Book Review

1. Title of the book and author.

Book: “Tiger Eyes” Author: Judy Blume

2. What is the plot? (Describe the main events.)

Davey has never felt so alone. Her father is dead---shot in a holdup---and now her mother is moving the family to New Mexico to try to recover. Climbing in the Los Alamos canyon, Davey meets mysterious Wolf, who can read her “sad eye.” Wolf is the only person who seems to understand the rage and fear Davey feels. Slowly, with Wolf’s help, Davey realizes that she must get on with her life and she finally be ready to leave the past and move toward the future.

3. Did you like the book? Why did you like/dislike it?

I like this book really much, because the description of Davey’s mental activities is really vivid. The book would put me in the situation that the character is.

4. What was your favourite part and why?

Tiger Eyes met Wolf when climbing the canyon. They began to know about each other more and more. Wolf promised Tiger Eyes they will meet when “cuando los lagartijos corren” which means when the lizards run. I like this part because I think waiting is a process that need a lot of patient, and during this time, Davey start to be more strong and brave. Wolf is Davey’s Spiritual pillar。

5. If you could change something, what would it be and why?

Davey’s father didn't die at first, and the family together go to New Mexico. Davey will still meet her love Wolf. I want to change the story, because I don’t like tragedy in a story.

6. Would you recommend this book? What kind of person would enjoy this book? (E.g. brave people who like horror stories)

This is a book that most young people will enjoy.  The many emotions connected with Davey’s father's death—denial, fear, For one who has lost a parent and needs help in coming to grips with the situation, Tiger Eyes offers a chance of both comfort and growth.

                                                   

International Friendship Day

Name: Zhang Yining

Class: Perseverance 1

Date: 20/04/2014

Title: International Friendship Day

The International Friendship Day is dedicated to the understanding of Singapore’s relations with the neighbouring countries and beyond. Singapore is a country with many culture and races. Singapore does not have natural resources like many of the neighbouring countries do, therefore one of the strong act that Singapore needs to cultivate is the good relations in term of geopolitical with the countries around. This is also one effort to introduce to children the concept of global citizen.

On International Friendship Day we can learn knowledge and to understand other races’ culture. It’s easier for us to communicate with other countries’ people by understanding their custom. The school had a lot of activities on that day. The students try colourful and unique dressing up from different cultures and background.  The parents bring traditional food to school for us to taste. We have a lot of fun.

Through this event, I understand more cultures about other countries. I realise there have a lot of advantages of cultivating good international friendship with other countries. We can make more friends and we can learn knowledge. That's good! I interested in this a lot.

  

Reflection

Name: Zhang Yining

Class: Perseverance 1

Date: 23/03/2014

Title: Reflection on English 

Now is the March holiday. The common test was over. My heart final put down. The English test is the worst score I got in all the subjects. In fact, this news made me really disappointment. I always hope to get a good score in English, but the fact is, I need to put more effort in English. As I am an international student studying in Singapore. I know that I need to focus more in classes all the time. Now it’s time to improve.

The English lesson went well for me in Term 1. The teacher always have some interesting topics for us to learn. The lessons are full of knowledge and fun. In term 1, I think my deficiency is that I did not participate the class a lot. Afraid to speak in front of all the classmates. Afraid to have some accent that the teacher and the student don't understand. Afraid of my English skills are not good enough.

For me, so much to think in my future. I am an international student, I should put more effort. What I can do now in English are these points: First, confident. Second, concentrate. Third, contribute.

Confident. I need to always think that I am the best in English. I should not be afraid to express my English skills. Try to speak more, learn more and understand more.

Concentrate. The problem most of the students have. The homework lie on the desk, but we choose to play my favourite games on the lap top. When the class is going, we choose to chat with the classmates. How can we concentrate in study? The decision is made by you.

Contribute. We all have a beautiful life. Why not contribute some good memories in our life. At least in studying. When you are old, just realise to study and read book. Everything is late. Now, is the perfect time for us to contribute in studying. Focus and focus.

I want to thank my English teachers. They teach our class really well. All the time is patient and careful. In Term 2, I think the teacher can help me in my vocabulary and composition. They are the weakness I have in English, but I have the confidence to overcome them. These are my reflection in Term 1. Hope my English will improve a lot in Term 2.

Personal Recount for Chinese New Year

Name: Zhang Yining
Class: Perseverance 1
Date: 01/02/2014
Title: Personal Recount for CNY

Chinese New Year. How to explain? A traditional Chinese festival. China people celebrate chinese new year since thousands years ago, till now a lot of traditional custom are still keeping. I am as a Chinese. So I can more understand why Chinese people do things on chinese new year.

