Writing Exercises for Primary 4

WDPB14325

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

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• Online Bookstore • Online Library •

Pelangi Publishing Singapore Pte. Ltd.

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www.PelangiBooks.com Published by:

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Writing Exercises

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PELANGI

• Online Bookstore • Online Library •

( 201112597 C )

WDPB14325

ISBN 978-981-07-6108-0

,!7IJ8B0-hgbaia!

In collaboration with Dickens Publishing Ltd. (UK) Based on Revised

English Language Examination NEW Essential Skill-building Exercises Progressive Tasks That Stimulate Creative Thinking Clear and Concise Answers for Easy Reference

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ISBN 978-981-07-6108-0

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First Published 2015 In collaboration with Dickens Publishing Ltd. (UK)

Š Pelangi Publishing Singapore Pte. Ltd. 2015 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.

PELANGI PUBLISHING SINGAPORE PTE. LTD. ( 201112597 C ) 1 Goldhill Plaza, #02-27 Goldhill Plaza Novena, Singapore 308899.

E-mail: pps@pelangibooks.com

Printed in Malaysia

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Our English Writing Series for Primary Levels is aimed at guiding pupils to write effectively upon developing their creative and analytical skills.

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When pupils are trained to observe and analyse different situations, then asked to create and suggest ideas, they will be equipped with the skills for writing, and hence feel confident to write.

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In line with the requirements of the latest Singapore English Language Syllabus which aims at moulding pupils into creative human resources, our series focuses on the following essentials:

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• grammar and lexical enrichment exercises • skill-building exercises (e.g. how to expand on a word, a phrase, a sentence, a paragraph, etc.)

• progressive tasks that stimulate creative and analytical thinking (e.g. give opinions, suggest ideas, make conclusions, etc.)

• exposure to the different styles of writing

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The carefully graded exercises are excellent resources that teachers can use for classroom teaching. Pupils can also work on the exercises by themselves at home as clear and concise answers for easy reference are included in the book.

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Our English Writing Series for Primary Levels has been carefully planned and arranged by experienced teachers to help pupils to learn to write different compositions using their creativity and analytical skills.

It will be a great help to pupils who are keen to learn more about writing!

WRITING EXERCISE 1............................ 1

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A Correcting errors and rewriting a story

F Writing a book report on a book read recently WRITING EXERCISE 4.........................23

C Writing about a journey

A How to write a formal letter

D Completing a poem

B Writing a formal letter to request for permission to visit a factory

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B Rearranging sentences to tell a story

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E Writing a poem based on a theme

E How to write a letter of apology

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B Finding synonyms for words

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A Constructing descriptive sentences

D Writing an informal letter to inform a teacher of absence from school

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WRITING EXERCISE 2.......................... 9

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C How to write an informal letter

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C Replacing words in a passage with synonyms

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D Writing descriptions about common subjects

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E Writing observations about people

F Writing a letter of apology to an aunt WRITING EXERCISE 5......................... 31 A How to write a diary B Parts of a diary C Writing a diary entry based on an event D How to write a postcard

A How to write a book report

E Writing a postcard to a friend

B Answering questions about writing book reports

WRITING EXERCISE 6.........................40

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WRITING EXERCISE 3..........................17

A How to write a report about an animal

D Writing a book report on an enjoyable book

C Format for an animal report D Writing an animal report on the seahorse

E Writing a book report to compare two books on a similar topic

E Writing an animal report on the Tasmanian tiger

C Writing a book report on a favourite character

B Topics to research and include in the report

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WRITING EXERCISE 7......................... 47

WRITING EXERCISE 10........................64

A How to make a poster on healthy eating and the food pyramid

A Writing a personal recount

B A sample of the completed poster C Writing six steps to make a poster

B A list of adjectives used in a personal recount and a list of words to replace the word “said”

D An example of a personal recount

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D Writing instructions to do a craft project

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C The structure of a personal recount

E Writing a personal recount on a topic

WRITING EXERCISE 8.........................52

WRITING EXERCISE 11..........................71

A How to write a story

A Writing a procedure

B Writing an opening or introductory paragraph

B An example of a recipe

C Describing a setting

D Answering questions based on instructions for making a handicraft item

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E Answering questions creatively

