By DR KOH SOO LING
Skimming and scanning
Skimming is reading a text quickly. When we skim a text, we ask these questions:
1. What is the writer trying to tell us?
2. What does the writer think?
3. How is the text organised?
Scanning is going through a text quickly to get specific information that we are looking for. You can bear in mind two questions when you scan:
1. What are you looking for?
2. Which part of the text is the information available?
practice
Scan the text below and answer the following questions:
Facebook is a social networking service and website launched in February 2004, and operated and privately owned by Facebook, Inc.
As of July 2011, Facebook has more than 800 million active users who must register before using the site, after which they may create a personal profile, add other users as friends, and exchange messages, including automatic notifications when they update their profile.
Additionally, users may join common interest user groups organised by workplace, school or college, or other characteristics, and categorise their friends into lists such as “People From Work” or “Close Friends”.
The name of the service stems from the colloquial name for the book given to students at the start of the academic year by some university administrations in the United States to help students get to know each other.
Facebook allows anyone who declare themselves to be at least 13 years old to become registered users of the site.
Facebook was founded by Mark Zuckerberg with his college roommates and fellow students Eduardo Saverin, Dustin Moskovitz and Chris Hughes.
Its membership was initially limited by the founders to Harvard students, but was expanded to other colleges in the Boston area, the Ivy League and Stanford University.
It gradually added support for students at various other universities before opening to high school students, and eventually to anyone aged 13 and over.
However, based on Consumers Reports.org in May 2011, there are 7.5 million children under 13 with accounts, violating the site’s terms of service.
A January 2009 Compete.com study ranked Facebook as the most used social networking service by worldwide monthly active users. Quantcast estimates Facebook has 138.9 million monthly unique American visitors in May 2011.
According to Social Media Today, in April 2010, an estimated 41.6 per cent of the US population had a Facebook account. Nevertheless, Facebook’s market growth started to stall in some regions, with the site losing 7 million active users in the US and Canada in May 2011.
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Facebook
1. As of July 2011, Facebook has more than ________________ active users.
2. Friends can be categorised into lists such as “People From Work” or “_______________”.
3. You must be at least _______________ years old to be a registered user on Facebook.
4. Facebook was founded by ____________ with three other fellow college students.
5. The website’s membership was initially limited by the founders to Harvard students, but was expanded to other colleges in the Boston area, _______________ , and _____________.
6. According to Consumers Reports.org in May 2011, how many children under 13 have accounts with Facebook?
7. How many active users in the United States and Canada did the Facebook site lose in May 2011?
NEXT WEEK: Understanding Sense Relationships — Reference Words
ANSWERS:
1. 800 million
2. Close Friends
3. 13
4. Mark Zuckerberg
5. the Ivy League, Stanford University.
6. 7.5 million
7. 7 million
Source: Learning Curve - New Straits Times
Monday, April 30, 2012
Monday, April 23, 2012
MUET MOMENTS: Lesson 5: Comprehension Skills
By DR KOH SOO LING
COMPREHENSION SKILLS
For the reading component, candidates are assessed on their ability to comprehend types of text of varying length and complexity. Comprehension is the practice of understanding. It is:
- Making connections between what you already know about a topic and what you are reading.
- Making use of the structure of the text to make predictions.
- Making use of problem-solving strategies to think and expand on the text.
Areas to focus on are listed in the table below:
SKILLS
Comprehension
One strategy for reading comprehension is the technique called SQ3R. This stands for Survey, Question, Read, Recite and Review.
DETAILS
- Skimming and scanning
- Extracting specific information
- Identifying main ideas
- Identifying supporting details
- Deriving the meaning of words, phrases, sentences from the context
- Understanding linear and non-linear texts
- Understanding relationships
-- Recognising a paraphrase
Application
Making a connection is when you can relate a passage to an experience, another book or other facts about the world. Making connections will help you understand the author’s purpose and what the story is about.
DETAILS
-Predicting outcomes
- Applying a concept to new situation
Analysis
Read the text and find answers for the following: who, what, where, when, why, and how.
DETAILS
- Understanding language functions
- Interpreting linear and non-linear texts
- Distinguishing the relevant from the irrelevant
- Distinguishing fact from opinion
- Making inferences
Synthesis
Synthesising is when you take what you already know about a subject along with your reflections from the book to create your own interpretation and ideas about a certain text.
