When different kinds meet

Buckle your Seat belts by Isaiah

"Marina Bay Sands!" my father told the taxi driver excitedly.

The driver drove off and my family and I were on our way to Marina Bay Sands to stay for a few days. I had been looking forward to staying there and going to Universal Studios Singapore to try out the rides which I heard were excellent.

All of a sudden, a car swerved and almost hit the taxi I was in.

"Screech!" the taxi driver stepped hard on the brakes which sent me flying into the windscreen and onto the road.

I was too young to die.

I could hear screams all around me. This thing I had been looking forward to had gone absolutely wrong. Seatbelts could have prevented this. The smell of burnt rubber and the sound of the ambulance's sirens filled the air. At least someone bothered to call for the ambulance and not just stand there like a typical Singaporean.

"He...lp me..." I groaned in pain. The pain was so unbearable.

When I checked myself for injuries, I was not surprised. Blood, bruises, scratches, severe cuts. You name it. I looked like one of those ghosts in those 'cursed pictures' people use in chain mails.

I tried to get up slowly but even the slightest movement felt like a million bones breaking.

Things started becoming blur......

I found myself in a room. I looked at myself wondering if what happened was real. I could move! I could move! When I turned around, I was totally shocked.

"Oh my gosh. Shi..." I mumbled under my breath at the sight of my body on a bed. My own body. Right in front of me. Bandages all around. Broken arms and legs.

My parents were kneeling on the floor clutching my cold hands and sobbing.

"Damn it!" I cursed. I sank to my knees and burst into tears. If only I had buckled my seatbelts.

"Maybe this is what it feels like to be a ghost," I thought to myself.

I remembered what my parents taught me.

I could almost hear a voice in my head saying, " Open your eyes. This is just a nightmare......".

Prying open my eyelids, I hoped that it was all a dream.

"You are finally awake!" my mother said happily. " Look at yourself, so sweaty! Go take a shower and pack your bag. We are going to Marina Bay Sands today."

I nodded and headed towards the toilet. I took a shower, wrapped a towel around myself and brushed my teeth. After that, I took out the packing list that I had prepared yesterday night and packed my bag accordingly.

We made our way towards the taxi.

"Mom, Dad," I mumbled. " Please buckle your seatbelts."

"Of course we will," my father laughed.

"Marina Bay Sands," my father told the taxi driver gleefully.

We buckled our seatbelts and the driver stepped on the accelerator.

I learnt from the horrifying dream that buckling up is a very important thing to do that could save your life, and mine.

Synthesis and Transformation (Term 3, Practice 8)

Do the test here. Latest submission by 30 July 2012 2359h.

Results: Synthesis and Transformation (Term 3 Practice 7)

View your answers and score here.

The followng pupils did not submit your work. Please do so as soon as possible.
1. Alton
2. Alvis
3. Owen
4. Jonathan
5. Misha
6. Tevin

Do your corrections here.

Synthesis and Transformation (Term 3 Practice 7)

Do the test. Latest submission by 2359h 26 July 2012

The test by Wei Ting

I smiled as Mother praised me . She rewarded me with a bowl of ice-cream. I grinned as I replayed today's experience as I the cold treat melted in my mouth.

At the school gate this afternoon, I stuffed my earpiece into my ears as I waited for my mother to come. I jumped as I heard two boys hurling a few colourful words at each other . I turned up the volume, not wanting to hear any of those 'colourful' words. "Society... What has it become?" I mumbled, thinking hard.

A cold hand rested on my shoulder, snapping me out of my thinking bubble. I pulled my earpiece out of my ears, ready to bark at the person.

Standing in front of me was a woman in her thirties, clad in a cream-coloured dress. Her exotic perfume was gagging me. I was never a fan of perfumes.

She smiled at me kindly and said," Your mother is ill, she sent me here to fetch you from school! I'm her friend, Emma!".

Emma? I had never heard my mother mentioning the name Emma before. I narrowed my eyes and replied,"Are you sure? My mother has always been a healthy woman."

Still smiling, Emma said,"She came down with a common flu!" I still did not believe her .

"Really? Tell me what's her middle name then ?" I challenged Emma.

Her face turned confused for a second, then she said,"I don't know her middle name ..."

"STRIKE! You're a kidnapper!" I shouted, pointing at her. This earned a few stares from passers-by.

Her face turned beetroot red.

As I smirked in glory, she called someone. "Hello? Yes, she passed the test," she spoke into the phone. What test? I was puzzled.

She smiled at me and said,"Let's go meet your mother!"

What? She got me into a car and drove to my house. My mind was buzzing with a million questions .

We reached my house. My mom was standing there with a big grin on her face. She did not look ill at all.

"Mother!" my face lit up. She hugged me and thanked Emma.

"Who is she?" I asked my mom.

Soon, all my questions were answered. My mother was not actually sick. It was all a set-up! Mother wanted to see if I was conscious of my safety .

"This ice-cream is delicious !" I commented, snapping out of my flashback. Today was certainly the best day ever .

Introduction by Misha

My little sister, Prim, just started school this year. She is in primary one. She is naive and gullible. Not much to anyone's surprise though, she loves sweets. It is more likely to say she likes ALL kinds of candy. In fact, she has a VERY sweet tooth! Prim has a mind of her own and listens to anyone that gives her candies. Everyone in the family is very protective of her. That includes me, of course. I am in charge of taking her home from school and making sure she is safe under my charge.

What can you learn from this extract of Zhi Qing's writing?

Unexpectedly, the lady walked towards me. Dressed in the finest fabric I had ever seen, she greeted me politely. She also introduced herself as Cindy. Cindy explained that Mum was ill and wanted me to follow her. Since I was drenched in sweat from head to toe, I might as well follow her. Without a second thought or a hesitation, I decided to follow her.

Introduction by Ivan

I always hate my mother for fetching me home from school. It was so embarrassing. My classmates would always laugh at me when they saw my mother fetching me home. At home, I would always ask her why she had to fetch me home from school but she would not answer me. She would just avoid answering the question by asking me what happened at school.

One day, while I was waiting for my mother at the school gate after my remedial class, my classmates passed by me and started laughing at me.

"How rude of them!" I said to myself giving them a distasteful look.

