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Essay: A Reflective Piece - Essay -
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 ESSAYS

A R G U M E N TAT I V E DESCRIPTIVE EXPOSITORY

‘People can only feel happy if they feel
06
A R G U M E N TAT I V E

they are treated fairly.’ Do you agree? No.

Writing an Argumentative Essay:

08 Addressing Complex Concepts

HYBRID NARRATIVE PERSONAL

RECOUNT
‘People can only feel happy if they feel
10 they are treated fairly.’ Do you agree? Yes.
Do you think artificial intelligence (AI)

HYBRID
expository
+ personal recount
Which person has had the most positive 32 will become superior to humans one
day? Write about a time when you
impact on your life? Describe this individual’s
12
DESCRIPTIVE

personality and in what ways he or she has felt threatened by AI.

influenced you.
Writing a Hybrid Essay:
Writing a Descriptive Essay (Person): 34 Including Personal Recount in
14 Describing Personality Exposition

Describe a place that has left a deep What are some of the problems that
16 impression on you. What did the place the elderly face in your country?
36
+ descriptive
expository

remind you of and how did it make you feel? Describe an elderly person you know
who has learnt to successfully manage
Writing a Descriptive Essay (Place): these concerns.
18 Appealing Through Emotions
Writing a Hybrid Essay:
38 Exposition with Description
‘Most young people today are obsessed
20
EXPOSITORY
reflective

with fame and imitating celebrities.’

Write about an occasion when
NARRATIVE

What are your views?

40 an ambition strained a relationship.
Writing an Expository Essay:
22 A Reflective Piece - Brainstorming and Writing a Narrative Essay:
Choosing
42 Figurative Language
discursive

24 How important is the virtue of

PERSONAL RECOUNT

tolerance in today’s society? Discuss. ‘It was my proudest moment’. Write

44 about a time when you felt like this.
Writing an Expository Essay:
26 A Discursive Piece - The Art of Elaboration Writing a Personal Recount Essay:
46 Story Structure
Would you rather live in a small nuclear
family or in a larger extended family? Write about a time when you
28 48
personal
response

How has your experience shaped your had to make an important choice.
perception of this?
Writing a Personal Recount Essay:
Writing an Expository Essay: 50 Effective Use of Personal Thoughts
30 A Personal Take - Choice of Personal and Speech
4
Experiences
 READING LANGUAGE
COMPREHENSION EDITING

Analysing Images in the Language Editing:

52 79
V I S UA L T E X T

Visual Text Editing Tips

53 Reading Comprehension Text:

Visual Text A
81 L an gu age E diting Exercise

R e a d i n g Co m p re h e n s i o n SITUATIONAL
54 Qu e s t i o n s
WRITING

Reading Comprehension Text:

55 83

INFORMAL
EMAIL
The Question
Visual Text B

57 R e a d i n g Co m p re h e n s i o n
Qu e s t i o n s
85 The Informal Email

86 Wr itin g an I n for mal Email

Answering Language-Based
FICTION TEXT

58 Questions
88 The Question

ARTICLE
NEWSLETTER
Reading Comprehension Text:
60 Fiction Text A
90 The Newsletter Article
The Volcano

R e a d i n g Co m p re h e n s i o n 91 Wr itin g a N ewsletter A rticle

62 Qu e s t i o n s

Reading Comprehension Text:

MODELME
65 Fiction Text B ESSAY
The Wrath of the Sea
Model Essay A:
67 R e a d i n g Co m p re h e n s i o n 93 The Last Zoo
Qu e s t i o n s
Model Essay B:
95 Building Bridges
70
NON-FICTION TEXT

Managing the Summary Question

Reading Comprehension Text:

71 Non-Fiction Text A
Sloths

R e a d i n g Co m p re h e n s i o n
73 Qu e s t i o n s

Reading Comprehension Text:

75 Non-Fiction Text B
Music

R e a d i n g Co m p re h e n s i o n
77 Qu e s t i o n s

5
 ESSAY A1

No
(2019 GCE O-Level)

Do you agree?

The idea of fairness has long since been a subject of nothing short of the best. He attaches a certain expectation to the
much debate and discussion. Be it at the workplace project in terms of the grade he feels he should attain. This grade
or at home, everyone likes to be treated fairly. When is his perception of what he should achieve for the effort and time
things are going their way, people will grin and say that he has put in, based entirely on his personal yardstick of success.
life is simply great. Otherwise, we would hear them He submits this project and the grade he attains falls short of his
1
lamenting how life is terribly unfair. While this is not expectation. He cries foul, claiming that he has been unfairly treat-
necessarily a bad thing, I do not agree that people can ed. His happiness plunges. What has taken place here is a situ-
only feel happy if they feel they are treated fairly. ation in which Student A will only be happy if the grade he attains
is the grade he deems he should get for the amount of work he
2
The notion of fairness as well as that of happiness is has put in, that is, when the reality meets his expectation. When
subjective, depending on one’s mindset. As one goes this does not happen, he feels that he has been unfairly treated.
3
through life, it is inevitable that he will encounter mo- Moreover, because he links his happiness to his perception of fair-
ments of success and failure. While it is natural for one ness, when a situation such as this happens, his happiness takes
to be able to rejoice at the successes achieved in life, a beating. This cycle repeats each time reality falls short of his
admittedly it may be a little harder for one to stomach expectations. Student B, however, approaches the project with a
the challenges and the accompanying pain. It is often completely different mindset. He enjoys the process of working on
under such circumstances that one will tend to blame the project, despite the challenges he encounters. While he has
others for his misgivings, often citing unfair treatment a certain expectation of the grade he wants to attain, he does not
as the cause of his unhappiness. attach the idea of fairness to his attainment of the grade. In this
situation, should Student B’s actual grade fall short of his expecta-
Let us consider the example of two students working tion, he is less likely to feel that he has been unfairly treated, and
on a school project. Student A spends much of his thus less likely to be unhappy. The key difference between the two
time ploughing through research, making notes and students is their mindset or way of thinking. This has a 4bearing
preparing sophisticated presentations. In his mind, he on their perceived idea of fairness and the consequent impact on
only has one grade that he must achieve and that is their level of happiness.

6
 Word
I am also of the opinion that happiness tion of the project. The employee who has

Bank:
is a journey, not a destination. While it is contributed more may then feel he has
not a crime to regard happiness as the final been unfairly treated and consequently
end point, the desire to reach this destination be unhappy. However, if the employee
may be so overwhelming that one disregards firmly believes that his happiness lies in lamenting:
everything else around him as he frantically his own hands, then he would have de- expressing disappointment
chases happiness. He may lose sight of what rived satisfaction during the process of about something

is important, with happiness being the sole working on the project. He would have
notion:
endpoint of this race he calls life. If he is acquired more knowledge as he went a belief about something
made use of by another in the latter’s pur- about working on the tasks and the com-
suit of his happiness, his first instinct is to feel pletion of the project would have brought
inevitable:
unavoidable
that he has been unfairly treated, simply be- him happiness as he appreciates the ex-
cause his path to happiness has been 5de- perience he has gained through this work bearing:
relevance or relation
railed while the other gets ahead in his race opportunity. This employee will not feel
towards his own happiness. This situation aggrieved by the perceived unfair treat-
derailed:
can be avoided if one views happiness as a ment by the supervisor as his happiness prevented from succeeding
journey. The difference is how one lives his does not depend on his perception of fair
or her life expressing happiness through daily treatment. Thus, despite work situations cumulative:
increasing in quantity by
actions, without the need to feel that there is such as this, if one firmly believes that his successive additions
an end point that must be reached. This hap- happiness is in his control, then that joy
piness radiates from within and is expressed would not be affected by whether others
through the small acts that make up one’s treat him fairly.
6
day. Over time, the cumulative impact of cel-
ebrating such small joys makes an individual One’s happiness index lies very much in
a wholesome and contented being, and his one’s definition of happiness. If an individ-
happiness is most certainly not dependent on ual realises that he is responsible for his
whether he feels he is being treated fairly. own happiness, then it would not matter
as much to him whether he feels he is be-
Some argue that there are circumstances in ing treated fairly, for he would have other
which people can only feel happy if they feel ways of achieving the levels of happiness
they are treated fairly. One such circumstance that he so desires. One who understands
often quoted is in a work setting. Sometimes, that happiness can be experienced along
a situation arises in which two employees are this journey we call life and not solely at
tasked to work on the same project. One com- an end point that must be reached may
pletes a larger amount of quantifiable work also be significantly happy without having
than the other but both receive the same rec- the need to feel that he is fairly treated.
ognition from the supervisor upon the comple- After all, happiness is a choice.

7
Images from VectorMine, oless
ya.g, Aniwhite/Shutterstock.com
 WRITiNG AN ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY

Addressing Complex Concepts

Question: People can only feel happy if they feel they are treated fairly.
Do you agree?

The concept of fairness is an abstract and a complex one. To address this question adequately, one has
to consider what fairness means to different groups or communities of people. According to Arthur Dobrin,
an author and lecturer of Applied Ethics at Hofstra University, fairness can be seen in three different ideas:

If one sees fairness as SAMENESS, everything is equal. Everyone receives

the same treatment. Fairness is finding the average and applying it across the
sameness board. This fairness emphasises on equality of outcome. For example, you will think
it is unfair that an elderly person gets more transport rebates than you (teenager).

If one sees fairness as DESERVEDNESS, then fairness is getting what you

deserve. If you are diligent, smart and talented, you deserve more; if you are
deservedness lazy, indifferent and inept, you deserve less. This fairness emphasises individual
freedom. Hence, you will be terribly upset and think it is unfair if a student in
your class is given good grades despite putting in minimal effort for a project.

If one sees fairness as NEED, then it is fair for those who have more to give
more to help those who are unable to contribute much. Social responsibility and
need compassion are important values in the calculation of fairness here. This fairness
emphasises social justice. Hence, you will be glad to know that the wealthy are
being taxed more to compensate for what the poor are unable to contribute.

8
 WRITiNG AN ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY

In a nutshell, you will need to address how people perceive fairness differently, which is
influenced by a host of factors like one’s experiences, socio-economic background and
nationality. The writer recognises this and mentions this complexity in the ‘No’ essay:

The notion of fairness as well as that of happiness is subjective,

depending on one’s mindset. As one goes through life, it is
inevitable that he will encounter moments of success and failure.
While it is natural for one to be able to rejoice at the successes
achieved in life, admittedly it may be a little harder for one to
stomach the challenges and the accompanying pain. It is often
PARAGRAPH

02
under such circumstances that one will tend to blame others for
his misgivings, often citing unfair treatment as the cause for his
unhappiness.

As with other important values, the notion of fairness will have

to be understood in its different facets. In addition, due to the
complex and enigmatic nature of human behaviour, it is not
always clear if a person will be happy simply because he or she
is treated fairly or if a person will be unhappy because he or she
is treated unfairly. The writer highlights this ambiguity in the ‘No’
essay again in the example in paragraph 5, reproduced below.

One completes a larger amount of quantifiable work than the other

but both receive the same recognition from the supervisor upon
the completion of the project. The employee who has contributed
more may feel he has been unfairly treated and consequently
PARAGRAPH be unhappy. However, if the employee firmly believes that his

05
happiness lies in his own hands, then he would have derived
satisfaction during the process of working on the project. He
would have acquired more knowledge as he went about working
on the tasks and the completion of the project would have
brought him happiness as he appreciates the experience he has
gained through this work opportunity. This employee will not feel
aggrieved by the perceived unfair treatment by the supervisor as
his happiness does not hinge on his perception of fair treatment.

9
 ESSAY A2

(2019 GCE O-Level)

In today’s fast-paced world, human interactions are complete the basic tasks to get the job done. If these two employees
1
often fleeting and impersonal. Many people rush are given the same 2remuneration, the employee who puts in more
about their day, attending to work and personal mat- effort may start to feel that he has been unfairly treated as his contri-
ters. It is in a world such as this that relationships, butions are not recognised. This may cause him to feel less valued as
both at work and at home, become more complex a person, leading to less happiness.
due to poor communication. Depending on the con-
text of the interaction, such miscommunication or Moreover, a disturbing consequence of unfair treatment is psycholog-
misinterpretation may leave one feeling that he or ical distress. For instance, two people who come from different parts
she has not been treated fairly. This, in turn, may of the world may be equally adept at completing the same course of
affect other aspects of one’s life, such as happiness study or working on the same job. Should there be situations in which
and well-being. I agree with the view that people can certain groups of people are excluded, by way of terms and condi-
only be happy if they feel they are treated fairly. tions, from employment or study opportunities, they will feel unfairly
treated. This situation would be further 3aggravated if the candidates
When a person feels that he is not treated fairly, he are equally qualified but some are favoured over others due to rea-
would feel he is not valued, leading to a dip in his sons that are not officially stated. Such situations often occur in cases
happiness. For example, two employees may have of discrimination against certain minority cultural groups in a society,
the same role but they may complete their tasks in such as the discrimination faced by African Americans and migrants
different ways. One may put in the extra hours to in the United States. The sense of unfairness can cause extreme feel-
ensure that his work is of top quality and goes be- ings of anxiety and depression, drastically reducing the happiness of
yond what is required while the other may simply the affected one.
10
 Word
Some people argue that a person’s happiness de- It is important for us to acknowl-

Bank:
pends very much on how he approaches his day-to- edge that the concept of fair
day activities. If he goes about his day working on treatment and its impact on one’s
his tasks with the mindset that he is in control of his happiness cannot be delinked or
thoughts, feelings and actions and accepts others ignored. As humans, we have
fleeting:
and situations as they are, he would not place his emotions and as we go about lasting for a very short time
happiness in the hands of others and would usually life it is inevitable that we come
not be affected by whether he feels that people are across situations, both at home remuneration:
money paid for work or a
treating him fairly. However, perpetuating a culture and at work, in which we may service
of complete acceptance of others may only cause feel that we have not been treat-
people to endure mistreatments and allow them- ed fairly. Consequently, our hap- aggravated:
selves to be controlled by the dominant or more piness may be affected. Hence, made more serious by the
circumstances
powerful cultures or groups of people. The latter just as how we would like to be
can then become a formidable force, causing much treated fairly, we should do the
misery to the rest, as we have read in historical ac- same for others, so that happi-
counts of slavery by the colonial powers and Adolf ness can be felt all round.
Hitler’s ethnic cleansing or genocide. Such cases
of extreme injustice ultimately lead to a drastic loss
of happiness in the affected ones.

11
Images from fizkes, Anikei, naum,
jossnat, Vectormine/Shutterstock.com
 ESSAY D1 Description of a Person

(2019 GCE O-Level)

By Joy Chen

The 1acrid tang of incense lingered in Popo had lived a long life of 95 years, and hardships she and Grandfather
my nostrils as I mechanically helped in one of her most distinctive traits was her used to face, I sensed the com-
the mundane task of folding gold-flecked resilience. She survived the Japanese Oc- mon thread of “never give up”

a
hell notes into the shape of boats, tra- cupation, being a child bride to my grand- throughout her narrative. Grow-
ditionally believed by the Chinese to be father, and losing a son when he served in ing up in this world of disruptive
the design of gold 2ingots. Less than ten the army. She also took on two jobs to sup- technologies and the uncertain-
metres away, a pair of deep-set eyes on port her five children, as her husband was ties ahead, I always try to be as
a serene face looked out from a black and a gambler who only did odd jobs to feed his resilient as my Popo in prepar-
white portrait, and I occasionally lifted my gambling addiction. Throughout it all, Popo ing for the future.
head to look right back into those eyes. quietly went about her day job as a clean-
Behind this portrait lay the mortal remains er in a primary school and a washerwoman Another way Popo inspired me
of the woman whom all of us had gath- for expatriate families in the evenings, often was her sense of commitment
ered to honour and pay our last respects rushing home during lunchtime to prepare to the promises she had made,
to, in a final act of filial piety. My maternal meals for her children. Popo even managed and her relationships with oth-
grandmother, whom I call Popo, and who to save enough money for the whole fami- ers. My mother has mentioned
has had the most positive impact on my ly to move out of the village into one of the that her father was hardly
life, was no longer among the living. new Housing & Development Board (HDB) around as they were growing
flats. Whenever Popo shared with us the up. When they were older, my
12
 Word
mother had asked Popo why she did not leave the corridor of her flat was being repaved,

Bank:
Grandfather. Popo simply answered, “You will she would offer food or drinks to the for-
understand one day the fundamental meaning of eign labourers doing the work. She also
marriage.” Popo held the same sense of respon- gave tokens of money to the cleaners
sibility towards the promises she made. Once, at her block during Chinese New Year,
acrid:
her colleague had asked for her help to cover her although Popo herself was not wealthy. unpleasantly bitter
cleaning duties for a week as she had to make a Perhaps she understood how tough it or pungent

trip home to Malaysia. Unfortunately, Popo, who was to do manual labour, or perhaps she
was usually very strong and healthy, fell sick at was simply happy to share what little she
ingots:
blocks of steel,
the beginning of that week. Although my mother, had with others. In this chaotic world we gold, silver or other
aunts and uncles insisted that she should be re- live in where human relationships are of- metal, typically
oblong in shape
cuperating at home, Popo still dutifully turned up ten tenuous, I often remind myself that a
for work to keep her promise to her colleague. I little kindness can go a long way.
a
hell notes: a form of joss paper
have learnt from Popo to fulfil my promises and printed to resemble legal tender
bank notes, intended to be burnt
always see things through to completion. As I thought about Popo and the life she and offered to the deceased as

had led, I am happy to know that she had part of the traditional Chinese
belief in the afterlife
Popo may only have had primary school edu- lived her life the best way she could. She
cation but her innate kindness towards others is may not be someone who has achieved
not something one learns from books and she great things in the eyes of the world, but
would sometimes be chided by her children for to me, she has been a positive influence
being too trusting of others. For instance, when on my life.
13
Images from, KinokoTagawa, Nezabudkina,
Everett Historical/Shutterstock.com
 WRITiNG A DESCRIPTIVE ESSAY : PERSON

Describing Personality
In this descriptive essay, the writer focuses on describing the personality of her grandmother and she
does this through the use of anecdotes, associations and ‘show, not tell’, to appeal to the readers.

