Est Module Module 1: Language Practices A. Classifications: English For Science and Technology 2011

ENGLISH FOR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 2011
EST MODULE
MODULE 1 : LANGUAGE PRACTICES
a. CLASSIFICATIONS
Example : roses, chrysanthemums, jasmines
Roses, chrysanthemums and jasmines can be classified as fragrant flowers.
Practice A
Use the words given to write classifications. Use the general class words
given in the box.
diurnal nocturnal
herbivores
carnivores domestic animals
1. octopuses hyenas moths - ……………………………..
2. owls snakes frogs - ………………………………
3. grasshoppers koalas sea turtles - ………………………………
4. monkeys elephants butterflies - ……………………………..
5. bats lions kangaroos - ………………………………
b. DEFINITIONS
Definition helps to explain what a thing is. It should be clear and broad
enough to include all the items in the category. A definition will include a
general classification and its specific characteristics.
Note : When you write a definition, you must not write it in the negative
form. For example,
Do not state “an ostrich is not a bird that flies” ( X )

You should say “ an ostrich is a bird that runs very fast”. ( / )
Practice B
Write short definitions for the following words.
1. Nocturnal animals are animals that active during the night.

2. Parasite is a small animal that lives on other animals.
3. Clay is sticky soil that can be shaped for making pots and bricks.
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4. Water vapour is a mass of drops of water in the air as a result of

evaporation.
5. Stethoscope is an instrument that doctors used to listen to the
breathing of a patient.
c. COMPARISONS
Comparisons are made when we describe similarities and differences. It may
focus only on similarities and may include differences. However, for this
section on comparisons, we will only look at similarities.
like resembles similar to/in comparable to

same as as important
e.g: Lemon and lime are similar in many ways.
Practice C
Write a sentence using the phrases or word given to compare the two given
items in each question.
1. Lemon and limes ( resemble )

Lemon resembles limes as both are sour in taste.
2. Pebbles and small stones ( similar in )

Pebbles and small stones are similar in many ways.
3. Crystals and diamonds ( look like )

Crystals look like diamonds as both are shiny stones.
4. Toes and fingers ( as important as )

Toes are as important as fingers for our body.
5. Table lamps and fluorescent lights ( the same as )

The function of table lamps are the same as fluorescent lights.
d. CONTRASTS
Contrasting focuses on differences. It is used to describe how things are
not the same or different.
In contrast to in comparison with comparatively unlike

Is different from differs from relatively but however
e.g: Unlike copper, gold is a precious metal.
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Wood is a poor conductor of electricity but bronze is a good

conductor of electricity.
Practice D
Write a sentence using the phrase or word given to contrast the two given
items in each question.
1. Paper and leather ( Unlike ) :

Unlike paper, leather is produced from animals .
2. Mist and haze ( differ from ) :

Mist is differ from haze because of its water contain.
3. Salt and pepper ( but ) :

Salt is salty but pepper is hot and spicy.
4. MP3 and CD ( In contrast to ):

In contrast to CD, MP3 can store more songs.
5. Milk teeth and permanent teeth ( different from ) :

Milk teeth is different from permanent teeth in many ways.
e. CAUSE AND EFFECT
We can describe a relationship by looking at cause and effect. The

relationship between cause and effect may be continuous and could have a
chain reaction. Below are some examples :
Cause Effect
Temperature increases Ice melts
Heavy rain Floods in low-lying areas
Gravitational pull of the moon Ocean tides
Water cooled to 00 C Ice is formed
Example of the chain reaction produced by the reactions of cause and effect :
The heat from the sun causes the water in the sea to turn to vapour and rise.
The rising vapour then forms clouds. When the cloud becomes heavy and
cool, it causes the vapour to become water droplets and they fall back to the
earth as rain. This water returns to the rivers and seas. The heat from the sun
causes water to rise again as vapour. In this way, the water cycle becomes a
continuous process.
Practice E
Identify the following words if they are the causes or effects and write a
sentence to show their relationship.
1. Tsunami Earthquake Gorges
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………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………
2. Heat Energy Frictions
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………
3. Feathers Hallow bones Birds fly
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………
4. Physical stress Road rage Emotional stress
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………..
5. Dehydration Tiredness Increase of body temperature
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………..
F. IDENTIFYING FACT FROM OPINION

When reading any materials, it is important to be able to identify whether
what we are reading is actually a fact or opinion. We need to know what the
facts are about on any topic so that we can then come up with our own ideas
based on true statements. Opinions may be biased or prejudiced and we may
be misled by other people’s views.
Facts are statements that are supported with clear explanations, statistics,
examples and evidence.
Opinions are statements or views expressed by people.
Practice F
Identify the following statements if they are facts or opinions. Write F for fact
and O for opinion.
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1. Only people who are tired snore in their sleep.

