Model Compositions for Primary 5 by Pelangi Publishing

WJPB15524

PELANGI

ap or Si ng

Other Titles for Essential Learning:

Model Compositions for Primary

Model Compositions for Primary Levels

Pt e.

Titles in this series:

Published by:

Pelangi Publishing Singapore Pte. Ltd. In collaboration with:

Dickens Publishing Ltd. Suite G7-G8, Davina House, 137-149 Goswell Road, London, EC1V 7ET, United Kingdom. E-mail: info@dickenspublishing.co.uk

www.PelangiBooks.com • Online Bookstore • Online Library •

( 201112597 C )

WJPB15524 ISBN: 978-981-07-8680-9

,!7IJ8B0-higiaj!

• Online Bookstore • Online Library •

la n

www.PelangiBooks.com

• 15 0 M Co m o del • Co positio ns mm Them only T es te es • Va d rie d Writ ing Style s

In collaboration with Dickens Publishing Ltd. (UK)

Bonus!

• Illustrated Poetry • Informative Appendices

Yvonne Ratnam

d. Lt Pt e. e ap or Si ng ng hi is bl

la n

Yvonne Ratnam

In collaboration with Dickens Publishing Ltd. (UK)

PELANGI

Pelangi Publishing Singapore Pte. Ltd. (201112597C)

PELANGI PUBLISHING SINGAPORE PTE. LTD. ( 201112597 C )

Pt e.

ÂŠ Pelangi Publishing Singapore Pte. Ltd. 2014 All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, photocopying, mechanical, recording or otherwise, without the prior permission of Pelangi Publishing Singapore Pte. Ltd.

1 Goldhill Plaza, #02-27 Goldhill Plaza Novena, Singapore 308899. E-mail: pps@pelangibooks.com

ap or

ISBN: 978-981-07-8680-9

Si ng

First Published 2014

la n

Printed in Malaysia

Si ng

ap or

Pt e.

Model Compositions for Primary 5 is written with young learners in mind and to expose them to writing in a very friendly and enjoyable manner by sharing with them what is close to their hearts. As such, the composition examples in the book are carefully planned and thought out based on understanding how a young mind learns, thinks and feels. The theme for each writing piece is drawn from the experiences, thoughts, ideas and feelings of young learners, and the themes presented in different writing styles are very relevant to school tests or exams.

The book has a total of 150 Model Compositions. The reader also gets to enjoy a bonus of Poetry. Useful and handy Appendices are also included to help young learners build a stronger vocabulary.

la n

The theme for each topic is creatively and explicitly explained in simple language enriched with vivid imagery to stir up any young learnerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s imagination. Each written piece also subtly carries the underlying values for character building. For language development, young learners can pick up useful phrases or words and use them in their own context. Enjoy writing!

iii

d. Lt 1

Alex the Zookeeper

The Taxi Driver

My Cousin May

ap or

Andrew 17

The Maid

The Salesgirl

My Super Mum

School Life Recess Time

Fussy Penny

The Fishmonger

Aunty Amber

la n

The Discipline Teacher 16

Siblings 7

The Snob

My Neighbours

Endearing Grandpa

Si ng

Wonderful Mum and Great Dad

Uncle Sahid

Pt e.

Characters Uncle Jack

The Understanding Girl 11

The Examination Is Over! 22

The School Bus Driver 12

The Competition

d. Riding a Horse

A Difference That Matters 25

Nature 37

Pt e.

Sports Day

A Lunch Gone Wrong 39

Trouble in School

An Unexpected Day of Pleasure 40

Sleeping in Class

Si ng

ap or

Being a Class Prefect 26

Moving into a New House 38

Special Moments

Pleasant and Unpleasant Experiences A Frightening Experience 31

gi la n

Everyday Places and Special Ones The Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Park

The Beach

A Visit to the Airport 43

The Unwelcome Visitor 32

My Favourite Subject 24

The Wet Market

The Bus Ride

The Mall

The Party

The Museum

A Rainy Day

My Bedroom

d. My Garden

The Circus

Forging Daddyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Signature 62 Cheating in School

ap or

The Burglary

Interesting Topics Staying at a Friendâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s House 65

Si ng

A Special Secret Place 66

Shoplifting 54

What if We Had to Move to a New Home 67

Vandalism 55

The Armed Robbery

A Most Embarrassing Moment 68

The Attempted Robbery 57

Talk about Being Scared 69

A Thief in Our Home 58

la n

What if I Were a Teacher 70

Cheated 59 The Con Woman

Jaywalking 64

Crime The Snatch Thief

A Theft in School

Pt e.

