KangGURU Stories
Read this collection of English language stories from Kang GURU readers and listeners in Indonesia - all English language themes. There is sure to be one theme to suit you. Send your stories or poems to Kang GURU and we will be happy to print them for you on this site for the world to read. Two hundred words is enough, okay? Send your story by e-mail or by letter.
Full winning entry stories - 2007 Writing Competition
Grand winner: Jade Nugrahaningtyas L. from SMA Negeri 1 Boyolangu, Tulungagung, East Java
Learning local culture is crucial. Although we live in modern the era, learning local culture is still needed especially for Indonesia teenagers. There are reasons for this. First, learning local culture can enrich national culture. National cultures are derived from many local cultures. If teenagers know their culture, for instance for me, the 'Ngremo Dance' and they practise it, they will keep the cultures alive. So everybody knows that 'Ngremo dance' is one part of local culture. 'Ngremo Dance' can also be added on the list of national culture. Secondly learning about local culture can enhance our knowledge about all culture. We should acquire many knowledges not only about the latest technologies but also about culture. We are lucky if we have many knowledges. The knowledges, especially important issue, like culture is one big power to face this world.
Furthermore, learning local culture can protect our culture from bad influences of Western culture. As an English proverb says “Every medal has two sides”, Western culture has good influences and also the bad ones. Most of the Indonesia teenagers like to imitate western culture. It’s good when they imitate the good ones, but if they imitate the bad ones, they will lose their personality as Indonesians. They use some western culture to get acknowledgements as modern people.
So, it’s important to learn local culture for the better life. The teenagers who have larnt the local culture can filter the western culture which is suitable for the growth of Indonesia culture/ And in turn, Indonesia teenagers will love their own cultures and respect other nations cultures.
Also read Jade's Travel Report after her trip to Bali in October 2007
Runner Up:
Rifatun Hasanah- MA Sumber Payung
Jl. Guluk-Guluk No. 63 Bataal barat, Ganding
Sumenep – Madura
Nowadays many young people, youth of a nation don’t care their local culture so that they don’t learn to know their local culture. They consider that learning local culture is no use and only spending time useless. They would rather have fun. Although they always hear “ a nation won’t be big if a nation doesn’t develop its culture” and now how will we develop our culture if we don’t know our culture?
Learning local culture is very important these days because it means that we are as young generation respect our “nenek moyang” and appreciate what they be queathed and it shows that we are as nation’s hope also exist in perpetuating culture especially in this progress age. Besides that our local culture is aura of our community that must be learned, kept and defend. Because creations, behaviors, styles and how the society live is reflection from the local culture in that place. So if we want to know others local cultures we can see creations or behaviors of a society. If we don’t will not know our local culture. Once more, our culture is aura of community.
Runner Up:
Indra
Pasar Inpres II No. 27, Batusangkar - Sumatera Barat
We know that Indonesia id rich of culture and as Indonesian people that is important for us to learn about local culture and also that is our pride. The reasons why local culture is important to learned are:
First, local culture is personality of our nation and as Indonesian people we have to keep, develop and learn local culture especially young generation.
Second, learning about local culture can give many profitable, not only for us but also to our country for example after we learn about local culture, we will get many of knowledge and we can use our knowledge in tourism side. Maybe we can be a guide, when the tourists or visitors came to our area and asks about our local culture, we can answer it easily. That is profitable of learning local culture and local cultures have big potential in tourism.
Third, as young generation we must learn our local culture in order that we have many knowledge and also we have brave and good mentality to develop our country later.
Runner up:
Rachel Ramdhaniati
PP Putri - Darul istiqamah
Pagat, Sarigading, Barabai – Sulawesi Selatan 71371
I’m really agree to learn local culture these day, because as I knew, now days many people don’t know about culture knowledge in their country, local culture was lost and forgotten. They were brought by foreign culture. We as an Indonesian people have to proud of our culture that has many different thing with other country, and we’ve to perpetuate it as our form to love Indonesia.
To study about culture is easy, we can cook special food of our country in holiday or spare time with culture museum, read some book about Indonesia culture, practise some territory language like Batak, Sunda, Java, Banjar, Bugis, Dayak, etc. Many thing we can do. At last Love Indonesia Love the culture Okay.
Runner Up:
Rami
SMA Tri Ratna Sibolga (XI IPA)
Jl. S. Parman 58 Sibolga, Sumatera Utara
As we know, now a days many people forgot their local culture. Many of them said that the local culture is very boring. They prefer to modern dance or playing games. And now, it’s very important to learn about the local culture, we as society especially as a student, must think what will happen with our country if we can’t protect our local culture?
In Sibolga, many programs has been try to protect the local culture. Every school showed many kinds of performances, like Tor-tor dance, melayu dance, or Minang dance. And it’s one ways to make local culture to be popular.
Many information we can get if we fight to find it. Because, it is very easy to get. We can find in some books, magazines, or internet who explain about culture.
So, let’s start now! We must make our culture to be popular. And we as a students, can join with the government to protect the local culture.
A Wonderful letter from Khusnul from Kediri in East Java
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The Grand Winner for 2006 is Heri Mulyo Cahyo from Malang, East Java. His story is about his experiences with Short Message Service (SMS). The Runner-Up winners are Herdawati from Muna in Southeast Sulawesi and Fajar Setiawan from Kertosono in East Java.
Short Message Service (SMS) - by Heri Mulyo Cahyo
Innovations in communication technology have made our communication easier and cheaper. Short Message Service (SMS) has become a necessity for most people. Students use this for 'talking' about their activities in the school or just for chatting. Family members who live separately in different towns and countries can simply use this to communicate with each other easily. And of course for people who have businesses, this tool can really help them to make contact, make appointments, and inquire about business chances by sending messages to get information about the prices and so on.
For me, SMS has given some great experiences. Someday, I have got an SMS from 'unknown number' just greeted me. After sending two SMS replies, I found that it came from my previous student in Bandung. It was great because it has been six years I haven't met her. She knew my mobile number from magazine which put my article on it, incredible! as that magazine was published two years ago! The second I have good friend from Jakarta which usually sending me messages just say hello. I never meet him face to face and even I don't know how he looks like, but I know much about him. We met in online chatting room, then continued to SMS chatting... and we have make a friend for FOUR YEARS! Sometimes I just ask myself, how can it happen to me? SMS made it happen!
Other Entries that are pretty good - thanks to everyone for entering and be sure to try again next year.
Learn English of Technology Computer
Now we know that all schools have one lesson about technology. That’s ICT (Information and Communication Technology) it’s about computer. I think it’s the best opportunity to improve our English. Why not! Because all program or all commands of the “computer” use English. So we must priorities this opportunity. With that we had already taken two subjects matters is that science and technology. Who isn’t like that? This matter make us to remember again an Indonesia proverb that says “Sambil menyelam Minum Air”. That’s true because if we practice computer at the same time, we also study English. I think English is interesting to us because English is international language. So it’s very important to our future. To end this, I would like to say that studying English is an integration of computer and science.
By: Andriano R. Barros
Seminari SMU Lalian
Jl. Nela Raya, Lalian – Atambua
Timor – NTT 85751
The Benefit of Having an ATM Card
In this modern era, the technology has grown more deeply. Because of that, we have to anticipate the bad thing that being influence by the growing of technology. We have to carefully select the new technology being promote by scientists, in order to protect ourselves from the bad technology influences. A good development of technology will improve our knowledge of science.
Nowadays, development of technology has been raised all over the world with many kinds of technology. Therefore, we have to be more careful in using all of technology that have been promote for us by scientist like ATM card.
