berlaku pada masa yang sama. Kerjasama yang erat ini juga memastikan setiap negara ASEAN tidak mahu menganggu urusan dalaman satu sama lain untuk memastikan tidak berlaku perselisihan faham yang boleh membawa permusuhan yang mengoyahkan keamanan pula. Jadi, kerjasama erat antara negara-negara jiran membantu Malaysia untuk menikmati satu tahap keamanan yang tinggi.

Malah, keamanan negara juga dikekalkan menerusi amalan demokrasi yang dilaksanakan di negara ini apabila tempoh pemerintahan kerajaan sebelumnya hamper tamat. Pilihanraya dan proses pertukaran pemimpin di negara ini masih berjalan secara rasional dan mengikut lunas-lunas perlembagaan negara yang mengutamakan hak asasi rakyat. Keadaan ini menjadikan keyakinan rakyat terhadap system pemerintahan kerajaan bertambah baik setiap kali proses demokrasi itu dilaksanakan. Jelaslah, proses demokrasi yang diamalkan menjadikan aspek keamanan itu sesuatu yang penting untuk dikekalkan di negara ini.

Malahan, pihak kerajaan juga telah meneruskan usaha pembasmian kemiskinan yang sudah mula menampakkan hasilnya. Jurang kekayaan antara golongan miskin dan kaya telah berupaya dikurangkan sehingga tidak lagi boleh dijadikan alasan untuk menimbulkan sebarang masalah besar kelak. Perasaan kekitaan dan tidak berasa ditinggalkan menjadi asas penting untuk mengekalkan keamanan di negara ini untuk satu tempoh yang panjang kerana tidak timbul perasaan pilih kasih atau sebagainya dalam jiwa masyarakat berbilang kaum di sini. Maka, usaha mengikis perbezaan pengagihan kekayaan ini harus dilakukan secera berterusan untuk memastikan keamanan itu berkekalan.

Tambahan pula, pihak polis telah berjaya memerangi pelbagai gejala sosial yang melanda negara ini. Kejadian jenayah terutama jenayah berat telah dikawal dengan baik oleh pihak polis yang bertugas tanpa mengenal penat untuk memastikan keselamatan rakyat negara ini bertambah baik. Kejayaan mengawal jenayah di negara ini turut sama memberikan satu suasana yang tenang dan meyakinkan kepada rakyat negara ini bahawa Malaysia sebuah negara yang baik untuk terus didiami. Justeru, kejayaan pihak polis menjalankan kewajipan mereka telah menjadikan aspek keamanan di negara ini terus wujud.

Kesimpulannya, keadaan keamanan yang sebegini perlu dikekalkan untuk selama-lamanya. Pada masa yang sama aspek pembangunan negara harus diberikan penekanan juga kerana inilah kemodenan yang harus dinikmati oleh semua. Kita harus sedar dan menghargai aspek keamanan ini dengan sebaik mungkin. Peribahasa “jika tidak dipecahkan ruyung manakan dapat sagunya” kerana keamanan ini memerlukan satu usaha yang gigih daripada semua pihak.

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Tips On How To Improve Your Reading Habit

Tips On How To Improve Your Reading Habit

Reading is an activity that is both fun and enlightening. Reading also gain knowledge and get it into one’s head. Having said that, it is an activity that many people do not engage in often.  For you to advance and not to get left behind, it is important that you must improve a good reading habit.

If you have not cultivated a reading habit yet, these are some useful tips to improve your reading habit. First and foremost, we must have a book around. Therefore, try to carry a book or any reading material wherever you go. As the saying goes, “armed to the teeth”. Subsequently, set aside a regular time to read. If you are busy in the daytime, during the night time or before going to bed, you can take a book and read.

In addition to this, visit the library or bookstore. Take time to browse and let your eyes find things of interest. Last but not least, set a reading goal. Start with something attainable and stick to it. As your reading habit gradually improves, you may start to set a higher goal.

In a nutshell, reading habit will develop your mental aptitude and it is a proven fact. Similarly, it improves your ability to think and analyze things. Taking actions by following the tips given to improve your reading habit.

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The Importance of Studying English

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.

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A Decision Made

Novel, Catch Us If You Can – A Decision Made

Using the details of the novel you have studied.
•  describe a decision made by any one character in the novel
•  do you think the decision was a wise one?
Support your answer with evidence from the novel.

