By DR KOH SOO LING
Sample reading test paper part 2
Questions 1-5 are based on the following passage.
Health: Help for heavies
With 43.11 per cent of the Malaysian population being overweight or obese, it is no surprise that there is an obesity clinic at Putrajaya Hospital.
Fazli was a chubby and cute toddler. Now, he has grown fat.
“I was always hungry so I kept eating. I was the fattest in my class,” he bemoaned. He was always ridiculed by his friends for being obese, and for not being able to keep up with them when walking or taking part in physical activities. He was 220kg at age 22. “My movements were restricted as I could not sit in a bus comfortably and I had difficulty getting in and out of taxis,” he said. He also suffered obesity-related health problems, so he sought help.
Doctors at a government hospital in one of the northern states referred him to Putrajaya Hospital’s Obesity Clinic two years ago. He arrived in an ambulance and consultant endocrinologist Dr Masni Mohamad was entrusted with the task of helping him.
“I had to assess him thoroughly on his first visit, which included evaluation of potential obesity-related diseases within history, physical examinations and laboratory tests. I had to get his weight history, and his eating and activity behaviour besides searching for trigger factors, including medications,” said Dr Masni, one of the pioneers at the clinic which opened in 2005 for just once a month and later twice a month.
Besides surgery, Fazli was put on a diet and physical exercise regime and finally started to lose weight. He is now 120kg and is still working hard to lose more weight.
The incidence of being overweight and obesity is rising globally, affecting virtually all ages and socio-economic groups. In 2006, the National Health & Morbidity Survey revealed that 29 per cent of adult Malaysians were overweight (Body Mass Index more than 25kg/m2) and 14 per cent were obese (Body Mass Index more than 30kg/m2)
Source: www.nst.com.my/nst/ar ticles/Health_Helpforheavies/Article/#ixzz0ou69lCDd
1. The opening sentence of the passage “With 43.11 per cent of the Malaysian population being overweight or obese, it is no surprise that there is an obesity clinic at Putrajaya Hospital” follows a __________________ pattern.
A. Chronological
B. Problem-Solution
C. Topical
2. Another word for “bemoaned” is
A. grumbled
B. lamented
C. argued
3. Which of the following is INCORRECT? Fazli …….
A. could not travel with ease
B. suffered health problems
C. was immobile
4. The hospital opened the Obesity clinic twice a month probably because
A. obesity is a fatal disease
B. there were many referrals from all over the country
C. there was an increase in medical staff
5. Which of the following was NOT a recommended procedure for treating Fazli’s
obesity?
A. surgery
B. exercise
C. alternative medicine
NEXT WEEK: Sample reading test paper part 3
ANSWERS:
1. B 2. B 3. C 4. B 5. C
Source: Learning Curve - New Straits Time
Monday, July 30, 2012
Monday, July 23, 2012
MUET MOMENTS: Lesson 18: Sample reading test paper part 1
Sample reading test paper part 1
Questions 1 to 6 are based on the information below:
1. This chart shows the relative size of populations of European Union countries in 1998 and 2007.
A. True
B. False
C. Not stated
2. We can examine any population percentage change from 1998 to 2007.
A. True
B. False
C. Not stated
3. All population percentage changes are significant as they amount to more than one per cent.
A. True
B. False
C. Not stated
4. Both Germany’s and Poland’s populations share of the European Union’s Population fell from 1998 to 2007 because of migration.
A. True
B. False
C. Not stated
5. The largest growth in population share was that of Spain which increased its share from 8.3 to 9 per cent.
A. True
B. False
C. Not stated
6. Ger many’s population fell and France’s population grew within the years shown.
A. True
B. False
C. Not stated
NEXT WEEK: Sample reading test paper part 2
ANSWERS:
1. A
2. A
3. B
4. C
5. A
6. B
Source: Learning Curve - New Straits Times
Monday, July 16, 2012
MUET MOMENTS: Lesson 17: Writing Skills II
By DR KOH SOO LING
Writing Skills II
For the second writing task of the test paper, you are expected to write an essay of not less than 350 words.
