essay.docx

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Langkah-langkah untuk memupuk minat membaca di kalangan pelajar ? Seperti yang kita semua maklum,membaca dalah satu gejalah yang penting untuk meningkatkan bahasa kita.Namun begitu,ramai pelajar-pelajar yang enggan mengambil tahu tentang betapa pentingnya membaca itu.Lebih-lebih lagi pelajar yang di peringkat sekolah menengah.Mereka telah merosot dalam subjek-subjek bahasa terutamanya bahasa inggeris dan bahasa ibunda mereka.Tambahan lagi,para pelajar memberitahu guru bahawa membaca itu sangat membosankan dan tidak mengukirkan minat mereka untuk membaca dan memahami jalan cerita tersebut.Di sini saya ingin memberi beberapa langkah untuk memupuk minat membaca di kalangan pelajar. Langkah pertama yang patut diambil adalah untuk pihak sekolah mengadakan sesi pembacaan selepas sekolah.Sesi pembacaan itu boleh dilakukan sebanyak dua kali seminggu.Bukan itu sahaja,pelajar akan mendengar lagu yang boleh menukar suasana yang penuh dengan kebosanan menjadi keghairahan.Di samping itu,guru-guru juga boleh turut berlagu dendang kerana itulah yang akan membuat pelajar lebih minat membaca selepas itu.Kehadiran guru sangat penting untuk sesi pembacaan tersebut kerana mereka boleh menolong pelajar yang mempunyai pahit maung membaca buku masing- masing.Dengan berbuat demikian,pelajar akan mula membaca setelah dihiburkan oleh persembahan guru-guru dan dengan demikian dapat memupuk minat membaca di kalangan pelajar. Seterusnya,peranan keluarga juga amat penting dalam menolong pelajar untuk membina minat dalam membaca.Tidak syak lagi bahawa ramai ibu bapa kepada pelajar sangat sibuk sehingga mereka mengabaikan tanggunjawab mereka untuk meluangkan masa bersama anak mereka.Pelajar akan lebih berinspirasi jikalau hadirnya ibu bapa mereka di samping mereka untuk membaca buku bersama-sama.Tambahan pula,perbuatan ini akan membuat pengikatan antara ibu bapa dan anak lebih mendalam lagi.Dengan itu,penglibatan Ibu bapa dalam pelajaran mereka akna memberi impak yang menakjuban.Di sini saya ingin tegaskan bahawa keluarga adalah aspek terpenting dalam membina bahasa di kalangan remaja-remaja. Langkah seterusnya yang saya ingin huraikan adalah bagi pihak berkuasa untuk mengiklankan pertandingan membaca atau menulis karangan menggunakan kreativiti mereka.Tambahan lagi pemenangnya akan mendapat penginapan percuma di hotel di negara-negara luar.Mereka juga akan diberi peluang untuk berinteraksi dengan penulis- penulis yang mahir di negara sana.Ini akan merafakkan lagi minat pelajar untuk membaca lebih buku untuk menggandakan lagi ilmu bahasa mereka supaya boleh mencipta karangan yang ikut semampu ilmu tahap mereka.Dengan berbuat demikian,pelajar akan lebih minat membaca dan jikalau mereka tidak memenangi pertandingan tersebut,ilmu bahasa mereka tetap tidak terpupus. Yang terakhir sekali,pihak sekolah boleh menggunakan teknologi canggih zaman moden ini seperti Iphone,Ipod dan banyak lagi.Benda ini boleh digunakan untuk pelajaran kerana ia boleh melungsuri lelaman web.Tambahan lagi,banyak buku elektronik yang boleh diambil dengan percuma kerana ia khusus untuk sekolah.Buku elektronik tersebut hanya boleh digunakan di sekolah.Seperti lain kata,pelajar tidak boleh membuka buku elektronik apabila mereka di luar kawasan sekolah.Dengan berbuat demikian,ramai pelajar akan pergi ke perpustakaan selepas sekolah untuk menggunakan benda canggih dan mereka akan terpesona dengan buku elektronik yang ada banyak macam.Untuk menyimpul kata,kehadiran benda-benda yang mengikut teknologi zaman sekarang akan membuat pembacaan di kalangan pelajar-pelajar lebih menarik. Seperti apa yang diluahkan di atas,jikalau perkara ini tidak ditangani,para pelajar akan mula merosot dalam pengukuhan bahasa mereka dan ini akan memalukan masyarakat bangsa mereka.Dengan langkah-langkah yang diberikan,pelajar akan mula membina dan mengukuhkan bahasa mereka.Ini akan membawa kebanggaan bagi masyarakat masing- masing kerana tidak lama lagi para pelajar akan menjadi pemimpin bagi generasi akan datang dan mereka mungkin akan peroleh kala depan sempurna jikalau bahasa mereka kukuh.Sebagai akhir kata,membaca itu sangat penting bagi membina bahasa kita. My Best Pal

