Vol 543
Wednesday 21 August 2019
Elementary The might of the pen Advanced Square peg in a round hole BRATs Literary response Tel: 03 7967 1388 Fax: 03 7955 4039 thestar.com.my/education facebook.com/niebrats
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Keeping up with the Joneses > 7 supported by the Ministry of education
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Note to the teacher
century
ELEMENTARY
scriptwriting
The might of the pen
learning skills Our children are riding the great wave of technology today. they now have facts and procedures at their fingertips. teachers have to equip their students with new skills that allow them to thrive in today’s global economy. the activities in The Star’s Newspaper-in-Education pullout combine literacy skills with current content to build this set of skills. the key below indicates the skills integrated into the activities in this pullout.
DO you wake up each morning writing your conversations for the day on a piece of paper? Well, hopefully not! That’s because you have no way of knowing exactly whom you might meet, and what they might say to you. Conversations around us are simply spontaneous. But this isn’t so in movies, plays or television programmes. The words that the characters say in these productions have been planned and written down as lines of a script. This is done by someone called the scriptwriter or playwright. The people who act or play the roles of the characters will have to read, practise and remember their lines and actions really well so that the story in the movie or play will turn out the way it is supposed to. One of the world’s most famous playwrights who lived centuries ago and whose plays are still popular today is none other than William Shakespeare.
NiE Activity 1
Critical thinking
� Identify � Reason � Measure � Organise
Creative thinking
� Imagine � Brainstorm � Connect � Invent
Play scripts are sometimes based on well-known stories or adaptations from familiar legends and fairy tales. Scripts are written in the form of drama. These dramas are meant to be performed. When dialogue in a story is adapted for a play script, the speech marks are removed, and there are descriptions of scenes and settings. There will also be stage directions that act as instructions from the playwright, telling the actors what to do and how to speak. The following is an example of how one part of a story The Not-So-Evil Witch has been adapted into a scene from a play.
The wicked witch stared at Violet and Rose. “Don’t hurt my sister,” said Violet standing in front of Rose. “You ca an take me if you want, but please let my little sister go.” “Heh, heh,” the witch cackled. “Why should I let her go?” “Because...” said Violet, her voice breaking. “Because... I know thatt you are not as evil as they say you are.” The witch stood still for a moment and her face became red. She moved her hands up and down and opened her mouth as if to say
Problem solving
� Question � Research � Recreate � Present
Communicating
� Oral � Non-verbal � Written � Aural
Collaborating
something but no words came out. “Oh, no! You’re wrong!” she finally spluttered. “I am evil. I’m the evilest witch in the whole world.” “There’s no such word as evilest.” A soft voice sounded from behin nd Violet. Both the witch and Violet turned around in amazement at Rosse.
The same extract is now written as a play script for a scene from a play. Read the script. In groups of four, complete the last five lines spoken by the characters. Add your own stage directions for these lines. Use at least 10 words from The Star. Then, take turns performing this scene in class. You may add more lines. In the middle of the woods. Trees and bushes are all around. The witch is staring at Violet and Rose, and waving her wand at them. Violet looks determined and Rose is trying to hide behind Violet. Violet: (fiercely) Don’t hurt my sister. You can take me if you want, but please let my little sister go. Witch: (laughing and waving her wand) Heh, heh... why should I let her go? Violet: (voice breaking) Because... because... I know that you are not as evil as they say you are.
� Listen � Contribute
The witch looks confused. She moves her hands up and down, and opens and closes her mouth.
� Compromise � Attain goal
Rose slips out from behind Violet.
respectfully
NiE editorial manager: sHARON OVINIs NiE assistant manager: ROWENA CHuA Writer: DR MALLIKA VAsugI Layout designer: AsHARAH KAMARuL Illustrator: HAssAN BAHRI to order The Star for NiE lessons, call: sundarrajan 03-7967 1388 ext 1437 or 016-288 3682 We welcome feedback; e-mail us at: starnie@thestar.com.my Teachers, you are welcome to join our Star-NiE Facebook group.
Witch: Oh, no! You’re wrong. I am evil. I’m the evilest witch in the whole world.
Rose:
(softly) There’s no such word as evilest.