Fireworks. That is the thing that every home and family would do. China have a legend, the people use firecracker's loud sound to drive a monster away. The monster is called "Nian".This year I celebrate chinese new year in singapore, so I didn't hear one sound of the fireworks. I think Singapore didn't do that because the air-pollution. The firecrackers made a lot of flame.

Dumplings. This food is the one thing that chinese new year must have. I can promise china have 99% families will eat the dumping when chinese new year is coming. The dumping could have different types. The pork-celery one. the beef-carrot one and so on. Whatever you want to eat. Sometimes, we put coins in some dumpling. And the people who eat the coin-dumpling will have the good luck all the year. This year my mom make a lot of dumpling and she only put 6 coins in them. Finally, I got two! I was so happy. Hope that I will have a good lick all the year.

Link of the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Za7N8_hPHmA&feature=youtu.be

               http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Apl2f1r-slo&feature=youtu.be

The e-mail to the sibling

Name: Zhang Yining
Class: Perseverance 1
Date: 01/02/2014
Title: An E-mail to the sibling


 To: 760380629@qq.com
 Subject: Little India Riot

 

Dear Tommy,

How is the going in Australia? Today I got no extra lessons, so I just write a letter to you. I was just join the secondary school, so I need to adapt a lot of things. You're right in Australia? I think you did. You always make the family proud of you. Heard of that you got the scholarship in the universe again. Haha, congrats! Our mom and dad miss you a lot. So do I. These days Singapore happened a lot of things. The Little India Riot.

  

 On 8th Dec 2013, an Indian man called sakthival kumaravelu, 33 years old run over by a private bus. After the accident happened. Around 300 Indian people and a few Singaporeans gather. When the police came, someone who were drunk even throw the beer bottle and the trash to the police and burn 5 ambulances. The riot till 5 a.m almost cool off and end.

 I feel like the people were so impulse. And the matter was none of their business. And they just made the accident even bigger. Tommy, if you are in Singapore what will think about this matter, angry?  Hope the matter like this won't happen again. Mom, dad and I all go well. Don't worry. Love you.

 Love.

 Yining

PACC letter(draft 2)

Name: Zhang Yining

Class: perseverance 1

Date: 01/02/2014

Title: PACC letter (draft 2, form spell, punctuation)

Block 344

Ang Mo Kio

#04-02

Singapore 567741

Dear Tommy,

  How is the going in Australia? Today I got no extra lessons, so I just write a letter to you. I was just join the secondary school, so I need to adapt a lot of things. You're right in Australia? I think you did. You always make the family proud of you. Heard of that you got the scholarship in the universe again. Haha, congrats! Our mom and dad miss you a lot. So do I. These days Singapore happened a lot of things. The Little India Riot.

  

 On 8th Dec 2013, an Indian man called sakthival kumaravelu, 33 years old run over by a private bus. After the accident happened. Around 300 Indian people and a few Singaporeans gather. When the police came, someone who were drunk even throw the beer bottle and the trash to the police and burn 5 ambulances. The riot till 5 a.m almost cool off and end.

 I feel like the people were so impulse. And the matter was none of their business. And they just made the accident even bigger. Tommy, if you are in Singapore what will think about this matter, angry?  Hope the matter like this won't happen again. Mom, dad and I all go well. Don't worry. Love you.

 Love, 
 Yining

PACC letter

Name: Zhang Yining
Class: perseverance 1
Date: 01/02/2014
Title: PACC letter

Dear Tommy,

  How is the going in Australia? Today I got no extra lessons, so I just write a letter to you. I was just join the secondary school, so I need to adapt a lot of things. You're right in Australia? I think you did. You always make the family proud of you. Heard of that you got the scholarship in the univers again. Haha, congrats! Our mom and dad miss you a lot. So do I. These days Singapore happened a lot of things. The Little India Riot.
  
 On 8th Dec 2013, a Indian man called sakthival kumaravelu, 33 years old run over by a private bus. After the accident happened. Around 300 Indian people and a few Singaporeans gather. When the police came, someone who were drunk even throw the beer bottle and the trash to the police and burn 5 ambulances. The riot till 5 a.m almost cool off and end.

 I feel like the people were so impulse. And the matter was non of their business. And they just made the accident even bigger. Tommy, if you are in Singapore what will think about this matter, angry?  Hope the . matter like this won't happen again. Mom, dad and me all go well. Don't worry. Love you.

