Temperature-Taking on Monday 4 May 09

Don't forget your thermometers on Monday! Make sure it's working!

Because of the temperature-taking exercise, the EL Paper 1 examination will only start at 0830 instead of 0800.

Please note that there will be no supplementary class on 4 May because the teachers will be marking your SWs and CWs. Do ensure that you give the teachers a good time marking by writing well.

Work hard this weekend and all the best to all!

Control Set-up

Refer to Q28 of Science Practice Paper

The answer is (2).

What is the purpose of having this set-up in the experiment?

Click on comments and post your answer. The best answer gets a prize from me!

SW - Lost puppy

Suggested answer:

Dear Residents

Lost Puppy

I lost my puppy on 7 March 2009 (1m). He was last seen outside Block 121 (1m). My puppy is a male (1m) and he limps on the left hind leg (1m). My puppy is in need of care because of his eye condition (1m). He needs medication. Should you see him, please contact me at 912389572 or email me at erw@lsfg.cnid.sg (1m).

Thank you.

Yours sincerely
Ykcor

Mock Paper 1 SW: Wanted!

Suggested answer by Belinda Ao


Wanted

An 8-year-old girl was kidnapped (1m) near Jurong MRT Station (1m) on Thursday, 15 March 2009, at 7 am (1m).

The suspect is a Chinese female. She is 1.6m tall and is about 25 to 30 years old. She was last seen in a yellow T-shirt and black pants (1m).

Anyone with information on the suspect should inform the police (1m) and there is a reward of up to $50, 000 for information leading up to the identification, arrest and conviction of the suspect.

Do not approach her as she is armed and dangerous (1m).

Thank You.

Report by
Sgt Oliver Twist
Police Officer

NO SUPP CLASS

Hi 6-9

Please note that there will be no supp classes tomorrow, next Monday and Friday. Due to P5 and P6 SA1 oral examinations, the classrooms will not be available for us to conduct lessons in the afternoon. Please help to inform all.

Thanks
Mdm Toh

SW7 - Camping on Pulau Ubin

Suggested answer

Dear Paul

I am wondering if you would be keen to join me to a camping trip organised by the Trekking Club. The camp will be held on Pulau Ubin (1m), North Beach campsite (1m) from 7 June to 9 June (1m). Each participant has to pay $20 (1m) which includes food and drinks. We can call Kenny at 6 885 0789 (1m) to make reservations for the camp. We have to bring along a sleeping bag, a raincoat, mosquito repellent and a torch (1m) for the camp.

Your best friend
Vincent

The Journey

“Tommy!”” Mrs. Granger hollered. The Grangers were about to leave for their trip off the mainland. Mr. Granger was warming up the car and Sally, Tommy’s older sister, was packing up. In a jiffy, they left for their destination.

Humming a little tune while driving, as always, Mr. Granger stepped on the accelerator and sped off to the highway.

“Dad, what is that?” Tommy pointed. As he was a little kid, he was curious of everything. Sally said with annoyance, “That is a plane, dummy!”

In the blink of an eye, the roads and lampposts died out and the roads disappeared, with the sun vanishing from their view.

Mr. Granger was so surprised he jammed the brakes. The force threw everyone in the car forward.

“Where…..where are we?” Mrs. Granger stuttered.

Sally gasped in astonishment, “Could it be that this is the twilight zone?”

“Waah! Waah!” Tommy started wailing uncontrollably, with mucus dripping down his nose and his eyes puffy and red.

Mr. Granger tried to comfort his family “Alright! Everybody, do not panic. It is okay, all is fine!”

Mr. Granger then continued to drive for a long distance, but simply was unable to get out of unknown arena. All they saw was an endless sea of deep blue. Even the handphones had no connection.

Out of frustration, Mr. Granger banged his head on the steering wheel. The old BMW let out a deafening horn.

All of a sudden, the deep blue background started to fade and the roads and lights were visible again. The Grangers squealed in delight and quickly drove off.

The Grangers reached their destination at 5pm. By then, they were starving.

Having wasted four hours trying to get out from the twilight zone, they unpacked their stuff and were glad that the futile struggle to return to reality was all over.

Maybe they really went into the twilight zone.This remains a mystery till today.

Contributed by Yu Jing Jie
Class of 6-9 2009

The Journey

The “journey” of me being the only child in the family ended. I remembered vividly the news that my mum told me that she was having a baby.

I was not happy for her. Why must I have another sister? I want to be the only one in the family.

I hate my life because of this little sister of mine. She gets what she wants. I hate her.

“Sister, can you take the bowl of spaghetti for me?” asked Joanne.I would ignore her. Then, she would ask Mum why I hated her so much, but Mum always brushed off the conversation by sayng I was too tired from coping with my mountainous school work. Even though Joanne was only six, she knew Mum was lying.