Violet and the witch turn to look at Rose with surprised expressions on their faces. Violet: Witch: Rose: Violet: Witch:
-NiE , 21 August 2019
ELEMENTARY
stories about animals
Breathing life into stories THERE are many stories that cast animals as main characters. Most of the time, these animal characters can talk, think, eat, wear clothes and do many things that humans do. When animal characters are portrayed with human qualities in stories, it is called anthropomorphism. Stories like Black Beauty and The Tale of Peter Rabbit are such examples. Black Beauty by Anna Sewell is the story of a handsome black stallion that begins his days as a colt in a pleasant meadow with farmer Grey. Black Beauty’s mother, Duchess, is a gentle and dignified horse. She reminds him of his lineage and the importance of diligence, loyalty and good manners.
NiE Activity EXAMPLE
Liza Lizard Leaps
In groups of four, look for a picture or name of an animal featured in The Star. Cut it out and paste it on a sheet of A4 paper. Imagine that this animal will be the main character in a storybook that you are going to write. Using words and pictures from The Star, create a cover page for your book. Your cover must have the following; ● ● ● ●
Name of your character; Three words to describe him; Something special that your character can do or has done; and Place or setting of your story.
When you are done, take turns presenting your pieces. Finally, display your page on the classroom walls.
(continues from Page 2)
Ahead
The smartest lizard on the block
Strong
SWIFT
STRATEGIC
Saves entire
NiE Activity 2
kindergarten from being burnt down
Let’s say that you have already written your play script. You are now planning to produce your play on stage. In groups of four, look for words, phrases and/or pictures from The Star for the following parts of two different plays: a scary play and a funny play. Look for: ● ● ● ●
Titles of your plays; Three characters for each play (including brief descriptions of their roles); Setting of each play; and Three lines from your script.
Cut them out and paste them in different sections on a sheet of A3 paper. When you are done, take turns to present your work to the other groups.
EXAMPLE
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Creature characters take centre stage Ever written your own animal tales? Read these short stories brought to you by teens. ’s contributon Reader
A guiding light
By SANTDYA Y. VIJAYA KUMAR, 18 Cyberjaya University College of Medical Sciences, Cyberjaya, Selangor TWO years had passed and my hard work had finally paid off. My comrades and I – all in various colours, shapes and sizes – stood proudly on the stage, facing our friends and family, who cheered us on in their seats. Beautifully decorated for the occasion, the community hall was packed with civilians and a few important-looking officers. Before long, a middle-aged man made his way up to the podium. “Today, we celebrate and honour the newest recruits to our non-profit organisation,
Face-off
By EMMA EDELIA STEVEN, 17 SMK Ibrahim, Sungai Petani, Kedah “SQUAWK!” “That was my tail, Tobes!” the yellow bird exclaimed. It was an extremely hot day and the three caged birds were very agitated. “I’m sorry, Murph! I was slipping off the rail. Where is the human? We need a water refill soon,” Tobes chirped. The human had filled their water feeder in the morning but since it was a hot day, they were running low on it.
SOS Missions. They will be of great service to society. Having undergone two years of extensive training, they are now capable of aiding the underprivileged,” he said. His speech was followed by rousing applause. I caught a glimpse of my best friend, Shanti, cheering from the back of the hall. My heart swelled with joy, knowing how proud she was of me. The event’s guest of honour smiled down at me as he pinned a golden badge onto the sash draped over me. My excitement could no longer be contained. I bounded down the stage and headed for the end of the hall, drawing gasps from the onlookers. With her arms outstretched, Shanti somehow knew I was coming for her. As I snuggled into her embrace, the whole hall burst into applause. “Good boy, Max!” she said, petting my head and rubbing my belly. I wagged my tail vigorously and gave a few barks. It was my vow to be the best guide dog for Shanti, to be her eyes when she had none.
