Watch “Fair’s Fair by 1A2” on YouTube

FAIR’S FAIR SUMMARY

Chapter 1

Lee, Raj and Sam lived next door to each other. One Saturday, Raj’s dad wanted to take them to the fun fair! That thought of all the activities they could do like riding the Ghost Train and Big Wheel! Not to mention eating candy floss! Sam asked her dad for permission.Lee asked his mum for permission, but she did not have the money. Raj and Sam decided to help Lee. They all decided to do odd jobs for their parents! They could wash cars, do shopping and take a dog for a walk. Then, Lee can have the money for the fun fair.

Chapter 2 

Raj, Sam and Lee went to find some odd jobs. They asked Sam’s dad for an odd job. He told them to wash his car. But the children fooled around instead of working. Sam’s dad’s car became even dirtier! They did not get paid. Later, they went to visit Raj’s mum, but she had no odd job for them. However, her opposite neighbour had one. Mrs. Green had a dog that needed walking. As they had to walk outside, the children got permission from their parents first. Micky was a mischievous little brown dog. At the nearby park, it bit and ruined a little girl’s ball. Lee used Mrs. Green’s one pound fee to pay for a new ball! Lee still did not have the money for the fun fair.

Chapter 3 

Lee needed to find another odd job or else he would miss following his friends to the fun fair. Then, they saw a woman walk by with a shopping bag full of groceries. And something fell from it. They went to investigate. It was the woman’s purse with a lot of money in it! Lee ran off after the woman and returned her purse. The kind woman gave honest Lee FIVE pounds as a reward! At last they could all enjoy the ghost train, big wheel and eat candy floss. YES!!

EXERCISE

Find the words with these meanings:

1. Foodstuffs and vegetables
2. Playful and naughty
3. Approval or allowance
4. Destroyed or broken

Answer TRUE or FALSE: 

• Sam is  girl.
• Lee’s mother is rich.
• Raj’s dad’s car needed washing.
• Lee finally earned five pounds

Prepared by AGT on the 3rd. of February 2017 at 9.27 p.m. A Friday.

Watch “ChessKid Lessons: The Magic Of Chess” on YouTube

The game called chess was first found in Eastern India at about 600 AD. (600 years before Jesus was born). However some historians believe chess came from China. Then the game spread to Persia and later to Southern Europe.

Chess games were analysed in the 1880s. The first world chess championship (WCC) was held in 1886. William Steinitz was the first world champion (1886-1894) and Emanuel Lasker (1894-1921) was the next. Steinitz was famous for his all out attacking style. Later he invented the positional style of play. But the most famous champion was the legendary Gary Kasparov who was the world number 1 from 1986 until 2005. The current world champion since 2013 is Magnus Carlsen from Norway.

It is quite easy to play chess if you know some chess opening principles;

1. Move the centre pawns two steps if you are able to do so.

2. Develop a different piece each time.

3. Always develop Knights before Bishops.

4. Castle early and castle King side. 

5. Look out for double attacks.

6. Attack the squares around the king.

7. Avoid pinning your King and Queen.

8. Move pawns only when necessary.

9. Aim to control the centre.

10. Answer all threats. 

Prepared by Alan G. Tan on the 4th. January 2017 at 10.25 p.m.

UbisoftWatch “Bruce Lee Fight Scenes The Big Boss 1” on YouTube

Bruce Lee (27.11.1940-20.07.1973)

Bruce Lee was born in Chinatown, San Francisco, California, in the United States. And later became famous as a Cha-cha dance instructor, martial arts instructor, founder of the martial art movement Jeet Kune Do, actor, filmmaker and philosopher.   

Bruce Lee Acting Roles in Movies and T.V.

• The Green Hornet T.V. Series~1966-1967
• The Big Boss (Fist of Fury, The Chinese Connection, The Iron Hand)~1971
• The Way of the Dragon (Return of the Dragon)~1972
• Enter the Dragon~1973
• The Game of Death~1978

Bruce Lee Schooling 

Bruce Lee’s father was a Cantonese opera star and his Catholic mother was of German Chinese heritage and from a very rich family. Bruce Lee first appeared in several Chinese films as a child actor in Kowloon. He went to school at La Salle and St. Francis Xavier college in Hong Kong. While in school he was often in fights and almost ended up in the Police Station. He later moved to the U.S.A. and majored in drama at the University of Washington in Seattle (Washington State). 

