READING COMPREHENSION

Deforestation is the cutting or burning down of all the trees in a forest and the conversion of
forested areas to non- forest land for use such as arable land or pasture, or for urban use.
Deforestation results from removal of trees without sufficient reforestation, and results in
decline in habitat and biodiversity, in wood for fuel and industrial use, and in the quality of
life. In many countries, massive deforestation is ongoing and is shaping climate and
geography.
Deforestation is a substantial contributor to global warming, and although 70 percent of the
oxygen we breathe comes from photosynthesis of marine green algae and cyanobacteria, the
mass destruction of the worlds rain forests is not beneficial to our environment. In addition,
the incineration and burning of forests plants in order to clear land, releases tonnes of carbon
dioxide which increase the impact of global warming.
Deforestation reduces the content of water in the soil, reduces groundwater as well as
atmospheric moisture. Deforestation reduces soil cohesion, so that erosion, flooding and
landslides often result. More flash floods and localised floods occur because of deforestation.
This would not happen if there is forest cover.
Forests support considerable biodiversity, providing valuable habitat for wildlife. Moreover,
forests foster medicinal conservation and forest biotopes are a major, irreplaceable source of
new drugs (like taxol).
Deforestation also contributes to decreased evapotranspiration, which lessens atmospheric
moisture which in some cases affects precipitation levels. Water is thus lost in run-off and
returns directly to the oceans. According to one preliminary study, in deforested north and
northwest China, the average annual precipitation decreased by one third between the 1950s
and 1980s.
Long-term gains can be obtained by managing forest lands sustainable to maintain both forest
cover and provide a biodegradable renewable resource. Forests are also important stores of
organic carbon, and forests can extract carbon dioxide and pollutants from the air, thus
contributing to biosphere stability. Deforestation (mainly in tropical areas) accounts for up to
one third of total anthropogenic carbon dioxide emissions. Forests are also valued for their
aesthetic beauty and as a cultural resource and tourist attraction.
The effects of human-related deforestation can be mitigated through environmentally
sustainable practices that reduce permanent destruction of forests or even act to preserve and
rehabilitate disrupted forestland. These methods help the cause and provide a sustainable
growth of forests and allow lumber to become a renewable resource.

1.

From paragraph 1,
(a)

what is the meaning of deforestation?

_______________________________________________________ [1 mark]

(b)

state one result of deforestation

_______________________________________________________ [1 mark]

2.

(a)

From paragraph 2, in what way does deforestation contribute to global

warming?
_______________________________________________________ [1 mark]

(b)

From paragraph 3, how does deforestation contribute to floods and landslides?

_______________________________________________________ [1 mark]

3.

(a)

From paragraph 4, what is the connection between forests and medicine?

_______________________________________________________ [1 mark]

(b)

From paragraph 5, why does the writer mention the statistics from China?
_______________________________________________________ [1 mark]

4.

(a)

From paragraph 6, state one role of forests

_______________________________________________________ [1 mark]

(b)

From paragraph 7, how can we reduce the effects of deforestation?

_______________________________________________________ [1 mark]

5.

In your own word, explain how deforestation can be controlled?

____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________ [2 marks]

6.

Summarize the text above in your own words (80 to 100 words)

7.

Write an essay on factors of deforestation.

