Friends

This friend I have is special, whilst young, intelligent and righteous. He lives
with me since he was born, a pleasure to have all these years.The strength to
face each day can sometimes be drawn from knowing him.
When I watch him dribble around with the ball at the street soccer court then
knocking it into the goal leaving the opponent frustrated there is unspeakable
pride and joy emitting from the core of my heart. How this fine young man has
grown from a novice soccer player just three years ago to a forwarder that
instill fear to defenders who have to mark him. A elusive player who pass his
opponent with ease and elegant he can match the highest standard of the land.
The fond memories of the time we spend together still lingers in my mind.
Bringing him to the movies, watching him fight with his sisters still sits in my
mind. When he is younger, he never kept still and even climb out of the cradle
that is meant to restrain him. That is when he is only two years old and that
time nearly got a spanking from his grand mother.
The coolest transformation is his hair. It uses to be always gelled and groomed
into the "curry puff" look that is the trademark look that signifies his childhood
days. Curry puff is a local snacks that has ultra ordinary puff when fried. Youth
has robbed away that and reinstall a new image to befit the modern time. The
"anime" type spike hairstyle is now the replacement. Skinny jeans with a smart
tee shirts is the order of the day when he needs to go for a outing. While I
would prefer him to be in long sleeved shirt and a business pant, his peer may
feel out of place with this sort of strange outfit.
Our favorite chat always centered on his favorite Barclay Premier League Club
Chelsea and my Manchester United Football Club. Our exchange on the matter
can turn into a feisty with each not giving way to the other. Glorified Manchester
United has done it once again but the arrival of Ancelloti this season and the
departure of Christano Ronaldo has up the challenge for the rivals.
Every weekend is spent at the soccer field where we conduct soccer lessons for
children under ten. He is my coach while I am his manager and together we
managed to keep soccer alive for these kids who showed up every weekend.
Our effort has rewarded us with two championship through the years and the
greatest pride is the one that Chris has played in.
Chris is more of a friend than a son, we spend our time together like most
friends do. I am proud of him both as a friend and a son.

Friends
Friends are people whom we turn to when our spirits need a lift. They are
always by our side through thick and thin. They stand beside us even when our
disposition is not perfectly right and will fight for us if we are oppressed.
Therefore, it is clear that friends play a vital role in shaping who we are today.
But what qualities exactly do we need to look for in a friend?
A friend should always be caring towards you. He or she should take interest in
your problems no matter how big or petty your problem may be. A friend should
be able to sit beside you and encourage you to keep your chin up even when
everyone else is against you. A friends empathy and lovingness will also
replenish your worn-out soul and will make you realize how important a friend
really is.
Apart from that, a friend should be an honest person. An honest friend will
dissipate any worries that he or she is lying towards you. A friends honesty will
enable you to trust his or shes opinion when it comes to telling you the truth
about yourself. For example, an honest friend will remand you on your declining
grades and will ask you to work harder while a dishonest friend will see it with a
blind eye. Therefore, an overall improvement in yourself will be noticeable if you
have an honest friend.
Moreover, a friend should be generous both emotionally and knowledge wise. A
friend who is generous ought to be able to connect with you and provide
emotional support. He or she should also be generous when it comes to sharing
knowledge. A true friend must be ever-ready to help you when you are inept in
certain subjects. A friend can easily guide you towards understanding the
subject matter better as he or she is often on the same page as you. The only
difference is that you cant quite grasp the content of the page per se.
Besides that, a friend must also be able to humour you. Humour plays a
quintessential role in making your day more lively and enjoyable. Friends who
pull your leg and mess about will indefinitely make life seem so much better. As
they say, laughter is the best medicine and a little levity on rainy days is always
welcomed.
In conclusion, friends are people we spend most of our time with. Thus, we
have to be selective when it comes to choosing our friends.