DETAILS
- Relating ideas and concepts
- Following the development of a point or an argument
- Summarising information
Evaluation
It is about making judgments on what you read and then explaining why you made them.
Evaluating non-fiction texts can be done by using a criteria checklist (i.e. table of contents, index, titles, headings, for example) to help you rate a text.
DETAILS
- Appraising information
- Making judgments
- Drawing conclusions
- Recognising and interpreting writer’s views, attitudes or intentions
NEXT WEEK: Skimming and scanning
Source: Learning Curve - New Straits Times
COMPREHENSION SKILLS
For the reading component, candidates are assessed on their ability to comprehend types of text of varying length and complexity. Comprehension is the practice of understanding. It is:
- Making connections between what you already know about a topic and what you are reading.
- Making use of the structure of the text to make predictions.
- Making use of problem-solving strategies to think and expand on the text.
Areas to focus on are listed in the table below:
SKILLS
Comprehension
One strategy for reading comprehension is the technique called SQ3R. This stands for Survey, Question, Read, Recite and Review.
DETAILS
- Skimming and scanning
- Extracting specific information
- Identifying main ideas
- Identifying supporting details
- Deriving the meaning of words, phrases, sentences from the context
- Understanding linear and non-linear texts
- Understanding relationships
-- Recognising a paraphrase
Application
Making a connection is when you can relate a passage to an experience, another book or other facts about the world. Making connections will help you understand the author’s purpose and what the story is about.
DETAILS
-Predicting outcomes
- Applying a concept to new situation
Analysis
Read the text and find answers for the following: who, what, where, when, why, and how.
DETAILS
- Understanding language functions
- Interpreting linear and non-linear texts
- Distinguishing the relevant from the irrelevant
- Distinguishing fact from opinion
- Making inferences
Synthesis
Synthesising is when you take what you already know about a subject along with your reflections from the book to create your own interpretation and ideas about a certain text.
DETAILS
- Relating ideas and concepts
- Following the development of a point or an argument
- Summarising information
Evaluation
It is about making judgments on what you read and then explaining why you made them.
Evaluating non-fiction texts can be done by using a criteria checklist (i.e. table of contents, index, titles, headings, for example) to help you rate a text.
DETAILS
- Appraising information
- Making judgments
- Drawing conclusions
- Recognising and interpreting writer’s views, attitudes or intentions
NEXT WEEK: Skimming and scanning
Source: Learning Curve - New Straits Times
Monday, April 16, 2012
MUET MOMENTS: Lesson 4: LISTENING SKILLS III
By Dr Koh Soo Ling
LISTENING SKILLS III
In order for you to answer questions 15 to 20, you are required to listen to three short texts, for example a complaint, a remark, a documentary or an advertisement. You are encouraged to listen carefully before filling in the blanks with appropriate words. Sometimes you will need to summarise what you have heard. You may also need to rephrase certain parts of the text so that your answers are accurate.
Voice 1: Part III
Listen to the following advertisement.
Voice 2: Have you always wanted to play the guitar, but never got around to getting started? Here is reason to begin… a free private 30-minute guitar lesson and you’ll learn parts of the guitar, and your first chord. Beginners, intermediate and advanced students of all ages are welcome. No talent required! Patient, encouraging approach. Fast results. I have been teaching all ages (from 5 to 65!) since 1999. I can conduct guitar lessons in your home or in mine. For more information, call Dave (03-7908-1089) or visit www.guitarlessons.com
Voice 1: You are now given one minute to answer Questions 15 and 16.
(Pause one minute)
For questions 15 to 16, write your answer in NOT MORE THAN FIVE WORDS.
15. According to the guitar teacher, during the free private lesson, the student will ___________________ and the first chord.
16. The teacher ____________________ in his own house or in the student’s house.
The following text is taken from the National Geographic magazine. Fill in the blanks with appropriate words.
Voice 1: Two new species of frog have been discovered in Papua New Guinea, a new study says.
“I’m always amazed by the size of these small frogs you find — it’s really pushing the limit of what’s possible,” said Robin Moore, an amphibian expert with Conservation International, who was not involved in the study.