TECHNIQUE DESCRIPTIONS FROM

EXTRACT FROM THETHE ESSAY
ESSAY

1. SHOW, NOT TELL The acrid tang of incense lingered in

my nostrils as I mechanically helped in
The vivid descriptions of the mundane task of folding gold-flecked
incense, hell-notes, black hell-notes into the shape of boats,
and white portrait and mortal traditionally believed by the Chinese to
remains tell us about the be the design of gold ingots. Less than
grandmother’s cultural and ten metres away, a pair of deep-set eyes
religious beliefs. on a serene face looked out from a black
and white portrait, and I occasionally
What are your protagonist’s lifted my head to look right back into those
beliefs? How can you eyes. Behind this portrait lay the mortal
represent these beliefs with remains of the woman whom all of us
familiar objects or places? had gathered to honour and pay our last
respects to, in a final act of filial piety.

14
 WRITiNG A DESCRIPTIVE ESSAY : PERSON

TECHNIQUE EXTRACT FROM THE ESSAY

2. ANECDOTES Once, her colleague had asked for her

help to cover her cleaning duties for a
Stories are used here to week as she had to make a trip home to
interest the reader as well Malaysia. Unfortunately, Popo, who was
as reveal the personality usually very strong and healthy, fell sick
of the grandmother. at the beginning of that week. Although
my mother, aunts and uncles insisted
What are some interesting that she should be recuperating at home,
stories that you might tell Popo still dutifully turned up for work to
about your protagonist? keep her promise to her colleague.

TECHNIQUE EXTRACT FROM THE ESSAY

3. EMOTIONAL APPEAL Popo had lived a long life of 95 years, and

one of her most distinctive traits was her
Reading this account, most resilience. She survived the Japanese
of us would feel sad and Occupation, being a child bride to my
sorry for the protagonist. If grandfather, and losing a son when he
you can evoke your readers’ served in the army. She also took on two
feelings for your characters, jobs to support her five children, as her
then you will get them husband was a gambler who only did
involved in your story. odd jobs to feed his gambling addiction.
Through it all, Popo quietly went about her
What kind of emotions do day job as a cleaner in a primary school
you want to arouse in your and a washerwoman for expatriate families
readers when they read in the evenings, often rushing home
about your protagonist? during lunchtime to prepare meals for her
children.

15
 ESSAY D2 Description of a Place

Describe a place
that has left a deep
impression on you.
What did the place remind
you of and how did it
make you fl?

One of my favourite late-night haunts in Singapore is Malac- pork rib dish of the Hoklo and Teochew Chinese) restaurant in
1
ca Road, an unassuming street home to many hidden gems Singapore, its many returning customers diehard fans of the
and local delights. As a Malaysian working in Singapore, I long, pork-rib bones served in a peppery, garlicky stock - per-
find myself gravitating to this area whenever I feel home- fect comfort food for late-night supper pangs. The rich broth
sick. Deep into the night, time seems to stand still along this and special dipping sauce have become my personal remedy
stretch of road, as traffic on the main thoroughfare passes for times when I feel homesick, as a sip of the fragrant soup
by its tired and weary buildings. The only people who roam instantly summons memories of my mother’s cooking. Having
these streets are nocturnal creatures, only venturing forth become a familiar face to the serving staff, whom I have be-
when night falls; this impression is exacerbated by the warm come acquainted with on a first-name basis, I feel as if it has
street light that bathes their skin sallow. become my second home.

Along this street is a cluster of popular eating places that If I feel like dining in an air-conditioned restaurant, I head to the
draws crowds of locals and tourists alike each night. Tall oldest established dim sum (a style of Chinese cuisine, where
trees and shrubbery muffle the sounds of the patrons at small bite-sized portions of food are served in small steamer
these restaurants, and only those in the know are able to find baskets or plates) restaurant in Singapore, Lee Choon. It has
their way here. One such place is a famous bak kut teh (a more than 40 years of heritage, and as it opens till 6am, it is

16
the perfect supper place for night owls. Right next to it for blessings for all the milestone
Word
Bank:
is Fei Fei Wanton Noodles, famed for its springy but events in my young life. Whenev-
tender egg noodles, and a special soy sauce which er daily living gets me down and
comes from Malaysia. Ah Chiang’s Congee serves I suffer from pangs of homesick-
Hong Kong-styled congee, and the youtiao, the dough ness, I will sit for a few minutes on unassuming:
stick, is freshly deep-fried on the spot. Its signature the stone bench at the entrance of not pretentious; modest
dish is the sliced fish with cuttlefish congee. All these this temple. Soon, an inner peace
are the different types of food I find myself frequently will descend upon me, and I will
incongruously:
in a way that is not in
coming back to this area for, each taste an immediate return home, my spirits soothed. harmony or keeping with
link to my childhood. the surroundings or other
aspects of something
In a fast-paced modern city such
2
Incongruously nestled among these supper haunts as Singapore where buildings
3
philanthropist:
is a Buddhist temple. Built by a local philanthropist, find themselves refurbished in the a person who seeks to
it hosts a number of Buddhist rituals and festivals blink of an eye, the character and promote the welfare of
others, especially through
throughout the year but is also popular with the local ambience of a place may not sur- the generous donation of
devotees for daily worship. This temple is another rea- vive the change. Thus it is com- money to good causes

son why Malacca Road holds a special place in my forting to me to know that Malacca
heart. Back in Malaysia where I grew up, the temple Road is where I can always come
was the centre of all community events. I remember back to, and let time stand still as I
watching Chinese opera with my family at the temple savour the taste of home.
grounds, and offering incense to the Goddess of Mercy
17
Images from gowithstock, Artorn Thongtukit, Nong
Amory, Leks052, fei_illustration/Shutterstock.com
 WRITiNG A DESCRIPTIVE ESSAY : PLACE

Appealing Through Emotions

In this essay, the description of a place is associated with certain emotions. We sometimes associate
places with a particular food, activity or person. What are some emotions that a place can evoke?
According to Robert Plutchik, there are eight basic emotions: joy, trust, fear, surprise, sadness, disgust,
anger and anticipation. If you are wondering what feelings a place can evoke in a person, look at the
wheel of emotions below, which is coordinated in pairs of opposite emotions. Consider whether the
place you have in mind is connected to these emotions.

Plutchik’s wheel of emotions

18
 WRITiNG A DESCRIPTIVE ESSAY : PLACE

Let’s look at how the writer associates a place with particular emotions.

PARAGRAPH 2:
One such place is a famous bak kut teh restaurant
in Singapore...of the long, pork-rib bones served
in a peppery, garlicky stock - perfect comfort food
for late night supper pangs. The rich broth and
special dipping sauce have become my personal
remedy for times when I feel homesick, as a sip
of the fragrant soup instantly summons memories
of my mother’s cooking. Having become a From the writer’s description,
familiar face to the serving staff...I feel as if it has the food and the temple at the
become my second home. particular place are associated
with comfort, familiarity and
home. Hence, we can identify with
the writer’s feelings of serenity,
joy and even anticipation at
these places. The next time you
PARAGRAPH 4: are asked to write about a place,
Incongruously nestled among these supper haunts consider what emotions these
is a Buddhist temple...This temple is another places evoke in you. These
reason why Malacca Road holds a special place are probably feelings that your
in my heart. Back in Malaysia where I grew up, readers can identify with as well.
the temple was the centre of all community events.
I remember watching Chinese opera with my
family at the temple grounds, and offering
incense to the Goddess of Mercy for blessings
for all the milestone events in my young life.
Whenever daily living gets me down and I suffer
from pangs of homesickness, I will sit for a few
minutes on the stone bench at the entrance of
this temple. Soon, an inner peace will descend
upon me, and I will return home, my spirits
soothed.

19
 ESSAY E1

‘most young
people today are
OBSESSED
w i t h fa m e a n d
I M I TAT I NG
celebritie.’
WHAT ARE YOUR VIEWS?
(2019 GCE O-Level)
By Adele Kuek

The word ‘celebrity’ as we understand it today has a different slant environmental or social issues (like Greta Thunberg).
to its Latin predecessor ‘celebritas’, which stems from the root word, Yet, in spite of how fortuitous the road to fame is, the
‘celebre’. While the latter is used to describe the state of being fre- present generation’s quest for fame has only intensi-
quented or honoured, ‘celebrity’ in modern common parlance refers fied with the proliferation of social media. Platforms
to someone who is widely recognised in a given society, but not nec- such as Facebook, Instagram and the latest new-
essarily honoured for a respected achievement or commendable at- comer, TikTok, have already allowed people to be-
tribute. In a similar vein, many young people seeking stardom and come mini-celebrities in their own right as users can
blindly imitating celebrities today are doing so for fame’s sake and gain a cult following by posting flattering photos or
not because of the desire to share with others a special skill or talent. videos of themselves on these platforms. As the sen-
I think that this phenomenon is a deep cause for concern because sation of being followed, admired and adored by the
fame is only an indicator of talent and not an end in itself that can masses is certainly gratifying, many are inspired to
guarantee happiness, as real-life examples have shown. Instead, a have a shot at stardom by continuing to imitate looks
1 2
vacuous obsession with such ideas may be deleterious to the holis- and behaviour of celebrities and publicising personal
tic development of any young person. covers of the latest music and dances surfacing in
popular culture.
In the 21st century, there are no traditional gatekeepers to the club
of the famous. One can rise to fame for just being rich (like the Kar- While the hard work of those who diligently improve
dashians) or more admirably, for boldly speaking out in conviction on themselves in all ways to become successful in the

20
 Society’s Celebrity Obsession

Word
entertainment industry should not be discredit- sism without developing any

Bank:
ed, I am of the view that the chase for fame for its real form of social conscience.
own sake is an unhealthy obsession. Firstly, many The growing celebrity culture
youths fixated with fame are not pursuing it for the draws people away from the
right motivation but instead, subconsciously pursue reality of maturing and grow- vacuous:
it as a form of social acceptance from others. The ing up, and integrating into having or showing a lack
of thought or intelligence;
addiction to the superficial affirmation that ema- society through ordinary oc- mindless
nates from the virtual community may deprive one cupations, which ultimately
of precious time that could be devoted to the dis- serves the common good of
deleterious:
causing harm or damage
covery of one’s true gifts and talents in ways that people.
could serve society. Furthermore, it is disquieting vitriol:
bitter criticism or malice
to observe that many teenagers have become ex- Since it is both detrimental to
cessively dependent on external validation, which the individual and society for augur:
renders them exceptionally vulnerable when faced youths to be blindly chasing (of an event or a circumstance)
to be a sign of a good or bad
with online 3vitriol or harsh criticism from netizens. fame, it is my sincere hope outcome
The recent spate of celebrity suicides in South Ko- that parents, school educators
narcissism:
rea for instance is a case in point. Apart from high- and enlightened youths alike
excessive interest in or
lighting systemic problems in the South Korean can work together to direct admiration of oneself or
one’s physical appearance
entertainment industry, the tragic phenomenon is a each young person to find his
sober reminder to young people of today that be- or her own self-worth in more References

hind the glamour of it all, the life of a celebrity is not meaningful ways than through 1. The fame motive, from The New York Times,
22 August 2006.
a bed of roses. fame. While all human beings
2. These are the 32 biggest stars on TikTok,
do need social acceptance the viral video app teens can’t get enough
of, from Business Insider, 4 November 2019.
From the bigger picture, I also believe that the trend and affirmation, the answer
does not 4augur well for society. In all of the pre- to this need is certainly not
occupation with fame for fame’s sake, the younger an unchecked obsession with
5
generation risks sinking into a culture of narcis- becoming famous.
21
Images from GoodStudio, si Syelvina, pizzastereo, MPetrovskaya, Tartila, Yuliia Husar,
Babayev_Design, Daxiao Productions, sailormoon, Astrovector/Shutterstock.com
 WRITiNG AN EXPOSITORY ESSAY : A REFLECTIVE PIECE

Brainstorming and Choosing

Using Prior Knowledge
Prior knowledge refers to beliefs, experiences and information that one already has before encountering
new information. You will have to read widely to ensure that you have a good amount of prior knowledge
to tap on, that will help you in understanding new information or in this case, in writing an essay.

How do you activate and grow this prior knowledge? You may use the KWL-strategy to help you:

Question: ‘Most young people are obsessed with fame and imitating celebrities.’
What are your views?

KWL Strategy

What do you already know about fame and

imitating celebrities?

Do you imitate celebrities? For instance, do you

What I Know follow their lifestyle, dressing, mannerisms or
even their appearances?

What are some examples of celebrities who

have gained a huge following on social media?

Are there examples of young people who pursue

fame or imitate celebrities?

What I Want to know What is the impact of such an obsession?

Is this obsession healthy? What are some
consequences of such an obsession?

You may want to note down any interesting

What I Learnt opinions or examples from your research that
might be useful in your essay writing.

22
 WRITiNG AN EXPOSITORY ESSAY : A REFLECTIVE PIECE

Choosing the Right Points

After brainstorming, you may have a number of points. You would only need three main points
and thus would have to make a choice on which points to include. To make that choice, you have
to set some criteria.

Here are two criteria set by the writer, in her selection of points.

Criteria Examples from the passage

- …the chase for fame for its own sake is an unhealthy

obsession...many youths fixated with fame…pursue it as
a form of social acceptance from others. The addiction to
the superficial affirmation that emanates from the virtual
1. How significant is community may deprive one of precious time that could be
the point you are devoted to the discovery of one’s true gifts and talents in
making? ways that could serve society. [dire consequence]

- there are dire - …excessively dependent on external validation, which

consequences renders them exceptionally vulnerable [dire consequence]
when faced with online vitriol or harsh criticism from netizens.
The recent spate of celebrity suicides in South Korea for
instance is a case in point. [dire consequence]

- wealthy Kardashians and environmental

activist Greta Thunberg
2. Are there events or examples
that are relevant and authentic? - platforms such as Facebook, Instagram
Will the readers be able to relate and the latest newcomer, TikTok
to them?
- celebrity suicides in South Korea

23
 ESSAY E2
ESSAY B

What are your views?

Every year on 16 November, the world celebrates importance and benefits of tolerance because interaction across
the Day for Tolerance with activities to educate different nationalities, gender, ethnicity and religions brings great-
people on the importance of tolerance and the er economic, social and personal development. A tolerant society
dangers of intolerance. According to the United Na- that enjoys peace and harmony inevitably attracts a greater num-
tions Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisa- ber of talented and creative people, and this yields better econom-
tion (UNESCO), tolerance is respect, acceptance ic outcomes for the host country. Singapore is a small country that
and appreciation for the rich diversity of our world’s has benefited from welcoming people from diverse backgrounds.
culture, our forms of expression and ways of being Her emphasis on tolerance, where everyone is given a fair oppor-
human. Today, greater stress on the equality and tunity to chase his or her dreams regardless of language, race and
dignity of all human beings is putting pressure on religion has helped the country to take great strides in economic,
people to respect the cultures and views of those political and social development.
other than one’s own. In this respect, tolerance is
arguably an important virtue in this globalisation With the advent of the Internet, people question whether a toler-
1
and Internet epoch. ant society can survive. People now have greater access to dis-
courses on minority groups. Popular social media platforms such
Tolerance is critical in a world that is increasingly as YouTube, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, where people are
integrated economically, socially and politically. To- allowed to share their views, are often accelerants of bullying,
day, more people are travelling for work, study and outrage, 2derogatory remarks and 3misogyny. In 2019, a Singa-
leisure and countries are seeing unprecedented porean social media influencer blogged about obstructions cre-
levels of immigration. Most people would see the ated by the white turbans of two Sikh men. Instead of expressing
outrage over her comments in social media, the local Sikh com-
24
munity invited her to learn more about becomes a virtue when it is used by the
Word
Bank:
their traditions. This example shows how just in society to weed out injustice. Exam-
tolerance can be a critical and healing re- ples include Malala Yousafzai who defied
sponse to inflammatory and diverse views the Taliban and advocated the education of
on the Internet. girls, and Greta Thunberg, an environmen- epoch:
tal activist who urged world leaders to take a long period of time,
especially one in which
However, before we conclude that toler- stronger actions to address the climate cri- there are new developments
ance is a prized virtue, we have to bear sis. Even on social media, people express and great change

in mind that tolerance can be a danger- their intolerance towards issues such as derogatory:
ous ideal if it is pursued in the absence of food waste, forest fires, corruption, dis- showing strong disapproval
and not showing respect
justice and reason. Karl Poppers, an Aus- crimination and terrorism. These voices of
trian philosopher, believed that exercising intolerance encourage like-minded people misogyny:
unlimited tolerance towards the intolerant to come together to actively address the feelings of hating women,
or the belief that men are
would destroy a tolerant society. This is challenges of today.
much better than women
echoed in the Nazi atrocities during World
War II and the horrific mass killing at the While tolerance remains an important vir- detrimental:
causing harm or damage
two mosques in Christchurch in 2019 tue that creates an open and humane so-
References
by an Australian who saw himself as a ciety, where people who are different are 1. Community’s vital role in combating

white supremist. We see similar echoes accepted, unlimited tolerance can be 4det- religious intolerance from The Straits
Times, 28 December 2019.
in the massacre of Jews in synagogues rimental to our society. For a society to sur-
2. Does democracy demand the tolerance
and immigrant children being separated vive, it is not merely sufficient to tolerate, of the intolerant? Karl Popper’s paradox
from Open Culture, 29 March 2019.
from their parents and kept in concentra- people must operate on the basis of justice
3. Globalisation and transmission of social
tion-like camps in America. Hence, in such and reason, so that views which incite ha- values: the case of tolerance, from

cases, tolerating the intolerant might bring tred and perpetrate violence and persecu- Research Institute of Industrial
Economics, 2014.
more harm to society. Instead, intolerance tion are dealt with forcefully.
25
Images from GoodStudio, artbesouro, songv,
Kastoluza, TarikVision/Shutterstock.com
 WRITiNG AN EXPOSITORY ESSAY : A DISCURSIVE PIECE

The Art of Elaboration

Elaboration is an important process in developing an idea. It is done by adding information and
details to an existing idea in order to create a more complete and complex discourse.

