ARTICLE

We all need water to survive, but how exactly does it help?

Did you know that your body weight is approximately 60 percent water? Your
body uses water in all its cells, organs, and tissues to help regulate its
temperature and maintain other bodily functions. Because your body loses
water through breathing, sweating, and digestion, it's important to rehydrate
by drinking fluids and eating foods that contain water. The amount of water
you need depends on a variety of factors, including the climate you live in,
how physically active you are, and whether you're experiencing an illness or
have any other health problems.
Water Protects Your Tissues, Spinal Cord, and Joints
Water does more than just quench your thirst and regulate your body's
temperature; it also keeps the tissues in your body moist. You know how it
feels when your eyes, nose, or mouth gets dry? Keeping your body hydrated
helps it retain optimum levels of moisture in these sensitive areas, as well as
in the blood, bones, and the brain. In addition, water helps protect the spinal
cord, and it acts as a lubricant and cushion for your joints.
Water Helps Your Body Remove
Waste
Adequate water intake enables your body to excrete waste through
perspiration, urination, and defecation. The kidneys and liver use it to help
flush out waste, as do your intestines. Water can also keep you from getting
constipated by softening your stools and helping move the food you've eaten
through your intestinal tract. However, it should be noted that there is no
evidence to prove that increasing your fluid intake will cure constipation.
Water Aids in Digestion
Digestion starts with saliva, the basis of which is water. Digestion relies on
enzymes that are found in saliva to help break down food and liquid and to
dissolve minerals and other nutrients. Proper digestion makes minerals and
nutrients more accessible to the body. Water is also necessary to help you

digest soluble fiber. With the help of water, this fiber dissolves easily and
benefits your bowel health by making well-formed, soft stools that are easy
to pass.
Water Prevents You From
Becoming Dehydrated
Your body loses fluids when you engage in vigorous exercise, sweat in
high heat, or come down with a fever or contract an illness that causes
vomiting or diarrhea. If you're losing fluids for any of these reasons, it's
important to increase your fluid intake so that you can restore your body's
natural hydration levels. Your doctor may also recommend that you drink
more fluids to help treat other health conditions, like bladder infections
and urinary tract stones. If you're pregnant or nursing, you may want to
consult with your physician about your fluid intake because your body will
be using more fluids than usual, especially if you're breastfeeding.
How Much Water Do You Need?
There's no hard and fast rule, and many individuals meet their daily
hydration needs by simply drinking water when they're thirsty, according
to a report on nutrient recommendations from the Institute of Medicine of
the National Academies. In fact, most people who are in good physical
health get enough fluids by drinking water and other beverages when
they're thirsty, and also by drinking a beverage with each of their meals,
according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. If you're not
sure about your hydration level, look at your urine. If it's clear, you're in
good shape. If it's dark, you're probably dehydrated.

he Importance of Studying English

The Importance of Studying English

It is a big concerned for teenagers nowadays as they are unaware of the

importance of English language as they tend to ignore to learn the language.
Students attitude towards the language is also crucial to make sure that these

teenagers can face the future world better by learning English language as it is
an international language.

Although the government has repeatedly told us of the importance of

English, many students are still not bothered about studying it seriously. There is
also a campaign that still on to make all the Malaysian becomes a better English
learner, which is Enhance Proficiency in Bahasa Malaysia, Strengthen the
English. English is the most important and the most useful language in the world
today. There are many reasons why you should study the language properly.

First and foremost, English will definitely help you a lot when you want
to further studies. Almost all books at university are written in English in all
subjects. Plus, it is a compulsory for any candidate to pass English with credit
before entering any universities. So, if you are poor in English, you will blow you
chance for better education or worse, you are going to have a big problem
studying at university.

The second reason why you have to study English well is that it will help
you to get a job. When you go for a job interview, the interviewer will surely talk
to you in English. The first impression you should give in order to success and
have the job is, to respond in English fluently. Your chances of getting the job
are very slim if you stutter while interviewing.

A good command in of English will also help you greatly in your job. If
the company you work is actively involved in international trade, you have to
speak to prospective customers in English. Miscommunication might occur if
your English is bad. And this will put your company at risk and you will likely be
dismissed if this happen.

