WRITING DRILLS - ANSWER 2012

A) EXERCISE 1A: FORMAL LETTER (1)

The Secretary,
Art Club,
Sekolah Menengah Sultan Idris Shah,
Jalan Hang Setia,
35000 Ipoh.

The Manager,
Haryati Batik Factory,
56, Persiaran Tawakal,
85 000 Kuala Terengganu. 5 September 2012

Dear Sir,

Permission to Visit Factory

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

2. The details of the visit are as follows:

2.1 Date: 5 November 2011
2.2 Time: 8.30 a.m. to 10.30 a.m.
2.3 Numbers of visitors: 44 students and 3 teachers
2.4 Transport: Chartered bus

3. The objectives of the visit include learning the skills of batik printing Many of our students are
in Form Four and would like to take up new skills for their batik printing project next year. Hence, we
would like to expose our members to the art of batik printing.

4. We would also like to purchase a few pieces as souvenirs and gifts For your information, 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 interested in buying souvenirs to take home. I hope we would be given discounts for the souvenirs
purchased.

5. I hope you will be able to grant us permission to visit your premises. We are willing to accept an
alternative date if the proposed date is not convenient to you.

Thank you.

Yours faithfully,
Saddamia Rauddah
(SADDAMIA RAUDDAH)
The Secretary
Art Club
Sekolah Menengah Sultan Idris Shah
Prepared by: Teacher Nuha, SAMBBST, Selangor.
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 WRITING DRILLS - ANSWER 2012

EXERCISE 1B: FORMAL LETTER (2)

Soo Wee Kim,

Form 3 Bestari,
SMK Jalan Teko,
08100 Bedong,
Kedah.

Encik Amir Bin Johar,

The Principal,
SMK Jalan Teko,
08100 Bedong,
Kedah. 18 September 2012

Dear Sir,

Poor Conditions at the School Canteen

On behalf of 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 extremely rude. They like to shout loudly at the
students for no reason. Besides, there is a lack of hygiene. The workers do not wear caps to cover their hair.
They also use dirty aprons while cooking or serving food.

3. Moreover, the food is prepared and served under filthy conditions. The canteen is swarmed with
flies. This can pose a health risk as flies are known to be carriers of diseases such as cholera. There are
leftover food on the tables and floor. This has attracted stray dogs and cats to our school canteen.

4. Another matter is regarding the price of food. Although there is a good variety of food, the prices
are too high 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 burden on them.

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

Thank you.

Yours faithfully,
Wee Kim
(SOO WEE KIM)
Form 3 Bestari
SMK Jalan Teko

Prepared by: Teacher Nuha, SAMBBST, Selangor.

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 WRITING DRILLS - ANSWER 2012

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

Good morning to our principal, teachers and fellow students. Welcome to the new school term. I am
Nuzul Fikrie Ahmad, the head prefect of SMK Raja Muda. This morning, I would like to refresh your
memory about our school regulations especially regarding attire and conduct.
To create a good impression, always be dressed neatly in your school uniform complete with white
shoes and white socks. Don’t forget to wear your school badge and name tag.
Your hair should be short and neatly combed. Boys should always keep their hair short. Girls are
allowed to keep long hair but it should always be neatly combed and tied. No one is allowed to wear
jewellery. If you do, then your jewellery will be confiscated. In addition, you cannot use make-up. Your
nails should always be kept short. Remember, no nail polish is allowed.
Regarding your conduct, always be punctual. Respect your teacher and pay attention in class.
Remember, no loitering around and playing truant. If you don’t comply with the school rules, you will have
to face the music.
Last term, several students were suspended or expelled from school for fighting, smoking and other
serious offences. Handphones are banned. If you bring handphones, they will be confiscated.
These regulations are meant to create a positive image and environment for the school. There are, of
course, some black sheep who will break the regulations. Do not be influenced by them. Instead, set a good
example for others.

Thank you.