My Best Pal
Close friendships are hard to come by these days. In an ever-changing world
with people striving to achieve their interpretation of preordained success, it is
hard to know who your true friends are. Fortunately, I found my best pal early
at the tender age of seven. We were both enrolled at the same school and were
at wits ends as we searched tirelessly for our designated classes.
Samantha and I got acquainted as both of us were in the same class and sat
next to each other. Samantha was a happy-go-lucky girl who always managed
to breathe fresh air into the sometimes arid classroom. She always knew what
to say and would voice them at the best possible moments. Both pupils and
teachers alike enjoyed her company and liveliness. There was hardly ever a dull
moment when she was around with her funny quips and expressions.
Samantha was born with a silver spoon. Her father was a businessman and her
mother owned and ran a boutique. Both her parents were very caring towards
her as she, just like I, was the only child of the family. Samantha came to
school each day with a perpetual smile. She was a very nice person to be
around with. She and I used to go everywhere together and both of us were
rarely seen apart. We used to talk about so many things as we walked,
thoroughly enjoying our time together.
One day, I went to school and forgot to ask my parents for lunch money. At
first, I was not hungry and thought I could bear going without a meal but soon,
my stomach began to growl. Without asking, Samantha generously paid for my
meal and drinks during recess. The incident revealed to me how lucky I was to
have such a caring and compassionate friend.
As time went on, people started teasing us as we were spending more and more
time together. We seemed to know what each other thought and we cared for
each other deeply. Was I in love with her? I did not know then and we both
knew we were too young for all that emotional roller coaster.
Currently, Samantha and I are studying at different schools. It was hard to be
apart at first, but technology in the form of instant messaging and e-mails have
helped to bridge the gap in our friendship. I sincerely wish our friendship will
never end as it would be equivalent to waking up from a beautiful dream.
Source: By Manu Menon

Describe an afternoon at the bus station (SPM 97)

It was two oclock in the afternoon. I was heading towards the bus station with
Mohan after Mrs Wongs extra class. The sun was beating mercilessly on my
back and I could feel my sweat trickling down my spine. I have often wished
that my mother would allow me to ride a motorcycle to school. She says that I
am not ready but we both know that she is terrified that a car would knock me
down.
When I reached the bus station, it was nearly empty except for a handful of
boys. Mohan and I strode to a bench near the stationmasters office. I could feel
the tension on my shoulders as the straps of my school bag ate into my
shoulder. Where is the bus? I sighed to myself. An elderly woman came and
asked me where I was going. She started a conversation but gave up after my
monosyllable answers.
Suddenly, someone shouted and I saw a bus swerved into the station. I got up,
thankful for the chance to escape from the woman. . It was Mohans bus. The
group of boys were jostling each other to get into the bus. Masuk! Masuk!
shouted the conductor but nobody seemed to be moving. The black fumes made
me nauseous. All of a sudden, people started appearing from all directions to
board their bus. In no time, the passengers were packed like sardines in the
bus. It started to move, leaving some unfortunate passengers behind. I waved
at Mohan when I noticed him dangling on the steps of the bus. The bus swerved
out of the station again. It left another trail of black smoke.
I decided to go to Panjangs ice stall. The iced sugar cane juice soothed my
parched throat as I sipped slowly, all the while keeping an eye on the bus. Then
I saw the bus heading towards the station. I paid for my drinks. See you
tomorrow, I waved to Panjang.
Once more, the crowd began to swell near the bus. I noticed that the elderly
woman was being shoved around by the boys. She started hitting them with her
umbrella. Then, I saw Raja, my classmate at the back of the bus. I hurled my
bag through the window and he caught it. By the time I got into the bus, it had
already started moving. I got into my seat and told myself that I must really try
to convince my mother about the motorcycle again.
Source: By Jenny Tan

A HORRIFYING SWIM
Here is an example of a story with a good plot. Read and highlight the use of
interesting phrases which are precise. Many students tend to memorise
bombastic words and try to insert into their essays. The words or phrases must
be suitable. Originally, this was just a 150-word essay. I have expanded it by
using dialogues and more details.
It was a school holiday. Rahman woke up at the crack of dawn and headed
for Ah Chongs house. The boys had agreed to meet Sean and Sasi, their
classmates. It was a perfect day for a swim. Although they were all strong
swimmers, Rahmans mother had cautioned him against going for a swim. A
week earlier, their neighbour's son had nearly drowned in that river.
Splash! Hassan dived off the rock into the inviting river. The water was
deep but he was not worried. After all, he was an excellent swimmer and a
certified lifeguard. He knew the waters in the area well as he often swam there.
He persuaded the rest of the boys to follow him up to a higher waterfall. They
clambered up the boulders. Lets jump! an exhilarated Rahman shouted. The
boys plunged in together, screaming in delight.
Suddenly, Sean was tumbling out of control. The water smashed him over
and over again. The current had smashed the other boys against a rock and
they managed to pull themselves out from the raging water. At first, they could
not see Sean. Then, as the waves subsided, they saw Seans half-submerged
figure, face down. Rahman dived into the water immediately. He knew that
every second counted. Swimming strongly, he got to Sean in no time. With Sasi
and Ah Chongs help, they managed to pull Sean out of the water and onto the
rock.
Oh God, let him not be dead! Rahman pleaded. Sean looked so blue. The
others stood, paralyzed, not knowing what to do. Rahman grabbed Seans wrist
but he could not feel any pulse. He remembered what his teacher had told him.
A drowning victim had to receive artificial breathing within four minutes or he
would die. With his lifeguard training in his mind, Rahman immediately drew
Seans head back and clamped his mouth over him. He began pumping breath
into Seans lungs as Sasi compressed Seans chest while keeping count.
Suddenly, Sean gurgled and threw up. They continued breathing and pumping.
Keep going. One of us has to go for help. Sasi, you are the fastest. Run home
and get help. Ask someone to call for an ambulance. Quick.....
After thirty minutes, and what seemed like a lifetime, Rahman felt
something moved against him. Seans leg had jerked against him. He felt for a

