Steps of Doing Summary

1. Understanding the text.

2. Highlight the points that you need to focus on.

Reasons and Consequences

Problems and Solutions
How to overcome a problem
The experiences
The steps…

3. Mark the sentences with the correct letters.

For example,
p-problem
‘Lynn has difficulty in sleeping. She will toss and turn at night. Counting sheep does not
help her improve her sleep quality.’ (Put a ‘P’ on top of these sentences)

4. It is time to organise your summary.

There must be a clear structure of …

Causes Problems Experiences Reasons

Effects Solution Outcome Consequences

Occasionally, you may state the solution right after a problem.

5. Lifting the original sentences is forbidden and does not show a good summary.
A few techniques can be used:

i) Passive Voice

Eg. Lydia solved the puzzle in a blink of an eye. – In a blink of an eye, the puzzle
was solved by Lydia.

ii) Word Formation

Prefer- preference- preferably
Exist- existing- existence

iii) Vocabulary
Effects- consequences- outcomes- results- influences
Advantages- benefits- strengths- highlights

6. Transitional Words

Moreover, furthermore, in addition, besides , additionally

In contrast, in contrary, however, in comparison
Similarly, Likewise, on the other hand
Therefore, consequently, thus, hence

1
Summarize in not more than 120 words, the various communicative methods practiced by
animals in the wild.
A few/different ways /interaction
Communication is part of our everyday life. We greet one another, smile or frown, depending on
our moods. Animals too, communicate, much to our surprise. Just like us, interaction among
animals can be both verbal or non-verbal.

Singing is one way in which animals can interact with one another. Male blackbirds often use
their melodious songs to catch the attention of the females. These songs are usually rich in notes
variation, encoding various kinds of messages. Songs are also used to warn and keep off other
blackbirds from their territory, usually a place where they dwell and reproduce.

P2 line 1-male blackbirds-

Large mammals in the oceans sing too, according to adventurous sailors. Enormous whales
groan and grunt while smaller dolphins and porpoises produce pings, whistles and clicks. These
sounds are surprisingly received by other mates as far as several hundred kilometres away.

Besides singing, body language also forms a large part of animals' communication tactics.
Dominant hyenas exhibit their power by raising the fur hackles on their necks and shoulders,
while the submissive ones normally "surrender" to the powerful parties by crouching their heads
low and curling their lips a little, revealing their teeth in friendly smiles.

Colours, which are most conspicuously found on animals are also important means of
interaction among animals. Male birds of paradise, which have the most gaudy coloured feathers
often hang themselves upside down from branches, among fluffing plumes, displaying proudly
their feathers, attracting the opposite sex.

The alternating black and white striped coats of zebras have their roles to play too. Each zebra is
born with a unique set of stripes which enables its mates to recognize them. When grazing
safely, their stripes are all lined up neatly so that none of them loses track of their friends.
However, when danger such as a hungry lion approaches, the zebras would dart out in various
directions, making it difficult for the lion to choose his target.

Insects such as the wasps, armed with poisonous bites or stings, normally have brightly painted
bodies to remind other predators of their power. Hoverflies and other harmless insects also make
use of this fact and coloured their bodies brightly in attempts to fool their predators into thinking
that they are as dangerous and harmful as the wasps too.
Answer

Animals make use of various kinds of communicative methods. Male blackbirds sing to attract
female ones and also to keep other blackbirds off their dwellings. Mammals in the oceans like
whales, 'sing' to interact with their mates far away too. Dominating hyenas raise their fur hackles
in attempts to exhibit power while submissive ones crouch their heads and 'smile' to express
respects. Birds of paradise attract female partners by displaying their colourful feathers while the
stripes of zebras not only enable them to recognize each other, but also divert the predator's
attention in times of danger. Finally, dangerous wasps are brightly coloured to warn off others
while some harmless ones try to fool their predators by using the same principle. ( 119 words )

dwell to live in a particular way

conspicuously very noticeable and tending to attract attention

2
 gaudy unpleasantly bright in colour

Summarize the following article about Vitamin A in not more than 120 words.

Vitamin A is found only in yellow animal fats, in egg-yolk, milk and cheese. It is particularly
plentiful in fish-liver oils, hence fish-liver oils are used for preventing and curing illness caused
by lack of vitamin A. In a well-fed, healthy human being, the liver can store up sufficient
vitamin A to meet the body's requirements for six months.

Although vitamin A itself is not present in plants, many plants produce a substance called
carotene, formed from leaf-green which our bodies can convert into vitamin A. Carotene is the
yellowish-red colouring matter in carrots. The greener a leaf is, the more carotene it usually
contains. Hence the importance of green, leafy vegetables in the diet as a source of carotene.
Tomatoes, papayas, mangoes and bananas contain more carotene than most other fruits. Red
palm oil contains so much carotene that it is used instead of cod-liver oil. Thus, it is very
valuable, both as a food-fat and for deep-frying.

Vitamin A and carotene are insoluble in water and they are not destroyed by heat unless oxygen
is present. Boiling in water, therefore, does not destroy much vitamin A or carotene.

Vitamin A encourages healthy growth and physical fitness. Young animals soon stop growing
and die if vitamin A is not present in their diet. This vitamin keeps the moist surfaces lining the
digestive canal, the lungs and air passages healthy. It also helps keep the ducts of the various
glands, the tissue that lines the eyelids and covers the front of the eyeball functional. As vitamin
A helps these tissues build up resistance to infection, it is often called the anti-infective vitamin.

Some of the most common disorders in people are caused by a shortage of vitamin A, when the
moist tissues become dry and rough. This often causes serious eye disease, followed by infection
of the air-passages. The skin may also become flaky and rough. Another defect caused by
shortage of vitamin A is 'night-blindness', when the affected person has distinct vision only in
bright light.

As the body cannot produce vitamin A, it has to come from external sources. Thus, a well-
balanced diet is required and is usually sufficient to provide the necessary amount. There is
therefore no need to supplement the need in the form of pills.
Answer

Vitamin A is found only in certain food substances. It is also abundant in fish-liver oils. Our liver
is able to store some vitamin A to meet our requirements. Carotene, is a substance which our
bodies can convert into vitamin A. It is found in green leafy vegetables, carrots and some fruits.
Vitamin A is not easily destroyed by heat. It is essential for healthy growth and physical fitness.
It also helps keep the eyes from infection. A lack of vitamin A could lead to eye diseases and
skin disorders. Thus, a well-balanced diet is needed to ensure that the body receives the
necessary supply of vitamin!. It is not necessary to take extra supplements. ( 116 words )

egg yolk the yellow part of an egg

flaky coming off easily in small, flat, thin pieces

3
 distinct obvious, apparent

Make a brief account of not more than 120 words, describing the usefulness and/or harmfulness of the
various kinds of fungi mentioned in the passage.

