Write a story with the title: “A lesson learnt”
1. Describe how the three families called in an astrologer to suggest ways for them to get richer.
2. Describe how the astrologer taught them to find out which of the three families was the richest and most virtuous.
3. Describe how each family cheated so that they could boast to one another.
4. Describe how they found out that the astrologer was a swindler.
One day, members of three families invited Yog Fu, an astrologer from Tibet, to suggest ways in which they could become richer.
Living in a competitive neighborhood, the Chens, Lims and Gohs vied with one another fiercely to secure the most wealth. Each wanted to have the most to boast about. After several sessions with the astrologer, Mr. Lim finally asked him which of the three families would become the most prosperous.
Yong Fu smiled benignly, and took out three ornamental boxes with velvet. He gave each of the couples a box and told them to keep it in their prayer room. He then told them that money would soon appear in the box of the most virtuous family. If money appeared in all three boxes, the one containing the most money would be the most virtuous and of course, the richest family.
However, the families had to surrender half of the money that appeared in the box, to the astrologer. He would then offer this money to the goods. If they failed to do this, their whole family would meet with a tragic and fatal end. The superstitious families all gasped and swore to abide by the condition.
The subsequent days, they checked their boxes anxiously but no money appeared. Each felt humiliated as this meant that none of them was virtuous.
One day, during the third week, however, Mr. and Mrs. Lim announced their discovery of a hundred dollars in their box. Following that, each couple claimed that money kept appearing in their box. Of course, half of the money was promptly given to the astrologer.
A month later, a sensational news item appeared in the local newspaper: Bogus Astrologer… Police are searching for Yong Fu. A Tibetan “astrologer” has swindled about thirty thousand dollars from wealthy families. He uses a scheme in which he gives people ordinary boxes and says money will appear in them if the person is virtuous. People who are ashamed normally plant their own money in the box to boast to others.
All three families looked rather sheepish when they read this news and shifted out of their neighborhood in a great hurry. They had each paid about two thousand dollars to learn an expensive lesson that when one attempts to deceive others, he only ends up deceiving himself!
Thứ Tư, 3 tháng 2, 2010
A Teachers’ Day gift
Write a story with the title “A Teachers’ Day gift”
Suggested Outline
1. Describe how the class planned to give Mr. Nanthan a nasty gift to humiliate him.
2. Describe how Mr. Nanthan accepted the gift graciously.
3. Describe the speech that Mr. Nanthan gave during the concert.
4. Describe how embarrassed the class felt after the speech.
“Let’s insult him with our gift”, I said through tightly gritted teeth.
The class was planning to present all the subject teachers with gifts on Teachers’ Day the next day, and wanted to purposely humiliate Mr. Nanthan, our Biology teacher, was disliked by most of us. He unsparing gave us tons of homework to do. He also had the habit of making us to back to school during the holidays for extra lessons.
I explained to the class that Mr. Nathan was a sensitive man and we should, instead of giving him flowers, give him a cactus! The class was thrilled at this idea and was unanimous in agreeing that it was a fitting insult for such an unpleasant person. He would indeed be terribly humiliated!
The next day, in the midst of the Teachers’ Day celebrations, we publicly presented our “gift” to him. Attached was a message that read. “The gift tells you what we think of you”.
Mr. Nathan was startled at first, but he recovered quickly and thanked us graciously. During the Teachers’ Day concert, however, an unscheduled item was announced – a speech by Mr. Nathan. It was a speech that I shall never forget.
Mr. Nathan first thanked our class for the thoughtful gift and then displayed the cactus to the entire school. There was an ourburst of laughter. Unruffled, Mr. Nathan explained that he thought it was a meaningful gift for the cactus was a life-giving plant that sustains weary travellers in the desert. Symbolically, it signified life and growth. In a sincere voice, Mr. Nathan said it pleased him to think that he had inspired his students to give him such a profound gift.
With the exception of my class which looked awkward and sheepish, the entire school gave Mr. Nathan a round of applause.
Suggested Outline
1. Describe how the class planned to give Mr. Nanthan a nasty gift to humiliate him.
2. Describe how Mr. Nanthan accepted the gift graciously.
3. Describe the speech that Mr. Nanthan gave during the concert.
4. Describe how embarrassed the class felt after the speech.
“Let’s insult him with our gift”, I said through tightly gritted teeth.
