Essay 1Composition helps the student to express his views on
what is happening in the world around him, besides expressing
personal thoughts, feelings and experiences.
My Pets
I have two pretty birds as pets. They are green-and-bluebudgies.
Their home is a shady tree in the garden where they are free to fly
from branch to branch. Yet they are safe from the cat as the whole
tree is inside a wire enclosure. I have nailed a wooden box on the
tree. This is their 'nest' where they sleep at night and where they
find shelter whenever it rains.My pets are called 'Polly' and
'Sally'. They enjoy flying about among the branches and
theychirphappily all day long. Every morning, I feed them with
birdseed and give them a bowl of water to drink. I also clean their
'nest'.They are pretty birds and I like to watch their movements. I
find themcheeryand lively, so I never feel dull spending my time
with them. I love my pets very much.
budgie'budgie' is short for 'budgerigar'. A parakeet native to
Australia and having green, yellow, or blue plumage. It is a
popular cage bird bred in a variety of colors not found in wild
populations
chirpmake high-pitched sounds; of birds
cheerybright and happy
Essay 2A Happy Dream
I had a happy dream last night. Before going to bed, I had been
watching a Walt Disney cartoon programme on television and, in my
dream, I was actually at Disneyland!I wasoverwhelmedwithexcitement
at seeing all the familiar scenes and Disney characters, especially
Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, Pluto and Snow White. I was
indeedthrilledand happywanderingaroundthe 'Fairy Land'.The children
I met there were also friendly. We shared the same joys as we moved
around, exploring the magic land. Pinnochio, the puppet, gave me a
specially warm welcome. Suddenly, as I was about to follow Bambi
into the jungle, someone tapped me on my shoulder. It turned out to
be my mother waking me up to get ready for school! I woke up
reluctantly, wishing I could go back to my dreamland.
overwhelmedto cause someone to feel sudden strong emotion
thrilledextremely please
wanderto walk around slowly in a relaxed way or without any
clear purpose or direction
Essay 3
My Best Friend
Norella is my best friend in school. She is a fair, pretty girl
with dimpled cheeks. She and I first met atkindergartenand we
became great friends. She is kind, jolly and helpful. We are
classmates again this year and we go to school together each
morning.Norella likes to joke and play games. She lives near my
house. In the evenings, we usually meet at my house. We sit in the
garden and read story books. She is good at Mathematics. So,
whenever I find difficulties in my Mathematics homework, I would
ask her to help me. Sometimes, when my parents go out in the
evening, she comes over tokeep me companyand we watch television
together. That way I do not feel lonely.I hope Norella and I will
be in the same class again next year. I like her very much and she
is my best friend.
kindergartenA program or class for four-year-old to six-year-old
children that serves as an introduction to school.
keepsbcompanyto stay with someone so that they are not alone
Essay 4Things I Like To Do
I like to play games out in the garden. When it rains, I stay
indoors and play card games and scrabble with my family.
Alternatively, Iindulgeindoing jigsaw puzzles. I have completed
several scenes and pictures.I also like to play with my puppy. It
chases me round the garden and barks at me. It has learnt how to
pick up a stick and bring it back to me each time I throw it far
off.Besides this, I like watching my fish and feeding them with
worms. They have beautiful colours and I enjoy following their
movements in the water.Drawing pictures and painting them is
another activity I enjoy doing. Reading story books is my
favouritepastimetoo as there are exciting adventure and mystery
stories to keep meengrossed.Lastly, I like watching good television
programmes.
indulgeto allow yourself or another person to have something
enjoyable
pastimean activity which is done for enjoyment; a hobby
engrossedgiving all your attention to something; absorbed
Essay 5My School Concert
We had a school concert last year. All the classes took part in
it. My class put up a play called 'The Magic Flute'. I can still
remember how excited we were when we tried on our
colourfulcostumes. We spent a lot of time on rehearsals.The
audience must have enjoyed our play tremendously, judging from the
loud applause as the curtains dropped. The Malay dance performed by
the Form Two girls was very beautiful. The dancers wore Malay
costume and had roses in their hair. They looked graceful and
charming in their green 'sarongs' and white 'kebayas' as they
danced to the accompaniment of Malay music.Besides these items, the
School Choir sang Malay and English songs. Form One girls, too,
contributed an item. It was a ribbon dance, using long, colourful
ribbons.All of us enjoyed the concert very much. Our teachers were
surprised that there were so many talented girls in our school. We
hope to stage another show at the end of the third term before
school closes.
