D.E.A.R – Drop Everything and Read!

ENGLISH LANGUAGE PANEL

SMK RAJA LOPE NOR RSHID

1. AN ACCIDENT

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It was a very cold morning as it had been raining like cats and dogs the previous
night. As my mum was feeling a little under the weather, I decided to walk to school by
myself on that day. A bolt out of the blue, when I was about a few steps to reach the school,
I heard a screeching noise from a car and some screaming by pedestrians.

        I quickly turned around to see what had happened. I saw a boy was lying down in the
middle of the road with his bicycle. He was badly hurt. The road and his school uniform was
all covered with his blood. He was bleeding profusely. There was a white Honda stopped in
front of the little boy. The driver of the car quickly came down from the car. Luckily, the car
driver did not hurt much. He just had some injuries on his hand.

       I felt so frightened and anxious at that time. I wanted to call the ambulance but then I
realised that my phone was not with me. There was no telephone booth around either.
Luckily, a passer-by who also witnessed the situation used her mobile phone to call for an
ambulance.

       There were a few students who had seen this situation quickly ran into the school to
inform the teacher. After a moment, a male teacher rushed out from the school and called to
the police without wasting any seconds. Soon, the ambulance arrived and the victim was
taken rushed into the hospital. The police arrived too at the same time. They questioned the
driver and some witnesses so as me.

        After that, I hurriedly ran into the school as I heard the shrieking bell from my school,
indicating me that I was already late. There was a way to prevent road accidents happened
especially in school area which is by having road bumps. There should also be a lollipop
man to help the pupils cross the road. Besides, students should also be taught how to cross
the road carefully. As we know, "prevention is better than cure".

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1 cats and dogs

2 under the weather
3 prevention is better than cure
4 bleeding profusely
5 lollipop man
6 anxious

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2. A FAMILY OUTING

During the last school holiday, my family and I went to Monica Bay for a picnic. The
wind breeze gently and it was quite a cold day on a Sunday morning. We arrived at the
beach earlier and got a perfect spot to lay out the food.

Monica Bay is such a marvellous place with a pristine beach and crystal-clear water.
I could see many fishes in the water and there was a lot of crabs climbing in and out of the
sand. It was indeed a beautiful scene and a stunning view for me.

As usual, my mum would make sure to bring enough food to feed an army. My
brother and I were so ecstatic and eager to get into the water. We quickly change into our
swimming suit that we had just bought and dip ourselves into the sea water.
We shivered because the water was as cold as ice as it was still early in the morning.

My brother was extremely excited while my father took out the new flouts that he
had bought at the nearby store. He could not stop jumping up and down just like a monkey.
We played happily and were in high glee. We then swam until our skin wrinkled up
like dried prunes. We then took a rest for a while by eating mum’s scrumptious tuna mayo
sandwiches.

After that, we built sandcastles and collected many beautiful and unique seashells by

the seashore. We also did not forget to buy some souvenirs and took quite a lot of pictures
there. Overall, it was a wonderful time especially when we indulged in the water splashing
activity together. By doing family activities, we could strengthen our bond in those stress-free
activities and at the same time making memorable memories to be cherished for in our life.

         
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2 wrinkled
3 pristine
4 glee
5 souvenirs
6 ecstatic

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3. THE FLOOD
  
    It was the worst rainy season I had experienced in my life. The skies
remained overcast as sheets of rain poured down without stopping. In the evenings, the rain
usually accompanied by blinding flashes of lightning and deafening peals of thunder. Most of
the residents in my area remained confined indoors. Apart from people scurrying to and
from work and school, there was a little outdoor activity.
 
        After about a few days of incessant rain, the swollen river burst its banks
and unleashed its fury on the residents. Many of the residents were caught off-guard. As
the floodwaters rose, the water started gushing into their homes. The flood swept away
everything in path such as rubbish bins and small pots of plants. Cars parked along the
roads were half-submerged.

        Everyone tried to shift their things to higher level but their efforts were in vain. There
was not enough time as the flood water was moving fast. Everyone could only save
themselves. Many residents managed to climb up to the rooftop. Rescue boats were
nowhere in sight. Some people were soaking wet while some managed to wait under an
umbrella.

       Soon, the rescue boats came and picked up the residents to a flood relief centre which
crowded with people. After about a day of heavy downpour, the rains finally showed signs
of abating. The overcast skies finally cleared. So, everyone started to return to their homes.

       In the event of flood, we need to take precautions to stay safe. People could easily get
drowned in a flood. So, it is important not to walk or wade through flood waters. We can also
avoid rom electrocution by staying away from power lines and electrical wires.

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2 soaking wet
3 wade
4 gushing
5 unleashed
6 incessant
7 confined

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8 scurrying

 4. A VISIT TO THE ZOO

As one who loves animals, I once paid a visit to the zoo in Kuala Lumpur, one of the
largest I have ever seen. I liked everything there so much that I shall never forget that visit. I
visited the zoo on a Sunday together with a few of my friends.

After leaving our homes early in the morning we reached the zoo before noon. We
then bought our tickets and entered the zoo. The first thing that impressed me, as we
entered the zoo, was its size and beauty. I could hardly believe that a zoo could be so large.
In beauty too, it was one of the best places that I had ever seen.

I saw many kinds of plants and flowers all around. I also saw some lakes in which
ducks of various kinds were swimming. I then noted that the cages of the animals in this zoo
are separated from one another, which makes one’s visit more interesting. After visiting one
cage the visitor has to walk a short distance to reach the next cage. In this way one has to
spend more time resting here and there to visit all the cages.

Walking round the zoo therefore becomes more interesting .My friends and I,
however, visited the monkeys first. They were of various types from different parts of the
world. They were all very active, though they had been confined to their cages for a long
time. Then, we went to the places where the tigers and the lions were kept. These animals
did not seem to be active like the monkeys. They were all lying down and looking at the
visitors without any interest. I was a little surprised at their coolness.

After that, we saw other animals, reptiles and birds. Their variety was amazing. We
were all deeply interested in their behaviour and movements within their cages. Then, after
spending several hours in the zoo, we went out and had a refreshing drink of coconut water.
After drinking, we returned home, feeling very happy. Overall, we had a joyful and
memorable moment in our visit to Kuala Lumpur Zoo that we would treasure for in our life.

