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Sample SPM English Essay - My Best Pal

Close friendships are hard to come by these days. In an ever-changing world with people striving to
achieve their interpretation of preordained success, it is hard to know who your true friends are.
Fortunately, I found my best pal early at the tender age of seven. We were both enrolled at the same
school and were at wits ends as we searched tirelessly for our designated classes.
Samantha and I got acquainted as both of us were in the same class and sat next to each other.
Samantha was a happy-go-lucky girl who always managed to breathe fresh air into the sometimes
arid classroom. She always knew what to say and would voice them at the best possible moments.
Both pupils and teachers alike enjoyed her company and liveliness. There was hardly ever a dull
moment when she was around with her funny quips and expressions.
Samantha was born with a silver spoon. Her father was a businessman and her mother owned and
ran a boutique. Both her parents were very caring towards her as she, just like I, was the only child of
the family. Samantha came to school each day with a perpetual smile. She was a very nice person to
be around with. She and I used to go everywhere together and both of us were rarely seen apart. We
used to talk about so many things as we walked, thoroughly enjoying our time together.
One day, I went to school and forgot to ask my parents for lunch money. At first, I was not hungry and
thought I could bear going without a meal but soon, my stomach began to growl. Without asking,
Samantha generously paid for my meal and drinks during recess. The incident revealed to me how
lucky I was to have such a caring and compassionate friend.
As time went on, people started teasing us as we were spending more and more time together. We
seemed to know what each other thought and we cared for each other deeply. Was I in love with her?
I did not know then and we both knew we were too young for all that emotional roller coaster.
Currently, Samantha and I are studying at different schools. It was hard to be apart at first, but
technology in the form of instant messaging and e-mails have helped to bridge the gap in our
friendship. I sincerely wish our friendship will never end as it would be equivalent to waking up from a
beautiful dream.
Written by, Manu Menon (2007)
SPM English Essay - Describe an afternoon at the bus station
It was two oclock in the afternoon. I was heading towards the bus station with Mohan after Mrs
Wongs extra class. The sun was beating mercilessly on my back and I could feel my sweat trickling
down my spine. I have often wished that my mother would allow me to ride a motorcycle to school.
She says that I am not ready but we both know that she is terrified that a car would knock me down.
When I reached the bus station, it was nearly empty except for a handful of boys. Mohan and I strode
to a bench near the stationmasters office. I could feel the tension on my shoulders as the straps of
my school bag ate into my shoulder. Where is the bus? I sighed to myself. An elderly woman came
and asked me where I was going. She started a conversation but gave up after my monosyllable
answers.
Suddenly, someone shouted and I saw a bus swerved into the station. I got up, thankful for the
chance to escape from the woman. . It was Mohans bus. The group of boys were jostling each other
to get into the bus. Masuk! Masuk! shouted the conductor but nobody seemed to be moving. The
black fumes made me nauseous. All of a sudden, people started appearing from all directions to
board their bus. In no time, the passengers were packed like sardines in the bus. It started to move,
leaving some unfortunate passengers behind. I waved at Mohan when I noticed him dangling on the
steps of the bus. The bus swerved out of the station again. It left another trail of black smoke.
I decided to go to Panjangs ice stall. The iced sugar cane juice soothed my parched throat as I
sipped slowly, all the while keeping an eye on the bus. Then I saw the bus heading towards the
station. I paid for my drinks. See you tomorrow, I waved to Panjang.

Once more, the crowd began to swell near the bus. I noticed that the elderly woman was being
shoved around by the boys. She started hitting them with her umbrella. Then, I saw Raja, my
classmate at the back of the bus. I hurled my bag through the window and he caught it. By the time I
got into the bus, it had already started moving. I got into my seat and told myself that I must really try
to convince my mother about the motorcycle again.
(415 words)
(SPM Essential English, Pearson by Jenny Tan)
n spite of governments clear call to students to study English well, many students still show very little
interest in studying the language. As Chairperson of the English Language Society, you are going to
try to persuade the students to study the language by writing an article in the school newsletter. In the
article you have to tell the students the importance of studying the language. Your article is given in
the point form below:

will help you to further your studies

will help you to get a job
will help you in your job
will help you in your travels
will help you to enjoy many interesting programmes in television
will help you to appreciate many of the worlds most beautiful literary works
The Importance of Studying English