"I wish that my mother would let me go home by myself," I said to myself, hoping that my wish would come true.

Post-Reading Test - LRD

Complete the test here.

Results: Synthesis and Transformation (Term 3 Practice 6)

View the answers here.

Do your corrections here.

Choosing to do what is right by Natalie M.

"What a tiring day?" I sighed, trudging my way to the school gate after my remedial class. I craned my neck to look for my mother among the crowd of students. I did not see her so I waited for her patiently. After ten minutes, she still did not show up. I got impatient as all the other students had gone home. I heard footsteps approaching and I wished they were my mother's. Instead of my mother, I saw an elegant lady.

The elegant lady, whom I found out was Mrs Tay later on, walked towards me.

"Hey, Boy. Your mother cannot fetch you today. She is having a fever. I will take you home, darling," she told me with a sweet smile.

It was awkward that she called me 'Boy' instead of my name. She might be a kidnapper! Or she wanted to do something bad to me! But how could such an elegant lady be a kidnapper?

"Hey, we can stop by 7-eleven? I will buy you anything you want," she exclaimed, her smile widened.

Unable to resist my temptation to follow her, I took a step towards her. "Don't believe in strangers for any reason," my mother's voice echoed in my mind.

"No, thanks, Ma'am. I will wait for my mother," I replied, almost mumbling to myself.

Mrs Tay's smile faded. "Don't be scared. I meant no harm to you," she tried to convince me.

I refused with a polite smile. Where was the security guard? Mrs Tay's eyes were a combination of black and brown. They bulged out, almost popping out. On seeing them, a shiver went down my spine. I swivelled my head to look for anybody. But I could see nobody. I tried to keep my composure and not to freak out.

Mrs Tay took me by the hand and dragged me to get out of the school. With all my strength, I tried to get her hands off mine. Her intimidating actions could not be condoned!

"Help!!!" I shouted at the top of my lungs.

Mrs Tay let go off my hand and took to her heels. I felt a great load lifted up my heart when she was out of my sight. I wanted to run as fast as a cheetah towards the General Office. But before I could do that, I heard my mother's voice, "Steve, sorry I am late. I could not find my ez-link card," she apologized.

"Mom!!!" I ran towards her and gave her a big hug. She must be taken aback by my sudden display of affection. When was the last time I hugged her?

I told her the whole story and she praised me. The next day, I read the newspaper and found out that Mrs Tay was arrested. She was found having dozens of kidnapped kids in her house.

"Huh," I breathed a sigh of relief.
This incident taught me much. I learnt not to trust strangers and to choose to do what is right. I also knew that choosing to do what is right is harder than it seems. I should even thank Mrs Tay for teaching me of how to be more careful.

Untitled by Sherlene

“The first remedial class is so boring…” I muttered. I was waiting for my mother to take me home. After ten minutes, she was not at the front gate yet. “Why is she taking so long? I hope that she is not waiting at the backgate!” I murmured.

“Hello, Jane,” a lady said, with a big smile.

I swivelled my neck. “Who are you? I do not know you,” I replied.

“I am your mother’s friend. Your mother is ill and she has instructed me to take you home. So, please follow me,” the lady replied.

I was immersed in my own thoughts. “Is she a kidnapper? She wants to kidnap me just because I am a rich girl? But what if my mother is really sick? Anyway, when I saw her this morning, she was perfectly fine.”

Without hesitation, I ran back to the canteen toilet. In the toilet, I took out my phone and called her.

“Hello? Mother! Are you ill? Someone said that you are ill!” I blurted in a breath.

“No, I am not sick. Just wait for me at the front gate. Do not talk to that stranger,” she advised firmly.

I walked back to the front gate.

“Hello, my mother is not sick at all so I will not follow you!” I glared at the stranger.

“Seriously, your mother is ill and she is now waiting for you at home!” she shouted whilst forcing me to go with her.

I was unwillingly to go with her. She held my hand tightly in a vice-like grip. I prised her fringers off my hand.

“Stop doing that!” the lady shouted.

I tried to keep my composure. A few seconds, an idea flashed through my brain. I stepped on her foot.

“Ouch!” She let go of my hand. At that time, I saw my mother, coughing and sneezing away. She trudged on.

“Mother!” I shouted. “She is the stranger that I was talking about on the phone!”

She walked towards the lady. “I told you that you do not need to pick up my daughter. I am not that seriously ill."

I became crimson red. “Sorry. I should not have stepped on your foot if I knew that you are my mother’s friend," I said, embarrassed.

“It is okay,” she replied. My silly smile started to spread all over my face.

Whenever my mother is not free to fetch me, this lady, Aunt Wong, will come and fetch me. And I would not need to worry about being kidnapped since I already knew that Aunt Wong was my mother's trusty secretary from the incident.

Aunt Maggie by Isaiah

I trudged on towards the school gate. What a tiring day it was! I planted my backside onto one of the benches at the gate. As I waited for my mother, I tried to remember what I learned during the remedial class.

"Ten minutes," I groaned. I was getting impatient. What was taking my mother so long?

A lady walked up to me. "I am your aunt, Aunt Maggie," she introduced herself.

I was not sure about that woman. Was she really my aunt? I did not know. I never really got to know all my relatives other than my parents and grandparents. My father passed away in a plane crash when I was still a baby.

"I know you don't believe me but it's true. Your mother is ill and she has instructed me to take you to her," Aunt Maggie tried to convince me.

I stood up hesitantly and followed the lady. She led me into her car. It was a brand new red Honda Stream. Just as I was about to buckle my seatbelts, I whipped out my phone and called my mother.

"Benny?" my mother asked, "Where are you? I am at the school gate waiting for you!"

I was shocked. I looked out of the window and saw my mother's worried face. This Aunt Maggie was a kidnapper!

"I am in the red Honda Stream!" I yelled into the phone, waving frantically from the car.

"Well, well, well," said Aunt Maggie. An evil-looking grin formed on her face. She grabbed my phone, slipped it into her pocket and locked the car doors.

Meanwhile, my mother told the security guard that I was kidnapped and they both rushed towards the Aunt Maggie's car.

On seeing my mother and the security guard via the rear-view mirror chasing us, Aunt Maggie immediately slammed on the accelerator and drove off. She knocked me in the head with one of her shoes and I fainted.