Basic rules
> You need to read the question carefully to see what is required. You may need to define, describe, classify, compare, contrast, explain or show cause and effect.
> Plan your time. Make sure you have set aside some time to:
— study the question and write out the points
— write the essay
— check the essay
> Brainstorm for ideas. Organise the points in a logical manner.
The following are some organisational patterns that you can follow:
— Linear order
— Chronological order
— Problem-solution order
— Cause-effect order
— Topical order
> Put your ideas into an outline. There should be an introduction, a body and a conclusion. Make sure there is a strong introduction and a neat conclusion.
Make use of linkers or discourse markers to connect the ideas in your essay. (Examples of linkers are: firstly, secondly, next and consequently)
> Once you have finished writing your draft, go through the essay again to check for spelling and grammatical errors.
Example
You are advised to spend about 50 minutes on this task.
Shyness is one negative characteristic that affects young people. What steps would a shy person need to take to overcome this problem? Your essay must be at
least 350 words in length.
NEXT WEEK: Sample reading test paper, part 1
ANSWER:
Introduction
Ask yourself this: do you become nervous when you are in the spotlight?
Strangers make some people shudder and the simple thought of talking in front of
people makes them freeze. Interestingly enough, this is a common phenomenon and many people in the world suffer from mild to extreme shyness and are struggling
to overcome it.
Body
> List the occasions that a person may be overwhelmed by shyness, for example learning a new skill, venturing into a new situation, trying to get to know new people. Once you have a list of 10 stressful situations, start dealing with them, one by one, starting with the “easier” situations.
> Try to pinpoint the thoughts before shyness hits and vocalise some “I” statements that you can repeat to yourself: “I can do this”, “I look good” and “I have something to offer”, for example.
> Build your self-confidence. Concentrate on what you know, what you can do and what you have accomplished.
> Look and act approachable. Have an open and friendly attitude. Smile and make eye contact.
> Set goals for yourself.
Conclusion
It is important to follow rules, but do not be overly ruled by them. Try not to overobsess about what everyone thinks about you. People usually prefer fun and
exciting people.
Source: Learning Curve - New Straits Times
Writing Skills II
For the second writing task of the test paper, you are expected to write an essay of not less than 350 words.
Basic rules
> You need to read the question carefully to see what is required. You may need to define, describe, classify, compare, contrast, explain or show cause and effect.
> Plan your time. Make sure you have set aside some time to:
— study the question and write out the points
— write the essay
— check the essay
> Brainstorm for ideas. Organise the points in a logical manner.
The following are some organisational patterns that you can follow:
— Linear order
— Chronological order
— Problem-solution order
— Cause-effect order
— Topical order
> Put your ideas into an outline. There should be an introduction, a body and a conclusion. Make sure there is a strong introduction and a neat conclusion.
Make use of linkers or discourse markers to connect the ideas in your essay. (Examples of linkers are: firstly, secondly, next and consequently)
> Once you have finished writing your draft, go through the essay again to check for spelling and grammatical errors.
Example
You are advised to spend about 50 minutes on this task.
Shyness is one negative characteristic that affects young people. What steps would a shy person need to take to overcome this problem? Your essay must be at
least 350 words in length.
NEXT WEEK: Sample reading test paper, part 1
ANSWER:
Introduction
Ask yourself this: do you become nervous when you are in the spotlight?
Strangers make some people shudder and the simple thought of talking in front of
people makes them freeze. Interestingly enough, this is a common phenomenon and many people in the world suffer from mild to extreme shyness and are struggling
to overcome it.
Body
> List the occasions that a person may be overwhelmed by shyness, for example learning a new skill, venturing into a new situation, trying to get to know new people. Once you have a list of 10 stressful situations, start dealing with them, one by one, starting with the “easier” situations.
> Try to pinpoint the thoughts before shyness hits and vocalise some “I” statements that you can repeat to yourself: “I can do this”, “I look good” and “I have something to offer”, for example.
> Build your self-confidence. Concentrate on what you know, what you can do and what you have accomplished.
> Look and act approachable. Have an open and friendly attitude. Smile and make eye contact.