It is a big concerned for teenagers nowadays as they are unaware of the importance of
English language as they tend to ignore to learn the language. Students attitude towards the
language is also crucial to make sure that these teenagers can face the future world better by learning
English language as it is an international language.
Although the government has repeatedly told us of the importance of English, many students
are still not bothered about studying it seriously. There is also a campaign that still on to make all the
Malaysian becomes a better English learner, which is Enhance Proficiency in Bahasa Malaysia,
Strengthen the English. English is the most important and the most useful language in the world
today. There are many reasons why you should study the language properly.
First and foremost, English will definitely help you a lot when you want to further studies.
Almost all books at university are written in English in all subjects. Plus, it is a compulsory for any
candidate to pass English with credit before entering any universities. So, if you are poor in English,
you will blow you chance for better education or worse, you are going to have a big problem studying
at university.
The second reason why you have to study English well is that it will help you to get a job. When
you go for a job interview, the interviewer will surely talk to you in English. The first impression you
should give in order to success and have the job is, to respond in English fluently. Your chances of
getting the job are very slim if you stutter while interviewing.
A good command in of English will also help you greatly in your job. If the company you work is
actively involved in international trade, you have to speak to prospective customers in English.
Miscommunication might occur if your English is bad. And this will put your company at risk and you
will likely be dismissed if this happen.
Good English will also help you a lot when you travel. Every country in the world studies English.
Even the roadside stall-holders in China speak fairly good English! At least some of the people you

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meet on your travels in other countries can understand English. The language is certainly practical
when you are lost in your trip. Communication problem will not happen if you can converse well in
English. Inevitably, English is one of the languages used in any airport in the world in making
announcement. Knowing English well, therefore, make travelling overseas easier.
Besides all these, entertainment is one of the major advantages you will experience if you good in
English. You will enjoy televisions best programmes. We must admit that many of the best
programmes are produced by the Americans and British companies. High self confidence influenced
by the programmes will indirect inculcate in yourself when you are fluent in the language. Quality time
is worthily spent if you understand and enjoy the programmes.
Based from all the above elaboration, I hope that students will see the importance and realise
how importance the language is for their own future. Although it is a second language in our country, it
is now a main language all over the world.
544 words
DIRECTED: REPORT Report to Principal
You are very disappointed by the conditions and services provided by your school canteen. You
decide to write a report to inform your school principal about the poor conditions and services of the
canteen. These would include:
insufficient table and benches
food and drinks not covered

too little food counters

dirty and clogged drains smelly

food expensive and lacks variety

inadequate food late comers have nothing to buy, to eat
cold food not fresh
rude canteen workers
To

From :
Date :

Mr. Hasnan bin Jalal,

The Principal,
Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Permata
Malik bin Abdul
24 March 2011
Report about the School Canteen

I am writing this report is to draw your attention regarding the school canteen. Many of the
students of Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Permata are unhappy about the conditions at the school
canteen. There were lots of complaints regarding this issue.
In the first place, there are insufficient tables and benches. Our school has a student
population of over 1 000. There is only one period of recess time for all forms. More than 80 per cent
of the students go to the canteen during recess to buy food and drinks. Unfortunately, there are only
about twenty-five tables and fifty benches which can accommodate less than half the number of
students. As a result, many students have to stand while eating.
The food sold at the canteen not only expensive but lacks of variety. The menu is the same
every day. For the past five years, ever since the present canteen management took over, students go
back to the same food.
The hygiene and preparation of food leave a lot to be desired. The food and drinks are not
covered. They way canteen attendants dress speak volume about hygiene. With their lackadaisical
attitude, the food they sell would one way or the other become contaminated.

