♪ Composition

 Choosing a career is a major decision in one’s life. Write your opinion on

the factors that will influence your choice in not less than 120 words.

 Questions to ask:

When?

Where?

What?

Who?

Why?

How?

 Reminder:

Generate as many points as possible.

Write in paragraphs.

Connectors should be used appropriately.

Check the tenses.

Reread and check for any spelling or grammar mistakes.

Write more than 120 words.

Write the number of words in brackets.

1
 Outline:

Introduction:

State your opinion – choosing a career – major decision – will determine

our future security and happiness

Body:

must be related to a field that holds my interest – work with passion

must be fulfilling – allow the expression of creativity and individuality –

conducive environment

allow progression – must be a thriving industry that can grow and provide

a career path

the work must benefit others – education, management, training – develop

the potential of others

Conclusion:

a career should be chosen after careful research and evaluation

2
 Model Essay:

Choosing a career is indeed a major decision in a person’s life (general

statement – a hook). We strive hard to excel at school so that we can be assured

of a place at a university to pursue further education in our chosen discipline.

This in turn leads us to employment in the relevant industry (background

information). Therefore it is imperative that we make the right career choice

as this will determine our future security and happiness (thesis statement).

In choosing a career, there are a few factors that I would take into

consideration (topic sentence). The first factor is that the career must be

related to the field that I am interested in, not solely based on prestige or

monetary rewards. A wise man once said that when you are doing work that you

enjoy, you will not consider it a job (supporting details). Therefore, I will choose

a career that makes me work with passion every day (concluding sentence).

A person who is forced to do a job that he or she does not enjoy will

quickly lose interest in his or her work (topic sentence). Therefore, the career

that I choose must be fulfilling. It must allow me to express my creativity and

individuality (supporting details). The environment must be conducive and the

job must suit my personality (concluding sentence).

The next factor is that the job must allow me to progress (topic

sentence). It must have a career path that can motivate me to stay with the

company (supporting details). The industry must also be one that is thriving so

that it can provide challenges and opportunities for advancement (concluding

sentence).

3
 The work that I do must also benefit other people in terms of education,

management and training (topic sentence). These are areas where I can help to

develop the potential of others and bring out their best (supporting details).

Upon retirement I would like to look back and be satisfied that I have made a

positive impact on the people around me (concluding sentence).

In conclusion, everyone should choose a career path that they will find

challenging and rewarding (topic sentence – to summarize). Before embarking

on a career, one must conduct research, speak to experts and evaluate the

industry before committing oneself (supporting details – to summarize). A bad

career choice will only be realised many years down the road when it may be too

late to make changes (concluding sentence – to summarize).

(362 words)

 Word Bank:

excel – be very good at, 擅长

imperative – crucial, 重要进击的

solely – only, 只

prestige – respect and admiration, 声望

fulfilling – satisfying, 充实的

conducive – favourable, 有益的

thriving – flourishing, 兴旺的

embarking on – begin, 开始

committing – promising, 承诺

4
♪ Summary Writing

 Write a summary on the benefits of vegetarian diets.

Many people believe that a vegetarian diet is the key to a healthy life. This

explains why vegetarian diets have gained popularity all over the globe. A

vegetarian diet typically consists of whole grains, fruits and vegetables.

Vegetables and fruits provide vitamins and minerals that are essential for a

healthy body. Beans, tofu and seeds are good sources of proteins. Green, leafy

vegetables are a rich source of antioxidants. Vegetables consist of

phytochemicals, which prevent some chronic diseases.

Vegetarian diets contain low amounts of fats, cholesterol and saturated fats.

As a result, the risk of weight gain is minimised. This, in turn, reduces the

possibilities of developing the health problems caused by obesity. A vegetarian

diet is also helpful for healthy weight loss. A vegetarian diet lowers blood

cholesterol levels and decreases the risk of various disorders such as high blood

pressure, stroke, heart disease, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis,

kidney disease, gallstones and cancer. Due to the high intake of fibre in the

diet, digestive health is improved.

Vegetarian diets also protect you from food-borne diseases such as bird flu

and mad cow disease.

5
Your summary must:

• not be more than 60 words, including the 10 words given below

• be in continuous writing (not in note form)
• be written in one paragraph

Use your own words as far as possible without changing its original meaning.

Begin your summary as follows:

Vegetarian diets have become popular due to their many benefits …

 Word Bank:

antioxidant – 抗氧剂

chronic diseases – 慢性病

saturated fat – 饱和脂肪

obesity – 肥胖症

rheumatoid arthritis – 风湿关节炎

osteoporosis – 骨骼疏松症

gallstone – 胆石

food-borne diseases – 食物传播的疾病

 Reminder:

Find the main points and write them in correct sequence.

Write in continuous form in only one paragraph.

Paraphrase the words and modify the sentence structure without changing

the original meaning.

Use connectors.

No conclusion is needed.

Write the number of words in brackets.

6
 Main Points

Main Points Paraphrasing

1) Vegetables and fruits provide Vegetarian diets provide essential

vitamins and minerals that are vitamins and minerals for body health.

essential for a healthy body. They are also good sources of proteins

and antioxidants.

