4NA English Language Booklet (Notes for Paper 1)

4/5 Shared English Resources 2023 English Language Syllabus A (1190) [Summarised Language Booklet] This document was written by Pan Yijie. Any queries should be forwarded to the author directly. Dear student, This document was written to assist you in preparing for the GCE ‘N(A)’ Level English examinations. Each word or phrase is accompanied by its definition as well as a usage example. Additionally, sample essays and other notes are attached towards the end. This booklet is free to distribute. Any queries with materials that are published by other sources should be forwarded to the respective authors directly. (refer to the next page for acknowledgements) This booklet consists of 18 printed pages and 2 blank pages. This booklet belongs to ___________________ ( ). You got this! - Yijie

4/5 Shared English Resources Syllabus 1190 2 [Turn over] Table of contents Pages 3 to 8: Words/Phrases with definitions and usage examples. Pages 9 to 10: Word Bank (adapted from SGExams) Pages 11 to 13: Argumentative essay example Pages 14 to 15: Hybrid essay example Pages 16 to 17: Additional words with definitions Page 18: Situational writing notes Page 19 to 20: Blank pages Acknowledgements Definitions – Cambridge Dictionary Page 9 & 10 – Resources removed due to copyright restrictions. Thank you to all other individuals who have contributed.

4/5 Shared English Resources Syllabus 1190 3 [Turn over] At the eleventh hour Definition: the last moment or almost too late; Usage example: You should not do things at the eleventh hour, such as rushing your Specimen Paper Essay assignment hours before it is due. Ameliorate Definition: to make a bad or unpleasant situation better; Usage example: Darron was reprimanded by his art teacher for not submitting his assignments punctually. Subsequently, he decided to ameliorate the situation by going out with his friends for some ice cream after school. Vacillate Definition: To be indecisive Usage example: When Mr Phoon brought his students out to the ice cream vendor, Chandily vacillated, “Should I have chocolate, or vanilla today?” A far cry // as different as night and day // worlds apart Definition: Used to describe something very different from the other. Usage examples: Technology today is a far cry from what it was decades ago. Smartphones didn’t even exist back then. The N(A) and O-Level syllabuses for Additional Mathematics are as different as night and day. One would have to put in plenty of effort to bridge the gap in Secondary 5. Tanishq and Yijie’s personal preferences are worlds apart. While the former prefers McDonald’s, the latter would rather grab a bite at the hawker centre.

4/5 Shared English Resources Syllabus 1190 4 [Turn over] Alacrity Definition: Brisk and cheerful readiness Usage example: As Mr Phoon makes his way to class, the students looked forward to English lessons with alacrity. Skyrocket Definition: increase exponentially Usage example: Sales of ADLV shirts have skyrocketed. Avid buyers like Tanishq can’t wait to get one at the earliest opportunity. Nosedive Definition: decrease exponentially Usage example: Aqueous’s English prelim results took a nosedive from WA1. Turns out, he failed his paper 2. The ball is now in someone’s court Definition: it is time for someone to deal with a problem/make a decision, as others have already done as much as they can; Usage example: Dany’s art teacher had been helping him as much as possible for his coursework. The ball is now in his court, should he put in extraordinary effort, he could get an A1! Water under the bridge Definition: used to refer to events that are in the past and no longer important. Usage example: Nicole expresses fustration, “Bruh, I did not get the Taylor Swift tickets..” However, it’s water under the bridge, as all have already been sold out.

4/5 Shared English Resources Syllabus 1190 5 [Turn over] Burn bridges // burn one’s bridge Definition: To do something/anger someone to where you cannot go back to how things were and cannot expect help in the future. Usage example: Hilmi and Haney have burnt their bridges, now they don’t even talk. Rain or shine Definition: whether it rains or not; whatever the weather Usage example: Rain or shine, Kah Hou would still cycle to school in the morning as it is more convenient than public transport. Fly off the handle Definition: lose one’s temper suddenly and unexpectedly Usage example: Tanishq flew off the handle after finding out that the owner of Uncle Shop had scammed him. Evocative Definition: bringing strong images, memories, or feelings to mind. Usage example: The song “Super Shy” by NewJeans recently gained traction for its evocative and catchy lyrics. When life gives you lemons, make lemonade. Definition: to make the best out of difficult situations Usage example: When Yijie was suspended from attending school, he decided to embrace the philosophy of: “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade,” using the time at home to study for his upcoming national examinations.

4/5 Shared English Resources Syllabus 1190 6 [Turn over] Once in a blue moon Definition: a rare occurrence // happens rarely Usage example: Once in a blue moon does a student achieve an A1 in the ‘O’ Level Elementary Mathematics examination due to grade standardisation. Inutile Definition: Useless // Pointless Usage example: Some would say that detentions are inutile, as students still come late and disregard the school rules. On tenterhooks Definition: In a state of nervousness/suspense about a future event. Usage example: Chan Le was on tenterhooks during his POA examination, as he had forgotten the Objectivity and Matching theory, costing him 4 marks. Vociferate Definition: To shout, complain or argue loudly. Usage example: Hilmi began to vociferate when his classmates talked about the previous individual he loved. Inundate Definition: overwhelm someone with something Usage example: Although it’s our September holidays, the school still inundated us with homework and academic support.

4/5 Shared English Resources Syllabus 1190 7 [Turn over] Cornerstone Definition: an important quality or feature on which a particular thing depends or is based. Usage example: The GCE N(A) Level examination is the cornerstone for Secondary 5 eligibility. Ubiquitous Definition: present, appearing or found everywhere Usage example: During the 2023 Presidential Election, Tharman Shamugaratnam’s posters are ubiquitous on the streets! Indubitable Definition: undeniable, unquestionable Usage example: It is indubitable that Hilmi likes burgers. He munches on one everyday! Malicious Definition: intending or intended to cause harm. Usage example: Presidential candidate Tan Kin Lian suggested his followers to delete malicious comments that are against him for his portrayal of women amidst his criticism for his portrayal of women. Tyro Definition: a beginner or novice. Usage example: Xiao Hu was a tyro to cycling, he fell a couple of times while attempting to cycle in the carpark.

4/5 Shared English Resources Syllabus 1190 8 [Turn over] Abysmal Definition: extremely bad; appalling Usage example: The quality of Xiao Ming’s art homework was abysmal. Insipid Definition: lacking flavour; weak or tasteless Usage example: The coffee that Xiao Ming purchased at the Starbucks outlet was insipid. He almost threw up! Cupidity Definition: greed for money or possessions Usage example: Xiao Han’s cupidity is at an all time high. Despite owning two luxury cars, he wants more! Epitome Definition: a standard or typical example Usage example: Jamus is the epitome of an average Singapore resident. He stays in a HDB flat. Disgruntled Definition: angry or dissatisfied Usage example: Mr