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Sample Essay 1

Write a story beginning with, I was happy to be in Group 10........................

I was happy to be in Group 10. There were six members in my group. There were three other
boys and six girls. All of them, just like me, were happy to take part in the district level language camp.
The camp was held at a two-star hotel in Ipoh. We did not have to pay anything. Everything was
sponsored.
The members in my group came from different secondary schools in the district. But all of us
were form 5 students. We were chosen to join the language camp because we had the potential to score
an A in the SPM 1119 examination.
Seri, from SMK Seri Permai, was our group leader. Seri was a very pretty girl. I had a crush on
her. I knew the other boys also admired Seri. We named our group Seri Bombastic. In the first activity,
we created our groups logo, motto and song. When we presented our song, everybody liked it. Then,
there was a talk on how to answer examination questions.
On the second day, we had several language games. We had spelling competition, vocabulary
game, sketch and many others. Our group won the sketch competition. We presented a very good
performance. We presented a story about a princess who fell in love with a fisherman. Seri played the
role of a princess and of course I was the poor but handsome fisherman. The activities went on until
10.00 p.m. We were very tired but enjoyed ourselves a lot.
On the third day we had a jungle trekking in a forest nearby the hotel. All instructions were given
in English. We also had to solve some problems and answer tricky questions throughout the trekking
activity. It was very challenging.
The camp ended with a simple closing ceremony. Each participant was given a certificate. After
going through all the activities I felt more confident that I would be able to get an A for English in my
SPM. I would also miss my group members, especially Seri. I would never forget them. We promised
that we would continue to contact each other. Seri also promised to help me improve my English.

Sample 2

A Visit To A Hospital
Yesterday, I followed my father to visit my uncle who was hospitalised at a private hospital. We
left home at about 5.00 p.m. and reached the hospital at 6.15 p.m. The private hospital was a new
hospital. It was opened two months ago.
My uncle suffered from chronic diabetes. Two days ago he came to the hospital for his regular
check-up but the doctor had to admit him because his sugar level was very high. The doctor had to
monitor him all the time. He would be allowed to go home once his sugar level stabilised.
My uncles ward was at the fifth floor. The lift was very spacious and fast. A nurse, who was my
mothers old friend, greeted my father. She told us that my uncle was doing fine. After talking to the
nurse for a while we went to Room 515. My uncle was very happy to see my father and me. A young
Egyptian doctor was examining my uncle at that time. The doctor said that my uncle was getting better
and he would be discharged soon.
My father chitchatted with my uncle for almost one hour. I felt bored so I went out of the room to
explore the new hospital. I went to the hospital lobby. It was like a hotel lobby. There was a long list of
specialists and their academic qualifications on the wall. Altogether, the hospital had 35 specialists and
some of them were foreigners.
Then, I went to the cafe. I was surprised as the cafe was like a five-star restaurant. They served
a variety of healthy dishes. But I would not eat there on my own as a plate of fried rice alone was
RM7.50! Even a glass of plain water cost RM1.00! Initially, I planned to have something there but I just
walked out as I only had RM2.15 in my pocket.
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When I was waiting for the lift to go back to the fifth floor, a woman cried hysterically with her
daughter. From her words, I understood that she had just lost her husband. I did not say a word but I
sympathised them, especially her cute and charming daughter. I wish I could console her daughter. But
before I could offer some help, the door of the lift opened and my father appeared. He indicated it was
time to go home so I just followed him. I walked to the main entrance while my eyes still looking at the
girl.