2) good sources of proteins

3) a rich source of antioxidants

4) Vegetarian diets contain low They contain low amounts of fats and

amounts of fats, cholesterol and thus limit weight gain.

saturated fats.

5) the risk of weight gain is minimised

6) A vegetarian diet lowers blood They lower cholesterol levels and

cholesterol levels and decreases the improve digestive health.

risk of various disorders

7) digestive health is improved

8) Vegetarian diets also protect you Vegetarian diets help protect people

from food-borne diseases from food-borne diseases transmitted

by animals.

7
 Model Answer

Vegetarian diets have become popular due to their many benefits.

Vegetarian diets provide essential vitamins and minerals for body health. They

are also good sources of proteins and antioxidants. They contain low amounts

of fats and thus limit weight gain. They lower cholesterol levels and improve

digestive health. Vegetarian diets help protect people from food-borne

diseases transmitted by animals.

(59 words)

8
♪ Cloze Test

A telecommunication provider has 1) __________ an information technology

workshop for teachers and students in rural schools. The workshop 2)

__________ learn about the benefits of setting up a website for their schools.

A school website can serve as a platform for the teachers and students to

3) ___________ their opinions and concerns on school matters. Discussions

can even be 4) __________ on the website. Thus, communication between

students and teachers is clearer.

Besides that, the school website can act as a 5) __________ between the

school and other communities. Through the website, students can 6)

__________ ideas on how to improve on the usage of facilities in school. They

can even get involved in projects with interested parties to make the school a

more 7) __________ place to study.

It can also serve as a meeting place for the school’s alumni. Ex-students can get

in touch with old classmates and arrange for 8) __________ . They can even

use the website to see how they can 9) __________ to their old school.

A school website is useful in many ways. It is a practical and 10) __________

communication tool in today’s information age.

9
 Word Bank:

rural – countryside, 乡下的

concerns – worry, 忧虑

alumni – graduate, 校友

10
♪ Comprehension

Time management is an important skill that every successful student should

apply in daily activities. Managing one’s time is the ability to complete work

within a certain time frame. Therefore, it is necessary for students to have a

timetable in order to manage their time well.

The first skill in effective time management is to keep a list of things and

activities to do in a day. In the list, the most urgent task is put at the top. This

means that a particular task must be attended to first in the morning. This is

because at the start of the day, you are most energetic and alert. As the day

wears on, you will become tired and may lose concentration.

Another time management skill is to allocate the amount of time for each task

or activity. There must be time for revision, recreation and relaxation.

Depending on the upcoming happenings, the amount of time for the activities

can be increased or reduced. For instance, when examinations are around the

corner, the time for studies and revision must be increased. Thus if you follow

the time allocated for each activity, all your work will be well prepared and

completed.

It is also very important to spend some time for recreational and leisure

activities. These activities enable you to relax yourself. As you indulge in

activities that you enjoy, you are recharging yourself for another day ahead.

However, do remember not to take too much time off for these activities.

11
If you practise time management skill, you are on the road to become a

disciplined and successful student.

 Word Bank:

attend to – deal with, 处理

wear on – 消逝

allocate – distribute, 分配

recreation – leisure activity, 消遣活动

leisure – free time, 休闲

indulge – take part in an activity, 参与

12
1) To become a successful student, one needs to have

A. work application skills

B. studies allocation skills

C. time management skills

D. time concentration skills

2) The most important skill in time management is to

A. keep the list of things to do safely

B. do the task of little importance first

C. complete the work in order of importance

D. make a list of all the work accurately and neatly

3) The phrase at the start of the day refers to

A. dusk

B. evening

C. midday

D. morning

4) The allocation of time for each task or activity

A. prepares you for a better future

B. helps you do well in examinations

C. ensures you have time for enjoyment

D. makes you have more time for relaxation

13
5) The time allocated for each activity

A. should be fixed

B. should be the same all the time

C. changes according to the school calendar

D. changes according to the students’ mood

6) When you are involved in activities that you enjoy, you are

A. recharged and active

B. relaxed and prepared

C. relaxed and recharged

D. recharged and prepared

7) What are other important things that you can spend time on?

A. Sleep and eat

B. Studying and revising

C. Recreational and leisure activities

D. Shopping and recreational activities

8) The phrase on the road can best be replaced with

A. driving

B. going

C. running

D. succeed

14
♪ Forms and Functions

1) Mat: John, are you going to the bookshop?

John: Yes.

Mat: __________ (To request)

A. Can you buy me a dictionary?

B. Can I buy you something?

C. Can you join me?

D. It is not open yet.

2) Rainy: Why are you so angry with me, Rose?

Rose: ____________ (To accuse)

A. I’m not.

B. You gossiped about me.

C. I don’t want to talk to you.

D. I don’t know.

3) Chin: How’s the food at the canteen?

Michael: _____________ (To complain)

A. It’s very expensive.

B. Try it yourself.

C. Not bad.

D. I did not go there.

15
4) Teacher: Why is your shirt so dirty?

