english needs 1

7/27/2019 English Needs 1

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Summary

We will now proceed to Section B in S.P.M. English Paper 2- Summary.

General Requirements

Summary needs you to read the question carefully, then pick out the relevant points fromthe whole passage. Subsequently, you have to rewrite the points. As compared to Section

A Directed Writing, summary requires more efforts. Although both sections cover30%

each out of 100% of Paper 2, the Examination Board suggests that students should take

45 minutes to do the summary while only 30 minutes for directed writing.

Some advices to our cousins in time management to tackle with summary:

1. 5 minutes- read the question first.2. 10 minutes- read the passage carefully.3. 10 minutes- organise your points.4. 15 minutes- start writing your summary!5. 5 minutesdouble checkyour writing.

Total time taken: 45 minutes!

(More on the steps will be discuss later.)


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Summary- Sample Question

Section B: Summary

Read the following passage and then answer the question that follows.

Please Speak Proper English

1. "Lu think I don't know how to do thissinangjob is it?""Ask you to study, you go lepak pulak!"Have you ever heard of the above conversations? These are some of

the informal dialogues that we can hear in our daily life......

......

2. This phenomenon is also observed in our neighbour country-

Singapore. Instead of mixing proper English with Malay words,"Singlish" is the miture of Engilsh and Hokkien dialect......

......

3. One of the reasons why proper English is not used for conversationis that......

4. Secondly, many think that the interaction between individuals willbecome closer......

5. However, there are some disadvantages of not using proper

English......

6. One way to encourage the usage of proper English is......

7. Government should organise some campaigns such as......

8. In conclusion, .....

(Adapted from ABC Magazine, Please Speak Proper English,

published by Berjaya Sdn. Bhd. 2000)

The passage may look something like the above. The numbers on the left are to indicate theparagraph numbers. There should be line numbers on the right too. Sorry that I couldn't includethem here.


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Start Summarising

Steps:

5 minutes Read the QuestionRepeat reading so that you understand what is therequirements of the question.

10 minutes

Read the PassageTake note of the relevant points required in your summary.

Highlight them for easy reference later. This will help you

save some time in revising the passage again to look for those

points.

10 minutes

Organising your pointsMake sure you do not miss any points. (All necessary

information are from the specific line numbers given in thequestion.) Also, please make sure there is no redundant

points.

At the same time, organise all your points to answer the

question. For example, if the question asks for the reasoningfirst, then you should mention about it in the beginning.

15 minutes

Start Writing

Try to use your own words to write the summary.

The format and techniques of answering will be discussed

soon.

5 minutesDouble Check the AnswerDo not make any spelling or grammar error. Check whetheryou are answering the question.

Total time taken: 45 minutes!


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Techniques on Summarising

English summarising skills are almost the same like for the Malay. Anyway, I still have

to emphasise some of them here so as to recall you all my dear cousins.

The format of your writing:

must be in one paragraph. Point or note form is not accepted.

must not be more than 160 words. (This is the normal maximum length of your

summary. Just be careful if the question states a lower limit.)

must write in full sentence.

give a title to your summary! It can be as simple as just "Summary", which is still

better than nothing.

count the number of words written and state it at the end of the summary.

Summary of the passage "Speaking Proper English"

Many people do not speak proper English because...... (reason #1).

Also, many think that......(reason #2). However, there are some negative

consequences such as ......(implication #1). Besides, ......(implication #2).

Moreover, it is said that ......(implication #3). To promote the usage ofproper English, ...... (step #1). Secondly, ...... (step #2). Government plays a

role ......(step #3). In conclusion, ......(Conclusion).

(159 words)


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Directed Writing II - Giving Instructions


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Directed Wri t ing II - Giving Instruct ion s

Giving Direction

This is another popular type of questions. The question may ask you to give direction to aplace using a map or a series of pictures describing the steps to bake a cake. Refer to thefollowing example:

Example:

You are to give instructions to your sister, Susan, who wants to visit grandma.

Below is a map of Kampung Kuchai. Assuming Susan reaches Kampung

Kuchai at the bus station, give clear instructions to her using the informationavailable.

Please include the following points in your writing:

1. ...2. ...3. ...


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Directed Writing 2 - Dialogues and Conversations

Directed Wri t ing 2 - Dialogu es and Conversat ions

Dialogues and Conversations

A telephone conversation may have the common format as below:

Lee Mei : Hello, may I speak to Charles please?

Charles : Yes, Charles's here. May I know who is speaking?

Lee Mei : Hi Charles, I'm Lee Mei. Remember me?

Charles : Oh, Lee Mei! How are you?

Lee Mei : ...

For face to face conversations, the format would look like this:

Chee Keong : Good morning, Abu.

Abu : Good morning, Chee Keong.