SAMPLE ANSWER

In the novel „Catch Us If You Can‟ by Catherine MacPhail, I would choose the decision made by Rory, when he decided to get Granda out of Rachnadar and run away.

After the death of his mother, Rory lived with his grandparents. When his grandmother died, his grandfather, whom he called Granda, looked after him. Rory and Granda were very close to each other that they had become inseparable. When Granda became sick and his memory began to fail, it was Rory‟s turn to look after Granda. One day, Granda accidentally set fire to their flat. This brought the authorities to step in. Finding Granda and Rory incapable of taking care of each other, they sent Granda to an old folks‟ home, while Rory was sent to a children‟s home in Castle Street. The authorities had no choice but to do this for the safety of both Granda and Rory. Granda might pose a danger not only to himself and Rory but to those around him.

Rory felt he was wrongly torn away from his Granda. Furthermore, Rory knew that Granda hated being in Rachnadar, the old folks‟ home, and Rory himself hated it in Castle Street. So he made the decision to run away with Granda so they could be together.

I can understand Rory‟s position but I do not see it as a wise decision. In the first place, he was too young to make a huge decision like this. At his age, he should have thought about school. He should realize that he was incapable of taking care of his old and sick 

grandfather. Granda was too old and frail to go on such a challenging and demanding journey. Moreover, Granda needed his pills to sustain him. Besides, Rory did not know where he was going to. Where could they go when they had no place and no one to care for them? Rory, too, asked himself the question whether it was a wise decision. People may say that those who love each other must stay together but this is based only on emotion. I think Rory made the decision because he had no one else in his life. It was not only because he loved Granda so much, but also because he did not know how to live without his Granda because all this while, Granda was always there for him.

To make decisions, we must be objective. We must think rationally. Seeing the unpredictability of things and the health condition of Granda, and Rory‟s immaturity, I strongly feel that Rory made an unwise decision in running away.

Peranan Ibu Bapa Dalam Mendidik Anak-Anak Memanfaatkan Internet

Peranan Ibu Bapa Dalam Mendidik Anak-Anak Memanfaatkan Internet

Marcapada ini, internet merupakan satu ciptaan manusia yang wajar dikagumi, dalam masa yang sama merupakan satu kepentingan dalam kehidupan setiap individu. Hal ini kerana, hanya internet yang memberikan kepuasan bersosial, berniaga dan belajar secara meluas tanpa had kepada pengguna. Bayangkan dengan hanya satu klik, anda mampu mengakses seluruh alam maya tanpa perlu bermandi peluh. Setiap individu perlu tahu akan kelebihan, keburukan dan cara mengakses internet, termasuklah ibu bapa. Sebahagian besar ibu bapa masa kini handal menggunakan internet manakala sebahagian kecilnya tidak. Namun, sebagai mengambil langkah berjaga-jaga, ibu bapa wajar untuk mempelajari secara khusus berkenaan dengan internet. Sekiranya ibu bapa sudah ‘mengenali’ internet, maka dengan mudah ibu bapa mengawal kecenderungan anak-anak melayari internet dan secara tidak langsung, ibu bapa mampu mendidik anak-anak dalam memanfaatkan penggunaan internet.

        Antara peranan yang harus dimainkan oleh ibu bapa dalam mendidik anak-anak memanfaatkan internet pada masa kini termasuklah mendedahkan anak-anak dengan segala maklumat berkaitan dengan internet. Hal ini disebabkan, anak-anak perlu diberitahu mengenai baik-buruk penggunaan internet sebelum mereka didedahkan dengan cara menggunakan kemudahan internet secara bijak. Sekiranya anak-anak sudah diajar dari awal, sudah tentu anak-anak akan lebih berhati-hati dan lebih bijak dalam menggunakan kemudahan internet pada masa-masa akan datang bak kata pepatah, sediakan payung sebelum hujan. Melentur buluh biarlah dari rebungnya, oleh itu sememangnya ibu bapa bertanggungjawab dalam memberi pengenalan kepada anak-anak mengenai penggunaan internet dari kecil, yang ternyata amat penting dalam kehidupan masyarakat moden masa kini. Jelaslah di sini bahawa pendedahan segala maklumat berkaitan internet terhadap anak-anak merupakan tindakan yang wajar dilakukan oleh ibu bapa. 

