Another Crazy Poem of English Pronunciation

I take it you already know
Of tough and bough and cough and dough?
Others may stumble but not you
On hiccough, thorough, slough and through.
Well done! And now you wish perhaps,
To learn of less familiar traps?
Beware of heard, a dreadful word
That looks like beard and sounds like bird.
And dead, it's said like bed, not bead-
for goodness' sake don't call it 'deed'!
Watch out for meat and great and threat
(they rhyme with suite and straight and debt).

A moth is not a moth in mother,
Nor both in bother, broth, or brother,
And here is not a match for there,
Nor dear and fear for bear and pear,
And then there's doze and rose and lose-
Just look them up- and goose and choose,
And cork and work and card and ward
And font and front and word and sword,
And do and go and thwart and cart-
Come, I've hardly made a start!

A dreadful language? Man alive!
I learned to speak it when I was five!
And yet to write it, the more I sigh,
I'll not learn how 'til the day I die.

                                                                                                      

Present And Past Perfect Tense

Present perfect tense

1.To describe an activity or situation that occurred in the past. The time it happened is not important and need not be mentioned. The activity is connected to now.

Eg

The droning of the aeroplane has awakened the baby.

I have put the icing and the cherries on the cake.

 

2. To describe an activity or an event which began at a specific time in the past and continues to now.

Eg

I have been awake since 5 a.m. this morning

His relationship with his classmates has worsened since they accused him of stealing their money last week

 

3. To show an activity that happened in the past. The time expressions used do not show specific time.

Eg

Recently, the prices of goods have remained high.

It has been so hot lately.

 

4. To describe repeated actions in the past which are likely to continue in the future. The time expressions used are so far and up to now.

Eg

So far, they have had three concerts to raise funds for the orphans.

Up to now, she has submitted five of her latest designs to the lecturer.

 

5. To describe an activity that started in the past but has not been completed. The negative form of the tense is used. The activity may be completed in the future.

Eg

Ilman has been in karate class since 8 a.m this morning. It is noon now and he has still not returned home.

Salma has taken a piece of paper to write to her penpal. However, she has not yet written anything on it.

 

6. To show an activity that has neither happened at any time in the past nor at the time of speaking. The negative form of the tense is used.

Eg

The twins have never attended acting classes. They have never liked acting.

Karimah has never ever met her real parents. She was adopted at birth.

 

Simple past tense	Present perfect tense
She checked out of the hotel yesterday afternoon and she is going to town now.	She has just checked out of the hotel
They bought a lot of souvenirs when they were in Canada	They have bought a lot of souvenirs
A thief stole her purse last night	A thief has stolen her purse
She had a medical check up last week	She has already had a medical check up.

 

Both refer to actions that took place in the past.

We usually use the simple past tense with a specific time and use the present perfect tense when a specific time is NOT mentioned.

 

I have been awake since last 10 minutes.

I have been awaken for two hours.

Mount Eroku has not erupted (for,since) 25 years ago

They have repaired the pipe just now.

The pipe  was  repaired just now.

They are repairing the pipe now.

They were repairing the pipe just now.

They have been repairing the pipe since last Monday.

They have been repairing the pipe for I month..

Past perfect tense;

She had been a teacher before she became a nurse.

After I had left the place, Salma arrived.

Linking Words And Phrases

Although some of these words have already been mentioned as sentence connectors, they can also be used to develop coherence within a paragraph, that is linking one idea / argument to another.
Print off this page to keep as a reference of useful linking words and phrases.

SEQUENCE	RESULT
First / firstly, second / secondly, third / thirdly etc Next, last, finally  In addition, moreover Further / furthermore Another  Also  In conclusion   To summarise	So   As a result As a consequence (of) Therefore  Thus  Consequently  Hence  Due to
ADDITION	REASON
And  In addition / additionally / an additional   Furthermore  Also  Too  As well as	For  Because  Since  As Because of
CONTRAST	COMPARISON
However  Nevertheless Nonetheless  Still Although / even though  Though  But  Yet  Despite / in spite of In contrast (to) / in comparison  While  Whereas On the other hand  On the contrary EMPHASIS Indeed Undoubtedly   Obviously Generally Admittedly In fact Particularly / in particular Especially  Clearly  Importantly	Similarly Likewise Also Like Just as  Just like  Similar to Same as Compare compare(d) to / with Not only...but also   EXAMPLE For instance For example That is (ie) Such as Including Namely That is (ie) Such as Including  Namely

Connotations And Denotations

Connotations : tersirat

A feeling or an idea that a word makes you think of feelings and ideas

that are not its actual meaning.

