Beruflich Dokumente
Kultur Dokumente
ASSESSMENT OBJECTIVES
Each script will be read slowly and annotated as detailed in the marking scheme. Each script will
be assessed by impression, using the given grade descriptions.
64
These questions test your ability to produce a piece of writing which is / has
creative
original
relevant
vivid
interesting
coherent
grammatically correct
well-organised
varied sentence structures
accurate spelling
wide vocabulary
an interesting opening
a good ending
65
Narrative Writing
A narrative composition can either be a short story or the narration of a particular incident. You
would normally be asked to begin or end your writing with a given sentence. When writing, first
plan out the story. Make sure your story has:
Think of the important events that you would like to include in the story and write down the
main points. Try to arrange them in the following way:
Exposition – the beginning of the composition where setting and characters are
introduced
Conflict – a problem arises
Climax – the highest point in the composition
Resolution – ending
Give names to the characters in your story and write in the third person or first person point of
view. Rather than merely telling your readers what happens, use adjectives, adverbs, and verbs
to give vivid details of your story.
66
FORMAT OF A NARRATIVE WRITING
……..……………………………...…………………………………………………... (A)
……………………………………………………....………………………………………….
…………………………………………………………………………………………………. (B)
………………………………………………………………………………………………….
.…………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………….………… (C)
……………………………………………………………………………………………….…
……….…………………………………………………………………………………………
……….………………………………………………………………………………………… (D)
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
………….………………………………………………………………………………………
……….………………………………………………………………………………………… (E)
.…………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………….
A= Title
D= Climax (Events)
67
TIPS ON HOW TO WRITE A BETTER NARRATIVE ESSAY
There is nothing more important than having good grammar skills. So, language must be
taken into consideration when writing an essay. Refer to the above writing practises.
Narrative writing requires having a wide repertoire of vocabulary. This is to avoid dullness.
The marking system for continuous writing is based on impression. Study the examples given
below:
Example 1
"It was a boring weekend. We were lazy to read books and study, so we planned for a
camping trip. After gaining permission from our parents, we brought necessary camping
things and food for the camping trip. Then, we went to Mount Tahan."
Example 2
"It was a mundane and lacklustre period after the school final examination. Danny, Erik and
I had had enough of reading books and studying, so we all set on going a camping trip. After
getting the green light from our parents, we equipped ourselves with the necessary camping
gear and enough food to last us for the two-day camping trip. Then, we embarked on our
journey to Mount Tahan with high spirits."
Between both examples, Example 1 depicts a dull story but Example 2 depicts a colourful
story although both are mainly telling the same idea. Why? Here are the answers:
2. Reading Example 1 does not portray sense of maturity in writing unlike Example 2.
3. Example 1 lacks of details but Example 2 has an adequate details in the writing that
added the value of interest.
4. The use of word/phrase like mundane and lacklustre, green light, camping gear,
embarked and high spirits added more sophistication to Example 2.
68
So, how to make your essay more interesting to read?
1. Find words or phrases that can replace a common word that you think can be used for
every essay you want to write. For example happy can be replaced by cheerful, cheery,
merry, joyful, light-hearted, jovial, gleeful, buoyant, carefree, blithe, glad, elated,
ecstatic, euphoric, overjoyed, exuberant, in seventh heaven, propitious, auspicious and
fortuitous. Actually these replaceable words for happy are only a portion of it. A
thesaurus may come handy for this job. Try searching for sad, shocked, scared and so on.
2. Insert at least two idiomatic expressions in your essay like Example 2 that uses the
idiom green light which means giving permission and high spirits which means happy.
From Example 2 which is a complete paragraph there are already two idiomatic
expressions. So, imagine if there are five similar paragraphs!
3. This next tip could be very ambitious. Try to insert common words and phrases from
Latin and modern languages which had been accepted and used in English
Language. Such words like ad initio (Latin) meaning from the beginning, esprit de corps
(French) meaning team spirit, genre (French) meaning style and so on. These words can
be found in English dictionary.
Another important part in narrative writing is the Plot - A good narrative must have a strong
plot. Begin with an introduction, then a rising action, a climax, then a falling action and lastly a
resolution.
69
Example of a narrative essay:
From Terengganu 2010 Trial Examination; beginning with "I could not sleep throughout that
night..."
LANGUAGE
ESSAY
FEATURE
Stranded Title
I could not sleep throughout that night. Not even a minute. It was just Introduction
because I might miss the ships or boat that passed by the island. I was shivering in
cold even it was just a gentle breeze. I thought to myself that things would have been
different if I did not take part in that vacation. Never in my wildest dream that
a spectacular vacation on a cruise ship at the beginning turned out to be
a nightmarish affair.
Raising action
The day before was a joyous one. I embarked on a three-day vacation trip on
a cruise ship. The vacation was amazing. The scenic view was splendid across the
horizon of the sea as far as the eyes could see. The sea water was crystal clear and the
sky was a magnificent azure. My blissful day did not stop there. The dusk thrilled me
as I sat on a chair. The sky gave its golden appeal and the Sun looked like it was
sinking into the sea as night began to unfold. Then, the golden yellow background of
the sky changed to twinkling stars. I was staggered to see the view of the opulent
God's magnum opus.
'RIIIINNNNGGGG!!!!!!' Climax
"This is your captain speaking. Abandon the ship! This ship is about to sink!"
The loud ringing sound really woke me up from my comfort bed and I was taken
aback to hear the announcement. To my horror, the ship was in topsy-turvy. High
jinks enshrouded the air. Then I realised, there was a storm happening outside. To my
flummox, I dragged myself outside and saw people running higgledy-piggledy as they
did not know what to do. As for me, the only thing I could remember is that a huge
wave came crushing upon the ship and then everything seemed to darken.
Streaks steaks of light awaken me found out that I was on a beach. At last I Falling action
thought that my misery had ended. But a little exploration did not bring much hope.
There was no one there. So, being an optimistic person, I built up a settlement near
the beach. I laid upon my leaves bedding. I wondered. Could I survive? Did my
family know that I loved them? For how long did I have to wait?
Out of the blue, an abrupt siren was heard from afar. Swiftly, I arose from my
70
leaves bedding and ran nearer to the beach. I shouted for my life while waving my
hands up on the air.
Then, the siren became louder and louder. At the moment, I knew they had Resolution
noticed me. Unexpected, tears of joy started to drop from my eyes. Before I even
thought my life was over, now the door back to my life was widely opened. By the
moment I stepped into the rescue boat, I know that it was the time for me to go home.
That is an example of a complete narrative essay written within a week time trial
examination. This essay earned the student 45 marks out of 50 marks.
Note: The underlined words or phrases in the essay really help in earning high marks.
Now back to having a fixed plot. What is the meaning of a fixed plot? A fixed plot is the plot that
you will be using during your exam. How to do that?
The example essay above is from the question; beginning with "I could not sleep throughout that
night..."
But, what will happen if the question says; ending with "...It was truly the experience of a
lifetime." You are suggested to keep on using the same plot, NOT the same essay by means
memorising word by word, but change either the beginning or ending with respect to the
question given.
This is an example for changing the ending with the same plot:
"...Then, the siren became louder and louder. At the moment, I knew they had noticed me.
Unexpected, tears of joy started to drop from my eyes. Now, looking back to what had happened
to me I realised that I am surviving alone at a deserted island. Not everyone could say that they
slept on leaves bedding and have the sky as the roof. It was truly an experience of a lifetime."
By practising two or three times, you can easily remember the plot. When writing the essay, try
as much as you can to relate the plot to the question asked.
Note: The benefit of having a fixed plot is that the time that you usually used to plan for your
essay can be used to write.
71
IMPORTANT NOTE ON WRITING A NARRATIVE ESSAY
1. Give a title to your essay (refer to the example essay given above; it has a title). The title
itself must be relevant to the plot. The title of an essay can be anything as long as it fits
the story.
2. You must write more than 350 words. But, the essay must not be too long. The longer
you write, the more mistakes you will make. An ideal essay should be around 350 to 400
words.
3. Use only one hour to write the essay and for Directed Writing; only 45 minutes. Be fair
when writing the essay;
4. Include wide range of sentence structures, vocabulary and must have at least one
dialogue (MUST HAVE - one of the characteristics of excellent essay). Why you should
have dialogue in your essay? When you include a dialogue in your essay, it shows that
you have the knowledge in punctuation. This is what is special about narrative essay
because there is no dialogue in factual essay, right?
5. At least include a word that plays a specific sound. In the example the word
'RIIIINNNNGGGG!!!!!!’ In English, it does not mean a thing, but it gives the reader a
feel to the story you wrote.
6. Include a wide range of vocabulary to your essay to keep the interests of the readers.
7. Check for any grammatical error after finishing the essay. Make sure it is grammatically
correct in order to get high marks.
72
WHAT TO AVOID?
Narrative essay is relatively a little bit easier that the other types of essays; but it depends on
the question itself! If your do not understand a word or a phrase for a particular questions;
DO NOT even try to write about it! For example you are given this question:
See the underlined word? Most of us do not understand the word "propitious, some may
guess that it means sad, surprise and so on where the real meaning is happy. Avoid writing
something that you are not sure.
Continuous Writing is much related to Directed Writing in terms of language. The quality of
language you portray in Directed Writing reflects the grammar knowledge that you have.
SAMPLE QUESTION
Write a story that ends with, “…we are to be blamed just as the mother!”
73
CONFLICT #Frequently had a male visitor
#Quarrels heard
#child died
#story emerged
74
SAMPLE 1(A) – GRADE A ANSWER
ESSAY LANGUAGE
FEATURE
Save the Child Title
Life can be so unpredictable and fragile. No one can really know where and how Exposition – start
our own life will turn out. As for Haris, he was the victim of circumstances. with a statement that
Amir had a next-door neighbour named Puan Jasmine. She was a pretty widow would catch the
with a son aged five. She was nice and friendly, and always had a ready smile readers’ attention
whenever she bumped into Amir and his family. Sometimes she would chat with
Amir’s mother as she watched her son, Haris, play in the compound.
Of late, Puan Jasmine had a frequent visitor. He was tall, dark and Used of connectors to
handsome and worked as a technician. He would sometimes babysit Haris which create cohesion.
allowed Puan Jasmine to run errands. Sometimes he would come and watch
Haris while she went to work. Amir did not like the look of the man very much
but figured it was none of his business.
Whenever, the visitor was around, Amir often heard Haris cry. He Conflict – used of
would cry incessantly. Now and again, Amir would hear a male voice shouting, collocation and
‘Shut up!’ and then suddenly the cries would stop. Sometimes, when Puan precise words
Jasmine got back home, Amir would hear voices quarrelling. Amir did not want
to get involved but he kept a close watch on the house next door, especially on
Haris.
After a while Amir could guess what was happening. The man was
abusing little Haris. But he had no proof. He told his mother about it and she
agreed to talk to Puan Jasmine. Puan Jasmine smiled and said there was nothing Climax
to worry about. All was okay. She was convinced that her friend was a nice man
and that he would never hurt little Haris. But that was not the case. The crying
continued and became more serious.
One Sunday morning, Amir and his mother saw the child being rushed
to hospital. Apparently, he was having breathing difficulties. Amir and his
mother waited anxiously for more news. Then it came at noon. The boy had
died!
The next day, police officers were at Amir’s front door asking
questions. Slowly a picture emerged. Just as Amir had guessed, the boyfriend Used variety of
had been abusing the child. The body of the little boy was full of marks and sentences
scars. What was even more shocking, Puan Jasmine had known about this but
chose to ignore it. Both she and the man had been arrested. Resolution
75
For weeks, Amir and his mother agonized over little Haris’s death. ‘If
only we had gone to the police, the child would be alive today. If only we had
act faster, the child would be alive. If only… If only… But it was too late! We
are to be blamed just as the mother!’