Text 2
In early March this year, thunderous roars resonate through the Sepang International Circuit
(SIC) as the Petronas Malaysia Formula One Grand Prix stages its round for the season. The
event attracts tens of thousands of people, from far and wide, local and foreign, to witness the
hottest motor race in Malaysia.
The SIC has been described as one of the most technically advanced circuits in the Formula
One challenge, having chalked up an astounding cost US$100 000 to build. It can
accommodate up to 130 000 spectators with a clear view of the spectacular track. The
specially designed track, built in a valley, allows each spectator to see at least half of the
circuit at any given time. About 30 000 spectators can be seated on two levels opposite the
start/finish line. At the end of the main grandstand vantage point, 1100 visitors can view three
quarters of the track.
The pit area is one of the largest in the world of motor sports. This two-storey building
houses race control facilities, 30 pits for the race teams, offices and facilities for the media.
There is a fully equipped medical centre in the complex as well.
Accelerating down the 5.543-kilometre long road track at a hair-raising speed of up to
250km/h, F1 drivers have to whiz through two long straights and negotiate 15 corners of
which three are tight hairpin ones to complete the 56 laps before they head for chequered
flag.
Exciting racing is part of the game as the width of the track provides overtaking chances than
many of the other circuits in other F1 host countries.
Over the years, rules have been changed to make the race more challenging to both drivers
and the designers of engines and tyres. Today, a visit to the pit stop is only for topping up fuel
but no changing of tyres is allowed as had been the practice in previous seasons. This means
each car has to keep the same set of tyres for both the qualifying rounds (which are held prior
to the actual race) and the race itself. Changes can only be made if the tyre is damaged or if
Race Control decides that a change is necessary because of weather conditions which require
a complete change of tyres. With this change in race rules, drivers have to face the constant
fight to control tyre wear throughout the race.
Additionally, Formula One designers not only have to work on making tyres that last longer
but also redesign engines which allow them to perform efficiently for two whole races. This
means that instead of the power units having a life a little more than the length of one Grand
Prix race, they need to last for around 1500 kilometres at racing speeds including the practice
and the qualifying sessions.
Over and above all these new rules, another one that has been introduced is to reduce the
downforce applied to each car. Drivers have to reduce their speed as they head towards the
hairpin bends. These major changes are bound to have an effect on performance. The test
comes when the row of red lights goes out over the grid.

Meanwhile, spectators on the ground can expect to feel the heat and power of the race as the
cars rush to get the first of two hairpin bends right and then a hard left at 70km/hr, after
whizzing down a straight at 250km/hr. As the race progresses to a pulsating speed, high
drama accompanied by deafening roars across the circuit is expected as each car laps round
the tracks at breakneck speeds to the chequered flag.
Will the SIC see a new winner at the podium? It is anybodys guess. But one thing is certain;
each series will definitely be a thrilling and sizzling battle of man and engines.
1.
(a)

From paragraph 1, why do lots of people go to the Sepang International

Circuit?
_______________________________________________________ [1 mark]

(b)

From paragraph 2, how many people can the spectator stand accommodate?
_______________________________________________________ [1 mark]

2.

From paragraph 4, describe the Sepang race track that F1 drivers compete in.
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________ [2 marks]

3.

From paragraph 4, which word has the same meaning as frightening and dangerous?
_____________________________________________________________ [1 mark]

4.

From paragraph 6,
(a)

What is allowed at a pit stop visit?

_______________________________________________________ [1 mark]

(b)

Name the two conditions when tyres are allowed to be changed during a race.
(i)______________________________________________________[1 mark]
(ii)_____________________________________________________ [1 mark]

5.

(a)

From paragraph 7, why do F1 engineers have to redesign engines and tyres?

_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________ [1 mark]

(b)

From paragraph 10, the author says that each series is a battle of man and
engines. Why does he say so?

_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________ [1 mark]
6.

Summarize the text above

7.

Honesty is the best policy. Write an essay on it.

Text 3

A very good afternoon to you, my beloved students,

I'm glad so many of you turned up for this afternoon's talk. At this moment, all your thoughts
and activities are geared towards doing well in your SPM examination. Once the SPM exams
are over, some of you may feel lost. The purpose of my talk is to explain the options which
are open to you after you have sat for your SPM exams.
What you do after your SPM exams depends very much on whether you want to further your
studies. For those who want to stop schooling after SPM, it is important for you to pick up
some skills that will enable you to get a job. Some of you may want to enrol yourself for
practical courses like tailoring and hairdressing. Others may want to become apprentices in
electrical shops and car repair shops. Some may choose to have a career in the fast food line.
As for those who prefer to work in offices, it is essential for you to be computer literate.
Many offices are computerised. You need to learn word processing skills and perhaps, book
keeping as well. When you have formal training, you can get better pay for your services.
From an informal survey I did among the Form Five students in this school, I found that the
majority of you want to continue your studies after your SPM. Many options are open to you.
You can join a twinning program. This program enables you to complete one or two years of
tertiary education in Malaysia and the rest in a university overseas. Many private colleges
cater for this segment of the student population. For example, Inti, Metropolitan, Stamford,
and KDU. One of the selling points of twinning programs is that you can get a degree of your
choice in a shorter time. It is like a short cut which bypasses STPM. Well, go ahead if your
parents can support you.
What about the rest of you who do not want to get a degree overseas? If you want to get a
degree from a local university, you can either choose to do your STPM or apply for a place in
the Matriculation or Diploma programs. If you opt for Matriculation or Diploma programs,
you do not need to go through STPM. I know many of you feel that it is futile to go through
two years of STPM and later not qualify for a place in local universities. I've heard groans
that it is difficult to score in STPM. Well, a grown-up baby no longer solely depends on milk.
As you move from Form Five to Form Six, you cannot depend on memorizing to score. In
fact, STPM is a very well-coordinated pre-university education program. It would stand you
in good stead regardless of whether you get your tertiary education in Malaysia or overseas.
For those of you who are not able to make it to a university, don't lose heart. STPM is part of
a foundational education for everyone. In these years, you develop critical thinking skills
which prepares you for working life. At the end of the two years, you get a certificate which
entitles you to a higher salary scale than an SPM-holder.
SPM is a stepping stone to other achievements in life. Ponder upon what I've said and be
clear about what you want to do after SPM. A clear goal is like a lighthouse in a storm.
Thank you.
Answer the following questions using complete sentences
1. Why would some students feel lost after the SPM exams are over ?
2. How do practical skills help SPM-leavers looking for jobs ?