Whenever we see stale bread or fruits turning mouldy, fungi are at work. When trees die and their dead
trunks start to decompose, fungi are the masterminds. Most of us tend to associate fungi with the
decomposition of dead plants or animals. In actual fact, fungi can also attack living things.

The fungi that cause decay are known as the Saprobe. They are actually yeasts which feed on the dead
remains of plants and animals. While they can be a nuisance in the kitchen, as they turn our food bad,
Saprobe can also assist man. For instance, by breaking down the dead bodies of plants and animals, these
leftovers are removed from the living world. In addition, yeasts can be used to make wine, beer and also as
raising agents in bread.

The parasitic fungi are the ones which feed on living things. The powdery mildew, downy mildew or rust are
the few which attack plants. Usually, these fungi deposit themselves on the leaves or flowers of the plants.
Their hyphaes (slender, feeding branches) then squeeze themselves into the gaps between the plant's cells
and soak up their nutrients. After which, a hard, black fruiting body called the ergot is left in the flower
replacing the seeds. The ergot contains toxins which causes serious illnesses if eaten. Despite its poisonous
nature, the ergot contains active ingredients which when purified and used in small amounts, are treatments
for migraine. Parasites attacking living animals, especially man, are rarer as most animals have their own
immune system. In special cases like an AIDS patient, where his immune system is very weak, parasites may
find their chance to attack.

The most aggressive kind of fungi is the predatory ones. As the name suggests, they catch and feed on their
preys, usually smaller than themselves. Some predatory fungi dwell in ponds to catch amoebae or rotifers. In
capturing the amoebae, the fungi use their sticky hyphaes to hold down the creatures before feasting on
them. To capture rotifers, the fungi usually hide among the algae, stretching out their sticky hyphaes again.
An unaware rotifer which mistakes one of the hyphaes as the blob of the algae will grab it, only to find itself
trapped and absorbed by the fungi. Some predatory fungi which live in the soil, set traps to capture victims
like the nematodes.

Thus we see that fungi are not only the ones which turn our food mouldy. Besides these, there are also other
kinds. In addition we also understand that fungi, like most other living things, have their usefulness and
harmfulness too.
Answer

Saprobe, also called yeasts, are fungi which turn our food bad. They also help to decompose dead remains of
plants and animals and also acts as ingredients for wine, beer and bread. Parasitic fungi attack and suck the
nutrients of plants, depositing an ergot in place of the seeds in the flowers after that. The ergot can cause
illness when eaten raw but when purified and taken in moderate amounts, help cure migraine. Parasitic fungi
seldom attack animals because of their defensive immune system. The predatory fungi which sometimes live
in waters or on algae in ponds or even in the soil, set traps to capture their victims, usually smaller than
themselves, before feasting on them. ( 116 words )

mould a soft green or grey growth which develops on old food or on objects that
have been left for too long in warm wet air
4
 decompose to cause to rot
nuisance something or someone that annoys you or causes trouble for you

Summarize in not more than 120 words, describing how one can organize and start a
barbecue.

Have you ever been to a barbecue? Many of us enjoy roasting meat over the fire but no one ever
wonder who first started the idea of cooking meat in a fire. Perhaps, it is just in the
human psyche that we sometimes feel the need to return to the primitive times, probably to
relieve us of our urbanized life. That is why many people, regardless of age, love to hold
barbecue gatherings. The idea of gathering round a fire and roast some meat just sounds fun. The
meat may sometimes be half-cooked or not cooked at all (sounds horrible) but the joy of
primitive cooking is there.

The first step towards the preparation for a barbecue is to rent a barbecue pit which usually
comes with the barest essentials. After all, we are supposed to return to the early time frame. Of
course, during peak seasons like the school holidays, when the pits are fully booked, you may try
digging one at the back of your garden. Next, get ready the wire netting, otherwise, you will find
yourself roasting the meat on the hot charcoal. Skewers which are important for holding the meat
pieces; utensils for picking up the food like forks and spoons, paper plates and cups must not be
left out.

Next comes the preparation of the most important part of the barbecue - the food. In fact, any
kind of meat will be suitable. If meat pieces are bought, like chicken, beef or mutton, slice them
into thin pieces before piercing in the skewers. Chicken wings are the best. Simply stretch the
wings apart and push in the skewers. Following which, the meat is to be soaked in a mixture of
spices for marination, giving them some flavour. An easier and faster way out would be to brush
'Maggie' barbecue sauce over them. Remember to order a few hundred sticks of satay too. A
barbecue without satay will not be a barbecue.

When everything is ready, start the fire with charcoal, one hour before the start of the feast. Once
the fire is started, let it all burn till glowing embers are left. Then place the sticks of meat over
the wire netting and there you are, the barbecue has begun. Do not worry about overcooking the
meat. After all, the real joy behind the barbecue lies in the cooking not eating of the food. Just a
piece of advice to beginners: Bring along some indigestion medicine.
Answer

Firstly, rent a barbecue pit. Bring a wire netting to hold the food over the fire, skewers to hold
the meat pieces, utensils for picking up the food, paper plates and cups. Any type of meat will be
suitable for the barbecue but chicken wings are the best. Simply pierce the skewers through the
thin slices of meat or chicken wings. Next, marinate the meat either by soaking them in a spice
mixture or coating them with 'Maggie' barbecue sauce. Order some satay too. Once the
preparations are done, start the fire, one hour before the feast. Let the fire burn till glowing coals
remain before starting to roast the meat. Beginners may need to bring along some indigestion
medicine. ( 120 words )

psyche spirit
satay A dish of southeast Asia consisting of strips of marinated meat,
poultry, or seafood grilled on skewers and dipped in peanut sauce
marinate To soak meat, fish or vegetables in spiced vinegar, wine, or salt
5
 water

Read the passage below and answer the question that follows.