Question: How important is the virtue of tolerance in today’s society? Discuss.

What’s the main point

How is the point elaborated?
in the paragraph?

Paragraph 3: The elaboration here is done in two parts:

The writer is
claiming that being 1. It is important to explain why it is more challenging
tolerant is difficult in to be tolerant in the virtual world, given that the social
the virtual world but media is frequently used for bullying, outrage, derogatory
is still important. remarks and misogyny.

2. An example on how tolerance is still relevant and

important in the virtual world helps to support the main
point:

Paragraph 3:
In 2019, a Singaporean social media influencer blogged
about obstructions created by the white turbans of
two Sikh men. Instead of expressing outrage over her
comments in social media, the local Sikh community
invited her to learn more about their traditions. This
example shows how tolerance can be a critical and
healing response to inflammatory and diverse views on
the Internet.

26
 WRITiNG AN EXPOSITORY ESSAY : A DISCURSIVE PIECE

What’s the main point

How is the point elaborated?
in the paragraph?

Paragraph 4: The elaboration is done in three parts:

The first main point
here is that tolerance 1. Similar to the elaboration in paragraph 3, you need to
can be a dangerous help the readers make sense of your main point. What
ideal. does it mean to say that tolerance can be a dangerous
ideal? The writer uses what a famous philosopher, Karl
Poppers, said to explain her point.
The second key idea
in this paragraph is 2. To illustrate her point, the writer uses two examples:
that intolerance can Nazi atrocities and the massacre at Christchurch.
be a virtue.
3. To strengthen the main point, the writer shows how the
opposite might also be true: intolerance can be a virtue.
She uses two examples of prominent people to prove this:
Malala Yousafzai and Greta Thunberg.

27
 ESSAY E3

The nuclear family is the norm in middle-class societ- entrusted the care of my cousins to the true masters in caregiving
1
ies today. Unsurprisingly, it is also the family milieu and housekeeping – our grandparents. Moreover, I am in favour of
in which I have grown up. As much as I am grateful having more frequent interactions with many people in the home -
for my life with my family, I would, if I had a choice, my grandparents and relatives (both young and old) - as I believe
stay in a larger extended family. they have much wisdom and practical life advice that I could benefit
from.
From a practical perspective, my preference can
be explained by the simple principle that there is Despite the foregoing, I would however be slow to discount the
strength in numbers. Whether the family extension many benefits of living in a small nuclear family. Living in such a
is vertical (living with grandparents) or lateral (living family usually results in stronger family ties. As the life of a student is
with other relatives), familial help and support is more becoming increasingly hectic in modern day society, each child has
readily accessible with more people living under the limited time to spend with family outside of school activities. Thus,
same roof. I still fatefully recall the period when my since there is only so much quality time I can afford with the family
mother had to take my sister and me to and from in the midst of juggling other commitments, staying in a small family
preschool daily and perform household chores while of four has allowed me to be relationally close to my father, mother
coping with the vicissitudes of working life as a work- and sister. I am also grateful for the individualised attention that my
ing mother in a nuclear family. Had we stayed with parents have been showering on my sister and me since our forma-
our grandparents, she might have had a less stress- tive years, which may not have been possible if we were living in an
ful time like my aunts and uncles in Malaysia who extended family as the latter can generate many more distractions

28
 Word
and even, conflicts. While the successful reso- sustain the closeness of our relationship,

Bank:
lution of such conflicts may strengthen relation- our continued love for one another and
2
ships, I have also heard of how seismic fam- its various manifestations are worth the
ily disputes and fragmentation can arise; and effort. Likewise, for those living with the
how the place one calls home can more easily extended family clan, spending quality milieu:
mutate into a battlefield when a large extended time with one’s immediate family and a person’s social
environment
family divides into cliques while living under the maintaining key communication chan-
same roof. nels can be made more intentional so seismic:
of enormous
that the family maintains strong familial
proportions or effect
While I am more inclined towards living in an ties amidst the possible increase in con-
extended family, I do not discount the fact that flicts and distractions. guises:
a balanced family life can be achieved in both external forms,
3 appearances or
a nuclear family as well as a larger extended Family life takes many shapes and guis- manners of
family. For instance, although my family is nu- es and each type of living arrangement presentation

clear by definition, we often visit our grandpar- comes with its own sets of challenges
ents and relatives especially during the festive and rewards. As for me, since I deeply
holidays and update one another on major cherish kinship and community living, I
events happening in our lives via various tech- prefer living in a larger extended family.
nological means. While it takes more effort to

29
Images from Bahau/Shutterstock.com
 WRITiNG AN EXPOSITORY ESSAY : A PERSONAL TAKE

Choice of Personal Experiences

Question: Would you rather live in a small nuclear family or in a larger extended
family? How has your experience shaped your perception of this?

Mentioning both benefits and drawbacks of each type of family will ensure that your
essay is well balanced. Remember, you are describing your personal experiences
so you should write them from the first-person point of view. It would therefore be
irrelevant to write about how a family unit benefits or disadvantages other members
in the family. Furthermore, you will need to write only experiences that are linked to
living in a small nuclear family or in a larger extended family. Do not be carried away
by writing about your childhood experiences.

In deciding on the personal experiences to write about, it is suitable to highlight how

the members in the family as well as the social and physical environment contribute
to the writer’s preference:

Reason 1:
I still fatefully recall the period when my mother had to take my sister and me
to and from preschool daily and perform household chores while coping with the
vicissitudes of working life as a working mother in a nuclear family. Had we stayed
with our grandparents, she might have had more breathing space like my aunts
and uncles in Malaysia who entrusted the care of my cousins to the true masters in
caregiving and housekeeping – our grandparents.

Reason 2:

Moreover, I am in favour of having more frequent interactions with many people in

the home - my grandparents and relatives (both young and old) - as I believe they
have much wisdom and practical life advice that I could benefit from.

30
 WRITiNG AN EXPOSITORY ESSAY : A PERSONAL TAKE

In paragraph 2, the writer recalls how members of the extended family made a strong
impression on her which gave rise to her preference for a larger extended family.
Highlighting the drawbacks of staying with a small nuclear family (the writer’s mother
had to cope with work, household chores and caring for the children with no help from
other members of the family), helps to strengthen the benefits of staying in a larger
extended family.

In paragraph 3, the writer highlights the emotional and social benefits of staying in a
small nuclear family:

Reason 1:

…staying in a small family of four has allowed me to be relationally close to my father,

mother and sister. I am also grateful for the individualised attention that my parents
have been showering on my sister and me since our formative years...

Reason 2:
...living in an extended family...can generate many more distractions and even, conflicts.
While the successful resolution of such conflicts may strengthen relationships, I have also
heard of how seismic family disputes and fragmentation can arise; and how the place one
calls home can more easily mutate into a battlefield when a large extended family divides
into cliques while living under the same roof.

Here, the writer mentions the benefits of a small nuclear family and the drawbacks of a
larger extended family. In doing so, the writer shows her awareness of the challenges
of staying in a larger extended family. Nevertheless, the writer is undeterred in her
position that a larger extended family is more beneficial in her opinion. The key reason
for this is that she values kinship and community living:

Family life takes many shapes and guises and each type of living arrangement comes
with its own sets of challenges and rewards. As for me, since I deeply cherish kinship
and community living, I prefer living in a larger extended family.

What do you value? What are your values and beliefs? Articulating these will help your
readers understand your reflective process and the reasons for your choice.

31
 ESSAY H1

Do you think

artificial
intelligence
(AI) will become superior
to humans one day?

Write about a time when you

felt threatened by AI. BY SNG EE PING

Does the future belong to AI? We ery and interpreting health data to become the school champion chess play-
shudder to think about the possibility improve diagnosis and treatment. In er. My teachers and parents called me a
that one day artificial intelligence (AI) the military, robots and rovers can at- child chess prodigy and I believed I was.
2
will become so powerful that it will rule tack so swiftly, no human can parry. My teachers frequently arranged match-
over humans. We have benefitted AI also has superior memory capacity es for me with chess players from other
1
from AI’s ubiquitous presence and and processing power; it outperforms schools. At the age of 15, I thought I was
the increasing intelligence of AI takes humans at rule-based games, com- invincible and would soon clinch the title
our breath away. Yet, AI’s rising in- plex calculations and data storage. as the national champion chess player.
telligence also heightens its ability to Would AI become more superior than That was until a friend invited me to play
threaten. humans one day? It seems like a pos- with a chess bot. There has never been a
sibility. worse day. I was beaten with four moves.
The news is replete with accounts of I refused to believe I would be defeated
how AI is replacing humans in vari- As a millennial, I have certainly ben- by a machine, so I continued to play. Af-
ous jobs. AI is replacing journalists as efitted from AI. Siri is always there to ter three hours, frustration and humiliation
news organisations such as New York answer my queries and remind me of reached a tipping point as I lost twen-
Times and Washington Post rely on AI my appointments. Regardless of my ty-five games, winning only once. That
to write. When autonomous vehicles failing memory, face recognition has day, I understood the formidable ability of
are fully in place, those who depend saved me from having to remember AI and set my heart to defeat it one day.
on driving for their livelihood would be numerous passwords. My AI tutor pro-
displaced. Drones are already helping vides me with comprehensive expla- One may argue that humans have the po-
to deliver parcels and letters, reducing nations and solutions to mathematics tential for creativity and imagination that
our reliance on postmen and delivery problem sums within split seconds. a machine does not possess now. Can
men. AI is also making breakthroughs The only time I felt really threatened AI be taught how to create without being
in the medical field such as helping by AI was when I was 15. I had joined guided? At least at this point, AI still has to
to detect diseases more accurately, the school’s chess club at the age of be guided on some parameters of creativ-
aiding in drug research and discov- eight and quickly rose the ranks to ity and experts on the forefront of technol-

32
 Word
ogy doubt AI can develop its sense from interacting with real humans online, but

Bank:
of creativity. While it is true that AI is within less than 24 hours, ‘Tay’ who started with
already in the creative scene, writ- “Hello World” ended up saying, “Hitler was right.
ing songs and painting, its ability is I hate Jews.” ‘Tay’ had to be deactivated. Other
guided by human programmers. A examples include how Google’s photo recogniser
ubiquitous:
truly spontaneous creative feat still marks black people as ‘gorillas’ and HP recogni- seeming to be
remains a human trait. Further- tion cameras cannot recognise Asians. Admitted- everywhere

more, AI has yet to develop emo- ly, biased data will inevitably render AI unreliable.
parry:
tional functions, so it is incapable to defend yourself from
of empathy and experiencing and Hence, being creative, reading emotions, show- a weapon or attack by
pushing the weapon away
understanding the emotions of ing empathy and making the right decisions for
people. Although there are current- an ethnically diverse society, remain AI’s weak- apocalypse:
ly emotion recognition tools that are nesses for now but we cannot be entirely certain a very serious event
resulting in destruction
able to recognise core emotional that these will not become its abilities in the future. and change
states, they are far from accurate. Will AI become more superior than humans one
day? If that day should come, an AI 3apocalypse
transform:
to use skills etc, in a way
More importantly, we cannot ex- that science fiction writers envision might lead to that leads to success
pect AI to make decisions in the human extinction unless we are able to control
References
context of an ethnically diverse so- what we create. What is clear is we want to con- 1. Benefits and risks of artificial
intelligence, from Future of Life
ciety. In fact, it only reveals existing tinue to enjoy the benefits that AI brings and avoid Institute.
tensions and creates new ones. the negative consequences. AI cannot and must
2. Future and automation: key things
Microsoft’s AI chatbot, ‘Tay’, was not be our intellectual surrogate. However smart AI can and can’t do (yet), from
4
modelled to speak like a teenage AI evolves to become, we need to transform this towards Data Science, 29 May 2019.

girl. ‘Tay’ was supposed to become powerful technology into societal power for the 3. How frightened should we be of AI?
From the New Yorker, 14 May 2018.
more human-like and intelligent good of mankind.

33
Images from Bluehousestudio, koya
979, bsd, Inspiring/Shutterstock.com
 WRITiNG A HYBRID ESSAY : EXPOSITORY-PERSONAL RECOUNT

Including Personal Recount in Exposition

This hybrid essay (expository-personal recount) requires an expository text structure with the inclusion of a
personal recount.

How does the writer organise the essay to include both text types? Let’s examine the structure:

PARAGRAPH 2:
The news is replete with accounts of how AI is replacing humans in various
jobs. AI is replacing journalists as news organisations such as New York
Times and Washington Post rely on AI to write. When autonomous vehicles
are fully in place, those who depend on driving for their livelihood would
be displaced. Drones are already helping to deliver parcels and letters,
reducing our reliance on postmen and delivery men. AI is also making
breakthroughs in the medical field such as helping to detect diseases more
accurately, aiding in drug research and discovery and interpreting health There is a fair
data to improve diagnosis and treatment. In the military, robots and rovers distribution of opposing
can attack so swiftly, no human can parry. AI also has superior memory and proposing views in
capacity and processing power; it outperforms humans at rules-based the essay just as in an
games, complex calculations and data storage. Would AI become more exposition.
superior than humans one day? It seems like a possibility.
Paragraphs 2 and 3
PARAGRAPH 3 (PERSONAL RECOUNT): argue for the possibility
As a millennial, I have certainly benefitted from AI. Siri is always there to of AI becoming more
answer my queries and remind me of my appointments. Regardless of my superior than humans.
failing memory, face recognition has saved me from having to remember
numerous passwords. My AI tutor provides me with comprehensive Since the personal
explanations and solutions to mathematics problem sums within split recount is to show
seconds. The only time I felt really threatened by AI was when I was 15. the superiority of AI,
I had joined the school’s chess club at the age of eight and quickly rose it is ideal to write the
the ranks to become the school champion chess player. My teachers and personal recount after
parents called me a child chess prodigy and I believed I was. My teachers establishing that AI
frequently arranged matches for me with chess players from other schools. could possibly be more
At the age of 15, I thought I was invincible and would soon clinch the title superior than humans
as the national champion chess player. That was until a friend invited me one day.
to play with a chess bot. There has never been a worse day. I was beaten
with four moves. I refused to believe I would be defeated by a machine so
I continued to play. For the next three hours, frustration and humiliation
reached a tipping point as I lost twenty-five games, winning only once. That
day, I understood the formidable ability of AI and set my heart to defeat it
one day.

34
 WRITiNG A HYBRID ESSAY : EXPOSITORY-PERSONAL RECOUNT

PARAGRAPH 4:
One may argue that humans have the potential for creativity and imagination Paragraphs 4 and 5
that a machine does not possess now. Can AI be taught how to create state the opposing
without being guided? At least at this point, AI still has to be guided on some views that AI will not
parameters of creativity and experts on the forefront of technology doubt AI be more superior
can develop its sense of creativity. While it is true that AI is already in the than humans.
creative scene, writing songs and painting, its ability is guided by human
programmers. A truly spontaneous creative feat still remains a human trait.
Furthermore, AI has yet to develop emotional functions, so it is incapable
of empathy and experiencing and understanding the emotions of people.
Although there are currently emotion recognition tools that are able to
recognise core emotional states, they are far from accurate.

PARAGRAPH 5:
More importantly, we cannot expect AI to make decisions in the context of
an ethnically diverse society. In fact, it only reveals existing tensions and
creates new ones. Microsoft’s AI chatbot, ‘Tay’, was modelled to speak
like a teenage girl. ‘Tay’ was supposed to become more human-like and
intelligent from interacting with real humans online, but within less than 24
hours, ‘Tay’ who started with “Hello World” ended up saying, “Hitler was
right. I hate Jews.” ‘Tay’ had to be deactivated. Other examples include
how Google’s photo recogniser marks black people as ‘gorillas’ and HP
recognition cameras cannot recognise Asians. Admittedly, biased data will
inevitably render AI unreliable.

