Vocabulary

Profligacy

Meaning : wasteful or immoral behavior

Example : Letting the lights on when nobody’s in the room is a profligacy action.

Inept

Meaning : having or showing no skill

Example : The way she guided us yesterday proves that she is inept in handling a trip.

Lament

Meaning : express regret towards something

Example : The lyric in his new song shows lament and sorrow.

Sparse

Meaning : thin, not thick

Example : My country has areas with sparse population

Viable

Meaning : workable

Example : the proposed investment was economically viable.

Vocabulary

Venerable

Meaning : worthy of respect

Example : Nelson Mandela was a venerable statesman.

Supercilious

Meaning : arrogant

Example : She was the most supercilious maid we ever had.

Stringent

Meaning : strict

Example : California’s air pollution guidelines are stringent.

Intricate

Meaning : complicated

Example : The work is intricate as we need to deal with different people at one time.

Prudence

Meaning : wisdom, caution  

Example : We need to exercise prudence in such important matters.

Vocabulary Enrichment

Ambivalent

Meaning : unable to decide

Example : Some loved her, some hated her, and I am ambivalent about her.

Anomalous

Meaning : odd, not fitting the pattern

Example : Your sentences are grammatically anomalous 

Cryptic

Meaning : having a meaning that is mysterious or obscure

Example : He found his boss’s word too cryptic.

Derivative

Meaning : unoriginal

Example : His essay was derivative from John Green’s book.

Derail

Meaning : cause (a train or trolley car) to leave its track accidentally

Example : A train was derailed from its track after it collided with another train.

Vocabulary Enrichment

Dismantle

Meaning : to take something to pieces, to separate something into parts it is made from

Example : The photographer dismantled his equipment and packed away.

Dismal

Meaning : causing or showing sadness

Example : The surrounding was dismal during her funeral.

Implore

Meaning : to ask somebody with great emotion to do something

Example : She implored him not to leave her alone.

Thorough

Meaning : careful and complete

Example : The police made a thorough research of the house.

Thrift

Meaning : the quality of being careful not to spend too much money

Example : My mom is thrifty, she will not spend her money on something unnecessary.

Debate

       This week, we had a debate tournament among the MADPP students. It was a great experience as I have never been into an English debate before. I used to represent my MRSM in Malay debate but seriously, Malay and English debate are so different. Especially on the motions, English debate seems to have a more general and loose motions whereas Malay debate’s motions are usually more serious. And a non-native speaker, sometimes I think it’s hard to speak out everything in my mind. Sometimes I was like “ the points are here in my head, how can I express them orally? XD *need to speak English more in order to be really fluent in speaking.

      So, along the tournament, I have learnt many things from Miss Jo, my teammates ( Emily and Azrul), and others (including the internet hehe)

1. Points are very important

      I can say it’s almost useless if we can only speak fluently, confidently but we have no good point. We may look convincing from the style, but the judges judge more on the points given. Plus, the way we elaborate our points and how we connect our points to the motion are very essential in order to give a clear view to the audience and the judges. It is a bonus to have supportive evidence from pass research or history but we really need to make sure they fit the context, or else, they are going to kill our points. 

    2. See something from different perspective

      Sometimes we don’t see the good sides of everything. But in a debate, sometimes we need to oppose something that we really believe in. By hook or by crook, we need to find points to oppose the motion. Then only will we discover that there are some really good points, we just did not look at different perspective. So, debate really enhances us to be more open minded and see things in different ways. To apply in life, sometimes we need to choose something that we do not like in life, but believe me, there are good sides in everything so think positive and accept the challenge!

    3. To be a good listener and a good speaker

      Debate is not only about speaking to defend our stand. Debate is also about to rebut the points given by the other team. That is why we need to be a good listener too. In order to rebut our rival, we cannot simply accuse them blindly. By rebutting with facts or others, we can have a healthy debate,not an emotional one. Debate also teaches us to be more patience in expressing our idea so that we look more professional and educated.

     I really hope I can learn more about the ways and strategies to win in a debate. At least, this can be a stepping stone for me to be a good English debater in the future. Till then, goodnight!

Vocabulary Enrichment

Seep

Meaning : to flow very slowly through something

Example : Water started to seep in through small cracks.

Susceptible

Meaning : easily influenced. damaged, or affected by something

Example : The young are susceptible to advertising.

Fathom

Meaning : to understand something (negative connotation)

Example : I can’t fathom what he said just now.

Hurtle

Meaning : to move with great speed, perhaps causing danger

Example : The lorry came hurtling towards us

Reconcile

Meaning : to find a way of dealing with two ideas, situations, statements, etc

Example : She finds it difficult to reconcile her career ambitions with her responsibilities to her children.

Fun Ride Tasik Raban! :D

Fun Ride Tasik Raban

On 13th November 2016, me and my 9 other friends participated in Fun Ride Tasik Raban. At first, I have doubt in entering this ride because I think sleeping on the weekend is way more interesting than letting myself burn under the sun. Unfortunately, Ayda managed to convince me to join this and there I was, cycling :P

Before Fun Ride

Around 7 am, we cycle from KKTM Lenggong to Tasik Raban. Actually, I have no experience in cycling a mountain bike before, I just learned about the gears and so on that morning from a 9-year-old boy hahaha. I set a target for myself that morning because I know I will not manage to finish all 45 km. My goal was to cycle 30 km ( because we pay RM30 for the registration  ) so whatever happens, I will make sure I (at least) achieve my target!

