SHORT NOTE: Working On A Science Project

 You received an email from your classmate, Abdul who is your partner for a science project.

Hi, 

I was thinking we could work on our science project this Friday afternoon. Where shall we meet and what should we bring? How long should we work on it? 

Hope to hear from you soon!

Bye!

Write an email to your friend in about 80 words. Write your answer below. 

(STUDENT'S RESPONSE)

Dear Abdul,

        I totally agree with your idea that we should have a meeting to complete our science project this Friday.I think we can meet at Starbucks Coffee near to my house since it is serene there.We will be able to enjoy an aromatic cup of coffee if you feel unenergetic or sleepy. You should bring the science textbook and some writing materials while I will bring colour pencils and a few science notes for reference. Don't forget to bring a laptop so that we are able to search for some information about our project on Google.It will be quite useful! I think our project will be completed within two hours. Do you agree with that? Hope to hear from you soon. Goodbye.

(SAMPLE ANSWER)

Dear Abdul, 

       I think it’s a great idea to work on our project this Friday after school. In my opinion, the school library is the best place to meet up as it is air-conditioned and there are many science textbooks that we could rely on for reference. As for things to bring, I think our writing materials and science notes will suffice. Since this is our first meeting, we could do some light brainstorming for ideas before getting to work. If we begin after one o’clock, do you think we could wrap things up by three o’clock in the evening? I have a tuition class at four. Two hours should be sufficient to draft a course of action, don’t you think? Do you like the plan? Do let me know in your reply.

SHORT NOTE: SHOPPING ON THE WEEKEND

 You received an email from your new friend, Daisy who just moved to your neighbourhood. 

Hi, 

Do you have any plans this weekend? If you are free, I was thinking we could go shopping. Which mall could we go to and how can we go there? What can we eat there?
I am looking forward to your reply. 

Bye!

Write an email to your friend in about 80 words. Write your answer below. 

(STUDENT'S ANSWER)

Hi Daisy,

           Hi, how are you? Really nice of you to keep in touch. Of course I’d love shopping with you this weekend. I think we can go to Sutera Mall which is near to our house. Since our parents are busy on the weekend, we can take a taxi there. I heard there is a new pizza outlet so we can try it out. Besides that, we could go to the library there to enjoy the serene ambience and read some fascinating books since you are a bookworm! I can't wait to meet with you. See you soon, goodbye!

(SAMPLE ANSWER)

Hi Daisy!

       How are you doing? I’d love to go shopping with you this weekend, even if it’s just window shopping. I think the nearest mall is Paradigm mall. I don’t think we should risk going any further than that. As for transport, my brother will be able to give us a lift as he is on a semester break from college. If we leave at 11pm, it will be lunch time when we’re done. I suggest we try out a new chicken rice restaurant at the mall. I’ve heard great reviews. Let me know what you think!

SHORT NOTE: Advice on water colouring

(STUDENT'S WORK) 

From:edwins@gmail.com

To:shantik@gmail.com

Subject: Advice on water colouring

Dear Shanti,

        I would love to give you some advice and tips on water colouring. The most important thing to do is prepare art materials such as palette, colour and drawing paper. If you are not prepared with your materials, you will find this process difficult and tiresome.

        Before painting, I usually draw an outline with pencil or to put it in simple words I will sketch lightly in order to ensure I don't mess up the painting. After that, I'll begin preparing to paint by getting the paint such as the primary and secondary colours ready.

        When you're beginning to paint, you need to wet your brush so that your painting is smooth. One tip that I have learnt is we should start painting from larger to smaller objects. This will undoubtedly help you save time.

        I love painting because it alleviates my stress and also allows me to pour in my creativity into a piece of paper. I hope that you enjoy this process as much as I do. Bye!

Regards,

Edwin

SHORT NOTE: Suggestions on places to visit

(STUDENT'S WORK) 

Hi Ali,

        How's it going? I'm really stoked that you're coming to Terengganu. I do have a few suggestions on places you can visit with your family.

        Since you want to visit beautiful beaches, I would definitely recommend Bahagia Beach. There are many activities you can do there such as waterboarding, banana boat rides and snorkeling.The sunsets there are also a sight for sore eyes so you can enjoy picnics too.

        As for the accommodation, I would suggest staying at the chalet because it is absolutely affordable and you can also enjoy the breathtaking view of the sunrise.

        I hope you enjoy your time there. Bye!

Your friend,

   Mona

SHORT NOTE: group study

Dear Jacinta, 

   It has been ages since we spoke! I am really nervous about the upcoming examinations. Thank you for agreeing to do some revision with me. I could really use the help. 

   There is a McDonald’s restaurant that is open 24 hours in Taman Megah where I live. I think this is a convenient place as we might take some time going through past-year questions together. Other than that, we can order some affordable snacks if we do get hungry while studying. 

   I suggest we meet at 3pm on Tuesday after lunch. Are you okay with that? My mom can pick you up on the way, as she isn’t working that day. I don’t think studying too late at night is a good idea, and we should call it a day by 7pm at the latest. 

