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SPM 2018 MODULE

TIPS AND GUIDELINES: DIRECTED WRITING

 Read the question carefully. Identify your task, your role and your audience.
 Use the 45 minutes allocated for this question wisely.
 Plan your essay and organize your thoughts (this includes what to write and how to elaborate on
points)
 Include an introduction and a conclusion and make sure your paragraphs are well organized.
 Use all content points given. It is advisable to cross out the points you have used, so that no
point is left out.
 Include points of your own only if you are asked to. Otherwise, do not waste precious time
doing so because you will not get any extra marks.
 Elaborate on the points given. Write 2-3 sentences to elaborate on each point. Remember a
crucial aspect of this paper is language and your ability to write can only be tested if you provide
sufficient language for the examiner to gauge your linguistic ability.
 Use a variety of sentence structures so that your essay is not dull and monotonous.
 Always read through what you have written. Correct grammatical, spelling and punctuation
errors before handing in your script.

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1. ARTICLE

OUR HERO F1

Title

by Alina F2

Writer’s name

F3

....................wishing him all the best for his future. Well done John! Ending

(wish/hope)

2. SPEECH

F1

Good morning ........ Greetings (Good morning)

I am going to give a speech entitled “Healthy Lifestyle” in F2


accordance of World’s Health Day …
Speech title & purpose

F3
......... Thank you.
Ending (Thank you)

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SPM 2018 MODULE

3. FORMAL LETTER

Consumer Club, F1

SMK Kuantan, Sender’s

25000 Kuantan.

______________________________________________________________ &

The Manager,

SKF Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., Recipient’s address

472, Jalan Kuantan,

52000 Kuala Lumpur.

03 March 2014
Date

&

Dear Sir, (ONLY USE THIS)


Salutation (Dear sir) (F2)

PERMISSION TO VISIT YOUR FACTORY F3

Title

&

Yours faithfully, (ONLY USE THIS) Signing off (F2)

David (Yours faithfully)

David Tan

Consumer Club Secretary (STATE YOUR NAME AND POST)

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4. INFORMAL LETTER

F1
123, Taman ABC,
Sender’s address

25000 Kuantan
F2

Salutation (Dear name)

Dear Atilia, (name)

F3

Your Signing off


friend, (DO NOT USE Yours faithfully)

Betty

5. REPORT

To: Mr Lee F1

Principal To

SMK Kuantan

REPORT ON THE SCHOOL SPORTS EQUIPMENT F2

Title

(REPORT ON…)

Reported by, F3

Lee From

LEE LI LI (Reported by

Secretary & name

Sports Committee & post)

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SPM 2018 MODULE

TIPS AND GUIDELINES: CONTINUOUS WRITING

SENTENCE TYPES
• The best way to improve your writing is to use a variety of sentence structure
• Variety of sentence structure is used to avoid monotony and to make the writing more
interesting and meaningful
• How do you do that? By using
– simple sentences
– longer sentences
– sentences with joining words
– sentences with different beginnings
• Simple sentences
– There is one main idea and one verb
• It was raining heavily.
• I was frightened.
• I started running fast.
***Writing a long series of short sentences will make your writing jerky and
choppy. It will also tire the reader thus make the reader lose interest towards
your writing.
• Longer sentences
– Aini was not allowed to leave the classroom. The teacher was busy in the office. She
had to get permission from the prefect on duty.
– As the teacher was busy in the office, Aini was not allowed to leave the classroom
unless she got the permission of the prefect on duty.

– I was on my way home from school. I saw thick black smoke. It was coming from a
burning house. I saw people rushing out with their belongings.
– While I was on my way home from school, I saw thick black smoke coming from a
burning house. People were rushing out with their belongings.

• Construct sentences with joining sentences such as conjunctions to make ideas flow
smoothly and combine two independent thoughts, giving both equal strength and
importance.
• Linking a whole string of complete sentences with conjunctions will make the paragraph
monotonous and boring to read, so it is advised to have varied paces in your writing as some
parts can be slow moving while others might be fast paced.
• Short sentences for action and excitement
– I sensed that someone was following me. I turned around. There was no one there.
Again, I heard the thud of boots. So, I quickened my steps. My heart started beating
fast.
• Longer sentences for slow-moving events
– Only an hour ago I had celebrated my twenty-first birthday and now he was gone. I
knew that I would never see him again but why was I still waiting for his phone call? I
hugged my mother and cried uncontrollably. We will never see him again but the
memory of those wonderful times we had would forever be embedded in my mind.
• Using sentences with different beginnings :
– Using one / two adverbs
– Using verb-part openers
– Using the …..ing opener ( Gerund )
– Using infinitives as openers

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SPM 2018 MODULE

SHOWING SENTENCES VS TELLING SENTENCES

• “Show Me, Don’t Tell Me“ is an approach to writing a more vivid paragraph as it breathes
life and energy into any story.
• A reader would want to see how the characters in a story come alive and controls the
attention of the reader. When you ‘tell’ a story…it may seem mundane or boring.
• Telling sentences tell us something and gives general, non-specific and often vague ideas
• They do not involve the reader and these type of sentences are written in a dull and lifeless
manner.
• Telling is the wrong way of communicating facts to the reader.
• So if “telling” is not an effective way of writing…a good writer should use “showing”
sentences.
• “Showing” sentences show us - they describe the scene and actions, they help us see by
using clear, specific details to create clear, strong pictures in our minds.
• “Showing” sentences will get the reader to experience the story as if the reader is there
participating in the story.
• Now…let’s look at some examples

touch

Telling Sentence Showing Sentence

Jack was afraid. As the footsteps tapped closer and closer, Jack felt his
stomach muscles tighten. He flattened himself to the
wall, the gritty bricks against his cheek. Jack was
afraid.

hear touch

• In the “telling” sentence, we are given information but in a way that doesn’t involve the
reader
• In the “showing” sentence however, the reader is brought in the scene along with Jack. Here
the 5S ( sense of touch, smell, feel, see, hear ) factor is used

Smell touch feel see hear

Jack was afraid.

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SPM 2018 MODULE

• So the secret of a showing sentence is it’s beautifully simple with specified details that brings
life and stimulates the reader’s imagination so that the reader could project him or herself
into the scene and become part of the story.

PARAGRAPH POWER

• Every paragraph should contain the three main elements mentioned below
– Topic Sentence
– Lets the reader know the topic or main idea of the paragraph
– General Statements
– Gives general reason to go along with the main idea
– Supporting Sentences
– Added support and details to enhance a general statement
• Paragraphs should also be structured as a BLOT ( Bottom Line On Top )
– Topic sentence
Sets up the expectation in the mind of the reader. The paragraph fulfills those
expectations
– Key points and supporting details
– Concluding sentences
These sentences should lead into the topic sentence of the next paragraph and
remind us of the main point
 In order to construct a meaning paragraph and establishing logical flow is the use of
transitions – words that logically link supporting sentences in a paragraph
 To choose the correct transition words, first determine the conceptual category, then select
the words or phrases.

Transition Category Transition Words / Phrases

Adding to also, furthermore, in addition, moreover

Showing sequence then, next, after, finally


first, second, third
one, two, three

Contrasting however, nevertheless, in contrast, on the other


hand, conversely

Showing cause and effect therefore, as a result, consequently, thus for this
reason

Providing examples for instance, for example

Showing similarity similarly, likewise

Conclusion in summary, in conclusion, to sum up, all in all, all


things considered

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 Transitions are signals, they establish the relationship between concept and paragraphs to
powerfully move the reader from paragraph to paragraph.

Now let us have some practice on how to construct a topic sentence.

1. Topic ( Fast food ) + Main Point ( What will you say about the topic )

I will tell you about fast food. (×)


Fast food is bad for your health. (√)

This is about fast food. (×)


Fast food chains are opening restaurants in Malaysia
and Indonesia. (√)

Here I will talk about fast food. (×)


Fast food is getting healthier. (√)

I will introduce fast food. (×)


Fast food in Malaysia is highly popular. (√)

*** ( x ) with these type of sentences, not much elaboration can be done

A good paragraph contains a topic sentence, general statements, supporting details and a concluding
sentence

Practice 1

topic sentence general statements

Fast food is getting healthier. Recently, in restaurants such as Mc Donald’s, you can find veggie
burgers and salads on the menu. Burger King even has special menus for people who have to avoid
certain food for health reasons. They list all the ingredients for people to see. Things have really
changed for the better on the fast food chain. Now, when you think of fast food, it does not have to
mean bad food.

supporting details concluding sentence

The above paragraph contains the three elements mentioned above. It shows that a good paragraph
will have ample information about the topic supported with various sentences.

