Dear all,
A recap of the composition writing technique being taught:
Always identify and break down the definition of the topic first.
Make use of at least ONE of the pictures.
Introduction techniques
Sounds
Using sounds helps to captivate the audience as you introduce your story. It gives a sense of mystery that makes the audience want to find out more about your writing.
e.g
"Beep! Beep! Beep!" The constant reverberating of sirens around my neighbourhood made me feel shell-shocked. What could that sound be? I needed to find out the source of the strange sounds.
Conversation
Conversation helps to introduce characters and gives an indication of the action that is taking place.
e.g
"Quieten down, Hector. You are too loud. We need to be stealthy and careful or you will alert the guards. Remember that we are here to retrieve my worksheet from the classroom if not I will be in deep trouble tomorrow," I whispered to Hector.
Flashback
An effective way of introducing a story to add suspense but yet clarity for the reader. Making use of an object or an item to invoke past memories so as to retell the incident. With flashbacks, you have to always make reference back to the flashback in your conclusion.
e.g
Introduction
"Donuts for sale! Donuts for sale! Come get them now!" shouted an enthusiastic employee at the donut stall. As I peered at the donuts on sale, waves of memories filled my head and I remembered the birthday surprise I had just two months ago......
Conclusion
I snapped back to reality as I heard the employee asking me if I wanted to get some donuts. I did not realise that I had been staring hard at the donuts for the past fifteen minutes. As I recalled back about the incident, I could not help but smile delightfully. It was indeed a pleasant surprise.
Always remember to elaborate on your ideas.
Who?
What?
When?
Where?
Why?
How?
Invoke feelings out of your characters rather than just describe them. Sometimes, you can showcase the feelings through conversation and actions rather than just simply describing the characters.
Show not Tell
Tell
He was extremely angry with me and proceeded to shout at me.
Show
"Hey you! Why did you have to tell Tom my secret? I actually trusted you!" John bellowed at me as he raised his fists in the air in sheer anger. As his fists came crashing down onto the table with a loud thud, my heart shuddered in fear. I knew I was in trouble.
Sincerely,
Mr Nelson Ong
Monday, 25 January 2016
Wednesday, 20 January 2016
Situational Writing Recap
Dear all,
A recap of the Situational Writing notes:
Use the acronym of 'FRAP' to help you with the planning.
Format
Email (Formal and informal)
Note (Formal and informal)
Letter (Formal and informal)
Report Writing (Formal)
Letter of Complaint or Compliment (Formal)
Informal email, note & letter
Dear _______________,
How are you? [Ask after the person and open with some polite words.] I am writing this letter to inform you ............ [State the purpose]............ Points 1 to 6 [Paragraphing is important]
I hope you can............ [Closing words]
Regards,
_______
Formal email, note & letter
Dear __________,
I am writing this letter to request/inform you about .................. [State the purpose of the letter politely] Points 1 to 6 [Paragraphing is important]
I hope you can............ [Closing words]
Yours sincerely,
______________
Report Writing
Date: ___________
Dear ___________,
Report on an Accident Along Hougang Avenue 9
I am writing this report to inform you of an accident that took place along Hougang Avenue 9. [Purpose of the report must be stated clearly and politely too] Points 1 to 6 [Paragraphing is important]
I hope you can look into this matter......... [Closing words]
Reported by:
__________
Position if any
Letter of Complaint / Compliment
Date: ___________
Dear ___________,
Letter of Compliment about Mr Tommy Tan's Attitude
I am writing this letter to inform you of your staff, Mr Tan's, good attitude. [Purpose of the report must be stated clearly and politely too] Points 1 to 6 [Paragraphing is important]
I hope you can look into this matter and praise him......... [Closing words]
Yours sincerely,
__________
Position if any
Sincerely,
Mr Nelson Ong
A recap of the Situational Writing notes:
Use the acronym of 'FRAP' to help you with the planning.