pulse. Seans breathing.... Rahman cried. Just then, they heard an ambulance.
You are going to be alright he assured Sean. Within minutes, the paramedics
had lifted him to the ambulance and headed for the nearby hospital. At the
hospital, the boys were so thankful that Sean was going to be alright and they
had saved his life. Rahmans mother gave him a stern lecture. Rahman felt bad
and regretted not listening to his mother.

A Prominent Malaysian Leader

As the fourth and most dynamic Prime Minister of Malaysia, Tun Dr.
Mahathir bin Mohamad will indelible impression on the sands of Malaysia for
many years to come. He held the post for 22 years from 1981 to 2003, making
him Malaysia's longest-serving Prime Minister, and one of the longest-serving
leaders in Asia.
Born on 20th December, 1925 in Alor Setar, Dr. Mahathir is the son of a teacher.
He is the youngest of nine children of a school teacher and a housewife. His
father, Mohamad Iskandar, was of Indian descent, being the son of a Muslim
and a Malay mother, while Mahathir's own mother, Datin Wan Tempawan Wan
Hanafi, was Malay. He is married to Tun Dr. Siti Hasmah binti Haji Mohamad Ali,
they have seven children, four sons and three daughters. From an early age,
Tun Mahathir had the importance of education drummed into him by his father,
who was also a strict disciplinarian.
After his early education at the Maktab Sultan Abdul Hamid in Alor
Setar, he enrolled at the King Edward VII College of Medicine in the University of
Singapore. Armed with a MBBS degree in medicine, he set up his own clinic, the
Maha Clinic in Alor Setar. As a doctor, Tun Mahathir came into close contact with
people from variety of social strata and enjoyed a close rapport with them. He
understood their problems. Thus, when he was thrust into the politic limelight,
he strove to fulfil the needs of the people.
He was first catapulted into the world of politics when he became the Member of
Parliement for Alor Setar in 1964. After holding a number of portfolios, including
Minister of Education, Minister of Trade and Industry and Deputy Prime
Minister, he finally became the Prime Minister on 16th July, 1981. The country
flourished with Dr. Mahathir at the helm of the government. His contributions to
the nation are so immense and par excellence. He has left his mark in every
aspect in politics, economy or education.
Realizing that government-owned enterprises are neither efficient nor profitable,
he initiated the privation policy in 1983. This had immediate effect of cutting
down bureaucratic ineptitude and operational cost while at the same time
generating more revenue.
With collapse of the prices of agricultural commodities in the eighties, Tun
Mahathir decided that it was time to shift the nations focus to more profitable
areas. Thus, he started the industrialization programme. Reputed as the
countrys top salesman, he showcased Malaysia to investors abroad in a bid to
woo them. As a result of the heavy industrialization drive, major projects like

national car project or PROTON and the steel company, PERWAJA, together with
other mega project were launched one after another. Next, realizing that
industrialization would require a good infrastructure, he set about improving it.
The Mahathir era saw a successful completion of the North-South Highway, the
East-West Highway, the Multimedia Super Corridor, the Kuala Lumpur
International Airport in Sepang and many more.
An astute politician, he charted the growth of the countrys progress from the
day he took office. He envisages that Malaysia can only attain the status of a
fully developed country if it becomes an industrialization one and this ambition
has been his main agenda during his tenure. With this in mind, he announced
Vision 2020, his most ambitious vision.
Frank and outspoken by nature, Tun Mahathir speak without fear nor favour.
This has been the hallmark of thus much respected statesman. The inefficiency
of local and international organizations has always come under his scrutiny and
critism.
It has been almost two decades since Tun Mahathir took over reins of the
government. It has undoubtedly been the golden era for Malaysia with many
notable achievements.

