English Writing #2

Section B: Continuous Writing [50 marks]

Write a composition of about 350 words on one of the following topics.

1. Describe an accident that you witnessed on your way back from school.

2. Pollution is a serious problem in Malaysia. Identify the different types of pollution and the ways to prevent pollution.

3. What would Malaysia be by the year 2050?

Chosen Topic: (2) Pollution
Pollution has become one of the most frequently discussed topic in school and the media. It is true that pollution has taken a toll on our environment as we advance in science and technology. This incident can be clearly witnessed in our developing country, Malaysia, but do we ever stop to think about how pollution should be prevented from endangering our lives?

Air pollution is deadly, it can spread throughout a state, and there are some cases when the whole country was affected by it. Water pollution is far from being less hazardous than air pollution. Areas that are in a state of poverty have it worse because they cannot afford clean water. The lesser known type of pollution is land pollution. It is the result of the common use of pesticides and activities as simple as littering. Land pollution can cause the soil to lose its fertility.

Perhaps one of the activities that are the least unheard of are campaigns. The Malaysian government is constantly putting effort into organizing campaigns to raise awareness about the destruction of nature. Activities in such campaigns promote team spirit, which is quintessential in fighting pollution. We should be responsible and participate in the activities such as cleaning up the neighborhood or a nearby river. We can work together to unclog drains and remove rubbish to flash floods, which can potentially cause more pollution with contaminated waters and steal away innocent lives. Besides, cleaning a river can make sure that aquatic creatures as well as other animals can have a safe drink from an untainted source of water.

We should also stop the habit of open burning to get rid of rubbish. Instead, turn your attention to recycling items. Water bottles, glass containers, aluminium cans and many other things take years to decompose. Therefore, lending mother nature a hand by recycling can not only reduce pollution, it can reduce the energy needed to gather and process natural resources. Reusing plastic products can save money too. You would not need to discard containers or plastic bags frequently. In fact, you can modify and turn them into everyday objects like a planter to brighten up your office with some greenery.

Everyone plays a part in guiding the younger generation. Teach them to be concerned for our environment, not just for their studies! Ignorance towards the problem our country and the whole world is facing, contributes to the lessening amount of people who are actually taking action to tackle pollution. We should all teach our children, our students, our brothers and our sisters, to stand against those who are posing a threat to our megadiverse nature. They should learn how to switch off electrical appliances when not in use. This habit should be applied to the use of air conditioners, which produces chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) that makes the ozone layer thinner, inviting harmful ultraviolet rays that cause skin cancer.

When somebody is carrying out activities that endanger the environment, we should stay assertive, do not be afraid to say 'no' or 'stop'! Littering and dumping chemical wastes have a negative impact to nature. It may be subtle, but it would not be when we finally open our eyes to see the devastating consequences! We can also ask the authorities for help if we cannot stop these irresponsible civilians ourselves.

If we do not take immediate action, we would be living in a nation so polluted, that breathing can cost you your life. Unity is strength, we should stand together to stop the onset of diseases. We should also care about animals that are losing our habitats, because our tropical country has become part of our culture. One day, the generation that has yet to come will see the wonders of our nature.

Source: Exam Paper (Original Writing)

Graded? Yes

Corrected? No

Format: SPM level

Marks (If given)

Overall: 43/50