Vertebrate zoologist Fred Kraus found the two new species during a 2011 expedition to an isolated mountain in southeastern Papua New Guinea. These mini frogs can eat diminutive prey such as mites, which wouldn’t sustain larger frogs, he said.
Voice 1: You are now given one minute to answer Questions 17 to 18.
For questions 17 to 18, write your answer in NOT MORE THAN FIVE WORDS.
17. A recent study records that scientists have discovered _____________________________ in Papua New Guinea.
18. Vertebrate zoologist Fred Kraus found the two new species during a 2011 ___________________in southeastern Papua New Guinea.
For questions 19 to 20, write your answer in NOT MORE THAN FIVE WORDS.
Voice 1: Listen to the conversation on the danger of eating street food.
Voice 1: Now that many pollutants are everywhere, eating street food is dangerous. Even in many progressive countries, street vendors are selling newly-cooked food that lure the palate or taste buds of bystanders. Authorities should issue health warnings and certificates to ensure people of the safeness of the food they are selling.
Voice 2: I totally agree. Food poisoning can have fatal effects on people who are at risk when eating street food. Street vendors serve their food hot but are we sure it’s safe?
19. Eating street food is dangerous because ________________________ .
20. Food poisoning can have ___________________ on people who are at risk when eating street food.
NEXT WEEK: Comprehension skills
ANSWERS:
15. learn parts of the guitar
16. can conduct all guitar lessons
17. two new species of frog
18. expedition to an isolated mountain
19. there are many pollutants everywhere.
20. fatal effects
Source: Learning Curve - New Straits Times
LISTENING SKILLS III
In order for you to answer questions 15 to 20, you are required to listen to three short texts, for example a complaint, a remark, a documentary or an advertisement. You are encouraged to listen carefully before filling in the blanks with appropriate words. Sometimes you will need to summarise what you have heard. You may also need to rephrase certain parts of the text so that your answers are accurate.
Voice 1: Part III
Listen to the following advertisement.
Voice 2: Have you always wanted to play the guitar, but never got around to getting started? Here is reason to begin… a free private 30-minute guitar lesson and you’ll learn parts of the guitar, and your first chord. Beginners, intermediate and advanced students of all ages are welcome. No talent required! Patient, encouraging approach. Fast results. I have been teaching all ages (from 5 to 65!) since 1999. I can conduct guitar lessons in your home or in mine. For more information, call Dave (03-7908-1089) or visit www.guitarlessons.com
Voice 1: You are now given one minute to answer Questions 15 and 16.
(Pause one minute)
For questions 15 to 16, write your answer in NOT MORE THAN FIVE WORDS.
15. According to the guitar teacher, during the free private lesson, the student will ___________________ and the first chord.
16. The teacher ____________________ in his own house or in the student’s house.
The following text is taken from the National Geographic magazine. Fill in the blanks with appropriate words.
Voice 1: Two new species of frog have been discovered in Papua New Guinea, a new study says.
“I’m always amazed by the size of these small frogs you find — it’s really pushing the limit of what’s possible,” said Robin Moore, an amphibian expert with Conservation International, who was not involved in the study.
Vertebrate zoologist Fred Kraus found the two new species during a 2011 expedition to an isolated mountain in southeastern Papua New Guinea. These mini frogs can eat diminutive prey such as mites, which wouldn’t sustain larger frogs, he said.
Voice 1: You are now given one minute to answer Questions 17 to 18.
For questions 17 to 18, write your answer in NOT MORE THAN FIVE WORDS.
17. A recent study records that scientists have discovered _____________________________ in Papua New Guinea.
18. Vertebrate zoologist Fred Kraus found the two new species during a 2011 ___________________in southeastern Papua New Guinea.
For questions 19 to 20, write your answer in NOT MORE THAN FIVE WORDS.
Voice 1: Listen to the conversation on the danger of eating street food.
Voice 1: Now that many pollutants are everywhere, eating street food is dangerous. Even in many progressive countries, street vendors are selling newly-cooked food that lure the palate or taste buds of bystanders. Authorities should issue health warnings and certificates to ensure people of the safeness of the food they are selling.
Voice 2: I totally agree. Food poisoning can have fatal effects on people who are at risk when eating street food. Street vendors serve their food hot but are we sure it’s safe?