Sample 3

My Favourite Restaurant
Last week, the SPM result was announced. The night before, I could not sleep. I was very
nervous. I was scared I did not get a good result because my parents were really hoping that I could go
to university. I went to school to collect my result with my parents. My hands were shaking when I held
the result slip. My class teacher congratulated me. I looked at my result and hugged my father and
mother. I got 5A+, 1A and 4A-. Even though I was not the best student in my school, I was very happy
with my result. My parents were very proud of me.
That night, my father took me and the rest of the family members to my favourite restaurant,
Bamboo Restaurant. It was only five kilometres from my house. The restaurant was opened three years
ago. I liked the restaurant very much because it offered a wide range of local, Thai and western foods.
I would always try different dishes each time I went there. All the customers said the restaurant was very
spacious. Some said Bamboo Restaurant was the biggest restaurant in town.
When we arrived at the restaurant, I saw a big crowd. My father took some time to park his car.
My mother said, We have a surprise for you! I insisted my mother to tell me about the surprise but she
just asked me to be patient. My family and I walked to a room which my father booked for us. The room
was quite big and it could accommodate more than 50 people. When I opened the door, I saw many
people standing while clapping their hands happily. They were my grandparents, uncles, aunties,
cousins and immediate neighbours. I was really surprised to see my girlfriend with her parents too!
Everybody congratulated me for my SPM result.
I was deeply touched. I hugged my parents for organising such a dinner to celebrate my success.
I sat beside Mimi, my girlfriend. She gave a gift but I had to promise her to open it at home. My father
ordered my most favourite dish for all of us chicken chop with black pepper sauce. We also had garlic
bread, salad and crab meat soup. I always told my friends to come to Bamboo Restaurant if they wanted
to taste the best chicken chop in town.
It was a long night at my favourite restaurant. My cousins sang a Justin Biebers song for me.
My grandparents sponsored prizes for lucky draw. In short, we had so much fun at the restaurant. It was
really a memorable night.

Sample 4

The Day When Everything Went Wrong


I had just started working as a despatch boy at an international company in Kuala Lumpur. The
job was not great but I accepted it after failing to get a job in my hometown, Kuala Nerang. Actually, my
neighbours son who was staying in Kuala Lumpur recommended me for the job. Living in a big city was
totally different from living in Kuala Nerang. But, whatever it was, Kuala Nerang was still in my heart.
After six months working, I began to fall in love with Lisa, a clerk at a primary school. One day, I
approached her at a coffee shop. She was having lunch alone. I joined her. She was very happy and
really welcomed me to accompany her. Nothing much happened on that day but we just talked. We got
to know each other better. After lunch, I asked her if she would be interested to watch a movie with me
on the coming weekend. I was surprised when she gave me a definite Yes!. From that day, we became
closer and love began to bloom between us.

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Lisa confessed to me that she was worried about what some other people might say to me
because she was ten years older than me. But I convinced her that age was not important to me. What
was more important was her sincerity and happy-going attitude. Lisa believed in me. She knew I truly
loved her. So, one day she asked me to meet her parents.
On one Sunday, I went to Lisas house. I was supposed to be there at 9.00 am. However, I only
reached her house at 11.00 am. My motorcycle broke down once I left my house. I did not know why I
was so stupid not to take a taxi but waited for two hours to get my motorcycle repaired. It was supposed
to be an important day in my life but everything went wrong. I also left my mobile phone at home. I
borrowed the mechanics mobile phone to inform Lisa about what happened to me but I just could not
recall her contact number. My mind went blank.
When I reached her house at 11.00 am, I could see her parents unhappy faces. Their
conversation with me was very limited. I was confident they were not listening to me when I was
explaining about what happened to me. To make it worse, I left a box of chocolate, which I promised to
give to Lisas mother, at the workshop.
I knew Lisa was frustrated with me but she still treated me well. Lisa served tea and some curry
puffs. I was very hungry as I missed my breakfast so I kept eating them one after another. Lisas parents
were speechless to see my act. When I saw their shocking faces, only then I slowly put back the curry
puff in my hand into the plate. It was the last piece.
After that, I asked for permission to go to the washroom as I really had to answer natures call. I
was too clumsy. I fell in the washroom as the floor was slippery. My pants were soaking wet. I did not
know what to do so I stayed in the washroom for about fifteen minutes. Finally, I came out with my wet
pants. I quickly said goodbye to Lisa and her parents and left the house. It was truly a day when
everything went wrong.