Call it Generation Groggy. In the US, at least once a week, 28% of high school students fall
asleep in class, and 22% fall asleep doing homework, according to the survey released last week
by the US National Sleep foundation.

According to Amy Wolfson, sleep researcher and associate professor of psychology at College
of the Holy Cross, that is the tip of the iceberg as "you know they aren't alert before they fall
asleep and it is very alarming to me."

Sleep deprivation among youth is caused not only by puberty, which triggers changes in one's
sleep cycle but also by environmental and lifestyle factors such as early school stars, a taste for
caffeinated drinks and bedrooms that are full of sleep-postponing temptations such as cell
phones, computers and televisions sets, sleep experts say.

According to Dr Judy Owens, an expert in paediatric sleep disorders in Rhode Island, this is not
all biological. The survey also showed that 97% had at least one electronic device in their rooms,
which is a big problem.

Researchers at other universities found plenty of evidence in their survey that adolescents were
falling far short of recommended nine hours of sleep. Only about one in five adolescents
between the ages of 11 and 17 gets the recommended nine hours of sleep per night and about
half get less than eight hours on school nights. The total hours of sleep also declined with age.
Sixth graders slept an average 8.4 hours per night while high school seniors slept 6.9 hours, two
hours less than recommended. Young people are paying for the consequences, both academically
and in terms of personal health problems, the researchers said.

For instance, adolescents who get less sleep get worse grades than their peers who get at least
nine hours of sleep. Eighty percent of the well-rested subjects reported getting As and Bs in
school.

Also, 28% of respondents reported they were too tired to exercise. Exercise is sorely missing in
man children's lives these days with sports giving way to more sedentary activities such as
watching TV or playing on the computer. Many children also may be too busy with other "more
important pursuits" such as extra classes and enrichment classes to be involved in exercise.

Owens noted that many studies have reported that the fewer hours of sleep an adolescent gets,
the more likely they are to be obese or to suffer from mood disorders. Also, about half of teenage
drivers in the survey said that they have driven while drowsy n the past year.

Owens said that there are things that parents and their children can do to help kids get a better

6
night's sleep. Adolescents should not drink caffeine after lunch and should not have electronic
devices in their bedrooms. They should stick to a regular sleep schedule with an adequate
number of hours of sleep and try not to deviate much from it on weekends.

However, for some adolescents, making major changes in their sleep cycles may require extra
help. Light therapy and the hormone melatonin sometimes can be used to restore more normal
sleep cycles in young night owls, according to researchers.

Based on the passage given, write a summary about

* why children and adolescents are getting inadequate sleep
* how that can be overcome

Credit will be given for use of own words but care must be taken not to change the original
meaning. Your summary must be in continuous form and not longer than 130 words, including
the 10 words given below.

Begin your summary as follows:

"Research indicates many children and teens are getting inadequate sleep ..."

Answer

Research indicates many children and teens are getting inadequate sleep. They fall asleep in class
and while completing homework and are generally not alert. Sleep deprivation is caused by
puberty, environmental and lifestyle factors. Many keep electronic gadgets and drink caffeinated
drinks which postpone sleep. Thus, they get less than the recommended nine hours of sleep daily
and suffer academically and health wise. The sleep-deprived teens score worse grades and are
too exhausted to exercise indulging in sedentary activities or attending extra classes. Fewer hours
of sleep also leas to obesity and mood disorders and potential car accidents. Thus, adolescents
should avoid caffeine after lunch and remove electronic items from their bedrooms. Keeping to
regular sleep schedule is vital. Otherwise, therapy and medication can ensure good sleep.. ( 130
words )

7
Summarize in not more than 120 words, the purpose of snakes' bite, the venom's fatality
and also the remedy for such bites.

All snakes are hunters and predators, feeding on the animals and sometimes their eggs. Having
no limbs, snakes cannot hold their preys down to bite; hence they usually swallow them whole.
Poisonous snakes sometimes do immobilize their preys with their venom to make consumption
easier.

Most poisonous snakes are conspicuously coloured to warn others off. One example is the
redheaded krait which has a bluish-black body and scarlet head and tail. Snakes like the cobras,
which have less outstanding body colours, display their fatality by lifting the front part of their
body and spreading their hoods.

It is truly a myth that poisonous snakes attack humans for food. Humans can never be their
targets for food as we are normally too large for them to swallow. in cases where snakes do bite,
these attacks are usually defensive ones and the venom injected is normally little or sometimes
even none. The full, fatal dose of the venom is only released on smaller animals which the
snakes can swallow easily. Besides helping in the killing and immobilizing of their preys, the
poison also acts as digestive agents for snakes.

Why then is the venom so deadly? In general, there are three kinds of poisons in the venom,
though in varying amounts, depending on the type of snake in question. Venoms usually contain
substances that weaken the blood corpuscles and the lining of the blood vessels. Profuse
bleeding, often a common result of snake-bites, is caused by the anticoagulants present in the
poison which prevents blood clotting. The paralysis of the heart and respiratory muscles is
performed by the nervous system attacking toxins.

Though these bites are deadly, certain actions can be taken to slow down the spread of the
venom, hence saving the victim's life. Attempting to incise and suck at the spot of the bite is
more likely to be harmful than a cure. The poisonous venom usually travels fast into the body
upon being released; hence sucking at the mouth of the wound will not help remove the poison,
rather, incising the bite may lead the victim to great pain and further profuse bleeding. Instead, a
broad, firm crepe bandage should be applied over the world and up the full limb to compress the
tissues and prevent the spread of the venom. After which, the victim must be duly sent to the
hospital for professional treatment.
Answer

Snakes attack larger animals like us when they are disturbed. These bites are not fatal as little or
none of the venom is released. The full, deadly dose of poison is used to kill smaller animals for
8
food. Snake venoms contain three types of poisons, usually varying in amounts There are
substances that weaken the blood cells and walls of blood vessels; anticoagulants to prevent
blood clotting, which results in profuse bleeding and toxins to paralyze the heart and respiratory
muscles. When bitten by a snake, one should apply a broad bandage over the wound and up the
limb to help compress the tissues and prevent the spread of the venom before sending the victim
the hospital. ( 114 words )

immobilize not able to move

incise to cut the surface of something carefully with a sharp tool

crepe a thin cloth with a wrinkled surface

Summarize in not more than 120 words, how Bombay's existing situation contradicts its
flourishing economic status.