When constructing an interesting paragraph, the writer must think about the readers :

i. What will they want to know?


ii. How can I make this more interesting?
iii. Can I give them new information or a new view of the topic?

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Practice 2

My favourite subject is English. I like to read interesting and exciting literature. Most of all, I like
debates, discussions we are able to have about the things we are studying. There is no class
compared to English.

My favourite subject is English. - topic sentence

I like to read interesting and exciting literature. - general statement 1

I like debates, discussions we are able to have


about the things we are studying. - general statement 2

As mentioned earlier, a good paragraph will consist of a topic sentence, general statements,
supporting details and a concluding sentence. Each general statement should be accompanied by two
supporting statements and transition words or phrases should be used to begin each general
statement. Transitions help the flow of the paragraph and at the end of each paragraph a concluding
sentence must be written.

My favourite subject
is English

exciting literature general statements debate /discussion

read lots of different supporting details hearing others’ perspective


things

non-fiction helps supporting details like to argue


understand history

concluding sentence

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SPM 2018 MODULE

Tips For Scoring High Marks: CONTINUOUS WRITING

Here are the tips on how to write a good essay, based on each criterion:

1) Hardly any mistakes in grammar (including spelling and punctuation)

Good essays should be without any major grammatical, spelling and punctuation errors. So, focus on
these key aspects. Make sure that you know the grammar rules well and apply them when you write.

2) Effective use of varied sentence structures

Many students face problems with the sentence structure of the English language. The problem can
be solved through plenty of reading. When you read, your mind is fed with the correct sentence
structures over and over. In time, you will be able to write sentences with the right structure. When
you write an essay, use a variety of sentences - simple, compound, complex sentences, in both the
active voice and passive voice, etc. Thus, it is advisable to make good use of as much variety of
reading material as possible - storybooks, magazines, newspapers, etc. to expose yourself to
different types of sentence structures.

3) Wide vocabulary used expressively/precisely

Reading helps to increase your vocabulary. When you see a new word, look it up in a dictionary to
learn its meaning. To score high marks, you need to show that you have a wide vocabulary. For
example, you can use 'delighted' or 'overjoyed' instead of 'happy'. Instead of using 'sad', use 'upset'
or 'downhearted'. Try not to use the same word repeatedly. Use different words with the same
meaning to impress the examiner. It is also important that you use a word precisely or accurately.
Wrong use of words will result in mark deduction. So, make sure that a word is suitable to be used in
a sentence or a particular situation before using it. Reading helps you understand the meaning of a
word accurately. When you read extensively, you tend to be familiar with words and know when to
use them and when not to. Look it up in a dictionary again when you forget the meaning of a
particular word.

4) Good and relevant points

When writing an essay, it is important to write about relevant points, or write about what the
question ask for. For example, for the title 'Describe an outing with your friends', the whole essay
should be about the outing. If you write about other things such as your friends' hobbies, that would
be irrelevant. As long as you understand the title and write relevant points, you will be safe. The lack
of points or ideas is a common problem faced by students when writing essays. Reading model
essays helps a lot, since it gives you plenty of ideas.

5) Coherence in paragraphing & 6) Well-organised paragraphing

An Oxford dictionary defines 'coherence' as 'the situation in which all the parts of something fit
together well'. For instance, when writing an essay entitled 'My Hero', it is advisable to write about
things that are of the same nature in a paragraph. For example, after the introduction, you can write
about the childhood of your hero in the first paragraph. Then, in the second, third, fourth and fifth
paragraphs, you can write about his educational background, occupation, personalities and

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SPM 2018 MODULE

accomplishments respectively. It is unwise to mix them up as it lacks coherence and is not


well-organised.

7) Essay is very interesting and shows originality

An interesting essay does not talk about the boring stuff. For example, you decide to write an essay
entitled 'Describe an enjoyable weekend you have experienced' or ‘Describe a camping trip at the
beach with your family.’ Avoid including stuff like:

"When I woke up that morning, I went to the toilet to brush my teeth and wash my face. After that, I
dressed up and went downstairs to have my breakfast. I had bread and butter for breakfast..."

You can put it this way:

"When I woke up that morning, I was excited as my whole family would be going on a camping trip at
the beach. After getting everything ready, we set off for the beach in my father's van..."

You can continue the essay by describing all the interesting things that you and your family saw and
did at the beach. It is a good idea to write about your own experience, since it shows originality.
When writing essays, it is also important to write about logical things.

Stated above are the important points to note. Apart from those based on the criteria, other points
to take note of include:

i) Practise writing essays, since 'practice makes perfect'. Besides school assignments, try to write
more essays and have someone qualified to correct them for you. When you make mistakes, learn
from them and make it a point not to repeat them , in order to improve your writing skills effectively.
When practising, learn to finish an essay within the time frame given. For instance, in SPM, you have
about an hour to complete an essay. Spend about 10 minutes, 35 minutes and 15 minutes on
planning, writing and checking the essay respectively.

ii) Remember, there are no short cuts to success. Essay writing skills take time to develop. There
goes the saying, 'Rome wasn't built in a day'. Diligence and perseverance are the keys to success. Do
not give up until you succeed.

iii) Look at the past year papers and study the examination format. Then, refer to the model answers
and familiarise yourself with the answering techniques in order to score high marks.

In short:

1 Learn and know the grammar rules well.

2 Do more reading, as it helps in all aspects of writing good essays.


Good luck
3 Practise writing essays and learn from your mistakes.
In your SPM!

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SPM 2018 MODULE

SYNONYMS FOR 95 COMMONLY USED WORDS IN THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE

1. Amazing — incredible, unbelievable, improbable, fabulous, wonderful, fantastic,


astonishing, astounding, extraordinary
2. Anger — enrage, infuriate, arouse, nettle, exasperate, inflame, madden
3. Angry — mad, furious, enraged, excited, wrathful, indignant, exasperated, aroused,
inflamed
4. Answer — reply, respond, retort, acknowledge
5. Ask — question, inquire of, seek information from, put a question to, demand,
request, expect, inquire, query, interrogate, examine, quiz
6. Awful — dreadful, terrible, abominable, bad, poor, unpleasant
7. Bad — evil, immoral, wicked, corrupt, sinful, depraved, rotten, contaminated, spoiled,
tainted, harmful, injurious, unfavourable, defective, inferior, imperfect,
substandard, faulty, improper, inappropriate, unsuitable, disagreeable, unpleasant,
cross, nasty, unfriendly, irascible, horrible, atrocious, outrageous, scandalous,
infamous, wrong, noxious, sinister, putrid, snide, deplorable, dismal, gross,
heinous, nefarious, base, obnoxious, detestable, despicable, contemptible, foul,
rank, ghastly, execrable
8. Beautiful — pretty, lovely, handsome, attractive, gorgeous, dazzling, splendid,
magnificent, comely, fair, ravishing, graceful, elegant, fine, exquisite, aesthetic,
pleasing, shapely, delicate, stunning, glorious, heavenly, resplendent, radiant,
glowing, blooming, sparkling
9. Begin — start, open, launch, initiate, commence, inaugurate, originate
10. Big — enormous, huge, immense, gigantic, vast, colossal, gargantuan, large, sizable,
grand, great, tall, substantial, mammoth, astronomical, ample, broad, expansive,
spacious, stout, tremendous, titanic, mountainous
11. Brave — courageous, fearless, dauntless, intrepid, plucky, daring, heroic, valorous,
audacious, bold, gallant, valiant, doughty, mettlesome
12. Break — fracture, rupture, shatter, smash, wreck, crash, demolish, atomize
13. Bright — shining, shiny, gleaming, brilliant, sparkling, shimmering, radiant, vivid,
colourful, lustrous, luminous, incandescent, intelligent, knowing, quick-witted,
smart, intellectual
14. Calm — quiet, peaceful, still, tranquil, mild, serene, smooth, composed, collected,
unruffled, level-headed, unexcited, detached, aloof
15. Come — approach, advance, near, arrive, reach
16. Cool — chilly, cold, frosty, wintry, icy, frigid
17. Crooked — bent, twisted, curved, hooked, zigzag
18. Cry — shout, yell, yowl, scream, roar, bellow, weep, wail, sob, bawl
19. Cut — gash, slash, prick, nick, sever, slice, carve, cleave, slit, chop, crop, lop, reduce
20. Dangerous — perilous, hazardous, risky, uncertain, unsafe
21. Dark — shadowy, unlit, murky, gloomy, dim, dusky, shaded, sunless, black, dismal, sad
22. Decide — determine, settle, choose, resolve
23. Definite — certain, sure, positive, determined, clear, distinct, obvious
24. Delicious — savoury, delectable, appetizing, luscious, scrumptious, palatable,
delightful, enjoyable, toothsome, exquisite
25. Describe — portray, characterize, picture, narrate, relate, recount, represent, report,
record
26. Destroy — ruin, demolish, raze, waste, kill, slay, end, extinguish
27. Difference — disagreement, inequity, contrast, dissimilarity, incompatibility
28. Do — execute, enact, carry out, finish, conclude, effect, accomplish, achieve, attain

