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.
NOTES
Haryati Batik Factory 44 members 3 teachers
Proposed date and time
Transport by bus
Proposed activities learn skill
Buy some pieces - souvenirs

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
learning the skills of batik printing
The details of the visit

Transport
Dear Sir
8.30 a.m. to 10.30 a.m.

5 November 2011

expose our members to the art of batik

printing
to grant us permission
would be given discounts
The Secretary
Art Club
Sekolah Menengah Sultan Idris Shah
Jalan Hang Setia
35000 Ipoh

For your information

take up new skills

to purchase
Thank you
the proposed date is not
convenient to you

interested in buying souvenirs

Yours faithfully
The Manager
Haryati Batik Factory
56, Persiaran Tawakal
85 000 Kuala Terengganu

Prepared by: Teacher Nuha, SAMBBST, Selangor.

Numbers of visitors

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_________________________________,
_________________________________,
_________________________________,
_________________________________,
_________________________________.
_________________________________,
_________________________________,
_________________________________,
_________________________________.

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 teachers
2.4 ________________________: 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 Secretary
Art Club
Sekolah Menengah Sultan Idris Shah
EXERCISE 1B: FORMAL LETTER (2)

Prepared by: Teacher Nuha, SAMBBST, Selangor.

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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
On behalf of
stray dogs and cats

Dear Sir,
shout loudly
swarmed with flies
Thank you

extremely rude
filthy conditions
Encik Amir Bin Johar,
The Principal,
SMK Jalan Teko,
08100 Bedong,
Kedah.
leftover food
burden
cover their hair

health risk
too high
Soo Wee Kim,
Form 3 Bestari,
SMK Jalan Teko,
08100 Bedong,
Kedah.
dirty aprons
price of food
effective measures
Yours faithfully

_________________________________,
Prepared by: Teacher Nuha, SAMBBST, Selangor.

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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
_________________________ to overcome them.

will

look

into

these

problems

and

take

_________________________.
_________________________,
Wee Kim
(SOO WEE KIM)
Form 3 Bestari
SMK Jalan Teko
B) EXERCISE 2A: SPEECH / TALK (1)
Prepared by: Teacher Nuha, SAMBBST, Selangor.

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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 socks
Hair
-boys - short
-girls - short or long - long hair must be tied up
Nails
-short
Make up-is not allowed in school!
CONDUCT:-No loitering
-No jewellery
-Be punctual
-Pay attention in class

-No handphones
-No smoking
-Respect teachers
-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
school uniform

allowed
our principal, teachers and fellow
students
short and neatly combed
truant
confiscated
pay attention
influenced

head prefect
keep
tied
banned
black sheep

make-up
short
punctual
you will have to face the music
Respect
suspended
regulations

Answer
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.

Prepared by: Teacher Nuha, SAMBBST, Selangor.

Explanation
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.
Introduce topic
e.g: I am here to present
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a talk on the topic Body
Fitness.
Purpose of speech
e.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. Dont 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 dont 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.

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.

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

Paragraph 6: Ending
thank the audience
e.g: Thank you very
much for your kind
attention.

Thank you.
C) EXERCISE 2B: SPEECH / TALK (2)
Prepared by: Teacher Nuha, SAMBBST, Selangor.

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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
Sample Question:
Prepared by: Teacher Nuha, SAMBBST, Selangor.

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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 wont 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
twice the content of Vitamin C
takes quite a while
on the other hand

Furthermore
local fruit are better than imported
fruit
not so fresh
cheaper, fresher and contain more
nutritional benefits

I firmly believe
better for consumers
packed and refrigerated
anytime and anywhere

(Option #1 Agreeing with Ranjits 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.
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.
Prepared by: Teacher Nuha, SAMBBST, Selangor.

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detrimental to health
easily available

overindulging
I believe that imported
fruit have more benefits
than local fruit

get bored

unhealthy side effects

easily available, do not
have unhealthy side
effects and come in
wider variety

seasonal

I agree with

any time we want

an array of different fruit

certain periods in a year
wider variety to choose
from

(Option #2 Agreeing with Suzanas 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, ____________________________________________________________________.