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

A very good morning to the principal, teachers and friends. I 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 for
examinations.
Most of us would have butterflies in our stomach when examinations are drawing near. We can
be so nervous that we will not be able to focus or concentrate on our studies and revision. Therefore, I
would like to share with you some tips on how to handle such situation.
Firstly, it is good idea to make short notes. This will make it easier to remember some of the
important points. You do not need to read the whole text. This will save you time browsing through thick
books. You can draw mind maps to prepare your short notes.
In addition, you need to have enough sleep. Normally you should have at least 6 hours of sleep.
This will enable your mind and body to rest. If you have sufficient hours of sleep, you will not feel
lethargic the next morning, but fresh and alert.
Another point is asking questions. You should not feel shy to ask questions in class. I am sure all
teachers would be happy to answer your questions pertaining to what is being taught. This will clear any
doubts that you have. You can also ask your friends to help you.
Finally, you can organize a group discussion with your friends. Make sure that the group is not
too big. Otherwise all of you will divert your attention to other discussions. A group discussion fosters
teamwork between you and your friends. It enables you to divide your ideas and viewpoints. In this way,
you will be able to understand the lesson better.
So, as you can see, you do not need to worry about facing examinations. I hope you will find
(this/these) tips useful. Always remember where there is a will, there is a way. Good luck!

Prepared by: Teacher Nuha, SAMBBST, Selangor.

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 WRITING DRILLS - ANSWER 2012

D) EXERCISE 3: OPINION

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

I agree with Ranjit that local fruit are better than imported fruit. Local fruit are not only delicious but
they are cheaper, fresher and contain more nutritional benefits.

Since we can get most local fruit anytime and anywhere, they are much cheaper. Imported fruit, on
the other hand, are most expensive because they have to be transported to our country.

Sometimes, the imported fruit are also not so fresh. This is because these fruit are packed and
refrigerated before they are exported from their countries of origin. It also takes quite a while for the fruit to
reach our country.

Furthermore, local fruit such as guavas and rambutans have higher Vitamin C content than most
imported fruit. Although many believe that oranges are a good source of Vitamin C, research has proven that
our local fruit has twice the content of Vitamin C. Local fruit also have other nutritional benefits and are
better for consumers.

Thus, I firmly believe that local fruit are a much better option than imported fruit.

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

I agree with Suzana that imported fruit are better than local fruit. This is because imported fruit are
easily available, do not have unhealthy side effects and come in wider variety.

Most local fruit are seasonal. Therefore, we could only enjoy them during certain periods in a year.
Imported fruit such as apples, oranges, kiwi fruits and grapes are easily available at the markets and
supermarkets all year round. Thus, we can eat these fruit any time we want.

Furthermore, eating too much imported fruit such as apples, oranges, grapes and pears will not have
any unhealthy side effects. However, overindulging 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 detrimental to health.

Finally, although imported fruit may be a bit more expensive than local fruit, there is a wider variety
to choose from. One can get bored eating the same types of fruit all year round. Therefore, imported fruit
from other countries enable us to get a taste of an array of different fruit.

In conclusion, I believe that imported fruit have more benefits than local fruit.

Prepared by: Teacher Nuha, SAMBBST, Selangor.

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 WRITING DRILLS - ANSWER 2012

E) EXERCISE 4: REPORT

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]to travel, go camping, work part-time, read, hang-out with friends and watch television.

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

On the other hand, an [6] outdoor activity which is camping, 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]
indulge in outdoor activities as they find it interesting and adventurous. There are many uniformed units in
SMK Seri Perak that organize outdoor activities such as [8] camping and jungle trekking. Outdoor activities are
good as they [9] help build confidence and co-operation among participants.

[10] Reading and working part time have the same percentage, which is 15%. Many students prefer to
work part-time because they would be able [11] to save money from the wages received to buy things that they
like. These students usually come from an [12] average background whose parents are mostly factory workers.
However, students who come from a [13] better background and always pass with flying colours, prefer reading
during school holidays. These students [14] believe in early preparations for any major examination. However,
there are also students who take up reading in order to relax. These students prefer reading [15] non-academic
materials such as fiction books and magazines.

[16] Travelling is an activity carried out by only 10% of SMK Seri Perak students. These students come
from [17] well-to-do families and travelling has become a compulsory agenda for them during the school
holidays. Students who travel during the school holidays say that [18] they learn a lot about foreign customs and
culture whenever travel to other countries.

[19] Last but not least, 3% of the students prefer [20] to hang-out with their friends during school
holidays. They enjoy loafing at shopping complexes as they believe that [21] it can help them make many new
friends. However, it is very obvious that many students do not like loafing as this activity [22] is regarded as
unhealthy and not beneficial.
[23] In conclusion, most students of SMK Seri Perak prefer activities which are [24] useful and could
help them to relax after working so hard in school.