3. How do most of the Form Five students feel about stopping their studies after their SPM
?
4. Why do some students prefer twining programs to a tertiary education in a local
university ?
5. Give two ways in which students can get a degree without going through STPM.
6. Why do most students do badly in STPM ?
7. According to the passage, why is STPM worth taking ? Give two reasons to support
your answer.
Fill in the blanks with one correct word from the passage.
8. You are given four ______ to choose from : A, B, C and D.
9. The ______ of oil palm fruits must be done as soon as the fruits are harvested to prevent
them from turning bad.
10. The old man who was knocked down by a lorry is in a ______ condition, and may die if
he does not respond to the treatment given.
11. Write an essay on Tomorrow

Text 4
Most people know about Spanish bullfighting. Less commonly known is the pastime called
"bull-baiting", which is done before the fights, mainly for fun but also to test the character
of the bulls. In the incident described below, the Marques, the owner of the bulls, brings
some friends and relatives to try out this pastime.
Dona Sol put spurs to her horse, which had been plunging about in terror of the bulls. The
Marques wanted to go with her, but she would not let him. No, she would rather have
Gallardo, who, after all, was a matador, a professional bullfighter. Gallardo took his place
beside her. They galloped together straight towards the herd. Gallardo waved his garrocha,
roaring loudly at the bulls. It was easy enough to cut off one animal from the herd. It was a
white bull with sharp pointed horns. It galloped to the far end of the enclosure. Dona Sol
galloped after it, followed by Gallardo.
"Take care, Senora," Gallardo shouted. "It's an old bull, and may be tricky ! Be careful it
doesn't turn on you ?"
This was exactly what happened. As Dona Sol was preparing to make the same stroke as her
uncle's, turning her horse at an angle so as to plant the garrocha in the bull's rump, the bull
suddenly doubled back and faced its attacker. It started to charge forward !
Dona Sol's horse was rushing on at such a pace that she could not control it, with the bull
charging at her -- no longer pursued, but pursuing. Dona Sol had no thought of flight.
Thousands of people were watching her ! She had no intention of looking foolish. Anyway,
Dona Sol had never in her life believed that she would be the loser in any situation. She
reined back her horse and confronted the bull. She drove hergarrocha into the neck of the
animal s it rushed forward bellowing, with lowered head. A stream of blood reddened the
bull's shoulders, but still it rushed forward, till it got its horn under the horse's belly, and lifted
it off the ground.
The rider was thrown from her saddle and a cry of horror was heard from the hundreds of
onlookers. The horse forced itself from the horns, and galloped away, with its stomach
stained with blood. The bull turned to follow it; but at that very moment something nearby
attracted its attention. It was Dona Sol, who had got to her feet, picked up her garrocha and
was bravely preparing to challenge the bull once more. It was an action of insane courage, but
her thoughts were on her audience. Better death, rather than the ridicule of the crowd ! the
crowd stood paralyzed in terrified silence.
The bull was already lowering its head to attack the small figure who dared to threaten it. One
blow of those horns and all would be over. But, at this moment, a fierce roar distracted the
bull's attention and something red passed before its eyes.
It was Gallardo, who had thrown himself of his horse and dropped his garrocha so as to
snatch the coat from his saddlebow.
"Eeeh ! Come on !"
The bull came on. It found the crimson coat-lining a worthier adversary than the small figure

in purple and black, still standing there.