·
Format
(email? letter? note? report writing? letter of
complaint/compliment?)
·
Role
(who are you writing as and your position if any?)
·
Audience
(who are you writing to?)
·
Purpose
(what is the aim of writing this piece of SW?)
The choices of words used are very important.
It affects the tone / formality of your writing.
Example
of wrong choice of words used
Dear Chairman
of Hougang Town Council,
How are you doing? I am well. I want
to tell you about the amount of litter lying around my block. I want you to do
something about it. From 1st January 2015 to 7th January
2015, I started to notice a large amount of litter being strewn around my neighbour,
Block 315A, Hougang Avenue 99. I am deeply concerned by the pests and bacteria
that the litter will attract. There is no neighbourhood cleaner on duty and my
elderly mother often complains to me about the smell.
Please do something about it
immediately. It is so irritating. Thank you so much.
Cheers,
Tom Tang
The underlined words imply a sense of being rude and informal. Both samples cover the same content points but the choice of words used can affect the meaning greatly.
Example
of correct choice of words used
Dear Chairman
of Hougang Town Council,
I am writing this letter to inform
you about the amount of litter lying around my block. From 1st January
2015 to 7th January 2015, I started to notice a large amount of
litter being strewn around my neighbour, Block 315A, Hougang Avenue 99. I am
deeply concerned by the pests and bacteria that the litter will attract. There
is no neighbourhood cleaner on duty and my elderly mother often complains to me
about the smell.
I sincerely hope that you can look
into this matter. Thank you.
Yours
sincerely,
Tom
TangFormat
Email (Formal and informal)
Note (Formal and informal)
Letter (Formal and informal)
Report Writing (Formal)
Letter of Complaint or Compliment (Formal)
Informal email, note & letter
Dear _______________,
How are you? [Ask after the person and open with some polite words.] I am writing this letter to inform you ............ [State the purpose]............ Points 1 to 6 [Paragraphing is important]
I hope you can............ [Closing words]
Regards,
_______
Formal email, note & letter
Dear __________,
I am writing this letter to request/inform you about .................. [State the purpose of the letter politely] Points 1 to 6 [Paragraphing is important]
I hope you can............ [Closing words]
Yours sincerely,
______________
Report Writing
Date: ___________
Dear ___________,
Report on an Accident Along Hougang Avenue 9
I am writing this report to inform you of an accident that took place along Hougang Avenue 9. [Purpose of the report must be stated clearly and politely too] Points 1 to 6 [Paragraphing is important]
I hope you can look into this matter......... [Closing words]
Reported by:
__________
Position if any
Letter of Complaint / Compliment
Date: ___________
Dear ___________,
Letter of Compliment about Mr Tommy Tan's Attitude
I am writing this letter to inform you of your staff, Mr Tan's, good attitude. [Purpose of the report must be stated clearly and politely too] Points 1 to 6 [Paragraphing is important]
I hope you can look into this matter and praise him......... [Closing words]
Yours sincerely,
__________
Position if any
Sincerely,
Mr Nelson Ong
Monday, 18 January 2016
Reported Speech
Dear all,
A recap of the important points for reported speech.
Reported speech involves the reporting of a direct to indirect statement or vice versa.
A direct speech is one in which someone says something to you. It is always within the open and close inverted commas (Either through a statement or question). An indirect speech is one in which you report what someone says.
The key skills for Direct to Indirect speech are:
1. Identify the tense of the verb OUTSIDE the speech first.
2. If the tense is in the present form, DO NOT change of the tenses in your answers.
3. If the tense is in the past tense form, make sure you change the tenses in your answers (Present -> Past, Past -> Past Perfect, Past Perfect to remain as it is)
4. Apply the PPTT skill (Place, Pronoun, Time, Tense). This will help you identify the words to be changed. You do not need to change every single word. Only the words which apply for PPTT.
5. If the direct speech is in a question form, identify if the question is Yes/No? If it is, you have to start your answer with 'if'.
