writing drilling 2012 ssv

Prepared by: Teacher Nuha, SAMBBST, Selangor.

WRITING DRILLS 2012

A) EXERCISE 1A: FORMAL LETTER (1)

Present tense is usually used when you write out a speech.

You are the secretary of the Art Club in your school. One of the activities planned is visiting places of interest. Write a letter to the manager of a batik factory seeking permission to visit the premises.

When writing your letter: use all the notes given. elaborate on the given notes to make it more interesting. make sure it is not less than 120 words.

Sample Answer: Fill in the blanks with the correct phrase. Choose the phrase from the table below. Then, REWRITE the letter in the examination pad.

request for permission Transport 5 November 2011learning the skills of batik printing Dear SirThe details of the visit 8.30 a.m. to 10.30 a.m. Numbers of visitors

expose our members to the art of batik printing

For your information take up new skills

to grant us permission to purchase interested in buying souvenirswould be given discounts Thank you Yours faithfullyThe SecretaryArt ClubSekolah Menengah Sultan Idris ShahJalan Hang Setia35000 Ipoh

the proposed date is not convenient to you

The ManagerHaryati Batik Factory56, Persiaran Tawakal85 000 Kuala Terengganu

of 20

NOTESHaryati Batik Factory – 44 members – 3 teachers

Proposed date and timeTransport – by bus

Proposed activities – learn skillBuy some pieces - souvenirs


WRITING DRILLS 2012

_________________________________,_________________________________, _________________________________,_________________________________,_________________________________.

_________________________________,_________________________________,_________________________________,_________________________________. 5 September 2012

_______________,

Permission to Visit Factory

On behalf of the Art Club members of my school, we would like to ________________________________ to visit your factory.

2. ____________________________________________ are as follows:2.1 Date: ______________________________2.2 Time: ______________________________ 2.3 ________________________: 44 students and 3 teachers2.4 ________________________: Chartered bus

3. The objectives of the visit include ________________________________________________. Many of our students are in Form Four and would like to ______________________________________ for their batik printing project next year. Hence, we would like to ____________________________________.

4. We would also like _________________________ a few pieces as souvenirs and gifts._________________________________, most of us have never been to Terengganu and this will be our first visit. Hence, I am very sure that most of us would be _____________________________________ to take home. I hope we ____________________________________ for the souvenirs purchased.

5. I hope you will be able _________________________________ to visit your premises. We are willing to accept an alternative date if______________________________________________________.

_______________________.

_______________________,Saddamia Rauddah(SADDAMIA RAUDDAH)The SecretaryArt ClubSekolah Menengah Sultan Idris Shah

of 20


WRITING DRILLS 2012

EXERCISE 1B: FORMAL LETTER (2)

You are a student of a secondary school. You are not happy with the services and facilities of your school canteen. Write a letter of complaint to the principal of your school.

Complaints: quality of service

- workers rude; shout loudly- not properly attired- hair not covered; dirty aprons

cleanliness- food prepared; filthy conditions- leftover food on tables; stray cats and dogs

food price- high and expensive- students cannot afford

Sample Answer: Fill in the blanks with the correct phrase. Choose the phrase from the table below. Then, REWRITE the letter in the examination pad.

hygiene extremely rude health riskOn behalf of filthy conditions too highstray dogs and cats Encik Amir Bin Johar,

The Principal, SMK Jalan Teko,08100 Bedong,Kedah.

Soo Wee Kim,Form 3 Bestari,SMK Jalan Teko,08100 Bedong,Kedah.

Dear Sir, leftover food dirty apronsshout loudly burden price of foodswarmed with flies cover their hair effective measuresThank you Yours faithfully

of 20


WRITING DRILLS 2012

_________________________________,_________________________________, _________________________________,_________________________________,_________________________________.

_________________________________,_________________________________, _________________________________,_________________________________,_________________________________. 18 September 2012

_________________

Poor Conditions at the School Canteen

______________________________ the students of SMK Jalan Teko, I would like to bring to your attention the poor conditions of our school canteen.

2. Firstly, the workers in the school canteen are ____________________________. They like to ___________________________ at the students for no reason. Besides, there is a lack of __________________. The workers do not wear caps to ______________________________. They also use ___________________________ while cooking or serving food.