“I think we should shriek to get his attention,” a bright blue bird chimed in, “It always works.” That was true. Whenever the trio needed something, all they had to do was screech. This would cause the little human to dash out and attend to their needs. “You sure about that, Lexi? The little human might try to tickle us again; besides, I can’t shriek in this weather,” sighed Murph. “I’ll do it then!” Lexi offered cheerfully. Immediately, the otherwise quiet garden was filled with earsplitting cries. It went on until both Lexi and Tobes spotted the four-legged creature. “Well, um, hi Crookshanks, what brought you here?” Tobes muttered to the cat. He certainly had not thought that their shrieks would draw the feline’s attention. Crookshanks had attacked their cage a few times but failed because the humans managed to prevent
Making an impact
By WONG ZHI YONG, 19 Taylor’s College Lakeside Campus, Subang Jaya, Selangor I AM Yi Yi, the daughter of Liang Liang and Xing Xing, the two giant pandas loaned by China to Malaysia in 2014 to mark the nations’ 40th anniversary of bilateral relations. “Look at your birth pictures printed all over the newspapers,” my mother used to tell me. From the day I was born, I have been living at the Giant Panda Conservation Centre in Zoo Negara – an air-conditioned mansion that has often been a subject of envy among the other zoo inhabitants. “What’s so special about the pandas? We are black and white, too, but why don’t we get air-conditioning in our enclosure?” the zebras complained. “Look at that panda. All she does is eat bamboo shoots and sleep all day. Why are the taxpayers funding her exorbitant maintenance fees?” I
further damage. They even moved the cage higher up, but it didn’t stop the cat from paying the birds a few visits. Crookshanks grinned and said menacingly, “I want a hearty lunch today, especially since the humans are not around.” Murph looked around and realised Crookshanks was right. The humans were not at home, and now death was literally knocking on their door. “CROOKSHANKS! What did I tell you about terrorising those birds?” The four animals turned around and saw an enormous white cat standing at the front gate. “Mother! N-no, I was j-just making friends,” Crookshanks stammered as he backed away and scampered off. The trio stared after him, baffled but relieved.
the second female panda born to Liang Liang and Xing Xing sitting with her birthday cake in the National Zoo early this year. — AP even heard a human visitor say. Those words cut me to the heart as I began to question my purpose in life. “Mum, I’m tired of being a panda locked up in an enclosure. I want to make an impact on the world,” I said. Much to my surprise, my mother said, “You have always been ambitious. There is a ventilation shaft that will lead you out of the complex. Go and take a look at the outside world.” That night, I made it out. As I scampered down the zoo’s trails, every animal growled at me. “Why so much hatred?”
I cried. “They are just jealous,” an owl replied. “Ever since you were born, the number of visitors in our zoo has spiked but the attention went to you.” “Yet some obviously dislike me,” I thought. “Perhaps they just don’t realise how important you are as China’s diplomatic gift,” the owl added. I gave the idea a thought before returning to my enclosure. As much freedom as I desire for myself, I do not want a diplomatic effort to fail. In a way, I think I am making an impact after all.
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ELEMENTARY Short story
On a quest AKBAR’S Dream tells of eight-year-old Akbar, who has a dream to make the most beautiful silk cloth in the whole of India. His grandfather wants to help make Akbar’s dream come true and plans a journey with Akbar to visit the Taj Mahal in Agra. He hopes Akbar will draw inspiration for his silk cloth from the Taj Mahal. When he sees the Taj Mahal, Akbar is fascinated by its beauty, and by the splendid patterns and colours. With the stories of the Taj Mahal he has heard and the splendid patterns and colours he has seen, Akbar sets out to make his dream of creating the most beautiful silk cloth in India, come true.
NiE Activity 1
In groups of four, look for three items in The Star that can help inspire Akbar in some way towards fulfilling his dream. Cut them out and paste them on a sheet of A4 paper. Write down reasons for your choices on the same page. Then, display your work on the classroom walls.
EXAMPLE Item from The Star
Reason
NiE Activity 2 EXAMPLE Imagine that Akbar is now a very successful fabric designer. In groups of four, cut out pictures of four people featured in The Star. Paste the pictures on a sheet of A4 paper. In speech bubbles, write down something that each of them may be saying about Akbar or his work. When you are done, display your work on the classroom walls and take turns to view them.
NiE Activity 3
When you are thinking hard about doing something and you suddenly get a clever idea, you may have had a eureka moment. That’s the time a light bulb goes on in your head. Feeling inspired is a time when you feel all ready to act and create something. It can be an overwhelming emotion. Lots of people find inspiration to do something or to become better at something. Here is an excerpt from American swimmer Caeleb Dressel, who said that he has been channelling his inner Bruce Lee to keep himself focused as he chases history at the swimming world championships.
I’ve read a book inspired by Bruce Lee called Zen in the Martial Arts three times. It shows how the daily application of Zen principles can improve physical powers and mental discipline to bring me peace.
Now look for three people featured in The Star. Read a little about them to get to know them better. Then, look for three items in The Star that could be suitable inspirational items for their personalities. Explain the connection and how the items chosen could help inspire them.