ESSAY LANGUAGE
FEATURE
Save the Child Title
Amir lived in Kampung Selasih. He lived with his mother. His father Exposition – the
passed away when he was ten years old. His mother had to support the family background of the
since then. Across his house was his friendly neighbour, Puan Jasmine; a character. Used of short
beautiful widow with a five-year old son named Haris. Puan Jasmine likes to simple sentences.
stop by and talk to my mother while watching her son play in their compound.
Puan Jasmine had a frequent visitor. It was a male visitor. The visitor Used of short direct
always helped Puan Jasmine to babysit Haris when she is busy working. Amir sentence
always heard Haris cried. He even heard quarrels from the house. Amir told Vocabulary used is
his mother about it was told not to be busybody. Amir became worried of simple
Haris and he convinced his mother that Haris might be in danger. Finally, Conflict
Amir’s mother agreed to talk to Puan Jasmine. Puan Jasmine said everything
was fine. The next day, Amir still heard quarrels and very rude words from
that visitor. Haris never stopped crying.
One day, it was very quiet. Amir was worried more. A lot of negative
thinking came to his mind. What had happened to Haris? Suddenly, Amir Climax
heard the ambulance. Amir and his mother saw the boy being rushed to the
hospital. Haris has breathing difficulties and died on the way to the hospital.
76
TITLE: THE DAY I LOST MY TEMPER
You should write about an occasion when you were angry. You should write about:
The reason why you were angry – an incident, a remark made by someone, etc.
What you did or what your reactions were after the incident.
Jot down your ideas. Since you are writing a story, there should be a chain of events or incidents
where one incident leads to another. It is the plot of the story. Look at the example below:
77
STEP 3: Make your story interesting
A wide use of vocabulary would make your story interesting and lively. Good vocabulary can be
acquired through extensive reading. Below are some examples of good use of vocabulary that
describe the feelings and reactions of the people involved.
You can also describe the boy. Look at the examples below.
After planning the plot and brainstorming on the vocabulary, now you are ready to start
composing the story. Keep in mind the 6 elements that you have learned when writing a story.
78
SAMPLE 2(A) – GRADE A ANSWER
ESSAY LANGUAGE
FEATURE
The Day I Lost My Temper Title
“Ring......” the shrill ringing of the school bell pierced the air, bringing Exposition
to an end the silence that reined the class for the past forty minutes. As the
stalwart figure of the Mathematics teacher stepped out of the class, there was a
sense of relief for Mr Siva was a strict disciplinarian who would not tolerate any
of our pranks.
There were squeals and peals of laughter amidst the din of conversation.
It was at this moment that Seng Chye bustled to the front of the class. Easily the Conflict
most detestable boy in the class, Seng Chye was an incorrigible prankster whose Used of sophisticated
impish behaviour was a source of irritation and annoyance to most of us, language, collocation
especially the girls. As his diminutive figure inched his way to where I was
and words.
seated, he had the familiar mischievous grin which revealed a set of yellowish
protruding teeth. As he approached, he was grinning from ear to ear. Then, in
the twinkling of an eye, he put something on my desk. As he bolted out of the
classroom, I could hear hysterical screams. Perplexed as I was as to the cause of
this sudden flurry of excitement, I knew that Seng Chye was up to mischief
again.
It was then that I saw the slimy, creepy creature staring at me with its Used of variety of
moist, beady eyes. All of a sudden with a husky croak and a single, giant leap,
sentence
the four - legged creature landed on my lap. I was frozen with fear. Then, when
the truth finally sank in, I let out a few ear – splitting screams that echoed along Complex
the corridor. All around me, I could hear hilarious laughter while I was Compound
consumed by bitterness and anger. The joke was at my expense. Dialogue
As I stepped out of the room, I knew that this was one incident that
would remain in my memory for a long time to come. It was the day I lost my
temper.
Source: Maryann Sebastian. 2006. Step By Step Series Model Essays for SPM.
Penerbit espi: Sungai Petani.
79
SAMPLE 2 (B) – GRADE E ANSWER
ESSAY LANGUAGE
FEATURES
The Day I Lost My Temper Title
“Riiinnngggg!!!! The sound of the bell telling us that it was recess time. Exposition
After eating, I went back to class as I had not finished my Maths homework. Mr
Lee would be very angry if students do not finish the homework he had given.
I saw Ali talking to and laughing with his friend Chua. I quickly
grabbed and slapped his face. I was so angry. I swore on my way back to class.
Climax
Everyone was looking at me and Ali including the disciplinary teacher, Mr
Hakim!
I felt bad when I remembered the incident and felt sorry for slapping
Ali. I knew that this was one incident that would remain in my memory for a
long time. It was the day I lost my temper.
NOTE: Slips or mistakes maybe found in the sample answer. They are not corrected but
retained to show the candidate’s original language performance.
80
PRACTICE QUESTIONS
a) Write a story ending with “...I shall never forget this day for the rest of my life.”
I just could not take my eyes away from the empty chair in front of me. It was just too difficult to
concentrate on the task in from of me – my Chemistry exam. So much has happened in just
twenty-four hours.
Twenty-four hours ago, Rahim was sitting in front of me, struggling with the History exam. He
was so relieved when the exam was over. We went to our usual hangout with the gang. He
ordered his usual ‘teh tarik’ and I noticed that he looked a little under the weather. He brushed it
aside as ‘exam fever’. Little did I know that it would be the last time I would see him alive.
Later that night, I received a call from Aunty Elena. She told me that Rahim had been admitted
to the hospital for suspected dengue fever. Then, she paused for what seemed like ages and said
in a tearful voice, “Rahim has left us. He slipped into a coma and never regained
consciousness.” I could not recall how I spent the rest of the night. I only remembered calling
our friends and we went to Rahim’s house.
I looked at my friends who were writing furiously and I wondered whether they were struggling
like me. I glanced at my watch and realized that it was already 10.30 in the morning. We would
be going for the funeral prayers in about an hour. How was I going to say goodbye to my dear
friend, my mentor and my counsellor? He was there for me when my father passed away three
years ago and he had always been like a big brother to me. I could still hear his jokes, his
clowning around with us after the exam. How could I not know that he was sick?
The examination hall was unusually quiet. Miss Jeya signalled us to get into her car. Tears
blurred my vision. I suddenly remembered the last time we were together in her car. We were
going for a debate competition and Rahim was our first speaker. He made us laugh at his jokes
till our sides ached.
At the service, Aunty Elena looked calm as we took our places. Then, it was time for the prayers.
There are a quite a number of people performing the prayers including us his classmates. After
performing the prayers, I took a deep breath. I wanted to say a few words when I gave my last
respect and to see his face for the last time but I choked. Aunty Elena looked at me and nodded
encouragingly. Then, I say my goodbye and my last words to him. As my voice wavered, I knew
Rahim was listening and I felt at peace. Goodbye, my friend, till we meet again. I shall never
forget this day for the rest of my life.
(473 words)
81
TASK: COMPLETE THE TASK BELOW BY FILLING IN THE TEMPLATE
ACCORDINGLY
Title ________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
Introduce the: ________________________________________________________________
-setting (time ________________________________________________________________
& place) ________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
-character(s) ________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
Plot
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
(Beginning or
________________________________________________________________
Raising
________________________________________________________________
action)
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
Climax ________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
___________________
________________________________________________________________
Conclusion or ________________________________________________________________
resolution ________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
-include _______________________________________________________________
moral values
82
b) THE LAST DAY OF
SCHOOL Task:
Underline: 1) good use of vocabularies; 2) the three types of sentences structures; 3)
the idiom(s); 4) the linkers in the story above.
As I walked into school that day, I felt a strange but exciting difference. Students were
milling around the assembly area, waiting, anticipating… for the day to end! Yes! It is
the last day of school. We were going to have a special ceremony to acknowledge the
students that had a 100% record of attendance. It was a day many had been looking
forward to as their hard work and perseverance to attend school, through rain or shine,
had finally paid off.
Some students were simply here to say goodbye to their friends before they went their
separate ways for the holidays. Others were anxiously waiting to start their first day of
work at various shopping malls and the ever-present McDonalds and KFC. That meant
extra pocket money as well as means to finally get their driving licenses.
As for me, I would miss many of many friends and teachers. After all, I had spent eleven
years of my life in school. Parting would not be easy. I enjoyed school and could not even
imagine not seeing my teachers along the corridors or monkeying with my fellow
classmates. There would no longer be any tests, exams, spot quizzes and assignments to
complain about. Life would be relatively tame back home.
This rite of passage of the last day of school is one that I was expecting since last year
but to actually have to go through it was not easy at all. Mrs Teh walked towards me. It
would be harder for her, I know. She was retiring today. After 56 years of service, she
was going to take things easy now. Her last child had flown the nest and her husband had
passed away four years ago. She filled her life with the students around her. She would
surely miss the chatter and laughter. She gazed sadly around her and I ran towards her
to give her a hug. It seemed to tell her that we would always be around for her – 5 Tekun
and I.
Soon, the bell would ring the last time for us. Then, the school corridors and walkways
would empty out, waiting for two months before the next wave of students arrive for the
new academic year. I walked out and turned back for the last time… sweet memories…
83
c) Write a story starting with: “The widow had to work hard to bring up her little son
alone...”
TASK: Identify the (i) Simple Sentence (SS) (ii) Compound Sentence (CS) (iii)
Complex Sentence (CXS)
The widow had to work hard to bring up her little son alone. This was after her
husband’s early death. She and her son lived in a wooden house. It was a small house
with only one bedroom and a kitchen.
Mariam wanted Sam to study hard to get good result. So she would not let Sam help her
do any household chores or wash his own clothes. The years flew by. Sam sat for his
SPM examination and pass with flying colours.
His mother was very happy. She went round telling her friends, “My Sam will be leaving
for the city to study in a college. He will become a Manager one day. I’ll move to live
with him in the city. Then, my struggle is worth it.”
So Mariam continued to work hard to send money to Sam who was studying a business
degree. For Mariam, it was a tough life. Meanwhile, Sam kept on phoning home to ask
for more money. Mariam even had to borrow from her neighbours and friends to send
her son the money.
Three years Sam stopped calling home. He did not even let his mother where he was.
When she phoned the faculty, they told her that he had graduated and left for job.
However, they could not her more. Mariam was baffled. Where was Sam? She was so
sure he would come back and fetch her for city. So, she started to pack some of her bags
and boxes.
Three months later, there was still no news or call from Sam. One day, Mariam’s niece,
Kate, came to talk to her about Sam. She told her aunt, “Auntie, a friend of mine met Sam
in a bank. He’s the branch manager. This is his address.”
Early in the morning, Mariam took the first bus to the city. At the bus station, she took a
taxi and showed the taxi driver the bank address. On the way there, she told the driver
about Sam and what a filial son he was.
The driver stopped his taxi in front of a tall building. She got out of the taxi and smiled at
him happily. This was the moment she was going to meet Sam. She imagined him showing
84
surprise and delight at meeting his mother. Inside the building, a security guard asked
her who she was looking for. She told the guard Sam’s name.
The bank staff saw an old lady holding a worn-out handbag. They were wondering, “Who
is this woman? Why is she asking for our manager?”
Meanwhile, Sam pretended he did not know his mother. Feeling disgusted and ashamed,
he asked the security guard to ask her to leave. Mariam was shocked to hear that! She
looked Sam in a disappointed feeling ever, and ran out of the bank.
Back in her house, Mariam cried the whole night. She cried and cried till she had no
more tears. The next morning, she was sitting by the window with Sam’s photo on her
lap. She saw him walking towards their house. Soon she was shouting and crying, “My
Sam is back! My Sam is back!”
Sam ran towards her and hugged Mariam as he never let go. He was so sorry and
regretted the way he behaved. His colleagues were the one who made him realized his
big mistakes neglected his mother.
The neighbours heard her. They too shouted and cheered, feeling happy for her.
85
NOTES AND FURTHER PRACTICES
1. To produce a good narrative essay, first you need to brush up your grammar. It does
not work if your grammar is not that good.
2. Buy if you can afford to, if not borrow grammar books, example of English essays, and
anything that is related from friends or library of your school because by reading it will
improve your English skills.