Firstly, in using ATM card is a good way in our daily life because it can help us in getting or taking money easily. We can go around any time and can se it to take money any time and everywhere as long as there is an ATM machine stand and active. ATM card is being promote to fulfill our particular needed or our daily needed. Second, by using ATM card we don’t have to queue up as in the bank teller. We don’t have to carry an account book and fill the form, but we directly type all the form dealing with the using of ATM. The most important thing, we have to memorize our own pin number. An ATM card is easy to carry everywhere and practice. Third, an ATM card also can be used for transferring money to others and can used to pay the shopping fee in the big shopping center.
Having an ATM card is a good choice because by using an ATM card we can take money easily in order to fulfill our particular needed everyday.
By: Adriana Baitanu
Universitas Kristen Artha Wacana
Jl. Adi Sucipto, Oesapa
Kupang – NTT 85361
The Solar Energy Saver For Housewifes
The solar energy is a long life energy. It never runs out. Although it’s very hot, but by its heat, help people to dry fishes (in coastal area) and dry clothes. Even now days, solar energy also used to operate a car. It uses the solar energy as the basic power, not petrol. The solar energy saver here seems like the one that the cars have. The different is the solar energy saver reduces the housewives headache. How can it be? Because the government will increase the price of electricity. It makes “Mom” getting more headache. After the impact of the petrol price which increased, now Mom have to thing for the increase of electricity prices.
The solar energy saver itself, placed on the house to reduce the uses of electricity. It puts on the roof. The shape is like parabola which consist of some element that lock the solar energy. After the solar energy is full, it will transform the lamps and some households. Another uses of solar energy saver is replacing the LPG or land oil (oil which use in kompor). It has already proved. Solar is needed. By using some elements to collect the solar heat and then transform it to the pan.
So, solar energy has many functions. Although it’s sometimes very hot but useful for human. Imagine if the solar lazy to go out, we can not dry clothes, fishes, and the important is this kind of new technology will never run. It will useless without solar. Because it’s solar every saver. If it not built today, maybe 10 or 15 years later, it will be a famous equipment.
Yuyun Zakiyah
6 th Semester of Faculty Bahasa & sastra UNIPDU
PP Darul Ulum Jombang
Jawa Timur
Hand phones are the most wonderful and exciting ones that are available today
In my opinion, amongst all the pieces of modern technology, hand phones are the most wonderful and exciting ones that are available today for the people in Indonesia. Below is my main reason.
Hand phones, which are equipped with various fancy features such as games, songs, photos, movies and even internet access, have proven very helpful in connecting people all over the place. Taking an example in my place where some islands are very remote and can only be reached by small boats. A few years back when hand phones were not available at all, the only way the people in the islands talked to their relatives in the main island or other neighboring countries such as Malaysia and Singapore, on the phone they had to come all the way from their place by boats. Or if they wanted to talk to their friends or relatives, who mostly worked in neighboring countries such as Malaysia and Singapore, on the phone they had to come all the way from their place by boats to the main city, the only place where phones were available. By this way, it was very risky and took so much time, energy and money. Now that hand phones are so widely available, the people in the islands do not need to send letters or come to the main island to contact their friends or relatives. Most of the people have now owned a hand phone and life is so much easier then ever before.
Herdawati
Jl. Salepa No.12 B Raha,
Kab. Muna, Sulawesi Tenggara 93612
E-mail: herda_djamaluddin@yahoo.com
Satellite, The most useful Technology for Indonesian
Nowadays, communication system develops so fats, there are many new discoveries in communication, one of them is very important for Indonesian is satellite. Satellite is something that is launched to fly round the earth. It’s function is to make communication easier. Beside that, this is also useful to know weather, flight, shipping, etc. It works with electromagnetic wave, so we don’t need to use wire anymore.
The existence of satellite is really needed in Indonesia, it has been launched since 1974 in Cape Canaveral Florida. It was named Palapa and it is still essential for Indonesia. We will feel difficult in getting information without it. We may think that television, Internet or hand phone is technology that is very useful for us. Because it can send message fast, but we should think that all of them use electromagnetic wave in operation and some of them also use satellites, so they electromagnetic wave in operation and some of them also use satellites, so they won’t be so popular without satellites.
Many expert said that a person who can master technology will be able to master this world, and the only one way to master technology is science. And science will ale be able to master by studying, but it doesn’t mean that learning is only at school, so we have to study hard wherever and whenever. That’s all and thank you.
Fajar Setiawan
PEC
Jl. Rambutan 36 Kertosono
Nganjuk- Jawa Timur
E-mail: fajar_the_dawn@yahoo.co.id
Television (A Magic Box)
All human around the world must say thanks to John Logie Baird a Scottish engineer, who was the pioneer of television invention. Without him, it is difficult to imagine that, nowadays we cannot watch a life visual picture. B this magic box, we will know every information visually just from our house.
Magic box or television is the most favorite technology ever in the world even in Indonesia. It is the second after the radio. Although there are mobile phone, internet and many others, it is still needed. It is very significant because every time we can have new information music, films, etc visually broadcasted by the television station program.
First time, in Indonesia there was only one television station program, named TVRI. It broadcast government program such as education, farming information, dialogue, news, even film and music. Many people like it because it was the only one. Soon it was very boring. Later 3 private television station programs are established. They are TPI, RCTI and TPI. Now Indonesian people find more than that. Every of them have their different own program. So that now they have many choices to watch on.
Television gives people a lot of enjoyment, such as soccer match, boxing etc. They can watch these games through television without coming to the stadium or where the games are held. They just watch from their home alone or together with other people. Television is not expensive enough, so all level people in Indonesia can have it.
Dian Retno ArianiThe student of SMU DU 3
PP Darul Ulum Rejoso
Peterongan – Jombang
Jawa Timur
Radio
As we have known that technology is one of things that are very fast. Era by era, everyday it has developed. Radio is one of the important technologies; by radio we can get information easily although it’s not visual. IT has advantages such as it is cheap to buy, it can be brought everywhere even it can be had by poor people because it is the cheapest media of information.
Day by day, month of month, technology has newest information. For example nowadays there are more new technology to get information of the world easily than before. For instance, computer, internet, hp, etc. because of that, people forget on old technology that they think only have. Less information and little more to get because it is limit. Logically it is right, more modern everything absolutely and must get better.
But we have to know and as told above that radio is easiest and cheapest technology as media information. Although it is old fashioned media, remember, we can get many important things from it. Fro example, this year in our country, Indonesia there’s KGRE (Kangguru Radio English) the center is in Bali, it has English programs. Almost every regency has radio station that join in the KGRE’s program. So it is important and useful for the students, more over student of English to improve their English.
Maya Zulfa
Fak. Bahasa & Sastra
UNIPDU PP Darul Ulum Jombang
Personal Computer
In my opinion, personal computer (PC), which has now been an inseparable part of plenty of homes and offices here in this country – is the most wonderful and exciting piece of modern technology recently available for people in Indonesia.
PC is absolutely wonderful in that it helps people do the jobs, which may be very difficult or even impossible to do without the help of this gadget, such as typing, editing still or motion pictures, creating animation, analyzing complicated data, calculating complex math project, and many other things including learning foreign languages. As we know that there are abundant available software and CD ROMs supporting language learning from the nice lessons for kids to the complicated tests such as TOEFL and IELTS.
PC is also very exciting since it facilitates us to get a lot of entertainments. With PC we can listen to music, play games, watch movies and so on.
However, the immense merit of PC on mankind is the emergence of internet. Without PC, it is unlikely possible that people may come to the idea of inventing internet, which is an amazingly complete library containing almost all information from the very trivial things like gossips, movie trailers, etc to the very advantageous and scientific matters such as advance technology, health, etc. Internet is also undisputedly very effective means of communication (with the e-commerce).