----------
2. Acne appears usually on the face but can extend to the neck , chest
and back . ----------
3. People are overweight because they do not exercise.
---------
4. Store your ATM card in your purse or wallet where it will not get
scratched or bent ---------
5. Genetically engineered foods are all dangerous to human beings.
---------
g. DESCRIBING
In scientific writing, logical order is important because it helps readers to
understand what is being explained or reported. There are a large numbers of
ways in which sentences are connected or related to other sentence by using
transitions/ logical connectors.
To show To show arrangement To show order of

chronological order of ideas importance
First, second, next, now, First, second, third etc More importantly, more
then Next, last, finally significantly, above all,
First of all, after that, In addition, moreover, primarily, before
finally, last furthermore, also, too,
Soon, gradually, following this,
meanwhile, afterwards subsequently
Logical connectors : to connect ideas in a sentence in a logical manner
Logical Function Example
connectors
Because To show a Since there are valves in the arteries the blood can
since reason only flow in one direction and not in the opposite
direction.
The brain is a very important organ in the body
because it controls all the functions in the body.
So To show The small intestines is about six metres in length.
Thus result Thus, it is the longest section of the alimentary
Therefore canal.
As a result The inner ear controls more than just hearing.
consequently Therefore, you should be careful not to injure this
part of the ear.
He lost a lot of blood during the accident, so he
was given a blood transfusion.
However To show Even though/Although he suffered severe
Even though contrasting headaches and breathing problems, the doctors
Although ideas could not find anything wrong with him.
Despite Despite/In spite of having stiff joints and aching
In spite of muscles, she continued to walk another kilometer.
Besides To give The backbone is made up of 33 small bones called
In addition to extra the vertebrae. In addition, the backbone forms a
furthermore information protective covering for the spinal cord.
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Practice G
Fill in each gap with a suitable transition word.
When you accidently burn yourself, you should 1 ………………. Go to a

water tap. Turn on the water tap and let the water run through the part that
has been burnt. 2. ……………….. , take off any clothes or accessories that are
near to the wound. After taking off the accessories or clothes, dip the wound
in the water for a while to cool down the temperature. 3. ……………………,
cover the wound with a clean cloth.
4. …………………, go to the nearest clinic or hospital immediately. It is
unfortunate that an accident happens, but 5. ……………………. We must be
calm and do not panic.
Cells are the living building blocks from which all living things are made.
1 …………….. microorganisms like viruses, bacteria and protozoa are single
celled, most of the larger organisms are made up of large numbers of cells
grouped together. 2. …………………. , your body is made up of billions of cells
all grouped together. Groups of cells of the same type are called tissues.
Most cells have the same basic parts. Each cell is surrounded by a
membrane that holds them together. 3. …………………… to the cell
membrane, plant cells also have thick cell walls. ………………….(4) , animal
cells do not have cell walls. Inside the membrane, the cell is divided into two
parts, the nucleus and the cytoplasm. The nucleus contains the body’s genes.
The cytoplasm surrounds the nucleus and contains a number of different cell
‘ organs’ called organelles, which have a number of functions.
H. REPORTING
In report writing, we only write about experiments or processes that we have

done or observed. Thus, past tense is widely used in report writing. In
addition to past tense, passive form is commonly used in report writing.
Example : Passive form Past

(Past tense) tense
The first cloned lamb, Dolly, was born in 1987. Dolly was the first animal to
be cloned from an adult cell. Dolly’s birth only came about after scientists
had cloned animals from the cells of embryos.
Past perfect
tense
Note : To construct passive form, move the object noun to the front, add a
form of be-verb ( is/are/am or was/ were ) and move the subject noun into a
phrase with by. We sometimes need not use by when the subject noun is
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repeated or commonly known by everyone.  ( verb “to be” + past

participle ( + by )
More examples :
A small jar of putric acid caused the blast.
 The blast was caused by a small jar of putric acid.
We find vitamin B in eggs, butter and cheese.

 Vitamin B is found in eggs, butter and cheese.
Practice H
Change the following sentences in active form to passive form.
1. The workers diluted the paint into a thin consistency.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………
2. The Chezh playwright, Karel Capek, coined the word ‘robot’.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………
3. Deceptive software called spyware can infect your computer without your
knowledge.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………
4. More than 14 million mobile subscribers in Malaysia use mobile phones.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………
5. Some people claim that Guglielmo Marconi invented the first mobile
phones.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………
6. Most people believe that video games can lead to excessive use and
aggressive behaviour in young children and adolescents.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………
Fill in each gap with a suitable word in past tense.
1. As the 1980’s progressed, the face of computing ………………….. (change )

significantly before everyone knew about it. With the Internet, more and
more commercial and personal computers …………………….. (go) online, until
they …………………. (exceed) the number of the original users.
The 1990’s ……………………. (signal) the start of the ‘connected’ era, with
the end of the cold war, and improvements in military communications, the
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original Military users of the Internet left for other communications systems.
The Internet ………………….. (leave) much as it is today, a collection of
internationally based users and computers.
Fill in each gap with the correct passive form of the verbs
2. Web pages ………………… ( transfer ) between computers using the HTTP

protocol. Other types of files …………………..( send) using FTP. Files such as
music and videos can ……………… ( share ) by users and the rest of the world
by uploading them to a server. Then, others ………………….( allow ) to
download them to their own computers.
3. Technology ………………………(improve) to such an extent that the World