3. Moreover, the food is prepared and served under ___________________________. The canteen is ___________________________________. This can pose a _______________________ as flies are known to be carriers of diseases such as cholera. There are ________________________ on the tables and floor. This has attracted __________________________________________ to our school canteen.

4. Another matter is regarding the ____________________________. Although there is a good variety of food, the prices are ____________________. A plate of fried rice and a glass of syrup cost RM4.50 which is as high as any restaurant in town. Most students cannot afford the high prices and this might be a _______________ on them.

5. We hope that the school authorities will look into these problems and take _________________________ to overcome them.

_________________________.

_________________________,Wee Kim(SOO WEE KIM)Form 3 BestariSMK Jalan Teko

of 20


WRITING DRILLS 2012

B) EXERCISE 2A: SPEECH / TALK (1)

Present tense is usually used when you write out a speech.

Sample question:You are the head prefect in your school. At the beginning of the new school term, you have been asked to remind students about the school regulations. Write out your speech using the notes below:-

ATTIRE:-School uniform -neat

-wear white shoes and socksHair -boys - short

-girls - short or long - long hair must be tied upNails -shortMake up-is not allowed in school!

CONDUCT:--No loitering -No handphones-No jewellery -No smoking-Be punctual -Respect teachers-Pay attention in class -No playing truant

Sample Answer: Fill in the blanks with the correct phrase. Choose the phrase from the table below. Then, REWRITE the speech in the examination pad.

refresh your memory allowed make-upschool uniform our principal, teachers and fellow

studentsshort

head prefect short and neatly combed punctualkeep truant you will have to face the musictied confiscated Respectbanned pay attention suspendedblack sheep influenced regulations

Answer Explanation

Good morning to _______________________________________ ____________________________________________________________. Welcome to the new school term. I am Nuzul Fikrie Ahmad, the _______________________ of SMK Raja Muda. This morning, I would like to __________________________________ about our school regulations especially regarding attire and conduct.

Paragraph 1 – INTRODUCTION Greet the audience.

e.g: Good morning / afternoon / evening to..

Introduce yourself to the audience- (your name, position held)e.g: I am Dr Fiqry Nasir from Assunta Hospital in Petaling Jaya.

of 20


WRITING DRILLS 2012

Introduce topice.g: I am here to present a talk on the topic ‘Body Fitness.’

Purpose of speeche.g: The purpose of my talk today is to make you realize the importance looking after your food intake and how your health can be maintained through exercising.

To create a good impression, always be dressed neatly in your _________________________ complete with white shoes and white socks. Don’t forget to wear your school badge and name tag.

Your hair should be _____________________________________. Boys should always _______________ their hair short. Girls are allowed to keep long hair but it should always be neatly combed and ___________. No one is ___________________ to wear jewellery. If you do, then your jewellery will be _____________________. In addition, you cannot use ___________________. Your nails should always be kept ________________. Remember, no nail polish is allowed.

Regarding your conduct, always be _______________. ___________________ your teacher and __________________________ in class. Remember, no loitering around and playing ________________. If you don’t comply with the school rules, __________________________ ___________________________.

Last term, several students were ___________________ or expelled from school for fighting, smoking and other serious offences. Handphones are ____________________. If you bring handphones, they will be confiscated.

Paragraph 2,3,4,5 – BODY Main points and their

elaboration (facts, figures, examples)

Discussion on vocabulary Attire – clothes Confiscated -

taken away Comply – follow face the music -

face the consequences

suspended - banned from attending school for a duration

black sheep - people who are considered bad or embarrassing

These _____________________ are meant to create a positive image and environment for the school. There are, of course, some ________________________ who will break the regulations. Do not be ________________________ by them. Instead, set a good example for others.

Thank you.

Paragraph 6: Ending thank the audience

e.g: Thank you very much for your kind attention.

of 20


WRITING DRILLS 2012

C) EXERCISE 2B: SPEECH / TALK (2)

You are the president of the Health Club in your school. Your teacher-advisor has asked you to give a speech on how to prepare for examinations during the school assembly.

make short notes- easy to remember

get enough sleep- enable mind and body to rest

ask questions- clear doubts

form group discussions- share ideas and viewpoints

Sample Answer: Underline the correct answer. Then, REWRITE the speech in the examination pad.

