1. Elaine’s mom gave her money to buy some markers of the same price.
If she bought 8 such markers, she would have $8 left over.
If she bought 12 such markers, she would have $6 short.
(a) How much money did Elaine’s mom give her?
(b) How many markers could she buy if her mom were to give her another $14?
2.
A librarian counted the number of adults in the library and found that 2/5 of the number of women was equal to 2 times the number of men. When another 12 men entered the library and 45 women left the library, the ratio of the number of women to the number of men became 5 : 2.
(a) What was the ratio of the number of women at first to the number of men at first? Give your answer in its simplest form.
(b) Find the number of women in the library at first.
3.
Cinema admission tickets for children were priced at $8 each. There were 20 more boys than girls in the cinema for the first movie. For the second movie, the number of boys decreased by 10% but the number of girls increased by 5%. If there were 408 children at the second movie, how much money was collected from the sales of admission tickets for the first movie?
4.
A van travelled from Town A to Town B at an average speed of 55 km/h. A car started its journey from Town B to Town A at the same time as the van, travelling at an average speed of 90 km/h. The two vehicles passed each other 70 km from the middle of the whole journey. Find the distance between the two towns.
5. At first, 25% of Kumar’s money was the same as 33 1/3% of Lily’s money.
Lily’s father gave her $80 later, while Kumar spent $325.
In the end, Lily had 2 1/2 times as much money as Kumar.
(a) How much money did Kumar have at first?
(b) How much money did Lily have in the end?
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Picture writing by Jin Hao (unedited)
Johnny and Ravi were both police officers. It was their first day at work and they were patrolling the neighbourhood at Bedok.
“Headquarters told us that there has been a lot of vandalism done by school children,” said Ravi.
“So, that means we have to watch out for any vandals,” said Johnny.
As they turned around the bend of the carpark and were about to leave the carpark to patrol other carparks, they saw a group of boys. The boys were in their teens, and were holding spray cans in different colours. A grin appeared on each of their faces as they started defacing the walls on the void deck.
Johnny and Ravi then knew that they had to step in and take control. Stepping out of their police car, the two men walked towards the boys.
The policemen placed a hand on one of the boy’s shoulder. The boys spun around. The grin on his face was gone and there was only utter shock when he saw both men.
The three terrified boys were under the stern eyes of both men. As Ravi turned his back around to call for assistance, one of the boys took out a sharp knife.
Immediately, the boy charged forward and tried to stab Ravi. Johnny saw what was happening. Without thinking of his own safety, Johnny ran forward and gave the boy with the knife a flying kick.
Shouting for Ravi to keep an eye on the other two boys, Johnny quickly handcuffed the boy he had kicked. The boy turned around and grinned. Slowly Johnny realized that blood was on the boy’s knife. He fell to the floor, with a deep pool of blood surrounding him.
Ravi bent down to check on his partner. The other two boys took the opportunity and ran away. Ravi felt like punching the boy, but he took control of himself. He forced the boy into the patrol car.
Carefully lifting up his partner, he requested for an ambulance.
“Johnny ! You are going to be all right ! You hear me ! You are going to make it ! “ Ravi shouted.
Johnny was admitted to the operating room. Hours later, the doctor came out, shaking his head. Johnny did not make it.
The other two boys were caught and the three were sentenced to four years in the boy’s home. As they were too young, they could not be hanged. The boy who killed Johnny was given six strokes of the cane.
Till now, Ravi always remembers Johnny. His one and only partner.
“Headquarters told us that there has been a lot of vandalism done by school children,” said Ravi.
“So, that means we have to watch out for any vandals,” said Johnny.
As they turned around the bend of the carpark and were about to leave the carpark to patrol other carparks, they saw a group of boys. The boys were in their teens, and were holding spray cans in different colours. A grin appeared on each of their faces as they started defacing the walls on the void deck.
Johnny and Ravi then knew that they had to step in and take control. Stepping out of their police car, the two men walked towards the boys.
The policemen placed a hand on one of the boy’s shoulder. The boys spun around. The grin on his face was gone and there was only utter shock when he saw both men.
The three terrified boys were under the stern eyes of both men. As Ravi turned his back around to call for assistance, one of the boys took out a sharp knife.
Immediately, the boy charged forward and tried to stab Ravi. Johnny saw what was happening. Without thinking of his own safety, Johnny ran forward and gave the boy with the knife a flying kick.
Shouting for Ravi to keep an eye on the other two boys, Johnny quickly handcuffed the boy he had kicked. The boy turned around and grinned. Slowly Johnny realized that blood was on the boy’s knife. He fell to the floor, with a deep pool of blood surrounding him.
Ravi bent down to check on his partner. The other two boys took the opportunity and ran away. Ravi felt like punching the boy, but he took control of himself. He forced the boy into the patrol car.
Carefully lifting up his partner, he requested for an ambulance.
“Johnny ! You are going to be all right ! You hear me ! You are going to make it ! “ Ravi shouted.
Johnny was admitted to the operating room. Hours later, the doctor came out, shaking his head. Johnny did not make it.
The other two boys were caught and the three were sentenced to four years in the boy’s home. As they were too young, they could not be hanged. The boy who killed Johnny was given six strokes of the cane.
Till now, Ravi always remembers Johnny. His one and only partner.
Maths Problems 29 Sep 2009
1. Shoes and belts are sold in Mr K's shop. The ratio of the price of the shoes to the price of the belts is 5 : 2. The price of each belt is $22. Mr K sold 1/4 of the items in his shop on Sunday and collected $1056. 1/3 of the items sold were belts.
a) How many belts were sold on Sunday?
b) If the number of belts left is 3 times as many as the number of shoes left, how much would Mr K colllect if he sold all the remaining shoes and belts in his shop?
2. There were some white and black marbles in a bag. When 20 black marbles are removed, the total number of marbles in the bag left was 7 times the number of black marbles left.
When 50 white marbles were removed, the total number of marbles in the bag left was 5 times the number of black marbles. Find the total number of marbles.
a) How many belts were sold on Sunday?
b) If the number of belts left is 3 times as many as the number of shoes left, how much would Mr K colllect if he sold all the remaining shoes and belts in his shop?
2. There were some white and black marbles in a bag. When 20 black marbles are removed, the total number of marbles in the bag left was 7 times the number of black marbles left.
When 50 white marbles were removed, the total number of marbles in the bag left was 5 times the number of black marbles. Find the total number of marbles.
Monday, September 28, 2009
CW by Meng Yu
l was always a responsible class monitress and a good student in the teacher's eyes and l also get along well with my classmates.But there was once,l had disappointed my teacher and lost her trust in the end.
That day,l sat on my usual seat in the canteen while l was eating.My best friend,Tinghui came to me,her expression was full of anxiety and worries.
"l thought you were supposed to be in Mrs Tan's office,helping her carrry books?"l asked wandering why she was so anxious.
"Um...You did not tell anyone about it right?"She asked,looking around.
l nodded and looked her suspiciously,wandering what she could have done.
"Well,you must promise me no tto tell the teacher about it,"she paused,scanning around,"l accidentally spilt Mrs Tan's coffee on her work,accidentally,"She accented the word 'accidentally'.