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3 treasure
4 interest

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5 impressed
6 separated

5. A KIDNAP

My chauffeur was sick and I was told to take a cab home. I decided to walk instead
and took the shortcut through a rubber plantation. As I was walking, I noticed two men in
dark glasses following me. I became frightened. I started running and was horrified to hear
footsteps close behind me. Suddenly, I felt myself jerked back roughly. The next thing I
knew, I was blindfolded and gagged. I struggled wildly to free myself but to no avail. I was
dumped onto some rough sacks.

Then I heard an engine start. The kidnappers drove me to their hideout and then
locked me in a room. I slowly moved towards the locked door as I heard the kidnappers
called my father and demanded a ransom of one hundred thousand dollars for my release.
They warned him that my life would be in danger if the police were notified. They also
arranged to meet my father at a jetty at three o’clock in the morning. I was very scared upon
hearing that and decided to escape from those kidnappers. I looked around the dark room.

There was no means of escape except for a small window, which was locked. I
waited till the kidnappers had fallen asleep before I tried to open the window. I managed to
prize open the window with my penknife, which I carried in my pocket. Quietly, I slipped out
of the house and ran as fast as my legs could carry me. Since it was very dark, I stumbled
and fell a couple of times.

Finally, I reached the main road. I saw a car approaching. I waved and stopped the
car. I told the driver what had happened. He took me to the nearest police station, and made
a report. Then I led the police to the place where I was held captive earlier. The kidnappers
were arrested. My parents were happy to see me safe and sound. The police officer praised
me for my courageous deed.

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1 chauffeur
2 arrested
3 stumbled
4 gagged
5 ransom
6 no avail

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6. MY CHILDHOOD MEMORIES
I was about four or five years old at that time. My family lived in an estate house
bordering a coconut plantation. The coconut trees loomed tall and straight. Many animals
and insects could be found scurrying up and down the trunks.

Occasionally, we could see flying lizards gliding from tree to tree. Sometimes the
order coconut trees would collapse whenever there was a storm. It was with one of these
fallen trees that I had a most unforgettable and painful experience. My brothers, sister and I
were playing near the trunk of a tree that had fallen the previous day.

As young children we were very curious and wanted to have a close look at it. I was
inquisitive than the others. Also, I was more foolish. I climbed onto the trunk and started to
walk along it. It seemed fun and I had to show off how well I could keep my balance. The
tree trunk was not totally straight. It inclined upwards near the fronds. Bravely, I walked up
along the inclination. I felt very confident and sure. Higher and higher I walked. By then I was
so cocksure of my ability that I started to shake the trunk. That was my undoing for the next
moment down I came with a thud on the ground. I felt excruciating pain and could not get
up. I cried out. My elder brother tried to lift up me but not strong enough. After that, my sister
ran home and fetched my father.

My father came hurriedly and carried me back to the house. Quickly my father
reversed out the family car, bundled me into it and drove quickly to hospital. My mother
could not come for she had to look after my brothers and sister. What anxiety she must have
felt. Nevertheless, we reached the hospital in double quick time and I was attended to by a
doctor in the emergency room. He carefully manipulated my arm and finally put the elbow
joint back into place again. All the time I was in a sort of a daze as the pain was really
terrible even after the doctor gave me a jab to lessen it. I had to stay in hospital for a couple
of days for injury of my elbow to heal a bit. Fortunately, there were no bones broken.

After two days I left the hospital and was greeted happily by my family. What a
painful but unforgettable experience it had been. I learned not to repeat the foolish climbing
act again.

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1 manipulated

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2 cocksure
3 inquisitive
4 excruciating
5 collapse
6 foolish
7. MY PET
Snowbell is a cat which I have been keeping for the past four years. It was by sheer
accident that Snowbell came into my hands. Our neighbour, Mr Fuad, was a cat lover. He
has a special cat home in his house where he reared different types of cats.

Suddenly, he got transferred from the town and he wanted to dispose some of the
cats, he had. He was talking to my father. Then I told my father that we could have one of
the cats; though reluctant, my father agreed. That was how Snowbell came into my
possession. It was named after Snowbell because of pure white fur on her body. It is a
mixed-breed of Munchkin and Persian. It has brown eyes, four short feet, fluffy fur and
glistening eyes.

It grew into a beautiful and magnificent cat much to the envy of others. Snowbell can
be seen about our house when she is playing or when she is not sleeping. She is as docile
as a deer in our presence. She plays with us and her favourite place would be on her
mat, near the fire place in our home. She loves to be in a warm and cosy place. We
have tied a small bell around her neck and so we know where she would be. She also
loves the bell.
We feed her with milk and fish bones and other food items. She loves when we
have something special made for her. She roams around lazily, but when there is a
need, she is very alert and attentive. She is also a wonderful cleaner of other insects in
the house. She loves to play with other cats in the neighbourhood. She loves to be
pampered and loves brushing her neck all the time. While we sit at some place, she
plays between our legs and she loves that comfort.
For any meal of the day, she specifically needs one piece of what I have from me
and she comes to me anytime that I have my food. I love her so much and she loves me
too. She knows my friends well and she plays with them too. Snowbell is a lovely and
sweet cat and we all love her very much. Whenever I go out in the evening, she
accompanied me. My father says, Snowbell would soon become a mother. Then I will have
a few nice kittens.

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1 roams
2 cosy
3 docile
4 accompanied
5 possessions
6 reluctant
8. AT THE BEACH

Night was falling. The setting sun’s red rays lit up the sky above the western horizon.
I could see an oil tanker making its way across the sea. Soon the sun disappeared below the
horizon and the sky turned dark but my two friends and I sat on the beach gazing at the
place where the sun went down. Sunsets are mesmerising as we discovered. Only when
the mosquitoes started coming in great number, we were brought back to reality.

We picked ourselves up and walked towards a small pile of wood that we had made
earlier. In the dark we could just make out shadows. My friend Francis had a torchlight. He
switched it on to show the way. The night creatures were already busy with their activities.
On our left where the land was, I could hear the shrill cries of the cicadas and other insects.
On our right the waves broke gently on the shore sending up sprays of phosphorescent surf.
The sounds and sights of nature were wonderful. The noise of occasional traffic along a
road nearby was the only blemish to the otherwise perfect natural surroundings. The three of
us were perhaps the only other blemishes. We had the torchlight on and soon we were going
to light a bonfire. Nevertheless, I proceeded to pour some kerosene onto the pile of wood
and put a match to it. Slowly but steadily the fire grew. Soon we were basking in the orange
glow of the bonfire. Salleh, my other friend, brought out the snacks and drinks from a bag.
We had come to the beach to relax and enjoy ourselves. A bonfire can be mesmerising too
and so we spent a good two hours eating, drinking, talking and singing around it.

