Tuesday, August 11, 2009

i dont know whats the title, same with azrie and kamil-lah. go check with them.

Lot 47, Hse 54,
Taman Sinar Baru,
88450, Kota Kinabalu,
Sabah.

8 August 2009

Dear Harry Potter,

How are you doing all the way in Penang? I sincerely hope you and your family is doing just fine. Ever since you left us in Kota Kinabalu, I spent my days reminiscing the past I had with you, every bitter, sweet moments. Truly, life here is not the same as it used to be with you. Yet, we are just doing pretty fine.

So, I've read your previous letter. You, being the head prefect, I am convinced, with all your personal qualities you have, you would be a good one. For the past 5 years I've known you, you constantly bring yourself as a friendly person, always being ever so sociable and able to blend in amongst students regardless of their race or religion. On the teacher’s introspective outlook, I think you would be seen as someone responsible in every work entrusted upon you. You would complete all the obliged work before the due date and even help your friends in need. Truly, you’re not only a responsible person but also a helpful one.

Academic wise, the papers show that you are an intelligent student. I trust that teachers call you an intelligent student because of your hard-working and problem solving character. In times of adversity, you never seem to panic, frighten or break down. Instead, you stood up still and did what you thought was right, to solve the predicaments you're facing.

Besides that, being a head prefect does not only count on your character and your academic performance. You should count in your co-curricular involvement. It was the year before you left when you became the Blue House Captain. It was the year the blue house finally achieved victory after facing a long drought of no wins. Only with your leadership, they were able to achieve what a mere dream was before. Not only that, you were also once the secretary of English Language Society and a school debater. As we all know, English is becoming more of an important communication media in the global world. Advantage is to you who know the language in a more detailed manner.

Apart from that, you have a few other advantages in minor aspects. Then again, it’s the little things that make it better. You once told me that you live near the school. In that way, you can easily go over to your school planning or carrying out extra activities, sacrificing time for the good of the school. Also, be sure to practice good study habits, the responsibility of being a head prefect is certainly huge. Be sure you do not neglect education as it would just bring to no good. It is also a plus side to be popular among students and teachers. A head prefect should be a role model for others, respectable and not hated.

To my demise, I would have to pen off here. Never forget that we here living in Kota Kinabalu truly miss your presence and you should know that you will always have a place in our hearts. I genuinely hope that what I say here would uplift your confidence to take up this huge responsibility. I trust, with your capabilities, you would make a good one. May god continue to shower you with constant accolade of excellence. Thank you.


Yours truly,


Barrack Obama

Monday, August 3, 2009

EXAM question

What moral values did you learn after reading the novel 'The Pearl' by John Steinbeck? Support your answer with close reference to the text.

The novel that I have read is 'The Pearl' written by John Steinbeck. In this novel. there are many moral values that I can learn.

The most prominent value that I learn is to always show superfluous and unlimited love towards my family. Kino never fails to show how much he loves his family throughout the novel. In the beginning of the story,Kino without hesitation, crushes the scorpion which has fallen on his dear son, Coyotito. Sadly, the scorpion managed to bite Coyotito. Juana immediately gives a suggestion to travel far to the city and sought for treatment from the local doctor. Their unconditional love towards their one and only son drives them to endure the long journey to the doctor. One problem after another, they face another moment of adversity when the doctor selfishly refuse to treat Coyotito. Kino proves he truly loves Coyotito more than anything in the world when he offers the doctor his all. He offers the doctor "eight small misshapen seed pearls" (page 11) in hopes of getting medication. I truly see Kino and Juana as a role model to love and care for my family regardless of the situation and time.
Reading this novel also opens up my eyes to realize the need to be always determined in enduring the never ending series of hardships in life. Take Kino for an example. His family lives their lives behind the eight ball (A difficult position from which it is unlikely one can escape.) Knowing their degree of poverty, Kino is ever so determined to earn sufficient money to put bread on the table. He works as a fisherman and at the same time as a pearl hunter. With the grace of god, he gains the chance to hold on his hands tight on the opportunity for a paradigm shift when he finds an enormous pearl as big as a seagulls egg. Kino is determined to break the orthodox chain of poverty by travelling far once again to the city in hopes of selling the pearl with a high price. Even though most of the pearl buyers refuse to buy as it is too big in size, he never gives up and constantly finds a good enough price to sell it. In the end, he fails to sell the pearl. Contrariwise happens. Some unsatisfied pearl buyer hires three trackers with the purpose of hunting Kino and his family down for the pearl. Kino is determined not to surrender the pearl and protects his family. he brings his family deep into the woods to hide from them. He even takes the initiative to cover their tracks and bring his wife and son to a cave up in the mountains, a safer place. I take Kino as a man who sees no boundaries in his pursuit to achieve his aspirations in life.

Apart from that, I understand the perils of greed more. Kino is too greedy when he refuses every offer given to him for the pearl. This stirs up grudge and dissatisfaction among the pearl buyers. The pearl buyers make a move by setting his house up on fire, causing Kino's family to be homeless. Kino's greed causes him and his family no choice but to have a stay in his brother, Juan Thomas' home. It burdens him and also his brother. Kino's greed also leads him not to think properly before he acts. He decides to end a mans life when he strikes his knife. It is all out of the worry that someone would take away his pearl. It stabs the man. Personally, I think greed does not have any plus side and would only spark more animosity and feud.

To the point, short and sweet, I have learned that I should always show superfluous and unlimited love towards my family, always be determined in enduring the never ending series of hardships in life, and the perils of greed. These lessons would genuinely be the light at the end of the tunnel and the earth on my feet.