MID YEAR 2010: MUET WRITING 800/4 QUESTION 2

The world today is turning more to electronic communications such as the e-mail,
Facebook and Short Message System (SMS). What is your opinion of this growing
trend? Discuss. You should write at least 350 words. [60 marks]
As time goes by, the world is changing rapidly; so are its people and the technology itself.
Technology brings about a lot of amendments in peoples life. It is getting more advanced
from day to day especially when it comes to Information Technology or in this case;
electronic communications. Back then, mailing was seemingly to be one of the most vital
ways of communication especially for the world communication. In contrast, nowadays
people are more prone to communicate the easier ways; by staring on their electronic
accounts on their computers or through their iPods and sending short messages from their
iPhones or Blackberries. Why is it so?In my slight opinion, this growing trend gives a lot of
dominances in todays life, which are helping people to save their time and money, create
borderless communication and make it easy for people to gain prominent information.
First and foremost, the world today is turning more to electronic communications like
e-mail, Facebook and Short Message System (SMS) and other electronic communications is
because they will prevent people from wasting their time and money. How do these work? As
we all know, sending a letter to someone will take a lot of processes and will eventually take
a long time and waste a lot of money. On the contrary, electronic communications entail only
the tip of our fingers so as an electronic device to work with. Then, what is left for us to do is
just, typing! Has that not taken a much lesser time and money? For instance, an e-mail only
requires us to turn on our laptops, open our accounts on the website and then, you can start
write your letter and send them through e-mails. In short, with the very unstable economy
nowadays, having these kinds of communications will ease everyones burden especially on
their daily expenses and also their valuable time will not be wasted.
Secondly, the growing trend of electronic communications is making it possible for a
borderless communication which is vital these days. Why is it vital? A lot of things require
borderless communication; in education field, businesses and even daily activities, especially
when foreigners involved. For example, when trading with foreigners, in order to
communicate with each other, they need Skype or Yahoo Messenger as mediums to interact
and be able to do the trade at a faster rate as compared to by using snail mails or regular
letters. Skype is the perfect example of an electronic communication which will cut the
boundary that has separated each country and make communication between two different
countries from around the world possible. In conclusion, it is crucial to have these electronic
communications in todays age of globalization as they make it easier for people around the
world to connect with each other.
Last but not least, the dominance of these electronic communications is people could gain
prominent information more efficiently than before. As there are lesser borders between
countries, the efficiency of getting much more relevant and prominent information is higher.
People will have the ability to provide and gain information effectively through Facebook or
Twitter accounts. For example, international artists who have planned to do a world concert
can inform their fans about it through their Facebook account. Likewise, the fans also can ask
just about anything to their favourite artists regarding the concert. Hence, this explains why
people make these electronic communications as a huge trend these days and in order to keep
the trend ongoing, each person has the responsibility to adapt with the technology itself.
In a nutshell, the growing trend of using electronic communications is inevitably vital in
peoples lives as it gives out a lot of benefits as stated in above paragraphs. So, to avoid
ourselves from not getting the chance of keeping up with the changing trends, we have to try

our best to adapt ourselves with the rapid changes. I believe that the electronic
communication trend is a trend which is very important to be followed as the world is getting
more advanced day to day.

