Mar 26, 2009
He's married!
Shoghi Ilamaran Mayalagan, my dear cousin, is finally married. Posted here are some pics from their wedding day and a guestbook that you can sign. Congrats, guys. Would have loved to be there.
Mar 13, 2009
I can drive now!
I meant the car.
Today, I earned my right to be on the road, on the driver's seat this time. After 12 hours of driving practice, I finally qualified for the JPJ test.
Met some of my school friends and friends that I've come to know by attending classes in the driving school.
We were required to be there at 8.15am. Since my parents had to go out, I was dropped there at 7.30am. Already, there were people waiting. When the clerks had arrived, I asked one of the candidate's father if we should register or something. He wasn't sure. So, I boldly walked up to the desk to enquire and I was registered first! Lucky me, candidate No. 1! Later, I realised how lucky I really was.
The officers were running a bit late so, I got to drive the car up to the hill and wait. When I was there, the person-in-charge asked me to off the engine and I was half-way up the hill. While waiting, I watched as another 11 candidates pulled up behind me.
Then, the officer came - fierce as ever. 'Naik' (climb), he said. I went up and looked out. I was not really satisfied when I had stopped but he was. I passed! I drove down the hill to park. Again, I had to wait for all 11 to finish before the same officer tested me for the 2nd test. This time, it was alright.
The funny part is I had a final class one day before my SPM results. Sub-consciously worried, I had made all the possible mistakes and this helped me today because I was able to focus and note any potential mistakes. Yeh! Towards the end of that class, I was to do my final parking. I was doing fine when I saw amma parked a bit further. Normally, amma would come in a bit later but today, amma was early. Excited, I forgot to brake and headed straight for the 'tiang' (pole)! My instructor had to make an emergency brake as we were inches away from it.
Next, it was time to drive on the road. I loved it although one part really shook me. I was on a straight road with not many cars, driving on 4th gear. Suddenly, a car crossed the road and came right in front of me. I tried to break slowly, didn't work, I changed gears, 3...2... My mind was racing, figuring out what to do. I was barely inches away. The officer quickly stepped on his break and the car stopped. That was close. I could have just met with an accident! However, am glad that I am here to say, don't take anything for granted.
So, what else? I passed the test and am happy. Still, the shock from yesterday (my results) was able to balance today's excitement. Believe me, I am glad that it all didn't turn out the way I expected it to be. Definitely a wonderful experience.
Today, I earned my right to be on the road, on the driver's seat this time. After 12 hours of driving practice, I finally qualified for the JPJ test.
Met some of my school friends and friends that I've come to know by attending classes in the driving school.
We were required to be there at 8.15am. Since my parents had to go out, I was dropped there at 7.30am. Already, there were people waiting. When the clerks had arrived, I asked one of the candidate's father if we should register or something. He wasn't sure. So, I boldly walked up to the desk to enquire and I was registered first! Lucky me, candidate No. 1! Later, I realised how lucky I really was.
The officers were running a bit late so, I got to drive the car up to the hill and wait. When I was there, the person-in-charge asked me to off the engine and I was half-way up the hill. While waiting, I watched as another 11 candidates pulled up behind me.
Then, the officer came - fierce as ever. 'Naik' (climb), he said. I went up and looked out. I was not really satisfied when I had stopped but he was. I passed! I drove down the hill to park. Again, I had to wait for all 11 to finish before the same officer tested me for the 2nd test. This time, it was alright.
The funny part is I had a final class one day before my SPM results. Sub-consciously worried, I had made all the possible mistakes and this helped me today because I was able to focus and note any potential mistakes. Yeh! Towards the end of that class, I was to do my final parking. I was doing fine when I saw amma parked a bit further. Normally, amma would come in a bit later but today, amma was early. Excited, I forgot to brake and headed straight for the 'tiang' (pole)! My instructor had to make an emergency brake as we were inches away from it.