 Love, Yining

Movie Review

Name: Zhang Yining 
Class: Perseverance 1
Date: 01/02/2014
Title: Movie Review
  

Chong Boon Secondary School English Department Movie Review

 

 Name: Zhang Yining (32)          Class: Perseverance 1             Date: 31/01/2014

Title of movie: Rise of the Guardians

Describe the most exciting/memorable part of the movie. Why do you like it?  The most memorable part of movie for me is that Jake Frost, Tooth Fairy, Sandy, Easter Bunny and Santa together to defeat the Pitch. The reason I like this part is because I can feel their friendship gather at one unit and to defeat the enemy.

If you could rewrite one part of the movie, which part would it be and why? How would you like to rewrite it?  The part of the movie that I like to rewrite is that when Sandy and Pitch fighting, Sandy died, because the power of Pitch is stronger and stronger. After Sandy died, the kids began to have the nightmare that is all caused by Pitch. If I rewrite I will write when Sandy and Pitch fighting, Sandy got injured and still keeping protecting the kinds dream at night. That can prove how Sandy love the kids and how much he contribute.

List 3 new words that you have picked up from watching the movie. Perishable Leprechaun  Grumpy Eternity Intimidating

Autobiography(draft 4)Final product

Name: Zhang Yining
Class: Perseverance 1
Date: 26 Jan 2014
Title: Autobiography (Draft 4, writing techniques) Final product

  My name is Zhang Yining. I am 13 years old. I come from Harbin-northeast China. I am very proud of my hometown. My city is really cold, there is the coldest city in northeast China. I went to Singapore for a better education that is why I study so hard to join in the government school in Singapore. One thing, I can strike while the iron is hot. That’s my advantage. I am a person that the salt of the earth.

  My favourite colour are yellow and black. My favourite food is Chinese traditional food. And my face looks really cool and unkindly, but once you know me I am really warm and friendly. I don't have one friend that is really close and good. I like math and I love all the teachers. I hope to be good at all the English language subject in secondary school.

  I have many hobbies, but I like running best. I always practice running in the school field. I felt stress free when I was running with my friends. Once I have won the Gold medal for 100 meters' competition in the School Sports Day. My classmates were all proud of me. I also do well in playing violin. I have already practiced it for past six years. I received many awards too. Like the gold award in 2010 School's Musical Instrument Competition. And passed my level 8 violin at the Shanghai Conservatory of Music Exam. To my parents, they are satisfied with my result, however, I hope one day I can achieve a higher recognition.

  My ambitious. I love to run. I am so determined to become a runner when I won a Gold Medal in a inter school sport competition. I love the applause when I touched the final line. Singapore is a garden city which has many parks. Now, I make a day of practice my running at Bishan Park.

  Finally, I want to say that I am really happy and enjoy to join Chong Bone Secondary School with many friendly friends, they gave me respect and support. I will try my best to arrive the peak of myself.

Struggles and how I overcome(draft 3, final product)

Name: Zhang Yining

Class: Perseverance 1

Date: 26 Jan 2014

Title: Struggles and how I overcome (draft 3, writing techniques) Final product

  ‘I can’t do this!’ I wept. I was poring over my Mathematics textbook, and as usual, I could barely make head or tail of the formulas and models within. Most of my friends sought out private tuition when the going got tough in school. However, my family could ill afford the expenses, I was on my own. After ages of futile studying, I finally sought out my Mathematics teacher.

  ‘Miss Lim,’ I began, ‘I want to drop Mathematics as a Final Examination of Primary School subject. .It’s too difficult for me.’

  Miss Lim paused, and then said, ‘you need to pass this subject in your final exams, no matter what it takes. It’s essential for entry into many post-secondary courses of study. You shouldn’t give up so easily.

  I was so surprised, as I had expected Miss Lim to simply agree to my request. Quickly, she drew up a chair next to her, gestured to me to sit down, and opened her textbook. That day, I sat down to a three-hour-long remedial session with her. I was touched by her refusal to give up on me, and that drove me not to give up on myself. Mathematics was just another challenge in my schooling life. I would not succumb to it.

  I began to seek hours of help each week from Miss Lim, and spent even longer time at home on extra practices. Every day, I burn the midnight oil. It was a process that took an infinite amount of endurance. However, two months later, I finally passed my first class test. The impossible finally seemed a little possible.