        Selain daripada itu, ibu bapa juga berperanan untuk memantau anak-anak semasa menggunakan kemudahan internet. Alam maya ini tiada batasnya, oleh itu internet ini mempunyai keburukannya. Pemantauan ibu bapa sebenarnya mampu mengelakkan anak-anak daripada mengakses laman-laman sesawang yang berunsurkan pornografi, mahupun melakukan jenayah siber seperti mencetak rompak bahan media, mencetuskan provokasi atau menggodam laman sesawang. Tindakan kecil yang dilakukan ibu bapa ini juga tanpa disedari mampu menyelamatkan industri hiburan tanah air yang kerap kali ‘dirompak’ oleh orang-orang yang tidak bertanggungjawab, termasuklah mengurangkan jumlah penggodam dan pencetus provokasi di internet yang semakin hari semakin berleluasa. Anak-anak juga terselamat daripada terus terperangkap di dalam kancah jenayah siber, yang juga merupakan salah satu kesalahan yang akan dikenakan tindakan keras seperti yang termaktub di dalam akta jenayah negara. Oleh itu jelaslah bahawa tindakan ibu bapa dalam memantau anak-anak semasa menggunakan kemudahan internet dapat mendidik mereka dalam memanfaatkan kegunaan internet.

        Namun begitu, ibu bapa juga seharusnya menyekat penggunaan internet oleh anak-anak. Terbaru, ibu bapa kini mampu mengawal internet dengan menyekat laman-laman sesawang yang berunsurkan negatif sebagai langkah mengelakkan pengguna internet mengakses laman-laman tersebut dan sistem yang sama digunakan pada peranti komputer yang disediakan di semua alma mater milik kerajaan. Sistem sebegini bukan sahaja mampu mengawal aktiviti penggunaan internet anak-anak, malah mampu mengasuh mereka untuk hanya mengakses laman-laman yang berguna sahaja. Bayangkan, sekiranya ibu bapa melaksanakan sistem sebegini di rumah, sudah tentu anak-anak akan menggunakan perkhidmatan internet dengan lebih bijak, seterusnya dapat menghindari mereka daripada mengetahui mahupun mencuba untuk mengakses laman-laman berunsurkan negatif seperti yang kebiasaanya berlaku dalam kalangan remaja dan orang dewasa masa kini. Anak ibarat kain putih, ibu bapalah yang mencorakkannya, persis kata peribahasa tersebut yang secara tersiratnya menegaskan bahawa ibu bapalah yang perlu mengawal ton-ton warna yang ingin diwarnakan di atas kain putih yang tidak berdosa. Cukup ditegaskan di sini bahawa ibu bapa sebaik-baiknya mengawal penggunaan internet oleh anak-anak sebagai cara mengajar mereka menggunakan internet secara lebih bijak.

        Akhir sekali, ibu bapa perlu memainkan peranan penting dalam mendidik anak-anak menggunakan internet secara pintar dengan memperkenalkan kepada mereka dengan medium-medium pembelajaran menerusi internet. Seperti yang ditegaskan, internet sememangnya memberikan banyak manfaat, termasuklah dari segi pendidikan. Hari ini, kemajuan internet juga selaras dengan kemajuan teknologi seperti tablet dan telefon pintar. Mengikut statistik juga, kedua-dua peranti ini merupakan peranti pilihan pengguna untuk melayari internet. Oleh yang demikian, adalah lebih baik para ibu bapa memperkenalkan laman sesawang atau aplikasi pintar yang berunsurkan pembelajaran kepada anak-anak. Tanpa disedari, sudah banyak aplikasi dan laman sesawang yang menyediakan aktiviti pembelajaran menggunakan kemudahan internet, namun malangnya kurang mendapat sambutan dalam kalangan pengguna internet masa kini. Sebaik-baiknya anak-anak didedahkan dengan medium sebegini, sekurang-kurangya mereka akan mula memanfaatkan penggunaan internet serta bijak menggunakannya. Ibu bapa juga tidak perlu risau sekiranya anak-anak menghabiskan masa dengan melayari internet mahupun menghadap peranti pintar sepanjang masa, sekiranya peranti-perani di rumah diisi dengan aplikasi dan laman pembelajaran yang berguna kepada anak-anak. Oleh yang demikian, jelaslah sudah di sini bahawa tindakan ibu bapa memperkenalkan medium-medium pembelajaran melalui internet kepada anak-anak adalah amat wajar dalam mendidik mereka memanfaatkan penggunaan internet.