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29. Dull — boring, tiring„ tiresome, uninteresting, slow, dumb, stupid, unimaginative,
lifeless, dead, insensible, tedious, wearisome, listless, expressionless, plain,
monotonous, humdrum, dreary
30. Eager — keen, fervent, enthusiastic, involved, interested, alive to
31. End — stop, finish, terminate, conclude, close, halt, cessation, discontinuance
32. Enjoy — appreciate, delight in, be pleased, indulge in, luxuriate in, bask in, relish,
devour, savour, like
33. Explain — elaborate, clarify, define, interpret, justify, account for
34. Fair — just, impartial, unbiased, objective, unprejudiced, honest
35. Fall — drop, descend, plunge, topple, tumble
36. False — fake, fraudulent, counterfeit, spurious, untrue, unfounded, erroneous,
deceptive, groundless, fallacious
37. Famous — well-known, renowned, celebrated, famed, eminent, illustrious,
distinguished, noted, notorious
38. Fast — quick, rapid, speedy, fleet, hasty, snappy, mercurial, swiftly, rapidly, quickly,
snappily, speedily, lickety-split, post-haste, hastily, expeditiously, like a flash
39. Fat — stout, corpulent, fleshy, beefy, paunchy, plump, full, rotund, tubby, pudgy,
chubby, chunky, burly, bulky, elephantine
40. Fear — fright, dread, terror, alarm, dismay, anxiety, scare, awe, horror, panic,
apprehension
41. Fly — soar, hover, flit, wing, flee, waft, glide, coast, skim, sail, cruise
42. Funny — humorous, amusing, droll, comic, comical, laughable, silly
43. Get — acquire, obtain, secure, procure, gain, fetch, find, score, accumulate, win, earn,
rep, catch, net, bag, derive, collect, gather, glean, pick up, accept, come by, regain,
salvage
44. Go — recede, depart, fade, disappear, move, travel, proceed
45. Good — excellent, fine, superior, wonderful, marvellous, qualified, suited, suitable,
apt, proper, capable, generous, kindly, friendly, gracious, obliging, pleasant,
agreeable, pleasurable, satisfactory, well-behaved, obedient, honourable, reliable,
trustworthy, safe, favourable, profitable, advantageous, righteous, expedient,
helpful, valid, genuine, ample, salubrious, estimable, beneficial, splendid, great,
noble, worthy, first-rate, top-notch, grand, sterling, superb, respectable, edifying
46. Great — noteworthy, worthy, distinguished, remarkable, grand, considerable,
powerful, much, mighty
47. Gross — improper, rude, coarse, indecent, crude, vulgar, outrageous, extreme,
grievous, shameful, uncouth, obscene, low
48. Happy — pleased, contented, satisfied, delighted, elated, joyful, cheerful, ecstatic,
jubilant, gay, tickled, gratified, glad, blissful, overjoyed
49. Hate — despise, loathe, detest, abhor, disfavour, dislike, disapprove, abominate
50. Have — hold, possess, own, contain, acquire, gain, maintain, believe, bear, beget,
occupy, absorb, fill, enjoy
51. Help — aid, assist, support, encourage, back, wait on, attend, serve, relieve, succour,
benefit, befriend, abet
52. Hide — conceal, cover, mask, cloak, camouflage, screen, shroud, veil
53. Hurry — rush, run, speed, race, hasten, urge, accelerate, bustle
54. Hurt — damage, harm, injure, wound, distress, afflict, pain
55. Idea — thought, concept, conception, notion, understanding, opinion, plan, view,
belief
56. Important — necessary, vital, critical, indispensable, valuable, essential, significant,
primary, principal, considerable, famous, distinguished, notable, well-known

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57. Interesting — fascinating, engaging, sharp, keen, bright, intelligent, animated,


spirited, attractive, inviting, intriguing, provocative, though-provoking, challenging,
inspiring, involving, moving, titillating, tantalizing, exciting, entertaining, piquant,
lively, racy, spicy, engrossing, absorbing, consuming, gripping, arresting,
enthralling, spellbinding, curious, captivating, enchanting, bewitching, appealing
58. Keep — hold, retain, withhold, preserve, maintain, sustain, support
59. Kill — slay, execute, assassinate, murder, destroy, cancel, abolish
60. Lazy — indolent, slothful, idle, inactive, sluggish
61. Little — tiny, small, diminutive, shrimp, runt, miniature, puny, exiguous, dinky,
cramped, limited, itsy-bitsy, microscopic, slight, petite, minute
62. Look — gaze, see, glance, watch, survey, study, seek, search for, peek, peep, glimpse,
stare, contemplate, examine, gape, ogle, scrutinize, inspect, leer, behold, observe,
view, witness, perceive, spy, sight, discover, notice, recognize, peer, eye, gawk,
peruse, explore
63. Love — like, admire, esteem, fancy, care for, cherish, adore, treasure, worship,
appreciate, savour
64. Make — create, originate, invent, beget, form, construct, design, fabricate,
manufacture, produce, build, develop, do, effect, execute, compose, perform,
accomplish, earn, gain, obtain, acquire, get
65. Mark — label, tag, price, ticket, impress, effect, trace, imprint, stamp, brand, sign,
note, heed, notice, designate
66. Mischievous — prankish, playful, naughty, roguish, waggish, impish, sportive
67. Move — plod, go, creep, crawl, inch, poke, drag, toddle, shuffle, trot, dawdle, walk,
traipse, mosey, jog, plug, trudge, slump, lumber, trail, lag, run, sprint, trip, bound,
hotfoot, high-tail, streak, stride, tear, breeze, whisk, rush, dash, dart, bolt, fling,
scamper, scurry, skedaddle, scoot, scuttle, scramble, race, chase, hasten, hurry,
hump, gallop, lope, accelerate, stir, budge, travel, wander, roam, journey, trek,
ride, spin, slip, glide, slide, slither, coast, flow, sail, saunter, hobble, amble, stagger,
paddle, slouch, prance, straggle, meander, perambulate, waddle, wobble, pace,
swagger, promenade, lunge
68. Moody — temperamental, changeable, short-tempered, glum, morose, sullen,
modish, irritable, testy, peevish, fretful, spiteful, sulky, touchy
69. Neat — clean, orderly, tidy, trim, dapper, natty, smart, elegant, well-organized, super,
desirable, spruce, shipshape, well-kept, shapely
70. New — fresh, unique, original, unusual, novel, modern, current, recent
71. Old — feeble, frail, ancient, weak, aged, used, worn, dilapidated, ragged, faded,
broken-down, former, old-fashioned, outmoded, passé, veteran, mature,
venerable, primitive, traditional, archaic, conventional, customary, stale, musty,
obsolete, extinct
72. Part — portion, share, piece, allotment, section, fraction, fragment
73. Place — space, area, spot, plot, region, location, situation, position, residence,
dwelling, set, site, station, status, state
74. Plan — plot, scheme, design, draw, map, diagram, procedure, arrangement, intention,
device, contrivance, method, way, blueprint
75. Popular — well-liked, approved, accepted, favourite, celebrated, common, current
76. Predicament — quandary, dilemma, pickle, problem, plight, spot, scrape, jam
77. Put — place, set, attach, establish, assign, keep, save, set aside, effect, achieve, do,
build
78. Quiet — silent, still, soundless, mute, tranquil, peaceful, calm, restful
79. Right — correct, accurate, factual, true, good, just, honest, upright, lawful, moral,
proper, suitable, apt, legal, fair