In sum, PC makes our life easier, more wonderful, exciting and colorful.
S.M. Fitriyah
Jl. Karimata No. 6 Jember
Jawa Timur
E-mail: fitria2377@yahoo.com
The development of technologies is running rapidly now. A product of the development very much helps men to do their daily works so that they can be finished faster and easier.
One of the products of the development is sending letters by electron mail or it is well known as EMAIL. It is a great progress in correspondences. We can write and send as many as we can without being afraid of time matter. We can use it anytime. Day or night. Besides, it only takes some seconds to reach one’s email addressee wherever the addressee is. Many benefits we get if it is compared to the postal services, the conventional way. There are many lacks that the postal services has, such as the fast of delivery and the fare.
That is why it is not surprising that people begin to turn their attention to that new way whether for personal purposes of for business purposes. We don’t have to own a computer set and a modem at our home. We just go and rent a computer to an Internet stall or we call it warung internet (warnet). In brief, E-mail is the easiest way of correspondences. Everyone can use it easily. And I think it is important for all of us is mastering such a modern technology in order not to be left behind.
Mardi Subagyo
Jl. Tambak segaran 4/12
Surabaya – Jawa Timur 60142
If we talking about the most wonderful and exciting piece of modern technology available for people in Indonesia, then award will goes to a gadget which in Indonesia known as Hand Phone. But there are some kind of phones actually, and generally also used by hand. So do you know why they named it like that?
The size is quite small than a home phone, but the size doesn’t matter. Moreover this piece is practical to bring so can be used while we mobile. That’s why hand phone also called as mobile phone or cell phone coz that’s the truly name anyway. Many people use this technology because the price is affordable, useful in many things and really cool to have whether men and women or old and young people. Besides the basic function, this stuff have some other facilities that we can use, such as : send some short message or email to other people who also use same device, multimedia entertainment where we can enjoy some MP3 songs, games, watch some movie clips, or for recording some great moments through its cam. And beside all those, the important thing for some people here in Indonesia is the prestige when they gripping and using that piece in front of other people, even though no pulse on it. Just provided that looks so stylish.
As I know, some people have some great experiences where they’ve got helped by their cell phone like when a boy too shy to express his love to the girl he adore directly face to face, then he express it by sending an sms to her through his cell phone. Or an experience when someone gets lucky to become a winner of big cash by sms quiz, and much more.
Cell phone is like a private store, friend, or even like a secretary because it can be also functioned as personal organizer. Super right? So for me, cell phone is a great piece since slice bread. Unfortunately, today some people also use this gadget in negative way like to store pornography on it, then became cases in Indonesia recently. But it’s definitely the user’s mistake, not the gadget. Right?
Fadhli Z
Jl. Jenderal Sudirman No. 42 Benteng
Kabupaten Selayar 92812
Sulawesi Selatan
Mobile phone has now become one of the most important kits to bring with. People always bring this wonderful kit everywhere. For businessmen, this smart kit can accompany them in their business meetings. They need not bring their heavy notepads or computers. The magic kit is enough. With its amazing and genius facilities, people feel easy to bring it and use it whenever and wherever, from morning to morning, from rural areas to metropolitan cities. A manager can lead a meeting from far place with its genius facilities. An arranger can arrange music with it, without his heavy piano or guitar. A lonely girl can entertain herself with its games and its music facilities. A film director can record his work with its video streaming. Even he can edit his work just with this small smart phone.
For teenagers, this smart kit with its beautiful performance has become their culture. They bring the magic kit with them to school, cafes, or even concerts. They are enough to record some events with it. They need not bring cameras or handy cams. Their fingers are often seen dancing on it and playing with it. They can create beautiful painting just with it as if they are real painters. They can do everything with it.
The important thing to remember about this wonderful kit is that this magic kit us a prize for us. Do not use it to do bad things. Save our world with it. Thanks God for your prize.
Mohammad Kunsarwani
Fak. Bahasa & Sastra
UNIPDU
PPDU Rejoso Peterongan
Jombang – Jawa Timur
Hand phone now become tool, which integrates some tools with other
In this few years, the using of hand phone rapidly grows. This tool makes revolution leaves its previous function as a tool to communicate. This tool has many variant price from Rp. 300.000 until Rp. 10.000.000. It has variant age user too from child until old man. It also has variant occupation user from students until professionals. Not only in town, we can find hand phone sold in village area.
Hand phone now become tool, which integrates some tools with other. We can find in one hand phone the functions like camera and radio together and even it can record moving picture for few minutes.
One of innovation that people made through hand phone is the ability to pay bill without give money in cash. This innovation makes people easily having transaction without money in cash. This innovation we can call mobile banking (m-banking). M-banking is not only used to check balance of our account, pay bill or buy pulse (beli pulsa) but there are more potential using which have not been found.
M-banking is not always related with hand phone but it could be done by any devices like PDA or Notebook. But from the portable side, hand phone is the best tool to communicate because it can be brought anywhere.
The description above describe that hand phone in the future will be the main devices to communicate which force us must have it. Of course we must have money to buy pulso also.
Juandi Siahaan
Jl. Jawa Gg. Mami 75 AA
Medan – Sumatera Utara 20123
Modern technology
Talking about modern technology can make me laugh at my self. Why? Because I was once shocked by the new technology. I remember when I was a teenager, I was asked by my neighbor who was also my English teacher at school, to go to a public telephone, to call one of her friends to come to her house. My goodness, I talked to my self, how I could do this, I’d never made a phone call before. My heart palpitated strongly at that time. Yeah, since my family was too poor to set a phone, I didn’t know how to use it. I was confused, I was shy to tell the truth to my teacher about the fact. But then, I thanked God. My teacher cancelled her order. That’s about the past, when the telephone appeared as a new expensive technology after radio and television, as I knew.
Nowadays, I am not shocked anymore by the new technology, although I still don’t have enough money to buy them all. I am amazed that the technology develops so fast. We can see on the television the appearance of the new products of modern technology. They are all very fantastic and amazing. And for me, the most wonderful and exciting piece of modern technology is the internet, because with the internet, we can find many new things that we don’t know before. We can also chat with other people all around the world and even look for or apply for a jib through the internet.
Patricia Lili Liu
Jl. Bulogading No. 2 G
Makassar
Sulawesi Selatan
By the twentieth century, hand phone is no longer unique for Indonesian. It is now a prominent choice. It has various services and prices. People buy one based on the cost and need. Considering its fast progress likely it can do more.
It becomes a prominent choice since it combines various works usually done by other modern tools like calculator, camera, radio, tape video, computer and TV. Besides for communication, it is used for counting, taking photos, listening to radio and MP3, recording voice, accessing internet, playing games, watching and sending message or picture. It is also supported by its various type, size and color. Newly designed hand phone found recently are light, thin, small, and stylish. There are also guidelines to use it.
Hand phone’s prices are varying based on the services it provides, means the higher the price the greater the service will be. Therefore, people will try to have one, it’s no longer the ego to follow the modernization but more to people’s urgent need. No matter old, young, rich, poor, educated or uneducated, people will try to buy one based on the money and need they have.
Observing its fast progress, people can hope for it can do many unthinkable other jobs. It is always created due to market demand. One impressive work, hand phone for kids found in Japan lately. Will hand phone be used for online studying? There is always hope to advance.