The ride was fun even though I was half dead. I managed to cycle about 32 km ( the rest, I was on the lorry hahahah). Thanks to Naz, who motivated me during the ride (especially when it came to cycling uphill ). If Naz wasn’t there giving me support, I think I would have given up earlier. However, I asked Naz to go first as I was so slow and nearly die. :P

After Naz left me, I cycled alone (in a rural place, no house, no shop, just trees) and as an over think person, I imagined many negative things huhu. I thought if a thief comes out from the bush and try to rob me what should I do? I only have RM 15 that time and it’s not worth at all to rob me ;D Suddenly, someone sneezed. I was so shock hahaha but nothing happened, I think maybe there was someone in the wood.

As I continue cycling, a cyclist from Taiping greeted me and cycled with me. We had some simple chat before he went to other kids and give support to them. His friend, who is also from Taiping, was so generous! He cycled back and forth just to motivate and help the kids cycle faster by pushing them from the back. I was so touched by his action because he did not think about winning or losing,he just wanted to help the novice in to be more interested in cycling.

There was one point that I felt like giving up so, me and KC stopped with some other kids, waiting for the lorry. The, a volunteer came and said we were about 1 to 2 km to the finishing line. Suddenly I have the energy to cycle again. Plus,  I encouraged the kids to finish the 2 km too. I was like “ Let’s go 2 km left we can do this I have faith in you guys blablabla” . Then,after cycling about 5 km, we did not even reach Pekan Lenggong. As I did not live in Lenggong, I'm not too familiar with the names of the villages. So, when I see Kg Gelok, Kg Gua Badak and so on, I actually have no idea where I was and how far was Tasik Raban from that Kampung. So I keep cycling until Pekan Lenngong.

I saw another volunteer and asked him “ Is Tasik Raban still far? “ and he said about 15 km.  I was demotivated by the statement and realized that I have been fooled by others hahahahaha. But thanks to them, at least they have boosted my spirit to cycle on the first place. So, I stopped by a shop and bought some water for myself and the kids. And there I was, on the lorry with the kids that I have motivated before hahahahahahah XD 

Still remember the kid that taught me about the gears before the ride? He waited for me and saw me on the lorry. He came to me and said “ Ahahaha naik lori?” T_T hahaha what a shame to lose over a small kid. Anyway, I was so happy to be able to spend the weekend productively!

After Fun Ride :)

Vocabulary

Vocabulary

Clamour

Meaning : to demand something in a loud or angry way

Example : The public are clamouring for an answer to all these questions.

Flail

Meaning : to wave or move about without control

Example : The insect’s legs were flailing in the air.

Haughty

Meaning : proud, and thinking that you are better than other people

Example : She gave me a haughty look.

Murky

Meaning : dark and unpleasant or dirty

Example : The water in the river looked very murky

                 According to rumours, the new boss had a murky past.

Respite

Meaning : a short period of rest from something that is difficult or unpleasant

Example : There was a brief respite from the fighting.

Vocabulary Enrichment

Vocabulary Enrichment

Ripple

Meaning : A sound that gradually becomes louder and then quieter again

Example : I can hear a ripple of laughter from the next class.

Scarecrow

Meaning : a simple model of a person (orang-orang)

Example : The scarecrows are used to frighten away the birds.

Litigation

Meaning : the process of taking legal action in a court of law

Example : The company has been in litigation with its previous auditors for one year.

Mesmerize

Meaning : to hold somebody’s attention completely

Example : The audience seemed to be mesmerized by the speaker’s voice.

Hypnotize

Meaning : to put somebody into an unconscious state where the person’s mind and actions can be controlled

Example : You got me hypnotized whenever I think about you.

Wait for my next post about my experience in Fun Ride Tasik Raban!

I am so tired right now to write about it but seriously it was an unforgettable experience and I really think I should share my experience to all.

Till then, good night world. :)

Importance Of Animals To Human Beings

Free Writing Essay

Importance Of Animals to Human Beings

As human beings, we can never deny that animals play important roles in our daily life. Animals have successfully squeeze into our storyline of life without hesitation everyday in every way. Sometimes,human mistook the roles and importance of animals until they think that animals are disgusting and dirty. However, animals actually give benefits to human beings,from tee to toe, even from their nose, legs, and fur. Have you ever imagine life without chickens, elephants, pigs, and dogs? Have you ever imagine how incomplete your life would be without animals? That is why we should know the importance of animals to human beings ; so that we will take good care of them.

First and foremost, animals are used in advanced experiments. Lab rats, for example, are used in experiment revolving food test and medicine test. Lab rats are poked, injected, and fed with drugs and food to ensure that the food is safe for human beings. For cosmetics, rabbits are used for perfume test. The perfume is sprayed to the rabbits’ eyes — if the rabbits become blind, the perfume is not safe to be used. Even though some people think that this action is cruel, we actually need to do this on animals because no one wants to register as a volunteer for food, drugs, or cosmetic tests.