It is truly undeniable that in this science and technology millennium, we can

hardly live without money. Even buying something small such as sweet will cost
you some money. However, this does not mean that money can buy happiness,
unlike the misconception of most people in the world. In fact, wealth is a far cry
from happiness. If you disagree with me, let's look at the reasons for my stand.
Firstly, one of the main gates to happiness is to stay healthy. Maybe some people
think that when one is rich, he can be healthy or it does not matter even if they
have diseases because these rich men have lots of money to pay their
medication. This is totally wrong. Good health is acquired from a healthy lifestyle
progressively and not in a day. With lots of money we are tend to temp ourselves
to exotic, luxurious food. If this food is taken excessively, it will let to obesity,
heart diseases, diabetes, hypertension and other serious illness. Moreover, rich
people are probably lack of exercise as they hardly walk outdoor due to 24 hoursservice debar fetching them about causing them to be at a higher risk of getting
these unnecessarily health problems. How a person can enjoys his life and feels
happy when he is confined to a wheelchair or bed-ridden. He would not even be
glad spending his money and time curing his sickness. Therefore, wealth cannot
bring happiness.
Professionals like doctor, nurse, lawyer, engineer, food technologist and
accountant earn a lot of money per month. They are considered the high class
citizens who can afford large, expensive house with huge beautiful gardens. But
do they really enjoy the pleasures of life? Most probably not because they are
simply too busy with their work. They frequently burnt the midnight oil in their
work place. It is even more miserable if they have to turn their home into a
working place. Most specialists have to stand-by 24 hours in case of emergency
calls from the hospitals. Hence, they can hardly spend any relax, restful night at
their home even if they posse a huge two and a half storey bungalow with a
beautiful garden and artificial waterfall. Successful businessmen may always
have a chance of flying to all parts of the world when they go out station to make
business. However, very few of them can really take it as a holiday as a treat for
themselves for their schedules are always full and they are so stressful with their
works. Even fewer businessmen can ignore urgent, pursuing calls from their
clients or office when they are going for holidays or resting. In other words, one
can make lots of money but he may not enjoy even the beauty of nature around
them or the branded, expensive things with them. So what is the use of money
when we do not even enjoy a meal properly and discontented with lives. One
with a moderate income can feels happier if he leads a simple life and be
grateful with what he has.
Finally, a children or a teenage brought in moderate family is better than in a rich
family. As the sons or daughters of billionaires, their parents will give them
whatever that they want in material. These children or teenagers get a lot of
pocket money from their parents and can afford to buy many expensive things
like branded, latest handset, expensive clothes and branded sport shoes. But the
question is, are they happy if their parents are always working with only an

Indonesian maid to accompany them. If they are asked to choose between

wealth and love from their parents, I believe that they were undoubtedly choose
love. A healthy family is not created for the children. These children mentally are
not as healthy as those being cared and loved by their parents. Children need
parents who can listen to their problems and give them words of wisdom,
teaching then day by day. Parents who are not rich may not be able to buy
branded things to satisfy their children but with more communication and
understanding, these teenagers will understand the difficulty of their parents in
earning money, learning to be thrifty. In short, money does not promise a happy,
caring family.
Money may be able to buy a lot of things but not love, friendship, health and
others. These are the main ingredients for a happy life. Thus, it is a controversy
if money can bring happiness. Even, if we can afford many things we desired
with lots of money, we may not be happy and enjoy our lives if we are always
dissatisfied with what we had, yearning for more. Thus, I stand firm that money
cannot bring happiness.

Cell phones have lost their meaning over the years. These small devices were
once developed to get in contact with someone else in case of emergencies, and
now talking on the phone while driving has turned out to be a way of life for
millions of American drivers. More than 85 percent of the 100 million cell-phone
subscribers frequently talk on the phone during driving.(www.smartmotorist.com)
Talking on the cell phone while driving should be illegal, because of the dangers
they cause. Driving while using the cell phone is one of the major problems here
in the US. Cell phones should not be used while driving. This matter is too
dangerous to let it go unnoticed.
According to the essay, Yes, Prohibit Their Use, which appeared on the
congressional quarterlys web site on March 16, 2001, the Harvard Center for risk
analysis printed a study in 1999. They appointed a crash risk factor to using cell
phones. In the summer of 2000 it came out to 450 to 1,000 fatalities each year.
The NHTSH says that for every fatality, there are 666 property-damage and
injury-producing crashes. There are about 300,000 and 650,000 different crashes
due to cell phones! This same essay states that Japan is one of the 14 countries
banning the use of handheld cell phones while driving. The accidents caused by
the use of cell phones dropped by 75 percent the next month, proving cell
phones are not necessary parts of the driving nature.
There are major dangers connected with driving and cell phone use. Drivers have
to take their eyes off the road while dialing. Also, drivers can get so deep into
their conversations that their ability to concentrate may be dangerously limited.
This jeopardizes the safety of the people inside the vehicle, and the pedestrians
outside. In order to drive safely, the driver should be able to put 100% of his or
her focus on the road. Cell phones are simply a huge distraction while driving.
It is understandable that there are some cases where the use of a cell phone is
needed. In these cases, I agree with the author of Yes, Prohibit Their Use, the
driver should pull-over somewhere safe to use the phone. If someone receives an
incoming call, he should wait until the car has come to a complete stop. Then he
should proceed to use the phone. If he feels that the emergency is urgent
enough to take action right away, then the person should use the hands free
headset. Only in emergencies should cell phones be used.
Some people argue that there are other distractions other than cell phones.
While using a cell phone when driving may not be the most unsafe distraction,
studies prove that it is the most common cause of car crash accident, and
common cause of death here in the US.