Rentauli M. Silalahi
Politeknik Informatika Del
Jl. Sisingamangaraja No.1
Sitoluama, Laguboti
Sumatera Utara
Ph. 0632-331234
Bicycle, Ex of the world Authority
We have known that the cars pr luxurious motorcycles are the luxurious transportation. But don’t forget before there was an engine like a flash speed, a bicycle was the authority over the world, also defeated the horses and another animals transportation. A great moment of bicycle, although it has an eldest age, every person over the world like to trip by bike even they have to feel tired.
Written in “Columbia Encyclopedia”, bicycle ancestor was described come from French. This nation since early 18 th century had known a transportation by two wheels named velocipede. Velocipede became a famous transportation for many years. But we don’t describe what velocipede was like? It had more differences by what we see now. They had not known the iron, they made it from the woods arrangement at all.
Baron Karl’s Drays Von Suborn was a German, who perfected Velocipede in 1818. In 1839, Kirkpatrick Macmillan added a crank and handlebar. In 1865, Pierre Aliment added a rim of wheel and did some transformation where a front wheel was bigger than back one.
The results of these inventors were move develop after iron and rubber are found. In 1885, James Staley established The Bicycle Factory at Coventry, England. The comfortable increased when Dunlop invented Blown Wheel technology.
Now, bicycle has many styles, there is a bicycle with three wheels for kids, mini cycle, sepeda kumbang and the other unique one. Even at racing bike, we find many kinds of bicycles, e.g. fun bicycle, track bicycle, mountain bicycle and each has the differences on gears number.
Today, in spite of there are many kinds of motorcycles and the modern vehicles, the bicycles always has some interesting vision. We have found it, haven’t we?
Riva SR
SMU Plus AT-Tajdid
Jl. Muhammadiyah
Singaparna, Tasikmalaya
Jawa Barat 46411
| Agustini Darul Huffadh, Po Box 101 Sinjai 92602 Tini : I have a riddle. Tani : What is the riddle? Tini : Can you answer it? Tani : I'll try. Tini : Listen carefully. What always has an eye open, but never sees? Tani : The answer is a bottle. Tini : That is wrong. Tani : Well, What's the right answer? Tini : All right, the answer is a needle Narti Student : Mom, is the meaning of 'milky way' is the way which is full of milk (Jalan yang penuh susu) Teacher : No, the right answer is 'bima sakti'. Student : How about Folk Tale, is it the tale of the fox ? (ekornya serigala) Teacher : (Grumble) What ever you want guys
| Narti Pecalukan Genengsari, IV No.720 RT 42, RW 07, Prigen - Pasuruan - Jawa Timur 67157 Obesity Patient : Doc, I'm too fat. Can you give some advices or medicine that will help me look thinner? Doctor : The most effective way are healthy diet, drink some supplements and sport. Patient : It's coincident Doc, I like sport. So, what is the most appropriate sport for me? Doctor : Swimming Patient : Are you sure? Doctor : Absolutely. It has proved 99% Patient : if it's so why sea lion and walrus still fat? They swim all the time right Doctor : ???
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Ach. Muammar
SMPN 3 Peterongan
Love
In the night
Moment a mother sit at the shaky chair
The child sit at the floor fall down his head
At the lap his mother
The mother sing happily java songs
She repeatedly soft hair her boys
The child also sleep
Dreaming beautifully contradict his mother
Sifa Fauziyah
Desa Pucung Rt 07/02 No. 242
Tirto, Pekalongan - Jawa Tengah 51151
Star Shine Peace
I alone in lonely night
Look wonderful shine star welcome night
Shine always a long time
Peace scatter and world adorn
Although alter night
Don't dead your shine
All people need you always
They admire and love your beauty
I ask always at God
Give peace and far from enemy
Like star without tired that shine always
In order to the world far from badness
Created by : Harsi
Translated by : Nuri
From : Nuriyani
(Asrama Putri STKS)
Jl. Ir. H. Juanda No. 367
Bandung - Jawa Barat 40135
Thoughtfully
I walk with you take along headed for the morning
Just never show up restlessness on your face
I bringing you at the middle of wide green plain
Yearning a shine of water's jewel your dew
Cause to be brought in your morning
Bring along your water
So it is hand in hand
A heart loving heart
We kept on walking to the goodness
Have been longing for your water
Your water is hope of our grovel and love
For loving you
Winner of KGRE Writing Competition for 2005
| At a tour place in Bali, an unknown man suddenly approached me and asked me, "What have you learned about Australia from Kang Guru?" The answer immediately appeared on my mind but I was still very worried to tell. It was so difficult for me to express what I thought and what I felt to a strange man like him, so I answered haphazardly. | Name : Uning Musthofiyah Address : Jl. Kh. Hasyim Asyari No.175 Diwek, Jombang - Jawa Timur 61471 Place/Date of Birth : Jombang, 20 April 1987 Status : Student |
" I have learned from Kang Guru how to jump up and how to care for baby which is on it's stomach". I said it playfully. I thought he would be angry hearing my answer but he only smiled. I didn't believe it.
"What have you learned about Aussies from Kang Guru", he asked me once again. He still said it gently and calmly. I felt silent. I would had been reluctant if I had answered haphazardly again.
I thought if this man truly cared about my answer. Moreover he was strange man for me. I feared to answer the question but I answered.
"I have learned many vocabularies. They can help me to improve my English".
He kept nodding. I breathe a sigh of relief. I hoped it would end but that did not happen. He asked me again. "I know you've learned about it from Kang Guru, but I want to know the most important thing for you which you have learned about Aussies from Kang Guru".
I was amazed, the man knew what I thought then I realized that he was too kind and wanted to understand my thoughts.
"Ok, I admit, inspiration is what I've learned about Aussies from Kang Guru".
" Inspiration? Like what?"
"Inspiration in education, Kang Guru has given me inspiration by showing me models of students that are successful through exchanging of students or Australian scholarships. It is great to have this inspiration to motivate me".
I was worry to nod, I was afraid to accept his criticism.
"You will be successful if you try and bla . bla . bla"
I didn't suppose, this man didn't underestimate me but supported me. I was impressed.
"Thank you sir, you don't mock me or insult me but support me, thanks for it, I will study hard for it'
"That's good". He said it and got far leaving me. "Sir, wait! I haven't knew your name yet".
He smiled, "My name is Kevin R. Dalton". He walked farther and farther. I thought I have heard the name before. I tried to remember.
"Kevin . Kevin .. Waa! He is the Manager of Kang Guru".
Notice: This note is merely fictitious, but the inspiration is true.
Uning Musthofiyah from Jombang, East Java, is the winner of the KGRE 2005 Writing Competition. Congratulations to Uning. Her story was not only interesting to read and was written in quite an unusual style. As a part of her prize, KGRE is really looking forward to her arrival in Bali later this year. Uning can bring a friend with her and both of them will stay in a beautiful hotel, go on a full day tour of Bali plus have some spending money to go shopping with. Check it out on KGRE's website Stories Page.
The 5 Runner Ups are Ummi Sa'adah from Demak - Central Java, Rahmat Hidayatullah from Bima - NTB, Sugiyarti from Yogjakarta, Retno Setyo Wenny from Pasuruan - East Java, and Eddi Haposan from Labuhan Batu - North Sumatra. They will each receive KGRE's Special Gift Package plus a selection of English Language novels and text books for their wonderful efforts. This annual KGRE Writing Competition is sponsored by AusAID, IALF and KGRE.
One day I got a duty from my English lecturer to write everything about a special country and then I wrote about Australia because I am very interesting to the smallest continent in the world and of course because I have Kang Guru so I am happy in doing this duty. Finally I got the best point because my writing is complete. And then my lecturer asked me, "Where did you get the complete information about Aussie or Have you ever go there?". And I said that I never go there, but I have a fairy from Aussie. I said that while I showed Kang guru magazine to her.
