Writing a PROCESS

Writing a PROCESS is very easy. All you need is to use all of the following correctly:

• Imperatives
• Sequence connectors

What are IMPERATIVES?
Imperatives are verbs  that are used to give instructions, directions and even to give orders. Imperatives are written in base form; which means we are using the root words without adding any 'ing', 's', 'es', 'd', 'ed' and past participle forms. Here are some examples:

Giving directions

• Walk straight. Then, turn right and walk again until you see a traffic light ahead.
• Take the stairs to the second floor. Turn right and take a few steps onward.
• Ride a bus from here to reach Kuala Kangsar. Then, take a taxi from there.

Giving instructions

• Cut the edge of the paper and paste the flowers at the centre of the card.
• Fold the card and draw some sketches on the cover.
• Heat the oil in the pan. Then, put in the sliced onion and garlic. While waiting for the onions to turn golden brown, slice the tomatoes and cucumber.

Giving orders

• Tuck in your shirt right away!
• Submit your assignments now.
• Go now!

Inviting

• Enjoy your tea, Maria.
• Please, have a seat.
• Come over my house for dinner at eight tomorrow.

What are the SEQUENCE CONNECTORS?
Sequence connectors are used to show a process, accordingly or in order. It shows a process from the beginning until the end. Here are some sequence connectors which can be used when writing a process:

• Firstly, (first of all)
• Next,
• Then,
• After that,
• Later,
• Afterward,
• Lastly,

Remember to always put commas after each connector.



The Sample

How to Cook Fried Noodles

               It is easy to cook fried noodles. It is a perfect serving to be enjoyed at any time. All you need are a packet of noodles, oil, beef, shallots, garlic, chilli paste, beansprouts, chives and salt. And don't forget spring onion and chillis for garnishing.

               First of all, soak the noodles for five minutes. While waiting for the noodles, unskin the shallots and garlic. Then, wash them thoroughly along with the beef. After that, slice the shallots, garlic and beef and put them aside afterwards. Remember to cut the beef into thin slices so it can be cooked easily.

               Next, heat four spoonful of oil in the pan. Turn the heat to medium. You may put some more oil if desire but definitely, it is not good for health.  Once the oil is hot, put in the shallots and garlic. Let them in the pan until they turn golden brown. Put about two spoonful of chilli paste and stir for a while. Leave them until the chilli paste turns crisp but not too dry.

              Then, put the sliced beef and let it be cooked for about ten minutes until it becomes tender. In the meantime, wash the beansprouts and chives. Drain them using a colander and then put them aside. Later, cut the chives into approximately three centimetre long. After that, put in the beansprouts and chives and stir them well with other ingredients in the pan.

               Leave the ingredients in the pan for about two minutes. Meanwhile, wash the noodles thoroughly and drain them well. Fry the noodles into the pan and stir for a while. Sprinkle some salt and stir the latter some more. Leave the latter for about three minutes and while waiting, slice the chills and chop the spring onion.

               Once the noodles are cooked, turn off the heat and  put the noodles on the serving plate. Garnish the fried noodles with the sliced chillis and spring onions on top. The fried noodles is be best served while hot for five to six persons. Try it now!



Writing a RECOUNT

When writing a RECOUNT, you are advised to use Past Tense forms for verbs to refer to the passed events. Here is a sample of a composition on recount. All bolded words are written in past tense forms.

A Trip to the National Park

            Recent school holidays, the Environment Club of my school had organized a trip to the National Park in Pahang. There were forty students joined the three-day trip and they were chaperoned by six teachers.

            We assembled (gathered) at school as early as 6.30 in the morning and left for Pahang a few minutes after a short briefing by the teacher in-charge. We chartered a bus from Ipoh to Pahang and we reached the National Park exactly at noon. Once we reached the reserved forest (National Park), we checked in our chalets and unpacked our stuff. We had a short rest and shower before lunch.