Example
Q. "Did you do your work yesterday?" Tom asked me. [Yes/No type of question]
Pronouns - you, your (2)
Place - (0)
Time - yesterday (1)
Tense - did do (2)
The number of PPTT you have identified should match up against what you have identified in the given direct speech.
Answer:
Tom asked me if I had done my work the previous day.
Indirect to Direct speech
You are simply required to work in the opposite way from a direct to indirect speech. In this case, you have to apply the PPTT skill too.
Example.
Q. Tom asked me if I had eaten my food just then. (the word 'if' tells you it is a yes/no question)
Pronouns - I, my (2)
Place - (0)
Time - just then (2)
Tense - had eaten (2)
Answer:
"Did you eat your food just now?" Tom asked me.
or
"Have you eaten your food just now?" Tom asked me.
Homework:
Grammar Exercise 1.10 [Questions 1-5]
S & T Extra Practice [Questions 1-3]
Sincerely,
Mr Nelson Ong
A recap of the important points for reported speech.
Reported speech involves the reporting of a direct to indirect statement or vice versa.
A direct speech is one in which someone says something to you. It is always within the open and close inverted commas (Either through a statement or question). An indirect speech is one in which you report what someone says.
The key skills for Direct to Indirect speech are:
1. Identify the tense of the verb OUTSIDE the speech first.
2. If the tense is in the present form, DO NOT change of the tenses in your answers.
3. If the tense is in the past tense form, make sure you change the tenses in your answers (Present -> Past, Past -> Past Perfect, Past Perfect to remain as it is)
4. Apply the PPTT skill (Place, Pronoun, Time, Tense). This will help you identify the words to be changed. You do not need to change every single word. Only the words which apply for PPTT.
5. If the direct speech is in a question form, identify if the question is Yes/No? If it is, you have to start your answer with 'if'.
Example
Q. "Did you do your work yesterday?" Tom asked me. [Yes/No type of question]
Pronouns - you, your (2)
Place - (0)
Time - yesterday (1)
Tense - did do (2)
The number of PPTT you have identified should match up against what you have identified in the given direct speech.
Answer:
Tom asked me if I had done my work the previous day.
Indirect to Direct speech
You are simply required to work in the opposite way from a direct to indirect speech. In this case, you have to apply the PPTT skill too.
Example.
Q. Tom asked me if I had eaten my food just then. (the word 'if' tells you it is a yes/no question)
Pronouns - I, my (2)
Place - (0)
Time - just then (2)
Tense - had eaten (2)
Answer:
"Did you eat your food just now?" Tom asked me.
or
"Have you eaten your food just now?" Tom asked me.
Homework:
Grammar Exercise 1.10 [Questions 1-5]
S & T Extra Practice [Questions 1-3]
Sincerely,
Mr Nelson Ong
Saturday, 16 January 2016
Synthesis & Transformation Practice
Dear all,
As we wrapped up Week 2, here are some pointers to note:
Synthesis & Transformation
We went through the rules for certain structures and I highlighted some common errors to take note of.
Remember that adding in unnecessary words will change the entire meaning.
Another mistake would be missing out words, changing the tenses and the singular/plural form of the nouns.
E.g
Q. Raju searched everywhere for his wallet but he could not find it.
Common error 1
In spite of the fact that Raju searched everywhere, he could not find his wallet.
Explanation:
You need to mention what Raju was searching for as given in the question. It is specifically shown that Raju searched everywhere for his wallet.
Raju searched everywhere --> refers to his action of searching all over the place
Raju searched everywhere for his wallet --> refers to his action of searching all over the place FOR HIS WALLET
Common error 2
In spite of the fact that Raju searched everywhere for his wallet, he still could not find it.
Explanation:
The use of the word 'still' is unnecessary here. It changes the intensity of the result of the search, displaying a more extreme emotion.
Raju could not find it --> general feeling
Raju STILL could not find it --> implies a deeper sense of frustration
There is a difference.