Bruce Lee Early Martial Arts 

Born as Lee Jun-Fan, Bruce Lee was first trained in Tai Chi Chuan by his father, after not faring well in street fights. Then he studied Wing Chun Gung Fu under sifu Yip Man. He also studied Taekwondo and learnt the side kick from master Jhoon Goo Rhee. After his somewhat unsuccessful martial arts fight with Tai Chi Chuan master, Wong Jack Man, Bruce decided to develop Jeet Kune Do “Using no way as way” and “Having no limitation as limitation”. He reasoned that a rigid and formalistic approach is not practical in street fighting. 

Bruce Lee Death 

Bruce Lee died from brain swelling (cerebral edema) following an allergic reaction to back pain medications and the pain killer called Equagesic. He had many famous martial arts student friends like Lee Marvin, James Coburn, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Chuck Norris. However, there is much speculation about his death; like his involvement with gangsters, and the possible poisoning by them using Arsenic; and funeral parlour workers noticing that his fingers and toes were black, indicative of such poisoning.

Bruce Lee Philosophy 

Bruce Lee did not believe in a rigid martial style and developed one that was more adaptable much like water filling any container.He asked to be real, sincere,searching for your true potential and in harmony with nature.But most of all be yourself. And above all; master your FEARS! Challenge and subdue them, one by one! Like – THE BIG BOSS.

Find the word that means:

1. A subject or a field of study
2. A sneaking suspicion about something
3. Firmly fixed or set
4. Ceremony for a dead person

Prepared by AGT on 22nd. of October 2016 at 11.06 pm

Watch “What Is Red Poem” on YouTube

Mary O’Neill (Poet and Children’s Book Writer)

Mary O’Neill passed away on the 2nd. of January 1990 at the age of 84. One of her most popular books is, “Hailstones and Halibut Bones: Adventures in colour.” In this book, she identified and explained the most familiar colours through poetry. It even became an extra text book in American and foreign schools. 

Mrs. Mary O’Neill was born in New York City, America; and later studied at Western Reserve University and the University of Michigan. She worked as an advertising copywriter before becoming a freelance writer. When her husband died, she joined the Peace Corps in 1970 and taught writing and journalism for some time in Ghana and Costa Rica.

Mary is survived by two daughters, one stepson and four grandchildren at the time of writing.

WHAT IS RED by Mary O’Neill 

Red is a sunset, Blazing and bright.

Red is feeling brave, With all your might.

Red is a sunburn, Spot on your nose.

Sometimes red, Is a red red rose.

Red squiggles out, When you cut your hand.

Red is a brick, And the sound of a band.

Red is hotness, You get inside, When you’re embarrassed, And want to hide.

Fire-cracker, fire-engine, Fire flicker red—And when you’re angry, Red runs through your head.

Red is an Indian, A Valentine heart.

The trimmings on, A circus cart.

Red is a lipstick, Red is a shout, Red is a signal, That says, ‘Watch out!’

Red is a great big, Rubber ball, Red is the giantest, Colour of all.

Red is a show-off.

No doubt about it — But can you imagine, Living without it?

HOTS QUESTIONS 

1. Why does the poet use adjectives ‘blazing‘ and ‘bright‘ to describe the sunset?
2. Why does a woman use red lipstick?
3. Why is a red traffic light used to stop vehicles? 

What Is Red is a ‘repeat-a-word’ poem about red things which uses literary devices like:

1. Imagery~’Red is a sunset, Blazing and bright’ (Using adjectives to describe things).
2. Rhetorical Question~’But can you imagine, Living without it?’ (This question does not need and answer).
3. Repetition~’red’ is repeated many times in the poem
4. Personification~’Red squiggles out’ (like a person squeezes out); ‘Red runs through your head’ (like a person who runs through)
5. Irony~necessary evil like ‘sunburn, blood squiggling, hotness, anger, shout, danger signal, show-off (contrasting view).
6. Metaphor~’Red is hotness, You get inside, When you’re embarrassed, And want to hide’.
7. Alliteration~’a red red rose, a circus cart’. (Consonant sounds repeated).
8. Assonance~’spot on your nose, no doubt about it, living without it’. (Vowel sounds repeated).

Prepared by AGT at 1.55 p.m. on the 19th. of October (Wednesday) 2016.

Watch “What is color? – Colm Kelleher” on YouTube

So what is colour? 