My fourth complaint about the canteen pertains to the etiquette of the canteen workers. They
are rude and arrogant. They often shout at students. The students are always on the receiving end of
their bad moods.
We hope that conditions at the canteen will improve. The canteen should provide better
amenities. There should also be a different menu everyday so that students will not have to taste the
same food day in and day out. Cleanliness should be given top priority.
We hope that you will look into our complaints and take steps to remedy the situation. The
students are prepared to boycott the canteen if their complaints go unheeded.
Reported by:
Malik
Malik bin. Mohd Jalil
Your school is having a month-long A Healthy Body Campaign. As President of the Health Club of
your school, you decide to give a speech on the Tak nak Campaign recently launched by the
government.
Tak Nak Campaign
A very good morning to our dear Principal, Mr. Hasnan bin Jaafar, teachers and students.
Recently, our former Prime Minister, Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi launched an anti-smoking
campaign called Tak Nak. You can now see this short and rhyming catch phrase Tak Nak
everywhere on billboards, posters, TV ads, and sometimes I even hear it on the radio. Though some
people have criticised our government for setting aside a staggering sum of RM100 million over 6
years for the campaign, it is nothing compared to the huge amounts that tobacco companies spend to
promote smoking.
But in this war against smoking, money definitely talks; it is necessary for the Tak Nak
Campaign to constanly remind us of the hazard of smoking because about 50 Malaysian teenagers
light up for the first time every day. In fact, some of these youth progress steadily from this to regular
use, with addiction raking hold within a few years. And this is despite the warning on every pack of
cigarettes that states unequivocally Smoking is dangerous to your health.
What can the Tak Nak Campaign do to combat this? Their aggressive advertising creates
media awareness among the public, especially among the fashionable young crowd, that smokers
have yellowed teeth and suffer from shortness of breath and tells them that it is not cool to smoke. It is
also not responsible of them to affect non-smokers with second-hand smoke.
Also, there is a succession of infomercials on TV and in the papers showing the debilitating
effects of tobacco addiction on the body and gruesome statistics of smoke-related deaths. We are
now familiar with the graphic pictures of damaged lungs on billboards which should scare people into
not smoking. This works, as I know some of my friends are quitting now, or trying to reduce the
number of cigarettes they smoke per week.
However, I feel any anti-smoking campaign is more effective if other people and organisations
are actively involved too. Yes, the first step has been taken by the top, but sad to say, many of our
politicians smoke themselves. Nearer to home, so do some of our parents and teachers.
These adults have to be good role models by not smoking themselves. If they do smoke, they
should tell their children and students that they regret that they ever started, and then take steps to
quit smoking as soon as possible. They must practise what they preach.
On a more positive note, I commend the Malaysia Amateur Athletic Union for its zero-tolerance of
smoking because they know that smoking and health just do not mix. How can our sportsmen excel if
they cannot stop smoking.

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Dear teachers and students, thank you for your attention. Let me end my speech by reiterating that
smoking is a bad habit, so make Tak Nak your mantra. If you have started smoking, say Tak Nak and
quit! And if you havent started smoking, say know that smoking not only damages your health but you
are also literally burning your money.
502 words
DIRECTED: ARTICLE / REPORT: Newspaper Article / Report
There has been an attempted robbery in your area. As a newspaper reporter, you have been
assigned to write a report of the incident for publication in a local newspaper. Using the notes below,
write out your report.
couple taking a walk
two men approached them
ordered couple to give jewellery
a struggle husband injured
one neighbour taking a dog for a walk
heard shouts went to investigate
robbers saw dog fled
couple made police report
Couple Foils Robbery Attempt
PULAU PINANG, Thu An elderly businessman and his wife foiled a robbery attempt by two men
armed with a screwdriver and a knife. The victims were reported safe from any bad injury.
Tan Ah Wok, 60 and his wife were taking a morning walk near their home in Helen Heights
yesterday when two men on a motorcycle stopped them under the pretext of asking for directions. As
Mr. Tan was giving directions, one of the robbers pointed a knife at him and ordered them to keep
quiet. He then relieved Mrs. Tan of her jewellery and instructed Mr. Tan to hand over his ring and
watch. When he refused, a struggle ensued. Meanwhile, his accomplice grabbed a helmet and hit Mr.
Tan on the head with it. On seeing this, his wife started screaming.
One of their neighbours, R. Subramaniam, who was taking his dog for a walk, heard the
screams and when to investigate. On seeing Subramaniam and his dog, the robbers fled. I was
taking my dog for a walk when I heard someone shouting for help. Knowing that something was
wrong, I ran there as fast as I could. Before I reached the scene, the robbers fled on a motorbike.
They were probably afraid of my Rottweiler.
Mr. Tan, who suffered a small cut on his head, was given outpatient treatment at a private
clinic. He said that it was a horrified experience as he never expected the two men would attack his
wife and him. He thought that they were lost and needed help. He also mentioned that the guard who
in charge nowadays easily allowed the strangers to enter their residents. State CID Chief Supt Harun
Din advised him and the people to be more careful in giving help to strangers. The guard also must be
stricter in letting people from entering any residents without proper permission.
He added that the suspects, aged between 25 and 30, were believed to be illegal immigrants.
He said there had been similar incident last week when two men approached a factory worker who
was on her way home after work. The duo then relieved her gold chain and cash. He advised the
residents to be alert and reports to police any suspicious-looking characters lurking in their area.
380 words
From: Spot on Model Compositions and Summary/Oxford Fajar/2007