Common error 3
In spite of the fact that Raji searched everywhere for his wallet, he could not find his wallet.
Explanation:
You do not repeat 'his wallet' once again as it is grammatically wrong. In this case, you have to use a pronoun to replace 'his wallet'.
You won't say that 'Peter is a boy and Peter is my friend. Peter likes to play with Peter's toys.'
The correct usage should be 'Peter is a boy and he is my friend. Peter likes to play with his toys.'
Synthesis & Transformation skill
As such, an important skill that I noticed some of you carrying out and perhaps for the rest of you to try out would be to tick the words you have used, underline the words you have changed and cross out the words that are not needed/used.
Example
Q. Raju searched everywhere for his wallet but he could not find it.
Ans: In spite of the fact that Raju searched everywhere for his wallet, he could not find it.
After going through the answer, head back to the question and apply the skills.
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ X ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Raju searched everywhere for his wallet but he could not find it.
Comprehension OE
As mentioned, the important skills for Comprehension OE is to look at the questions first, underline the key words, read the questions to understand the story briefly first. Thereafter, we will then look at the passage, draw up the summary / chunking table to analyse the story before we look at the answers.
Looking at the questions first
You need to underline the key words (5 W 1 H)
- Who
- Where
- What / Which
- Why
- When
- How
Underline the tenses (past / present) to be used for your answers.
From the questions, they will tell you about the story. Therefore, make meaning of the story development as you read the questions. This will help you transfer what you have made out to your reading of the passage.
As you read, zoom into specific sections of the story to link your questions that you have read earlier. Make notes and highlight these areas.
After the story, you will want to be able to summarise and analyse the story. This is done through chunking in which you categorize the main points into three headings
Characters
Problem
Solution
Sincerely,
Mr Nelson Ong
As we wrapped up Week 2, here are some pointers to note:
Synthesis & Transformation
We went through the rules for certain structures and I highlighted some common errors to take note of.
Remember that adding in unnecessary words will change the entire meaning.
Another mistake would be missing out words, changing the tenses and the singular/plural form of the nouns.
E.g
Q. Raju searched everywhere for his wallet but he could not find it.
Common error 1
In spite of the fact that Raju searched everywhere, he could not find his wallet.
Explanation:
You need to mention what Raju was searching for as given in the question. It is specifically shown that Raju searched everywhere for his wallet.
Raju searched everywhere --> refers to his action of searching all over the place
Raju searched everywhere for his wallet --> refers to his action of searching all over the place FOR HIS WALLET
Common error 2
In spite of the fact that Raju searched everywhere for his wallet, he still could not find it.
Explanation:
The use of the word 'still' is unnecessary here. It changes the intensity of the result of the search, displaying a more extreme emotion.
Raju could not find it --> general feeling
Raju STILL could not find it --> implies a deeper sense of frustration
There is a difference.
Common error 3
In spite of the fact that Raji searched everywhere for his wallet, he could not find his wallet.
Explanation:
You do not repeat 'his wallet' once again as it is grammatically wrong. In this case, you have to use a pronoun to replace 'his wallet'.
You won't say that 'Peter is a boy and Peter is my friend. Peter likes to play with Peter's toys.'
The correct usage should be 'Peter is a boy and he is my friend. Peter likes to play with his toys.'
Synthesis & Transformation skill
As such, an important skill that I noticed some of you carrying out and perhaps for the rest of you to try out would be to tick the words you have used, underline the words you have changed and cross out the words that are not needed/used.
Example
Q. Raju searched everywhere for his wallet but he could not find it.
Ans: In spite of the fact that Raju searched everywhere for his wallet, he could not find it.
After going through the answer, head back to the question and apply the skills.
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ X ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Raju searched everywhere for his wallet but he could not find it.
Comprehension OE
As mentioned, the important skills for Comprehension OE is to look at the questions first, underline the key words, read the questions to understand the story briefly first. Thereafter, we will then look at the passage, draw up the summary / chunking table to analyse the story before we look at the answers.