3. Identify your friends who have the highest marks in Continuous Writing. Read his/her
essay and try to relate his/her writing to yours. It is not a bad thing to copy the way they
write the essay as long as it involves study and education.
4. Try to find time to write an additional essay (which is your own personal essay; not
homework) for two or a week times and ask for your teacher's comments.
86
Descriptive Writing
General Tips
Read the question carefully, know exactly what you have to describe.
Write clear and vivid descriptions to help the reader create a mental picture.
Use simple present tense unless you are describing about the past.
Use adjectives as well as figurative language like similes or metaphors to help readers
visualise.
Do not include irrelevant details.
End with a conclusion on your interest of what has been described.
Type of
Personality event -
traits venue and
PEOPLE EVENTS theme
87
Location
Importance
PLACE THINGS to you
Physical
Reason
Descrption attractions Descrption
for of Places and
interest of Physical
facilities Location Animals/ description
Things
Senses -
Visual,
aural, Anecdotes/
touch and process &
taste
procedure
Occasion
FEELINGS and people
involved
Details of
people, place, Descrption Physical
features that
event or items of evoked
that evoked Feelings feelings
feelings
Type of
feelings
88
A. Sample Questions and Answers
LANGUAGE
ESSAY
FEATURE
Teenage girls are often found to adore charming male celebrities while Set the tone and idea
their male counterparts are more likely to idolize strong, successful athletes. of what the essay will
More often than not, we admire someone because of a set of qualities that he or be about.
she has. For example, a girl might admire a Korean actor because she finds him
attractive whereas a boy might admire a football player because he is captivated
by the player’s excellent sportsmanship. As for me, the one person I admire the Does not tell who the
most is neither a famous celebrity nor a strong athlete. If truth be told, she is person directly. Keep
just an ordinary person. Nonetheless, the qualities that she has are absolutely the readers’ attention
extraordinary.
One of her best qualities is her cooking skills. She has the ability to Sentence structure
make even the most mundane dish taste incredibly delicious. The most varied and
memorable dish she has ever prepared was omelette. Whenever she prepared sophisticated;
this dish, I always different tenses and
wanted to enjoy it to the fullest. So far, been disappointed. Her dialogue.
omelette has always been so tasty I could almost feel my stomach jumping with
joy whenever I ate it. I often wondered what she added into the eggs to make
them so tasty but whenever I asked her she would always give me the same
answer: “My unconditional love. That was the secret ingredient.”
Another quality that she has is her problem-solving skills has never
failed to find an answer to any of my problems. I once had an Vocabulary-
best friends over a petty not foresee that the sophisticated and
become so heated that, eventually, my best friend and I freezeeach precise.
other. As a result, I became so emotionally hardly
on my study. Fortunately, in the midst one person my rescue.
Having listened to my never-ending problems, she encouraged me to reconcile
with my best friend. She said there was no point in dwelling on anger and self-
righteousness. She was absolutely right! I fell so much better after my best
friend and I made peace with each other.
It is also worth mentioning that this person has a good sense of humour.
Because of this, I always feel happy being at her presence. She repeatedly says
that laughter is the best medicine, which is why whenever she notices I look a The used of
bit tense she always cracks a funny joke. I love it when she does this because expression.
when I laugh, I feel extremely happy. It is when I am happy I realised that I
become more optimistic because I am able to adopt a more positive outlook on
89
life.
All in all, the most incredible quality this person has is her willingness
to do anything for me. There are just too many things that she has done for me Vocabulary; the use of
but, suffice it to say that, if not for her, I would have not existed at all. “I was in adjectives again. Use
so much pain! But when I saw you, I just cried.” That was what she would of dialogue.
always tell me on my birthday. It is because she endured the indescribable pain
of giving birth to me 17 years ago. What is more, she has sacrificed a lot just to
make sure that I grow up as healthily and happily as possible. Come to think of
it, all the qualities that I have mentioned earlier are merely details. Even without Only reveal the person
those qualities, I will admire her all the same because she is none other than my at the end.
mother.
NOTE: Slips or mistakes maybe found in the sample answer. They are not corrected but
retained to show the candidate’s original language performance.
LANGUAGE
CONTENT
FEATURE
Everyone in this world has someone they admire. Girls admire Short simple
handsome male celebrities while the boys are interested in athletes. For introduction. Direct
example, a girl admires a Korean actor because she he is handsome and the boys telling who is the
would admire a football player for his fame. As for me, the one person I admire
person.
the most is my mother.
She is the best cook in the world. Whenever she cooks, I made sure that
I enjoy it slowly. I often wondered what she uses to make her cooking so tasty. I Simple short sentences
asked her what was her secret, she would tell me: “My love for you!” and vocabulary.
She never fails to answer to any of my problems. Last week, I had an Limited use of
argument with my best friend. I did not think it will become so bad. My best
adjectives or
friend and I stopped talking to each other. I was so upset. My mom told me to
talk to my friend. She said it was no use to be angry. She was right! I felt better connectors. Simple
after my best friend and I spoke to each other. sentences.
My mother is also a funny person. She always tells me to be happy. Used of simple short
When she knows I am sad, she will always tell jokes. I love it when she tells sentences.
jokes because when I laugh, I feel happy
General conclusion
In a nutshell, my mother is a great person because she is willing to do
Essay is shorter and
anything for me. She has done so much for me. All the qualities that I have
less descriptive of the
mentioned earlier are just words. Even without those qualities, she is still the
topic.
best mom anyone can have.
NOTE: Slips or mistakes maybe found in the sample answer. They are not corrected but
retained to show the candidate’s original language performance.
90
Topic 2: Write a descriptive essay about your favourite place to go.
SAMPLE 2(A) - GRADE A ANSWER
LANGUAGE
ESSAY
FEATURE
Today is the best day of the week; at least I think it is. It is the day when Start as if telling a story
school was not in session. No waking up before the sun rising, no uncomfortable
school uniforms and the best part, no bossy teachers telling me what to do.
Ahh... bliss! I spend these kinds of days wandering about the pier, my favourite
place to be. I always wondered what it was like to get on a boat of my own and Used of adjectives and
taking it to wonderful places I’ve never been. “To go where no man have ever words that describes
been! To infinity and beyond!” Ok maybe not exploring the vast and exciting and gives a vivid and
universe. The pier, a place which always reminds me of the book ‘The Brighton lively idea.
Rock’ by Graham Greene. The pier, a place filled with fun and mysteries. A
place with interesting yet strange and weird characters and shows!
So here I am getting on to my old but trusty bicycle; Ol’ Faithful, that Precise vocabulary and
my father got me last year as I paddle my way to the ever-exciting pier by the adjective, adverbs and
clear blue sea. The beautiful-warm-morning sun is making its way up as I imagery used
maneuver my bike skillfully on the winding dirt road behind my neighbourhood. throughout the essay.
As I reached the pier, I can hear the screams of seagulls and the stinging of sea
salt welcome me to the seaside. Quickly I chain Ol’ Faithful to the nearest
available pole and run clumsily to my favourite place in the world.
I sit at the edge of the wooden planks, my legs dangle almost touching
the sea with the cool wind brushing against my face and the sun high upon me.
There are a few large fishing boats docked and the men who I call the sea
people, are busy unloading their catch of the day after a long morning of fishing
in the open seas. Most of them are dressed in faded t-shirts and their pants rolled Used a variety of
up to their knees, carrying weaved baskets of fish to the lorry nearby as beads of sentence type.
sweat forms on their heads and backs. There are a multitude of fish of different
colours and sizes. I can see the glimmer of their silver bodies catching light, Creates a vivid picture
their scaly wet bodies slide smoothly on each other like fluid as they are poured of the atmosphere at the
into the bigger plastic containers. The pier is getting noisy as more fishing boats pier.
arrive and the sea people hollers at each other from the distance of their boats
exchanging their news of the day. I ignore their loud conversations and kept still
among the chaos, drowning out their voices while I watch the boats bobbing to
the rhythm of the waves beneath them.
The slow humming of the motor boat engine fills the air, reminding me Gives readers some
of the soft purring of Kaka, the stray cat whom I have taken in unofficially since other ideas then bring
father was not fond of any animals wandering about our little wooden house. them back to the pier
My eyes follow the fairly sized motorboat as a young man steers his way out again. Shows good
from the masses of the bigger boats. White sea foam trails the motorboat as it writing convention and
91
heads to another island, moving closer to the horizon. I have never been there gives readers the feel of
before. I wonder if the place I am now looks almost the same, with a long reading a story.
boardwalk reaching out to sea and stilt houses and ships filling the seashore.
Maybe when I’m old enough I’ll get to ride on a boat and explore the
neighbouring island, perhaps maybe.
LANGUAGE
CONTENT
FEATURE
It was a beautiful day. And I wanted to go down to watch the boats; my Simpleand direct.
favourite place in the whole world. It was holiday and I did not have much to Simple words used.
do. I was free from all my teachers.
I sat at the edge of the pier and enjoyed the cool sea breeze. There were
a few large fishing boats there. The pier was getting noisier as more fishing
boats arrive and the sea people shouting at each other.
I saw a motorboat moving among bigger boats. It was really fun just
sitting and watching boats. I wonder how it is to be on one of those boats.
Maybe when I’m older I’ll get to ride on a boat and explore the world.
92
Topic 3: Malaysia is known for its multiracial society. Because of that, we celebrate
different types of festivals throughout the year.
Describe one of the most interesting festivals that you have experienced.
The first thing I noticed as I arrived at KDCA was the decoration. Even Use ofadjectives
at the entrance, I could see make-do paddy plants and local musical throughout essay.
such as gong and sompoton being erected and hung in
decorative items took my breath away as and gigantic
As I entered the premise, I n stalls, booths and makeshift
traditional houses were the same items in addition to other
attractive as exotic beads and ornaments. What made all these
decorative items so unique was the fact that their colours were mostly black,
silver and gold.
If I could sum up the whole ambience of KDCA during Kaamatan in Variety of sentence
three words, I would say crowded, eventful and loud. Simply exciting. It was patterns
not easy for me to visit all the booths and stalls without walking shoulder- Short sentence
shoulder with six other strangers on my right and left. There came a point when Complex sentence
I was enclosed by so many people I could hardly breathe. It could also
that, at various spots, young children were crying while around
searching for their parents. It certainly didn’t help that, all their panic,
explosive music seemed to be blasting out from various directions. There was
nothing I could do other than pray really hard that, sooner or later, those
children got reunited with their parents.
93
cultural performances from multiple ethnic groups ensued. As I was casting my
gaze around the hall, I could see that the audience was typically composed of
three distinct groups: local Sabahan people, tourists from Peninsular Malaysia
and tourists from western countries. Everyone was clearly entertained by the
performances but it was not until the Unduk Ngadau started that the entire show
was heightened to a whole new level. I realised that everyone seemed glued to
their seats whenever one of the contestants walked around the stage like models
in a fashion show.
To sum it all up, the whole experience of attending the Kaamatan Closing: personal
festival at KDCA was truly a satisfying one. I am quite sure that I will be opinion
attending it once again this year. This is the celebration that must be experience
at least once in our lifetime.
KDCA was crowded, eventful and loud. I didn’t visit all the stalls as
it was crowded. I felt suffocated. The most memorable experience I had was Limited used of
to watch the Kaamatan show. There were V. I. Ps and speeches. Then finally sophisticated vocabulary
the performance started. The highlight of all was the Unduk Ngadau.
Everyone was so focused and watching all the contestants on stage.
In short, the whole experience of attending the Kaamatan festival at Short direct conclusion.
KDCA was truly a great one. I will be attending it once again next year.
94
B. Guide and Development
95
C. Practices
Practice for Descriptive Writing (Describing People)
You have just been introduced to a relative whom you think is unusual. Write about the relative
and why you find him an unusual person.
