Essay_An education trip to Cameron Highlands

These are three essays I copied from other websites for your reference.

An Educational Trip to Cameron Highlands

On 21 June 2010, the Geographical Society of our school made an educational trip to Cameron Highlands. Thirty students/ members of the society accompanied by four teachers went on the trip. We set off at 6.30 am by coach and reached there at 9.00 am sharp.

The main purpose of the trip was to enable the members of the society to study nature and build better rapport among them. In addition, the students would be able to gain first hand knowledge on what they have learned in their Geography lessons. This would enable them to understand their lessons better.

The weather there was cool and refreshing. All the way up the hill, we saw beautiful lush greenery on the hill slopes. Our first stop was at a huge rose garden, probably one of the best in our country. Many varieties of roses were planted there. It was a fascinating sight to see shades of red, pink, yellow and orange roses swaying gently the breeze! There, we observed the workers working in the farm. Some were aerating the soil; while others were watering and trimming the plants.

After the rose garden, we visited a large tea plantation. There we saw vast areas of green tea shrubs growing on the hill slopes. The scenery was beautiful and refreshing! We witnessed women workers plucking young tea leaves with their nimble fingers, throwing them into the baskets strapped on their backs.

At 6.00 p.m. we headed home. We found the trip educational and beneficial. The members saw for themselves highland features such as hills and waterfalls and the co-relation between the cool climate and the economic activities.

Essay_Reasons students work part-time

Reasons Students Work Part-Time

Many students work part-time during the school holidays. Most of them can be found working in shopping malls or fast food restaurants as these places engage many part- time staff.

What prompts students to take up part-time jobs? The reasons are many, and the most obvious one is to earn money to pay for their daily expenses. Students nowadays have many needs. Furthermore, the allowance which they receive from their parents may not be sufficient. As growing teenagers, they are always hungry and need to eat more food. So, a large portion of the money they earn from their part-time job is spent on their daily needs such as fast- food, snacks, drinks, bus or taxi fares to get them from one place to the other.

Students also work part-time to earn extra pocket money so that they can indulge in some luxuries. These days, the students are very exposed and they are bombarded with branded things on the media. This makes them brand-conscious and they feel the pressure to wear and use what their peers have. So, it is not surprising that they may have been eyeing their much desired pair of branded jeans or shoes and may be longing to possess them. So, working part-time is one way to obtain money to buy these things. The extra pocket money also comes in useful when they want to go to a movie or enjoy a cup of coffee or tea at a café, which is a trend among most teenagers.

Tuition has almost become a necessity and many students spend quite a lot on tuition to help them improve their studies. However, not all students are fortunate as some come from poor families. As such, these students have to work part-time to help pay the fees. By chipping in, they are also helping to ease their parents' burden. Thus, working part-time helps alleviate the students' financial problems.

There are many advantages for students who work part-time. Firstly, they get to make more friends, thereby, improve their social skills when interact with them. They also gain working experience which is useful when they apply for jobs in future as candidates with working experience can command better pay.

Another advantage of working part-time is that students learn to be more accountable and disciplined because they have to perform tasks, take instructions, deliver results and meet deadlines. What is more, they also get to experience working life and know the difficulties in earning money! This teaches them to be more prudent and careful with their money.

However, working part-time has its disadvantages. For instance, students who work in undesirable places may be exposed to negative influences. Therefore, students must ensure that they work in proper places so that they can benefit as working part-time trains them to be more diligent, responsible and independent.

Essay_The hazards of internet addiction

Today, millions of people, especially teenagers and young adults are addicted to the Internet. The term ‘Internet Addiction’ can be defined as someone who uses the Net excessively to the point of ignoring other important activities. In fact, it is not surprising that these addicts feel utterly distressed if they do not go online for even a day! However, there is a price to pay as addiction to the Internet causes a host of problems.