35
 ESSAY H2
What are some of the
problems that the elderly
face in your country?
Describe an elderly person
you know who has learnt
to successfully manage
these concerns.
By Foo Ee June

Singapore is a society that is greying. Our challenge with an The isolation that the elderly may feel is not only relative to
1
ageing population in the last two decades has been com- the society they live in. Even at home, if they are fortunate
2
pounded by the problem of an abysmally low birth rate. De- enough to be living with their families, their children and
spite various measures undertaken by the government to grandchildren may be too busy with their own lives to give
boost the birth rate with an eye to arresting the downward the elderly person much attention. Admittedly, the children
spiral of fertility rate, these efforts have seen limited success. sometimes fear letting their elderly parents out while they are
According to statistics released by the Ministry of Health in away at work, out of a concern that they may fall, get into
2014, by 2030, there will be over 900,000 seniors aged 65 accidents or even get scammed by unsavoury characters.
years and above compared to 490,000 in 2016. The issue However well-intended, we also need to consider the emo-
is not just a national one, with the usual concerns about the tional well-being of these elderly persons. Many senior citi-
impact on Singapore’s economy and social structure that the zens simply watch the days go by, with nothing much to do to
silver tsunami may bring. We also need to consider, at the in- keep them meaningfully occupied. According to a study, one
dividual level, the concerns of the elderly people themselves, in five elderly persons aged 75 and above and living at home
who find that they too have to grapple with their own set of showed signs of depression. More worryingly, a 2015 report
challenges. by the Straits Times indicated a staggering 60% increase in
suicide rates among the elderly as compared to the rate in
One problem that the elderly may face in Singapore is social 2000. The isolation that the elderly face is thus on a societal
isolation. They may feel left behind by society. As some of and an individual level, causing many to feel intense loneli-
these senior citizens are probably no longer in employment, ness in their lives.
they may feel a sense of worthlessness as they think they
can no longer be useful members of the society. As for the Another issue confronting the elderly in Singapore is finan-
elderly who are still in the workforce (doing some part-time cial security. Many senior citizens, especially those who are
work perhaps), they are generally perceived to be slower and alone and without family support, fret over their basic liveli-
less agile in their movements. Sadly, even if they manage to hoods. More elderly persons find it imperative to hold on to a
remain gainfully employed, they may be treated with impa- job, no matter how menial, in order to meet day-to-day needs.
tience or even disdain in some cases, by their co-workers. A 2015 Ministry of Manpower Labour Survey found that be-
Many senior citizens appear to have fallen by the wayside in tween 2009 and 2014, there was a 70% jump in the number
our ever progressing, fast-paced society.
36
 Word
of elderly women who worked as cleaners. garden visits and roadshows to reach out

Bank:
The same study also reflected that seven to fellow gardening enthusiasts, other se-
in ten of nearly 100,000 elderly women nior citizens as well as young children. She
earned less than S$2,000 a month. For a also serves as a mentor and role model to
country such as Singapore that is a reput- those who are new to gardening. Madam compounded:
ed economic powerhouse regionally, it is Chan, together with her gardening friends, to make a problem or
difficult situation worse
indeed worrying that our silver generation tends to the shared rooftop garden in one
finds it difficult to make ends meet in their of the apartment blocks. Madam Chan is abysmally:
twilight years and have to take up menial certainly a great example of an elderly per- in an extreme and bad way
3
jobs to eke out a living. son who would say, “Age is but a number!”
She keeps herself mentally, emotionally
eke out (a living):
earn just enough to live on
It is tempting to point an accusing finger and physically healthy doing something
at the authorities and 4exhort them to do she loves and at the same time, staying in exhort:
to strongly encourage or
more to help the elderly. While the au- touch with society. try to persuade someone
thorities can and should implement more to do something

measures to help the ageing members of Singapore is not alone in facing an age-
society, especially in the financial aspects, ing population problem; it is a common ameliorate:
to make a bad or an
it is equally important for the elderly to concern across many developed coun- unpleasant situation better
maintain an active lifestyle and a healthy tries. The challenges that come with old
mindset. Individual responsibility for one’s age are not simply individual concerns but discourse:
spoken or written discussion
physical and mental health will ensure that something that society as a whole needs
the elderly is able to live out their remain- to address and manage. Initiatives by the
References
ing days happily. One good role model is government can 5ameliorate financial con- 1. Sowing the seeds of community bond
ing, retrieved from https://www.
Madam Chan Kieu, who is in her seventies, cerns of the elderly and provide a safety moh.gov.sg/ifeelyoungsg/our-stories/

and is a familiar face in the Jurong estate net to some degree, but at the same time, how-can-i-age-actively/volunteer/sow
ing-the-seeds-of-community-bonding
where I live. Madam Chan is a passionate the elderly need to ensure they keep them- on 16 January 2020.

gardener, and as one of 60 National Parks selves active and healthy, physically and
2. Issues faced by the elderly in
Board (NParks) Community in Bloom (CIB) emotionally. It is part of the national 6dis- Singapore, from National Volunteer
& Philanthropy Centre.
Ambassadors, she has been a dedicated course that the Singapore society needs
volunteer for 11 years. Madam Chan is a to have constantly. After all, everyone, re-
cheerful, feisty lady who regularly hosts gardless of age, has to confront mortality.
37
Images from Moremar, Andrew Rybalko, Kalinin Ilya,
Stmool, Seahorse Vector, YUCALORA/Shutterstock.com
 WRITiNG A HYBRID ESSAY : Expository-Descriptive

Exposition with Description

This hybrid essay requires you to discuss the problems that the elderly face and describe an
elderly who has learnt to manage these problems.

The writer chooses to adopt the structure where paragraphs 2-4 discuss the problems the
elderly face while paragraph 5 is a descriptive paragraph. Let’s examine paragraphs 4 and 5
and understand how an expository paragraph differs from a descriptive one:

Paragraph 4 (Expository):
Another issue confronting the elderly in Singapore is
financial security. Many senior citizens, especially those 1. State the problem.
who are alone and without family support, fret over their (financial security)
basic livelihoods. More elderly persons find it imperative
to hold on to a job, no matter how menial, in order to meet 2. Elaborate on the problem.
day-to-day needs. A 2015 Ministry of Manpower Labour
Survey found that between 2009 and 2014, there was a 3. Provide statistics from a
70% jump in the number of elderly women who worked survey to show how most
as cleaners. The same study also reflected that seven of the elderly people
in ten of nearly 100,000 elderly women earned less than might not enjoy financial
S$2,000 a month. For a country such as Singapore that security.
is a reputed economic powerhouse regionally, it is indeed
worrying that our silver generation finds it difficult to 4. Make a concluding
make ends meet in their twilight years and have to work statement about financial
at menial jobs to eke out a living. security.

38
 WRITiNG A HYBRID ESSAY : Expository-Descriptive

Paragraph 5 (Descriptive):
It is tempting to point an accusing finger at 1. Beginning statements
the authorities and exhort them to do more to to signpost the shift from
help the elderly. While the authorities can and the preceding expository
should implement more measures to help the paragraphs to the
ageing members of society, especially in the descriptive paragraph.

financial aspects, it is equally important for

the elderly to maintain an active lifestyle and
a healthy mindset. Individual responsibility for
one’s physical and mental health will ensure that
the elderly is able to live out their remaining days
happily. One good role model is Madam Chan 2. Description of an elderly
Kieu, who is in her seventies, and is a familiar face person. Use adjectives
in the Jurong estate where I live. Madam Chan is and vivid verbs to make
a passionate gardener, and as one of 60 National your description piquant.
Parks Board (NParks) Community in Bloom (CIB)
Ambassadors, she has been a dedicated volunteer
for 11 years. Madam Chan is a cheerful, feisty lady
who regularly hosts garden visits and roadshows
to reach out to fellow gardening enthusiasts, other
senior citizens as well as young children. She also
serves as a mentor and role model to those who
are new to gardening. Madam Chan, together
with her gardening friends, tends to the rooftop
garden in one of the apartment blocks. Madam
Chan is certainly a great example of an elderly
person who would say, “Age is but a number!” She
keeps herself mentally, emotionally and physically
healthy doing something she loves and at the
same time, staying in touch with society.

39
ESSAY N

NARRATIVE

Write
about an
occasion
when an
ambition
strained a
relationship.
By Jeremy Au Yong

Father usually worked in 1austere silence behind the closed maple Father was examining not a folder of business docu-
wood door, often late into the night after Mother and I had retired for ments but my very own sketchbook. Without looking
the evening. Tonight, however, the door was ajar. I thought I detected up, Father motioned to me. He held my sketchbook up
a faint mechanical moan coming from Father’s study when I passed to the reading lamp.
by. Father called out and beckoned me in.
“This is the view of our garden from the balcony on the
The source of the unusual sound became apparent. There was a third floor, is it not? That is just how the light hits the
brand new paper shredder next to Father’s rosewood desk. Along bougainvillea bushes at sundown. Indeed, you have
with the state-of-the-art LED reading lamp and laptop computer on interpreted the 3mise en scene very well.”
the desk, the 2utilitarian machine was completely at odds with the
Ming Dynasty antiques and Chinese calligraphy decorating Father’s “Thank you, Father.”
study. Neat but imposing piles of files and documents formed a for-
tress on the edge of the desk. Father’s own makeshift Great Wall, “Correct me if I am mistaken,” Father continued with-
I thought, to complete the China-themed decor. If Father was the out taking his eyes off my 4aquarelle sketch, “but I
Emperor of our household, then the new shredder was his robotic seem to have heard Mother mention that you want
royal Pekingese. to study art instead of medicine. You know how ab-
sent-minded Mother can be. She has misinterpreted
something that you might have said, of course?”
40
“Of course.” I examined the swirling 5arabesques on can afford your lifestyle? Can
Word
Bank:
the expensive Persian carpet beneath my bedroom an artist afford the latest de-
slippers. signer sneakers? Does an art-
ist live in a big bungalow with a
“I hear Mother passing by. Why don’t you go and get swimming pool? Leave us now. austere:
(of living conditions or
her? Let’s sort this out.” Father flipped nonchalantly to I want a word with your mother
a way of life) having no
the next page. A portrait of Mother. in private.” comforts or luxuries

It must have been only a few

utilitarian:
“I think that’s one of the maids. Mother’s probably designed to be useful
asleep.” The painterly swirls on the carpet were begin- minutes, but it felt like hours be- or practical rather than
attractive
ning to entwine themselves around my feet. fore Mother emerged from the
study, shutting the door behind mise en scene:
her. “I can still hear shredding,” setting or surroundings
“No, it was Mother. Fetch her, please.”
of a place
I said.
Was it just me or did the Pekingese snuggle closer to
aquarelle:
the technique of painting
the Emperor in the moments that it had taken me to “Shredding?” Mother did not with thin, transparent
look me in the eye. “Don’t jump watercolours
return to the study, Mother in tow? It seemed to emit a
low growl of satisfaction, like a pampered pet that had to conclusions, boy. Your father arabesques:
just been fed by its indulgent owner. is only getting rid of outdated ornamental designs
consisting of intertwined
business documents. Try to un- flowing lines, originally
There was no sign of my sketchbook. It was Mother’s derstand things from his point found in ancient Islamic art

turn to be interrogated. “Do you remember, my dear, of view, boy. Your father only
vortex:
what the afengshui bsifu said when our son was born at wants the best for you.” a whirling mass of fluid or
air, especially a whirlpool
the tail end of the tiger year? Sifu foretold a flaw in his
or whirlwind
ba zi. Sifu warned us that we must guide him towards I did not bother to find out what
c

what is proper, lest he drift in the wrong direction.” it was that the Emperor fed his stifling:
Pekingese that night. Our rela- making one feel
onstrained or oppressed
“Perhaps these predictions are open to interpretation,” tionship as father and son had
replied Mother diplomatically. Father sighed. He was been shredded beyond repair. a
fengshui: (in Chinese thought) a system of
laws considered to govern spatial arrange-
accustomed to Mother deferring to him in all matters. I did not need the help of Fa- ment and orientation in relation to the flow

“Is it Sifu, your Mother or I who has misread the signs, ther’s new shredder to tear up of energy (chi), and whose favourable or
unfavourable effects are taken into account
my son?” my acceptance letter to medi- when siting and designing buildings

cal school. I knew it would not

b
sifu: a Chinese word which is a title for

The arabesques were turning ever more complex spi- be easy, but I was determined and role of a skilful person or a master

rals. Greens merged into reds as the carpet became a to leave the 7stifling safety of ba zi: (in Chinese) study of one’s destiny,
c

6
vortex of painterly swirls. The shredder continued to Father’s Forbidden Palace. based on Chinese metaphysics

growl as Father droned on. “How do you think an artist

41
Images from Ansty, Happypictures, lisheng2121, prettyvectors,
SeaSandwich, NotionPic, marrishuanna/Shutterstock.com
 WRITING A NARRATIVE ESSAY

Figurative Language
Figurative language is commonly used in narratives to describe something. It is usually done by
comparing a person or object to something else or by creating mental images with words. Figurative
language allows writers to express abstract ideas and helps to convey complex emotions through
humour. It also helps to trigger an emotional response in your readers, making your story more
memorable. Figurative language also makes your essay more ‘colourful’ and interesting.

simile

metaphor

Some examples
of figurative
language

personification

paradox

42
 WRITiNG A NARRATIVE ESSAY

Let’s look at some examples of figurative language used in this narrative.

Paragraph 2: Figurative Language: Metaphor

Neat but imposing piles of files and
documents formed a fortress on Here, a comparison is made between the
the edge of the desk. Father’s own piles of files and documents to the Great
makeshift Great Wall, I thought, to Wall of China. Most people would know
complete the China-themed decor. what the Great Wall looks like and can
If Father was the Emperor of our conclude that there must be a huge pile of
household, then the shredder was files and documents.
his robotic royal Pekingese.
How about the other two metaphors in this
paragraph? What does the writer want the
reader to know about his father?

Paragraph 11: Figurative Language: Simile

Was it just me or did the Pekingese
snuggle closer to the Emperor in Here, the writer likens the shredder to a
the moments that it had taken me to pampered dog (Pekingese) which carries
return to the study, Mother in tow? undertones of sarcasm and humour, and
It seemed to emit a low growl points to something even more terrifying –
of satisfaction, like a pampered that the writer’s art pieces have been put
pet that had just been fed by its into the shredder.
indulgent owner.

Paragraph 20: Figurative Language: Personification

The arabesques were turning ever
more complex spirals. Greens Here the shredder, an inanimate object, is
merged into reds as the carpet given life. The shredder growls as if it is a
became a vortex of painterly swirls. living dog. The use of personification adds
The shredder continued to growl to the hopelessness of the situation as
as Father droned on. the shredder which has a life of its own is
being fed to satisfy its insatiable appetite.

43
 ‘It was my
ESSAY P1

proudest moment.’
Write about a time when you felt like this
(2019 GCE O LEVEL) BY RICK TAN

‘Genius’ is not a term commonly used to describe ordinary individu- stowing them all away in a small drawer. So, when
1
als. My elder brother was not ordinary. His precociousness showed a friend whom I invited to my house chanced upon
from a young age; while other children in his kindergarten group these stories, I was surprised as he started to praise
would run outside to catch butterflies or play with leaves, he stayed them.
indoors, reading books on algebra and classical mechanics.
“These stories are magical! They take me to a world
2
As for me, one could say I was the complete antithesis to my broth- of fantasy and imagination! Why don’t you submit
er. I much preferred reading and writing, though the difference was them to a writing competition?” my friend excitedly
that while my brother scored excellently across the board for all sub- asked. Sceptical, I politely declined his suggestion,
jects, my scores for mathematics and science never once broke the but my friend insisted that the stories were worthy
two-digit barrier across my secondary school days. enough to merit a prize. Finally, I decided to partici-
pate in a small neighbourhood story-writing competi-
3
These dichotomous results meant I was always subject to painful tion, telling myself that it was for the fun of it and not
comparisons with my brother. “Rick always fails his maths exams. to win any prizes. I clearly had a fear of having any
His brother, however, scores all As!” my mother would often exclaim expectations to prepare me for the disappointment
to my relatives during family gatherings. My dear brother would try that would follow.
to play down the flattering compliments. I knew that he cared for my
feelings, more than anyone else at home. However, I would still be My plan was to write a fantasy fiction story, much like
left feeling completely humiliated each time. the Ficciones, the collection of fantasy fiction by my
favourite author, Jorge Luis Borges. I themed my sto-
Years later, my brother earned a scholarship to study abroad. The ry around the concept of exploration - new islands,
comparisons slowly dwindled, but I could not help but feel that my fantastical creatures, shimmering rainbow-coloured
4
parents still looked upon me as a disappointment. To assuage my shards and a cornucopia of other ideas I could think
internal sense of inferiority, I spent most of my time buried in books of. My years of reading certainly helped to 5catalyse
or with paper and pen, writing short fiction stories, and subsequently my imaginative spirit and improve my writing fluen-
cy. After a week of intense writing and vetting, I pro-
44 duced my draft for submission.
 Word
The prize-presentation ceremony came I was stunned. My whole body froze for a
about a few days later and all participants moment, then a feeling of burning, erupt-
were invited to attend. Instead of informing
my parents about it, I decided to go for it
ing jubilation took over. I ran to the stage,
hands still shaking, and collected my prize.
Bank:
alone, without their knowledge, quite sure I Seeing the audience applauding in front of
would not win anything. Seated at the cere- me, I could feel tears welling up in my eyes,
precociousness:
unusually advanced or
mony were about 30 teenagers, all around about to flow down my cheeks. As I made mature in development,
especially mental
the same age as me, fidgeting and waiting my way down the stage, I knew there was development
silently for the results. Finally, the host start- someone I wanted to break this news to. I
ed to speak. called my brother. antithesis:
a person or thing that is the
direct opposite of someone
“We had 32 submissions this year, and the “I always knew you could do it, Rick! Don’t or something else

best ten submissions will receive an award let Mum or Dad’s words dampen your spir-
today.” The announcement of results began. its. This award shows that you are, in your
dichotomous:
of a contrast between two
I waited, as name after name was called out own right, a genius too. Be proud of your- completely opposite ideas
or things
for the tenth to third position, skipping mine. self.” My brother’s words sank deeply into
Then the second prize was awarded, and my mind. He was right - I too, could be a assuage:
my name still was not called. I knew that genius. satisfy (an appetite or desire)
was the end of the road for me.
That day, I proved the world wrong. It was catalyse:
“The submission that is in the first place this the proudest day of my life. accelerate

year is clearly a league above the rest. The

panel felt that this story was good enough to
even be submitted to a national competition.
Congratulations… Rick Tan!”