SAMPLE ANSWER
An Unusual Relative
“This is Uncle Sam, the uncle who has been missing for the past twenty years.” I looked
at the stranger standing next to my father. Uncle Sam was burly with broad shoulders. He stood
at one whole head taller than my father. I stretched my neck to have a better look at him. He bent
down and held out his hand. He smiled broadly and said, “Hello, little one!” I was taken in at
once by his pearly-white teeth and the twinkle in his eyes. Before I could say anything, he carried
me up and gave a bear-like hug.
Uncle Sam was the black sheep of the family and we have been forbidden to mention his
name in Grandpa’s presence. Grandpa was sure to lose his temper as he had never been able to
forgive Uncle Sam for what he did twenty-years ago. He had refused to further his studies.
Instead, he had packed up and went on what he called, ‘travel to the four corners of the world
and seek meaning in life.’ Grandpa had not mentioned his name since that fateful day.
When Uncle Sam walked into the house, Grandpa said quietly, “Get out of my sight.”
Grandma looked longingly at Uncle Sam and stretched out her hands to touch him. “Woman,
take me to my room,” Grandpa bellowed. The air was so charged with suppress anger, hidden
joy and expectations. Uncle Sam walked out without a word and Father agreed that he would
stay in our house for the time being.
Actually there was more to Uncle Sam than meets the eye. First of all, he had managed to
travel to the four corners of the world and had gathered immense knowledge about the world. He
had acquired an island in the Pacific Ocean and plan to spend the rest of his life there like
Somerset Maugham’s Eater. He had the habit of stopping in the middle of his stories and take up
the stance of meditation for five minutes.
One night, as I look out of the window, I saw Uncle Sam standing at the main gate. I was
concerned as I knew Uncle Sam had gone to bed earlier. I called Father and we went to check on
him. He was fast asleep literally on his feet! He had sleepwalked!
Uncle Sam is definitely the most unusual person I have ever met.
96
Complete the template below according to the structure given.
Title
Introduction
(State who is being
described)
Body
(Give details of the
person that are
interesting or special)
Detail 1
Details
should
create an
overall
impression
/ use
adjectives
Detail 2
(refer to
enrichment
part)
Detail 3
Conclusion
(Give an opinion or a
fact / describe your
feelings)
97
Underline the use of good vocabularies, idioms and 3 types of sentence structures from the essay
below.
Grandmother Choi was a true-to-life matriarch. Her word was law in the household.
He daughters-in-law kept out of her way, if they could escape her eye. The only person
who could put it a word edgeways was her favourite youngest daughter and I happened to be the
beloved granddaughter. But, I made sure that I did not incur her wrath unknowingly.
As for my grandfather, he tolerated her ways, indulging her whims and fancies but he
stopped short of letting her have the upper hand when his business cronies were around. Then
you would see my grandmother in a different light: a demure, obedient, dutiful wife.
Grandmother ruled the kitchen. She could because she was an excellent cook. She could
whip up a feast for a banquet in a jiffy. She remembered all the recipes passed down to her by
her grandmother and mother, both matriarchs before her. There was no need for her to measure
the ingredients. Just a handful, just a cup, just a pinch and it was all just right.
However, Mother told me that there was one recipe which no one knew anything about.
Whenever she needed to cook it, everyone was barred from the kitchen. Then she would do
everything from buying the ingredients to preparing, to cooking, to cleaning and serving. We did
not know what it was called but we gave it our own tag: Grandma’s Magic Tonic.
The dish would only be served on special occasions. Grandmother was adamant in not
revealing the recipe to anyone not even to her favourite daughter and granddaughter.
Then, it happened out of the blue. Grandmother had just cordoned off the kitchen when
we heard a loud thud. We Mother and I ran to the kitchen and saw her sprawled on the floor,
grimacing in pain. Her face was ashen and we could almost feel her pain. The excruciating pain
was all over her alabaster face.
“Help me up, please. These ageing legs are a minus factor in the kitchen. Since you two
are the only ones at home at this moment, you two are to be the recipients of my secret recipe.”
My jaw dropped. Mother looked at me, with her eyes about to pop out. We held our
breath, unwillingly to expel any cries of glee in case the “old tyrant” changed her mind, a stance
often employed her devious mind to subject us to immediate obedience.
She measured out all the ingredients with her antique measuring cup. She gave an
indulgent smile. It was a “new” grandmother: she was never this “entertaining”. Indeed, she
was all sugar and spice, serene and tranquil.
98
Then she spoke softly and sweetly. “Take a scented bath before you commence cooking.
Become serene and give thanks for the good life. As you prepare the ingredients, concentrate on
the ingredients and think peaceful pure thoughts. Give thanks that those about to consume this
dish will enjoy it and be blessed. Continue in this frame of mind throughout the preparation,
cooking, serving and eating.”
I could hardly believe my ears. Grandmother was advocating peaceful pure vibrations
to create the atmosphere for healthy living.
Grandmother had given us the family secret recipe to enjoy doing what we do and to
give thanks for a good bountiful life.
99
Practice for Descriptive Writing (Describing Event)
SAMPLE ANSWER
Tina and I had a fabulous time in Terengganu last weekend. Accommodation was free –
we stayed in a relative’s house – and we had the sun, the sand and the sea.
Tina’s aunt’s house was a stone’s throw from the beach. The moment we reached the
house, we flung our bags down and headed for the beach.
It was spectacular. The sea seemed luminous. It was so early in the morning that there
was no one else there. The beach seemed to have been washed away clean by the tide and no one
had walked on it except the little crabs and the gulls.
After the incessant noise of the city and the overnight trip on the train, the silence was
utter bliss. Enjoying the warmth of the sun, both of us just sat on the sand and watched the waves
roll gently on the shore. Far out on the distant horizon were some waded into the shimmering
blue and green sea, jumping to avoid the foam breaking on to the shore. I ran on the wet sand,
enjoying the feel of it under my bare feet. ‘Coee!” I answered the gulls and gave a cartwheel of
sheer joy.
Auntie Lis was waiting for us with freshly cooked nasi dagang. The aroma welcomed us
as we stepped into the house. After the scrumptious brunch, Auntie Lis said it was time to paint
the town red. The first stop was the Kuala Terengganu market. It was fun exploring floor after
floor of local delicacies and crafts. There was keropok lekor that we sampled at the food court.
We drooled over the hand-painted batik fabric and bought colourful batik pants and T-shirts. Of
course Aunt Lis bought packets and packets of dried fish and keropok for us to bring home with.
The wet market on the ground floor had an intriguing array of fruits and vegetables in all shapes
and colours that we had never seen before. The best part was the duku langsat. There were
mountains of them and I had never tasted such big succulent and sweet duku langsat before.
Auntie Lis had to put a stop to our fruit tasting. ‘Enough! Your stomachs will burst soon. Keep
some place for other local delicacies.’
Our next stop was Kak Yah’s where we sat down for plates of their famous keropok and
tea. It was wonderful. Auntie Lis had to drag us out of the shop to a batik factory. There we tried
our hands at batik painting and created our own masterpieces. We also saw songket weaving
and appreciated the fine craftsmanship.
We went home for dinner after that. Aunty Lis reminded us we would celebrate Earth
Hour ’09 by having a barbeque dinner under the stars. It was truly a memorable experience
having dinner underneath thousands of stars, listening to the lapping of the waves and Uncle
Shah’s stories of old Terengganu.
100
He next morning we set off to the turtle hatchery near Kuantan. We were beside ourselves
with excitement when we were allowed to release little turtle hatchlings into the sea. It was an
incredible experience to watch the week-old hatchlings waddle into the sea. I held my breath
when a huge wave swept the little ones into the sea and whispered a prayer for their safety.
All too soon it was time to take the train home. On the way home we talked and talked of
our unforgettable weekend in Kuala Terengganu. We had left for Kuala Terengganu exhausted
and burnt-out. Now, we left it refreshed and filled with a quiet joy.
Title
Introduction
(State what or where is
being described)
Body
(Give details that are
interesting or special
about the event )
Detail 1
Details
should
create an
overall
Detail 2 impression
/ use
suitable
adjectives
or adverbs
Detail 3
Conclusion
(Give an opinion or a
fact / describe your
feelings)
101
Underline the use of good vocabularies, idioms and 3 types of sentence structures from the essay
below.
It was hot, real hot! All the fans were spinning and wheezing in the rooms. All the air-
conditioners were turned to their lowest. Yet the air was immobile, the air musty, the atmosphere
sticky, the odour sweaty – time stood still. It was though all moment had stopped. The steamy
stuffy evening air clung to our skins, noses and eyes.
Then we heard – the faint rumblings of thunder. Our hearts gave a jump. We breathed
loud audible sighs of relief. But, alas! It was a false alarm. It was all quiet again. They were
mere whispers. Were our senses tricked or were our nerves so raw that silence was music? The
rumbles were so far away yet so welcome.
The thunder came and soft and inviting. It grew in resonance, it roared and then – it
faded away. We heard it again after what seemed like hours – in fact, it was a mere minute. The
thunder went on and on, it clapped in merriment, it roared in fury. It was partnered by the
zigzagging lightning. We drew the curtains to hear and see the two “friends” living it up.
The two forces of nature were now befriended by the wind. The wind started to dance
with the dry brittle leaves on the parched ground and grass. They jumped up, hopped here and
there. The green and the brown, the couloured and the white now danced in dizzy delight, thrown
up and tossed about in the air as they clamoured to climb higher than one another.
The constant flashes of lightning allowed us glimpses of walking and swaying shadows of
trees. We were enticed and gazed in awe as the elements gave in to the cosmic energies of the
heavens. We laughed, happy that our days of ‘suffering’ from the relentless torture of the sun
seemed about to end.
Then it happened. The unexpected sound which we were waiting for in anticipation of the
welcome drop tingled at our ears. It was a little drop, a tick, a plop … It was a pit and a pat, a
pitter and a patter, a splish and a splash, a few drops which increase, albeit slow at first, then
fast, then slow and whoosh! They came: the rains were here. They came, raining glittering tears
of pearls dazzling our eyes and wondrously stretching far beyond the darkness into the wide
unknown.
The rains continued to grow in its ferocity and continued unabated for an hour.
102
Study the table below. Add further information to the basic sentences / ideas by answering
the wh-questions.
Paragraph Simple sentences Questions to help you add more
information to the story
1 I went camping with a friend.
1. When did you go camping?
2. What is the name of your friend?
3. Where did you go?
4. Where is the place?
5. Why did you choose the place?
103
D. Past Year Questions
1. Describe an unforgettable incident you saw on your way home from school. (2009)
2. Describe the most popular student in your school. (2010)
3. A famous person you admire. (2011)
4. Describe an outing with your friends. (2012)
5. 'Truly Malaysian.' Describe what this means to you. (2013)
6. Describe an important family celebration and how you felt about it. (2014)
7. ‘A friend in need is a friend indeed’. Describe how a friend helped you in a difficult time.
(2014)
104
Factual Writing
(a) The main purpose of factual writing is to inform. You may have to:
1. give instructions or explain processes
2. analyse situations, trends or problems
3. propose solutions or remedies
The main question you have to ask yourself before you decide to tackle a factual topic is “Do
I have enough information on this topic?” You cannot get your facts wrong. Make sure
you read the question carefully so that you do not misinterpret the question. This often
happens in examinations.
(b) There are a few ways you could arrange your facts. Your main concern should be that
your arrangement is clear and logical. You could:
(i) Each paragraph must have a distinct topic with supporting details factually relate
directly to it.
(ii) When describing processes, progress logically, step by step, from the first step to
the last one;
(iii) When listing problems, state the most important problem first and then go on to
the less important ones.
Exam Tips: Steps to take when planning a factual composition
Before writing your composition, you should spend a few minutes planning it.
(a) Brainstorming
(i) Define the scope of your essay
(ii) Jot down all the relevant facts you can think of, in a mind map. Make use of
the thinking tools.
(b) Selecting and organising the points
(i) Select the relevant and most effective points.
(ii) Plan the sequence of the points.