This good English essay was submitted by Nathan. This descriptive essay is
about two meerkats that are looking at something great
These two young, petite meerkats are fixing their gaze, with their inquiring,
ball-shaped eyes on a spectacle that you do not see everyday. They are so
mesmerized, and it is as if the meerkats are in some kind of a trance. They are
standing straight and upright, like a soldier waiting for his superior.
The sight is of a small girl around the tender age of five. She has the face of an
angel. It is one that is so pure, and it has a shine that fills the park up with life.
Her skin is very light and smooth. There are no wrinkles, no scars and no
blemishes present. It is as soft as a babys skin, brand new from birth and right
out of its mothers womb.
She is like a dove coming down from heaven, and changing its physical looks.
Nothing on this earth can be so perfect, in appearance that is.
There is something unknown about her. It is something that cannot be placed.
Her eyes are dark blue, and they are contrasted by a peculiar green that is
encircling the blue. The most catching thing about her eyes, is that there is a
tiny spark of crimson red, tucked beneath the prominent blue.
The sun is starting to set over the green hills. The park is filled with a gold
brilliance that shines its light on the autumn leaves, rebounding the rays of the
sun.
And then the sun goes down. Everything changes with an extremely drastic
force. The colours cease to exist. The leaves on the floor are hiding away,
crouching under their superiors, the trees. The golden colours of autumn have
disappeared; they have drifted away into nothing.
The little girls appearance has also changed. You can no longer see her
beautiful blonde hair, but instead long strands of string that have changed to fit
in with the dark presence of the night.
It is now the blues hues being imprisoned. Her eyes have changed to a crimson
red, surrounding her pitch black pupils. She is not what she appears when
everyone can see her. She is something evil and dark. She is something that
does no good. She is something that destroys lives and takes away happiness.
What she really is, is something that only she knows, and only she will ever
know.

Social Networking Website

A large number of internet users have joined social networking websites. A
social network service is an online service, platform, or site that focuses on
building and reflecting of social networks or social relations among people. For
example is for those who wants to share interests and, or activities. A social
network service essentially consists of a representation of each user which
known often as a profile, his or her social links, and a variety of additional
services.
Most social network services are web based and provide means for users to
interact over the internet, such as e-mail and instant messaging. Online
community services are sometimes considered as a social network service. In a
broader sense, social network service usually means an individual-centered
service whereas online community services are group-centered. Social
networking sites allow users to share ideas, activities, events, and interests
within their individual networks.
In the last five years, they have been growing up more and more popular. This
increase in their popularity has led to a large number of members.
One of the many reasons why Yahoo!, MySpace and Facebook social networking
websites have increased in popularity is due to the fact that they cover a wide
variety of different topics, issues and interest. They do not just focus on one
particular group of individuals or one particular issue. Their policy is to invite as
many types of internet users to join as possible. By this, it gives members a
wide selection of online friends to choose from.
If you are looking to join a social networking website that is more focused on
creating friendships or partnerships between internet users preferable with the
same interests, then you will want to focus on social networking websites. They
have a particular focus. The prevalent websites focus on important issues,
topics and hobbies, such as pet owners, religion travel and others. So before
you join, think of an issue you are interested in and sign up for the website that
focuses on that issue.
What really sets them apart from other websites? What is so special about
them? These are questions which have been asked by many who show interest
in joining. Primarily, it is the community. As mentioned, such social networking
sites tend to focus on a particular topic, issue or hobby. This means that if you
are a keen traveller and you would like to speak to other keen travellers, you
will want to join a travellers networking sites.

The difference between these social networking sites and traditional ones is that
you will automatically be paired with hundreds, if not thousands, of other
internet users who share the same interests, views or beliefs as you. This is a
big bonus to the members.
Another benefit to joining the social networking website is that you are, in a
way, safer than those who are members of other networks. Most of them
require activation before joining the site. Before activation can occur, many
users are required to state their reasons for wanting to join the network or they
may be required to fill out a small questionnaire pertaining to determine
whether or not they have a genuine interest in the topic focused on by the
network in question. By pairing you with a group of individuals who share the
same beliefs, views and interests as you do is advantageous to members. It
means that you do not have to spend hours researching a person or speaking to
them just to learn what they are or are not interested in. Therefore, this
enables you to jump right in and start making friends, almost as soon as you
are granted access to the site that you have chosen. This service gives the
social networking websites a great edge over other websites.
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