NiE Eng 2017 (Vol 466)

Vol 466

WEDNESDAY 3 MAY 2017

Elementary Tales of human nature Advanced Pressure to perform BRATs Your attitude reflects your upbringing

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Social media: tool or weapon? >9

2

-NiE ,

3 MAY 2017

Elementary

It’s story time!

human nature

Note to the teacher

ALMOST everyone loves watching movies. Some love going to the cinemas for their movies while others opt for the more economical way, which is turning on the television. Movies are often about life and how it is seen through the eyes of the scriptwriter and director.

They are tales of human nature. The reason why most of us enjoy movies so much is that more often than not, two hours spent watching a movie takes us away from the humdrum of our daily life. It’s like anything is possible in the movies!

century learning skills

OUR children are riding the great wave of technology today. They now have facts and procedures at their fingertips.

Teachers have to equip their students with a new set of skills that allow them to thrive in today’s global economy.

The activities in The Star’s Newspaper-in-Education pullout combine literacy skills with content to build this set of skills.

The key below indicates the skills integrated into the activities in this pullout.

NiE Activity

Problem solving ● Recreate

Critical thinking

● Present

Read the synopses of the two movies below, which have been published in The Star.

● Identify ● Reason

Communicating

● Measure

● Oral ● Written ● Aural

The Great Actor

Red HD, HyppTV Ch 227, 10.05pm Seong-pil, a stage actor given lowly roles, learnt the ropes of showbiz alongside others who went on to become movie stars. He dreams of making it big someday, but his lack of charisma and, uh, talent are large stumbling blocks. To make up for his lack of success, he lies that he is working with a big-time star and an acclaimed director. So, when that very director announces that he is casting a new movie, Seong-pil goes all out to land a major role. This 2016 South Korean comedy stars Oh Dai-su, Yoon Je-moon, Lee Kyang-young and Jin Kyung.

Critical thinking

Avalanche

CinemaWorld HD, HyppTV Ch 650, 9pm After an avalanche, a policewoman is trapped in a mountain cabin with the serial killer she is hunting, along with a doctor and his date. The killer claims the doctor is the real culprit. As the policewoman tries to tunnel out with the doctor, she begins to suspect him, too. Starring Herbert Knaup, Claudia Michelsen and Fritz Karl.

● Identify ● Reason ● Measure ● Organise

Based on the synopses, which movie do you think you would enjoy watching more than the other? Why? Write down your answer, in NOT less than 30 words, in the space provided.

Then, share your answer in class.

___________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________

Creative thinking

Now, think about a movie you enjoyed watching recently. In 50 words, write a synopsis of the movie. Provide the following:

● Imagine

●

● Brainstorm

●

● Connect ● Invent

Problem solving ● Question ● Research

Write down your synopsis here.

Movie title The channel and time it should be broadcasted ● Plot ● Leading actors and actresses Exchange your work with your friends, and read their synopses. Remember, a synopsis has to be short. Don’t give away too many details.

Activity

● Recreate

Critical thinking

● Present

● Identify ● Reason ● Measure

Communicating

● Organise

● Oral

Creative thinking ● Imagine

● Connect

● Brainstorm

● Oral

● Aural

● Written

Problem solving ● Question

Communicating

● Present

● Recreate

● Non-verbal

Collaborating ● Listen

● Compromise

● Contribute respectfully

● Attain goal

In a group of four, compile a list of movies that you like and dislike. Complete the table by: A. Providing the reasons why you like and dislike each movie.

B. Stating what you would change about each movie if you were the director.

Then, pick one movie your group would recommend, and another which your group would not. Present your group’s reasons to your classmates.

● Written ● Aural

No.

Movie I like (state the title)

Reason

If I were the director…

Movie I dislike (state the title)

Reason

If I were the director…

1.

Collaborating ● Listen ● Contribute respectfully

2.

● Compromise ● Attain goal nie editorial manager: SHARON OVINIS senior nie executive: ROWENA CHUA writer: JILL EWE layout designer: SHOBA illustrator: HASSAN BAHRI To order The Star for NiE lessons, call: Sundarrajan 03-7967 1388 ext 1437 or 016-288 3682 We welcome feedback; write to: Star-NiE, Star Media Group, 15 Jalan 16/11, 46350 Petaling Jaya or e-mail us at: starnie@thestar.com.my

-NiE ,

Elementary

It’s story time!