Once you know what you are going to write about, you will be able to concentrate on how to
write it best. That is, you are free to focus on your writing style. You can pace yourself according
to the time and points. Imagine yourself in the examination hall. You are trying to complete your
composition when the invigilator says “Ten more minutes…” If you didn’t have a plan, you
might panic so much that all your ideas would fly out of your head! With a plan, you can just
calmly focus on the next point on your list.
105
Note the specific structure and language features of a factual composition.
Topic 1: The Problem of Deforestation (Text is taken from Nexus Pro SPM 4.5)
Thousands and thousands of acres of lush rainforests are cleared each year to MERITS
make way for development. The once beautiful and spectacular√ forests are
reduced to barren landscapes. This is for the sake of development, for the Words in italic – use
advancement of man. of logical connectors
to link sentences
which follow a logical
Yet, what happens when trees are felled? Firstly, the earth is left order
vulnerable to soil erosion. The heavy tropical rains will carry away the rich
topsoil, and the land without its topsoil will no longer be fertile. Slowly but
steadily, the lush vegetation will give way to wasteland. √ Vocabulary is wide
and used with
precision
Secondly, the flowing water will not only wash away the topsoil but will
deposit it in the rivers. As a result, the rivers will become shallower.
Consequently, floods will become frequent in the area. Thousands of people
will suffer in these floods.
Par 4: Sentence
Another point to note is that forests are home to hundreds of species of structure is varied and
flora and fauna. Animals and plants live in symbiotic relationships in the sophisticated.
balance of nature. Man destroys this balance when he flattens the forest to
Compound
ground. Where do they go then, the great and tiny inhabitants√ of
sentence
forests? Nowhere. They die. If food chain will be disrupted. Complex
As creatures dependent on the flood chain, man is his sentence
own sources of food through the destruction of rainforests. Short
sentences
When forests are a distant memory√, a shocking fact will hit us full force. Begin with a
Mankind will be thrown into a state of unimaginable and agony√. What I am conjunction to
show
talking about is the lack of oxygen. While cutting down a tree to add yet
emphasis
another piece of luxurious furniture to man’s already
106
opulent√ lifestyle, people forget that they are also reducing our supply of Note:
oxygen.
With the support of ordinary citizens like you and me, they will get the
attention of the people in power. We can also help by planting trees.
Members of this beautiful planet √must be united. By preserving forests,
we are preserving ourselves.
107
Topic 1: The Problem of Deforestation
You may not have such a great deal of knowledge about the subject and may not be able to write so
vividly as the above. It’s alright as long as you fulfill the basic requirements. Refer to the notes in
the right column in the sample text below. Compare this text with the one before.
Thousands of acres of rainforests are cleared each year to make way for Note:
development. The beautiful forests are destroyed. This is for development.
Points are arranged
clearly and logically.
Logical connectors are
Firstly, when trees are cut, soil erosion happens. The heavy rains will carry
used to show link.
away the rich topsoil. The land will become infertile. As a result, the lush
vegetation will become barren.
Simple structure is used
Vocabulary used is
Secondly, the rain water will wash away the topsoil and will deposit it in the
simple but able to
rivers. As a result, the rivers will become shallower. As a result, floods will convey the intended
meaning
occur in this area. People will suffer.
Forests are home to flora and fauna. So, when man destroys the forest, where
do they go then? Nowhere. They die. Soon the food chain will be disrupted. Man
is destroying his own sources of food because they destroy the forests.
If we cut down a tree, it will also affect the supply of oxygen. Trees absorb
the carbon dioxide breathed out by living creatures and produce oxygen. Without
trees, will man be fighting for air?
Too much carbon dioxide will cause a greenhouse effect on earth. When the
earth’s temperature rises, the ice in North Pole will melt. This will raise the sea
level and floods will occur.
108
Topic 2: Why we should exercise? (Text is taken from Focus SPM Form 4.5)
LANGUAGE
CONTENT
FEATURES
MERITS
A healthy person is a ‘wealthy’ person. Wealth is here measured in terms of
the person’s physical well-being so that he or she is able to go about and
Words in italic – use of
carry out day-to-day tasks easily. He or she will look good and feel good. To
logical connectors to
attain this, physical exercise is a must. link sentences which
follow a logical order
Firstly, exercise ensures our good health. Modern-day chronic diseases√
Like heart problems, and certain cancers are all caused by the lack of √ Vocabulary is wide
exercise. Conversely, anyone ailments will recover better if they and used with
include exercise as part of their daily precision
Variety sentence
Another instance why we need to exercise is the lack of structure:
exercise to many people having one form or another of insomnia. ,
when we we have better resistance to infections. This has Simple sentence
proven by astronauts. During deteriorate√.
Their bones, internal organs and cardiovascular system are all Complex sentence
affected. However, it has been found that exercise reduces the changes
Begin with subordinate
significantly√. clause
109
Topic 2: Why we should exercise?
Let’s compare this sample text with the one before. Do you notice the differences? Of
course, this one is shorter, simple structure is prevalent, vocabulary used are simpler.
However, the points are arranged clearly and logically.
LANGUAGE
ESSAY
FEATURES
A healthy person is a ‘wealthy’ person. Wealth is measured in terms of Note:
the person’s physical health so that he or she is able to go about and do her daily
activities. He or she will look good and feel good. Therefore, we should exercise.
-Points are arranged
clearly and logically.
Firstly, exercise is good for our health. A lot of diseases like heart problems, Logical connectors
diabetes and cancers are caused by the lack of exercise. However, they will are used to show
recover better if they exercise. link.
We also need to exercise because doctors link the lack of exercise to many -Simple structure is
people having insomnia. When we sleep better, we have better immune system. used
We can resist diseases.
-Vocabulary used is
simple but able to
Exercise also helps us to prevent obesity. It burns calories. Today, we have convey the intended
become inactive. ‘Why walk when we can take a car’ is the way of life for all of meaning
us. Nowadays, even shopping is done online. Moreover, we are only exercising
our fingers as we play computer games, surf the Net and press the control button
to change the television programme. In addition, our favourite pastime is eating; it
is no wonder that many people are obese.
Students should exercise at least three times a week for at least twenty minutes
because exercise is a good to reduce stress. Exercise stimulates different brain
chemicals. One of those chemicals is endorphin which makes a person become
less stressed and more cheerful. Students preparing for their examinations are then
able to concentrate better. As a result, they will do better in their examinations.
110
PRACTICE
Introduction
• What is the Internet?
• How it has influenced our lives – access to information, connect to people around the world,
fast updates to developments across the world
1st paragraph
• Waste time – hours on the Internet browsing or chatting
• Less time for studies
• Neglect homework, assignments and chores at home
• Students get addicted to playing online games
2nd paragraph
• High phone bills
• Waste money – online shopping, gambling, sites which require payment to get information
3rd paragraph
• Easy access to websites not suitable for teenagers – pornographic materials or adult content
• Chatting with strangers can be dangerous
4th paragraph
• No filtering of information
• Teenagers can get access to various types of information such as ‘do-it-yourself’ or
homemade bombs, cult groups
Conclusion
• The Internet can have negative influences if not used wisely by students
• Many benefits if used responsibly
111
However, if you think the above is too overwhelming, try a shorter version with much more
help provided. Like the one below. Remember to use logical connectors
Introduction
• The Internet- global network connecting millions of computers
• enable us - access to information, connect to people around the world, fast updates
to developments across the world
• Although there are many advantages- some disadvantages of an internet
1st paragraph
• Waste time – hours on the Internet browsing or chatting
• Less time for studies
• Neglect homework, assignments and chores at home
• Students get addicted to playing online games
2nd paragraph
• Waste money – online shopping - so easy to search and purchase different items online- end
up becoming at-home shopaholics - may not need the product
3rd paragraph
• Easy access to websites not suitable for teenagers – pornographic materials or adult content
• Chatting with strangers can be dangerous – never give out personal details, addresses
or photographs
Conclusion
• The Internet can have negative influences if not used wisely by students
• Many benefits if used responsibly
112
Q2: Road bullies
Introduction
1st paragraph
• Reasons e.g. stress/lack of self-control, anger, no patience, no conscience/violent nature.
2nd paragraph
• Effects on the victims e.g. fear/injuries/death.
3rd paragraph
• Suggestions e.g. jail offenders/ban them from driving/ police to take immediate action.
4th paragraph
• Educate/remind public not to become road bullies via the mass media such as radio
and television
• More emphasis on courtesy and safety on the roads.
Conclusion
• hope for co-operation/ responsibility of all road users.
Introduction
• Define “heat wave” – a period of very hot weather
1st paragraph
• Reasons – no rain, change of weather
2nd paragraph
• Effects of heat wave: sweating, discomfort, fainting spells, dehydration, feeling sick, etc.
3rd paragraph
• Suggestions on what to do: e.g. drink more water, avoid strenuous exercise outdoors, stay in
the shade, take more baths, cool down, and eat fruit
Conclusion
• Conclusion: keep yourself cool, be practical
113
Q4: Robots
Introduction
• Define ‘robots’ – mechanical/automated machines
– can be programmed to obey certain commands.
1st paragraph
• Advantages – can do repetitive/dangerous/heavy work,
e.g. in radioactive areas
– can do the work of many human workers e.g. in factories
2nd paragraph
• Give examples – e.g. Japan’s robotic babysitter can laugh, crack jokes and dance
3rd paragraph
• Disadvantages – cannot respond to emergencies
– high maintenance
– expensive
Conclusion
• Conclusion – give your opinion about robots
Introduction
• Define an ‘obese person’ e.g. overweight/fat.
Conclusion
• Health is wealth/use a quotation/end by giving an advice.
114
Q6: A Caring Society
Introduction
• What is a caring society?
– Individuals in a society who are courteous, helpful, generous, friendly
– Willing to help any time
– Willing to share
1st paragraph
• Why is it important to be a caring society?
– Happier, safer, harmonious society
– People are well adjusted, lead more fulfilled lives
– Better and richer family life
2nd paragraph
• How we can be more caring?
– Be a volunteer, offer professional services or help whenever possible
– Offer help that is needed, appropriate to the crisis or disaster
– Money, donations in kind, clothes or basic necessities, medical supplies, books, furniture,
services such as from a nurse or doctor to treat and care for victims of disasters or from
engineers to help rebuild towns or villagers after a storm
- Kindness or help in the form of money, food, blood, clothes, basic necessities
3rd paragraph
• How students can play a part
– Be a better son/daughter, relative, friend, neighbour, classmate
– Offer to help without hesitation if you are able to do so
– Share ideas, things with those less fortunate
– Be a peer counsellor, student leader
Conclusion
• Caring society will lead to happy families
• Better environment to live, work and socialise
• Country will develop steadily and progressively
• Benefits will be seen economically, socially and politically
115
Past Year Questions
Grammar Activities
The exercises here help to create awareness as well as to provide some practices on
what makes a good piece of writing.
Exercise 1
To sum up Finally,
116
Exercise 2
1. There are teachers who are truly committed to their job. ________________, there are
some who do not seem to feel the slightest obligation to do their job well nor the slightest
feeling of guilt when their students fail in the examination.
2. Another aspect of the school that needs changing is the set of school rules. Some are so
irrational and petty. _____________________, the rule on short hair for boys.
___________________________, punishment for serious acts of indiscipline should be
made more effective, even if they have to be harsher.
3. Vandals should be made to pay for what they have destroyed. ___________________, I
feel that criminal action should be taken against students who beat people up.
Varying the way a sentence starts can add interest to your writing.
Study the four variations on this sentence: Amin did his best karate routine.
A prepositional phrase With pride, Amin did his best karate routine.
A participial phrase Bowing to the teacher, Amin did his best karate routine.
An adverb Modestly, Amin did his best karate routine.
A subordinate clause Despite being nervous, Amin did his best karate routine.
117
A. Practice writing sentences with different beginnings. Complete the sentences below.
Beginning with participles
1. Driving quickly,
2. Disguising herself as a boy, …
3. Jumping as high as he could,
4. Writing quickly,
5. Eating healthily,
E. Write four different beginnings for the following sentence about computers.
118
________________________________________, computers have changed the
way people write.
