wsss english department

IF

2005-10-06T12:00:00.000+08:00

If you dream- and not make your dreams your master;

if you can think- and not make your thoughts your aim;

if you can meet with Triumph and Disaster

And treat those two imposters just the same;

If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken

Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,

Or watch the things you gave your life to be broken,

And stoop and build'em up with worn-out tools;

The above is the second stanza from Rudyard Kipling's poem 'IF'. Dedicated to all our graduating students.

2005-10-06T11:57:00.000+08:00

Exam Fever Setting. The finishing line is not too far. The sweet taste of victory is not too far. Run the last race with all the vigour you ever had. Do not be dejected. Do not give up.

My DEAREST 4NAs.....

2005-10-02T22:20:00.000+08:00

All the best for your EL paper tomorrow. Remember your HDBMLT rules!!! Be confident. You will reap what you sow!!

Miss J

Exam tip 1: Comprehension (O level)

2005-09-14T00:01:00.000+08:00

Most GCE O level passages will follow a COMMON pattern.

Narratives _- usually describe a JOURNEY and the PROBLEMS encountered

Factual - usually GOEGRAPHICAL or HISTORICAL, sometimes about ANIMALS

Take a look at all the practise papers that you have been given and note this pattern. You will become more familiar with such passages. Thus you will not be in for a shock when a similar passage appears in your exam.

2005-08-30T15:41:00.000+08:00

My question is: Students sitting for major exams should spend more time on revising then participating in jamming or concerts. Do you agree?

2005-08-30T15:38:00.000+08:00

Able to recognise who this is?

2005-08-30T15:27:00.000+08:00

Last Saturday we witnessed our school's very own Battle of the Band. This was Mdm Hasnah's brainchild.Any 'rocking' adjectives to describe this event? Those of you who attended this mind-blowing concert, any comments on it//

Exam Fever!!!

2005-08-25T21:10:00.000+08:00

Dear all....

Sigh...it's not that I have been lazy. I have been engulfed by the exam 'tsunami'. Like how some of you have been facing exams one after another ( graduating classes), teachers too, have been sucked into the exam 'whirlpool'.

If being a student is difficult, then just try imagining being a teacher. Its even more stressful. Probably you'd only face a maximum of eight teachers. We, as teachers, face up to at least 100 students a day!!! Not forgetting the piles of exam papers and test papers we have to mark.

The exam fever is on now. For those who are going to sit for the 'N' levels and 'O' levels, fret not. Just hang in there and give your best shot.

Below are some reminders for students taking EL paper ('O' and 'N' level):

Paper 1 Part 1:

Today NA students recieved your Paper 1 prelim results. Some common mistakes made by students:

1. Please refrain from using slang words like 'stuff', 'kids', 'mom', 'dad'

2. Please refrain from using short forms (use proper English language, not sms language)
At times I see words like 'etc' and 'ok'

3. For narratives (stories), stick to PAST TENSE.

More tips later. ( Model essays coming up)

2005-06-15T23:11:00.000+08:00

I do beg the pardon of those of you who have been faithfully visiting the English Blog to see if there has been any updates. I am extremely sorry. Indeed it is true that sometimes we get sucked into our busy work schedules and struggle with the problem of time management.
Time is so transient and fleeting....sometimes it just slips past our hands and all we can do is just mope about how we have wasted precious time. Sigh. Nevertheless, end of term had been quite a busy one occupied with preparations of progress reports. Therefore I have managed to find time now to update the blog.
Our graduating classes have been engulfed with bouts of mock exams and I wish them all the best. Do not fret that your holidays are almost non-existant. For all the effort that you put now, you will definitely reap the handsome rewards when you recieve your results later. However, that does not mean you do not take a much deserved break. Eventhough you cannot afford long holidays, at least take a bit of time to let down your hair and relax with your friends. All work and no play makes one a dull person.
Ok let me get to the point. I sincerely wish we can make this blog useful for all of us SO I really wish that you will provide me with your wisest suggestions on how we can improve this blog and make it much more useful to all of us. You can tell us what can kind of info you look forward to in this blog...any changes that you would like to see....and much more...Perhaps from there we can improve this blog to be a better learning tool for us.
Thankyou
MissJ

2005-05-17T17:04:00.000+08:00

A picture of the world renowned author - Dan Brown

2005-05-17T16:34:00.000+08:00

The current bestseller and a book filled with controversy but believe me...its such an enthralling book that once you pick it up you would not want to put it down until you finish it.

Dan Brown

2005-05-17T16:31:00.000+08:00

Dan Brown is a renowned author who is well known for writing suspense filled stories. Check out our Students's Work to read a book review on Dan Brown's earlier book about an equally suspense filled story.

2005-05-05T13:21:00.000+08:00

It is indeed a tough job to select the 'idols'

The Reason

2005-05-04T20:26:00.000+08:00

I'm not a perfect person.
Those are many things I wish I didn't do
But I continue learning
I never meant to do those things to you

These are the beginning lines of the song titled 'The Reason' by Hoobastank. It is indeed one of the most popular choice of song amongst our Idol contestants. As I sat in for the second half of the West Spring Idol contest rounds today, it was sung at least 3 times.

Its a very nostalgic song to me as it brings alive the memories of Singapore Idol contenders Taufik and Sylvester. They sang this very song as a finale during the Singapore Idol showdown. However, not everyone can sing this song as well as them. Similarly, not everyone has what it takes to be an Idol.

I must take my hats off to our Idol judges who had to painstakingly listen to some really awful singing. There were, of course, some contestants who were believed to have some potential to become Idol contenders if they polished their singing talents. There were others who could sing but did not have stage presence.

In my opinion, I believe an Idol must be able to sing, in a manner which is pleasing to the ears, of course. Not singing off-key or shouting over the mike. They must enjoy themselves while they sing and be able to maintain stage presence. In other words, connect with the audience instead of just standing motionless while singing.