costumeA style of dress, including garments, accessories, and
hairstyle, especially as characteristic of a particular country,
period, or people.
sarongA garment consisting of a length of printed cloth wrapped
about the waist that is worn by men and women in Malaysia,
Indonesia, and the Pacific islands
kebayaAKebayais a traditional blouse worn by Indonesian and
Malaysian women made from sheer material and usually worn with a
sarong, batik, or other traditional knitted garment such as
asongketwith a colorful motif
Essay 6A Class Party
It was the end of the final school term. The boys in Form IP
planned to hold a class party. First of all, each boy contributed
$2.00.Ten boys volunteered to be in charge of food and drinks.
These boys prepared iced-drinks, bought biscuits, cakes and sweets,
Their mothers helped by frying mee and mee-hoon and making hot
dogs. Every boy brought his own plate, glass, fork and spoon.At
4.00 p.m. on that day, all the boys met and re-arranged the
furniture in the classroom. They reserved one section for food and
drinks. Some boys organised games such as 'Treasure Hunt' and
'Musical Chairs' which everyone enjoyed.After the games, they
turned to the delicious food and drinks. Their teacher, who had
been specially invited,gave awayprizes to the winners of the games.
Lastly, they took photos and went home happily aftercleaning upthe
classroom. They felt the class party was a good way to end the
year.
give awayto give something to someone without asking for a
payment
clean upput things or places in order
Essay 7My Neighbours
I live in a housing estate in Penang, surrounded by Chinese,
Malay and Indian neighbours. They are friendly people and often
invite us to festival dinners and parties.Some of my classmates
live nearby and we are close friends. We frequently meet for a chat
in the evening or go for a walk, and I enjoy their company.
Sometimes we play badminton or football in the field
nearby.Occasionally, my mother visits the neighbours next door and
I go along with her tolook upmy friends. It is good to have
neighbours for they can help us if an emergency arises and keep us
company when we are lonely.Once, when our house was being robbed,
the neighbours alerted the police and the robbery wasfoiled. Their
dogs alwayswatch out forstrangers and guard the neighbourhood well
by scaring away thieves. I am appreciative of my friendly, helpful
and kind neighbours.
look upcall on or visit
foilto prevent someone or something from being successful
watch out forsb/sthto be careful to notice someone or something
interesting
Essay 8Hari Raya Celebrations
Every year, after one month offasting, Muslims celebrate Hari
Raya Puasa which falls in the month of Syawal. All Muslims
celebrate the day with great joy. In the morning, they go to the
mosque to pray. Then, on returning home, they receive guests and
relatives who come to pay them a call.Days before, the womenfolk
make many varieties of cakes, cookies and sweetmeats. They also
cook 'rendang' curries and prepare 'satay' to go with the
'ketupat'. Homes are decorated with many coloured lights all over
the garden. Small lamps are lit and placed along the driveway.On
Hari Raya Day, many Malaysians visit their Muslim friends to share
their joy. They receive warm hospitality and are entertained to a
feast of specially prepared food. Boys and girls wear new clothes
and shoes. Girls wear jewellery and boys new 'songkoks'.The town is
usually crowded with Muslims dressed gaily and going about. They
visit their friends and relatives while some go to the cinemas or
to the Lake Gardens. Many, however, go back to their 'kampungs' to
celebrate the festival with their parents. It is also a time for
family reunions. Everyone rejoices during this festive season.
fastingpartial or temporary abstinence from food
satayA dish of southeast Asia consisting of strips of marinated
meat, poultry, or seafood grilled on skewers and dipped in peanut
sauce.
kampungkampungis a word in Malay and Indonesian language which
means "village".