SPM English Essay - My Most Embarrassing Situation

NARRATIVE WRITING
My Most Embarrassing Situation

Everyone has been embarrassed at one time or another. It is that moment in time when you wish the earth would
open up and swallow you. The anxiety and discomfort felt during that time which may only last a few seconds
feels like time has stood still.
I remember so well when I had my most embarrassing moment. I was in Form 4 and it was during the school
recess. The minute the bell rang for recess, I rushed to the toilet because I had been controlling my urges since
class started. I didnt want to miss class because the lesson taught that morning was to include tips for the
forthcoming examination.
Without realising, I had rushed to the girls toilet. The prolonged control and an upset stomach made
worse by two glasses of cold milk in the morning made me grunt and groan in what I thought in what I thought
was the privacy of the cubicle. I thought I heard giggling outside and wondered why the giggles sounded
unusually near. A few minutes later I came out the cubicle and discovered my horror that I had entered the girls
toilet. To make matters worse, the few girls standing outside didnt even turn away when I came out. Instead
they looked down at me, then only they turned quickly away. Horror of horrors, I had forgotten to zip up! No
beetroot could have matched the colour of my face at this point in time!
They news of my predicament spread like wild fire throughout school. I was truly the talk of the town. I
felt like I could either walk around feeling perpetually self-conscious and embarrassed or I could turn the
situation round, perhaps even to my advantage. I remembered my mothers words that if you cant beat them,
join them. So I decided to make fun of myself, to laugh at myself too. It works. Everyone got bored after a
while and nobody teased me after that.
It was indeed an eye-opening experience for me. I have learnt that when people laugh at you, you should
laugh along. You must not take yourself seriously. Learn to look at yourself through other peoples eyes and you
will realise that most of the time when they laugh at you, they just want to have some fun. They mean no harm.
If you can make people laugh, its like bringing sunshine into their lives and as someone said, those who bring
sunshine to the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves.

PM English Essay - Haze: A Danger to Health

DIRECTED WRITING: 35 MARKS
DIRECTED: ARTICLE: Factual
You are concerned over the implications and long-term health effects of the haze. Write an article to
the local newspaper expressing your concern based on all the notes below.

the reasons behind the haze

role of government and society
steps that can be taken
give relevant examples of:
health complications
measures
roles of government and individuals

When writing the article you should remember:

to lay out the letter carefully
to use paragraphs
that you letter is to the press
Haze: A Danger to Health
The haze is a constant phenomenon faced by Malaysia and her neighbouring countries. The
haze is basically pollution of atmosphere, which is clogged with pollutants and other substances from
forest fires.