Sample 5
Examination

This morning I sent my son to school. It was the first day of his SPM examination. My son, Dean,
was a diligent boy. Unlike me when I was his age, he did not need any motivation to study for
examination. He was able to manage his own time very well. He made his own timetable. Dean knew
when to study, play, watch television and go out to have fun with his friends.
I really saluted him for his independence and maturity. I respected him because I was very much
different from him when I was 17 years old. When I was in Form 5, I was a lazy student. Perhaps, the
laziest in my family and in class. My parents especially my mother was always angry with me when she
came back from work and saw me sleeping in my room.
Even my teachers in school did not know what to say to advise me to study for my SPM
examination. Mr. Nick, my History teacher, always punished me for my laziness. I had never completed
his History notes and exercises. My Chemistry teacher, Madam Beh, could not even look at my face.
She gave up on me.
I really did not have any idea how could I prepare for my examination. I realised I could not blame
anybody but myself. I was the one who refused to listen to all the advice given by my parents, teachers
as well as friends. Even when the school organised motivational talks and study skills seminar, I would
find ways and create excuses not to attend the programme.
I only picked up my revision books and began to study two months before the examination. My
mother was surprised to see me with SPM books around me. She just could not believe her eyes. She
did not say a word but gave me a hug while shedding tears. I promised her that though it could be too
late for me to prepare for my SPM, I promised my mother that I would still try my best. For two months,
I did all I could for my SPM examination.
The result was announced several months later. Of course, I did not get straight As but I did not
fail in any subject. My parents were not happy with my result. Me too. I learnt my lesson well.

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Sample Essay 6

The day that I will never forget

One evening when the sun was about to set, my mother asked me to buy some onions and salt
from a nearby sundry shop. The shop is run by Ah Kow, a jovial middle-age Chinese man with a huge
pot-belly. His wife and three young children, two boys and a girl help him everyday.
It was almost completely dark when I reached the shop. Ah Kow had switched on the lights in
his small but adequately stocked shop. He was alone at that time and I was the only customer. Ah Kow
greeted me with a warm smile. I always want to ask him how he kept his teeth so sparkling white but I
was afraid to ask. I told him what I wanted and he went to get the things.
Next door to Ah Kow is a coffee shop, owns by an Indian man. It was still open at that time. From
the coffee shop came two men. They came into Ah Kows shop. I could smell bad breathe from these
two men and I knew they both drunk. Both of them were young but from the way they half-walked half-
staggered into the shop, it was obvious they had too much drink. I kept a safe distance from these men.
It is never a good idea to be near drunks. One never knows what they will do next.
True enough, my caution was justified. For the next moment, without any warning, one of the
men swept a pile of tinned goods from a table onto the floor. In a second the neat rows were reduced
to utter chaos. The man who did it roared but in laughter. I could see Ah Kows anger rising. He raised
his voice. As if in reply to his retort, the two men started shouting at him. Then, suddenly a knife appeared
in one of the mens hand. The man that held the knife was small and wiry, judging from the muscles in
his hand and I had no doubt he was very strong
The knife-man lunged and in a flash he had the point of his knife at Ah Kows throat. Ah Kow
froze and his face paled. I was overwhelmed by the suddenness of events that the next thing I knew I
could not move my hands, nor the other parts of my body. I was held in a vice-like grip by the other man.
I did not even see him coming. I struggled but all I could do was to make the grip tighten more. It got
difficult to breathe.
I hears a lot of shouting and I could see the knife=men slapping Ah Kow. Reluctantly, Ah Kow
opened the drawer where he kept his cash and the knife-man leaned over and made a grab of cash.
That was a big mistake he made. For a fleeting moment, his knife was forgotten and in that short time
Ah Kow seized his chance. Ah Kows huge right hand came down hard over the back of the leaning
mans head right down hard on the table. There was a sickening thud when face met table. The knife-
mans head rebounded like a rubber ball from the table and I could see blood all over his face. He was
badly hurt. The knife dropped from lifeless hands on the floor.
Moving with surprising speed, Ah Kow grabbed a bottle of tomato ketchup from a shelf and
knocked the mans head. The red tomato ketchup splattered all over the place. I could not distinguish
how much of the red stuff on the mans face was his own blood, or tomato ketchup. Slowly he sank to
the floor and lay still.
I struggled to get loose. It felt so easy. Then I realized that hands no longer held me. I turned
around and saw the dark figure of a man running out of the shop and disappearing to the semi-darkness.
I was about to go in pursuit but
Ah Kow stopped me. He said it was useless pursuing somebody in the dark. Moreover the man could
be armed and that would be dangerous.
Ten minutes later, the shop was filled with curious people wanting to know what had happened.
The knife-man was herded in the police car. Ah Kow and I had to give our statements to the police.
When I arrived home half an hour later, my mother was waiting impatiently for me. I told her
everything and she smiled. She said she was glad I was not injured. I will never forget for the rest of my
life.