  In the winkling of an eye, the exam was drawing near. It was during my Preliminary Examinations that I truly realised how far I had come. I was surprised to find myself doing the sums with ease. I even feel like it was child’s play. When the scripts were returned two weeks later, Miss Lim smiled and congratulated me on my first ‘A’ grade.

  I could not wipe the grin off my face. I thanked her profusely, and felt deeply proud of myself. I had done it! With Miss Lim’s help, I had learnt that perseverance and good hard work were often the best solutions to seemingly impossible.

The story of a file (draft 3) Final product

Name: Zhang Yining

Class: Perseverance 1

Date: 26 Jan 2014

Title: Story of a file (draft 3, writing techniques)  Final product

  “Mom! Look at that file. That’s so pretty. There have flowers and Barbie on it! I want it!” I gaze the family took my beautiful sister away. Now, what can I do? Just stand there and waiting and waiting.
 

 I was a file, an ugly file. My skin are grey and black. I stand in the bookstore shelf day and night. No one want to buy me. The girls all pick the pink and cute one. The boys all pick the file with cars and cool pattern on them. I just stand there, wait, wait and wait……

  A red letter day, a boy change my life. He pick me away from the shelf, pay me and bring me to his room. He write his big name on my skin. And put all the messy test papers in my body. It’s my first time fill something in my body, its feels good. At least I have something to do in my life. The boy bring me to school every day. Put me on the desk, I meet a lot of friends in the class. They are all colourful, pink, yellow, blue… I wonder why the boy pick me. Will he abandon me one day?

  The time flies really fast, one term ended. I carried a lot of papers. Now I look so dirty and tired. The boy stared at me and shake his head. He took all the papers away from me and throw me to the corner of the room. He doesn't need me anymore. He even doesn't try to wash me or clean me. I will be as normal if he take me a bath. But the truth is he did not do that.

  I lie on the floor, cold and tired. Now no one even look at me. I am so lonely. Everyday just build castle in the air. One day the boy throw another blue file to the corner again. He looks also really tired. ‘Hi!’ I began. ‘He give up on us’ he said weakly. ‘Yes. But we don’t have any choice.’ We both sigh……

  If the boy can clean us, if when he use us can take more care, if…… we would not like this now. The tears flow down on my face, I am so tired and lonely, it’s time to leave the boy now, and I am so sorry that I cannot be forever with you now.  Even though you give up me now, but you are still the first person who let me know the feeling to carry something in my body. I was so happy when I with you in the classroom.

   At the eleventh hour……Bye, my boy, my dear boy. 

The story of a file (draft 2)

Name: Zhang Yining

Class: Perseverance 1

Date: 25 Jan 2014

Title: Story of a file (draft 2, paragraph)  

  I was a file, an ugly file. My skin are grey and black. I stand in the bookstore shelf day and night. No one want to buy me. The girls all pick the pink and cute one. The boys all pick the file with cars and cool pattern on them. I just stand there, wait, wait and wait……

  One day, a boy change my life. He pick me away from the shelf, pay me and bring me to his room. He write his big name on my skin. And put all the messy test papers in my body. It’s my first time fill something in my body, its feels good. At least I have something to do in my life. The boy bring me to school every day. Put me on the desk, I meet a lot of friends in the class. They are all colourful, pink, yellow, blue… I wonder why the boy pick me. Will he abandon me one day?

  The time flies really fast, one term ended. I carried a lot of papers. Now I look so dirty and tired. The boy stared at me and shake his head. He put all the papers away from me and throw me to the corner of the room. He doesn’t need me anymore. He even doesn’t try to wash me or clean me. I will be as normal if he take me a bath. But the truth is he did not do that.

  I lie on the floor, cold and tired. Now no one even look at me. I am so lonely. One day the boy throw another blue file to the corner again. He looks also really tired. ‘Hi!’ I began. ‘He give up on us’ he said weakly. ‘Yes. But we don’t have any choice.’ We both sigh……

  If the boy can clean us, if when he use us can take more care, if…… we would not like this now. The tears flow down on my face, I am so tired and lonely, it’s time to leave the boy now, and I am so sorry that I cannot be forever with you now.  Even though you give up me now, but you are still the first person who let me know the feeling to carry something in my body. I was so happy when I with you in the classroom.

   Bye, my boy, my dear boy. 