The class was planning to present all the subject teachers with gifts on Teachers’ Day the next day, and wanted to purposely humiliate Mr. Nanthan, our Biology teacher, was disliked by most of us. He unsparing gave us tons of homework to do. He also had the habit of making us to back to school during the holidays for extra lessons.
I explained to the class that Mr. Nathan was a sensitive man and we should, instead of giving him flowers, give him a cactus! The class was thrilled at this idea and was unanimous in agreeing that it was a fitting insult for such an unpleasant person. He would indeed be terribly humiliated!
The next day, in the midst of the Teachers’ Day celebrations, we publicly presented our “gift” to him. Attached was a message that read. “The gift tells you what we think of you”.
Mr. Nathan was startled at first, but he recovered quickly and thanked us graciously. During the Teachers’ Day concert, however, an unscheduled item was announced – a speech by Mr. Nathan. It was a speech that I shall never forget.
Mr. Nathan first thanked our class for the thoughtful gift and then displayed the cactus to the entire school. There was an ourburst of laughter. Unruffled, Mr. Nathan explained that he thought it was a meaningful gift for the cactus was a life-giving plant that sustains weary travellers in the desert. Symbolically, it signified life and growth. In a sincere voice, Mr. Nathan said it pleased him to think that he had inspired his students to give him such a profound gift.
With the exception of my class which looked awkward and sheepish, the entire school gave Mr. Nathan a round of applause.
Thứ Hai, 1 tháng 2, 2010
Undercover spies
Write a story with the title: “Undercover spies”
1. Describe how you felt about the violent crimes committed by some youths in the neighborhood.
2. Describe in detail your friends and you joined the gang to spy on their activities.
3. Describe how the police managed to arrest the gangsters with your help.
“Gosh! How dreadful”, I exclaimed when I read in the newspapers about the spate of violent crimes carried out by youths in some neighborhoods.
What I felt was even more alarming was that the number of such crimes, which went unchecked, was increasing by the day. The problem was that many people were reluctant to identify these youths for fear of being assaulted further.
“I’m glad I’m doing something to help stop the crimes”, I thought. Then, I went downstairs to meet my friends, Robert and Terry. A few days earlier, we had agreed to work with the police. Acting as uncover spies, we were to look for a chance to infiltrate the gang, and then inform the police of the gang’s members and activities.
I met Robert and Terry, both looking very excited. “Our chance has come”, Robert said. Then, they told me that two young thugs were bullying an old lady at the playground.
We immediately ran to the playground and grabbed the old lady’s handbag as she tussled with the two bullies. The thugs immediately ran after us. I readily ran after us. I readily gave up the handbag saying that my friends and I indulged in unruly activities for the thrill of it and had not need for the money. This pleased them immensely and they invited us to join their gang. A few days later, we joined their gang officially. We spent a month getting to know everyone, especially the ring leader. Altogether, there were eighteen of them. We went to their favorite haunts and found that they engaged in picking pockets and petty thefts. At the same time, we won the confidence of the members in the gang. This enabled us to get the particulars of all the members.
In the meantime, we kept the police updated about all the gang’s moves. We were cautioned to be careful by the police. After a month, the police arrested all the youths who were tried and sentenced in a juvenile court. The papers covered the story in detail. It had been exciting working as an undercover spy. However, my parents forbade me to do it again as it was too dangerous.
1. Describe how you felt about the violent crimes committed by some youths in the neighborhood.
2. Describe in detail your friends and you joined the gang to spy on their activities.
3. Describe how the police managed to arrest the gangsters with your help.
“Gosh! How dreadful”, I exclaimed when I read in the newspapers about the spate of violent crimes carried out by youths in some neighborhoods.
What I felt was even more alarming was that the number of such crimes, which went unchecked, was increasing by the day. The problem was that many people were reluctant to identify these youths for fear of being assaulted further.
“I’m glad I’m doing something to help stop the crimes”, I thought. Then, I went downstairs to meet my friends, Robert and Terry. A few days earlier, we had agreed to work with the police. Acting as uncover spies, we were to look for a chance to infiltrate the gang, and then inform the police of the gang’s members and activities.