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80. Run — race, speed, hurry, hasten, sprint, dash, rush, escape, elope, flee
81. Scared — afraid, frightened, alarmed, terrified, panicked, fearful, unnerved, insecure,
timid, shy, skittish, jumpy, disquieted, worried, vexed, troubled, disturbed,
horrified, terrorized, shocked, petrified, haunted, timorous, shrinking, tremulous,
stupefied, paralyzed, stunned, apprehensive
82. Show — display, exhibit, present, note, point to, indicate, explain, reveal, prove,
demonstrate, expose
83. Slow — unhurried, gradual, leisurely, late, behind, tedious, slack
84. Stop — cease, halt, stay, pause, discontinue, conclude, end, finish, quit
85. Story — tale, myth, legend, fable, yarn, account, narrative, chronicle, epic, sage,
anecdote, record, memoir
86. Strange — odd, peculiar, unusual, unfamiliar, uncommon, queer, weird, outlandish,
curious, unique, exclusive, irregular
87. Take — hold, catch, seize, grasp, win, capture, acquire, pick, choose, select, prefer,
remove, steal, lift, rob, engage, bewitch, purchase, buy, retract, recall, assume,
occupy, consume
88. Tell — disclose, reveal, show, expose, uncover, relate, narrate, inform, advise, explain,
divulge, declare, command, order, bid, recount, repeat
89. Think — judge, deem, assume, believe, consider, contemplate, reflect, mediate
90. Trouble — distress, anguish, anxiety, worry, wretchedness, pain, danger, peril,
disaster, grief, misfortune, difficulty, concern, pains, inconvenience, exertion, effort
91. True — accurate, right, proper, precise, exact, valid, genuine, real, actual, trusty,
steady, loyal, dependable, sincere, staunch
92. Ugly — hideous, frightful, frightening, shocking, horrible, unpleasant, monstrous,
terrifying, gross, grisly, ghastly, horrid, unsightly, plain, homely, evil, repulsive,
repugnant, gruesome
93. Unhappy — miserable, uncomfortable, wretched, heart-broken, unfortunate, poor,
downhearted, sorrowful, depressed, dejected, melancholy, glum, gloomy, dismal,
discouraged, sad
94. Use — employ, utilize, exhaust, spend, expend, consume, exercise
95. Wrong — incorrect, inaccurate, mistaken, erroneous, improper, unsuitable

Prepared & Compiled by: NB 15


SPM 2018 MODULE

LIST OF USEFUL IDIOMS/PHRASES

01. Absence makes the heart grow fonder


(we miss our friends and relatives more when they are away)
eg. She used to quarrel with her sister but now, she misses her. It is a case
of absence makes the heart grow fonder.

02. All and sundry


( everybody, all types of people)
eg. The government’s new rule concerns all and sundry.

03. As different as night and day


( completely different)
eg. The twins sister may look alike but their mannerisms are as different as
night and day.

04. Bed of roses


( a happy, comfortable situation)
eg. Life is not always a bed of roses. At times, it can be challenging, too

05. Boiling point


( when one is very angry)
eg. When he repeated the mistake for the third time, the teachers
reached the boiling point.

06. Cost a bomb


(very expensive)
eg. His new bungalow house costs a bomb.

07. Curry favour with someone


(to sweet talk/ pretending to be nice to someone for own’s advantage)
eg. Some students have been currying favour with the new form
teacher.

08. Cut your coat according to your cloth


(adjust the spending /expenses according to the money one has)
eg. That shirt is too expensive, so I have to cut my coat according to my cloth.

09. Dream come true


( a wish which has come true)
eg. Having you as a friend is a dream come true.

10. Dyed in the wool


(holds certain principles/believes strongly since small)
eg. For a person dyed in the wool, it was difficult for him to change his
ideas and values.

11. Eat humble pie


( to be apologetic when proven wrong)
eg. You’ll have to eat humble pie if you’re proved wrong.

Prepared & Compiled by: NB 16


SPM 2018 MODULE

12. Every nook and cranny


(everywhere)
eg. They searched every nook and cranny for the missing book but to no
avail.

13. Fall on deaf ears


( did not pay attention to the advice/warning)
eg. The teacher’s advice to him seemed to have fallen on deaf ears.

14. Few and far between


(very few/limited)
eg. Good jobs with bright chances for promotion are few and far between.

15. Fish out of water


(someone who is uncomfortable with the surroundings)
eg. I was like a fish out of water as I was not familiar with the place.

16. From A to Z
( to know everything in detail)
eg. You should know the details of the topic from A to Z.

17. From cradle to the grave


( throughout one’s life)
eg. Whatever you learn now, you should remember it from cradle to the grave.

18. Give a big hand


( to clap/applause)
eg. Everybody gave a big hand after the dancers finished their eautiful performance.

19. Give a pat on the back


(to praise/congratulate someone)
eg. Although Lim did not excel in his exams, his parents gave him a pat on the back for
trying hard.

20. Green with envy


(feeling very envious)
eg. If you buy a new car, your neighbours will be green with envy.

21. Haste makes waste


(doing something in a hurry will spoil the work)
eg. She was in such a hurry that she spilt the milk on the floor. Haste makes waste.

22. In hot water


(in serious trouble)
eg. The principal caught him red-handed vandalizing. Now, he is in hot water.

23. On the dot


(at exactly the right time)
eg. We are expected to be at there at 2.30 on the dot.

Prepared & Compiled by: NB 17


SPM 2018 MODULE

24. On one’s high horse


( very arrogant/proud)
eg. She has been on her high horse ever since she was admitted to the prestigious university

25. Pride and joy


(A special object that is someone’s love and pride)
eg. The table that he built on his own, is his pride and joy.

26. Shake like a leaf


(to tremble with fear)
eg. The boy who was caught stealing, was shaking like a leaf.

27. Show one’s true colours


(to show one’s true character)
eg. He pretended to be generous but he showed his true colours when he refused to donate
money to charity.

28. See red


(to become very angry)
eg. My mother saw red when she caught me coming home late at night.

29. Thick and fast


(comes in great numbers and fast)
eg. Offers to help the tragedy-stricken family came thick and fast.

30. Tom, Dick and Harry


(anybody)
eg. We do not want any Tom, Dick and Harry to enter the hall.

31. Ways and means


(methods or ways to do something)
eg. There are ways and means of making money through business deals.

Prepared & Compiled by: NB 18


SPM 2018 MODULE

Section A: Directed Writing


[35 marks]
[Time suggested: 45 minutes]

PRACTICE 1: Informal letter

You have just returned to Kuching from a holiday in Johor. Write a letter to your uncle, thanking him
for the wonderful time you had.

Use the following notes to write your letter.

 arrived airport safely


 parents there to fetch
 thank him - gifts, souvenirs
 thank aunty - delicious cooking
 wonderful trip - Johor
 enjoyed picnic - Kota Tinggi Waterfalls
 exciting time - Legoland
 shopping - City Square
 photos - remembrance
 regret not able to stay longer
 invite uncle and family - Kuching
 tell him latest news

When writing your letter, you must remember:

 To lay out the letter correctly [F1- F3]


 To use all the points given [C1 – C12]
 That your letter is to an uncle

Before you start elaborating, read the question and complete the F.A.C.T.S below:

Know Thy F.A.C.T.S

Format

Audience

Contents

Task

Situation

Prepared & Compiled by: NB 19


SPM 2018 MODULE

LEARNING TO ELABORATE CONTENT POINTS

CONTENT REWRITE THE POINT ELABORATE THE POINT


POINTS
1. arrived I arrived safely at Kuching International The flight was smooth and I spent my
airport Airport at 10 p.m. yesterday time looking at the photos taken during
safely my holiday in Johor

2. parents
there to
fetch

3. thank him - I would like to thank you for all the Mom and dad are especially delighted to
gifts, thoughtful gifts and souvenirs you bought receive the beautiful, batik baju kurung
souvenirs us. and shirt so does everyone else.

4. thank aunty Please thank Aunty Lily for her delicious I learnt a lot of new dishes and recipes
- delicious cooking. It was most sumptuous and from her and I’ll try some for them later
cooking mouth-watering. with mom.

5. wonderful
trip - Johor

6. enjoyed Firstly, I enjoyed the picnic at Kota Tinggi


picnic - Waterfalls. The water was really cooling.
Kota Tinggi
Waterfalls

7. exciting time
- Legoland

Prepared & Compiled by: NB 20


SPM 2018 MODULE

8. shopping -
City Square

9. photos -
remembran
ce

10. regret not Nevertheless, I regret not being able to stay


able to stay longer. But fear not, I’ll be back!
longer

11. invite uncle


and family -
Kuching

12. tell him Before I pen off, I would like to tell you the
latest news latest news. Our family pet, Snowball, has
- given birth to eight kittens.

Prepared & Compiled by: NB 21


SPM 2018 MODULE

Section A: Directed Writing


[35 marks]
[Time suggested: 45 minutes]

PRACTICE 2: Informal Letter

Read the question below and complete the graphic organizer. Work in groups.