> Set goals for yourself.
Conclusion
It is important to follow rules, but do not be overly ruled by them. Try not to overobsess about what everyone thinks about you. People usually prefer fun and
exciting people.
Source: Learning Curve - New Straits Times
Monday, July 09, 2012
MUET MOMENTS: Lesson 16: Writing Skills I
By DR KOH SOO LING
Writing skills I
For the first question, you will have to write a short article of about 150-200 words.
You will be given information from a variety of sources. Look at the example below:
Question 1
Study: Parenting style reduces child’s risk of depression and anxiety
Subjects of Study: 214 children and their mothers
Period of Study: 3 years
“This study moves away from the one-size-fits-all approach to parenting, and gives specific advice to parents on how to mitigate their child’s anxiety and depression,” says Cara Kiff, a psychology resident at the University of Washington School of Medicine in the United States.
“We hear a lot about over-involved parents, like “tiger mums” and “helicopter
parents”. It is parents’ instinct to help and support their children in some way, but it’s not always clear how to intervene in the best way, ” says Liliana Lengua, a psychology professor.
You are advised to spend about 40 minutes on this task.
NEXT WEEK: Writing skills II
ANSWER:
Question 1
Matching your parenting style to your child’s personality can greatly reduce the
youngster’s risk of depression and anxiety, researchers say.
The three-year study of 214 children and their mothers revealed that a good match between parenting styles and the child’s personality reduced the child’s risk of depression and anxiety symptoms.
Basically, the three types of parenting style are authoritarian, permissive and
authoritative. Children who have authoritarian mothers are more likely to be anxious or depressed, do well academically and are not engaged in antisocial activities.
Children who have permissive mothers lack emotional control skills, are defiant when desires are challenged and do not handle problems well. In difficult situations, authoritative mothers help but do not take over. They aid their children in learning to navigate problems on their own.
This study moves away from other traditional studies on parenting, and provides
advice to parents on how to monitor their child’s anxiety and depression.
Source: Learning Curve - New Straits Times
Writing skills I
For the first question, you will have to write a short article of about 150-200 words.
You will be given information from a variety of sources. Look at the example below:
Question 1
Study: Parenting style reduces child’s risk of depression and anxiety
Subjects of Study: 214 children and their mothers
Period of Study: 3 years
“This study moves away from the one-size-fits-all approach to parenting, and gives specific advice to parents on how to mitigate their child’s anxiety and depression,” says Cara Kiff, a psychology resident at the University of Washington School of Medicine in the United States.
“We hear a lot about over-involved parents, like “tiger mums” and “helicopter
parents”. It is parents’ instinct to help and support their children in some way, but it’s not always clear how to intervene in the best way, ” says Liliana Lengua, a psychology professor.
You are advised to spend about 40 minutes on this task.
NEXT WEEK: Writing skills II
ANSWER:
Question 1
Matching your parenting style to your child’s personality can greatly reduce the
youngster’s risk of depression and anxiety, researchers say.
The three-year study of 214 children and their mothers revealed that a good match between parenting styles and the child’s personality reduced the child’s risk of depression and anxiety symptoms.
Basically, the three types of parenting style are authoritarian, permissive and
authoritative. Children who have authoritarian mothers are more likely to be anxious or depressed, do well academically and are not engaged in antisocial activities.
Children who have permissive mothers lack emotional control skills, are defiant when desires are challenged and do not handle problems well. In difficult situations, authoritative mothers help but do not take over. They aid their children in learning to navigate problems on their own.
This study moves away from other traditional studies on parenting, and provides
advice to parents on how to monitor their child’s anxiety and depression.
Source: Learning Curve - New Straits Times
Monday, July 02, 2012
MUET MOMENTS: Lesson 15: Main idea, topic sentence and supporting details
By DR KOH SOO LING
Main idea, topic sentence and supporting details
What is the main idea?
The main idea is the most important piece of information the author wants the reader to know.
The main idea is the “key concept” of the text. Supporting details are essential because they tell you how, what, when, where, why, how much, or how many things are related to the main idea.