            Right after lunch, we went to the Orang Asli settlement which was located nearby. We took a ride on a big boat and it took us about twenty minutes to get to (reach) the village (settlement). The ride was quite alarming (worrying) for the current was wavy and wild. Luckily, we reached the village safe and sound although parts of our attire were soaked. We were warmly welcomed by the Chief and we enjoyed the three-hour visit personally. We were amazed by the Orang Asli’s authentic culture. We returned to our chalet before twilight (dusk) and cleaned up ourselves before we had our dinner around 9.

            On the following (next) day, we started our next expedition to a limestone cave which was located only a stone throw away from our chalet. We departed (left) as early as 7 o’clock and we were guided by two forest rangers. We learnt about the ecosystem of the cave and there were lots of information we gained (got) from the sightseeing (exploration) as well as the briefing given by the rangers. We spent about three hours in the cave and it was almost noon when we came out of it.

            It was amazing to witness such a beauty in the virgin forest especially when there was a cool and refreshing waterfall beside the cave. We had our lunch cum (together with) picnic over there. We swam happily like there would be no tomorrow although the water was quite freezing. Exactly at 2 o’clock in the afternoon, we began our jungle trekking activity. Guided by again, the dedicated rangers, this adventurous activity really taught us abundance of lessons. We not only learnt about the species of rare wildlife but we also learnt about survival skills in the forest. We were grateful to have such a forest that was rich with unique and rare species of flora and fauna.

            There were lots of information and experience gained through this activity. It was funny to know that there were many things that I had ignored and cared less about. This expedition had taught us that there were many more things that we know less about, as the saying goes ‘the more you learn, the more you don’t know’.

            This adventurous activity however ended before dusk. It was pretty tiring but it was absolutely a tremendous activity we had ever had. At night, we threw a barbeque dinner and had a wonderful moment. On the third day right after breakfast, we packed our stuff and cleaned up the chalet before we left home. Before leaving, the rangers gave some souvenirs to be taken home. The three-day stay at the National Park really left a memorable moment in our hearts.



The Simple Past Tense
The simple past tense is used to talk about past actions or events. It is used in active voice; where the SUBJECT / DOER is at the beginning of the sentence.

Here are some examples extracted from the above recount:

We assembled at school as early as 6.30 in the morning.

• We is the subject/doer of the sentence. "We" does the action 'assembled'. Certainly, there should be no other verbs between we and assembled.

Once we reached the National Park, we checked in our chalets and unpacked our stuff.

• The word once is an adverbial (decoration), not a subject. It does not affect the subject/doer at all.
• We is the subject/doer of the sentence. 'We' does the action 'reached', 'checked in' and 'unpacked' as for 'once', it does nothing but to make the sentence longer.

Right after lunch, we went to the Orang Asli settlement which was located nearby.

• The phrase 'right after lunch' is an adverbial (decoration), not a subject. It is functioning to refer to time.
• We is the subject/doer of the sentence. 'We' does the action 'went'.

On the following (next) day, we started our next expedition to a limestone cave which was located only a stone throw away from our chalet.

• The phrase 'on the following day' is an adverbial (decoration), not a subject. It does not affect the subject/doer at all.
• We is the subject/doer of the sentence. ''We' does the action 'started'.

The Past Perfect Tense
The past perfect tense is used to refer to actions or events that have been completed in the past. The formula is had + past participle. Here are some examples extracted from the above recount:


Recent school holidays, the Environment Club of my school had organized a trip to the National Park in Pahang.

• 
  The phrase had organized in this sentence shows that the action (of the trip) has been completed.
• If the word 'had' is not put, the sentence is still meaningful but lack of compassion.

The expedition had taught us .......

• The phrase had taught in this sentence shows that the action (of teaching) has been completed.
• If the word 'had' is not put, the sentence is still meaningful but it is very plain.