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Page 1: essay.docx

Langkah-langkah untuk memupuk minat membaca di kalangan pelajar ?

Seperti yang kita semua maklum,membaca dalah satu gejalah yang penting untuk meningkatkan bahasa kita.Namun begitu,ramai pelajar-pelajar yang enggan mengambil tahu tentang betapa pentingnya membaca itu.Lebih-lebih lagi pelajar yang di peringkat sekolah menengah.Mereka telah merosot dalam subjek-subjek bahasa terutamanya bahasa inggeris dan bahasa ibunda mereka.Tambahan lagi,para pelajar memberitahu guru bahawa membaca itu sangat membosankan dan tidak mengukirkan minat mereka untuk membaca dan memahami jalan cerita tersebut.Di sini saya ingin memberi beberapa langkah untuk memupuk minat membaca di kalangan pelajar. Langkah pertama yang patut diambil adalah untuk pihak sekolah mengadakan sesi pembacaan selepas sekolah.Sesi pembacaan itu boleh dilakukan sebanyak dua kali seminggu.Bukan itu sahaja,pelajar akan mendengar lagu yang boleh menukar suasana yang penuh dengan kebosanan menjadi keghairahan.Di samping itu,guru-guru juga boleh turut berlagu dendang kerana itulah yang akan membuat pelajar lebih minat membaca selepas itu.Kehadiran guru sangat penting untuk sesi pembacaan tersebut kerana mereka boleh menolong pelajar yang mempunyai pahit maung membaca buku masing-masing.Dengan berbuat demikian,pelajar akan mula membaca setelah dihiburkan oleh persembahan guru-guru dan dengan demikian dapat memupuk minat membaca di kalangan pelajar. Seterusnya,peranan keluarga juga amat penting dalam menolong pelajar untuk membina minat dalam membaca.Tidak syak lagi bahawa ramai ibu bapa kepada pelajar sangat sibuk sehingga mereka mengabaikan tanggunjawab mereka untuk meluangkan masa bersama anak mereka.Pelajar akan lebih berinspirasi jikalau hadirnya ibu bapa mereka di samping mereka untuk membaca buku bersama-sama.Tambahan pula,perbuatan ini akan membuat pengikatan antara ibu bapa dan anak lebih mendalam lagi.Dengan itu,penglibatan Ibu bapa dalam pelajaran mereka akna memberi impak yang menakjuban.Di sini saya ingin tegaskan bahawa keluarga adalah aspek terpenting dalam membina bahasa di kalangan remaja-remaja. Langkah seterusnya yang saya ingin huraikan adalah bagi pihak berkuasa untuk mengiklankan pertandingan membaca atau menulis karangan menggunakan kreativiti mereka.Tambahan lagi pemenangnya akan mendapat penginapan percuma di hotel di negara-negara luar.Mereka juga akan diberi peluang untuk berinteraksi dengan penulis-penulis yang mahir di negara sana.Ini akan merafakkan lagi minat pelajar untuk membaca lebih buku untuk menggandakan lagi ilmu bahasa mereka supaya boleh mencipta karangan yang ikut semampu ilmu tahap mereka.Dengan berbuat demikian,pelajar akan lebih minat membaca dan jikalau mereka tidak memenangi pertandingan tersebut,ilmu bahasa mereka tetap tidak terpupus. Yang terakhir sekali,pihak sekolah boleh menggunakan teknologi canggih zaman moden ini seperti Iphone,Ipod dan banyak lagi.Benda ini boleh digunakan untuk pelajaran kerana ia boleh melungsuri lelaman web.Tambahan lagi,banyak buku elektronik yang boleh diambil dengan percuma kerana ia khusus untuk sekolah.Buku elektronik tersebut hanya boleh digunakan di sekolah.Seperti lain kata,pelajar tidak boleh membuka buku elektronik apabila mereka di luar kawasan sekolah.Dengan berbuat demikian,ramai pelajar akan pergi ke perpustakaan selepas sekolah untuk menggunakan benda canggih dan mereka akan terpesona dengan buku elektronik yang ada banyak macam.Untuk menyimpul kata,kehadiran benda-benda yang mengikut teknologi zaman sekarang akan membuat pembacaan di kalangan pelajar-pelajar lebih menarik. Seperti apa yang diluahkan di atas,jikalau perkara ini tidak ditangani,para pelajar akan mula merosot dalam pengukuhan bahasa mereka dan ini akan memalukan masyarakat bangsa mereka.Dengan langkah-langkah yang diberikan,pelajar akan mula membina dan mengukuhkan bahasa mereka.Ini akan membawa kebanggaan bagi masyarakat masing-