Kang guru also makes me surprised after I know that Tasmanian devils is a kind of animal but actually before I read it I thought Tasmanian devil is just a kind of cartoon. There were also many differences between English in Aussie and USA especially in accent and grammar. Australians usually use idioms or slang expression as a joke to express a situation or feeling. It showed that Australians are very friendly.
One thing that makes me really admire to Aussie is Australians have high humane. They have no grudge feeling to Indonesian especially Moslem. They still help Indonesia, to develop economic and social in Aceh. They also help education in Indonesia such as provide lectures, writing materials and also scholarship program.
I am really thanks to Australian and Kang guru. Please keep do your good missions and may God responses your goodness.
Here Are Some Other Wonderful Entries
| What I Have Learned About Australia From Kang Guru? Bima city is a city that located in Sumbawa Island and I live in that's city. In my city there is no newspaper or magazine that written in English language moreover the magazine or newspaper that inform us about Australia. So that when we want to learn and know about Australia we should buy the magazine from Java with ask our family there to buy it for us in Bima. There is an alternative way, but it is too expensive for us a student, that is visit the website that contained the information about Australia. Do you know? For 1 hour we should pay Rp. 10.000 to Rp. 15.000. How to expensive is! So that, when I receive KG magazine from my English teacher. I really surprise because it is a good chance to learn about Australia and practice my English more than before. | Name : Rahmat Hidayatullah Address : SMAN 1 Kota Bima Jl. Soekarno Hatta No.29 Raba - Kota Bima, NTB Class : XI IPA 5 |
Thanks God, now I have chance my perception about Australia that in a long time has been saved in my mind. In my mind Australian is same with western and American society. I have assumption that they are so arrogant and always thinking that they are having higher position whether it compared the other country. But it really different with I have read the article in KG. In that's article there are some news about the activity of some Australian in some region in Indonesia. They are seem so happy and sincerely to do that. They were helped them in more sites, such as education and agricultural. I really appreciate to your effort.
Before I read KG magazine, I only have limit knowledge about Australia. It caused by limited information about it. There are many things that make me so interested to know in Australia, they are the characteristic of the language, the habits of the citizens, the plan, the animals and more things that really make me so interest.
One of them is about the correlation between the animals from Indonesia and Australia. For example, In Indonesia there is trees kangaroo while in Australia there is a kangaroo that walk on the ground. It shows to us that in the long time ago Indonesia and Australia are in the one region but it has been separated by the sea.
Do you know? In my city there is a mountain that if we climb it and look to the south we can see the lamp of the city of Australia as if I can reach it, wow! How near we are! But why we always feel that we are so far? We are so close but we don't know each other. Do you think that is so strange?
Now I have dedicated my self to accept Australian as my really neighbor. Thank you KG! You have shown me the truth that I have a friend across the sea that always cares to me.
| Australia Is Not Quite What I Thought My curiosity about Australia arose when I was amazed to see Australian for the first time in my early age. They came to aid my fellow villagers by contributing white buffalos that I had never encountered before since ones found in my village were all black. Not only those white buffalos, but also the white Australian kept me wondering, "What world do these strange creatures come from?" | Name : Sugiyarti Address : Jl. Menjangan Gg. Wajar Kuncen WB I/373A RT 35 RW Yogyakarta 55253 |
My clueless yet inquisitive child head was fully covered with question marks. What bizarre language were they speaking? Was everything in their homeland white like their skin and buffalos? What did they eat that they looked different from me? Although tons of questions sprang to my mind, I held my steps back to approach them because I feared they might bite me.
As I grew up, I gained more information on Australia. One day, my lecturer at University handed me a Kangguru magazine. It initially did not attract me at all considering that reading was not my hobby at that time. Anyhow, I eventually found it interesting and helpful when it became my reference for my English vocabulary class. It delivered much more knowledge that I expected. Hence, it answered my childhood questions one by one.
I have learned a lot about Australia from Kang guru now. I comprehend what language Australians speak, what they do at school, how they run their governmental system, what trees grow in their land, what music they currently like, what they do to help other people and so forth. My imagination has changed as well. Australia is a socially and physically colorful country, not a completely white one like I used to imagine. Above all, I am no longer afraid to be near Australians because they do not bite!
| Rubbish Bins . Im My Home Town Actually, this is based on my experience 2 years ago. My name is Retno, 20 years old; I live in a small village, named Semambung or Semambung street. I have a great family and also good neighbors. There are a lot of nice people here, friendly and kind. So, I think I have a great life here, but I look at my home town, in around me, of course. Do you know why? I told you because there are a lot of rubbish here. From side by side, place to place. I can't do anything, such as my deeply activities, hang gout with my friends. So I can't breathe even in my own house. | Name : Retno Setyo Wenny Address : Jl. Semambung No.07 RT 06/RW 04 Grati - Pasuruan, Jawa Timur 67184 |
About the effect from this situation, I think is very bad because not only for my own family but also for my neighbors. Such as, my whole family including me getting sickness or unhealthy and my neighbors too. Most of all have the same disease, such as flu, cold, headache, stomache, etc. We are very suffer, confused and don't know what we are going to do.
Until one day, I read about one of your article on KGRE magazine. Do you know why? I'm interesting and very surprised when you are talking about rubbish bins in Australia. The importance is Australians people aware abut that. I think we have the same problem, especially about rubbish in our country. Like what you said before rubbish bins can be found in caravan and national parks, beside restaurants and roadsides and even in out of the way places. But you have a good way or the best way to solve this problem, like your motto "Keep Australia Clean", right.
Finally, I decided to make and try your suggestion. Then firstly, I make three or four box for the rubbish. There are one of plastics, another for bottles, one for cans, and another for papers. Secondly, I give some advice to my neighbors. But, unfortunately they mad at me and always underestimated, over and over again. I'm just wondering "Oh God what's wrong with them, why this happen to me, and I'm just trying to help them. It's OK for me, but I'm not give up yet till I reach my dream (dream come true) to make "Keep Semambung Clean", like your motto.
My Beloved Kang Guru Drives Me Crazy
I have a very young English teacher whose name is Abdul Hakim Muslim. I have been interested in him since the first time I met him. I adore him so much because he is very handsome indeed. I never tell him that I love him. It really hurts me hiding my feeling inside my heart. I have to do it because it is not common here in Indonesia for a student who loves her own teacher. I do not know why I cannot stop loving him. I always pray so that he can be mine. I always think about him every second, every minute, every hour and every day. I cannot deny that I am just the girl who a crush on him. I like to call him my beloved kang guru. He is not only a young man but also my English teacher. In Indonesia a young man is called kang and a teacher is called guru.
Although he is eleven years older than me but it cannot make me stop loving him. My parents never stop advising me to throw my love away. They tell me that there is no hope to get his love. My teacher comes from a rich family but I do not. We are very different. He can get everything he wants easily but I must work hard in the field all day to get what I want. He has much money as if he was a kangguru which his pocket full of money. By the way I respect and thank him very much because he usually pays my school fee. When I go home from school, he sometimes calls me and gives me some cakes. It makes me cry. I realize how poor I am, even I can eat some delicious cakes if he gives them to me. I feel sorry that I cannot afford to buy them by myself. He goes on helping and giving but in the other hand, I can do anything from myself in return.