"Ou...ch" I moaned in pain. I could roughly remember what happened but my mind was all messed up, my head throbbing in pain.

"Hello, Benny," Aunt Maggie greeted me.

"Where am I? Let me go! My mother is coming to get you!" I yelled, putting up a brave front but on the inside, I was absolutely frightened.

"Silly little boy, this isn't a fairy tale where good guys always win," laughed Aunt Maggie maliciously. She walked out of her car, looking rather pleased with herself and locked the door behind her. After she left, I started kicking the door like a maniac. I reached into my pockets for my phone. I forgot! Aunt Maggie took it away.

As time went by, my hope of ever being rescued faded away.

Just as I was about to give up, I heard two familiar voices. They were yelling. Of course! The voices were my mother's and the security guard's!

The strong security guard kept kicking the door until it gave way. By the time he succeeded, he was panting like a dog.

I was saved! I ran towards my mother and hugged her. If I did not call my mother to make sure Aunt Maggie was a relative, I would have never been rescued.

Aunt Maggie returned. She was totally shocked to see my rescuers. The terrified woman ran for her dear life like there was no tomorrow but the security guard caught her and pinned her down. The security guard checked her pockets in case there was anything in them and found my handphone. I was so scared that I forgot all about that thing. I dialed for the police and we waited.

Eight minutes later, the police arrived and arrested Aunt Maggie. I thanked the security guard and my mother for saving me.

"Thank you, Mister!" I thanked the security guard.

"You're welcome. Don't do it again though!" he joked.

The three of us took a bus back to school and the security guard resumed his duty at the guard post as my mother and I walked home together like we were supposed to hours ago.

"Sorry I've caused so much trouble," I apologised.

"It's okay Benny," my mother smiled. "It wasn't your fault. I was late to pick you up."

What a great mother and security guard or should I say father I have. They even chased the car on foot! My mother and the security guard eventually got married. I did not mind as he was a very nice guy and I was more than happy to have a father like that. Come to think of it, Aunt Maggie the crook had incidentally become their matchmaker!

What can you learn from this extract from Jayden's writing?

I dropped my bag on the floor and dialled my mother's number.

"Come on, Mom. Pick up the phone. Come on," I said, feeling anxious.

I almost wanted to end the call when I heard voices. I was safe as my mother had picked up the phone.

"Hello mom. Where are you? There is a woman who claims that you are her friend. In her twenties," I said, in a rush.

"Are you alright? Don't follow her. She may have ill intentions. I will be reaching in five minutes. I went to the market and have forgotten about the time. Don't go so close to the woman, understand?" she said, her voice filled with concern.

From CNB Newsroom

CNB arrests suspected drug traffickers in luxury cars, various drugs seized worth more than S$186,000

17 Jul 2012

In the evening of 16 July 2012, the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) disrupted drug trafficking activities involving suspected local and overseas drug traffickers, arresting three men (two Singaporeans, one Malaysian) and a Vietnamese woman. In total, CNB seized drugs estimated to be worth more than S$186,000, including approximately 2,663 Erimin-5 tablets/capsules; 830 Ecstasy tablets; 672 grammes of ‘Ice’, 510 grammes of ketamine; 453 grammes of cannabis and 7 grammes of heroin. More than S$60,000 in cash and three saloon cars, including a BMW and Lexus, were also seized.

Traffickers arrested at Eunos and Bedok

CNB launched an operation on 16 July, targeting two Singaporean men, aged 37 and 31, who were believed to be running a syndicate, distributing multiple drugs locally. At about 7.40pm, CNB officers observed a Malaysian-registered Proton Saga entering a carpark in the Eunos area. It was driven by a 37-year-old Malaysian man. At about 8pm, officers spotted the 37-year-old Singaporean suspected trafficker entering the same carpark in a black BMW. After they met and departed, CNB officers moved in and arrested the Malaysian man. Officers searched him and found S$2,172 and RM349 in cash.

Meanwhile, CNB officers followed the 37-year-old Singaporean in the BMW from Eunos to the vicinity of Bedok Reservoir Road and he was arrested in the vicinity of Jalan Tenaga. From the BMW and the ground beside the driver’s side, CNB officers recovered a variety of drugs, including about 1,813 Erimin-5 tablets; 410 Ecstasy tablets; 169 grammes of ketamine; 106 grammes of ‘Ice’ and seven grammes of heroin. Drug trafficking paraphernalia, such as packing material (clear tape and empty packets), glass apparatus for consuming drugs and S$29,850 in cash were also recovered.

Concurrent operation at Kembangan

Concurrently, another team of CNB officers was monitoring a serviced apartment in the Kembangan area. At about 8.15pm, they spotted the 31-year-old Singaporean suspect who was accompanied by a 24-year-old Vietnamese woman. Officers moved in and arrested the pair.

Officers searched the 31-year-old man, recovering from him approximately 480 Erimin-5 tablets; 140 grammes of ‘Ice’; 106 Ecstasy tablets; 93 grammes of ketamine; 15 grammes of cannabis and S$684 in cash. CNB officers conducted a follow-up raid at one of the units in the serviced apartment, where the 31-year-old Singaporean suspect was hiding, and recovered about 388 grammes of cannabis; 300 Erimin-5 tablets; 224 grammes of ‘Ice,’ 208 grammes of ketamine and 50 ‘Ecstasy’ tablets from the unit. Drug trafficking paraphernalia, such as digital weighing scales, plastic packets and S$20,524 in cash were also recovered. Another 24 grammes of ‘Ice’ and 2 Erimin-5 capsules were also recovered from the man’s car, a Lexus.

Raid at Choa Chu Kang hide-out

At about 10.15pm the same night, CNB officers conducted a follow-up raid of a HDB unit in Choa Chu Kang Central suspected to be the hide-out of the 37-year-old arrested in Bedok. From this unit, the officers recovered about 264 Ecstasy tablets, 178 grammes of ‘Ice,’ 68 Erimin-5 tablets; 50 grammes of cannabis; and 40 grammes of ketamine. Apparatus for consuming drugs and S$7,000 in cash were also seized.