Learning to empathise Creative thinking

Critical thinking ● Reason

3

READING a wonderful story is one of the most pleasurable things in life. Not only do stories take us into the world of imagination, they can evoke certain feelings and emotions in us. Sad stories tug at our heartstrings, while happy stories give us a feel-good sensation; horror stories cause anxiety and violent stories usually make our hearts pound with fear.

NiE Activity 1

● Identify

3 MAY 2017

Problem solving

● Brainstorm ● Connect

● Question

Communicating ● Oral ● Written

● Aural

Read the following passage, which has been adapted from an article published in the Heart & Soul column in Star2 on March 5, 2017.

Gratitude 101

By LAU LI YUAN

A little girl had been living in the Land of No Worries all her life. She was very fortunate because she had been loved dearly. She was never hungry and never had to worry about money.

Because of that, she grew up to be naive, thinking that life was a bed of roses. She decorated herself with branded items and threw tantrums when her parents asked her to do household chores.

I think you might have guessed it by now – the little girl was me. Everything changed one day when I joined my dad at a charity event. We went to visit poor, needy families. One family struck me the most.

Their house looked like it was in the middle of the forest, surrounded by weeds. A heap of recycled plastic containers, glass bottles and cans greeted us as we approached.

Just as I had expected, the condition of the interior of the house was as bad as its exterior.

The unfamiliar cemented floor, tattered roof, messy and probably decades-old furniture made me feel uncomfortable.

Based on the passage, answer the questions that follow. You may work in pairs. Then, discuss your answers in class.

1.

Growin g Land o up, Li Yuan lived in f No W or th call it t he Lan ries. Why did e d of N she o Wor ries?

Standing before us was an old lady wearing shabby clothes. Beside her on the bed was her husband, bedridden due to a stroke. We had brought basic necessities like food, diapers, milk, cooking oil and pillows.

As she accepted our gifts, tears of gratitude started to form in her eyes. The old lady had been taking care of her sick husband for years. She said sometimes she even carried him to the hospital all by herself as there was no one around to help her.

They had a handicapped son whom the lady also had to care for. She was forced to stop working as a waitress due to gallstones she had, which caused her much pain. Their main line of support was her daughter, the lone breadwinner.

My heart felt heavy as we bade her farewell. That one encounter with this family made an enormous impact on me. Listening to the old lady’s life story made me reflect on my own. No matter how I look at things, I have to accept that I have been profoundly blessed.

The main objective of me writing this article is to urge youngsters or anyone of any age group to practise gratitude.

If you are breathing this very minute, you are blessed; if you have a healthy body, you are blessed; if you have food to fill you up, you are blessed.

2.

Describ

5.

How h as after v Li Yuan cha n isiting the old ged family ? lady an d he

e the o

ld lady

3.

’s hous

e.

Why d id lady’s tears form in eyes? the old

NiE Activity 2 Critical thinking ● Identify

4.

● Reason

In wha tw deserv ay was the ing of o sympa ld lady’s lif e thy?

6. r

What wa the wr s the main o iter’s a b rticle? jective of

Creative thinking ● Imagine

● Connect

● Brainstorm

Problem solving ● Recreate

● Present

Communicating ● Oral ● Written

● Aural

Collaborating ● Contribute respectfully

● Attain goal

● Compromise

In a group of four, design a poster to raise awareness of the old lady’s plight among your schoolmates. Give at least three suggestions how they can help the old lady and her family. You may use pictures and words taken from The Star. Do this activity on a sheet of A3 paper. Then, take turns presenting your poster in class. As a class, vote for the most compelling poster to be displayed on the classroom notice board.

7.

How d id read in make you fe g this passa el? ge

8.

How d oy old lad ou think yo u y and h er fam can help the ily?

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-NiE ,

3 MAY 2017

INTERMEDIATE Technology in today’s world

Can you live without technology?

WE can’t run away from technology in today’s world. Different technologies are used for specific tasks. With the advancement in technology, our daily lives have improved. An example is the handphone of the 90s and the handphone of today. Today, the handphone has evolved into the smartphone with so many features and functions to make our lives more convenient at the touch of a fingertip.

For many, technology is a useful tool; yet for a few, technology is something fearful. Whatever our stand is, one thing’s for sure: technology is going to advance even more quickly in the years to come.

NiE Activity 1 Critical thinking ● Identify ● Reason

Look in The Star for pictures of four technological devices that you use in your daily life. Cut them out and paste them, according to their order of importance to you, in the first column. Then, complete the table before presenting your work in class.