I met Robert and Terry, both looking very excited. “Our chance has come”, Robert said. Then, they told me that two young thugs were bullying an old lady at the playground.
We immediately ran to the playground and grabbed the old lady’s handbag as she tussled with the two bullies. The thugs immediately ran after us. I readily ran after us. I readily gave up the handbag saying that my friends and I indulged in unruly activities for the thrill of it and had not need for the money. This pleased them immensely and they invited us to join their gang. A few days later, we joined their gang officially. We spent a month getting to know everyone, especially the ring leader. Altogether, there were eighteen of them. We went to their favorite haunts and found that they engaged in picking pockets and petty thefts. At the same time, we won the confidence of the members in the gang. This enabled us to get the particulars of all the members.
In the meantime, we kept the police updated about all the gang’s moves. We were cautioned to be careful by the police. After a month, the police arrested all the youths who were tried and sentenced in a juvenile court. The papers covered the story in detail. It had been exciting working as an undercover spy. However, my parents forbade me to do it again as it was too dangerous.
Thứ Tư, 27 tháng 1, 2010
Write a story about a bossy person
Write a story about a bossy person
1. Describe a conversation between two friends which showed what they thought of a bossy person, Mrs. Upal.
2. Describe the unpleasant shopping experience to the friends had.
3. Describe the awful lunch they had.
4. Describe the embarrassing incident where Mrs. Upal made a fool of herself.
5. Describe how the incident affected the bossy and talkative Mrs. Upal.
“Oh, no! Why did you invite Mrs. Upal to shop with us?” Mrs. Ravinder asked, her voice mixed with shock and disappointment.
“Sorry, but you know how bossy Mrs. Upal is. She just invited herself”, Mrs. Anand explained.
The outing turned out to be a harrowing experience. Mrs. Ravinder and Mrs. Anand could do nothing that they really wished to do. Mrs. Upal dictated where they should shop and even what they should buy. The other two ladies were too polite to object to her bossiness. Besides, Mrs. Upal’s husband was their husbands’ boss and they dared not antagonize her.
The unpleasant Mrs. Upal deliberately took them to expensive shops and boutiques. She enjoyed the sense of superiority she felt when shopping with these ladies who could not afford the things in the expensive shops.
Mrs. Upal then took them to an expensive North Indian restaurant. She insisted that they try the hottest dishes. Poor Mrs. Ravinder and Mrs Anand had to drink glasses of water for they did not like hot dishes.
The bossy Mrs. Talked endlessly in between bites. She exlained each dish to her lunch companions. She even instructed them on how to eat each dish the proper way. For instance, the tandoori chicken had to be eaten by holding the chicken at a certain angle.
After this awful lunch, the waiter brought three small bowls of water with slices of lemon in them. Immediately, Mrs. Upal squeezed the lemon and drank the water. She explained that lemon water was good for the digestive system.
Mrs. Ravinder and Mrs. Anand looked at each other and smiled. Then, they merely dipped their fingers into the finger bowls and washed their fingers. Mrs. Upal turned red in the face when she realized what a stupid mistake she had made.
After this embarrassing incident, Mrs. Upal was rather silent for the rest of the afternoon.
1. Describe a conversation between two friends which showed what they thought of a bossy person, Mrs. Upal.
2. Describe the unpleasant shopping experience to the friends had.
3. Describe the awful lunch they had.
4. Describe the embarrassing incident where Mrs. Upal made a fool of herself.
5. Describe how the incident affected the bossy and talkative Mrs. Upal.
“Oh, no! Why did you invite Mrs. Upal to shop with us?” Mrs. Ravinder asked, her voice mixed with shock and disappointment.
“Sorry, but you know how bossy Mrs. Upal is. She just invited herself”, Mrs. Anand explained.
The outing turned out to be a harrowing experience. Mrs. Ravinder and Mrs. Anand could do nothing that they really wished to do. Mrs. Upal dictated where they should shop and even what they should buy. The other two ladies were too polite to object to her bossiness. Besides, Mrs. Upal’s husband was their husbands’ boss and they dared not antagonize her.