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Sample Essay 7

My Favourite Holiday Destination

My favourite holiday destination is Langkawi, which is made up of 99 islands on Malaysias west


coast. It is the countrys best-known holiday destination. Surrounded by stunning turquoise sea, it is the
most popular and is frequented by both local and foreign tourists.

The sightseeing attractions in Langkawi certainly will not disappoint visitors. One of the
interesting places I love to go is the Underwater World Malaysias largest aquarium which features
200 different species of marine and freshwater creatures. It is located at Langkawis most popular beach,
Pantai Cenang, where visitors can enjoy the varieties of water sports or simply strolling along the white
sandy beach.

Mahsuris Tomb is another tourist attraction which preserves the historical past of Langkawi.
This memorial is built in honour of Mahsuri, a fair maiden who was accused of adultery and unjustly put
to death. According to legend, she bled white blood as a sign of her innocence and she cursed Langkawi
for seven generations. Besides, you can visit the Gamat Factory nearby where you can purchase a wide
variety of this traditional Malay medicine. Just 5 kilometers away from Mahsuris Tomb, the Field of Burnt
Rice is another must-visit place. It is believed that when the Siamese army invaded Langkawi, the local
chief ordered that all the rice in the land be cut and burnt to prevent it from falling into enemy hands. To
this day you can purportedly still see the burnt rice on the ground during heavy rain-fall.

Your visit to Langkawi is not complete without experiencing the gondola ride at Oriental Village,
home of the cable car. It takes you from the foot of Gunung Machinchang to its apex. From the peak,
you will get a birds eye view of Langkawis thick greenery and also the Telaga Tujuh waterfalls.

If you are a nature lover, you can enjoy a glimpse of the lush flora and fauna of the Kilim Nature
Park. This trip will take you on a fascinating journey to explore the parks natural inhabitants as well as
its natural limestone caves.

Finally, if you are intent on carting off duty-free perfumes, imported dishes, batik and chocolates,
then this is the place to be. There are many shops offering these items at good prices, especially in
Kuah Town. It is indeed a shopping heaven especially for ladies.

Langkawi is definitely my favorite holiday destination. Besides being a duty-free island and
beautiful tourist spots to go, it is a place where I can relax and feel as if I am in another world. I will
definitely spend my holidays in Langkawi again.

Sample Essay 8

Internet

The Internet or the World Wide Web is indeed a wonderful and amazing addition in our lives.
The Internet can be known as a kind of global meeting place where people from all parts of the world
can come together. However, there are advantages and disadvantages of using the internet.

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One of the things that you can do via the Internet is e-mail. With e-mail you can send and receive
instant electronic messages, which works like writing letters. Your messages are delivered instantly to
people anywhere in the world, unlike traditional mail that takes a lot of time. There are also many chat
rooms on the web that can be accessed to meet new people, make new friends, as well as to stay in
touch with old friends. It is a great way to meet up with people of similar interest and discuss common
issues.