"Don't be afraid, Dona Sol. I've got him now," said the matador. With no other weapon but his
coat, he played the bull, gradually drawing it away from the lady, and avoiding its furious
attacks by twisting and turning his body.
The crowd forgot its recent alarm and began to applaud loudly. The matador forgot Dona Sol
and everything else, concentrating entirely on defending himself. The infuriated beast,
finding that the man had again slipped away unharmed from between its horns, turned and
charged again, only to come up against the shield of red cloth. At last, tired out, it stood still
on trembling legs, with its head hanging and muzzle covered in foam. Gallardo took
advantage of its bewilderment to take off his hat and lay it between the horns.
From paragraph 1 :
1.Why did Dona Sol refuse to allow the Marques to go with her ?
From paragraph 4 :
2.(a) Although the bull was pursuing her, Dona Sol did not run away. Give two reasons why
she made this decision.
(b) Give evidence that shows that Dona Sol was successful in stabbing the bull.
(c) What effect did this stabbing have on the bull ?
From paragraph 5 :
3.Find a word in this paragraph which means "unable to move due to being terrified".
From paragraph 6-9 :
4.How was Gallardo able to attract the bull's attention away from Dona Sol ? Givetwo ways.
From paragraph 10-11 :
5.(a) Quote evidence that shows the bull was tired out from Gallardo's actions.
(b) Explain how Gallardo made the bull tired.
6. Music. Write an essay about it.

Text 5
Tony Fernandes is synonymous with Air Asia. At the age of 36, he quit as vice-president of
Warner Music Group in Southeast Asia and purchased, with three partners, ailing Malaysian
airline Air Asia. As CEO, he has used a combination of low costs, low fares and an open and
informal management style to turn it into Asia's biggest low-cost carrier.
Tony is candid, friendly and outspoken. When he came up with the idea of purchasing the
airline, he told his wife 'I really believe in this.' He felt there was a huge untapped market in
Asia - millions of people wanted to fly but could not afford it. Here is Tony's account of his
recipe for success.
`Many friends cautioned me. They told me I would fail. I simply told them this: If I fail, I
fail. At least I won't be sitting and saying, when I am 60 years old, "I should have tried".'
Tony spends a lot of time speaking at schools, encouraging kids to pursue their own dreams.
'I tell them it can be done. Look at me, there's nothing special about me. You've just got to
believe in yourself. You don't have to be connected to a politician. You don't have to have
money. You just need to believe that you can go out there and do it.'
`Don't be frightened of failing because then you'll never start and if you fail, try again,' he
advises. At Warner, Tony had spent a fortune on Malaysian singer Zainal Abidin's second
album which flopped. `That didn't stop me from pushing on with my work, my dreams.'
He is always delighted when he receives a lot of letters from people saying that he has
inspired them, that they are going to try something different. `That really spurs me on.'
Don't be afraid of making mistakes. If you don't make mistakes, you'll never learn. But when
you do mess up, be the first to admit it. Don't try to cover yourself. Once in a while I do this
too. For example, when I insisted Air Asia fly from Kuala Lumpur to Penang four times a
day, even though Malaysian Airlines flew the same route 12 times a day. He realized he
couldn't compete against the buses. The buses pick you up and drop you off right in the
middle of each city. They get people to Penang faster. With airlines, one has to go to the
airport and then back from the airport to the city. I just said, 'Sorry guys. I messed up. It's my
fault, I was wrong.' I even said sorry to my pilots when a merit system for awarding bonuses
to pilots backfired. The pilots were unhappy and made no secret of it. They really appreciated
my apologies.
As a manager, you have to be accessible. I talk to everyone - my staff, our passengers, the
media. If you just sit in your office, you don't know what is going on. Every day in the office,
I set aside two hours to spend with the staff. I walk around, go to the baggage handling area,
see what's going on, joke around. Accessibility helps you earn the confidence of people
around you. It makes them feel they can talk openly and without fear. They should have the
freedom to say `This is wrong.' Being accessible means being open. At the end of the day,
human relationships are about openness, trust and transparency.