He ever has me send a letter to kangguru to get a free magazine. He says to me that it will help me to study English more. In fact, what my teacher says about kangguru magazine is definitely right. It has many new vocabularies and so many news. I tell him that I like it and he smiles to me. He teaches me how to read the kangguru magazine every night at his house that is why he and I becomes closer. We meet and speak each other every day. He tells me to study hard. If I can go on getting a good score, he will be willing to help me to study at university. All of the cost will be paid by him. Naturally, I am very surprised to hear that. I ask him why he is so good to me. He explains to me that he loves me as his friend and his student. After hearing his reason, I make up my mind to try to love him as a teacher but not as a lover. As a matter of fact the more I try to lose my feeling, the stronger I feel. The most important thing that I should do for him is studying hard because I do not want to disappoint him. Although my English is still bad, I will never give up studying it. I will keep my secret that I love him for all of my time. I do want to make him proud as his student. May God always gives him the best thing.
Halimah in Jombang, East Java
BRAVO KANG GURU !!!!!!!
Three years ago I'm in Senior High School. at the first time I'm happy because I have got many friends. I could find and a new teacher and we introduced ourselves, after that we cleaned our class with solidarity and togetherness. On Monday morning we had routine activity, it is called "flag ceremony". Everyday I began to learn subject from a half past seven until mid day.
Every years I have three tests as a requirement to promote the second grade. I found some problem in English subject, because I hate not only English subject but also my English teacher.
In 2002 I tried to fall in love with English. Every Sunday afternoon at 3 pm till 5 pm I followed English program (English conversation) at PRO 2 RRI Bandar Lampung, the broadcaster is Mr. Apral. In august 2002 my father prepared one room to study English, and called my uncle, who is from New Zealand, to teach English.
In October 2002 I am in science class and I became a broadcaster on RRI Bandar Lampung, after bringing that program, Mr. Apral gave me a Kang Guru magazine, and then I felt confused how to read it?, he said that Kang Guru magazine would improve your English because this magazine contains about education, scholarship, etc.
In this grade I always got high mark, Mrs. Elly was proud of me because I am an active student. She told me that you do not just like and love English but you have to provide it as a main language of communication.After graduated from SMU, I always pray that I coul get Kang Guru magazine regularly, I hope Kang Guru magazine will be "good neighbours make good friendship" so BRAVO to Kang Guru.
GANDHI IRAWAN in Lampung
Kanguru or Kang Guru
Michiko is a Japanese. She likes to learn many languages, including java. But, she has just studied it from her friend for three moths. She has a pen-pall named Ani. Now, Michiko is in holiday and decide to spend it in Indonesia to meet her pen-pall, in East java.
Ani is Javanese. Her mother is a veterinarian and works in Safari national park. Michiko and Ani have make friend for two years, but they have never met before. So, this is the first time for her to come to Indonesia to meet Ani. And she just been here for two days.
When she was visiting Ani in the afternoon, Ani's mother who was working, phoned and asked them to see kangguru, who lived near Safari park, as he was sick. So, they went there. After a few minutes there, suddenly Michiko said, " come on, An, we have to go to the park." "for what?" asked Ani. "of course to see kangguru as your mother asked." Said Michiko. Ani replied, "we have met kang guru now." Michiko was very confuse. Then she said,"but where? I don't see any kangguru here." Hearing this, Ani and kang guru looked each other, then laughed. "hey, why do you laugh? Am I wrong?" asked Michiko. "kangguru is an animal isn't it? said her again. "no if you meant is animal, it is not kangguru but kanguru." Said kang guru.
"I'm sorry, I forgot to tell you. This is kang guru. He is my mom's assistant who usually help her to keep animals in safari park. Actually his name is Guru, because he is five years older than me, so I call him kang. Kang means brother. I think you have understood much about our language." told Ani. Michiko was very ashamed of her bad language. She was silent, but a moment later, laughed loudly. Finally, she said," ha..ha..ha.. I find the funny words, kang guru keep kanguru.
Dwi Kristiyanti in Sidoarjo, East Java
I knew Kang Guru in long time ago but I close with Kang Guru maybe since one year ago. I listened your English program through Persada FM. It's very interesting program and also entertaining one. That program is very useful for me to enrich my ability in English. I'm very interesting in English cause it is international language and very important in business world, world I've been dreaming all day.
I'm enjoying your program every Wednesday on 7.30 pm. It talked about music, love, friend, film, education and our daily activities. It's always an easy topic. We can learn something from someone else's experiences. Last week, oh no! last month, Ari Wibowo shared his experiences. He told us how to learn English, he learnt most of his English by watching movies. I did it too and always. I also listening to music. Listening to music can give me more vocabulary and shows how to spell the words. I think it's a pleasure way to learn English.
After I listened your program I often talked about it with my friends, but little of them interested of it, although it's very good program. if they know, learning with KGRE like playing, it's very easy not have to be serious. Kang Guru also gives some information and knowledge about everything through radio and magazine. It also entertains me.
However, I won't be boring to tell them that we can learn much from Kang Guru!Dini Rahmawati in Blitar, East Java
Kang Guru The Way of Learning About Australian Cultures
I like Kang Guru radio English magazine. Even it's not thick magazine but it provides a lot of knowledge and information about Australia with entertainment styles. I really impress with the content of Kang Guru radio English magazine when I read it for the first time. I also impress with the word of Kang Guru itself. It's a creative idea to write it in that style. Thought in my mind, it will be spelled kangaroo. The famous Australia's native animal, the icon of Australia. But I'm wrong. Then I realize that it represents the friendly relationship between two nations.
Kang Guru radio English magazine is one of media to learn about Australia cultures. Absolutely, different pond different fish section is a good source to know and learn about Australian cultures. It brings the readers to the real of Australian world which is different from Indonesia. It gives the readers a clear understanding about Australian lifestyle and culture. Such as, the way they celebrate the Christmas on the beach with barbeque in a hot summer. The expression when they meet each other "how are you going mate!" The styles of their clothing that is really casual such as T-shirt, short pants and thongs. The way, they spend days off and holidays with picnic and barbeque or going to the beaches. And the party which is really different in Indonesia with many terms RSVP, Bring Your Own (BYO) meat, and bring the plate which mean if we are invited to the party we should make a reservation first and bring foods or drinks to share with others. And much more cultures and lifestyles which is great to learn to make us understand each other and reduce misunderstanding which often come up to the surface when two different cultures meet.
Laely Nurhidayah in Cirebon - West Java
Thank you letter to HMHB Project Team Leader from Nani Cahyani in Kendari
Dear Kang Guru,
I have a story based on my own experience. I hope you can include it in your listener’s letter page. Its purpose is to convey my thanks for John McComb and John Young. They have opened my mind to see the world. Hopefully, they will see and read it. Here is the story:
How Kind You Are Sir
Hailul and I, we had a fabulous experience. It happened in the middle of January 2004. Both of us are best friends. One day we tried to send SMS to my friend. His name is John. We wanted to practise our English. We asked him – Was there any time for us to visit him in his house. As we already knew that he had a lot of activities as the team leader of HMHB (Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies) project in Southeast Sulawesi.
After sending SMS, in a couple of minutes we were waiting for his reply. Suddenly there was an answer he said that we could come at 4 o’clock in the afternoon. We were happy and prepared ourselves. We just imagined what a nice conversation we will have with him later!
We arrived in his house and he was waiting for us in his guest room. And then he asked us to take a rest in his dining room. Pak John is an easy going person, friendly and low profile. Even though he is a Team Leader of HMHB Project but he never show off to us. After having conversation with him we decided to go home because we will have magrib prayer. Before it we thanked him a lot for his time and his explanation about struggle in life, knowledge, culture etc. Along the way I was thinking that I got one important lesson. That is success begins with a fellow will. It’s a state of mind.