Information is probably the biggest advantage internet is offering. Any kind of information on any
topic under the sun is available on the Internet. The search engines on the Internet can help you to find
data on any subject that you need. Along with getting information on the Internet, you can also shop
online. There are many online stores and sites that can be used to look for products as well as buy them
using your credit card. You do not need to leave your house and can do all your shopping from the
convenience of your home.

Besides, we can also download software from internet. This is one of the most happening and
fun things to do via the Internet. You can download games, music, videos, movies, and a host of other
entertainment software from the Internet, most of which are free.

However, there are certain cons and dangers relating to the use of Internet. If you use the
Internet, your personal information can be accessed by other people. If you use a credit card to shop
online, then your credit card information can also be stolen which could be akin to giving someone a
blank check. Besides, pornography is a very serious issue concerning the Internet, especially when it
comes to young children. There are thousands of pornographic sites on the Internet that can be easily
found and can be harmful to children.

Such illegal activities are frustrating for all Internet users, and so instead of just ignoring it, we
should make an effort to try and stop these activities so that using the Internet can become much safer.
In conclusion, the advantages of the Internet far outweigh the disadvantages, and millions of people
each day benefit from using the Internet for work and for pleasure.

Sample Essay 9

Write a story beginning with, I could not believe my eyes

I could not believe my eyes as I saw the skinny lady who was walking slowly towards the
medicine counter. She looked old, haggard and depressed. She looked so familiar to me, but a younger,
happier version. There was no way I could be wrong.

Quietly, she sat on one of the chairs and waited patiently for her turn to collect her medicine. I
suddenly remembered, it had to be Diana, my best friend in secondary school. But this person looked
too old to be 30. Anyway, I braved myself to approach her. Hearing my footsteps, she looked up slowly.

You are Diana Yusof, arent you?

She nodded her head silently. Hello, Amira? You are looking good.

Her remarks reminded me of how beautiful she had been once. Diana had been the school
beauty. Everyone had admired her for her looks, her brains and her beautiful character.

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One day, Diana had stopped coming to school. No one knew where her family had gone and
why they had left so suddenly.

Taking a seat next to her, I wondered what had happened to her.

Why did you leave so suddenly, Diana? Why?

She looked at me nervously. I could sense that she was reluctant to talk and expose a part of
her life. After a long silence, finally, she started telling me her story.

Her mother had been diagnosed with cancer and there was nothing the doctors could do. They
said that she had only three months to live. Her father decided to return to their hometown, to let her
live in peace.

Her father, distressed by his wifes death, started to neglect his own health and three months
later, he too died, leaving Diana in the care of her aunt.

Tears rolled down Dianas cheeks as she related the difficult years with her aunt. Her aunt treated
her badly. She forced her to quit school and to work at a restaurant. The cruel old lady often beat her.
Her cousins, jealous of her beauty, were nastier than their mother.

Now that the aunt was old, her five children had left her when they realised that she needed
special care. Despite her aunts poor treatment of her, Diana felt sorry for her.

She has no one else, she said. I have promised to take care of her.

I looked at Diana and saw her goodness. Instead of seeing a gaunt and weary figure, I saw an
amazingly beautiful human being. My heart went out to her. Just then, her name was called. She got up
and collected the medicine which, I knew, was for her aunt. Her story reminded me of something my
mother used to say,

Life is like an onion: You peel it off one layer at a time, and sometimes you weep.

Before leaving, Diana turned and smiled sadly at me. I never saw her again after that.

Sample Essay 10

Football / My favourite sport / Interest

Manchester United? Liverpool? Arsenal? Kedah?

It's Tuesday morning. Do you find yourself longing for the weekend? Not because the idea of
having two days off from school, but because your living room television is bombarded by football
matches, both local and international scenes. Football is the greatest sport of all time and has endured
the test of time, dating back to the ancient Greece. Here are the little things that get me through the
week and reasons why I love football.