Firstly, the Internet addicts may become anti-social when they confine themselves in their computer rooms for hours without interacting with people. Their interaction is with the computer, where they chat online, play computer games and surf the Net. Consequently, they have very little time to interact with their parents or other family members. This is unhealthy because some of these teenagers may have problems and need help. However, their parents may not be able to help them because they are in the dark as their children spend most of their time with their computers. Some parents may be unhappy and are concerned that their children are spending too much time on the computers and this leads to nagging which may escalates into frequent arguments, misunderstandings and strained relationships.

Besides causing family rifts, Internet addiction is also a waste of money and time. Instead of spending their time gainfully such as studying, these addicts are hunched in front of the computer surfing the Net, playing computer games or indulging in frivolous conversations. This leaves them little time to study, revise or complete their homework which in turn their grades and jeopardize their future prospects. Apart from that, they also chalk up hefty phone bills, an added financial burden to parents especially those who are already in a tight budget.

Being addicted to the Internet also takes a toll on the addicts’ health as most of them spend hours on the Net without much physical movements. The problem is compounded when they start munching on junk food, leading to obesity. The situation is worsened by the fact that they have little spare time for sports or games. Moreover, prolonged exposure to the computer may spoil their eyesight. Additionally, these addicts usually surf the Net throughout the night, thus, losing the much needed sleep. As a result, they feel exhausted and are unable to concentrate the next day. The lack of sleep may encourage them to skip school, miss lessons and lose interest in their studies.

Many Internet addicts chat with friends through programmes such as IRC. Chatting with friends through such programmes may invite problems for teenagers, especially girls who may be tricked into meeting up with their chat mates. Before long, these girls may be persuaded to indulge in indecent activities without their parents’ knowledge which may ruin their future well-being.

Another hazard Internet addiction is the easy access to pornographic sites. Such sites not only pollute the young minds but erode their moral values and are a source of bad influence.

Last but not least, Internet addiction creates maladjusted individuals. People who chat online are not interacting face to face with real people. So, when they are online, they can put on a façade and be someone else. They can be unusually bold or confident as there are no boundaries in cyberspace. But, once they are thrust into the real world, they may lose their confidence or ability to interact and communicate with real people. They may feel awkward, become social misfits and this impedes their personal development.

Finally, to avoid these hazards, we must use the Internet for the right purpose for the Internet has its pros and cons. In view of the damaging effects it has on the addicts, teenagers and young adults should restrict the time they spend on the computer. The adage ‘Regulation is the Key to Success’ should be heeded!

Essay_What would you do if you had a lot of money

What would you do if you had a lot of money

When I was young , I lived in a wooden house in the Petaling Jaya Old Town. The house was
dilapitated and not properly kept in good living condition.During rainny days, my room was flooded and I could see rats, cockroaches and other pest ran for cover. So, If I had a lot of money, I would certainly buy a house for my parents, preferably a terrace house built by concrete and brick, on a higher ground. I would equip the house with central controlled air-conditioners, solar heaters, burglar alarms and etc. so that it would be a smart home. My mother would have a high technological and beautiful kitchen as she loves cooking. I would also get a maid to help her with the household chores. I will ensure that my family is comfortably settled in this house.

The second thing I would do is to take my parents for overseas tours. Eventhough,I have been overseas with my parents like Hong Kong and Singapore, but I long to see the places I have only read or dreamt about. First, I would like to visit China,the country where my ancestors were borned. I would visit all the museums and buildings I have heard so much about. There is something mystical about China and her people.

Apart from that, I would go on a shopping spree, which is my favourite pastime. Thus far, I could only go window shopping and if I had a lot of money, I would go into those stores and buy whatever I fancy. Just imagine that for once in my life, I do not need to look at the prices of the items that I like. I could just shop till I literally drop. The salesgirls would be hovering near me with their latest outfits and my wish would be their command. Ah, I would not be ignored anymore as I walk into their stores!

Besides shopping, I would also remember the poor and the less fortunate. First, I would certainly donate some money to old-folks home and orphanage. Besides, I would also give
foods and clothings to the monks and nuns of the temples near my house.