Looking at the questions first
You need to underline the key words (5 W 1 H)
- Who
- Where
- What / Which
- Why
- When
- How
Underline the tenses (past / present) to be used for your answers.
From the questions, they will tell you about the story. Therefore, make meaning of the story development as you read the questions. This will help you transfer what you have made out to your reading of the passage.
As you read, zoom into specific sections of the story to link your questions that you have read earlier. Make notes and highlight these areas.
After the story, you will want to be able to summarise and analyse the story. This is done through chunking in which you categorize the main points into three headings
Characters
Problem
Solution
Sincerely,
Mr Nelson Ong
Monday, 11 January 2016
Editing Skills + Grammar Rules + Synthesis Revision
Dear all,
A recap of today's lesson.
Editing Skills
As mentioned, it is not only important to have the knowledge but it is also important to know the strategies of how to apply the knowledge.
For editing, do read through the passage first to understand the setting and events.
Thereafter, look at the underlined words and decide if it is a grammar or spelling mistakes and indicate with a 'S' or 'G' by the box.
If the word is a spelling mistake, it would be misspelled and not a word at all. If you are not sure what the word may be, it is always important to make out the word through its pronunciation. Therefore, break the word up into syllables and it will help you greatly.
e.g
the boy hesistated for a moment.
If you break up the misspelled word into syllables, it would sound like this.
HE SI STATED.
The correct spelling should be 'hesitated'.
Grammar Rules
What are root words?
A root word is the original form of the word itself
It is in the present tense + plural form
Root word:
Eat
Present tense / Singular form
Eats
Past tense
Ate
Perfect tense
Eaten
Continuous form
Eating
be + verb (either in the -ing form or perfect tense form)
e.g
He would be running for the upcoming marathon.
The chicken wing would be eaten up by the time you arrived.
Can/could/shall/should/will/would/may/might + Verb (Root word form)
e.g
Can he play the game for us?
Would you read the book?
He can run very fast.
He could run very fast.
Synthesis Revision Items
1. Upon / On (followed by a VERB in the continuous form)..................
On realising he was in the wrong, he apologised profusely.
On knowing about the theft, he reported the matter to Mother.
2. In spite of / Despite (followed by 'the fact that')
In spite of the fact that he was tired, he completed the work.
Peter continued running despite the fact that he was injured.
3. Much to (followed by PRONOUN and NOUN)
Much to my disappointment, I failed my test.
Much to Peter's joy, he won the first prize.
Homework:
Grammar Exercise 1.5 Q1-7
Synthesis Revision Practice Q1-3
Sincerely,
Mr Nelson Ong
A recap of today's lesson.
Editing Skills
As mentioned, it is not only important to have the knowledge but it is also important to know the strategies of how to apply the knowledge.
For editing, do read through the passage first to understand the setting and events.
Thereafter, look at the underlined words and decide if it is a grammar or spelling mistakes and indicate with a 'S' or 'G' by the box.
If the word is a spelling mistake, it would be misspelled and not a word at all. If you are not sure what the word may be, it is always important to make out the word through its pronunciation. Therefore, break the word up into syllables and it will help you greatly.
e.g
the boy hesistated for a moment.
If you break up the misspelled word into syllables, it would sound like this.
HE SI STATED.
The correct spelling should be 'hesitated'.
Grammar Rules
What are root words?
A root word is the original form of the word itself
It is in the present tense + plural form
Root word:
Eat
Present tense / Singular form
Eats
Past tense
Ate
Perfect tense
Eaten
Continuous form
Eating
be + verb (either in the -ing form or perfect tense form)
e.g
He would be running for the upcoming marathon.
The chicken wing would be eaten up by the time you arrived.
Can/could/shall/should/will/would/may/might + Verb (Root word form)
e.g
Can he play the game for us?
Would you read the book?