 

Denotations : (dictionary meaning)- tersurat

Technical the things that is actually described by a word rather than

the feelings or ideas it suggests.

 

 

Words	Meaning
Simple	It is easy to do in what ever tasks, job and so on.. Plain, without unnecessary things added.
Crude	Not exact or, without any details, it generally  correct and useful offensive,rude
Skinny	Very thin, especially in a way that is unattractive
Slender	Thin in an attractive way Thin and graceful
Resolute	Doing something in a very determined way because you have very strong beliefs, aims,etc
Stubborn	Determined not to change your mind, even when people think you are being unreasonable.
Different	Not the same, not like something
Odd	Unusually, strange, weird
Fastidious	Attentive to details, very concerned about cleanliness
Meticulous	Careful and precise
Group	A number of people or things placed Several people/things that are all together in the same place
Clique	A small group of people who think they are special and do not want other people to join them
Sneaky	Doing things in a secret & often dishonest or unfair way
Discreet	Careful in what you say and do so as not to cause embarrassment or difficulty
Intelligent	Has a high level of mental ability and is good at under standing ideas and thinking clearly
Shrewd	Good at judging what people or situation are really like. Esp in a way that makes you successful in business/politics
Hint	To suggest directly
Insinuate	To suggest indirectly
Shoddy	Badly made or done
Cheap	Low in cost or value

 

 

 

 

Linking Words

* I love you but you do not love me.

* I love you and I need you.

* I love you . However, I love your sister more.

                      * I love you . Therefore, I cannot control my mind from thinking about you.

* The farmer caught the 20-foot python but it managed to escape.

* The farmer caught the 20-foot python and sold it to the exotic restaurant.

* The farmer caught the 20-foot python.

However, the hungry reptile ate him back.

* The farmer caught the 20-foot python.
Therefore, the village was

given a wide publicity by the media.

 

 

* The government is concerned about the environment but

no action has been taken by them.

* The government is concerned about the environment and

a lot of campaigns has been launched.

* The government is concerned about the environment.
However,the NGOs do not give much support to the effort done.

* The government is concerned about the environment.
Therefore,a lot of money are spent for the activities.

 

 

* We have excellent badminton players and the best facilities.

* We have excellent badminton players but

 we never win the Thomas Cup since the last 15 years.

 * We have excellent badminton players.
However,None of them can beat the Chinese players.

 * We have excellent badminton players.
Therefore,the country expects them to perform very well in the

world tournament next year.

 

 

* The navy divers found the shipwreck  but they could not enter the ship.

* The navy divers found the shipwreck and there were a lot of treasure in it.

* The navy divers found the shipwreck .

However, they were forbidden to take anything from it.

* The navy divers found the shipwreck .

Therefore, they became famous.

 

Listening To Music

Sometimes, when we listen to slow music,

it will make our

mind relax and calm us down. 

However, not many students listen to music

when they have stress. 

This is one of the ways to reduce their stress and

they can save their money.

For student to reduce their stress, they have to listen to music.

For us to gain more knowledge, we must read more.

For the athletes to win the tournament, they  have to practise more.

They will forget what had happened in the past.

By listening to music students will become less stressful and happier.

Students must also manage their time properly and wisely

between study and entertainment .

In that way, they do not waste their time.

 

A Good Friend

1. Help you when you have problems
2. Take care when you are sick
3. Can lend you money when you are broke
4. Support you in whatever you are doing.
    
   Everybody needs a good friend. A good friend can help you when you have problems. You can always share your problems with her and she can give advice to you to solve your problems. Besides that, she can take care of you when you are sick. She can also inform your parents or sent you to the sick bay. Furthermore, your good friend can lend you some money when you are broke. Lastly, she will always support you in whatever you are doing. For example, if other persons think that your action is wrong, your true friend will always support you .