Chee Keong : You look pale. Where have you been these few days?

Abu : I am sick.

Chee Keong : ...

Some tips to help you:

Use simple, everyday English for informal conversation.

Use formal tone for situations such as interview.

Remember to include pleasantries like: Good morning,

Remember to have a suitable closing at the end of the conversation.


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Directed Writing 2 - Speeches

Directed Writ in g 2 - Speeches

Speeches

Situations:

debate competition

speech on the stage

seminar/talk

presentation

Inter School Debate Competition and you are in the propose team:

You are the first speaker in the propose team in a debate competition on a topic of"Privacy, Consumers are to be blamed". Prepare your speech based on the points below:

...

...

...

Consumers Are to be Blamed for Software Privacy

Mr. Chairperson, honourable judges, members of the opposing team,

ladies and gentlemen.

Speech competition in your school:

A Speech on How to Spend Your Holiday Wisely

Good morning headmaster, honourable judges, teachers and all my dear

friends.


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Directed Writing I

Directed Wri t ing I

We will start from Section A- Directed Writing.

General Requirements

Give a title for your writing, no matter what the type is! You must read the question

carefully. Try to make full use of the points given, don't leave out any information. Give

also some extra information of your own that is relevant. This is because:

1. You will get full mark for content if you use all points given in the directedwriting.

2. Extra points will give you bonus marks.3. There are some marks left for the organisation of your writing, your grammar and

some other subjective factors.

Steps

1. Read the Question Carefully....

This is to understand question's requirements.

2. Highlight important points...

Highlight or underline the important instructions or points. The question will give you

enough guide. Understand the type of writing, for example, is it a formal writing orinformal writing?

3. Draft Out the Content... (Brainstorming)

Think of what you are going to write. Recall the format of the writing. Organise the

points given and fit them into your writing logically. Insert also some extra but relevant

points.

4. Start Writing...

Write neatly, eligibly and carefully. Make sure you can finish writing in about 20 minutes

as some times are used to do the planning and checking at the end. Practice more to helpyourself to write faster.


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5. Double Check...

Check your grammar, spelling and the fluency of your writing. Have you used all thepoints given in the question? Have you put a title for your writing? Do not leave any

careless mistake that can bring down your grade.

Types of Directed Writing

1. Formal Letter2. Informal Letter3. Report4. Newspaper5. Note6. Direct/Indirect Speech7. Figure Analysis8. Others

Newspaper

Newspaper report has a simple format as shown. The title, the place of occurrence, the

date/day and the author are the essential elements. The newspaper report givesinformation to reader. So, what you write shouldn't be a story, like what you will write in

Section C- Continuous Writing. Read some articles from newspaper and you will be able

to catch it.

Section A: Directed Writing- Newspaper ReportGive a title for your writing!!!

2 couples died in an accidentThis is the important title for a newspaper report. Don't left out!

(Klang, Wed)- An accident...

By Yvonne Yip The author's name...


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Practice - Directed Writing 1

***For your own practice only. No submission required.

Directed Writing 1Question 1: (Formal Letter Writing)

You read the following advertisement in Sunlight Press on 10 November 2000. Write aletter of application giving the necessary information.

Temporary Technicians and Salesgirl Needed

We urgently looking for 2 temporary technicians and a salesgirl to

help up in our computer shop. Requirements for a:

Technician Salesgirl

male only

minimum S.P.M.

computer skills essential

able to drive a car

able to work on Sunday

duration: 1/12/2000-

31/3/2001

minimum S.P.M.

good command in English


pleasant looking

able to work in public

holiday

duration: 1/12/2000-31/3/2001

We will pay at attractive rate. Any enquiries please contact 03-

77302032. Please write with full particulars to:

Mr. Edmund Lee,

The Human Resource Manager,

MiniHard Computer Sdn. Bhd.,

P.O. Box 4050,50740 Kuala Lumpur.

Dateline: 17/11/2000

Hints and Tips:

There are two jobs here. One is for male while the other is for female. You can

choose either one but not both. Just be careful of the name used.

Some guidelines for you:


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1. Mention where and when you found the advertisement.2. Tell the manager about yourself. (Name, gender,

educational qualification. You can assume that you have sat

for S.P.M. examination.)

3. Tell him about your qualification for the job you are

applying. (For technician: computer skills, driving license,availability to work on Sunday... etc. For salesgirl: good

command in English, computer skills, pleasant looking... etc.)4. Tell him any extra important and relevant information

about yourself that can help you to get the job. (E.g.: Any

working experience?)5. Mention that you have enclosed a curriculum vitae

with the letter.

6. Show your confidence.7. Thank him for taking you into consideration.8. Mention that you can attend any interview to his

convenient.

