Past examination questions on the novel

2002 - Write a detail account of an event in the novel you have chosen which teaches  you an important moral lesson. In your account, you must make clear what  the moral lesson is. 

2003 - (a) Which character do you sympathize with in the novel you have studied?            
             (b) Explain why you sympathize with this character. Support your answer with evidences from the novel.   

2004 - Choose an event in the novel you have studied which you find to be most memorable.  Give reasons for your choice and , with reference from the text, discuss the event. 

2005 - “Love is important in a family”   How is this shown in the novel you have read? Support your answer with close reference  to the text.

 2006 - The writer describes the main character as a very determined person. Using the details  from the novel that you have studied write about: some instances that show the character’s determination How the determination affects his/her family. 

 2007 - “ It is important to have a person you look up to in your life”   From the novel that you have read, write about one character that you look up to. Give reasons why you choose him/her 

2008 - Using the detail from the novel that you studied, describe what happened at the end of the novel Explain why you find the ending either happy or sad.   Support your answer with close reference to the text. 

2009 - Using the details from the novel that you have studied, write about a difficult decisio made by one of the characters.             With close reference to the text, do you think this was the right decision?

Should Mobile Phones Be Allowed in Schools?

Mobile Phones Should Be Allowed in Schools.  Do you agree?

     Mobile phones have become an indispensable tool to students.  The modern mobile phones have cutting-edge technology.  They are no longer just used for calling or texting.  These smart phones are able to access the Internet, take notes, keep reminders and have large memories to boot.  With these in mind, should mobile phones be allowed in school?  In my opinion, mobile phones should not be allowed in schools.  This will bring a host of problems to the school.

     Firstly, the mobile phones will be too much of a distraction to the students.  At present, many students are already spending too much time on social networking websites and online games.  What is going to stop them from constantly checking on their Facebook updates or posting their status?  This will disrupt their concentration in class and will definitely affect their studies.

     In addition, these smart phones are also an excellent learning resource.  However, this tool could also be used by students to cheat.  They could access websites to help them answer their exam questions.  Students have been found to use the mobile phones to contact each other for answers.

     Besides,  allowing mobile phones in school would create a social divide between the students.  Students who do not have mobile phones or less capable phone would definitely feel the pressure of keeping up.  Some who cannot afford it would resort to stealing.  This would open up a whole new discipline problem to the school.  Imagine the havoc when everytime some loses a phone, a spot-check has to be done on all the students.  This would disrupt classes and a waste of the resources of the discipline master and prefects.

      When used responsibly, a cell phone can be an excellent learning tool.  Students can use applications like the calculator, dictionary, maps and other online resources.  It is especially useful when students do not understand a word.  They can easily look up the word with their mobile phone.  Students love to use technology and tend to be more motivated when given the freedom to use their mobile phones.

     In conclusion, mobile phones  are very useful in a student’s life.  However, they cause too much disruptions in school and might create a social divide between the ‘haves’ and the ‘have nots’.  Our students have not reached the maturity and they are not ready for this responsibility.  Therefore, mobile phones should not be allowed in schools.

(Adapted from:  Reading and Writing, Nilam Pub, Jenny Ho and Rahmah Sayuti)

Common errors found in students' essays

Correct the following sentences
1. We were enjoyed ourselves very much.
2. We also can prevent the breeding of the mosquitoes.
3. The principle reminded the students to come early for their exam.
4. Thanks for give me this opportunity.
5. Suddently, the car crashed into the tree.
6. If you are effected by dengue fever, you will have the following symptoms.
7. Than, we need to destroy the breeding grounds of the mosquitoes.
8. Then, dengue fever have more at our housing area.
9. Nowaday, we can see many cases of dengue fever.
10. Dengue fever have many symptoms.
11. Futhermore, the patience of dengue fever will vomit.
12. Because of dengue fever, many people have died.
13. And another symptom of dengue fever is vomiting regularly.
14. There are ways how to control the breeding of Aedes mosquitoes.
15. Not just that, you will also have a headache.
16. Dengue fever also make we tired.
17. This will avoid the breeding of the mosquitoes.
18. I am sure you all will agree with me that dengue fever is dangerous.
19. As we know that dengue fever is dangerous ill to everyone.
20. You must take care of your healthy.

5 types of errors found in students' answer for the novel

5 types of errors found in students' answer for the novel:
1. mere mention
Students do no elaborate or give evidence.
For example:
The most important event in the novel is the great escape. Rory took Granda out of Rachnadar.

2. mere narration
Students tell the story without answering the question. They are merely giving a synopsis of the story.

3. factual errors

Students do not know the novel well and they tried to elaborate but ended up giving factual errors.
For example:
Granda died at the bus shelter.

4. switching between tenses
If you answer in the present tense, do not change. If you are more comfortable answering in the past tense, make sure it is all in the past tense.

5. answering only one part of the question

For example:
Describe a sad event in the novel and how this event affect the main character.

Describe an event which teaches you a moral lesson.