Sample essay

Topic :
The world today is turning more to electronic communications such as the e-mail, Facebook and Short message System (SMS). What is your opinion of this growing trend? Discuss.
You should write at least 350 words.
Sample essay :        
         Everywhere we turn today, the world is crowded with people busy typing SMSes on their Nokias or iPhones or someone is staring unblinkingly at a Facebook or Yahoo page on the computer screen. Whether you like it or not, the age of Information Technology is upon us, and we can either learn new skills and adapt to this new technology, or be forever lost and stuck in the older generation. In my opinion, I am fully convinced that this growing trend is the way of the future, and it brings countless benefits to mankind. In this essay, I will discuss three positive effects of electronic communication, namely its efficiency, enhances communication and creates a borderless world community.
         First and foremost, more and more people are relying on e-mail, Facebook, Short Message System (SMS) and other types of electronic communication tools because of its high efficiency. This is because in today's age of globalisation, we need information at the tip of our fingers. Moreover, with the use of these tools, we can increase the speed of getting the necessary and relevant information within seconds and this will increase our productivity. For example, gone are the days of using 'snail mail' or regular letters using stamps and envelopes and many more examples of 'old' technology because it is simply too slow and inefficient. Therefore, these e-communication tools increases the access to important information which is why the new generation is fully accepting this growing trend.
        

Some notices pasted on the message

Sample Essay (cont)

Topic :
The world today is turning more to electronic communications such as the e-mail, Facebook and Short message System (SMS). What is your opinion of this growing trend? Discuss.
You should write at least 350 words.
Sample essay (cont) :        
         Secondly, this form of technology enhances communication among people today. This means that when we use SMS, e-mails and websites like Facebook, we are able to communicate clearly and directly to our target audience. Furthermore, people today find that the message is more important than the form it comes in as an e-mail in short but clear sentences is just as good or even better than a long and formal letter. For instance, an SMS can give clear instructions in just a few words and this communicates what needs to be done quickly and directly. Thus, when the intended message can be spread clearly using short and clear information like in SMSes and emails, communication can be enhanced and there will be less problems of miscommunication.
 
         Last but not least, e-communication creates a borderless community in the world we live in today. This is due to the fact that the boundaries that separate each country becomes less relevant when information is transferred without limitations. In addition, the world would be a better place because there is a sense of 1-World commitment, respect and tolerance for the global community through efficient and clear e-communication. Take for example, we are able to connect with people on an international basis using Facebook, Friendster, Tagged, Hotmail, Yahoo and others. Hence, these tools will enhance global unity and create a more peaceful world.
 
         In a nutshell, this growing trend has many positive effects not just to individuals but the global society in terms of efficiency, enhancing communicative skills and shaping a borderless community. In my opinion, I still firmly believe that this latest trend is the best way forward and if we do not catch up, we will be left behind by the tide of development. Our government can encourage the proper usage of electronic communications by increasing communication amenities and broadband accessibility especially in rural areas so that they can enjoy the same facilities as city-folks therefore balancing the development of our country towards achieving Vision 2020.

Some notices pasted on the message

Tips On Essay Writing

Come on, get yourselves familiar with essays.......

      Generally, in answering academic essays, you need to really focus on a higher level of thinking which befits a Band 6, university style response. If you were to just answer that this electronic communication trend is good and that you can chat with your friends and keep in touch, then you really haven't explored the question in a mature and critical way.
     How do you train your mind to be more critical and mature in approaching the question? Well, you need to focus not just on the effects of the concept to yourself and the people around you, but focus on how it will affect society not just in your country but globally.
     Anyway, have a read of the sample answers in the next posts. Take note that I'm sticking to my writing template, but better students can use a more creative style to show their flair in writing effective compositions.

 

Classroom Language and Instructional Language



PPSMI Course For Lecturers

As the continuation of the PPSMI course done by the other English lecturers , I carried out my task , focusing on the Classroom Language and Instructional Language. This two main subtopics are very important for the lecturers in order for them to have smooth and efficient flow of teaching and learning process in the lecture and tutoriol rooms. Practise make perfect.

Hi...... I am Back!

Assalamualaikum
and
a very good morning to all viewers.


Hi, I am back to this blog of mine and I have changed the name from Teacher Learning Community (TLC) to Catchy Learning Cottage . There are reasons for that. First, of course this new blog name shows that there will be improvement in the contents and focus.......ermmmm you can say, content-wise and viewer-wise. Whatttt is that? well, just stay close to me and you'll know what I mean.


I have one very particular target this time and hope this blog of mine will be the source of assistance to me . Once I have achieved it..............i'll reveal the secret. Ha ha , as for the time being, just let it remains as my little secret.