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INTERMEDIATE graphic novel
Holding on to grudges WHEN an “enormous unidentified thing” in the ocean becomes a threat to sailing ships, the United States government invites Professor Pierre Aronnax, an expert on undersea life, to help investigate this grave situation. Believing that this mysterious sea monster could be a narwhal, a whale that could grow to a length of 60 feet, Professor Aronnax joins an expedition aboard the warship the Abraham Lincoln, together with his manservant, Conseil, and Ned Land, the “prince of harpooners”. Their ship crashes into a large object and they are hurled overboard and rescued by Nemo, captain of the Nautilus submarine that was mistaken for the sea monster. While travelling on board the Nautilus, the men have many exciting adventures with the kindly captain and his crew. Soon, however, they learn that not all is what it seems as Captain Nemo harbours a dark twisted secret. Read 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea by Jules Verne to find out how Professor Aronnax and his friends outwit the captain.
NiE Activity 1
As the Nautilus moves towards the island of Ceylon, Captain Nemo asks Professor Aronnax if he would like to visit a pearl fishery. The following is an excerpt from the graphic novel. Nautilus was moving towards the island of Ceylon, at the tip of the Indian peninsula. Captain Nemo:
Ceylon is famous for its pearl fisheries. Would you like to visit one of them? Professor Aronnax: I would be happy to do that Captain. I know my companions will also be happy. Captain Nemo: Tomorrow morning, we will be heading to the pearl bed. You will be given steel knives to counter any attack from sharks. Professor Aronnax : Sharks!!! Once the Captain had left the room, I broke into a cold sweat. I was terrified of the sharks.
Ceylon, or Sri Lanka as the country is now known, was famous for its pearl fisheries. Diving for pearls was a dangerous activity and pearl divers also had to face the threat of shark attacks. In groups of four, cut out the names of four countries taken from The Star. Paste them in different columns on a sheet of A3 paper. Brainstorm and do some research (if necessary) to find answers for the following points. Write them down on the same page: ● ● ● ●
What these countries were originally known as (if relevant); The capitals of the countries; The main economic activity(ies) of the countries; and One tradition or custom associated with the people of the country.
You may add related pictures from The Star. When you are done, display your work on the classroom walls and take turns to view them.
NiE Activity 2
At the end of the story, Professor Aronnax and his friends manage to escape from the Nautilus. The following is an extract from the final part of the story. All I remember is that my head hit the side of the iron of the boat and I lost all consciousness. When I regained consciousness, I found myself in a fisherman’s cottage... How we survived that night, neither my friends nor I could tell. To the readers who have gone through the strange experience of my life, I can’t tell what happened to Nautilus. Did Nautilus escape the maelstrom? Is Captain Nemo still alive? If Captain Nemo is still alive, then I hope with all my heart that his hatred for the world ends. In groups of four, think about a “strange” experience that you have had. If you don’t have one, think of someone you may know who has had an extraordinary experience. Using a sheet of A3 paper, cut out words and pictures from The Star to describe these experiences or to represent this person. You can add your own words and illustrations. Take turns to present your work to the class when you are done.
EXAMPLES ●
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-NiE ,
INTERMEDIATE Play
Keeping up with the Joneses EACH week, office worker Towers Chandler saves one dollar out of the 18 dollars he earns. When he has saved enough after 10 weeks, he indulges in a night out. Dressed in expensive clothes, Chandler would set off to dine in an expensive restaurant in New York after which he would take a taxi home. On one of these nights out, a rather shabbily-dressed girl bumps into him and hurts her foot when she falls. Chandler offers to call a taxi to take her home. She declines but agrees to have dinner with him. Chandler is attracted to the girl named Marian, whom he thinks is a common shop girl. He tries to impress her with tales of his rich and idle lifestyle. Chandler, however, would live to regret this façade of his.
NiE Activity 1
In the following extract from the play, Chandler describes his imaginary lifestyle to Marian over dinner. Marian: That was a very good dinner. Thank you, Mr. Chandler. Tell me, what do you do? Chandler: (Laughing) Do? I ride my horses, go dancing, travel to Europe. And then there’s my boat. The following conversation is between Marian and her sister, Sissie. Marian: Sissie: Marian:
I only ran down to my dressmaker’s to tell her to use blue on my new dress instead of red. Marie’s old hat and coat were just what I needed. You’re crazy! (Laughing) Everyone thought that I was a shop girl! It was wonderful!