The Passive Voice
The passive voice is referring to the sentence in which, the doer is put at the end of the sentence or maybe the doer is not mentioned at all in the sentence. The formula to form passive voice correctly is by putting was + past participle or were + past participle before the doer (if any). Here are some examples extracted from the above recount and two other sentences:

There were forty students joined the three-day trip and they were chaperoned by six teachers.

• In this sentence, six teachers are supposed to do the action 'chaperoned', not the students. But since 'six teachers' are put at the end of the sentence, it seems like the teachers are no longer the subject.
• It is true BUT still, the teachers are actually doing the action in the sentence. Hence, auxiliary verb 'were' must be put before the verb 'chaperoned' to show that 'they' in the sentence is only an object, not the subject.

Right after lunch, we went to the Orang Asli settlement was located nearby.

• In active voice, the above sentence should be written as "There was an Orang Asli Settlement nearby. We went there right after lunch."
• But the active voice suggested is quite nerdy.
• Anyhow, passive voice really puts some colours into your writing. 

The girls were kidnapped on their way home.

• In the above sentence, somebody kidnaps the girls but that 'somebody' is not mentioned in the sentence.
• From the sentence, we know that the girls do not kidnap but they are the victims of the kidnapper.

Surya's brother was caught by the police for shoplifting.

• Clearly the sentence is passive because the word 'by' is the clue.
• In the sentence above, the police caught Surya's brother for shoplifting. But Surya's brother was put at the beginning at the sentence although he is not the doer.
• The doer in this sentence is the police but is put after the verb was mentioned.

 

The 'CURTAIN CALL' of Ramadhan

What is Ramadhan?
Ramadharn is the month of Allah beacuase fasting throughout this month is the only obligation that is done for Allah alone. This is the month where Allah bestows forgiveness to the Muslims who ask for it. This is the month where Allah awards the Muslims with the one and only al-Quran kareem. This is the month where Lailatul Qadr is visiting those who worship Allah to the fullest. This is the month where the Muslims share the hardship of the unfortunate brothers and sisters around the globe.

The month of Ramadhan is called 'SAIDUL SYUHUR' or the chieftan of all Hijriah months. The month of Ramadhan is very significant to the Muslims due to a few occurences that had been recorded in history like the 'Nuzul al-Quran' and that is why Ramadhan is also acknowledged as the month of Quran. There are a few wars involving Muhammad (peace be upon him) with the Makkah musyriks (protestors) as mandated by Allah such as Badr and Khandak, and both are won over by the Muslims although the number of the soldiers were far more lesser than the musyriks.

Generally, when Ramadhan is approaching, people around the world notice that the Muslims will restrain themselves from eating and drinking and during the day for a month. Not forgotten, the Muslims will lessen or leave all sinful and wasteful activities in order to be blessed by Allah the Almighty.

Throughout Ramadhan, the Muslims are suggested to perform more Qiyyam (prayers) and it would be best performed during the third quarter of the night or around 2 - 4 in the morning. These kind of prayers are called 'Qiyamullail' or the night prayers. One of the favourite prayers to be performed is the Tarawikh which is habitually taking place in a masjid from the first of Ramadhan to its last. The Muslims will assemble after Isya' prayer to perform the Solah (prayer) for 8 or 20 raka'ah (laps) and wrap the solah with 3 raka'ah of Witr prayer or generally known as the 'closing' prayer. Those who are unable to attend masjid like me (due to health problems) be able to perform it at home.

Besides prayers, the Muslims are called to infak (donate) some money or food or any useful things to those who needs especially the poor and orphans (as mentioned in al-Quran). Giving away money or other properties will never make you penniless. In fact, you will feel glad and do BELIEVE that every single thing that you donate to the needy, Allah will pay it forward double or triple or quadruple in terms of cash, prosperity, wellness, obedient children, career building, achievements, loving family and many other surprised gifts in life.