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The haze is a direct effect of forest fire in Kalimantan and other parts of Indonesia due to slash
and burn method of farming. The Indonesian authorities appear to have no power to control farmers
from practising such methods. The haze is further worsened by open burning practised by most
Malaysians. Open-field burning of rice straw by the rice planters and open burning of dried leaves and
garbage done by the public are a few examples that done by Malaysian. Many are ignorant of the
health effects of open burning.
During the haze, hospitals and clinic often report a dramatic increase in respiratory problems,
lung infections and asthma attack. The Air Pollution Index (API) usually indicates the hazardous and
dangerous levels of pollution during this period. The haze has long-term side effects. Prolonged
inhalation of polluted air will result in serious lung infection which particularly affects the elderly.
The government must play its role to reduce the haze treat. It has to cooperate with the
Indonesian authorities to stamp out forest fires. The culprits must be brought to justice, either through
healthy fine or prison sentence. Constant vigilance would ensure the perpetrators do not repeat their
offence.
The government should also raise the public awareness of the dangers of forest fire. Continuous
campaign of the cause, solutions and steps-need-to-be-taken to reduce the haze need to be
promoted through all types of social media like television, radio, newspaper and even via internet. The
authorities should also provide assistance to farmers and introduce more sophisticated forest clearing
methods.
In Malaysia, strict laws must be imposed to penalise those who practise open burning. Ongoing campaigns on the dangers of open burning should be intensified. Individuals too have a role to
play. They must participate in every campaign and stop burning. Students can advise their parents not
to practice open burning.
Every individual has to remember that we do not own the world, but instead we lent it from our
future generations. We must protect our world so that our grandchildren woulh have a healthy earth to
live.
Ahmad Harun bin Hashim Seremban, Negeri Sembilan
CONTINUOUS: ONE-WORD ESSAY
Pollution
Pollution is an issue of concern in the modern world that we live in today. There are many types of pollution,
namely air, water and noise. Pollution in our environment will undoubtedly affect our quality of life. Our
naturally beautiful world becoming ugly because it is suffering from the effects of environmental pollution.
Pollution can also cause various health problems and other negative effects.
Air pollution is caused by the emission of toxic gases from vehicles, factories and open burning. Nowadays,
there are more and more vehicles on the road as society gets more affluent. More and more people strive to have
a better quality of life by having the convenience of driving to their destinations instead of taking public
transportation. Automobiles provides transport to millions people around the world to enable them to travel to
their workplace, school and other places, therefore, the air around us is getting more polluted by the carbon
dioxide that is emitted. Carbon monoxide is another type of gas which harmful to the environment as it can
cause the reduction of oxygen in the bloodstream.
Another example of contributor to the air pollution is the manufacturing factories. The manufacturing of
products in factories to meet the growing demand of society is also causing air pollution. Factories release toxic
gases to the environment. Some factories also use coal to generate heat and energy. As a result from the burning
of coal, carbon dioxide is released into the environment.
Besides factories, many people are still practising open burning as a way of disposing their household
wastes. Although burning our household wastes is a convenient way of getting rid of our rubbish, it is harmful to
the environment as it contributes to the worsening of the air quality. As a result, air pollution causes people to
suffer from health problems such as chest pain and asthma. In extreme cases, people can contract lung cancer.
Water pollution is also a problem that we are currently facing. The marine life is the first to suffer from
water pollution as they depend on the nutrients in the water to survive. As a result, we are robbed of beautiful
sea corals and unique species of fishes. Besides ruining our marine heritage, the disappearance of marine life
will affect the livelihood of fishermen, not to mention our source of food. Water pollution is caused by harmful
waster from industries, farms and sewerage systems which are dumped into our sources of water such as rivers

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and lakes. This irresponsible act contaminates our drinking water and can cause serious health problems and can
even culminate in death.
Noise pollution is another form of pollution. Noise from heavy machinery and vehicles can cause
hearing problems and in extreme cases, deafness. As there is growing number of vehicles on the road, we are
exposed to noise pollution every day. The government in advanced countries encourage their citizens to take the
public buses and trains by providing an affordable and efficient transportation system. This effort discourages
people from driving their private vehicles and consequently reduces the number of vehicles on the road.
We must work together to reduce pollution so that the future generations can live in a healthy, unpolluted
environment. As the saying goes, precaution is better than cure. Lets hands on hands together by recycle and
conserve the world for the better future.
375 words