Wide Web ………………(be) now considered indispensable for business and
education as well as for entertainment. Billions of pages can …………………
( find ) on the World Wide Web and thousands more ………………(be) added
every hour.
4. When data ………………. ( transmit ) using the Internet, it ………………

(break) up into small packets and ……………………..(send) to its destination,
where it ………………….(reassemble ). The packets can also
……………………….( compress ) for speed and encrypted for security. In this
way, a single signal can ………………..( send ) to multiple pages.
EST MODULE
MODULE 2 : WRITING TIPS
WHAT ARE WE LOOKING FOR IN THE REPORT WRITING?
 You fulfilled the TASK (the essay should have the report format ( title,
introduction, development of ideas, conclusion, reported by and your
name or post ), contains elaboration of points, comparison of the
methods, mention the points given in the question )
 You use all or most of the CONTENT POINTS
 You do the ELABORATION ( elaborate all or most of Content Points
given in the question)
 You do the ANALYSIS AND JUSTIFICATION ( compare with other
methods and provide reasons or justification for choosing and not
choosing other methods available )
 You have excellent LANGUAGE ( grammar, spelling, punctuation,
tenses, subject agreement, passive forms, EST terms and terminology,
organization of ideas )
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What if you need to write about the advantages and disadvantages?
DO’s DON’Ts
• Discuss both the good and bad • Give only your opinions on one
sides of the method or topic side of the question.
• Use all or most of the points • Give wrong facts which can
given in the question. lead to factual errors or
• If possible, use the key words distorted ideas.
given in the question. • Only express irrelevant ideas.
Paraphrase only when needed. • Use wrong terms and
• Think at least two or three terminology of the topic
good points and bad points for • Use wrong connectors which
the elaboration or analysis may lead to disorganized ideas
• Present your ideas in a logical or sentence.
manner by using transitions / • Only paraphrase the points
connectors. ( refer to Module 1: given using your own words
Language Practices ) without using the key words
• Support your ideas or opinions given. This may change the
with correct facts and key ideas of the points.
examples. In other words, you
need to do more reading to
increase your knowledge on
various topics.
• Check your punctuation,
spelling, word choice, tenses
and organization of ideas.
• Explain the details as clear as
possible using relevant EST
vocabulary, examples and vary
your sentence structures.
( from simple, compound to
complex structures )
HOW TO WRITE A REPORT
1. State METHOD/CHOICE/PREFERENCE
e.g: I hereby propose that hydropower is the best choice.
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2. State ALL POINTS
e.g: Hydropower produces no waste or pollution.
3. ELABORATE all points
e.g: It does not threaten the earth, instead it conserves the environment.
This is important as conserving the environment is essential for our future
generation.
4. COMPARISON
e.g: Although solar power produces no waste or pollution, it damages the

ozone layer.
5. ANALYSIS
e.g: This is because when the sunray hits the solar compartment, only
40% of the sunlight is converted to electricity. The other 60% will be
reflected to the ozone layer. This will cause an increase of the earth
temperature and in the long run, it could be fatal.
6. REAFFIRM
e.g: From all the information given, it is clear that hydropower is the best
choice for our town new renewable source. I conclude that it is more reliable,
more efficient, beneficial, long lasting and the most important thing is, it
produces a continuous energy supply. I hope this proposal will be considered.
Sample question :
Section B
[30 marks]
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You are advised to spend 45 minutes on this section
Farmers spend millions of ringgit to protect their crop every year. They may
use insecticides or biological control to help them. As a research assistant,
would you be in favour of using insecticides orbiological control to control
pests? Based on the information you have gathered below, write a report to
the research manager, giving your recommendation.
Method Advantages Disadvantages
Insecticides • Save great quantities of • Kills useful insects.