The unpleasant Mrs. Upal deliberately took them to expensive shops and boutiques. She enjoyed the sense of superiority she felt when shopping with these ladies who could not afford the things in the expensive shops.
Mrs. Upal then took them to an expensive North Indian restaurant. She insisted that they try the hottest dishes. Poor Mrs. Ravinder and Mrs Anand had to drink glasses of water for they did not like hot dishes.
The bossy Mrs. Talked endlessly in between bites. She exlained each dish to her lunch companions. She even instructed them on how to eat each dish the proper way. For instance, the tandoori chicken had to be eaten by holding the chicken at a certain angle.
After this awful lunch, the waiter brought three small bowls of water with slices of lemon in them. Immediately, Mrs. Upal squeezed the lemon and drank the water. She explained that lemon water was good for the digestive system.
Mrs. Ravinder and Mrs. Anand looked at each other and smiled. Then, they merely dipped their fingers into the finger bowls and washed their fingers. Mrs. Upal turned red in the face when she realized what a stupid mistake she had made.
After this embarrassing incident, Mrs. Upal was rather silent for the rest of the afternoon.
The unhealthy influence of a friend.
Write a story about the unhealthy influence of a friend.
1. Describe how you envied a seemingly admirable friend.
2. Describe how you found out what made him so care-free and happy.
3. Describe how he taught you to sniff glue and shoplift.
4. Describe what happened to him as a result of sniffing glue.
5. Describe how you learn to shake off his unhealthy influence.
Peter skillfully wove between the defenders and scored a goal. The spectators cheered wildly. He was easily the most prominent figure on the football field.
As I cheered, I envied once again, his fun-loving and carefree disposition. Later in the evening, as we were walking home, I asked him, “Peter, how is it that nothing ever perturbs you?”
Seeing my puzzled face, he took out a translucent plastic bag that contained some sticky mass. He put his face near it and drew in a deep breath. I gasped in horror.
“You sniff glue?”, I said in astonishment.
Peter said that the effects of glue-sniffing had been over-dramatized by the media and the government. He had been sniffing glue for months and he felt as healthy as ever. The only effect, he said, was that he was able to feel happy all the time. He had no more worries about examinations or anything else.
Then, he thrust the bag under my nose and asked me to try it for my self. Reluctantly, I inhaled a few deep breaths. To my surprise, I found that I liked it. After this, both Peter and I began to skip lessons together. I learnt to hang out in the streets with him, and even to enjoy the thrill of shoplifting. Once in the while, we sniffed blue.
Later, when our test results were released, we discovered that both of us had failed. We were called into the principal’s office. Peter looked awful that day. His eyes were bloodshot. He told that he had been drinking alcohol and sniffing glue the night before.
I was told to wait outside while the principal spoke to Peter. From where I stood, I could hear Peter swearing at the principal. Suddenly, the door flew open. Peter rushed out, looking flushed and angry. He ran towards the balcony and leapt over. When the ambulance arrived, he was pronounced dead.
It took a long time for me to recover from Peter’s death, and even longer to get over my bad habits. With careful guidance and counseling from my parents and teachers, I learnt to start life anew. I now realize that Peter’s influence over me was very unhealthy.
1. Describe how you envied a seemingly admirable friend.
2. Describe how you found out what made him so care-free and happy.
3. Describe how he taught you to sniff glue and shoplift.
4. Describe what happened to him as a result of sniffing glue.
5. Describe how you learn to shake off his unhealthy influence.
Peter skillfully wove between the defenders and scored a goal. The spectators cheered wildly. He was easily the most prominent figure on the football field.
As I cheered, I envied once again, his fun-loving and carefree disposition. Later in the evening, as we were walking home, I asked him, “Peter, how is it that nothing ever perturbs you?”
Seeing my puzzled face, he took out a translucent plastic bag that contained some sticky mass. He put his face near it and drew in a deep breath. I gasped in horror.
“You sniff glue?”, I said in astonishment.
Peter said that the effects of glue-sniffing had been over-dramatized by the media and the government. He had been sniffing glue for months and he felt as healthy as ever. The only effect, he said, was that he was able to feel happy all the time. He had no more worries about examinations or anything else.