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C Writing a recipe

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D Writing an ending

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E Writing a story based on a title WRITING EXERCISE 9…………… 58

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A Writing an invitation letter

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B An example of an invitation letter C Writing an invitation letter to an uncle and an aunt

E Writing instructions for an optical illusion handicraft item WRITING EXERCISE 12........................80 A Understanding an itinerary B Writing an itinerary for a tour C How to write a daily schedule D A sample of a daily schedule

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D Accepting an invitation Enrichment Practices…………. 85

F Writing short responses to an invitation

Answers…………………………….108

E Declining an invitation

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A The story below lacks proper punctuation and logical order.

Correct the errors and rewrite the story.

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The story:

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the half-finished gowns lay on their beds stefanies skin was so exquisitely fair that it seemed cut out of lilies or white rose petals she was short but had big arms round wrists and conspicuous dimpled cheeks she looked strong the morning sun arose and peeked cheerfully through a window into a lovely bedroom furnished in pink the sisters could not wait for their mother to complete their new sky-blue silk gowns the sun was magical Tabitha on the other hand was slim and tall with thick black hair coiled gracefully into a bun that sat on top of her small head the gowns were their first evening attires and they were so eager to wear them its bright golden rays fell on mrs chews daughters stefanie and tabitha the girls giggled and their eyes lit up as they combed their glossy hair in front of the mirror

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Writing Exercise 1

B Rearrange the sentences below in their correct order to tell a story.

Then rewrite the story on the lines provided. ) Just then, Stacy heard a rattling sound coming from the kitchen.

(

) The howling wind that night kept Stacy awake till the wee hours of the morning.

(

) As she approached the kitchen, she looked around, but the source of the sound could not be tracked.

(

) Feeling weary from her sleeplessness, Stacy decided to make herself a nice hot cup of cocoa.

(

) Somehow, everyone was in slumberland and the house was pleasantly serene, a rare coincidence.

(

) Suddenly, a dazzling light flashed across her eyes and then the sound ceased abruptly.

(

) Then, an unusual purple light glowed in the space between the refrigerator and the sink.

(

) She assumed that it was most probably one of her brother’s irritating toys.

(

) Stacy was puzzled and a little apprehensive as she knew that her brother did not own any toy that could do anything like that.

(

) The situation really boggled her imagination and a sense of unease set in.

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Writing Exercise 1

The story: 1.

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Writing Exercise 1

C The last December holidays, Paul visited Sarawak and Sabah.

With the help of the map given below and some Internet research, write about Paul’s journey to different interesting places and what he saw and did. The first destination has been done for you.

Kota Kinabalu

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7 Mt Kinabalu

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Whitewater Rafting

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SABAH

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Niah Caves

Diving (Celebes Sea)

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SARAWAK 1

Kuching

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Sarawak Cultural Village

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Fort Margherita

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Interesting fact

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Sarawak is known as “The Land of the Hornbills” simply because the birds can be found in large numbers in the tropical forest. Sabah is often known as “The Land below the Wind” because it just escapes from the path of a typhoon that usually sweeps through the Philippines and Hong Kong.

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Kinabatangan River

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The Pinnacles

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9 Cocoa Plantation

Writing Exercise 1

Paul landed in Kuching, the capital of Sarawak, on the first day of his journey. He enjoyed the sumptuous food and the breathtaking scenic sights there. Using his new digital camera, Paul took many photographs of the city and its unique surroundings.

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His next destination was

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After that, he went to

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From Fort Margherita, Paul went to

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The next stop was

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Writing Exercise 1

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Next, it was time for him to do something thrilling. So, Paul went

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The next must-see destination was

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Paul’s next stop was Mt Kinabalu

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A cocoa plantation was next on Paul’s itinerary

Finally, Paul went diving in the Celebes Sea

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Writing Exercise 1

Singapore my ravishing queen, You are so immaculately Never a piece of litter, Because punishment is always

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D Singapore is an outstandingly unique country. Fill in the blanks with appropriate rhyming words and phrases to complete the poem about its charm.