Reported by:
Nur Ain
(Nur Ain Hidayah)

Prepared by: Teacher Nuha, SAMBBST, Selangor.

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 WRITING DRILLS - ANSWER 2012

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

How Students Can Achieve Success

What is success to a student? Is it scoring straight A’s in examinations? Do you define success by
winning many medals and trophies? To be truly successful, a student must strike a balance in all aspects of
life. Mental, physical, spiritual and emotional well-being are important.
As a student, we have to put in effort and hard work to understand and remember what we have
learnt. We should study hard and recall information. However, you should not merely memorise facts and
numbers. Listen attentively in class and complete the homework the teachers have assigned you.
You should join co-curricular activities. Active participation in clubs and societies helps you to
pick up new skills as well as meet new friends. Sports and games help to build team spirit and leadership.
Without a healthy body, it is impossible to succeed in other areas. Thus, one should always take
time to rest, relax and recuperate. Remember to have time for fun, friends and family. A balanced diet, good
sleep and regular exercise are vital for good health.
In short, hard work and good health are keys to achieve success in life.

Written by:
Aleya Ali

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

A Trip To Tail Island

During the last holidays, the Nature Club of SMK Parit Besar went on a trip. We decided to spend a few
days on Tail Island. Our aim was to rest and relax after so much of hard work and studying for the PMR
examination. We were very excited.
On the first day, we took a ferry and reached the southern tip of the island early in the morning. The
boatman was kind enough to direct us to Bandar Tail. When we reached Bandar Tail, we had a good breakfast of
‘teh tarik’ and ‘nasi lemak’. The people there were helpful. They told us about the interesting places to visit.
After breakfast, we travelled along the eastern side of the island and came to a lovely stretch of white
sandy beach. We swam in the crystal clear water. We saw beautiful corals and fish in the deep blue sea. At 2.00
p.m. we continued our journey. We had to cross a river by boat. Pak Abu, the boatman who ferried us here in the
morning, took us across the river. By the time we reached Kampung Utara, it was already dark. We decided to
camp out for the night. That night, we slept like logs for we were extremely tired after such a long day.
The next morning, we headed for a bay where we could watch turtles coming to shore to lay eggs. We
had to pass a river to get there. When we reached there, a wildlife officer told us that turtles only come to shore
to lay eggs during the night. So we stayed up that night. It seemed like a very long wait but our patience was
rewarded. Watching turtles laying eggs was indeed an interesting experience!
The next day, we explored some caves in the hills. The stalactites and stalagmites were very unusual
formations. Again, we camped out under the clear, star-filled sky.
The following day, before dawn, we packed and trudged along to Bandar Tail where Pak Abu rowed us
back to the mainland. It had certainly been an adventurous holiday.

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

Ahmad Aiman
H) EXERCISE 6: RECOUNT (USE PAST TENSE)

It was school holidays, Peter, Rahmad and I decided to go on a camping trip. We left early in the
morning and reached our campsite in Hutan Lipur, Pahang around noon. When we arrived, we followed a
narrow trail leading into the jungle. We wanted to look for a good spot to set up camp. Finally, we pitched our
tent near a waterfall.
After cooking our first meal, Peter suggested that we explored the jungle. So we armed ourselves with
several bottles of mineral water, a small penknife and a torchlight. We were amazed at the various flora and
fauna found. However, after a few hours, we realized that we had lost our way. We had also finished the last few
drops of our mineral water. We were now feeling exhausted. Fortunately, we came upon a cave. We decided to
put up a night there as it was getting dark.
The next morning, we were eager to find our way back. So we set out to determine the direction of the
rising sun and went westward. After walking for about two hours, we came to a river. We trudged along the
river bank, following the direction of the river. By then, we were overcome with exhaustion.
Suddenly, we saw a native catching fish. We shouted and waved frantically at him to get his attention.
The native saw us and signaled to his friends. They came to help us and led the way to their village. We were
given some food and drinks, and after that we rested.
The following morning, the village headman took us to the police station to make a report. We could not
wait to head home. We were tired but relieved our ordeal in the jungle was over.

Prepared by: Teacher Nuha, SAMBBST, Selangor.

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 WRITING DRILLS - ANSWER 2012

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

5, Jalan Parameswara,
77000 Jasin,
Melaka.