Then, he thrust the bag under my nose and asked me to try it for my self. Reluctantly, I inhaled a few deep breaths. To my surprise, I found that I liked it. After this, both Peter and I began to skip lessons together. I learnt to hang out in the streets with him, and even to enjoy the thrill of shoplifting. Once in the while, we sniffed blue.
Later, when our test results were released, we discovered that both of us had failed. We were called into the principal’s office. Peter looked awful that day. His eyes were bloodshot. He told that he had been drinking alcohol and sniffing glue the night before.
I was told to wait outside while the principal spoke to Peter. From where I stood, I could hear Peter swearing at the principal. Suddenly, the door flew open. Peter rushed out, looking flushed and angry. He ran towards the balcony and leapt over. When the ambulance arrived, he was pronounced dead.
It took a long time for me to recover from Peter’s death, and even longer to get over my bad habits. With careful guidance and counseling from my parents and teachers, I learnt to start life anew. I now realize that Peter’s influence over me was very unhealthy.
How your irresponsibility caused an accident.
Write a story about how your irresponsibility caused an accident.
1. Describe how your little brother decided to pick some flowers for your mother for Mother’s Day.
2. Describe how you were irresponsible by not taking good care of your little brother because you were engrossed chatting on the phone.
3. Describe how your brother met with an accident.
4. Describe how you felt.
Mother’s Day was approaching. My elder brother, Gopal, and I were busy planning to get a surprise gift for Mother. My little six-year-old brother, Raiju, had no money to contribute, so he had to think of something else to give her.
Raju decided to pick a bunch of flowers for Mother. He asked me to take him to the park across the road to get the flowers. Gopal and our parents were not in, so I was put in charge of Raju. However, I was busy having a nice chat with my friend on the phone, and did not want to be disturbed, I waved Raju away, and told him to go on his own. Obediently, Raju set off alone with a big empty basket.
When I finally put down the phone, it was already five o’clock. It was then that I realized, with horror, that Raju was not back. He had been gone for almost four hours! Why, he would have picked all the flowers in the park in that time!
I immediately left the house and hurried off in search of Raju in the park. I finally found his basket, half-filled with flowers, under a rambutan tree in one of the quieter spots in the park. A scared voice came down to me from the tree. I looked up and saw Raju hanging precariously from a tree branch. His face was pale and his voice, choking with a mixture of fright and relief, came down a gain, “Sita, help! I wanted to get rambutans for Mother, but I dare not climb down now”.
Before I could climb up to get him, he lost his grip on the branch and fell sprawling to the grass below. Things happened in a blur after that. A couple who happened to walk past at that time came to my aid. Soon, Raju was warded in the hospital. He had fractured his arm and had to wear a cast on that arm for a month.
I was overwhelmed with remorse. Had I been more responsible and taken Raju to the park, I would never have allowed him to climb the rambutan tree. Then, the accident would never have happened. I realized then what a seemingly harmless little act of irresponsibility could lead to.
1. Describe how your little brother decided to pick some flowers for your mother for Mother’s Day.
2. Describe how you were irresponsible by not taking good care of your little brother because you were engrossed chatting on the phone.
3. Describe how your brother met with an accident.
4. Describe how you felt.
Mother’s Day was approaching. My elder brother, Gopal, and I were busy planning to get a surprise gift for Mother. My little six-year-old brother, Raiju, had no money to contribute, so he had to think of something else to give her.
Raju decided to pick a bunch of flowers for Mother. He asked me to take him to the park across the road to get the flowers. Gopal and our parents were not in, so I was put in charge of Raju. However, I was busy having a nice chat with my friend on the phone, and did not want to be disturbed, I waved Raju away, and told him to go on his own. Obediently, Raju set off alone with a big empty basket.
When I finally put down the phone, it was already five o’clock. It was then that I realized, with horror, that Raju was not back. He had been gone for almost four hours! Why, he would have picked all the flowers in the park in that time!
I immediately left the house and hurried off in search of Raju in the park. I finally found his basket, half-filled with flowers, under a rambutan tree in one of the quieter spots in the park. A scared voice came down to me from the tree. I looked up and saw Raju hanging precariously from a tree branch. His face was pale and his voice, choking with a mixture of fright and relief, came down a gain, “Sita, help! I wanted to get rambutans for Mother, but I dare not climb down now”.