"Oh!"l choked,"you are going to get it from her if she knows that!" She quickly covered my mouth and put one finger on her mouth.
"You are going to help me,aren't you?You are my best friend right?l'm sure the teacher will ask all of us who have seen this incident or something like that,you just need to keep quiet and sit there,okay?"She whispered in my ear.
"If you are going to let the cat out of the bag,l am not going to talk to you forever,not a single word!"She warned me.
l sat there,still like a statue.Still thnking through what she had told me.l was not used to lie to people but she was my best friend and l could not betary her.That was the most difficult decisionl have ever had to make.Between friendship and honesty,l needed to choose either one,but both were important to me.l sighed and decided to put them a side,and see what would happen next.
True enough,Mrs Tan was frustrated but she wanted the person to own up.Maybe,l thought,she would give the person a chance.A sweat rolled down my cheek and l realised that l was nervous,very nervous.l saw Tinghui blink at me and put a finger on her lips.l knew she wanted me to keep quiet.
"This is nothing big.Just be quiet.The teacher will not know.Just shut mouth."l told myself in my heart while l felt butterflies in my stomach.
"If no one is going to own up,l am going to find out on my own."Mrs Tan announced and stormed out of the classroom.
Soon,the students were murmuring about this incident and Tinghui smiled at me.l did not feel happy or relieved but just guilty.
"Shh...."As soon as we heard the teacher's footsteps,we kept very quiet.
"You have been to my office right?Tinghui."Mrs Tan asked,arms arcoss her chest. All of us turned to her and some were murmuring under their breathe.Shocked,Tinghui stood up and nodded.
"You come to me,"Mrs Tan said.
l felt more nervous,afraid that Tinghui would say anything related to me.l tried to calm myself down.After a few minutes,l was also called by the teacher and l knew that was the end of me .Standing in front of Mrs Tan, l prepared for the worst.She did not shout or scream at me,that made me relieved.But,all she said was,"l am really disappointed in you."
That's when l felt the real pain,the thing which was so important.l had lost it,the trust.
That day,l sat on my usual seat in the canteen while l was eating.My best friend,Tinghui came to me,her expression was full of anxiety and worries.
"l thought you were supposed to be in Mrs Tan's office,helping her carrry books?"l asked wandering why she was so anxious.
"Um...You did not tell anyone about it right?"She asked,looking around.
l nodded and looked her suspiciously,wandering what she could have done.
"Well,you must promise me no tto tell the teacher about it,"she paused,scanning around,"l accidentally spilt Mrs Tan's coffee on her work,accidentally,"She accented the word 'accidentally'.
"Oh!"l choked,"you are going to get it from her if she knows that!" She quickly covered my mouth and put one finger on her mouth.
"You are going to help me,aren't you?You are my best friend right?l'm sure the teacher will ask all of us who have seen this incident or something like that,you just need to keep quiet and sit there,okay?"She whispered in my ear.
"If you are going to let the cat out of the bag,l am not going to talk to you forever,not a single word!"She warned me.
l sat there,still like a statue.Still thnking through what she had told me.l was not used to lie to people but she was my best friend and l could not betary her.That was the most difficult decisionl have ever had to make.Between friendship and honesty,l needed to choose either one,but both were important to me.l sighed and decided to put them a side,and see what would happen next.
True enough,Mrs Tan was frustrated but she wanted the person to own up.Maybe,l thought,she would give the person a chance.A sweat rolled down my cheek and l realised that l was nervous,very nervous.l saw Tinghui blink at me and put a finger on her lips.l knew she wanted me to keep quiet.
"This is nothing big.Just be quiet.The teacher will not know.Just shut mouth."l told myself in my heart while l felt butterflies in my stomach.
"If no one is going to own up,l am going to find out on my own."Mrs Tan announced and stormed out of the classroom.
Soon,the students were murmuring about this incident and Tinghui smiled at me.l did not feel happy or relieved but just guilty.
"Shh...."As soon as we heard the teacher's footsteps,we kept very quiet.
"You have been to my office right?Tinghui."Mrs Tan asked,arms arcoss her chest. All of us turned to her and some were murmuring under their breathe.Shocked,Tinghui stood up and nodded.
"You come to me,"Mrs Tan said.
l felt more nervous,afraid that Tinghui would say anything related to me.l tried to calm myself down.After a few minutes,l was also called by the teacher and l knew that was the end of me .Standing in front of Mrs Tan, l prepared for the worst.She did not shout or scream at me,that made me relieved.But,all she said was,"l am really disappointed in you."
That's when l felt the real pain,the thing which was so important.l had lost it,the trust.
Picture writing by Belinda (unedited)
The void deck was utterly quiet. It was quiet, so quiet till you could hear a pin drop. It was four in the afternoon when most adults would be working and most students would be doing their homework or revising. However, the silence was broken when thundering footsteps could be heard. Three boys appeared, panting. The trio looked all around them, as if they were making sure that not a single soul was in sight.
The three boys, Bala, Alan and Wei Ming threw their bags on the concrete floor. Their hair was unkempt and their uniforms were tucked out. Next, they pulled out a stack of CDs from their bags they had stolen just now from a shop.
“We’re going to earn big bucks when we sell these CDs to our classmates!” Bala said with a mischievous gleam in his eyes as he sat down on the cool, concrete floor.
“Yeah,” Alan agreed. “Think of what we can buy with all those money!” Alan added, as a slow, silly smile started spreading on his face.
“Also, the shopkeeper was such a fool. I swear he didn’t even realise that we entered the shop. He really knows how to take care of his shop by talking on the phone all day!” Wei Ming sniggered.
Next, Wei Ming reached to his bag and pulled out a pack of cigarettes and a lighter. He laughed when he saw the looks of shock on Bala’s and Alan’s faces. Wei Ming lit up a cigarette and started smoking. Bala’s eyes nearly popped out of their sockets while Alan stood rooted at the same spot, gaping with obvious disbelief.
“C’mon, don’t look so shocked. I stole this pack of cigarettes from my older brother. Want to try?” Wei Ming offered.
Bala was the first one to recover from his shock. Without thinking twice, he reached for a cigarette from the pack and copied how Wei Ming had lit up the cigarette and stuck it into his mouth. However, Alan remained hesitant.
“What… what if somebody saw us? Anyway, we… we’re underage!” Alan stammered nervously.
“Chill, there’s no one at all. Come on, don’t be a chicken! Just take one and try!” Wei Ming snapped, annoyed.
“But… but…” Alan started to say, but was silenced by Wei Ming’s icy glare. Shrugging, Alan reached for a cigarette. However, Alan’s face turned as pale as a sheet of paper, like he’d seen a ghost. Alan pointed a trembling finger behind Wei Ming and Bala. Puzzled, Wei Ming and Bala turned around and got the shock of their lives!
The cigarette in Wei Ming’s mouth dropped on the concrete floor. They were face-to-face with two burly policemen! Wei Ming drew in a sharp breath as Bala shifted uncomfortably. Alan’s lips quivered. “Smoking, eh? You three are underage!” Once of the policemen shook his head.