45
Images from ClassicVector, Macrovector,
robuart, greenpic.studio/Shutterstock.com
 WRITING A PERSONAL RECOUNT ESSAY

Story Structure
Stories are a wonderful way of communicating your messages. Well-crafted stories are engaging and
impactful. In some instances, they can be life-changing too! What are some key elements in a story
structure that you should use if you want your next piece of writing to be successful? Let’s look at Paul
Smith’s CAR-story structure template (2012):

Questions From the essay...

Pre-story • What main idea are you Thinking about what messages you want
trying to communicate? to convey through your story is often a
great way to start. In this essay, we can
• What do you want your identify three possible key messages:
audience to DO as a
result of your story? 1. Excellent academic results do not
always reflect one’s true abilities.

2. There can be success if one is willing

to pursue his or her dreams.

3. Do not allow discouraging/hurtful

words to hinder you from pursuing
your dreams.

46
 WRITiNG A PERSONAL RECOUNT ESSAY

Questions From the essay...

Context • When and where? The protagonist’s passion is in writing.

However, the perception of his parents
Subject • Who is the Subject? and of himself blinded him from
 Hero is real/you believing in his work.
Treasure  Audience: “Hey! That could be me!”
Paragraph 4:
C
Obstacle • What do you want? The comparisons slowly dwindled,
 Identify your passion or Treasure. but I could not help but feel that my
parents still looked upon me as a
A
• Who or what is getting in your way? disappointment. To assuage my internal
 Identify the villain or Obstacle. sense of inferiority, I spent most of my
R time buried in books or with paper and
pen, writing short fiction stories, and
subsequently stowing them all away in
S a small drawer.

Action • What happened to you? The action of the story or the

T What is the Action? turning point is when the protagonist
Conflict? Temporary setbacks? participated in a writing competition.
Ups and downs along the way?
O Research done? Conclusions
drawn?

R
Result • What happened to you in the end? The protagonist came in first in the
What is the Result? Did you win, writing competition and this reinforces
Right lose, succeed or fail? the three intended messages of the
Y
Lesson writer.
• Right lesson: This is the moral of
Why the story.

• Conclusion should link back to the

reason Why you told the story (the
main idea) and compel the audience
to DO what you wanted to do.

(CAR-story structure is adapted from ‘Lead with a Story’ by Paul Smith, 2012)

47
 ESSAY P2

Write about a
time when you
had to make an
important choice.

By u Yong
J eremy A

“Don’t go. I’m begging you.” police. A young woman had been blinded by a rubber bullet. A
teenage boy had been shot in the leg. I, too, was frightened.
1
Ma’s plaintive voice was barely a whisper but it rang in Staying home would not only 3allay Ma’s fears, but my own as
my heart louder than the fog horns sounded by the ships well.
at Victoria Harbour, Hong Kong. The glow of the setting
sun streaming in through the window grilles set the tears However, how could I ever rest easy knowing that I had 4re-
on her cheeks aglow. I almost could not bear the sight. If neged on doing what was right? I could not bear to see the tears
only there was a way to do my part without making Ma cry. in my beloved Ma’s eyes at that moment, but how could I ever
I began to attempt to explain that I did not have a choice look myself in the mirror ever again if I did not get out there to
but I stopped myself. The truth was, I did have a choice. join the righteous fight for my beloved city’s freedom?
I could stay even if it meant turning my back on my com-
rades and my city. “Why must you go? There are enough people already.”

If I stayed, I would be setting Ma’s mind at ease. Ma was Ma had a point. Would it really make a difference, one more or
sick with worry. There had been news of tear gas and rub- one less person? In the big scheme of things, my contribution
2
ber bullets indiscriminately fired to subdue the crowds. An would be a mere drop in the proverbial ocean. As part of the
innocent girl had been savagely beaten by a group of riot protesting crowd, I would be no more than a relatively insignifi-

48
cant speck. To my Ma, however, I was her through the window of our little flat. The
Word
Bank:
entire world. Was it really worth my while collective murmur of unrest seemed to
to risk life and limb out there on the mean be chastising me for even considering
streets? the cowardly option. My people needed
me. My brothers and sisters were fight- plaintive:
5 sounding sad and mournful
The philosopher Edmund Burke once ing the good fight while I dithered over
said, “All that is required for evil to triumph what ought to be an obvious decision. indiscriminately:
is for good men to do nothing.” If we lost to done at random or without
careful judgement
the powers that be, could I really live with Ma sobbed softly as I checked the con-
myself knowing that I had not even tried to tents of my backpack. I slipped on my
allay:
help? If we won, what right would I have black T-shirt. I willed my hands to stop diminish or put at rest
to enjoy the freedom hard fought and hard trembling as I slid them into my protec- (fear, suspicion or worry)

won by others? tive gloves. I put my goggles on and reneged:

fastened the chin strap of my helmet. went back on a promise,
undertaking or contract
Along with the glow of the setting sun, Before I pulled my mask on over my
the sound of distant disquiet wafted in lips, I kissed Ma goodbye.
dithered:
behaved indecisively

49
Images from Robert Adrian Hillman, Oceloti,
Kseniia Fast, parose/Shutterstock.com
 WRITING A PERSONAL RECOUNT ESSAY

Effective Use of Personal Thoughts and Speech

Rather than narrating the events, you could describe the personal thoughts and words of the protagonist
as he processes problems and dilemmas in his mind. To add realism and complexity to your character,
you can show the internal conflict when the inner voice is different from the external voice.

Here are some examples on how that the writer portrays the personal thoughts of the protagonist.

From the essay... What can we learn about the use

of personal thought and speech?

Paragraph 2:
I began to attempt to explain that I Here is an example of how the
did not have a choice but I stopped inner voice is different from the
myself. The truth was, I did have a external voice. Highlighting the
choice. I could stay even if it meant internal conflict of your character
turning my back on my comrades this way makes your character
and my city. come ‘alive’!

50
 WRITiNG A PERSONAL RECOUNT ESSAY

From the essay...

Paragraph 3:
If I stayed, I would be setting Ma’s mind at ease. Ma was sick with worry. There had been news of tear gas
and rubber bullets indiscriminately fired to subdue the crowds. An innocent girl had been savagely beaten by
a group of riot police. A young woman had been blinded by a rubber bullet. A teenage boy had been shot in
the leg. I, too, was frightened. Staying home would not only allay Ma’s fears, but my own as well.

Paragraph 4:
However, how could I ever rest easy knowing that What can we learn about the use
of personal thought and speech?
I had reneged on doing what was right? I could not
bear to see the tears in my beloved Ma’s eyes at
Personal thought and speech dominate about
that moment, but how could I ever look myself in the
75% of this essay and here is what this technique
mirror ever again if I did not get out there to join the
achieves:
righteous fight for my beloved city’s freedom?
1. Shows the dilemma of the protagonist as he
Paragraph 6: weighs the pros and cons of staying. We can
Ma had a point. Would it really make a difference, infer from this that the decision to go was not
one more or one less person? In the big scheme of an easy one.
things, my contribution would be a mere drop in the
proverbial ocean. As part of the protesting crowd, 2. Shows the character development of the
I would be no more than a relatively insignificant protagonist. He was concerned about his
speck. To my Ma, however, I was her entire world. mother and his own safety but was persuaded
Was it really worth my while to risk life and limb out by the need to fight for his country. It is
there on the mean streets? important to note that your hero or villain in
the story does not have to be a flat character.
Paragraph 7: Characters that change in your story are more
The philosopher Edmund Burke once said, “All that interesting to read.
is required for evil to triumph is for good men to do
nothing.” If we lost to the powers that be, could I 3. The readers are intimately acquainted with the
really live with myself knowing that I had not even protagonist as his struggles are revealed.
tried to help? If we won, what right would I have
to enjoy the freedom hard fought and hard won by 4. These personal thoughts and speech advance
others? the plot without the writer having to narrate
the events.

What are some new pointers

metacognitive
about writing essays that
you have noted?
 READIN G
COMPREHENSION
Visual Text

Analysing Images in the Visual Text

Ever wondered why the visual text is sometimes the hardest to read and understand? It is because
often we do not put ourselves in the shoes of the creator of the webpage or advertisement. We have
often written about author’s intent, so for a visual text, once you identify the writer’s intent, you will
understand the text better.

For Visual Text B in this issue on page 55, let us analyse why the designer, probably together with
the content writer of the website, decided to choose that particular image:

1) What is the image about?

This is first of all, a photograph of the participants of the Senior Academy who have just
graduated and received their certificate of completion. Why do we say this?

(a) The backdrop behind the graduates partially shows the words ‘Senior Academy’.
(b) We can also make out the word ‘Congratulations’ on the backdrop.
(c) The graduates have also been captured by the photographer at the pinnacle moment
of throwing up their mortarboards in celebration of their successful completion.
(d) They also do look like the group described to us, in other words, ‘Senior’.
(e) Many of them are holding scrolls, which typically contain certificates.
(f) The expressions on their faces also depict their exuberance on the successful completion
of their course.

2) Why was this image chosen?

Once we have analysed the photograph, it is prudent to ask the key question: why did the
designer and content creator choose this image?
(a) It is likely that it marks that significant moment when the seniors completed their
programme which would give the audience/ readers hope that they too can be there
one day, receiving their certificate and successfully completing the very same course.

(b) It is also to signal the joy as expressed on the faces of the participants that
participating in such a programme and succeeding in it, brings pure joy. This will
entice the audience/reader to want to attempt similar programmes.

Thus, through observation, analysis and a clear understanding of Purpose, Audience and Context,
you will be able to understand better the choices that designers, photographers and webpage content
developers make.

52
 READIN G
COMPREHENSION
Visual Text A

Take the road less travelled with guides who are experts of the city. The brainchild of one military
historian and several precocious enfants terribles of Singapore’s heritage-education scene,be
thoroughly entertained as you visit cultural and historical enclaves, while affable researcher-
guides, through skilful storytelling and the use of archival images, regale you with juicy insights to
local society and traditions.

With a different tour guaranteed to run most days of the week,

you only need to turn up at the meeting point (mostly at MRT
station exits), on the scheduled day / time, pay the guide / flash
your online booking confirmation and off you go!

NOTE:
Our tours do not run on public holidays – please refer to the list of public holidays below.

Public Holidays in 2020: 1 JAN, 25 JAN, 27 JAN, 10 APR, 1 MAY, 7 MAY, 25 MAY, 31 JUL,
Be treated to a fascinating and deeply-enriching 10 AUG, 14 NOV, 25 DEC 2020
tour experience – our guides are known to walk
the talk (quite literally!). Journey through hidden *Please note that guides and trainee guides are not allowed to join the tours, without
corners of Singapore and discover the historical express written permission.​
significance of the sites you encounter, coupled
with witty observations on culture, tradition,
architecture…the list goes on!

Image modified from https://www.journeys.com.sg/tosw/our-tours/ 53

 Reading COMPREHENSION VISUAL TEXT A

READING COMPREHENSION:
VISUAL TEXT A

Refer to Visual Text A on page 53 and answer the following questions. [5 marks]

1. Why do you think the word, ‘original’ is featured in the heading THE ORIGINAL SINGAPORE WALKS.
[language use]

[1]

2. Refer to the section detailing the type of guides the company has and note how the guides’ expertise
has been portrayed. Which two skills are prominently mentioned?
[literal]

Tip: Look for particular traits that showcase the guides’ abilities.

(i)

(ii)
[2]

3. Look at the call to ‘check out’ the line-up of much-loved tours. How does the main picture entice
the audience to consider signing up for one or more tours?
[inferential]

Tip: Look carefully at the attractions shown in the main picture and infer the response of the audience.

[1]

4. Which sentence gives the overall purpose of the webpage?

[inferential]

[1]

54
READIN G
COMPREHENSION
Visual Text B

55
 READIN G
COMPREHENSION

Visual Text B

Image modified from https://www.pa.gov.sg/our-programmes/lifeskills-and-lifestyle/senior-academy

56
 Reading COMPREHENSION VISUAL TEXT B

READING COMPREHENSION:
VISUAL TEXT B

Refer to Visual Text B on pages 55-56 and answer the following questions. [5 marks]

1. It only costs senior Singaporeans $10-$20 to enrol in the PA Senior Academy Certification
programme, and they can choose to participate in the programme at any of the 20 satellite
Community Clubs.

In the paragraph immediately below the heading Senior Academy Certificate, there are two
words which reflect the essence of the statement above. Write down the two words.

(i)

(ii) [2]

2. Explain how the picture conveys the message of the webpage.

Tip: There is always an intent to highlight something specific when a particular photograph is chosen.
You are required to read the details of the webpage to determine the photographer’s reasons for
selecting this image.

[2]

3. What is one way in which the PA Senior Academy motivates seniors who sign up to complete
the academic programme?

[1]

57
 READIN G
COMPREHENSION
FICTION TEXT

Answering Language-Based Questions

When learning how to answer inferential questions, students often hear the following advice:

• ‘read between the lines’;

• ‘use contextual clues’; and
• ‘tap into your prior knowledge’.

While this advice is useful, students find it hard to apply.

For example, in the 2018 O Level Comprehension paper, the question asks the following;

From Paragraph 3, we are told that the wind sometimes ‘would roar and buffet, as if
charging at Joe and his father’.

(i) What is the writer comparing the wind with?

(ii) Why is it effective?

You should realise that this is not just a language question; in fact, you should infer from the words
‘roar’ and ‘charging’, or as many would say, you need to ‘read between the lines’, ‘use contextual
clues’ and ‘use your prior knowledge’.

What these actually mean is that, you should practise the following skills:

1) Understanding vocabulary and tapping into prior knowledge (an inference skill)

‘Roar’:
• You first ask, what does ‘roar’ mean?
It is an angry growl like that of a lion.

• You understand the meaning of the word and you make inferences from prior knowledge
of the word ‘roar’, suggesting anger.

‘Charge’:

• Similarly, what does ‘charge’ mean?

It refers to a forward, fast movement towards something.

• Again, using your understanding of the word, make inferences from prior knowledge of
the word ‘charge’, suggesting a rush, like an attack-related act.

• You might have even, rightly, connected the word ‘charge’ to the charging of soldiers
during wartime which required you to tap into your prior knowledge. You might also link
the word to bulls charging fiercely.

58
 READIN G
COMPREHENSION

2) Reading between the lines and using contextual clues (an inference skill)

Now, you have to refer to the context of the paragraph –what contextual clues
are provided?

There are many types of contextual clues:

• it could be clues in the form of other vocabulary;

• in the form of evidence; and
• in the form of the story or plot itself.

Sometimes these clues may not even be within the paragraph.

For the question above, there is a hint in paragraph 3 of a storm by occasionally
showing an anger or a sense of anxiety to want to charge.

So what are the answers?

From Paragraph 3, we are told that the wind sometimes ‘would roar and buffet,
as if charging at Joe and his father’.

(iii) What is the writer comparing the wind with?

Answer: He is comparing it to a wild and aggressive animal.

Do you now know how you arrived at this answer?

(iv) Why is it effective?

Answer: It shows how fierce and dangerous the wind was.