Essay 8Playing in the Rain
My brother, sister and I love rainy days. We enjoy playing in
the rain very much. There is a very shallow stream near our house.
Each time it rains, we go there to sail our paper boats and watch
them being swept away. The rain makes the water in the stream
deeper and it is exciting to watch the swift currents flow over the
stones, carrying away leaves, grass and other refuse from our
garden. We watch intently as our paper boats aretossedaboutin the
water. They then sail swiftly down the stream and we often wonder
where they finally end up.During the rain, we also love to sit and
watch thepuddlesof water in our garden. As pools of water are
formed, our ducks start splashing about in them, quacking
noisily.Sometimes, we run out in the rain, throw stones into the
puddles of water and watch theripplesof water growing bigger and
bigger. The water looks like rings of silver as the shining
raindrops fall onto its surface.I think the rain is better than the
burning heat of the sun. Once in a while, we enjoy ourselves
playing ball games in the rain. It is fun, provided we do not catch
a cold or a chill. I like playing in the rain when there is no
thunder or lightning.
tossto move about restlessly
puddlea small pool of liquid on the ground, especially from
rain
ripplea small wave on the surface of water
Essay 9My Favourite TV Cartoon Programme
Of all the TV cartoon programmes I watch, I enjoy most the one
with funny little blue men called, 'The Smurfs'. This is a weekly
show with a colourful background of green woods, flowers,
butterflies, birds and squirrels.These small blue creatures, the
Smurfs, have, as their leader, Papa Smurf, a good character. They
help unfortunate creatures including outsiders in difficult
situations. Then, there's Smurfette, a lovely girl Smurf with a
delightful voice, helpful and ladylike in all her ways. Next, we
have Baby Smurf, a truly lovable character whose language is cute
and adorable and it is a pleasure to watch her and listen to her
baby language.The scenes are set mainly outdoors in pretty
surroundings in the woods with lots of trees, flowers, ponds,
hills, waterfalls and rivers which delight the eye.Most fairy tales
have giants, witches or monsters, and 'The Smurfs' is of no
exception. There is Gargamelle, a wicked, ugly wizard, cruel to the
Smurfs whom he plans to catch and imprison. Many a time, the Smurfs
escape his cruel clutches and are free. His cat, Azriel, is a wild
and unpleasant creature makingeeriesounds and mewing. He and
Gargamelle are always punished for theirmisdeedsandwickedness.I
enjoy this programme as I find it amusing and entertaining
especially with its beautiful scenery. Besides, the Smurfs are a
lovable lot.
eerieOf a mysteriously strange and usually frightening
nature
misdeeda wrongdoing
wickednessdoing something evil
Essay 10A Day in the Life of a Fisherman
Ali is a fisherman who lives in Bachok, a fishing village on the
east coast of Peninsular Malaysia in the state of Kelantan. His day
begins at dawn when it is still chilly and dark. While he gets
ready, his wife, Laila, prepares coffee and cooks a simple rice
meal of fish and vegetable for breakfast.After eating a hurried
meal, he heads for the beach, where his boat is tied and moored.
His friend, Ishak, also arrives to help him, and soon they get to
work, checking their fishing-nets, bait and sails beforesetting
outto sea.As the first rays of the sun peep over the hills, they
set off in their boat and sail out to sea. The chilly, invigorating
breeze brushes against them and they shiver a little. As the sails
fill with air, the boat moves swiftly over the water.Soon, they are
in the middle of theglimmeringsea, and they begin to let down their
nets. The sky looks beautiful at sunrise with orange, gold, pink
and blue tints. They feel glad the day will be sunny and bright and
hope to get a good catch.Now and then, they pull their nets into
the boat. Sometimes the nets are loaded with fish, prawns and
crabs, but, at other times, they are empty. By noon, they start
rowing back to shore. Working in the hot sun is a tough job.As they
reach the shore, their families await them to helpsort outthe fish
and prawns which are of different types or sizes. Then, when their
baskets are filled with their catch, they are ready to meet the men
who come in lorries to buy up the fish and prawns and send them to
the markets in the big towns to be sold.In the afternoon, Ali sits
under a shady tree and repairs his nets. He also spends some time
attending to his vegetable plot behind his hut. Evening comes and
this is the happiest time of the day for him as he can now relax
with his family.