Through this magazine I wanna say thanks a lot for Pak John McComb and John Young my ex-lecturer in Haluoleo University for his gorgeous words ‘Happiness is your goal in life but does not come from the outside but from within yourself’’
Thanks a lot for guiding and giving us direction and advice for our shining future. At last let me say how kind you are sir!!!
Sincerely yours,
Nani Cahyani
ODD SPOTS (short and funny stories about people and things)
A New Zealander caught speeding was driving fast to blow-dry his car. Roger Daniel, 37, told a court: “I have a bad back and thought I would do that to dry the car instead of having to chamois it dry.”
Indian drug inspectors plan to test a 159-year-old asthma remedy that millions of patients have gulped down in southern India in hopes of a cure. The remedy: a live fish taken with a herbal formula.
British police are hunting for a man who stole a closed-circuit television camera from a Liverpool shop. To help them, they have an extreme close-up shot of the thief in action.
Thieves who stole a portable public toilet in Belarus - and loaded it on a trailer - unwittingly kidnapped a man who was sitting on it. The man was injured when he jumped off the moving trailer.
A Jordanian who has divorced his wife for the third time over phone bills said the last straw was international calls to play satellite TV games. “The bills were thrice my salary,” Abu Sami said.
A drunken man gave passers-by an eyeful in Woodstock, Ontario, when he got out of a cab at a car wash, stripped off and started to have a wash under the sprays. Police cut short his shower.
British researchers have found that the country's ducks have distinct regional accents, with ducks from London sounding rougher so that other birds can hear them above the city drone.
An elderly Taiwanese man who fell 12 storeys from his balcony while changing a light bulb suffered only minor bruises, his fall broken by an awning and a car. “This is a miracle,” said the doctor who treated him.
Police in Hamburg stopped a slow-moving car and found the driver to be an unlicensed 102-year-old man.
Careers Scotland, an employment assistance body in Britain, is under fire after getting its staff to wear T-shirts saying “Make it in Scotland”, which were actually made in Morocco.
An Italian village has created the world's first car park for lovers. Vinci's 72 spaces for night-time hanky-panky were established so that couples would not have to fear arrest.
Anecdote on learning English from Fitriyanto in South Sumatra
Situation:
A young Indonesian who have just learnt English on how to count from one to ten (1 – 10). He is so confident and very proud of his English (even though in fact he just can count from one to ten and few other words of English vocabulary including ‘yes’ and ‘no’. Someday when he is on his great confidence he meet an English speaking people (native speaker of English). So he want to have a small chat with the native speaker. Unfortunately he does not know how to start the conversation. In his confusion he gets a nice idea that he should start the conversation by stumbling his step to the native) so he just go along. Duuuukk…! Ouch…..! He has successfully stumbling his step to the native. It happen to them that the conversation has started.
Indonesian : I am sorry sir!
Native Speaker : I am sorry too.
Indonesian : (thinking, ‘this native speaker must have the wrong idea to ask me to count in English. Let’s see whether you or me would give up’). I am sorry three.
Native Speaker: What are you sorry for?
Indonesian: What are you sorry five?
Native Speaker: Are you sick? (mentally or insane)
Indonesian: Are you seven?
Native Speaker: ???????????????????????
This young Indonesian has failed to differentiate between sounds and recognizing words. In his perception the word too sounds two. And he thinks that this native speaker try to ask him to count. Again he fails to differentiate sounds and recognizing words – for with four and sick with six.
KGRE's 2003 Writing Competition Winning Entries
The Best Thing About My School
By Retno Wulandari
D/a Bpk. Gandung Rahardjo
Temanggal II Rt 02/1 Purwomartani
Kalasan, Sleman
Yogyakarta – 55571
When I was in high school, I had to cope with a very difficult problem. It was a time when I didn’t have courage to speak English because I was afraid of making mistakes in vocabulary usage, pronunciation and especially, structure. To make thing worse, I was basically so shy and regarded as a silent person. Consequently, I was not in the mood for English lesson especially when the teacher asked us, her students, for giving opinion or having presentation in front of the class. Fortunately, my English teacher was very caring and patience. She was willing to give her hand whenever I need some help due to my difficulties with her lesson. She allowed us to play our own cassettes and to listen to English language songs during the lesson. In short, while we were taking notes or doing assignment we were also being entertained. Usually, she divided the lesson into two sessions and arranged it in such ways. In the first session, we studied theories about English language in general. Then, in the second session, she asked us to be active participants by joining certain games such as scrabble or my favorite one, win lose or draw. It was so much fun! With a lot of practice time, instead of theory itself, I could gradually change my mood in learning English. My English teacher was really able to boost my spirit to learn English well. The way she taught us was very deeply affected. She was truly my saviour.
Retno has won a trip for two by plane to either Jakarta or Bali. The prize is for two people and they will stay at hotels and have Rp500.00 spending money as well. Congratulations to Retno.
Here are more winning entries in the competition -
My School
By Medan English Society, KGCC #050
Many people said that being a student of SMU would be an unforgettable experience in our life. It happened to me. At that time, it was my fateful days to stand up and be counted. Most of friends also agree that our school was the best ever. Although I realised that it’s not as big as other schools in Medan, but what made it special for me were its teachers, competitions, and friendship. They were so interesting that I would never forget it, especially my teachers. They taught me a lot of things. Most importantly, the philosophy of life, and how to be self-standing students. Though I was not so smart but I was more articulate than my friends. Therefore I became so famous until they chose me to be the leader of OSIS.
Then I was busy organising many activities at school. I hardly could organise my time between studying and doing extra activities after class. Undoubtedly, there were a lot of murmurs about me that I would disturb my study and disappoint my parents for getting bad marks. They were totally wrong. I made it! I said to myself, and it was nearly impossible without my teachers’ help, especially their supports to all students to be more creative.
They also taught us that the sense of belonging would be our future investment to be successful. In short, friends helping friends succeed has been engraved in our memory. Beside that, lots of competitions held at my school, such as English speech contest, soccer, and clean-up campaign. They were so good that many students got involved, especially in soccer. All students really enjoyed this global game. Though we never won but at least we get many friends from other schools. Wow! "Good friends make good neighbors," like KGRE said.
The Finest Memory of the School
By Sugiyarti
Kuncen WB I/373A Rt 35 Rw 07
Yogyakarta – 55253
Looking back to the days I spent at primary and high school, I obviously find out some good things that I never fail to remember. For example, I think back to my teachers who became like my own parents and my friends who were similar to my own siblings. Into the bargain, the schools themselves which were located away from the tension of big and busy city are clearly depicted on my mind until now.
My caring and friendly ex-teachers are what I always remember most. They shared their knowledge and guided me for more than six hours in a day, six days in a week. They looked after me while I was at school. Therefore I could feel my own parents’ existence though they were away. They kept me fired up so that I could graduate with excellent grades. I owe them much and can only express my gratitude to them.
In addition to my teachers, I also continuously bear my schoolmates in mind. We studied and mingled together for years. We spent the time with laughter and, sometimes, tears. Some of them were infuriating, but a lot more were fascinating. Indeed, I have made various types of friends at school.
Besides my teachers and my schoolmates, I can hardly forget how much I liked my schools. I was very lucky to go to schools that were situated in beautiful countryside. I could breath the fresh and revitalizing air in the morning when I rode my bike to the school. My schools were my field of knowledge as well as my playground.
My teachers, my schoolmates and the location of my schools are just few best things about my primary and high school education. There are more to maintain in my mind.