A Winning Beginning
There are many techniques of getting the attention of your audience. However, only
four of them will be discussed here:
“If you have wonderful news and you want to share it with someone, to whom would you
tell first?”
Or, you may find a series of questions which enhances vitality in an introduction. Here is an
example:
Do you always surf the web for hours, nights and days? Do you spend more time reading
advertisement and stories in cyberspace that reading books, notes and reports for your
lectures and tutorials? Do you fell more connected emotionally with people you chat
with in chatting programmes like MIRC, ICQ, Schmooze than your family members and
friends? Do you feel uneasy any aimless when you are not logged on? If so, you may be
included as part of the growing numbers of people whom psychologist label as ‘internet
addicts’.
119
2. Shock the audience
Another interesting way to get your audience’s attention is by shocking them. It is our
nature that if we hear something shocking, we immediately want to hear more. Thus, this
type of attention getter can give you credits quickly and effectively. Here is an example:
We badly need nuclear power in our country. We need nuclear power in Malaysia.
Maybe most or maybe all of you don’t agree with my idea. To you, it may sound
disastrous or you prefer to put it catastrophic but to me it is ambitious and vital
to meet our growing energy needs.
The sample text 1, this technique is applied. The writer informs the readers of the
shocking condition of our once beautiful forest.
“”Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your
country. By John F. Kennedy
4. Tell stories
Another effective method to introduce your topic is by telling stories. This famous way of
beginning writing will rouse the audience’s interest and get them emotionally involved in the
topic.
I still remember the first time I was asked to observe an English class a part of my
teaching practice fifteen years ago. I hated so much the idea of classroom
observation. To get to the school was another experience: air transportation is one
out of two gateways to the district. When I reached the classroom, I was
welcomed by shoeless pupils running in and out boisterously. I was introduced to
the English teacher, Mr. Rama. ………………. So, I would like to share with you four
beneficial aspects of classroom observation and how it would mould a better and
more resourceful teacher.
120
Answers:
Exercise 1
To give an illustration For example, an example of this is, Let me give you an example,
for instance
Exercise 2
1. However
2. For instance, on the other hand
3. In addition
4. For instance, however
5. In addition
Exercise 3
1. For more than a year, he was without a job and faced many problems.
2. On seeing the tiger, we ran for our lives to the nearest tree and climbed up.
3. Before the examination, we must study hard.
4. Without a doubt, she told a lie.
5. Of all the teenagers, Rose stands out as the most talkative.
121
C. Beginning with a subordinate clause
1. When GST is imposed, the citizens are extremely angry.
2. As rubbish is thrown indiscriminately, the village is infested with rodents.
3. Although exhausted after a long drive, he was happily chatting with his friends in
the reunion.
4. Frightened by the lightning and thunder, she hid under her bed.
5. As temperature rises, the ice in the North Pole is melting quickly.
Across the globe, computers have changed the way people write.
Evolving very quickly, computers have changed the way people write.
Without me realizing it, computers have changed the way people write.
122
Argumentative Composition
General Tips
When writing an argumentative essay:
Your aim is to convince the reader of your viewpoint.
Present strong and effective arguments which must be supported by elaboration
and details.
Be sure whether you need to argue on both sides or make a stand to either or oppose
the given topic.
In the SPM examination, you are asked to give your opinions on both sides. For example,
“Do you think …”, “Do you agree …” or “Discuss’. So you have to explain both sides
of the argument and make a stand at the end of the essay.
A. Sample Questions and Answers
One of the main reasons for encouraging students to take part in sports is that it
is good for health. In sports, especially outdoor activities, fresh air is taken into Varied sentence
the lungs, resulting in greater oxygen flow into the heart. It keeps our heart structure
healthy indeed! With improved blood circulation, other organs of the Simple sentence
function well. Muscles get toned, excess fat is burnt and Complex sentence
through the sweat glands good diet, makes a healthy Compound
The second advantage is that sports participation and sentence
develops leadership qualities among students must attend
the various practices and training programmes punctually. If they are late, they are Impressive
usually reprimanded and soon they realise that obeying orders is important. In words/phrases
addition, students involved in sports activities are elected as captains, secretaries
and to other positions. Students holding these positions usually develop leadership
qualities.
Third, participation in sports also helps students to be ambitious and set Good use of
challenging goals for themselves. By persevering to achieve these goals, students quotation by a
are preparing themselves for adulthood where they will face every more difficult famous figure
123
challenges. As the late Bruce Lee said, “If you always put a limit on everything
you do, you cannot gor far. There are no limits. You must go beyond to achieve.”
That aside, sports participation helps students to release stress and tension.
The increasing amount of homework and the fear of failure at examinations do not
allow students to relax. Taking part in sports allows them to unwind. After a game
or workout at the gymnasium, the students feel much better and are ready to study
after a good bath. This way of releasing stress is healthy unlike some methods
many students resort to, for examples smoking, loitering in shopping complexes
or taking drugs.
On the other hand, there are disadvantages of participating in sports. It often Counter argument
leads to students to homework, studies and even family. When On the other hand
students are over- enthusiastic; interest or the desire to win at
competitions, they tend to spend more and away from home. Punctuation have
Eventually, time and time spent .
unity and
This, in turn, may lead to poor academic performance and a appropriately
communication. This is certainly not to be encouraged. linked
Intensifier
Furthermore, exposure to sports means students are prone to injuries like torn certainly not
tendons, sore muscles, sprains and even fractures. Injured students have to stay
away from school for some time, causing them to miss lessons and, consequently,
fall behind in their studies.
In conclusion, we can say that moderation is the key to success in anything. Proverb
Therefore, if participation in sports is kept in moderation, it should not pose a “Moderation is the
danger or threat to students. However, if the student is over-enthusiasms, then key to success”
disadvantages could turn out to be very real.
124
SAMPLE 1(B) - GRADE E ANSWER
LANGUAGE
ESSAY
FEATURES
All students should participate in sports. Sports is good for students. A stand is given
First, sports is good for students to stay healthy. When students play
Inconsistency in
outdoor games, oksigen is take into their lungs and heart.
tenses
Secondly, sports make students more discipline. They learn to follow Spelling error
rules of many games. Students must come on time for training. Students must be ‘oksigen'
punctual.
Thirdly, sports help students to enjoy sports activities. Examples, playing
football and jogging. When they play, they feel happy and fun. This will make
them want to take up sports. Conclusion is dull
and vague
Finally, there are many disadvantages to participate in sports. Students do
not have time to study because spend too much time in training. They will fail in
their exams.
Topic 2: Students of today are too busy to enjoy life. Do you agree? (AGAINST)
SAMPLE 2(A) - GRADE A ANSWER
LANGUAGE
ESSAY
FEATURES
In recent years, there has been a belief going around that modern students A stand is made
are much too busy to enjoy life. This sweeping statement is based on the fact that
students spend most of their time in school and tuitions, and are unable to find
time to enjoy life’s simple pleasures. Is that true? Students are too busy that they
can’t find time to enjoy life, to laugh, to have fun? I strongly disagree with this
opinion.
First, let me give the definition of the topic at hand. The topic clearly
states that students of today are too busy to enjoy life. Too busy, as in they have
no spare time. I think the statement is absurd, how can students be too busy, when
they can spend time loitering in supermarkets or in their online games? How Vary sentence
would students be able to go shopping with their friends, or catch up with the structures
latest trends, or listen to popular music, or watch cartoons during weekends? How
indeed. Short sentence to
create effect
Students are not too busy to enjoy life. Nobody is. Even the Simple sentence
businessmen working in the fast paced corporate to enjoy the Compound
simple pleasure of life. In my opinion, the simplest pleasure of life sentence
family. . A student having a conversation with his or her parents and siblings
during a meal, or over a phone in the campus, is enjoying life. He or she is
125
enjoying the feeling of loving and being loved. Who says that quality time has to Complex sentence
be fixed or planned, life a picnic or an outing? Quality time can be eating meals
together, or watching television together, or even sharing the sink whilst brushing
your teeth. This shows that students are not too busy to enjoy the basic pleasure of Impressive
life, which is being with family. vocabulary
‘jaded
Besides that, students can also enjoy life at school. A great person once businessmen’
said that life without would be dull. I totally agree with this
statement. We can never be too busy. people derive pleasure out of ‘derive pleasure’
doing hard work and excruciating the body and wants to hang
around all day, doing nothing. This probably one of the main are
anxious to get back to school after a long vacation. Some of the simplest Transition markers
in life are hard work, accomplishment and success. Remember the last time you Besides that
did an assignment that you scored full marks? Or the time you finished an extra
tough algebra question and shouted, “Finally, I did it!” didn’t that feel good?
Wasn’t the sense of accomplishment is an enjoyment in its own way? That, my
friends, is how ‘busy’ students can enjoy life. After all, being busy is not all that Proverb
bad. Remember as the saying goes, “An idle mind is the devil’s workshop.” “An idle mind is
the devil’s
Now, I know that one of my statements probably raised a controversy. workshop.”
The statement I mad about why students are anxious to return to school. I know
that some of you readers are probably thinking along the lines of, “Hey, that’s not
true. The reason I want to go back to school is to meet up with my friends.” I
can’t argue with that. That’s also true. This brings me to my next point, “No man is meant
friendship. No man is meant to be an island. No student can stand being lonely for to be an island.”
too long. This is why we require companionship. Friendships are one of the
pleasures that we have in life. Students usually make some of their best
friendships during school life. Nobody takes “too busy” as an excuse to not make
friends. Socializing is human nature. Now flashback to when you talked with your
friends on the phone, or went to the movies with them, had a SMS tennis session
with them, just to chat. Enjoyed that? Definitely. Obviously, friendship in itself is
one of the many pleasure in life that students are not too busy to have.
In addition to that, some may argue that students today are too busy to sit
back and relax. They hardly have the chance to stop and look at nature’s wonder
and beauty. For that, I simply answer they have weekends, but then again, you Punctuation have
might say these students have to attend tuitions on weekends. Well, if all else unity and
fails, there’s always the semester end break that lasts a few weeks, if not months. appropriately
Students can go for a picnic at the beach or in the woods. This is time they can linked
walk, not run. This the time they can stop to smell the flowers, to lie on the grass,
to run around in the sprinklers, with nothing but heir swimsuits. Now, isn’t that
enjoying life?
126
happenings around them. Our current education system is wonderful. By
introducing recent happenings into our syllabus as essay topics, it makes, or
should I say forces students to read about them. Students would need to catch with Impressive
news and read on current issues about disasters. Subsequently, this teaches them words/phrases
the values of humanity, of compassion, of love. Now, what does this have to do
with the hectic lifestyle of students and them enjoying and appreciating life?
Well, besides being busy absorbing facts, students learn to love, to be
environmentally friendly as they expand their scope of reading. Loving others,
loving unconditionally is enjoying life in its own way. They say that with
knowledge comes power and responsibility. I say that knowledge also brings love.
Love, which is the most basic requirement, in enjoying life.
In conclusion, I would like to state that students are not too busy to enjoy
life. Nobody ever was, is, or ever will be too busy to enjoy life. Life is simple yet
special this day. We definitely can obtain pleasure and happiness in the simplest
of things around us. Obviously, students can too. If our world leaders, such as our
Prime Minister, undoubtedly the busiest people in our country, can find time to
enjoy life, then what is restricting the students? I stress again, that students today
are definitely and undeniably not too busy to enjoy life. I’m sure by now, you, my
fellow reader, fully agree with me.
Conclusion is dull
and vague
127
B. Guide and Development
In argumentative essay, one has to discuss the pros and cons of the topic or to give opinion.
You must present clear and accurate facts and give logical reasons to support your arguments. It
is necessary to use transition markers to indicate the order of these arguments.
The words and phrases in the box are used to link ideas in a sentence or a paragraph.
Put each one in the right list to show the kind of link it indicates.