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Firstly, I love football because it is simply far more entertaining than any other sport in the world.
Its the worlds most popular sport, simple. As a sport it is far less predictable than most. Its a sport
where upsets can and do occur on a regular basis. Besides, it is a simple and inexpensive sport that
anyone can play. All you need are shoes and a ball.

Obviously among other reason, my family and I share a love for football which means family
gatherings of watching our favorite teams during football season. My mother would prepare some
crackers and hot, black coffee, allowing us to enjoy the match despites her favourite Malay drama is
playing on the other channel.

Football is also source of national pride. A great example of this is Iraq. Even though their country
was in shreds, they still managed to piece together a national soccer team to represent in the Olympics.
I remember when they came out during the opening ceremony and received a standing ovation, it was
very touching.

It sounds like an old clich, but football really is a sport that unites all. The game of football is
played by more worldwide than any other sport. Therefore, when the World Cup arrive in Brazil in the
summer of 2014, for those two weeks, civil wars will cease and people will gather and watch their
national teams play for the most coveted trophy on the planet.

Its a beautiful thing. I do not like football. I simply love it.

Sample Essay 11
The Person I Admire Most

The person I admire most is none other than my maternal aunt, Mak Su Midah. She is my
mothers youngest sister. I love Mak Su Midah because she is a responsible and understanding person.
Mak Su Midah stands 161 cm, with a petite, slim figure. She has fair complexion, smiling eyes
and lustrous, black, shoulder-length hair. Her face is as smooth as silk, and she has rosy cheeks and
pink lips. Being a successful businesswoman, she holds herself very well and has the charm and grace
to go with it. Mak Su Midah owns a chain of bakeries in Johor Bahru. She is a person who always puts
her best foot forward and she is planning to expand her business to other major cities like Melaka,
Seremban and Singapore.
As a single mother, Mak Su Midah always works hard to provide for her three sons. Although
she is busy with her business, she always finds time to spend with them. She makes sure they have
dinner together. During school holidays, Mak Su Midah would also take some time off to take her sons
for a vacation. Her sons are doing very well in school as they are very disciplined and focused. Mak Su
Midah is a good role model not only to me, but also to her sons.
Although she is very successful, Mak Su Midah is very humble, modest and respectful to
everyone. She is also supportive towards her siblings and never fails to help anyone who is in trouble.
Sometime ago, my father was in a financial distress and Mak Su Midah stepped up and helped him to
solve his problem. I have learnt to be like her in this respect. She always says that helping others brings
her joy.
Mak Su Midah is also always understanding and supportive towards me. As a young child, I
used to play with her and I even broke her favourite vase, but she was very patient with me and never
lost her temper. Besides that she always encourages me to study hard and reminds me to stay focused.
She is like a friend to me and also the favourite aunt of all her nephews and nieces.
To me, she is my role model. When I grow up, I want to be like her. That would certainly make
my parents very happy to have a daughter who is not only successful, but also respectful to everyone.

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Sample Essay 12

Hari Raya Celebration

One of the biggest celebrations in Malaysia is Eid or more commonly known as Hari Raya Aidilfitri
or Hari Raya Puasa. Hari Raya literally means 'Celebration Day'. It is celebrated by Muslims on 1 Syawal
of Muslim Calendar after a month of fasting.

Shopping malls and bazaars are usually filled with people days ahead of Hari Raya, which
creates a distinctive festive atmosphere throughout the country. This is the time when my mother and I
will do our last minute shopping for clothes and delicacies. Then, we will return to our home town to
celebrate the festival.