Finally, I would take the opportunity to further my studies. When I was younger, my parents could not afford to send me overseas. So, I would love to pursue a course in Psychology in Taiwan .Once I graduate, I would like to set up my own business with the rest of the money.They say that a fool and his money are soon parted. Thus, I would be very careful with how I spend my money. I would invest my money with my parents’ advice and keep some for rainy days.

Essay_Air Pollution

Air Pollution

Air pollution is caused by the airborne pollutants, such as emissions from vehicles,
discharge from chimneys of factories. Since the introduction of the extensive use of fossil fuels during the Industrial Revolution, the air pollution problem has increased steadily. Other types of industrial emissions, enormous increases in automobile exhausts, and domestic use of various substances have added greatly to the emergency.

Air pollution is a major threat to humanity. Not only does it directly threaten individual health and well-being, it also threatens the rest of the environment on which humanity depends for its existence. The threat is universal and the effects of air pollution range from increased cases of various diseases, destruction of ozone layers to global warming.

In the past 50 years, scientists , who carried out studies on the effects of the air pollutions, have found out that deforestation and use of fossil fuels increased carbon dioxide and methane by 8%. Global temperature has also risen 0.5 Celsius during the last century due to the damage to the earth’s ozone layer by air pollution .The extensive use of the CFC, a type of refrigerant gas, for the fridges and air-cons have also caused the “greenhouse effect” on the planet earth.

The introduction of various environmental laws, in Malaysia, has helped to reduce the
impact of air pollution in the country. Oil producing companies are producing fossil environmental friendly fuel, such as RON 97 and RON 95, which also helps in reducing the release of toxic chemicals through the exhaust systems of vehicles. Open burning is strictly prohibited by law and offenders shall be severely dealt with by the enforcers from the Department of Environment. Air-borne emissions from the factories must be treated
prior to the release to the air through chimneys.

Beside enactment and of laws by governments, education and public awareness are also
equally importance. Environmental science should be taught to students right from their
primary age. Factory owners, plantation bosses must also attend courses on environmental preservation, prior to the renewal of their yearly licenses.

Therefore,all of us, including the governments, the private organizations, and general public, should work together to preserve the air and environment.

Essay_Some useful Idioms

These are some of the useful idioms you may use in your essay writing.
For more idioms, you may get them from http://www.englishclub.com/

1 ace

Get an "A" on a test, homework assignment, project, etc. I heard that Susie aced the test yesterday

2 As easy as a pie

very easy .The test was as easy as a pie.

3 at the eleventh hour

at the last minute; almost too late.
He finished the project at the eleventh hour and he nearly lost his job.

4 all ears

eager to hear what someone has to say.

Tell me about your latest trip overseas. I’m all ears.

5 be broke

be without money.

I need to borrow some money. I am broke.

6 be on the go

be very busy (going from one thing or project to another).

I am very tired. I've been on the go since 5 in the morning.

7 beat exhausted
very tired I need a break after this. I'm beat!"

8 beat around the bush

evade an issue; avoid giving a direct answer.
Stop beating around the bush! Just tell me what happened to my car.

9 bite off more than one can chew

take responsibility for more than one can manage.
Mrs Lee finds it difficult to finish all her work. She has bitten off more than she could chew!"

10 blow one's top


become extremely angry.
My father blew his top when he found out I had taken his car without his permission.

11 burn the midnight oil

study/work all night or until very late at night.
Johan is not ready for the test. He will have to burn the midnight oil."

12 call it a day
stop work for the day. The labourers call it a day after working for five hours on the field.

13 can't make heads or tails of something

can't understand something at all;
find something confusing and illogical.
I cannot make heads or tails of your notes.
Were you sleepy during the class?

14 catch one's eye

attract one's attention/interest.
This colourful advertisement caught my eye when I was in the bus.

15 change one's mind
decide to do something different from what had been decided earlier.
David did not go to Australia. He changed his mind when he heard that his mother is ill.