1. To mark a series or reasons/ advantage/ disadvantage
(a) Firstly
(b) _______________________________________
(c) _______________________________________
(d) _______________________________________
(e) _______________________________________
(f) _______________________________________
2. To show contrast
(a) On the other hand (d) ____________________
(b) ____________________ (e) ____________________
(c) ____________________ (f) ____________________
3. To add further
(a) Furthermore (d) ____________________
(b) ____________________ (e) ____________________
(c) ____________________
128
4. To show result
(a) Therefore (c) ____________________
(b) ____________________ (d) ____________________
5. To give emphasis
(a) without question (c) ____________________
(b) ____________________ (d) ____________________
6. To give example
(a) For example (b) ____________________
C. Practice
Exercise 1
Fill in the blanks using the appropriate transition markers below.
For example Furthermore The first drawback In addition
Owning a car has so many disadvantages that one wonders why a person want one.
…………………..is the cost. A car owner has to pay at least RM45 000 for the cheapest new car
available. ……………………., there are all kinds of expenses to pay. …………………………,
he has to pay road tax, insurance, petrol and highway toll. ………………….., if his car breaks
down, bills for tow trucks, car repairs and spare parts will put a dent in his pocket.
129
Exercise 2
Complete the model essay below with transition markers from the list provided and
punctuate them correctly. Use each word or phrase more than once.
In conclusion , on the other hand , finally , secondly , however
In other words , apart from that , thirdly , the main reason
Where would you choose to study in: a boarding school or a day school?
Most students in Malaysia attend lessons in day schools. Students usually arrive for their classes
in school by 7.00 a.m. later during dismissal, at 1.30 p.m., it is a mad rush home for them.
……………………, the situation is different in a boarding school. This is because a boarding
school provided food and lodging for its students. I have never attended a boarding school but,
given a choice, I would choose to study in one.
……………………….. Is that student learning to be independent. In a boarding school, they
have to make their own beds and wash and iron their own clothes. ……………………, they
have to look after their personal belongings such as their important documents and money. They
also learn to study on their own without their parents breathing down their necks.
………………………..., students learn to manage their time wisely. They have to follow a
planned daily schedule which includes fixed hours for meals, studies, games and relaxation.
These planned activities help them to realise the importance of proper time management under
the close supervision of teachers-in-charge.
………………………, students in a boarding school have easy access to facilities after
school hours. A boarding school usually well-equipped with a library, good games facilities and
language and computer laboratories. A day school is also equipped with such facilities. However,
day school students may find it a hassle coming to school to use the facilities because of
problems with transportation.
………………………, staying in a boarding school enables a student to learn to tolerate one
another. Students learn to share their problems and to accept each other’s weaknesses.
………………………., students cannot expect to think only of themselves. Being away from
their families and loved ones, they have to rely on one another.
………………………, it can be said that staying in a boarding school has its pros and cons.
………………………, if the students can effectively manage their time in a conducive
environment, then they will find that the pros will far outweigh the cons.
130
D. Past Year Questions
1. School children should not have long holidays. Do you agree?(2009)
2. “The internet is mostly a good thing.” Do you agree? Support your opinion. (2010)
3. Should school students have part time jobs? Discuss (2011)
4. Should parents give children more freedom? Discuss. (2012)
5. Is tuition necessary? Discuss.(2013)
6. There is lack of freedom given to teenagers today. Do you agree? (2014)
E. Further Practices
1. Science has done more harm than good. Do you agree?
2. Competition is both beneficial and detrimental. Discuss.
3. ‘Education is more important than money.’ Do you agree?
131
Topical / Thematic / Phrase / Proverb Writing
Language
The Essay
Features
When I was little and I scraped my knee, my mother hugged me and offered a Good opening
band aid and a treat. I felt safe and cared for. I think everyone still craves for
that kind of attention even though we are all grown up. Getting a little mother
love from what we call a friend can help you get through a difficult time.
MERITS:
Whenever I have a bad hair day, I would call my best friend. Whenever The use of
an angry teacher just picked on me, I would send my best friend a text and her figurative
response would always make me friend means a whole lot to language
me. Her name is Audrina. I am low or she is
always right there ready to hold my the tissues and make Phrasal verb
mega margarita. She would always rush over if a fight with my Varied sentence
boyfriend and spend the night with me in couch potato land. turn structures
up to my place with a spare pretty dress when I spilt coffee all down Simple sentence
elegant outfit for a friend’s birthday party. Not only does she come to
rescue all the time but she picks me up, straightens me out and makes me feel Complex
strong enough to face the world again. sentence
She is indeed a friend in need. With her there, I always have emotional
support when something goes wrong- so 24/7 my best friend is my own
personal agony aunt. She gives me 100 percent attention when I need to
debrief about the subject I failed or the embarrassing thing I said on a date. Punctuations
But that’s not all – she nurtures me in other mother-style ways such as keeping are accurate and
my favourite 3-in-1 drink at her place or borrowing the Frozen DVD even helpful to the
though she has seen it because she knows that it will cheer me up. reader
Truth be told, I am actually suffering from Panic Disorder and Wide range of
Agoraphobia. There was once an incident where I thought that I was going to vocabulary
die of panic attack during a school project presentation. Many of my school
friends did not understand my psychological condition and so they thought
that I was just going through difficulties memorising my presentation Compound
They laughed at me not knowing that the fear an agoraphobic experiences is sentence
132
not just nervousness or feeling a little anxious. It is part of a biological and
psychological process that is far beyond these limits and is often life-changing.
Now, If we are out with my friend or loved one in my fearful world, she
would always let me know that she will provide the assistance I need without
question. Living in a world of fear, day-in and day-out, is not an easy Good closure
proposition. Every time I venture past my safe zone, Audrina would signal
that I am showing my monumental strength. I am so blessed to have a friend
in need like her, who is a friend indeed.
Luckily, Audrina was nearby. She come to help me. She help me to
get up. Then, she told everyone it is not nice to laugh. Then the person who
pushed me say sorry to me.
Audrina really made me feel safe. She knew that I have panic problem. Shorter than the required
I thank her very much. She is really a friend in need is a friend indeed. number of words
133
Question 5/2:
“Beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder”.
Describe what beauty means to you.
Take, for instance, our fascination with the female body. Varied word choice
Undoubtedly, many people have deemed it the most beautiful form
on earth. But then we see the female body defamed by awful fashion
or cultural taboos that corrupt it. If the female body is part of a Varied and effective
goddess-like persona, why are all these misfortunes heaped upon it? sentence structures
If we can pause for a moment and think about what the Complex sentence
definition of beauty actually is, we can see that beauty is relative.
Therefore, can’t it exist everywhere? Whatever the case, there’s no
need to search the whole world for true beauty. True beauty rest in
134
realizing that beauty is everywhere and it begins within one’s self.
As with other concepts such as love or peace, finding beauty
elsewhere can’t happen if it doesn’t begin by finding beauty within.
Beauty can come from inside or outside. Some people think that Simple sentence
beauty only for models. But I feel I am beautiful also. I am No connectors
beautiful because I am good from inside and outside. I am good Repetition
because I am kind to all my friends.
Inappropriate and limited
Beauty is good. For me beauty depend on what you see. If you vocabulary
are good, you are beautiful. That is why the lies
in the eyes of the beholder. SVA errors
Beauty is something good. Lastly, beauty is forever. Shorter than the required
number of words General
opening
135
Question 5/3
“My Childhood Days”
The next day, I woke up in the hospital and cast all Varied and effective
over my body where they were injuries. The of medicine was strong sentence structures
on me. That’s what you will expect from a thought of flying. But
then, I was only a child, five years old in this world. I was curious, The use of correct
and as the saying goes “curiosity kills the cat”, which in my case landed me tenses
in the hospital and a fair share of scolding from the folks. This is one of the
many childhood memories I cherish. The days of my childhood was no
less to me the days of peace, happiness and adventurous.
136
Bestowed upon us all was a measure of limitless free time that could be
otherwise spent for studying, doing household chores or feeding the
chickens.
But how can you not resist the game of hide-and-seek with the Short sentence
whole neighbourhood as the playground? Not me. I remember the time
when it was fruit season. The ripe fruits hanging innocently on the trees,
unguarded, or so we thought until came the barking dogs and their owners,
screaming threats and curse words. But that was worth everything for the
sweet taste of a ripe mango with a pinch of victory and satisfaction. But as
time mature, so do people. I left behind the days of minor child mischief
and went to school.
137
SAMPLE 3(B) – GRADE E ANSWER
The Essay Language Features
My childhood days were full of wonderful memories. When I was a Opening too general
child, I used to spend time with my childhood friends, playing at the
paddy field. Sometimes, from the sun rose in the east till the sun set in
the west, we would spend time playing hide and seek at our favourite
paddy field spot.
We would not go back home until our parents came looking for us. Simple sentence
We would run and hide until our parents got tired of searching. When No connectors
they seemed to be giving up, we would come out from our hiding place Repetition
and went back home quickly before they got mad at us. Before they
could get angry, we would quickly take bath and got ready for dinner. Inappropriate and
limited vocabulary
My childhood days were well-spent swimming in the river trying to
catch fish. My siblings and I loved to swim in the river while catching SVA errors
fish. I remember fondly how my big brother told us that we should
catch some fish to bring back home so that we would not be scolded by Shorter than the
our parents. Of course when we reached home, my mother would be required number of
very pleased to see the fish that we caught. She would then cook the words General
fish for our dinner. opening
138
PRACTICES
Practice 1:
“Actions speaks louder than words”
How true is this statement according to your life as a student?
Practice 2:
“Practice makes perfect”
To what extent this proverb has helped you in your co-academic life?
Practice 3:
“Social Networking”
What does this phrase have in store for humans nowadays?
Practice 4:
“Honesty is the best policy”
Do you think this proverb is still applicable in today’s society?
Practice 5:
“Don’t judge the book by its cover”
Describe an incident where you misjudged a person or a situation because of your
first impression.
139
ENRICHMENT
TENSES
TYPES OF TENSES
Past Present Future
Simple Past Simple Present Simple Future
Past Continuous Present Continuous Future Continuous
Past Perfect Present Perfect Future Perfect
Past Perfect Continuous Present Perfect Continuous Future Perfect Continuous
1. Simple Present
The simple present tense can be used to indicate:
1. Repeated/ habitual actions
e.g. He goes to school every day.
I study every night.
2. Instructions/ Directions
e.g. Please close the door. Turn
left at the junction.
3. Scheduled events in the near future
e.g.The bus leaves at 9 o’clock tonight.
The event starts at 5 pm.
4. Facts/ Generalisations
e.g. Kota Kinabalu is the capital of Sabah.
Cats like milk.
2. Present Continuous
The present continuous tense can be used to indicate:
1. Actions happening/ not happening at the time of
speaking e.g. My brother is jogging around the park.
She is not watching the Korean Drama.
2. Longer actions that are in progress
e.g. I am studying to become a doctor.
They are working on a project for the Earth Hour Programme.
3. Events in the near future
e.g. I am meeting my friends tonight.
They are moving into their new house next week.
140
3. Present Perfect
The present perfect tense can be used to indicate:
1. Actions that happened at an unspecified time before now
e.g. I have been to France many times.
There have been many landslides along the road to Tambunan.
2. Duration from the past until now (Non-continuous Verbs)
e.g. She has known about it since December.
I have had the flu for five days
5. Simple Past
The simple past tense can be used to indicate:
1. Completed actions in the past
e.g. Last year, my family and I travelled to Korea
The boy tripped over a cable and injured his knees
2. Duration in the past
e.g. She stayed in Sandakan for a year
We talked for 15 minutes
3. Habits in the past
e.g. he played the piano. (He used to play the piano but not anymore)
I studied Japanese when I was a child.
4. Past facts/ Generalisations
e.g. She was friendly as a child, now she is rather shy
I didn’t like carrots before.
6. Past Continuous
The past continuous tense can be used to indicate:
1. Interruption in the past
e.g. He was texting me when the car came up from behind
At 7 pm last night, I was having dinner
141
2. Parallel actions/ Atmosphere
e.g. While I was cooking for dinner, he was watching television
When I walked into the house, my sister was playing with her Barbie dolls, my
father was reading the newspaper, my brother was talking on the phone and my
mother was cooking in the kitchen.