Colour is the visible frequency of electromagnetic radiation (EMR). These frequencies range from 400-700 nanometers. In this range, red has the low frequency, and purple has the high one. The other colours fall in between. 

When white light passes through a glass prism, we get to see its basic colours. We can remember them as ROYGBIV (pronounced Roy Gee Beev). And the colours are; 

• Red
• Orange
• Yellow
• Green
• Blue
• Indigo 
• Violet

We see a yellow pencil when its surface absorbs all other colours except yellow. The energy from the other colours dissipates as heat. A white shirt reflects all colours (light energy) and thus, is cooler. However, a black one absorbs all colours and is therefore warmer.

It is interesting to note that a baby’s eyesight is poor, initially, but he or she is able to see red as its wavelength travels furthest and does not scatter easily. RED is the first colour a baby sees! As we grow older, red becomes significant. The colour is powerful, strong and attracts attention. It is visually striking and stimulating as well. It also symbolises love, courage and strength. Perhaps that is why lipstick is basically red in colour.

There are four psychological colours namely red, blue, yellow and green. They are connected respectively with the body, mind, emotions and the balance between the three. Blue is the colour of the mind and as such soothes it and affects us mentally. Stronger blues stimulates clear thinking whereas lighter ones calm the mind and helps us to concentrate. Research shows blue is the world’s favourite colour!

Why does a woman wear red lipstick? 

1. Because she is sensuous, and wants to experience the world in a physical and mental way.
2. Because she loves herself and thinks she is amazing; and she doesn’t care what you think about it.
3. Because she is powerful, strong, confident and thinks she’s a winner; and you can’t beat her.
4. Because she feels protected; with a magical shield. No evil can break that shield.

TRUE OR FALSE? 

1. Red has the low frequency of visible light.
2. White absorbs all colours.
3. A baby sees blue first.
4. A woman wears red lipstick because she feels sensuous.

FIND THE WORD THAT MEANS

• To spread in all directions
• One billionth of a meter
• A glass body with triangular bases
• Meaningful and important

Prepared by AGT on 18th. October 2016 at 7.53 p.m.

SONG~LUKAS GRAHAM ~ ‘mama said’

https://youtu.be/HdAkYCyCZv8

Lukas Graham Forchhammer formed the four-piece group LUKAS GRAHAM, which is a band from Denmark!

The band members are:

1. Lukas (Luke The Duke) Graham
2. Kasper
3. Magnus Larson (Magnum)
4. Mark Falgren (Lovestick)

Lukas Graham was born on the 18th. of September 1988 which makes him 28 years old now.

The band plays ‘ghetto pop’ and they also cover many other different genres as well.

Mama Said by Lukas Graham

CHORUS (comes later)

Mama said that it was okay, Mama said that it was quite alright, Our kind of people had a bed for the night, And it was okay, Mama told us we were good kids, And daddy told us never to listen to the ones, Pointing nasty fingers and making fun, ‘Cause we were good kids.

FIRST VERSE

Remember asking both my mom and dad, Why we never travelled to exotic lands, We only ever really visit friends, Nothing to tell when the summer ends, We never really went buying clothes, Folks were passing on the stuff and plenty loads, New shoes once a year and then, Out to play ball so we could ruin them.

SECOND VERSE

Don’t get me wrong I didn’t have it bad, I got enough loving from my mom and dad, But I don’t think they really understood, When I said that I wanted the deal in Hollywood, I told them I’ll be singing on TV, The other kids were calling me a wannabe, The older kids they started bugging me, But now they all standing right in front of me.

THIRD VERSE (second chorus)

I know which place I’m from, I know my home, When I’m in doubt and struggling, That’s where I go, An old friend can give advice, When new friends only know a half story, That’s why I’m always keep them tight, And why I’m okay, … I said I’m okay, You know what my mama said, You know what she told me.

VOCABULARY

Find the words/phrases that mean;

1. A slum area of a city
2. People in general
3. Tries to act like someone famous
4. To maintain a close relationship

TRUE or FALSE? (Refer to the lyrics)

1. Mama told they were good children.
2. They visited many foreign countries.
3. The son wanted to be famous.
4. Old friends should be cherished.

HOTS QUESTIONS 

1. Why is necessary to be successful in life?
2. How can we be an achiever?

Prepared by AGT on th 8th. October (Saturday) 2016.