“Sister, do you really hate me?” asked Joanne again before she went to bed.

“Yes, I really hate you. Because of you, I am no longer the only child and do not have all the attention I want. Both Mum and Dad pays little attention to me. And this all because of you! I hate you. If you weren’t born, I will be more than happy. You have robbed my happiness!” I yelled at her, fighting back my tears.

“I’m sorry, Sister. I really didn’t mean to,” Joanne apologized and put her arms around my shoulders.

I pushed her and covered myself with my blanket.

Since the day Joanne was born, I had always hated her. When she was a baby, Mum and Dad showered her with their time and love. I was left playing, watching TV alone in my room; no one was there to accompany me, no one.

The next day when I woke up, it was already 9p.m. I went down to have my breakfast. I saw Joanne and Mum and Dad were already at their dining seats. I sat down and started to eat my breakfast. Mum and Dad kept staring at me. I felt uneasy.
“Mum, Dad, why are both of you staring at me?” I asked, feeling uneasy.

“Why did you break Mrs. Julie’s favorite flower pot? You know it costs a lot. She told me that she saw you kicking it,” Dad raised his voice by a few decibels.

I was dumbfounded. I should not have kicked the flower pot just to get my parents’ attention. What have I brought myself into? My face turned livid white; I did not know how to explain this.

“So, guilty aren’t you?” questioned Dad sternly.

“No, Dad. It’s not Sister you are to blame. It’s me. I was the one who told her to destroy the flower pot because I’m really angry with Mrs. Julie as she always called me stinky girl. I wanted to get even with her,” Joanne blurted out a lie.

Joanne winked at me. I was surprised. Joanne had saved me. I was really heartened and grateful to her. Now, I realized the new profound “journey” of my life with Joanne was about to be initiated.

Contributed by Nadiah Isa
Class of 6-9 2009

Weave a story - Tsunami

My family and I were having the last day of our trip to Indonesia, so my father suggested going to the beach.

We reached the beach. I squirmed with excitement, pulling my brother, Kendrick along with me to collect rare seashells. Suddenly many dead fishes were washed onto shore. My blood ran cold in my veins. I could feel terror crawling across my flesh.

“Mum!” I screamed, engulfed with fear.

Kendrick pointed to the dead fishes and explained what happened to her. Knowing what was
happening, she immediately informed the appropriate authorities.

After awhile, everyone was evacuated from the scene. Suddenly, big waves, height of about six storeys high, came crashing onto shore. Luckily, hundreds of people were saved from life or injury for Kendrick’s and my mother’s alertness.

Contributed by Rodrick Li
Class of 6-9 2009

An abandoned baby

That dreadful, inhuman act taught me a lot. Till now, I could not believe that such a person existed in this world...

It all started on a Friday morning. I was walking home. When I reached the foot of my void deck, something at a corner caught my sharp eyes, something that was lying on the ground. Curious, as I always was, I decided to take a look. As I got nearer and nearer to the thing, I realised that it was just a brown, small parcel.

But what if there was a bomb inside? My imagination ran wild. I would always shudder at the thought of terrorism attacks. Curiosity got the better of me. I decided to take the small, brown parcel that was lying on the ground. With each step I took, my breathing rate increased. I closed my eyes and reached out for the parcel.

All of a sudden, I felt a vice-like grip on my arm. I was so stunned that my soul almost jolted out of my body. I spun around and was face-to-face with a tall-built man. My eyes almost popped out of their sockets.

"Don't touch it! Let's just call the police," warned the man.

"Who are you?" I asked the man instead.

"I sat there just now and saw a teenaged girl placing the parcel over there. I decided to call for the police but my handphone's battery was flat. Then, I saw you approaching the parcel, so, I stopped you, afraid that there might be some dangerous items in there,"explained the man.

I fumbled in my pocket for my handphone and fished it out. "Phew..." I heaved a sigh of relief upon looking that my phone's battery was fully charged. I punched the emergency number and waited until there was an answer.

In twenty minutes' time, sirens were heard blaring. The police officers got off the car and cordoned off the area. Then, three police officers squatted near the parcel, slowly revealing its content. I waited for that moment in anticipation, my fingers tightly crossed. My eyes widened in disbelief when I saw a new born baby lying on the officer's hand.

"Oh my God!" I gasped in disbelief. I just could not believe that the person had the guts to put that new born baby in the parcel. What sins did the baby commit?

Soon after, the police officer came to me and the tall-built man and began explaining and questioning us.

"Thank you for informing the police. has either of you seen who put the parcel here?"questioned the police officer again.

"Yes. I saw a teenaged girl placing the parcel and decided to alert the police," told the tall-built man what he witnessed.