A very good morning to the principal, teachers and friends. I (is/am) Najwa Latif, the president of the Health Club in SMK Tanjung Bunga. Today, I would like to present a speech on how we can (prepare/prepares) for examinations.

Most of us would have butterflies in our stomach when examinations (is/are) drawing near. We can be so nervous that we will not be able to focus or concentrate on our (study/studies) and revision. Therefore, I would (like/likes) to share with you some tips on how to handle such situation.

Firstly, it is good idea (to/too) make short notes. This will make it easier to remember some of the (important/valuable) points. You do not need to (read/reads) the whole text. This will save you time (browses/browsing) through thick books. (We/You) can draw mind maps to prepare your short notes.

(Although/In addition), you need to have enough sleep. Normally you (would/should) have at least 6 hours of sleep. (This/These) will enable your mind and body to rest. If you have sufficient hours of sleep, you will not feel (lethargic/slow) the next morning, but fresh and alert.

Another point (is/are) asking questions. You should not (feels/feel) shy to ask questions in class. I am sure all teachers would be happy to answer your questions pertaining to what is being (teach/taught). This will (clear/release) any doubts that you have. You can also ask (our/your) friends to help you.

Finally, you can organize a group discussion (through/with) your friends. Make sure that the group is not (to/too) big. (Therefore/Otherwise) all of you will divert your attention to other discussions. A group discussion (foster/fosters) teamwork between you and your friends. It enables you to (divide/share) your ideas and viewpoints. In this way, you will be able to understand the lesson (best/better).

So, as you can see, you do not need to worry about (facing/having) examinations. I hope you will find (this/these) tips useful. Always remember where there is a will, there is (a/the) way. Good luck!

D) EXERCISE 3: OPINION of 20


WRITING DRILLS 2012

Sample Question:Ranjit and Suzana are at a food stall. They want to buy some fruit for a class party. Ranjit likes local fruit but Suzana prefers imported fruit. Read the dialogue. Who do you agree with? Provide reasons to support your answer.

Suzana : Ranjit, do you prefer to eat local or imported fruit?Ranjit : I love local fruit. They are nutritious as well as delicious.Suzana : I like local fruit too but I prefer apples and pears though. Somehow, I feel imported fruit just taste

better.Ranjit : Well, I find local fruit richer in vitamins and nutrients compared to imported fruit. They are also

cheaper.Suzana : But eating too much local fruit can make you fall sick. You definitely won’t fall sick if you eat

too many apples and oranges.

Sample Answer #1: Fill in the blanks with the correct phrase. Choose the phrase from the table below. Then, REWRITE the letter in the examination pad.

Although Furthermore I firmly believetwice the content of Vitamin C local fruit are better than imported

fruitbetter for consumers

takes quite a while not so fresh packed and refrigeratedon the other hand cheaper, fresher and contain more

nutritional benefitsanytime and anywhere

(Option #1 – Agreeing with Ranjit’s opinion)

I agree with Ranjit that _____________________________________________________________. Local fruit are not only delicious but they are _________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________.

Since we can get most local fruit __________________________________, they are much cheaper. Imported fruit, _____________________________, are most expensive because they have to be transported to our country.

Sometimes, the imported fruit are also_________________________. This is because these fruit are ____________________________________ before they are exported from their countries of origin. It also ______________________________ for the fruit to reach our country.

_______________________, local fruit such as guavas and rambutans have higher Vitamin C content than most imported fruit. ____________________ many believe that oranges are a good source of Vitamin C, research has proven that our local fruit has ___________________________________. Local fruit also have other nutritional benefits and are ___________________________________.

Thus, ____________________________ that local fruit are a much better option than imported fruit.

of 20


WRITING DRILLS 2012

Sample Answer #2: Fill in the blanks with the correct phrase. Choose the phrase from the table below. Then, REWRITE the letter in the examination pad.

detrimental to health unhealthy side effects overindulging an array of different fruiteasily available easily available, do not

have unhealthy side effects and come in wider variety

I believe that imported fruit have more benefits than local fruit

certain periods in a year

get bored wider variety to choose from

seasonal I agree with any time we want

(Option #2 – Agreeing with Suzana’s opinion)

__________________________ Suzana that imported fruit are better than local fruit. This is because imported fruit are______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________.

