FOR FORM 5 STUDENTS

ENGLISH LANGUAGE 1119

WRITTEN BY
DR. HO LAI YING
 PRACTICE 1

You received an email from your cousin, Jessica who doesn’t know how to cook.

Dear cousin,

I know you’re always good at cooking. So, you’ve got to help me this time. My class
will organise a potluck party this weekend and every student has to bring one home-
cooked meal. I have no idea what to prepare. Can you suggest one simple dish?
Please don’t forget to share the ingredients and the steps as well.

I look forward to hearing from you. Thanks!

Jessica

Now write an email to your cousin in about 80 words. Write your answer below.

______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________

[20 marks]

2
 PRACTICE 2

You received an email from a friend after you moved to another town.

Dear Sam,

How are you? I hope all is well with you in the new town. It’s been a while since you
left. Everything is so different since you’re no longer in our class. How’s your new
school? Have you found any new friends? Hope to hear from you soon.

Andrew

Now write an email to your friend in about 80 words. Write your answer below.

______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________

[20 marks]

3
 PRACTICE 3

You received an email from your friend whom you will be visiting during the upcoming
holidays.

Hi there!

I can’t wait for the holidays to arrive. I want to plan some exciting things to do when
you are here. Do you like being outdoors or indoors? Do you prefer the highlands or
the islands?
Let me know so I can plan ahead.

Mike

Now write an email to your friend in about 80 words. Write your answer below.

______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________

[20 marks]
4
 PRACTICE 4

You received an email from your cousin, June who lives in Singapore.

Kathy,

What have you been up to? The last year has been a terrible one with the Covid-19
pandemic creating havoc around the world. It’s better here now as things are under
control, more or less. Infection rate is falling. What’s it like in your place? What are the
rules you have to abide by?
Take care and stay safe.

June

Now write an email to your cousin in about 80 words. Write your answer below.

______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________

[20 marks]

5
 PRACTICE 5

You received an email from your pen pal, Miko who lives in Japan.

Hi,

My exams are coming up soon. I’ve been burning the midnight oil for the last two
weeks. I still think that I am not doing enough. I’m feeling really stressed out. Do you
have any tips on how to handle stress? Any suggestions will be helpful.
Looking forward to your reply.

Miko

Now write an email to your pen pal in about 80 words. Write your answer below.

______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
[20 marks]
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________

[20 marks]

6
 PRACTICE 6

You received an email from your friend, Kamal.

Hi,

The holidays are here again. I was wondering if we could do some useful activities
together. How about going to the gym or playing futsal? Maybe we should pick up
running? Which activity do you think would suit us best? Let me know what you think.
Looking forward to your reply.

Kamal

Now write an email to your friend in about 80 words. Write your answer below.

______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________

[20 marks]

7
 PRACTICE 7

You received an email from your cousin, Asha.

Hi,

My mum will be turning 50 next month and we want to throw her a party to celebrate
the occasion. Do you think we should have the party at home or book an event venue
or perhaps celebrate it at a restaurant? Let me know what you think.
Looking forward to your reply.

Asha

Now write an email to your cousin in about 80 words. Write your answer below.

______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________

[20 marks]

8
 PRACTICE 8

You received an email from your friend, Karthik.

Hi,

There is an elderly uncle, En. Halim living with his wife in an old wooden house on the
way to school. I am sure you have seen them. They seem to be lonely. Can we do
something for them this Hari Raya? Shall we collect money from our classmates? We
can buy groceries and Raya cookies for them. Or should we just give them cash? What
can we do to make them happy? Let me know your thoughts about this.
Looking forward to your reply.

Karthik

Now write an email to your friend in about 80 words. Write your answer below.

______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________

[20 marks]

9
 PRACTICE 9

You received an email from your younger sister who is worried about her weight gain.

Dear sister,

How are you? I hope everything is fine for you, your husband and newborn baby. I
realised I have recently eaten too much and gained weight. I’ve tried to lose weight
but end up gaining more weight. How can I reduce my weight? I know you have
maintained your weight after giving birth to your baby. Can you please share your
secrets?