"Is the baby alive?" I asked out of curiosity.

"I checked the pulse, but I felt nothing. Now, the baby has been sent to the hospital for further checks. Whatever it is, I really appreciate both your help. Thank you very much," the police officer thanked us.

Soon, I continued to walk home with the incident that had just occured replaying in my mind.

Contributed by Nadiah Isa
Class of 6-9 2009

CW4 - The parcel from Uncle Ken

I halted in my tracks. Right before my doorstep was a beautifully wrapped parcel with different colours of polka dots and right in the centre of the parcel was a huge, red bow tied to it. I frowned. It was neither my parents’ birthday nor my birthday.

“This is weird,” I mumbled. Curiosity bubbled in me and I was dying to find out what was in the parcel. Should I or should I not take the parcel?

I looked behind me. Not a single soul was in sight. I went forward and reached for the parcel.

“Don’t you dare touch it! It’s for Kate! ” a voice boomed out loud and a hand grabbed my wrist.

I jumped. The sudden voice had scared me out from my skin! Apprehensively, I turned around and to my horror; I was face-to-face with a stranger, his face suffused with anger.

“Go away, you brat! Stop poking your nose into other people’s business!” he snarled and pushed me away.

My blood was now boiling with anger. How dare he accuse me of touching his things? Anyway, he was the one who left the parcel right before my doorstep.

Fuming, I turned around and stomped all the way to my doorstep. The stranger was still there. Anger was smouldering in his eyes and the veins on his forehead looked ready to burst. He threatened to bash me up if I did not go away. Fear took over my anger. Desperate, I thought of Mum.

I scampered all the way to the ground floor and searched for a payphone. After what seemed like a decade, I finally found one.

In a flash, I jammed a ten-cent coin into the slot and punched in Mum’s office number.

Immediately after the first ring, Mum answered the call and I heaved a sigh of relief.

“Mum, there’s a maniac outside the house and he says that he is looking for someone named Kate!” I blurted out.

I heard Mum stifle a sob and then with her voice shaking, she began,” Dear, you remember what happened when you were three years old? Your aunt passed away in a car accident. We tried to inform your uncle, Ken, but we had no idea of his location. Your aunt was Kate and her birthday is today…”

I could not believe my ears. “So that maniac is Uncle Ken?” I asked.

“Yes,” Mum replied and I ended the call.

How was I supposed to tell Uncle Ken? Would he believe me? How would he react? My mind shot out a string of questions. I plucked up my courage and rushed home.

To my surprise, Uncle Ken was still there, pacing up and down. As soon as he caught sight of me, his face grew tight and he started to say something but I interrupted.

“Uncle Ken……” I paused, uncertainly. For a moment there was complete silence. I gulped and continued, “She’s… she’s…she’s… dead!”

Uncle Ken spun around and faced me. Tears welled up in his eyes.

“Rest in peace, Kate!” Uncle Ken sobbed.

And that was when I cried.

Contributed by Ao Ming Yi, Belinda
Class of 6-9 2009

The Journey

Nobody understood me at all. Nobody. Not even a single soul. In fact, I did not even know who my real parents were. They abandoned me when I was barely two days old. Though I was given everything I wanted at the orphanage, I still thought that life was not fair. I was born into this gloomy world all by myself.
My present parents were now my fourth set. Every couple grew tired of my tantrums and I longed for a loving family and a real home.
“Why do you have to do this?” my foster mother demanded, hands on her hips. Behind her was my foster father, crossing his arms angrily. I leaned against the wall, my eyes blazing with anger. What harm would it do if I were to play computer games for another hour?
Unable to control my temper, I shoved the porcelain vase beside me onto the floor. It shattered to smithereens. “I hate you!” I screamed and dashed into my room, slamming the door behind.
I flung myself onto my bed. Hot angry tears ran down my cheeks. Outside, I could hear my foster parents clearing up the mess. The truth was, I hated myself and I blamed everyone for my past. Pressing my ear against the door, I eavesdropped on my foster parents’ conversation. They had decided to send me back to the orphanage.
The next few days passed by in a blur. Before I knew it, I was back at the orphanage. I did not get along well with anyone there. I had no friends and I hardly spoke to anyone.
One day, a new teacher, Joanne, joined the orphanage. Unlike the other teachers, Joanne did not seem to get mad when I threw tantrums. Instead, she waited for me to calm down before speaking to me.
Often, Joanne comforted me when I was angry and she also reminded me to be more patient by sharing with me many inspiring stories. Nobody in this whole wide world understood me better than Joanne. I began to open myself up and started to socialize with the other orphans.
Years passed in a blink of an eye and I was filled with gratitude for Joanne. If not for her, I would not be where I am now. I forgive my real parents and pray for them. Let them appreciate life and not live forever in the darkness. We are humans and we are not perfect.
Without hope, there is no life. I will brave this journey with no resentment.