Question 2: (Formal Letter Writing)

Assuming you are Christine Goh, the Secretary of English Language Society (E.L.S.) ofS.M. Raja Abdullah. Your society is going to host an inter-school debate competition in

the coming holiday. The Chairperson asks you to write a letter to seek approval from the

Administration Officer of the school to use the school's multi-purpose hall for the event.

Below are some guides:

Millennium Inter-School Debate Competition Date: 4 Dec 2000 (Preliminary round), 8 Dec 2000 (Semi-Final), 11 Dec 2000

(Final)

10 schools participate, total 16 teams

Special Guest- Professor Kassim, is invited on Final.

Add any other relevant information

You are requested to send a copy of the letter to the teacher advisor of E.L.S..

Hints and Tips:

Again, this is a formal letter writing. For this type of application (looking for

approval), reasons must be given.

Some guidelines for the contents:

1. Mention the activity that is going to be held. Mention


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that when it is approved.2. Mention the details of the debate competition. (Title,

date, time, parties involved, special event/guest...)

3. Give reasons why the society needs the hall. (Capacityof it, do not have to pay...etc)

4. Mention that your society will be responsible for everyfacility in the hall.

5. Show your responsibilities.6. Thank the officer for considering.7. Mention that reference can be made through the

teacher advisor.8. Remember to include one line in the end of the letter,

after the signature, stating that a copy is sent to the teacher

advisor.

Question 3: (Informal Letter Writing)

Your family is planning to travel to Australia in December. You decided to ask yourfriend, Charles who is staying in Australia to clear some of your enquiries. You have to

write a letter to him as you do not have his phone number and email address. Below are

some questions arise when you are planning the trip:

places of interest in Australia

accommodation

food

estimated cost

Tell Charles when is your trip and include also your email address for fastest reply from

him. You are to add in any other relevant matters.

Hints and Tips:

Obviously, this is an informal letter writing. Format shall follow as taught in

lecture generally.

Remember that you are only required to ask your friend some questions. So, ask

wisely, not silly question. Content wise:

1. Tell Charles about your plan, the details of your planand your budget.

2. Remember to make use of the points given asquestions.


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3. Ask some constructive question. (You may try to showoff some of your general knowledge about Australia to

"impress" the marker. But please remember that you are

supposed to ask question, not giving suggestions.)

4. Last but not least, remember to give him your email

address.


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Formal/Informal Letter


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Formal/ Inform al Letter

Letter writing is the most popular type of Directed Writing. The format is quite standardfor both formal and informal type of letter.

Formal Letter

The following is the basic format of a formal letter. Letter for job application, letter of

complaint and letter for approval of an activity belong to the formal type of letter. Wewill discuss the content of each type of letter in exercises.

Section A: Directed Writing- A letter for job appplicationGive a title for your writing!!!

12, Jalan Bunga Raya,

Taman Star,31650 Ipoh,

Perak Darul Ridzuan.

This is the address of the writer. (In this case the

writer is Michael Chen.) It should be at the left handside.

Draw a horizontal line after the writer's address.

Mr. Henry Chia,The Manager,

CompuTech Sdn. Bhd.,

123, Jalan Iskandar Shah,

Taman Industri,30500 Ipoh,

Perak Darul Ridzuan.

This block contains the name (if possible), positionand address of the person this letter is writing to. Itis also at the left hand side of the letter. Underline the last line of this block.

The date is written at the right hand side, same lineas the last line of the address block at the left.

25 NOVEMBER 2000

Dear Mr. Chia,Salutation to the reader, followed by the topic/subject of yourletter.

APPLICATION FOR THE POST OF TEMPORARY ASSISTANT

The content of your letter...In response to your advertisement in The Sun Press dated...

My name is...

For your information, ...

I'm ready for any interview...

Thank you.


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Yours faithfully,

MichaelMichael Chen Teck Seng

Write yourfull name after yoursignature. (Thequestion may prompt you to use another name.)

Formal/ Inform al Letter

Informal Letter

The following is a sample of informal letter.

Section A: Directed Writing- A letter to my cousin in U.K.Give a title for your writing!!!

This is the address of the writer. (In this casethe writer is Mussa.) This time it is at the righthand side. Notice the difference.The date is just below the address block.

21, Jalan Saroja,Taman Bunga,

31650 Ipoh,

Perak Darul Ridzuan,

Malaysia.25 November 2000.

Dear Kathi,

How are you, Kathi? ...

...

That's all for the time being. Bye!

Write yourfull name after yoursignature. (Thequestion may prompt you to use another name.)

Yours sincerely,

MussaMussa


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Report

Report

A report does not have a fixed format. It can vary, depending on the type of report. Atmost of the times, the question will guide you about the format, by telling you some

essential elements required and numbers of paragraph needed. For report on minutes of

meeting, there are time, date and venue of the meeting, who are present, time when themeeting ends and when is the next meeting etc..