Technological device

● Measure ● Organise

Critical thinking ● Image ● Brainstorm

● Connect

Its function in my daily life and how often I use it

What my life would be like without it

Most important

Problem solving ● Question

● Recreate

Communicating ● Oral ● Written

● Aural

Least important

NiE Activity 2 In a group of four, look in The Star for two advertisements bearing the same technological device (such as a washing machine) but of different types, models or brands. Complete the graphic organiser below by comparing and contrasting the two items. It could be in terms of pricing, feature, function, capacity, weight, design, thickness, etc. Do this activity on a sheet of A3 paper.

Then, decide on the item that you would purchase. Give reasons for your choice (for example, I would buy the front-load washing machine instead of the top-load washing machine because…).

Next, appoint two group members to do a role-play in class: one person will act as a salesman selling the two items; the other will act as a potential buyer. Remember, the salesman has to be persuasive and know his products inside out, while the buyer has to be inquisitive and ask questions to help him come to the right decision. At the end of the role-play activity, ask the class to vote for the most persuasive salesman and the most inquisitive buyer. Have fun!

Critical thinking

Critical thinking ● Identify ● Reason

● Measure ● Organise

● Image ● Brainstorm

Communicating ● Oral ● Non-verbal

● Written ● Aural

● Listen ● Contribute

respectfully

Similarity

Similarity

Name of device

● Question ● Research

Collaborating

Similarity

Name of device

● Connect

Problem solving

● Compromise ● Attain goal

● Present

-NiE ,

INTERMEDIATE Technology in today’s world

3 MAY 2017

9

Know what’s acceptable

SOCIAL media is a pervasive presence in modern life. Almost everyone has heard of it, and most people use at least one social media platform on a daily basis. Due to its popularity and interactive manner, substantial changes have been made on the way we communicate with each other, be it between businesses, organisations, communities or individuals.

NiE Activity 1 Critical thinking ● Identify ● Reason

● Measure

Social media is a platform for many to express their views without exposing their real identities. In the news report below, netizens weighed in on North Korea’s action of banning all Malaysians from leaving its country. The action was a result of the diplomatic spat between Malaysia and North Korea following the assassination of Kim Jong-nam at KLIA 2 last February.

Netizens express outrage on social media Creative thinking

● Image ● Brainstorm

● Connect

Problem solving ● Question

● Present

Communicating ● Oral ● Written

● Aural

Collaborating ● Listen ● Contribute

respectfully

● Compromise ● Attain goal

PETALING JAYA: Malaysians took to social media to express outrage at North Korea’s ban to prevent their countrymen from leaving the republic.

Calling it tantamount to an act of war, they said it was time for all Malaysians to stand united against oppression of any kind.

Facebook user John Lim said that while such a move was expected from a rogue nation, Malaysia needed to stand firm on international norms and laws. “(North Korea) violates UN (United Nations) sanctions. What our nation needs to do is not to succumb to their bullying. As for all Malaysians, stop blaming and pointing fingers and stand united,” he wrote.

While some are calling for the government to resolve the matter

Critical thinking ● Identify ● Reason

● Measure

Creative thinking ● Image ● Brainstorm

● Connect

Problem solving ● Question

● Present

Communicating ● Oral ● Non-verbal

● Aural

Collaborating ● Listen ● Contribute

respectfully

● Compromise ● Attain goal

(The Star, March 8, 2017)

In a group of four, discuss the questions below.

1.

2.

3.

NiE Activity 2

amicably, some even vowed to defend the country and Malaysians stranded in Pyongyang.

“To the North Korean government, you have no right doing so.

Your action is deemed an act of war. Hurt a single soul and we will go all out,” said Kenny Yeap Lin Chung.

“Both countries still have diplomatic ties and North Korea is worse off if this is broken. So, let both governments use the back door channels to negotiate,” wrote Facebook user Khairul Abdul Karim.

Steven Chee said it was not worth fighting against North Korea, which was armed with missiles and nuclear weapons.

“We don’t need a nuclear missile pointing at us. The safety of our trapped nationals there should be our priority,” he said.

Do you agree with the views expressed by the netizens in the news report? Why or why not?

How important and effective is it for one to air one’s views on social media? You may cite other examples.

Have you taken to social media to express your views on

Read this letter to the editor published in The Star on March 8, 2017.

Obsessed with taking videos for social media With reference to the article “Nude woman wanders near shoplots” (The Star, Mar 7), it is very disheartening to read that a brief video of the woman was shared on WhatsApp. Have we humans lost a sense of compassion for another who is clearly not in the right frame of mind to be wandering around sans clothes that she was just filmed to be passed around on WhatsApp? There are many reasons why a person wandered in the nude and was incoherent, ranging from psychiatric conditions to side effects of substances.