Contributed by Ao Ming Yi, Belinda
Class of 6-9 2009

The Journey

It was the night before we left for New Zealand. All twelve of us, my cousins, our parents and I were scurrying up and down the house, doing our last-minute packing. It was such a chaos.
Since I was the youngest, my mother packed my luggage, leaving me with nothing to do. So I decided to help my older brother, Jason. As I stepped into his room, I asked him if he needed help. His reply was something I expected.
“Get out! No help needed! Why don’t you pack your luggage by yourself!” he said sarcastically with a sly grin.
This time I had it. I was fuming mad. “Stop it! You are the worst brother ever!” I protested, seething in anger.
Upon hearing this, my mother stomped towards us. She demanded to know what had happened. Before I could speak up, Jason who always got away with murder, patronized my mother and blamed me. I was wrongly accused and was asked to go to bed immediately while Jason was left scot-free.
Cursing Jason under my breath, I wished not to have such a family. Soon I dozed off.
The next thing I knew was that I was waken up by my father abruptly, saying that we were late for the flight as the alarm clock had failed to ring. Without delay, I jolted upright and dashed to the bathroom. The entire house was topsy-turvy.
As soon as we got ready, we scrambled into the car and headed for the airport. At the airport, we rushed to check in. But as everyone was mad with me, no one held my hand. I could not keep up and soon lost sight of my cousins.
I spotted my mother and ran behind her. I followed her and boarded the same flight as she did. I then settled on an empty seat, away from my mother.
Throughout the journey, I listened to music from my headphones , oblivious to my surroundings. As soon as the plane landed, I alighted and waited for my family. Once everyone had alighted, I scanned through the crowd for them but could see no one. Grasping that something was amiss, I craned my neck and peered out of the window. I confirmed my worst fears. I was in Australia.
I realized the lady I followed was not Mum. My fear escalated. I was panic-stricken. How was I going to survive with neither money nor a handphone? “Did my wish of not having a family really come true?” I wandered.
Meanwhile in New Zealand my family had addressed the issue and made arrangements to come to Australia. I was terrified. I could do nothing but hope for the best. Time ticked by. I started to lose hope.
After hours, my family arrived. Upon seeing them, I was as happy as a lark. I happily ran towards them. From this journey, I have learnt to appreciate my family. There is nothing in the world that I need more than them.

Contributed by Navethira
Class of 6-9 2009

Meeting an online 'friend'

I was half way through my revision for the day. I was proud of myself for not getting distracted, practising self-discipline and keeping to my mother's words. Having spent a solid hour of pure revision, I decided to take a short break.

Just as I was about to leave my room, I heard weird noise, which sounded something like a bird chirping. Out of curiosity, I went to the window in my room and craned my neck to see what was making that unusual noise. But I could see nothing. I then began to look around my room and realized that the noise came from my computer. My computer was winking at me. It was the notification from my computer telling me, my friend, Jasmine, had just gone online.

Jasmine was my best friend. It was a feat not to chat with her. Just then I recalled my mother’s words, “Please be focused while studying and don’t use the computer unnecessarily.”

The temptation was overwhelming and I finally succumbed to it. I could not help it but go online to chat with Jasmine about school stuff. I chatted with her for less then ten minutes, and just as I was about to return to my revision. I realized that there was another person online waiting for me. I looked at the clock and thought that if I had a chat with Tina, I could still continue with my revision thereafter. So I carried on.

I started a conversation with Tina. She was nice and sweet. I was having a ball of time chatting with her. Soon Tina began asking about my personal particulars. Without any hesitation, I revealed about myself, without realizing what I was doing. I lost self-control and continued chatting with Tina, completely not bothered about time at all.

Before I realised it, I was online for hours, till she told me that I was such a nice person and that she really wanted to meet me. I agreed with her and arranged the venue and time accordingly.

After I went offline, I thought I could do some revision, but to my horror, it was already half past seven. My parents would be returning from work and I have yet to do my regular chores.

Without any delay, I took my shower and got ready. I was just in time to welcome my parents' home. “What a relief!” I said to myself.

Shortly after that, we had dinner and went to bed. As I went into my room, I waited for the clock to strike nine. My parents who assumed that I was sound asleep had retired to bed. They were so wrong. Quickly, I sneaked out of my house and went down to my void deck to meet Tina.

I rushed down as quickly as I could. As I reached the place where Tina asked me to wait for her, I could not see anyone. I waited.

Time ticked by at snail’s space, but no one came. I started to get anxious. I grasped that something was amiss.

