CONTINUOUS WRITING
MODEL ANSWER
Write a composition
entitled ‘Clothes’.
Clothes play a very important part in the
life of man. We are about the only mammal on this earth that is wrapped up in
clothes. Clothes have seen many changes since the day Adam and Eve first donned
leaves before they were driven off from the Garden of Eden in shame. Since
then, fashion trends have been constantly changing and fashion slaves will tell
you that it is tough job keeping up with them.
The main purpose for wearing clothes is to
cover our nakedness. Besides, clothes are needed to protect man from the
elements. In winter, people wear thick clothing to keep themselves warm and in
summer, they switch to thinner fabrics to keep themselves cool and comfortable.
Hence, people dress in different styles in different parts of the world to suit
the climatic changes in countries that experience seasonal changes.
Clothing gives the wearer his or her identity.
We can identify a person’s race and cultural background from the clothes he or
she wears. Similarly, we can identify a policeman from a postman from the
uniform he wears. People also dress up in certain styles to suit different
occasions. A school uniform tells us where the wearer is going. An informal
style made up of jeans and T-shirt, for example, tells us that the wearer is
not going to school but for an outing.
Clothes also speak volumes about a person’s
age and even attitude. Young people go for everything western from jeans to
shoelaces. Sometimes or most of the time, youngsters strut about in outlandish
and outrageous costumes simply to make a statement, ‘I’m modern; I’m in’.
Sometimes, it is a rebellious statement and shows a refusal to conform. Young
and old alike go for designer labels and branded stuff so as not to be left
out. Some say they feel more confident, striding in expensive clothes. Then,
there are number of them who dress up just to show off a good figure or a good
pair of legs. Whatever, the reason, preference in clothing is closely tied up
with attitude and personality.
Finally, the business of dressing up people
has become a big-time industry. Clothes have made millionaires out of
designers, models, boutique owners and even publishers of glossy fashion
magazines. It is a source of income and a career option for the aspiring model
to the humble tailor. Names like Versace and Calvin Klein are living proof of
how clothes have changed the lives off people. Clothes and the clothing
industry have also inspired people to achieve heights of creativity never
before seen on the history or mankind.
In conclusion, we cannot deny that clothes
play a very important part in our lives. Clothing, like food, is a necessity.
But we must be careful not to become slaves of fashion. Keeping up with the
changing fashion trends can be both tiring and expensive. After all, clothes
are only a facade that hides the true worth of the wearer. Above all, clothes
must be affordable, comfortable and make the wearer presentable.
PRACTICE
1
Write a
composition on ‘Flowers’
COMPOSITION
OUTLINE
1. Introduction (Factual
Statements)
2. Flowers and their role in
maintaining ecosystem
3. Flowers as symbols –
romance, religions, ceremonies
4. Flowers in dressing
5. Flowers and business
potential
6. Conclusion (Reflection –
power of flowers)
ANSWER SCHEME
What would the world be like without the
beauty of flowers? Some flowers last, some fade after a while. Some are
remembered long after they wither from their tantalizing fragrance. Like human
beings, the beauty and life of flowers is transient unless they are captures in
poetry and painting.
Contrary to what most of us think, flowers
are not made solely to beautify the earth. Flowers do have a role and are part
of the ecosystem. In a more mundane manner, flowers are designed to attract
insects and birds to pollinate and fertilise so as to facilitate multiplication
in the natural world. In this respect, man being attracted contributes in this
grand design through gardening activities. Flowers whether grown in the garden,
in nurseries or in the wild are a part of our ecosystem.
Flowers throughout the ages have been used
extensively as powerful symbols. First and foremost, flowers are symbols of
beauty. Some poet said
‘My love is
like a red, red rose’. Flowers are also symbols of coyness. The celebrated
poet, William Wordsworth says his Lucy in his Lucy Poem collection, is like ‘a
violet beside a mossy stone’. Roses and carnations are symbols of love that
speak a thousand words and are sent on special occasions like birthdays,
anniversaries and Valentine’s Day. Flowers used in religious and cultural
ceremonies are symbols of purity and piety; white ones in Indian ceremonies and
yellow ones in Buddhist rites. They are also symbols of gaiety and are used to
bedeck floats, carriages and ceremonial structures in parades, processions,
parties and sports functions. At the other end of the spectrum, some flowers
such as chrysanthemums and frangipanis are symbols of grief and mourning. The
frangipanis that come with a dull heavy scent are used in floral wreaths.
Flowers are also used to enhance beauty.
Flowers on the hair, behind the ears, on hats and clothes are used in every
culture and corner of the earth to enhance the beauty of the wearer. Gypsies,
no matter how unkempt they may be, believe in the beauty of flowers. Flowers
are selected and grown to enhance the beauty of gardens and landscapes. They
are used in the decor of offices, hospitals, hotel lobbies and foyers. They
exude and air of radiance and a touch of gentleness, elegance and class. Flowers
adorn crockery pieces, flooring, wall tiles, bags, shoes and textiles. In
Malaysian hand-painted batik pieces, the floral motifs seem so real and alive
on the wearer’s body.
Growing flowers and selling flowers is big
business everywhere. Nurseries and florists have been sprouting to cater to
this craving to manifest the gentle and soft side of human nature. Temperate
countries like Belgium and the Netherlands rake in huge incomes from their
blooms of tulips and carnations. Temperate spots like our very own Cameron
Highlands, Fraser’s Hill and Penang Hill are doing well in the flower business.
Little known but gaining ground is the growing of flowers for food.
Flower-based products such as rose hip syrup and hibiscus juice are making
their mark in health circles.
In conclusion, flower power is not an
exaggeration. The power to send unspoken messages and expressions of love,
grief or happiness cannot be denied. The startling effect of flower is not a
myth. It is no wonder that many adorable female babies have been named after
flowers, the more popular ones being ‘Rose’ and ‘Lily’ and the less fancied,
‘Violet’ and ‘Daisy’.
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