Report of Minutes

Minutes for a meeting.

Section A: Directed Writing- Minutes for meetingGive a title for your writing!!!

English Language Society of S.M. XXX

Minutes for the 3rd Committee Meeting 2000This is the important title for the report. Don't left out!

Date: 24 November 2000 (Friday)Time: 2 p.m.

Venue: Class room B12

Attendance:

Present:Thong Kah Leong

Yap Wee HiongFatimah

Baljit Singh

Lee Tze KiatHashim Bakar

President

SecretaryTreasurer

Project Coordinator

Committee MemberCommittee Member

Absent with Apologies:

Timothy Leong Committee Member

1.0 Opening Address

1.1 The meeting was called to order by the Chairperson at 2 p.m..

2.0 Confirmation of the Past Minutes

2.1 Baljit Singh proposed that the minutes of the 2nd meeting be passed.

Hashim Bakar seconded the proposal.

3.0 Secretary's Report


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3.1 ...

4.0 Matter 1

4.1 ...

4.2 ...

4.3 ...

5.0 Matter 25.1 ...

5.2 ...

5.3 ...

6.0 Matters Arising

There were no new matters discussed. The meeting adjourned at 3 p.m..

The next meeting will be on next Friday at 2 p.m.

Prepared by,

WeeHiongYap Wee Hiong (secretary)


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Report o f Boo k Review

Book Review is another type of report. It keep a record of the book you have read. Thequestion may ask you to write a book review of a book, with some descriptions about it.

It is not a very popular type. You won't get wrong if you follow the question'sinstructions. (It will tell you what other elements you need to put in your book review.)

Below is just a sample format of a book review.

Section A: Directed Writing- Book ReviewGive a title for your writing!!!

Book Review 2000

Number of Books Read:Duration:

Type of Book:

Number of PagesTitle of the Book:

Writer:

Publisher:

Character (if any):

410/11 - 24/11/2000

Horror Story

311The Bones

Stephen Queen

ABC Printing Pte. Ltd. 1999

Mary (a student)Peter (an archeologist)

...

Summary of Content:

The story is about....A summary of what you have read.Comment:

In my opinion, the story is very interesting....Write your opinion about the book, good and bad points of it. Others:

Highly recommended for a secondary school student.Worth to read?


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Idioms

Id ioms I

Why I dioms?

Let us take a break all cousins! We are now going to do some revision on idioms.

Examples of idioms are "one's true colours", "an eye for an eye", "read between the lines"etc. Why idioms are important?

to express your points implicitly.

to show your strength in mastering English.

to score higher marks in your essay writing!

In this section, 10 idioms will be taught. I'll give each of them an explanation and how to

use them to construct sentence(s). Dear Cousins, are you ready?

Idioms

1. "one's true colours"

Meaning:the true character of someone; what a person is really like

Usage:

Esther will not even show her true colours in front of her good friends.

He showed his true colours once he became the chairperson.

You will only know Benjamin's true colours after knowing him for more

Comment:It normally describes the negative character of a person.


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Id ioms I

2. "practice makes perfect"

Meaning:You will be able to become very good in doing something if you do it repeatedly and

continuously.

Usage:

Practice makes perfect, therefore you must work hard consistently in order to

succeed.

Comment:NA

Id ioms I

3. "with flying colours"

Meaning:with great success

Usage:

It's unbelievable that she can passed her exam with flying colours!

After all the hard work, Kassim finally came through his exams with flying

colours.

Comment:Normally used for examination results.


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Id ioms I

4. "have something at one's fingertips"

Meaning:know something very well

Usage:

Francis feels fearless towards the test because he has all the Mathematics

formula at his fingertips.

Comment:NA


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Idioms

"the gift of the gab"

Meaning:the ability to speak fluently

Usage:

She was selected to participate in the debate competition as she has the gift of the gab.

"read between the lines"

Meaning:discover a meaning in something written or spoken that is not directly explained

Usage:

Only students who can read between the lines are able to understand the hidden meaning of thispassage.

"work one's fingers to the bone

Meaning:work very hard

Usage:

Due to financial problems, Mrs Koh has to work her fingers to the bone in order to bring up herchildren.

He work his fingers to the bone merely for the little pay from his stingy employer.

"pour/throw cold water on something"

Meaning:be discouraging about something

Usage:

You have better come out with your own opinion instead of just pouring cold water on others'ideas.

Laurence purposely throw cold water on the plan.

"kill two birds with one stone"

Meaning:achieve two aims with a single action or simultaneously


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Usage:

If you follow her instruction, you can kill two birds with one stone


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Idioms and "Either...or & Neither...nor"

Idioms

the gift of the gab

read between the lines

work one's fingers to the bone pour/throw cold water on something

Grammar - Subject-Verb Agreement

Either...or & Neither...nor

"the gift of the gab"

Meaning:the ability to speak fluently

Usage:

She was selected to participate in the debate competition as she has the gift of the gab.