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(1), (2).

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A fine country you are, With pristine hotels and apartments, (3), I have seen your enticing retail You are resplendent during festivals and festivities, Simply overwhelming with restaurants and

There is always something to build, rebuild and attain, The Singaporean is always looking for the greatest You are a peaceful nation blessed with thriving industries, You keep your people constantly focused on financial

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(5), (6).

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It is no wonder your opulence is clearly evident, But you need campaigns to ensure that Humility, patience and selflessness are not rendered (8),

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I am inspired by your strengths despite your flaws, You are a nation that faces trials and always To those who call you home, (9), You ensure they are never

(7).

In a world filled with insecurities, You have given your people a divan of securities.

Thank you, my ravishing queen, May my appreciation for you never be left

(10)

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Writing Exercise 1

E Write your own poem based on the theme “Toys”. Your poem must have a minimum of four verses. Use rhyming words as illustrated in Section D to write your poem.

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TOYS

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tall, broad-shouldered man – cropped head – irresistible power of persuasion – prided himself – his triumph

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A Descriptive language gives life and colour to our stories.

Here are some words, phrases and clauses that can be used for this purpose. Use each set of them to make four sentences that describe a variety of subjects in a story.

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furnishings that are of good taste and good quality – marble-topped tables – long mirrors enveloped in intricate wooden carvings – fine bone china tea set

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(c)

(d)

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Writing Exercise 2

3. lovely glow in her brown cheeks – soft shine in her eyes – possessed that indescribable charm called grace – braided her hair and put flower ornaments on it (a) (b)

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4. awoke bright and early – happily embracing the sunshine – weather was so unpredictable – narrow winding paths that ran here and there

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5. modest, prim and proper – delightful schemes danced in his brain – slender, frail women with a gentle disposition – black corkscrew curls that fell softly around her eyes (a)

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(c)

(d)

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Writing Exercise 2

6. leaves rustling in the refreshing wind – soft golden hue from the last rays of the setting sun – dense foliage of the majestic trees – immense cosmic spectacle (a) (b)

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7. black – streaked with luminescent yellow – mad dance of colours – stunning in a glittering gown – startling and mystifying

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8. stared dispassionately – smoothed back his dishevelled hair distractedly – eyes flashed intense delight – closed her eyes in surrender

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(c)

(d)

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Writing Exercise 2

9. distant shouts and chants of wrath – low menacing growl – rapid clicking of cameras – roars reached a crescendo. (a) (b)

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10. multi-faceted – exquisite porcelain figurine – strange scrawls and squiggles – salty tang of the sea breeze

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B Expand your vocabulary and uses different words to describe feelings and qualities of people. Find four other synonyms for each word given and write them down in the spaces provided.

careful

swift

5. quarrelsome

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clever

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fearful

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moody

rude

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gullible

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rash

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Writing Exercise 2

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C Change the underlined words in the passage below using the synonyms in Section B or any other synonyms that are appropriate. Rewrite the story with the replaced words.

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David was a proud man who only mixed with clever (1) persons. He came

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from a noble (2) family that lived in a huge (3) mansion in the country of

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Merry Brook. As the son of Lord Wallis, David had many (4) servants at

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his beck and call when he grew up. He became becoming a very difficult done to perfection.

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man to please as he was unbearably thorough (5), wanting everything One day, while he was riding his favourite silver stallion

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in the forest, his horse tripped (6) over a piece of log that

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lay hidden (7) beneath some thick undergrowth. David was flung off his horse and upon hitting his head on a rock, lay unconscious (8)

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on the ground. When he regained consciousness, his head was aching (9)

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and he realised he could not move his legs. He shouted for help but his cries were in vain. David was not cowardly (10), but his helpless condition left him feeling fearful (11) for the first time. He had been a quarrelsome (12) man who insisted on overpowering and dominating people who challenged his authority. Now, he lay in the forest alone and defenceless (13) against the forces of nature and its creatures.

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Writing Exercise 2

“Will I be swift (14) again or am I doomed to remain in a wheelchair forever, languishing in a perpetual moody (15) disposition?� wondered David.