All of a sudden, someone from the back covered my mouth. Soon I was also blindfolded, my fear escalated. I was panic-stricken. My heart pounded rapidly.

I knew I was being taken to somewhere but was clueless of my whereabouts. I broke into a cold sweat. Droplets of perspiration trickled down from my forehead. Soon I passed out.

The next thing I knew was that someone splashed fresh cool water on my face. I jolted upright and there before me stood my mother. Puzzled and confused, I gave my mother a blank look. I was tongue-tied.

“Mother, what happened?” I asked her.

She explained to me what had occurred and said that she had pretended to be Tina and wanted to see how I reacted to an online stranger. At the same time she apologized to me as she did not expect me to pass out. I was taken aback. I then gave her a sheepish smile.

She told me to practise more self-discipline, better cyberwellness management and never ever to have a face-to-face meeting with a stranger. This was a real learning point for me. I learnt from my mistake and in future I hope to follow all the cyberwellness guidelines and focus on my studies.

Contributed by Navethira d/o Ravi Chandran
Class of 6-9 2009

Weave a story - Hospital

Had it not been for the team of doctors and nurses at the Singapore General Hospital, my mum would not be at home recovering now. They showed much care and concern to the patient and the family. My family and I were very grateful to them.

That day, I was at my office typing out a document for my boss when I received a phone call from my wife, Jane. I was very surprised as she usually does not call me unless it is something really important. I picked up the phone promptly.

“Jason, Mother has tripped and fallen at the bathroom just now! I’ve just admitted her to Singapore General Hospital. Come quickly! I’m afraid she might be in danger!" I heard my wife say in between sobs.

"Alright, I’ll rush over now!" I said, getting worried.

I hung up the phone call soon after and packed my things. I rushed out without informing my boss about it. I dashed to the car park, got into my car and left for the hospital. I reached the hospital forty-five minutes later. I went to the counter to ask for the room where my mum was in.

“She just had a checkup and is now in Ward 53C,” the nurse said politely. I walked briskly to the ward. There I saw my mum lying on the bed unconsciously with some tubes on her. I felt heartbroken to see my mother in such a state. I stood beside her, praying silently that she would be fine.

“Beep, beep,” the machine beeped. It immediately caught my attention. I pressed the emergency button to call for the nurse. Immediately, a doctor and two nurses came. They checked my mum and found out that one of my mum’s blood vessels was blocked and needed an operation at once.

We all got very worried and gave consent go ahead with the operation. My mum was then wheeled to the operation room while I went to sign the operation documents. After signing, I waited outside the operation room. The seconds felt like minutes, minutes like hours and hours like days.

Finally, the operation ended. “How is my mother?” I asked doctor the impatiently when he came out.

“Your mother is out of the danger state at the moment,” assured the doctor. I heaved a sigh of relief.

My mother was safe. She was then moved to the ward to rest.

Contributed by Ang Hui Xin
Class of 6-9 2009

RD found!

Remember how I wasted some precious minutes in class, making you score through your stacks of files and books only to a futile search of the missing RD?

I found it. It was with me all the time. The magazine showed itself as I was tidying my cluttered table. It was wedged snugly between my books that I lugged along with some of your worksheets to the staff room after class.

So, Jacelyn, the copy you are reading is yours, not mine. :)

Anyone can spot a mistake in this post? Click on comments and post it!

Weave a story - Hospitalised

“Mummy, I am home,” I said, locking the main gate.

I went into her room. I was shocked. She was lying on the floor, not moving an inch. Fear mingled with anxiety. What should I do? I called the ambulance. After what seemed like eternity, the ambulance arrived. They rushed her to the Singapore General Hospital. A team of doctors and nurses attended to her.

About an hour later, the doctors told me that her blood pressure was still low, although her condition was not critical. They also told me that she would have to be hospitalized from 22 to 25 March and she was warded to Ward 53C at Singapore General Hospital. Just then, a nurse came. She is Ong Hui Fang.

She attended to my mother and her patients with much care and concern. After my mother’s stay at the hospital, I thanked the nurse for taking care of my mother. My mother is recovering at home now.


Contributed by Hou Xin‘Yu
Class of 6-9 2009

Weave a story - A pickpocket

As it was the evening peak hours, the train was packed with commuters. Weary commuters jostled with one another to get into the jam-packed train. I elbowed my way into the train but in the midst of getting into the train, a muscular man, wearing a black cap, knocked over me while he was pushing and squeezing through the crowded train.

I stared at him in great frustration, disgusted with his rude behavior. The man simply ignored me and continue pushing his way through .

“I cannot believe it! Such crass people actually exist in the world? There must be something wrong, absolutely wrong!” I whispered to myself.