My Teachers: Counselors and Friends as well as Teachers
By Dinna Wahyuningsih
Jl. Mustang L-8
Madiun
Jawa Timur – 63117
Although I graduated from my Junior High School several years ago but the memory of studying there are still kept well in my mind. The way the teachers taught me is the most interesting one that I want to ell you. Learning new subject was very stressing me at the first time I started studying In Junior High School. Biology, Economic, Physic, and English were the new ones that I had never got before. Fortunately, most of the teachers there were fantastic. They could be counsellors and friends as well as teachers. In canteen, sometimes we talked about our favourite comedians, singers, or actors but in the classroom the students maintained the teachers’ role and studied for the exams. We mostly had relaxed classes that were conductive for learning and innovation indeed. This learning condition helped me much to build up my confident in order to share my ideas, opinions, and experiences in front of others. And I started falling in love with English here. Discussion about youth problems, learning English grammar with lovely English songs – for example by finding gerund in Richard Mark’s lyrics – and having exciting games were the examples of some interesting activities that we had in almost every English classes. Interestingly, one of my English teachers often joined the games and sometimes he lost, and as a result the students gave him punishment such as by asking him to tell us a funny story or his romantic story. It was so challenging for us as the students because we never stopped trying to be better than our teachers. Moreover, we had fun and got new knowledge as well. And the most memorable song for me is "Que Sera Sera", up to now I still keep singing this song whenever I get stuck on facing my problems. Finally I would like to say thank you to all of the teachers and ex-teachers of SMPN 1 Maospati who had given me many worthy experiences and knowledge for my future.
SMU Negeri 1 Pasarwajo
By Rusdi Nudi, S.Pd
Jl. Ki Hajar Dewantara No. 115
Pasarwajo, Bau-Bau, Buton
Sulawesi Tenggara – 93754
It is founded on 1st July 1982 and lies 48 km from Bau-Bau, the capital of Buton Regency. Since Bau-Bau becomed as an administrative town, Pasarwajo has officially decided as the new capital of Buton Regency and the development will be commenced on January 2004.
SMU Negeri 1 Pasarwajo is the biggest Senior High School in Buton Regency now that has 1.435 students, 64 teachers-administrative staff, 18 classrooms, 2 IPA laboratories and library.
Like other Senior High School in Indonesia, it has an order programs and activities. The students go to school everyday except holidays with a school uniform. The lesson start at 07.00 o’clock but they must come early to attend the morning presence and listen the important announcement from the teachers or headmaster.
Because of insufficient classrooms, the second and third year class study in the morning and first year class in the afternoon. Every Monday, they attend the raising flag ceremony and each class gets a turn as flag ceremony unit as well as the teacher as the master of ceremony. Each class is guided by a guardian teacher. There is class competition every year and the winner will get a praise and award which is received by class chairmain and their guardian teacher on a certain ceremony.
There is Intra School Organisation Board (OSIS). It helps teachers to organize the students’ activities. They are more busy than others to manage students’ program in a year such as; leadership training, religious day celebration, study tour, competition, singing and dancing group, etc.
Moreover, there are three important occasions in school namely, new student registration, class promotion and graduation. On registration, teachers and OSIS are very busy to serve a new comers and hold a strict selection to fulfil the requirements. Eight SLTP graduation around Pasarwajo District apply at SMU and of course not all of them can be accepted.
It is a unique way on class promotion at SMU Negeri 1 Pasarwajo. The students and parents invite the teachers at the beach and want their report book are distributed there. It looks like a party. But it’s surprise as well for whom don’t get class promotion, they are play around happily with others who get a success.
Finally, graduation party is always held at school. The teachers and OSIS build a big tent on schoolyard. It is organized like a party because it is attended by students, parents, guests and local government. It is very crowd because they want to know the announcement directly. The last teachers, students, parents and local government shake hands in turn as a results of mutual cooperation like a harvest party of a farmer and this is a very impression event every year. Then, it is also followed by students’ party in several areas that are held by the graduated students’ group.
The Best Thing About My School
By Andhika Rahardyanto
Pondok Banyubiru Blok D7
Kec. Banyubiru
Ambarawa
Jawa Tengah – 50664
I remember when I was sitting at Primary School. My teacher, Mr. Sumani knew that I had a hidden talent, that is writing. One day he offer me to write my experience and sent it to a magazine. Day by day he trained me patiently after school off. And I did it. then he sent my story to a magazine called "Gatotkaca". A couple weeks later he show me that magazine and I know my story in there. I feel very happy. So is my teacher. He proud of me.
Another best thing I ever got is when I was a Second Great of Junior School. One day my English teacher, Mr. Supeno, enter my class with a guitar hanging on his shoulder. He wrote a song from Bee Gees, "I started A Joke", on a blackboard. Then he start to sing. After he finished then he asked us to sing just like him. We sing together. Sometime he turn a Dangdut song in to English and ask us to sing it. he is unique teacher I ever met.
Other best thing were I was Second Grade of High School. I have a favourite teacher. She is Miss Atiek, a Math teacher. Eventhough I hate Math to death it doesn’t mean I hate her so. On the contrary, I like her. I just love the way she taught us. So patiently. Beside, she’s young, cute and has beautiful smile. When we got badmark she told us how to solve it. she also offer me to learn more about Math after school off.
Math still a nightmare to me. But the kindness of Miss Atiek I’ll never forget.
In this letter, I'd like to share about my first experience about teaching English at a vocational school. It is SMK Piri Ngaglik Sleman Yogya. I'm a student of Semester 7 at Sarjanawiyata Tamansiswa Yogya. Related to this, I'm taking a lecture (a practical lecture) of Macro Teaching. So at the SMK, I became an English teacher 'trainee' or usually called a PPL teacher. I'm studying many things there. I've to learn about the administration of the library, Tata Usaha, students' intern school organization and many more. I'm also studying how to arrange the school's curriculum - these things is guided by teachers that are responsible for each post. Well, the most difficult things that I've to do is teaching English. But I really enjoy my job. The class is amusing and interesting. The students are very kind and friendly. They can't speak English well but they are trying to learn. I think they need something special as a media . That reminds me of you. I think the Kangguru magazine is the proper media to introduce to them. I want to maximize my efforts to make them still have high spirits to learn English and also use it in properly ways. So, directly, may I get about 45 magazines of Kangguru for this plan? If there are available, I hope that it will be sent before the end of October. But, if there aren't, I hope you tell it by letter to me. I really hope that you able to help me in this way, cause I really need it. OK, that's my experience. Anyway.........thanks a lot for all your attention, help and the magazine. I've got this month. It is really interesting and still rich an English knowledge. It's about the topic that underline, so we can learn English step by step in clear process. i like the way you to make us easy in learning English. OK, Kangguru, still being like that and increasing the quality of contents is the most important thing to you.
| Newspapers are a great source of reading material. Look carefully for interesting and funny stories. There are always some in the paper somewhere. |  |
An Idioms Story for You - from KGRE
Steve is as happy as a cat in a cream factory because his wife has just given birth to a little ankle biter. His new son is a little ripper of a kid and Steve is thrilled to the back teeth. He already has three daughters and now he has a son as well. Steve is of course over the moon. Last night Steve went down to the local rubbiddy for a few beers with his mates. They all congratulated him and drank to the good health of the new baby.
Instead of catching a cab home from the hotel, Steve decided to leg it. It was a cool evening and he thought the walk would be just what the doctor ordered. His mates told him not to walk but he said that it would be apples and that he would be as right as rain. It wasn't far to his house. Steve walked home slowly thinking about his new little son. His new son was healthy and as strong as a Mallee bull and Steve couldn't stop thinking about him. Everything was looking rosy for Steve and his family.
What do these idioms mean?
Can you follow the meaning or not?
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