Bombay is often regarded as India's Capital of Hope. Often wondering why this is so, I made a
fruitful trip down to the busy city, solving most of my queries.

Bombay consists of seven islands, joined by land reclamation. Many Indians, especially those
from the rural areas, regard Bombay as their paradise, since they could find work relatively
easily here, as compared to their homelands.

Being the pillar for revenue collection, Bombay's economic growth has far outperformed the
other cities. In fact, its per capita (head) production of goods and services is about three times
greater than that of Delhi - India's second most prosperous city. Despite the economic boom,
Bombay gives me an astonishing image of deterioration when I first stepped into the city.

The ostentatiously dignified imperial buildings, erected by the British, are so overly populated
that they look as if they are toppling over any minute. There are the 1950s kind of black and
yellow taxis, which appeared as if brutally thrashed, lining up like ants’ trails, clotting up the
small avenues. Amidst the dins of traffic jams, stood the oppressed-looking buildings of
Benetton outlets, foreign car dealerships, croissant-serving outlets and so on.

Though unemployment is not a significant problem in Bombay, housing is. A visit in Dharavi,
a slum area in Bombay will help clarify our imagination. The Bombayites' so called "houses" are
actually movable shacks, built from unwanted bits of tarpaulin, tin and cardboard. There are so
many of them that a maze of alleys emerged, passable only when I walked sideways like a crab
between them. Curious about the living conditions, I wondered around the maze, meeting groups
of scantily clad kids and hungry, stray dogs. Popping myinquisitive head into one of the small
huts, I was totally amazed by their living conditions. Estimating about twelve or more
Bombayites living in each hut, these two-storey houses are usually partitioned by rough
platforms with ceilings no higher than five feet from the ground. Furthermore, `these shacks look
absolutely bare -- no furniture and I deduced that the inhabitants eat and sleep on the ground.

In spite of the poor living conditions, many Indians still hope to migrate to Bombay.
Interviewing a few of the newcomers, a majority of them said that they came to Bombay to find
jobs. There are some who regard Bombay as buoyant floats, saving them from natural disasters
and tyrannies in their homelands.
Answer
Despite its economic boom, the conditions in Bombay are always chaotic. The existing buildings
in Bombay are overly inhabited by the large population. With more immigrants flooding in, the
9
emergence of slums is inevitable. The "houses" there, are actually shacks made from unwanted
materials like tarpaulin and cardboard. These shacks flooded the streets, creating a maze, with
spaces passable only if one walks sideways. The two stories, small huts, divided by rough
platforms, often have low ceilings which are no more than five feet from the ground. These
shabby huts are also barely furnished. Kids are usually seen running around with minimal clothes
on them. Furthermore, traffic jams, usually caused by old, shabby taxis are common, daily sights
there. ( 119 words )
pillar a very important member or part of a group
slum a very poor and crowded area
inquisitive wanting to discover as much as you can about things

Briefly describe Uncle Chin's charcoal manufacturing process. Your account, which should
be continuous, must not be longer than 120 words.

"Have you started the fire?" shouted my mum from the kitchen. "Yes!" I replied, feeling
frustrated after having some difficulties in starting the fire with charcoal. It is the eve of the
annual Dragon Boat Festival again and my mum is busy making dumplings. She has specifically
chosen to cook the dumplings with charcoal, claiming that the rice will then be uniformly cooked
and fragrant. I still prefer to use the gas cooker. "It's just more convenient and cleaner too!"
grumbling helplessly, I stared at both of my soiled hands.

Fanning the hot stove, I watched my mum lower down two strings of dumplings. "Stay put and
watch over them. Mind the time too!" She instructed sternly, knowing what a fantastic
daydreamer I am. Feeling bored only minutes after she had left, my mind starts to wonder about.
Reminiscing the life back at home town, I recalled myself popping over at Uncle Chin's charcoal
manufacturing factory frequently when I was a child. Being inquisitive, I would always ask
Uncle Chin questions which sometimes were repetitive. What an irritating kid I had been?

Charcoal was made by burning woods in a charcoal-kiln. Uncle Chin's charcoal kiln was about
fifteen feet tall and it had an arched cross-sectional opening. Clay made; the top of the kiln was
always covered with attap leaves. The daily charcoal-making work was well divided among the
workers. Every morning, the workers took turns to collect mangrove woods from the nearby
swamps. Upon returning, they sawed the wood into appropriate lengths to fit the kiln. Uncle
Chin would then stack the pieces of woods vertically in the kiln. When the kiln was full, the fire
would be started and the woods were burnt from the top, downwards, just like a burning joss
stick.

Staying by the kiln, Uncle Chin would explain that the fire must not be red hot; otherwise, the
wood pieces would be reduced to ashes. Instead, a slow, greenish fire should be maintained for
the wood to be sufficiently smouldered.

"Uncle Chin, then, how do we maintain such an appropriate fire?" As usual, I would continue my
endless questions.

"It's all through experience..." With a grin on his face, Uncle Chin recalled how he was scolded
by his teacher for not being able to judge the appropriate hotness of the fire.

The aroma of the cooked dumplings brought me back to the present. "Oops! Time's up. Mum,
the dumplings are ready?" I shouted in excitement, waiting to try one of the mouth-watering
dumplings.
Answer

10
Uncle Chin's workers took turns to collect mangrove woods for charcoal making at a nearby
swamp every morning. After returning, they sawed the woody into smaller pieces. Then Uncle
Chin would stack the woods vertically into a fifteen-feet tall, clay charcoal kiln. The charcoal
kiln was used to make charcoal and it had an arched opening into which wood pieces were
inserted. After all the piling, the stacked woods were burnt from the top, downwards. The fire
cannot be too strong as the woods would be over burnt. Instead, a slow, greenish fire should be
maintained so that the woods would be sufficiently smouldered. It all takes an experienced man
to judge the appropriateness of the fire. ( 114 words )
dumpling a small ball of dough (= flour and water mixed together) cooked
and eaten with meat and vegetables
inquisitive wanting to discover as much as you can about things
smoulder to burn slowly with smoke but without flames
Freedom on two wheels

My earliest memory of riding a bicycle was when I was just five, and my father and
brother were teaching me how to ride. When my Dad finally let go of the back of the seat
on my bicycle, I was jubilant. I was riding a bicycle! However, it was only after several
falls and bruises that I finally learnt to ride a bicycle properly. Then, in my teenage years
I got a motorcycle and later when I got employed, my motorcycle was replaced by a car.
The only time I sued my old bike was when my car was sent for repair and I had to run
errands. Recently, though, my doctor advised me to get some exercise to control my
weight. That was how I got started on bicycle-riding again, after a lapse of several years.
I took out my old bicycle and placed it on my long driveway. I was looking forward to
the bike ride with some trepidation. I could not imagine myself barrelling down the
driveway balanced on two spinning tyres any more. I climbed onto the seat and started.