The three men are being investigated for drug trafficking. The two 37-year-old men, if convicted, would face a minimum penalty of five years’ imprisonment and five strokes of the cane. The other 31 year old Singaporean, if convicted, would face a minimum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment and 15 strokes of the cane. The Vietnamese woman is being investigated for drug consumption. If convicted, she faces a penalty of up to 10 years’ imprisonment, a S$20,000 fine or both.

Summary of seizures

Items Seized	cannabis (gm)	Ecstasy (tablets)	Erimin-5 (tablets/ capsules)	Heroin (gm)	Ice (gm)	ketamine (gm)	Cash (SGD)	Cash (RM)
Para2 - On Malaysian Man	0	0	0	0	0	0	2,172	349
Para 3 - Within and around the BMW	0	410	1813	7	106	169	29,850	0
Para 5 - On the 31-year-old Singaporean	15	106	480	0	140	93	684	0
Para 6 - Kembangan Serviced Apartment	388	50	300	0	224	208	20,524	0
Para 6 - 31 year-old's Lexus	0	0	2	0	24	0	700	0
Para 7 - Choa Chu Kang HDB Flat	50	264	68	0	178	40	7,000	0
TOTAL	453	830	2663	7	672	510	60,930	349

CENTRAL NARCOTICS BUREAU

17 JULY 2012

Article taken from cnb.gov.sg

"Kidnapped" by Ernest

My spirits were as high as the sky. I knew that I could play computer as it was Friday. I was happily talking with my friends while walking to the front gate of my school after the remedial class. I waited for more than five minutes, my mother still did not show up. My heart was pounding wildly in anxiety, nervous.

"Derek. Your mum is ill and she asked me to come and fetch you home," a lady said to me while walking up to me.

"Yes!! Finally, I can go home!" I shouted joyfully.

Speaking the truth, I did not know who the lady was. She looked pretty, had a mole on her cheek and long black hair. She was wearing a dress. I thought I had seen her before or maybe not. I agreed to leave with her.

"Where are you taking me?" I asked the lady, puzzled when she was taking me on an unfamiliar route.

"This is a shortcut to your home," They lady replied with a creepy smile.

I thought that she was taking me somewhere. I panicked. I asked her some questions a few more times but she kept saying it was the shortcut. I did not recognise this place. Was the place somewhere very far? Or maybe I would be lost forever!

"Riiing!" my handphone vibrated.

It was my mom! Luckily, I did not switch on the volume of my ringtone or else the lady would have heard my phone ring.

"Hello? Mom! Where are you! I think I have been kidnapped!" I whispered anxiously so the lady could not hear me.

Tears rolled down my cheeks. The lady seemed to be walking faster and faster.

"Do you know where you are now?" my mom cried out, her voice laced with fear.

I looked around to look for any sign boards. Finally, I spotted one which printed " Hougang street 64". I told her the place I was at. The lady took me to a house. She opened the door and laughed. I should have fled! Why was I so stupid!

"Hahahaha! You have been tricked. You are so gullible!" she whispered beside my ear with a terrifying voice.

The creepy voice of hers freaked me out. She took me into one of the rooms. She used a masking tape and sealed my mouth to prevent me from shouting and pushed me onto a chair. After that, she tied me up. My hands and legs were tied up. I could still stand up but I would fall easily.

"No! Derek! Stand up and take your handphone. GO!" my mind shouted in tenacity.

I stood up. I lost my balance and fell. I wad lucky that I fell onto a pillow.

"Phew! Go on Derek! Don't give up!" I whispered to myself.

I stood again but surprisingly, I did not lose my balance. I jumped forward. Turning backwards so that my fingers could touch the phone, I used my fingers to drag the phone, it dropped onto the pillow.

I used my nose to press the buttons on my phone. Then, I heard footsteps. I quickly got back to the chair.

"Aaaannnkkkk! the old and rusty door swung open.

"You better be good here, don't you dare to get out of house, understand!" the lady shouted like a dinosaur roaring.

I nodded my head. I tried to stay calm. I had received 24 messages. It was hard to use my nose to press the buttons. I was lucky to spot a short knife lying at the corner of the room. I took the knife. While I was trying to cut the ropes around my legs, I received another message. It was by my mum. Finally I cut the ropes.

"Piak! Piak! Piak" all the ropes were cut.

I thought that I could get out of the house and guess what, the metal door on the entrance was locked. I smsed my mum to tell her I was at Hougang street 64, Block 640, door number #02-111.

After ten minutes, the police officers arrived. I peeked out the window, there was my mum. I shouted to tell her I was at the house. She finally saw me. The police officers knocked down the door and it slammed onto the floor. They asked me to stand back.

"Pank!" the metal door slammed onto the floor.

"Mum!" I cried.

"Derek!" my mum cried too.

When the lady came back, the police officers immediately arrested the lady. I learnt that no matter what, I cannot follow strangers and I learnt the lesson the hard way.

Synthesis and Transformation (Term 3 Practice 6)

Complete the S and T test here.

Latest submission 23 July 2012, 2359h

The Dead End by Stanley

"Three...two...one!" I murmured to myself, smirking. Finally, a tiring day at school ended. I packed up, grabbed my bag and dashed to the school gate, expecting my mother over there waiting for me. But she was nowhere in sight. 'Strange... My mother is always punctual. Why is she late now?' I wondered.

Just then, out of the corner of my eye, I saw someone... something staring at me. As soon as I spun around, the strange figure was gone.

'What in the world was that?!' I pleaded silently in my mind. I looked behind and saw he rest of the pupils who stayed back for remedial lesson like me. Some walked home by themselves and others went home with their parents. I was left alone.

Waiting patiently, I got the feeling that I was being... watched. Just then, a lady walked up to me with a smile. I felt confused. 'Why is that woman look at me like that?' I thought.

"Are you John?" The woman asked.

I replied, 'No?' raising one brow at her.

For a moment, I thought I saw her frown but she quickly regained her composure by putting on a smile.

"Your mother told me to take you home. She is ill and I'm Wendy, her friend."

Suspicion was building up in me. Knowing that serial killers hunting kids were on the loose and kids like me should not trust unfamiliar faces. But I saw the faces of the killers on news and I was certain she was not one of them. Still, I eyed her with suspicion.