Watch “Remarkable Rice: how does rice grow” on YouTube

Malaysia Day Holiday in Sekinchan 

Recently, my family and I decided to spend two days and one night in Sekinchan to celebrate Malaysia Day. We put up in an exciting homestay lodging for a night, and during the day went sight-seeing at a few places that were popular there.

One of them were the paddy fields and rice mills. We learned that there were three stages of rice milling namely; the paddy with the golden husk, the brown rice after the husk is removed and polished white rice. Brown rice or ‘bran‘ should be the preferred choice because it is healthier with more vitamins. However, we mostly eat the white rice variety.

A tour guide informed us that in Sekinchan, paddy is planted twice a year. Once in the beginning of the year, and another in the middle of the year. So there is a harvest of paddy done twice annually. The paddy takes 110 days to mature – after which it is harvested mechanically. In fact the ploughing and transplanting are also done by machines these days. A gift of vacuum packed rice was given to each family; that could last for up to 2 years if refrigerated.

The next day we visited a shop that showcased the different produce available in Sekinchan. That were tidbits to suit each and every taste bud. We bought freshly made Chinese ‘love letters’ packed in a lovely tin. There were also mangoes and maize for sale. After enjoying the fresh sea food, we left for home.

Prepared by AGT on the 7th. of October 2016 at 3.06 p.m.

Section D~Guided Writing~Report~(30 marks)

https://youtu.be/CymMZXU-uRQ

Question 6: You should spend 30 minutes on this question.

The data below shows the choices of career fields for students in 2 Anggerik. 

• Academic ~ 6 students
• Architecture and Designing ~ 4 students
• Banking & Administration ~ 4 students
• Engineering ~ 4 students
• Information & Computer Technology ~ 12 students
• Journalism & Editorial ~ 2 students
• Legal ~ 9 students
• Medical & Pharmaceuticals ~ 6 students
• Others ~ 3 students

When writing your report:
1. Give possible reasons for the students’ choice of career field

2. State your own choice of career field and the reason for your choice

3. Add any other relevant information 

4. Write in not less than 150 words
  

Model answer  

A survey was conducted last week to find out the choices of a career field of students in form 2 Anggerik.

Based on the results of the survey, Information and Computer Technology (ICT) field had the highest number of students interested; that is 12 students. This could be because of the new trend and  interest of students in computers and computing. 

The legal field was the second most popular career with 9 students interested. Lawyers are glamorous, highly paid professionals and hence its popularity. Medical and Pharmaceutical together with the academic field was third with 6 students each. This could be because of the respect one gets as a doctor and medical officer. Passion for the sick, young and elderly could be another reason.

The architecture and designing, banking and administration, and engineering fields all had 4 students each being interested. This could be because accountancy and engineering provide many job opportunities like in teaching and lecturing. Journalism and editorial was the least popular as only 2 students were interested.This could be because of the long irregular hours involved in them. 3 students had other choices.

As for me, I picked medical and pharmaceuticals as I want to be a pediatrician, because I love children a lot.

END OF REPORT

Prepared by: 

Devi (2 Anggerik)

Adapted by AGT on Oct. 6 (Thur.) 2016

The Benefits of Having Smartphones

https://goo.gl/images/sTvymj

You are giving a speech on the benefits of having smartphones; as the president of the Innovative Club annual meeting.

Benefits

• Be able to keep/stay in touch  24/7—throughout the day
• Personal, convenient, small, slim and handy—can contact relevant authorities
• Using advanced technology—music, e-mails, (social media)

A very good morning to our Innovative Club instructer, Mr. Arul, teachers and fellow members. As your current but soon to be leaving president, I have been assigned the task of making a presentation about the benefits of having a smartphone. I am sure most of you have a smartphone with an internet connection at home and know how useful it can be.

No one can argue when I say that smartphones keep us connected. And we are able to stay connected all time; even at night. We can call up relatives and friends to chat and get updates and share happenings. Or else if we can’t talk, we can send text messages, send voice and  video clips or use social media to send photos and recorded videos. Video conferencing in real time is also possible. Keeping in touch with loved ones is easy and convenient.

The smartphone is personal, convenient and handy. Gone are the days when a wireless cellphone was the size of a brick and just as heavy too. Now it can fit into you shirt or trouser pocket; and comes in a sleek leather or plastic cover. A quick draw off the pocket and it is ready to use, with a lot of functions. Add contacts easily and quickly, especially your school and local police station in case or emergencies. Or the ‘Befrienders’ as well. You may need them sometime.