19. Eating street food is dangerous because ________________________ .
20. Food poisoning can have ___________________ on people who are at risk when eating street food.
NEXT WEEK: Comprehension skills
ANSWERS:
15. learn parts of the guitar
16. can conduct all guitar lessons
17. two new species of frog
18. expedition to an isolated mountain
19. there are many pollutants everywhere.
20. fatal effects
Source: Learning Curve - New Straits Times
Monday, April 09, 2012
MUET MOMENTS: Lesson 3: Listening Skills II
By DR KOH SOO LING
LISTENING SKILLS II
Part II of the Listening Test can take the form of a short talk or a narrative account of some events. Look at the example below:
Voice 1: Part II
Voice 2: PANDA Paints (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd has launched its 2012 Young Designer Award for two categories of students -- interior design and architecture. The theme of the contest is Making a Difference.
The competition is open to degree students enrolled in schools of interior design (second year of study) and architecture (third year) in Malaysia. Entries for the award are required to demonstrate sustainability in terms of materials, maintenance, energy use as well as water and waste management.
In addition to colour innovation and coordination, novelty of design and aesthetics, participants will be judged on energy performance of their work.
Top winners from each category will receive RM5,000 and a laptop each.
Runners-up will get RM2,000 each and two honorary mentions will receive RM1,000 each.
The top six winners will get to work with an interior design or architect firm in Malaysia or abroad. They will also join a fully paid overseas study tour.
All entries must be received by the end of this month. Incomplete and late entries will be disqualified.
Voice 1: You are now given one minute to answer Questions 9-14. (Pause one minute)
For Questions 9 and 10, complete the sentences using the letters A-F from the box below.
A. degree
B. Making a Difference
C. interior design and
architecture
D. second year of study
E. third year of study
F. Malaysian
The 2012 Young Designer Award is open to 9. _____________________students and is open to 10. ____________________ students only.
For Questions 11-14, circle the correct answer.
11. Award entries must show the following except………
A. environmental sustainability
B. colour control
C. budget sense
12. All designs submitted should be
A. fabricated
B. original
C. relevant
13. Second prize winners from each category will receive
A. cash award
B. trophies
C. cash award and trophies
14. Entries which are received _____________ the closing date will be disqualified.
A. after
B. before
C. on
Source: Learning Curve - New Straits Times
LISTENING SKILLS II
Part II of the Listening Test can take the form of a short talk or a narrative account of some events. Look at the example below:
Voice 1: Part II
Voice 2: PANDA Paints (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd has launched its 2012 Young Designer Award for two categories of students -- interior design and architecture. The theme of the contest is Making a Difference.
The competition is open to degree students enrolled in schools of interior design (second year of study) and architecture (third year) in Malaysia. Entries for the award are required to demonstrate sustainability in terms of materials, maintenance, energy use as well as water and waste management.
In addition to colour innovation and coordination, novelty of design and aesthetics, participants will be judged on energy performance of their work.
Top winners from each category will receive RM5,000 and a laptop each.
Runners-up will get RM2,000 each and two honorary mentions will receive RM1,000 each.
The top six winners will get to work with an interior design or architect firm in Malaysia or abroad. They will also join a fully paid overseas study tour.
All entries must be received by the end of this month. Incomplete and late entries will be disqualified.
Voice 1: You are now given one minute to answer Questions 9-14. (Pause one minute)
For Questions 9 and 10, complete the sentences using the letters A-F from the box below.
A. degree
B. Making a Difference
C. interior design and
architecture
D. second year of study
E. third year of study
F. Malaysian
The 2012 Young Designer Award is open to 9. _____________________students and is open to 10. ____________________ students only.
For Questions 11-14, circle the correct answer.
11. Award entries must show the following except………
A. environmental sustainability
B. colour control
C. budget sense
12. All designs submitted should be
A. fabricated
B. original
C. relevant
13. Second prize winners from each category will receive
A. cash award
B. trophies
C. cash award and trophies
14. Entries which are received _____________ the closing date will be disqualified.
A. after
B. before
C. on
Source: Learning Curve - New Straits Times
Thursday, April 05, 2012
Narrative Essay: Forgiven
This good English essay writing was submitted by roseberry. You can submit your essay and get it published on this blog too!