        Secara tuntasnya, perkhidmatan internet sememangnya memberikan manfaat kepada pengguna walaupun secara minoritinya membawa kepada keburukan. Namun yang demikian, semua ini bergantung kepada ibu bapa itu sendiri, sama ada bijak atau tidak mendidik anak-anak dalam memanfaatkan penggunaan internet dalam kehidupan seharian. Tindakan kerajaan mengambil pelbagai langkah dalam memastikan perkhidmatan ini mampu digunakan oleh semua anggota masyarakat sama ada di bandar mahupun di luar bandar membuktikan bahawa internet sangat penting kepada semua. Kerajaan juga banyak berusaha untuk memastikan masyarakat menggunakan perkhidmatan tersebut dengan sebaik-baiknya, namun usaha kerajaan akan menjadi usaha yang sia-sia sekiranya ibu bapa tidak turut turun padang dalam membantu kerajaan melahirkan dan mendidik generasi yang celik IT dan bijak menggunakannya. Mencegah itu lebih baik daripada merawat, sememangnya jikalau ibu bapa mula bertindak dari awal, masalah-masalah penyalahgunaan internet dan jenayah siber yang semakin menjadi-jadi ini akan mudah dicantas, dan secara tidak langsung, negara kita akan dipenuhi dengan generasi-generasi yang berguna dan berfikiran hadapan. 

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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.

The Moral Value That Has Impressed You The Most

Novel, Catch Us If You Can – The Moral Value That Has Impressed You The Most

Using the details of the novel you have studied,
•  Write about the moral value that has impressed you the most.

•  Give evidence from the text to support your answer.

SAMPLE ANSWER

In the novel „Catch Us if You Can‟ by Catherine MacPhail, I learn about compassion for fellow human beings. Many characters exhibit compassion for each other and act in a kind manner because of their compassionate nature.

Rory and Granda care for each other and there is compassion in their actions. For example, Rory cares for his grandfather‟s well-being. For instance, he makes sure his Granda takes his medicine. Moreover, he always rushes home from school to ensure Granda takes his lunch. Moreover, Rory protects his Granda from anything he considers bad, offensive or dangerous. Rory even keeps Granda‟s pipe to make sure there isn‟t any untoward incidents. Granda tries his best to help Rory and unfortunately makes mistakes, but there is still compassion. He strongly says that no grandson of his is going to a home for as long as he is around.

In addition, Dr Nicol insists that Granda and Rory get a home help. This is because he believes that Granda and Rory are not capable of taking care of each other. Val Jessup, the social worker, also shows compassion. She shows enthusiasm to help Rory and Granda. When they are on the run, Val Jessup pleads on television for Rory and Granda to come home. The police and the nurse also act compassionately towards Granda and Rory. They are affected by the dilemma of an ageing man who is so dependent on a young boy and therefore do what they think is the best.

Besides, Darren, Rory‟s close friend offers his mum‟s caravan to them because he cares for Rory and Granda. He warns them about the arrival of the police.

With all the above, I believe that we must be compassionate to people. This quality keeps us humane and make the world appear kinder and the troubles bearable.

An Important Incident

Novel, The Curse – An Important Incident

Based on the novel you have learned, write about an important incident that you remember. Give reasons why you remember the incident.

I choose The Curse by Lee Su Ann. In my opinion, an important incident from the novel is when Azreen first met the Old Lady.

Azreen first met the Old Lady when she was challenged by her friends to go to the Old Lady ’s house. The villagers believed that the Old Lady is an evil witch, so they forbade their children to go to the Old Lady ’s house. However, Azreen’s curiosity and bravery led her to the Old Lady ’s house. As she called out for the Old Lady, her friends scampered and some even looked very scared. When she met the Old Lady and the Old Lady asked her to go away, she did not think the Old Lady was evil. After that day, Azreen kept going to the house until the Old Lady became friendly with her.