The night before Hari Raya is filled with the sounds of the takbir in the mosques. Just like in
many parts of Malaysia, especially in the rural areas, I will lit oil lamps and place them outside and
around my grandmothers home. My brothers, together with my cousins, will light traditional bamboo
cannon or firecrackers which are notoriously loud and can be very dangerous. My mother and aunts will
be busy preparing special dishes like ketupat, dodol, rendang and other delicacies to serve on the next
day. My favourite is definitely lemang which is a type of glutinous rice cooked in bamboo.

On the morning of Hari Raya, we will wear our traditional clothing, baju kurung. Before heading
to the mosque for prayer, we will greet one another and ask for forgiveness for sins which we may have
committed. Once the prayer is completed, it is common for many Muslims to visit the graves of loved
ones. During this visit, we will clean the grave, recite Yassin, and also perform the tahlil ceremony. All
these are done as a means to ask God to forgive both the dead and the living for our sins. The rest of
the day is spent visiting relatives or serving visitors. Hari Raya is a very joyous day for me and other
children as we will be given token sums of money, also known as "duit raya", from our parents or elders.

I truly enjoy the Hari Raya celebration which is a really unique festival. It is more than a religious
celebration as it fosters closer relation in a family as well as the neighbourhood.

Sample Essay 13

My school

My school, Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Sri Cempaka is located in Taman Indah, about
three kilometers away from the town center. It was built in 1961, the first secondary school in the district.
It is a grade A school and has more than 2000 students. To cater such a big population, there
are thirty classrooms with busy sessions both in the morning and afternoon as well.
As you enter the school compound, you will immediately come to the office. It is on the ground
floor of a three storey building which also holds the library and two Science laboratories. The school hall
which can seat 1000 students is next to the office. The hall has witnessed a lot of glorious moments
ever since it was built 25 years ago.
There is a spacious garden behind the office block. It is a beautiful garden with exotic palm trees
and a fish pond. Each of uniform body in the school takes turn to clean the garden every weekend. Just
beside the garden is the school canteen. It is a large canteen and sells varieties of food. I particularly
love the Laksa. It is very delicious.
The school field is well-equipped. It has a football field, a hockey field, a basketball court and
two volleyball courts. It is not surprising as the students in this school are active in sports. Many of the
students play football, basketball and hockey for the state. The school is also the champion in the district
athletics games for three consecutive years.
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Although the school is old, it has a proud history of producing brilliant students who are good in
sports and in their studies. I love the school because of the friendly students and dedicated teachers
there. I will definitely miss this school when I leave it at the end of this year.

Sample Essay 14

An Unforgetable Experience

May 25 2001 is a day I will never forget. It was the day when my family suffered a tragedy. The
day began like any other day and we all got ready for school while my father got ready to go to work.
We all had breakfast together, enjoying our favourite banana pancakes and hot chocolate, before
leaving the house. My sister and I got on our school bus while I saw father got into his car to get to work,
leaving my mother doing her usual house chores.
At 10.00 a.m., I was having a Mathematics lesson when a teacher came and told me my father
was at the canteen waiting to take me home. I could sense something bad had happened. Fearing the
worst, and thinking of all kinds of bad things that could have happened, I met my father who had already
fetched my sister. Her face was white as a sheet.
Our house was burnt down and mom is in the hospital, explained my father sadly. His voice
shook as he spoke. I was so shocked.
We rushed to the hospital and the doctor told us that mom was all right. We thanked God that
nothing serious had happened to her. She only suffered minor injuries. However, we lost everything in
the fire, our computer, furniture, books and clothes. I found my piggy-bank in the ashes and the coins
were still inside. That was all I had left. My father comforted us by saying that the house could be built
and the things inside could be bought.
Mother is all right and that is the most important thing, he said. That is why May 25 is a day I
will never forget.