The use of cell phones while driving should be banned in Philadelphia, because
many people die due to distraction of cell phones. Cell phone distraction causes
2,600 deaths and 330,000 injuries in the United States every year.
(www.livescience.com/technology). Another reason to not use the cell phone
while driving is devastating the many lives of the victims and their families in the
case of an accident.
When driving, cell phones should not be allowed. Help the statistics decrease not
increase.

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.
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. Openfield 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. On-going 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.

In 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 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.

Feeling thankful is how I feel now. The greatest present to receive is the sense of content and
gratitude that I feel. No matter how much I earn or the value of properties I owe, without
sharing, how life can be?
Few years back when I was in school, my mind was set on money and branded items. No
matter how badly life has for me, nothing can bring me further away from my set-mind. From
many hardships, I struggle for a presence, a name, a status. I need to let people know what I
have and what I can achieve.
As time passes and sky is unlimited, people change so do I. I turn to God. I turn to my family.
I turn to my faith. Nothing can make me feel more content than myself. I need to satisfy my
own need before I make my way to the world. Love, Peace and Happiness are what I believe
now. As I mention earlier on, faith is the tool for all lives. Imagine a world without faith?
How can one trust someone or something? Take for an example a relation between two sexes.
Both need to gain the trust and belief before embarking a journey together. Its a journey of
understanding as well as respect. Nothing can bring two down with the concrete tools both
have.
No matter how much money is flowing in my bank accounts or how many properties waiting
in my list, as long as I dont feel content with myself, nothing would. All these are material
visions that count only for a short period of happiness. I want a long lasting happiness. A
happiness that can be shared by everyone even passer-by.
I turn my life to myself, family and GOD. It revolves with them. Not that Im a 100%

believer in God but somehow or another, it smooths my daily life whenever I trust on
something. I believe what comes around goes around in life. Why one should feels frustrated
and irritated when aim is not reached? Why? Ask yourself deep in your heart? Is it worth the
temper-rush? The best way to do is to look at the problem with a smile on your face and a
relax heart. Turn back and dont let your anger out from your box. Think appreciation that
mistakes are made and told to you. All you need to do: CHANGE.
It is as simple as ABC.
In life, if only one can recognize the significant of Trust, Understanding, Faith and Love our
world is in its greatest condition.

Some of us may be selfish to share our study tips yet deliberately disturbing the
others while they are doing their works. Some might agree with such an attitude
as a secret weapon for crucial examination namely UPSR, PMR and SPM. But
don't you agree that sharing is actually the happiest thing we can do? We can
share meaning that we have the capability. Sharing brings more knowledge and
ideas to be exchanged. Nobody will improve much if they are reluctant to share.
In fact, when we initiate to share, we will definitely get more and more feedback
which may be beyond our knowledge. 3 people are better than only 1. More
minds contribute more thoughts. That's why group discussion is highly
recommended for it is an proven effective way to catalyst our improvement of
study.
Study is only a part of our life routine and being student is merely our temporary
role . Actually that time is our precious moment to develop into a better person.
One cannot know and experience everything with limited ages . However, we can
gain unlimited knowledge and lesson once we start to share and exchange. By
sharing, we know more, we continue our learning and without we can realise , we
have fostered good friendship and become a better individual. Let's have a very
simple example,every of us owns one box of biscuits. Every box of biscuits have
different flavour. If we are kind enough to reciprocate our biscuits with each
other, then we get to taste a variety flavour of biscuits. Similarily, sharing and