The Coffee Shop

The Dishonest Customer 61 vii

Creepy-crawly Things

My Biggest Surprise

d. Lt

When I Was Upside Down 73

A New Friend

Pt e.

Gloria’s Walk

Chores in My House

What Is Interesting to Me

My Favourite Time of the Day

ap or

Now and into the Future

Me and the Outdoors 77

The E-mail

Looking at a Globe

Jenny’s iPad

The Robot Assistant

Si ng

What Is It Like to Be Blind? 76

Rings on Her Fingers 79

A Very Unusual Mobile Phone 92

Hiccups 80

The Cities of the Future 93

la n

Getting My First Pair of Spectacles

I Just Don’t Understand 74

A Trip to the Barber 82

A Special Photograph 83 A Cartoon Character I Like 84 viii

Living on the Moon

Danny’s Robotic Dog

Dad’s New GPS

d. Lt

Hobbies

Two Interesting Places in Malaysia 109

A Place I Would Like to Visit 110

Stamp Collecting

Pt e.

Reading 97

ap or

Photography 99

An Educational Journey 111

Gardening 100

Travelling by Train

101

Travelling on the MRT Train 113

Cooking 102

Painting 103

Jerry’s First Plane Flight 114

Watching the Movies 104

Swimming 105

Storytelling 106

Travel and Places

My Trip to Sydney’s Blue Mountains

115

A Journey by Boat

116

Entertaining Stories

la n

112

Si ng

Doing Jigsaws

A Visit to a Famous City 107

Grandma’s Glass of Wine 117

A Journey through a Jungle 108

The Day Daddy Danced in Russia 118 ix

d. Lt 129

Pt e.

The Treasure Hunt

Daddy Looks So Pretty 130

119

Aunt Dolores’ Rude Shock at the Hairdressing Salon

ap or

Grandpa’s Missing Spectacles 120

‘What if’ Topics and Others

Si ng

The Day Mummy Made 121 Me Laugh

What if I Could Make School Rules 131

The Crazy Dogs in the Neighbourhood 122

Toby’s Hilarious Friend 123

What if Janis Had a Secret Place

The Very Special Drink 124 125

How Embarrassing!

The Things I Remember about Kindergarten 126

135

The Best News Ever 136

The Naughty Grandma 127 Humour on the Bus

133

What if I Were a Millionaire 134

la n

David and Goliath

What if Singapore Had Four Seasons 132

Something Nobody Knew about Abby

128

137

d. It Was a Long Day

149 150

ap or

Where Is the Colour? 139 The Unlikely Match

The Beggar

Pt e.

What if I Could Travel Back in Time 138

Poems

140

Water 153

Si ng

Feelings

Smile 154

A Sad Day

141

Leisure 156

A Scary Experience

143

Why? 157

144

The Fly

Simply a Very Happy Day 142

Books 155

The Fight in School

Tuition 159

The Mathematics Examination 145

la n

The Exam

An Annoying Neighbour 146

My Elder Sister

147

Being the Youngest

148

158

160

Toys 161 Tears 162 The Sky

163

d. Lt

Punishments 171

The Spare Refrigerator 165

The Holidays

The Bat, Cat and Rat 166 167

Mum’s Mug

168

My Garden

169

ng 170

la n

Cathy and Friends

xii

172 173

Appendix 2

178

Appendix 3

183

Appendix 4

186

Appendix 5

187

Si ng

Dad’s Car

ap or

Appendix 1

Pt e.

Desserts 164

Characters

Uncle Jack

ap or

Pt e.

My mumâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s elder brother, Uncle Jack, is a bachelor. He lives in Kuala Lumpur and is my favourite uncle. I enjoy his company tremendously as there is always laughter, adventure and incessant fun when I am with him. I am inclined to think, though I could be wrong, that being single with minimal responsibilities has made him so affectionately bubbly with an outgoing disposition.

Si ng

Last year, around the June holidays, my family and I were privileged to have him stay with us for two weeks. Uncle Jack said that he had missed us immensely and had therefore longed to spend some time with us in Singapore. I was more than overjoyed.

