Choosing your university (28/5/2013)

        What is a university? Is this better than my secondary school? What do I do in a university? Before you go about choosing a university, you must be clear about the three queries above. Basically, a university is a higher institution of learning. It is definitely better than a secondary school because you will be specialising in a certain field. You will pursue a course that you are interested in. The courses offered by a university can be medicine, pharmacy, engineering, law, metallurgy or husbandry. Now that you are clearer about a university, let us go about the process of choosing a university.

        In the first instance, you must consider the university's ranking. You should know what are you interested in and what will you want to study. Some courses that you may want to study include forestry, food science, architecture, dentistry , physiology or geology. There are many courses being offered in any university. However, the course that you desire may be only available at certain seats of learning. For instance, psychology is not available in the local universities but you can find it only in the foreign universities. Bear in mind, be mindful to choose the course you like. Do not simply follow the others or the majorities. If you do not select wisely, you may not enjoy studying the course. An antagonistic feeling may appear in your brain during your university days. It will be boring and you will possibly fail in the course. Interest is really very important. Be rational or else your disastrous exam results will deal the coup de grace to your university career. It will be no point crying over spilt milk.

        Next, you ought to think about the location and size of the university you wish to apply. Is it a large or small university? One thing that can be taken into consideration is that moving about in a massive university may be a problem. For example, the big campus where KTAR and UTAR are located. These two institutions cover a big area in a small town named Kampar in Perak state. You need to think of the question like is there an internal transport system or does it offer free transport. If you have to pay, you may need a bicycle to move around the vast campus conveniently. In this modern era, a high-tech electric bike can be an option too. This bicycle can be operated for one-third of a day after you finish charging for approximately five hours. It is very convenient and useful especially after being all ears listening to the lecture for a few hours. You need not a lot of energy to return to the dormitory. Otherwise, you will be totally exhausted if going back to the dorm on foot. Furthermore, you may look for a university which is a stone's throw from your hometown. You can go home frequently during the weekends or holidays and stay there for a few days. On the other hand, your parents and family members can visit you regularly too.

        In addition, you should consider the facilities of the university. The facilities can be either academic or non-academic. Are there enough or many laboratories? Is there enough equipment for every student? Is there a good sound system? Are the whiteboard and screens large enough for you to look at? Are the lecture rooms or halls well air-conditioned? Are the chairs comfortable? Are the writing boards big enough? Are the libraries well-equipped? Is there any Internet or Wifi and whether the speed is fast enough? Are the facilities ample for sports and recreational? Is the sport equipment sufficient for everyone? Can you play the game you like? If these facilities are provided ideally, you may have an interesting campus life.

        The next criteria that you should think of is the course contents. You must consider the syllabus and your interests. Are there lectures on practical aspects that you can apply what you learn in a new job after graduating? Do they update the syllabus? The old one should be eliminated and replaced with a new one. You must understand there are many new inventions nowadays. You need to learn these new inventions. Otherwise, you will be weeded out in the arena of getting a job. Apart from that, you must be interested in what you are going to learn. You should go ahead to achieve your ambition. You must read more about the course that you want to take in the university. Ask your seniors. Those who are studying there will be able to provide you with much information, such as the facilities, food, lecturers and courses.

        The teaching style is another aspect that you should take into account. You must not dislike the methods used by your lecturers during the teaching and learning process. Your interest will determine what degree you will graduate with. In a university, an undergraduate can pass with a First, Second, Third or just a Pass Degree. If you are "lucky", you may even fail. Be aware of the open book tests. Be prepared as the open book tests are not as simple as what you think. You ought to read the prescribed text first and search for further information. Besides, the exams should be the end of course or modular system. It will not be the end of four years. Or else, you will be crazy as s result of studying so many books and doing a lot of exercises. You, too, have to know the marking  system and answering techniques. The lecturers should discuss this with the students. If not, you should ask lecturers for any inquiry. Besides, students can carry out discussions with each other through study groups. With the assistance of the lecturers and confidants, you will improve your results but not make the same mistakes again.