Next, it was time to drive on the road. I loved it although one part really shook me. I was on a straight road with not many cars, driving on 4th gear. Suddenly, a car crossed the road and came right in front of me. I tried to break slowly, didn't work, I changed gears, 3...2... My mind was racing, figuring out what to do. I was barely inches away. The officer quickly stepped on his break and the car stopped. That was close. I could have just met with an accident! However, am glad that I am here to say, don't take anything for granted.
So, what else? I passed the test and am happy. Still, the shock from yesterday (my results) was able to balance today's excitement. Believe me, I am glad that it all didn't turn out the way I expected it to be. Definitely a wonderful experience.
Mar 12, 2009
My SPM results experience
This was my experience earlier today when I went to school to pick up my SPM results. (Actually, I had written this yesterday but the computer went crazy and I could not post it :)
I was as cool as a cucumber... 2 days ago. Yesterday, I went for my final 2 hours of driving class and couldn't pay attention - I was sub-consciously worried. Today, I tried to keep a cool head before going to school; definitely a lot calmer compared to the previous years, but little did I expect it to be the most shocking of all.
I marched into the school compound at 10am, armed with my family and their support, happy to see my friends. We were told that the results will only be out at 10.30am. So, we waited; a long, tormenting half an hour eased with small conversations. We also got to know that 3 students in our school had scored straight A1s.
When my teacher had taken her seat, indicating that the results were available, students crowded around the table, keeping a distance as well. I slowly moved to the front, but turned back; I was not ready.
After a while, we heard a scream of joy. It was Prasana, one of the school's top scorers who is also now a straight As student - 10 to be exact. Jasmine also got her results - no doubt that she was also in the list, proving herself time and again. The third one? We had our speculations. Much later, we got to know that it was Kavitha, an equally brilliant student. All three of them had scored 10A1s. Congrats, guys.
Next, I realised that it was time I went to collect mine. I sat down, heart beating faster than ever, as I waited for the teachers to pull out my slip. They started counting. It clicked to me that I could not have gotten straight As if they were counting. The small shock mellowed down fast. After that, I saw the teacher write on a list beside my name, 10 A1s, 1 A2.
Something was amiss. I voiced out my concern. I had taken 12 subjects. The second shock - I got 1 B3. I felt my whole world come to a halt; couldn't hear anything, mind was totally blank. I was feeling down. Coming out of it a little, I asked which subject was it. The teacher glanced at my slip and asked me if I really wanted to know. I didn't know what to say. My head was still spinning. Amma said that at that time, the teacher was talking to me, but honestly I can't remember.
Finally, I picked myself up and asked for the slip. I screened it carefully, eyeing for the B3. What a shock - BIOLOGY!!! Next, I looked for the A2. Shocked, yet again - MORAL!!! I laughed it out, but inside it was piercing me through and through. Amma said that I had an array of expressions before I returned to my normal self.
I stayed on in school to spend time with some of my friends right up to afternoon. Wow, what a day!
Summary:
A1s: Malay, English and 1119, Tamil, Tamil lit., Maths, Additional Maths, Chemistry, Physics, English for Science and Technology (EST), Sejarah (History)
A2: Moral
B3: Biology
Just a note of appreciation: Thank you to amma and appa, my siblings, family and friends, school and tuition teachers, your support means so much to me.
I was as cool as a cucumber... 2 days ago. Yesterday, I went for my final 2 hours of driving class and couldn't pay attention - I was sub-consciously worried. Today, I tried to keep a cool head before going to school; definitely a lot calmer compared to the previous years, but little did I expect it to be the most shocking of all.
I marched into the school compound at 10am, armed with my family and their support, happy to see my friends. We were told that the results will only be out at 10.30am. So, we waited; a long, tormenting half an hour eased with small conversations. We also got to know that 3 students in our school had scored straight A1s.
When my teacher had taken her seat, indicating that the results were available, students crowded around the table, keeping a distance as well. I slowly moved to the front, but turned back; I was not ready.
After a while, we heard a scream of joy. It was Prasana, one of the school's top scorers who is also now a straight As student - 10 to be exact. Jasmine also got her results - no doubt that she was also in the list, proving herself time and again. The third one? We had our speculations. Much later, we got to know that it was Kavitha, an equally brilliant student. All three of them had scored 10A1s. Congrats, guys.