Good English will also help you a lot when you travel. Every country in
the world studies English. Even the roadside stall-holders in China speak fairly
good English! At least some of the people you meet on your travels in other
countries can understand English. The language is certainly practical when you
are lost in your trip. Communication problem will not happen if you can converse
well in English. Inevitably, English is one of the languages used in any airport in
the world in making announcement. Knowing English well, therefore, make
travelling overseas easier.

Besides all these, entertainment is one of the major advantages you will
experience if you good in English. You will enjoy televisions best programmes.
We must admit that many of the best programmes are produced by the
Americans and British companies. High self confidence influenced by the
programmes will indirect inculcate in yourself when you are fluent in the
language. Quality time is worthily spent if you understand and enjoy the
programmes.

Based from all the above elaboration, I hope that students will see the
importance and realise how importance the language is for their own future.
Although it is a second language in our country, it is now a main language all
over the world.

REPORT

Police Report on Accident (Directed Writing)

You witnessed an accident. The police officer has asked you to make a report. Use the
points given below:
-

when the event happened

where the event took place
how it happened
description of the vehicles
step taken

To:
Sergeant Razali Kamrin
From: Julia Selamat
Date: 7th September 2011
Report of the accident on Jalan 2/14
On 7th September 2011 at 10.30 a.m., I was walking alone Jalan 2/14 which is next
to the childrens playground. As I was about to cross the road to enter the park, I saw a car
driving swiftly down Jalan 4/14. It was a Honda Civic with the number plate BEH 9110.
Another car, a Toyota Vios 1.5 with plate number WHM 4657 came out of Jalan 4/14 as well.
The Honda Civic was driving too fast that make it did not have time to avoid collision.
The accident caused a loud crash. The Honda Civic hit the Toyota Vios on the
drivers door. The door could not be opened and the driver had to get out from the
passengers door. The driver of the Toyota Vios was lucky as he survived with no physical
injuries. Both air bags popped up when they collided to each other. They both were fortunate
as their car was not badly damaged and dented.
The Toyota Vioss windscreen was shattered to pieces. The Honda Civics headlight and
signal light were smashed. There was plenty of glass on the road. The two drivers startled to
argue. The driver of the Honda City was a woman. They blamed each other and the
argument stopped when her mobile phone rang. Most of the passerby slowed down their
vehicle to watch the accident. Some pedestrian came by and offered help.
As it happened, I ran into my house which is close by. I called the nearest police station and
in ten minutes, a police car drove up. I told the police officer I had witnessed the accident
and offered to come out to the station to give a statement. The cars were towed to the side
of the road first, and then were brought to the police station before to workshop. Pictures
were taken for insurance claim.
In my opinion, the driver of the Honda City is to blame for the accident. She was driving too
fast and did not pay any attention to vehicles coming out from the side road. The driver of
the Toyota Vios should have stopped at the junction.
SPEECH

A very good morning to our respected and honourable principal, teachers and my fellow friends.
In conjunction with Teachers day, I as the head prefect of our school have been asked to give a
speech.
On 16th May, Teachers Day is celebrated by all of us and across the world. The main purpose of
Teachers Day celebration is for us to value and treasure their spirited dedication and untiring
service. Time and energy may have been sacrificed by the teachers to bring up and give the best
outcomes to the pupils. A very motherly look have been used by them to look after us like their
own children. In preparation for our examinations, they also have imparted and convey on the
students a great deal of knowledge and skills. Teachers are also a good counsellors which
means they are good listeners and the one who will advise and correct us if we do wronged.
Many students have turned over a new leaf and go down the right path. These are all caused by
the teachers concern towards their students.
Today, we have lined up a few programmes and activities, as an appreciation for our beloved and
dedicated teachers. First and foremost, teachers are invited to attend a concert. In the concert
there will be many performances. A chorus and magic show also would be there. In
addition,teachers will also participate in games that have been organised. Teachers and students
are been prepared to have few games together. Before we leave, the teachers would be
prepared with a special lunch and will be served by our school canteen.
Today is the big day that we can show our big and deep appreciation to our teachers. So, I would
like to take this chance and golden opportunity to express my gratitude and to thank our beloved
teachers. Last but not least, the importance of appreciating our respected teachers should be
emphasized. We can show our appreciation in many ways such as listening to their advice and
by getting flying colours in the examinations. Lastly, I would like to share this quote A teacher is
like a candle it consumes itself to light the way for others.
Thank you for lending me your ears.