SPM English Essay - Social Networking Website

CONTINUOUS: EXPOSITORY
Social Networking Website
A large number of internet users have joined social networking websites. A social network service is an online
service, platform, or site that focuses on building and reflecting of social networks or social relations among
people. For example is for those who wants to share interests and, or activities. A social network service
essentially consists of a representation of each user which known often as a profile, his or her social links, and a
variety of additional services.
Most social network services are web based and provide means for users to interact over the internet, such as email and instant messaging. Online community services are sometimes considered as a social network service.
In a broader sense, social network service usually means an individual-centered service whereas online
community services are group-centered. Social networking sites allow users to share ideas, activities, events,
and interests within their individual networks.
In the last five years, they have been growing up more and more popular. This increase in their popularity has
led to a large number of members.One of the many reasons why Yahoo!, MySpace and Facebook social
networking websites have increased in popularity is due to the fact that they cover a wide variety of different
topics, issues and interest. They do not just focus on one particular group of individuals or one particular issue.
Their policy is to invite as many types of internet users to join as possible. By this, it gives members a wide
selection of online friends to choose from.
If you are looking to join a social networking website that is more focused on creating friendships or
partnerships between internet users preferable with the same interests, then you will want to focus on social
networking websites. They have a particular focus. The prevalent websites focus on important issues, topics and
hobbies, such as pet owners, religion travel and others. So before you join, think of an issue you are interested in
and sign up for the website that focuses on that issue.
What really sets them apart from other websites? What is so special about them? These are questions which
have been asked by many who show interest in joining. Primarily, it is the community. As mentioned, such
social networking sites tend to focus on a particular topic, issue or hobby. This means that if you are a keen
traveller and you would like to speak to other keen travellers, you will want to join a travellers networking
sites.
The difference between these social networking sites and traditional ones is that you will automatically be
paired with hundreds, if not thousands, of other internet users who share the same interests, views or beliefs as
you. This is a big bonus to the members.
Another benefit to joining the social networking website is that you are, in a way, safer than those who are
members of other networks. Most of them require activation before joining the site. Before activation can occur,
many users are required to state their reasons for wanting to join the network or they may be required to fill out

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a small questionnaire pertaining to determine whether or not they have a genuine interest in the topic focused on
by the network in question. By pairing you with a group of individuals who share the same beliefs, views and
interests as you do is advantageous to members. It means that you do not have to spend hours researching a
person or speaking to them just to learn what they are or are not interested in. Therefore, this enables you to
jump right in and start making friends, almost as soon as you are granted access to the site that you have chosen.
This service gives the social networking websites a great edge over other websites.

SPM English Essay - Which do you prefer, living in the countryside or living in the city? ( City )
CONTINUOUS: ARGUMENTATIVE
Which do you prefer, living in the countryside or living in the city?
City
In my opinion, one has not experienced life until one has lived in the city. There is so much to see and
experience in the bright lights of the city that you cannot get in the countryside. Here in the city, you can learn
about how to get along with people of different types, encounter varied situations and solve problems. All these
help a person to grow in maturity. After all, experience is the best teacher.
In the countryside, however, you only move around people you are used to. So, you seldom encounter strangers
or new and demanding situations. Life is more mundane and routine-like. Staying in a secure, safe place does
not allow for one to gain new experiences and grow in maturity.
Furthermore, young people need a life that is exciting and pleasurable. It is the city that offers you
entertainment- cinemas, parks and eating places. Here you can hang out with friends and family members. Life
as fast-paced and this keeps you active and alert all times. And when it comes to educational opportunities, the
city abounds in this. There are good school and libraries that are necessary for your mental development.
Furthermore, there are places like museums and educational centres where you can go, to increase your
knowledge.
Such places that offer you entertainment or learning opportunities are of course not available in the countryside.
For entertainment, there is only the occasional festive celebration or marriage feast or fishing outing. Some may
find this appealing but not me. Moreover, opportunities to widen your knowledge are limited in the countryside.
Another point in support of living in the city is the available of jobs. In the city, you can find a job that suits
your qualification or interest. If you find a job unsuitable, you can always move to another. This, naturally,
increases your earning power and you have better chances of a more comfortable life. Of course, one may argue
that one can live in the countryside and work in the city but this will only incur extra expenses and unnecessary
inconveniences.
Thus, for all the reasons mentioned above, I think that life in the city is better than living in the countryside.
After all, you are young only once.
SPM English Essay - A Prominent Malaysian Leader
CONTINOUS: ARTICLE: Description on a Person
A Prominent Malaysian Leader
As the fourth and most dynamic Prime Minister of Malaysia, Tun Dr. Mahathir bin Mohamad will
indelible impression on the sands of Malaysia for many years to come. He held the post for 22 years from 1981
to 2003, making him Malaysia's longest-serving Prime Minister, and one of the longest-serving leaders in Asia.
Born on 20th December, 1925 in Alor Setar, Dr. Mahathir is the son of a teacher. He is the youngest of
nine children of a school teacher and a housewife. His father, Mohamad Iskandar, was of Indian descent, being
the son of a Muslim and a Malay mother, while Mahathir's own mother, Datin Wan Tempawan Wan Hanafi, was
Malay. He is married to Tun Dr. Siti Hasmah binti Haji Mohamad Ali, they have seven children, four sons and
three daughters. From an early age, Tun Mahathir had the importance of education drummed into him by his
father, who was also a strict disciplinarian.
After his early education at the Maktab Sultan Abdul Hamid in Alor Setar, he enrolled at the King
Edward VII College of Medicine in the University of Singapore. Armed with a MBBS degree in medicine, he