16 January 2011
Dearest Ahmad,

I hope you 1) are as fit as a fiddle and not too homesick. All of us are fine back home although we 2) miss
having you around. I especially miss you as I no longer have anyone to 3) play badminton with.

In your last letter, you 4) told me that you’re having some difficulties in your new school. As you may already
know, life in residential school 5) is very different from home. It is more difficult and you may 6) face many
problems. 7) However, don’t fret too much because all these problems can be overcome.

First, make sure that you organise your time 8) wisely because time is gold. Divide your time for doing
homework, studying, 9) washing clothes and so on. I suggest that you have 10) a timetable. So, you may find 11) it
easier to finish all that you have to do and still have some free time for yourself.

Next, please do be careful 12) in your choice of friends. There 13) are bound to be some bad hats around. So,
make sure that you’re not 14) influenced by the wrong set of friends. Stay away from any unhealthy 15) activities
such as smoking or drug abuse. These 16) habits will only lead to disaster and jeopardize your studies. You will 17)
meet friends from various cultures and backgrounds. So, please keep 18) an open mind. Don’t 19) belittle anyone
else’s beliefs or traditions. At the same time, don’t forget all that you have 20) learnt at home.

The main reason you were sent there 21) is to help you get better results and hopefully a scholarship. 22)
Therefore, concentrate on your studies and do well in your examinations. This is your best chance to 23) achieve
your ambitions. Don’t be shy to consult your teachers if you 24) have 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) its state-of-the-art facilities. For that reason, make full use
of them. Study in the library whenever you can because 26) it’s comfortable and more conducive. There 27) are many
reference books you can look at. Your school is also 27) equipped with the latest computers. So, you can 28) use the
internet conveniently not only to carry out school tasks or projects but also to 29) gain as much knowledge as
possible. Besides, play games now and then. I know your school 30) has tennis and badminton courts. Perhaps you
should 31) take up one of these games. 32) Playing games is not only a form of exercise but it is also a way for you
to relax. Plus, a healthy body 33) creates a healthy mind.

Last but not least, you should 34) follow the school rules. Never break any rules. The rules may 35) seem
tiresome but they instill self-discipline and are good for character building. If you 36) break the school rules, you may
be suspended or expelled. We would be 37) disappointed if such a thing were to happen.

I hope my advice will 38) help you to solve your problems. Please write whenever you 39) have time. We are
all anxious about you and eagerly wait for 40) your letter. I will pen off here. Take care and goodbye!

Your loving brother,

Lutf

Prepared by: Teacher Nuha, SAMBBST, Selangor.

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 WRITING DRILLS - ANSWER 2012

J) EXERCISE 7B: INFORMAL LETTER (TELLING EXPERIENCE – USE PAST TENSE)

5, Jalan Parameswara,
77000 Jasin,
Melaka.

31 July 2011

My dear Uncle Bob,

(1) How are you and Auntie? I hope that both of you are (2) keeping well. Thank you so much for (3)
your suggestion to visit the Highlands tea plantation. We had such an (4) enjoyable and educational trip.

As we (5) drove up to the plantation resort, through the rows of tea plants, we (6) were awestruck by
the vastness of the plantation land. There were rows and rows of tea plants like (7) a sea of green leaves, as far
as the eye can see!

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

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

(17) We borrowed 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) waved warmly at us.

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

You know, Uncle, this trip has been an (22) eye-opener for me. Whenever I drink tea now, I will always
remember the tea shrubs and the workers who worked so hard at the (23) tea plantation. Thank you once again
for your suggestion. Everyone truly enjoyed themselves. We really (24) had the time of our lives. (25) Send
my regards to Auntie. Until then, bye!

Your niece,
Delyla

Prepared by: Teacher Nuha, SAMBBST, Selangor.

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 WRITING DRILLS - ANSWER 2012

1. Formal letter - Permission to visit a batik factory.

2. Formal letter - A letter of complaint about the services and facilities of
your school canteen.
3. Speech - To remind students about the school regulations.
4. Speech - How to prepare for examinations.
5. Giving an opinion - Imported fruit or local fruit.
6. Report - Activities during the school holidays.
7. Article - How Students Can Achieve Success.
8. Article (based on a map) - Experience in Tail Island.
9. Recount - Camping trip.
10. Informal letter - Giving advice.
11. Informal letter - Telling experience.
12. Article - Staying healthy. (Download)

Prepared by: Teacher Nuha, SAMBBST, Selangor.

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