Anti-Smoking Campaign (Speech)

Your school is having a month-long A Healthy Body Campaign. As President of the Health
Club of your school, you decide to give a speech on the Tak nak Campaign recently
launched by the government.
Tak Nak Campaign

A very good morning to our dear Principal, Mr. Hasnan bin Jaafar, teachers and
students.
Recently, our former Prime Minister, Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi launched an antismoking campaign called Tak Nak. You can now see this short and rhyming catch phrase
Tak Nak everywhere on billboards, posters, TV ads, and sometimes I even hear it on the
radio. Though some people have criticised our government for setting aside a staggering
sum of RM100 million over 6 years for the campaign, it is nothing compared to the huge
amounts that tobacco companies spend to promote smoking.
But in this war against smoking, money definitely talks; it is necessary for the Tak
Nak Campaign to constanly remind us of the hazard of smoking because about 50
Malaysian teenagers light up for the first time every day. In fact, some of these youth
progress steadily from this to regular use, with addiction raking hold within a few years. And
this is despite the warning on every pack of cigarettes that states unequivocally Smoking is
dangerous to your health.
What can the Tak Nak Campaign do to combat this? Their aggressive advertising
creates media awareness among the public, especially among the fashionable young crowd,
that smokers have yellowed teeth and suffer from shortness of breath and tells them that it is
not cool to smoke. It is also not responsible of them to affect non-smokers with second-hand
smoke.
Also, there is a succession of infomercials on TV and in the papers showing the
debilitating effects of tobacco addiction on the body and gruesome statistics of smokerelated deaths. We are now familiar with the graphic pictures of damaged lungs on billboards
which should scare people into not smoking. This works, as I know some of my friends are
quitting now, or trying to reduce the number of cigarettes they smoke per week.
However, I feel any anti-smoking campaign is more effective if other people and
organisations are actively involved too. Yes, the first step has been taken by the top, but sad
to say, many of our politicians smoke themselves. Nearer to home, so do some of our
parents and teachers.
These adults have to be good role models by not smoking themselves. If they do
smoke, they should tell their children and students that they regret that they ever started,
and then take steps to quit smoking as soon as possible. They must practise what they
preach.
On a more positive note, I commend the Malaysia Amateur Athletic Union for its zerotolerance of smoking because they know that smoking and health just do not mix. How can
our sportsmen excel if they cannot stop smoking.
Dear teachers and students, thank you for your attention. Let me end my speech by
reiterating that smoking is a bad habit, so make Tak Nak your mantra. If you have started
smoking, say Tak Nak and quit! And if you havent started smoking, say know that smoking
not only damages your health but you are also literally burning your money.

Informal Letter Sample

1) You recently went an expedition with your classmates to Langkawi. You have been asked
to write a letterto your cousin about your visit to Langkawi Island.

Rosni Alias
No.3,Jalan Sutera,
Taman Cempaka,
43600 Bandar Baru Bangi,
Selangor.
12 March 2012.
Dear Zarina,
How's life? I hope you are in the best of health. How's my beloved Uncle Johari? I miss
him too.The reason I write this letter is to tell you about my expedition to Langkawi. Guess
what? We just came back from Langkawi . I went there with 25 of my classmates and my
class teacher. Mr, Zaid had kindlly accompanied us for the 3 day-trip. You should have joined
us. It was such an awesome experience!
Well, on the first day, we arrived at Langkawi in morning after a short flight. Then, we
were taken to Langkawi Geopark, a UNESCO World Heriatage Site where we could see
magnificent rock formations. We were taught the history of the place and some fossils of fish
could also be sighted. This is a wonderful opportunity to understand geogical aspect of the
island at the Geopark.
After visiting Geopark, we were taken to Pulau Dayang Bunting which about an hour
boat ride. I forgot to mention that the boat ride itself was so exciting and adventurous. Upon
arrival at the island, we were greeted by monkeys and soon, we saw a breathtakinng lake,
with its gree clear water. Not forgetting the fish spa where thousands of catfish nibble at your
feet when you lower feet into the water. Again, this is a new experience for me. Other than
that, we could really enjoy the beautiful scenery of the island.
The next day, we went to Underwater World where we saw the penguin, giant fishes,
colourful onemones and all sorts of marine life there.I'm sure, it's heaven for fish lovers. One
advantage of this trip is I could learn about themarine life. Well, on the final day, we went to
Mahsuri Tomb and Padang Mat Sirat to relive the legend of Mahsuri. It was a good
experience since I managed to see the historic sites and understand Mahsuri legend better.
Other than that, I also learn about the importance of being true to our words and do not
spread false gossips since these can lead to horrible consequences. I also managed to
make friends with some other tourists visiting the site.