I stood motionless and looked at the solid, dark brown wooden door. The house was painted white, and black on the wooden beams and window panes. It looked huge and expensive from the outside. I had to make my mind up whether to knock or press the bell. I turned to face the garden. I thought about going back to my car and drove home. Home. That was where I wanted to be; or was it where I would be after I knocked the door? I sighed and walked to the side where there was a wooden bench by the beautiful garden. I could see that the woman in the family loved the garden. The smell of white lilies reminded me of the florist down the road on Sixteenth Street. I sat on the sturdy looking wooden bench, trying to figure out what I would say if someone was to open the door. I wished I did not find out where she was so that I would not have three sleepless nights thinking of why she left me, whether she was looking for me or whether I should be angry.
I was abandoned at Bliss Home when I was barely four. They said they found me playing joyfully in the playground, innocently thinking that I was sent to school. After three years, I found out that my mother left me at the orphanage because she had to go and find my father who left us when I was two. I was devastated, knowing that my mother left me to strangers. Funny, I thought, how manipulative and contradictory adults could be when it comes to giving advice. Those at Bliss Home took good care of me and made me realise that I was still lucky to be able to enjoy life. Sister Lisa was one of those who managed to make me see that I should make the most of myself than being miserable, grieving my unfortunate life; thinking nobody loved me. I stayed there till I was 12, when I was then transferred to Rouston Public School. Well, Sister Lisa thought it was a good school. Spurred by Sister Lisa’s determination to give me ‘life’, I did my best in Rouston and would go back to Bliss Home during semester breaks or Christmas to be part of the family. Well, I was not sure whether I knew the meaning of that word, but Sister Lisa convinced me that I was part of them when my presence was usually welcomed by freshly baked apple pie and mince meat. Then we would all sit in our warm huge and rather aromatic dining hall. I could still smell Martha’s mouth-watering Yorkshire pudding and roast beef in the kitchen whenever I visited Bliss Home.
It was 8 years ago when I started digging files and tailing endless documents to find out who my biological parents were. Blessed, I found where my mother lived but was reluctant to go and see her. I knew it would shake her down to her knees and she would beg forgiveness for leaving me; that she was young and naive; that she would not have managed looking after me on her own. Even worst, my presence would stop her heart; that she would collapse unconsciously, leaving me feeling guilty instead. Sister Lisa was the one who insisted. At the end of the year, I eventually gave in but forbade her from calling Mom to inform that I was coming; in case I changed my mind. She gladly agreed and even packed me cheese and tomato sandwiches for the journey. I was skeptical when she said that Mom would be waiting for me. If mom knew where I was, why didn’t she come and find me?
My thoughts were interrupted by a butterfly flying right in front of my nose. I looked back at the house to see if anyone noticed my presence. Silence. I glanced at my watch but I forgot what time I arrived, so I did not know how long I was there. I stood up and walked back to the sandy path leading to the house. I stopped at the wooden door again wishing it was an automatic door so I did not have to decide. Spotting a shadow by the window on my left, my heart pumped. Somebody was at the window and was walking towards the door. I found it very hard to swallow a big lump in my throat as my heart thumped against my chest. I thought that I was the one who would be unconscious.
“Hi, can I help you?” asked the girl who was standing in front of me with a huge grin. I swallowed hard while admiring her curly blonde. Seeing that, I knew she must be Mom’s daughter. She looked 15, lean and has beautiful brown eyes. Pretty.
“Yess.. Ermm yeah.. I was looking for Mrs Collins. Hmm well, is this Mrs Collins’s house by any chance?”
“Ohh yeahh.. Hmm..Mom’s upstairs. And I think she’s expecting you. Aunt Lisa told mom this morning.” She smiled pleasantly holding the door. Despite the dazzling big smile, I could see the quizzical frowns on her forehead. I wondered whether it was because I frowned first. Obviously Sister Lisa must have had said something to Mom.
I waited. Looking for words, 1 folded my arms unintentionally and looked away at the lilies, biting my lower lips. I thought of saying that it was a big mistake and should just walk back to my car. After all, it had been 25 years since she left me. It would not change anything, would it?
“Owh well, you must be freezing. Please come in, she’ll be down in a minute”.