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masing kerana tidak lama lagi para pelajar akan menjadi pemimpin bagi generasi akan datang dan mereka mungkin akan peroleh kala depan sempurna jikalau bahasa mereka kukuh.Sebagai akhir kata,membaca itu sangat penting bagi membina bahasa kita.

My Best Pal

Close friendships are hard to come by these days. In an ever-changing world with people striving to achieve their interpretation of preordained success, it is hard to know who your true friends are. Fortunately, I found my best pal early at the tender age of seven. We were both enrolled at the same school and were at wits’ ends as we searched tirelessly for our designated classes.

Samantha and I got acquainted as both of us were in the same class and sat next to each other. Samantha was a happy-go-lucky girl who always managed to breathe fresh air into the sometimes arid classroom. She always knew what to say and would voice them at the best possible moments. Both pupils and teachers alike enjoyed her company and liveliness. There was hardly ever a dull moment when she was around with her funny quips and expressions.

Samantha was born with a silver spoon. Her father was a businessman and her mother owned and ran a boutique. Both her parents were very caring towards her as she, just like I, was the only child of the family. Samantha came to school each day with a perpetual smile. She was a very nice person to be around with. She and I used to go everywhere together and both of us were rarely seen apart. We used to talk about so many things as we walked, thoroughly enjoying our time together.

One day, I went to school and forgot to ask my parents for lunch money. At first, I was not hungry and thought I could bear going without a meal but soon, my stomach began to growl. Without asking, Samantha generously paid for my meal and drinks during recess. The incident revealed to me how lucky I was to have such a caring and compassionate friend.

As time went on, people started teasing us as we were spending more and more time together. We seemed to know what each other thought and we cared for each other deeply. Was I in love with her? I did not know then and we both knew we were too young for all that emotional roller coaster.

Currently, Samantha and I are studying at different schools. It was hard to be apart at first, but technology in the form of instant messaging and e-mails have helped to bridge the gap in our friendship. I sincerely wish our friendship will never end as it would be equivalent to waking up from a beautiful dream.

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About seventeen years ago, a beautiful young woman, named Kari, was trying to adjust and understand the purpose of her life. She was a typical adolescent, making mistakes and hoping each lesson would guide her in the right direction of life. At this time, she was living in Germany, occupied in the US Army, on and off with a boyfriend, and fighting to keep a relationship with her family, through letters. It may not seem like an ideal situation, but everything in life has a purpose, the challenge is discovering it. Unlike most adolescents, her life was put into perspective very quickly. At the age of nineteen, Kari received results from a test, which changed her life forever. She was pregnant.

In January 1995, at the age of twenty years old, Kari gave birth to a baby girl. Her life now revolved around her child, Alexis. She got out of her relationship, got a job, and found a safe place for the two of them. Now living with her mom and step dad, working as a papergirl (newspaper delivery person), and fighting for divorce, Kari was struggling. It didn’t matter though; she made the best of it.