The day he arrived at our home, I selfishly monopolized him. Mum ever so often that evening after dinner, while we were relaxing in the living room, looked at me with a smile of approval. I think she was glad I was so fond of her big brother whom she loved a lot and who she knew would have a positive influence on me. My friends were all people of my age and I knew that they could not possibly help me much with acquiring wisdom and maturity. Uncle Jack was the only adult I was close to, aside from my parents, and I think that brought some comfort to her.

la n

That evening, Uncle Jackâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s conversation with me was exhilarating. He told me of how he had climbed a mountain and what a scary, humbling experience it was. He was always candid and I truly enjoyed his profound insight into the things he had experienced. I especially appreciated the fact that he never just spoke about himself, but he was genuinely interested in the things I had done even though they paled in comparison to his experiences. That night, before I slipped into slumberland, I planned out an itinerary for the next day with Uncle Jack. I had two whole weeks with him and I was determined not to miss or waste even a minute of it. 1

Characters

Pt e.

Andy enjoyed his monthly trip to the zoo with his doting parents. The zoo was a child’s paradise as it promised them sights and sounds that were so enthralling and unique. Andy loved the zoo as much as any other kid, but unlike them, he loved to go there to watch Alex, the zookeeper, especially during feeding time.

Alex the Zookeeper

Si ng

ap or

As Alex walked into each enclosure that housed some of nature’s fiercest and wildest animals, Andy was amazed at the ease and confidence he displayed. He understood the animals under his care perfectly and they, in turn, respected and obeyed him. Working at the zoo was gruelling work, but Alex apparently did not mind it as it gave him joy and true satisfaction. Becoming good friends was inevitable for Alex and Andy and that motivated Andy to visit the zoo.

“Hello Zimba. How are you today? You know what time it is,” said Alex. The chimpanzee moved closer to Alex and took the bunch of bananas from him calmly and without haste. Alex was free to move around the chimpanzee enclosure and the apes never crowded around him. They were territorial creatures but Alex was clearly accepted by them. None of them showed any signs of being threatened. Andy looked at Alex with eyes of admiration and wished someday he could do what Alex was doing. As he left their enclosure after everyone was fed, a loud chatter in unison was heard. It seemed to Andy a cry of “Thank you” to their caretaker and probably leader too.

la n

The elephants were the most loving and playful of all Alex’s charges. They often stroked his back with their long muscular trunks as he filled their large wooden troughs with a variety of delectable tropical fruits. Their trumpeting sounds were a confirmation of their love and appreciation for Alex’s unfailing care and attention.

The zoo and its keeper would always be special to Andy and nothing was going to change that. 2

Characters

Wonderful Mum and Great Dad

Pt e.

A fine figure of a woman is my mum and a pillar of strength is my dad. Together they are a formidable opponent to all who wish me harm. I am so glad I have them on my side.

Si ng

ap or

Mum works laboriously as a nurse in a goverment hospital and she is excellent at her job of fifteen years, I am told. Her skill as a caregiver of the sick comes in handy on occasions when I am sick or have accidentally sustained an injury. My dad has also been pampered by my mum when he needs her care. However, I must say that she does lack the gentle touch. This is probably due to the years of tending to the needs of the sick which has made her a tough and no-nonsense nurse. She is different when it comes to me. The best part for me when I get sick is when she kisses me ever so often, does not expect me to do any household chores and pampers me with books, toys and craft packages. I feel like a prince living in a castle.

In all of this, my dad is completely supportive and this makes me happier. On weekends, I love spending time with my dad. He is a famous local writer. His world is one of insatiable knowledge, adventure and intrigue, though his critics say it is limited within the confines of his mind. In a world of mundane things and monotony, he has found a world of complete and unceasing splendour and fantasy. The numerous awards for his literary achievements are proof of his genius.

la n

I wish to be able to emulate him in my adulthood and leave my children a legacy as rich as the one he is going to leave me. I have tried writing a few short stories and shown them to him. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They are marvellous, dear son! Keep at it,â&#x20AC;? he said. He is so thoughtful and supportive but I know I have a long way to go if I want to be a writer. I am determined not to give up, especially when I remember him telling me how he failed his English composition test when he was my age and that he never dreamt he would be a renowned writer one day. 3

Characters

ap or

Pt e.