The 'Curtain Call'
At the end of Ramadhan, most worshippers fell gloomy and sad for the month is calling its curtain down. This means, they have to wait till next year to meet up with Ramadhan again. They are aware that some might not be able to set a date with the upcoming Ramadhan. Some are sad for they feel that they had not done enough to worship Allah trhoughout the month. With the bon voyage of Ramadhan, the month of Syawal is granted by The One as the day of victory to the Muslims who had successfully went through hardship and worship Him throughout the month of Ramadhan. The Muslims express their feeling towards the victory with great takbir on the night of 1 Syawal. They celebrate the victory by complimenting the the Oneness and greatness of Allah.

However, most locals celebrate the first of Syawal or popularly known as Eid with advisable not entertainment programmes which are full of social harmness and sins. They are repeating mistakes and sins that they had asked forgiveness for in Ramadhan. They are making fun of themselves and I can't stand to laugh to the last to those poor creatures. This is what I call as the unwanted curtain call.


The Dos after the 'Curtain Call'
Ramadhan is the month of 'educating ones behaviour'. Hence, it is advisable that the Muslims should carry out what they had performed in Ramadhan in the months ahead. Here are some suggested ibadah to be feeded for our souls:

• Keep on performing Qiyamullail at least once a week;
• Perform Dhuha prayer every day;
• Perform everyday solah (prayers) right after adzan and never ever delay them;
• Read al-Quran every day;
• Eat according to the necessity;
• Consume dates (kurma) on its own or before any meal, daily;
• Assemble at the masjid to pray in jamaah (assembled);
• Infak (donate) money or food or anything useful to the needy;
• Get your tongue wet by saying zikrullah every day;
• Watch your words especially to the elders;
• Tie up your need whenever you feel like you want something wasteful and unneeded;
• Always seek forgiveness from Allah;
• Always seek forgiveness from your spouse, children, parents, siblings, relatives, friends, colleagues and acquaintances;
• Attending religious talk and classes.

Remember, make this Ramadhan as the best event in your life.....Don't waste it for we never know whether we will meet the next Ramadhan.

Vocabulary

• obligation (noun) - duty / responsibility
• chieftan (noun) - leader
• significant (adjective) - important
• occurence (noun) - incident
• acknowledged (acknowledge - verb) - recognized / accept
• mandated (mandate - verb) - order / instruct
• restrain (verb) - keep away from
• lessen (verb) - to make less
• assemble (verb) - gather
• penniless (adjective) - poor
• quadraple (adjectie) - multiple
• worship (verb) - a person who believe / love / devote
• worshipper (noun) - believer / devotee
• oneness (adjective) - singleness
• local (noun) - home-grown / resident
• spouse (noun) - prtner (wife or husband)

"Sharing is Caring" - a powerful quote with powerless action

          "Let me give you a hand." It is simple, caring and it shows 'sharing' action as well. But how many of us really, I mean REALLY means it, and not just by saying it. Sharing somebody's burden is not an easy task but it is not burdening concurrently. It is a language of being HUMAN. It is better asking to help than asking for help.

          I always lend others hands although my feet always blink red light to my effort. Frankly, I may learn this from my favourite uncle Hais who sincerely and faithfully looked after me since I was a newborn (I was born as an orphan) and I can say that sharing is a value that I've learnt from my family 'school of thought'. As I grew up, I observed, analyzed and finally decided to share the burden of others instead of giving one to them. From there, I educate and develop this sharing value to my children (students). I strongly believe that to be a caring figure, one must be willing to share first.

          My uncle Hais is unlike other people. He took care of our big family for he was the sole breadwinner. He sacrificed a lot, including his bachelor days, upon sharing the hardship of my grandmother to raise up his siblings, including my mother who was widowed back then. My uncle Hais got married at quite inappropriate age for he was almost 40 at that time. It is all because of his sharing value. And up till now, he never talks about it. Never!