I had the same feeling I got as a child when I first learnt to ride a bicycle -- a feeling of
accomplishment and a sense of complete freedom. I felt the wind blowing in my face and
caressing my hair. From then on, cycling became one of my favourite hobbies. I decided
to buy a brand-new bicycle. I bought one with black and yellow stripes. I cycled around
my neighbourhood for more than a week. Then I decided to take a longer ride. I asked my
friend, Jeff, to join me. Jeff suggested that we embark on a two-day cycling trip to the
countryside. It was my first bike tour and I was feeling really enthusiastic. I brought a bag
of clothes, a bath towel, a spare tyre, a book to read and some food items.

We started early in the morning from my house in Ipoh and cycled towards Kuala
Kangsar. We traversed the busy roads of the city and cycled along the shady paths. The
full 360-degree view I got when riding the bicycle gave me the opportunity to sense the
world around me. I could near, see, smell, and touch things that I never had the
opportunity to do when I was boxed up in my car. with the cool breeze blowing and the
morning sun hidden behind the fluffy clouds, we pedalled hard. On both sides were tall
trees.

The first few hours of our journey were relatively easy. We prided ourselves on our
stamina. With the wind on our side the shade provided by the trees, cycling was a breeze.
However, it was when we were ascending a steep hill that we found our stamina put to
the test. To our amazement, the bikes were becoming increasingly more difficult to
control. Packed with gear, the front of our bikes wobbled from side to side as we
struggled to gain control. I realized that I was carrying a lot of stuff that I did not need.
The ride uphill was energy-sapping and we stopped at a number of places to rest.

11
I realized that cycling a long distance was not as easy as I though. If I was younger, I was
sure I could have done it. But when you are in your late twenties and overweight, it is not
fun. My challenge was perhaps made tougher as I had to carry an additional 20 kilo
backpack on my back. I was glad when it was time to rest our weary bodies.

I had a hard time waking up the next morning. When I finally woke up on the second day
of the tour, I felt as if my legs had doubled in size. I had never experienced pains quite as
severe as this. we had to delay our return trip by a day as we needed time to recuperate
from the adventures of our previous day.

The next morning was not much easier. But as the day passed, the leg pains went away.
By the time I reached the outskirts of Kuala Kangsar, I did not feel any pain at all. I was
having fun and enjoying the ride. Our return journey was much easier than I had
anticipated. we were going downhill most of the time and the weather was fine. It was
neither too hot nor too cold. We glanced at our odometers and realized that we had
clocked 50 kilometres -- it was the perfect incentive to continue the rest of our journey.

Your summary must not be longer than 130 words, including the 10 words given
below.

Sleep is essential for good health as it allows the ...

Answer

The writer took up cycling to lose some weight after being advised by a doctor. One
weekend, he and his friend went on a cycling trip. the first part of the trip was relatively
easy. However, they encountered problems while cycling up a hill. It sapped them of
their energy. Besides, they found it difficult to control their bicycles because of the
weight they were carrying. They had to stop a few times to rest. The writer found it
difficult to get up the next morning and when he finally did, his legs had become swollen
and he was suffering from intense pain. they had o delay their return trip by a day as they
needed time to recuperate. However, the return trip to their hometown went smoothly and
easily. ( 130 words )

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In not more than 120 words, write a summary on the protection of wildlife.

Recently articles appeared in the newspapers about tiger cubs being offered for sale. It all began
when a concerned individual heard rumours that a tiger cub had been caught in Pahang and sold
to a restaurant in Kuala Lumpur.

Strange as it may be to the average Malaysian, tiger meat and bones are sought after by some
people who believe that it can cure illnesses like rheumatism and hypertension. Fresh tiger meat
can fetch as much as RM1,000 per kilogram. The going rate for tiger bones is RM600 per
kilogram.

The tiger is a protected animal. Poachers can be jailed or fined if caught. However, the tiger trade
is so profitable that the animal continues to be in danger.

The story of a tiger cub called Nicky caught public attention. Nicky was saved from the cooking
pot by an animal lover. The Malaysian Trade Commissioner to Papua New Guinea learned that a
tiger cub had been sold to a restaurant in Kuala Lumpur. He paid more than RM10,000 for the
cub and gave it to the Malacca Zoo to keep. Mysteriously, the cub disappeared from the animal
clinic where it was being kept for examination. For two days the public worried. Many people
feared that the animal had been stolen. To the relief of the zoo staff and the concerned public,
Nicky was found safe. She was playing near the tiger enclosure. Luckily, it had rained so at least
there were puddles of water for her to drink. She was hungry but appeared none the worse for her
adventure. Nicky could have wandered out when some employee carelessly left her enclosure
unlocked. The other possibility was that someone had tried to steal her. When that person
realized that the tiger is a protected species, Nicky was returned to the zoo.

Human beings are strange. The desire for exotic foods appears to be universal. People eat bears'
paws, camel humps, duck embryos, ostrich and even crocodiles. The list appears endless.
Nobody really seems to have strong objections. As a result, some animals look to be in grave
danger of disappearing from the face of the earth.

Turtle eggs were and still are a delicacy in many places. Now, many species of river and marine
turtles are in danger of extinction. About fifty years ago, a major tourist attraction in Terengganu
Darul Iman was to watch the giant leatherback turtles laying their own eggs on the beach. These
faithful creatures come back loyally to the same beaches they hatch from to lay their eggs. Over
13
the years, many of the eggs were eaten and now the sighting of a giant leatherback is a rare
event.

What is the lesson for all of us? Like a wise American Indian chief once said, the earth is for all
of us to share. We have to protect earth's creatures so our future generations will be able to enjoy
them too.