        Moreover, you can think of the social life in the campus. In order to create a more interesting and meaningful campus life, you ought to engage in social, sports and cultural activities. Being actively participating, you can take the golden opportunity to learn the culture of the other communities. For example, the Dyaks have their "Hari Gawai" or Harvest Festival. You can learn more about this festival from them. During the holidays, you can enjoy yourself in the celebratios such as Thaipusam and the Moon Cake Festival. It will be your unforgettable experiences in such festive occasions.

        Careful consideration should be given to the cost of living in the campus. You must consuct some surveys to reduce expenditure on the basic necessities including food, accommodation and transportation. Are the rentals for rooms or houses affordable? Are the houses located near the university or college? You must be clear with these inquiries. Besides, the food must be in many varieties, cheap and healthy. You need not to spend much money on these essential requirements. You can lead a life of comfort there. This situation is appropriate to the saying "to kill two birds with one stone".

        Last but not least, you should ask for opinions from the students there. You may treat them to lunch in a pavement cafe during the weekends or holidays. Ask them about the lecturers, courses and facilities. If possible, pay a visit to the universities. When visiting the university, you should read the brochures carefully. Look before you leap. It's no use crying over spilt milk.

        Now, ask yourself. What is the primary factor for you to choose the university? Do you hope to enter a prestigious university like Oxford University or Harvard University? If your answer is yes, you have to endeavour to be excellent in all fields - academic and co-curriculum activities. The others will look up to you when you succeed. Your parents will be proud of you as well, especially if an honorary degree was conferred on you by the university. You will not be bedeviled by joblessness though you are fresh from the university. Your future will be secured. So, try you best so as to achieve your ambition. Your future is on your hands. Otherwise, you will live to regret it.

Different ways to introduce this essay:
1. Making use of a definition.
        What is a university? Is this better than my secondary school? What do I do in a university? Before you go about choosing a university, you must be clear about the three queries above. Basically, a university is a higher institution of learning. It is definitely better than a secondary school because you will be specialising in a certain field. You will pursue a course that you are interested in. The courses offered by a university can be medicine, pharmacy, engineering, law, metallurgy or husbandry. Now that you are clearer about a university, let us go about the process of choosing a university.

2. Making use of a dialogue.
        "Yi Juin, what do you want to do after this?"
        "Yi Juin, do you want to enroll in a university?"
        There was no answer from her.
        "Hoi Yi Juin, are you with me?"
        "Uh? Yes? What can I do for you?"
        "Oh my goodness, you must be dreaming!"
        Before a student makes up his or her mind, there are certain criteria to pick the right college or university.

3. Making use of a proverb.
        Life is not a bed of roses. Many problems begin to surface the moment we step out into the 'real world'. If you decide to settle down, it's not a problem. If you want to look for a job, it's not a problem. If you decide to further your studies, there's a problem. How do you choose your university?

4. Making use of factual information.
        Malaysia hopes to have a world class education very soon. In order to achieve this objective, there are many colleges, university college as well as public and private universities. Do you just put in your application to any university? There are many aspects to consider when you choose your university.

5. Making use of a story or anecdote.
        Andrew is my sister's best buddy. After the SPM results were announced, he hurriedly applied for a Mass Communication Diploma Course at the National Technology University in Scudai, Johor Bharu. Andrew wanted to kill two birds with one stone. He wanted to be his beloved and study there at the same time. Later, he discovered that Tunku Abdul Rahman College in Kampar was a better choice. He regretted his rush decision. Look before you leap. Think carefully before you choose your university.

6. Making use of a historical fact.
        The first university that I know of is in Great Britain. It is Oxford University. It is the oldest university in the English speaking world. It was founded in 1096. If you want to apply to study in this university, you have to be excellent in all fields - academic and co-curriculum activities. What do yoy think of other universities? What do you want from a university?

Visit Malaysia Year 2011 (Form 3)

      Our country Malaysia, a multiracial, multireligeous and multicultural country, is full of good holiday spots. Natural attractions like rainforest, beaches and islands in Malaysia attracts many foreign tourists from all over the world.