With that, the trio hung their heads in shame. Apparently, someone had caught sight of them smoking and reported it to the police. The two policemen questioned the trio. They had no choice but to surrender. Wei Ming handed the pack of cigarettes and lighter to the policemen while the other two, Alan and Bala gave the stack of CDs to the policemen and explained how they had stolen them.
The two policemen shook their heads again. “You three have to follow us to the station!” the other policeman boomed.
Hobson’s choice, the trio picked their bags up and followed the policemen. They knew they were in hot soup and they braced themselves to face the music.
The three boys, Bala, Alan and Wei Ming threw their bags on the concrete floor. Their hair was unkempt and their uniforms were tucked out. Next, they pulled out a stack of CDs from their bags they had stolen just now from a shop.
“We’re going to earn big bucks when we sell these CDs to our classmates!” Bala said with a mischievous gleam in his eyes as he sat down on the cool, concrete floor.
“Yeah,” Alan agreed. “Think of what we can buy with all those money!” Alan added, as a slow, silly smile started spreading on his face.
“Also, the shopkeeper was such a fool. I swear he didn’t even realise that we entered the shop. He really knows how to take care of his shop by talking on the phone all day!” Wei Ming sniggered.
Next, Wei Ming reached to his bag and pulled out a pack of cigarettes and a lighter. He laughed when he saw the looks of shock on Bala’s and Alan’s faces. Wei Ming lit up a cigarette and started smoking. Bala’s eyes nearly popped out of their sockets while Alan stood rooted at the same spot, gaping with obvious disbelief.
“C’mon, don’t look so shocked. I stole this pack of cigarettes from my older brother. Want to try?” Wei Ming offered.
Bala was the first one to recover from his shock. Without thinking twice, he reached for a cigarette from the pack and copied how Wei Ming had lit up the cigarette and stuck it into his mouth. However, Alan remained hesitant.
“What… what if somebody saw us? Anyway, we… we’re underage!” Alan stammered nervously.
“Chill, there’s no one at all. Come on, don’t be a chicken! Just take one and try!” Wei Ming snapped, annoyed.
“But… but…” Alan started to say, but was silenced by Wei Ming’s icy glare. Shrugging, Alan reached for a cigarette. However, Alan’s face turned as pale as a sheet of paper, like he’d seen a ghost. Alan pointed a trembling finger behind Wei Ming and Bala. Puzzled, Wei Ming and Bala turned around and got the shock of their lives!
The cigarette in Wei Ming’s mouth dropped on the concrete floor. They were face-to-face with two burly policemen! Wei Ming drew in a sharp breath as Bala shifted uncomfortably. Alan’s lips quivered. “Smoking, eh? You three are underage!” Once of the policemen shook his head.
With that, the trio hung their heads in shame. Apparently, someone had caught sight of them smoking and reported it to the police. The two policemen questioned the trio. They had no choice but to surrender. Wei Ming handed the pack of cigarettes and lighter to the policemen while the other two, Alan and Bala gave the stack of CDs to the policemen and explained how they had stolen them.
The two policemen shook their heads again. “You three have to follow us to the station!” the other policeman boomed.
Hobson’s choice, the trio picked their bags up and followed the policemen. They knew they were in hot soup and they braced themselves to face the music.
Picture writing by Juliano (unedited)
It was three in the afternoon .My partner Terry and I were making our routine patrol in the neighborhood .
The weather was just treacherous .The sun was blazing and the heat was unbearable .Terry and I wanted to finish up the patrolling and get back to the air-conditioned office
Just as we were about to finish our rounds ,something caught my eye .A wall was covered with graffiti .Normally I would just ignore the situations but I realized that the town council had just completed the paint job a few days ago and I could swear that the wall was spotless about fifteen minutes ago.
I told terry about the situation and we decided to head back .Getting off the car ,we examined the wall. A pungent odour filled the air .Newly used spray cans could be smelt .
Terry and I combed the area ,hoping to find the vandals .Out of the blue, terry spotted a group of boys in school uniform with their shirts tucked out .
The trios’ appearances gave us the impression that they were gangsters .Since the gang was a stone’s throw away from the scene ,Terry and I suspected that the boys were the vandals .
We went to confront the boys .As soon as the trio saw us ,they quickly stood up ,with anxiety written all over their faces .
“Boys, were you the ones who vandalized the wall ?”I said solemnly , pointing to the wall .
I could see that they were taken aback .
“N… no sir we didn’t do it, honest !” one of the three mentioned.
I had my doubts and threw more questions at them. I even threatened to send them to the home even though I knew that it was not possible. Nervously, they answered all of them. Terry was convinced after a series of questions my I was not.
As I was about to ask more questions , a voice suddenly interrupted our conversation.
“Ha ha ha ! Those police are so dumb! We vandalized the wall just recently and still didn’t catch us !” The voice laughed smugly .
Anger mingled with curiosity , Terry and I moved towards the sound with my fists clenched . It led us towards a group of teenagers ,with their hair dyed in all sorts of colors it almost looked like a rainbow was on their heads .
We eavesdropped on their conversations and we were sure that they were the vandals. Terry and I appeared from our hiding place and approached the youngsters .
After hurtling a few grueling questions the errant teenagers finally admitted to their wrongdoings.
Terry and I dragged them to the car. I apologized to the first group of kids and they told me that they only tucked out their shirts because of the heat.
That incident made our patrol more exciting and taught me to keep an open mind .It was one incident that I was sure would help me to become a better policeman by keeping an open mind and not jump to conclusions easily .
The weather was just treacherous .The sun was blazing and the heat was unbearable .Terry and I wanted to finish up the patrolling and get back to the air-conditioned office
Just as we were about to finish our rounds ,something caught my eye .A wall was covered with graffiti .Normally I would just ignore the situations but I realized that the town council had just completed the paint job a few days ago and I could swear that the wall was spotless about fifteen minutes ago.
I told terry about the situation and we decided to head back .Getting off the car ,we examined the wall. A pungent odour filled the air .Newly used spray cans could be smelt .
Terry and I combed the area ,hoping to find the vandals .Out of the blue, terry spotted a group of boys in school uniform with their shirts tucked out .
The trios’ appearances gave us the impression that they were gangsters .Since the gang was a stone’s throw away from the scene ,Terry and I suspected that the boys were the vandals .
We went to confront the boys .As soon as the trio saw us ,they quickly stood up ,with anxiety written all over their faces .
“Boys, were you the ones who vandalized the wall ?”I said solemnly , pointing to the wall .
I could see that they were taken aback .
“N… no sir we didn’t do it, honest !” one of the three mentioned.
I had my doubts and threw more questions at them. I even threatened to send them to the home even though I knew that it was not possible. Nervously, they answered all of them. Terry was convinced after a series of questions my I was not.
As I was about to ask more questions , a voice suddenly interrupted our conversation.
“Ha ha ha ! Those police are so dumb! We vandalized the wall just recently and still didn’t catch us !” The voice laughed smugly .
Anger mingled with curiosity , Terry and I moved towards the sound with my fists clenched . It led us towards a group of teenagers ,with their hair dyed in all sorts of colors it almost looked like a rainbow was on their heads .
We eavesdropped on their conversations and we were sure that they were the vandals. Terry and I appeared from our hiding place and approached the youngsters .