When Alexis was two, Kari married her husband, Mike. Together, they got a town home. Now, with a home and family, it may seem like times were great, but there was still a lot of life to be learned from. Mike was constantly traveling; in fact, he was in Utah for two years after they got married. Kari was now raising Alexis, working seven days a week, and working to keep her marriage healthy. As with everything in her life, Kari took sacrifices and made it work.

Fourteen years later, looking at this 36 year old, you would never realize the struggles she has faced in life. She is a beautiful, young, and caring, mother, friend and wife. She lives in a nice house, takes care of kids, home-schools Alexis and, her husband is home almost every night. She has many great qualities, but I think the characteristic that makes her the most unique and genuine person, is her love and creativity. She was, and is, able to take anything normal and make it enjoyable.

By now you have probably realized, I am Alexis, her daughter. I have a great relationship with my mom, something many girls, my age, are lacking. In some ways, it’s like we grew up together (although twenty years apart), best friends. She has always provided the loving, but strict mother figure, which I can rely on, in my life. Her creativity brought me lots of fun times, and cherished memories, throughout my adolescents. Her strong words and lectures, many she has learned from in the past, bring me wisdom and guidance for the rest of my life. And her open and loving heart, gives me a safe place to share my emotions. I never could ask for a better person to spend my memories with, for they wouldn’t be the memories they are, without her.

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This friend I have is special, whilst young, intelligent and righteous. He lives with me since he was born, a pleasure to have all these years.The strength to face each day can sometimes be drawn from knowing him.

When I watch him dribble around with the ball at the street soccer court then knocking it into the goal leaving the opponent frustrated there is unspeakable pride and joy emitting from the core of my heart. How this fine young man has grown from a novice soccer player just three years ago to a forwarder that instill fear to defenders who have to mark him. A elusive player who pass his opponent with ease and elegant he can match the highest standard of the land.

The fond memories of the time we spend together still lingers in my mind. Bringing him to the movies, watching him fight with his sisters still sits in my mind. When he is younger, he never kept still and even climb out of the cradle that is meant to restrain him. That is when he is only two years old and that time nearly got a spanking from his grand mother.

The coolest transformation is his hair. It uses to be always gelled and groomed into the "curry puff" look that is the trademark look that signifies his childhood days. Curry puff is a local snacks that has ultra ordinary puff when fried. Youth has robbed away that and reinstall a new image to befit the modern time. The "anime" type spike hairstyle is now the replacement. Skinny jeans with a smart tee shirts is the order of the day when he needs to go for a outing. While I would prefer him to be in long sleeved shirt and a business pant, his peer may feel out of place with this sort of strange outfit.

Our favorite chat always centered on his favorite Barclay Premier League Club Chelsea and my Manchester United Football Club. Our exchange on the matter can turn into a feisty with each not giving way to the other. Glorified Manchester United has done it once again but the arrival of Ancelloti this season and the departure of Christano Ronaldo has up the challenge for the rivals.

Every weekend is spent at the soccer field where we conduct soccer lessons for children under ten. He is my coach while I am his manager and together we managed to keep soccer alive for these kids who showed up every weekend. Our

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effort has rewarded us with two championship through the years and the greatest pride is the one that Chris has played in.

Chris is more of a friend than a son, we spend our time together like most friends do. I am proud of him both as a friend and a son.

Persuasive Essay Example: Cell phones - One of Our Greatest Technologies MisusedCell phones have lost their meaning over the years. These small devices were once developed to get in contact with someone else in case of emergencies, and now talking on the phone while driving has turned out to be a way of life for millions of American drivers. More than 85 percent of the 100 million cell-phone subscribers frequently talk on the phone during driving.(www.smartmotorist.com) Talking on the cell phone while driving should be illegal, because of the dangers they cause. Driving while using the cell phone is one of the major problems here in the US. Cell phones should not be used while driving. This matter is too dangerous to let it go unnoticed.According to the essay, Yes, Prohibit Their Use, which appeared on the congressional quarterly’s web site on March 16, 2001, the Harvard Center for risk analysis printed a study in 1999. They appointed a crash risk factor to using cell phones. In the summer of 2000 it came out to 450 to 1,000 fatalities each year. The NHTSH says that for every fatality, there are 666 property-damage and injury-producing crashes. There are about 300,000 and 650,000 different crashes due to cell phones! This same essay states that Japan is one of the 14 countries banning the use of handheld cell phones while driving. The accidents caused by the use of cell phones dropped by 75 percent the next month, proving cell phones are not necessary parts of the driving nature.