A number of people appeared and we invited them to share in our little revelry. We
did not know any of them, but it did not matter. All I knew was that we enjoyed ourselves in
the warm glow of the bonfire which was a far cry from the cold stares of people on an
ordinary street. However, all good things must come to an end. The fire slowly died down
and darkness regained its mastery. We said goodbye to our visitors and cleaned up the
fireplace. Then, we walked along the shoreline towards where Salleh had parked his car.
Crabs both large and small scurried away at our approach. A gentle breeze rustled among
the coconut palms. The black sky was full of glistening stars. It felt good to be alive. Finally,
we reached the car. We dumped our things in the boot and got into the car ourselves. Salleh
started the car and soon we were headed home after spending a wonderful evening on the
beach.

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1 proceeded
2 occasional
3 revelry
4 glistening
5 mesmerising
6 rustled

9.THE LOST LUGGAGE

One fine day, as I was engrossed in my reading, the phone rang. I picked up the
receiver and was greeted formally by an unfamiliar voice that asked to speak to me. My
hands trembled for a while and strange ideas of imaginary offences shot into my mind. My
worries were unfounded as I received the most wonderful news that I could ever dream of. I
had been chosen to study on an overseas scholarship. I was told to reply the offer by the
next day.

When my parents came home that night, I broke the wonderful news to them. My
father was overjoyed as it was his dream to send me for studies overseas. My mother was,
however, not very pleased as she would miss me and she feared that no one would take
care of me in a foreign land. After much comforting from my father and me, my mother was
finally persuaded. My father had left the choice of course to me. I chose to take up the
course for a Diploma in “Pure Physics” at the Oxford University for duration of three years.
The next day, I called the scholarship board, expressed my thanks and informed them of my
choice of course. They gave me three weeks for preparation before they would send me off.

Preparation began at home without any waste of time. My mother started making a
list of the things I would need. She herself went shopping for the necessities. Finally, the day
for my departure arrived. My mother had prepared a large suitcase stuffed with all my
belongings. She had also put in a ruby brooch which she had bought for me. My parents
sent me to the airport. After a tearful farewell from my mother and some encouraging words
from my father and relatives, I left for England. The plane trip was not as long as I had
expected. The plane touched down in England in the evening. I took my luggage from the
airport, walked out and hailed a taxi. I asked the driver to take me to a respectable
restaurant near my hostel as I was starving. He stopped in front of a small but clean-looking
restaurant. I paid him the fare, grabbed my handbag and hopped out of the taxi.

After my dinner, I realised that I had left my extremely valuable suitcase in the taxi’s
boot. I was at a loss. I neither knew the taxi’s license number nor anybody whom I could ask
for help. I walked slowly towards the hostel, my mind in a mess. I thought of making a long

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distance to call to my mother but I decided against it. I knew better than to worry her with my
own troubles. I walked into the hostel and introduced myself to the lady at the information
counter. With tears in my eyes, I told her my plight hoping that she could help me regain my
lost luggage. The lady was very helpful. She immediately contacted a few centres and
informed them about the loss. She told them to return the lost luggage to the Oxford
University Hostel, if it should be found. I thanked her from the bottom of my heart. She then
showed me to my room and told me not to worry

.I could not sleep that night. I remembered my mother’s advice to me to be careful

about the suitcase. I knew that it would break her heart if she were to learn of my
carelessness. I cursed myself for being so careless. I began to think of all my documents in
the suitcase without which I could not enrol for the course. Notwithstanding all the worries, I
fell asleep at last, with complete exhaustion, I guess. The first thing I remembered the next
morning was my suitcase. I got dressed and rushed down the seemingly endless flight of
stairs to the information counter. The lady greeted me with the sweetest smile I have ever
seen. She told me to come behind the counter. I did and there, behind the counter stood the
too familiar red suitcase. I almost screamed with joy. I squeezed her hands and expressed
my deepest thanks. I picked up my suitcase and ran with it to my room.

I knelt down and humbly thanked God for having saved me from the mess I was in. I
have learned my lesson and promised myself to be extra-careful in future. I was also
determined not to let anyone at home know about this incident forever!

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1 send off
2 engrossed
3 cursed
4 tearful
5 realised
6 knelt
7 stuffed
8 squeezed

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10. MY DREAM COUNTRY

I have heard much about the beauty of the East as well as the West, about the
wonderful islands in the Pacific and also in the Atlantic. In short, the whole world seems to
be full of beautiful places. Of all, the country that I would like to visit the most is always the
United States of America. My knowledge of the United States of America is derived from the
geography and history books that I have read, the films that I have seen and the stories that
I have heard from people who have visited this country.

The United States of America is a vast country with a mixed population. People from
many different lands have come and settled here. This mixture of different races of people
with different customs, religions, cultures and abilities have created a nation unique in
history. Although this country has a very short history compared with that of the other large
countries in the world, it is an example to the world of how people of different races could
live together in peace and harmony.

The exchange of ideas among the people of so many racial origins here has
contributed greatly to the progress and prosperity of the nation. There are world famous
scientists, doctors, lawyers, engineers, teachers and politicians whose original homes were
in many different lands. The work of such men has made this country a wonderful land
indeed. The roads, buildings and cinemas here may be said to be the best in the world.
There are many places and things of interest such as Hollywood, the United Nations
building, Niagara Falls and the skyscrapers. Even the natural vegetation and features are
rich in variety.

If one travels across the land, one will find different kinds of scenery in different
places. Further, as the people here still follow their original customs and traditions, one will
also have the feeling that one is passing through many different countries. The people of the
United States are proud of their country, for it was their country that gave the modern world
ideas of freedom. The name of Abraham Lincoln will always be remembered by those who
believe in the freedom of men.

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It was the United States, again, who saved the world from destruction in two world
wars. Such a country must be a wonderful land, and it is for this reason that I would like to
visit this country someday.
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3 scenery
4 prosperity
5 skyscrapers
6 settled
11. THE DANGEROUS ROAD

 
The roads of today are choked with cars, lorries, motorcycles and other vehicles
which cause congestion to increase steadily over the years. The inevitable result of this
congestion also contributes to the increase in the number of road accidents. Every day many
road users get injured or killed. The dangers on the road are many. It is wise to know what
they are and how to avoid them.
In towns and cities where the congestion is the greatest, pedestrians are the ones
with the highest risks. To be hit by a vehicle almost certainly means injury, or death. So,
when crossing the streets, it is always better to use the pedestrian crossings and be sure to
observe the vehicles on the road before crossing. There are some drivers who do not stop at
pedestrian crossings. Cross only when you know it is safe to do so, not because the light is
green for you. If there are overhead pedestrian bridges, better still. Use them even though it
might be a bit inconvenient. It is better to be safe than sorry.