She opened the door and took my left hand, looked at me in the eyes as if to ask for permission and pulled me inside. As I dragged my feet down the hallway, I could see a family picture on the wall. Something stabbed me, right on my chest. Deep. I could feel the pain that I felt years ago when I found out I was left on my own, and was on the verge of tears. Again, I thought of walking back to the door but I brushed the thought away when I heard the footsteps. It happened so quickly, I was not sure whether I was actually there. My stomach tightened when I saw the hopeful look in her eyes.
“William, ohh it’s you. I’ve been waiting for you for what..like..30 years? I knew you would find me. See, it’s in your nature. Being curious, that is.”
Well, as if it was my mistake that she had to wait so long. I thought I was supposed to wait for her to find me, or at least she should have gone to Bliss Home to find out. Silence. I could not say anything looking at her fragile face. I noticed that her daughter was standing by the small coffee table, looking out of the window expressionlessly, pretending we were not there.
I looked at Mom pityingly and sighed. I was unsure of what to say. As if to wait for me to invite her in her own living room, she stood by the door and smiled awkwardly. Despite the quivered smile, I could still vaguely recognise those beautiful brown eyes when she smiled. Then, she looked down at her hands, which she clenched and unclenched nervously. I presumed that she was as uneasy as I was. After a moment, I cleared my throat and forced a weak smile. Seeing that, she ran towards me and hugged me. Sobbing. Tears welled in my eyes. I closed my eyes, afraid that anyone would see me, but I knew she was forgiven.
I stood motionless and looked at the solid, dark brown wooden door. The house was painted white, and black on the wooden beams and window panes. It looked huge and expensive from the outside. I had to make my mind up whether to knock or press the bell. I turned to face the garden. I thought about going back to my car and drove home. Home. That was where I wanted to be; or was it where I would be after I knocked the door? I sighed and walked to the side where there was a wooden bench by the beautiful garden. I could see that the woman in the family loved the garden. The smell of white lilies reminded me of the florist down the road on Sixteenth Street. I sat on the sturdy looking wooden bench, trying to figure out what I would say if someone was to open the door. I wished I did not find out where she was so that I would not have three sleepless nights thinking of why she left me, whether she was looking for me or whether I should be angry.
I was abandoned at Bliss Home when I was barely four. They said they found me playing joyfully in the playground, innocently thinking that I was sent to school. After three years, I found out that my mother left me at the orphanage because she had to go and find my father who left us when I was two. I was devastated, knowing that my mother left me to strangers. Funny, I thought, how manipulative and contradictory adults could be when it comes to giving advice. Those at Bliss Home took good care of me and made me realise that I was still lucky to be able to enjoy life. Sister Lisa was one of those who managed to make me see that I should make the most of myself than being miserable, grieving my unfortunate life; thinking nobody loved me. I stayed there till I was 12, when I was then transferred to Rouston Public School. Well, Sister Lisa thought it was a good school. Spurred by Sister Lisa’s determination to give me ‘life’, I did my best in Rouston and would go back to Bliss Home during semester breaks or Christmas to be part of the family. Well, I was not sure whether I knew the meaning of that word, but Sister Lisa convinced me that I was part of them when my presence was usually welcomed by freshly baked apple pie and mince meat. Then we would all sit in our warm huge and rather aromatic dining hall. I could still smell Martha’s mouth-watering Yorkshire pudding and roast beef in the kitchen whenever I visited Bliss Home.
It was 8 years ago when I started digging files and tailing endless documents to find out who my biological parents were. Blessed, I found where my mother lived but was reluctant to go and see her. I knew it would shake her down to her knees and she would beg forgiveness for leaving me; that she was young and naive; that she would not have managed looking after me on her own. Even worst, my presence would stop her heart; that she would collapse unconsciously, leaving me feeling guilty instead. Sister Lisa was the one who insisted. At the end of the year, I eventually gave in but forbade her from calling Mom to inform that I was coming; in case I changed my mind. She gladly agreed and even packed me cheese and tomato sandwiches for the journey. I was skeptical when she said that Mom would be waiting for me. If mom knew where I was, why didn’t she come and find me?
My thoughts were interrupted by a butterfly flying right in front of my nose. I looked back at the house to see if anyone noticed my presence. Silence. I glanced at my watch but I forgot what time I arrived, so I did not know how long I was there. I stood up and walked back to the sandy path leading to the house. I stopped at the wooden door again wishing it was an automatic door so I did not have to decide. Spotting a shadow by the window on my left, my heart pumped. Somebody was at the window and was walking towards the door. I found it very hard to swallow a big lump in my throat as my heart thumped against my chest. I thought that I was the one who would be unconscious.