There are major dangers connected with driving and cell phone use. Drivers have to take their eyes off the road while dialing. Also, drivers can get so deep into their conversations that their ability to concentrate may be dangerously limited. This jeopardizes the safety of the people inside the vehicle, and the pedestrians outside. In order to drive safely, the driver should be able to put 100% of his or her focus on the road. Cell phones are simply a huge distraction while driving.

It is understandable that there are some cases where the use of a cell phone is needed. In these cases, I agree with the author of Yes, Prohibit Their Use, the driver should pull-over somewhere safe to use the phone. If someone receives an incoming call, he should wait until the car has come to a complete stop. Then he should proceed to use the phone. If he feels that the emergency is urgent enough to take action right away, then the person should use the hands free headset. Only in emergencies should cell phones be used.

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Some people argue that there are other distractions other than cell phones. While using a cell phone when driving may not be the most unsafe distraction, studies prove that it is the most common cause of car crash accident, and common cause of death here in the US.The use of cell phones while driving should be banned in Philadelphia, because many people die due to distraction of cell phones. Cell phone distraction causes 2,600 deaths and 330,000 injuries in the United States every year. (www.livescience.com/technology). Another reason to not use the cell phone while driving is devastating the many lives of the victims and their families in the case of an accident.

When driving, cell phones should not be allowed. Help the statistics decrease not increase.Reflective Essay: What would you do if you had a lot of money - SPM Model Essayuestion: What would you do if you had a lot of money?

When I was small, I often dreamt about being rich as my parents were quite poor. We had difficulty making ends meet each month. So, if I had a lot of money, I would certainly fulfill my dreams.First and foremost, I would buy a house for my parents, preferably a bungalow, in a quiet town. I would equip the house with the latest technology so that it would be a smart home. My mother would have a state-of-the-art kitchen as she loves cooking. I would also get a maid to help her with the household chores. I will ensure that my family is comfortably settled in this house.

The second thing I would do is to go on a world tour with my parents. I have never been overseas but I long to see the places I have only read or dreamt about. First, I would like to visit Europe, especially Italy, the city of romance. I would visit all the museums and buildings I have heard so much about. My next stop would be Hong Kong or China. There is something mystical about China and her people. This would be my dream come true.

Apart from that, I could finally go on a shopping spree, which is my favourite pastime. Thus far, I could only go window shopping and if I had a lot of money, I would go into these stores and buy whatever I fancy. Just imagine that for once in my life, I do not need to look at the prices of the items that I like. I could just shop till I literally drop. The salesgirls would be hovering near me with their latest outfits and my wish would be their command. Ah, I would not be ignored anymore as I walk into their stores!

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Besides shopping, I would also remember the poor and the less fortunate. First, I would certainly build a better home for the orphans in my town. In fact, I would also sponsor their education till they could stand on their own. They would receive an allowance monthly and I would definitely take them shopping.

Finally, I would take the opportunity to further my studies. When I was younger, my parents could not afford to send me overseas. So, I would love to pursue a course in interior decorating in London and once I graduate, I would like to set up my own business with the rest of the money.They say that a fool and his money are soon parted. Thus, I would be very careful with how I spend my money. I would invest my money with my parents’ advice and keep some for rainy days.

Which do you prefer, living in the countryside or living in the city?Countryside I think living in the countryside is far better than living in the city. There are numerous of reasons why living in countryside is the better than the city. The scenery, the streets, the people and the paced are totally different compare to the city.

The first outstanding characteristic about the countryside is that it is beautiful and peaceful. The air is fresh and the surroundings green. This is because the countryside is free from pollution, be it air, land or noise pollution. There no such perfect peaceful view that you can see other than in the countryside.

There are no crowded streets and heavy traffic in the countryside. Thus there are no fumes from cars and smoke from factories buildings to pollute the air. The trees surrounded the countryside help the people from inhaling the polluted air. The freshness smell of plant somehow helps the people of the countryside to have a healthy life.