Dashing across the street anywhere you like is a dangerous act. You might get away
with it a thousand times, but it takes only one accident to put you down, temporarily or
permanently. The consequences are terrible, as accident victims will testify to.

"Speed kills", as the warning signs on highways say. How true it is. Accidents occurring
along the highways are frequently fatal. Sometimes entire families are wiped out in a single
accident. Do not speed on the road. Despite the horror, many road users have not learned
the lesson. They continue to speed and behave recklessly. This is especially so with young
motorcyclists. With their devil-may-care attitude and their illegal midnight races, they not only
endanger themselves but other road users as well. You will be well-advised to stay clear of
them.

When on the road, know the dangers and avoid them. Do not endanger other road

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users with irresponsible behaviour such as jaywalking, using the mobile phone while driving
and beating red lights. Irresponsible road users are the greatest danger on the road. Do not
let yourself be one.

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12. HARDSHIPS

 
Minah looked at her father with concern. He appeared tired. It was hard work
indeed, getting up so early to work in the farm and the returns were often very bad. The rains
last night had wiped out much of the harvest. Minah's family was very upset to see the
fallen fruits and destroyed vegetables. There was much gloom in the little wooden house
they called home.

The whole family had to work on the farm to get enough vegetables and fruits to
sell at the market. Minah went to the nearby school in the morning and when she returned,
she would rush through her homework before she helped her parents. They had no luxuries
and there was very little time to rest or do anything else. At times, Minah and her brothers
had barely enough food to eat.

Perhaps it was seeing her parents working so hard without any complaints or the
sight of her brothers sitting with books and burn the midnight oils, but whatever it was Minah
was determined to do well in life. Minah's parents loved their children and encouraged them
to work hard at school. Her older brothers managed to complete their secondary education
but Minah had a dream. Every time she walked past the university in her town, she told
herself that she would get a degree. It was a burning desire that she nursed in her heart.

Minah did well in school and passed the exams with flying colours. Her teachers
encouraged and advised her to apply for a scholarship. Minah did exactly that. To her joy,

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she managed to get a scholarship to study agriculture. It was a field that was close to her
heart and it was no surprise that she did brilliantly in the university. Minah took a job that
paid well and was able to help her family considerably.

Some years later, Minah started a research centre in a rural area and was able to
employ other people to work for her. Her centre did well and she was often invited to give
talks to people interested in this field. She presented papers on various aspects of
agriculture and was soon recognised as an authority on the subject. Minah had made it. She
was a success.

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13. QUALITIES OF A FRIEND

The day we learn to talk and socialise is the day we start making friends. As we grow
up, we discover that there are many types of friends. Some are more of
an acquaintance and a select few are confidantes. To me, the word `friend' is sacred. It
means more than just a companion who goes for movies and have laughs over nothing with.
A friend is someone I can turn to when I am down and will always stand by my side through
thick and thin. What qualities do I look for in a friend?

Firstly, my friend should always be caring. This means taking an interest in my

problems no matter how big or petty they are. A friend gives me encouragement even when
everyone else is against me. Many people say they are friends, but most of them run away
the minute I am not cheerful or funny. A real friend sticks by me no matter what mood
or predicament I am in. After all, isn't friendship about accepting and liking people for who
and what they are?

Apart from that, a friend should be honest. This quality is crucial to me, because
honesty builds trust. An honest friend will not lie and I must be able to trust the person with
my secrets. Apart from that, sometimes I need an honest opinion about myself or an issue. If
a friend is honest, I can trust that his or her opinion is not biased. This is very important to

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me, because although the truth may hurt it will help me to improve. Only an honest friend will
be able to do that.

Besides, a friend must also be able to share the same humour with me. Humour
plays an important role in making your day livelier and more enjoyable. Friends who can joke
and laugh over similar things make life so much more fun. As they say, laughter is the best
medicine and brings much joy on dull days.

I welcome everyone as my friend. However, I look for certain qualities which would
make him or her a meaningful friend and someone I can count on. Among them would be
honesty, a warm heart and the ability to share and participate in the same humour.

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14. A PERSON I ADMIRE
Teenagers often have a hero or heroine they admire and want to imitate. Some of my
friends adore celebrities like football stars and Hollywood actors or actresses because of
their talent and good looks. The person I admire is closer to home. He is neither famous nor
wealthy. But my grandfather is the person who most deserves my admiration.

My father's father, Yang Fu, is a clever man. He was born to a farmer in the
Shandong province of China. His father was too poor to send him to school. As soon as he
could walk, he was helping his parents in the field. At the age of 15, he followed his older
brother to Malaya to work. They worked from morning to night as rubber tappers and
labourers. Grandpa saw the potential in the rubber industry. His good business sense led
him to convince his brother to buy a small rubber estate. It was the right decision and life
became better for them after that.

Grandpa faced a lot of difficulties in his life but he never gave up. During the
Japanese Occupation of Malaya in the 1940s, Grandpa's brother was killed. Grandpa lost
everything. When the war finally ended, it was back to square one. Grandpa worked harder
than before. He planted rubber on a small plot of land. Steadily, his business flourished and
he became the owner of several rubber plantations and fruit orchards in Negeri Sembilan

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and Johor. Finally, he got married at the age of 30 and had three children.

Grandpa's children respect him greatly. Although Grandpa is not educated, he

is a man of wisdom. He trained his children to think logically and instilled in them strong
self-discipline. Today, my uncle is a famous surgeon, my aunt is an architect and my father
is the head of the family business. All three owe their success to the values Grandpa taught
them.

In conclusion, I have yet to meet another person who deserves my admiration

and respect like my grandfather. He is clever, hard-working, persevering and wise. I strive
to use him as an example in whatever I do. I am honoured to be his grandchild.