food from pests and • Adverse effects on wildlife
diseases before harvest for many years to come.
or during storage.
• Increase crop yield.
Biological • Using natural predators • Expensive to find

control to control pests. biological control agents.
• Host resistance is not a • Can never eradicate a
problem pest completely
Your report should include the following:

 the method you have chosen
 comparisons between the two methods
 reasons why you have chosen this method over the other.
You may include any other relevant information to make your report more
comprehensive. Your report should be about 200 words
SAMPLE ANSWERS
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SAMPLE 1 ( Poor Essay Writing )
RECOMMENDATION FOR THE USE OF INSECTICIDES
Based on information I have gathered through my research, I would

like to recommend the use of insecticides.
This is because the advantages of insecticides are that they save great
quantities of food from pests and diseases before harvest or during storage,
and they can increase crop yield.
However the disadvantages of insecticides are that they kill useful

insects. Also, insecticides have adverse effects on wildlife for many years to
come.
An advantage of biological control is that it uses natural predators to

control pests. Another advantage of biological control is that host resistance
is not a problem.
A disadvantage of biological control is that it is expensive to find

control agents. Also biological control can never eradicate a pest completely.
SAMPLE 2

This is because the advantages of insecticides are that they save great
quantities of food from pests and diseases before harvest or during storage,
and they can increase crop yield.
However, the disadvantages of insecticides are that they kill useful

insects. Also, insecticides have adverse effects on wildlife for many years to
come.
On the other hand, I do not recommend biological control. The

advantages of biological control are it uses natural predators to control pests
and host resistance is not a problem.
The disadvantages of biological control are it is expensive to find control

agents and it can never eradicate a pest completely.
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SAMPLE 3
Based on information I have gathered through my research, I would like

to recommend the use of insecticides.
This is because one of the advantages of insecticides is that they save

great quantities of food from pests and diseases before harvest or during
storage. The critical period that determines a farmer’s income would be
during these times, hence because of the reliability in the use of
insecticides, the farmer can ensure that the quantities of food that is
harvested and stored is maintained at the most maximum.
The most important advantage of using insecticides is that they can increase
crop yield. Farmers have a variety of insecticides to choose from on the
market, such as DDT, malation and furadan. And because of this, they are
able to make a choice as to the most effective insecticide at the most
affordable cost. With this, they can not only increase their crop yield but also
increase their profit margin.
The use of insecticides, however, does come with disadvantages. One

of which is that insecticides don’t only eradicate pests, they also kill useful
insects that help in the process of pollination and pest control, such as
butterflies, bees and aphids. This can be resolved by spraying the
insecticides after pollination has occurred and when the plants are in bud.
Also, another disadvantage of insecticides is that it have adverse effects on
wildlife for many years to come. The effect of this can easily be reduced by
using the insecticides which are lowest in the toxicity range of Class 1 to
Class 5.
With all that I have put forth, I would maintain that the use of
insecticides is by far the most suitable and profitable method that should be
adopted by farmers.
SAMPLE 4 ( Better Essay Writing )
Based on information I have gathered through my research, I would like

to recommend the use of insecticides.

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The most important advantage of using insecticides is that they can

increase crop yield. Farmers have a variety of insecticides to choose from on
the market, such as DDT, malation and furadan. And because of this, they
are able to make a choice as to the most effective insecticide at the most
The use of insecticides, however, does come with disadvantages. One of

which is that insecticides don’t only eradicate pests, they also kill useful
butterflies, bees and ladybugs. This can be resolved by spraying the
Also, another disadvantage of insecticides is that it can have adverse

effects on wildlife for many years to come. The effect of this can easily be
reduced by using the insecticides which are lowest in the toxicity range of
Class 1 to Class 5.
On the other hand, I do not recommend biological control. Although

biological control may seem to have more advantages when compared to
using insecticides, the magnitude of the advantages in using insecticides far
outweighs those of biological control.

control pests. Although this may seem like an advantage, it is really a short-
term resolve to the problem. The disadvantages of biological control are it is
expensive to find control agents and it can never eradicate a pest
completely.
With all that I have put forth, I would maintain that the use of
insecticides is by far the most suitable and profitable method that should be
adopted by farmers.
SAMPLE 5 ( Good Essay Writing )


The most important advantage of using insecticides is that they can

increase crop yield. Farmers have a variety of insecticides to choose from on
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the market, such as DDT, malation and furadan. And because of this, they
are able to make a choice as to the most effective insecticide at the most
The use of insecticides, however, does come with disadvantages. One of
which is that insecticides don’t only eradicate pests, they also kill useful
butterflies, bees and ladybugs. This can be resolved by spraying the
Besides that, another disadvantage of insecticides is that it can have

adverse effects on wildlife for many years to come. The effect of this can
easily be reduced by using the insecticides which are lowest in the toxicity
range of Class 1 to Class 5.
On the other hand, I do not recommend biological control. Although

biological control may seem to have more advantages when compared to
using insecticides, the magnitude of the advantages in using insecticides far
outweighs those of biological control.