In my opinion, this incident is important because after the day they became friends, the Old Lady became the person Azreen talked to or turned to whenever she had problems. For instance, Azreen would go to her house whenever she got into fights with her father. The Old Lady would listen to her problems and calm her.

Apart from that, this incident is important because from the Old Lady, Azreen had learnt to forgive the people who had done her wrong. For instance, Azreen had forgiven her father for

murdering her sister, Madhuri after understanding the reason of her father’s action. If Azreen

had not met and befriended the Old Lady, she might not have forgiven the people who had done her wrong. As a result, she might not go back to London feeling free and feeling like a new person.

In conclusion, the important incident is when Azreen first met the Old Lady because of the above reasons. 

The Character That You Like

Choose one character that you like in novel 'Step By Wicked Step' and give your reasons why you like the character.

Answer :

     From the novel 'Step By Wicked Step' by Anne Fine, I like Claudia from the story the Green Pyjamas. I like Claudia because she is kind, loyal and she can be very mature and wise.

     Claudia is a very kind girl.  During her father's birthday party, Claudia wears her green pyjamas given by her father's girlfriend, Stella. She decides to do this because she feels that the guests in the party are very rude when they refuse to talk to Stella. They act like Stella is invisible and Claudia feels angry because Stella is actually a very nice person.

     Other than that, Claudia is also a loyal daughter to her mother.She knows that her mother hates the fact that her father is happy with a new woman in his life so she pretends that she is unhappy when she has to go to her father's house. Claudia also refuses to accept Stella's kindness because she wants to show that she is loyal to her mother.

     Lastly, Claudia shows that she is very mature and wise. Claudia feels that the guests for her father's birthday party are very rude. They do not want to acknowledge that Stella is her father's new love by giving her a cold shoulder during the party. Claudia is very angry with all those immature adults so she decides to give all of them a lesson by wearing her new green pyjamas and showing it off in front of the guess, hinting that Stella and her are very close. The guests are ashamed so they start to treat Stella nicely after the incident.

     From these three reasons, I choose Claudia as the character I like the most. Claudia shows that she is a good daughter to both her mother and father and she is also kind enough to accept Stella as her future step mother.

The Unusual Experience

The Unusual Experience

It was the same bus I got onto every morning, but today, I fell asleep in the bus. When I woke up, I sensed something was unusual. The bus took me to a strange place that I had not seen before. Before I managed to ask the bus driver, it vanished.

Wandering around aimlessly looking for anybody, the place seemed weird. Some crows were flying above me. There was an old building on the waste land. When I reached the building, a girl tapped me from behind. Liz was wearing a school uniform. She looked very beautiful as she gestured me towards the building.

When I got into the building, there were many people. They were wearing the same uniform as Liz. I realised that it was a school. The students were going to their classes. Being a new student, Liz brought me to see the principal. I followed her without saying any word.

In the spacious principal’s office, I was welcomed by En. Juhair. He told Liz to bring me to Class A. It was overcrowded. We took our seats at the back row. Everybody stood up and said “Sam! Welcome to Monster School!” I was so shocked to hear that. I could hardly believe my ears and eyes. All of a sudden, the students and teachers looked like monsters.

Looking closer at Ms. Munirah, I noticed she wore a tail. I had an unpleasant feeling in my stomach. I turned to face pretty Liz and felt relieved that she was still the same, she was just smiling. The very thought of this bizzare place made me feel like running away. Nevertheless, I kept the thought to myself.

When the school bell rang, I planned my escape route. I couldn’t leave LIz behind and decided to invite her along. She happily agreed to my infamous plan because she knew that the monsters would kill me for being a human. We rushed out of school quickly. I showed her the bus station where I got down in this morning.

Apparently we had been spotted by the monsters. They were trying to catch us. As we were beginning to feel helpless, fortunately the bus came into the station. Both Liz and I boarded the bus. It was going at a maddening speed. Feeling exhausted, I dozed to sleep . When I got up, I was surprised to see a vacant seat next to me.

“Did you see the girl next to me?”

“Which girl? You were alone.”

The bus driver looked at me with cynical eyes and shook his head unbelievingly. It was 2.30 pm when the bus stopped in front of my house. I still could not understand what had happened to me until now. Maybe to some people this seems like a joke; to others, it is just a fantasy. However, to me, this has been a very shockingly unexplainable experience in my life.