Next, I realised that it was time I went to collect mine. I sat down, heart beating faster than ever, as I waited for the teachers to pull out my slip. They started counting. It clicked to me that I could not have gotten straight As if they were counting. The small shock mellowed down fast. After that, I saw the teacher write on a list beside my name, 10 A1s, 1 A2.
Something was amiss. I voiced out my concern. I had taken 12 subjects. The second shock - I got 1 B3. I felt my whole world come to a halt; couldn't hear anything, mind was totally blank. I was feeling down. Coming out of it a little, I asked which subject was it. The teacher glanced at my slip and asked me if I really wanted to know. I didn't know what to say. My head was still spinning. Amma said that at that time, the teacher was talking to me, but honestly I can't remember.
Finally, I picked myself up and asked for the slip. I screened it carefully, eyeing for the B3. What a shock - BIOLOGY!!! Next, I looked for the A2. Shocked, yet again - MORAL!!! I laughed it out, but inside it was piercing me through and through. Amma said that I had an array of expressions before I returned to my normal self.
I stayed on in school to spend time with some of my friends right up to afternoon. Wow, what a day!
Summary:
A1s: Malay, English and 1119, Tamil, Tamil lit., Maths, Additional Maths, Chemistry, Physics, English for Science and Technology (EST), Sejarah (History)
A2: Moral
B3: Biology
Just a note of appreciation: Thank you to amma and appa, my siblings, family and friends, school and tuition teachers, your support means so much to me.
Mar 11, 2009
How to Study English for SPM?
1. Read
2. Read
3. Read
4. Take note of spelling and grammatical errors (You can grab some tips from the BM section in my earlier post)
eg: difference between 'effect' and 'affect'
5. Read
6. Always make it a point to upgrade your standard of writing.
7. When reading, take note of easy yet effective sentences.
eg: The row of houses burnt down in a fire.
The row of houses were razed to the ground.
8. Check out this site, Daily Writing Tips, for correct usage of vocabulary, etc.-very informative
9. Good English Essays is an essay writing guide blog, includes analysis of past year questions
10. Speak English and get people to correct you. Watch English programmes, listen to English radio channels, do lots and lots of practice.
As for the English Literature component:
1. Be sure to read everything: novel, short stories and poems
2. Understand in detail, especially poems (line by line)
3. Make notes on themes, characters, moral values by connecting them to the story.
Eg: In 'The Necklace,' Mathilde wants a beautiful necklace to match her new gown that was bought from her husband's savings.
Theme: Greed
Character & characteristic: Mathilde; greedy
Moral value: We should not be greedy / We should be grateful for what we have.
4. When writing an essay based on the novel, be sure to add in feelings, not only facts.
Eg: In 'The Pearl,' Kino beats up his wife for trying to throw away the pearl.
Sample question: Which character do you admire?
Sample answer: I admire Juana [answers the question] for her loyalty [reason] towards her husband. I take my hat off [feelings] for Juana as she still protects and cares for her husband even after he beats her up [explanation].
5. English Literature for Secondary Schools - an online resource guide; very helpful
2. Read
3. Read
4. Take note of spelling and grammatical errors (You can grab some tips from the BM section in my earlier post)
eg: difference between 'effect' and 'affect'
5. Read
6. Always make it a point to upgrade your standard of writing.
7. When reading, take note of easy yet effective sentences.
eg: The row of houses burnt down in a fire.
The row of houses were razed to the ground.
8. Check out this site, Daily Writing Tips, for correct usage of vocabulary, etc.-very informative
9. Good English Essays is an essay writing guide blog, includes analysis of past year questions
10. Speak English and get people to correct you. Watch English programmes, listen to English radio channels, do lots and lots of practice.
As for the English Literature component:
1. Be sure to read everything: novel, short stories and poems
2. Understand in detail, especially poems (line by line)
3. Make notes on themes, characters, moral values by connecting them to the story.
Eg: In 'The Necklace,' Mathilde wants a beautiful necklace to match her new gown that was bought from her husband's savings.