7. Past Perfect
The past perfect tense can be used to indicate:
1. Completed action before another event, incident, action etc. in the past
e.g. she did not have any money because she had lost her purse
I had learnt English before I moved to New Zealand
2. Duration before another event, incident, action etc. In the past
e.g. He had been in Jamaica for a month when his cousin came for a visit She
had owned the car for ten years before she decided to sell it.
9. Simple Future
The simple future tense can be used to indicate:
1. A future promise – “will”
e.g. He will drive you to school
I will call him later
2. A voluntary action – “will”
e.g. I will email you the recipe later
You look tired, so I will prepare tonight’s dinner
3. A plan – “is/am/are going to”
e.g. I am going to drive to Kota Kinabalu
She is going to make a cheesecake for his birthday
4. A prediction – “will” and “is/am/are going to”
e.g. Next year will be an interesting year
Next year is going to be a hectic year
142
10. Future Continuous
The future continuous tense can be used to indicate:
1. Interruption in the future
e.g. I will be having dinner at my uncle’s house when you arrive tonight
At 8 pm tonight, I will be watching a movie with my daughter
2. Parallel actions/ Atmosphere
e.g. Tonight, I will be studying English and my brother will be watching football
143
Exercise 1 (Present Tense)
Fill in the blanks with the words given in the boxes below. You may change its form
according to the number indicated by the noun (singular or plural).
Brazaitis is trying to catch a king cobra which has escaped from its cage in the zoo. Fill in the
blanks with the present continuous form of the verbs given in brackets.
Brazaitis (1) ____________ (go) up the ladder to the attic. Foster and the curator (2)
_____________________ (helping) him. He (3) ____________ (peer) through the holes in the
ceiling, knowing that there will be no escape if the cobra attacks. Brazaities’ heart (4)
________________ (pound) in terror. A shadowy, scaly being (5) ______________ (rest)
between two metal constructions. Brazaitis (6) _____________ (shine) a torch on it now.
144
Brazaitis (7) ________________________ (cut) a hole in the bottom of the ceiling
occupied by the snake. He (8) __________________ (reach) through it with a long noose and
pole to capture the reptile. Foster (9) _________________ (hold) the ladder steady while the
curator of the Reptile House (10) ____________________ (aim) a shotgun at the hole. The
snake must be shot dead if it tries to escape.
Change the words in the brackets to the simple past tense in the following description of a
woman who got lost in the Sahara Desert.
Amanda (1) _______________ (realise) with horror that she (2) __________________ (be) lost.
There (3) _______________ (be) no landmarks to help her and there (4) ______________ (be)
no footprints either.
The cold (5) ____________ (descend) and Amanda (6) ______________ (tremble).
Sahara nights are as frigid as the days are hot. As she (7) _________________ (lurch) over the
featureless land, she (8) ________________ (know) her fellow travellers would be sleeping and
there would be no light to guide her.
Then she (9) ________________ (see) a fire glowing in the distance. After an initial rush
or relief, she (10) ________________ (freeze). She (11) _____________ (be) a young blonde
woman alone at night. Tuareg rebels (12) _________________ (roam) the area. They (13)
______________ (be) not known for their tenderness towards women.
But having little choice, she (15) _______________ (walk) towards the glow as bravely
as possible. She (15) __________________ (recognise) the figure of a Wodaabe tribesman.
145
Exercise 4 (Past Continuous Tense)
Write the past continuous form of the verb given in brackets in the blanks provided below.
14. the rescue team _______________ (prepare) to throw a line to the woman when one of
the men slipped.
15. Ah Leng, who _________________ not ________________ (wear) a seat belt,
was thrown seven metres into the air.
146
Exercise 5 (Present Perfect Tense)
Rewrite the passage below. Change the tense to the simple present and present perfect tenses
accordingly. Underline the verbs that you have changed.
The Interviewer didn’t like my smile and proceeded with teaching me how to do it properly.
“Do it like this.” He began to smile for me and called out, “Good morning, sir.”
Surprisingly, I got the job.
I had a very busy weekend trying out different smiles. Then came Monday morning and I
set out to work, dragging my feet along the pavement.
I thought all of my friends whom I had left at school and I envied their sums and
compositions and geography and history. I suddenly realised what a happy life I had left, and what
a hard, uncertain world I had moved into. I reached a place called Green Fold, and had to turn into
a narrow country road that led to the automotive workshop.
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
147
Answers: Exercise 3:
1. realised
Exercise 1 2. was
1. am 3. were
2. likes 4. were
3. notice 5. descended
4. do 6. trembled
5. prefer 7. lurched
6. screens 8. knew
7. enjoy 9. saw
8. advises 10. froze
9. are 11. was
10. watch 12. roamed
11. become 13. were
12. increase 14. walked
13. forget 15. recognised
14. widens
15. progresses Exercise 4:
1. was...misplacing
Exercise 2: 2. were helping
1. is going 3. was using
2. are helping 4. was visiting
3. is peering 5. was looking
4. is pounding 6. were doing
5. is resting 7. were getting
6. is shining 8. were responding
7. is cutting 9. was attending
8. is reaching 10. was visiting
9. is holding 11. was walking
10. is aiming 12. was driving
13. was running
14. was preparing
15. was...wearing
Exercise 5:
The Interviewer doesn’t like my smile and proceeds with teaching me how to do it properly.
“Do it like this”. He begins to smile for me and called out, “Good morning, sir.” Surprisingly, I get
the job.
I have a very busy weekend trying out different smiles. Then comes Monday morning and I set out
to work, dragging my feet along the pavement.
I think all of my friends whom I have left at school and I envy their sums and compositions and
geography and history. I suddenly realise what a happy life I have left, and what a hard, uncertain world I
have moved into. I reached a place called Green Fold, and have to turn into a narrow country road that
leads to the automotive workshop.
148
VOCABULARY
Describing People
149
Verbs
Movement
To replace “said”
1 Loudly/Angry/Fierce 1. Bellowed
2. Growled
3. Grumbled
4. Ranted
5. Raved
6. Roared
7. Screamed
8. Screeched
9. Snapped
10. Snarled
11. Thundered
12. Yelled
2 Slowly 1. Drawled
3 Happy 1. Chattered
2. Chirped
4 Amused 1. Chortled
2. Giggled
3. Joked
4. Prattled
5 Scared 1. Croaked
2. Sputtered
3. Stammered
4. Stuttered
150
6 Boastful 1. Bragged
2. Crowed
3. Exclaimed
4. Gushed
5. Jabbered
6. Sputtered
7 Repetition 1. Echoed
2. Mimicked
3. Repeated
8 Insulting 1. Jeered
2. Sneered
3. Sniggered
4. Mimicked
151
5 Sad/Tired/Hurt 1. Crawled
2. Dragged
3. Drooped
4. Hobbled
5. Limped
6. Plodded
7. Shuffled
8. Staggered
9. Tottered
10. Trudged
6 Fearful/Sneaky 1. Crept
2. Edged
3. Prowled
4. Slid
5. Slipped
6. Sneaked
7. Tiptoed
7 Angry/Stern 1. Marched
2. Stamped
3. Stormed
4. Stomped
Describing Scenes
1 Sea Sand Soft, silky, coarse, burning, white, golden, shimmering
Coconut palms Dancing, waving, rustling … as if to welcome us
The water Blue, green, grey (storm approaching), crystal-clear,
shimmering in the sun
The waves Gentle waves rushed to the shore; Gigantic waves crashed on
the rocks
1. Far out on the sea/on the horizon … a fishing boat, an ocean liner …
2. Couples … walking hand in hand, splashing the shallows/frolicking on the
water’s edge
3. A cool/warm/gentle breeze caresses my skin
2 Sky 1. The sun rose … a ball of fire/in a pool of liquid gold/crimson and gold.
2. The sky was streaked with red, orange and gold.
3. The clouds blushed a shade of deep pink.
4. The sky seems ablaze with red and gold.
5. Fluffy white clouds drifted across the blue sky.
6. Ominous black clouds hung overhead.
7. It was a grey afternoon with dull clouds threatening the rain.
152
3 Rainstorm 1. The dark clouds that had been gathering all day gave way to pouring sheets
of rain.
2. A flash of lightning streaked across the sky, followed by a roll of thunder.
3. The distant rumble of thunder …
4. The soft patter of raindrops …
5. The torrential rain thundered on our zinc roof.
6. The rain poured from the heavens.
7. Sheets of rain … / A curtain of rain …
8. The storm raged
9. The wind was trashing in the treetops/howled overhead
10. A high wind swept across the plain.
11. Late that night, the rain finally abated.
4 Traffic 1. A motorbike/racing car whizzed by/roared past…
2. A lorry/An old bus rumbled by … in a cloud of dust/petrol fumes …
3. The traffic piled up …
4. Long rows/A sea … of cars, motorcycles and lorries … / traffic
5. We crawled along the road … / We inched forward, bit by bit …
6. Dust … Exhaust fumes …
7. Impatient drivers honked their horns … cursing … waving their fists
8. Red, sweaty faces …
Happy Occasions
1 Wedding 1. Delicious / finger-licking food
2. Happy faces
3. Toast to the newly weds
4. Performance
5. Cake-cutting ceremony
2 Achieved excellent results 1. Leaping with joy
2. Tears of joy
3. Words could not describe my happiness
4. Flying colours
5. Proud
6. Thankful
7. Grateful
8. Congratulating
3 Vacation 1. Relax
2. Happy
3. Beautiful sceneries
4. Spend quality time
5. Bonding session
153
Sad Occasions
1 Car accidents 1. A pool of blood stained the road
2. Unconscious
3. Crying
4. Ambulance
5. Policemen
6. Shattered glass
2 Natural Disasters (Flood, earthquake, etc.) 1. Sad
2. Lifeless bodies
3. Ruins
4. Tears of sorrow
3 Fire 1. Fire brigade
2. Fire engine
3. Screaming
4. Burnt bodies
5. Thick smoke filled the air
6. Choke
154
VARIETY IN SENTENCE STRUCTURES
SENTENCE
STRUCTURES
SENTENCE PATTERNS
There are seven coordinating conjunctions: and, but, for, or, nor, so, yet.
Example: Doctors are concerned about the rising death rate from asthma (independent clause)
but (coordinating conjunction) they don't know the reasons for it (independent clause).
Example: Doctors are concerned about the rising death rate from asthma; they are
Example: Doctors are concerned about the rising death rate from asthma (independent
clause); therefore (independent marker), they have called for more research into its causes (
independent clause).
156
COMPLEX SENTENCE : A complex sentence contains a subordinate clause and
an independent clause.
A subordinate clause is a group of words that has a subject and a verb but does not express
a complete thought.
Examples of dependent markers are as follows: because, before, since, while, although,
if, until, when, after, as, as if.
Example: Because doctors are concerned about the rising death rate from asthma
(independent marker) they have called for more research into its causes (independent clause).
Examples of dependent markers are as follows: because, before, since, while, although,
if, until, when, after, as, as if.
Example: Doctors are concerned about the rising death rate from asthma (independent
157
PATTERN SEVEN : COMPLEX SENTENCE
This pattern includes an independent clause with an embedded non-essential clause or phrase
A non-essential clause or phrase is one that can be removed without changing the meaning of the
sentence or making it ungrammatical. In other words, the non-essential clause or phrase gives
additional information, but the sentence can stand alone without it.
Example: Many doctors, including both pediatricians and family practice physicians,
158
Exercise
Identify the following sentences as S=simple, CP=compound, CX=complex,
CC=Compound-Complex. To make this easier, circle the subjects, underline the verbs,
and cross out the prepositional phrases.
159
_____18.After the citizens finished their baths, they would wrap themselves in towels
and visit with friends or walk about the grounds.
_____19.The serious-minded could browse through the bath’s library.
_____20.They also sat around and played chess and checkers in game rooms.
THE END
160