“Hi, can I help you?” asked the girl who was standing in front of me with a huge grin. I swallowed hard while admiring her curly blonde. Seeing that, I knew she must be Mom’s daughter. She looked 15, lean and has beautiful brown eyes. Pretty.
“Yess.. Ermm yeah.. I was looking for Mrs Collins. Hmm well, is this Mrs Collins’s house by any chance?”
“Ohh yeahh.. Hmm..Mom’s upstairs. And I think she’s expecting you. Aunt Lisa told mom this morning.” She smiled pleasantly holding the door. Despite the dazzling big smile, I could see the quizzical frowns on her forehead. I wondered whether it was because I frowned first. Obviously Sister Lisa must have had said something to Mom.
I waited. Looking for words, 1 folded my arms unintentionally and looked away at the lilies, biting my lower lips. I thought of saying that it was a big mistake and should just walk back to my car. After all, it had been 25 years since she left me. It would not change anything, would it?
“Owh well, you must be freezing. Please come in, she’ll be down in a minute”.
She opened the door and took my left hand, looked at me in the eyes as if to ask for permission and pulled me inside. As I dragged my feet down the hallway, I could see a family picture on the wall. Something stabbed me, right on my chest. Deep. I could feel the pain that I felt years ago when I found out I was left on my own, and was on the verge of tears. Again, I thought of walking back to the door but I brushed the thought away when I heard the footsteps. It happened so quickly, I was not sure whether I was actually there. My stomach tightened when I saw the hopeful look in her eyes.
“William, ohh it’s you. I’ve been waiting for you for what..like..30 years? I knew you would find me. See, it’s in your nature. Being curious, that is.”
Well, as if it was my mistake that she had to wait so long. I thought I was supposed to wait for her to find me, or at least she should have gone to Bliss Home to find out. Silence. I could not say anything looking at her fragile face. I noticed that her daughter was standing by the small coffee table, looking out of the window expressionlessly, pretending we were not there.
I looked at Mom pityingly and sighed. I was unsure of what to say. As if to wait for me to invite her in her own living room, she stood by the door and smiled awkwardly. Despite the quivered smile, I could still vaguely recognise those beautiful brown eyes when she smiled. Then, she looked down at her hands, which she clenched and unclenched nervously. I presumed that she was as uneasy as I was. After a moment, I cleared my throat and forced a weak smile. Seeing that, she ran towards me and hugged me. Sobbing. Tears welled in my eyes. I closed my eyes, afraid that anyone would see me, but I knew she was forgiven.
Monday, April 02, 2012
MUET MOMENTS: Lesson 2: Listening Skills I
By Dr Koh Soo Ling
LISTENING SKILLS I
For the Listening Component, candidates are assessed on their ability to understand various types of oral text. Students will be tested on the following aspects:
1. knowledge/comprehension
2. application
3. analysis
4. synthesis
5. evaluation
SAMPLE QUESTIONS for Listening Test (Part 1)
Voice 1: Listen to the interview.
Commentator: We know that a high salt intake contributes to high blood pressure but according to a new study, sugar is just as guilty. Dr James, can you comment?
Dr James: According to this new study, if you have high blood pressure (hypertension), a low-carbohydrate diet is a better way to control it than medication.
In a study of 146 people who were hypertensive and overweight, nearly half were able to stop or decrease their blood pressure medication after going on a low-carbohydrate diet.
Commentator: Is it true that we consume more sugar today than we ever did before?
Dr James: Sugar is a great stimulator of the tongue and it is cheap and abundant. Instead of a luxury, it has now become a necessity. It is now added liberally to everything.
Prior to 1887, cardiovascular disease was almost unheard of and, as a point of interest, an average person consumed only 2.2kg of sugar every year. In the United States, the average American has increased his/her consumption of sugar from 12kg to more than 65kg a year in the last three decades.
Commentator: Are there any related problems?
Dr James: As you probably know, people suffering from diabetes usually have high blood pressure also. That’s an eye-opener to just how serious the problem really is.