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.
Prepared by: Teacher Nuha, SAMBBST, Selangor.
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WRITING DRILLS 2012

RE-WRITE THE REPORT IN YOUR EXAM PAD.
ACTIVITIES DURING SCHOOL HOLIDAYS

10%

15%

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
to travel, go camping, work part-time, read, hangfactory workers
out with friends and watch television.
highest percentage
relaxing and reduces stress
better background and always pass with flying
believe in early preparations for any major
colours
examination
stress and tension
Reading and working part time
indulge in outdoor activities as they find it
well-to-do families and travelling has become a
interesting and adventurous
compulsory agenda for them
they learn a lot about foreign customs and culture Last but not least
whenever travel to other countries
non-academic materials such as fiction books and to save money from the wages received to buy
magazines
things that they like
In conclusion
is regarded as unhealthy and not beneficial
useful and could help them to relax after working help build confidence and co-operation among
so hard in school
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
Various activities are usually carried out during school holidays. As for students of SMK Seri Perak,
they prefer [1]______________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Prepared by: Teacher Nuha, SAMBBST, Selangor.
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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) Ain
EXERCISE 5A: ARTICLE (FACTS USE PRESENT TENSE)
Nur
Using
the notes below, write an article for your school magazine about How Students Can Achieve
(Nur Ain
Hidayah)
Success.
strike a balance in all aspects of life
Prepared by: Teacher Nuha, SAMBBST, Selangor.

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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
assigned
examinations
memorise
well-being

time
medals and trophies
attentively
strike a balance
recall information
rest, relax and recuperate

build team spirit and leadership

keys
effort
vital
co-curricular
succeed

How Students Can Achieve Success

What is success to a student? Is it scoring straight As 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)

Prepared by: Teacher Nuha, SAMBBST, Selangor.

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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.

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.
Prepared by: Teacher Nuha, SAMBBST, Selangor.

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southern tip
boat
eastern side
interesting
deep blue
camp out
star-filled
laying eggs
explored
helpful

crystal clear
trip
journey
rest and relax
dark
good breakfast
adventurous
pass
rewarded
excited

ferried
like logs
kind
headed
wildlife officer
sandy beach
trudged
stayed up
formations

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
H) EXERCISE 6: RECOUNT (USE PAST TENSE)
Prepared by: Teacher Nuha, SAMBBST, Selangor.

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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.

native

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.
Prepared by: Teacher Nuha, SAMBBST, Selangor.

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campsite
frantically
amazed
explore
rested
overcome
signaled

exhausted
trail
spot
armed
head
lost our way
native
determine

put up a night
trudged
pitched
eager
report
ordeal
led the way

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.

I) EXERCISE 7A: INFORMAL LETTER (GIVING ADVICE USE PRESENT TENSE)

Prepared by: Teacher Nuha, SAMBBST, Selangor.

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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 youre 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], dont 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, its] 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 youre not [14- influence, influences, influenced,
influencing] by the wrong set of friends. Stay away from any unhealthy [15- activity, activities] such as
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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. Dont [19- belittle, belittles, belittled] anyone elses beliefs or traditions. At the
same time, dont 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. Dont be shy to consult your teachers if you [24- has, have, had, are having] any problems with
any subjects. Youre 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, its] state-of-the-art facilities. For that
reason, make full use of them. Study in the library whenever you can because [26- it, its, its] 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, youre] letter. I will pen off here. Take care and goodbye!
Your loving brother,
_______________

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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
stayed at
tea leaves
was invigorating
We borrowed
full loads
had the time of our lives
grand treat

keeping well
take a tour
drove up
tour by
How are you
your suggestion
were awestruck
a sea of green leaves
At the end of the tour
learnt about
tea plantation
Send my regards to Auntie
eye-opener
waved warmly
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 caf where there were so many delicious cakes and pastries, some (15)
______________________________ tea. Father gave us a (16) ______________________________. We
could choose anything we wanted!
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(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,
_______________

Prepared by: Teacher Nuha, SAMBBST, Selangor.

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