When I was growing up, my parents wanted me to be a doctor like my father. After my failing
in physics and chemistry due to zero work for my A levels, my parents realized they couldn't
force me to do anything I didn't want to. My first love was always music and my dream was
to own a record company. But I'm realistic. I knew I could never raise enough money to
compete with the likes of Warner and Sony. So, no matter what you love, you've got to be a
realist.
Also look beyond the money when you pursue something. It's nice to have money. I like the
nice things money can buy. But I am not doing this for money. I was paid a fortune at Warner
but I left. The big kick for me is using money to help others. There are a lot of smart people
who never got the chance to go to school, so I sponsor cadet pilots. Money is just a byproduct of what I do

1.

From paragraph 2, describe Tony's personality.

2.

From paragraph 2,
a) what was Tony's statement when he informed his wife about
buying the airline ?
b) why was he interested to buy the airline ?

3.

From paragraph 5,
a) why shouldn't one be frightened of failing ?
b) what was Tony's stand when he lost money on Zainal Abidin's
second album ?

4.

From paragraph 7,
a) state the reason why Air Asia could not maintain its flights to
Penang four times a day ?
b) how did Tony admit his mistake ?

5.

6.

Explain in your own words Tony's important cautionary words

when one wants to pursue his or her dreams ?

Success. Write an essay about it

Text 6
If you are constantly under stress, grabbing hit-or-miss meals and not exercising regularly,
you may feel you need vitamin supplements. This need may be heightened by the constant
indoctrination of vitamin manufacturers who tend to promote their products for economic
rather than health reasons. But what are vitamins, and are supplements really necessary ?
Vitamins are metabolic catalysts that regulate the biochemical reactions within your body.
The body cannot manufacture the chemical substances known as vitamins. To date, scientists
have discovered 13 vitamins, each with a specific function. For example, Vitamin B1 helps
convert glucose into energy while Vitamin D controls the way your body uses calcium in
bones.
If you have a vitamin deficiency, it may cause impaired performance and a supplement can
correct that problem. Sometimes poor eating habits are responsible for your vitamin
deficiency. A hearty eater who generally enjoys a balanced diet with occasional binges can
rest assured that a nutritional deficiency will not develop overnight. You can survive in spite
of deprivation of every vitamin every day because you store vitamins in your body -- some in
stockpiles that can last a year. The average, healthy person, for instance, has enough Vitamin
C stored in the liver to last six weeks. Hence, a weekend without orange juice will not result
in a nutritionally unsound body. Fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) which accumulate in body
tissues, have as a rule, large reserves. Therefore if you eat regularly and adequately, you're
more likely to become deficient in water-soluble vitamins (B-complex, C) which are excreted
in urine.
But how much vitamins does one really need ? The Recommended Daily Allowances
(RDAs), first developed by the Americans in 1943 during the second World War are broad
guidelines for planning and procuring food supplies for the troops as well as standards for
good nutrition. They include a large (about 30 percent) margin of safety to account for
individual differences and to cover the nutritional needs of 98 percent of all healthy
Americans, including those with higher-than-average needs. For example, while the RDA for
Vitamin C is 60 milligrams, the amount in a six-ounce glass of orange juice, the minimum
daily requirement is only 30 milligrams. It is on this basis that the RDAs may have to be
revised soon.
Regardless of the government's rules, regulations and RDAs, you as an individual, are
responsible for nourishing your body with a variety of wholesome foods. According to
current thinking, if you exercise regularly, burn off calories and replace them with at least
1,500 calories daily from a variety of nourishing foods. You'll get the vitamins you need.
However, if you are one with a limited food intake, you may risk marginal vitamin
deficiencies. For you, a standard multi-vitamin and mineral supplement might be a wise idea.
take the supplement in moderation and consider them an 'insurance policy'; not an alternative
to wholesome food choices.