16 cost (someone) an arm and a leg

cost a lot; be very expensive. This car costs him an arm and a leg. He has to get another job to help pay for it.

17 couch potato
someone who spends too much time watching TV. You are becoming a couch potato. You need to get out and do some exercise.

18 Don't count your chickens until (before) they hatch (they've hatched)

Don't assume that something will happen until it has happened. I think you should not count your chickens until they’ve hatched. Wait till the boys win the competition this Sunday.

19 drop someone a line

write to someone Do drop me a line when you have time.

20 drag one's feet
delay; take longer than necessary to do something. Why are you dragging your feet? You should have finished your homework by now.

21 an eager beaver

a person who is always willing to volunteer or do extra work. Rahim is an eager beaver. He is the first to volunteer for any job to be done.

22 feel blue

feel sad and depressed. Rita is feeling blue because she has not heard from her boyfriend for a long time.

23 fire someone

dismiss someone from a job because of poor performance. Lokman might be fired if he continues to be late for work.

24 get it

understand something (often negative). I don’t get it. Could you please explain it to me again?

25 get on one's nerves

irritate someone; make someone upset. His constant chatter is getting on my nerves. Please tell him to keep quiet.

26 get out of hand:

become out of control; become badly managed. The situation is getting out of hand. The relief centre can only hold forty people but we have one hundred people to care for.

27 give someone a hand

i. help someone.ii. applaud someone Please give a hand to the poor old lady. She is trying to cross the road.The gardener has done a wonderful landscaping job. Let’s give him a hand.

28 Hard-headed

have one's hands full stubborn; inflexible; unwilling to change. It’s pretty difficult to get Simon to change his mind. He is hard-headed.

29 have one's hands full

extremely busyPeggy usually has her hands full in the beginning of a new school term.

30 in the black:

profitable; not showing a financial loss. The company is back in the black after suffering from great losses the last two months.

31 in the red:
unprofitable; showing a financial loss. The company is in the red. We have to stop some of the workers if the situation continues.

32 keep an eye
oncheck something regularly. Please keep an eye on the children while I go to the bank.

33 keep one's fingers crossed

hope for the best. He is keeping his fingers crossed while waiting for the results of his interview.

34 lend someone a hand

help someone. Can you please lend a hand at the relief centre for the flood victims?

35 live from hand to mouth

survive on very little money; have only enough moneyto pay for basic needs. Ros and the children live from hand to mouth after the fire destroyed their house.

36 make a mountain out of a molehill

make something seem much more important than it really is. Susila is making a mountain out of a molehill. I am sure the boys are perfectly capable of looking after themselves.

37 make up one's mind

decide what to do Moses has to make up his mind whether to continue his studies or take up a job.

38 on the dot

exactly at a given time. If you do not come on the dot, we will leave without you.

39 (on the) cutting edge

using the most recent technology This car boasts of having a cutting edge technology. It has a computer and tracking system.

40 pull someone's leg
tease someone by trying to make her/him believe something that's untrue. She pulled my leg when he said that he had quit his job to get married.

41 Rain or shine no matter what the weather"We're leaving for Cameron Highlands, rain or shine."

42 rain cats and dogs

Rain heavily It’s raining cats and dogs now. You better leave later.

43 read someone's mind

: know what someone is thinking. I can read your mind. I know you are very hungry and I have ordered pizza.

44 rub someone the wrong way

irritate someone I cannot stand Robert. He seems to rub me the wrong way every time we discuss something.

45 sleep on

it take some time to think about something before making a decision.You should sleep on it first and we will discuss again tomorrow.

46 To make his own bed; now let him lie in it.

Someone has caused his/her own problems; he/she will have to solve them himself/herself. He insisted that he should take up the project alone. So, he has made his own bed, let him lie in it.

47 under the weather

ill; unwell.
Susan was feeling under the weather yesterday, so she decided not to go to work."

48 until you're blue in the face forever

You can advise him until you're blue in the face, but he won’t change his ways.