Theme: Greed
Character & characteristic: Mathilde; greedy
Moral value: We should not be greedy / We should be grateful for what we have.
4. When writing an essay based on the novel, be sure to add in feelings, not only facts.
Eg: In 'The Pearl,' Kino beats up his wife for trying to throw away the pearl.
Sample question: Which character do you admire?
Sample answer: I admire Juana [answers the question] for her loyalty [reason] towards her husband. I take my hat off [feelings] for Juana as she still protects and cares for her husband even after he beats her up [explanation].
5. English Literature for Secondary Schools - an online resource guide; very helpful
How to Study BM for SPM?
One method I used was to keep a personal note book for myself. It was my collection of notes from Form 1 right up to Form 5. Most of it were noted down when school and tuition teachers explained why certain questions were wrong - catch it!
The book was divided into 4: The front page, the back page, the center page moving to the right and the center page moving to the left.
1. The front page, moving in the direction that we normally write, is used to write grammar rules eg: 'ia' can only be used for humans and not animals or objects. I also list down words that are very similar in meaning, together with their specific definitions, so that it will be easy for me to differentiate eg: memikul, mengusung, membimbit, menjulang... (it all means 'carry' but are used for different purposes).
2. The last page, moving to the front, is listed with proverbs (peribahasa) that I come across during activites or exercises. You may have a kamus peribahasa but when you find a proverb that is not listed in the dictionary, the best thing to do is note it. Be sure to note all the proverbs used in the textbooks.
3. The center page, moving to the right, is used to list down quotations and phrases/sentences that have lots of flowery words eg: ...menopang dagu dan menuding jari.... I also use it to note recently coined terms like modal insan kelas pertama or other words that can replace common ones eg: keluarga - kulawangsa.
4. The center page, moving to the left, I write about common and current issues in point form.
Eg: Topik - Pencemaran air, Punca, Kesan, Langkah, berita terbaru, contoh, kementerian...
These may help in your collection of notes:
1. Cikgu Tan C L's blog - lots of points, resources - found this really helpful
2. Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka - the official site has links to many other useful ones including a Malay thesaurus and a reference for 'sports language' (bahasa sukan).
3. Dewan Siswa and Dewan Majalah - my school library had subscribed this magazines and they were indeed very informative for the essay part with current issues clearly explained.
4. Bahasa Malaysia SPM - everything to do with BM SPM including the KOMponen SAStera
The book was divided into 4: The front page, the back page, the center page moving to the right and the center page moving to the left.
1. The front page, moving in the direction that we normally write, is used to write grammar rules eg: 'ia' can only be used for humans and not animals or objects. I also list down words that are very similar in meaning, together with their specific definitions, so that it will be easy for me to differentiate eg: memikul, mengusung, membimbit, menjulang... (it all means 'carry' but are used for different purposes).
2. The last page, moving to the front, is listed with proverbs (peribahasa) that I come across during activites or exercises. You may have a kamus peribahasa but when you find a proverb that is not listed in the dictionary, the best thing to do is note it. Be sure to note all the proverbs used in the textbooks.
3. The center page, moving to the right, is used to list down quotations and phrases/sentences that have lots of flowery words eg: ...menopang dagu dan menuding jari.... I also use it to note recently coined terms like modal insan kelas pertama or other words that can replace common ones eg: keluarga - kulawangsa.
4. The center page, moving to the left, I write about common and current issues in point form.
Eg: Topik - Pencemaran air, Punca, Kesan, Langkah, berita terbaru, contoh, kementerian...
These may help in your collection of notes:
1. Cikgu Tan C L's blog - lots of points, resources - found this really helpful
2. Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka - the official site has links to many other useful ones including a Malay thesaurus and a reference for 'sports language' (bahasa sukan).
3. Dewan Siswa and Dewan Majalah - my school library had subscribed this magazines and they were indeed very informative for the essay part with current issues clearly explained.
4. Bahasa Malaysia SPM - everything to do with BM SPM including the KOMponen SAStera
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