He can run very fast.
He could run very fast.
Synthesis Revision Items
1. Upon / On (followed by a VERB in the continuous form)..................
On realising he was in the wrong, he apologised profusely.
On knowing about the theft, he reported the matter to Mother.
2. In spite of / Despite (followed by 'the fact that')
In spite of the fact that he was tired, he completed the work.
Peter continued running despite the fact that he was injured.
3. Much to (followed by PRONOUN and NOUN)
Much to my disappointment, I failed my test.
Much to Peter's joy, he won the first prize.
Homework:
Grammar Exercise 1.5 Q1-7
Synthesis Revision Practice Q1-3
Sincerely,
Mr Nelson Ong
Sunday, 10 January 2016
Grammar Rules
Dear all,
A recap of today's lesson with the English Grammar rules learnt.
Phrasal Verbs
- Confide in (Seek comfort and pour out sorrow/grievances)
- Look at is used for looking at people/object
- Look into is used for a matter or issue
- Look after is used for looking after people/belongings
- Give away a secret
Grammar Rules
Among - 3 or more people
Between - 2 people
Person [whom] Person
e.g He is the boy whom the principal had just praised.
Person [who] verb
e.g He is the boy who was praised by the principal.
Grammar rules are essential as they are the foundation to writing grammatically correct sentences. You need to know and understand the rules in order to answer the questions. Grammar is pretty straightforward and once you have mastered the rules, you will be able to answer no matter what the context is.
As we go along, I will introduce you to more rules and concepts.
Tips for Grammar Cloze
1. Always remember to read the passage once through first even with the blanks given.
2. Understand the passage and note down the main idea of the passage.
3. Highlight key words (prepositions, words that provide clues for the grammar structure such as plural/singular/tenses/phrasal verbs)
Sincerely,
Mr Nelson Ong
A recap of today's lesson with the English Grammar rules learnt.
Phrasal Verbs
- Confide in (Seek comfort and pour out sorrow/grievances)
- Look at is used for looking at people/object
- Look into is used for a matter or issue
- Look after is used for looking after people/belongings
- Give away a secret
Grammar Rules
Among - 3 or more people
Between - 2 people
Person [whom] Person
e.g He is the boy whom the principal had just praised.
Person [who] verb
e.g He is the boy who was praised by the principal.
Grammar rules are essential as they are the foundation to writing grammatically correct sentences. You need to know and understand the rules in order to answer the questions. Grammar is pretty straightforward and once you have mastered the rules, you will be able to answer no matter what the context is.
As we go along, I will introduce you to more rules and concepts.
Tips for Grammar Cloze
1. Always remember to read the passage once through first even with the blanks given.
2. Understand the passage and note down the main idea of the passage.
3. Highlight key words (prepositions, words that provide clues for the grammar structure such as plural/singular/tenses/phrasal verbs)
Sincerely,
Mr Nelson Ong
Friday, 8 January 2016
Introduction to Grammar Rules and Phrasal Verbs
Dear all,
A recap of what we have learnt today. After marking through your mini assessment, I still realise some of you have difficulties with the grammar rules. As such, here is a recap.
Verbs
-> Action words
e.g run, walk, eat, study, is, are, am, was, were,
For verbs, it is important to take note of the tenses involved (present / past / past perfect)
Nouns
-> names of people, things, ideas, places, etc.
e.g food, table, chair, Singapore, sports, happiness, anger, kindness, disappointment
For nouns, it is essential to note whether they are singular or plural.
*Singular/Plural Nouns will affect the verbs
e.g The boys take good care of him. (Plural noun --> Plural verb form)
The boy takes good care of him. (Singular noun --> Singular verb form)
Adjectives
-> Describing words
e.g big, small, hot, hardworking, happy
For adjectives, they can further be classed into different intensities / value
e.g big, bigger, biggest, small, smaller, smallest
Pronouns
-> Words to replace nouns
e.g He, his, him, she, our, they, their, Peter's, mine
Prepositions
-> explain where something comes from, its position or when it may happen
e.g on, around, from, under, up, down, after, before
Adverbs
-> tell you why, when, where and how actions take place
e.g wildly, soundly, happily, now, tomorrow, almost, much
Conjunctons
-> link phrases or ideas together
e.g and, but, although, Neither...nor.... or.....