49 wet behind the ears

inexperienced and naive. I do not think Suresh is suitable for this project. He is still wet behind the ears, having only joined us last month.

50 wishy-washy:
without an opinion of one's own. You better check with the other members. John can be wishy-washy at times.

Essay_My Best Pal_ Friends

These are the sample essays I copied from the website of Cikgu Jenny Ho.
Thanks to Cikgu Jenny Ho for her great effort in helping many students in their exam.

A.Descriptive essay

1.My Best Pal
Close friendships are hard to come by these days. In an ever-changing world with people striving to achieve their interpretation of preordained success, it is hard to know who your true friends are. Fortunately, I found my best pal early at the tender age of seven. We were both enrolled at the same school and were at wits’ ends as we searched tirelessly for our designated classes.Samantha and I got acquainted as both of us were in the same class and sat next to each other. Samantha was a happy-go-lucky girl who always managed to breathe fresh air into the sometimes arid classroom. She always knew what to say and would voice them at the best possible moments. Both pupils and teachers alike enjoyed her company and liveliness. There was hardly ever a dull moment when she was around with her funny quips and expressions.

Samantha was born with a silver spoon. Her father was a businessman and her mother owned and ran a boutique. Both her parents were very caring towards her as she, just like I, was the only child of the family. Samantha came to school each day with a perpetual smile. She was a very nice person to be around with. She and I used to go everywhere together and both of us were rarely seen apart. We used to talk about so many things as we walked, thoroughly enjoying our time together.

One day, I went to school and forgot to ask my parents for lunch money. At first, I was not hungry and thought I could bear going without a meal but soon, my stomach began to growl. Without asking, Samantha generously paid for my meal and drinks during recess. The incident revealed to me how lucky I was to have such a caring and compassionate friend.As time went on, people started teasing us as we were spending more and more time together. We seemed to know what each other thought and we cared for each other deeply. Was I in love with her? I did not know then and we both knew we were too young for all that emotional roller coaster.

Currently, Samantha and I are studying at different schools. It was hard to be apart at first, but technology in the form of instant messaging and e-mails have helped to bridge the gap in our friendship. I sincerely wish our friendship will never end as it would be equivalent to waking up from a beautiful dream.


2.Friends

Friends are people whom we turn to when our spirits need a lift. They are always by our side through thick and thin. They stand beside us even when our disposition is not perfectly right and will fight for us if we are oppressed. Therefore, it is clear that friends play a vital role in shaping who we are today. But what qualities exactly do we need to look for in a friend?A friend should always be caring towards you. He or she should take interest in your problems no matter how big or petty your problem may be. A friend should be able to sit beside you and encourage you to keep your chin up even when everyone else is against you. A friend’s empathy and lovingness will also replenish your worn-out soul and will make you realize how important a friend really is.

Apart from that, a friend should be an honest person. An honest friend will dissipate any worries that he or she is lying towards you. A friend’s honesty will enable you to trust his or she’s opinion when it comes to telling you the truth about yourself. For example, an honest friend will remand you on your declining grades and will ask you to work harder while a dishonest friend will see it with a blind eye. Therefore, an overall improvement in yourself will be noticeable if you have an honest friend.

Moreover, a friend should be generous both emotionally and knowledge wise. A friend who is generous ought to be able to connect with you and provide emotional support. He or she should also be generous when it comes to sharing knowledge. A true friend must be ever-ready to help you when you are inept in certain subjects. A friend can easily guide you towards understanding the subject matter better as he or she is often on the same page as you. The only difference is that you can’t quite grasp the content of the page per se.

Besides that, a friend must also be able to humour you. Humour plays a quintessential role in making your day more lively and enjoyable. Friends who pull your leg and mess about will indefinitely make life seem so much better. As they say, laughter is the best medicine and a little levity on rainy days is always welcomed.

In conclusion, friends are people we spend most of our time with. Thus, we have to be selective when it comes to choosing our friends.