      Sarawak is one of the multiracial states in Malaysia. There are about 28 ethnic groups in Sarawak. They have never ever quarreled with each other yet live in harmony. Besides, tourists can enjoy watching traditional dances in Sarawak. These traditional dances are performed during the auspicious occasion such as Pesta Gawai. For instance, the Ngajat dance is performed by Iban's dancers to express their gratitude to the God. It is entertaining because it is performed slowly but gracefully.

      Furthermore, thousands of local and foreign tourists flock to Malacca, which is also one of the famous destinations in Malaysia. This is because A' Famosa fort which was built by the Portuguese in Malacca a long time ago became famous as a historical and educational spot. Portuguese built this fort because they wanted to protect themselves from the attack of enemies. Hence, this fort became the attraction of tourists.

      In Kelantan, tourists can enjoy themselves in holidays as well. This is because there are wayang kulit, batik printing, top-spinning and kite-flying here. Among these traditional activities, kite flying is the most popular. These kites which are known as 'wau' in Malay, are beautifully decorated and can be found in different shapes and sizes. The flying kites look exactly like many gorgeous butterflies dancing gracefully in the vast, blue sky. Many tourists have been attracted especially to a kite flying competition. 

      Last but not least, Penang Island which is located in the Northwest coast of Peninsular Malaysia attracts many tourists to visit it. It is also known as 'The Pearl of the Orient'. Penang Island became famous due to its well-known spots like Batu Ferringhi and mouth-watering traditional food. Here, we can find lots of delicious food like nasi kandar and Penang asam laksa. These food cost little and easily available. Thus, we must try these food if we are there.

      In a nutshell, Malaysia is a good choice for vacation. It is an ideal place for those who want to relax themselves from the hustle and bustle of city life. 

Notes:

1. renowned for/as

2. well-known/famous for

3. popular with

Life Quotes

Your life is what your thoughts make it. - Marcus Aurelius

“Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.” - Theodore Roosevelt 

“Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. ” - Steve Jobs 

“Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined.” - Henry David Thoreau 

“You may be disappointed if you fail, but you are doomed if you don’t try.” - Beverly Sills 

“Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference.” - Winston Churchill 

“A person who never made a mistake never tried anything new.” - Albert Einstein

Grammar 3 - "Advice"

Advice

û Her advices are always good.

ü Her advice is always good.

‘Advice’ is, in most senses, uncountable, so cannot be plural or used with ‘an’.

Grammar 2 - "Accompany"

Accompany

û I accompanied with my father to the concert.

ü I accompanied my father to the concert.

‘Accompany’ means to ‘go with’, so another ‘with’ is not needed.

Vocabulary 1 - frighten, scare, alarm, intimidate, startle

frighten, scare, alarm, intimidate, startle
All these words mean to make sb afraid.

1. frighten - to make sb feel afraid, often suddenly.
--> He brought out a gun and frightened them off.
2. scare - to make sb feel afraid.
--> They managed to scare the bears away.

frighten or scare?
Both are very common words, and are very similar, so you can use either one correctly. 
Scare is slightly more informal than frighten.

3. alarm - to make sb anxious or afraid.
--> It alarms me that nobody takes this problem seriously.

frighten or alarm?
The subject of alarm is usually a thing, an event or a situation rather than a person.

û You're alarming me.

It is used to describe a feeling that sth unpleasant or dangerous is going to happen in the future, and the feeling is often more of worry than actual fear.

4. intimidate - to frighten or threaten sb so that they feel nervous or so that they will do what you want.

--> They were accused of intimidating people into voting for them.

5. startle - to make sb feel suddenly frightened or surprised, usually because of sth sudden or unexpected.

--> A sudden noise startled her.

Patterns & Collocations

1. Stop it! You're frightening/scaring me!

2. Oh sorry. I didn't mean to frighten/scare/startle you.

3. to frighten/scare sb/sth away/off

4. I was frightened/scared/alarmed/intimidated/startled by what he said.

5. He frightened/scared/intimidated me into telling him what happened.

Saying 1

Rome wasn't built in a day./Rome was not built in a day.
Meaning : used to say that a complicated task will take a long time as well as a lot of effort and needs patience.
Sample Sentence : Take things one at a time. Rushing will only result in a mess as Rome was not built in a day.