Secondly, animals are important for security purposes. Almost every house has at least a dog at home. This is because dogs can guard our home from thieves with their loud barks and powerful teeth. Dogs are also used by the police since the 14th century. Dogs are known as the best ‘machine’ to detect drugs, bombs, lost people, and help in searching evidence in crimes. Every dogs has a very sensitive dogs that could detect smell from far. Until now, police dogs have helped to solve crimes including kidnapping, robbery, and military.

Do you love hamburger with extra mayo and Hawaiian Chicken Pizza with extra cheese on it? So, another importance of animals is as a food source for human beings. Just imagine hamburger without ham and pizza without chicken, surely they will not taste as good as they are before. Their meat gives extra deliciousness to every single food on earth. You can never deny the importance of animals as food sources even if you are vegetarians. Vegetarians drink milk and eat eggs that come from animals which are cows and chikens.

In a nutshell, they are countless importance of animals to human beings — just how important we are to animals. This symbiosis cannot be rejected as we all need each other to complete each other’s life. As human that have brain to think, we need to always be grateful with these perfect creations from God. So, make sure you always love animals, take good care of them and use them wisely. :)

Vocabulary

Vocabulary

Flourish

Meaning : to be strong and healthy

Example : He proudly flourished two tickets for the concerts.

Moor

Meaning : to fasten a boat to the land or to an object in the water with a rope / chain

Example : He moors his boat near the riverbank.

Posterity

Meaning : the future and the people will be alive then (next generation)

Example : We all need to look after our environment for the sake of posterity.

Stupendous

Meaning : very large or impressive

Example : Getting a PhD at the age of 25 was such a stupendous achievement.

Vocabulary

1. Dreadful
Meaning : Bad
Example : There has been a dreadful accident in Jalan Duta last night where five people were dead in a car crash.

2. Bedridden
Meaning : ill
Example : I pity Ahmad, he has an exam next week but could not attend school because his father is very bedridden.

3. Fraudulent
Meaning : Dishonest
Example : The fraudulent clerk was fired last week.

4. Dreary
Meaning : Boring
Example : Sarah and I leave the hall early yesterday because the talk was dreary.

5. Boorish
Meaning : Rude
Example : The boorish boy is his cousin.He always curses someone without any solid reason.

Romeo and Juliet

Book & Movie Review - Romeo and Juliet

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Romeo and Juliet (1968)

Even though Romeo Juliet is a very famous play written by William Shakespeare, I never know that this play is also related to an ongoing feud between the Montague and Capulet’s family. I am pretty happy to be able to finish reading the play as the old English used is, for me, some are hard to be understood. By watching the movie, it is easier for me to imagine what the characters are doing, the setting of the play, etc. By the way, I watched the 1968 version of Romeo and Juliet movie, so the script is pretty much the same (most lines are exactly the same actually!).

• One lesson I learned from the material is...

So, at the end of the movie, both Romeo and Juliet committed suicide because of miscommunication. Romeo should receive a letter from Friar Lawrence about the plan that he made with Juliet. Unfortunately, Friar John was unable to deliver the letter to Romeo. This has taught me to always have backup plans in everything we do. Yes, Friar Lawrence also had a backup plan, which was to put a letter in Capulet's tomb so that Romeo will read it before doing something unreasonable. But, he thought of the plan too late that Romeo has killed himself before receiving the letter.

• Suggest one solution to a problem presented in the material.

In my opinion, if only Friar Lawrence did not do a rush decision and had a careful backup plan, Romeo and Juliet might live happily ever after. Friar Lawrence needed to consider many things, for example, communication system at that time. With only one person assigned to deliver the letter, Friar was taking so much risk. The delivery man may have died on his way to deliver it (as assassination happened every time, everywhere that time), or the letter may be missing. So, at least, he needed to send more than one person to deliver the message to Romeo.

Anyway, I think Shakespeare ended the story that way so that the Montague and Capulet’s family can reconcile. If Romeo and Juliet were alive, the Montague and Capulet’s family would not make a friendly relation for sure, and more death will happen after Tybalt and Mercutio’s. Overall, I really like the story :)

Vocab Of The Day :)

Feud

Meaning : a state of prolonged mutual hostility, typically between two families or communities, characterized by violent assaults in revenge for previous injuries.

Example : There was a long-standing feud between the two noble families.

Vocabulary Enrichment

1. Hazy
Meaning : unclear
Example : His hazy idea was rejected by the director right after his presentation.

2. Baffled
Meaning : Confused
Example : Everyone was baffled when he suddenly ran away from the stage.

3. Elated
Meaning : Happy
Example : We were elated to be in the camp last week as the activities that we did were not dreary.

4. Edgy
Meaning : Nervous
Example : She looked edgy on the stage even though this is not her first time entering the singing competition.

5. Momentous
Meaning : Important
Example : Today is a momentous day for my parents because today is their 20th anniversary.