After hurtling a few grueling questions the errant teenagers finally admitted to their wrongdoings.
Terry and I dragged them to the car. I apologized to the first group of kids and they told me that they only tucked out their shirts because of the heat.
That incident made our patrol more exciting and taught me to keep an open mind .It was one incident that I was sure would help me to become a better policeman by keeping an open mind and not jump to conclusions easily .
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
CW Wrong Bus by Navethira (unedited)
“Oh no! Not again!” I cursed under my breath while tying my shoe laces hastily.
It was already seven o’ clock. I was late for school for the fourth time. I knew I would be in hot soup for being late for times in a month. I then scrambled towards the staircase and then darted to the bus-stop. From a distance I could see the bus number twenty-seven turning towards the bus-stop. My strides got stronger and longer. I did not want to miss the bus once again.
Thankfully, I managed to board the bus in time. I scanned through the crowded bus for a vacant seat. Once I found the seat, I immediately sat down tiredly. Droplets of sweat trickled down my forehead. While I was catching my breath, I realized that the bus turned left instead of turning right. I was puzzled. Now the time was twenty minutes past seven. I knew that I was going to be late and adding on to my anxiety, the bus was travelling in a whole different route. My heart was beating faster than ever. Anxiety mingled with fear. Not only was I going to be late I was also going to be lost. What was I going to do? I wondered whether to I should ask any of the commuters for help.
Finally, I decided to check with the bus driver where the bus was going and why the bus route had changed. I was extremely sure that I had boarded bus number twenty-seven.i then hesitantly asked the bus-driver why the bus route had changed. He then stared at me and said that this was bus number twenty-seven A.
“What! 27A? But um…”I was totally puzzled.
How careless could I get! After a short pause, I asked the bus driver if the bus would go to my school. His answer made my heart sink.
“Well this bus will go to Senkang and probably reach Hougang in thirty minutes.”
Both relieved and worried, I carried my heavy school bag back to the seat. Time ticked by at snail’s pace. By the time the bus travelled around Senkang the time was already fifty minutes past seven.
The bus was now approaching Hougang, where my school was. I then got off and raced towards the school gate. There I saw my teacher with arms akimbo with a stern face. I knew I had to face the music so with crossed fingers, I greeted my teacher. Instead of being fuming mad at me, she put on a smile.
“Good morning Julia! You are early today! Keep up the good work! But why did you bring such a big bag?”
I stood there with a blank look. It then dawned on me that it was Teacher’s Day that day and that the reporting time was eight o’clock and that I did not need to bring my school bag. My mouth went agape. I felt so foolish I gave my teacher a sheepish smile and entered the school. Isince sworn that I should always read all the forms issued to me so that I would not make a fool of myself again.
It was already seven o’ clock. I was late for school for the fourth time. I knew I would be in hot soup for being late for times in a month. I then scrambled towards the staircase and then darted to the bus-stop. From a distance I could see the bus number twenty-seven turning towards the bus-stop. My strides got stronger and longer. I did not want to miss the bus once again.
Thankfully, I managed to board the bus in time. I scanned through the crowded bus for a vacant seat. Once I found the seat, I immediately sat down tiredly. Droplets of sweat trickled down my forehead. While I was catching my breath, I realized that the bus turned left instead of turning right. I was puzzled. Now the time was twenty minutes past seven. I knew that I was going to be late and adding on to my anxiety, the bus was travelling in a whole different route. My heart was beating faster than ever. Anxiety mingled with fear. Not only was I going to be late I was also going to be lost. What was I going to do? I wondered whether to I should ask any of the commuters for help.
Finally, I decided to check with the bus driver where the bus was going and why the bus route had changed. I was extremely sure that I had boarded bus number twenty-seven.i then hesitantly asked the bus-driver why the bus route had changed. He then stared at me and said that this was bus number twenty-seven A.
“What! 27A? But um…”I was totally puzzled.
How careless could I get! After a short pause, I asked the bus driver if the bus would go to my school. His answer made my heart sink.
“Well this bus will go to Senkang and probably reach Hougang in thirty minutes.”
Both relieved and worried, I carried my heavy school bag back to the seat. Time ticked by at snail’s pace. By the time the bus travelled around Senkang the time was already fifty minutes past seven.
The bus was now approaching Hougang, where my school was. I then got off and raced towards the school gate. There I saw my teacher with arms akimbo with a stern face. I knew I had to face the music so with crossed fingers, I greeted my teacher. Instead of being fuming mad at me, she put on a smile.
“Good morning Julia! You are early today! Keep up the good work! But why did you bring such a big bag?”
I stood there with a blank look. It then dawned on me that it was Teacher’s Day that day and that the reporting time was eight o’clock and that I did not need to bring my school bag. My mouth went agape. I felt so foolish I gave my teacher a sheepish smile and entered the school. Isince sworn that I should always read all the forms issued to me so that I would not make a fool of myself again.
Monday, September 14, 2009
SW Letter of complaint - Broken CD
Suggested response:
Dear Manager
I am writing in to request for an exchange of a broken CD (1m) purchased at your store. I bought the CD entitled Top 10 Children's Songs on 1 October 2007 (1m). Upon discovering that it was broken, I returned to your store on the same day at 5 p.m. (1m) with the broken CD and the original receipt to have it exchanged.
Your staff, Ms Jane Tan, declined my request (1m), disregarding the company policy that goods can be exchanged within 3 days of purchase with original receipt. I was totally frustrated (1m) by the entire experience and strongly feel that I should be given a new CD as per stated by the company policy (1m).
Please kindly look into and assist in this matter.
Thank you.
Yours sincerely
James Tan
Dear Manager
I am writing in to request for an exchange of a broken CD (1m) purchased at your store. I bought the CD entitled Top 10 Children's Songs on 1 October 2007 (1m). Upon discovering that it was broken, I returned to your store on the same day at 5 p.m. (1m) with the broken CD and the original receipt to have it exchanged.
Your staff, Ms Jane Tan, declined my request (1m), disregarding the company policy that goods can be exchanged within 3 days of purchase with original receipt. I was totally frustrated (1m) by the entire experience and strongly feel that I should be given a new CD as per stated by the company policy (1m).
Please kindly look into and assist in this matter.
Thank you.
Yours sincerely
James Tan
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
CW: Wrong Bus by Jing Jie (unedited)
“Oh dear, I am so late!” I grumbled as I dashed towards the bus stop opposite my house.
In my hurry, I did not realise that I was jaywalking, drivers in the cars cursed and swore, but I took no notice of them.
I ran and ran, never stopping once to catch my breath, by the time I had reached the bus stop, I was drenched in sweat, face red and rosy. I then boarded the first bus that stopped at the bus stop.
I had no time to think, only act. By then, the bus had driven off. I took a seat, gasping. Strangely, the bus was going in a different direction. Then it hit me, I was on the wrong bus!
In my hurry, I thought I took bus eighty-nine, instead, I had been taking bus seventy-two.
I immediately checked my pockets. Even worse luck, I did not bring my wallet and had used up all my change.
I asked the passengers beside me for some spare change, only to be turned down and met by stares of disapproval.
Some people turned to the others beside them and started whispering, making all sorts of strange gestures.
