PT3/SPM/FORM 4 TALKS

To those interested, do contact me for details.

Those who can DO, Those who can do more TEACH

SPM English Workshop 2.0/2018- Poems and Captain Nobody

Alhamdulillah...after three postponements, this workshop finally took off. 102 SPM candidates were in IKBC (Ibn Batutta Knowledge Centre) for the workshop. Another 20 had to re-sit their papers in the Maths Room. I dealt with the novel Captain Nobody and Poems namely The Living Photograph and The Charge of the Light Brigade. Here's hoping that students understand the poems and novel better Ameen  😇

Those who can DO, Those who can do more TEACH

Modules Galore!

Recently, PPD Kluang in collaboration with Kluang District English Panel, set up a Quantum Leap Taskforce to produce three modules for SPM candidates. The taskforce consists of 20 teachers and we divided ourselves into three groups. Since Kluang was 5th for English at the state level for SPM 2017, we are trying our best to better the record to Top Three for SPM 2018 in sha Allah...I hope the modules will be very useful for teachers and students in Kluang. There are three modules for three groups- Galus, Sederhana and Cemerlang. The modules are specifically examination-focussed and will be distributed to schools by PPD Kluang. 

Thanks to all committee members for their contribution and Pn Nurasyikin Abu Bakar (DELO Kluang) for her support in making this a success.

KLUANG TOP THREE! Ameen 😎😎😎

Happy teaching!



Those who can DO, Those who can do more TEACH

JOM BALIK AWAL PROGRAMME with 2017 SPM Candidates

Every little bit helps I believe, so here goes the materials I used for "Program Jom Balik Awal 2017" for 140 SPM candidates this year. I decided to deal with three poems namely A Poison Tree, Charge of the Light Brigade and The Living Photograph. Besides I also revised formats for Directed Writing and Continuous Writing (tips on how to read two-parter questions). I knew there wasn't enough time to finish the poem questions therefore I made sure each student received a copy of the key towards the end so that they can check their answers later. Feel free to use and share.

Jom Balik Awal Module

Poems - key only

Happy teaching peeps!

Those who can DO, Those who can do more TEACH

Score A+ SPM Talk

Date: 30 and 31st July 2016
Venue: Dewan Khalifah

Alhamdulilllah, we managed to organise this talk successfully! Heartfelt thanks to old friend, Annuar Tahar, Excellent Teacher from SMK Juasseh, Negeri Sembilan for sharing useful tips with 160 SPM candidates in SASEM. Thanks too to all committee members in the English Panel and PIBG for their help. May all students benefit from the talk.

Those who can DO, Those who can do more TEACH

"Program Kecemerlangan 4 Penjuru", Kluang District

Am I itching to blog? Yes, you can say that because it's been a loooong break. Now where do I begin...let's start with today. We had a "Program Kecemerlangan 4 Penjuru" today involving SASEM, SMK Kahang Timur and SMK Seri Sembrong. However, SMK Datuk Ibrahim Majid did not come today. Gosh! Three weeks before the SPM and a workshop? Despite the hectic end-of-year schedule and work especially for the exam classes, I managed to conduct a three and half hour session with them. To be honest, it was a tiring day...my legs were really painful and my throat too. The haze did not help either. 

The week before was given to preparing a suitable module and I decided to deal with three targeted poem in the SPM namely He had such quiet eyes, Are your still playing your flute and Nature. Lunch was good though but all I wanted was to rest my legs! My prayers are that these students excel in the English paper. I still have another four-hour long session with the orang asli students soon (a directive by the JPN Johor). Yours truly has no other choice but to carry it out.

Those who can DO, Those who can do more TEACH

Memorising essays?

I was slightly bothered by my students' comments on a suggestion that they memorise essays for the SPM. I've heard of such an idea for some time now but I have never asked my students to memorise essays for the SPM. Memorising chunks or interesting phrases and expressions is still palatable but memoring full essays? The idea was to learn the essay (one of two) by heart and to 'adjust' the content for open-topics or the narrative. We are all familiar with topics such as 'Friends' (open topic) and a story ending with say, "...If only I had listened." The advice my students got was to memorise an essay and to make the necessary editing to fit the title. This is because, according to my students, who had listened to the talk,  in the SPM assessment, the content does not matter. What matters is the language...

Here's my two-cents on the matter:

i)  This 'method' is probably best suited for weak to very weak students who can hardly write but there is a danger in that the student's real language is easily traced to Directed Writing.Through this method, teachers hope that these students will at least gain some marks.

ii) Yes, the main concern in Paper 1 is language. But if your Directed Writing is a 'C' band and your Continuous Writing is 'A' due to memorising, it will still cost you dearly. Experienced examiners will be able to trace this easily. 