control pests. This means that ladybugs will be used to control aphids.
Although this may seem like an advantage, it is really a short-term resolve
to the problem. This is because artificial introduction of natural predators
to an area will cause an imbalance in the food chain, thus in the end the
predators themselves will end up being the pests, due to the lack of food.
Another advantage of biological control is that host resistance is not a

problem. This means that pests will never become resistant to their
predator because they will always be food to their predator whereas, pests
become resistant to insecticide after a period of time. This is easily resolved if
the insecticides used are changed before pests become resistant to them.
A disadvantage of biological control is that it is expensive to find control

agents. Research needs to be done on whether the weather conditions and
surrounding environment are suitable for the control agents to thrive.
Research costs money and most farmers do not have the financial capacity to
hire researchers to do this kind of costly surveys. The use of insecticides is
much cheaper and more practical.
In addition, biological control can never eradicate a pest completely. This

is true because of the fact that a species will always adapt in its bid to
survive. In the initial stages of biological control, yes, this method may seem
very effective, but in the long run, the pests and predators will achieve a
balance in numbers, and hence, the cycle of destruction begins again.
The use of insecticides on the other hand, does not allow this to happen.
With all that I have put forth, I would maintain that the use of insecticides
is by far the most suitable and profitable method that should be adopted by
farmers.
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WRITING EXERCISE
Study the information given below:

• Nitrogen oxides and sulphur oxides released as waste from traffic,
factories, and power stations rise into the air.
• Nitrogen oxides and sulphur oxides combine with water in the air and
they dissolve into nitric acid and sulphuric acid.
• Acids in clouds fall to Earth as acid rain.
• Acid rain affects the substances on which it falls.
• When acid rain falls into the water, the water becomes more acidic.
Acid water can kill plankton.
• Fish depend upon the plankton for food.
• Acid rain also affects the surfaces of sculptures and buildings.
• Even hard building materials, such as marble, can be seriously
damaged.
Write a report on the formation of acid rain. Your report must include the
following:
• The causes of acid rain TIPS ON HOW TO START WRITING

• The effects of acid rain
• Any other relevant information • Find information from books or articles on
acid rain, how it is formed and its effects to
Your report should be about 200 words. environment.
• Identify and list down relevant vocabulary
which can be used in your sentences later.
• What are nitrogen oxides and sulphur
oxides? Find out.
• List down relevant transitions/ connectors.
• Make sure your essay is discussing on the
causes and effects of acid rain to human,
animals and objects or buildings
• Suggest ways on how to solve or avoid from
EST MODULE FOR FORM 4 getting acid rain.
MODULE 3 : COLLECTION OF EST WRITING QUESTIONS
Question 1
You are a Research Manager of a food factory. You have been given the task
of - choosing a suitable method to preserve fruits. Based on the information
given below, select the best method of preservation.
Irradiation Freezing Cooling

- bombards food - prevents - cold retards or
with radiation spoilage by stops growth of
such as gamma stopping the micro-organisms
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rays growth of - storage life of

- kills bacteria and microorganisms food is extended
tiny pests - fruits with high to days or even
- slows the water content weeks
process that may not freeze
ripens and and will become
softens fruits mushy when
- process has not defrosted
been approved
by most
countries
Write a report to the General Manager of the factory :
Your report should include the following :
- the method of your choice

- comparisons between the three methods
- reasons for your choice
Question 2
Amid growing debate, transplanting the face of a deceased human onto a live
person with facial deformites appears to be getting closer to reality. Based on
the advantages and disadvantages given below, write a report on the pros
and cons of face transplantation.
Advantages
- gives new life to someone severely disfigured by burns, cancer or an
accident
- allows the person to exist free of shocked stares
- relatively straightforward procedure compared to other reconstructive
surgeries
Disadvantages
- face recipient would have to take powerful medications to prevent
rejection of transplanted face
- Face recipient must face the possibility of the transplant failing
- Unknown psychological effect of having a ‘new ‘ face
- Public might be against face transplantation
Question 3
You are the Project Manager of a company. You have been given the task of
choosing a suitable material to be used in construction. Based on the
information given below, select the best method.
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Stone Bricks Concrete

- Extremely - Blocks of clay - Cheap and
durable that have been durable
- Does not rot, hardened by - Raw materials to
burn or corrode heat make it are
- Gives structure a - Regular shapes widely available
look of fit together - Can be formed
permanence and easily into many
strength - Resist damp and shapes
- Very heavy heat - Can withstand
- Expensive - Resist strong
- Building stone compression well comprehensive
structures is a - Strong but not forces
time-consuming as strong as - Less resistance
affair stone to stretching
forces
Write a report to the Managing Director of the company.