59
 The Volcano
By Adriel Nee

In this text, two young men descend a volcano when a volcanic

“Let go!” Jim screamed his lungs out as his 3
eruption occurs.
eyes widened in alarm at the sight of the bil-
1 “We’re a little more than halfway down!” Jim cupped his grimy lows of black smoke ballooning sinisterly from
hands into the shape of a megaphone and hollered excitedly at the crater of the volcano.
the top of his voice. However, to Larry, whose silhouette was
barely visible in the clouds enshrouding the tip of the volcano, “I can’t! I’m still too high up!” Larry was sure 30 4
5 Jim’s 1inspiriting words sounded like muffled static on a radio. 6
that nobody heard him but his quavery reply
Squinting into the seemingly bottomless descent, Larry could temporarily 7inveigled him into believing his
make out Jim’s flailing arms. Taking a stab in the dark that Jim instinctive inclination of not letting go. How-
was waiting for a response, Larry stuck a thumbs-up high in the ever, the blue sky that was just above Larry
air before continuing his 2precipitous descent – precariously had suddenly been 8obliviated in the blink of 35

10 lowering himself with his hands locked firmly around the rope an eye, leaving nothing but darkness loom-
and his shoes shovelled deep into the gravel. ing over him. Time was ticking to the tune
of the high-pitched ringing in Larry’s ears as
2 All of a sudden, Jim seemingly lost all control over his body as the ominous black clouds hurtled towards
it forcefully lurched forward and crashed into the dirt like a robot him like gargantuan fists ready to crush him 40
that had completely run out of battery. However, it was not 3lassi- if he did not release the rope and fall to the
15 tude that had taken his body hostage but rather a violent rumble earth. After watching the beads of sweat from
from the belly of the slumbering beast that shook the ground his forehead escape the smothering heat by
beneath his feet and threw him off balance. Jim was snared to freefalling down, Larry took a deep breath and
the quaking ground as the tremors from below coiled and con- followed suit. 45

stricted like serpents around his four limbs and caused them
20 to wobble like jelly. In the distance, Larry looked like a helpless A part of Jim winced excruciatingly at the 5
spider clinging on to its last thread of web for dear life as he was thought of the horrific sounds of snapping
being flung around. Larry’s 4fraught cries for help were silenced bones as he watched Larry tumble down like
by a deafening explosion that suspended them in a moment of a ragdoll, while the other part was relieved that
shell-shock – their ears pierced like the unaccustomed ears of Larry had let go in the nick of time – right be- 50
5
25 unfledged soldiers being bombarded in a warzone. fore the bulbous plumes of smoke split open
like onions along their red veins and released
60 bursts of raging fire vandalising the sky with
 READIN G
COMPREHENSION

Fiction Text A

shades of orange and red. Larry feebly right into the view of the ravenous
Word
Bank:
55 picked himself up, completely unscathed lava. It bubbled with excitement
except for his skin that had been vicious- as soon as it had tasted the aban- 85

ly bitten all over by the sharp, teeth-like doned bags and then devoured
rocks that attacked at every chance. How- them completely. However, the sac- inspiriting:
encouraging and enlivening
ever, danger was still hot on their heels as rifice of their bags was all for naught
60 viscous lava spewed out of the mouth of as the lava’s appetite for destruction precipitous:
dangerously high or steep
the volcano like a wall of water gushing was insatiable, disintegrating every- 90
from a broken dam. thing in its path and creating its own lassitude:
a state of physical or mental
contours in the earth’s surface.
weariness; lack of energy
6 Jim screamed and gesticulated wildly at
the rapidly approaching lava, beckoning Through the blindfold of soot that 8
fraught:
causing or affected by
65 Larry to run towards his direction. With- had been wrapped over their eyes, anxiety or stress
out taking a second glance, Larry bolted Larry and Jim spotted a fine, blue 95
unfledged:
as fast as his exhausted legs could car- line in the horizon cutting across the inexperienced; youthful
ry him. However, even though they were smog. Despite their legs feeling as
quavery:
given a head start, the molten river had though there were anchors in tow, shaky or unsteady, typically
70 caught up until it was breathing searing Larry and Jim made one final burst through nervousness or
emotion
steam down their necks. It felt as though towards the ocean. Just as the lava 100

they had been trapped on an endless 10

nicked the back of their shoes, inveigled:
persuaded (someone) to do
treadmill in a sweltering sauna. To wear they leaped into the ocean, the blast something by means of
them down even more, the volcano start- of cold water washing them over deception or flattery
9
75 ed pelting them with showers of flames, with relief. The volcano continued obliviated:
which pricked their skin like needles. to launch flames and lava into the 105 to forget, commit to oblivion

ashen sky like a display of fireworks

pelting:
7 “We need to leave our bags behind.” against the darkness of night. Fear
hurling (something) at
Choking on his words, Larry barely man- subsided as awe filled their eyes someone or something

aged to string together a short sentence gazing at nature’s display of magnif-

nicked:
80 because a suffocating cloud of ash and icence – only when it was not too 110 made a small cut
dust had enveloped them. Without stop- close for comfort.
ping, their bags rolled off their shoulders 61
 Reading COMPREHENSION FICTION TEXT A

Refer to Fiction Text A on pages 60-61, and answer the following questions. [20 marks]

1. At the beginning of this text, Jim and Larry are making their descent. Explain what the language
tells the reader about the risks being borne by the two men. Support your ideas with three details
from the text.
[language use]
Tip: Identify the particular words, phrases or expressions pertaining to risk-taking.

[3]

2. (a) Which phrase in Paragraph 2 suggests that Jim was totally and unexpectedly unable to control
his actions?
[language use]

Tip: Focus on ensuring that you capture the intent of ‘totally and unexpectedly’.

[1]

(b) What two things caused Jim to be ‘snared’ (line 17) to the ground after he hit the dirt?
[vocabulary/literal]

(i)

(ii)
[2]

3. ‘Larry’s fraught cries for help were silenced by a deafening explosion that suspended them in a
moment of shell-shock – their ears pierced like the unaccustomed ears of unfledged soldiers being
bombarded in a warzone.’ (lines 22-25)

(a) How does the writer emphasise that Larry’s ‘fraught cries for help were silenced’?
[inferential]

[1]

(b) Why was this ‘a moment of shell-shock’ for the men?

[language use]
Tip: Consider how this phrase ties in to the metaphor of post-traumatic stress syndrome in the trenches
or on the battlefield, in times of war.

[1]

62
 Reading COMPREHENSION FICTION TEXT A

4. (a) According to Paragraph 3, what made Jim scream his lungs out?
[literal]

[1]

(b) Give two reasons from Paragraph 4 why Larry changed his mind about releasing the rope.
Answer in your own words.
[literal/vocabulary]

[2]

5. ‘A part of Jim winced excruciatingly at the thought of the horrific sounds of snapping bones as he
watched Larry tumble down like a ragdoll...’ (lines 46-49).
What does this tell us about Jim’s feelings at this point of time?
[inferential]
Tip: Focus on how Jim responds to the horrifc sight that he witnesses.

[1]

6. In Paragraph 6, why was Jim screaming and gesticulating ‘wildly’ (line 63)?
[inferential]

[1]

7. In Paragraph 7, Larry choked out the words: “We need to leave our bags behind” (line 77).
What is the tone of Larry’s short statement?
[language use/inferential]

Tip: Focus on how their speech and actions are prompted by the desperation of the situation.

[1]

8. What is (i) unusual and (ii) effective about the sentence ‘The volcano continued to launch flames
and lava into the ashen sky like a display of fireworks against the darkness of night’ (lines 104-
107)?
[inferential]

(i)

(ii)

[2]

63
 Reading COMPREHENSION FICTION TEXT A

9. The structure of the text reflects the men’s responses to their situation at different stages of the narrative.
Complete the flow chart by choosing one phrase from the box to summarise the stage in each part of the text.
There are some extra words in the box you do not need to use.

The men’s responses

quick decision-making rapidly-escalating terror lack of awareness of the risks

growing frustration joyful anticipation hidden feelings of guilt

conflicting emotions

Flow chart

Paragraphs 1-2
(i)..........................................................................................................

Paragraphs 3-4
(ii)..........................................................................................................

Paragraphs 5-6
(iii)...........................................................................................................

Paragraphs 7-8
(iv)..........................................................................................................

[4]

64
 READIN G
COMPREHENSION

o f
Fiction Text B

W r a t h
the S e a riel Ne
e
By Ad

In this text, a fisherman is caught in a raging storm at sea.

1 The unhurried drumming of the rain against the steel fishing After swallowing the sun whole, more ominous 3
1
boat picked up its tempo at the double, turning into refrains dark clouds swarmed the sky and encircled 20

of someone impatiently pounding at a door. The fisherman’s above the fisherman like underfed vultures
2
scabrous fist carved by weather-beaten wrinkles looked like awaiting the next carcass. A jarring flash of
5 a rugged mountain range with rivers coursing through the ra- lightning cracked open the dark sky and was
vines between his fingers – the rivers seemed to always be followed by a menacing rumble - so loud that
filled with rainwater despite the fisherman’s fist shifting with ev- it caused the hull of the boat to shudder in fear. 25

ery laboured crank of the spool reeling in the trawl. Unfazed even by the pressure of the torrential
rain trying to crush him, the fisherman stuck his
2 The fisherman was being pitted against the choppy seas in fist out at the sky and cursed at the wind – an
10 a challenging bout of tug of war for the prized net full of fish. action he promptly regretted. Without giving the
3
Despite the sea’s unscrupulous attempt to incapacitate the slightest chance for the fisherman to brace him- 30

fisherman by thrashing the boat around, the fisherman stood self, a turbulent gale swooped in and slapped
his ground and without a single faltering moment, he heaved him squarely across the body. Just as a hapless
the trawl in with all his might, almost toppling backwards if not tree devastated by a tornado, the fisherman
4
15 for his veteran feet seemingly riveted on the deck. However, was uprooted and whirled about before crash-
5
his triumph was short-lived as the seething sea would not take ing down with a thud so resounding it could be 35

its loss lying down. To exact its revenge, the sea called upon a heard over the thunder.
tempest to its aid.
65
4 The fisherman was temporarily frozen in a himself in another section on the 70

Word
Bank:
6 9
stupor. His eyes would have widened in fear deck. Any fish out of water would
because of the storm’s display of power but have been plagued by nausea but
40 the bashing rain and blinding flashes kept his not the fisherman. Despite be-
eyes cowering behind their eyelids – leaving ing hurled around, the fisherman refrains:
the musical accompaniment
only slits to peer out from. In his moment of vul- anchored his feet at any oppor- 75
of a repeated line or
nerability, the sea seized the chance to strike tune moment and salvaged for number of lines in a poem
or song, typically at the end
him as a giant wave leapt up from the sea and any paraphernalia in his arsenal
of each verse
45 pounced onto the fisherman. The fisherman that would help him in his battle
felt his breath escape him as he choked on against the storm. The massive scabrous:
rough and covered with
the seawater that had surged down his throat. waves towering over and threat- 80 raised patches of skin

His body 7floundered uncontrollably in unison ening to devour the boat would unscrupulous:
with the fish he had caught as he coughed his have caused anyone to quake having or showing no moral
principles; not honest or fair
50 lungs out, making the usually painless action but the only reason why the fish-
of flipping oneself over extremely strenuous. erman’s legs were quivering was riveted:
the unstable ground beneath him. 85 to hold (someone or something)
fast so as to make it
5 Barely making it out alive, and without enough Clenching tightly onto the side of incapable of movement
time to recover, another ordeal struck. The the boat, the fisherman dauntless-
seething:
fisherman’s heart dropped when he heard a ly came face to face with the wrath
filled with or characterised
55 sinister crack through the howling winds – it of the sea as it battered the boat by intense but unexpressed
anger
was not the lightning. The fisherman looked wave after wave with the sole goal 90

around frantically for the source of the sound of making the boat keel over. stupor:
a state of
and spotted the sail convulsing in terror and near-unconsciousness
the mast trembling in horror as the winds It was a battle of grit – one that 7 or insensibility

60 clawed savagely at them. The fisherman took the sea eventually lost. It was ex- floundered:
a step forward to attempt to save them from hausted after failing over and over struggled or staggered
the clutches of the storm but it was a little too to break the fisherman’s boat and 95 clumsily in mud or water

late as he could only helplessly watch the his spirit – both of which have been petulant:
wind maul the sail into pieces and snap the fortified over many years against childishly sulky or
10 bad-tempered
65 mast. the vagaries of traversing the
sea. A ray of light split the dark fish out of water:
6 The fishing boat was being tossed about like clouds and its warmth calmed the 100 a person in a completely
8 unsuitable environment or
a petulant child’s toy by the enraged sea – sea, guiding the fisherman home
situation
every time a violent wave slammed forceful- with his catch of the day.
ly against the boat the fisherman would find
vagaries:
unexpected and inexplicable
changes in a situation or in
66 someone’s behaviour
 Reading COMPREHENSION FICTION TEXT B

Refer to Fiction Text B on pages 65-66, and answer the following questions. [20 marks]

1. At the beginning of the text, the writer describes the increasing strength of the rain. Explain what the
language tells the reader about this strength. Support your ideas with three details from the text.
[language use]

[3]

2. Which phrase in Paragraph 1 best captures the fisherman’s experience in the open sea?
[vocabulary]

[1]

3. What two things in Paragraph 2 did the fisherman have to deal with as he tried to pull the fish in?
[literal]

(a)

(b)
[2]

4. What do each of these descriptions from Paragraph 2, tell you about the fisherman’s personality?
[language use/inferential]

Tip: This question is about an inferred prediction based on understanding the writer’s intent for using these
comparisons. You have to focus on the key words in the phrases to provide a thorough answer.

Descriptions Fisherman’s personality

(a) ‘the fisherman stood his ground’

(lines 12-13)

(b) ‘he heaved the trawl in with all his might’

(lines 13-14)
[2]

67
 Reading COMPREHENSION FICTION TEXT B

5. ‘However, his triumph was short-lived as the seething sea would not take its loss lying down. To exact its
revenge, the sea called upon a tempest to its aid.’ (lines 15-18)

What is unusual yet effective about the way the writer describes the sea here?
[language use]

Tip: Sometimes questions ask for the writer’s intent and not the identification of literary techniques. Hence, you are
expected to identify the effects of such techniques.

[2]

6. In Paragraph 3, why did the fisherman immediately regret his action of cursing at the wind? Use your own
words.
[literal/vocabulary]

[2]

7. Pick out a phrase in Paragraph 3 that conveys how the fisherman was powerless against the gale.
[vocabulary]

[1]

8. What word in Paragraph 5 makes the storm seem evil?

[vocabulary]

[1]

9. In your own words, how did the fisherman behave unlike a ‘fish out of water’ (line 71)?
[language use/vocabulary]

Tip: Even though this question requires you to paraphrase your answer, you have to make reference to the idiom
‘fish out of the water’ to show an understanding of the expression when answering the question.

[2]

68
 Reading COMPREHENSION FICTION TEXT B

10. After the storm uprooted and whirled the fisherman about on his boat, the writer explains his
struggle and how he stood up against the storm. Complete the flow chart by choosing one word
from the box to capture the fisherman’s feelings at each stage then on. There are some extra words
in the box you do not need to use.

Characters’ feelings

anxiety emptiness satisfaction doggedness shock calm relief

Flow chart

Paragraph 4
(i)...................................................................................................

Paragraph 5
(ii)..................................................................................................

Paragraph 6
(iii)..................................................................................................

Paragraph 7
(iv)..................................................................................................
[4]

69
 READIN G
COMPREHENSION

NON-FICTION TEXT

Managing the Summary Question

1. Ensure that you actively use linking words to connect two or more sentences and ideas.

Linking Words

Showing rationale although, as, because, since, though

Showing purpose in order to, for this reason, in order that, so that

Showing contrasting ideas but, yet, nevertheless, however, in contrast, despite that

Showing alternatives either...or, neither...nor, but, otherwise, on the other hand

since, until, as long as, before, after, when, while, then, a little
Showing time and sequence
later, immediately, in the meantime

therefore, as a result, consequently, thus, hence, as a

Showing outcomes, goals or results
consequence, such that

Showing addition of ideas and, also, moreover, in addition, besides, not only…but also

Comparing similar ideas likewise, similarly

2. Prepare to write your first draft carefully, by :

finding
removing
substitutes
redundant words shortening long
for the
that are irrelevant descriptions using
underlining important
to the question adjectives or adverbs
important words words
for each point

avoiding spending time to rephrase common

avoiding nouns (e.g. eraser, cat, carpenter), complicated
repetition terms (e.g. communism, capitalism) or difficult
omitting or
generalising phrases (e.g. psychological problems)
examples

70
 READIN G
COMPREHENSION
Non-Fiction Text A

Two-Toed
Sloth

Three-Toed Sloth

By Hwa Shi-Hsia

1 Sloths are indigenous to the Neotropics of Central and South bivorous and only eat leaves from particular plants;
America. They live high in the canopy of the towering rainfor- each mother sloth teaches her baby what trees she
est trees. They are part of a unique group of American mam- prefers. On the other hand, some two-toed sloths
mals which also includes anteaters and armadillos. There are are omnivores with a varied diet which includes in- 25

5 two species of two-toed sloths and four species of three-toed sects and small lizards besides leaves and fruits.
1
sloths, named according to the number of digits on their fore-
limbs (all have three toes on their hindlimbs). With long arms Their long, hook-like claws allow them to hang from 4
and slender but strong legs, the sloth cosies up under its coat trees with no effort; indeed, dead sloths sometimes
of shaggy fur. remain hanging from the trees. On the ground, they
are vulnerable as they can only crawl, not walk. 30

2 10 Although sloths today are medium-sized animals weighing a However, they are competent swimmers and have
few kilograms, similar in size to monkeys, there was once a been spotted crossing rivers or travelling between
giant ground sloth that weighed up to four tons and was 3.5 small islands. Surprisingly, they choose to go to the
metres long, as big as an elephant. It existed till about eight ground to defecate about once a week instead of
millennia ago and may have been hunted by humans in the from the treetops. Researchers think this may be 35
2
15 Stone Age, as bones have been found with cut marks on them. due to their use of pheromones to communicate
Palaeontologists think that avocadoes evolved to be eaten with one another.
by the extinct giant ground sloth, as no other animal is large
enough to spread the huge avocado seeds in its faeces. The best-known characteristic of sloths is their 5
slow movement, from which their English name is
3 The teeth of modern sloths are tiny and have an unusual pat- derived. They also sleep fifteen or sixteen hours a 40

20 tern compared to typical mammals, with peg-shaped molars day. Why are they so slow? Doesn’t it make it diffi-
and no incisors or canines. Three-toed sloths are strictly her- cult to escape from predators? The answer is that
71
 Word
they have extremely slow digestive systems. entertainment, these viral videos

Bank:
It can take several days to up to more than have helped to raise awareness
45 a month for food to pass through a sloth’s about saving sloths and conserving
intestines. Therefore they have to save as the habitats for them and other ani-
much energy as they can, which is also mals in the American tropics. 80 digits [in anatomy]:
the reason for the thick fur that keeps them fingers, thumbs or toes;
structures equivalent to
warm. Like cold-blooded animals, they also Threats to sloths include poaching, 7 fingers or thumbs at the
end of the limbs of many
50 bask in the sun to save energy. As for getting deforestation and electrical cables.
higher vertebrates
away from predators such as jaguars and As they live an 4arboreal life, they
Harpy Eagles, the slow movement actually could easily become electrocuted pheromones:
chemical substances
helps them to hide. In addition, they have if they accidentally grasp a cable. 85 produced and released
green algae growing on their fur which helps The biggest problem, which also into the environment by
an animal, especially a
55 to keep them camouflaged. The algae grows affects other forest animals, is mas- mammal or an insect,
affecting the behaviour or
so abundantly that they have moths living on sive deforestation in South Ameri-
physiology of others of its
them, which attracts birds that eat them. ca for growing crops such as soya species

beans and raising cattle. In addition 90

to the land directly used for agri-

bureaucrats:
6 Despite their strange appearance, sloths officials in a
have gained Internet fame in recent years. culture, last year’s massive forest government department,
in particular those
60 Many have fallen in love with their big-eyed, fires in the Amazon were probably
perceived as being
stubby-nosed faces and relaxed way of life. caused by farmers setting fires to concerned with
procedural correctness
The 2016 Disney movie Zootopia set in a clear land. Slow-moving animals, 95
at the expense of
city populated by talking animals featured a including sloths, would not have people’s needs

sloth character ironically named ‘Flash’ who been able to escape, and it would
works at the ‘Department of Mammal Vehi- take many years for the trees to
arboreal:
65
living in trees
cles’ – a joke on the reputation for slowness grow back to create a suitable hab-
of 3bureaucrats at the Department of Motor itat for animals such as the sloths 100 References
1. Bradypus variegatus, from Sloth
Vehicles. The popular Animal Planet and that require deep forest to survive. Sanctuary Costa Rica.