    As for what we should study, I am hoping to revise additional mathematics with you. We could tackle some model test papers and compare solutions together. I understand that you find history a bit intimidating. Don’t worry, I’ve made some flashcards for easy memorising and i’ll share with you some interesting mnemonics that my teacher created for us. 

    I hope we make the most of this study session and ace the exams. See you there!

SHORT NOTE: (How to Deal with Cyberbullying)

 

Your cousin is feeling stressed because she is being cyberbullied. Read the short note from her and write a reply to help her out

Dear Roy, 
    Hey, I've been feeling a little down in the dumps lately. Someone has been sending me nasty messages on Instagram. I don't know what to do! Can you share some tips with me? Looking forward to your reply. 
Love, 
Tina

• This Exercise is based on content from Pulse Textbook pg 95 "Cyberbullying and how to deal with it" 

• Here are differentiated frameworks to present to students of different levels. 

A) High Proficiency Learner

B) Average Proficiency Learner

C) Low Proficiency Learner

A) High Proficiency Learner

Dear Tina, 

    Sorry to hear ____________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

Love, 

Roy

B) Average Proficiency- Learner

Dear Tina,

               Sorry to hear about your problem. Here are some tips that I can share with you. Firstly, don’t reply the nasty messages. Bullies love it when they get a reaction from you so just ignore them. Secondly, __________ the horrible messages. If someone disturbs you in a chatroom, do not _____________________________________________. Finally, the third tip is you should __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

I hope my advice is useful to you. Take care. Bye. 

Love,

Roy

C) Low Proficiency- Learner

Dear Tina,

               Sorry to hear about your problem. Here are some tips that I can share with you. Firstly, don’t reply to the nasty messages. Bullies love it when they get a reaction from you so just ignore them. Secondly, __________ the horrible messages. The best thing to do is ______________ all electronic communication so ___________________________________________. Thirdly, make sure you ______________________. You must not try to handle the problem on your own. Finally, you must ____________________________. If you have been the victim of online bullying, then _______________________ ________________________________________.  I hope that these tips help you. Please reply soon.

Love,

Roy 

SHORT NOTE 8 : Money Matters

COPY   Hi Mia,    How are you doing now? I heard that your family’s café is getting busier with customers and new items on sale. Actually, I am looking for a part-time job. Does your shop have any vacancy(kekosongan) for a waiter? Can I bring my younger brother to work there as well? I hope you find time to reply soon. I will be waiting for your answer. Be safe and good luck! Juliana.

DO IT YOURSELF   Hi Luke,      I want to buy the new BMX bicycle, but my mother is only going to pay half. She asked me to earn the money myself. I need your help. Can you suggest one job I could do to save up enough money?  Your cousin, Lila

Hi Juliana,        It has been a long time since I’ve heard from you! About the message you sent me, yes! We are quite overwhelmed and would love to have more people to handle the customer’s requests. I must warn you that being a waiter is not easy. You must be patient, kind, humble, observant and attentive. Are you up for the challenge? It is tiring but when you see your customers smile, the feeling is priceless. Come over next week and I will show you what to do.   Mia

Hi Lila,   _________________________________ _________________________________ _________________________________ _________________________________ _________________________________ _________________________________ _________________________________ _________________________________ _________________________________ Your cousin, Luke

Copy the sample essay on your right and then do the practice on the left.

SHORT NOTE 7: A Healthy Lifestyle

 

 

COPY   Hi Mia,    I have gained a lot of weight recently and I am not sure why. I am feeling depressed and upset. Could you advise me on what I should do? I know you faced the same situation some time ago. I would really appreciate some suggestions. Thank you very much. Juliana.

DO IT YOURSELF   Hi Luke,      My exams are around the corner and I am feeling a lot of anxiety and depression. My face is full of pimples now, and I always get headaches. I need your help! What should I do? Your cousin, Lila Look at page 97 in your PULSE book to help you get ideas.

Hi Juliana,        To lose the weight that you have gained, you need to change your lifestyle. Stop eating fast food which is high in carbohydrates and fats. I know you love burgers and nuggets. Why don’t you practise a balanced diet rich in vegetables and fruits. Carbonated drinks should be avoided as the sugar content is very high. Make sure you exercise every day. Go jogging or walking and see how quickly you lose weight.  Be determined and persevere. I am sure you will succeed. Take care! Mia

Hi Lila,   _________________________________ _________________________________ _________________________________ _________________________________ _________________________________ _________________________________ _________________________________ _________________________________ _________________________________ _________________________________ _________________________________ Your cousin, Luke

SHORT NOTE 2 (Things to bring on a beach holiday)

 

1.      Write a reply to your cousin giving advice on what things to bring on a beach holiday. (pulse pg. 98/100/own ideas)

Hey there,          My family and I are going on a holiday to Desaru beach this weekend. I need some advice on what to bring on the trip. Please help!                                                                                                                              Your Cousin, ALex

 

Hi Alex, 

    Hope you're well! A beach holiday sounds exciting! I've been to Desaru before, so here are some tips that you should bear in mind. Firstly, remember to bring a first aid kit. You never know when an accident might happen. Having medicines and bandages will be helpful in those situations. Besides, include any form of sun protection. For example, bring sunblock, umbrellas, hats and sun glasses. This is because, too much exposure to the sun can lead to sunburn. Other than that, you should bring a picnic basket well stocked with food. You will never realise how hungry you may feel after hours of splashing around. Sandwiches and fried rice will be a welcome treat! That's all from me. I hope you have a whale of a time! Bye!