In groups of four, cut out and paste pictures and words from The Star that are related to Marian and Chandler. Do this on a sheet of A3 paper. Refer to the template as a guide. When you are done, display your work on the classroom walls and take turns to view them.
EXAMPLE How they portray themselves
Marian
Chandler
NiE Activity 2
EXAMPLE If Chandler and Marian met again and found out who they really were, what would they say to each other? What do you think Sissie would say? In groups of four, cut out and paste pictures of three people featured in The Star. They are to represent Chandler, Marian and Sissie. In speech bubbles, write down what each of them would say to the other. Do this activity on a sheet of A4 paper. Finally, display your completed product on the classroom walls, and take turns to view each other’s work.
Who they really are
21 August 2019
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Nocturnal encounters Many events can happen in a single night. Here, our BRAts writers give us a few scenarios that can play out on ‘a night out’.
A burst of colour
By GABRIEL LIEW WAI KIT, 18 Bukit Mertajam High School, Penang Chan has just visited his mother at the hospital. As he steps out of her room, he hears sobbing sounds in the next ward. Chan: (Knocking on the slightly open door) May I come in, please? Jen: Who’s there? Chan: I’m Chan. I’m here, visiting my mum. Is everything all right? Jen: (Sniffling) No, everything is not all right! Look at me! (Gesturing to the bandages covering her eyes) Chan: What happened? Jen: A c-car accident... Some glass shattered and m-my eyes... (Sobbing even louder) Chan: Hey, you’re going to be fine. Jen: Oh yeah? Easy for you to say! You’re here for your mum, right? I bet she’s better off than me. Chan: Actually, she’s recovering from leukaemia. Jen falls silent.
Chan: She’s going to be out of here soon. That’s how I know you’ll get through this. Jen: Thanks! I’m sorry I said that earlier. I’m Jen, by the way. Chan: Nice to meet you. (Shaking Jen’s hand) So, what treatment will you be receiving? Jen: Well, I’ll be having an operation... (Sniffling) I’m just afraid that I won’t be able to see again. Chan: I’ll visit you every day that I’m here. And after the operation, I’ll have a surprise for you. Jen: Really? I would like that very much. A few weeks later, Chan enters the scene, leading a blindfolded Jen by the hand. Jen: Where are you taking me? Chan: To the roof! There’s something I want to show you. Jen: We’re not supposed to be up here Chan: Come on, Jen! A night out in the open air for the first time in weeks? That’s something you can’t miss! Chan removes Jen’s blindfold as multicoloured confetti bursts onto the scene, raining down on them. Jen: (Gasping with delight) I never thought I’d see these colours again. Jen twirls around with happiness. Jen: Thank you, Chan! Chan: You’re welcome.
Lights out
By OOI SHINZ JO, 15 Chung Ling Private High School, Penang SCENE 1 The sweets aisle at a supermarket. Karen can be seen putting a bar of chocolate into her trolley packed full with snacks. Voice on the intercom: The shop will be closing in 10 minutes. Please make your purchases as soon as possible. Karen: The sweeter the better, the more the fatter! Well, at this point, I don’t really care, do I? Bryce doesn’t care for me anymore, so neither should I care about m... Wait, is that Bryce?! Karen heads over to where Bryce is standing. Karen: Bryce, what will I do without you by my side? How terribly lost and hopeless I have been! Please, come back to me! Bryce: (Throwing a look of disgust) It’s been three months! Get over it, okay? Bryce turns and leaves, leaving Karen behind. SCENE 2 The washroom inside the supermarket. Karen
is crying while dabbing her eyes with tissue paper. Karen: (Sniffling) Why did I say all that? He doesn’t love me anymore. What was I trying to prove? Suddenly, all the lights go out. Karen: Hello, I’m not done yet! Turn on the lights! No one answers. Karen: Hello? Is anyone there? SCENE 3 The supermarket. Karen is holding her phone with its flashlight turned on while walking down aisle after aisle. Karen: Ugh, they closed the supermarket while I was inside! And there’s no phone service so I can’t call anyone! This is a disaster! Karen slumps down into a chair. Karen: Whatever has become of me? Had I not been so obsessed with Bryce, would I be stuck here? They say, time heals all wounds, but here in my universe, time has stood still. Is it because I cannot move on? Karen stands up with a look of sudden realisation. Karen: I am the culprit. All along, when I thought the god of my misery was Bryce, it was myself. I have been stumbling around in the dark, desperately searching for light, for Bryce, yet I didn’t realise what’s more important is self-love. From tonight onwards, I will move on.