set outto start an activity with a particular aim
glimmerto shine with a weak light or a light that is not
continuous
sort outto separate one type of things from a group of
things
Essay 11A Visit to Penang
During the last school holidays, we spent one whole week in
Penang. My parents, two sisters and I left Kuala Lumpur by car.It
was a long journey and so we started off at 6.00 a.m. and drove
along quiet roads. It was still dark andchilly. On the way, we
passed rubber plantations and tin mines. I was interested in the
scenery as we study about these industries in our Geography lessons
in school.Finally, we crossed over to Penang by ferry and reached
our seaside bungalow at Batu Ferringhi. I loved the blue sea with
its gentle waves sparkling in the sun. The coconut
palmsswayedgracefully in the breeze as though to welcome us. The
sea was so inviting that, before long, we changed into our
swim-suits and jumped into the cool water. I enjoyed swimming with
my family.We spent the whole week swimming, playing on the sandy
beach and picking pretty shells to take home besides catching tiny
crabs. We also drove around the island and visited tourist spots
like the Snake Temple, the Pagoda and the Butterfly Farm. I enjoyed
the cable train ride up Penang Hill which I found mostfascinating.
After an enjoyable week in Penang, we returned home.
chillyCool or cold enough to cause shivering
swayto move slowly from side to side
fascinatingpleasing to the eye or mind
Essay 12Memories of my Childhood Days
My firstrecollectionof my childhood is the day Itoppleddown the
stairs when I was three years old. I was so upset that I cried and
cried for nearly an hour in spite of my parents' attempts at
comforting me. Finally, I quietened down when I was given ice-cream
and chocolates. Luckily, I was not hurt.My days were happy ones
before I started going to school, as I had good neighbours to play
with from morning till evening. We played games outdoors, dressed
as cowboys and Red Indians and rode about on our tricycles happily.
There were also other games to occupy our time.At the age of five
years, I had to attend kindergarten and this turned out to be quite
anordealfor me. To begin with, I felt very sad having to leave my
mother and go off each morning to be amongst strangers. I cried and
wanted my mother around, much to my teacher's displeasure. As the
days went by, however, I made friends easily in class and found
company. I became happy again and actually looked forward to
leaving the house each morning.I still remember those days when I
was learning to ride a bicycle. I fell and bruised myself several
times but I never gave up. Finally, I was able to join my friends
going around the neighbourhood on my bike.Another fond memory is
the end-of-year concert held at the kindergarten. I was chosen to
play the role of Jack in the play, 'Jack and the Beanstalk', and I
became a celebrity overnight receiving lots of compliments for my
performance.I now realise what a wonderful childhood I have had and
at times wish I could relive those days.
recollectiona memory of something
topplelose balance and fall down
ordeala very unpleasant and painful or difficult experience
Essay 13A Fishing Trip
During the December vacation, Lim, Ali and I decided to go
fishing at the lake near my house. We brought along our fishing
rods,baits, and cold drinks. Soon, we found a shady spot, fixed the
bait, threw our lines into the water and waited. Half an hour
later, there was still no sign of any fish.Suddenly, Lim shouted
excitedly that he felt a strongtugat his line. We became excited
too, and helped him to pull the fish out as it was heavy. Lim was
overjoyed at the sight of the huge fish. We tried our luck again
and waited patiently. Soon I felt a strong tug but it turned out to
be on old rusty tin can. We had a good laugh and threw the can
away. I was quite disappointed.We then drank some cold orange juice
and chatted for a while. The next time we threw in our lines, we
were lucky. All of us pulled out more fish. They were smaller but
good for frying. We were now quite satisfied with our catch.As it
threatened to rain, we picked up our fishing rods and our basket of
fish and returned home happily. My mother was glad to see us home
safely, and promised to fry the fish for us. It was a goodattemptat
fishing and we hope to get a better catch next time.
baita small amount of food on a hook or in a special device used
to attract and catch a fish or animal
tugto pull something quickly and usually with a lot of force
attemptto try to do something, especially something
difficult
Essay 14Maznah's Birthday Party
On her tenth birthday, Maznah held a party in the evening. She
invited about twenty school friends and neighbours. She was very
happy and excited that day.She wore a pretty pink dress with white
daisies on it. Her hair was neatly tied up with two pink ribbons.