- the material of your choice
- comparisons between the three materials
- reasons for your choice
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Question 4
You are the Secretary of the Nature Society. You have been given the task
of writing a newspaper article on the reason why some species of animals
are dying out. Based on the information given below, select one reason
that you think is the most important factor leading to the extinction of
animals.
Write a report to the Editor of the newspaper.
Loss of habitat Pollution Skin and Wildlife

Trade
- Habitat - Animals are - Caused by the
destruction due sensitive to fashion, vanity
to cutting down changes in and greed of
of forests environment humans
- Lack of living - Animals need - Animals such as
space clean water and alligators and
- Competition with clean food leopards are
humans – - Pesticides , killed for skins
humans win fertilizers and and fur
- Animals need chemicals - Animals such as
large areas to wastes pollute rhinos and
live and find water elephants are
food - Poison from hunted for body
chemical parts like horns
insecticide such and tusks
as DDT affect
the food chain
Question 5
You are an adviser to a company that wants to build a holiday beach

resort. You visit three sites. Based on the information given below, select
the best site.
Site P
1. Location – 15 miles from the nearest town – fairly secluded
2. Beach front – narrow stretch of sandy beach, followed by a rocky
terrain, blues seas, view unblocked
3. Access – one good road
4. Surroundings – semi – rural, half brick houses, some coconut trees- flat
land
Site Q
1. Location – 3 miles from town – fairly secluded, private
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2. Beach front – part sandy, part rocky, view of a number of islands in the
sea – tranquil
3. Access – good road, also railway link
4. Surrounding – almost urban setting – shopping centre nearby – land
rugged
Site R
1. Location – 40 miles from airport and town – very secluded, very private
2. Beach front – long stretch of white sandy beach, deep blue seas – very
tranquil
3. Access – good road, taxi services available from airport
4. Surroundings – very rural, plenty of coconut and fir trees – undulating
land
Question 6
You are a reporter of a school IT magazine. You are given the task of
gathering information and writing about the use of computers in schools.
Write a report using all the information given below.
• Make learning more interactive.

• Match learners' developmental needs as well as personal interests.
• Efficient data storage
• Able to share information among the school community and family
members
• Teachers and students must be computer literate
• High cost of maintenance
• Data available need to be frequently up-dated
• Data loss / Corrupted data
Based on the information given, write an article. In your article, you must
• use all the points

• provide elaboration of the points
• add any other relevant information
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Question 7
You are a research manager of a national water board. You have been
asked to consider a suitable method of water purification that would be safest
on health. Based on the information given below, select the best method to
produce clean water safe for consumption.
Method A Method B Method C
• Filtration • Boiling method • Distillation

method • Kills method
• Removes large microorganism • Removes both
insoluble solid and bacteria insoluble and
particles • Contains soluble
• Remains dissolved impurities
dissolved impurities • Tasteless
matters • Has essential • Unhealthy for
• Unable to mineral salts consumption
remove
microorganism
s or bacteria
Based on the information given, write an article. In your article, you must
• choose the most suitable method

• give reasons for your choice
• compare your choice of method with the other two methods
• add any other relevant information
21
Question 8
The government is looking for alternative fuel to run its public transport
system especially the trains, the taxis and buses. A local newspaper is
collecting feedback from the public. Study the following information.
Alternatives Advantages Disadvantages
Petroleum or Diesel • Cheaper than • Burns with a

electricity smell
• Better fuel economy • Produces smoke
• Can go long and other
distances without pollutants
servicing • Diesel engines
• Viable in oil- make a lot of
producing countries noise
Biodiesel • Biodiesel based on • Less powerful,

palm oil- viable ethanol and
• Biodegradable methanol
• Non-toxic and clean contains less
• Produced from energy
renewable resources • Expensive to
other than palm oil produce
• Increased
22
demand may
result in more
forest being
cleared for oil
palm plantations
Electricity • Cleaner and quiter • A more expensive
• Good for climbing fuel
steep gradients • Heavy capital
• Low maintenance cost- building of
• Good for high electric
density traffic, substations and
especially in towns overhead wires
• Lower fuel
economy
Question 9
You are the Principal of a local college. You have been given the task of
choosing a suitable teaching method to be implemented by the college
lectures. Based on the information below, select the best method.
Lecture Style Simulation Style
• Face to face approach • Role play approach

• Immediate responses • Active involvement of
available participants
• Teacher-centered • Learner-centered
• Learners passive recipients • Experiential learning
of information
23
Video-Conferencing
• Distance and venues not

problems
• Video-conferencing
equipment needed
• Interactive-based learning
• Expensive investment
Write a speech to all the college lecturers of your college.
Your speech should include the following :
• the method of your choice

• comparisons between the method of your choice and the other
methods
• reasons for your choice
Question 10
You are a Research Manager of a car factory. You have been asked to
consider a suitable type of car as a product of the company. Based on the
information below, select the best type of car.
Electric Car Hybrid Electric Car
• Work on rechargeable • Work on fuel and electric

batteries car
• Environment-friendly • Environment-friendly
• Does not need spark plugs • Able to shift from fuel to
electric 24
• Less expensive, runs on
batteries • Commercially available
Solar-powered Car
• Environmental-friendly
• Cannot store a lot of energy
• Dependent on the
availability of sunlight
• Most expensive because of
solar panels
Write a report to your company Director.
• the type of car of your choice