Exams do cause teachers to look for desperate measures to make sure students pass English.  But if everyone follows this method, what will happen to the standard of English in the country? Isn't it already low? Meanwhile I have some damage control to do with my classes :)

The Thinking Teacher

SPM Excellence Talk

Date:  8th October 2011 (Saturday)
Venue: UTHM, Parit Raja, Batu Pahat

This was my sharing session with forty-nine students who attended the Skor A seminar organised by UTHM Kluang branch in the main campus in Batu Pahat. The students came from STK, SSAJ, SMK Tun Hussein Onn, SM Agama Kluang and others. Held in an impressive hall in the new library, the participants definitely had the opportunity to experience being on campus for two days and see for themselves the facilities. Thanks to En Ezzudean and En Jamal from UTHM Kluang branch for the invitation. Perhaps in future they could carry out the programme earlier. May all the students succeed in their English paper!

SPM Talk in SMK Agama Kluang

I was invited to give a talk to SMK Agama Kluang recently.  As always the students are always polite and eager to learn. All the best in your SPM!

SMK Agama students and Cik Rafkah, my x-student and their English teacher. 

All the best in your SPM!

Programme: 'Kem Kecemerlangan SPM Felda Wilayah Segamat'
Date: 18 Oct 2010 (Saturday)
Venue: La Bella Resort, Mersing

I received a phone call from Tn Hj Jalil Satari, PPD Kluang to help give a  two hour talk to 60 SPM candidates under the Felda Wilayah Segamat programme. I've never heard of this resort but I managed to find it and was there 10 mins to 8 a.m. I must say the students were very attentive although a bit quiet. All the best in the coming SPM!

Tn Hj Jalil, Penolong PPD and I with students from SMK Kahang Timur, Kluang

"Semuanya Dalam Genggaman" Excellence Programme, State Welfare Department

Making a point...

these students were very attentive...

I hope they gained something from the talk...

I was requested by PPD Kluang to assist the Johor State Welfare Department in their Excellence programme. About 100 students from all over the state attended the programme and I was made to understand by Pn Zainora, the officer from JKM Kluang that these students came  from low-income homes. Well, what better way to spend a Saturday than to help these children? Thank you God for the opportunity..

SPM Talk in SMCC

Date: 21 July 2010
Time: 2-4 p.m.
Venue: Block B, SMCC

Today I gave a talk on SPM English to the students from 5P1, 5P2 and 5S2. 66 students attended the two-hour talk.  My own classes were excluded as I had imparted all the necessary during class lessons. It was a really hot afternoon but the students were great and attentive. All the best in your upcoming trial girls!! May God be with you!

SPM Excellence Seminar for Felda Southern Zone

Date: 10 July 2010 (Saturday)
Venue: Hotel Sri Malaysia, Mersing

A total of 28 selected SPM candidates from the southern zone Felda scheme invited me for a talk. This was arranged a month earlier and I couldn't refuse as it was jointly organised by JPNJ. The number of participants was ideal, as usually one has to cope with over a hundred students.  I asked the students to write down their grades in the PMR and the recent mid-year exam on a piece of paper so as to know my clients and to pitch the talk at the right level. Despite the claim by the organisers that they were 'cemerlang' students, many obtained 50% and below in the mid year exam. I did what I could but I couldn't help feeling that I haven't quite achieved what I wanted to achieve...However, I wish them all the best in the SPM.

I have some issues though for thought. I think it's time organisers and counselors rethink their programmes.  Little can be achieved if you want an exam techniques talk for low proficiency students. What they need is a lot of practice with the language in the classrooms- emphasise on what teachers do in the classrooms. What happens in the four walls of the classroom is most important. You will agree with me that if students are proficient in all the four language skills then they are ready to sit for any exams. The MESSAGE is teach for proficiency. Exam techniques is secondary, as a  way of polishing their performance. I know some of you out there may disagree with me but we really have to change the way we do things. Doing the same things over and over is a definite recipe for failure! Counselors, don't do things for the sake of  doing things... Think for a moment- can such a talk really benefit low proficiency students?  They are already  struggling with the language and do you really want to give them exam techniques? Why not have regular language workshops where target groups are given a lot of language practice in schools instead of a one-off exam techniques talk? Focus on the low and average groups and get teachers to do workshops for them in school. 

I would like to share the three best answers from my students based on the recent mid-year exam. The question is on the novel 'The Pearl', which comes under Section D of Paper 2. Thanks for letting me publish your essays in my blog girls. I hope that many will benefit.

Mid Year Exam Question:

Would you recommend the novel you have studied to your friends? With close reference to the text, give reasons to support your answer.