exchanging is something mutually profitable for every of us. Through sharing,we

apply our knowledge and subsequently we gain more. Do share your knowledge
with others as if you intend they share theirs with you. Only those who are
generous to share and humble to keep on learning deserve to possess more
power, wealth and knowledge.
Being students,we are still learning and painting our lives with endless colour
and school should be the safest platform for us to practice our behaviour.
Here,sharing makes more sense to complement each other. Nothing can be
accomplished without a cohesive teamwork. One cannot be successful without
any assistance provided by the others. Frankly,have you shared your
fortune,wealth and knowledge with your friends? If not, try your best whenever
you are still able to do so. When we are stepping into the working world, seldom
do we have such an opportunity to share and enjoy anxiety-free student lives. A
real success is more than just a straight A result or thousands and one
certificates but whether one really enjoys the process towards success. And
sharing will be a must for the particular joyful process.

You take the blue pill -- the story ends, you wake up in your bed and believe whatever you
want to believe. You take the red pill -- you stay in Wonderland and I show you how deep the
rabbit-hole goes." Morpheus

Although fictional, the Matrix world as in the blockbuster movie The Matrix by the
Wachowski Brothers is very relevant in the context of our society today. Undergraduates,
especially the ones from local universities are akin to those stuck in the Matrix. Fed with the
belief that they will make it in life, armed only with a scroll, they succumb to complacency.
Their minds start to rot, intellectual growth is suppressed, and the end result; they hit rock
bottom in the real world. Groping in the dark, they try to find a way out, but to no avail.
Thereafter, enlightenment ensues, a harsh realization, that the scroll in their hands is merely
that, a scroll.
Since pre-school, our parents and teachers have constantly imparted upon us, that success in

life can only be achieved through education. This is true to a certain extent, but apparently, as
we grew older, something got lost in translation along the way. Education is no longer
interpreted in the normal sense of the word, but solely equated with academic achievement.
Our undergraduates are products of a system that hails the number of As and a CGPA of 4.0
as the only testament of success, indicating a bright future ahead. Rote learning seems to be
the order of the day, while the holistic approach is now almost obsolete.
Such values to life in university defeats the whole purpose of a tertiary education.
Undergraduates strive to get CGPAs of 4.0, and are further exhorted to do so, especially when
an ex-Minister proclaimed that it is their duty to get 4.0 in university. As preposterous as this
may sound, it is very real. A right-minded person would shun such statements, but for some,
its almost like a matter of filial piety. Time spent mugging and memorizing might get you
good results, but it does not prepare you for the real world, where problem solving skills
and the ability to think outside the box is valued instead of the text book stuff.
Students spend so much time studying, they forget about everything else, except where to
find that particular book in the library. Ask them if they know anything at all on current
issues, and they respond with a blank look, expecting you to fill them in. The other problem
with our undergraduates is that, they seem to idolize pop culture a tad too much. Try
organizing a public lecture by Warren Buffet and a concert by some Akademi Fantasia singers
on the same day. It is not that hard to predict which event will have a bigger crowd,
unfortunately.
Then, there is the other group of students, i.e. those who believe that life in university is a bed
of roses. There is, of course, nothing wrong with that. Problem is, some tend to stretch it a
little too much, so much so that they dont even know what they are doing. They believe that
just as in the university, everything will be taken care of when they are out there in the real
world, i.e. that their precious scrolls will take them places. No effort whatsoever is made to
improve themselves and participating in ridiculous activities is deemed to be the ultimate
indicator of what is to expect in the real world. For instance, a senior while ordering around
a junior to do this or that project will justify it by saying This is to prepare you for working
life, especially when facing employers. And the poor subordinate believing it, bids the
seniors wishes. We should never send across such wrong messages. Kow tow is not fun, and
will never be. Period. Furthermore, why should we continue the negative and perpetuate such
myth? Whatever happened to entrepreneurship?
Another issue which bugs a portion of undergraduates today is the inability to converse and
write in English. Needless to say, in the era of globalization, the importance of English cannot
be over emphasized. One might have plenty of mind boggling ideas, but without the ability to
articulate them, such ideas cannot be conveyed to others. While such facts are known to every
student, they prefer to converse in their mother tongues. Getting out of the comfort zone is
often the toughest nut to crack.
On the other hand, the introduction of a compulsory soft skills course serves only to magnify

