English lesson on Monday 23 July

Dear all,

Our boys have completed their unit 9 corrections and have written a model composition as shown below. I've also instructed them to read through the analysis of the composition, after which they have to identify the keywords and phrases featured in the composition entitled "Big Bad Wolf".Due to time constraint i.e. 20 boys having taken day 1 Oral examination, I will be conducting dictation test tomorrow.



Also, please note that Music periods have been rescheduled to Wednesday 1145am-1215pm as our boys will be using Garageband software in the Computer lab 1 for their song writing project. Thus, there will be 4 English periods on Tuesday i.e. 945-1045 & 1115 - 1215. Thus library period will be every Friday 1215pm-1245pm.

Big Bad Wolf Introduction: Using a proverb followed by a flashback


Appearances are deceptive. I have learnt it the hard way how wise and true this saying really is. Looking at the remnants of the broken pieces of furniture along the corridor, I swallowed the sob that rose in my throat. It was such a dreadful experience, one that had caused me countless sleepless nights and unimaginable nightmares in the dark. Though I had survived the ordeal, fear seemed to have transformed into my constant companion.


Build-up: Explain why the author was left alone at home and why the author took her mother's advice lightly.


“Darling, I’m off to Grandmother’s place. She’s down with fever. Before I forget, please remember not to open the gate to strangers!” It was Mother’s constant naggings again. It seemed like an alarm clock, ringing in my ears. I was half awake and groggy from sleep.


”Yes mom! I’m not a young child anymore …” I muttered as I buried myself in the bed of fluffy pillows. I could not be bothered with whatever was installed on a Saturday morning. It was a hard earned weekend of sleep and I was not about to give it up. As I tossed and turned on the bed, frustration began to grow inside me. Mom should know that I was a light sleeper. Fancy waking me at such early hours! Finally, I gave up trying to get back to slumber land. Watching some cartoons seemed like a good idea. I dragged my feet to the living room as I slumped into the comfortable couch.


Build-up: Explain why the author let her guard down.


“Hello, anyone home? Special delivery to the family,” I heard the faint sounds of a man at my door step. I peered through the peep hole and saw a handsome man holding a huge hamper of goodies. Meekly, I opened the front door. The stranger exhibited a mega-watt smile as he placed down the hamper. He was a startlingly attractive man with delicately carved facial bones.


“Congratulations! Your family has won the first prize in our company’s annual lucky draw. Aren’t you happy?” My eyes grew big with surprise at the words “first prize”. In the hamper I could see boxes of delicious candies. As I scanned through its contents, something caught my attention. It was a portable playstation! I could not contain my excitement any longer as I scrambled to get the keys. As I opened the door, the man removed his shoes and carried the hamper into the house.


Climax: Explain how the intruder turned nasty and had the opportunity to attack the author.


“ Girl, can you go to the kitchen to get a pair of scissors? Uncle needs to unwrap all these gifts,” instructed the stranger. I was oblivious to the fact that I was alone at home with a full-grown man as I was fixated on the idea of playing the coolest games on the playstation. Where was the pair of scissors? As I rummaged through the drawers, little did I know that the stranger had crept up from behind. The next thing I knew, I was grabbed from behind. Everything happened so fast and I had no time to react. Before I could shout for help, the stranger instantly taped my mouth and gripped hard onto my arms. I was practically defenseless against the intruder. Soon, I gave up struggling. Instead, fear overcame me and I started sobbing uncontrollably.


Climax: Narrates the feelings of the author throughout the ordeal. Emphasis is placed on the author's inner feelings. Allows the reader to empathise with the author. Connects the reader to the story, hence leaving a lasting impression for the reader.


It was agonising to witness my house being rampaged by a robber. The kind stranger was actually a big, bad wolf in disguise! Everywhere the heartless robber went, he would leave his “carnage” behind. Furniture was broken, the contents from cupboards were strewn all over the floor. In a mere fifteen minutes, the robber had taken the expensive handbags, exquisite jewellery and other valuables from the house. The only trace of him was the aftermath of the robbery. Though my parents were absolutely relieved to find me safe in the house, the traumatic experience had left a permanent scar in my life.


Conclusion: Brings the reader back into reality. Appeals to the emotions of the reader. Allows the reader room for imagination as to whether the author indeed will recover from her hallowing experience.


“Dear, why are you in a daze again?” my thoughts were broken as I was brought back to reality. Mother had noticed a glazed look of sorrow on my face. I could not erase these horrible memories, no matter how hard I tried. I flung out my arms and embraced my mom. She knew the unfortunate ordeal was too much for a child to handle. As she patted me on my back, I was reassured that my mom would always provide a solace for me. In hope, time would heal my painful wounds.