Most local fruit are ___________________. Therefore, we could only enjoy them during _______________________________. Imported fruit such as apples, oranges, kiwi fruits and grapes are ___________________________ at the markets and supermarkets all year round. Thus, we can eat these fruit ________________________________.

Furthermore, eating too much imported fruit such as apples, oranges, grapes and pears will not have any _______________________________. However, _________________________ in local fruit such as durians, rambutans, mangosteens and langsats can make us fall sick. Some local fruit such as durians and bananas also contain fat, which can be _______________________________________.

Finally, although imported fruit may be a bit more expensive than local fruit, there is a ________________________________. One can ________________________ eating the same types of fruit all year round. Therefore, imported fruit from other countries enable us to get a taste of ____________________________________.

In conclusion, ____________________________________________________________________.

of 20


WRITING DRILLS 2012

E) EXERCISE 4: REPORT The pie-chart below provides information regarding the activities carried out by students of SMK Seri Perak during the school holidays. Write a report for your school bulletin and give reasons for the choices made. RE-WRITE THE REPORT IN YOUR EXAM PAD.

ACTIVITIES DURING SCHOOL HOLIDAYS

Fill in the blanks with the correct phrase. Choose the correct answers from the table below. watching television. camping and jungle trekking average background whose parents are mostly

factory workers to travel, go camping, work part-time, read, hang-

out with friends and watch television. highest percentage relaxing and reduces stress better background and always pass with flying

colours believe in early preparations for any major

examination stress and tension Reading and working part time indulge in outdoor activities as they find it

interesting and adventurous well-to-do families and travelling has become a

compulsory agenda for them they learn a lot about foreign customs and culture

whenever travel to other countries Last but not least

non-academic materials such as fiction books and magazines

to save money from the wages received to buy things that they like

In conclusion is regarded as unhealthy and not beneficial useful and could help them to relax after working

so hard in school help build confidence and co-operation among

participants Travelling outdoor activity which is camping it can help them make many new friends to hang-out with their friends

The Activities Carried Out By Students Of SMK Seri Perak During The School Holidays

of 20

15%

10%


WRITING DRILLS 2012

Various activities are usually carried out during school holidays. As for students of SMK Seri Perak, they prefer [1]______________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________

In a survey carried out, it is found that the activity preferred by most students is [2]_______________________________________________________________________________________. This activity carries the [3]___________________________________________________________________, which is 40%. Most students find this activity [4]________________________________________________. As many people believe that school holiday is the time to relax, watching television is said to be the best cure for [5]____________________________________________________________________________________.

On the other hand, an [6]______________________________________________________________, is also a favourite among many students of SMK Seri Perak. 17% of the students prefer going camping during the school holidays. Boys usually [7]____________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________. There are many uniformed units in SMK Seri Perak that organize outdoor activities such as [8]________________________________________________________________. Outdoor activities are good as they [9]_________________________________________________________________________________.

[10]___________________________________________________________ have the same percentage, which is 15%. Many students prefer to work part-time because they would be able [11]____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________. These students usually come from an [12]__________________________________________________________________________. However, students who come from a [13]__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________, prefer reading during school holidays. These students [14]_________________________________________________________________________. However, there are also students who take up reading in order to relax. These students prefer reading [15]______________________________________________________________________________________.

[16]________________________________________________________________________________ is an activity carried out by only 10% of SMK Seri Perak students. These students come from [17]______________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________ during the school holidays. Students who travel during the school holidays say that [18]_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________.

[19]___________________________________________________________, 3% of the students prefer [20]___________________________________________________________________ during school holidays. They enjoy loafing at shopping complexes as they believe that [21]____________________________________ _____________________________________________________________. However, it is very obvious that many students do not like loafing as this activity [22]_______________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________.

[23]____________________________, most students of SMK Seri Perak prefer activities which are [24]________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________.