When you find the topic, main idea and supporting details, you will then be able to understand the point(s) the writer is attempting to express. When a student can identify the relationship between topics, main ideas and details, he is able to comprehend better.
In narrative text, the main idea is the overall theme of the story. Characters’ actions, motives, problems and personalities all contribute to the overall theme(s) of the story. If the reader has a similar experience as that expressed in the text, he will be able to have a richer reading experience.
What is the topic sentence?
The topic sentence with explicit information on the main idea can be found:
- at the beginning of the paragraph
- in the middle or
- at the end
What are supporting details?
- These are details or sentences that work together to communicate the main idea.
- Supporting details can be descriptions, definitions, examples, elaboration or
exploration of the main idea.
Practice
There are two key reasons why Germany cannot allow the euro to collapse. Germany
is the second-largest exporting nation on Earth and a major downturn in this market would spell disaster for many leading German firms. However, the larger concern is what would happen if the eurozone itself broke up and Germany returns to its national currency — the Deutschmark — which would rise in value against other currencies, leaving German exporters at a critical disadvantage. Germany has no choice but to bear the brunt of the rescue packages to its neighbours.
1. Topic Sentence: ___________________________________________________
2. Main Idea: _______________________________________________________
3. Supporting Sentences:
a. _________________________________________________________________
b. _________________________________________________________________
NEXT WEEK: Writing skills I
ANSWERS:
1. Topic Sentence: There are two key reasons why Germany cannot allow the euro to collapse.
2. Main Idea: Germany has no choice but to bear the brunt of the rescue packages to its neighbours.
3. Supporting details: Germany is the second-largest exporting nation on Earth and a major downturn in this market would spell disaster for many leading German firms.
However, the larger concern is what would happen if the eurozone itself broke up and Germany returns to its national currency — the Deutschmark — which would rise in value against other currencies leaving German exporters at a critical disadvantage.
Source: Learning Curve - New Straits Times
Main idea, topic sentence and supporting details
What is the main idea?
The main idea is the most important piece of information the author wants the reader to know.
The main idea is the “key concept” of the text. Supporting details are essential because they tell you how, what, when, where, why, how much, or how many things are related to the main idea.
When you find the topic, main idea and supporting details, you will then be able to understand the point(s) the writer is attempting to express. When a student can identify the relationship between topics, main ideas and details, he is able to comprehend better.
In narrative text, the main idea is the overall theme of the story. Characters’ actions, motives, problems and personalities all contribute to the overall theme(s) of the story. If the reader has a similar experience as that expressed in the text, he will be able to have a richer reading experience.
What is the topic sentence?
The topic sentence with explicit information on the main idea can be found:
- at the beginning of the paragraph
- in the middle or
- at the end
What are supporting details?
- These are details or sentences that work together to communicate the main idea.
- Supporting details can be descriptions, definitions, examples, elaboration or
exploration of the main idea.
Practice
There are two key reasons why Germany cannot allow the euro to collapse. Germany
is the second-largest exporting nation on Earth and a major downturn in this market would spell disaster for many leading German firms. However, the larger concern is what would happen if the eurozone itself broke up and Germany returns to its national currency — the Deutschmark — which would rise in value against other currencies, leaving German exporters at a critical disadvantage. Germany has no choice but to bear the brunt of the rescue packages to its neighbours.
1. Topic Sentence: ___________________________________________________
2. Main Idea: _______________________________________________________
3. Supporting Sentences:
a. _________________________________________________________________
b. _________________________________________________________________
NEXT WEEK: Writing skills I
ANSWERS:
1. Topic Sentence: There are two key reasons why Germany cannot allow the euro to collapse.
2. Main Idea: Germany has no choice but to bear the brunt of the rescue packages to its neighbours.
3. Supporting details: Germany is the second-largest exporting nation on Earth and a major downturn in this market would spell disaster for many leading German firms.
However, the larger concern is what would happen if the eurozone itself broke up and Germany returns to its national currency — the Deutschmark — which would rise in value against other currencies leaving German exporters at a critical disadvantage.
Source: Learning Curve - New Straits Times