A night stroll
By EMMA EDELIA STEVEN, 17 SMK Ibrahim, Sungai Petani, Kedah SCENE 1 Soft music emits from a radio in the living room. Two teenage girls sit facing a television. One is engrossed in her reading while the other looks restless, occasionally glancing at her sister. Wendy: (Yawning) I’m so bored. Can we do something interesting tonight? Irene: Why don’t you watch a movie or read a book? Wendy: No! I want to do something fun and adventurous! Let’s take a walk. It looks like there’s a nice breeze outside. Irene: We are not supposed to wander by ourselves at night. Mum won’t be happy when she finds out! Wendy: We’ll just take a quick walk. Mum will only be back at 11. We have plenty of time. Irene: Fine. If we’re caught, it will be your fault. SCENE 2 Lancaster Street, London Wendy: It’s such a calm night, perfect for a stroll! Irene: (Muttering) It won’t be
so calm when mum finds us here. Wendy: Look! There’s a shop over there. (Pointing towards the end of the street) I haven’t seen it before. Irene: (Peering) I think so. Let’s have a look. A bell chimes as the girls walk into the dimly-lit shop. An old lady with a crooked nose is sitting at the counter, a crystal ball in front of her. Mrs Zerelda: Hello, my dears! Come to have your fortunes read? I’m Mrs Zerelda. Please have a seat. Wendy: No, thanks, ma’am. We just want to look around. Mrs Zerelda: (Eyes flashing) Oh no, my dears. Once you enter, you must have your fortunes read! Otherwise, you will have extremely bad luck. Both girls back away and run out of the shop. As they pass a bush outside a dark house, a sudden rustling startles them. They turn towards it. Wendy: What was that? Irene: (Stammering) I... I’m not s-sure. Listen, I think we should go home now... Wendy: No, wait. (Advancing towards the bushes) I want to have a closer look. Irene: Don’t... Wendy: It’s a cat! Can we take her home? Irene looks back towards Mrs Zerelda’s shop, but it is gone. Irene: No, I think we’d better not.
-NiE , 21 August 2019
ADVANCED Novel
Square peg in a round hole
UNLIKE his father and older brother Gus, 15-year-old Richard Knight prefers poetry to sports and hunting. Richard has a love for nature and believes in the sanctity of life. One day, his teacher introduces the class to the poetry of Joyce Kilmer, a well-known poet with The New York Times. Richard is intrigued to find out that Kilmer also feels the same way about nature and the sanctity of life. World War One breaks out and Kilmer volunteers for service in the army to fight for his country despite his inner convictions about war and killing. Wanting to find out more about Kilmer, Richard begins a correspondence with the poet that in time develops into a strong bond of friendship. Throughout the correspondence, Richard matures as he learns about the evils of war, discrimination and racism. He also learns about patriotism, true courage and the importance of standing up for one’s beliefs. When Kilmer is killed in the war, Richard is deeply saddened. As a tribute to the poet, he writes a poem that is published in the local newspaper. Dear Mr. Kilmer is written by Anne Schraff.
NiE Activity 1
When the tavern owned by Hannah Schermer’s parents is vandalised, Richard’s teacher asks her students to sign a card to express sympathy over the Schermers’ misfortune. However, none of the other students are willing to sign on the card. The following extract is from the novel. As Richard stared at the blank whiteness of the open card, Gus’s words came back to him, “You’ve got to learn to fit in with other people.” Richard knew that if he signed the card, he would feel like more of an outsider than ever. But then he remembered pretty Hannah Schermer who, as far as he knew, had never hurt anyone. It disgusted him that people were picking on her family simply because they sang German songs and spoke their own language. How would he feel if his family were picked on? he asked himself. Despite the fact that he was tired of being different from everybody else, Richard knew that he had to sign the card.
Part 1
In groups of four, cut out pictures of four people featured in The Star. Paste them on a sheet of A4 paper. On the same page, write down six ways they are different from each other and six ways they are alike. When you are done, display your work on the classroom walls and take turns to view them.
Part 2
Based on your list of “Differences” in the above activity, have a group discussion on the following aspects: 1. What are the differences that really matter? 2. Could these differences affect relationships or the harmony of the larger society in which people live? 3. What are the ways for people who are different from each other to live in harmony with each other?