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15. NIGHT MARKETS

Night markets or ‘pasar malam’ can be found everywhere in Malaysia, from big cities
like Kuala Lumpur to a small town like Slim River, where I live. In my town, the night market
is held once a month along the street in the middle of the town. The whole street is closed to
traffic on the first Saturday of every month.
The first to arrive at the site are the hawkers, stall owners and wholesalers who come
in lorries and vans to unload their goods. The next hour is spent arranging their wares on
their makeshift stalls. Soon, the whole place is transformed into a big shopping centre,
brightly illuminated by fluorescent lamps and colourful bulbs.

Many shoppers flock to the night market to get their vegetables. There are a few
vegetable stalls offering fresh vegetables at affordable prices. Housewives would quickly
snap up the fresh vegetables after some bargaining. Later in the night, one can buy these
vegetables at discounted prices as vendors try to finish their stock for the night. It is funny to
see them trying to outdo one another, shouting on top of their voices, "Satu ringgit, tiga
ikat..."

Apart from vegetables and fruit, there are also food stalls. The aroma of freshly fried

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chicken, ‘ayam panggang’, ‘yong tow foo’, and ‘laksa’ is enough to tempt any fussy eater.

As for children, there are ice cream stalls, burgers, and sweets of all shapes and sizes. At
the other end of the street, there will be a few textile stalls. There is also a famous second-
hand stall which sells cheap jeans and jackets. For those who cannot afford to get a new
pair of jeans, this is the place to shop.

Shoppers who flock to the night market come from as far as the nearby towns.
Some are here to shop and hunt for bargains while some are here to take a leisurely stroll on
a Saturday night. The youngsters would take this time to hang out with their friends, enjoying
the fiesta-like atmosphere. By 10.30 p.m. the crowd slowly dwindles. Usually, there is litter
everywhere. Our night markets are quite different from the flea markets of Europe. They
offer not only cheap items for sale but also a variety of goods. One can call it a 'one-stop
shopping centre' of Malaysia.

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16. CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
Co-curricular activities are activities that are planned for students after school through
clubs and uniformed societies. Students are required to join at least one uniformed unit and
a club. In my opinion, these activities play an important role in a student's life and are
therefore not a waste of time and money.

First and foremost, co-curricular activities provide a broadening experience for students
to learn about themselves, other people, and the community at large through the various
activities organised such as camping, school trips, games, project work and campaigns. For
example, when students go on a study tour, they are given a chance to encounter situations
and opportunities in the real world, beyond the school gate.

Apart from that, co-curricular activities provide students with a chance to develop
other aspects such as music, sports and other living skills. Some students are unable to
shine in the classroom but they are superb athletes and musicians. Confined to the demands
of their studies, they are unable to develop their talents and may be branded as failures. Co-
curricular activities help these students to become fulfilled individuals.

Besides, these activities provide leadership training for students. They get a chance

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to learn how to lead a team. They learn organisational skills such as planning, budgeting and
problem-solving, all of which the classroom situation may be unable to provide. They learn
discipline and co-operation, tolerance and understanding.

In addition, co-curricular activities provide an outlet for students to rest and relax
after a hard day's work. Students get to play, laugh and release their tension through the
various club activities held, such as quizzes, treasure hunts and various games. As there are
many types of clubs and societies, there is almost something for everyone. For those who do
not like outdoor games, they can always join a chess club or a cookery club. For the active
and restless, they can join the football club or the netball club. Various competitions and
selections are held and some students are picked to represent their schools.

Co-curricular activities certainly play an important role in a student's life. They

complement the activities of the classroom. In a nutshell, a well-planned co-curricular
program helps students become wholesome individuals. Thus, co-curricular activities are
definitely not a waste of time and money.

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17. STRESS

 
Stress is defined as a person's response to his environment. Symptoms of stress
include exhaustion, loss of or increased appetite, headaches, crying, sleeplessness, and
oversleeping. Feelings of alarm, frustration, or apathy may accompany stress. Working
adults often face work-related stress. What is even more alarming is that more and more
children are also suffering from stress.

There are many ways in which we can reduce stress in our lives. Firstly, get up fifteen
minutes earlier each morning. That gives you a little more time to eat something, run back to
get something you may have forgotten, or enjoy a cup of coffee before heading out the
door. If you drive to work, a 15- or 20-minute head start may mean facing less traffic, thus
making the journey less stressful.

The next thing that we can do to reduce stress is to confide in someone we trust.
Don't keep things bottled up. Talking with someone helps you to put things in better
perspective. Who knows, they may even have solutions to your problems. Do not be afraid
to seek professional help if you feel you have reached breaking point.

Besides, learn how to relax. Meditation and breathing exercises have proved to be

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very effective in controlling stress. Practice clearing your mind of disturbing thoughts. The
quickest and most effective way of eliminating feelings of stress and panic is to close your
eyes and take several long, slow, deep breaths. Breathing in this way calms your whole
nervous system.

Finally, learn to set your priorities right and do not over-commit yourself. People
who are over-committed tend to feel overwhelmed and suffer. Reduce the number of
events going on in your life and you may reduce the circuit overload. Set realistic goals for
yourself and put it in writing. Do not worry over the small stuff but reward yourself when you
have been successful in achieving even some small goals.

Some say that a little stress is good for you as it pushes you to react and achieve
your goals. On the other hand, when stress is prolonged, it causes physical and emotional
problems that may damage both your health and your performance. Thus, it is important for
us to learn how to handle our stress.

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18. A BREAK-IN INCIDENT

Suddenly, the lights went out and everything went dark. I could barely see anything and
resorted to waving my arms in front of me to avoid bumping into any furniture. My first
thought was that there was a power disruption due to the thunderstorm brewing outside.
Instinct led me to the kitchen cabinet where I could remember my mother storing some
candles for emergencies.

After a considerable amount of groping, the tips of my fingers came into contact with a
waxy candle. I grabbed it immediately with relief and quickly lit it. Then, I noticed that my
neighbour's lights were on. I began to ponder what could be the cause of the blackout. Then,
I remembered my father showing me a lamp in his room which used to cause the electrical
supply in the house to go haywire for some inexplicable reason. I rushed to my father's
room and inspected the lamp but found that it was disconnected. The sound of something
being moved round upstairs instantly diverted my attention. The hairs behind my neck stood
on ends. To ensure I was not seen by whoever was in the house, I quickly blew the flame off
my candle.

I furtively moved under the kitchen table and remained as quiet as a bat. The
intruder went out of sight but I could hear his faint footsteps on the wooden staircase.