She looked very sweet, all dressed for the party.At about 4.00 p.m.
that evening, her friends started coming to her house. They brought
many presents for Maznah. There were story books, boxes of
chocolates, pretty handkerchiefs, cute-looking dolls, jig-saw
puzzles and game sets.After wishing Maznah a `Happy Birthday', they
gave her their presents. They they ran into the garden to play on
the red swings, slide, see-saw and merry-go-round. It was a picture
of joy and happiness as they ran about laughing and screaming.A
little later, they played games such as 'Musical Chairs',
`Rounders' and `Treasure Hunt'. The winners received exercise
books, pencils, sweets or bars of chocolates as prizes. Maznah
enjoyed the privilege of giving away the prizes.Just then, Maznah's
mother called them in to sit around the gaily decorated table.
There was a lot of food like curry puffs, cakes, sandwiches, jelly,
iced-syrup, ice-cream and 'popiah'. In the centre was a pretty
birthday cake shaped like a clock. It showed `10 o'clock'. It had
pink icing with ten pink candles and flowers on it. While her
friends sang the birthday song to her, Maznah cut the cake. Her
father was kept busy takingsnapshotsof the children.At 6.30 p.m.
the party was over. Before going home, the children received
presents from Maznah's mother. Each friend was given a story book
and a balloon. They were delighted. After sayingfarewellto their
hostess, they went home happily. Maznah had enjoyed her birthday
party with her friends.
popiahPopiahis a Hokkien-style fresh spring roll common in
Singapore and Malaysia.
snapshotA photograph taken with a small hand-held camera
farewellthe act of departing
Essay 15A Flooded Village
It was the rainy season and, for one whole week, the rain
pouredincessantly. The water level in the river rose steadily until
the water spilt over, flooding many low-lying areas.My village was
one of the areas affected and we had to move our belongings to
higher ground. There, we waited for rescue teams to arrive. The
whole village was submerged in about one meter of water. The
currents were swift and merciless, sweeping away livestock and
furniture.Red Crescent members could be seen busyevacuatingold
folk, women and children trapped by the rising waters. Flood
victims were taken to a Flood Relief Centre. Here we were given hot
drinks, porridge and milk for the babies. Some had to be given
clothes and blankets as they could not save anything in time.After
three days, the rain subsided and the flood watersreceded. It was
such a relief to see the sun again. Flood victims began to move
back home, to clean up the place as well as to assess the
damage.
incessantlynever stopping, especially in an annoying or
unpleasant way
evacuateto move people from a dangerous place to somewhere
safe
recedeto move further away into the distance
Essay 16A Frightful Experience
One day, as I was returning home late from school at about 7.30
p.m., I wasdismayedto discover a group of rough-looking boys
following me.As I quickened my steps, one of them, apparently the
leader, obstructed my path and ordered me to surrender to him my
watch and my wallet. At first I resisted, but, when he threatened
to cause me harm, I quickly handed over the items. I felt
frightened and, at the same time, mad, having topart withmy
possessions as they were of sentimental value to me. Once they had
taken possession of my properties, they laughed and made their way
to a coffee shop nearby while I was leftfumingby the road.At first
I wanted to report the incident to the police but, later, I decided
against it and went straight home. I told my parents about it and
they concluded that it was unsafe for me to walk alone. They then
arranged for me to go in my neighbour's car and that solved the
problem.
dismaya feeling of unhappiness and disappointment
part withsthto give something to someone
fumeto be very angry
Essay 17An Interesting Person I Once Met
During the last school holidays. I often went out for walks in
the evenings, and the beach was one of my favourite choices. It was
there that I met an interesting person.He was sitting under a
coconut tree where a fishing boat wasmoored. His gaze was fixed on
something far away, something as far, perhaps, as the horizon. He
was hardly aware of my approach. But, as I halted my steps, about
two metres away from him, he turned and greeted me with a toothless
smile. He looked sun-tanned and wrinkled. I guessed he must be in
his early 70s'. But he was cheerful and friendly as I talked to
him.During the course of our conversation, he unfolded certain
parts of his personal history to me. He had been a fisherman all
his life. In fact, he started learning the trade ever since he was
a young boy of thirteen when he helped his father to earn a living.