Phrasal Verbs
-> phrase that involved a verb
-> Verb + Preposition
-> Specific and fixed
e.g I can hardly make out the numbers on the board.
She went over the piece of work with me.
Homework:
1. Newspaper Article (1)
- 3 main ideas
- 7 Vocabulary words as stated with the meaning
- 3 Compre OE questions
2. Grammar 1.1 (Phrasal Verbs)
This year's newspaper article reflections will aim to be more focused and help you to be exposed to suitable topics and to also make use of the article to go through revision sections like comprehension cloze, editing, grammar or comprehension open-ended.
Work hard for the year everyone.
Sincerely,
Mr Nelson Ong
A recap of what we have learnt today. After marking through your mini assessment, I still realise some of you have difficulties with the grammar rules. As such, here is a recap.
Verbs
-> Action words
e.g run, walk, eat, study, is, are, am, was, were,
For verbs, it is important to take note of the tenses involved (present / past / past perfect)
Nouns
-> names of people, things, ideas, places, etc.
e.g food, table, chair, Singapore, sports, happiness, anger, kindness, disappointment
For nouns, it is essential to note whether they are singular or plural.
*Singular/Plural Nouns will affect the verbs
e.g The boys take good care of him. (Plural noun --> Plural verb form)
The boy takes good care of him. (Singular noun --> Singular verb form)
Adjectives
-> Describing words
e.g big, small, hot, hardworking, happy
For adjectives, they can further be classed into different intensities / value
e.g big, bigger, biggest, small, smaller, smallest
Pronouns
-> Words to replace nouns
e.g He, his, him, she, our, they, their, Peter's, mine
Prepositions
-> explain where something comes from, its position or when it may happen
e.g on, around, from, under, up, down, after, before
Adverbs
-> tell you why, when, where and how actions take place
e.g wildly, soundly, happily, now, tomorrow, almost, much
Conjunctons
-> link phrases or ideas together
e.g and, but, although, Neither...nor.... or.....
Phrasal Verbs
-> phrase that involved a verb
-> Verb + Preposition
-> Specific and fixed
e.g I can hardly make out the numbers on the board.
She went over the piece of work with me.
Homework:
1. Newspaper Article (1)
- 3 main ideas
- 7 Vocabulary words as stated with the meaning
- 3 Compre OE questions
2. Grammar 1.1 (Phrasal Verbs)
This year's newspaper article reflections will aim to be more focused and help you to be exposed to suitable topics and to also make use of the article to go through revision sections like comprehension cloze, editing, grammar or comprehension open-ended.
Work hard for the year everyone.
Sincerely,
Mr Nelson Ong
Wednesday, 6 January 2016
English Homework for 7th Jan
Homework for 7th January
- Vocabulary Booklet (All except 1.5)
Due on 18th January 2016 (Monday)
Research the meanings of the words / idioms given and write them down by the side. You learn best through researching the words on your own and as such, do read through and jot the meanings down. For the section on idioms, you would need to find the meanings online or through an idiom guidebook if you have one.
Tips:
Remember to read the passages first for Vocabulary Cloze. The passages are there for a reason. The choice of vocabulary words used specifically fit the setting given. As such, you have to scrutinise the vocabulary words carefully. Some words might have the same meaning but not all will fit into the passage given.
Today's Learning Point:
Idioms are figurative speeches. They imply a deeper meaning than the words given.
They are the opposite of Literal speeches which take the same meaning as the words given.