None of us really know what was wrong with her but the most important fact is no one had her consent to film her and circulate her video to be a hot topic of discussion.

She is surely someone’s daughter or possibly someone’s wife or mother.

Most importantly, she is a human being who deserves to be respected and helped in such a situation.

I feel it’s high time the country came up with laws to charge those who circulate such videos online.

Even during accidents, everyone is in a frenzy to take videos of the victims, more than offering actual help.

There seems to be a total loss of human values.

Even the animal kingdom protects its own kind but sadly humans have lost even that instinct.

DR RENUKA KARTHIKAYAN Subang Jaya

4.

5.

current affairs, and social and political issues? Why or why not?

Other than through social media, what are some of the ways one can express one’s views effectively?

What do you think would happen if people did not have the opportunity to air their views in public?

Now, as a class, go through the questions again and present the points obtained from your group discussion. At the end of this activity, reflect on what you have gained from the discussion. Write down your reflection in 150 words, in your exercise book. For example, what were your views before the activity? Have they changed after the activity?

Imagine that this case has been presented in a special court for judgement.

There are a few parties involved: the judge, a panel of jury (between six and 12 members), the complainant (the woman filmed), the lawyer representing the complainant, the defendant (the person who filmed and circulated the video), the defence lawyer (who defends the defendant’s actions), and two witnesses each for the complainant and the defendant.

As a class, decide on whom you want to appoint to take on these roles. Then, have all appointees come before the class to act out the “court proceeding”. Give at least five minutes for the actors to get ready for their roles and discuss how they want to sequence the events in the trial. (The complainant and the defendant should also discuss how they want to act out their parts with their lawyers and witnesses.) The judge has to present the jury’s verdict at the end of the activity.

Note to teacher: please act as the moderator here, to make sure that the students complete the task accordingly. For students who are not given any roles, ask them if they are satisfied with the verdict, and get them to comment on their friends’ roles.

10

-NiE ,

3 MAY 2017

ADVANCED

A successful teenager

Activity Critical thinking ● Identify ● Reason

● Measure ● Organise

Creative thinking ● Brainstorm ● Imagine

● Connect

Accomplishments to be proud of WHAT does being a successful teenager mean to you? Does he have to be a straight A student, a star athlete or the most popular student in school? Do you consider yourself a successful teenager?

A. In a group of four, write down each member’s definition of a successful teenager. Do you think you fulfil your own and your friends’ expectations of a successful teenager?

A successful teenager is someone who is:

Problem solving ● Question

● Present

1. ______________________________________________________ 2. ______________________________________________________ 3. ______________________________________________________ 4. ______________________________________________________

Communicating ● Oral ● Non-verbal

● Written ● Aural

Collaborating ● Listen ● Contribute

● Compromise ● Attain goal

respectfully

B. To be a successful teenager, there is certainly a list of do’s and don’ts that should guide your actions. In your group, come up with a list of five do’s and don’ts that teenagers your age should abide by, in order to gain success. Then, present them in the form of a listicle, numbering them in their order of importance to your group. You may use words and pictures taken from The Star to design your listicle. Be as creative as possible. Do this activity on a sheet of A3 paper. Then, take turns presenting your listicle in class. As a class, vote for the most interesting listicle to be displayed on the classroom notice board.

DO’S

DON’TS

NiE Activity Critical thinking ● Identify ● Reason

● Measure ● Organise

Communicating ● Oral ● Non-verbal

● Written ● Aural

Creative thinking ● Imagine ● Brainstorm

Problem solving

● Connect

Collaborating ● Listen ● Contribute respectfully

● Compromise ● Attain goal

● Question

● Recreate

A. In pairs, look in The Star for an article about a teenager you consider successful. Cut it out and paste it in the space provided. Based on the article, complete a character profile of the person featured.

B. Imagine that you have been given the opportunity to interview the teenager you have chosen in Activity A. What are some of the questions you would ask him? How do you think he would respond to them? With a partner, list down at least five questions and discuss the potential responses. Then, decide which of you would be the interviewer and the interviewee. Carry out your interview in class. As the interviewer, remember to provide a brief introduction of the teenager, so that your classmates know who he is and why you have chosen him to be interviewed. At the end of the activity, ask the class to vote for the best interviewer and interviewee.

No. 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Interview question

Response

Paste your article here.