It had been a very tough life at sea, getting up as early as two or
three in the morning to go out fishing.Then, with a twinkle in his
eyes, he began to relate to me some of his adventures at sea. Once,
during a storm, his boat waswreckedand smashed up but he was
finally rescued by a passing boat after clinging to a piece of
plank for one day and one night. Next, came his encounter with a
hungry shark in the rough sea. He had been tossed into the water
from his boat but he managed to escape from its jaws when a friend
in another fishing boat helped him out of the water in time.Here
was ahumbleman who had come through life with a smile in spite of
its many dangers and hardships.
moorto tie a boat so that it stays in the same placeto tie a
boat so that it stays in the same place
wreckedvery badly damage
humblenot arrogant
Essay 18A Walk by the Seashore
It was shortly after six o'clock in the evening when I went for
a walk by the seashore in Penang. The tide was just coming in and
waves were beating strongly against the rocks. Seagulls were flying
over the sea, looking for fish andswoopingdown onto the water every
now and then.The scene was truly a beautiful one to behold. The sun
was sinking beneath the horizon and the sky was painted with
beautifultintsof pink, gold, orange and yellow. Its reflection on
the sea held mespellbound. There was a magical touch about it and
it was created by the dancing waves that shimmered in thetwilight.I
saw fishermen returning wearily after a day oftoilout at sea in
their boats which were probably loaded with fish. There were many
people strolling along the beach, enjoying the cool sea breeze.
Children were the happiest as they ran and dipped their little feet
in the cool sea water, letting outsquealsof delight as the waves
teased them.I felt at peace, surrounded by the beauty of Mother
Nature and tranquility as I welcomed the close of the day by the
seashore that evening.
swoopto move very quickly and easily through the air, especially
down from a height in order to attack
tinta small amount of color
spellboundhaving your attention fixated as though by a spell
twilightthe period just before it becomes completely dark in the
evening
toilhard work
squealto make a long very high sound or cry
tranquilitycalm and peaceful
Essay 18The Values of School Games
All schools make gamescompulsoryfor their students for several
reasons.First of all, games provide healthy exercise out in the
open where the air is fresh andinvigorating. This is essential
especially after hours of sitting in a crowded classroom. Students
welcome this as it is a welcome change from classroom
activities.Secondly, games help students to mix around and teach
them to co-operate with their teams whether it be netball, football
or basketball. This team spirit is vital as it encourages loyalty
and discipline.Furthermore, games teach students to take losses in
the right spirit as they learn one cannot win all the time. By
losing a match, students learn to accept failure or defeat and
strive for a better performance in the next match. At the same
time, they learn to give credit to the wining team and display good
sportsmanship, thus strengthening a good relationship whether it is
at school, district, national or international level.Games help
students to relax and forget the worries and problems they may have
encountered in their school work. As the saying goes, 'All work and
no play makes Jack a dull boy'. Tosum up, a healthy mind in a
healthy body is what we need.