• comparisons between the type of your choice and the other types
• reasons for your choice
EST MODULE FOR FORM 4

MODULE 4 : SAMPLE ESSAYS
SAMPLE ONE
The formation of Acid Rain
Our world is at stake today. While we are busy applying technology to

improve our life, we somehow forget the colossal damage certain technology
25
has caused to our environment. One of such damage is acid rain. Therefore in
this report, I would like to explain on acid rain.
Some might say that acid rain is merely a marginal problem. However,
we should be aware of its ill-effects. How is acid rain formed? From my
research, I found out that acid rain is formed when nitrogen oxides and
sulphur oxides are released as waste from traffic, factories and power
stations and rise into the air. These oxides are usually emitted by factories
producing plastic, rubber or chemical products. For example, sulphur oxides
is caused by the production of synthetic rubber through vulcanization – a
process for hardening rubber by heating sulphuric compound. On the other
hand, nitrogen oxides are often emitted from the extraction of metals from
nitrate substances.
Therefore, when nitrogen oxides and sulphur oxides combine with
water vapour in the air, they will dissolve into nitric acid and sulphuric acid.
Both of these acids are concentrated and strong acids compared to organic
acids such as ethanoic acid and nitric acid. As nitrogen oxides and sulphur
oxides are highly water-soluble, the vast amount of water in the air will be
acidic, thus produces acid rain.
Subsequently, acids in clouds fall to earth as acid rain. Normal rain

water has the PH of about 5.6 – 5.7. However, when such oxides dissolve into
the water forming rain, the PH could drop to as low as 4. This means that the
low PH of water would cause imbalance in the ecosystem as animals such as
fish and plants such as plankton are not able to survive in such water
condition. If they are exposed to such water quality, they may die.
Acid rain is known to be corrosive. This is because of the existence of

the changed hydrogen particles in the acid, which gives acid its property.
When acid rain falls into the water, the water becomes more acidic. Acidic
water can kill plankton. In the pond community, the existence of
phytoplankton and zooplankton are crucial as they are the source of food.
However, they cannot survive in highly acidic conditions. Fish depend on the
plankton for food. When plankton becomes scarce, fish will eventually
deplete. This will cause a chain-reaction that will disrupt the food chain.
Besides that, acid rain also affects the surfaces of the sculptures and
buildings. Besides salty water, acid is also known as one of the agents which
can weaken the building structures. Scientifically, the corrosive nature of acid
allows it to break through the particles that form the building materials, thus
affects the surface.
It is no surprise to see such hard building materials like marble can be
seriously damaged due to acid rain. As acid rain frequently occurs these days
due to air pollution, over time, hard materials will also give in to the torrential
nature of acid rain. We also cannot deny the fact that acid rain does affect
our skin , causing rashes and inflammation.
In conclusion, I suggest that we should take this scenario seriously.
Acid rain is not a marginal slip. It is a huge problem which commands every
bit of our attention. Perhaps by controlling the releasing of gases to the
atmosphere and more stringent law will be able to overcome this problem.
26
We should join hands to prevent more damages and in making the world a
better place for us now and in future.
Reported by,
Mawie Nawawi
Head of Information SAMPLE TWO
Department
To : The Director
Report on a Type of Satellite to be Launced
Based on my research and series of decisive discussion, I hereby

propose that communication satellite is the best choice.
I have compared all the two options, which are communication satellite
and weather satellite. I considered the advantages and disadvantages and
found out the most suitable option is communication satellite. A
communication satellite ( sometimes abbreviated to Comsat) is an artificial
satellite stationed in space for the purposes of telecommunications or
reconnaissance using radio at microwave frequencies. Most communication
satellite use geosynchronous orbits or near-geostationary orbits, although
some recent systems use low Earth-orbiting satellites. A location on the
ground with satellite dishes used to transmit to or receive from these is called
earth-station or teleport.
SAMPLE THREE
27
EST MODULE FOR FORM 4
MODULE 5: EST VOCABULARY AND EXPRESSIONS LIST
TOPIC USEFUL AND HELPFUL WORDS
DEFORESTATION- SOIL EROSION

- FLOOD
- LANDSLIDE
- MUDSLIDE
NATURE AND ERODED SOIL - DEPOSITED IN RIVERS
ENVIRONMENT OZONE LAYER, DEPLETION, HABITATS, FLORA AND
FAUNA, ENDANGERED, ABORIGINES, IMPLEMENTATION,
OXYGEN, CARBON DIOXIDE, RESIDENTIAL AREA,
ACCOUNTABLE,POLLUTION,CONTAMINATE, ………
EMISSION, ELIMINATE, GLOBAL WARMING.
AMENITIES – WATER, FUEL, POWER SUPPLY