Vocabulary 

1. bear in mind - keep in mind / remember

2. whale of a time - a lot of fun

SHORT NOTE 6 (club to join in school)

    Write a reply to your brother giving a suggestion on what club he can join in school

 

Hey,        I have to sign up for one club for extra-curricular activities in school. I can’t decide on which club to join. I could join taekwondo, tennis or maybe something else? Please give me a suggestion. I would appreciate your help. Thanks! Your bro, Amin

 

Suggested answer: 

Hi Amin, 

        It sounds like you're in a real pickle. Well, I would recommend joining the tennis club. This is mainly because you have always wanted to learn the sport after watching your idol, Rafael Nadal. You should probably give taekwondo a miss, since you already take lessons. Instead try to pick up something new for a change. Not only is tennis a healthy sport, you will also expand your circle of friends by joining the tennis club. Moreover, you may have the chance to enter tournaments and win trophies. That's my two cents on the matter. Let me know your decision soon. Till then, take care!

Your loving sis, 

Lisa

SHORT NOTE 5 (superstitions)

  Write a reply to your friend giving advice on some popular superstitions. (Pulse pg 87 and 88)

Dear (your name),              I have to do a presentation in class about famous superstitions from around the world. Do you know any popular superstitions? Please help! Your pal, Diana

 

_________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

Suggested answer: 

Dearest Diana, 

    Hope you're well! That will be an interesting presentation! I know a few superstitions that I will share with you. Firstly, it is extremely unfortunate if you break a mirror. This is because, the British believe you will have bad luck for seven years! Other than that, I've read that the Irish believe that a pot of gold is hidden at the end of every rainbow. However, to find it, you have to catch a leprechaun first! Another superstition I've heard is, you should touch wood if you don't want anything bad to happen after you have said it. Even I practise this sometimes! I hope you take all of this with a pinch of salt. That's all from me. I would love to hear how the presentation goes. Take care! 

Your pal, 

Lisa

VOCABULARY 

1. To take (something) with a pinch of salt - to doubt the truth or value of something.

2. Leprechaun - magical creature in Irish folklore, believed to hide a pot of gold at the rainbow's end

SHORT NOTE 4 (Gift ideas for sister)

    Write a reply to your mother giving to give your idea on what gift to buy for your sister.

 

Hi Dear,            Laura’s birthday is coming soon. Do you have any idea what I should get her as a present? You know her personality better so I need your help. Hope to hear from you soon. Mum

 Suggested answer: 

Hi Mum, 

    Thanks for reminding me about Laura's birthday as I nearly forgot. In my opinion, you should buy her a laptop. I believe it is the best choice because of a few reasons. Firstly, she will be enrolling into college next month. Therefore, a laptop will aid in completing type-written assignments and presentations. Moreover, she will also be able to attend online classes on programs like Google Meet and Zoom with a laptop. Furthermore, there are many affordable laptop brands that don't cost an arm and a leg. Finally, a laptop is portable so she will be able to easily carry it around to libraries, lectures and even on public transport. I hope my suggestion helps you make up your mind. Take care!

Your daughter, 

Lisa

VOCABULARY 

 1. enrolling - signing up/ registering 

2. Aid  - help

3. cost an arm and a leg - too expensive 

4. portable - can be carried around 

5. make up your mind - make a final decision 

SHORT NOTE 3 (Ways to deal with stress)

 Write a reply to your sister giving suggestions how she can overcome her stress. (pulse pg 94/97)

 

Hi_________,         I have been stressed a lot recently because of studies and exams around the corner. I need some suggestions on how to manage my stress wisely. Looking forward to your reply. Your Sister Tina

 

Suggested Answer: 

Hi Sis, 

    Sorry to hear that you have been having a tough time. Let me suggest a few things you can do to overcome the exam stress. First, have you tried meditation? It is an excellent way to calm your nerves and allow your brain to focus without worrying. Other than that, exercise is a practical way to take your mind of the exam fears. You love badminton, so why not set aside some time every day to play with mum or me in the evening. Furthermore, proper time management can also help you. You should make a timetable and include time to study with breaks in between. Avoiding resting can lead to burnout. These are a few tips I have from experience. I hope they are useful. Take care!

Your loving sis, 

Lisa

Vocabulary 

1. tough time - difficult time 

2. overcome - get over/ solve/ get through

3. practical - useful

4. set aside time - make some time / free some time in your schedule

5. burnout - exhaustion/tiredness because over-stress