I calmed down and composed myself. My plan was to alight at the bus interchange and call my father from there.
As I began to feel more confident about getting out of this mess, the worst happened. The bus engine emited a thick black smoke, and it came to a sudden halt, throwing me forward. I hit my head on the steel poles, moaning in pain as crimson blood oozed out from the deep cut on my forehead.
The bus driver tried starting the engine for a couple of minutes, but to no avail. He announced, “The bus has broken down, please alight the bus, I am sorry.”
Passengers moaned as they got of the bus, while others grumbled.
I took about an hour to walk to the interchange, on the verge of giving up. At the sight of it, I pushed myself past the limit and started running to the interchange.
Crashing on the bench, I took a breather while fishing out my phone to call my father. Then I realised something, I had left my bag on the bus!
Not giving up, I checked my pockets thoroughly, finally finding one ten-cent coin. I slipped the coin into the phone booth and called my father.
As usual, he gave me a good dressing down, droning on and on about how I should be more careful next time.
I sighed, as I waited for him to fetch me home, true enough, I hate Mondays.
In my hurry, I did not realise that I was jaywalking, drivers in the cars cursed and swore, but I took no notice of them.
I ran and ran, never stopping once to catch my breath, by the time I had reached the bus stop, I was drenched in sweat, face red and rosy. I then boarded the first bus that stopped at the bus stop.
I had no time to think, only act. By then, the bus had driven off. I took a seat, gasping. Strangely, the bus was going in a different direction. Then it hit me, I was on the wrong bus!
In my hurry, I thought I took bus eighty-nine, instead, I had been taking bus seventy-two.
I immediately checked my pockets. Even worse luck, I did not bring my wallet and had used up all my change.
I asked the passengers beside me for some spare change, only to be turned down and met by stares of disapproval.
Some people turned to the others beside them and started whispering, making all sorts of strange gestures.
I calmed down and composed myself. My plan was to alight at the bus interchange and call my father from there.
As I began to feel more confident about getting out of this mess, the worst happened. The bus engine emited a thick black smoke, and it came to a sudden halt, throwing me forward. I hit my head on the steel poles, moaning in pain as crimson blood oozed out from the deep cut on my forehead.
The bus driver tried starting the engine for a couple of minutes, but to no avail. He announced, “The bus has broken down, please alight the bus, I am sorry.”
Passengers moaned as they got of the bus, while others grumbled.
I took about an hour to walk to the interchange, on the verge of giving up. At the sight of it, I pushed myself past the limit and started running to the interchange.
Crashing on the bench, I took a breather while fishing out my phone to call my father. Then I realised something, I had left my bag on the bus!
Not giving up, I checked my pockets thoroughly, finally finding one ten-cent coin. I slipped the coin into the phone booth and called my father.
As usual, he gave me a good dressing down, droning on and on about how I should be more careful next time.
I sighed, as I waited for him to fetch me home, true enough, I hate Mondays.
Monday, September 7, 2009
CW: Wrong bus by Jin Hao
I was sitting on a bench, just outside my house, waiting for my bus to come. I saw a bus coming but could not see clearly what the bus number was as I had sent my glasses for repair. It looked like the bus service that I normally took, bus number 113. However I was not sure.
“Who cares?” I mumbled and straightaway boarded the bus without thinking of the consequences of my actions because I was going to be late for school!
“The journey to my school was only two stops away but why couldn’t I see my school after three stops?” I pondered to myself as I started getting a little worried. Only then did I ask the person sitting behind me what bus service it was.
“112” he replied, looking rather annoyed as he was suddenly interrupted of his sleep.
“Oh no! I have boarded the wrong bus!” I shouted as I pressed the stop button and hastily alighted from the bus. In my moment of carelessness, I left my bag in the bus without knowing it.
Only after I had run back to the bus stop outside my house did I realize my bag was missing. I must have left it on the bus!
“Not again?! What else can go wrong?” I moaned in exasperation.
At that time, another bus arrived at the bus stop. I squinted my eyes and found out it was 113.
So thus I decided to board it and retrieve my bag at the interchange where Bus Service 112 would terminate.
After endless riding on the bus, I got off at the interchange with a sore bottom. I went around looking for the bus captain that drove 112.
Suddenly, someone tapped me on the shoulder. I jumped and turned around only to find out that person was the bus captain of 112.
The bus captain held up my bag, smiled and said, “This is your bag, right?”
I nodded. “Keep it properly okay, boy? You may not be this lucky to get it back the next time! “ he added as a warm smile broke from his lips.
Ahh! My guardian angel! I thought to myself as he walked away.
Oh gosh! I’m going to be late! I thought as I stared at my watch. I immediately rushed back to my school. But it was too late! And of course, the predicted major scolding from the discipline master. And as though that was not enough, when I thought I could finally have some breathing space back in class, it was my teacher’s turn to breathe down my neck. She told me to stay back that day to write “I will not be late for school” a hundred times!
The whole class burst into laughter after hearing what the teacher had said. I thought they were laughing at the punishment I had to do. But no!! It was only then did I notice that my shirt was not tucked in, a few buttons were out and my hair was unkempt.
No one took pity on me. Not even my best friend, Benny, who was trying to stifle his giggles but to no avail.
After this mistake which cost me heavily, I decided to correct my bad habit of being too reckless and to be more careful. With or without my glasses.
“Who cares?” I mumbled and straightaway boarded the bus without thinking of the consequences of my actions because I was going to be late for school!
“The journey to my school was only two stops away but why couldn’t I see my school after three stops?” I pondered to myself as I started getting a little worried. Only then did I ask the person sitting behind me what bus service it was.
“112” he replied, looking rather annoyed as he was suddenly interrupted of his sleep.
“Oh no! I have boarded the wrong bus!” I shouted as I pressed the stop button and hastily alighted from the bus. In my moment of carelessness, I left my bag in the bus without knowing it.
Only after I had run back to the bus stop outside my house did I realize my bag was missing. I must have left it on the bus!
“Not again?! What else can go wrong?” I moaned in exasperation.
At that time, another bus arrived at the bus stop. I squinted my eyes and found out it was 113.
So thus I decided to board it and retrieve my bag at the interchange where Bus Service 112 would terminate.
After endless riding on the bus, I got off at the interchange with a sore bottom. I went around looking for the bus captain that drove 112.
Suddenly, someone tapped me on the shoulder. I jumped and turned around only to find out that person was the bus captain of 112.
The bus captain held up my bag, smiled and said, “This is your bag, right?”
I nodded. “Keep it properly okay, boy? You may not be this lucky to get it back the next time! “ he added as a warm smile broke from his lips.
Ahh! My guardian angel! I thought to myself as he walked away.
Oh gosh! I’m going to be late! I thought as I stared at my watch. I immediately rushed back to my school. But it was too late! And of course, the predicted major scolding from the discipline master. And as though that was not enough, when I thought I could finally have some breathing space back in class, it was my teacher’s turn to breathe down my neck. She told me to stay back that day to write “I will not be late for school” a hundred times!
The whole class burst into laughter after hearing what the teacher had said. I thought they were laughing at the punishment I had to do. But no!! It was only then did I notice that my shirt was not tucked in, a few buttons were out and my hair was unkempt.