NiE Activity 2
Even though Kilmer does not believe in war, he enlists for service in the army because of his love for, and sense of patriotism towards, his country. There are many ways one can show patriotism towards one’s country. In groups of four, look for an article or picture from The Star that is related to the act of patriotism in some way. Cut it out and paste it on a sheet of A4 paper. Write a brief description on the same page and add your own opinions. When you are done, take turns to present your opinions to the other groups.
NiE Activity 3
When Richard finds out about Kilmer’s death, he is overcome by grief. The following is an extract from the novel. Richard clutched the unsent letter to his chest. An awful sense of futility swept over him. He thought about the question he had asked Mr. Kilmer in his letter: “What do poets and poetry do to make the world better?” In groups of four, cut out 10 different occupations from The Star. You may use designations or pictures. Exchange papers with another group. You will now have to arrange the occupations according to how they “make the world better”. (Rank these occupations from the most important to the least important.) When you are done, take turns to present your list to the other groups. Justify your arrangement. You can do this activity on a sheet of A4 paper.
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ADVANCED
THE LIVING PHOTOGRAPH
Poem
My small grandmother is tall there, straight-back, white broderie anglaise shirt, pleated skirt, flat shoes, grey bun, a kind, old smile round her eyes. Her big hand holds mine, white hand in black hand. Her sharp blue eyes look her own death in the eye.
Living life to the fullest THE persona is looking at an old photograph of herself with her grandmother. In the photograph, the grandmother is much younger and appears taller and stronger. The persona himself is a child of three. He is seen holding his grandmother’s hand. The persona remembers his grandmother growing older and weaker as the years pass. She grows less alert and is not as sharp as before. Her back becomes stooped with age and her memory begins to fail. Her death appears to move the persona’s beloved grandmother to a mysterious, strange and forbidding place that is beyond comprehension. In the photograph, however, the grandmother remains as vibrant, strong and alive as she once was.
It was true after all; that look. My tall grandmother became small. Her back round and hunched. Her soup forgot to boil. She went to the awful place grandmothers go. Somewhere unknown, unthinkable. But there she is still, in the photo with me at three, the crinkled smile is still living, breathing.
NiE Activity 1
Jackie Kay
EXAMPLE In groups of four, choose a picture from The Star that has more than one person featured in it. Cut it out and paste it on a sheet of A4 paper. Imagine that the people are now viewing themselves in the photograph after 40 years. What do you think they would be thinking or saying to each other? Write their thoughts or conversation down on the same page. You may create names for the people in your photograph. Use other pictures to represent these characters as they are now, if you would like to. Take turns to role-play their conversation once you are done.
NiE Activity 2
Imagine that the persona’s grandmother is looking at the photograph of her granddaughter 15 years after the photograph was taken. What do you think she would be feeling? In groups of four, rewrite the missing parts of the poem using words of your own and/or words from The Star. Illustrate the poem with pictures from The Star and take turns to read your poem out when you are done.
My
granddaughter is , ,
a
, ,
Her
her
hand in Her
hand. eyes look
.
PLE
EXAM It was true after all; that look. My tall grandmother became small. Her back round and hunched. Her soup forgot to boil. As we mature, our tastes in life change, too. In groups of four, create three different columns on a sheet of A3 paper: People below 60; People above 60; and Both.
Scan The Star for items (pictures, words, titles, articles, TV programmes, cartoons, etc) in the following list. Cut them out and paste them in the appropriate columns. When you are done, display them on the classroom walls and take turns to view them. Follow-up by writing a brief description of what you have discovered through this activity. 1. Food 3. Movie or television programme 5. Cartoon character 7. Holiday destination 9. Section in The Star
.
hand holds mine,
NiE Activity 3
● ● ●
EXAMPLE
there,
2. Recreational activity 4. Title of article 6. Car or vehicle 8. Celebrity or famous person 10. Advertisement
-NiE , 21 August 2019
Forging
friendships
In Dear Mr. Kilmer, Richard Knight befriends poet Joyce Kilmer through written correspondence. Here, BRAts writer June Yee from sMK Derma in Kangar, Perlis, gets her schoolmates to name a poet or author with whom they would be penpals.