David looked at his grandpa sitting alone on his rocking chair. He looked so frail and small as he held his mug of coffee with his trembling hands. These days his eyesight was blurred and when he walked, his steps always faltered. David approached his grandpa and placed his hand gently on his shoulder. With tired eyes that had seen too many hard days, he looked at David and smiled. He knew he was loved and that felt great.

Endearing Grandpa

Si ng

“He wasn’t like this, you know,” said David’s mum to him one fine Sunday morning. “I remember it as if it was yesterday. My father could climb a mountain, fight a bull and swim across a bay. He was the most outgoing, adventurous and energetic man I have ever known. I was so proud of him and it was such a joy to see him so elated and full of life and promise.” As she spoke on and on, David began to recall the times he spent with his grandpa when he was much younger. Their slow walks to and from his kindergarten and school when he was in Primary 1 were unforgettable. Grandpa was a good conversationalist and he always had exciting stories to relate. Those walks were very precious moments. David would never forget the puzzles and board games on rainy days, the slides, the sandpit and the jungle gym at the playground when it was sunny. He was with David every step of the way, cheering him on and telling him when he fell or was sad, that it was okay.

la n

Now he sits alone and it is David’s turn to say, “It is okay.” It comforts him, David knows, when he is assured that his only grandson loves him and will always be there to reassure and say, “It’s okay, Grandpa.”

Characters

The Taxi Driver

Pt e.

“A very good morning to both of you,” the taxi driver greeted Shirley and her mother as he waited for them to get into his taxi. It was a refreshing sight to see people practise courtesy. Shirley got into the taxi with her mum and soon they were on their way.

Si ng

ap or

The taxi driver was very friendly and a lively conversation soon began between him and Shirley’s mum. They spoke about a host of subjects from the weather to the rising cost of living. Shirley soon realised as the conversation progressed that this taxi driver was quite knowledgeable and well informed. He seemed to know so much about what was and was now happening in Singpore. To top it all, he was very entertaining as he had an excellent sense of humour. His job had brought him into contact with people from all walks of life and he had a barrage of jokes and stories to tell us. Being a taxi driver had taught him to be observant and he had learnt about people and their ways. In a light-hearted manner, he talked about the idiosyncrasies of the people he had come into contact with. He was just a barrel of laughs and it was a breath of fresh air sitting in his taxi.

la n

Shirley’s PSLE was just over and she needed somebody to make her laugh and relax. Both her mum and her were off to a supermarket to do some last-minute grocery shopping as they were having guests over that evening for dinner. The taxi driver was very helpful in this regard as he knew the roads in Singapore so well that he avoided all the roads that were jammed up at that peak hour of 2.00 p.m. He brought them straight to their destination in no time. As they got out of his taxi, he thanked them very politely, told them to have a great day and wished them well. He was just a stranger but somehow Shirley felt he was a sincere man who thought about the needs of others. He was a rare one as was sincerity. “Thank you so much, Uncle, for your company and well wishes,” said Shirley in reply and with that he smiled and drove away. 5

Characters

Pt e.

It was my first visit to my Aunt Shirley’s home that June two years ago. I was not exactly thrilled or excited about the visit as Aunt Shirley was not the person I longed to see. Nevertheless, at Mum’s insistence, I relented as usual.

My Cousin May

Si ng

ap or

We arrived at our destination after about half an hour and were greeted at the front door by a bubbly young person, very much my age. The moment we met and said ‘Hi’ to each other, I liked her. She was May, my cousin. She had all the manners of a young lady who was well trained and unlike me, shabby and plain, she was pretty and well groomed.

Aunt Shirley’s house was immaculately clean and neat with exquisite furnishings and decorative ornaments. Nothing seemed out of place, unlike my house, especially my room. May kindly invited me to her room to see her pet guinea pigs while the two mothers conversed with each other. I jumped at the invitation and avoided Aunt Shirley’s barrage of questions about my weight, school, goals and results. She was such a nosey parker and I was determined not to provide her with any information.

la n

May’s room was a sight to behold. It had pale peach walls with white lace window curtains. Two oil paintings of the English countryside hung on the walls and a bed with lily-white and yellow satin sheets sat majestically next to a bay window. The decor of her room indicated her delicate and refined demeanour. As she introduced me to her precious guinea pigs, Twiggles and Snuggles, I could see the love she had for them. May and I then did some puzzles together. She was excellent at puzzles and I certainly had learnt a trick or two from her. Our time together was truly enjoyable because she was sincerely interested in getting to know me and the things I enjoyed doing. I looked forward to our next visit which I hoped would be soon. 6

Characters

Siblings

ap or

Pt e.