(Lim Yee Wei- 5S1)

           The novel that I have studied in the literature component in English language is The Pearl by John Steinbeck. I would certainly recommend this novel to my friends.

           Steinbeck has provided an interesting plot with well-arranged events that caused suspension, the perfect book to attract the reader’s attention and interest to keep on reading the book and a final twist towards the end. The story begins in a peaceful morning for a happy family Kino, Juana and Coyotito. Then a scorpion stings Coyotito’s left shoulder. This incident acts as a trigger to the happenings after that in the story. The parents bring the baby to the doctor but are rejected because Kino has no means to pay for the treatment as he only has eight mishapen pearls. Then there comes the sudden fortune when Kino discovers the world’s biggest pearl as 'big as a seagull’s egg' and as 'perfect as the moon' that was the hope for the family and the people. The greed that engulfs the entire town upon hearing the news of Kino’s discovery leads to too many more misfortunes that Kino encounters later in the novel. Then the final twist is Coyotito’s death. It strikes the family hard and acts as a reminder to the family. The bond between the family strengthens when Kino and Juana decids to finally throw the pearl back to where it belongs- the sea.

          The characters in the novel also help strengthen the plot. Kino’s bravery and the strength is first revealed at the beginning of the story when he beats and stamps the scorpion which stings Coyotito into a paste with his bare hands. Juana as a traditional woman apply primitive treatment to Coyotito’s wound that is a damp poultice made of brown seaweed. Kino’s determination to keep the pearl even after the misfortunes happening despite Juana’s suggestions has brought more misfortunes to the family, forcing them to run from their home at last. Kino’s hopes from the pearl are also important. Because of his hopes from the pearl- new clothes, proper marriage with Juana in church, a harpoon made of iron, a Winchester rifle and for Coyotito to be educated- he refuses to throw the pearl back into the sea. Juana is a supportive woman who accepts her husband decisions and stays by his side, together the family go through thick and thin. The greedy people- the beggars, the doctor, the priest, the pearl buyers and the intruders also go after Kino hoping to benefit from his pearl. These are merely a few characters in the story that made it interesting.

          Lastly, Steinbeck inserts many moral values through the well-packed novel such as greed and hope. Steinbeck also draws out the readers’ thoughts throughout the novel. Readers are invited to think - is it wise for Kino to keep the pearl? Is it a mistake to have hopes? Is it his fault to be uneducated and poor? If the reader were to be in Kino’s situation, what choices will he make? Readers often find themselves struggling between these thoughts and the right and wrongs. If Kino has not found the pearl, will it be a different story? He might be going through other hardships to save his only child.

          The plot, the characters and the moral values are the main reasons why I would recommend this novel.

(Foo Wee Nee - 5S1)

          The novel that I have studied is The Pearl written by John Steinbeck. I will recommend this novel to my friends because it is an inspiring story with an interesting storyline. It shows the themes like love, hope and greed. Most importantly, I have learnt a lot of moral values from the story.

           The story taught me that as human beings, we should not be greedy over others’ good fortune. In the story, the doctor is a greedy man. He refuses to treat Kino’s son, Coyotito who is stung by a scorpion as Kino has no means to pay him. However, when Kino discovers the greatest pearl in the world and is going to be rich, he quickly pays Kino a visit and offers treatment to Coyotito. He wants the pearl from Kino after the treatment, but Kino refuses. The pearl buyers are greedy too. They collaborate to cheat Kino so that they can buy Kino’s pearl at lowest price. The greed of these people finally ruin Kino’s life. I learnt from this evidence that we should not be greedy about others’ fortunes.

          Besides that, the story taught me to be determined in life. Juana is a very determined character in the story. In order to treat her baby, Coyotito, she asks Kino to get the doctor. When the neighbors say that the doctor will not come, she decides to take Coyotito to the doctor instead even she knows that the doctor will not treat her baby because they have no money. After the second attack, Juana thinks that the pearl is evil and advises Kino to throw it back into the sea, but he refuses. Therefore, she decides to throw the pearl herself when Kino is still in bed. However she does not manage to do so as Kino stops her in time. Juana’s determination is a good example to all of us who face obstacles in life. We should be determined to overcome challenges.

          Last but not least, the story taught me to help the others who are in trouble. For instance, Kino’s brother Juan Tomas and his wife, Apolonia are very helpful towards Kino’s family. Juan Tomas often gives advise to Kino when Kino deals with problems in life. When Kino’s house is burnt down, Juan Tomas allows Kino’s family to stay in his house for a day so that they will not be discovered by the villagers. On the other hand, before Kino’s family begins their escape at night, Apolonia packed some food for them. What is more, Juan Tomas tell the villagers different stories about Kino’s family so that they can escape successfully. Juan Tomas and Apolonia are indeed very helpful. We should learn this quality from them in order to be well-liked by others.