You have just returned from a three-day outdoor activity camp. You have decided to write a
letter to a friend about your experience at the camp. Write your letter based on all the notes
below
 who organized the camp
 date of the camp
 transport to the campsite
 number of participants
 location of the camp
 accommodation
 give two relevant examples of
- activities
- benefits
- problems

When writing the letter you should remember

- to layout the letter correctly


- to use paragraphs
- that your letter is to your friend

Prepared & Compiled by: NB 22


SPM 2018 MODULE

Section A: Directed Writing


[35 marks]
[Time suggested: 45 minutes]

PRACTICE 3: Article

You are advised to spend about 45 minutes on this section.

Section A: Directed Writing


[35 marks]
[Time suggested: 45 minutes]

Your school has carried out activities for Health and Safety month. Write an article to your
school magazine regarding the activities organised. In the article, you must describe the
problem faced and the activities that have been carried out.

Use the following notes to write your article:

PROBLEMS

- dengue fever - clogged drains


- dirty toilets - filthy floor

ACTIVITIES

- practised 3Rs
- cleared clogged drains
- organised Clean-up Day
- cut off old, overhanging branches

When writing the article, you must:

- provide a title
- include your name
- use all the notes given
- provide two more problems and two more activities of your own

Prepared & Compiled by: NB 23


SPM 2018 MODULE

Before you start elaborating, read the question and complete the F.A.C.T.S below:

Know Thy F.A.C.T.S

Format

Audience

Contents

Task

Situation

LEARNING TO ELABORATE CONTENT POINTS

CONTENT POINT REWRITE THE POINT ELABORATE THE POINT


1. dengue fever

2. filthy toilets

3. clogged drains

4. dirty floor

Prepared & Compiled by: NB 24


SPM 2018 MODULE

5. problem 1

6. problem 2

7. practiced 3Rs

8. cleared
clogged drains

9. organized
Clean-up Day

10.cut off old


over-hanging
branches

11.activity 1

12.activity 2

Prepared & Compiled by: NB 25


SPM 2018 MODULE

Section A: Directed Writing


[35 marks]
[Time suggested: 45 minutes]

PRACTICE 4: Article

The dengue cases reported in your neighbourhood is on the rise. Write an article for the school
newsletter about the symptoms of dengue and advising the students on dengue treatment and
how to prevent it.

Use the notes below to write your article:

 Symptoms
- sudden high fever
- pain behind the eyes
- nausea – vomiting
- skin rash
 Treatments
- a lot of rest
- plenty of water
- clinic or hospital
 Precautions
- mosquito net and repellent
- long sleeved shirt when outdoor
- breeding areas

When writing your article, you should remember to :

 provide a title
 Include your name
 Use all the notes given
 recommend two effective programmes that your neighbourhood/school can organise to
raise public awareness on the danger of dengue.

Prepared & Compiled by: NB 26


SPM 2018 MODULE

Section A: Directed Writing


[35 marks]
[Time suggested: 45 minutes]

PRACTICE 5: Formal Letter

The school canteen is a place where most of the students in your school spend their time after
hours of learning session. As one of the daily visitors of the canteen, you found that the canteen
service is poor recently. You have carried out a survey to get more information about this
situation from other students. Based on your findings, write a letter to the Principal regarding
the matter. In your letter, tell the principal how poor the canteen service is.

Oily fried ‘keropok’


Unhealthy Food lekor’
Less vegetable

Stain glasses
Poor Service Lack of Cleanliness
Messy counter

Broken benches
Poor Facilities
Slow water

When writing the letter, you must remember to :


 Lay out the letter correctly (addresses,date, salutation, title , closing)
 Use all the notes given
 Give three suggestions to improve the situations.

Note :
For your speech you will receive up to 15 marks for the format and content points, and up to 20
marks for the quality of your writing.

Prepared & Compiled by: NB 27


SPM 2018 MODULE

Before you start elaborating, read the question and complete the F.A.C.T.S below:

Know Thy F.A.C.T.S

Format

Audience

Contents

Task

Situation

LEARNING TO ELABORATE CONTENT POINTS

CONTENT POINT REWRITE THE POINT ELABORATE THE POINT


1. Unhealthy food

2. Oily fried
‘keropok’

3. Less vegetable

4. Lack of
Cleanliness

Prepared & Compiled by: NB 28


SPM 2018 MODULE

5. Stain glasses

6. Messy counter

7. Poor Facilities

8. Broken
benches

9. slow water

10. Suggestion 1

11. Suggestion 2

12. Suggestion 3

Prepared & Compiled by: NB 29


SPM 2018 MODULE

Section A: Directed Writing


[35 marks]
[Time suggested: 45 minutes]

PRACTICE 6: Formal Letter

You are a resident of Taman Indah, Melaka. You are concerned about the rise in the crime rate
in your area. Based on the notes provided, write a letter to the Officer In- charge of Police
District (OCPD) of your city to complain about the matter:

Complaints:
 many cases of burglary
- a few cases every night

 drug activities at night


- outsiders sold drugs

 wild parties at night


- very noisy

 illegal motorcycle races


- especially on weekends

Suggestion:

 need for more police patrols


- Send mobile police vehicles to monitor the area

When writing the letter, you should remember to


 address your letter to the OCPD of the Melaka District Police Station.
 lay out the letter correctly (addresses, date, salutation, title, closing)
 use all the notes given and elaborate on each point.
 provide your own suggestion on how to overcome the problem.

Note:
For your letter, you will receive up to 15 marks for the format and content points, and up to 20
marks for the quality of your writing.

Prepared & Compiled by: NB 30


SPM 2018 MODULE

Section A: Directed Writing


[35 marks]
[Time suggested: 45 minutes]

PRACTICE 7: Speech/Talk

Your school is celebrating Reading Month and you have been asked to give a talk to the
students to encourage them to read novels.

Use the notes below to write your talk:

READING FICTION :

 an inexpensive entertainment

 transports one to another world

 develops your social brain

 builds better relationships

 improves leadership skills

 encourages understanding of people

 instills values such as tolerance

 encourages understanding of different cultures

 prepares one to face the world

 helps to see things from another’s perspective

When writing the talk, you must remember to:

- greet your audience

- mention the purpose of your talk

- include all the notes

- add in two additional points

- end your talk appropriately

- remember that your readers are students

Prepared & Compiled by: NB 31


SPM 2018 MODULE

Before you start elaborating, read the question and complete the F.A.C.T.S below:

Know Thy F.A.C.T.S

Format

Audience

Contents

Task

Situation

LEARNING TO ELABORATE CONTENT POINTS

CONTENT POINT REWRITE THE POINT ELABORATE THE POINT


1. an inexpensive
entertainment

2. transports one
to another world

3. develops your
social brain

4. builds better
relationships

Prepared & Compiled by: NB 32


SPM 2018 MODULE

5.improves
leadership skills

6. encourages
understanding of
people

7. instills values
such as tolerance

8.encourages
understanding of
different cultures

9. prepares one
to face the world

10. helps to see


things from
another’s
perspective

11. Point 11

12. Point 12

Prepared & Compiled by: NB 33


SPM 2018 MODULE

Section A: Directed Writing


[35 marks]
[Time suggested: 45 minutes]

PRACTICE 8: Speech/Talk

Disciplinary cases have been an ongoing problem occurring in many schools in our country
nowadays. As the Head Prefect of your school, you have been asked by your teacher to give a
speech about the problems and suggestions to solve this matter. Use the notes given below to
write your speech

Problems:
• smoking
• bullying
• gangsterism
• vandalism
• playing truant
• theft

Suggestions
• counselling session
• parents’ attention
• motivational talk
• ongoing monitoring

When writing the speech, you must remember to:

- greet your audience


- mention the purpose of your soeech
- include all the notes
- Suggest twonother ways the community can contribute in solving disciplinary problems
- end your talk appropriately

Prepared & Compiled by: NB 34


SPM 2018 MODULE

Section A: Directed Writing


[35 marks]
[Time suggested: 45 minutes]

PRACTICE 9: Report

It’s the Environment Month in your school. In conjunction with the Environment Month, one
of the activities is to visit the Recycling Centre. You, as one of the participants have been
requested to write a report to the teacher- in-charge of the visit.

Details of the visit

 Date
 Numbers of students on the trip
 Name the recycling centre
 Objectives:
- Widen students’ knowledge on recycling
- Encourage students to play their role

 What you did do at the centre?