the deficiencies of our education system. Students have forgotten how to interact, how to
communicate, and how to ace that interview, to the extent that such drastic measure has to be
taken. While this solves the problem on the surface, it effectively sweeps the bigger chunk of
it under the carpet. Undergraduates cannot be expected to learn the art of eloquence and to
gain self confidence overnight. It takes more than a course to create the wholesome
undergraduate.
More importantly, undergraduates must be provided with room and space for holistic growth.
Intellectual discussions, debates and forums on any topic at all should be encouraged and the
underlying fear that students will rebel, retaliate or even form extremist groups, I would like
to state, is unfounded. As adults, they should be respected as such, which means also to be
given inter alia, the right to freedom of expression. What is right or wrong is not the point.
The focal point is, undergraduates must be allowed to think, to express themselves, and to
dissent if they want to. Keep pushing them around, and what do you get? A bunch of
pushovers in society.
The bottom line is this. Whether or not an undergraduate will ever be ready to face the real
world is essentially a matter of choice. Choose to maintain your status quo, you continue in
your temporary bubble in Neverland, waiting for the real world to come crashing through.
Choose to free your mind from the fetters of tradition for traditions sake, and to move out of
your comfort zone, you embark on a journey with nothing guaranteed, except unfamiliarity.
The latter sounds like a better deal, at least to me.

This was an essay that I wrote long time ago during my preparation for
examination. I was glad that I finally managed to republish the article online
today. I was inspired to post this article after reading the thought-provoking 'Are
undergraduates ready for the real world'.
The school days are crammed with facts and figures, encompassing various
subjects ranging from English to Mathematics. All of these require students to
learn, memorise, understand and to be tested. Besides grades and examinations,
the school also encompasses a wider curriculum including character moulding,
citizenship building and personality development. Indeed, I think the school does
prepare us for life.
Firstly, the school teaches us self-discipline. We learn to keep to a schedule and
to adhere to the timetable. We also learn to appreciate time and to be punctual.
Moreover, we are trained to plan and manage time wisely. We also abide by and
respect rules and regulations. The disciplined students will grow up to be
disciplined adults and they will do well in their future undertakings.

The school also helps to fortify our determination and perseverance. We learn to
fulfil the demands of the school. We also learn to meet deadlines and hand in the
homework on time. Moreover, we learn to face stress and pressure. In school,
students learn to overcome challenges. Students with strength of character will
be well-prepared to face the challenges of work and life in the future.
Co-curricular activities are part and parcel of a students life. They help to mould
students character and personality so that students learn to be confident. They
help to hone the leadership qualities in the students themselves. Students learn
to work together and co-operate with others. They also learn to appreciate good
values like esprit de corps. Students learn to contribute positively and to put
their best foot forward besides to take success and failure in their stride. We as
the students learn to honour values of sportsmanship and fair play. Through cocurricular activities, students also learn loyalty, commitment and responsibility.
When they grow up, they will work well as a team with others and committed in
serious work.
The school is a micro-society. The everyday social interaction is an excellent
preparation for life in the society outside. In school, students have the
opportunities to interact with other students from varied background, creed and
race. Indirectly, they learn tolerance, acceptance and understanding. The
students also have the opportunity to work and to mingle together. This can help
to foster an open mind and promote unity.
Just mention the word school and images of grades and examinations come to
our mind. Indeed students spend a lot of time and energy preparing and sitting
for examinations. Along with that they gather a string of qualifications as well as
knowledge and skills. They are crucial since they are the stepping stones and the
foundation for the future. They can help students to secure a good job and
successful career.
In short, school does prepare us for life. It helps to nurture and to build strong
character in ourselves. School also prepares students with the necessary tool so
that students can fit into society and contribute positively to the nation and
people in future.
Question: What would you do if you had a lot of money?
When I was small, I often dreamt about being rich as my parents were quite poor.
We had difficulty making ends meet each month. So, if I had a lot of money, I
would certainly fulfill my dreams.
First and foremost, I would buy a house for my parents, preferably a bungalow, in
a quiet town. I would equip the house with the latest technology so that it would
be a smart home. My mother would have a state-of-the-art kitchen as she loves
cooking. I would also get a maid to help her with the household chores. I will
ensure that my family is comfortably settled in this house.