As the evening sky began to transform to usher in the inevitable

covering (16) of darkness, David surprisingly began to regret his past rude (17) and rash (18) conduct. He did not want to expire without having

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done at least one commendable (19) act of kindness. He prayed to God for

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a chance to apologise, and to compensate all the gullible (20) individuals

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Rewrite the story with the replaced synonyms:

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Samuel, the son of a poor villager, found David.

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whom he had cheated, resulting in them leading frugal lives. That night,

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Writing Exercise 2

D When describing places, people, feelings, animals and things, by paying attention to details, we embark on an amazing journey that is both challenging and enjoyable. Let’s do just that with some common subjects as stated below.

1.

Loneliness

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The infant

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A forest

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Fear

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5.

The sunset

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Answers Answers

The morning sun arose and peeked cheerfully through a window into a lovely bedroom furnished in pink. The sun was magical.

Its bright golden rays fell on Mrs Chew’s daughters, Stefanie and Tabitha. The girls giggled and their eyes lit up as they combed their glossy hair in front of the mirror.

Stefanie’s skin was so exquisitely fair that it seemed cut out of lilies or white rose petals.

She was short but had big arms, round wrists and conspicuous dimpled cheeks. She looked strong. Tabitha, on the other hand, was slim and tall with thick black hair coiled gracefully into a bun that sat on top of her small head.

The sisters could not wait for their mother to complete their new sky-blue silk gowns.

The half-finished gowns lay on their bed. The gowns were their first evening attire and they were so eager to wear them.

7. Then, an unusual purple light glowed in the space between the refrigerator and the sink.

8. Stacy was puzzled and a little apprehensive as she knew that her brother did not own any toy that could do anything like that.

9. Suddenly, a dazzling light flashed across her eyes and then the sound ceased abruptly.

10. The situation really boggled her mind and a sense of unease set in.

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Writing Exercise 1 A

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C (Model answer)

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His next destination was Fort Margherita.

There, he saw a three-storey high tower that included a vantage point and a courtyard surrounded by a high wall inlaid with glass shards for protection. The wall itself had wooden windows from where cannons were fired. It was a well-guarded and fortified fort, and as Paul walked into it, he felt himself transported in time to the 1920’s when the British soldiers were on guard at this fort.

From Fort Margherita, Paul went to the Sarawak Cultural Village. The Village was like a living museum depicting the heritage and lifestyle of the different clans in Sarawak. The Cultural Village lay amidst 14 acres of sprawling tropical vegetation. This was something he had never seen before. He gazed in awe at the strangely carved mammoth rocks that measured 2 to 3 feet high in size. In the late afternoon, on the third day of his journey, Paul took part in some workshops where he was entertained by a blowpipe demonstration, a weapon-making session and even a musical instrument demonstration. It was a lot of fun for him.

After that, he went to the Niah Caves.

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B 1. The howling wind that night kept Stacy awake till the wee hours of the morning.

2. Somehow, everyone was in slumberland and the house was pleasantly serene, a rare coincidence.

3. Feeling weary from her sleeplessness, Stacy decided to make herself a nice hot cup of cocoa.

4. Just then, Stacy heard a rattling sound coming from the kitchen.

5. She assumed that is was most probably one of her brother’s irritating toys.

6. As she approached the kitchen, she looked around, but the source of the sound could not be tracked.

108

WDPB14325 E

NN

YVO

AM

N RAT

LAT

MOE

EST

SYL

LAB

US

ng iP

4

ub

lis hi

Primary

ng

for

Si

ng

ap

or

e

Writing Exercises

Pt e.

Lt

d.

PELANGI

la

www.PelangiBooks.com

Pe

• 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

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

( 201112597 C )

WDPB14325

ISBN 978-981-07-6108-0

,!7IJ8B0-hgbaia!

In collaboration with Dickens Publishing Ltd. (UK) Based on Revised

English Language Examination NEW Essential Skill-building Exercises Progressive Tasks That Stimulate Creative Thinking Clear and Concise Answers for Easy Reference