- Welcomed by the recycling centre manager
- Videos on benefits of recycling and the effects of landfill
- Quizzes on recycling
- Tour along the gallery walkway in the factory
- Visit to Education room
– see recycled display items

 Benefits
(suggest TWO BENEFITS you gained during the visit)

When writing your report, you should remember to:


- Address to the teacher-in-charge
- State the writer’s name
- Use all the notes given
- suggest TWO BENEFITS you gained during the visit
- End your report appropriately

Prepared & Compiled by: NB 35


SPM 2018 MODULE

Before you start elaborating, read the question and complete the F.A.C.T.S below:

Know Thy F.A.C.T.S

Format

Audience

Contents

Task

Situation

LEARNING TO ELABORATE CONTENT POINTS

CONTENT POINT REWRITE THE POINT ELABORATE THE POINT


1. Date

2. Numbers of
students on the
trip

3. Name the
recycling centre

4.Widen
students’
knowledge on
recycling

Prepared & Compiled by: NB 36


SPM 2018 MODULE

5. Encourage
students to play
their role

6. Welcomed by
the recycling
centre manager

7. Videos on
benefits of
recycling and the
effects of landfill

8.Quizzes on
recycling

9. Tour along the


gallery walkway
in the factory

10. Visit to
Education room
– see recycled
display items

11. Benefit 1

12. Benefit 2

Prepared & Compiled by: NB 37


SPM 2018 MODULE

Section A: Directed Writing


[35 marks]
[Time suggested: 45 minutes]

PRACTICE 10 : Report

Recently, as a member of the Reading Club of your school, you have carried a survey on why
students do not like to spend their free time in the library. As the member of the school’s
Reading Club, you have been asked to write a report to the Principal to inform about the
findings of the survey and to suggest solutions to overcome the problems.
Include the following points in your report:

COMPLAINT SUGGESTIONS
 Outdated books and in poor conditions  Purchase new books and other reading materials
 School library is underfund  Get sponsorships
 insufficient chairs and tables  Add new chairs
 Less electronic resources  Purchase more computers
 Library hours too short  Extend the library hours
 (ADD ONE MORE COMPLAINT)  (GIVE ONE SUGGESTION)

When writing your report, you should remember to:


- address it to the Principal
- give a title x use all the notes given
- give ONE complaint and ONE suggestion
- end your report appropriately

Prepared & Compiled by: NB 38


SPM 2018 MODULE

CONTINUOUS WRITING
TYPES OF CONTINUOUS WRITING
• NARRATIVE – writing a story
• ARGUMENTATIVE – stating views
• DESCRIPTIVE – describing an event/scene, place, person
• FACTUAL – characterising facts
• REFLECTIVE – reflecting OWN experience

COMPONENTS IN CONTINUOUS WRITING


i) Brainstorming and outlining a plot to help to stimulate the mind to think deeper by using the
“5W1H” formula : -
o Who is it? (Person/People)
o What is it? (Objects/Things)
o Where is it? (Place)
o When is it? (Time)
o Why is it? (Reason)
o How is it? (Method)

ii) Paragraphing :-
o INTRODUCTION:
A brief, relevant and interesting introduction to attract readers‟attention. When writing the
introductory paragraph, always remember “what, how & why” questions. You must be able
to lead your reader into defining the purpose of your piece of writing.
o CONTENTS:
You must be able to define your main ideas relevant to the topic clearly and accurately. Your
supporting idea must be stated clearly which must be relevant to the main idea. This should be
followed by further elaboration and examples which are relevant to the main idea.
a) Main Idea
b) b) Supporting Idea
c) c) Elaboration/Explanation
d) d) Relevant examples
o CONCLUSION:
A convincing and satisfactory conclusion with suggestions & possible solutions. You should be
able to end your writing effectively and give your readers a sense of completion or satisfaction.
You may like to highlight the issues discussed and suggest possible solutions to the issues
highlighted.

1. NARRATIVE WRITING
a) Definition of a narrative
A narrative tells or narrates a story or a sequence of events. It may be about something
common or uncommon, for example, a strange encounter or events, a sudden catastrophe, a
crisis, a conflict, a victory, an exciting adventure or discovery. However, it may be also be about
an ordinary experience or the daily routines that can occur in our daily life.

b) Tips on writing a narrative


Sense of sight – colourful lights, wide variety of food, lush greeneries, dark stormy, tall, dark
and beautiful lady
Sense of smell– smell of coffee brewing, aroma of crisp fried chicken, pungent smell of rotten
eggs
Sense of touch– soft silky material, rough surface, warm pot, hot iron, slimy dirty plates
Sense of taste– bitter coffee, sweet and savoury puff, hot and spicy chicken, sour grapes
Sense of hearing– blaring of horns, the sound of footsteps, doors creaking, brakes screeching

Prepared & Compiled by: NB 39


SPM 2018 MODULE

ARGUMENTATIVE WRITING
a) Definition of an argumentative
In an argumentative essay, students are required to state their views on an issue. These views
can be in favour or against the issue. Students may be required to make a stand or present a
balanced view of the issue and state their stand or recommendation in the conclusion.
Whatever the format required, all views, for and against, must be supported by examples and
facts.

b) Tips on the format in writing an argumentative


• Introduction
- Look at the issues or topic concern
- Explain the issue or topic given
- Express stand, if required

• Body
- Arguments for
- Arguments against
Give supporting statement
- Give evidence
- Compare& contrast
- Justify argument
- Justify with examples
- Conclusion or recommendation
- Restate your stand

c) Some useful expressions in an argumentative essay


I agree…/I disagree…/I believe…/I don’t believe…
It cannot be denied…/There is no doubt…
I am sure that… My intention is… I am of the opinion…

d) How to write a “thesis statement”


Using the brainstorming techniques (5W1H) will enable the students to generate ideas & details
related to the topic concern.
• WHY? (To identify the problems/ideas related to the topic)
• HOW? (To come up with solutions/recommendation)

a) Features of an argumentative
i) Introduction
- TO AGREE : Thesis statement of agreement
- TO DISAGREE : Thesis statement of disagreement
- NEUTRAL : Thesis statement of neutrality

ii) Body
• Topic sentence 1 (first reason) Supporting ideas to support the topic sentence
• Topic sentence 1 (Reason (s) for agreement) Supporting ideas to support the topic sentence
• Topic sentence 2 (second reason) Supporting ideas to support the topic sentence
• Topic sentence 2 (Reason (s) for disagreement) Supporting ideas to support the topic sentence
• Topic sentence 3 (third reason) Supporting ideas to support the topic sentence
• Topic sentence 3 (Reason (s) for dis/agreement) Supporting ideas to support the topic
sentence

iii) Conclusion Restatement of opinion Summary of main points 3


Prepared & Compiled by: NB 40
SPM 2018 MODULE

DESCRIPTIVE WRITING
There are three (3) types of descriptive essays:
A. Describing a scene/event
B. Describing a person
C. Describing a place

A. Describing a scene/event
When describing a scene or event, you are required to write in some details about the people
and activities going on.

Guidelines in writing descriptions of scenes/events.


• Be clear about what scene/event you are describing.
• Description must be lively and interesting.
• Describe activities in details.
• Activities are arranged in order.
• Highlight person involved & what are they doing.
• Capture the mood of the scene (noise, lights & colours).

B. Describing a place
When describing a place, you are required to describe the place in detail. In your description,
include the people and activities going on.

Guidelines in writing descriptions of places.


• Give an introduction to the place
• Give a physical description of the place (from outside moving to inside)
• Describe what you see and hear
• Describe in details the activities and attractions
• Can include your personal feelings about the place

DO’s DON’Ts
• Have a good grasp of the topic • Choose a topic if you don’t understand
• Write about the place/scene only if you have • Try to describe a place/scene if you are not
the knowledge about it sure about it
• Describe the activities of the people in it • Leave out the activities of the people in it
• Write about your feelings / impressions of • Leave out your feelings about the place/
the place or scene scene
• Write concluding lines about your • End your description without a conclusion
description

C. Describing a person
When describing a person/a group of people, you should give enough details about the
person/people. Include their lifestyle, contributions if any and daily activities.

Guidelines in writing descriptions of people


• Be clear about who you are describing
• If he/she is a famous person, mention why is he/she famous
• If it is about a group, some knowledge about them is vital
• Your description must be interesting
• Mention the special features why that

Prepared & Compiled by: NB 41


SPM 2018 MODULE

FACTUAL / EXPOSITORY WRITING


a) Introduction
You are required to write a composition which demands some knowledge of the topic. This
topic requires the students to investigate an idea, evaluate evidence, expound on the idea and
present in a clear and concise manner. It is based on facts such as real events or happenings,
real examples and real figures if any. If it is on a current issue, you need to have read about it.