           Now, my uncle Hais who is also an ex-manager of UOB, still shares what he has and what he is good at the best. There are countless sharing he had made and I just could only share his burden by delivering prayers upon him and his family for I have nothing valuable to be shared except for du'a. 

            Move to the 'sharing is caring' concept, shall we? At present, teenagers and shameful to say grown adults find that it is very hard to lend a hand to others. How can we implement this value if we are not performing it at our level best? We keep on saying that 'sharing is caring' but we are actually caring less about the sharing value. 

            So what is the best way to encourage the youngsters to be able to share or lend their hands if none other than through "do as I say and follow as I do" as the saying goes "action speaks louder than words". Don't speak much as action is none as the saying goes "do as I say, not as I do". It is a great shame if we teach the value to the youngster without able to perform it in our life. 

           Muhammad (peace be upon him) is the best role model of his words. He acts as he speaks. That is why, there is no doubt that Muhammad saw is the most influential person ever. As his 'ummah', it is the best for us to follow upon his footsteps. 

So, what should we do to be a caring person who is willing to share? Here are some tips:

• Share because you are a MUSLIM.
• Look for a significant role-model who inspires you to be a caring person. (I've found one) 
• Feel free and sincere when you are sharing something with others like food, money and knowledge for instance.
• Take sharing as your responsibility to help others.
• Start sharing at small amount.
• Keep in mind that sharing is not only about the materials and wealth but it includes moral support, advice, 'a shoulder to cry on', motivational speech, motherly approach, personal touch and inspirational thoughts.
• Always be sincere to share.
• Not to remind others of your help. 
• Never ever think of to be rewarded.               

Literature Bright - ONOMATOPOEIA

What is ONOMATOPOEIA?

ONOMATOPOEIA is a literary device which imitates sounds; directly or indirectly.

Here are some examples:

• Suddenly, he heard footsteps near the window. (suggesting sound of footsteps)
• The sound of clinching teeth gives me goosebumps, apparently. (suggesting sound of clinching teeth)
• He tries to dodge and suddenly 'dush', the punch kisses his left cheek.
• "Kaboom". The bomb crashed the building and killed a few innocent civilians. 
• 'chirp, chirp', the yellow parakeet sings happily on the branch of the mango tree.
• The chirping sound of birds amuses me.(suggesting the chirping sound)

How to detect onomatopoeia in a literature piece?
It is easy, though. All you have to do is identify the sounds. Read the extract below to identify the onomatopoeia.

As I walked alone in the forest that day, I felt free. Free as a bird. Free as I ever could be. The chirping sound of birds was wild but inspirational. The crispiness of the dried leaves can be heard upon stepping on the ground. The wild river flew soothed me as a music of the nature. And the breeze whistled gently to my ears.

In the extract above, there are a few sounds suggested by the writer.

• The chirping sound of birds was wild but inspirational  - the sound of the birds chirping is said a bit noisy but it also inspire the persona that day.
• The crispiness of the dried leaves can be heard upon stepping on the ground  - the persona could hear the sound of dried leaves when he walked in the forest.
• The wild river flew soothed me as a music of nature  - the river creates a sound of water flowing which is also a music of nature.
• And the breeze whistled gently to my ears  - the breeze blew gently and as is it whistled on the ears of the persona.

 When you read the lines, you could imagine how the birds, river, dried leaves and breeze sound like. All the sounds above are onomatopoeia.


Now, read the lines below and detect four onomatopoeia.

Flint dashed to the door as the shadow approached. With a very stingy ray of light, he couldn’t see straight. He bumped on the door and he bumped hard. He cared less about his head and headed to the front door. Afar from his thought, he smashed a mirror on his left and the mirror cracked to the floor. He grabbed the door knob and shook it hard. He opened the door and slammed it hard. And suddenly, ‘bang!’ he was shot out of nowhere. He saw blood on his right shoulder and ‘buff’ he collapsed on the ground.

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