My legs were aching terribly and I had to bear with the pain of standing on the train. The train pulled out of the station. I heaved a sigh of relief. I scanned through the commuters in the train . Most sitting down were dozing off and for those who were standing, they were either immersed in their own thoughts or having a conversation with their friends.

My glance soon fell upon the man who had knocked onto me. He was acting suspiciously. My curiosity got the better of me. I inched my way through the crowded cabin. I craned my neck a little to observe what he was doing. To my horror, the man sneakily put his hand near a wallet that was protruding out of a middle-aged woman’s handbag. He was trying to steal the wallet!

Seeing that he was succeeding, the man flashed an evil grin on his face. I gasped in horror. I did not know what to do. I was completely blank-minded at the very moment and stood rooted to the spot. When the man had succeeded in his evil act, he quickly walked as fast as he could away from the woman and endeavored to edge his way to the exit of the train, preparing to flee once the doors opened.

Just then, the woman reached her hand to her pocket for her wallet. She was alarmed when she found her wallet was nowhere in sight. Just as she spun her head around, she spotted the man, hand holding a familiar-looking wallet in his hand. She took a step forward and had a closer look. It was indeed her wallet! She quickly raised her voice.

“Pickpocket! There’s a pickpocket on the train!!!."

Just then, all on the train were awakened by her scream for help. I quickly pressed the emergency communication button and reported this to the train operator. Panic-stricken, the man tried to dash for the escalator as the train doors opened. However, the MRT officers arrived just in time before the man could flee. He was then arrested and taken away.

After the man was caught, the officers handed the wallet over to the woman. The woman thanked me. I waited patiently for the arrival of the next train. It had really been an eventful day for me.

Contributed by Jacelyn Sim
Class of 6-9 2009

Weave a story - the loss of a loved one

Why is life so unfair to me? What wrong deed had I committed to get anything like this? What?

I used to always think that God had given me the life I wanted, but everything I had was gone in the blink of an eye.

“Is my mum going to be alright?” I asked, blinking away tears of regret.

“Your mum is in a coma now. You may visit her,” replied the doctor, walking away.

If only I had offered my help to Mum to go to the market, Mum would not have suffered. If only I could turn the clock back, I would certainly take care of Mum more than I took care of myself, but, sadly, I could not.

With heavy legs, I forced myself into the ward. Tears welled up in my eyes. Mum just lay till, eyes tightly shut. Her lips were pale.

I went up to Mum, controlling my tears from flowing to my cheeks.

“Mum, I’m so sorry. I’ve not taken care of you well enough. I really will take care of you if you get well. Mum, please wake up…please,” I pleaded with Mum, even though I knew that Mum could not listen.

I continued sobbing from afternoon till evening. I just could not contain my sadness. It was just too much for me to believe the fact that Mum was in a coma. Soon, I fell into a deep sleep.

When I woke up, I was at home. I rubbed my eyes again. Was I dreaming just now?

I got up from bed and looked for Mum. She was nowhere in sight. At that moment, I grasped something was amiss. How could Mum take so long in the market?

As the seconds ticked by, my heart skipped even faster. I began to panic. What if my nightmare came true? What if Mum met with an accident? My imagination ran wild. I did not know what to do.

All of a sudden, the telephone rang, which startled me greatly. I picked it up and answered.

“Hello?” I answered.

“Is this Davina? The daughter of Madam Madison?” asked the caller.

“Yes. That’s my mother,” I replied, confused.

“Your mother has met with an accident. She is warded at Singapore General Hospital,” explained the caller.

“Who are you?” I asked again.

“I’m the staff nurse of Singapore General Hospital,” answered the staff nurse.

I hung up the phone and wiped my tears away. As quick as I could, I dashed out of the house and went to Singapore General Hospital.

When I arrived there, I asked the staff nurse at the reception counter for my mother.

I rushed to the Intensive Care Unit ward and waited outside as a team of doctors and nurses were attending to Mum. As I waited outside, I prayed to God to save Mum’s life. I tried hard not to shed tears but I just could not help it, it was too painful for me to accept.

“Oh God, I promise that I would show more care and concern towards my mother if you spare her,” I prayed hard.

Finally, the team of doctors and nurses came out of the Intensive Care Unit ward. The doctor shook his head when he looked at me.

“Doctor, how’s my Mum?” I asked, worried.

The doctor just shook his head again.

At that moment I just felt like crying out loud. Why my mother? Why did she have to go through this? I fell to the ground. Mum was gone, forever. Mum, my companion, my confidant, my everything. But, now, I was all alone, all by myself.

Contributed by Nadiah Isa
Class of 6-9 2009

Caught!