"read between the lines"

Meaning:discover a meaning in something written or spoken that is not directly explained

Usage:

Only students who can read between the lines are able to understand the hidden meaning of thispassage.

"cross one's fingers"

Meaning:hope or pray that something would happen; pray for success

Usage:

Let us cross our fingers that the world will stay in peace and harmony forever after.

I have done my best to study. What I can do now is just cross my fingers that I can pass the test.

"work one's fingers to the bone

Meaning:work very hard

Usage:


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Due to financial problems, Mrs Koh has to work her fingers to the bone in order to bring up herchildren.

He work his fingers to the bone merely for the little pay from his stingy employer.

"pour/throw cold water on something"

Meaning:be discouraging about something

Usage:

You have better come out with your own opinion instead of just pouring cold water on others'ideas.

Laurence purposely throw cold water on the plan.

Grammar- Subject-Verb Agreement

Many students make mistake on subject-verb agreement. Be sure of the correct usage of the plural orsingular form of verbs.

EITHER...OR & NEITHER...NOR

See the following examples:

Eitherthe boys orthe girls like the teacher.

(Both "boys" and "girls" are plural, so plural verb is used.) NeitherHelen norVincent has this idea.

(Both "Helen" and "Vincent" are singular, so singular verb is used.)

When the subject differs in PERSON or NUMBERS, the verb agrees with the SUBJECT NEARER to it:

Eitheryou orsheis wrong.

Neitherthis carnorthose motorbikesare his.

"Either...or" and "neither...nor" are different from "either of" and "neither of". "Either of" and "neither of" takeSINGULAR VERBS.

Either ofthe students (this subject should be in plural form) wears spectacles.

Neither ofus knows the way home.


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Directed Writing 1 - Self Practice

***For your own practice only. No submission required.

Directed Writing 1Question 1: (Formal Letter Writing)

You read the following advertisement in Sunlight Press on 10 November 2000. Write a letter of applicationgiving the necessary information.

Temporary Technicians and Salesgirl Needed

We urgently looking for 2 temporary technicians and a salesgirl to help

up in our computer shop. Requirements for a:

Technician Salesgirl

male only

minimum S.P.M.


able to drive a car

able to work on Sunday


31/3/2001

minimum S.P.M.

good command in English

computer skills essential pleasant looking

able to work in public

holiday


31/3/2001

We will pay at attractive rate. Any enquiries please contact 03-

77302032. Please write with full particulars to:

Mr. Edmund Lee,

The Human Resource Manager,MiniHard Computer Sdn. Bhd.,P.O. Box 4050,

50740 Kuala Lumpur.

Dateline: 17/11/2000

Hints and Tips:

There are two jobs here. One is for male while the other is for female. You can choose either onebut not both. Just be careful of the name used.

Some guidelines for you:

1. Mention where and when you found the advertisement.2. Tell the manager about yourself. (Name, gender,

educational qualification. You can assume that you have sat for


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S.P.M. examination.)3. Tell him about your qualification for the job you are

applying. (For technician: computer skills, driving license,

availability to work on Sunday... etc. For salesgirl: good

command in English, computer skills, pleasant looking... etc.)

4. Tell him any extra important and relevant informationabout yourself that can help you to get the job. (E.g.: Any

working experience?)5. Mention that you have enclosed a curriculum vitae with

the letter.

6. Show your confidence.7. Thank him for taking you into consideration.8. Mention that you can attend any interview to his

convenient.

Question 2: (Formal Letter Writing)

Assuming you are Christine Goh, the Secretary of English Language Society (E.L.S.) of S.M. Raja Abdullah.Your society is going to host an inter-school debate competition in the coming holiday. The Chairpersonasks you to write a letter to seek approval from the Administration Officer of the school to use the school'smulti-purpose hall for the event. Below are some guides:

Millennium Inter-School Debate Competition

Date: 4 Dec 2000 (Preliminary round), 8 Dec 2000 (Semi-Final), 11 Dec 2000 (Final)

10 schools participate, total 16 teams

Special Guest- Professor Kassim, is invited on Final.

Add any other relevant information

You are requested to send a copy of the letter to the teacher advisor of E.L.S..

Hints and Tips:

Again, this is a formal letter writing. For this type of application (looking for approval), reasons mustbe given.

Some guidelines for the contents:

1. Mention the activity that is going to be held. Mentionthat when it is approved.

2. Mention the details of the debate competition. (Title,


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date, time, parties involved, special event/guest...)3. Give reasons why the society needs the hall. (Capacity

of it, do not have to pay...etc)

4. Mention that your society will be responsible for everyfacility in the hall.

5. Show your responsibilities.6. Thank the officer for considering.7. Mention that reference can be made through the teacher

advisor.