The second thing I would do is to go on a world tour with my parents. I have

never been overseas but I long to see the places I have only read or dreamt
about. First, I would like to visit Europe, especially Italy, the city of romance. I
would visit all the museums and buildings I have heard so much about. My next
stop would be Hong Kong or China. There is something mystical about China and
her people. This would be my dream come true.
Apart from that, I could finally go on a shopping spree, which is my favourite
pastime. Thus far, I could only go window shopping and if I had a lot of money, I
would go into these stores and buy whatever I fancy. Just imagine that for once in
my life, I do not need to look at the prices of the items that I like. I could just
shop till I literally drop. The salesgirls would be hovering near me with their latest
outfits and my wish would be their command. Ah, I would not be ignored
anymore as I walk into their stores!
Besides shopping, I would also remember the poor and the less fortunate. First, I
would certainly build a better home for the orphans in my town. In fact, I would
also sponsor their education till they could stand on their own. They would
receive an allowance monthly and I would definitely take them shopping.
Finally, I would take the opportunity to further my studies. When I was younger,
my parents could not afford to send me overseas. So, I would love to pursue a
course in interior decorating in London and once I graduate, I would like to set up
my own business with the rest of the money.
They say that a fool and his money are soon parted. Thus, I would be very careful
with how I spend my money. I would invest my money with my parents advice
and keep some for rainy days.

Countryside
I think living in the countryside is far better than living in the city. There are
numerous of reasons why living in countryside is the better than the city. The
scenery, the streets, the people and the paced are totally different compare to
the city.

The first outstanding characteristic about the countryside is that it is beautiful

and peaceful. The air is fresh and the surroundings green. This is because the
countryside is free from pollution, be it air, land or noise pollution. There no such
perfect peaceful view that you can see other than in the countryside.
There are no crowded streets and heavy traffic in the countryside. Thus there are
no fumes from cars and smoke from factories buildings to pollute the air. The
trees surrounded the countryside help the people from inhaling the polluted air.
The freshness smell of plant somehow helps the people of the countryside to
have a healthy life.
Furthermore, people in the countryside are more conscious of keeping their
surroundings clean and so there is little throwing of rubbish everywhere, only at
designated places. This is unlike the cities where if the garbage trucks do not
collect the rubbish disposed by household or restaurants, the city will be
overflowing with rubbish! This will attract the mosquitoes, fly, rats and wild dogs
to pollute their surrounding that will cause them to have diseases like dengue
and cholera.
Thirdly, heavy traffic and crowded streets increase the level of noise pollution.
The honking of cars in the streets is continuous and the crowds on the roads
increase the hub of activity. There are also sound of the machine used in
manufacturing factories, loud radio in and out the mall. These add to the noise of
the city. Even if one lives in residential areas, one is never far from busy streets.
However, in the countryside, life is slow-paced. There is no need to rush around
because there are not too many places to go. Most places are close by and
people can walk or cycle. Less vehicle used, so less fumes is released.
The most heart-warming thing about the countryside is the attitude of people.
People are friendly and helpful. If there are any happy or festive occasions,
everyone pitches in to help. This feeling of cooperation and neighbourliness is
what separates the countryside from the city.
In the city, people are too busy to take note of the people around. Some hardly
even know their neighbours. So they would not even be bothered about what
happens to people around. This is why the crime rate is increasing in the city
because bystanders do not rush in to help if a crime is committed on the streets.
The pace of life in the countryside is slow so people have more time to enjoy life
as the day goes on. Thus, for me to enjoy the quality of life, I prefer to live in the
countryside.
489 words
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.