Well, that's all for now I guess. Gotta pen-off for a while. See ya!

My best buddy

During CLiPS course for English Teachers under Kedah JPN

This is Ani Aishah Fatimah Abdullah Leong, my best buddy since I was dragged in CLiPS programme.We were together since the first introduction of CLiPS till the end of the programme-Alhamdulillah.We shared a lot during our togetherness and we fill each other's 'loopholes.'

Our busy schedules nowadays prevent us from seeing and meeting each other anymore. Just once-in a while phone calls remind us that the friendship remains and will remain forever and ever.

One of the photos in Singapore

Happy Teacher's Day

Trailing the good old time

Welcome, Ms Audrey Lim Bee Yoke and Dr Wagheh Shukry bin Hassan :

We would like to welcome our two new lecturers to ELTC. Before joining us, Ms Audrey Lim Bee Yoke and Dr Wagheh Shukry bin Hassan were attached to IAB. May your stay with us be an exciting and productive one.

With Dr Choong and Ms Joy (ELTC)

I am not trying to brag or exaggerating things here, just being very honest with myself.Somehow the best memories cant just be shut down or erased easily.
Trailing back time, that statement might be said or uttered to me in 2009. That if I didnt turn down the offer by Dr Choong Kam Fong, the Director of ELTC Kuala Lumpur herself  to join ELTC.

Dr Choong Kam Fong
the Director of ELTC,Kuala Lumpur

Urghhhhhhh....!!!!
 There's still an unbearable pain in my chest thinking about that, painfully refusing or turning down the 'best offer ever ' (said all my friends who happened to know about this.)

Goshhhhh !! Didnt you guys know how hard it was for me to do that but actually without some of my friends' knowing- that was not the best offer ever.

That was the second best offer which I had to turn down. The first best offer  was the offer to pursue my study in doctoral degree at the National University of Singapore by Dr Tan Kok Eng ,

my mentor from RELC.

Dr Tan Kok Eng
RELC,Singapore

When family is your first priority, you wont mind turning down golden opportunities even though

you know you will  still feel the pain in your heart whenever you think about it or them.

I still feel the pain whenever I accidently think about all those good moments..................

p/s :

Cik Bashirah Begum (JPN Kedah)

Ani Aishah Fatimah Leong Abdullah

Fatimah Din

Raja Azelina Puteri Syaban

William Raj

Karam Kaur

Janet J Sammai

Suhaimi Idris
Hafeez Ismail

You guys knew how I felt about all these.......thanks for being there when I needed you guys the most.

Luv forever..............

Friends who understand You



Kedah Clipsters with Cik Bashirah and
Dr Choong Kam Fong



With Ani Aisah and Suhaimi

Clipsters at Sentosa Island

Mr James Marshall Lopez-ELTC

Mr James Marshall Lopez

In this entry tonight, I would like to introduce the one and only person who have made the first step to come up with Contemporary Children Literature and the person have made us the guinea pig of his research.(but we didnt mind at all cos we gained as much). Here you are :

Name : James Lopez
Designation: Head of Department
Department: ELT Management
Qualifications: B. Sc.; Dip. TESOL; M.A. (TESP)

He is a lecturer in the ELT Management Department of ELTC, Malaysia. He began his teaching career in Kelantan, Malaysia as a teacher of mathematics and science in a government secondary school. Following that he joined the Teacher Education Division of the Ministry of Education as a lecturer in Mathematics and Language education. He had served in colleges in Sarawak, Terengganu, Penang and Kuala Lumpur before being seconded to the task force for the establishment of ELTC.

He was (and still is) involved in the recent policy change to teach mathematics and science in English, especially in helping the teachers make the switch from Malay to English as the medium of instruction in these subjects. In particular, he is actively involved in the development of the English for Teachers of Mathematics and Science (ETeMS) project that covers all the mathematics and science teachers in the country.

He is currently working on a Mentoring Programme for Newly Qualified English Teachers which the ELTM department hopes to introduce in the near future.His other interests are in the fields of English for Specific Purposes and Law.

p/s ;
I will stop here for the time being as the patience to continue writing is going down a little bit so better if I pen off for a while but I promise to return to this entry with more photos regarding Mr James.

To All Moms Who Have Made Us Great Educators

Wanna Be A Super Mom?

How Sweet