8. Remember to include one line in the end of the letter,after the signature, stating that a copy is sent to the teacheradvisor.

Question 3: (Informal Letter Writing)

Your family is planning to travel to Australia in December. You decided to ask your friend, Charles who isstaying in Australia to clear some of your enquiries. You have to write a letter to him as you do not have hisphone number and email address. Below are some questions arise when you are planning the trip:

places of interest in Australia

accommodation

food

estimated cost

Tell Charles when is your trip and include also your email address for fastest reply from him. You are to add

in any other relevant matters.

Hints and Tips:

Obviously, this is an informal letter writing. Format shall follow as taught in lecture generally.

Remember that you are only required to ask your friend some questions. So, ask wisely, not sillyquestion.

Content wise:

1. Tell Charles about your plan, the details of your planand your budget.

2. Remember to make use of the points given as questions.3. Ask some constructive question. (You may try to show

off some of your general knowledge about Australia to

"impress" the marker. But please remember that you are

supposed to ask question, not giving suggestions.)


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4. Last but not least, remember to give him your emailaddress.


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Conjunctions

Conjunctions

Connectives, joining words or linking words, as they are sometimes known, Conjunctions are words that joinwords, phrases and clauses. Some conjunctions are more frequently used than others, e.g. "and", "but","then" etc.. Following are a list of conjunctions. Try not to over-use only some conjunctions.

furthermore further moreover in addition

instead yet although though

even though rather than even if despite

in spite of however in contrast on the contrary

on the other

hand

nevertheless unlike notwithstanding

in fact indeed above all unless

if if then as long as for

so because as as a result

consequently therefore thus hence

in conclusion in this way accordingly after

before when while until

since ever since first, second... subsequently

next meanwhile where wherever

Some advices:

One very common error with the usage of the conjunctions although and but is illustrated below:XXX Although the question is easy but students still cannot answer it.Answer: Although the question is easy, students still cannot answer it.Answer: The question is easy but the students still cannot answer it.Answer: Although the question is easy yet students still cannot answer it.

Grammar- Parts of Speech 2 (Conjunctions)

Choose the best answer.

1. You have better start revising your homework it is too late.

Error! Reference source not found.A. while


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Error! Reference source not found.B. until

Error! Reference source not found.C. beforeError! Reference source not found.D. even though

2. Rain brings freshness to the earth. , rain causes disaster.

Error! Reference source not found.A. MeanwhileError! Reference source not found.B. On the other handError! Reference source not found.C. UnlessError! Reference source not found.D. In addition

3. Ali is not as smart as Suzy he can answer this simple question faster than her.

Error! Reference source not found.A. -, becauseError! Reference source not found.B. Even though, butError! Reference source not found.C. Although, but

Error! Reference source not found.D. Although, -

4. you have the determination, you will be able to master the language.

Error! Reference source not found.A. DespiteError! Reference source not found.B. As long as

Error! Reference source not found.C. In additionError! Reference source not found.D. Rather than

5. It's party time! Many of them are having fun playing games. , some are enjoying

their meal.

Error! Reference source not found.A. Meanwhile

Error! Reference source not found.B. Consequently

Error! Reference source not found.C. FurthermoreError! Reference source not found.D. Indeed

6. He won't blame you for this. , he is willing to excuse you if you apologize to him.

Error! Reference source not found.A. NeverthelessError! Reference source not found.B. MoreoverError! Reference source not found.C. However

Error! Reference source not found.D. Indeed

7. Halim couldn't finish his task on time all the hard work he had put in.

Error! Reference source not found.A. in addition toError! Reference source not found.B. in contrast of

Error! Reference source not found.C. in spite of

Error! Reference source not found.D. in fact of

8. the economic crisis, the nation's standard of living is improving from year to year.

Error! Reference source not found.A. Notwithstanding

Error! Reference source not found.B. On the other hand


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Error! Reference source not found.C. Nevertheless

Error! Reference source not found.D. Since

1 | C | -2 | B | - On the other hand - used to show contradictory statements.3 | D | - "Ali is not as smart as Suzy because he can answer this simple question faster thanher."
The sentence sounds grammatically correct but the reasoning is confusing.4 | B | -5 | A | -6 | D | - Indeed = In fact7 | C | - In spite of = Despite8 | A | - Notwithstanding = Inspite of


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Grammer - "One Of", "None", "All"

"ONE OF"

It takes a SINGULAR VERB or a PLURAL VERB according to the sense required.

One ofthe players is well. This is one ofthe books that were torn that day.

This is the only one ofthe books that was torn.(Note the words THE ONLY in this usage.)

