STEP

I choose the novel Step by Wicked Step written by Anne Fine.  Love is important in a family. This is shown through Claudia, one of the characters in the novel (responding to the question).

First of all, it is clearly shown in the novel that Claudia loves her mother (stating point 1). She is loyal to her mother, and cares so much about her feelings especially after the divorce (elaborating point 1). For instance, she tries not to sound too happy when speaking to her father on the phone because she does not want to hurt her mother’s feelings. Besides, she also rejects Stella and refuses to enjoy her time with her father because she is loyal to her mother (giving examples to support point 1).

Apart from that, we can see that Claudia loves her father too (stating point 2). Even though her father has moved out of their house, leaving Claudia with her mother, they always keep in touch (elaborating point 2).  For example, Claudia’s father would call her on the phone to talk to her. Besides, Claudia would sometimes spend time with her father on weekends as well as on special days like Boxing Day (giving examples to support point 2).

Last but not least, this novel also shows that love is important in a family, when Claudia is finally able to accept stella as a step mother (stating point 3). Claudia is fair and sensible. She does not blame Stella for her parents’ divorce (elaborating point 3). At the dinner party, Claudia thinks that the guests are rude because they do not appreciate Stella’s hard work. She realizes that ignoring Stella would not help to solve the problem between her parents. Therefore, she tries to help Stella get accepted by showing off the green pyjamas that Stella has given to her, to the guests. This incident marks a new beginning in their relationship as a family (giving examples to support point 3).

In a nutshell, it is clearly shown in this novel that love is important in a family. Even though parents are separated, they have to make sure that the love between them and their children will last forever.

SALT

Why is common salt so important?

In its mineral form sodium chloride, NaCl, is known as common salt. It is important because it is essential to the health of human beings and of animals. For domestic use it is fined down to what is known as table-salt, and small quantities of other chemicals are added to it to keep it free-flowing when in contact with the atmosphere.

Salt and potassium are combined to produce iodised salt, used when iodine is lacking in diet. Its absence causes goitre, the swelling of the thyroid gland.

Livestock as well as humans need salt, and this provided in the form of solid blocks, known as 'salt-licks'. Salt is also crucial to the food industry. It is used in meat-packing sausage-making and fish-curing both for seasoning and as a preservative. It is also used in the curing and preserving of hides and in the form of brine for refrigeration purposes.

Salt is extensively used in the chemical industry; in the manufacture of baking soda, sodium bicorbonate; of caustic soda, sodium hydroxide; of hydrochloric acid, of chlorine etc. It is also used in soap-making, and in the manufacture of glaze and porcelain enamel. It also enters metallurgic processes as flux, a compound used to assist the fusing of metals.

Salt lowers the melting point of water, so in combination with grit, it is used for clearing roads of snow and ice. It is also used for water-softening by means of removing calcium and magnesium compounds from tap water.

THE GOLDEN AGE OF YOUTH

"The Golden Age of Youth"? Who coined up that expression?  Many of my friends' complaints seem to attest that their experiences of youth roughly match up with mine, that is, life as a youth is tough!

Firstly, being young automatically means that I have limited knowledge and no job skills, which means that no one will employ me for any worthwhile job. This means, clearly and simply, "No Independent Income". Obviously, this is a problem for me.

Unable to function without cash, I have to rely on my parents financially. Unable to buy a car, I have to rely on them for transport. Unable to buy a house, I have to rely on them for accommodation. This means, theoretically, that my parents are my Supreme Commanders. When they tell me to jump, I have to jump. In such a situation, I am deprived of the vital human right - Freedom.

Secondly, as long as you are not too old or too ill to walk, people will always be measuring you by your achievements. This is especially true for people in their youth. Parents, teachers, society and the government love to gauge us scholastically, physically, socially, morally and in whatever means they can think of. Thus, school examinations become so important that many of us will study hours on end to perform well in them.

Actually the pressure on us to perform well at all times is great. The pressure from our family gets stronger the older we grow. Since we started schooling, our parents have been comparing our test results with those of the children of their friends', who happen to be equally goal-orientated parents.

Then, there is the question of romance. Practically speaking, youth is the worst time to get romantically attached, because, as was earlier explained, we lack the time and money to maintain a special boy-girl relationship.

Yet, during our youth, we are at our peak; physically, we are at our most attractive. Furthermore, our hormones are swinging about wildly as we mature sexually. Unfortunately, this causes us to be more prone to getting involved in romantic relationships, which leads to heartache and causes us to perform badly in our examinations. I think that the government should have chosen a better time to set all the major examinations than at this time, don't you?

So, youth is a traumatic time. It is definitely not "golden". In my opinion, the idea of "The Golden Age of Youth" must have been an illusion dreamt up by someone foolhardy!                         

PASAR MALAM

One of the most interesting places in Malaysia is the night market. This is our very own ‘pasar malam’ in Malay. Both locals and foreigners agree that the night market is the most common feature in the local society.

The night market begins in the late afternoon. Vendors arrive in their vans and busily set up their stalls respectively in order to get ready for a brisk night of business. The sun gradually sets and the night market picks up momentum. More cars and vans are arriving. By now, the stalls are neatly and strategically arranged to entice their customers. There is an assortment of goods sold ranging from food, toys and clothes, to name a few. Most of the goods are sold at low and reasonable prices.