Smartphones now use advanced technology with thousands of applications; some of which allow you to play, record and edit music, check e-mails, get directions to places using GPS, take photos to share with family and friends. And you can do online shopping too; from buying food, clothing and movie tickets, to even buying helicopters; if you have the money for it.

But the best thing is that your smart phone can be your library for you to get information about anything. You can Google it to read up on things, or you can check out videos on YouTube, plus register with sites like Khan Academy that teach you subjects like languages and Mathematics for free. Learning music is also possible, as well as cooking and playing chess. Learning yoga and self development could not be easier with famous professionals guiding you.

Well, my friends, I hope I have amazed you with the wonders of your smartphone; however please be a responsible user of this awesome gadget, and refrain from fiddling with it while on the road. Remember- safety is first not second!

Thank you. 

Prepared by A.G.T. on 4th. October (Tuesday) 2016

eslpt3agt~Stress Management~Comprehension

https://youtu.be/xKY6YrKamqM

How stressed out are you? 

Just try out this questionnaire and see how stressed you are, and in which aspect. Think and answer truthfully. You may speak to your school councillor for advice if you feel stressed. The stress scale is from 1 to 5. 1 is for just a little stressed and 5 for very stressed.

Take the stress test!                           Put a tick (√) mark against the number. I have marked mine. Now you do the same.

But first, take a five slow deep breaths to relax yourself. Feel your tummy rising and falling. Sit up straight with your face tilted slightly upwards. 

NOW START THE TEST

1. Too much homework                          

1.   2. √  3.   4.   5.                               

2. Exams and tests                             

1.   2. √  3.   4.   5.         

3. Fighting with parents/family         

1.   2. √  3.   4.   5. 

4. Late for school                               

1.   2. √  3.   4.   5.        

5. Being bullied                                   

1. √  2.   3.   4.   5.        

6. Parents fighting with each other   

1.   2. √  3.   4.   5.    

7. Being yelled at                                

1.   2. √  3.   4.   5.                                 

8. Being left out                                 

1.   2. √ 3.   4.   5.                                 

9. Illness in you own life or your     friends/family                                     

1. √  2.   3.   4.   5.                                 

10. Too.many activities/demands     

1.   2.   3. √  4.   5.                                 

11. Not being able to sleep                 

1. √  2.   3.   4.   5.                                 

12. Having a falling out with               friends                                               

1.   2. √  3.   4.   5.

VOCABULARY

1. yelled-to speak very loudly               

2. left out-excluded, ommited,                overlooked or not included               

3. Falling out-quarrel, fight  

From my responses, I learned that having too many activities and demands is the biggest stressor for me. Clearly I need to better manage my time. Or reduce my activities and demands.

First understand stress 

1. Stress is the fight or flight response that is necessary for the short term but in the long term, it can create havoc.                                     

2. In the short term it can save us from dangerous situations like when physically attacked.                               

3. In the long term however, it may cause damage to organs right down to the cells. This in turn causes diseases like hypertension, heart attacks and strokes.                             

4. Adrenaline (fight or flight hormone) is constantly flowing and ruining our systems.                             

5. The brain and gut do not function properly and cause gastritis, weaken the immune system and we also age faster. 6. The gut bacteria balance is disrupted causing indigestion and bloating and we take more time to heal from injury.   

Some cool tips to handle stress.

✩ exercise regularly ✩ talk/chat, socialise and laugh often ✩ be close to nature and keep pets ✩ enjoy a hobby(ies) ✩ clean/tidy up your room ✩ take a cold shower ✩ pamper yourself (massage) ✩ do healing yoga ✩ do progressive muscle relaxation

Some symptoms of stress 

→acne (pimples) →headaches →fatigue →muscle tension →bad mood →difficulty in concentrating →hair loss

Summary

★ To master stress, we need to respond positively to it, and treat it as a challenge, and to keep it under control. OR at least keep it at a safe distance.

★ Often take a deep breath, smile and get to work completing your tasks. Just the simple act of smiling will subdue your number one enemy—STRESS!

TRUE or FALSE

1. You must keep your problems to yourself.
2. Overwork can be a major stressor.
3. Stress is the fight or flight response.
4. Listening to music helps control stress.