compulsoryimposed on one by authority, command
invigorateto make someone feel fresher, healthier and more
energetic
sum upto describe or express briefly the important facts
Essay 19Lost in the Jungle
A group of schoolboys went hiking and exploring the jungle
outside Ipoh. They were excited over the waterfalls, jungle
creepers and the enormous trees that they came across. They watched
monkeys swinging on the branches of trees and eating wild
fruits.The boys were soengrossedin their discoveries that they
forgot time was slipping by quickly. At the same time, they were
unaware that they had wandered deep into the jungle and away from
thetrackwhich they had followed while entering the jungle. They had
become lost in the maze of trees and creepers.By now, they were
hungry. So they sat under a tree to eat their sandwiches, peanuts
and fruits. Then it started to rain and it grew dark, making it all
the more difficult for the boys to retrace their steps in an
attempt to get out of the jungle.In the end, they decided to spend
the night in the jungle. They huddled together under a tree. They
hardly slept as they were bitten by mosquitos and were worried
about the wild animals heardprowlingaround. They were relieved when
day broke. They tried a different route and managed to reach the
main road, and from there they found their way back home.
engrossedgiving all attention to something
tracka path or rough road which is made of earth
prowlto move quietly around in a place
Essay 20A Wedding I attended
My cousin sister got married during the December school holidays
and my whole family attended the function. Dressed in my best, I
went along with my family to the bride's home where the
'Bersanding' ceremony was held. There were beautiful coloured
lights and the garden was lit, too. I found flowers everywhere and
guests weremilling around.On adaisin front of the hall were two
chairs beautifully adorned in satin and silk, with two velvet
cushions for the bridal couple. At about 7.00 p.m., a 'kompang'
group started beating their 'kompangs' and entered the garden. The
bridegroom, dressed in blue 'kain songket' and looking like a Malay
prince, arrived next, hisretinueof young men, and took his place on
the dais. Later, the bride, dressed also in blue 'songket kebaya'
and 'sarung', arrived looking beautiful. Her jewellery sparkled in
the light. In her hair were sweet-scented flowers and 'bunga
goyang' which glistened visibly. She looked like a princess and sat
next to the bridegroom.Then the 'kadi' said prayers and everyone
was ready for the 'kenduri'. The dinner had all the traditional
dishes of 'beriyani', 'kurma', 'dalcha' with salad and' 'rendang'.
After a sweet dessert, a 'Bunga Telur' was presented to each guest.
It consisted of an egg placed in a small, decorated basket with
flowers on top. Malay music was played throughout the function and
guests were entertained to some cultural shows.Then it was time to
go home. We had enjoyed a hearty meal, blessed the blissful couple
and were ready to leave the place.
mill aroundmove about in a confused manner
daisa raised surface at one end of a meeting room which someone
can stand on when speaking to a group
retinueThe retainers or attendants accompanying a high-ranking
person.
Essay 21My Favorite Time of the Day
To me, the best part of the day is between five and seven in the
evening. It is truly a quiet and peaceful time for the family after
ahecticmorning at school or at the office. My mother, who has been
busy from 6.00 a.m., would be relaxing in the garden, enjoying the
lovely flowers and I would be sitting by her chatting away in the
pleasant surroundings. My father would be in his favorite chair,
reading the newspapers. After a while, I would play with my pet,
Snowy, a white puppy which loves to run round and round the garden,
chasing a ball.Then my brother and sister would join me at the
playground and we have great fun on the swings. We scream and
shoutto our hearts' contentafter a hard day at school.Later, as I
sit on the grass to rest, I admire the scenery around me. The sun,
a golden ball of fire, is sinking beneath the hills in the distance
and what a wonderful view of colors is displayed. Gold, pink,
orange and yellow tint the sky and birds are seen flying back to
their nests. All the plants and trees look strangely pretty in the
twilight, with bees and butterfliesflittingaround.The stillness and
quiet of the later part of the evening make me feel at peace with
everyone and everything. This is my favorite time of the day, a
time of beauty and tranquility when we can relax in the cool of the
evening after the rush of the day.
hecticfull of activity, very busy and fast
to one's hearts' contentto one's complete satisfaction
flitto move about rapidly and lightly
Essay 22My Favorite Subject in School
Of all the subjects taught in school, I like Geography best. It
is the only subject which teaches me everything I need to know
about the world we live in, for example, vegetation, way of life of
people, climate, agriculture and economy.I learn about the
countries around Malaysia and in other parts of the world and,
since I cannot visit and see for myself every country in the world,
I get at least a good picture of these countries by studying
Geography.I am very interested in finding out more about other
countries especially those that experience snow when winter comes.