No one took pity on me. Not even my best friend, Benny, who was trying to stifle his giggles but to no avail.
After this mistake which cost me heavily, I decided to correct my bad habit of being too reckless and to be more careful. With or without my glasses.
CW: Robbery in a lift by Guan Min
Do you believe that a robber can appear out of nowhere at any time and rob you? Perhaps not. But I had cheated death when I had a close encounter with one.
It was a blistering hot afternoon. Jane and I entered the lift and chit chatted. As the lift door was about to close, a man whose singlet was tattered and torn dashed towards the lift and attempted to stop the door from closing. Sweat trickled down his face and he looked breathless.
“Quick! Press the button. I am chased by the loan sharks,” he said in an anxious tone. Anxiety enveloped me. Jane was startled.
I pressed the button and led him to my house as soon as I reached the floor I am staying in. My heart was thumping faster each time I took a step.
“Mum, a man is chased by loan sharks and needs to take cover in our house,” I said swiftly while opening the door simultaneously.
“Who is he? Do you know him? If you do not know him, do not let him in!” my mum declined at once.
But after a while of persuading and convincing, I managed to coax my mum to let him stay for the night.
That night, I heard footsteps and the creaking of my room door. Someone was creeping stealthily into my room and pulling out my drawer. Initially, I thought it was my father but after a moment of ponder, I mumbled, “Why would my father be in my room so late at night.”
I gradually sat up and saw the man I met today. He took my bag, hand phone, wallet and my savings. As soon as he left my room, I tailgated the man until he ceased at my parents’ room. He crept in my parents’ room and took their money and valuables.
“What are you doing in here?” I asked softly.
“Give me all your money!” the man demanded as he brandished a knife on his hands.
This was enough to send chills down my spine and make my hair stand on ends. The man fled through the window in a blink of an eye. I woke my parents up and hastily, we ran and tried to catch up with him. As we caught up with the man, he pulled my hands in his wet and clammy palms and on the other hand, he held the knife and put it next to my neck. Never did I anticipate to be taken a hostage.
“Do not try to be funny! Hand me all your valuables!” the man demanded in an insolent manner and thunderous voice.
Mum went up and dialed for the police and it was still oblivious to the man. The sirens of the police car were heard moments later.
“Did you call the police?” the robber asked as he punctuated his sentence with profanities,
“Slash,” the sound of the knife was heard. Moments later, I blacked out. The man threw in the towel and I was sent to the hospital.
As I opened my eyes, I pondered, “Am I in heaven?” Beside me stood my family members. A grin appeared on my face. I was relieved and jubilant.
From then on, I learnt to cherish my life and not to be so gullible again. As for my mum, she kept blaming herself for letting the man in. She undoubtedly regretted her moment of folly.
It was a blistering hot afternoon. Jane and I entered the lift and chit chatted. As the lift door was about to close, a man whose singlet was tattered and torn dashed towards the lift and attempted to stop the door from closing. Sweat trickled down his face and he looked breathless.
“Quick! Press the button. I am chased by the loan sharks,” he said in an anxious tone. Anxiety enveloped me. Jane was startled.
I pressed the button and led him to my house as soon as I reached the floor I am staying in. My heart was thumping faster each time I took a step.
“Mum, a man is chased by loan sharks and needs to take cover in our house,” I said swiftly while opening the door simultaneously.
“Who is he? Do you know him? If you do not know him, do not let him in!” my mum declined at once.
But after a while of persuading and convincing, I managed to coax my mum to let him stay for the night.
That night, I heard footsteps and the creaking of my room door. Someone was creeping stealthily into my room and pulling out my drawer. Initially, I thought it was my father but after a moment of ponder, I mumbled, “Why would my father be in my room so late at night.”
I gradually sat up and saw the man I met today. He took my bag, hand phone, wallet and my savings. As soon as he left my room, I tailgated the man until he ceased at my parents’ room. He crept in my parents’ room and took their money and valuables.
“What are you doing in here?” I asked softly.
“Give me all your money!” the man demanded as he brandished a knife on his hands.
This was enough to send chills down my spine and make my hair stand on ends. The man fled through the window in a blink of an eye. I woke my parents up and hastily, we ran and tried to catch up with him. As we caught up with the man, he pulled my hands in his wet and clammy palms and on the other hand, he held the knife and put it next to my neck. Never did I anticipate to be taken a hostage.
“Do not try to be funny! Hand me all your valuables!” the man demanded in an insolent manner and thunderous voice.
Mum went up and dialed for the police and it was still oblivious to the man. The sirens of the police car were heard moments later.
“Did you call the police?” the robber asked as he punctuated his sentence with profanities,
“Slash,” the sound of the knife was heard. Moments later, I blacked out. The man threw in the towel and I was sent to the hospital.
As I opened my eyes, I pondered, “Am I in heaven?” Beside me stood my family members. A grin appeared on my face. I was relieved and jubilant.
From then on, I learnt to cherish my life and not to be so gullible again. As for my mum, she kept blaming herself for letting the man in. She undoubtedly regretted her moment of folly.
CW: Robbery in a lift by Belinda
“So what will we be doing at your house, Janet?” Kate asked her best friend.
“Well, we can either play computer games or watch television,” Janet replied as she jabbed at the button for the lift repeatedly, impatient for the lift to reach the ground floor.
Soon, the lift reached the ground floor and the duo stepped into the lift. Next, Janet pressed the button ‘12’ and the lift doors began to close. Just then, Kate caught sight of a man wearing a singlet and a pair of shorts dashing towards the lift at top speed. Kate’s mouth flew wide open. Luckily, the man used his hands to stop the doors from closing. Breathless, the man stepped into the lift and the lift doors began to close.
Jane and Kate caught each other’s eye and frowned as if they could read each other’s mind. The man seemed to appear out from nowhere! News of old ladies being robbed of their money in the lifts by robbers flashed across the two girls’ minds.
The two girls shuddered in fear. What if the man was a robber, ready to rob them? What would they do? Kate shifted uncomfortably as she nudged her best friend. Janet, too, looked as pale as a sheet of paper.
Much to their horror, the man spun around and whipped out a knife. A nasty grin started spreading on the man’s face. Janet’s face turned even paler and she looked ready to faint. She grabbed Kate’s wrist and held it tightly. Kate’s mouth flew wide agape and she quavered with fear. Her heart was hammering so loudly that she feared that it might just burst, sooner or later.
“Oh no…… we’re going to die…” Janet thought as beads of perspiration formed on her forehead despite the lift fans which were whirring away furiously.
“Give me all of your money now! Hurry, or else, I’ll kill both of you!” the man hissed as he brought the knife closer to them with its sharp teeth gleaming under the dim light of the lift. No words could describe the two girls’ fear.
Trembling, the duo reached towards their pockets for their wallets. There was nothing they could do anymore. They had to surrender their wallets.
Hands shaking, Kate almost dropped her wallet as her hands were damp with sweat. Janet reached her hand out, holding her huge and bulky wallet. Upon seeing Janet’s wallet, the robber’s eyes shone like jewels. He snatched away the two girls’ wallet just as the lift reached the twelfth storey.