"NONE"

It is also used with either a singular verb or plural verb.

None of this business concerns me.

None of the players are ready.

"ALL"

It is used with a SINGULAR VERB when it means "everything" or "everyone".

All is well.

All has been done.

When "ALL" refers to A NUMBER OF ITEMS mentioned previously, A PLURAL VERB is used.

The girls are not here. All have gone home.


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Conjunctions

Conjunctions

Connectives, joining words or linking words, as they are sometimes known, Conjunctions are words that joinwords, phrases and clauses. Some conjunctions are more frequently used than others, e.g. "and", "but",

"then" etc.. Following are a list of conjunctions. Try not to over-use only some conjunctions.

furthermore further moreover in addition

instead yet although though

even though rather than even if despite

in spite of however in contrast on the contrary

on the otherhand

nevertheless unlike notwithstanding

in fact indeed above all unless

if if then as long as for

so because as as a result

consequently therefore thus hence

in conclusion in this way accordingly after

before when while until

since ever since first,second...

subsequently

next meanwhile where wherever

Some advices:

One very common error with the usage of the conjunctions although and but is illustrated below:XXX Although the question is easy but students still cannot answer it.Answer: Although the question is easy, students still cannot answer it.Answer: The question is easy but the students still cannot answer it.Answer: Although the question is easy yet students still cannot answer it.

Answer:

1. C2. B On the other hand - used to show contradictory statements.3. D "Ali is not as smart as Suzybecausehe can answer this simple question faster than her."Thesentence sounds grammatically correct but the reasoning is confusing.4. B5. A6. D Indeed = In fact


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7. C In spite of = Despite8. A Notwithstanding = Inspite of


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Prepositions (Part 1)

Prepositions

It seems that little words are the ones that confound people most. Using the right prepositions at the rightplace and knowing when one is needed


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Prepositions (Part 2)

Prepositions

Phrasal Verbs

Sometimes when the wrong preposition is used, it will result in a change in meaning. For example:

XXX He put ofthe fire.

Answer: He put out the fire.

when you actually mean that he has extinguished the fire, you are now saying that he has postponed it! Thecorrect phrase is "put out". Such phrases are called Phrasal Verbs:

agree to agree with agreeabout

agree on

angry with angry about

anxiousabout

anxious for

compare to comparewith

break down break in break off break out

break up break upwith

carry on early out carry off carrythrough

come about comeacross

come by come downwith

come out come round come to come up to

come upwith

cut down cut into cut off

get away get on get alongwith

get through get by

give away give in give off give over give up

look after look downon

look up look into look to

look up to look for

put off put on put out put up with put down

Some examples of the usage of these phrasal verbs will be given in future lecture.


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Exercise

Grammar- Parts of Speech 2 (Prepositions 1)

Choose the best answer.

1. The boy is running the road to meet with his father opposite.

Error! Reference source not found.A. onError! Reference source not found.B. acrossError! Reference source not found.C. alongError! Reference source not found.D. down

2. Please do not lean the wall. The paint is still wet.

Error! Reference source not found.A. overError! Reference source not found.B. by

Error! Reference source not found.C. behindError! Reference source not found.D. against

3. He is the smartest student his classmates.

Error! Reference source not found.A. betweenError! Reference source not found.B. amongError! Reference source not found.C. withinError! Reference source not found.D. in

4. the arrival of Prime Minister, everyone in the hall stands up and claps towelcome him.

Error! Reference source not found.A. WithoutError! Reference source not found.B. SinceError! Reference source not found.C. AfterError! Reference source not found.D. Upon

5. I could see a little boy crying in the of the crowd.

Error! Reference source not found.A. midstError! Reference source not found.B. middleError! Reference source not found.C. betweenError! Reference source not found.D. among

6. After 3 years of marriage, Jessie was divorced her husband.

Error! Reference source not found.A. withError! Reference source not found.B. byError! Reference source not found.C. fromError! Reference source not found.D. for


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7. He was found guilty shoplifting in the supermarket.

Error! Reference source not found.A. inError! Reference source not found.B. ofError! Reference source not found.C. for

Error! Reference source not found.D. by8. The examiner said, "You may start writing now. Please be sure that you can

finish answering the paper two hours."

Error! Reference source not found.A. byError! Reference source not found.B. withinError! Reference source not found.C. forError! Reference source not found.D. between

9. She works that Japanese firm a clerk.

Error! Reference source not found.A. for, asError! Reference source not found.B. at, fromError! Reference source not found.C. at, forError! Reference source not found.D. in, for

10. He looks sad everyday. I wonder what is he worrying .

Error! Reference source not found.A. onError! Reference source not found.B. aboutError! Reference source not found.C. ofError! Reference source not found.D. off

Answers:

1. B2. D3. B4. D5. A6. C7. B8. B9. A10. B


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Interjections

Interjections

Many single-word or single-phrase expressions that express sudden emotions such as

surprise, shock, happiness, excitement, disappointment, etc. are categorised aslnterjections. Examples include: "Oh!" "Goodness gracious!", "Help!", "Oh dear!" and

"My goodness!".