Mark lived with three of his siblings and had the unenviable task of watching over them frequently as he was the oldest child. What made his task even more difficult as far as he was concerned was that his siblings were all girls ranging from the ages of six to eight. Mark clearly loved them but they were a handful during outings and when they had the house to themselves when Mum and Dad were out.

Si ng

The thing that Mark found quite irritating was when the girls kept giggling and laughing continuously for a long time over some silly thing they had seen or heard. Telling them to stop or even yelling at them to do so was a futile exercise and so, when it happened, Mark just bit the bullet and continued with what he was doing. The only relief for Mark was a pair of earplugs.

There were, however, times when he did find them adorable and even amusing. These were the times when they would pamper him with sweets and chocolates or clean and tidy up his room to make up for having upset him with too much of their high-spirited antics. He especially loved the look on their faces as they sadly begged for his forgiveness for making him upset to the point of almost shedding tears. Mark always accepted their apologies, and then peace and quiet reigned for that day until the next.

la n

Shopping with his siblings was an act of endurance for his parents, and Mark was happy to have no part in it. He would busy himself with the latest electronic gadgets while his mum and dad had a fit with the girls at the toy store. Somehow the two always got what they wanted before their mum and dad whisked them all home. At night, Mark looked at his two sisters and realized that even though they could be a source of irritation and stress for him, he still loved them both very much. They ensured that there was never any dull moment in his life. 7

Characters

ap or

Pt e.

It was the weekend and I had arrived at Aunty Amber’s home to go on a fishing trip with her family. My parents were preoccupied with their jobs that weekend, but they told me that I could have a good time at my aunt’s place. I was a little disappointed that my parents could not come along, but I know that they would have loved to be with me, and so I agreed to go on my own without making a big fuss.

Aunty Amber

Si ng

Aunt Amber’s home was massive and there was a long driveway to the house. As the taxi pulled up in front of her house, I got out and stood for a moment looking with great interest at the well-landscaped garden and the scenery that confronted me. It was a fabulous place to say the least, and I was glad to be a guest here.

la n

Aunt Amber welcomed me with open arms at the front door and gave me a huge hug. Her two daughters, Cindy and Clara, got along well with me. After about half an hour of chit-chatting, we all got ready to go on our fishing trip. A tease from Cindy resulted in me chasing her around the house, out the front door and down a few steps to the driveway. As I ran down those steps, I somehow missed one. I rolled down like a ton of bricks and badly twisted my right ankle. The pain was excruciating. Cindy came running to my aid and she felt bad for teasing me. Aunt Amber then with a look of deep concern comforted me and carried me to the living room. There, she placed my injured ankle on a soft cushion so that I would feel less pain. The doctor was summoned and in no time I was examined, my foot bandaged and medication was supplied. I felt bad about the accident as it had put a damper on the fishing trip. Aunt Amber, however, was a real darling. She told her family to go ahead with the trip but she said she would stay back to look after me. I was so touched by her self-sacrificing attitude and she looked after me just like a mother would. Aunt Amber was a gem and I loved her a lot. 8

Characters

Fussy Penny

Pt e.

“Don’t touch my iPad, you’ll leave your fingerprints on it!” shouted Amy as her younger brother merely looked at it curiously to see what it was. The poor kid had such a shock when his sister yelled at him that he began to cry and then he ran to his mum to complain about Amy.

Si ng

ap or

Once the matter was resolved and everything was calm, Amy diligently examined her electronic gadget, screening it for fingerprints. There were none to be found and with a sigh of relief, she carefully put it back in its case and placed it out of the reach of all her siblings. Amy was just that way with almost everything she possessed. Everything had to be spotlessly clean and in pristine condition. She apparently had an obsession with cleanliness, at least that’s what her siblings thought. On one occasion, just to rattle her cage, they put some chocolate candies in her iPad carrier bag. The sight of ants emerging from the carrier bag as she picked it up made her scream so horribly loud that her mum thought something dreadful had happened to her. The kids got into hot soup that day and that was the last time that prank was played.

la n

Going for lunch or dinner with Penny was also an occasion that she did not spare her family from observing her fussiness. Once the cutlery was laid before her, she would take a moist tissue and wipe her cutlery clean. She would also wipe any straw that was provided for her drink. Ben and Jamin, her two brothers, thought she was weird and always made fun of her. They would say “Wipe the glasses, table, chairs and Daddy’s fingers too, Penny, while you’re at it.” Penny was extremely fussy but a good sport and when everyone laughed at the spontaneous jokes of her brothers, so would she. At night, like clockwork, Penny would ensure that her bathroom was spotlessly clean and neat. Order and the absence of dirt was the order of the day for Penny and being only a child, this had made her a rarity, someone loved dearly by her mum in particular. 9

Characters

ap or

Pt e.