Character profile: ● Name of person: ____________________ ● Age: _____ ● School name: ______________________ ● Other personal information: _____________________________________________________________ ● What has he accomplished? _____________________________________________________________ ● What are three of his characteristics? _____________________________________________________________ ● Your favourite quote of him: _____________________________________________________________ ● What would you say to him if you had the chance to meet him? _____________________________________________________________

-NiE ,

ADVANCED

A successful teenager

3 MAY 2017

11

Pressure to perform

IT has been said that academic success is important for someone to further achieve success in his personal and professional lives. Do you agree with this statement? What if someone is not academically inclined? Does that mean that he is doomed for failure? As a class, discuss the questions raised here.

Activity Critical thinking ● Identify

● Measure

Problem solving ● Question

● Present

Creative thinking ● Imagine

● Connect

Communicating ● Oral ● Written

● Aural

Positive pressure

There are two kinds of pressure: one that is positive and drives you towards your goals; the other one is negative and has a bad impact on your life. Reflect on those times pressure has worked for and against you.

Then, complete the table below. Share your personal experiences in class.

Negative pressure

The source of the pressure How you felt Actions taken as a result of the pressure Achievement/Loss Conclusion

NiE Activity Critical thinking

Creative thinking

● Identify ● Reason ● Measure ● Organise

● Imagine ● Connect

Communicating ● Oral ● Written ● Aural

Read the following passage, which has been adapted from an article published in StarEducate on Sept 4, 2016.

Do you agree with the writer’s view that school-based assessment should be incorporated with centralised assessment to bring out the true potential of a child? In 350 words, write a letter to Samuel Yesuiah, stating your stand on the issue. Provide at least three points to support your stand. Do this activity in your exercise book. Note to teacher: get three students to read out their letters in class and ask other students to comment on the points provided.

Too much stress for 12-year-olds OVER 450,000 Year Six children are sitting for the UPSR examination, which ends on Thursday.

The 12-year-olds will be getting the first taste of a public examination. The respective schools would have prepared the children for the examinations from last year. This is the first year that the 12-year-olds will be sitting for six papers in national schools and eight papers in national type schools for the UPSR. The word “examination” conjures fear, anxiety and pressure. Examinations rob the joy of being at school and learning. They are even more stressful when it is a 100% centralised assessment.

The UPSR is the first public examination experience for Year Six primary schoolchildren, which I think is grossly unfair to them. I am of the view that there should be school-based assessments to evaluate the pupils.

The examination is primarily used to gauge how the 12-year-olds have progressed from Year One to Year Six. In short, it is to measure their performance and competency in the primary school years. The main objective of a primary school education is to master the 3Rs – reading, writing and arithmetic.

Year Six children who sit for the UPSR are 12-year-olds who will still get to Form One irrespective of their grades. So, why the need to grade them? Some children who get top scores in the UPSR examination can apply for residential and premier secondary schools. Most

Why my teacher deserves a break in Resorts World Genting Attention all students! Now is the time to show your appreciation for your teachers.

All you have to do is tell us why your teacher deserves a two-day, one-night holiday in Resorts World Genting. The length of the essay is 150 words for primary school pupils and 300 words for secondary school students.

Twenty teachers from the entries will be picked

to enjoy the holiday treat. Not just that, the top 10 students get a two-day, one-night holiday in Resorts World Genting, too, in conjunction with its celebration of International Children’s Day. Title your entry “Teacher’s Day Contest” and e-mail it to starnie@thestar.com.my by May 22!

Remember to provide your full name, age, school name and contact number.

children are placed in national secondary schools. And again, why the emphasis and pressure for a 100% centralised assessment?

A centralised examination places unnecessary pressure on children that may even drive them to contemplate suicide. Though the figures on children who commit suicide because of poor examination results in the country are not high, it is still a cause for concern.

Hopefully, the Education Ministry will change the UPSR examination structure and instead implement the 40% school-based and 60% centralised assessment.

Many experts have said that centralised examinations “put pressure on children”. They have also said that formal assessment of a child’s abilities and achievements at a young age may have a negative effect.

The centralised examination has placed unnecessary tension on children. What we need is documentation of student work and their performance in class. Their learning tasks should then be evaluated by teachers. In fact, there are nations who do well using these techniques instead of large-scale standardised examinations.

I believe that school-based assessment must be incorporated with the centralised assessment to bring out the true potential of a child.

SAMUEL YESUIAH Seremban, Negri Sembilan

12

Star-NiE

WEDNESDAY 3 MAY 2017