Before I could climb up to get him, he lost his grip on the branch and fell sprawling to the grass below. Things happened in a blur after that. A couple who happened to walk past at that time came to my aid. Soon, Raju was warded in the hospital. He had fractured his arm and had to wear a cast on that arm for a month.
I was overwhelmed with remorse. Had I been more responsible and taken Raju to the park, I would never have allowed him to climb the rambutan tree. Then, the accident would never have happened. I realized then what a seemingly harmless little act of irresponsibility could lead to.
Thứ Ba, 26 tháng 1, 2010
A pickpocket
Write a story with the title: “A pickpocket”
Outline:
1. Describe how you first noticed the pickpocket when he acted suspiciously.
2. Describe how you saw the pickpocket steal the purse of the lady sitting next to him.
3. Describe how you pretended to ask for change from the lady so that she would realize that her purse was missing.
4. Describe how you stopped the pickpocket from escaping
5. Describe what happened to the pickpocket.
“Novena” a robotic voice announced.
The Mass Rapid Transit train was now heading for Toa Payoh station. I was standing in the crowded MRT train, looking at the other passengers to occupy my time. A nodding lady passenger caught my attention. Her eyes were closed and she looked tried. A middle-aged Chinese man satisfaction by her side and appeared to be reading a newspaper. However, I soon noticed that the man was more interested in looking around him. He held the papers loosely with one hand. Then attempting to conceal his other hand with the paper, he gingerly slipped his hand in to the lady’s handbag. Within seconds, he had taken out her purse and had wrapped it with the inner sheet of the papers. I thought hard. I had to do something before the train reached the next stop. Finally I pushed my way to the dozing lady and tapped her on her shoulder.
“Excuse me, madam, could I have change for a dollar, please?, I asked. She obliged immediately by looking into her handbag. She raked through the things in her handbag and then frantically started looking for her purse.
“My purse is missing!” she cried out.
The other passengers turned towards us. Immediately, the pickpocket started moving towards the door of the train. I pretended to bump into him accidentally and he dropped his newspaper. The missing purse was revealed.
The lady gave a cry and pounced on her purse. A few passengers immediately caught hold of the pickpocket. When the train stopped at Toa Payoh station, they handed him over to the MRT officials.
The lady realized how I had helped her and thanked me profusely. What an interesting ride it was!
Outline:
1. Describe how you first noticed the pickpocket when he acted suspiciously.
2. Describe how you saw the pickpocket steal the purse of the lady sitting next to him.
3. Describe how you pretended to ask for change from the lady so that she would realize that her purse was missing.
4. Describe how you stopped the pickpocket from escaping
5. Describe what happened to the pickpocket.
“Novena” a robotic voice announced.
The Mass Rapid Transit train was now heading for Toa Payoh station. I was standing in the crowded MRT train, looking at the other passengers to occupy my time. A nodding lady passenger caught my attention. Her eyes were closed and she looked tried. A middle-aged Chinese man satisfaction by her side and appeared to be reading a newspaper. However, I soon noticed that the man was more interested in looking around him. He held the papers loosely with one hand. Then attempting to conceal his other hand with the paper, he gingerly slipped his hand in to the lady’s handbag. Within seconds, he had taken out her purse and had wrapped it with the inner sheet of the papers. I thought hard. I had to do something before the train reached the next stop. Finally I pushed my way to the dozing lady and tapped her on her shoulder.
“Excuse me, madam, could I have change for a dollar, please?, I asked. She obliged immediately by looking into her handbag. She raked through the things in her handbag and then frantically started looking for her purse.
“My purse is missing!” she cried out.
The other passengers turned towards us. Immediately, the pickpocket started moving towards the door of the train. I pretended to bump into him accidentally and he dropped his newspaper. The missing purse was revealed.
The lady gave a cry and pounced on her purse. A few passengers immediately caught hold of the pickpocket. When the train stopped at Toa Payoh station, they handed him over to the MRT officials.
The lady realized how I had helped her and thanked me profusely. What an interesting ride it was!
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