“Do you know who I am?” yelled Melissa Ng as poor Esther accidentally bumped into her that first day of school. Esther just stood rooted to the ground totally taken aback by Melissa’s abrupt and rude tone. No words escaped from her lips in reply to Melissa’s remark as she had no idea who Melissa was. “Tell her, girls!” Melissa proudly ordered her gang of friends. A pretty girl came close to Esther, almost breathing down her neck, and said firmly,” She is Thomas Kong’s daughter, the internationally renowned architect. Stay out of her way!” With that, the peacocks of my school left the canteen.

The Snob

Si ng

Melissa was far from ravishing, but she acted like she was. She never failed to display her wealth daily by wearing a variety of branded white sneakers to school, a different pair each day, and she did the same with her school bag. Such acts of vanity were not my cup of tea and I considered her shallow and highly immature. My lack of interest in her eventually made a confrontation between the two of us inevitable.

la n

It was a Friday afternoon and Melissa was waiting for her driver to pick her up after school. I was waiting for my dad. Unusually, an hour passed and there was no sign of either my dad or her driver. On edge and impatiently, Melissa kept looking at her watch. Then she picked up her mobile phone to call her driver. It was dead and the school gate was closed. Everyone had left except the two of us. We stood there anxiously, waiting for our transport. Melissa reluctantly looked at me and said, “Let me use your phone, mine is dead and needs to be charged.” I replied to her arrogance quite simply by saying , “No, and I don’t care who you are.” My refusal to help made her feel quite desperate and when I saw her eyes moisten with emotion, I relented.

Melissa continued being the snob of the school but with me, I somehow detected a tinge of respect and maybe even admiration.

Characters

The Understanding Girl

Pt e.

Wei Wen was only in Primary 5 but she displayed such maturity on special occasions that surpassed that of her older siblings and even some adults. I was her best friend and I had the privilege of being with her on one of those special occasions.

ap or

It was a normal day at school and as usual we went to our favourite noodle stall at the school canteen to order piping hot fishball noodles. Aunty Chin, the owner of the stall, was a very warm, friendly and lively person. Her pleasant demeanour and delicious noodles made her an all-time favourite of many pupils.

Si ng

That day as we queued up to order our meals, I noticed Aunty Chin’s agitated face. She was a little curt to one or two pupils who took just a little longer to pay for their food. It was not like her to behave like that, but her impolite behaviour was irritating me.

By the time it came to our turn, Wei Wen accidentally dropped some coins while paying for her food. Aunty Chin, out of the blue, shouted, “You stupid girl! Be more careful from now on!” Wen Wen did not answer her in retaliation but apologised, picked up the coins, gave them to Aunty Chin and then carried her food away quickly. I was mad at what had just happened and wanted to tell Aunty Chin off. Wei Wen told me to calm down and just order my food. I listened to her.

la n

When we were at our table, I asked Wei Wen why she chose not to retaliate. She said, “Normally, Aunty Chin isn’t like this. Something must have upset her. Maybe behaving this way helps her to cope with her problems. I’m not angry with her. She’s a good person who’s just having a bad day.” I kept silent for a while, pondering on what she had said. I realized that her understanding of people was amazing, especially for her age. I was proud to have such a special friend who always saw people for who they really were. 11

Characters

Pt e.

Wei Ming wondered why the school bus driver who took him to school was always serious and firm. There was hardly a day when he appeared cheerful and happy. Mr Chee was such an unfriendly bloke.