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Kebaikan dan Keburukan Rumah Terbuka

Kebaikan dan Keburukan Rumah Terbuka

Kebelakangan ini, amalan mengadakan rumah terbuka menjadi perkara biasa dalam kalangan rakyat Malaysia apabila tiba hari-hari perayaan utama. Konsep rumah terbuka ini memang perlu diteruskan dan dijadikan amalan kerana banyak kebaikannya. Dengan adanya rumah terbuka, mudahlah seseorang itu untuk mengunjungi rumah saudara mara, jiran-jiran dan rakan-rakan kerana tarikh dan masanya sudah ditetapkan. Seterusnya amalan ini sudah tentu akan mengeratkan hubungan dan perpaduan sesama anggota masyarakat. Hal ini pasti akan mewujudkan masyarakat yang hidup dalam keadaan aman dan harmoni seperti kata pepatah, "Bulat air kerana pembetung, bulat manusia kerana muafakat".

Amalan rumah terbuka akan mengeratkan perpaduan kaum dalam kalangan masyarakat di negara kita. Semasa menghadiri rumah terbuka tersebut para tetamu yang hadir akan beramah mesra dengan tetamu yang lain. Jadi, sudah tentu perkara ini akan membolehkan mereka berbual mesra dan saling memahami antara satu sama lain. Oleh itu, di samping menjamu selera, secara tidak langsung perpaduan dan persefahaman antara tetamu yang terdiri daripada pelbagai latar belakang ini akan dapat dimantapkan. Hal ini bersesuaian dengan pepatah Melayu, iaitu "Tak kenal maka tak cinta".

Semasa menghadiri rumah terbuka juga, para tetamu yang terdiri daripada pelbagai kaum akan memahami budaya dan adat resam kaum lain. Mereka akan merayakan perayaan itu bersama-sama, walaupun mereka berbeza latar belakang budaya dan agama. Sebagai contohnya, orang-orang Cina, India, Iban, Kadazan akan merayakan sambutan Hari Raya Aidilfitri bersama-sama dengan orang Melayu dan begitu juga sebaliknya. Jadi, mereka akan dapat mempelajari budaya dan adat resam kaum lain dan berusaha untuk memahaminya. Perkara ini sudah tentu akan mewujudkan budaya yang sihat dalam kalangan masyarakat berbilang kaum di negara kita.

Selain kebaikan, terdapat juga keburukannya kerana rumah terbuka akan menimbulkan masalah untuk menjaga kebersihan di tempat rumah terbuka itu diadakan. Hal ini disebabkan oleh sikap tetamu yang hadir, iaitu tidak mementingkan aspek kebersihan. Mereka tidak menghiraukan aspek kebersihan dan membuang sisa makanan atau bungkusan makanan di merata-rata tempat. Perkara ini akan menimbulkan masalah apabila rumah terbuka itu berakhir dan menyusahkan pihak penganjur untuk membersihkannya. Oleh itu, perkara ini perlulah diberikan perhatian agar tetamu yang hadir akan menjaga aspek kebersihan dan tidak mengotorkan tempat itu.

Keburukan lain akibat penganjuran rumah terbuka adalah terdapat pihak yang mementingkan diri dan tidak menghiraukan orang lain. Perkara ini akan menimbulkan masalah dan kesulitan kepada orang lain yang turut hadir dalam majlis itu. Ada tetamu yang berebut-rebut semasa mengambil makanan atau bersikap tamak dengan mengambil makanan dalam jumlah yang banyak. Sekiranya mereka menghabiskan makanan tersebut sudah tentu tidak menimbulkan masalah, tetapi perkara yang berlaku ialah mereka tidak menghabiskan makanan tersebut. Hal ini sudah tentu menyebabkan pembaziran berlaku, sedangkan ada orang lain yang mungkin tidak mendapat makanan langsung.