Furthermore, people in the countryside are more conscious of keeping their surroundings clean and so there is little throwing of rubbish everywhere, only at designated places. This is unlike the cities where if the garbage trucks do not collect the rubbish disposed by household or restaurants, the city will be overflowing with rubbish! This will attract the mosquitoes, fly, rats and wild dogs to pollute their surrounding that will cause them to have diseases like dengue and cholera.

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Thirdly, heavy traffic and crowded streets increase the level of noise pollution. The honking of cars in the streets is continuous and the crowds on the roads increase the hub of activity. There are also sound of the machine used in manufacturing factories, loud radio in and out the mall. These add to the noise of the city. Even if one lives in residential areas, one is never far from busy streets.However, in the countryside, life is slow-paced. There is no need to rush around because there are not too many places to go. Most places are close by and people can walk or cycle. Less vehicle used, so less fumes is released.The most heart-warming thing about the countryside is the attitude of people. People are friendly and helpful. If there are any happy or festive occasions, everyone pitches in to help. This feeling of cooperation and neighbourliness is what separates the countryside from the city.In the city, people are too busy to take note of the people around. Some hardly even know their neighbours. So they would not even be bothered about what happens to people around. This is why the crime rate is increasing in the city because bystanders do not rush in to help if a crime is committed on the streets.The pace of life in the countryside is slow so people have more time to enjoy life as the day goes on. Thus, for me to enjoy the quality of life, I prefer to live in the countryside.

CityIn my opinion, one has not experienced life until one has lived in the city. There is so much to see and experience in the bright lights of the city that you cannot get in the countryside. Here in the city, you can learn about how to get along with people of different types, encounter varied situations and solve problems. All these help a person to grow in maturity. After all, experience is the best teacher.

In the countryside, however, you only move around people you are used to. So, you seldom encounter strangers or new and demanding situations. Life is more mundane and routine-like. Staying in a secure, safe place does not allow for one to gain new experiences and grow in maturity.

Furthermore, young people need a life that is exciting and pleasurable. It is the city that offers you entertainment- cinemas, parks and eating places. Here you can hang out with friends and family members. Life as fast-paced and this keeps you active and alert all times. And when it comes to educational opportunities, the city abounds in this. There are good school and libraries that are necessary for your mental development. Furthermore, there are places like museums and educational centres where you can go, to increase your knowledge.

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Such places that offer you entertainment or learning opportunities are of course not available in the countryside. For entertainment, there is only the occasional festive celebration or marriage feast or fishing outing. Some may find this appealing but not me. Moreover, opportunities to widen your knowledge are limited in the countryside.

Another point in support of living in the city is the available of jobs. In the city, you can find a job that suits your qualification or interest. If you find a job unsuitable, you can always move to another. This, naturally, increases your earning power and you have better chances of a more comfortable life. Of course, one may argue that one can live in the countryside and work in the city but this will only incur extra expenses and unnecessary inconveniences.

Thus, for all the reasons mentioned above, I think that life in the city is better than living in the countryside. After all, you are young only once.

A holiday I would never forgetHolidays, a time everyone gets hyped up over, parents planning activities for the family to spend quality time with and school children ( as well as teachers) jumping for joy. Hello, waking up late, celebrating, goin for tuition and best of all, vacations! In myy case, a holiday I would never forget is a fruitful one I expereinced five years ago, where my family I spent six days in the land of K-Pop and ' kimchi '- Korea.

Finally, after ages of waiting, our family arrived in beautiful Korea. Stepping out of the plane, we could feel the chilly weather to our bones. Never experiencing that kind of weather, my siblings and I were totally excited. Passing through immigration and baggage claim, we were talking animatedly about our new surroundings. Since we went with tour group, we knew we were in good hands.

Incident number one. We were supposed to take a bus to check in at the hotel, as instructed. I guessed I was overeager and without thinking. I ran to a random bus and knocked on the door. The young bus driver opened the door and looked at me with a puzzled expression. He started asking me something in Korean, which of course I did not understand. I tried to reply in English, but before I could make the attempt, my father quickly apologized to the driver and walked me back to the tour group who was watching from afar, shaking with laughter. It turned out that the bus I was running to was not the bus we were supposed to take. I dismissed my burning cheeks. I was glad I could be the butt of everyone's jokes on my first day in a foreign country.