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Thoughts of me getting kidnapped crept uneasily into my mind. No more than a second later,
I saw the garage door ploughed down by my neighbour, Mr Vasu. As the lightning flashed,
he saw me hiding and hastily led me out of the house and into his.

Everything seemed to happen at lightning speed. Mrs Vasu tried to calm me down
and explained to me that Mr Vasu happened to see the robber rummaging the bedroom
facing theirs. My parents had asked him to keep an eye on me while they were away, so he
called the police station. Soon, a police patrol car arrived in front of my house. four
policemen got out from the patrol car. Two of them went into the house quietly while the
other two waiting outside the gate.

           A bolt out of the blue, we heard some shouting and loud footsteps. The robber ran out
of the house and two officers were chasing after him. Unfortunately, the robber tripped
down by a stone and fell down. The policemen managed to catch and handcuffed him. The
policemen thanked and praised us for being alert to our surrounding. I felt so ecstatic and
happy because I had done a good deed. When I woke up the next morning, my parents
were at Mr Vasu's house thanking him for rescuing me. I was extremely grateful to Mr Vasu
and will forever be indebted to him.

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19. THE MOST EMBARASSING MOMENT
 
Public speaking competitions have always caught Rizal’s attention. He enjoyed watching
students speaking proficiently and voicing their opinions with utmost confidence. However,
he was never bold enough to actually be a contestant in those competitions. The fear of
forgetting the story, stuttering and stammering during his speech or failing the impromptu
sessions frequently haunted him.

One day, his English teacher, Mrs Ho, wheedled him into trying his luck at the district level
public speaking competition. Rizal was a little unnerved and stifled at first, but after some
encouragement he felt he was up to the challenge. He practised hard each day with the
intention of claiming top honours at the competition. He did not want to give in to his foibles,
but rose up to the occasion.

Soon, he was on his way to the public speaking competition venue which was a stone's
throw away from the school. His prepared speech played endlessly in his head. He knew he
had to execute each word with utter perfection. After some time, he started to feel a little
more confident in his ability to memorise the story and was certain that he could clinch the

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first prize.

The hall he entered was filled with students and teachers, all of them looking intimidating.
Looking up at Mrs Ho, she comforted Rizal by smiling and advised him not to worry. He was
the final contestant for his category. The waiting was sheer agony as he watched each
contestant make their painful exit.

Half an hour later, a teacher told him it was his turn. Without delay, he got up on stage. The
large crowd made Rizal cringe a trifle but he managed to begin his speech flawlessly. Into
the third minute of my eight-minute speech, he started forgetting his lines. Tiny droplets of
perspiration began to trickle down his neck. His hands began to quiver. Suddenly, he was
completely blank and the words of his story began to elude him. As people started pointing
and looking at him, Rizal quickly ran off stage and into the car park.

Mrs Ho quickly rushed towards him and tried to console me. She told him that what had
happened was not something uncommon. “Many students often go blank and freeze on
stage, so don’t you feel bad for what has happened”, Mrs Ho advised him. He felt better and
promised her to do better in the future. Nevertheless, that moment would forever be branded
in his head as the most embarrassing moment of his life.

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20. THE UNLUCKY DAY

Have you ever had a day when everything went wrong? Well, I had one of those days
recently. It started off when I woke up late and had to rush to get ready for school. I didn't
have time for breakfast, and when I tried to grab a cup of coffee, I ended up spilling it all
over the fl oor. To make matters worse, my mom was really angry with me for being late.

As I was running to school, I decided to take a shortcut through a muddy lane.

Unfortunately, I didn't see a wooden plank in the mud and ended up tripping and falling in
the mud. I had to clean myself up at a nearby tap before heading to school.

When I’m about a few steps to reach the school gate, the bell shrieked loudly, telling me that
I was late and had to have my name written down by a prefect. During class, my science
teacher yelled at me for being dirty and late. During recess, I accidentally spilled someone's

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drink on their uniform, and I forgot to apologise or say sorry because I was so hungry.

To make matters worse, I fell down the stairs and hurt my knee on my way to Physics
Laboratory. My classmates saw it happen, and my teacher asked why I was so clumsy.
When I finally got home, I realised I had forgotten my keys and had to wait for my mom to
get back from work.

It was a really tough day, but I learned that sometimes bad things happen and it's okay. It's
important to take a deep breath, stay positive, and keep moving forward. Tomorrow is a new
day, and I can start fresh with a better attitude

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21. A RECYCLING CAMPAIGN

The main objective of our recycling campaign is to reduce the amount of garbage in
our community. A secondary objective is to encourage the residents in our community to
recycle. This campaign is aligned with the 3R’s project, in which the Ministry of Housing and
Local Government has placed more than 1000 recycling bins and established 65 recycling
centres all over the country. The rubbish bins are found in public places like schools, petrol
stations and shopping malls.

Sadly, there are still many people in our country who are not willing to go through
this little inconvenience. To them, it is so much easier to chuck the recyclable materials into
the garbage bin. And what is happening? Out of 30% of the solid waste generated by
households that can be recycled, only 5% is being recycled. This is discouraging. Perhaps,

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we should do what is being done in some parts of the United States. If the people do not
recycle their recyclable waste, their garbage will not be collected. Moreover, they have to
pay per bag of waste generated.

I'm proud to say that the people in my area, Taman Cemerlang, have
demonstrated their great support for recycling. We not only recycle but we have also
managed to cut down on the amount of waste our community produces. So, let us all do our
part in this recycling drive. That is by cutting down usage and waste on one hand and
recycling on the other. Together we can make our world a better place!

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22. RANDOM ACT OF KINDNESS

One afternoon, my friend Luke and I were playing basketball when we saw a girl
in trouble. She was crying and looking for a taxi to take her father, who had suffered a heart
attack, to the hospital. It was a busy road, and taxis were not stopping for her. Without
hesitation, I offered to help by calling my father to come and take them to the hospital.

Luke and I then ran with the girl to her house, where we found the old man lying on the floor.
He was very weak, and we had to carry him to the car. My father drove them to the hospital,
and they arrived just in time for the doctors to perform surgery on the old man.

The surgery was successful, and the girl, whose name was Janet, was very grateful for
our help. She thanked us and introduced herself, and we felt proud of ourselves for making a

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difference in someone's life.

This experience taught us that showing kindness to someone in need can make a big
difference. We felt good about ourselves, knowing that our help had saved a life. We learned
that being kind and helpful to others is important, and it can make the world a better place.