Amber

Now write an email to your younger sister in about 80 words. Write your answer
below.

______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________

[20 marks]
10
 PRACTICE 10

You received an email from your friend, Aiman who needs some suggestions from you.

Hi!

I hope you’re having a wonderful day. As for me, I am currently busy since it’s my
father’s retirement tomorrow and the whole family is preparing a feast for him. I’m
planning to buy him a special gift but I am unable to make a decision about it. I hope
you could help to provide some suggestions on a suitable gift. I know you had bought
a retirement gift for your father last year and you mentioned that he liked it. I do hope
you can help me out.
Take care.

Aiman

Now write an email to your friend in about 80 words. Write your answer below.

______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________

[20 marks]
11
SUGGESTED ANSWERS

PRACTICE 1

To: jessica@gmail.com
Subject: A simple dish for you

Hi, Jessica.
I’m delighted to help you coming up with a dish to bring to your event. I think the
simplest dish to prepare is egg sandwich. Not only it is scrumptious, it is also healthy.
The ingredients you need to prepare are a bread loaf, 5 to 6 eggs, a cucumber
(sliced), some butter, a tablespoon of mayonnaise as well as some salt and pepper. You
can reduce or increase the quantity depending on the number of people you are serving.
First and foremost, boil the eggs for about 20 minutes. While waiting, spread
some butter onto the bread. Once the eggs are boiled, chilled, and peeled, mash them
with a fork while adding in the mayonnaise. Sprinkle some salt and pepper and combine
well. Next, spread the eggs onto the bread and place some sliced cucumbers before
sandwiching them. You may then cut the sandwich according to the shape you desire.
Hope this helps you. Let me know how the party goes.

Jasmine

PRACTICE 2

To: andrew@gmail.com
Subject: My new school

Hi, Andrew.
I’m fine in Johor Bharu. Everything is well here but I really miss our laughter in the
class. I’m studying at SMK Tinggi, a prestigious boys’ school here. The new school is
located about 2 kilometres from my home, so I ride my motorbike to school. The school
compound is very large and spacious. In the middle of our school building, there is a big
auditorium hall. It is used for our school assembly and various school purposes like
celebrating events, festivals, and for other extracurricular activities.
Most of the boys here are smart students. They are excellent in academic and
extra-curricular activities. Some of them represent the school for state and national level
competitions. I feel so inferior as I’m not as capable as them. One of my classmates,
Chong Wei, has become my best friend here. He often lends me his notes and helps me
out as I am quite behind in studies. I am fortunate to have a friend like him.
However, I still miss our school and our time together. Andrew, I really wish to go
back to see you and the others. But my circumstance doesn’t allow me to do so. Anyway,
take care there. Goodbye.

Sam

12
PRACTICE 3

To: mike@gmail.com
Subject: Can’t wait for the holidays!

Hi, Mike.
I can’t wait to visit you in Pahang too. I am eagerly counting the days. I love being
outdoors. I can’t stand being cooped up at home.
Highlands or islands? Islands, of course. I love activities like swimming,
snorkelling and paddle-boarding. I have read that Pahang has some nice beaches. I hope
you’ll take me to one of the beautiful beaches that has crystal clear waters, beautiful
corals, and white sandy beaches. See you soon.

Jason

PRACTICE 4

To: june@gmail.com
Subject: The Covid-19 cases in Kuala Lumpur

Hi, June.
I’m glad to receive your email. The number of cases is still high here. We have
classes online. Wearing masks and social distancing has become the new norm for us.
For now, with the movement control order, interstate travel is restricted as well.
Ignorant people refuse to abide by the standard operating procedures. Hence, the
spike of cases over the recent months. Hope things will take a turn for the better soon
here as I can’t wait to get back to school. Take care and stay safe.