I told her to lend me her cell phone to call my mother, just to make sure. I dialled for my mother and when she picked up, I swore I heard men's voices in the background, My mother assured me everything the lady said was the truth. But, there was something different in her voice and in the way she spoke.

Assuming it was just because of her deep nasal voice and perhaps the cold she had, I hung up and followed 'Wendy' into her car.

Never did I know that was the biggest mistake I was going to make.

As I rode along, I noticed we just missed a turn and was heading for a different direction. I stared at her and I almost screamed. Taking a close look at her, I realised that her face was not really connected to her skin.

"Who...Who are you?!" She laughed and the car screeched to a halt just outside a warehouse. She got out and pulled me out. Having a strong grip on me, struggling was futile. I stepped into the warehouse and my eyes started to water. The stench was unbearable. But as I walked in deeper, my eyes watering was not because of the stench but the horrendous scene I saw.

My mother, tied to a chair, headless, blood everywhere. I looked around, skeletons almost the same size as me, chained to the wall. I looked to the woman, two huge looming shadows appeared behind her. The woman removed her face...no! It was a mask!

What was hidden behind it was a horror I never thought I would face. They were the serial killers I saw on the news. No connection, no link was found between their victims. They were sick bastards who killed defenseless kids just to satisfy their freakish thrills.

Burning with hatred and anger, I stared at them, looking into their brutal, murderous eyes as I got chained up on the walls. Resistance was useless as we were in a remote place. What could I do? I shut my eyes, awaiting death as a sharp object plunged deep into my heart. 'Wait for me, mother! I'm coming...'

Social Studies

Dear all,

Social Studies
Please bring picures of either yourself or places (like what was shared on Friday morning by Ms Chua and Mr Yap) that you have fond memories of on Monday.
We will share and have a conversation on Monday.

Regards,
Mrs Mak

Results: Synthesis and Transformation (Term 3 Practice 5)

View the answers and your score here.

Do your corrections here

Results: Measurement Topical Worksheet

1	Nabilah	dns
2	Zi Yang	dns
3	Daryl	25
4	Ivan	25
5	Jevon	25
6	Natalie M	25
7	Nicholas	25
8	Stanley	25
9	Alvis	24
10	Max	24
11	Tevin	24
12	Alton	23
13	Dong Wang	23
14	Isaiah	23
15	Megan	23
16	Ryan	23
17	Zheng Quan	23
18	Zhi Qing	23
19	Jonathan	22.5
20	Benedict	22
21	Glenn	22
22	Jessie	22
23	Regan	21.5
24	Ernest	21
25	Marcell	21
26	Sabrina	21
27	Shi Hui	21
28	Hui Ting	20
29	Ye Long	19
30	Justin	18.5
31	Chun Yuen	18
32	Sherelene	18
33	Wei Ting	18
34	Jerron	17.5
35	Jayden	17
36	Natalie Tan	17
37	Bryan	16.5
38	Alisha	16
39	Misha	14
40	Owen	13
41	Jun Yang	6
		20.65385

Fears by Misha

Trees and bushes everywhere, the big, blue sky dotted with kites. The cold wind brushed against my cheeks. A perfect day for kite flying. Yes, it's the "Great Kite Festival".

This year, Dad entered my brother, Cato, and me in the competition. We are called the "Mellark Duo" in segment B, kite-flying. Last year, we came in fifth, and did not make it to the top three. This year, we were determined to come in first. We had been practising for months, in anticipation for this day.

One more hour to the competition. We were doing some warm-ups. "Hey Peeta, let's do the 'eagle' move!" Cato called out to me.

While doing the 'eagle', a gust of wind blew at our kites and us, sending the kites into what we could only call a frenzy. The kites swooped around (really like an eagle), and we lost our grip on the kite handles. With a rustle of leaves, and a sound of a tear, our kites were caught in the tree.

"There goes our chance of winning...", I sighed. What a pity. Cato and I were afraid of heights. We fell from a tree when we were six. That explained it all.

I somehow plucked up the courage and asked Cato, "For our kites?" I managed, shakily.

"Umm... Yeah... For our kites...",Cato replied, whose voice evidently laced with a tinge of fear.

When we were ready, I set my first foot (I went first since I was lighter). After I was up one foot, Cato started pushing me up little by little. At the top, I took our kites and passed them over to Cato. We climbed down and inspected our kites. They were all torn. Disappointed, we went home with Dad since we could not participate without proper kites.

On the other hand, we had won! And it was not the competition. It was a battle, a battle of overcoming fears...!

Untitled by Wei Ting

The sky was dotted with kites and the breeze was just perfect. How I loved this sight of all my 'followers' gazing at me as I stood in the centre of the park. I was tall, big and sturdy and I gave a lot of shade while they, on the other hand, were small and weak. As my leaves swayed gently, I felt nothing was better than this .

Wait...What was this? Something tickled me at my back. How I longed to scratch it! Two boys were staring up at me, probably admiring my beauty! The itch at my back broke my happiness once again .

"How do we get it out?" one of the boys asked the other worriedly. Get what out? I was getting confused.

"I have no idea. Should we get Dad to get the kite out of this tree?" replied the second boy.

A kite?! It was stuck in my magnicifent branches? No wonder I felt that itch.

"YES!! Get your Dad to get your troublesome kite out of my beloved branches!" I felt like yelling .

The boys ran off, to find their Dad, I guess. I could see the other trees sniggering, I fumed . "Shut up! You're no better with your small, pathetic leaves!" I spat back. At least the dogs did not do their smelly business on me!

The itch got terribly unbearable . After what seemed like eternity, the boys and their Dad came back .

"Just in time!" I snapped . The itch was getting too much for me to take .

"I'll have to climb the tree, boys," the man said in a low, gruff voice .

Climb me? Climb up my trunk?! "NO!!" I wailed as his filthy shoes touched my feet. "Be careful! You almost stepped on my nose!" I grumbled .

After a few moments of torture, I felt tugging at the back. I tried my best to bear with it. He yanked the kite again and again. Finally, I felt the sweet, cool relief of the kite being pulled away as he did the final tug, Slowly, he made his descent, dirtying my beautiful trunk again .

"Thank you for getting the kite out but please , get cleaner shoes!" I exclaimed as he took the last step . The boys hugged thier Dad and the trio walked off.