NECESSITY, WORLDWIDE/NATIONWIDE, DEVICE,
ACCESSIBILITY, CONVENIENCE, TECHNOLOGICAL
TECHNOLOGY AND PRIVILEGE, ESSENTIAL INVENTION, PRODUCT, RISING
28
COMMUNICATIONS CAST, PETROL-CONSUMING, DEMAND, MAINTENANCE

COST AFFORDABLE, AVAILABILITY, INCREASE, DECLINE,
CONSUMER, INTERNET USER, NETWORKING, SURFING,
WEB PAGE, WIRELESS, GLOBALISATION, MESSAGING,
DIGITAL, ANALOG,
MANUFACTURER, PREMISE, AMENITIES, DRAINAGE

NATURAL RESOURCES SYSTEM, TRANSPORTATION, WATER SUPPLY, POWER
AND INDUSTRIAL SUPPLY, PRODUCTS, PRODUCTION, SOIL, LAND, GRANITE,
PROCESSES SHIPPING, LABOURS, EMPLOYEES, EMPLOYER,
MANAGEMENT, RENEWABLE ENERGY.
NUTRITION/FOOD/ BODY SYSTEMS AND STRUCTURE, BREATHING,

HEALTH/ DISEASES, MALNUTRITION, CONTAGIOUS, SPREADS,
HUMAN BODY FATAL, OBESITY, WELL-BALANCED DIET, DIETARY, FOOD
PYRAMID, SUPPLEMENTS, VITAMINS, MINERALS,
DEPRESSION, STRESS, HEALTHY,
29

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ENGLISH FOR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 2011

MODULE 1 : LANGUAGE PRACTICES

Example : roses, chrysanthemums, jasmines

Roses, chrysanthemums and jasmines can be classified as fragrant flowers.

carnivores domestic animals

1. octopuses hyenas moths - ……………………………..

2. owls snakes frogs - ………………………………

3. grasshoppers koalas sea turtles - ………………………………

4. monkeys elephants butterflies - ……………………………..

5. bats lions kangaroos - ………………………………

Do not state “an ostrich is not a bird that flies” ( X )

Write short definitions for the following words.

1. Nocturnal animals are animals that active during the night.

4. Water vapour is a mass of drops of water in the air as a result of

like resembles similar to/in comparable to

e.g: Lemon and lime are similar in many ways.

1. Lemon and limes ( resemble )

2. Pebbles and small stones ( similar in )

3. Crystals and diamonds ( look like )

4. Toes and fingers ( as important as )

5. Table lamps and fluorescent lights ( the same as )

In contrast to in comparison with comparatively unlike

e.g: Unlike copper, gold is a precious metal.

Wood is a poor conductor of electricity but bronze is a good

1. Paper and leather ( Unlike ) :

2. Mist and haze ( differ from ) :

3. Salt and pepper ( but ) :

4. MP3 and CD ( In contrast to ):

5. Milk teeth and permanent teeth ( different from ) :

e. CAUSE AND EFFECT

We can describe a relationship by looking at cause and effect. The

1. Tsunami Earthquake Gorges

2. Heat Energy Frictions

3. Feathers Hallow bones Birds fly

4. Physical stress Road rage Emotional stress

5. Dehydration Tiredness Increase of body temperature

F. IDENTIFYING FACT FROM OPINION

1. Only people who are tired snore in their sleep.

To show To show arrangement To show order of

When you accidently burn yourself, you should 1 ………………. Go to a

In report writing, we only write about experiments or processes that we have

Example : Passive form Past

repeated or commonly known by everyone.  ( verb “to be” + past

We find vitamin B in eggs, butter and cheese.

1. The workers diluted the paint into a thin consistency.

Fill in each gap with a suitable word in past tense.

1. As the 1980’s progressed, the face of computing ………………….. (change )

2. Web pages ………………… ( transfer ) between computers using the HTTP

3. Technology ………………………(improve) to such an extent that the World

4. When data ………………. ( transmit ) using the Internet, it ………………

MODULE 2 : WRITING TIPS

WHAT ARE WE LOOKING FOR IN THE REPORT WRITING?

What if you need to write about the advantages and disadvantages?

HOW TO WRITE A REPORT

e.g: I hereby propose that hydropower is the best choice.

2. State ALL POINTS

e.g: Hydropower produces no waste or pollution.

3. ELABORATE all points

e.g: Although solar power produces no waste or pollution, it damages the

You are advised to spend 45 minutes on this section

Method Advantages Disadvantages

Insecticides • Save great quantities of • Kills useful insects.