EXAMINATION TECHNIQUES

In Paper 2 of the new PMR English Language examination, you are required to write two cornpositions, each of them more than 100 words. The two compositions may be of the following types: * opinion * descriptive * story-line completion * letter-writing * free composition * summay For many of you, composition writing is perhaps the most difficult aspect of the English language paper. This may be because you find it difficult to express your ideas in English. However, composition writing is a skill that can be developed. You will be able to write better compositions if you do the following: 1. Build up a strong foundation in grammar. This can be achieved through studying the language notes and working through ALL the exercises in any grammmar books. Do not work out only the multiple-choice exercises. Try to do the non multiplechoice exercises as well. These exercises been included to help you to write clear and correct sentences. Learning to construct gramrnatically correct sentences is the first step in developing your writing skills. 2. Read widely. You can read anything: books, magazines, newspapers or even comics. As you read, study carefully how the words and sentences are put together. Reading not only enriches your vocabulary and knowledge of the English language, it also helps you to expand your store of information and ideas. 3. Write constantly. Reading alone is insufficient. You must also write a lot, for writing provides you with the practice you need. You can write anything, definitely not only exarnination-style compositions. You can keep a diary or correspond with a few pen-pals or even write to the editor of a newspaper about the rubbish in your backyard. The more you write, the better you will be at it.

STEP 1 - Studying The Questions

1. Before you write your essay, read the question paper carefully and study the questions given. 2. Understand clearly what you are required to do.

STEP 2 - Planning What To Write

1. If you do not plan properly, whatever creative and imaginative ideas you have will be wasted. 2. Once you have decided on a theme, brainstorm the topic. 3. It is important to plan as planning allows you to keep a frame of reference while you are writing. This way you do not digress aimlessly or waste time unnecessarily.

4. From the given question, determine the issues that need to be tackled. 5. Form the theme of your essay and think through logically how you will develop it to its conclusion. By organising your composition systematically and coherently, you will ensure that it exhibits clarity of thought and discipline in writing. 6. Jot down your ideas for easy reference. However, write them down in point form so that you have ample time to write out your final copy.

STEP 3 - Writing Your Essay

1. Now that you have gathered all your ideas, you may begin writing your essay. Make sure that your handwriting is neat and legible. 2. Ensure that your essay is well structured and divided into different paragraphs to enhance the smooth transition of ideas. As a rule, your essay should have an introduction, body and conclusion. 3. Utilize the skills of writing such as metaphors, analogies and varying sentence lengths to add more impact into your essay. 4. You can also use writing forms like irony, tragedy, surprise, drama and comedy to convey the mood of your writing so that you can capture the imagination of the reader. 5. When you are writing, refer to your notes to ensure that you do not digress from the topic. 6. Bear in mind the time allocated to you so that you do not get carried away and spend too much time writing on one section to the detriment of your next section. 7. Ensure that you have kept to the word limit.

STEP 4 - Checking And Correcting Your Essay

1. Leave some time to do a final reading of your completed essay. Cheek that all relevant information have been included in your essay. 2. Ensure that your essay is balanced and clear in its presentation of ideas. 3. Make sure that careless grammar and spelling mistakes are corrected neatly.

SUBJECT AND VERB AGREEMENT

A singular verb is used with a singular subject while a plural verb ia used with a plural subject.

She has a parrot. My father is a doctor. I like curry puffs. Are they cousins? A crew of sailors has just checked into the hotel. The gang of labourers works down at the docks. Milk is good for you. Her luggage is in the car-boot. Every tree has been planted with care. Everyone was friendly towards her. Neither of them knows what?s going on. Has everyone of you seen this?

A singular verb is used with a collective noun when it is considered as a whole unit.

A singular verb is also used with uncountable nouns.

Words like ?each?, ?every?,?none? ?anybody?, ?everyone?, ? each of??,?one of?, ?neither of?, ?eithr of?, ?every one of? , etc. take a singular verb.

For sentences with expressions like ?with?, ?as well as? and ? like?, the verb agrees with the first subject mentioned.

The girl, with her brother, was last seen in town. The boys, as well as Cheryl, are coming by bus. Either Ahmad or Fandi was here. Neither Wing Keong nor his sisters have been to Singapore. Siti and Salamah are twins. My dog and my cat are good friends. Both Dollah and his sister like cats. All but Suresh are present.

When ?either? or ?neither? is used in a sentences, the verb agrees with the subject nearer to it.

A plural verb is used for two singular nouns joined by ?and?.

A plural verb is also used for subjects joined by ?both?.and? or ? all?.but?.

GRAMMAR SKILLS 1 Fill in the banks with ?is? or ?are?. 1. Each of the girls ______ given an apron. 2. There ______ some salt in the bottle. 3. Neiter of the boys ______ in the classroom. 4. Both of them ______ disliked by everyone. 5. Everyone ______ present at the meeting. 6. All of the chidden ______ tired after the swim. 7. Either Gopal or John ______ wrong. 8. One of the farmer?s cows ______ missing. 9. There ______ no one at home. 10. Nobody ______ allowed to borrw those books.