Farewell to 4B

The time is just around the corner when we break for the holidays.
All of you've been a wonderful bunch of kids whom I would miss teaching next year. May you all build on the foundation and go on to better things in life. Like what a famous motivator Napolean Hill says: Do not wait; the time will never be "just right'. Start where you stand, and work with whatever tools you may have at your command, and better tools will be found as you go along.
I wish all my MA4B all the best in your Form 5 studies. Good luck!
I would like to share a farewell song with all of you. Teaching you was a personal satisfaction to me. And now the song.........Raymond Lauchengco's "Farewell"......

We used to be frightened and scared to try
Of things we don't really understand why
We laugh for a moment and start to cry
We were crazy

Now that the end is already here
We reminisce 'bout old yells and cheers
Even if our last hurrahs were never clear

Farewell to you my friends
We'll see each other again
Don't cry 'cause it's not the end of everything
I may be miles away
But here is where my heart will stay
With you, my friends with you

Yesterday's a treasure, today is here
Tomorrows' on it's way, the sky is clear
Thank you for the mem'ries of all the laughters and tears

And not to mention our doubts and our fears
The hypertension we gave to our peers
It's really funny to look back after all of these years

Farewell to you my friends
We'll see each other again
Don't cry 'cause it's not the end of everything
I may be miles away
But here is where my heart will stay
With you, my friends with you

Farewell to you my friends
We'll see each other again
Don't cry 'cause it's not the end of everything
I may be miles away
But here is where my heart will stay
With you, my friends with you
With you, my friends with only you

If you want to hear the above song click on the link below or cut and paste it
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uc5Lj0u7vx4

The directed writing

In the 2nd part of Paper 1 of the GCE 'O' Level English paper you have the directed writing. I am sure all of you know that, but your performance in this writing leaves me wanting.

The feedback on the final year English paper

Fantastic performance guys. I think all of you have outdone yourselves. Keep up the good work. The part 2 of paper 1 is yet to be marked.

I just hope you guys have done that equally well. Enjoy your off days.

English paper2

Having just completed marking your Comprehension papers, I have to say that I am elated and delighted at your paper 2 performance. It was a revelation and jubilation. However I cannot say the same thing for your paper 1.

I am still going through your papers but I must say that it does not look all that pleasing.

Anyway keep reading, talking and improving your language. See you guys on Saturday. Enjoy your weekend and your respite no doubt. Cheers!

Directed writing

In the second section of the 1st paper of the GCE 'O' level English paper you would be answering the directed composition writing which could be anything from an informal letter to a report or a speech.

Now what is the difference between free composition and directed composition.

In the free composition writing you would have a choice. This means you can choose from the number of options available on what you want to write. The expected length would be a minimum of 350 and not to exceed 500 words if possible. Anyway just beware sometimes the more you write the more the mistakes, unless you proof read before you hand in the paper. Remember you need not write long winding sentence which could confuse the markers resulting in lower marks. Even short clear sentence is acceptable so long it is grammatically correct.

In the directed composition there would be no choice. A topic would be given with 5 or so bullet points and you are required to include those points and add in extra detail and write between 250 to 350 words. You need to understand the question first. Plan it and then incorporate the given points and fill it up with extra information. Draft it. Proof reading the draft is very very important.