Mind map for Chap 31 personal letters

Name: Zhang Yining

Class: Perseverance 1

Date: 23 Jan 2014

Title: Mind map for personal letters

Mind map for Chap 27 factual recount

Name: Zhang Yining

Class: Perseverance 1

Date: 23 Jan 2014

Title: Mind map for factual recount

Mind map for Chap 25 narrative

Name: Zhang Yining

Class: Perseverance 1

Date: 23 Jan 2014

Title: Mind map for narrative

Struggles and how I overcome (draft 2)

Name: Zhang Yining

Class: Perseverance 1

Date: 23 Jan 2014

Title: Struggles and how I overcome (draft 2, paragraph, spell, punctuation)

  ‘I can’t do this!’ I wept. I was poring over my Mathematics textbook, and as usual, I could barely make head or tail of the formulas and models within. Most of my friends sought out private tuition when the going got tough in school. However, my family could ill afford the expense, I was on my own. After ages of futile studying, I finally sought out my Mathematics teacher.

  ‘Miss Lim,’ I began, ‘I want to drop Mathematics as a Final Examination of Primary School subject. It’s too difficult for me.’

  Miss Lim paused, and then said, ‘You need to pass this subject in your final exams, no matter what it takes. It’s essential for entry into many post-secondary courses of study. You shouldn't give up so easily.’

  I was so surprised, I had expected Miss Lim to simply agree to my request. Quickly, she drew up a chair next to her, gestured to me to sit down, and opened her textbook. That day, I sat down to a three-hour-long remedial session with her. I was touched by her refusal to give up on me, and that drove me not to give up on myself. Mathematics was just another challenge in my schooling life. I would not succumb to it.

  I began to seek hours of help each week from Miss Lim, and spent even longer time at home on extra practices. It was a process that took infinite endurance. However, two months later, I finally passed my first class test. The impossible finally seemed a little possible.

  It was during my Preliminary Examinations that I truly realised how far I had come. I was surprised to find myself doing the sums with ease. When the scripts were returned two weeks later, Miss Lim smilingly congratulated me on my first ‘A’ grade.

  I could not keep the grin off my face. I thanked her profusely, and felt deeply proud of myself. I had done it! With Miss Lim’s help, I had learnt that perseverance and good hard work were often the best solutions to seemingly unbeatable challenges. 

Autobiography(draft 3)

Name: Zhang Yining
Class: Perseverance 1
Date: 23 Jan 2014
Title: Autobiography (Draft 3, paragraph)

  My name is Zhang Yining. I am 13 years old. I come from Harbin-northeast China. I am very proud of my hometown. My city is really cold, there is the coldest city in northeast China. I went to Singapore for a better education that is why I study so hard to join in the government school in Singapore.

  My favourite colour are yellow and black. My favourite food is Chinese traditional food. And my face looks really cool and unkindly, but once you know me I am really warm and friendly. I don't have one friend that is really close and good. I like math and I love all the teachers. I hope to be good at all the English language subject in secondary school.

  I have many hobbies, but I like running best. I always practice running in the school field. I felt stress free when I was running with my friends. Once I have won the Gold medal for 100 meters' competition in the School Sports Day. My classmates were all proud of me. I also do well in playing violin. I have already practiced it for past six years. I received many awards too. Like the gold award in 2010 School's Musical Instrument Competition. And passed my level 8 violin at the Shanghai Conservatory of Music Exam. To my parents, they are satisfied with my result, however, I hope one day I can achieve a higher recognition.

  My ambitious. I love to run. I am so determined to become a runner when I won a Gold Medal in a inter school sport competition. I love the applause when I touched the final line. Singapore is a garden city which has many parks. Now, I practice my running at Bishan Park.

  Finally, I want to say that I am really happy and enjoy to join Chong Bone Secondary School with many friendly friends, they gave me respect and support. I will try my best to arrive the peak of myself.

Mind map for Chap 25

Name: Zhang Yining
Class: Perseverance 1
Date: 23 Jan 2014
Title: Mind map for Chap 25

Autobiography (draft 2)

Name: Zhang Yining
Class: Perseverance 1
Date: 22 Jan 2014
Title: Autobiography (Draft 2, spell and punctuation)

  My name is Zhang Yining. I am 13 years old. I come from Harbin-northeast China. I am very proud of my hometown. My city is really cold, there is the coldest city in northeast China. I went to Singapore for a better education that is why I study so hard to join in the government school in Singapore.

  I have many hobbies, but I like running best. I always practice running in the school field. I felt stress free when I was running with my friends. Once I have won the Gold medal for 100 meters' competition in the School Sports Day. My classmates were all proud of me. I also do well in playing violin. I have already practiced it for past six years. I received many awards too. Like the gold award in 2010 School's Musical Instrument Competition. And passed my level 8 violin at the Shanghai Conservatory of Music Exam. To my parents, they are satisfied with my result, however, I hope one day I can achieve a higher recognition.