Once the lift doors opened, the robber sped away like a bolt of lightning, leaving the two girls with their eyes wide with shock, not believing what had just happened.
The two girls managed to regain their shock. Janet pulled Kate towards the direction of her house. Running like mad, they finally reached Janet’s house and they pounded against the wooden door. Janet’s mother opened the door and the two girls immediately blurted out what had happened.
Janet’s mother gasped in shock and rushed to the telephone to report to the police what had happened.
As Janet’s mother reported what had happened, the two girls heaved a sigh of relief and thanked their lucky stars that they were not hurt by the robber. They hoped that the robber would be caught by the police soon and that history would not repeat itself.
“Well, we can either play computer games or watch television,” Janet replied as she jabbed at the button for the lift repeatedly, impatient for the lift to reach the ground floor.
Soon, the lift reached the ground floor and the duo stepped into the lift. Next, Janet pressed the button ‘12’ and the lift doors began to close. Just then, Kate caught sight of a man wearing a singlet and a pair of shorts dashing towards the lift at top speed. Kate’s mouth flew wide open. Luckily, the man used his hands to stop the doors from closing. Breathless, the man stepped into the lift and the lift doors began to close.
Jane and Kate caught each other’s eye and frowned as if they could read each other’s mind. The man seemed to appear out from nowhere! News of old ladies being robbed of their money in the lifts by robbers flashed across the two girls’ minds.
The two girls shuddered in fear. What if the man was a robber, ready to rob them? What would they do? Kate shifted uncomfortably as she nudged her best friend. Janet, too, looked as pale as a sheet of paper.
Much to their horror, the man spun around and whipped out a knife. A nasty grin started spreading on the man’s face. Janet’s face turned even paler and she looked ready to faint. She grabbed Kate’s wrist and held it tightly. Kate’s mouth flew wide agape and she quavered with fear. Her heart was hammering so loudly that she feared that it might just burst, sooner or later.
“Oh no…… we’re going to die…” Janet thought as beads of perspiration formed on her forehead despite the lift fans which were whirring away furiously.
“Give me all of your money now! Hurry, or else, I’ll kill both of you!” the man hissed as he brought the knife closer to them with its sharp teeth gleaming under the dim light of the lift. No words could describe the two girls’ fear.
Trembling, the duo reached towards their pockets for their wallets. There was nothing they could do anymore. They had to surrender their wallets.
Hands shaking, Kate almost dropped her wallet as her hands were damp with sweat. Janet reached her hand out, holding her huge and bulky wallet. Upon seeing Janet’s wallet, the robber’s eyes shone like jewels. He snatched away the two girls’ wallet just as the lift reached the twelfth storey.
Once the lift doors opened, the robber sped away like a bolt of lightning, leaving the two girls with their eyes wide with shock, not believing what had just happened.
The two girls managed to regain their shock. Janet pulled Kate towards the direction of her house. Running like mad, they finally reached Janet’s house and they pounded against the wooden door. Janet’s mother opened the door and the two girls immediately blurted out what had happened.
Janet’s mother gasped in shock and rushed to the telephone to report to the police what had happened.
As Janet’s mother reported what had happened, the two girls heaved a sigh of relief and thanked their lucky stars that they were not hurt by the robber. They hoped that the robber would be caught by the police soon and that history would not repeat itself.
CW: Wrong Bus by Hwee Hean
One gloomy and wet morning, I was on my way to school when I realised that the bus took a wrong turn. Panic-stricken when I knew that I had boarded the wrong bus, I immediately pressed the stop button and got off at the next bus stop. When I got off the air-conditioned bus with my umbrella in hand, my glasses became foggy and I had to wipe them clear before putting them on. After consulting the nearest signboard, I realized that I was a far cry away from my school. I tried to hail a taxi but to no avail in the unabated rain. Finally, after what seemed like twenty minutes, a taxi pulled up by me. Inside was an Indian man who beckoned me onboard. Then the Indian taxi driver said, “Where to, boy?"
I replied fluently in English, "At Rosyth Primary School’s front gate please, sir.”
The taxi driver drove off towards my school and I stared at the meter of the taxi, watching the steadily increase of the price of the journey anxiously as I knew that I only had six dollars in my wallet and did not know if it was enough for the transportation fee for the taxi.
After ten minutes of travelling in the taxi, I saw the bluish color of the school from a close distance away and told the taxi to stop at the entrance of the front gate of my school. The taxi meter luckily stopped at the fare of $6 at the school. Somehow, my predictions were wrong. At the entrance, a tall figure, who was Mr. Raja, stared at me with eyes as red as burning coals and roared at me, "Why didn’t report to do the duty this morning!”
I trembled in my socks when I heard Mr. Raja shout at me. Before giving me the chance to explain my plight, Mr. Raja boomed, "Come with me!”
Without a word, Mr.Raja dragged me towards the Principal’s office by the scruff of my neck.
When I reached the Principal’s office, I saw the slim figure of Mrs Tan, our school’s principal, sitting on a wicker chair. She asked Mr. Raja,” What has this boy done wrongly?”
Mr. Raja told Mrs Tan about the incident that happened because of my laziness. Mrs Tan asked me in her dangerous but sweet voice. "Hwee Hean, why did you report late to school? I told the school during assembly yesterday that if someone does not report to school for duty on time, they will be punished. Do you remember the consequence of not reporting to school on time?”
I stuttered, "Yess, I knooow, it is doinggg the cleaning of the toilets for a week.”
Mrs Tan snapped,” Then, what are you standing there for, get your lazy butt out of my office and into the boy’s toilet with cleaning necessities now!”
I replied,” Yes, Madam,” and I immediately got out of the principal’s room as Mrs Tan would not tolerate pupils who did not know how to listen to her orders and would chase them out of her office with a cane.
I sadly gathered up a mop, scrubbing necessities from the cleaner’s cabinet and began cleaning the toilet slowly. In my heart, I know that I must look out for the correct bus number as I had learnt by the hard way by losing six dollars and having to wash the toilet for a week.
I replied fluently in English, "At Rosyth Primary School’s front gate please, sir.”
The taxi driver drove off towards my school and I stared at the meter of the taxi, watching the steadily increase of the price of the journey anxiously as I knew that I only had six dollars in my wallet and did not know if it was enough for the transportation fee for the taxi.
After ten minutes of travelling in the taxi, I saw the bluish color of the school from a close distance away and told the taxi to stop at the entrance of the front gate of my school. The taxi meter luckily stopped at the fare of $6 at the school. Somehow, my predictions were wrong. At the entrance, a tall figure, who was Mr. Raja, stared at me with eyes as red as burning coals and roared at me, "Why didn’t report to do the duty this morning!”
I trembled in my socks when I heard Mr. Raja shout at me. Before giving me the chance to explain my plight, Mr. Raja boomed, "Come with me!”
Without a word, Mr.Raja dragged me towards the Principal’s office by the scruff of my neck.
When I reached the Principal’s office, I saw the slim figure of Mrs Tan, our school’s principal, sitting on a wicker chair. She asked Mr. Raja,” What has this boy done wrongly?”