Guidelines in writing factual / expository essay


• Understand what you should write
• Have a good knowledge on the topic
• Jot down relevant point using mind map
• Arrange the points in sequence / orderly
• Try to elaborate with real figures, examples, names
• Points must be well explained or illustrated

DO’S DON’TS
• Have a good knowledge of the topic • Choose a topic if you are not sure about the
• Jot down the points facts
• Define the topic & give relevant examples • Start writing immediately
• Arrange points according to importance • Start writing without giving any clear
• Give relevant examples & figures definition
• Present points clearly • Jumble up your points
• Sum up points accurately • Forget to give relevant examples &
illustrations
• Present points poorly
• End without a conclusion

REFLECTIVE WRITING
a) Definition of a reflective
A reflective tells or narrates personal story or experience. It may be something that changes
one’s attitude, opinion or behaviour. However, it may be also be about an ordinary experience
or the daily routines that is memorable.

b) Tips on writing a reflective


What – the event / person
Why – the changes it made
When – time of the incident How it happened – the beginning of the incident
How it resolved – the ending that resulted the change

Prepared & Compiled by: NB 42


SPM 2018 MODULE

FEATURES IN WRITING TASK


When you write, it is important for you to pay attention to the following:
I. Tense
II. Cohesiveness
III. Plot
IV. Characterization

I. Tense
A narrative usually describes events or happenings in the past. Thus, the Past Tense forms are
usually used in narrative writing. Other tenses are also used but not as frequently.

II. Cohesiveness The flow of the story is important as it sets the mood of the storyline. Events
should be arranged logically and systematically. This can be done by using connectors and
suitable linkers.

III. Plot
The plot is the story framework. It is the storyline of, for example, how a character changes or
how a mystery is solved or how an enemy is defeated. To be interesting, a story must have a
good plot.

IV. Characterization The event in the story usually happens to the main character and how
he/she solves a problem or overcomes challenges thrown towards him. Thus, characterization
should include the description, the characteristics as well as clear incidents that show his
utmost outstanding personality.

USEFUL WORDS & PHRASES TO DESCRIBE EMOTIONS AND REACTIONS

EMOTION FACIAL EXPRESSIONS BODY GESTURE FEELING

HAPPY • smiled from ear to ear • danced • want to fly


• blushed cheeks • jumped • feel like hugging everyone
• tears of joy • singing • tell the whole world

SAD • heart missed a beat or two • slumped shoulders • do not want to face anyone
• jumped out of my skin • head bowed anymore
• eyes nearly popped out • heart breaks into • want the ground to open to
pieces swallow (you)

• want the world to end


ANGRY • stared dagger • slammed the door • want to stab
• flaring nose •clutching fists • want to strangle
• started calling names / • kicked whatever in • turn to lion
cursing sight

AFRAID • gritted teeth • trembling • it was a dream


• pale-white face • sweat • to disappear
• legs nailed to the • to be invisible
ground

Prepared & Compiled by: NB 43


SPM 2018 MODULE

USEFUL VOCABULARY & SENTENCE PATTERNS


A. THE SKY
• The blazing sun was shining through the cloudless sky ( a hot mid-day)
• The sun rose, slowly and majestically, over mountains (early morning)
• The sun appeared over the horizon, giving out rays of faint yellow light. (dawn/sunrise)
• Everything looked radiant in the early morning sun.

B. THE BEACH/SEA
• Tall coconut palms swayed gracefully to the sounds of the sea waves (beach)
• The gentle waves rolled endlessly towards the white sparkling beach (beach)
• The whispering breeze and splashing waves gently rocks me to sleep.
• The winds caresses my cheeks and ruffles your hair as I relish the tickling sensation of the
waves crashing at my feet.

C. A STORM
• The sky darkened and it threatened to rain but the weather held (gloomy with no rain)
• Lightning streaked across the sky
• There was a flash of lightning followed by a rumble of thunder.
• The wind shrieked. The wind howled
• A peal of thunder boomed in the distance.

D. A VILLAGE
• The village houses were hurdled together ,surrounded by lush green shrubs and trees
• As it was a fruit season, the wind carried the strong fruity aroma, tantalizing all who came
across it.
• Behind the quaint little huts, thick green forests and hills lends a majestic surrounding to the
village.
• The garden was a kaleidoscope of colour as red, pink and orange flowers danced gracefully in
the gentle breeze

E. DAY/NIGHT
• The dark night was slowly crawling by and the dawn was approaching
• As the moon makes a retreat, the sun rises in all its radiance and splendour.
• A new day is born.
• The night crawled by slowly.
• The stars twinkled in the black sky like thousands of fireflies
• The cry of million cicadas broke the silence of the night
• In the dead of the night, came the sound of the banging of a door.

1. The Sense of Sight


The white sand.
The tiny pink shells.
The way the sea is the same blue as the sky, making it hard to tell where one ends and the other
begins. T
he rocks still wet from high tide.

2. The Sense of Smell


The smell of a woodland in summer after rain.
Sour milk in the refrigerator.

Prepared & Compiled by: NB 44


SPM 2018 MODULE

The first smell of the sea through a car window.

3. The Sense of Sound


screeching gulls and waves breaking on pebbles
his heels clicking on the marble
the jangle of loose change in his pocket.

4. The Sense of Taste


When a character arrives at the coast, the usual thing would be to have them smell the sea.
Instead, you could have them taste the salty breeze.
When a young boy captures a frog at the bottom of the garden, have him lick it.
When a character is returning to his childhood home, have him taste his mother's roast chicken
and gravy when he is still 100 miles away.
It is the first icy day of winter and it starts to snow. A character looks up and tries to catch the
flakes on her tongue.
Further down the street, her younger brother, tortured by curiosity, licks a metal pole.

5. The Sense of Touch


like the feel of cool cotton sheets,
like being head butted in the nose,
A greasy stove
A character's cracked lips
A cold, sweaty handshake

Prepared & Compiled by: NB 45


SPM 2018 MODULE

IDIOMATIC EXPRESSIONS AND PHRASAL VERBS

IDIOMATIC EXPRESSIONS MEANINGS


To face the music To take the punishment or scolding
To live from hand to mouth To live in hardship
To sit on the fence To take no sides in a debate/ a quarrel
To be in the same boat To be in the same circumstances
In hot water In trouble
Have green fingers Good at gardening
Burn the midnight oil Study until late at night
Once in a blue moon Seldom
At the eleventh hour At the last minute
Bear in mind Remember
Turn over a new leaf To change for the better
To paint the town red To enjoy oneself
Keep an eye Look after
In high spirits Happy
Getting on my nerves Making me annoyed/irritated
Out of the blue Unexpectedly
Not my cup of tea Not to my liking
Eye catching Attractive
Around the corner Coming soon
By hook or by crook By all means
To keep one’s fingers crossed To hope for the best
Keep your word Keep your promise
Where there’s a will, there’s a way When you are determined, you will succeed
Lend a hand Help
I am all ears I am listening
A close shave A narrow escape
Flying colours Good grades
To believe your ears To believe what you hear
Not kidding Not joking
Blow one’s trumpet To boast
Down to earth Humble/Honest
Caught red handed Caught in the act
In a twinkling of an eye Very quickly
Under the weather Slightly ill
Took to heart Be upset by
Bad blood Feeling of strong dislike
Throw in the towel Give up
Easier said than done Easier to talk about an idea than carry it out
Don’t lose heart Don’t be discouraged
Count me in Include me
Practice makes perfect You will be good if you do it often
Drive me up the wall Make me very angry
The early bird catches the worm Those who are early will benefit
Let the cat out of the bag Let a secret out
Black sheep Person who is an embarrassment
A white elephant Useless possession
Drop a line write write
Put your mind to it Concentrate
A bookworm One who likes to read
Prepared & Compiled by: NB 46
SPM 2018 MODULE

PHRASAL VERBS MEANINGS


Run into Meet
Put off Postponed
Call on Visit
Watch out Be careful
Close shave Narrow escape
Turn up Attend/Arrive
Look out Be careful
Look into Investigate
Get through Pass
Cut down Reduce
Look forward Expect with pleasure
Look after Take care of
Break/Broke into Enter/Entered by force
Break/Broke down Stop/Stopped because of a fault
Hold/Held up Delay/Delayed
Give up Stop trying
Rely on Depend on
Set Off Start the journey
Takes after Looks like/Behaves like
Come across Find by chance
Throw up Vomit
On and off Sometimes
Drop in Make a visit
Come up Happen
Passed away Died
Deal with Handle
Get over Recover
Carry on Continue
Get along with Be friendly with
Running out Lacking
Put in To spend time or energy/contribute
Map out Plan
Look out Look for/ Search
Look up to Respect
Make up Compensate
Crash into Hit
Get ready Hurry
Tag along Accompany
Round up Gather
Ages ago Long ago

Prepared & Compiled by: NB 47


SPM 2018 MODULE

TIPS FOR SPM CONTINUOUS WRITING

1. Write a story because your errors (grammar, spelling, sentence structures and so on) will not
be so glaring in a story compared to a factual/argumentative essay.