Sample Essay 15

The Dong Festival

Chinese celebrate thanksgiving on 22nd December for the Dong Festival. It is the day of
merriment, feasting and giving thanks. It is also a day for setting out hopes for the coming year and for
ancestor worship.
In ancient times, according to tradition, the Emperor had to fast on the eve of
Dong to prepare for the ceremonial rituals and ancestor worship, which was carried out on the Altar of
Heaven in Beijing. On the day itself, the Emperor would offer sacrifices at the Temple of Heaven. If the
day was dry and clear, the coming year would be peaceful.
Dong is a family celebration with a family dinner for those who live nearby or are free to come.
Prayers are offered at the family altar. The day is marked by the preparation of tong yuen, a dish of
glutinous rice flour balls in syrup. The process involved the making of ground glutinous powder into
dough. Then, half of the dough would be coloured red and the rest left white. The roundness of the balls
symbolizes family co-operation and union. Usually there would be twelve larger white balls symbolizing
the number of months of the year. The rice balls would be boiled until they are cooked. Everyone must
eat at least one such ball to indicate that one is a year older.
I can recall those early years when I helped to make the rice balls. It was a fun activity when we
would compete to see who could roll the roundest and the most number of balls. Mother would be the

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judge and give a reward to the winner. When she had enough of the rice balls, we were allowed to shape
the balance into any shape we like. They would also be boiled and we would eat our own creations.
Nowadays, Dong is not celebrated like it should be. The balls with fillings can be bought ready-
made. People are too busy to observe traditions and customs. It is not a public holiday and many young
people tend to forget that such a festival even exists. Moreover, no one wants to eat tong yuen as it is
tasteless and not attractive at all. We seem to have become too sophisticated to enjoy the simple
pleasures of life as a family.

Sample Essay 16

Chronicles of Rina : Mothers walk Of Life

The postman was at the door with a parcel for me. It was from my sister who was pursuing a degree in
London. I tore the packaging paper and what I had in my hand was a book that traced my mothers walk
of life from the day she was born up to today. There were all together 50 pages for each year of her life.
I had e-mailed all the documents, photographs and even couriered a host of other things that I
could not e-mail. She had utilized all that she needed into treasure of a moment for Mama or Mothers
Day.
The cover was a stained glass rose design of a fusion of Mamas favourite colours. As I turned
the pages, I was taken on a walk down memory lane. The first five pages showed her entry into this
world, her birth certificate, photos of birthdays, rides, swim and cries.
The next few pages illustrated her years in kindergarten, the concerts and her graduation
photograph. She capped with her mortal board and holding a scroll which had a toothy grin.
Her thirteen years in primary and secondary school were written in pictures. There are sports
activities, bicycle rides, school excursions, science projects of pressed flowers and leaves as well as
candid photographs of her teenaged peer activities.
She next left to pursue tertiary education in Kuala Lumpur where she met Papa. I managed to
find photos of them together culminating in their wedding ceremony. She was splendid in her wedding
attire, so was Papa in his Malay suit.
She started a teaching career and I followed her posting to the interior of Pahang. Being young
and inexperienced, she enjoyed in her work which we read about in her letters. These letters were to
her family, relatives and friends.
Then we came on the scene, the five of us, commencing with my eldest brother and wnding with
me. She has her favourite photographs and Lia knew just the one each of us to include in the chronicles
of events.
Next were photographs of Rahims graduation with our proud parents. It was followed
immediately by Rahmahs entry to the medical profession and Rahmans setting up his accountancy
firm. Then, came photographs of Papa and Mamas pilgrimage to Mecca with Opah and Atuk. The
serene looks on their faces were crystal clear to us. The children sponsored Mama and Papas first
overseas tour of Western world. Although we stayed home, we were the armchair travelers when they
showed us the candid shots of their tour.
The last page of the never-ending Saga was the celebration of the 25th wedding anniversary of
Papa and Mama. It was a joyous occasion for everyone and the emotional outpourings could been on
their faces and heard in the recording made on the CD.
The souvenir ended with the words, the saga continues- Happy Mothers day! and to
accompany it was another CD with messages from all her five children. I closed the book, wrapped it up
with batik cloth, tied it up with ribbon, largely written with the words, WE LOVE YOU.

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