MISS YOU GUYS VERY MUCH!

Very Creative Comparisons

My friend gave me these. She said that they were taken from real students' writing. It is interesting that students can be very creative. :)

1. Her eyes were like two brown circles with big black dots in the center.
2. He was as tall as a 6' 3" tree.
3. John and Mary had never met. They were like two hummingbirds who had also never met.
4. The ballerina rose gracefully and extended one slender leg behind her, like a dog at a fire hydrant.
5. Her vocabulary was as bad as, like, whatever.
6. She grew on him like she was a colony of E.coli and he was room-temperature Canadian beef.
7. The lamp just sat there, like an inanimate object.

Be Careful of blogpot.com

I was notified by my friend about this, so I would like to share with all of you Muslims. Especially those who would like to go to my blog. Be careful when you type my blog address (or any blog address) in the address bar. If you mistakenly typed iiumchessmaster.blogpot.com (notice blogpot without 's') instead of iiumchessmaster.blogspot.com, you will be linked to this site:

Moon Eclipse...

... as seen with my wife's camera on 10th December 2011 at 8.15pm (just starting). The picture below shows an experiment my friend made using the eggs during the full eclipse.

I Am Crazy...

... sometimes. Not in the true sense of the word, but just having fun in a crazy way. It was during the journey home from KL. The time = around 9 p.m. The venue = approximately 1 km after the Kechau Petronas. I stopped my car in front of a house and I snapped this picture.


In case you are wondering what I was referring to, look at the mileage odometer.

Mistake in the Qur'an

Last Ramadhan, praise be to Allah I managed to complete reading the Holy Qur'an. In doing so, I found a printing mistake in the Qur'an which I read. I hope that next time, the whole Qur'an would be proof read before being published. It was in the Surah al-Syura, verse 19.

الشورى verse 19

The word العزيز should be dotted

Go, Young Tigers, Go!

I never felt this excited watching Malaysian football except until recently when The Red Warriors (TRW) captured my heart. Yes, I am a Kelantanese and yes, I like football very much. However, those are not only reasons I watch Malaysian football now. The 'Harimau Malaya' (Malayan Tigers) has proved it time and again that they can actually compete with the best and we should give them our utmost support. It's no use supporting teams from the EPL or La Liga and neglect our own local teams with the reason that our teams do not play as good as Liverpools, Real Madrids or AC Milans. Even though that we are not on par with those teams consist of multimillionaire players, we can still get better with proper training and more monetary injection. In terms of playing, we have proven that we can win here and there, with the example of winning the previous SEA Games, and play against the best proudly, such as playing against Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea this year. Hence, all those sponsorships should be investing more on our own turf rather than going to Norwich City or QPR. On the other hand, our players do not have to seek greener pastures abroad like what happen to Safee Salee or previously, Akmal Rizal. State teams also should have not begged for money like what happens to TRW.

Now, the Tigers should also play their part in advertising markets for the sponsorship, and they can start with defending the SEA Games gold medal by beating the Indonesians. I'm not going to be rude on the Indonesians, although their supporters' actions are not much to be proud of. In my humble opinion, sports should be uniting nations, not as a platform for disagreement. So, in your opinion, do these acts (pictures below) indicate a civilized nation?

Zinga Island or Manzu Highlands?

If I have the opportunity to go for a holiday, I will like to visit the Manzu Highlands which is just situated at the heart of Pahang.

After a constant mad rush (of) life in the city, I would definitely like to release my stress and frustration. Manzu Highlands is suitable for relaxation and a good holiday destination for those who want to stay away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Situated in the hills, Manzu Highlands is a spot full of fresh air and the temperature is just fine instead of the weather in the city where the sun is scorching and blaring (blistering) with intense heat. Although it is quite chilly, the weather allows us to sleep with peace without having the necessity to turn on the air-conditioner.

Other than that, Manzu Highlands is well-known for its quiet and peaceful environment. Its tranquility makes it a hot spot for tourists from all walks of life. It is free of any sound pollution and ear-deafening noise such as the honking of the vehicles unlike the life in the urbanisation. It is indisputable that Manzu Highlands is a perfect location when it involves the scene of serenity as the vivid and blue sky soothes and calms the heart of pressured city workers.

Moreover, there are countless of beautiful sceneries (scenery) that can be witnessed. The majestic-looking mountains and the greeneries (greenery) around Manzu Highlands are the main attraction there. The mist that is surrounding the mountains all the time stirred the curiosity of everyone who visits there. The scenery during the dawn and dusk are proclaimed to be the most beautiful scenery that you can see in the ( ) Malaysia and it just gets better when the glimmering of stars during night time can be clearly seen up above the sky!

Not only that, despite of the chilly weather in Manzu Highlands, there are tremendous amount of activities that can be done. Fishing can be done at various locations as Manzu Highlands has many rivers with suitable temperature that can promote the growth of aquatic organisms. As I am an enthusiast in fishing, it will be definitely (definitely be) a golden opportunity for me! Furthermore, rock-climbing and mountaineering is a divine intervention for those who is eager and enthusiastic to try out the extreme activities offered there. For those who prefer less strenuous activities, they can visit the popular landmarks such as strawberry farm and the bee apiary. They can purchase souvenirs as much as they like to!