Reported by: F) EXERCISE 5A: ARTICLE (FACTS – USE PRESENT TENSE)

of 20Nur Ain(Nur Ain Hidayah)


WRITING DRILLS 2012

Using the notes below, write an article for your school magazine about “How Students Can Achieve Success”.

strike a balance in all aspects of life study hard and recall information listen attentively in class complete homework join co-curricular activities pick up new skills, meet new friends be active in sports and games take time to rest, relax and recuperate have a balanced diet, good sleep and regular exercise

Sample Answer: Fill in the blanks with the correct word/phrase. Choose the answer from the table below. Then, REWRITE the article in the examination pad.

pick up time build team spirit and leadershipassigned medals and trophies keysexaminations attentively effortmemorise strike a balance vitalwell-being recall information co-curricular

rest, relax and recuperate succeed

How Students Can Achieve Success

What is success to a student? Is it scoring straight A’s in _______________________? Do you define success by winning many _____________________________? To be truly successful, a student must _______________________________ in all aspects of life. Mental, physical, spiritual and emotional ____________________ are important.

As a student, we have to put in ________________ and hard work to understand and remember what we have learnt. We should study hard and ________________________. However, you should merely not _______________________ facts and numbers. Listen ___________________________ in class and complete the homework the teachers have ____________________ you.

You should join ______________________________ activities. Active participation in clubs and societies helps you to _____________________ new skills as well as meet new friends. Sports and games help to _____________________________________________.

Without a healthy body, it is impossible to __________________ in other areas. Thus, one should always take time to _______________________________________. Remember to have _______________ for fun, friends and family. A balanced diet, good sleep and regular exercise are ____________ for good health.

In short, hard work and good health are ____________ to achieve success in life.

Written by:Aleya Ali

G) EXERCISE 5B: ARTICLE (TELLING EXPERIENCE – USE PAST TENSE)

of 20


WRITING DRILLS 2012

During the last holidays, the Nature Club of your school spent a few days on Tail Island. You have visited many places as indicated on the map. Write an article for your school magazine on what all of you did on Tail Island.

of 20


WRITING DRILLS 2012

Sample Answer: Fill in the blanks with the correct word/phrase. Choose the answer from the table below. Then, REWRITE the article in the examination pad.

southern tip crystal clear ferriedboat trip like logseastern side journey kindinteresting rest and relax headeddeep blue dark wildlife officercamp out good breakfast sandy beachstar-filled adventurous trudgedlaying eggs pass stayed upexplored rewarded formationshelpful excited

A Trip To Tail Island

During the last holidays, the Nature Club of SMK Parit Besar went on a ____________. We decided to spend a few days on Tail Island. Our aim was to ________________________ after so much of hard work and studying for the PMR examination. We were very ________________________.

On the first day, we took a ferry and reached the ____________________ of the island early in the morning. The boatman was _____________ enough to direct us to Bandar Tail. When we reached Bandar Tail, we had a ___________________________ of ‘teh tarik’ and ‘nasi lemak’. The people there were ____________________________. They told us about the _____________________ places to visit.

After breakfast, we travelled along the _____________________ of the island and came to a lovely stretch of white ___________________. We swam in the _____________________ water. We saw beautiful corals and fish in the ____________________ sea. At 2.00 p.m. we continued our _________________. We had to cross a river by ________________. Pak Abu, the boatman who _________________ us here in the morning, took us across the river. By the time we reached Kampung Utara, it was already ____________. We decided to ___________________ for the night. That night, we slept ______________ for we were extremely tired after such a long day.

The next morning, we __________________ for a bay where we could watch turtles coming to shore to lay eggs. We had to ________________ a river to get there. When we reached there, a _____________________ told us that turtles only come to shore to lay eggs during the night. So we ________________ that night. It seemed like a very long wait but our patience was ________________. Watching turtles _____________ was indeed an interesting experience!

The next day, we _________________ some caves in the hills. The stalactites and stalagmites were very unusual ___________________. Again, we camped out under the clear, __________________ sky.

The following day, before dawn, we packed and ___________________ along to Bandar Tail where Pak Abu rowed us back to the mainland. It had certainly been an ____________________ holiday.