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It was a bit past lunch time when we were done checking in our hotel. Not doubt, everybody's stomachs were grumbling. Thank God after checking in, we were going to have our lunch and do a bit of sightseeing. While waiting for the others outside the hotel, we walked around nearby. There was a row of vending machines that sold various snacks and beverages, including Haagen Dazs ice-cream , and instant noodles. My mother had a craving for Nescafe, so she spent her first Korrean money on that.

At the restaurant, a delicious meal was already spread out for us. That was the first time we all tried kimchi, a spicy and sour vegetable side dish.I did not think it was horrible, buut I preferred the fish kimchi much better. We all ate using chopsticks, so that was kind or awkward for me and my siblings, as we were not skilled at using them yet. Being Malaysians, we were used to rice, so it was a good thing that the Korean meal included rice and a few other side dish, eaten from a Bento box. It was weird though, the rice was stickier compared to the rice we eat at home, mainly to make it easier to eat using chopsticks. There was also hot and scumptious miso soup together with the meal. Since my sister and my brother did not like it much, I finshed up theirs. I gulped the warm soup down my throat- a nice connntrast from the shivering weather outside.

One of the highlights of our activities that we did in Korea was skiling. Everybody from the tour group was looking forward to that, even the 52-year old couple traveling with us. Since it was'nt fully snownig yet, the hill was coverred with artificial snow. After grobbing our ski gear, we listen to a briefing by the instructor. He was very help ful, especially with us kids annd the elderly couple.

Feeling jumpy and hyperactive, me and my sister made our way to the cable car and successfully skied down a slope. I thought, " We're natural at this," and my sister could not agree more. When we came to see how our parents and brother were doing, my brother started to throw a snowball towards me and my sister. It hit me, and we started having a small snowball fight of our own, just like in the movies! I guessed we got a bit out of hand and my sister accidentally hit a woman's back. when she turned around, she had this angry look on her face and started to walk towards us.I hurried my siblings to continue skiing with our parents,and we ran away before she cold catch us. Breathless, we giggled innaivety as we recapped the moment.

In a way, skiing is like swimming. Why do I say so? Well, when swimming ,you do not feel tired , but you would see the effect when you get ravenous and eat more after a session or when you aintend to tke a nap, but it is extended to long hours. The same goes to skiing. When we arrived at the hotel after skiing, we were drained out and starving. Instant noodles saved the day! We all ate curry-flavoured Maggi together, savouring the memontary pleasure. We also dozed off quite early that night , right after going for a walk to enjoy the amazing night view of th mountains, and breathing the cool, fresh winter air.

Shopping in Korea was also different compared to Malaysia. Its malls were packed with small shops or stalla on every floor. Big boutiques were not seen as much as the quaint kiosks. Nevertheless, I found shopping at their markets more enjoyable, especially because you could haggle the price. Their specialities were crystals, fabrics and outerwear. Apart form that, I also liked their wet markets , mainly because they were

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very clean and they did not have that fishy smell. I remembered a shocking incident when walking through the stalls of the wet market. A large fish jumped out its aquarium and onto the floor. I stared at it and suddenly, I saw a huge cutting knife slicing through the fish's neck! It was the owner of the stall's doing. Then, the owner left the fish flapping around lifelessly without a head.

There was also a treasure trove among the stalls of the wet market- a tiny shoop which served grilled seafood. My family stepped into the shop and ordered some grilled fish and cockles.

After saying our prayers, we devoured our mouth-watering find of the day. Dripped in a type of souce, the seafood was the best I had ever eaten, as you could taste the freshness. Or maybe I was just hungry after a full day of activities.

If it was up to me, there were so many things to write on my memorabe trip to Korean. Not onli we got to spend quality time together as a family, but we also learnt countless new things and even discovered hidden talents. My father always said we should travel with an open mind and an open heart. This is when you get to see your capability to adapt to changes. Just enjoy the simple things in life and be thankful of what you have. So, do just that. Who knows you might discover a part of yourself you never know existed?