So let's always be ready to lend a helping hand when someone needs it, just like we
did for Janet and her father. We never know when we might be in a similar situation, and
kindness can go a long way in making a difference.

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23. A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE

 A healthy lifestyle leads to good health, which is vital for many reasons.
Firstly, good health enables us to lead a normal life and work, study, and play freely. A
healthy body is essential for physical activities involved in working or playing with friends.
For instance, to play football with friends without getting easily tired, one needs to be fit and
healthy. Moreover, research has shown that healthy individuals concentrate better and
remember things better, indicating that good health enhances our performance at work and
in school.

Furthermore, leading a healthy lifestyle helps us to live longer. Unhealthy habits such
as overeating or undereating, insufficient sleep, lack of exercise, smoking, and excessive
alcohol consumption lead to life-threatening illnesses such as cancer, diabetes, stroke, and

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heart disease. These diseases are often referred to as lifestyle diseases as they result from
unhealthy habits and sedentary lifestyle. Therefore, a healthy lifestyle is essential for
longevity.

In addition, good health contributes to feeling good. Some may believe that
abstaining from favourite foods or engaging in exercise is bothersome and uncomfortable,
leading to suffering. However, exercise and a healthy diet have been shown to improve
mood and raise self-esteem. For example, exercise triggers the release of natural painkilling
chemicals called endorphins, which help to relieve stress and enhance mood. Moreover,
being in good health promotes greater happiness.

In conclusion, a healthy lifestyle is crucial as it helps us lead full and normal lives, live
longer, and feel happier. Therefore, it is vital that everyone practices a healthy lifestyle.

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24. A FRIGHTENING EXPERIENCE

"Freeze! Don't you dare walk out that door, young lady!" The hard tone of my mother's voice
was enough to make my skin crawl.

I was about to visit my friend, Rohana who lived about four kilometers away. I
decided to use a short cut to reach her house. The short cut was actually a small path
cutting across a rubber plantation. It was rumoured that a murder had taken place there a
long time ago.

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By the time I had finished convincing my mother that the route was completely
safe, night had fallen. The shadows gathered about the bushes and the ‘ara’ trees which
dotted the way. In spite of all the ominous warnings that my mother had given me, I was
confident that I would turn up at Rohana's house in one piece. I heard two owls hooting at a
distance from where I was walking. I religiously kept to the path and did not turn back. My
heart was pounding and I fervently wished that I was back home safe.

The moon was high up the sky, illuminating the path with her soft, silvery light. My palms
were sweating and I quickened my steps. I imagined 'ghosts' lurking behind every rubber
tree. I tried to calm myself down by telling myself that I was paranoid and that ghosts did not
exist.

Suddenly, I heard a loud moan coming from behind the rubber trees to my right. I was in a
dilemma whether to help the poor soul or to run for my life. My conscience got the better of
me and I mustered all my courage to help the unknown person. To my surprise, I pulled out
a young woman.

She was about twenty years old and had long, flowing hair.

"My name is Magdalene," her voice was soft and mellow. Her skin was very pale almost as if
she had bleached herself. Her eyes betrayed pain and anger. Somehow, her unnerving
gaze chilled me to the bones. Her dress was bloody and her face was full of scratches and
cuts.

"Perhaps I should take you to a clinic," I said cautiously.

She declined my offer and decided to follow me to Rohana's house. She began telling me
about a murder which she had witnessed two years ago. It seemed that a young lady about
her age was taking a short cut across this plantation to visit her aunt when she was
murdered by an escaped convict. The convict dragged the girl to the bushes and left her
there. Her description of the murder was very precise to the smallest detail. She said that the
girl was stabbed five times and the girl died in agony.

I noticed her dress was getting redder and redder by the minute. Her cold and clammy
hands clutched my wrist tighter. I asked her what had happened to her.

She answered, "Murdered people bleed to death."

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I screamed and ran back home. I fainted at the doorstep and was down with fever for three
days. One encounter with a murdered ghost was enough for me. 'From that day onwards, I
never went out alone.'

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25. THE BIRTHDAY PRESENT

I remember distinctly a birthday present I received two years ago. It was my

tenth birthday. Mother and Father were busy preparing for my tenth birthday party. They
wanted it to be special for me although I would have preferred a simpler birthday. I helped to
put up my own balloons and streamers in the house to give it a party mood. My relatives and
friends came on time. It was a wonderful day.

I always receive tons of gifts on my birthday, but that year, one gift surprised me

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the most. My aunt, who had just got back from Australia, arrived with a brown cardboard box
in her hands. She was carrying it with utmost care and there was a yellow ribbon placed on
top of the box. However, what caught my attention was not the brightly coloured ribbon but
the numerous tiny holes around the box. My aunt told me to open it immediately because it
was small and it needed care. I thought it was strange to open a present before cutting the
birthday cake but she sounded so serious that I had to open the box.

Before I peered inside the box, a tiny nose popped out from under the lid. I gently lifted the
lid and found the cutest little thing alive. It was a guinea pig from Australia. Its hair was white
and long and it made a high-pitched squeal whenever it became scared. I decided to name it
Phi Phi because of its squeal. Everyone at the party thought it was adorable. Even my elder
sister, who disliked animals, took to it. It was a special gift that I treasure till today.

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26. PATRIOTISM

There are several ways to cultivate patriotism in the community. One of the most
effective ways is to nurture patriotism from a young age, such as in schools. This allows
patriotism to be ingrained in students' lives, following the Malay proverb, "bending a bamboo
shoot when it's young." Teachers play a crucial role in promoting patriotism in their students
as they can emphasize patriotic traits in the classroom. They should encourage children to
feel proud of their country and love their homeland. For instance, schools can hold events

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such as Independence Day celebrations, singing the national anthem during assemblies,
and more.

Teachers can also incorporate patriotism into their lessons, such as teaching
patriotism in subjects like history, Malay language, and Islamic/moral education. If patriotism
is fostered from a young age, it will undoubtedly be practiced and maintained into adulthood.
Furthermore, this is essential as it helps to cultivate a community that loves their country and
avoids actions that could tarnish the nation's reputation.

Moreover, parents also play a significant role in cultivating patriotism in their children.
Children who are still maturing in their thinking will always emulate their parents' behaviour,
following the saying "like father, like son." Children will remember the lessons they see and
frequently hear from their parents, and their actions will shape their character. Parents
should instil patriotism in their children by exposing them to patriotic activities, such as
visiting national monuments, attending patriotic events, and so on.