Written by:Ahmad Aiman

of 20


WRITING DRILLS 2012

H) EXERCISE 6: RECOUNT (USE PAST TENSE)

During the school holidays, you went on a camping trip with your friends. However, you lost your way while camping. Using the pictures and notes below, write a recount on what had happened during the trip.

of 20

native


WRITING DRILLS 2012

Sample Answer: Fill in the blanks with the correct word/phrase. Choose the answer from the table below. Then, REWRITE the recount in the examination pad.

campsite exhausted put up a nightfrantically trail trudgedamazed spot pitchedexplore armed eagerrested head reportovercome lost our way ordealsignaled native led the way

determine

It was school holidays, Peter, Rahmad and I decided to go on a camping trip. We left early in the morning and reached our ___________________ in Hutan Lipur, Pahang around noon. When we arrived, we followed a narrow ___________________ leading into the jungle. We wanted to look for a good ___________ to set up camp. Finally, we _____________________ our tent near a waterfall.

After cooking our first meal, Peter suggested that we ____________________ the jungle. So we ______________ ourselves with several bottles of mineral water, a small penknife and a torchlight. We were ______________ at the various flora and fauna found. However, after a few hours, we realized that we had _____________________________. We had also finished the last few drops of our mineral water. We were now feeling ______________________. Fortunately, we came upon a cave. We decided to ________________________ there as it was getting dark.

The next morning, we were _________________ to find our way back. So we set out to ________________ the direction of the rising sun and went westward. After walking for about two hours, we came to a river. We ____________________ along the river bank, following the direction of the river. By then, we were ___________________ with exhaustion.

Suddenly, we saw a __________________ catching fish. We shouted and waved _______________________ at him to get his attention. The native saw us and _________________ to his friends. They came to help us and _____________________________ to their village. We were given some food and drinks, and after that we _____________________.

The following morning, the village headman took us to the police station to make a ________________. We could not wait to ________________ home. We were tired but relieved our _______________ in the jungle was over.

of 20


WRITING DRILLS 2012

I) EXERCISE 7A: INFORMAL LETTER (GIVING ADVICE – USE PRESENT TENSE) Your younger brother has just enrolled into a residential school. He is facing some problems. Write a letter to your brother, giving him some advice on how he can overcome some of his problems. Use the points given below in your letter.

organise your time choose friends carefully - have an open mind concentrate on studies make use of the facilities available follow school rules

Expressions used: as fit as a fiddle in good health time is gold bad hats troublemakers state-of-the-art modern a healthy mind creates a healthy body pen off stop writing

Underline the correct answer. Then, REWRITE the letter.________________,________________,________________.

16 January 2011

Dearest ______________,

I hope you [1- is, are, was, were] as fit as a fiddle and not too homesick. All of us are fine back home although we [2- miss, misses, missed, are missing] having you around. I especially miss you as I no longer have anyone to [3- play, plays, played, playing] badminton with.

In your last letter, you [4- tell, tells, told, are telling] me that you’re having some difficulties in your new school. As you may already know, life in residential school [5- is, are, was, were] very different from home. It is more difficult and you may [6- face, faces, faced, facing] many problems. [7- In addition, Since, However, Next], don’t fret too much because all these problems can be overcome.

First, make sure that you organise your time [8- foolishly, slowly, wisely, quickly] because time is gold. Divide your time for doing homework, studying, [9- wash, washes, washed, washing] clothes and so on. I suggest that you have [10- a, an, the] timetable. So, you may find [11- it, its, it’s] easier to finish all that you have to do and still have some free time for yourself.

Next, please do be careful [12- on, in, at, of] your choice of friends. There [13- is, are, was, were] bound to be some bad hats around. So, make sure that you’re not [14- influence, influences, influenced, influencing] by the wrong set of friends. Stay away from any unhealthy [15- activity, activities] such as

of 20


WRITING DRILLS 2012

smoking or drug abuse. These [16- habit, habits] will only lead to disaster and jeopardize your studies. You will [17- meet, meets, met, meeting] friends from various cultures and backgrounds. So, please keep [18- a, an, the] open mind. Don’t [19- belittle, belittles, belittled] anyone else’s beliefs or traditions. At the same time, don’t forget all that you have [20- learn, learns, learnt, learning] at home.

The main reason you were sent there [21- is, are, was, were] to help you get better results and hopefully a scholarship. [22- However, Besides, Therefore, In addition], concentrate on your studies and do well in your examinations. This is your best chance to [23- achieve, achieves, achieved, achieving] your ambitions. Don’t be shy to consult your teachers if you [24- has, have, had, are having] any problems with any subjects. You’re advisable to study in group so that it will be much easier to have discussions.