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set up his own clinic, the Maha Clinic in Alor Setar. As a doctor, Tun Mahathir came into close contact with
people from variety of social strata and enjoyed a close rapport with them. He understood their problems. Thus,
when he was thrust into the politic limelight, he strove to fulfil the needs of the people.
He was first catapulted into the world of politics when he became the Member of Parliement for Alor Setar in
1964. After holding a number of portfolios, including Minister of Education, Minister of Trade and Industry and
Deputy Prime Minister, he finally became the Prime Minister on 16th July, 1981. The country flourished with
Dr. Mahathir at the helm of the government. His contributions to the nation are so immense and par excellence.
He has left his mark in every aspect in politics, economy or education.
Realizing that government-owned enterprises are neither efficient nor profitable, he initiated the privation policy
in 1983. This had immediate effect of cutting down bureaucratic ineptitude and operational cost while at the
same time generating more revenue.
With collapse of the prices of agricultural commodities in the eighties, Tun Mahathir decided that it was
time to shift the nations focus to more profitable areas. Thus, he started the industrialization programme.
Reputed as the countrys top salesman, he showcased Malaysia to investors abroad in a bid to woo them. As a
result of the heavy industrialization drive, major projects like national car project or PROTON and the steel
company, PERWAJA, together with other mega project were launched one after another. Next, realizing that
industrialization would require a good infrastructure, he set about improving it. The Mahathir era saw a
successful completion of the North-South Highway, the East-West Highway, the Multimedia Super Corridor, the
Kuala Lumpur International Airport in Sepang and many more.
An astute politician, he charted the growth of the countrys progress from the day he took office. He
envisages that Malaysia can only attain the status of a fully developed country if it becomes an industrialization
one and this ambition has been his main agenda during his tenure. With this in mind, he announced Vision 2020,
his most ambitious vision.
Frank and outspoken by nature, Tun Mahathir speak without fear nor favour. This has been the hallmark of
thus much respected statesman. The inefficiency of local and international organizations has always come under
his scrutiny and critism.
It has been almost two decades since Tun Mahathir took over reins of the government. It has undoubtedly
been the golden era for Malaysia with many notable achievements.
630 words
Idiomatic expressions 50 IDIOMATIC EXPRESSSIONS YOU MUST KNOW
The correct use of idiomatic expressions will earn you merit points when you write your
essays.
1 ace
Get an "A" on a test, homework assignment, project, etc.
I heard that Susie aced the test yesterday
2 As easy as a pie
very easy
The test was as easy as a pie.
3 at the eleventh hour
at the last minute; almost too late.
He finished the project at the eleventh hour and he nearly lost his job.
4 all ears
eager to hear what someone has to say.
Tell me about your latest trip overseas. Im all ears.
5 be broke
be without money.
I need to borrow some money. I am broke.

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6 be on the go
be very busy (going from one thing or project to another).
I am very tired. I've been on the go since 5 in the morning.
7 beat
exhausted; very tired
I need a break after this. I'm beat!"
8 beat around the bush
evade an issue; avoid giving a direct answer.
Stop beating around the bush! Just tell me what happened to my car.
9 bite off more than one can chew
take responsibility for more than one can manage.
Mrs Lee finds it difficult to finish all her work. She has bitten off more than she could
chew!"
10 blow one's top
become extremely angry. My father blew his top when he found out I had taken his car
without his permission.
11 burn the midnight oil
study/work all night or until very late at night.
Johan is not ready for the test. He will have to burn the midnight oil."
12 call it a day
stop work for the day.
The labourers call it a day after working for five hours on the field.
13 can't make heads or tails of something
can't understand something at all;
find something confusing and illogical.
I cannot make heads or tails of your notes. Were you sleepy during the class?
14 catch one's eye
attract one's attention/interest.
This colourful advertisement caught my eye when I was in the bus.
15 change one's mind
decide to do something different from what had been decided earlier.
David did not go to Australia. He changed his mind when he heard that his mother is ill.
16 cost (someone) an arm and a leg cost a lot;
be very expensive.
This car costs him an arm and a leg. He has to get another job to help pay for it.
17 couch potato
someone who spends too much time watching TV.
You are becoming a couch potato. You need to get out and do some exercise.
18 Don't count your chickens until (before) they hatch (they've hatched) Don't assume