Corresponding with Nicholas James Vujicic (or Nick Vujicic) is one of my dreams. Born with tetra-amelia syndrome, a rare disorder characterised by the absence of arms and legs, he does not give up easily. Instead, he has become a successful motivational speaker and author. His resilience in tackling hardships has inspired me a lot. His first book Life Without Limits makes me realise that the most important goal in life is to find your purpose and to never give up. I want to communicate with him so that I can get more encouragement and positive vibes from him to deal with life challenges.
I would like to have Chris McCoy as my penpal as I really admire him. I think we would get along well as both of us share an interest in science. As the saying goes, “birds of a feather flock together”. I enjoy all his stories. they are so interesting and have never failed to attract my attention. the language used in his books is easy to understand and I am able to get into the stories in a short time. I’m curious to know how he makes his stories so entertaining. Whenever I am sad, his books will definitely cheer me up. — Jauwadee Bun Chea, 17
Fredrik Backman, my favourite author. His book titled My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She’s Sorry is so interesting that I have read it many times. Besides, I would like to know how he started his journey writing books. there are surely hardships and difficulties that he has had to face throughout his writing career, so I want to know how he overcomes them and stays positive. Also, in each of his books, an animal has a central role. thus, I would like to ask whether those animals have a special significance to him. — Owen Chan Wei Wen, 17
— Alia Natasha salleh, 17
It would be J.R.R. tolkien as I love his stories very much, especially The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. I like how he merged both fantasy and war in his storytelling. If I could write to him, I would like to find out more about how he started out as an author and how he developed his imagination. All the characters in his stories have very detailed descriptions. It’s as though they were living. I would also like to know more about what inspired the villains in his stories. — Izzatul Najihah Azham, 17
Recently, I have fallen in love with Mark Forsyth, who is the author of bestselling books, The Etymologicon, The Horologicon and The Elements of Eloquence. through reading his books, I have learned a myriad of new words which will come in handy when I am writing. I have also learned different types of literary devices from his books. since English is my favourite language and I enjoy learning new words, I find reading his works fulfilling. Whenever I come across some new words, I would write them down and commit them to heart. I’m sure being his penpal will help to improve my English language proficiency. — Chuah Bee tian, 17
Of course, it would be simon sinek! sometimes, I feel discouraged in my daily life because words of encouragement from those around me including my family usually do not last long. For me, getting a reply from my idol will really lift my spirits. Reading his books has helped me in my personal development. I can now take the ups and downs in life with a positive attitude. I have also become an optimistic person who always wears a smile on my face. Not only that, he has inspired me to be a great leader. — Mridhul Nair Baskaran, 17
11
12
-NiE , 21 August 2019
Complete the phrasal verbs below. Picture:
Fill in the correct one from the list below.
up (trade, be fed, team... with) Be tired of something because one has had too much of it
Across:
up (trade, be fed, team... with) Trade something of yours for something more expensive
Down:
up (trade, be fed, team... with) Join with someone to do something together
1. “After consuming everything Teddy, Uncle Felix and Grandma had to offer, ,” Piggy I’m truly burped. 2. The year-end bonus allowed my to a father to bigger car. 3. Would you like to me playing doubles in the next tennis match? a) trade up b) fed up c) team up with
ACt out “It’s close to Valentine’s Day,” Tina said, “so I thought we could get out Shakespeare and act out one of his romantic plays.” “Which one?” Timothy asked. “The one where I am in the balcony acting out the role of Juliet and you are on one knee acting out the part of Romeo,” Tina replied. “What play is that?” Timothy asked. “Oh, Timothy, be nice and try acting out the part of a romantic mouse!” Tina cried. To act out is to play or perform a role, as in a play.
Answers: Picture: be fed up Across: trade up Down: team up with Fill in: 1) b 2) a 3) c
EPISODE 23 You don’t know huh? Ask your sister! Ask her who’s been working things so she doesn’t get to finish school!
You little busybody! Who told you this?
Don’t you hit her too! Don’t!
Busybody
A person who is too interested in things that do not concern them; meddler; troublemaker
Daze
shock, confusion As if in a daze, Dawan lifted her head up and stared at Kwai. My own brother, my own brother! You’re just a bully after all. Why did you talk to me of helping poor and weak people, and then turn around and grab the only chance that was meant for me?
With his other arm, Kwai pushed Dawan roughly aside. aside
Arghhhhhh!!! Oh… m my leg, it’s s cut…
Question
What do you think Kwai’s feelings were when he saw that Dawan was hurt?