Katy

13
PRACTICE 5

To: miko@gmail.com
Subject: Handling exam stress

Hi, Miko.
I understand how you feel. I am nervous whenever exams are around the corner.
I have tried these simple methods to reduce my anxiety before I am sitting for the
examinations. Why don’t you try these methods out?
Don’t stay up too late. You need to get enough sleep to stay alert for the next day.
Getting enough sleep also helps you learn better. Besides that, keep your studying time
to the day and evening. Remember to take regular breaks.
Exercising also helps you to relax and reinvigorate yourself so that you will be
ready for the revision. Good luck!

Katy

PRACTICE 6

To: kamal@gmail.com
Subject: Holiday activity

Hi, Kamal.
I think it’s a good idea for us to do something useful this holiday. I’m quite keen
on the idea of running. It’s the cheapest activity of the three and it’s something we can
carry out quite easily.
We both already have sports shoes we can use so we just need the discipline to
go out and get running. Running is good exercise and I’m sure we will be able to improve
our health and stamina.
Let’s commit to it and run as long as the weather is fine.

Roy

14
PRACTICE 7

To: asha@gmail.com
Subject: Mum’s 50th birthday party

Hi, Asha.
I think having it at home is a much better idea. Everyone will be more comfortable,
and it would also mean that we can spend the whole evening together. If you rent a venue
or have it at a restaurant, we will have to leave at a certain time, and we can’t spend
much time together.
At home, you can cater food and keep the costs lower as well. If you like, you can
even ask everyone to bring a dish. You can decorate your house too with your family so
it will be a much more meaningful day for your mother.

Debbie

PRACTICE 8

To: karthik@gmail.com
Subject: Helping En. Halim’s family

Hi, Karthik.
In my opinion, we should collect donations from our classmates. But we need to
ask permission from our school principal. We can buy things for them and give them
some cash too.
En. Halim and his wife will be lonely during the festive season. So, we can invite
them to our house on the first day of Hari Raya. I can ask my father to pick them up.
What do you think of this idea?
We can also visit them with our classmates on the second and third days of Hari
Raya. I am sure they will be happy to see us. We can bring some fruits and food that
they like. Let me what you have decided.

Imran

15
PRACTICE 9

To: amber@gmail.com
Subject: Ways to lose weight

Hi, Amber.
I’m glad to hear from you. I’m fine here, busy looking after your little cute nephew.
Yes, I lost about 10 kilograms of weight after my confinement. Let me share my tips with
you.
Firstly, you need to cut down carbohydrates. If you eat a carbohydrate-rich meal
(lots of pasta, rice and bread), it creates more fat cells for storing everything that your
body can’t burn off. As a result, you gain weight.
Secondly, eat more proteins and fibres. High-fibres foods such as fruits,
vegetables, beans, and whole grains are higher in volume and take longer time to digest.
Thus, the feeling of fullness with stay with you much longer and it helps you to eat less.
Lastly, doing exercise is also a key to losing weight. Exercise can also increase
your metabolism and improve your outlook.
Well, Amber, these are my tips of losing weight. I’m sure with determination,
patience, commitment, and discipline, you can also lose weight like what I did. All the
best!

Annie

PRACTICE 10

To: aiman@gmail.com
Subject: A retirement gift

Hi, Aiman.
I hope you are doing well. I am glad to hear that Uncle Azman will be retiring
tomorrow. It’s time for him to take a good break after three decades of being a teacher.
Regarding your request about his retirement gift, I shall help you give a few suggestions.
My first suggestion is a hydroponic gardening set to grow plants and vegetables
which is what I had bought for my father as his retirement gift. I decided to buy the
hydroponic set as my father likes gardening.
Besides that, you can also consider buying a luggage bag as I know Uncle Azman
likes travelling and so the bag will be very useful to him. Your decision on what to buy
depends on your budget and the interests of your father.
I do hope you will consider these factors when you finally decide on the gift. Take
care and hope your father has a great retirement party.

Jason

16