Oleh hal yang demikian, konsep rumah terbuka perlu dihayati dengan mendalam oleh semua pihak. Konsep rumah terbuka sudah tentu banyak mendatangkan kebaikan jika difahami dan dihayati oleh anggota masyarakat. Sekiranya konsep ini tidak difahami dan dihayati, ditakuti amalan rumah terbuka akan mendatangkan keburukan atau sekadar syarat sahaja untuk menganjurkannya. Kita tidak mahu seperti kata pepatah, "Rumah siap pahat berbunyi" apabila menganjurkan rumah terbuka. Jadi, semua anggota masyarakat haruslah memahami dan menghayati konsep rumah terbuka yang sebenarnya agar hasrat yang dicita-citakan akan dapat dicapai.

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Event That Has Affected The Main Character

Novel, The Curse – Event That Has Affected The Main Character

Based on the novel you have learned,

·         Which event has affected the main character

·         How is the main character affected by the event mentioned

·         Support your answer with evidence from the text

I choose The Curse by Lee Su Ann. In my opinion, the event that has affected the main character from the novel is when Azreen first met the Old Lady.

Azreen first met the Old Lady when she was challenged by her friends to go to the Old Lady’s house. The villagers believed that the Old Lady is an evil witch, so they forbade their children to go to the Old Lady’s house. However, Azreen’s curiosity and bravery led her to the Old Lady’s house. As she called out for the Old Lady, her friends scampered and some even looked very scared. When she met the Old Lady and the Old Lady asked her to go away, she did not think the Old Lady was evil. After that day, Azreen kept going to the house until the Old Lady became friendly with her.

In my opinion, this event has affected the main character because after the day they became friends, the Old Lady became the person Azreen talked to or turned to whenever she had problems. For instance, Azreen would go to her house whenever she got into fights with her father. The Old Lady would listen to her problems and calm her.

Apart from that, this event has affected the main character  because from the Old Lady, Azreen had learnt to forgive the people who had done her wrong. For instance, Azreen had forgiven her father for murdering her sister, Madhuri after understanding the reason of her father’s action. If Azreen had not met and befriended the Old Lady, she might not have forgiven the people who had done her wrong. As a result, she might not go back to London feeling free and feeling like a new person.

In conclusion, the event that has affected the main character is when Azreen first met the Old Lady because of the above reasons.

Road Safety

Road accidents have been on the increase with more young people becoming victims. Your school has decided to launch a “Road Safety Week” to raise awareness among students of the need to be more responsible on the road chairperson of the school’s organising committee, you have been asked to give a talk to other students on road safety.

A very good morning to the Principal of SM Sri Mayang, teachers and fellow friends. As the chairperson of the school’s organizing committee for the ‘Road Safety Week’, I would like to give a talk on some safety tips for the students. As we know, there has been an increase in the accidents reported involving students of this school. I hope this talk will raise your awareness to be more responsible and careful when using the road.

I would like to identify some of the reasons why road accidents occur. First, speeding beyond the prescribed limits is the main cause. Some drivers not only speed but also drive recklessly, breaking road rules and beating the traffic lights. Moreover, drivers who are tired after long distance driving or after a long day work, may not be able to concentrate on the road, thus causing accidents. Youngsters using the road as their racing track is another cause too. Drivers who do not check and maintain their vehicles often may be involved in accidents because their vehicle is faulty. Many potholes and uneven roads which contribute to the poor condition of the road too can cause accidents.

However, these problems can be overcome with strict enforcement of traffic rules to those who flaunt the law. The offenders should be caught and fines should be increased. Only road-worthy vehicles, which have been maintained well, should be permitted on the roads. Awareness campaigns on safe driving should be carried out everywhere. Since young drivers are high on the accident list, their age limit should be increased. If the drivers are involved in any accidents, their licence should be suspended.

I hope the short talk that I have delivered have given you some ideas of how to use the road safely. Thank you for listening

Faith In The God Is Essential

Novel, Catch Us If You Can – Faith In The God Is Essential

“Faith in the God is essential”.
Using the evidence from the novel, explain how this is shown in the novel you have studied. Support your answer with close reference to the text.

SAMPLE ANSWER

In the novel „Catch Us if You Can‟ by Catherine MacPhail, “Faith in God is Essential” is one of the messages in the story.

Rory‟s prayers are in the form of warm and friendly conversations with God, which he addresses as „The Big Man‟. Rory is a character who has faith in God. Rory promises to be good and do good things if „The Big Man‟ would make Granda wake up when he sees his grandfather‟s face pale, his mouth open and he is hardly breathing. In addition, Rory believes that „The Big Man‟ wanted him to escape as things go smoothly. Rory promises to collect money for the Salvation Army if „The Big Man‟ keeps Granda safe. Rory tells „The Big Man‟ that they both are having great time and Granda is no trouble at all.