On the contrary (Hence), Manzu Highlands is an ideal destination for holidays as it offers an (a) once -in-a-lifetime experience for those who visit there. I will definitely go to Manzu Highlands for a holiday as it fulfilled all my requirements and it is a better selection if compared to Zinga Island.


Vocabulary
--------------

mad rush - done without thought or control
hustle and bustle - busy and noisy activity of a lot of people in one place
scorching - very hot
blaring - make a loud unpleasant noise
blistering - extremely hot in a way that is uncomfortable
tranquility - quiet and peaceful
indisputable - that is true and cannot be denied
serenity - calm and peaceful
soothes - to make somebody feel calmer
majestic - impressive because of size or beauty
greenery - attractive green leaves and plants
stirred - awakened
proclaimed - to publicly and officially tell people about something important
glimmering - to shine with a faint unsteady light
tremendous - very great
aquatic - growing or living in, on or near water
enthusiast - a person who is very interested in something
divine intervention - help from God to change a situation
strenuous - needing great effort and energy
apiary - a place where bees are kept
on the contrary - used to introduce a statement that says the opposite of the last one
hence - for this reason

Happy Eid Qurban 2011

My extraordinary feat for this year's Eid:

Car: Toyota Avanza 1.3 (manual)
Distance covered: 1211 km
Inside the car: 20 hours
Outside the car: 4 hours
Total nap time: 1 hour 15 minutes


Friday (4 Nov 2011)

4.15 am - Departed from my house at Kota Bharu.
5.00 am - Stopped at SMK Keroh.
6.30 am - Prayed Subuh at RNR, Gua Musang.
7.15 am - Had breakfast at Gua Musang.
7.45 am - Stopped at Gua Musang Petronas for gas.
8.15 am - Stopped at Chegar Perah for a 15 minute nap.
10.00 am - Stopped at Kechau.
12.00 pm - Stopped at Aunt Yati's house in Taman Melawati. Departed 40 minutes later.
1.30 pm - Arrived at UKM. Departed 45 minutes later.
2.30 pm - Prayed Zuhur/Asar at Bangi. Had lunch also.
4.00 pm - Arrived at UM. Departed 20 minutes later.
5.30 pm - Stopped at Bentong Petronas for gas.
6.30 pm - Stuck in traffic at Bentong. Made a U-turn for Terengganu.
8.00 pm - Stopped at RNR Gambang for Maghrib/Isha' prayer and dinner.
12.00 am - Took an hour nap at a petrol station somewhere in Terengganu.

Saturday (5 Nov 2011)

2.45 am - Stopped at Jerteh Petronas for gas.
4.15 am - Arrived at Tanah Merah home.

Graduation Day

That day, a graduation for the SPM/STPM candidates was held. It is an annual event held to give motivation for the students to achieve better results in their real SPM/STPM exam this coming November. Students wore their best clothes. Some of them looked very beautiful whereas the others were unattractive. Nevertheless, all of them were very happy and, when asked, hoped to pass their exams with great results. After the graduation ceremony, the students flocked to a class nearby to take their graduation pictures.




The above text can be more exciting if idioms and phrases are used. A sample text:

That day, a graduation for the SPM/STPM candidates was held. It is an annual event held to give motivation for the students to achieve better results in their real SPM/STPM exam this coming November. Students were all in their Sunday best. Some of them cut quite a dash in their suits whereas the others were not much to look at. Nevertheless, all of them were all smiles and, when asked, hoped to pass their exams with flying colours. After the graduation ceremony, the students flocked to a class a stone's throw away to take their graduation pictures.

Directed Essay Made Easy

SPM trial exam has ended. It took me rigorous 3 weeks to mark the papers for 5A, 5E and 5S. Actually, 2 and a half weeks just to mark 5A papers. Although, it has to be mentioned here, the papers are far from being error-free. Basic errors on subject-verb agreements, countable and uncountable nouns, and of course, the tenses, still frequently surfaced.

Directed essays are meant to detect these mistakes. So, I recommend that weak pupils use simple and easy sentences to minimize them.

The Advantages and Disadvantages of Studying Abroad

Advantages:

1. know another country
2. study at world's renowned university
3. opportunity to mix with other races
4. improve English
5. learn to be independent
6. learn to be tolerant of others

Disadvantages:

1. miss parents and siblings
2. miss home-cooked food
3. expensive fees
4. high cost of living
5. inevitable changes in lifestyles
6. inevitable changes in weather

Example of a simple essay:

There are many advantages of studying abroad. The first advantage is knowing another country. The second advantage is studying at a world's renowned university. The third advantage is the opportunity to mix with other races. The fourth advantage is improving English. The fifth advantage is learning to be independent. The last advantage is learning to be tolerant of others.

... and copy the above format for the disadvantages also.


Example of a better essay:

There are many advantages of studying abroad. First of all is knowing another country. Secondly, you can study at a world's renowned university. One of the advantages also is the opportunity to mix with other races. Moreover, improving English is an advantage of studying abroad. On the other hand, you can learn to be independent. Finally, you can learn to be tolerant of others.