Every now and then in the cold, hard, prison floor, I would recount the events that led a hardworking Primary 6 student like me to being arrested by the police and led away here to this cold and miserable place… …

“What an unlucky day it is today!” I exclaimed to myself. The first thing in the morning, our social studies teacher, Mrs Yu pounded us with torrents of seemingly endless questions onthe transport in the olden days. Next, she gave us a stack of worksheets that I was sure my head would go pop to get the answers.

When I reached home, I settled down to work. I decided to give Mrs Yu a chance so I took out the crumpled worksheets and began to flatten it. At a glance, I knew that it was a feat for me to complete the worksheets. I sank back on my seat, toying the thought of giving up when my personal computer sounded a beep. Frankenstein had sign in on to the Windows Live Mail and sent a message to me.

I enthusiastically clicked on the “open” icon and I read the message. My eyes nearly popped out from my sockets and my mouth opened wide with astonishment.

I had totally forgotten about my Science Test the next day and I had not even done any revision on it. Anxious as an ant on a heated wok. I immediately sent a reply back to Frankenstein for help. Frankenstein sent me a link to a website and assured me it would be of great help to me in Science.

When I read that message, I found my fingers twitching uncontrollably and my fingers itched to type out the address of the webpage. I patiently waited for the webpage to upload and finally, after what seemed like eternity, the webpage finished uploading. I scanned eagerly through the tips provided but I saw the other half of the page missing. I scrolled down the page and found out why the page was missing. Permission was required from the publisher and a code would be sent to them before uploading.

I knew that if I were to get the publisher’s consent to upload, it would be too late and I would flunk my Science Test for sure. On the other hand,I was reluctant to give a slip to the chance of obtaining a pass for the Science Test. I could not afford to fail the test again.

I decided to cut the Gordian knot as I saw precious seconds ticking away. I hacked into the access panel and waited. I accessed the HTML page and made modifications. I waited again.

I rubbed my hands in glee as my hack was successful. I downloaded all I needed and was armed to the teeth to do well for the test the following day.

I grinned in satisfaction after I completed the last question. Pleased with myself, I was all smiles. The grin on my face did not last for long. The police barged into the examination hall, arrested and frog-marched me towards the police station.

I was awakened by a jolt. Two gaolers stood towering above me, with batons in their hands. They released me after serving my sentence and I vowed from that day onwards to observe the guidelines closely.

Contributed by Aw Hwee Hean
Class of 6-9 2009

A Warcraft Victim.

My examination would be in a few weeks' time. Determined to improve my grades, I planned to do consistent revision. Just when I was about to browse through my Science textbook, I heard the notification from my computer telling me that my friend had just gone online.

Swiftly, I checked my computer and realized that it was Joan, one of my closer friends.

I immediately responded to Joan. “Hi Joan, shouldn’t you be revising now?”

After a few seconds, Joan replied, “I just found out a really cool game “Warcraft”! I think you should try it out!”

I glanced at my textbook which I was about to revise earlier on. I was in a quandary- should I study or should I play the game?

“Nah, I would just play “Warcraft” for a few minutes and after that I’ll revise,” I assured myself and started typing the website address that Joan had shared with me.

Only ten minutes in the game, I concluded that “cool” was not an apt word to describe the game. “Fascinating” and “addictive” would be much more appropriate.

From the moment I entered the game, I knew that I would be addicted once I played for fifteen minutes. Indeed, after thirty minutes, I could not get my eyes off the computer screen. They were totally stuck to the screen like glue.

Since then, after school, I would play "Warcraft" till the wee hours of the night, paying no attention to schoolwork.

Hours spent on the game turned to days and days turned to weeks. One night when I was completely engrossed in playing “Warcraft”, my mother called out from the living room, "Dear, it’s time you turn in. Don’t you have an examination tomorrow?”

I froze and my eyes widened in shock. “Oh no! I’ve completely forgotten about the examination!” I moaned, slapping my forehead. In a flash, I turned off my computer and jumped to my seat at my desk. I had to burn the midnight oil.

Beads of perspiration formed on my forehead and my stomach churned with anxiety. I scanned through my textbook, trying desperately the impossible task of memorising the concepts in the textbook.

Soon, the clock struck twelve and my eyelids grew heavier and heavier. I stifled a yawn as I flipped the pages feebly, forcing myself to stay awake a little while longer.

The next day, I bent over the desk with my eyes squinting at the words on the page in front of me. “The life cycle of a butterfly starts from an egg, to a pupa, then……” I mumbled as I rubbed my eyes. “I know I studied this last night….”

Frustrated, I threw my pen down on the desk and let out a prodigious yawn. I looked around me and saw that everyone was scribbling down the answers to the test. Just then, I caught sight of Joan's answers while she was flipping her paper. Gingerly, I turned to the correct page and filled in my answers, or rather Joan's answers.