Main Points
1 Media reports of sale of a tiger cub.
2 Tiger products sought after for medical reasons.
3 The tiger is a protected animal but tiger trade is profitable so the animal is in danger. 4 Tiger
cub, Nicky was saved by an animal lover.
5 Nicky was sent to the Malacca Zoo but went missing temporarily. 6 Nicky was found again.
7 Human desire for exotic meats results in extinction of many species like the leatherback turtle.
8 We need to protect animals for future generations.

Answer

A tiger cub about to be sold to a restaurant attracted public attention. Tiger meat is still in
demand because it is believed to be good for the health. Despite the tiger being protected,
poachers still hunt it for financial gain. Recently, an animal lover heard of a tiger cub about to be
cooked. He bought and sent it to the Malacca Zoo for safe-keeping. 'Nicky' as he was called,
however disappeared from the animal clinic. He reappeared but it was not known whether he
was accidentally released or stolen. Human beings like exotic meat and many species, such as
the leatherback turtle, remain endangered. Laws are passed to protect turtles. We have to protect
animals for future generations. (120 words)

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Solar energy
Solar energy is produced by the sun. It is often referred to as a renewable energy source and a
dependable source of power. The world today relies on fossil fuel, generating harmful by-
products such as carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases which have contributed to global
warming. This has resulted in extreme weather conditions such as floods, droughts as well as
food shortages in many parts of the world. The rapid depletion of fossil fuel resources means
that we have no choice but to come up with alternative energy sources. Besides, energy costs are
increasing and people are now turning to alternate energy sources.

Nuclear energy has often been suggested as an alternative energy source. However, while
nuclear energy has the potential to deliver tremendous power, it has many drawbacks.
Maintenance, radioactive waste problems and water usage are some of the challenges that have
to be dealt with. One long-term solution to all these problems is to increase the use of solar
power. We use the sun's rays every day in many different ways. When we hang out our laundry
to dry in the sun, we are using the sun's heat to dry our clothes. Plants use sunlight to make food.
The rays of the sun can also produce light and radiation that can be captured by solar panels to
produce electricity.

Generating electricity from solar energy means less consumption of fossil fuel and this will in
turn reduce pollution and emission of greenhouse gases. Solar technology applications do not
pollute. They do not release carbon dioxide or any of the other poisonous gases. The most
important benefit of using solar energy is environmental. Steps must be taken to reduce global
warming and our dependence on fossil fuels. By switching to solar power, we will be doing our
part to combat global warming. Solar energy is a renewable resource. Unlike other energy
resources like oil which is limited in supply and which becomes more and more scarce with the
passage of time, the sun is always present. As long as we have the sun, we will have solar
energy.

Although the sun's rays are free, it costs a lot of money to utilize solar power. Setting up solar
cells and other equipment can cost thousands of dollars. However, although solar energy systems
require large initial investments, they generally pay for themselves in a few years. In addition,
solar energy systems require little or no maintenance after installation. Solar systems have life
spans ranging from 30 to 40 years. Tax incentives can further reduce the cost. Market demand
15
too, can lower the price.

Like all energy sources, there are disadvantages of solar energy. Although solar power is a vast
and inexhaustible resource, it is also an intermittent energy source, which means that it is not
available all the time. The amount of sunlight that reaches the earth's surface varies from place to
place. It also depends on weather conditions. Since the sun does not deliver large amounts of
energy to any one place at any one time, a large surface area is required to collect the energy.
Moreover, solar panels require a large area for installation to achieve a high level of efficiency.

The changing position of the sun throughout the day can affect the performance of solar panels.
Obstruction from buildings and trees can further aggravate the problem. This means that in order
for solar panels to function effectively, the solar panels have to be adjusted. The level of
pollution in an area can affect solar energy production.

Proponents of solar energy claim that this resource represents a clean alternative to fossil fuels
that currently pollute our land and water and threatens our health. At the same time, it
contributes to global warming. Given the abundance of solar energy and its relatively cheap cost,
this resource will, no doubt, play a prominent role in future. As conventional fuel
supplies dwindle, solar energy may be the answer to the future of our energy needs. the use of
solar energy is not yet widespread. However, with education and tax incentives from the
government, solar power can become the main energy source in years to come.

Your summary must not be longer than 130 words, including the 10 words given below.

Solar energy is a renewable source of energy produced by ...

Answer

Solar energy is a renewable source of energy produced by the sun. Like all energy sources, solar
energy has its advantages and disadvantages. A big advantage of solar energy is that it is clean
energy. It does not emit carbon dioxide or any of the other greenhouse gases. It does not pollute
the environment. Although the initial costs of setting up solar systems are high, they generally
pay for themselves in a few years. Moreover, solar energy systems are virtually maintenance-free
and can last for decades. The main disadvantage of solar power is the steep initial cost involved
in setting up a solar system. Besides, the efficiency of the system relies on the position of the sun
and is also influenced by weather conditions and pollution. ( 125 words )

depletion a reduction of something

drawbacks a disadvantage or the negative part of a situation

dwindle to become smaller in size or amount, or fewer in number:

16
Read the passage below and answer the question that follows.

I was looking for a quiet place to die from lung cancer. Someone recommended Brooklyn, and
so the next morning, I travelled down there from Westchester to scope out the terrain. A local
real-estate agent ushered me around to six or seven brownstone flats and by the end of the
afternoon I had rented a two-bedroom garden apartment on First Street, just half a block away
from Prospect Park. I had no idea who the neighbours were and I didn't care. They all worked at
nine-to-five jobs, none of them had any children and therefore the building would be relatively
silent. More than anything else, that was what I craved for. A silent end to my sad and ridiculous
life.

At first I didn't know what to do with myself. I had spent thirty-one years commuting back and
forth between the suburbs and the Manhattan offices at Mid-Atlantic Accident and Life, but now
that I didn't have a job as insurance agent anymore, there were too many hours in the day. About
a week after I moved into the apartment, my married daughter Rachel drove in from New Jersey
to pay me a visit. She said that I needed to get involved in something, to invent a project for
myself. Rachel is not a stupid person. She has a doctorate in biochemistry from the University of
Chicago and works as a researcher for a large drug company outside Princeton.