And, of course, the best essay includes an elaboration and an example for each points given. For example:

There are many advantages of studying abroad. First of all is knowing another country. Studying abroad is the ticket for you to know more about the country where you will be studying. If you are studying at the University of Oxford, for example, you will know more about the United Kingdom.


Hopefully these examples will help you to write better essays in your exams.

FUTSAL FEVER

5 Setia FC still held the edge after a thrilling 7 - 7 draw against Insan-Insan Istimewa FC after winning their game last week with 7 - 4 drubbing. Tonight's game was all about Zulkhairi who scored 6 goals for 5 Setia FC. CONGRATULATIONS!


The team:

5 Setia FC

Mohd Azizul (Goalkeeper)
Che Mohd Nasir
Mazlan Wahab
Asfayuzie
Adnan Mahmud
Mohd Zulkhairi

Insan-Insan Istimewa FC

Rosmahidi (Goalkeeper)
Mazlan Rahim
Mohd Zulkifli
Othman
Mohd Yusof
Adnan Ahmad

The Start of the New Generation

The final whistle last night tasted so sweet; the hoodoo was finally broken. Arsenal away is no longer officially a jinx. The new generation has taken a big step forward; a step towards the crown. Although they needed Arsenal to become a man less before finally broken them down, it was a win nevertheless, because a football match involves the elements of surprise, determination, and of course, luck. Lots of it. Manchester United has been dominating the league using luck as their twelfth man. And what's more, there is still a certain Steven Gerrard to come forward. The captain must be itching to play his part in this new look squad (picture below).


Here are the pictures of last night's victory (taken from LFC official site):

Writing Journal

I've asked my pupils to write journals whilst implementing the grammatical items in the process. They don't have to write much, only 5 sentences are sufficient. However, the sentences must contain all the grammatical items stated. For example,

Write a journal consists of 5 sentences using the Simple Past Tense on what you did during the holidays. You must also include 10 adjectives and 5 adverbs.

It surely save me my time of correcting lots of lengthy essays with lots of grammatical mistakes. This way, I only focused on specific mistakes, and I am sure the pupils will learn aplenty.

Of course, you have to teach them the grammatical items first.

What do you think?


Update:

I just found a very good writing from one of my pupils:

Last breezy Sunday morning, as I walked gracefully to the beautiful sea, I saw a very cute dolphin swimming with the other dolphins. It made me feel good and more in peace. Sometimes, I felt like swimming with them in that blue and cold water. However, something stopped me and it was my handsome father who appeared calmly from the big green bushes. I was shocked as he told me that my sick great grandfather was dying and had to be sent to the nearest hospital immediately.

Can You Detect the Error in This Cartoon?

Malaysian Football Back to Glory Days

The three Premier League clubs - Arsenal FC (AFC), Liverpool FC (LFC) and Chelsea FC (CFC) - might just witness the return of the footballing days in Malaysia. Even though Malaysia lost all three games, their game gradually improved. Starting with a destruction in the game against AFC, Malaysia managed to get three goals against LFC and held CFC firmly from putting in lots of goals. They addressed the leaky defense, and kept CFC at bay until the 80th minute.

Personally, I think that the Malaysian football is back to glory days. They are in the contention for the Brazil World Cup in 2o14 and still running for a spot in the Olympics. Their games are fast, even though they still lack some basic techniques such as the first touch. On the other hand, their tiny stature could prove to be an asset once they are fouled just outside the opponent's penalty box. Safiq Rahim is one the names who could probably put Malaysia back on the football map, and he has got friends to help him - Khairul Fahmi, Norshahrul and Safee Sali, to name a few - achieve his mission.

Let us all hope that the 'Harimau Malaya' can roar proudly at the World Cup 2014!

Beware!

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I get this message tonight. I don't know whether it is a virus, or plain scam just to rob my money. Sometimes, these things are very annoying. Imagine that you get out of bed at 3 a.m. just to read them? Yeah, you are right! I feel like busting my phone, if I'm not being very patient.

Language Hunt

Last holiday extra classes saw a different approach in my language teaching where I used treasure hunting technique, or what I called 'Language Hunt', to fill up the 4 hours time allocation. The pupils had to go to several places in the school compound and answer the given clues for their next location. The clues were given in the form of language learning topics, and I chose the topic of Subject - Verb Agreement because it was their apparent weakness. In the end, the groups were given marks not only according to their arrival at the final place, but also to the number of correct answers for the given tasks.

Tun Mahathir Leads

After winning the Jogathon last February, Tun Mahathir (TM) continued the domination of the school athletics. They led the field with several wins in the 100 metres and also the relay events. However, next week's results are vital in order to stay at the top of the pack. Hopefully TM's athletes will be up for it.

On the other hand, TM lost in both the marching and the tent event. Nevertheless, TM is expected to win the cheer leading event which will be announced this Sunday (26th June 2011).

There were also events for the male teachers. The 4 x 50 metres relay and the push rope events were held in a very 'sporting' manner. Cikgu X and his team won the relay by hiding the extra baton in his pants.

Here I will upload the pics and the vids.