Okay, I guess I have to have to pen off now. Hope to see you in the next letter. Please
convey my love and regards to my uncle and aunti. Take care!
Love,
Rosni

2)
No. 34, Street of Fame,
Taman Bukit Bintang,
Bukit Bintang,
67500 Ipoh,
Perak
14 January 2011
Dear John,
How are you? Im sorry to hear that your cousin had dengue fever. This problem
seems to have become very serious all of sudden. We always feel that the problem is not
our concern until someone close to us is affected.
My neighbours daughter who was in Standard 6 last year could not sit for UPSR
examination because she was down with dengue fever on the eve of the exam. Fortunately,
the authorities gave her an exemption so she is now in Form One. There were also a few
students taking the examination in the hospital.
According to the news, students made up nearly 30 per cent of the 1 500 suspected
cases over the first three weeks of the year. About 53 per cent of 621 confirmed cases last
year comprised children and youth under the age of 24. These statistics are quite worrying.
This has prompted the health ministry to increase checks on aedes breeding grounds in
school and public areas. The construction sites are largely to blamed. The problem is made
worse by the rainy season. The stagnating water attract the mosquitoes to lay egg and
breeding on the areas.
The authorities have taken various steps to control the situation. Fogging has been
carried out in many public areas and most of the housing estates. Contractors at the
construction sites have been instructed to take appropriate actions and warned to clean up.
They could be fined up to RM 3 000 for breeding aedes mosquitoes. Lot of campaigns
through the television, radio and newspapers were taken to make people aware of the issue
and take precaution rather than cure them.
Before the long holidays for the Chinese New Year, schools all over Malaysia carried
out a clean-up campaign of the school compound. The residents association in my housing
are also organised a family day clean-up of the housing estate. There were huge piles of
rubbish especially old tyres and containers littered by the hawkers near the might market
site.

The situation in Malaysia has improved since the end of January. There have been
no reports of new cases of dengue. So, dont worry. You can bring your family for a holiday
here in June. Im looking forward to seeing them again.
Send my regard to your mom and dad. Do take care.
Yours sincerely,
Harun Din

RECOUNT

Memories of My Childhood Days

My first recollection of my childhood is the day I toppled down the stairs when I was three
years old. I was so upset that I cried and cried for nearly an hour in spite of my parents'
attempts at comforting me. Finally, I quietened down when I was given ice-cream and
chocolates. Luckily, I was not hurt.
My days were happy ones before I started going to school, as I had good neighbours to play
with from morning till evening. We played games outdoors, dressed as cowboys and Red
Indians and rode about on our tricycles happily. There were also other games to occupy our
time.

At the age of five years, I had to attend kindergarten and this turned out to be quite an ordeal
for me. To begin with, I felt very sad having to leave my mother and go off each morning to
be amongst strangers. I cried and wanted my mother around, much to my teacher's
displeasure. As the days went by, however, I made friends easily in class and found
company. I became happy again and actually looked forward to leaving the house each
morning.

I still remember those days when I was learning to ride a bicycle. I fell and bruised myself
several times but I never gave up. Finally, I was able to join my friends going around the
neighbourhood on my bike.

Another fond memory is the end-of-year concert held at the kindergarten. I was chosen
to play the role of Jack in the play, 'Jack and the Beanstalk', and I became a celebrity
overnight receiving lots of compliments for my performance.

I now realise what a wonderful childhood I have had and at times wish I could relive those
days.

A Terrifying Experience
"If mum finds out that I'm going to the beach, I'll be in big trouble." I muttered to myself
softly.