Discovery Channel also released video clips Fortunately, most sloth species are 2. What was Megatherium? From Pip
Brewer, Natural History Museum (UK),
70 of baby sloths having a bath, taken from lon- not in danger yet except for the criti- 22 November 2018.

3. All sloths a-swimming”, from The Sloth

ger documentaries at the Sloth Sanctuary in cally endangered pygmy three-toed Institute, 5 July 2018.

Costa Rica. This organisation takes in baby sloth, which only lives on one small 105
4. Why are sloths so slow?, from Sloth
Conservation Foundation,
sloths that have been orphaned, for exam- island. However, precautions must 19 January 2016.

5. What about the animals caught in the

ple, if a sloth’s mother has been killed by a be taken to ensure the continued Amazon rainforest fires? From BBC
News, 29 August 2019.
75 car. Although most people watch them for survival of the adorable sloth.

72
Image from creative commons licensed
(By ©2015 Disney) flickr photo by Thao Anh
 Reading COMPREHENSION NON-FICTION TEXT A

Refer to Non-Fiction Text A on pages 71-72, and answer the following questions. [25 marks]

1. What determines the species of sloth?

[literal]

[1]

2. (a) What is the implication of finding sloth bones ‘with cut marks on them’ (line 15)?
[inferential]

[1]

(b) Give two details about the diets of modern sloths.

[literal]

(i)

(ii) [2]

3. Here is part of a conversation between two students, Ben and June, who have read the article.

I think sloths are But I think sloths

not very clever in are actually quite
steering clear of adept at evading
predators. predators!

Ben June

(a) With reference to Paragraph 4, explain why Ben thinks that way about sloths.
[literal]

[1]

(b) Give two details from Paragraph 5 which June can use to justify her opinion.
[literal]

(i)

(ii) [2]

73
 Reading COMPREHENSION NON-FICTION TEXT A

4. In Paragraph 6, sloths are described as having ‘gained Internet fame’ (line 59). Which aspects of the sloth
may have won them fans on the Internet?
[literal]

[1]

5. Identify the two reasons given in Paragraph 7 why the survival of sloths may be an issue in urban
environments.
[literal]

(i)

(ii) [2]

6. Using your own words as far as possible, describe how a lack of speed and an unusual appearance
have affected sloths.

Use only information from Paragraphs 4 to 7.

Your summary must be in continuous writing (not note form). It must not be longer than 80 words
(not counting the words given to help you begin).

Although sloths are vulnerable on the ground due to their … [15]

74
 READIN G
COMPREHENSION

Non-Fiction Text B

By Hwa Shi-Hsia

te
e Ag e) bone flu
ton
thic (Old S
eoli
Pala

1 What are the ancient origins of music? It existed in na- Several civilisations made a huge leap in the develop- 3
ture long before humans. Many animals sing, and this is ment of music with the invention of various musical no-
not just a robotic repetition of the same sounds over and tation systems. Previously, a piece of music could only
over again, but is learned gradually by individuals. Young be taught directly by one musician to another. With a 25

5 male zebra finches learn songs to impress their female notation system, music could be written down and read
counterparts by listening to their fathers, and have to separately. For example, the oldest written piece of music
practise many times to get it right; a zebra finch raised in India is a seventh century rock carving in Kudumiyan-
alone can only tweet a few discordant notes. Humpback malai, Tamil Nadu, containing 38 lines of music, written in
whales, which are highly intelligent animals that sing a system that uses seven notes. In China, the oldest de- 30

10 complex melodies, learn popular tunes by mixing with scription of a notation system was an inscription found in
individuals from other parts of the world, and then teach a fifth century BC tomb along with a set of 2bronze bells.
the songs to other whales in their home countries, just After so many centuries, the ancient bells still sounded
like people travelling overseas for a pop concert. the correct pitches!

2 The earliest confirmed musical instruments are two Pa- Music has an important role in many religions. Various 35 4
15 laeolithic (Old Stone Age) bone flutes made from the genres of hymns or chanting are used for meditation,
bone of a swan and from mammoth ivory. Animal bones worship or ceremonies. This helps to bring devotees into
1
would have made good hollow tubes once the marrow the same state of mind and to focus on sacred ideas. In
3
was scraped out. The bone flutes are over forty thousand secular contexts, it can also serve a similar purpose, as
years old, meaning that people had some idea of music both governments and activists compose songs on patri- 40

20 theory even then, as one would need to know how far otism or on protests for social change to unify their sup-
apart to drill the holes in the bone to sound certain notes. porters and reinforce a group identity.
75
 Word
Bank:
marrow:
a soft fatty substance in the
cavities of bones, in which
blood cells are produced

5 ‘Music hath charms to soothe a savage ever, this can backfire if the music is
bron z e:
a yellowish-brown alloy of
breast, to soften rocks, or bend a knot- too loud, or repetitive – who hasn’t 80 copper with up to one-third tin

ted oak,’ wrote the 17th century playwright become annoyed with hearing
45
secular:
William Congreve. Indeed, music is often Christmas carols or Lunar New Year not connected with religious
6 or spiritual matters
used for soothing purposes. In medical or jingles while holiday shopping? It
rehabilitation settings, music therapy cov- is especially problematic for 7autistic
motor [in physiology]:
ers a very wide range of activities that are people who may find loud sounds 85
relating to muscular movement
50 said to help patients feel better, cope with distressing. One mall in Malaysia, or the nerves activating it
their illness, or recover from trauma. These Sunway Putra, has introduced a
can include listening to calming music in a weekly autism-friendly shopping dementia:
a chronic or persistent disorder
stressful hospital setting, writing songs to day when, among other things, of the mental processes
caused by brain disease or
express one’s feelings, or playing musical they turn the music volume down to 90 injury and marked by memory
4
55 instruments to practise motor skills. make it more comfortable for those disorders, personality changes,
and impaired reasoning
with autism.
6
5
The elderly who have severe dementia jingles [in music or
and hardly know what is going on around Nevertheless, a lot of popular music 8 advertising]:
them still respond happily to old pop songs is exciting rather than soothing. That short slogans, verses or
tunes designed to be easily
from their youth. Strangely, some patients is why musicians have numerous 95 remembered, especially as
60 who cannot speak at all due to brain dam- fans, where the word ‘fan’ is derived used in advertising

age are still capable of singing, so they can from the word ‘fanatic’. Whether it is autistic:
sing short phrases to express themselves. the Beatles, the Spice Girls or BTS, of a person suffering from
a developmental disorder
This is because the parts of the brain that every generation since the mid-20 th
of variable severity that is
generate music and speech are different, century seems to have its own pop 100 characterised by difficulty
in social interaction and
65 so music offers an alternative way to tap idols. Today, with streaming music communication and by
into emotions and meaning when speech and videos readily available to al- restricted or repetitive
patterns of thought and
is impossible. most anyone, popular musicians behaviour

can claim fans around the globe.

nostalgic:
7 In commercial settings, background music In 2018, the music industry made 105 of a sentimental longing or
is also used to help businesses keep their US$19 billion worldwide and it con- wistful affection for a period
in the past
70 customers happy. In telephone customer tinues to grow. Even though sales
service when customers must wait on hold of CDs and downloads have fallen, References
1. We can tell where a whale has travelled
to speak to an agent, music is played as streaming subscriptions are ex- from the themes in its song, from New
Scientist, 4 September 2019.
dead silence on the telephone tends to ploding. Surprisingly, sales of vinyl 110 2. A rare collection of Bronze Age Chinese
cause people to become impatient and records are growing, even though bells tells a story of ancient innovation,
from The Smithsonian Magazine,

75 hang up. Large retailers such as depart- most people would consider these 5 October 2017.

ment stores and shopping malls play back- as old-fashioned. Perhaps this love 3. Malaysia’s first autism-friendly mall,
from Makchic.com, 18 February 2019.

ground music to assist in masking crowd of a 8nostalgic medium speaks to 4. The global music industry hits $19
billion in sales in 2018, rising by almost
noise and echoes in large buildings. How- the emotional hold that music has 115 10%, from Forbes, 2 April 2019.

on our heart.
76
 Reading COMPREHENSION NON-FICTION TEXT B

Refer to Non-Fiction Text B on pages 75-76, and answer the following questions. [25 marks]

1. From Paragraph 1, what is one important thing to note about how animals began to sing?
[literal]
Tip: There is often a struggle to determine how detailed the answer must be. Sometimes, as is the case
with this question, you have to read all the examples to know if a single-word answer would be enough.

[1]

2. From Paragraph 2, explain how the phrase ‘marrow was scraped out’ (lines 17-18) tells us that people
had some idea of the nature of musical instruments.
[inferential]

[1]

3. (a) What are the benefits of the notation system?

[literal]

[1]

(b) In your own words explain why the bronze bells on a fifth century BC tomb still amaze people today.
[literal/vocabulary]

[2]

4. Two friends are talking about the impact of music in public places.

I love it when Well, but some

there is background people are irritated
music when I go or even severely
shopping! affected by music.

Jane Richard

(a) From Paragraph 7, explain why you think Jane enjoys background music.
[literal]

[1]

(b) Give two pieces of evidence from Paragraph 7 that can help Richard defend his stand.
[literal]

(i)

(ii) [2]

77
 Reading COMPREHENSION NON-FICTION TEXT B

5. From Paragraph 8, explain what the writer means by ‘the emotional hold that music has on our heart’
(lines 115-116).
[language use]

[2]

6. Using your own words as far as possible, summarise the various roles of music in our lives.

Use only the information from paragraphs 4 to 7.

Your summary must be in continuous writing (not note form). It must not be longer than 80 words
(not counting the words given to help you begin).

One important role of music is during religious occasions when... [15]

What questions do you still

metacognitive
have about answering reading
comprehension questions?
 LANGUAGE
EDITING

Editing Tips
Here are some editing tips that will help you ace the Editing Section of the exam paper.

1 Incorrect Pronoun Usage

You may be making some pronoun errors without even realising it.

Consider the following example:

X There were many people who witnessed the incident but none of us came forward to help.

The use of ‘us’ does not agree with ‘people’ - ‘them’ should be used instead.

The sentence can be rewritten as:

There were many people who witnessed the incident but none of them came forward to help.

79
 LANGUAGE
EDITING

2 Confusing End Parameters : From & Between

Some of you may be confused with the end parameters for ‘from’ and ‘between’.

Consider the following two examples:

X From June and July, there will be no rain.

X Between June to July, there will be no rain.

What is grammatically wrong with these sentences?

The correct end parameters for ‘from’ and ‘between’ are as follows, respectively:
‘from….to…’ ; ‘between…and…’

These combinations are not interchangeable.

The sentences above can thus be rewritten as:

From June to July, there will be no rain.

Between June and July, there will be no rain.

80
 LANGUAGE EDITING EXERCISES

LANGUAGE EDITING EXERCISES

Carefully read the following two modified excerpts, one on a volcanic eruption, and another on endangered
languages, each consisting of 12 lines. For each excerpt, the first and last lines are correct. For eight of the lines,
there is one grammatical error in each line. There are two more lines with no errors.

If there is NO error in a line, put a tick in the space provided.

If the line is incorrect, circle the incorrect word and write the correct word in the space provided.

The correct word you provide must not change the original meaning of the sentence.
Examples:

I arrived to my destination at 2pm. at

My mother always wears sensible clothes. ✔

LANGUAGE EDITING A

On 9 December 2019, a fatal hydrothermal explosion occurred at White

Island (Whakaari), a volcanic island 48 km of the north-northeast coast of 1

New Zealand’s North Island. The explosion spewed rocks or toxic gases and 2

launched an ash plume that surged outwards and rose with about 3

four kilometres into the air. There were 47 people on the island at a time of 4

the explosion, and 20 of us were killed, with the rest suffering severe 5

injuries. This was unfortunately not the first tragic event on White Island. 6

Sulphur mining took place in the crater between the 1880s to the 1930s, 7

and eleven miners were killed by a debris avalanche in 1914, where part 8

of the volcano’s crater rim collapsed unrelated to any eruption. White 9

Island is the tip of a submarine stratovolcano at the north end of 10

the Taupo Volcanic Zone and has been active for at least 150,000 years.

(modified excerpt from National Parks Traveller, 3 February 2020)

81
 LANGUAGE EDITING EXERCISES

LANGUAGE EDITING B

Endangered is a word we usually associate with animal species, but some

languages, too, are dying breeds. There are over 6000 languages spoken 1

in the world today, but many are at risk of becoming extinct and forgot. It is 2

estimated that when language decline continues as it has been, half of the 3

world’s languages could be wiped of the map by the end of this century. While 4

some languages that are considered endangered still has thousands 5

of speakers trying to keep them live, other languages have become 6

confined to single villages and still others to single people. The Catalogue 7

of Endangered Languages, or ELCat, is a project that has been launch by 8

the Alliance for Linguistic Diversity to raise awareness for the drastic loss 9

of languages that are currently taking place across the globe. Some of the 10

endangered languages include Irish Galic, Ts’ixa and Ainu.

(modified excerpt from Mental Floss, 6 June 2013)

What are some difficulties

metacognitive you are facing now as you
are attempting the editing
exercises?
 SITUATIONAL
WRITING : Informal Email

The Question

EMAIL
You should look at the leaflet carefully and plan your
answer before beginning to write.

Recently, you received an email from your American

friend who has just migrated to Singapore with her
family. To help her adapt to her new surroundings,
you have decided to take her on a local heritage tour
organised by the community centre near your house.

Write an email to your friend giving some details about

the heritage tour.

You must include the following details:

• what are the attractions covered in the tour

• what is the preferred date and duration of the tour
• what are the two activities that your friend might
enjoy taking part in and why
• how would these places help your friend better
understand the local culture

Write your email in clear, accurate English and in a

friendly and cheerful tone so that your friend will be
keen to join you on this tour.

You may add any other details that might be of interest.

You should use your own words as much as possible.

By Rohani Ismail

83
SITUATIONAL
WRITING : Informal Email

Discover Singapore’s colonial past and cultural districts

Join us for a three-hour Heritage Tour that shows you the architectural
brilliance of Singapore’s past and present as we visit colonial and cultural districts –
Chinatown, Kampong Glam, Little India and the iconic Merlion Park.

ates in 2020:
Tour d
We guarantee:
• air-conditioned coach for 30 passengers
• friendly and knowledgeable English-speaking guide
16 January, 23 February,
• lunch at Lau Pa Sat (Telok Ayer Market) which
14 March, 15 April, 6 May, 12 June,
offers the best of local cuisine
22 July, 20 August, 8 September,
Activities to do: 17 October and 23 November.
• take some photos for a wonderful memento Time: 10am to 1pm
• take part in cultural activities (choose only two
Cost per person:
activities: making Chinese dumplings, weaving a
ketupat, making a flower garland)
$30 (inclusive of lunch)
• sample some local food
For more information on the itinerary,
see our webpage:
You will benefit from:
www.visitsingapore.com.sg
• better knowledge on the different cultures
• meeting new people
• a deeper understanding of unfamiliar places

84
 SITUATIONAL
WRITING : Informal Email

From: kayla08@gmail.com
To: sally_james@yahoo.com
Date: 12 February 2020
Subject: Local Cultural Tour

Dear Sally
How have you been? I’m extremely delighted to hear that you will be living in Singapore for good. I’m sure you will ap-
preciate Singapore as your new home. In fact, I have a few plans to get you up close and personal with some of the
facets that make Singapore a unique and an interesting place to live in. Are you excited? Well, for a start, how about
joining me on a local cultural tour? The community centre near my house is organising a tour to three places, namely
Chinatown, Little India, Kampong Glam, and a brief stopover at Merlion Park.

These three famous heritage districts have not only influenced most of Singapore’s culture, but also boast a hive of
activity throughout the day. I’m sure we will find it fascinating to walk along the streets of these heritage districts, dotted
with shops selling anything from textiles and traditional clothing to groceries and spices. It will be a visual treat too to
see some of the wall murals of restaurants along the street. We will learn about the landmarks that contributed to Singa-
pore’s diverse culture and take a selfie with Singapore’s national icon, the Merlion, when we stop briefly at the Merlion
Park. Although the tour lasts three hours, given the myriad of activities to do and places to visit, I don’t think we will feel
bored at all!

During the tour, we will get a chance to try two activities at the different heritage centres. I propose we engage in some
hands-on activities like weaving a ketupat and making Chinese dumplings. These two activities can be quite challeng-
ing, and require some creativity and precision on our part. You love being out of your comfort zone, don’t you? I’m sure
the weaving, folding and wrapping acts will thrill you! I remember you are allergic to some flowers, so I don’t think making
a flower garland will appeal to you. The other highlight of this trip is of course, having lunch at Lau Pa Sat, which blends
history, distinctive architecture and mouth-watering local food into one heady experience! We will also get to taste some
local dishes here.