Having done that, I let out a breath of accomplishment. I glanced at the invigilator. She was not looking. Straight away, I adjusted my position, straightened myself to crane over to search for more answers.

“HEY! What are you doing?” a voice thundered. I jumped out from my skin. I spun around and found myself staring at the invigilator, her face livid with fury.

I wanted to explain myself but realised it would be better off not to do so. The invigilator ordered me to follow her to the principal’s office. Hobson’s choice, I trudged towards the principal’s office with a heavy heart, expecting the worse.

Waiting outside the principal’s was the worst moment of my life. Seconds stretched to minutes as time crawled by. Blood drain from my face as I overheard the principal calling up my parents. I knew I had to face the music and I vowed to myself never to spend more than two hours on the computer, ever again.

Contributed by Ao Ming Yi, Belinda
Class of 6-9 2009

Creative-Writing: Tsunami

I was really relieved when it was finally over. That terrifying disaster would be etched in my mind forever. I just could not believe that water could be so terrifying. Right before my very eyes, I witnessed the water forming a huge wall, heading towards the beach. At that very moment, my eyes popped out of the sockets and my heart skipped a beat. Was I going to survive this dreadful tsunami?

Quickly, I spun around and started to flee. I looked around desperately for any high grounds.

At last, I saw hundreds of people gathering on the nearby hill, so, I decided to take refuge there. As fast as I could, I ascended the hill to save my dear life.

Atop, I witnessed the big, huge wave charging towards the town and flooding it. I heard heartrending screams and cries, but all I could do was shed tears for them. There was nothing I could do to help, nothing.

Most of the villagers drowned and died, their bodies were never found.

Hundreds of people were saved from death and injury. I was glad for them as they had saved their lives with their quick thinking.

I thanked God for sparing my life and I would certainly not forget this harrowing experience I had been through.


Contributed by Nadiah Isa
Class of 6-9 2009

Creative-Writing: Plane Crash

A troop of helicopters came hovering above. A sparkle of hope kindled.

After what seemed like eternity, all was not yet lost. Survivors were ferried safely to the ground. The ordeal was over. Hundreds of people were saved from death and injury.

Soon, the ambulance arrived . The paramedics got off the ambulance and rendered first aid to the victims. Tears coursed freely down cheeks. The wrecked aircraft sank into the water. The survivors mourned the loss of innocent lives. Their hearts filled with sorrow.

John and his cousins were saved but John's mother was still missing.

Contributed by Tricia Lim Yun Qi
Class of 6-9 2009

Creative-Writing: Just in time!

It was the last day of our trip in Indonesia, so my father suggested going to the beach.

We reached the beach. I squealed with excitement, pulling my brother, Kendrick, along with me to collect rare seashells.

Suddenly, many fishes were washed ashore. My blood ran cold in my veins. I could feel terror crawling across my flesh.

“Mum!” I screamed, engulfed with fear.

Kendrick pointed to the dead fishes and explained what happened to her. Knowing what was happening, she immediately informed the appropriate authorities.

After a while, the authorities evacuated everyone from the scene just bfore big waves, height of about 6-storeys high, came crashing onto shore.

Hundreds of people were saved from life or injury.

Contributed by Rodrick Li
Class of 6-9 2009

Creative-Writing: A Volcano Eruption

The readings went off the chart.

Suddenly, the ground started shaking. Loud rumblings of the rocks from the mountains were heard. It was a huge landslide! Everyone ran for cover so as not to get hit by the huge boulders. There was no way to go except to the boats. They had to evacuate the island. The mountain people watched as the huge boulders rained on their homes.

Then, without warning, a huge explosion occurred. The volcano erupted, spilling hot lava down the mountain. The eruption killed many lives and wiped out the whole island. Many were left homeless and stranded on tiny boats in the middle of the ocean. They waited days and nights for rescue to arrive. But it never did.

Contributed by Loh Xiao Qi
Class of 6-9 2009

Creative-Writng: An Earthquake

Danny took a deep breath and crawled out from the rubble. What greeted his sight gave him a jolt and his face turned as white as a sheet of paper. His eyes watered but he tried hard not to cry.

The buildings that had once stood tall had collapsed and heaps of rubble piled high up. The earthquake killed many lives and wiped out the whole island. From a distance, Danny could see rescuers, trying desperately to find survivors that were buried in the rubble.

Danny scrambled to his feet, his eyes scanning for his parents. Horrible thoughts flashed through his mind. Where were Mum and Dad? Did they survive? Danny clasped his head, shaking away vigorously fearful thoughts . He tried to comfort himself that his parents were still alive. But it didnot help at all. Danny fought hard to hold back the tears, but in the end, he let them flow freely.

Contributed by Ao Ming Yi, Belinda
Class of 6-9 2009