Some advices:

Try not to use extremely vulgar interjections in your writing. Use alternative ones

to show how well educated you are. (As this is quite subjective, I won't give any

example here.)


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Choose the correct answer from the list to fill in the blanks below. Each choice can onlybe used once.

down off on out

1. The manager says, "Let's put the machine Error! Reference source not found.and startworking!"

2. After 2 hours of effort, the firemen successfully put Error! Reference source not found.the

fire.

3. Here is the reminder for tomorrow practice. Please put the timing Error! Reference

source not found.in case you forget.

4. The host has to put Error! Reference source not found.the match as it is raining heavily.

after down forward out

5. We shall never lookError! Reference source not found.on people who are less fortunate.6. My aunt helped to lookError! Reference source not found.my house when my family went

overseas.

7. " LookError! Reference source not found.for any pickpocket around when you are in the

concert," said Susan.

8. All students are looking Error! Reference source not found.to their holidays after S.P.M.examinations.

back down into out

9. It is not a good manner to cut Error! Reference source not found.others' conversation.10. A technician is repairing the photocopy machine that has cut Error! Reference sourcenot found.11. Aminah decided to cut Error! Reference source not found.her expenses to save money for

her school fees.12. The gardener is cutting Error! Reference source not found.the bougainvillea bush.

Answer

1 | on | put something on - operate something2 | out | put something out - stop something from burning3 | down | put something down - make a note of something


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Summary Writing

Summ ary Writ ing

1. Summary means a shorten version of a full text article or passage2. In summary writing, only the main points are to be mentioned, and must be kept

in within the word limit.3. Exclude all examples, explanations, repetitions, description, elaboration,

conclusion and introduction.

4. Use of conjunctions become essential in combining two ideas into a sentence.5. Summary should be in ONE paragraph only.6. Write down the number of words used to write the summary at the right end of the

passage.

7. The number of words allowed will be +/-10 words of the words mentioned in theinstruction. Marks will be deducted if you exceed or do not match up t the number

requested.

8. Recheck summary for grammatical, spelling and detail error, and correct thembefore handing up


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Adverbs

Adverbs

Adjectives are used to describe Nouns. The Adverbs are used to describe Verbs!When a person walk, you may ask," How does he walk? Slowly or gently?"

Generally, adverbs are usually end with 'ly'.

Position of Adverbs

The trickiest part of Adverbs is their positioning. An adverbial can appear at up to sevenplaces in a clause. Here is the example:

^ The car^ must ^ have ^ been ^ washed ^ in that car park^

(The adverb "recently"; can be inserted at any of the points marked "^" in the sentence.)

However, freedom of position does not apply to every adverbial. And positionaldifferences would often be accompanied by differences in meaning. We will not discuss

this here.


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Verbs

Verbs

Tenses

One common problem with verbs is tenses. A verb would have different tense forms:

present, present participle, past and past participle. Many verbs word acquire the

inflection 'ed' when they are in the past tense and past participle form. However, there are

verbs that do not follow this rule. These are called Irregular Verbs.

Present Tense Past Tense PresentParticiple

Past Participle

can canned canning canned

cane caned caning caned

kick kicked kicking kicked

awake awoke awaking awoken

beat beat beating beaten

eat ate eating eaten

lay laid laying laid

steal stole stealing stolen

cut cut cutting cut

-'ed' is added to the verb in past tense and past participle form.

-irregular verbs: changes in spelling take place.

-irregular verbs: no change in spelling at all.


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Verbs

Subject-Verb Agreement

Another problem lies with subject-verb agreement. Consider the following examples:

1. They goes to the swimming complex everyday.2. They go to the swimming complex everyday.

The second sentence is correct. We will discuss more soon.

Some advices:

Many students will still have problems and therefore make mistake in Subject-Verb Agreement. More practice will be given in the coming lecture.


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Verbs

Modal Auxiliaries

Modals are a special type of verbs that are auxiliary and cannot be the main verb in a verbphrase.There are several marginal modal auxiliaries, i.e. they can behave like modals.

Commonly Used Modal Auxiliaries

can could will would

shall should may might

must

Marginal Modal Auxiliaries

ought to dare need used to

One rule to remember is that the verb that comes straight after a modal auxiliary will

always be in the infinitive form (i.e. the form of verb that follows the word "to"). Forexamples,

1. I shall studystudystudy now as examination is around the corner.2. He will travel to Japan for a few days.3. Peterused to read articles from that writer.

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