Now, we want your comments. We want your voice to be heard.

What are the qualities a West Spring Idol should have?
What are your opinions of our very own Idol contest that has taken place so far?
Who, in your opinion, amongst the contestants will emerge as the winner? Why do you think so?

A word of caution:

Please use standard English (No use slang or other languages) to write your comments and leave your names behind. Thank You.

MissJ

2005-05-03T18:05:00.000+08:00

West Spring Idol!! The Lucky ones ( First round). This shot was taken on the day the famed show invaded West Spring Secondary. It was indeed surprising to see Idol enthusiasts coming forward to display their singing talents.

2005-04-26T18:01:00.000+08:00

Attention students of 5B: Now this is what I call a 'Roman' nose.
Sec 5NA students are writing descriptive essays during their English lessons. As part of the lessons, I was teaching 5B students about some words which can be used to describe facial features. We came across the phrase ' roman nose'. Coincidentally, I came across a recent picture of Prince William. I realised that his nose fits the description of a 'roman nose'.

2005-04-26T17:30:00.000+08:00

We got to win this!! English Language Month Quiz (2E)
The quiz was organised by Hui En and Yi Ling for the students of 2E. The quiz was based on current reading materials.
Pupils were very enthusiastic. Never before had they been so enthusiastic about reading articles.
The organisers and EL teacher generously provided the prizes for the winners. Pupils enjoyed themselves so much that they volunteered to organize and run the next quiz.
By Mrs Yip

2005-04-25T21:54:00.000+08:00

Creator of American Idol

Idol Fever!!!

2005-04-25T20:45:00.000+08:00

The Idol fever has finally struck West Spring!! Thanks to the creative minds of our Alumni who decided to bring the famous televison show right to our doorsteps.

We all know American Idol, Singapore Idol and many other nations who have their own Idol show. However do you know who was the creater of American Idol?

Simon Fuller.
He created British Pop Idol and imported it to America, which is how his brainchild (American Idol) came about.

This 44 year old , is one of the most powerful music executives in the world. Success did not come easily to him. His prior productions flopped miserably. Fuller also handles David and Victoria Beckham. His fortune is estimated to be worth US$519 million. (wow!!!!)

Check out the heart shaped hairstyle

2005-04-22T23:33:00.000+08:00

Check out the heart shaped hairstyle that many women during the Elizabethan era wanted to don

Queen Elizabeth

2005-04-22T23:32:00.000+08:00

For students of 4NA, who had trouble imagining Queen Elizabeth and her hairstyle, hope this picture gives all of you a better idea.

2005-04-18T17:42:00.000+08:00

Mrs Yip providing guidance for students

2005-04-18T17:41:00.000+08:00

Seriously immersed in presentation

2005-04-18T17:16:00.000+08:00

Budding entrepreneurs presenting on their future venture
Who says English lessons are boring and that its always teacher talk? English lessons are being conducted in fun manner where students (you) are given chance to present, share knowledge and gain confidence along the way.
'If students were given a chance to run a canteen stall, what would they sell and how would they persuade the students to buy from their stalls? This is what the 2NA students had to present for the English Language month activity. Every group member had to make a presentation. Fellow classmates gave customer feedback.

Thematic Vocabulary List - International Friendship Week

2005-04-09T11:15:00.000+08:00

Did you know that International Friendship Day falls on 14th April 2005?

The Internet that has pervaded (& interrupted) our lives, work and homes has allowed us to transcend vast oceans, great distances and rigid national boundaries in pursuit of knowledge, arcane, mundane or otherwise, and dynamic information. It is inevitable then that we are making friends everywhere in this ever-shrinking world.

Don't forget to say hi to your friend from Europe, America, China or in some remote location on this beautiful planet come Wednesday 14th? In celebration of this global event, we have composed just for you a powerful thematic vocabulary word-list to commerate this day... learn how to use them to add that brilliant shine to your essays ...

1. acquaintance
2. kindred
3. bond
4. fraternity
5. congruent
6. dissimilar
7. enamored
8. breathen
9. solitude, solitary
10. comradeship

Ministry of Vocabulary

Recommended online vacab check: http://www.infoplease.com

One of the easiest way to expand your vocabulary quickly, is by typing the word in MSWord and press Shift+F7. Behold the digital Thesaurus at your disposal.

Our Girl Needs Your Help.

2005-04-05T12:22:00.001+08:00

Our Girl Needs Your Help

Only two weeks ago, I was speaking to one of our Secondary One pupils. Her mother had brought her to school as her daughter was extremely disturbed.

I spoke to the daughter to find out exactly what was troubling her. I was troubled by her reply.

She said that her parents are totally unreasonable and have no regards at all for her feelings. I queried for more information. Her parents were deemed unreasonable because they refused this 12 year old pupil of ours to continue having a relationship with a 23 year old work permit holder.

Our pupil claimed that she cannot live without the man. She claimed that he is a good person. She told me that he will be able to get a Singapore Permanent Resident after 3 years. She did not know that non-skilled workers will not be given permanent residency in Singapore. She was told to check with the Ministry of Manpower regarding the PR.

She was asked if she would allow her 12 year old daughter to have a relationship with a 23 year old man. She was told to transport herself into the future when the man will be 66 years old and she would be 36.

Many young teenage girls fall victim to such men who pretend to shower affections on their young victims. I would like all of you to consider the following questions and would appreciate your honest responses.

1. If you were a parent, would you allow your child the freedom of having a relationship with the opposite sex at this tender age?

2. If you were a brother, would you be happy to see your sister in this situation?

3. If you were a friend, what advice would you give this pupil of ours?

Harphal Singh
Principal
West Spring secondary School