While sufficient amounts of vitamins are needed for the body to function optimally, an excess
of vitamins offers no competitive edge. No scientific evidence exists to prove that extra
vitamins enhance performance. Despite commercial claims to the contrary, supplements will
not increase strength or endurance, prevent injuries or illness, provide energy or build muscle.
On the contrary, an overdose of some of the vitamins, especially of the fat-soluble Vitamins A
and D, may cause severe bodily harm. The body cannot eliminate excess Vitamin A quickly
and this can cause damage to the bones, skin, liver and various other organs. An overdose of
Vitamin D may lead to increased calcium deposits in the large blood vessels, the heart,
kidneys, lungs and other organs. An excess intake of the vitamins of the B-complex and
Vitamin C has fortunately, little effect on the body because these vitamins are soluble in
water and can easily be expelled from the body through the kidneys. This is a blessing for the
ardent followers of some quacks and food fad advocates who never tire of advising us to take
an additional supply of the Vitamin C in our daily diet. Whatever your choice, you must
recognize and take responsibility for the needs of your body.
1.

What are vitamins and what do they do ?

2.

What is the recommended way of meeting our nutritional needs ?

3.
How long can the average, healthy person go without Vitamin C and not suffer any
health problem ?
4.

Name one way Vitamin K is different from Vitamin C.

5.

What was the original purpose of developing the RDA ?

6.

Why is it necessary to revise the RDA ?

7.

Who are those who may need a multi-vitamin supplement ?

8.

Vitamins cannot replace wholesome food choices. Explain.

9.

What claims do manufacturers sometimes make to improve sale ?

10.

Why does an overdose of Vitamin B-complex do little or no harm to the body ?

11.

Write an essay on how to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Text 7
Because of its strength, majesty and fierceness, the lion is called the King of the Beasts. It and the
tiger are the largest members of the cat family. A full-grown male lion, standing just over a meter high
and weighing about 225 kilograms, may be more than 3 meters long from his nose to the tip of his
tail.
Today the lion is generally thought of as an African animal, and lions are certainly much commoner in
Africa than anywhere else, but there are also a few in the west of India. Once they lived in Europe and
the East as well, but they have now become extinct in these areas due to irresponsible human
activities.
The lion can be told apart immediately from the lioness because of the enormous, heavy mane of hair
that covers its powerful head and shoulders. The coloring of lions may be golden or reddish brown,
nearly black or almost silver grey. The mane is nearly always darker than the rest of the coat, and the
underpart of the body is lighter than the back. Lionesses are smaller and lighter in color than male
lions.
Like other cats, lions have soft-padded feet. In the tuft of hair at the tip of their long tails is a single
spur, or claw-like object, but no one knows its use or the reason for its existence. Sandy or rocky
plains or open grasslands with scattered trees are the haunts of lions, and their coats blend very well
with the background of sun-scorched land. Often they live in huge families which are sometimes
known as prides. The deep=throated, thunderous roar of the lion is one of the most terrifying sounds
in nature.
Lions generally hunt at night, spending the day sleeping or lying up in cover or in the shade of rocks
and trees. The lion hunts by lying in wait for its prey beside a water hole or by stalking it patiently
across the open plain. The kill is made quickly, the lion pulling down its victim in a lightning-fast rush
and killing it with a blow of its paw. A full-grown male lion can drag an animal as large as a horse in
its jaws. Lions often hunt in groups and it is said that some lions will lie in ambush while others drive
prey towards them.
Although they are dangerous animals to disturb, ions do not often attack human beings. Sometimes,
however, an old lion that is getting too slow to catch the swift wild creatures will turn his attention to
men, and sometimes a younger lion becomes a regular man-eater, often by accident. Lions will often
attack cattle and other domestic animals, breaking into enclosures and carrying off their prey.
Young lions are generally born three at a time, but sometimes there are only two and occasionally as
many as six. Both the male and female may help to look after the young, and the lioness is a devoted
mother. The cubs have spots when they are born. Some scientists think that this is because lions may
once have been forest animals and had markings to camouflage themselves. Lions have no natural
enemies, but have been hunted by man, who both feared and respected the lion's strength. Lions are
today protected in game parks and reserves in Africa other countries.

Answer the following questions using complete sentences

1.

What are the attributes of the lion that it is accorded the title 'King of the Beasts' ?

2.

Why is the lion commonly thought of as an African animal ?

3.

In what way is the lion more majestic in appearance than the lioness ?

4.

What do animals in the cat family have in common ?

5.

List one way you think the soft-padded feet may be useful to the lion.

6.

How is the strength of the lion demonstrated ?