I crept slowly down the stairs and tried to walk casually into the kitchen. As I was walking
towards the back door, mum asked without looking up from her "dish-washing", "Where are
you going?" I answered back without hesitation, "I'm going to the garden to play." After I got
out of the kitchen, I breathed a sign of relief. My plan had worked out fine so far. I scaled the
fence and jumped onto the muddy field next to my house and started running towards the
bus-stop at top speed.
After half-an-hour, I was at the beach scanning the crowd for my friends, Jimmy and Bobby.
After a while, I spotted them near a coconut tree. I ran towards them and got into my
swimming trunk. For about an hour, we played volleyball happily.
Suddenly, Bobby hit the ball too hard and the ball fell into the sea. Just as Bobby was going
to pick up the ball, the tide came in and carried the ball further and further away from the
shore. I wanted to show off my swimming skills so I decided to get the ball for them.
I dived into the water and started swimming at a steady pace. After swimming for about ten
minutes, I became tired but when I saw that the ball was only a few feet away from me, I put
in an extra burst of speed. However, just as I was going to grab the ball, a very strong
current swept the ball further away from me. At that moment, a string of weed tangled up
with my feet and I could not swim properly.
I struggled to keep afloat but it was no use. "If I had listened to mum and dad, this would
never have happened," I thought silently.
Finally, after struggling for a minute or two, I had no more energy and got pulled underwater.
I tugged at the weed which finally broke. I swam back to the surface, gasping for breath. I
saw two young men in canoes, racing each other. I was exhausted but I shouted to the men
for help. The two men, instead of helping me, ignored me and raced on. By the time, a
lifeguard who was holding a life buoy reached me, I had already fainted.
When I woke up, I was in an empty room lying on a bed. It was not until a doctor came into
the room that I realised that I was in a hospital. After a few minutes, my parents with half
angry and half worried faces walked in. My parents scolded me for sneaking out of the
house but were also glad that I was not seriously injured.
I will never forget that terrifying experience. Neither will I ever want to show off again.

Letter of Complain (Formal Letter)

Raju a/l Lingam,

123 A, Lorong Bahagia,

Taman Sentosa,
07231 Bandar Baru Sentol,
Kelantan
_________________________________________________________________
The President,
Bandar Baru Sentol Council,
Kompleks Utama,
07200 Bandar Baru Sentol

16 JUNE 2011

Dear Sir,
Uncollected Rubbish and Clogged Drains
I am writing this letter is to attract your attention to the above title. As the representative of
the community, I am calling to tell you that the 300 odd residents living in Taman Sentosa are
extremely unhappy about the lackadaisical attitude of the local town council towards the
uncollected rubbish and clogged drains in our area.
2.
The rubbish in our area has not been collected for more than a week. The rubbish is
supposed to be collected on alternate days but this has not been the case. The town council
workers collect the rubbish according to their own whims and fancies. The uncollected

garbage has attracted not only flies and mosquitoes but also wild dogs which had attacked
the residents on several occasions. These stray animals also scatter the rubbish and make
the roads dirty and smelly. As a result, residents have to bear the discomfort of stench from
the garbage and risk their health.
3.
We are also disappointed with the town council workers for not clearing the clogged
drains which are filled with rubbish. The drains would usually overflow when there is heavy
rain and the rubbish would then flow into the compounds of our houses. Besides, putting up
with the unbearable stench emitted from them, the residents have to spend hours cleaning
their compounds of rotten vegetables, food leftovers and other rubbish.
4.
Due to dengue outbreak recently, we are really concerned about the residents health
especially the children. Fogging service also was not done accordingly to the schedule. The
fogging authority only did their job whenever a case of dengue aroused. They even fogging
the neighbourhood late at night that caused us to leave the residents. They need to consider
the residents who have babies and also to those who need to wake up early in the morning
for work. The fogging also caused the people to have breathing problem when we were not
told the exact time of fogging.
5.
We have made numerous appeals to the Municipal Council to look into our
complaints but to no avail. We have been putting up with this predicament for more than a
week. We hope the health authorities would do something to check these health hazards.
Thank you.
Yours faithfully,
Raju
(RAJU a/l MANIAM)