I often wonder about the life of the people in these countries.
What would it be like to be dressed in thick clothes and boots and
living in snow-covered houses amidst fir trees?Then, there are the
hot desert lands that stretch for miles and miles without a treein
sight. They, too, fascinate me. Imarvelatthe inhabitants who are
able to tolerate the intense heat of the burning sun, traveling
along miles ofbarren, hot land on camels where the only vegetation
found would be the few palm trees growing at an oasis.The wide
range of food which we enjoy daily such as butter, cheese, fruits,
bread that comes from wheat and many others lead me on to find out
how they are processed and imported into Malaysia and finally make
their appearance in our homes.As I study more in Geography, I
understand better the changes in weather conditions, for example,
why there are hot and dry seasons or cool rainy days during the
monsoon season and how deserts are caused.
in sightwithin one's range of vision
marvelto show great surprise or admiration
barrenunable to produce plants or fruit
Essay 23A Wet Morning
Although it was a Saturday morning, I woke up at 6.30 a.m., a
habit on week days. Then, realising it was a Saturday, I shouted
'Hurray'! and pulled my blanket up as it was chilly at that time
and I could hear the heavy rain outside. It was a lovely morning to
stay in bed. Raindrops were pattering furiously on my window panes,
making a deafening sound. The room was dark and chilly. Feeling
lazy, I closed my eyes. I must have dozed off for a good
while.Suddenly, I heard the strong wind blowing through the trees
and therumbleof thunder. I got up and looked out of the window.
There were dark clouds overhead and the sky was still gloomy. The
road was completely deserted. It looked wet and slippery with
puddles of water all over. There were no birds to greet the
morning. I decided to have a wash and get a cup of hot coffee as it
was time for a good breakfast though things all around
lookeddrearyand dull.In no time, I ran downstairs and headed
straight for the dining room. I was happy to find breakfast all
laid out by my mother. It was then 9.00 a.m.. We talked for a while
over breakfast and then I ran back to my room, switched on the
light, pulled out a story book and climbed into bed, the most
comfortable place you can find on a chilly morning.As the rain
gradually subsided, I put down my book and looked out of the
window. I found my garden flooded with water and birds were having
some fun splashing about in the puddles. The firststreaksof
sunlight were peeping through the clouds and the day became more
cheery. I felt more energetic now and went to my table to do my
homework. By now, the sun was up and the wet morning had faded
away.
rumblea continuous low sound
drearyboring and making you feel unhappy
streaka long thin mark which is easily noticed because it is
very different from the area surrounding it
Essay 24Cameron Highlands - a Malaysian Hill Resort
After living in the busy city of Kuala Lumpur with its noise and
bustling traffic, it is a pleasure to go up to Cameron Highlands, a
cool mountain resort, for relaxation.Enrouteyou will enjoy the
scenic countryside as you drive up hilly roads amidst jungle trees,
waterfalls and small villages. Then, you feast your eyes each time
you pass a flower nursery or a vegetable farm. The cool, crisp air
at Tanah Rata makes you feel invigorated. At the same time, you are
able to admire thequaint-looking English-style cottages along the
way. Roses creeping up and clinging to the walls of the cottages
remind you of England and the scenery isenchantingif you happen to
be a nature-lover. Usually, a visitor gets quite hungry as he goes
up the highlands and he is able to enjoy the piping hot meals
served in the restaurants.As the sun goes down, temperature drops
and it becomes quite chilly. You can then sit by the fireside with
your favourite story book and laze around in a sweater or a jacket
as it is quite a contrast to the warm and sunny weather on the
plains in your hometown.A visit to the famous Boh Tea plantation is
interesting and worthwhile for have you ever wondered how you get
you cup of tea? It comes mainly from the tea plantations on Cameron
Highlands. Jungle walks are also a good way of spending your time
while you are there. Cameron is indeed an ideal holiday resort.
enrouteon the way to or from somewhere
quaintattractive because of being unusual and especially
old-fashioned
enchantingvery pleasant, pleasing to the eye or mind
Essay 25