SM Sains Muzaffar Syah is distinguished for [25- it, its, it’s] state-of-the-art facilities. For that reason, make full use of them. Study in the library whenever you can because [26- it, its, it’s] comfortable and more conducive. There [27- is, are, was, were] many reference books you can look at. Your school is also [27- equip, equips, equipped, equipping] with the latest computers. So, you can [28- use, uses, used, using] the internet conveniently not only to carry out school tasks or projects but also to [29- gain, gains, gained, gaining] as much knowledge as possible. Besides, play games now and then. I know your school [30- has, have, had, is having] tennis and badminton courts. Perhaps you should [31- take up, takes up, took up, taking up] one of these games. [32- Play, Plays, Played, Playing] games is not only a form of exercise but it is also a way for you to relax. Plus, a healthy body [33- create, creates, created, is creating] a healthy mind.

Last but not least, you should [34- follow, follows, followed, following] the school rules. Never break any rules. The rules may [35- seem, seems, seemed, seeming] tiresome but they instill self-discipline and are good for character building. If you [36- break, breaks, broke, are breaking] the school rules, you may be suspended or expelled. We would be [37- disappoint, disappoints, disappointed, disappointing] if such a thing were to happen.

I hope my advice will [38- help, helps, helped, helping] you to solve your problems. Please write whenever you [39- has, have, had, are having] time. We are all anxious about you and eagerly wait for [40- your, yours, you’re] letter. I will pen off here. Take care and goodbye!

Your loving brother,

_______________

of 20


WRITING DRILLS 2012

J) EXERCISE 7B: INFORMAL LETTER (TELLING EXPERIENCE – USE PAST TENSE) Your uncle suggested that you and your family visit a tea plantation which was owned by his friends. Write a letter to your uncle to thank him for his suggestion and to tell the wonderful trip that you had experienced.

Fill in the blanks by choosing the correct answer from the box below. Then, REWRITE the letter.

enjoyable and educational keeping well take a tourstayed at drove up tour bytea leaves How are you your suggestionwas invigorating were awestruck a sea of green leavesWe borrowed At the end of the tour learnt aboutfull loads tea plantation Send my regards to Auntiehad the time of our lives eye-opener waved warmlygrand treat plucking tea leaves fast and hard

made from--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

________________,________________,________________.

31 July 2011

My dear ______________,

(1)_________________________________ and Auntie? I hope that both of you are (2)______________________________.Thank you so much for (3) ______________________________ to visit the Highlands tea plantation. We had such an (4)____________________________________________ trip.

As we (5) ______________________________ to the plantation resort, through the rows of tea plants, we (6) ______________________________ by the vastness of the plantation land. There were rows and rows of tea plants like (7) _____________________________________, as far as the eye can see!

We (8) ______________________________ the Highlands Tea Garden Resort for a night. The first thing we did when we arrived was to (9) ______________________________ of the plantation on the back of a lorry. We chose to (10) ______________________________ lorry because in the open vehicle, we could almost touch the (11) ______________________________ as it slowly weaved its way between the low tea shrubs. The smell of fresh tea leaves (12) ______________________________!

Then the lorry took us to the tea factory where we (13) ______________________________ tea drying and the different grades of tea. (14) ______________________________, we had afternoon tea at the café where there were so many delicious cakes and pastries, some (15) ______________________________ tea. Father gave us a (16) ______________________________. We could choose anything we wanted!

of 20


WRITING DRILLS 2012

(17) ______________________________ bicycles from the resort and we went cycling to the plantation workers’ settlement. They were very friendly as we passed their houses and they (18) ______________________________ at us.

The next morning before we left, we got up very early to watch the workers (19) ______________________________. They worked so (20) ______________________________. Soon they were walking with (21) ______________________________ of tea leaves to the collecting lorries.

You know, Uncle, this trip has been an (22) ______________________________ for me. Whenever I drink tea now, I will always remember the tea shrubs and the workers who worked so hard at the (23) ______________________________. Thank you once again for your suggestion. Everyone truly enjoyed themselves. We really (24) _______________________________________________________. (25) ___________________________________. Until then, bye!

Your niece,_______________

of 20

writing drilling 2012 ssv

Documents