The other evidence that resembles Rory as a person who has faith in God is when he and his grandfather did not crash since Granda cannot drive well. Due to that, he believes that „The Big Man‟ is looking after him.

As a conclusion, prayers play a vital role in keeping Rory‟s spirit up and prove that faith is essential in life.

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.

Usaha-Usaha Untuk Melahirkan Masyarakat Penyayang

Usaha-Usaha Untuk Melahirkan Masyarakat Penyayang

         Dasawarsa ini, sama ada kita sedar atau tidak lantaran terlalu dihidangkan dengan pembangunan negara yang semakin gah di persada dunia. Namun di sebalik itu, kita acapkali tersentak oleh pelbagai permasalahan sosial yang beronal yang dicetuskan oleh rakyat kita sendiri. Justeru, masalah sosial yang kian meruncing kini dapat dicegah jika kita berusaha membentuk sebuah masyarakat penyayang. Masyarakat penyayang merupakan masyarakat yang salingmemerlukan antara satu sama lain tidak kira umur, bangsa dan agama. Oleh itu, terdapat beberapa usaha yang telah dilaksanakan bagi melahirkan masyarakat penyayang di negara kita.

         Antaranya, sebagai rakyat Malaysia yang prihatin, kita haruslah menunjukkan perasaan simpati dan belas kasihan terhadap golongan yang hidup dalam serba kekurangan seperti golongan kurang upaya. Hal ini demikian kerana mereka tidak akan berasa tersisih oleh masyarakat bahkan mereka akan berasa lebih dihargai. Misalnya, kita membantu golongan kurang upaya ini dengan memberikan sumbangan dari segi kewangan, tempat tinggal, atau pendidikan. Bak kata peribahasa Melayu, “ berat sama dipikul, ringan sama dijinjing “. Dengan berbuat demikian, kita akan dihormati dan kehidupan kita akan lebih diberkati kerana tidak bersikap kedekut dalam menyumbangkan harta yang dimiliki.

         Pada realitinya, memang tidak dapat dinafikan bahawa keluarga bahagia juga dapat membentuk masyarakat penyayang. Ini disebabkan sikapahli keluarga yang saling mengambil berat antara satu sama lain. Ibu bapa memainkan peranan penting dalam mendidik anak-anak sejak kecil lagi. Hal ini sama dengan peribahasa, “ melentur buluh biarlah dari rebungya “. Contohnya, ibu bapa haruslah bersikap terbuka dan bersedia mendengar segala masalah yang dihadapi oleh anak-anak. Jelaslah bahawa sikap ibu bapa yang sebegini mampu mencegah anak-anak mereka terlibat dalam gejala yang tidak sihat.

         Seterusnya, pihak kerajaan juga memainkan peranan penting dalam mewujudkan masyarakat penyayang. Ini menggambarkan bahawa pihak kerajaan perlu peka akan situasi ini dan mengambil tindakan bagi melahirkan masyarakat penyayang. Misalnya, menganjurkan ‘Kempen Masyarakat Penyayang’ di tempat-tempat yang sesuai agar ramai yang menyertai kempen tersebut. Dengan itu, usaha kerajaan pasti tidak sia-sia malahan dapat melahirkan kelompok masyarakat penyayang dalam kuantiti yang sangat membanggakan.

        Demi merealisasikan visi kudsi Wawasan 2020, marilah kita bersama-sama membimbing golongan masyarakat yang sememangnya mempunyai tanggungjawab yang besar untuk menerajui pemerintahan negara, menjadi tenaga untuk memajukan negara dan menjaga kedaulatan negara. Seyogia diharapkan golongan masyarakat akan memandang serius akan segala perubahan yang berlaku dalam usaha melahirkan masyarakat penyayang. Hal ini bertepatan dengan peribahasa,“ kalau tidak dipecahkan ruyung, manakan dapat sagunya “. Oleh itu, semua pihak haruslah berganding bahu melahirkan masyarakat penyayang agar Wawasan 1 Malaysia dapat direalisasikan seperti yang dijanjikan.

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