7.
Do you agree that in the wild, an old lion is potentially more dangerous to human
beings than a young one ? Explain.
8.

How do some people explain the presence of spots on lion cubs at birth ?

9.

What evidence is there that man has caused great harm to the lion ?

10.

What has man done to ensure that the lion will survive ?

11.

Write an essay on Ways to Protect the Endangered Species.

Text 8
Teenagers today are undergoing lots of changes. They are between the ages of 13 to 19. Many of them
are undergoing physical and emotional changes. These are the stages in the teenagers that are
unavoidable.
The teenage life is full of happiness, sadness, enjoyment and it can be interesting too. This is because
in the teenage life that a teenager is subjected to physical growth, hormonal changes and even
dilemmas. They may be in a stage of conflict like undergoing puppy love. This is only a normal part
of life.
Making friends is part and parcel of a teenager's life. The teenager should enjoy life by making friends
with peers and participate in healthy activities such as camping, picnic, kayaking, swimming and s on.
Through friends, a teenager learns to joke, laugh and play to release stress and tension. By making
friends, the teenager learns to sweeten his or her joys and even eases the bitterness of life's downtime.
Many teenagers are very conscious of their physical outlook. It is at this part of their life that beauty
strikes as the main self-image. They love to follow up with the latest trends for dressing, hairstyle and
even look good with their physical image. Some girls and boys go on a crash diet to slim down in
order to look attractive. Others may suffer from acne and pimples that may scar their external beauty.
Another stage in a teenager is the teenager's love life. There are chemical changes in the body and so
the teenager tends to have a sense of feelings for the opposite sex. They will experience love and
rejection. These sometimes will affect their studies.
Parents tend to play a role in a teenager's life. Parents today are overly concern over their children's
well-being. They like to control their freedom and have a say n what the teenagers do. Hence, we have
cases of disagreements, disputes, quarrels and even runaways from homes among some teenage girls.
There are also negative problems that may pop out during a teenage life. A teenager is not well guided
may fall into the wrong path. Some teenagers are involved in drugs trafficking, smoking, drinking and
smuggling of illegal products into the country. Others tend to vent their anger by vandalizing public
property. We have those with no regard and respect for the elders.
The mass media has an influence over the lives of many teenagers. Violent action movies, obscene
shows and pornography surfed from the Internet can bring a disastrous effect on a teenager's life.
There will be more harm than good if nothing is done.
From paragraph 1
1.
(a) What is the age range of a teenager ?
(b) What are the changes that a teenager undergoes ?
From paragraph 2
2.

(a) Why is it that a teenage life is full of ups and downs ?

(b) What kind of conflict does a teenage face ?
From paragraph 3
3.
List two activities that a teenager can get involved in.
From paragraph 4
4.
What are the two things that a teenager likes to keep up to date with ?
From paragraph 8
5.
State why parents are worried about their teenagers. Answer in your own words.
6. Write an essay on Friends

DESCRIPTIVE
2015 - (1) Describe what makes you happy and explain why. (2) 'Honesty is the best policy.' Describe
an experience when this was true for you.
2014 - (1) Describe an important family celebration and how you felt about it. (2) A friend in need is
a friend indeed. Describe how a friend helped you in difficult time.
2013 - Truly Malaysian. Describe what this means to you.
2012 - Describe an outing with your friends.
2011 - A famous person you admire.
2010 - Describe the most popular student in your school.
2009 - Describe an unforgettable incident that you saw on your way home from school.
Model Answer 2
Model Answer 3
2008 - Write about a person who has succeeded in life.
2007 - Describe an embarrassing experience in your life.
2006 - Describe an enjoyable weekend you have experienced.
2005 - Describe the biggest challenge in your life.
2004 - Describe a festival celebrated in your area.
2002 - Describe a favourite teacher who had a great influence on you.
2001 - Describe how you spend a free day when the weather was very bad.
2000 - My Hero
1998 - Describe a day at school when you were very unhappy.
1997 - (1) Imagine your were moving to a new house. Describe the last day in your old house. (2)
Describe the scene at a crowded bus or railway station.

