English 1119/2 SPM — SABK Set 1 2025

Stress is a growing concern among teenagers today, and understanding its different forms is the first step towards managing it effectively. There are two main types of stress: acute stress, which is short-term and caused by immediate pressures such as examinations, and chronic stress, which is long-term and results from ongoing problems like family conflicts or social anxiety.

The primary causes of stress among teenagers include academic pressure, high expectations from parents and teachers, peer pressure and the constant need to perform well on social media. These factors create an overwhelming sense of inadequacy and exhaustion.

To cope with stress, students should practise mindfulness techniques such as deep breathing and meditation. Engaging in physical activities like jogging or swimming helps release tension. Additionally, maintaining a consistent sleep schedule and talking to a trusted adult or school counsellor can provide much-needed emotional support and guidance.

It was a scorching afternoon, and I was walking home from school when I noticed a small boy sitting alone on the pavement near the bus stop. His eyes were red and swollen from crying, and he clutched a torn schoolbag tightly against his chest.

Curious and concerned, I approached him gently. "Are you alright?" I asked. He looked up with trembling lips and explained that he had missed his school bus and did not have enough money for the public bus. His mother, a single parent who worked at a nearby factory, would not finish her shift for another three hours.

Without hesitation, I sat beside him and offered him my water bottle and some biscuits from my bag. I then called my mother and asked if she could drive us to his home. She agreed immediately. During the ride, the boy — whose name was Iman — slowly opened up, telling me about his love for drawing and his dream of becoming an architect.

When we arrived at his modest home, his grandmother rushed out, tears of relief streaming down her weathered face. She thanked us profusely, insisting we accept a bag of homegrown bananas.

As we drove away, I noticed Iman waving enthusiastically from his window, a wide smile replacing the tears from earlier, and that's when I realised how important kindness can be.

REVIEW: THE INTER-SCHOOL ATHLETICS CHAMPIONSHIP 2025

Last month, I had the incredible opportunity to attend the Inter-School Athletics Championship held at Stadium Darul Makmur. The two-day event brought together athletes from over thirty schools across the state, competing in track and field events ranging from sprints and relays to javelin and high jump.

What I enjoyed most was the electrifying atmosphere — the thunderous cheers from the stands, the colourful school banners waving proudly, and the palpable tension during the 100-metre final. Watching our school's relay team clinch gold in the 4x100 metres was undoubtedly the highlight, as their seamless baton exchanges left the crowd roaring with delight.

However, there were aspects that could be improved. The scoreboard was difficult to read from certain angles, and the food stalls were limited, resulting in long queues during breaks. Better signage and more refreshment options would greatly enhance the spectator experience.

I would wholeheartedly recommend this event to anyone who appreciates sportsmanship and athletic talent. Beyond the competition itself, it is a celebration of discipline, perseverance and school spirit. Watching young athletes push their limits is genuinely inspiring and reminds us that success is born from consistent effort and dedication.

Overall rating: 4 out of 5 stars.