"How I wish I could take a shower!" I moaned . As if the high heavens heard me, raindrops started to pitter patter on my leaves. Everyone ran for shelter . Soon, no kite or person was in my sight. I had never felt this good in this timely rain.

Playing truant by Regan

“Ah!!! What a good time for kite flying! Look at the wind!” I exclaimed to my younger brother, Bob. Our mother bought new kites for us yesterday and I could not wait to try them out. I decided to play truant.

​Since my mother had left for work before we woke up and would only come back after school was over, I decided that there would be no mistakes in my plan. At first, my brother did not agree but after I ‘talked some sense into him’, he reluctantly agreed.

​“But what if Mummy finds out?” he asked, still not convinced that all would be well.

​“Don’t worry! At one o’clock when she comes to pick us up, we will be in our school uniforms and go to school! Stop worrying! You’re such a scaredy cat!” I laughed at him.
​
​We quickly took out our kites and went to the park near our school. When we got there, we were surprised to see so many people. “Looks like everybody has the same thoughts as me!” I thought, amazed by the crowd. As we walked towards the open field, I saw James, my classmate.

​“Why is he here?” I thought, raising my eyebrow. Suddenly, I remembered something my teacher said last Friday, “Don’t forget, we are going to the nearby park next Wednesday for our annual kite-making contest!” I looked at my brother and he looked at me.

​“Oh nooo………… it’s the kite-making contest today!” I exclaimed.​

​My brother and I panicked. “Don’t panic. That’s the last thing you should do….” I repeated that in my mind

​I took him to a nearby tree and when I looked back, I doubted that they would see us, plus our backs were facing them. We settled down and, being very experienced, our kites flew up in ease. Suddenly, the wind became very strong. Our kites moved slowly towards a tree “Uh oh……” I thought. Before I knew it, the strings got tangled with the tree. My brother and I could not do anything but stare in despair.

​I slowly walked to the tree. The trunk was hard and had a rough texture. I took a deep breath and started to climb it. My brother saw what was going on and cheered me on. Slowly and carefully, I inched closer to the kite and…. I got it! I looked down and I knew it was a mistake. I lost my footing and plunged down. The first part that hit the floor was my elbow. I felt nothing at first but later, pain flooded me.

​“Go ask for help from our school!” I said to my brother. While waiting, I took a close look at my elbow. I was quite sure I had dislocated it. A stream of tears flowed down my eyes. Soon, help came. I saw many teachers running towards me. Luckily, a teacher had a first aid kit. He bandaged me and took me to a nearby clinic. My teachers were very disappointed in me and my brother.

​Back home that day, my mother did not say a word to me. At night when everyone else was sleeping, I cried my heart out. I regretted playing truant, I really did.

Synthesis and Transformation (erm 3 Practice 5)

Do the test here. Please check your work before submission by 18 July 2359h

Results: Synthesis and Transformation (Term 3 Practice 4)

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Fire

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CW today

While you were waiting at the school gate for your mother to pick you up after a remedial class, a lady walkedup to you. She told you that your mother was ill and wanted you to follow her.

- who the lady was
- what she told you
- what happened next
- how it all ended

Synthesis and Transformation (Term 3 Practice 4)

Do your test here. Submission due by 17 July 2012 2359h

Results: Synthesis and Transformation (Term 3 Practice 3)

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Do the test again as corrections.
The following pupils have not submitted your work.
1. Alton
2. Alvis
3. Owen
4. Benedict
5. Marcell
6. Jonathan
7. Tevin
8. Misha
9. Jun Yang

My first love by Natalie M.

Mary Jane was my first love. I had wonderful memories about her. She was my inspiration to go higher and higher.

Flying in the bright blue sky, my first love soared magnificently in the azure blue sky. The cool breeze brushed lightly on my face. I was overwhelmed with joy. The Greene Park, near my house, had never looked as beautiful as this. Four other kids had nicer "love" than mine - eagle, butterfly and great-colored kites. But I did not mind, my plain white kite had always been there for me. She was my only love!

I was having a date with Mary near a huge tall tree when the great wave of wind blew. She crashed to the tree. I stared at it, mouth gaping and eyes widened. I tried to pull it with the string that was attached to her. But the string snapped!

"Somebody, help me please!" I yelped in dismay.

A young boy about my age came towards me. He had a colorful butterfly kite. He stood next to me and he got his kite too near to the tree and it landed there too. A pang of guilt struck me. If I had not asked for help, his kite would not be stuck! Beads of perspiration broke out, we were totally in despair.

"I am sorry… How should I address you?" I asked him, guilt-stricken.

"My name is Damy," he replied, forcing a smile, an unpleasant one.

Thank god he was not angry at me. A girl sitting on a bench reading a book turned around. When she saw us, she turned back to read her book. How indifferent she was? A boy was cycling on the track and he looked at us but he just went on cycling. Oh my, were these people really that unhelpful?

Damy and I were so sweaty by now. I could sense his despair. I was also so sad that I could not do anything! I tried to keep my composure but no idea flashed through my puny brain. I felt so stupid.

"The tree is too tall for us. There is nothing we can do, let's just go home," Damy suggested.

I shook my head. I was the kind of person who hung on to thing to the last bit. I tried to hold back my tears but I could not. Hot tears rolled down my cheeks. Damy dragged me out of the park. My eyes were just fixed on the kites. I could not take my eyes off them.

"Bye, Mary Jane. I will miss you, " I cried tearfully. "You are so mature, Damy," I admired him from the bottom of my heart.

We went separate ways. Along the way, I braced myself to face the music. My mom would be raging like a bull and I prepped myself to receive an earful from her.

My heart broke, I had lost my first love. My shoulders were droopy, my eyes were teary and my lips quivered. I was really upset. When I arrived home, I opened the door and saw my mom inside, watching television.

" Hi, did you have fun?" my mom asked cheerfully.

"My kite was stuck at the tree. Sorry," I apologized.

"It's okay. That kite is so old. You deserve a new kite," my mom exclaimed. That was exactly the opposite of what I expected to hear.

"Thanks a lot, Mom," I tried to sound excited but deep in heart I still felt a void where Mary was supposed to be. My mom bought me a new kite and I loved it as much as I loved Mary.