           On the whole, I would say that 'The Pear'l is worth-reading as it is able to teach us many moral values which we can apply in our daily lives.

(Chong Shu Le -5S1)

           The novel that I have chosen is The Pearl by John Steinbeck. I will recommend this novel to my friends as it contains interesting themes, characters and moral values which attract me to read it through.

           The theme in this novel is love. Family love is shown through Coyotito and his parents, Kino and Juana. When Coyotito is stung by the poisonous scorpion, Juana is anxious and she sucks out the poison from Coyotito’s shoulder although it is dangerous. As for Kino, he rubs the scorpion to paste and stamps it until it is a fragment out of anger. They want to bring Coyotito to see doctor for treatment although they know that the doctor as the richer descendants of Spaniards, look down on them as poor Mexican Indians. Kino tries to pay for Coyotito’s treatment but he has only eight misshapen seed pearls. He hits the gate of doctor’s house angrily when he knows the doctor refuses to treat his son. Family love is also shown through Kino and his wife, Juana. When Kino kills one of the intruders, Juana drags the dead man into the shelter of the bush and revives Kino. She is willing to escape with Kino although she knows she will face many challenges. When they are tracked in the mountains, Kino who worries about Juana, asks her to hide with Coyotito as she is tired and her ankles are scratched by stones. Juana insists to stay by her husband’s side and supports all his actions. Kino takes his strength from her and kills the trackers in order to protect his family. He is willing to sacrifice himself for his family. This theme encourages me to read the story till the end.

           There are also interesting characters in the novel. The doctor as the villain in the story is rich, greedy and despicable. He lives in a stone house and his room is decorated with heavy, dark curtains and furniture. He also wears a red watered silk robe from Paris, has a silver tray with silver chocolate pot on it and a tiny- cup of Egg-shell China. He is materialistic and cruel person. When he hears about Kino get a great pearl which is as ‘big as seagull’s egg’ and as ‘perfect as the moon’, he poisons Coyotito and tried to figure out where Kino hides the pearl. He is more like a killer than a treater. So is the greedy priest who hopes Kino will pay alms for the church after knowing Kino has a great pearl. He comes to Kino’s house and reminds him to contribute to church as he is named after a great man. Kino’s brother, Juan Tomas also plays an important role to attract readers’ attention. He hides Kino and his family in his house during the fire and tells the neighbors that misfortunes befalls Kino and his family. Besides, he advises Kino to be careful not to be cheated by pearl buyers when he follows Kino to the town. When Kino fails to sell the pearl, he kindly advises Kino not to go against their way of life. He also wishes Kino good luck when Kino insists ton selling the pearl at the capital.

           There are also many moral values in this novel. We must not be greedy shown through Kino who is determined to keep the pearl to lead a bright future. He hopes to marry Juana in church, get some new clothes, a harpoon made of iron, a Winchester rifle and get education for Coyotito. But with the pearl, everyone is envy of him and tried to steal the pearl from him. After being attacked by the intruders, Juana advises Kino to throw away the evil pearl as it brings too much misfortunes to them but Kino refuses. As a result, his house is burnt down and his canoe is broken. The worst thing is that he loses his only child, Coyotito, in the fight with the trackers. The pearl may be the answer to break him out of the cycle of poverty, but it also causes his son's death. We must respect others. In the novel, the doctor who is rich and lives in big, stone house despite Kino who is poor and lives in brush houses. He refuses to treat Coyotito who is stung by scorpion.

Excellence Programme in STAB, Kluang

Date: 6 May 2010
Venue: STAB, Kluang

80 excellent students

The cute photographer...

Good luck in your SPM!

I was with 80 SPM candidates today sharing some tips for excellence. I was invited by Pn Azah Mahani (the head of panel) for a two-hour talk. It was blooming hot and the construction work next door was a real challenge! Well, I hope the talk was useful anyway. Am planning to conduct two such talks to my own students in June.  Best wishes to all the students!

Excellence Programme in MRSM Batu Pahat

Date: 10 April 2010

Venue: MRSM Batu Pahat

You go girls!

May success be yours!

All the best!

Good luck boys!

Siti Aisyah (English Teacher) and I after the talk

Good luck girls!

Do your best!

The talk went well and I hope I was able to share some tips with the students in MRSM Batu Pahat. Aisyah 'booked' me since February this year and this was my second time here. It was rather early to do an exam techniques workshop but it was a smart decision to get the students on track as early as you can. The students were attentive and responsive.  Thanks to Aisyah and her teachers for kindly inviting me although I turned them down last year. Here's wishing them all the very best in the SPM!