The School Bus Driver

Si ng

ap or

Walking up those stairs to take his seat on the fairly old school bus only to be confronted by the blank look on Mr Chee’s face was something Wei Ming did not look foward to. However, every day he did it much to his displeasure. While on the bus, the occasional “Keep quiet!” was uttered by Mr Chee. Everyone on the bus was well behaved most of the time because Mr Chee was fearsome and that, Wei Ming thought, was a good thing. He reasoned that maybe that was why Mr Chee was such an ogre. Any sign of him being lenient would give some pupils the green light to misbehave. Wei Ming was curious to know what kind of a person Mr Chee actually was. He decided to observe Mr Chee after school as he interacted with the other bus driver.

la n

It was a Friday afternoon and the bus drivers including Mr Chee were as usual waiting for the pupils to board their buses affer school. Wei Ming was the first to leave the class when the dismissal bell rang. He rushed to the vicinity where the school buses were parked. There at the far end of a string of school buses was Mr Chee, chatting excitedly with his fellow bus drivers. Wei Ming walked closer to their group and hid behind a parked car. He stood there for a while observing Mr Chee. To his surprise, Mr Chee was cheerful and showed a good sense of humour. He was a clear case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. It was a pity the pupils on his bus did not have the privilege of enjoying the company of such a jovial and friendly man.

The next morning, Wei Ming boarded the bus as usual. As he was about to sit down, Mr Chee said, “Good morning, Wei Ming. Hope you enjoyed watching me yesterday.” Then he looked at Wei Ming and gave him a broad smile. 12

Characters

Uncle Sahid

Si ng

ap or

Pt e.

Uncle Sahid owned a small roti paratha stall near Ravi’s flat. It was the place Ravi frequented every morning without fail. Uncle Sahid made the best roti paratha in the world, as far as Ravi was concerned. He knew it was not the best food to be consumed for breakfast daily, but its absolutely delicious taste, especially when eaten with Uncle Sahid’s famous chicken curry, was simply irresistible. He had developed an addiction for this dish and every morning he fell prey to the temptation of roti paratha beckoning him. Soon both Ravi and Uncle Sahid became good friends and as the months passed, Ravi went to Uncle Sahid’s stall not just to satisfy his taste buds but also for the company of a good friend.

la n

One day in May, after school, when the weather was particularly hot, Ravi stopped at Uncle Sahid’s stall. He had not come to the stall in the morning that day as he usually did. Uncle Sahid knew something was wrong as he observed Ravi sitting at an empty table in a reflective mood. He seemed so far away in his thoughts. After attending to some customers, Uncle Sahid approached Ravi and gently put his hand on his shoulder, reassuring him of his friendship. Ravi smiled in a halfhearted manner, not because he was not happy to see his friend, but because something was obviously worrying him. Uncel Sahid sat next to Ravi silently and waited for him to speak. After a few seconds, Ravi said, “I did very badly in my mid-year examination, Uncle. I don’t know how to tell my parents.” Uncle Sahid looked compassionately at Ravi and slowly, after listening more than talking, he helped Ravi discern through a series of questions about what he had to do. That afternoon Ravi went home a little nervous but confident. He knew just what to do. He was very grateful to Uncle Sahid for his timely advice. It was not long thereafter that Uncle Sahid became not just Ravi’s good friend but also a good friend of his family.

Characters

Pt e.

I live in a terrace house in Bukit Timah and am flanked on either side by two entertaining families. On my left are the Tans and on my right, the Nathans. It is not that every member of these two families is entertaining but certain members of them centainly are.

My Neighbours

Si ng

ap or

Uncle Nathan, the head of the Nathan family, is somewhat a clown and I say that with due respect. Every evening, after he comes home from work, he changes his school teacher work clothes and puts on a pair of bright blue baggy shorts. Barrel-chested with a large pot belly and donning oversized shorts, Uncle Nathan begins his daily routine of stationary exercises. What makes me burst into uncontrollable laughter which, incidentally, I have to stifle, is when he starts doing some Bruce Lee kicks to finish off his exercise routine. It is a sight that would clearly displease Bruce Lee if he were still alive. Anyway, Uncle Nathan is a good neighbour and I am truly grateful for the comical relief he provides me every day.

la n

The Tan family is by and large as normal as any other family but the head of their household, Uncle Tan, is rather queer in his habits. Every morning he cleans his throat so loudly that it can be heard five houses away. It is a disgusting sound but I am sure it gives him relief and ease. Then he has this strange urge to use other peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dustbins to dispose of his rubbish instead of his own which he keeps in the porch. I think he loves to look at a clean and unused dustbin every day so he does not use his but ours and sometimes Uncle Nathanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. What is comical about him is when he sneaks quietly around the vicinity to drop his bags of rubbish quickly into other peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bins. Up on my balcony, I have seen it all. Uncle Nathan and Uncle Tan are unusual characters but I am glad they are my neighbours. I never have a dull moment every evening as I relax on my balcony, thanks to them. 14

Characters

The Fishmonger

ap or

Pt e.