Excess sugar will eventually result in the cells becoming insulin-resistant because too much insulin is toxic.
For Question 1, write you answer in NOT MORE THAN THREE WORDS.
1. According to a new study, a __________________________ helps control high blood pressure better than medication.
For Questions 2, 3 and 4, write your answer in NOT MORE THAN FIVE WORDS. CHARACTERISTICS OF SUGAR
Sugar stimulates the tongue and
2. _______________
Sugar which is now considered a necessity 3.________________
From 12kg to more than 65kg a year in the last three decades.
THE PROBLEM
INCREASE 4._____________________
IN THE UNITED STATES
For Questions 5 and 6, write your answer in NOT MORE THAN THREE WORDS.
People suffering from diabetes usually suffer from 5. ________________. This goes to show how 6. _________________________ really is.
For Questions 7 and 8, circle the correct answer.
7. Which of the following statements is correct?
A. Too much insulin is poisonous
B. Excess sugar reduces insulin
C. Insulin increases the sugar level
8. _____________ 1887, cardiovascular disease was almost unheard of and, as a point of interest, an average person consumed only 2.2kg of sugar every year.
A. during
B. before
C. after
NEXT WEEK: Listening Skills II
ANSWERS:
1. low-carbohydrate diet
2. it is cheap and abundant
3. is added liberally to everything
4. in the consumption of sugar
5. high blood pressure
6. serious the problem
7. A
8. B
Source: Learning Curve - New Straits Times
LISTENING SKILLS I
For the Listening Component, candidates are assessed on their ability to understand various types of oral text. Students will be tested on the following aspects:
1. knowledge/comprehension
2. application
3. analysis
4. synthesis
5. evaluation
SAMPLE QUESTIONS for Listening Test (Part 1)
Voice 1: Listen to the interview.
Commentator: We know that a high salt intake contributes to high blood pressure but according to a new study, sugar is just as guilty. Dr James, can you comment?
Dr James: According to this new study, if you have high blood pressure (hypertension), a low-carbohydrate diet is a better way to control it than medication.
In a study of 146 people who were hypertensive and overweight, nearly half were able to stop or decrease their blood pressure medication after going on a low-carbohydrate diet.
Commentator: Is it true that we consume more sugar today than we ever did before?
Dr James: Sugar is a great stimulator of the tongue and it is cheap and abundant. Instead of a luxury, it has now become a necessity. It is now added liberally to everything.
Prior to 1887, cardiovascular disease was almost unheard of and, as a point of interest, an average person consumed only 2.2kg of sugar every year. In the United States, the average American has increased his/her consumption of sugar from 12kg to more than 65kg a year in the last three decades.
Commentator: Are there any related problems?
Dr James: As you probably know, people suffering from diabetes usually have high blood pressure also. That’s an eye-opener to just how serious the problem really is.
Excess sugar will eventually result in the cells becoming insulin-resistant because too much insulin is toxic.
For Question 1, write you answer in NOT MORE THAN THREE WORDS.
1. According to a new study, a __________________________ helps control high blood pressure better than medication.
For Questions 2, 3 and 4, write your answer in NOT MORE THAN FIVE WORDS. CHARACTERISTICS OF SUGAR
Sugar stimulates the tongue and
2. _______________
Sugar which is now considered a necessity 3.________________
From 12kg to more than 65kg a year in the last three decades.
THE PROBLEM
INCREASE 4._____________________
IN THE UNITED STATES
For Questions 5 and 6, write your answer in NOT MORE THAN THREE WORDS.
People suffering from diabetes usually suffer from 5. ________________. This goes to show how 6. _________________________ really is.
For Questions 7 and 8, circle the correct answer.
7. Which of the following statements is correct?
A. Too much insulin is poisonous
B. Excess sugar reduces insulin
C. Insulin increases the sugar level
8. _____________ 1887, cardiovascular disease was almost unheard of and, as a point of interest, an average person consumed only 2.2kg of sugar every year.
A. during
B. before
C. after
NEXT WEEK: Listening Skills II
ANSWERS:
1. low-carbohydrate diet
2. it is cheap and abundant
3. is added liberally to everything
4. in the consumption of sugar
5. high blood pressure
6. serious the problem
7. A
8. B
Source: Learning Curve - New Straits Times