You: __________ (To blame)

A. Azman spilt his coffee on it, sir.

B. I’m sorry, sir.

C. I really don’t know why.

D. I can’t help it, sir.

5) Raymond: I’ve sprained my ankle. I can’t take part in the race.

Mat: __________ (To express sympathy)

A. You should see a doctor.

B. You should try.

C. I’m sorry to hear that.

D. Don’t miss this chance.

 Word Bank:

accuse – say that somebody is wrong, 指责

gossiped – 八卦

spilt – 溅出

sprained – twisted, 扭伤

sympathy – the feeling of being sorry for somebody, 同情

16
♪ Closest in Meaning

Teck Guan: I heard you 1) got into trouble with some bullies in school.

Gary: Yes. I was having a meal with Ayub in the canteen when two of them sat

down beside us.

Teck Guan: What happened?

Gary: They just interrupted our conversation and made a nuisance of

themselves. I firmly 2) told them off.

Teck Guan: It’s good that you 3) stood up to them.

Gary: That should teach them a lesson.

Teck Guan: I hope the disciplinary teacher will do something about these bullies.

Gary: The sooner the better.

1) got into

A. created

B. made

C. met

D. had

2) told them off

A. scolded them

B. laughed at them

C. argued with them

D. fought with them

17
3) stood up to

A. showed

B. resisted

C. joined

D. appreciated

Cyberspace is a fun place. It is also a good learning tool until you come 1) face

to face with a disturbing email. When this happens, do not worry.

Report the threatening email to the police. The police will be able to 2) keep

track of the email using the header of the mail. Remember not to delete or

forward the problem mail to your friends as you may be found guilty of

distributing illegal information.

There are many online organizations where you can make reports to 3) other

than the police. City Angel is one of them. They have a programme where you

can report cyber-crime to their Cyber 911 email address.

1) face to face with

A. across

B. between

C. through

D. towards

18
2) keep track

A. get news

B. be in control

C. have information

D. come across more

3) other than

A. unlike

B. on top of

C. together with

D. different from

 Word Bank:

nuisance – trouble, 麻烦事

threatening – intimidating, 威胁的

19
♪ Structure and Usage

Your eyes are the gateway to the world. They 1) __________ from the moment

you wake up to the moment you close them to go to sleep. They take in

2) __________ about shapes, colours and movements of the world

3) __________ you. Your eyes let your brain know what is going on outside of

your body.

You must always care for 4) __________ eyes. You should never put anything

in or near them, 5) __________ you have a reason to do so. You would only do

that if your doctor or 6) __________ tells you to use them.

Blinking helps to wash tears 7) __________ your eyeballs. That keeps them

clean and moist. Your 8) __________ help to keep dirt out of your eyes. Your

eyebrows are made to keep sweat from running into your eyes.

You must do all you can to 9) __________ your eyes. You do not want dirt,

sand, splinters or even fingers to get in your eyes. Your eyes should not be

10) __________ or poked. This can permanently impair your eyesight.

20
1) A. job 6) A. friends

B. work B. parents

C. effort C. cousins

D. struggle D. acquaintances

2) A. news 7) A. besides

B. notes B. under

C. stories C. over

D. information D. on

3) A. nearly 8) A. eyelashes

B. around B. eyelets

C. closing C. eyeballs

D. covering D. eyelids

4) A. my 9) A. keep

B. our B. defend

C. your C. protect

D. their D. shelter

5) A. if 10) A. scratch

B. save B. scratches

C. unless C. scratched

D. except D. scratching

21
At the end of the Dark Ages, Venice was the first to revive the art of

glassmaking. By 1300, 1) __________ were so many glassmaking ovens in

Venice, they became a fire risk. This was the 2) __________ why the industry

had to be moved few miles away to 3) __________ the risk was lessened.

The glassmakers were well paid and held in high respect. Unfortunately, they

were also kept 4) __________ close watch. This was due to the fear that the

5) __________ and artistic glassmakers might be tempted to leave Venice. At

6) __________ time, other countries wanted to make fine glass too and take

a cut on Venice’s market.

During this golden age of glass, Venice 7) __________ fine glass to wealthy

families all over Europe. Sadly, by 1650, her secrets were known

8) __________ all. By this 9) __________, almost every nation could produce

glassware that 10) __________ as good as the ones in Venice. This resulted in

a great drop of their share in the market.

22
1) A. their 6) A. this

B. they’re B. that

C. theirs C. these

D. there D. those

2) A. goal 7) A. send

B. sense B. sent

C. point C. send

D. reason D. sending

3) A. ensure 8) A. to

B. ensures B. for

C. ensured C. from

D. ensuring D. towards

4) A. on 9) A. instance

B. in B. moment

C. over C. minute

D. under D. time

5) A. smart 10) A. is

B. diligent B. was

C. skilful C. are

D. hard-working D. were

23
 Word Bank:

splinter – fragment, 尖碎片

impair – damage, 损害

eyelet – 眼控

shelter – 庇护

revive – become strong again, 复兴

tempted – 被诱惑

take a cut – lower down, 降低

diligent – hard-working, 勤奋的

24