Standing confidently with a chopper in his hand, skilfully transforming whole fish into smaller eatable pieces and then cleaning and packing them in plastic bags, is Uncle Fred, the fishmonger. My mum has been going to him for the last ten years, so she says. He is not just a fishmonger but a friend who can be trusted to give her the very best and freshest fish at a very reasonable price. Mum has never bought a lot of fish from him as we are a small family of three but she is his regular customer and he appreciates her loyalty.

Si ng

On days when the market is not too crowded and Uncle Fred does not have too many customers, I am privileged to learn from him a lot about the different kinds of fish he sells. He has taught me their names, told me how much they weigh, how best to cook them and even where they come from. I love fish, be they on my plate or in my aquarium, and I never tire of learning about them. My learning moments with Uncle Fred are very precious to me.

la n

Uncle Fred keeps me company when my mum goes to other stalls to buy the things she needs. Aside from the learning part, I also thoroughly enjoy watching him wearing a black plastic apron and swinging fish of all sizes onto his large wooden chopping board and then accurately cut, dice, slice and debone the fish at such uncanny speed. Sometimes I close my eyes when it appears that some of his fingers may be chopped off as he works with his razor-sharp and shiny chopper. I realise that the skill he has is something I could never have and as I watch him work, I look at him with eyes of admiration. A day at the wet market always ends with a great feeling and as I leave reluctantly, I look forward to my next chat with Uncle Fred.

la n

gi ng

ap or

Si ng e

Pt e.

ap or

Pt e.

Poems

clean the earth and make it grand, feed the thirst of the vast dry land, make the fish swim with glee, mighty whales sing a symphony.

You You You The

Si ng

Precious liquid, liquid gold, Source of life for the young and old, Once your abundance was a pleasant sight, Now all we do is lament and fight.

la n

Why did we treat you with little regard, The vast deserts reveal how we forced you to depart, What foolishness to think you’d always be there, We took you for granted and now we’re in despair. I’ll cherish you now and every day, What’s left unused will be kept for the next day, Never leave a tap running wastefully, It’s liquid gold so let’s all think and act wisely. 153

Si ng

ap or

Pt e.

Poems

la n

Start the day with a very wide smile, Think of all the good things just for a while. Smile despite a scolding tongue, It might change the harsh tune sung.

Smile while in trouble or in pain, Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hard but think of all that you will gain. Smile for me and smile for you, See if others will follow us too. 154

Pt e.

Books, books everywhere, Save the trees, the forests are bare.

Poems

Imagine a world devoid of books, Spectacles delayed and only good looks.

ap or

No more reading for hours on end, Just experience life first-hand.

Si ng

But ideas so profound may then be lost, In books they remain a heritage of invaluable cost.

Quiet moments of reflection ignited by the written word, Would soon disappear and never be heard.

Is this what we desire in finality? No history, poetry or spirituality?

la n

A dilemma is what we certainly are in, To solve it, exactly where do we begin?

155

WJPB15524

PELANGI

Model Compositions for Primary Levels

ap or

Si ng

Other Titles for Essential Learning:

Model Compositions for Primary

Pt e.

Titles in this series:

www.PelangiBooks.com

la n

• Online Bookstore • Online Library •

www.PelangiBooks.com • Online Bookstore • Online Library •

Published by:

Pelangi Publishing Singapore Pte. Ltd. In collaboration with:

Dickens Publishing Ltd. Suite G7-G8, Davina House, 137-149 Goswell Road, London, EC1V 7ET, United Kingdom. E-mail: info@dickenspublishing.co.uk

( 201112597 C )

WJPB15524 ISBN: 978-981-07-8680-9

,!7IJ8B0-higiaj!

• 15 0 M Co m o del • Co positio ns mm Them only T es te es • Va d rie d Writ ing Style s

In collaboration with Dickens Publishing Ltd. (UK)

Bonus!

• Illustrated Poetry • Informative Appendices

Yvonne Ratnam