  My ambitious. I love to run. I am so determined to become a runner when I won a Gold Medal in a inter school sport competition. I love the applause when I touched the final line. Singapore is a garden city which has many parks. Now, I practice my running at Bishan Park.

  Finally, I want to say that I am really happy and enjoy to join Chong Bone Sec School. With many friendly friends, they gave me respect and support. I will try my best to arrive the peak of myself.

  My favourite colour are yellow and black. My favourite food is Chinese traditional food. And my face looks really cool and unkindly, but once you know me I am really warm and friendly. I don't have one friend that is really close and good.
I like math and I love all the teachers. I hope to be good in all the English language subject in secondary school.

Mind Map for Personal Recount

Name: Zhang Yining

Class: Perseverance 1

Date: 19 Jan 2014

Title: Mind map for Chap 24

The story of a file(draft 1)

Name: Zhang Yining

Class: Perseverance 1

Date: 18 Jan 2014

Title: Story of a file(draft 1)  

  I was a file, an ugly file. My skin are grey and black. I stand in the bookstore shelf day and night. No one want to buy me. The girls all pick the pink and cute one. The boys all pick the file with cars and cool pattern on them. I just stand there, wait, wait and wait……

  One day, a boy change my life. He pick me away from the shelf, pay me and bring me to his room. He write his big name on my skin. And put all the messy test papers in my body. It’s my first time fill something in my body, its feels good. At least I have something to do in my life. The boy bring me to school every day. Put me on the desk, I meet a lot of friends in the class. They are all colourful, pink, yellow, blue… I wonder why the boy pick me. Will he abandon me one day?

  The time flies really fast, one term ended. I carried a lot of papers. Now I look so dirty and tired. The boy stared at me and shake his head. He put all the papers away from me and throw me to the corner of the room. He doesn’t need me anymore. He even doesn’t try to wash me or clean me. I will be as normal if he take me a bath. But the truth is he did not do that.

  I lie on the floor, cold and tired. Now no one even look at me. I am so lonely. One day the boy throw another blue file to the corner again. He looks also really tired. ‘Hi!’ I began. ‘He give up on us’ he said weakly. ‘Yes. But we don’t have any choice.’ We both sigh……

  If the boy can clean us, if when he use us can take more care, if…… we would not like this now. The tears flow down on my face, I am so tired and lonely, it’s time to leave the boy now, and I am so sorry that I cannot be forever with you now.  Even though you give up me now, but you are still the first person who let me know the feeling to carry something in my body. I was so happy when I with you in the classroom. Bye, my boy, my dear boy. 

Struggles and how I overcome(draft 1)

Name: Zhang Yining

Class: Perseverance 1

Date: 18 Jan 2014

Title: Struggles and how I overcome (draft 1)

  ‘I can’t do this!’ I wept. I was poring over my Mathematics textbook, and as usual, I could barely make head or tail of the formulas and models within. Most of my friends sought out private tuition when the going got tough in school. However, my family could ill afford the expense, I was on my own. After ages of futile studying, I finally sought out my Mathematics teacher. ‘Miss Lim,’ I began, ‘I want to drop Mathematics as a Final Examination of Primary School subject. It’s too difficult for me.Miss Lim paused, and then said, ‘You need to pass this subject in your final exams, no matter what it takes. It’s essential for entry into many post-secondary courses of study. You shouldn’t give up so easily. I was so surprised, I had expected Miss Lim to simply agree to my request. Quickly, she drew up a chair next to her, gestured to me to sit down, and opened her textbook. That day, I sat down to a three-hour-long remedial session with her. I was touched by her refusal to give up on me, and that drove me not to give up on myself. Mathematics was just another challenge in my schooling life. I would not succumb to it.I began to seek hours of help each week from Miss Lim, and spent even longer time at home on extra practices. It was a process that took infinite endurance. However, two months later, I finally passed my first class test. The impossible finally seemed a little possible. It was during my Preliminary Examinations that I truly realised how far I had come. I was surprised to find myself doing the sums with ease. When the scripts were returned two weeks later, Miss Lim smilingly congratulated me on my first ‘A’ grade. I could not keep the grin off my face. I thanked her profusely, and felt deeply proud of myself. I had done it! With Miss Lim’s halo, I had learnt that perseverance and good hard work were often the best solutions to seemingly unbeatable challenges.