I had told Rachel my days were numbered. My lung cancer was in remission and based on what
the oncologist had told me after my most recent exam, there was cause for guarded optimism.
However, I still didn't trust him. The shock of cancer had been so great and I still didn't believe
in the possibility of surviving it. I was almost sixty years old and I didn't know how much time I
had left. Whatever the medical prognosis of my condition, the crucial thing was to take nothing
for granted. As long as I was alive, I had to figure out a way to start living again.

I hit upon an idea that Rachel approved. Humble as the project was, I decided to give it a
grandiose title -- The Book of Human Folly. In it I planned to set down in the simplest, clearest
language possible an account of every blunder, every pratfall, every embarrassment, every
idiocy, every foible and every silly act I had committed during my long and chequered career as
a man. I would also write down things that had happened to other people I knew and when the
source ran dry as well, I would take on historical events, recording the follies of my fellow

17
human beings down through the ages, beginning with the vanished civilizations of the ancient
world and pushing on to the first months of the twenty first century. If nothing else, I thought it
might be good for a few laughs. I had no desire to bare my soul or indulge in gloomy
introspections. The tone would be light and funny and my only purpose was to keep myself
entertained while using up as many hours of the day as I could.

I wrote many interesting stories and howlers, about a dozen in the first two months. But even
though I did my best to keep the tone frivolous and light, I discovered that it wasn't always
possible. everyone is subject to black moods and I confess that there were times when I
succumbed to bouts of loneliness and dejection. I had spent the bulk of my working life in the
business of death and I had probably heard too many grim stories to stop myself from thinking
about them when my spirits were low. All the people I had visited over the years, all the policies
I had sold, all the dread and desperation I had been made privy to while talking to my clients.

Based on the passage given, write a summary about

* how the narrator dealt with cancer
* the project he undertook

Credit will be given for use of own words but care must be taken not to change the original
meaning. Your summary must be in continuous form and not longer than 130 words, including
the 10 words given below.

Begin your summary as follows :

"The narrator was looking for a quiet place to die ..."
Answer

The narrator was looking for a quiet place to die. He rented an apartment that matched his
requirements in Brooklyn. Initially, the narrator was at lost as to his future plans. He had free
time since leaving his job as an insurance agent. His daughter, Rachel, advised him to invent a
project to make himself busy. He did not want to take things for granted and decided to write a
book titled The Book of Human Folly. It will account all his silly acts during his lifetime and the
follies of others and historical figures. The tone would be funny and light for entertainment
purposes. However, he did face depression, loneliness and dejection as a result of his career
dealing with many grim and sad stores. ( 126 words )

18
The Art of Conversation
It is natural to feel nervous in a new situation. Walking into a room full of people without
knowing a soul can be a daunting task, but it is important to realize that almost everyone is
nervous when facing a room full of strangers. The approach of the first day at school or a party
where you won't know anyone can be made easier if you know what to do. Developing a bag of
tricks can help get you through some of those tough situations.

To begin, set a goal for yourself. For example, you can decide that at the end of this school day,
or by the end of this party, you will have spoken to at least three new people or will have had a
conversation with at least one new person. Remember, these don't have to be make-it-or-break-it
conversations. Simple exchanges of a few remarks will suffice.

Now, how do you get started? Just walking into a room full of strangers is intimidating for most
people. In fact, most people feel off-balance entering a room where everyone is talking a mile a
minute or seems to know someone else. If you take a minute to get your bearings, however, you
will inevitably find another lone soul looking as nervous as you feel. Go up to that person and
introduce yourself. You will almost always be rewarded with a sigh of relief and a smile.
Remember, others are in the same boat as you are.

Beginning a conversation is not that hard. Expert conversationalists say it is all right to open with
a cliche. Don't worry about sounding dull. Cliches are good for starting conversations because
everyone can relate to them. What do you mean by a cliche? The weather, movies, sports, or
other universal topics are of interest to everyone. If you are in a classroom, you can talk about
the course or the school. If you are at a party, talk about how you know the host or hostess.

Asking questions is a great way to keep a conversation going, but it is important to ask the right
kind of questions. Asking a 'yes or no question' can stop a conversation dead in its tracks. 'WH-
questions' prompt discussion because the answers will be longer. Good questions begin with
'Why', 'How', 'What do you think about ...?'

When another person is speaking, most people use that time to think of their next witty comment
or question. Doing this can cause you to miss what the person is saying. Listening is an
important part of carrying on a conversation. Good conversationalists are invariably good
19
listeners. So, the next time you are engaged in a conversation, instead of trying to come up with a
clever line, focus on listening and responding in a genuine way to what the person has said.

To show interest, it is important to make eye contact frequently. This does not mean staring into
someone's eyes relentlessly. Doing so will only make the person feel uncomfortable. On the
other hand, letting your eyes drift around the room gives the impression that you are looking for
someone more interesting to talk to. The key is to make eye contact, then take your eyes off the
other person briefly when it's your turn to talk.

When you are engaged in a conversation, ask questions and respond to comments. It is important
to keep up your end of the conversation by talking about yourself and your ideas. After all, you
can't expect the other person to keep the ball in the air alone. Remember that you are an
interesting person too. However, be careful not to go overboard. The number one turn-off for
most of us is listening to other people go on and on about themselves. Nobody likes to listen to
someone who constantly uses the word 'I'.

There are other important qualities in the art of conversation. One of the most important is a
sense of humour. Everyone appreciates a chance to laugh or chuckle at a funny story or joke. Be
careful in your selection, though. Racial or sexual humour can offend others, and reflects poor
judgment on your part.

Cultivating a wide range of interests can be of help in almost any social situation. You can be up-
to-date on current events by reading newspapers and magazines.

Lastly, be enthusiastic and upbeat. When you are enthusiastic, people feel that you are interested
in what they are saying. Do not be afraid to show enthusiasm, and use positive reinforcement
whenever possible.
Answer

Having a good conversation with a stranger may not be as difficult as it seems if one follows a
few simple rules. First, start the conversation on a common topic such as the weather, movies or
sports. Ask questions and opinions that gets the other party to talk. Maintain eye contact, listen
carefully and be enthusiastic as this shows you are interested. Respond appropriately to
comments and questions. Have a sense of humour and a stock of funny stories and good jokes.
Finally, read more and be updated with current news and interests so that you can talk about
many topics. (100 words)

cliche A much used expression that has lost its freshness and descriptive
power

witty funny and clever

20
Read the passage below and answer the question that follows.

The human heart is about the size of a clenched list. It is located under the breastbone between
the lungs (just left of centre) and is made up of four chambers. Blood flows through these
chambers in a pattern that supplies all parts of the body with oxygenated blood and returns blood
to the lungs for reoxygenation.