ARGUMENTATIVE

2015 - Social networking has caused a lot of problems. How far do you agree?
2014 - There is a lack of freedom given to teenagers today. Do you agree?
2013 - Is tuition necessary? Discuss.
2012 - Should parents give children more freedom? Discuss.
2011 - Should school students have part-time jobs?
2010 - The Internet is mostly a good thing. Do you agree? Support your opinion.
2009 - Is tuition necessary? Discuss.
2008 - Examinations - good or bad? (For another model answer, click here:Model Answer 2)
2007 - 'Teenagers today are only interested in entertainment.' Do you agree?
2002 - Good results in school do not guarantee success in the future. What is your opinion?
2001 - Some people think the legal age for driving should be increased from 17 to 19. What do you
think?
2000 - "More land should be used for agriculture than for industry." Do you agree or disagree? Give
reasons to support your opinion.
1999 - The computer - is it really an advantage?
1998 - Parents do not spend enough time with children nowadays. What is your opinion?
1997 - Do you think games are an important part of school life?

FACTUAL / EXPOSITORY
2015 - Why is having good neighbours important?
2014 - Why are animals important to human beings?
2013 - Reality shows
2012 - Saving money for the future.
2010 - What can we do to save the environment?
2009 - My favourite day of the week.
2007 - My early years

2006 - How can television help students in their studies?

2005 - How to keep oneself healthy.
2004 - How can we help promote tourism in Malaysia?
2003 - An invention you cannot live without.
2002 - How I can help to make the world a better place to live in.
2001 - (1) How do you think the media has influenced you and your family? (2) Large families make
happy families.
2000 - (1) Life in Malaysia in the new millennium. (2) Things that I like about my life.
1999 - Education - what it means to me.
1997 - Being young.

NARRATIVE
2015 - Write a story about someone you know who took a big risk and had a good result. Begin your
story with: "Everybody said that the plan would never work. It was far too risky ..."
2014 - Write a story about a fisherman beginning with: "The wind blew strongly. Out at sea, ..."
2013 - (1) Write a story about being alone. (2) Write a story that ends with: "... and so I became a
better person."
2012 - Write a story beginning with: "The teacher walked into the classroom. It was the first
period ..." (For another model answer, click here:Model Answer 2)
2011 - Write a story that ends with: "... They looked at each other and smiled meaningfully." (For
another model answer, click here: Model Answer 2)
2010 - Write a story beginning with "It had been raining all day...".
Model Answer 2
Model Answer 3
2009 - Write a story that ends with: "... We said our goodbyes and went our separate ways."
2008 - Write a story ending with: "... Now I realise the value of a true friend."
Model Answer 2
Model Answer 3
2007 - Write a story beginning with: "Kim was nervous when the door opened...". (For another model

answer, click here: Model Answer 2)

2006 - Write a story ending with: "If only I had been more careful, that wouldn't have happened." (For
another model answer, click here: Model Answer 2)
2005 - Write a story with the title: "An Unexpected Visitor".
2004 - Write a story ending with: "... We had never laughed so much in our lives."
2003 - (1) Write a story that ends with: "... If only I had listened to his/her advice." (2) A day I wished
had never happened. (For another model answer, click here: Model Answer 2)
2002 - Write a story beginning with: "Is it really you? Where have you been all these years?"
2001 - Write a story of an old man returning to his home he left many years ago.
1999 - The day I lost my temper.
1998 - Write a story beginning with: "I could tell by his face that he was angry...
1997 - Write a story with the following title: A Narrow Escape. (For another model answer, click
here: Model Answer 2)

ONE WORD / OPEN ESSAYS

2012 - Cleanliness
2011 - (1) Peace (2) The best things in life are free. (A reflective essay)
2010 - Home
2009 - Beauty
2008 - Stars
2007 - Tomorrow
2006 - Food
2005 - Music
2004 - Clothes
2003 - Friends (For another model answer, click here: Model Answer 2)
2002 - Colours

1999 - Memories (For another model answer, click here: Model Answer 2)
(Although this essay with the same title is a bit long, you can get some ideas too.)
1997 - Water

IMAGINATIVE
2008 - My perfect future husband or wife
2006 - What changes would you like to see in your life in the next ten years?
2005 - If you were given a chance to be anybody, who would you want to be and why?
2004 - My ideal school
2003 - You have been given a chance to visit a country of your choice. Which country would you
choose and why?
2000 - If you were able to choose a time in history that you could visit, which time would it be and
why?
1999 - My Dream Car