This tour will give you a snapshot of what life in Singapore is like among its different multi-ethnic groups as they go about
their daily activities. You are never going to know a place, its people and the culture until you encounter them firsthand.
These experiences are authentic. I’m sure the guide will also be able to provide more information on these places. Over-
all, other than the fun element, I believe the tour will also be an educational experience.

I would like to propose three dates for your consideration: 14 March, 12 June and 8 September, which coincide with our
school holidays. I prefer the date in March. Don’t wait too long to get to know your new home, Singapore! Let me know
which date is the most suitable for you, though.

I hope these ideas have piqued your interest. I will reserve our tickets once I get your confirmation. Don’t worry about
the cost, it’s my welcome treat! I hope to hear from you soon.

Yours truly
Kayla Yong

85
 SITUATIONAL WRITING : INFORMAL EMAIL

Writing an Informal Email

Analyse the Question
Before you start writing, do spend time to consider the requirements of the question. For example, identifying the Purpose,
Audience and the Context will ensure that you communicate the messages effectively to the recipient. Other important
aspects to consider include the writer’s role, format and tone. In some cases, where the information given in the question is
incomplete, you may have to use your own ideas.

P
Why am I writing this email?
To provide details about the
heritage tour PURPOSE

A Who am I writing to?

an American friend
AUDIENCE
Under what circumstances are

C
you writing this?

Your American friend has just

migrated to Singapore with her CONTEXT
family. To help her adapt to her

W
new surroundings, you have
decided to take her on a local
heritage tour organised by the Friend
WRITER’S ROLE
community centre at your place.

Informal email F
FORMAT

attractions covered in the tour

T Friendly and cheerful
TONE
preferred date and duration
of the tour

two activities that your friend

might enjoy taking part in and
RP
REQUIRED POINTS
why

how these places would help

your friend to understand the
local culture better

86
 SITUATIONAL WRITING : INFORMAL EMAIL

Format of an Informal Email

How do you elaborate on the given information?

Required point: what are the two activities that your friend might enjoy taking part in and why

Given information from the visual stimulus:

• take part in cultural activities (choose only two activities: making Chinese dumplings,
weaving a ketupat, making a flower garland)

Note: You must make use of the given information from the stimulus but simply lifting the information
from the stimulus will not be adequate. Let’s learn from the example below:

An example:
During the tour, we will get a chance to try
two activities at the different heritage 1. It is crucial that you make reference to ‘two
centres. I propose we engage in some activities’ to show you are addressing the
required point.
hands-on activities like weaving a ketupat
and making Chinese dumplings. 2. Choose two activities from the stimulus that
These two activities can be quite you are most familiar with or most confident
challenging, and require some to elaborate.

creativity and precision on our part.

3. ‘Enjoy’ is the other key word from the required
You love being out of your comfort point you need to address. What are some
zone, don’t you? I’m sure the weaving, adjectives or additional details you can provide
to make the activities appear enjoyable?
folding and wrapping will thrill you!
I remember you are allergic to 4. Next, why would these descriptions appeal
some flowers, so I don’t think making a to your audience? At this point, you can make
some connection to your audience’s personality,
flower garland will appeal to you.
hobbies, interests, habits or preferences.

87
SITUATIONAL
WRITING : Newsletter Article

The Question

You should look at the printout of a webpage, study

the information carefully and plan your answer before
beginning to write.

Your school has added a new club to the existing pool

of co-curricular activities (CCAs) based on suggestions
from teachers and students. As President of the
Student Council, write an article for the school’s first
newsletter for the year, sharing information about the
new CCA.

In your article you should explain:

• why the school is introducing the suggested CCA

• what the new CCA is and why it was chosen
• what are some activities that would be carried out
• how this new CCA would benefit students.

You may add any other details you think will be helpful.

Write your article in clear, accurate English. Your tone

should be cheerful and persuasive to encourage more
students to join this new CCA.

You should use your own words as much as possible.

By Rohani Ismail

88
 SITUATIONAL
WRITING : Newsletter Article

MSS CCA

http://www.meritsecondaryschoolcca.com.sg

New CCA for Students! What is your choice? Vote now!

Culinary Club
You will master the art of culinary by:
• learning both local and international cuisines,
and preparing a three-course set menu
• learning food plating and cake decorating
• learning different cooking techniques
• taking part in culinary competitions and
internship opportunities during the school
vacation

Wushu
You will master the art of self-defence by:
• learning basic fist routines and handling a
weapon with care
• learning how to increase overall flexibility,
speed, strength, co-ordination and endurance
• developing resilience and greater concentration
to complete a routine
• competing in zonal and national competitions

Photography Club
You will master the art of photography by:
• exploring the work and concepts of contemporary
photographic artists
• understanding the qualitative aspects of
photography such as night and food photography
• inspiring your imagination and stirring your
creative juices
• attending local conventions and seminars

Which new CCA do you want to see in school? Click on one of the links below:
Culinary Club Photography Club Wushu

89
SITUATIONAL
WRITING : Newsletter Article

Welcome back to school! In this first newsletter, the Student Council would like to share a piece
of important news. Based on the votes and feedback gathered last year, the school has decided
on its latest addition to its list of co-curricular activities (CCAs). We introduce to you the
Culinary Club!

Why Start a Culinary Club

In recent years, there have been widespread calls from staff, parents and students to set up a cooking
club. This is due to the increasing interest in the art of cooking, popularised by reality television shows
such as MasterChef. Moreover, our school has a niche in Food and Nutrition, and naturally, a number
of students in our school have joined the school because of an interest or a talent in this area. Thus, we
believe that by starting this new club, we will be deepening our area of expertise.

What You Can Expect

There will be an array of activities that will keep our student chefs occupied for the entire year. With
a productive learning environment, our young chefs will master the art of cooking through a series of
hands-on experience related to food preparation, food presentation and food appreciation. It will be ex-
citing to watch our young chefs prepare three-course meals after learning various cooking techniques.
They will also be involved in preparing refreshments of local and international flavor for some of the
school functions. It may seem quite a tall order but our young chefs should be able to pull it off, under
the guidance of a professional chef. Perhaps the greatest surprise would be the rare opportunities this
club offers not found in any of the other clubs here at school. For instance, other than the opportunity to
take part in cooking competitions, our student chefs will also be offered work experience at restaurants
during the long school holidays.

Setting up the Culinary Club helps to nurture well-rounded individuals. Cooking being a life skill, helps
the student chefs to be more organised and disciplined as they go about preparing the different dishes.
They become more responsible as they complete a variety of tasks related to not only cooking, but also
safety and cleanup routines. Our students will also become more creative and confident as they ex-
periment with new recipes and decorate the dishes. This is in line with our school values of confidence
and creativity.

What’s Next?
The Culinary Club is now officially open for students to sign up. Watch out for the upcoming CCA Open
House in January where more details will be shared at the club’s booths. We cannot wait for our master
chefs to cook up a storm!

90
 SITUATIONAL WRITING : NEWSLETTER ARTICLE

Writing a Newsletter Article

Analyse the Question
Read the question carefully and complete the purpose, audience and context below to help you analyse the question.

P
PURPOSE

A
AUDIENCE

C
CONTEXT

W
WRITER’S ROLE
President of the
Student Council

newspaper article F
FORMAT

why the school is introducing

a new CCA
T Cheerful and persuasive
TONE
what the new CCA is and why
it was chosen

what are some activities that RP

would be carried out REQUIRED POINTS

how this new CCA would

benefit students

What are some key points on

metacognitive
situational writing that you
have picked up?
 SITUATIONAL WRITING : NEWSLETTER ARTICLE

What are some unique features of a newsletter article?

Cooking Up a Storm! 1. Give a title to your article.
By Stella Lee 2. Provide the writer’s name.

Welcome back to school! In this first newsletter,

the Student Council would like to share a piece of
important news. Based on the votes and feedback
gathered last year, the school has decided on its latest
addition to its list of co-curricular activities (CCAs).
We introduce to you the Culinary Club!

Why Start a Culinary Club

In recent years, there have been 3. Use sub-headings to provide
widespread calls from staff, parents and the essence of each paragraph.
students to set up a cooking club. This Remember to keep it short.
is due to the increasing interest in the You might use the WH question
art of cooking, popularised by reality words to help you.
television shows such as MasterChef…

What You Can Expect

There will be an array of activities that will keep our

student chefs occupied for the entire year. With a
productive learning environment, our young chefs
will master the art of cooking through a series of
hands-on experience related to food preparation, food
presentation and food appreciation…

What’s Next

The Culinary Club is now officially open for students 4. In the conclusion, issue the call
to sign up. Watch out for the upcoming CCA Open to action.
House in January where more details will be
shared at the club’s booths. We cannot wait for our
master chefs to cook up a storm!

metacognitive point: What is the most

interesting takeaway
REFLECT for you in this issue?
The Last Zoo
MODELME
ESSAY A

Student’s Essay
Buzzing footfalls and sporadic laughter echoed through the cavernous lobby of
the earth museum. Young kindergarteners dressed in minimalist white school
uniforms and motion-powered shoes waited noisily under the sunlit glass dome.
Some were tracing the reflections of the patterned ceiling with millions of swirling
and photosynthesising chloroplasts. The mood in the oxygen-enriched lobby was
exuberant.
Neo
By

“Good morning, children. Welcome to the Shifting Times Earth Museum. I am Rong Xuan
Year 4
Sophie, your guide for today!” I greeted the kindergarteners warmly. At seven- Nanyang Girls’ High School (
(From the Academic Workshop))
ty-eight, I am still fit and healthy from a meticulously calibrated regimen of moun-
tain climbing exercises and a diet of vitamins and supplements. Despite having
retired from a lifelong career as a climatologist and zoologist, I was still obliged to
Editor’s Comments
continue my mission to raise awareness of the endangered planet.
This futuristic narrative
highlights the horrendous
“Shall we begin?” Blinking my eyes to adjust the smart lens embedded in my con-
effects of global warming.
tacts, I strode ahead into a tunnel where a stunned silence ensued. The silence
was punctuated by gasps as holographic images flitted around us, depicting
Content
dramatic scenes of changes in the earth’s environment from the past to the pres-
Through the docent’s narrative,
ent; a planet Earth that the children did not know and which has been drastically
the reader learns about the
transformed by human actions, by global warming and its consequences. “The
negative changes that have
leaves were green?” some gasped. “There was no need to wear SPF 200?” Many
taken place on earth due to
were clearly shocked into silence by the stark differences that existed.
global warming.

The tunnel opened into a room which left the children awe-struck: a family of Af- Language
rican elephants were roaming about, giraffes nibbled on leaves, hippopotamuses - Precise terminology lends
fought in the river while a horde of wildebeest was in migration. It was a magnifi- authenticity and credibility to the
cent holographic vista of the African safari interspersed with robotic animals. The story (some examples in red).
animals, 3D printed and embedded with artificial intelligence, were life-like. The
kindergarteners were thrilled. They were going wild, scuttling around to caress - The reactions of the childen
the animals. convey their varying emotions
as they view the exhibits
“Settle down, everyone. You will have a chance to explore this later on,” I instruct- (some examples in green).
ed the kindergarteners. After getting their attention, I began my story.
- The conflict between the
“It has been close to a decade since nearly half of the world’s animal species older and younger generation
have gone extinct. The main reason? Global warming. The constant heatwaves, is succinctly conveyed through
droughts and deforestation have resulted in the loss of habitats for these animals. the dialogue at the end of the
Slowly, the population of animals dwindled and species became extinct one by narrative.
one. Back in the 2000s, we had animals such as dolphins, gorillas and pandas.
But now, the closest thing to a panda is a robot replica. In fact, all the animals in
this exhibit are robots, designed to act and behave just like the real creatures.”
93
 MODELME
ESSAY A

The next exhibit was a vacant space bounded by a glass wall. “What is in this room?” asked the kindergarteners,
craning their necks, perplexed by the emptiness.

“Just wait and see,” I smiled to myself. The room grew warmer, then sweltering hot. Clouds of sand and dust swirled
behind the glass wall with the glowing words ‘50 degree Celsius’ and multiple holographic projections of places on
earth with the same temperature. Unlike the normal cityscapes, the landscapes before us were of endless deserts,
of barren lands, of sand and dust.

“This is what has become of many parts on Earth. In fact, lands and islands near the earth’s equator previously
habitable are now deserts,” I informed the kindergarteners. Shock and disbelief were clearly etched on their faces.

“These lands were once full of verdant vegetation, rainforests with a rich diversity of flora and fauna, as well as
densely populated cities. Global warming brought about by human activities caused extreme weather conditions.
The soaring temperatures also resulted in severe droughts and triggered forest fires which destroyed natural veg-
etation, causing food crises and widespread famine. We need to take a pause and see if what we have done is
correct! ” I shocked myself at the desperation in my voice.

Immediately, a red light flashed, indicating that I had again flouted regulation 377B, and had spoken too freely
about Global Warming - something my director had warned us against.

As I shepherded the kindergarteners back into the lobby, I tried to redeem myself and spoke about the recent inno-
vations that humans had introduced to counter nature’s destructive forces. As the kindergarteners bade farewell,
one of them ran towards me and gave me a grateful hug. “Thank you, Sophie. It was a super wonderful session.
We will return!”

As I watched her slip on her oxygen mask before stepping out of the museum into the polluted haze, I was in the
grip of strong emotions, something I experienced every time I led a group of children through this tour. I stared at
my partner, also pushing eighty - and I knew innately that we too, like these animals, were a dying breed.

Suddenly, I felt a strong hand on my shoulder. “Old timer, you have flouted the rules again! What did we warn you
about?” I turned around and stared into the eyes of my superior, a young upstart freshly graduated from Harvard
University.

“But, surely, sir,” I stuttered defiantly, “surely, they should know about the past. Only then can we stop this mad-
ness!”

“That will be all, thank you,” he replied curtly, his voice as grey and steely as the pressed suit he wore. “Thank you
for your service. You have been terminated. Security, take her away please. ”

I gasped at his words and felt strong hands place a vice-like grip on my shoulders.

94
Building Bridges
Student’s Essay
MODELME
ESSAY B

The durians had been harvested.

Abu took out his knife and cracked the prickly fruit into half, releasing a pungent stench
that invaded my olfactory senses . I sat in front of the green monster, terrified.

It was the second day of our immersion trip to Sarawak, Malaysia. I decided to participate
as I wanted to experience different traditions and cultures. As part of this immersion, we
had to attend a local school and I was assigned to my local buddy, Abu, who lived in a vil-
lage. His family owned a durian plantation. For a total immersive experience, I had to stay
By
a night in his hut and also partake in several meals with him. reuben Toh
SECONDARY 1
Abu and I had issues from the start. Maybe it was the fact that he barely spoke a word of RAFFLES INSTITUTION
(From the Academic

English. Or maybe it was the fact that I was too distracted by the heat and humidity of the Workshop))

forest. I had come from a concrete jungle to a literal one and was writhing in discomfort.
Editor’s Comments
The largest obstacle between us was our language barrier. Abu only knew a few English
words while I only knew a smattering of Malay . I tried my best to communicate with Abu, This is a well-crafted
only to meet his blank, expressionless face. personal recount.
The plot structure has a
That afternoon, Abu took me to his family’s plantation. He climbed up a tree using a ladder vivid exposition, a clearly
and used his knife to cut the durians off the branches. The durians fell, one by one and identified problem, a
soon, that repulsive odour assailed my nostrils. It was horrible. I had hated the stench of well-drawn out climax
the durians since I was a child. and a satisfying
resolution.
Unable to take the smell, I took a step back and sulked in a corner. After what seemed
like an eternity, I helped Abu carry the basket filled with durians. Abu turned to me and Content
gestured that he had a bountiful harvest. I forced out a smile . What makes this
composition effective is
It was a moment of reckoning. I gripped the edge of my chair, my knuckles white like driven the way the writer
snow. Bile was rising in my throat. I wanted to refuse but it was extremely rude to do so. stretches out the climax.
Already devouring the durians, Abu pushed one freshly-cut durian encouragingly. To reject Often, students fail to
him would be too rude. You can do this, I told myself. I picked up a seed, coated with do this, and scratch at
sticky yellowish flesh. Gingerly, I brought the trembling seed to my mouth. Abu watched the surface. This writer
me expectantly. spends four paragraphs
(paragraphs 7 – 10)
Bam! The sweet juicy flesh was a massive explosion on my palate. The sweetness sang
describing his actions,
harmoniously on my tongue. Somehow the taste of these wild durians differed from those
reactions and feelings
in the white styrofoam boxes I had tasted in Singapore. Unconsciously, my lips curled into
before and while eating
a smile. Abu asked, “Good?” Beaming, I gave him a thumbs up. We had overcome one
the durian.
barrier.
Language
As we sat side by side, savouring the pungent but delicious fruit, I was impressed by how - different words and
many obstacles we had overcome just by the simple sharing of this piquant fruit. Despite phrases to refer to durian
the heat and the humidity of the jungle, my heart was light. (some examples in red)
Initially, we had been separated by an insurmountable number of factors – race, culture - sensory words
and language - and yet we were still able to overcome that through this simple commu- associated with the
nion of fruit. As I picked up my second seed, I saw Abu’s broad grin, his eyes filled with experience of eating
contentment. durians (some examples
in blue)
Terima kasih, Abu,” I thanked Abu in his language.
95
“Thank you,” he replied in mine.