In conclusion, it is vital to nurture patriotism in the community to maintain national

pride and unity. This can be achieved through various means, such as promoting patriotism
in schools, the role of parents in fostering patriotism in their children, and through various
patriotic activities. We must work together as Malaysians to cultivate patriotism and maintain
it for future generations.

 
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27. MY FAVOURITE PASTIME

A book may sometimes appear to be a boring object that people read only when
they need information. Actually, that is not really true even though when I was young I had
the impression that books were boring.

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Today, I have discovered how books open new doors to experiences. I read not
only to gain information but to keep me from being bored during my free time. I read to
entertain myself. When I read, I become part of the book and its adventure. I let the story I
am reading take me away into another world, the world of fantasy. If I am reading about
Knights and Dragons, I can experience the character's feelings as I read the story. I can
imagine myself living as a knight in shiny armour or as the fearful dragon. In science fiction,
I can imagine myself as a robot from the future or the heroine who saves the day.

Reading brings out my emotions because a story can make me  depressed or

extremely happy. I enjoy being moved by what I read. Being totally involved in a good story
or mystery not only makes my free time interesting. It also helps me to forget the stress of
having to study all the time. I remember a good friend of mine telling me that books are
a wealth of knowledge. After picking up reading as one of my favourite pastimes, I can't
help but agree with that.

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28. AN AMUSING STORY

It was just before bedtime. Serena was reading a hair-raising ghost story. She
loved the excitement and thrill of scaring herself silly before a good night's sleep. She was
reading the story halfway when she suddenly heard the squeaky opening of her front door.
She was startled by the eerie sound. she felt something was wrong and decided to see what
it was all about.

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Serena gently pushed the warm blanket aside and slowly crept out of her bed. She walked
down the stairs. Even her very own footsteps on the creaky stairs scared her. She heard the
soft sound of footsteps in the kitchen and she stopped to listen. It was surely a ghost from
the past since everyone she knew was in their beds fast asleep at this hour. The
darkness sent shivers down her spine but she wanted to find out what was making the
strange noise. She stepped off the last step of the stairway and turned to enter the kitchen
where the noises seemed to be coming. Suddenly, she walked right into a dark figure. She
screamed her lungs out at the impact that gave her a rude shock.

The dark figure stretched out a hand and quickly turned on the bright kitchen lights -- it was
Serena's elder brother Ken! He could not help laughing at poor Serena sitting most
unladylike on the ground. He had gone out late that night with his friends and had just
returned home. Serena felt silly to have thought it was a ghost. She had a good laugh too.
    
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29. THE ABANDONED HOUSE

I could not sleep. I kept remembering about the awful fright I had had that day. I kept
wishing that Aunt Mariam would not tell Mom that I had been to the huge, old house down
the hill. I remembered walking down the winding path through the thick woods, hot tears
streaming down my cheeks. I kept thinking of Mom cooing softly down at my born baby
brother and then turning sharply to scold me for forgetting to do my chores. The rain drops

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from the drizzle washed my tears. The ground was already wet as it had rained earlier. I
slipped many times as I made my way through the winding track to the huge, burnt house.

I was panting by the time I reached the front gate of the house. It stood like an empty
sheet, black and burnt from that fire long ago. There was an eerie silence about the place
secluded from all sides by tall menacing trees. Only my heart throbbed away as I recalled
the village children telling tales of the house being haunted by a girl and her brother who had
died in the fire. It was very dark inside. I groped around for a while to get used to the dark.
The place smelt of dampness and mildew. I stood in the middle of the massive, empty hall
and stared at the dusty ruin and decay that had gathered. The place was full of dark,
shadowed corners covered with cobwebs.

I noticed that the left wing of the house was untouched by the fire. I made my way
lightly through the debris toward the left of the house. This room was surprisingly bright. All
around there were oil painted canvasses, some hung, others covered with white sheets. I
uncovered one to find a water colour painting of a girl of about my age, standing pensively,
grinning widely by a fountain. It was the sad, wistful look in those expressive eyes that held
my attention for a long while. Then carefully I covered it. I was about to uncover another
when a dark shadow crossed the room. I looked up sharply in the dim light.

Holding my breath, I moved back slowly without turning around. I almost expected a
vampire to come out among the shadows. There it was again, huge black wings flapped
towards me, screeding loudly. I lifted my sweaty palms to cover my eyes, swung myself
around and cowered on the floor. Lightning flashed into the dimness of the room; thunder
cracked through the walls. I got up slowly. Something must have hit my head when I swung
around. There was an awful lump at the side of my head; it throbbed painfully.

Outside it was raining heavily and the wind howled loudly. There was something else
too. I smelt something strange. It was smoke! The house was on fire again. From inside the
room I could see tongues of red flares. I looked around desperately. Lightning flashed again.
Then before me was a rocking horse and a cot on fire. I stood there not knowing what to do.
Then the fire went out. Before me was the burnt remains of the cot and as I gazed, I was
horrified to see what looked like the charred remains of a baby boy, black and lifeless. I sat
up, breathing hard, clutching my blanket. Looking around the familiar sights, I sprang out of
bed to my parents’ bedroom. There he was, my baby brother sleeping soundly; but my
parents were not there. I still smelt smoke and heard fire crackling. I walked into the living
room and there it was – the fire. Across the road, the shop-houses were on fire. I stood
there, clutching my mother’s hand watching the firemen do battle with the blazing monster
for a long while. Then my mom carried me back to bed and tucked me into bed again.

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 30. A DISAPPOINTMENT

We waited patiently at the dining table for Dad to come home. Mum had specially
made pepper steak for my birthday. The steak seemed to have gone cold but Dad was still
not back.

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Just then, Dad called to say that he was held up and might not be able to pick up the
birthday cake he had ordered for me. He also told us to proceed without him. I was
extremely disappointed. There was no present from Dad, no birthday cake and the steak
was cold.

The celebration was a flop. I lost my appetite and felt that the day was worse than any
other ordinary day. Mum tried to console me and said that Dad would be back soon.
However, Dad came back only when all of us were going to bed. He did not manage to pick
up the cake because the confectionery was closed.

The next morning, Dad apologised for spoiling my day. He explained to me patiently
that a colleague of his was taken very ill suddenly. Dad had to send him to hospital. I felt
slightly better after listening to Dad's explanation and hoped that the same thing would not
happen on my next birthday.

VOCABULARY BANK

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