Discussion of Kedah Trial Exam (Paper 2 - Essay)

Vocabulary:

1. Food court: medan selera

Analysis:

1. Audience – your cousin, Adam

2. Style – Descriptive (because you will be describing the food court)

3. Tone – Informal language (because you are writing to a close relative, your cousin)

4. Tense – Past tense (if you want to talk about your experience at the food court), present tense (when describing the food court), future tense (if you want to talk about your future plans with your cousin when he comes to visit you); the tense you use depends on the situation

5. Topic: Recommendation for a new popular food court in your town

6. Content points: the name of the place, what to eat there, why is it so viral

7. Word limit: about 80 words

To : adam_eet@jahoo.com

Subject : Pak Mat Food Court

Hi Adam,

I’m so excited that you’re coming to Baling soon! Well, you know I’m a foodie, so I’ve already been to that viral place called J&J Food Court. It’s located conveniently in Uptown, Baling, and many locals and tourists alike have come to sample the famous Kedah laksa sold there. Furthermore, the scrumptious fish broth, chewy noodles and fresh vegetables make the dish simply irresistible. I’m addicted to it, and the price is reasonable too. Consequently, many customers have left excellent reviews about the food court on social media. I’m absolutely sure that this wonderful laksa will satisfy your palate.

Can’t wait to take you there!

Love,

Your cousin Iffah.

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Vocabulary:

1. Charity project: projek amal

2. Charity: kindness (especially in giving money to poor people), an organization set up to collect money for the needy, for medical research etc

Analysis:

1. Audience – your classmates, your teacher

2. Style – Descriptive (because you will be describing the charity project that you plan to do)

3. Tone – Formal language (because you are writing a project proposal for your teacher and classmates)

4. Tense – future tense (because you are talking about future plans)

5. Topic: A class charity project

6. Content points: what charity project you plan to do, where do you want to carry out the project, reasons for your choice

7. Word limit: 125 - 150 words

A Class Charity Project

Written by: Syazatul Nadia (5IK)

A class charity project is an interesting activity that not only cultivates sympathy and kindness, but can also improve human relationships. Therefore, I strongly believe that for our charity project, we should visit Mesra Orphanage that is nearby our school.

To begin with, Mesra Orphanage is a non-governmental association founded by the Baling community. Therefore, it relies on the goodwill of Baling residents. I think that a visit to the orphanage is a good opportunity for students like us to contribute to the community, as well as learn about the living conditions of the less privileged children there. This will allow us to be more emphatic and appreciative of what we have.

Apart from that, we can also help them by preparing some donations such as food, clothes, reference books and money. We can prepare a donation drive encouraging all SMK Baling students to contribute, then we will use the money to buy the necessities needed. Next, I suggest that we can also organise a colouring competition and badminton tournament for the orphans while we are there. These activities are not only fun but also educational for the orphans. Lastly, some of us can also help to clean up the orphanage, such as repainting the walls and mowing the grass around the orphanage compound.

In conclusion, I think that we should organise our class charity project at Mesra Orphanage as it will inculcate good values in students, such as gratefulness and kindness. At the same time, the charity project will also bring joy, motivation and much-needed necessities to the children there.

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A Healthy Lifestyle

Written by Leong Qing Yi

In recent years, the Covid-19 pandemic has greatly increased public awareness about the importance of leading a healthy lifestyle. Nowadays, most people follow healthy habits in order to remain fit, increase lifespan, and most importantly, to increase immunity against diseases. Therefore, in this article I shall discuss and recommend physical activities that can promote a healthy lifestyle, as well as explain how healthy lifestyle can be encouraged among teenagers.

Firstly, let’s look at some exercises that we can do to keep our bodies active in daily life. The simplest form of physical activity that most people can do is brisk walking. This activity is generally suitable and easy for anyone regardless of age or fitness level, and it requires only a pair of comfortable walking shoes. Next, another enjoyable and highly effective physical activity is rope skipping. Although it may seem like a child’s game, rope skipping can help develop cardiovascular and muscular strength. Furthermore, it does not require much equipment except for a skipping rope.

Additionally, I would like to recommend another physical activity that I think most teenagers would be interested in, which is dancing. Lately, dance tutorials and challenges have been very popular on social media such as Instagram and TikTok. There have been many viral dance videos using popular songs such as BTS’ Dynamite, which attract the attention of many people worldwide. The energetic and catchy dance moves, combined with addictive, rhythmic music not only gives you a good workout, but can also help you destress and have fun. Therefore, I strongly believe that teenagers can benefit from dancing as a physical activity.

Lastly, let’s look at how teenagers can be encouraged to follow a healthy lifestyle. As mentioned earlier, social media plays a large role in developing the personalities and mindsets of young people today. Therefore, influencers on social media should be mindful in promoting healthy and safe habits, such as balanced meal plans and at-home workouts. Apart from that, parents and school authorities are responsible in educating teenagers about the importance of nutrition, exercise and mental wellbeing in order to develop a healthy nation.

In conclusion, leading a healthy lifestyle does not need to be difficult. All we need to do is incorporate simple physical activities into our daily life, such as brisk walking, skipping or dancing in order to keep our bodies active. Then, it is also important that social media influencers, parents and school authorities work together to ensure that the next generation is well-educated in terms of how to lead healthy lifestyles. With the necessary steps and precautions, it is hoped that the general wellbeing of Malaysians will continue to improve.

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Violet Evergarden - Book Review

Written by Muhammad Nizam bin Radzi

Violet Evergarden was released on 19 April 2018. The book is written by Masashi Kishimoto, the most famous author in Japan.

The story begins in 1595 in Italy when a female soldier named Violet survived a war in her country. After waking up at the hospital she realised that she was the only soldier who survived the recent war. After several incidents, she decided to work as a letter writer to understand the meaning of “love”. She also wants to find her commander, Sir Raphael who was lost in the war.

This book is so special to me because it has changed my perspective about soldiers and their feelings. The important lesson that we can learn from this book is we must not give up despite what we have been through in our hard times. Apart from that, we have to continue to enjoy life with people that we love.

Lastly, I would highly recommend this book to my friends. The reason is because this book has the best story line and the only book that falls within this slice of life genre. This book also won an award in Comic Fiesta 2019. This book is only available in Malaysia until 26 April 2021 and is reasonably priced.

In conclusion, I strongly believe that Violet Evergarden is one of the best books I have ever read, and I think that this book will be an interesting addition to any book lover’s library.

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A Valuable Experience

Written by: Muhammad Saifullah bin Abd Razak

When I was still studying in primary school, my teacher who taught me English, Madam Marina, suggested that I take part in a Spelling Bee competition. I was chatting leisurely with my classmates during recess time. When she informed me about the matter, I was utterly shocked and speechless. All my friends laughed at me and said I was unlucky.

However, Madam Marina told me to not mind them and gave me moral support. Finally, I was persuaded and said yes to her. At first, I was still hesitant and asked myself whether I could do it or not. The other contestants were also talented and gifted. I felt like I was about to lose.

Upon arriving home, I told my mother that I had joined the Spelling Bee competition. Well, she was a strict person and told me not to quit because only losers quit. After that, I practised hard until the day of the competition arrived. During the competition, there were butterflies in my stomach.

Deep inside my heart, I prayed to God for inspiration and strength so that I could overcome the obstacles. As round by round went by, I reached the final and the rival was a tough nut to crack. Fortunately, I bested her and became the champion. It was a valuable experience for me because of that event, now I can speak English fluently. However, I still have more to learn and I believe that this experience was a blessing in disguise.

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