There are two types of blood vessels : arteries and veins. Arteries carry oxygenated blood from
the heart and are elastic, which enables them to withstand the pressure of blood being pumped
with great force. Veins carry blood back to the heart. By the same time blood reaches the veins,
blood pressure has dropped. Veins are not elastic, but have small valves that keep the
deoxygenated blood from flowing backwards. When kept healthy and strong, the body's network
of veins and arteries should work as efficiently in an older body as a younger one.

The body's ingenious design means skin, muscle and a sturdy ribcage protects the heart from
injury. The real risk to the health of our heart comes not from injury, but from failing to take
proper care of this vital organ. However, maintaining a healthy heart is relatively simple, and it is
never too late to start. The first question is : Do you smoke ? If you do, the first step is to quit.
Even occasional smoking has been proven to be detrimental to the health of your heart. Regular
exercise is essential to help maintain weight and keep the heart strong. It is, after all, a muscle. It
is also important to limit fats in the diet, particularly animal fats derived from meat and full-fat
dairy foods.

Enjoying health to a ripe old age is common in many Mediterranean communities where diet is
based on olive oil, vegetables, fish, nuts, fruits, grains and pulses. Many doctors and naturopaths
believe that it is the low levels of cholesterol that make the Mediterranean diet an excellent
model for those wishing to maintain their cardiovascular health.

Keep your heart strong with exercise. It has proven that exercise is extremely important for the
maintenance of a healthy cardiovascular system. In addition to keeping the heart itself strong,
exercise helps maintain a healthy weight, which reduces pressure on the heart. You don't need to
become a gym junkie. A brisk 30-minute walk at least three times a week can make a huge

21
difference to your health.

Supplement CoQ10 occurs naturally in the body and levels decline with age. A CoQ10
supplement assists in maintaining a healthy heart, in particular the function of the heart muscle.
It has also been shown to reduce oxidation of LDL cholesterol.

Based on the passage given, write a summary describing what the heart does and ways of
keeping it. Include
* the functions of the heart
* the real risks to the health of the heart
* ways of improving the health of the heart

Credit will be given for use of own words but care must be taken not to change the original
meaning. Your summary must be in continuous form and not longer than 130 words, including
the 10 words given below.

Begin your summary as follows :

"The heart is made up of four chambers. Blood flows ..."

Answer

The heart is made up of four chambers. Blood flows through these chambers and the arteries
supply all parts of the body with the oxygenated blood. The veins return blood to the lungs for
re-oxygenation. When kept healthy and strong, the veins and arteries work efficiently. The heart
is protected by skin, muscle and a sturdy ribcage. The real risk to the health of our heart comes
from failing to take proper care of it. Quit smoking if you do. Regular exercise is essential to
help maintain weight and keep the heart strong. Limit fats in the diet, particularly animal fats
derived from meat and full-fat dairy foods. Keeping the level of cholesterol low will ensure a
healthy heart. ( 130 words )

22
The food industry is one of the largest manufacturing industries in the world. As the demand for
economical, safe and convenient food and beverage increases, it continues to expand. The food
industry involves the four stages of agriculture, manufacturing, marketing and distribution.

Agriculture refers to the production of agricultural goods through the growing of plants and the
raising of domesticated animals. It encompasses a wide variety of specialties. In modern
agriculture, plant breeding, pesticides, fertilizers and technological improvements have sharply
increased yields from cultivation. Selective breeding and modern practices in animal husbandry
such as intensive poultry farming have similarly increased the output of meat.

The major agricultural products can be broadly grouped into food, fibres, fuel and raw materials.
Specific foods include cereals, vegetables, fruits and meat. Fibres include cotton, wool, hemp,
silk and flax. Raw materials include lumber and bamboo.

The second stage, manufacturing, is the use of tools and labour to make things for use or sale.
Modern manufacturing includes all intermediate food processes required for the production and
integration of a product's components. Food processing is the set of methods and techniques used
to transform raw ingredients into food or to transform food into other forms for consumption by
humans or animals either in
the home or by the food processing industry. Food processing typically takes clean, harvested
crops or slaughtered and butchered animal products and uses these to produce attractive,
marketable and often long-life food products.

The third stage, marketing, is an ongoing process of planning and executing the marketing mix
for products, services or ideas to create exchange between individuals and organizations. It tends
to be seen as a creative industry, which includes advertising, distribution and selling. It is also
concerned with anticipating the customers' future needs and wants, which are often discovered
through market research. Essentially, marketing is the process of creating or directing an
organization to be successful in selling a product or service that people are willing to buy. Good
marketing must be able to create a "proposition" or set of benefits for the end customer that

23
delivers value through products or services.

Lastly, food distribution, a method of distributing or transporting food from one place to another,
is a very important factor in public nutrition. There are three main components of food
distribution. They involve transport infrastructure such as roads, vehicles, rail transport, airports
and ports, food handling technology and regulation, storage, warehousing and adequate source
and supply logistics, based on demand and need. Through distribution, food gets to the big and
small outlets such as supermarkets and shops for retail.

Based on the passage given, write a summary on :

• the agriculture and manufacturing stages of the food industry
• marketing and distribution stages

Your summary must:

• be in continuous writing ( not in note form )
• not be longer than 130 words, including the 10 words given below

Begin your summary as follow:

The food industry, one of the largest manufacturing industries, involves ...
Answer

The food industry, one of the largest manufacturing industries, involves four stages. First,
agriculture is the production of agricultural goods through cultivation and poultry farming.
Modern technological improvements and practices have sharply increased yields. Major
agricultural products can be grouped into food, fibres, fuel and raw materials. Second,
manufacturing involves using techniques to transform raw ingredients into food. It uses
harvested crops or slaughtered animal products to produce attractive and marketable food
products. Marketing surveys customers' future needs through market research. It is the process of
creating ways to be successful in selling a product or service. Lastly, food distribution is
transporting food from one place to another involving transport infrastructure, food handling
technology, storage, warehousing and logistics. Through distribution, food gets to the outlets for
retail. (127 words)

24