From that incident, I learnt to let go of things. Perhaps, that was exactly what Mary would want. I had become a more mature boy and Damy had since become my good friend.

Ace by Zheng Quan

My kite was two years old but it was as swift as new kites. I named it after me. I would take Ace for a flight every weekend. Due to wear and tear, the string was not attached to its holder properly. I did not think too much of it and was lazy to get it fixed.

That was a very windy day. It was the annual Kite Flying Festival again so I asked my parents to take me to East Coast Park, where the Kite Flying Festivals was held.

Half an hour after the official opening of the festival, it became more windy. Ace was launched and it took flight. I know the string would snap but I ignored it. Ace flew with the wind but after a while, the string snapped. Ace flew onto a tall tree. It was the end of my kite. I had butterflies in my stomach as I did not know what to do. I tried jumping but could not reach it.

I looked around for help but all the passers-by ignored me.

I ran to my parents and begged them anxiously, "Ace is stuck on the tree! I can't reach it."

My parents tried climbing up the tree but it was too high. I also tried to climb the tree but how well could a bookworm climb a tree?

I watched the other kids fly their kites. I loved my kite so much. It was a normal kite, nothing fanciful but I loved it for what it was.

I could not believe that I had lost my most favourite thing. Most people might think it was a small deal but Ace meant a lot to me. I had saved all my money for Ace. I began blaming myself for not getting its string fixed.

In the end, Ace flew onto a tree branch and got itself torn. Half of it flew down and I threw it in the bin.

As I was walking home, I saw a kite in a store that looked exactly like Ace. I begged my parents to buy that kite for me. It cost fifteen dollars. They gave in as they knew I love to fly kites. I was excited for the next Kite Flying festival. I did not worry about my old kite.

I have learnt that we should cherish what we have. I also learnt that I have to let go graciously since nothing is forever.

Pass this bit of kindness by Owen

One Friday evening, I was at East Coast park to train for my imminent NAPFA test. I wanted to make my parents proud.

Jogging in front of me was a man in his forties. At first, I took very little notice of him as I was busy admiring the scenic view. There were adults and their children having picnics under the swaying coconut trees and dozens of kites dotted the evening sky.

The old man slowed down and his strides became shorter. The next moment, he was clutching his chest, the part where the heart resided. He started to stagger. Alarmed, I sprinted forward and caught the old man by his shoulders before he fell face first onto the ground.

The old man winced in immense discomfort and I saw the desperation in his eyes. I knew I had to do something or who knows what would happen to him. I made a dash to the nearby hawker centre for help.

Several seconds later, I arrived back at the place where I saw the old man. He was still clutching his heart and was muttering something under his breath that neither me nor the man who claimed to be a doctor could make out what he was saying. Soon, a crowd gathered around the old man.

One of the bystanders in the crowd exclaimed, "Someone call the ambulance!"

No one except one child around ten took an iPhone 4s and dialled the ambulance's number.

Shortly, we heard the sirens of the ambulance tearing through the air. Paramedics rushed out and carried the old man on a stretcher. The kid who called the ambulance was praised by the old man and a few paramedics.

The next day, I went to visit the old man. The doctor said that he was diagnosed with a heart attack but he would survive.

Once the old man saw me, he beamed, "Hey, kid! How can I ever repay you?"

I replied with a wide grin on my face, "You do not need to repay me but you must promise that you will pass this bit of kindness to someone else."

"Agreed!" the old man exclaimed.

As for the boy who called the ambulance, well, I saw him at East Coast Park the next day. He ran towards me, shouting,"Thanks!"

He told me that his valour had won him the kindness award by his school. I told my parents what had happened. And guess what? I did not need to make my parents proud with my NAPFA test as they were already proud of me by helping the old man.

Untitled by anonymous

I was lucky. I could have never been saved. I was stuck in a tall tree up high in the sky. But I was lucky. My friend was not so lucky. I can still remember the day I was soaring high with him in the cool morning breeze with the birds chirping beside us.
It was at Punggol Park where I took my first flight. My hands were stretched out holding a diamond shaped piece of cloth behind my back. I started low after the launch but the wind took me higher and higher and I was soon like an eagle soaring above everything.
My friend was beside me but more majestic with two artificial butterfly wings attached to his back and two long antennae sticking out of his head. We soared gracefully and caught every one's eyes.
Then, being carried by the wind, we drifted towards the birch tree in the middle of the park but before we knew it, we were caught amongst the branches and the leaves. We waited impatiently for rescue as we tried to jiggle and wiggle out.
We tried and tried but our efforts were in vain and 'tears' started to roll down our cheeks. We panted like dogs from all the moving but I was grateful that I was not alone.
Just as we were 'sobbing', something tugged at my arm. It pulled me out as easily as ABC. Then I realised I was being saved. I was so grateful that nothing bad had happened to me. My friend was next but his arms and wings were trapped and would not budge. Then, they took a pair of shears and snipped off his arms and wings.
From then on, I realised that being pretty may not always good and I have developed a phobia of flying. But still being a kite, it is only natural that I take flight. I believe I would overcome my fear one day. Catch me flying in the sky if you are at the park or the beach.

A Day to Remember by Ivan

My two best friends and I loved flying kites. We always took part in kite-flying competitions. We met up at Punggol park that day during the December holidays.

I was cycling at Punggol park as part of my daily routine. The gentle breeze brushed my hair. The high sunlit clouds drifted across the clear blue sky. I was in high spirits and my mood was set for an enjoyable day. While I was riding my bicycle, I remembered that the park was holding the annual kite-flying competition. I had completely forgotten about it. I was quivering all over with excitement about the event even though I did not bring my kite. If I cycled home, the event would end by the time I returned to the park.

"There was no use crying over spilled milk," I said to myself. I decided to continue cycling.

While I was counting how many laps I had gone around the park, I noticed that the competition had started. I could see different types of kites. I was amazed by the beauty of an eagle-shaped kite. I could not differentiate it from a real eagle. Sitting on my bicycle, I watched the participants fly their kites. How I envied them!

Suddenly, two kites started to rise higher and higher till their lines snapped. The flyaway kites flew and landed onto a tree. Two boys, who were probably their owners, ran towards the tree and looked worried sick.