Large rainbow-coloured parasols are used to shade the people from rain and shine. A concoction of blaring music can be heard in the night market background amidst the constant shouting. It is an amazing kaleidoscope of sights, sounds, smells and colours.

The night market is known as a haven by local ‘gourmets’ who can enjoy various kinds of mouth-watering local cuisine. Still more people arrive, they come from all walks of life, mingling freely and harmoniously. Crowds are walking up and down in an endless stream. Some of them are stopping by the stalls and haggling before making purchases. Little children tag along, amused and excited. Sprinklings of tourists join in to experience the lifestyle of typical Malaysian folks. The night wears on and the traffic of people recedes. Vendors get a chance to rest their weary legs besides bantering with each other.

By 10.00 pm, all the stalls call it a day. The vendors pack up and close the van doors. One by one, they leave, leaving behind pieces of papers, plastic bags and discarded boxes. It is an eyesore! Finally, the night market disappears. The place becomes quiet and still once more.

FLYING IN THE AIR

My first flight in the air was the most exciting experience in my life. I took a journey  by air when I was 12 years old. It was an eleventh hour decision to go for the holiday and I count myself very lucky.

I was travelling form Kuala Lumpur to Melbourne by air. I entered the aeroplane in the morning. At first it was no better than getting into a car or bus. The noise of the machine made me feel that it was different. Soon the plane took off and rose in the air higher and higher. The buzzing sound which had fascinated me from ground now belonged to me. The things below looked so tiny.

The plane flew very fast rushing through the air without a bump or a jolt when all of a sudden bad weather overtook us. The plane began to swing from side to side but I felt happy like a bird swigging in the air. Some of the passengers moved about and felt sick. Some slept in their seats but I sat still with grave attention. I took the greatest pleasure in looking at the scenery of the different places as we passed over. Even the fluffy clouds and blue sky was fascinating!

After an hour’s flight we were told that we were passing over Indian Ocean which looked like a meadow from high in the air. It was a lovely sight. The ships below looked like toys which float in a tub of water. The blue sea on the right and left was simply enchanting.

My mum showed me how to use the remote for movies and games. Wow free unlimited usage! I found is as easy as a pie and was hooked. We had our dinner at our seats and we were introduced to the members of the plane crew. I was all ears. There was the chief pilot who commanded the plane. Then there was a co-pilot, a navigator and three belonging to the plane. One of them was an engineer, another radio expert and the third radioman. There were also pursers and air hostesses to look after the passengers.

I do not know when I fell asleep. My father woke me up. It seemed to be a big dash through the air. I was very anxious to get a glimpse of main land. But when we were approaching the landing zone, strong winds overtook us. Fog blinded our view. I was disappointed. Our plane finally touched down at the airport from where we drove off to our hotel. The whole flight had taken us nearly eight hours. It was a very interesting and exciting one indeed.

IF I HAD A TREASURE

If I had a lot of money, I would buy a house for my parents, preferably a bungalow, in a quiet town. My mother would have a state-of-the-art kitchen as she loves cooking. I would also get a maid to help her with the household chores. My dad will have his very own T V room equipped with the latest technology. I will ensure that my family is comfortably settled in this house.

The second thing I would do is to go on a world tour with my parents. To date, my parents have taken me on holiday trips. It has always been my dream to take them around instead. First, I would like to visit Europe, especially Italy, the city of romance. I would visit all the museums and buildings I have heard so much about. My next stop would be Hong Kong or China. There is something mystical about China and her people.

Apart from that, I could finally go on a shopping spree, which is my favourite pastime. Just imagine that for once in my life, I do not need to look at the prices of the items that I like. I could just shop till I literally drop. The salesgirls would be hovering near me with their latest outfits and my wish would be their command. Ah, I would not be ignored anymore as I walk into their stores!

Besides shopping, I would also remember the poor and the less fortunate. First, I would certainly build a better home for the orphans in my town. In fact, I would like to  sponsor their education till they could stand on their own.

Finally, I would not forget to take the opportunity to further my education as far as I can go.

They say that a fool and his money are soon parted. Thus, I would be very careful with how I spend my money. I would invest my money with my parents’ advice and keep some for rainy days.

BETTER LATE THAN NEVER

This proverb advises that it is better to do a thing belatedly than regretting for having failed to do it in time, thinking that it can’t be done again. Many times in life we either don’t get the opportunity or we miss the opportunity. During such times we should not worry about the lost opportunities but instead we should try to continue doing the job. Thus this proverb tells that noone should feel failure in doing something in time. Though it is late when he acts with all the vigor he can reap the success, for time is not a barrier for a talented man.

We should not think that youth is the appropriate time to achieve anything. It is not correct. It is foolish to think that one will have no capability to do something extraordinary in grown up age. Life is ceaseless and lots of opportunities would come in the way of life. Many people take up jobs very early in life. Such people do not have much scope for promotion since they may not have the correct educational qualification. But nowadays there are many schemes for this like distance education and Open University system education where they can join and get their required qualification. The most important thing is the person should have willingness to do certain thing. If he has the willingness even time will not be a constraint for him.