English homework over the weekend + Answers for synthesis questions

Dear all,

Please learn the class spelling and dictation list that I have compiled over the weekend. From next week onwards, there will be class spelling and dictation on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday in preparation for the composition test on Friday 12 October. The printed copies of the spelling and dictation list have been given out earlier in class.



1) Sheila said, "I am leaving for London tomorrow."

Sheila said that she was leaving for London the next day.

Or

Sheila said that she was leaving for London the following day.


2) He is handsome. He has an ugly character.
He is handsome but has an ugly character.


3) The final year examination is near. The boy still has not revised for his examination. (yet)
The final year examination is near yet the boy still has not revised for his examination.

4) “I am going to Finland,”says Jim.
Jim says that he is going to Finland.

Monday  1 October

The moon cast its silvery glow on the pavement below as Alex strolled home from his tuition centre. As he approached the bus stop, the smell of smoke rushed into his nostrils. Alex started to cough. Looking up, he saw a reddish glow in a distance. The word “fire” ricocheted through his mind. Without hesitation, Alex sprinted as fast as his legs could carry him to the scene.

1) his mouth was agape in horror

2) contacted the fire brigade

3) stared blankly at the burning inferno

4) fluffy columns of smoke billowed out of the windows

5) as pale as a sheet

6) trembled like a leaf

7) fire was too intense

8) stared at the scene that greeted his eyes

Tuesday 2 October

       Appearances are deceptive. I have learnt it the hard way how wise 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.

1) half awake and groggy from sleep

2) slumped into the comfortable couch

3) exhibited a mega-watt smile

4) scrambled to get the keys

5) rummaged through the drawers

6) defenceless against the intruder

7) traumatic experience

8) time would heal my painful wounds

Wednesday 3 October

       “Why is the taxi taking such a long time?” Ali grumbled as he was waiting at the taxi stand. It had been a long wait and he was in a hurry to go for a job interview. He did not realise he was late and was on the verge of calling a cab. The afternoon sun shone brightly on Ali as he waited impatiently at the taxi stand.

       The silence of the deserted streets indicated to Ali that the taxi would not be arriving any time soon. Just as he was about to call a cab, an elderly lady carrying a branded bag strolled along the pavement. She was hobbling on a walking stick and seemed to have great difficulty in her movements

1) was scared stiff

2) regained his composure

3) road blocks were set up immediately in the vicinity

4) track down the snatch thief

5) was able to apprehend him

6) sentenced to two years imprisonment

7) related the critical information to the police

8) crime does not pay