Questions :

Describe what makes you happy and explain why (2015)

Describe an important family celebration and how you felt about it (2014)
Favourite holiday destination
An Unforgettable experience
How I spent my holidays
A holiday I would never forget
Holidays, a time everyone gets hyped up over, parents planning activities for the family to
spend quality time with and school children ( as well as teachers) jumping for joy. Hello, waking up
late, celebrating, goin for tuition and best of all, vacations! In myy case, a holiday I would never
forget is a fruitful one I expereinced five years ago, where my family I spent six days in the land of KPop and ' kimchi '- Korea.

Finally, after ages of waiting, our family arrived in beautiful Korea. Stepping out of the plane, we
could feel the chilly weather to our bones. Never experiencing that kind of weather, my siblings and I
were totally excited. Passing through immigration and baggage claim, we were talking animatedly
about our new surroundings. Since we went with tour group, we knew we were in good hands.

Incident number one. We were supposed to take a bus to check in at the hotel, as instructed. I
guessed I was overeager and without thinking. I ran to a random bus and knocked on the door. The
young bus driver opened the door and looked at me with a puzzled expression. He started asking me
something in Korean, which of course I did not understand. I tried to reply in English, but before I
could make the attempt, my father quickly apologized to the driver and walked me back to the tour
group who was watching from afar, shaking with laughter. It turned out that the bus I was running to
was not the bus we were supposed to take. I dismissed my burning cheeks. I was glad I could be the
butt of everyone's jokes on my first day in a foreign country.

It was a bit past lunch time when we were done checking in our hotel. Not doubt, everybody's
stomachs were grumbling. Thank God after checking in, we were going to have our lunch and do a bit
of sightseeing. While waiting for the others outside the hotel, we walked around nearby. There was a
row of vending machines that sold various snacks and beverages, including Haagen Dazs ice-cream ,
and instant noodles. My mother had a craving for Nescafe, so she spent her first Korrean money on
that.

At the restaurant, a delicious meal was already spread out for us. That was the first time we all
tried kimchi, a spicy and sour vegetable side dish.I did not think it was horrible, buut I preferred the
fish kimchi much better. We all ate using chopsticks, so that was kind or awkward for me and my

siblings, as we were not skilled at using them yet. Being Malaysians, we were used to rice, so it was a
good thing that the Korean meal included rice and a few other side dish, eaten from a Bento box. It
was weird though, the rice was stickier compared to the rice we eat at home, mainly to make it easier
to eat using chopsticks. There was also hot and scumptious miso soup together with the meal. Since
my sister and my brother did not like it much, I finshed up theirs. I gulped the warm soup down my
throat- a nice connntrast from the shivering weather outside.

One of the highlights of our activities that we did in Korea was skiling. Everybody from the tour
group was looking forward to that, even the 52-year old couple traveling with us. Since it was'nt fully
snownig yet, the hill was coverred with artificial snow. After grobbing our ski gear, we listen to a
briefing by the instructor. He was very help ful, especially with us kids annd the elderly couple.

Feeling jumpy and hyperactive, me and my sister made our way to the cable car and successfully
skied down a slope. I thought, " We're natural at this," and my sister could not agree more. When we
came to see how our parents and brother were doing, my brother started to throw a snowball towards
me and my sister. It hit me, and we started having a small snowball fight of our own, just like in the
movies! I guessed we got a bit out of hand and my sister accidentally hit a woman's back. when she
turned around, she had this angry look on her face and started to walk towards us.I hurried my
siblings to continue skiing with our parents,and we ran away before she cold catch us. Breathless, we
giggled innaivety as we recapped the moment.

In a way, skiing is like swimming. Why do I say so? Well, when swimming ,you do not feel
tired , but you would see the effect when you get ravenous and eat more after a session or when you
aintend to tke a nap, but it is extended to long hours. The same goes to skiing. When we arrived at the
hotel after skiing, we were drained out and starving. Instant noodles saved the day! We all ate curryflavoured Maggi together, savouring the memontary pleasure. We also dozed off quite early that
night , right after going for a walk to enjoy the amazing night view of th mountains, and breathing the
cool, fresh winter air.

Shopping in Korea was also different compared to Malaysia. Its malls were packed with small
shops or stalla on every floor. Big boutiques were not seen as much as the quaint kiosks. Nevertheless,
I found shopping at their markets more enjoyable, especially because you could haggle the price.
Their specialities were crystals, fabrics and outerwear. Apart form that, I also liked their wet
markets , mainly because they were very clean and they did not have that fishy smell. I remembered a
shocking incident when walking through the stalls of the wet market. A large fish jumped out its
aquarium and onto the floor. I stared at it and suddenly, I saw a huge cutting knife slicing through the
fish's neck! It was the owner of the stall's doing. Then, the owner left the fish flapping around
lifelessly without a head.

There was also a treasure trove among the stalls of the wet market- a tiny shoop which served
grilled seafood. My family stepped into the shop and ordered some grilled fish and cockles.

After saying our prayers, we devoured our mouth-watering find of the day. Dripped in a type of
souce, the seafood was the best I had ever eaten, as you could taste the freshness. Or maybe I was just
hungry after a full day of activities.

If it was up to me, there were so many things to write on my memorabe trip to Korean. Not onli
we got to spend quality time together as a family, but we also learnt countless new things and even
discovered hidden talents. My father always said we should travel with an open mind and an open
heart. This is when you get to see your capability to adapt to changes. Just enjoy the simple things in
life and be thankful of what you have. So, do just that. Who knows you might discover a part of
yourself you never know existed?

Questions
My Best Friend
The person I admire
Someone Insipiring
Friendship

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.
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.

Questions
The Night Market
My favourite place
One of the most interesting places in Malaysia is the night market. You may visit and experience the
night market yourselves. Both locals and foreigners agree that the night market is the most common
feature in the local society.

The night market begins when the vendors arrive in the late afternoon. More and more goods laden
vans arrive to begin a brisk day of business. Most of the vendors busily set out to set up their stalls
respectively in order to get ready for a brisk day of business.

The sun gradually sets and the night market picks up momentum. More cars and vans are arriving. By
now, the stalls are neatly and strategically arranged to entice their customers. There is an assortment
of goods sold ranging from food, toys and clothes, to name a few. A variety of goods is sold at low
prices.

Large rainbow-coloured parasols are used to shade the people from rain and shine. A concoction of
blaring music can be heard in the night market background amidst the constant shouting. It is an
amazing kaleidoscope of sights, sounds, smells and colours.

The night market is known as a haven by local gourmets who can enjoy various kinds of mouthwatering local cuisine. Still more people arrive, they come from all walks of life, mingling freely and
harmoniously. Crowds are walking up and down in an endless stream. Some of them are stopping by
the stalls and haggling before making purchases. Little children tag along, amused and excited.
Sprinklings of tourists join in to experience the lifestyle of typical Malaysian folks.

When night falls, lighted lamps brighten up the place, they add gaiety to this atmosphere, and it is like
a funfair. The night wears on and the traffic of people recedes. Vendors get a chance to rest their
weary legs besides bantering with each other.

By 10.00 pm, all the stalls call it a day. The vendors pack up and close the van doors. One by one,
they leave, leaving behind pieces of papers, plastic bags and discarded boxes. It us an eyesore!
Finally, the night market disappears. The place becomes quite and still once more.

Note: Night market is known as "pasar malam" in Malay language.

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. 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.