Practice: English Paper 1 — Reading & Use of English

“Effective learners don’t chase grades alone; their habits and mindset set them apart. They stay curious, manage their time well, and balance study with rest and activities. Challenges are treated as chances to improve, not dead ends.”

SUNNY CRUMBS BAKERY — We’re a friendly local chain with 8 outlets known for breads, pastries and celebration cakes. We’re hiring Bakery Assistants for our Lakeview and Hilltop branches. Requirements:

• Communicate in English and Malay.
• Responsible, patient and a strong team player.
• Assist bakers with weighing, mixing and prepping ingredients.
• Minimum 2 years’ experience required.

Headquarters: 12 Market Road. To apply, email resume to hiring@sunnycrumbs.example or call 015-7755009.

Child: That water slide was epic! It felt like we were zooming through space!
Parent: I could hear you laughing all the way down.
Child: The best bit was blasting through the glowing tunnel with the lights!
Parent: Were you scared at all?
Child: Only at the top when we looked down. After that it was amazing!

To: counselor@school.example
From: jamal@student.example
Subject: Request for guidance

Dear Puan Farah,
As exams approach, I’ve been feeling very anxious. I study hard, but the worry makes it difficult to focus. Could I meet you to learn strategies to manage this? I’m free Friday at 3.00 p.m.

Thank you,
Jamal

Hello everyone! Club updates at Riverview College:
1) Art Club — hosting an open gallery this Friday featuring students’ artworks from across the school.
2) Debate Society — preparing for a debate next month; research and practice underway.
3) Music Club — rehearsing for an autumn concert with classical and pop pieces.
Check the noticeboard for details.

To: Alex
Subject: Family trip idea

How about a beach resort for our year-end break? The forecast looks sunny, and we can relax from 20 December to 5 January. Your sisters are in! Pack your swimsuit and shades—we’ll make great memories.

Love, Mom

EarthCare Alliance — Our mission is to protect Earth’s living systems.
1) Safeguard biodiversity by creating and maintaining parks and reserves.
2) Cut pollution by reducing food waste and plastic use, and by practising the 3Rs (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle).
Join us to keep our planet healthy!

Best-sellers for kids!
1) Color Splash Hair Chalk — add temporary colour and volume for fun, eye-catching styles.
2) Crunchy Cereal Sippers — drink milk through edible, fruit‑flavoured straws; tasty and playful!
3) Junior Pop Playlist — sing along to kid‑friendly hits; perfect for birthdays and family nights.

Plants are remarkable organisms that live (0) ______ our planet, each with unique traits that continue to amaze scientists. (9) ______ the lens of science, we uncover their wonders from deserts to cloud forests.

First, plants support human well‑being. Houseplants and gardens calm our minds, while crops feed communities. Many species (10) ______ complex relationships with pollinators and soil microbes. Their presence (11) ______ shade, beauty and cleaner air.

Plants also stabilise ecosystems. Deep roots hold soil together, thus (12) ______ erosion. Forests (13) ______ shape landscapes and regulate water cycles.

Moreover, research on plants has led to major (14) ______ in agriculture and medicine. Discoveries in plant genetics and chemistry (15) ______ both people and wildlife.

Throughout history, plants have been (16) ______ in art, literature and folklore, symbolising growth, resilience and renewal. Their (17) ______ to inspire us is undeniable.

In conclusion, plants are not only vital (18) ______ of Earth but also essential to our cultures and future.

Maya Rowan, photographer and songwriter, finds a new calling

I arrived for my interview and was asked to wait by the garden. Moments later Maya appeared, crossing the path in a casual linen suit that somehow looked runway‑ready. She greeted me warmly and said, “Let’s chat in my studio,” but led me not to the house—rather to a tiny refurbished caravan beside it. Inside, the scent of fresh cinnamon rolls filled the space. A tray of brightly iced cupcakes waited on a small table, as if we were about to play tea parties in a secret den.

Maya trained first as a make‑up artist and left her village at nineteen to make a name in London as a designer. She soon found work in adverts and fashion shoots. “I went to Japan for a short contract,” she recalled. “Everyone was kind, but it was a lot to take in at nineteen. If I’d stayed longer, I might have settled in better.”

Alongside the shoots, Maya made contacts in music. “I was the kid singing with a hairbrush,” she laughed. A first girl band fizzled out, then she became lead singer of a group called Neon Harbour that appeared on a best‑selling pop album. Unusually, she also sang with two other bands—one in Stockholm and one in London—each with its own sound.

Her work with Neon Harbour led to a songwriting job in Sweden, and then to composing for her own group. During her first stay there, however, she misjudged the ladder to a tall loft bed, slipped and cracked three ribs. “The hospital staff were lovely, but I had to stay put for a while. Laughing—or singing—hurt at first!”

While recovering, Maya planned what she called “retro markets.” Snow was falling outside, and she wanted something cheerful to look forward to. The first market, held in her home village, offered stalls with 1950s‑style clothes and crafts. Three hundred people came. “It was meant to be a one‑off,” she said, “but the compliments kept coming, so I organised more. Old things have character—and it fits the idea of reusing what we already have.”

How Culture Changes One’s Mind
Culture shapes how we think, feel and act. When we encounter different cultures, our minds can change in powerful ways.

Imagine travelling to a foreign country for the first time. Everything seems different: food, language and greetings. [27] This experience can open your mind and help you see the world differently.

One way culture changes us is by teaching new ways to solve problems. In some places, people decide collectively. [28] Experiencing both approaches makes you more flexible and creative.

Food also widens our outlook. Trying new dishes can transform our tastes. You might discover you love sushi or tacos. [29]

Learning another language doesn’t just add vocabulary; it introduces a new way of thinking. [30] This often leads to greater empathy and understanding.

Celebrations and holidays influence us too. [31] Joining Diwali in India, for instance, highlights the message of light over darkness and good over evil.

Meeting people from different cultures challenges stereotypes. [32] With time you become more compassionate and open‑minded.

Looking for practical workout gear? Here are some ideas.

1. Speed Rope Pro — A packable cardio tool with adjustable thick/thin cables and five colour options. Exercise anytime, anywhere.
2. Trail Pouch Belt — Carry essentials hands‑free while running, walking or hiking. Water‑resistant fabric stands up to all weather.
3. Rapido Run 200 — A new road‑running shoe that’s smoother and softer than before. Designed for strong support and a moderately cushioned feel to reduce injury risk on short or long runs.
4. HydraTrail Bottle — Soft, easy‑fit belt plus gel slots; BPA‑free and holds up to 1.5 litres—enough for short trail runs.
5. AirBeat Wireless Earbuds — Budget‑friendly earbuds that last 8+ hours, with 32 extra hours in the case. Eight colours and a snug in‑ear fit—functional and stylish.
6. NatureFuel Protein Bars — More flavours than you can count on one hand, about 20g protein per bar, low‑carb and organic. You can snack without guilt.