"Help!" they shouted in despair.

I got out from my bicycle and took a long stick and tried to poke at the kites. Unfortunately, I could not reach them. A lady who was probably their mother, ran towards them. She tried to calm them down. When I realised that It was no use trying to get them by using a stick, I decided to climb up the tree. I am a pretty good climber. I had no trouble getting up the tree.

Hands and feet on the tree trunk, I felt the rough surface of the tree. I gritted my teeth and kept climbing. Not once did I look down till I reached the top. The leaves were swaying side by side as the wind blew. I took the kites and dropped them down. As I made my descent from branch to branch, I could hear the two boys cheering. The two boy's faces lit up with joy. They poured out their gratitude profusely.

From that day on, Ivan and Issac became my good friends and they would remind me whenever there was a kite-flying competition. After the school holidays, I realised that they were my new schoolmates!

Untitled by Alton

Beads of prespiration flowed down my cheeks time and again. I was at Punggol Park trying to fly a kite.

“Whshh…” there was some wind, finally. It had been hot and totally windless for a few hours and my kite simply refused to take flight. A gust of wind carried it to the air. I watched my kite fly majestically in the sky.

“Wow, the trees are so tall and so many kites are flying peacefully in the sky…”

My thoughts were dashed as my kite began swaying here and there. Soon the wind became so strong that my butterfly could not withstand the wind. It flew to a nearby tree. It landed and got stuck on the thick branches of a tree.

I looked for someone tall enough to reach the kite, but even the tallest man I found could barely touch the lowest branch on the tree trunk. I decided to pull the string which was dangling from the tree but that was the worst decision I ever made. When I pulled it, the whole thing snapped.

Out of the blue, another kite swooped straight into a tree. Soon the owner arrived. We were in the same boat. I told the owner that the only way to get the kite was to climb up the tree.

“Don’t climb up the tree! It is too dangerous! You might fall!” the boy repeatedly told me.

“I have to. That is the only way to get the kite down!” I insisted, ignoring what he said.

I began my climb. Hands and feet clambering up the thick trunk, I ascended slowly. I was about to reach my kite when one of the branches started to give way.

I thought to myself,” Oh shit! I should have listened to that boy’s advice and without taking his kite, he left without a word. How rude of him!”

About twenty seconds later, the branch gave way and I fell and landed on my right arm. The impact was so great that I sprained my arm and I burst out crying. I went home without retrieving my kite and with my arm sprained.

At home, mother asked me what had happened. I had no choice but to tell her everything that I climbed and fell from the tree. When she heard about it, she reprimanded me for my silly actions. I vowed never to do it again. It was a bad experience that I would never forget.

A day at the park by Jessie

I love to fly my kite at Punggol Park. I will fly my kite whenever it is a windy day. My kite is shaped like a dragon. It has very colourful scales made of rice paper. On windy days, many others like me will fly their kites.
One windy afternoon, my family and I went to Punggol Park. There were lots of people flying their kites too. Different kinds of kites dotted the azure blue sky. My kite was swaying from side to side like it was dancing. The breeze grew stronger and I gripped onto my kite's string tightly.
Out of the blue, I heard someone crying. I turned around to see what the commotion was. Two boys' kites were stuck among the branches of a tall tree.
"Boo-hoo-hoo, I can't get my kite down!" one of the boys wailed.
The other boy was trying to climb the tree and try to get the kites down but they were way too far from his grasp.
The wind continued blowing and I felt I was about to fly away. I shook the tree with my might but the kites were still stuck on the tree, not even budging a bit.
The mighty strong wind blew its best, sending my hair was lapping across my face. Eventually, the wind blew the kites out of the tree and the kites were carried by it to the puffy white clouds.
The two boys looked very sad and their parents promised to buy them new kites.
"Yay!!!"the two boys said in unison. They looked slightly happier after hearing what their parents said.
I continued flying my kite until it was time to go home. The sky turned dark and it started to drizzle. We hurried home as we did not have any umbrellas.
When I reached home, I was beat tired. I had used up my strength in controlling my kite. It sure was a good day for me.

My Hero by Shi Hui

I took my two brothers, Jimmy and Kenny, to the Kite Flying Festival at the park. When we arrived at the park, the birds were twitting, a soothing sunset breeze was blowing and the leaves were rustling against each other in the breeze.

Jimmy and Kenny flew their kites while I took out my book to read under a tree on a bench. I was enjoying my book against the beautiful backdrop of the park when the sound "Snap!" sent me jumping off the bench.

I turned around and only saw the disappointed faces of my brothers' looking up to the tree. I looked up to the tree and saw both of their kites stuck at the top of the tree.

"How did both of your kites end up there?"I asked.

"We were flying our kites when the wind became stronger and our strings tangled, causing the kites to fall down," explained Jimmy, choking on his own tears.

Jimmy and Kenny tried to retrieve the kites by jumping up and down to reach them. They tried to climb up the tree in a futile attempt.

"Tammy!" I heard a familiar voice calling out my name. I spun my head around and saw Joshua, my best friend.

"Hello!"I greeted back, feeling troubled.

Joshua dragged his bicycle to the bench and asked what the matter was. Indeed, my best friend he was. He could see through me. I pointed up to the tree.

"Let me retrieve it for you," offered Joshua, smiling. With that, he started climbing up the tree.

"No, climbing this tree isn't as easy as it looks. I doubt you can retrieve it," I told Joshua.

Joshua really surprised me. With a leap, he ascended the tree, his hands reached out to the branch where the kites were snagged. He gave a swift swing on his feet to throw himself higher. Like an agile primate, he stretched out his hand to give the branch a good jerk. One kite obediently came down.

"Yeah!"cheered Jimmy, running around Kenny.

"What about mine?" asked Kenny, teardrops rolling down his cheeks.

"I'll try again."replied Joshua.

"It is too far away, I can't reach it but I will try," said Joshua, gritting his teeth.

He did it again. Kenny's kite fell to the ground, unscathed!

"Yippy!"cheered Kenny, dancing around with Jimmy.

"Thank You,"I said to Joshua, full of admiration and gratitude.

From that day, I looked up to Joshua even more. He was almost my hero.