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that something will happen until it has happened.
I think you should not count your chickens until theyve hatched. Wait till the boys win
the competition this Sunday.
19 drop someone a line
write to someone
Do drop me a line when you have time.
20 drag one's feet delay;
take longer than necessary to do something.
Why are you dragging your feet? You should have finished your homework by now.
21 an eager beaver
a person who is always willing to volunteer or do extra work.
Rahim is an eager beaver. He is the first to volunteer for any job to be done.
22 feel blue
feel sad and depressed.
Rita is feeling blue because she has not heard from her boyfriend for a long time.
23 fire someone
dismiss someone from a job because of poor performance. Lokman might be fired if he
continues to be late for work.
24 get it
understand something (often negative).
I dont get it. Could you please explain it to me again?
25 get on one's nerves
irritate someone; make someone upset.
His constant chatter is getting on my nerves. Please tell him to keep quiet.
26 get out of hand:
become out of control; become badly managed.
The situation is getting out of hand. The relief centre can only hold forty people but we
have one hundred people to care for.
27 give someone a hand
i. help someone.
ii. applaud someone
Please give a hand to the poor old lady. She is trying to cross the road.
The gardener has done a wonderful landscaping job. Lets give him a hand.
28 Hard-headed
have one's hands full stubborn; inflexible; unwilling to change.
Its pretty difficult to get Simon to change his mind. He is hard-headed.
29 have one's hands full
extremely busy
Peggy usually has her hands full in the beginning of a new school term.
30 in the black:
profitable; not showing a financial loss.

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The company is back in the black after suffering from great losses the last two months.
31 in the red:
unprofitable; showing a financial loss.
The company is in the red. We have to stop some of the workers if the situation continues.
32 keep an eye on
check something regularly.
Please keep an eye on the children while I go to the bank.
33 keep one's fingers crossed
hope for the best.
He is keeping his fingers crossed while waiting for the results of his interview.
34 lend someone a hand
help someone.
Can you please lend a hand at the relief centre for the flood victims?
35 live from hand to mouth
survive on very little money; have only enough money
to pay for basic needs.
Ros and the children live from hand to mouth after the fire destroyed their house.
36 make a mountain out of a molehill
make something seem much more important than it really is.
Susila is making a mountain out of a molehill. I am sure the boys are perfectly capable of looking
after themselves.
37 make up one's mind
decide what to do
Moses has to make up his mind whether to continue his studies or take up a job.
38 on the dot exactly at a given time.

If you do not come on the dot, we will leave without you.

39 (on the) cutting edge
using the most recent technology
This car boasts of having a cutting edge technology. It has a computer and tracking
system.
40 pull someone's leg tease someone by trying to make her/him believe something that's untrue.
She pulled my leg when he said that he had quit his job to get married.
41 Rain or shine
no matter what the weather
"We're leaving for Cameron Highlands, rain or shine."
42 rain cats and dogs
Rain heavily
Its raining cats and dogs now. You better leave later.
43 read someone's mind:
know what someone is thinking.
I can read your mind. I know you are very hungry and I have ordered pizza.
44 rub someone the wrong way
irritate someone
I cannot stand Robert. He seems to rub me the wrong way every time we discuss something.

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45 sleep on it take some time to think about something before making a decision.
You should sleep on it first and we will discuss again tomorrow.
46 To make his own bed; now let him lie in it.
Someone has caused his/her own problems; he/she will have to solve them himself/herself.
He insisted that he should take up the project alone. So, he has made his own bed, let him lie in it.
47 under the weather
ill; unwell.
Susan was feeling under the weather yesterday, so she decided not to go to work."
48 until you're blue in the face
forever
You can advise him until you're blue in the face, but he wont change his ways.
49 wet behind the ears inexperienced and naive.
I do not think Suresh is suitable for this project. He is still wet behind the ears, having only joined
us last month.
50 wishy-washy:
without an opinion of one's own.
You better check with the other members. John can be wishy-washy at times.