Mr. Raja told Mrs Tan about the incident that happened because of my laziness. Mrs Tan asked me in her dangerous but sweet voice. "Hwee Hean, why did you report late to school? I told the school during assembly yesterday that if someone does not report to school for duty on time, they will be punished. Do you remember the consequence of not reporting to school on time?”
I stuttered, "Yess, I knooow, it is doinggg the cleaning of the toilets for a week.”
Mrs Tan snapped,” Then, what are you standing there for, get your lazy butt out of my office and into the boy’s toilet with cleaning necessities now!”
I replied,” Yes, Madam,” and I immediately got out of the principal’s room as Mrs Tan would not tolerate pupils who did not know how to listen to her orders and would chase them out of her office with a cane.
I sadly gathered up a mop, scrubbing necessities from the cleaner’s cabinet and began cleaning the toilet slowly. In my heart, I know that I must look out for the correct bus number as I had learnt by the hard way by losing six dollars and having to wash the toilet for a week.
Sunday, September 6, 2009
CW: Wrong Bus by Tricia
I will never be so careless again to take the wrong bus. An unforgettable incident had left an indelible mark in my heart.
It was in the morning and I woke up quite late. Quickly, I changed into my uniform, grabbed my bag and dashed to the bus stop. That particular day was the day when I had an English Examination and I was late for it.
“Oh! I will be late! What am I gonna do?” I muttered under my breath, my heart pumping vigorously.
Just when I was thinking of all the possible consequences that I might bear, a bus arrived and I boarded it hastily without looking at the bus number. The bus was quite crowded and it was hard to find a seat. Fortunately, a man in front of me stood up and alighted from the bus. I sat down, drawing a deep and long breath to calm myself down.
“Why there are no students in the bus? It is only 7.05 am,” I thought, looking around the bus.
Just when I looked out of the window, I saw that the bus was driving away from the housing estate and to an unfamiliar place. I was shocked.
“Excuse me, where is the bus heading to?” I asked a lady sitting right beside me.
At that moment, I felt faint. A fluttery feeling of panic overpowered me. How was I going to take my English examination? Where was this place? How was I going to get to school? I did not know what to do.
Immediately, I alighted from the bus at the nearest bus stop which was far away from???. Once I had alighted from the bus, I recalled what my mother said.
“If you had taken the wrong bus, do not panic. Be calm. Alight from the bus at the nearest bus stop, take the same bus back to where you were and board the right bus from there.”
I did what I was told, feeling butterflies in my stomach. Everything was in control. The only obstacle was time. I was running out of time! I looked at my watch and it showed, “7.20am”. The English examination would start at 7.30 am!
“Oh! What I am going to do? I was left with ten minutes before the examination started. It was entirely no one else's fault but mine!” I was very scared, scared that I would be barred from taking the English examination.
Seconds stretched into minutes. The seconds seemed like hours to me. At the eleventh hour, I made it to my classroom. The invigilator had written on the white board, “English Examination, Paper 2…” I put my bag outside the classroom and took out my pencil case. The invigilator gave me the examination paper. The clock struck 7.30am.
“You may start your examination now,” the invigilator said to the class.
There was no time for me to settle down. “I am not going to do well in this examination!” I said to myself, however, feeling quite relieved that I managed to make it in time to do my examination.
After the examination, my classmates asked me what had happened. Not only three or four but the whole class of forty-two pupils. Everyone asked me individually and I had to repeat my story for forty-two times!
“I had taken the wrong bus…..” I repeated.
This incident will forever be etched in my memory and I would not take the wrong bus anymore in future again, never ever!
Saturday, September 5, 2009
CW: Wrong Bus by Xi Min
The sky was still dark when I boarded the Bus 88 which would take me to school every day, but a bus did not take me to school on time that morning. I woke up earlier than usual at five in the morning and got ready to head to the bus stop beside my house.
As soon as I reached the bus stop, the bus arrived and I boarded it. I did not see any of my fellow schoolmates that morning on the same bus. Strange was the word, I thought. At the fifth stop after I had boarded the bus, the bus did not turn to the right at the crosee junction for me to alight at the next stop. nstead, it just went straight, heading towards Hougang Mall.
Then I realised that the school was nowhere in sight and I had boarded the wrong bus! When the bus arrived at the next stop, I immediately alighted and ran back to school in a hurry. I quickly traced back the bus route as I strode towards the school.
In the end, I managed to reach my school a minute before the school gate closed, but class had started when I stepped into my classroom. Every other classmate was staring at me and some looked as though they were mocking me.
My best friend, Peter, was shocked to see an early bird like me to be late for class for the first time. I quickly wiped away all the sweat on me before approaching my form teacher, Mrs Lee, to explain things to her.
"What a careless boy you are! Boarding a wrong bus," Mrs Lee laughed after I explained what had happened to her. She was an understanding person who would forgive and teach patiently.
"By the way, where are your spectacles, John?" Mrs Lee asked me the minute after I apologised to her. I then jolted out of my skin and realised the root to my mistake. I had forgotten to wear my spectacles when I rushed out of my house in a hurry that morning!
Peter told me to be early that morning so that I could teach him a Mathematics question. I was late for our appointment and forgot all about my spectacles.
"Class, let this incident be a lesson to all that you should check that you have all the things you need before you are sure that you are ready," Mrs Lee advised the whole class in a stern tone.
When I got back to my seat, Peter apologised to me and I said, "Never mind, it's not your fault. It's my carelessness which has caused me to be late. Sorry, I was not early to teach you."
Indeed, from this incident, I did learn a lesson and this incident would be etched in my mind forever.
As soon as I reached the bus stop, the bus arrived and I boarded it. I did not see any of my fellow schoolmates that morning on the same bus. Strange was the word, I thought. At the fifth stop after I had boarded the bus, the bus did not turn to the right at the crosee junction for me to alight at the next stop. nstead, it just went straight, heading towards Hougang Mall.
Then I realised that the school was nowhere in sight and I had boarded the wrong bus! When the bus arrived at the next stop, I immediately alighted and ran back to school in a hurry. I quickly traced back the bus route as I strode towards the school.
In the end, I managed to reach my school a minute before the school gate closed, but class had started when I stepped into my classroom. Every other classmate was staring at me and some looked as though they were mocking me.
My best friend, Peter, was shocked to see an early bird like me to be late for class for the first time. I quickly wiped away all the sweat on me before approaching my form teacher, Mrs Lee, to explain things to her.
"What a careless boy you are! Boarding a wrong bus," Mrs Lee laughed after I explained what had happened to her. She was an understanding person who would forgive and teach patiently.
"By the way, where are your spectacles, John?" Mrs Lee asked me the minute after I apologised to her. I then jolted out of my skin and realised the root to my mistake. I had forgotten to wear my spectacles when I rushed out of my house in a hurry that morning!
Peter told me to be early that morning so that I could teach him a Mathematics question. I was late for our appointment and forgot all about my spectacles.
"Class, let this incident be a lesson to all that you should check that you have all the things you need before you are sure that you are ready," Mrs Lee advised the whole class in a stern tone.
When I got back to my seat, Peter apologised to me and I said, "Never mind, it's not your fault. It's my carelessness which has caused me to be late. Sorry, I was not early to teach you."
Indeed, from this incident, I did learn a lesson and this incident would be etched in my mind forever.
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