Example:
In the idiom "in hot soup", if you say that the boy is in hot soup after breaking the vase, it means figuratively that he is in trouble. You will not take its literal meaning of saying that the boy is physically inside the hot soup as it does not sound appropriate.
- Vocabulary Booklet (All except 1.5)
Due on 18th January 2016 (Monday)
Research the meanings of the words / idioms given and write them down by the side. You learn best through researching the words on your own and as such, do read through and jot the meanings down. For the section on idioms, you would need to find the meanings online or through an idiom guidebook if you have one.
Tips:
Remember to read the passages first for Vocabulary Cloze. The passages are there for a reason. The choice of vocabulary words used specifically fit the setting given. As such, you have to scrutinise the vocabulary words carefully. Some words might have the same meaning but not all will fit into the passage given.
Today's Learning Point:
Idioms are figurative speeches. They imply a deeper meaning than the words given.
They are the opposite of Literal speeches which take the same meaning as the words given.
Example:
In the idiom "in hot soup", if you say that the boy is in hot soup after breaking the vase, it means figuratively that he is in trouble. You will not take its literal meaning of saying that the boy is physically inside the hot soup as it does not sound appropriate.
Introductory Post
Dear all,
Hope you enjoyed the first day of school of getting to know one another and adjusting to life in Primary 6. Primary 6 is definitely an important year and it defines your path to PSLE. As mentioned in class, you really need to work hard to get your basics right and set yourself up for next year. Do work hard and my target set for you is to have my 100% passes and Grade A / A* for English. We will work towards it.
Important reminders:
· Get ready 2 exercise books for English and your English files.
· Do bring your foolscap paper to class as we will need it for and Composition writing and Situational Writing.
Tips to improve your English:
· The most important tip is to simply read and in reading, it means that you have to read novels, newspaper articles and world knowledge. Avoid just reading comics. Reading not only helps you to understand different perspectives (points of view of writing) but also helps you to brush up your grammar and vocabulary content.
· Practise on grammar exercises (tenses and plural/singularity as one of the most important rules of grammar)
· Practise on vocabulary items (especially useful for vocab cloze, comprehension cloze, composition writing)
· Newspaper articles are very useful as most of the cloze passages in your exam papers are based on newspaper articles.
As mentioned, I will definitely try to lighten your homework load. I believe in going through work with you in class and having you to understand what I teach than to keep pumping you with work. You need to understand the content I teach before you apply them to your work.
Don't forget my rules for you and the routines I have set for you. Very importantly, I believe that you must have your character in place (motivation level and the passion for learning) before you will be able to improve and score well. Have a positive attitude and do not every give up. With great character, we can then learn better. As such, my 3 rules for you:
Rule #1
WORK TOGETHER :)
This is top of my list for the fact that you will be together for this year. I have seen my previous P6 classes stick together through thick and thin and graduated as a close unit. The camaraderie formed has helped them through the ups and downs. As such, team spirit is important. We work for one another and help one another. Likewise, I am in this with you and promise to take you guys through your studies and character building.
Rule #2
HAND UP ALL WORK ON TIME
In everything you do, it is 100% effort and nothing less. I understand that some days, we do get tired and would like to take short cuts in our lives but you have to always remember that, you need to put in your best effort if not you will not see results. There are no shortcuts in life. You need to work hard for your goals. Work given is important and helps you to grow and learn. I really seek your help to submit work on time so that I in turn can mark and pass them back to you on time.
Rule #3
LISTEN ATTENTIVELY
In terms of respect, this rule is integral to establishing good communication between you and me. A teacher's lesson is measured by effective communication in delivering my message and lesson across to the students. Focus and understand in you classroom learning. Put all distractions aside and strive for excellence.
Here's to a good year for all pupils and parents. :)
Dear Parents,
If you have any queries or feedback, do feel free to reach me through my email @ ong_yong_hui_nelson@moe.edu.sg
I look forward to working with all of you as you play an important role in your children's education and character building. Each and every child is important.
Sincerely,
Mr Nelson Ong
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