2. Always write about something real and close to you. It is easier than writing about something
fictional, which you have to create and imagine.

3. Combine description with narration and you will get a wonderful story (see the sample of a
narrative story ending with "We had never laughed so much in our lives").

4. Prepare a story in advance. Write a story about two pages length; do not write too long
because it will make the examiner spend longer time to read and mark your essay, which is
quite annoying. Ask your teacher to check the grammar and the sentence structure. Then,
memorize everything. Make sure that when you enter the exam hall, you have a story in your
mind. Do not go there empty-headed; you will waste a lot of your precious time thinking of
what to write on the spot. When you get the question paper, what you have to do is to adjust
and adapt the story in your head to the question. Usually the question will ask you to write "a
story beginning with..." or "a story ending with...”. So, be smart and creative.

5. Be positive (think positively) about yourself because self- confidence is important in writing a
creative & interesting story.

6. Be bold to create a story based on personal experience or extensive reading (story books,
etc.) as it allows your brain to flow freely as ideas can pop up now& then (feel free to express
yourself or your thought). Jot it down quickly as the ideas pop up because our minds can play
tricks on us.

7. Be smart to evaluate the ideas that pop up in your brain & only choose those are relevant to
your story.

8. Be cautious about your sentences (simple, compound & complex) & to be safe, always use
simple sentence (weak), simple & compound (average), compound & complex (good).

9. Be adventurous in creating your story either a real life story based on your personal
experience or a fictional story with some adjustments based on your extensive reading.

10. A good writer keeps the examiner guessing whether the story is real or just fiction.

Prepared & Compiled by: NB 48


SPM 2018 MODULE

SET 1

Section B: Continuous Writing


[50 marks]
[ Time suggested: One hour]

Write a composition of about 350 words on one of the following topics.

1. Describe an exciting holiday you had with your friends and how you felt about it.

2. Outdoor activities are important to instill leadership in oneself. Discuss

3. Describe how a sudden change in the weather brought disaster to your community.

4. Write a story about a young boy who lost his family ending with:

“... he realized that it was the best decision he had made.”

5. “Man proposes but God disposes.”

Describe an experience when something you had planned well shattered into pieces.

SET 2

Section B: Continuous Writing


[50 marks]
[ Time suggested: One hour]

Write a composition of about 350 words on one of the following topics:

a) Describe an unforgettable incident that happened during a camp.

b) “The future of the world lies in educating the younger generation.” Discuss.

c) The benefits of recycling.

d) Write a story about an intelligent student ending with:

“…but it was all too late now”.

e) ‘Kindness is the most important quality a friend should have.’

Describe how a friend’s kindness helped you in a difficult time.

Prepared & Compiled by: NB 49


SPM 2018 MODULE

SET 3

Section B: Continuous Writing


[50 marks]
[ Time suggested: One hour]

Write a composition of about 350 words on one of the following topics.

1. Describe your unforgettable holiday and explain why.


2. Money cannot buy happiness. How far do you agree?
3. Why is watching television important
4. Write a story about a competition that you never thought you would win.
End your story with: “I never thought it would happen, but I won!”
5. ‘Nothing ventured, nothing gained’.
Describe how you achieved something through persistent hard work.

SET 4

Section B: Continuous Writing


[50 marks]
[ Time suggested: One hour]

Write a composition of about 350 words on one of the following topics.

1. My dream job.

2. Good academic achievement is important for students. Discuss.

3. Development is the cause of global warming. Do you agree?

4. Write a story about your friend who never gives up. End your story with:

…and I said, “I am proud of you.”

5. ‘Actions speak louder than words.’

Describe an experience when this was true for you.

Prepared & Compiled by: NB 50


SPM 2018 MODULE

SET 5

Section B: Continuous Writing


[50 marks]
[ Time suggested: One hour]

Write a composition of about 350 words on one of the following topics.

1. Describe your dream vacation and why you want it.

2. Information and communication technology has more advantages than disadvantages.


How far do you agree?

3. Why it is important to conserve our forest?

4. Write a story about someone you know who have failed many times but never gives up
until she became successful. Begin your story with:

“Everyone thought she was going to fail again. After all, she has always failed….”

5. “The price of greatness is diligence.”

Describe the importance of being diligent.

SET 6

Section B: Continuous Writing


[50 marks]
[ Time suggested: One hour]

Write a composition of about 350 words on one of the following topics.

1. Describe a country you have always wanted to visit.

2. “Being healthy is better than being rich.” Do you agree?

3. How has modern technology benefitted mankind?

4. Write a story ending with :

“………. I am glad that I have such a helpful friend.”

5. “Don’t judge a book by its cover”

Describe an experience based on the above proverb

Prepared & Compiled by: NB 51


SPM 2018 MODULE

MARKING SCHEME PAPER 1

Section A : Directed Writing (35 marks)

Format - 3 marks

Content - 12 marks

Language - 20 marks

__________________________

TOTAL : 35 marks

__________________________

A FORMAT (3 marks)

Award 1 mark each :

F1 Adressing the Principal

- For example To : The Principal of Sekolah …….


F2 Giving title of the report

- For example - School Canteen Poor Service


F3 Stating the writer of the report

- For example - Reported by : ………

B CONTENT (12 marks)

Award 1 mark each for each content use appropriately.

Do not awards mark for mere mention of key words.

C1 - Unhealthy Food

C2 - Oily fried ‘keropok lekor’

C3 - Less vegetable

C4 - Lack of Cleanliness

C5 - Stained glasses

Prepared & Compiled by: NB 52


SPM 2018 MODULE

C6 - Messy counter

C7 - Poor Facilities

C8 - Broken benches

C9 - Slow water

C10 - (First suggestion)

C11 - (Second suggestion)

C12 - (Third suggestion)

C LANGUAGE (20 marks)

CRITERIA OR MARKING LANGUAGE

Mark Range Remarks/Description

A  The language is entirely accurate apart from occasional first draft slips.
 Sentence structure is varied and sophisticated – shows that the
candidate is able to use sentence length and type to achieve an
intended effect.
19 – 20  Vocabulary – sophisticated and is used with precision.
 Punctuation is accurate and helpful to the reader.
 Spelling is accurate across the full range of vocabulary used.
 Paragraphs have unity and are appropriately linked.
 The style and tone are appropriate for a formal student-principal
communication.

B  The language is almost always accurate but there will be minor errors
of first draft slips.
 Sentence show some variation in length and type, including the
confident use of complex sentences.
16 - 18  Vocabulary is wide enough to convey intended shades of meaning with
some precision.
 Punctuation is almost always accurate and generally helpful to the
reader.
 Spelling is nearly always accurate.
 Written in paragraphs which show some unity and are usually linked
appropriately.
 The style and tone are almost appropriate for a formal

Prepared & Compiled by: NB 53


SPM 2018 MODULE

student-principal communication.

C  The language is largely accurate..


 Simple structure sentences are used without errors; mistakes may
occur when more sophisticated structures are attempted.
 Vocabulary is adequate to convey intended meaning although it may
13 - 15 not be suiciently developed to achieve precision.
 Punctuation is generally accurate although errors may occur in more
complex uses.
 Spelling is generally accurate for common vocabulary.
 Written in paragraphs which show some unity although links may be
absent or inappropriate at times.
 The style and tone maybe generally appropriate for a formal
student-principal communication.

D  The language is sufficiently accurate for meaning to come through.


 There will be patches of clarity, accurate language, particularly when
simple vocabulary and structures are used.
 Mistakes will occur when more complex sentences are attempted.
10 - 12  There may be some variety of sentence length and type but this may
not be successful in enhancing meaning or arousing interest.
 Vocabulary is adequate but lacks precision.
 Punctuation is generally accurate but does not enhance or clarify
meaning.
 Simple words are spelt correctly, but errors may occur when unfamiliar
words are used.
 Written in paragraphs which show some unity in topic and attempt to
use links.
 The style and tone may not be entirely appropriate for a report to a
principal but some attempt has been made.

E  Meaning is never in doubt, but single word errors are sufficiently


frequent and serious to hamper precision and speed of reading.
 Some simple structures will be accurate but accuracy is not sustained.
 Vocabulary is limited and either too simple to convey precise meaning
7-9 or is imperectly understood.
 Simple words may be spelt correc tly but requent mistaes in spelling
and punctuation mae reading the script difficult.
 Paragraphs lack unity. Links are incorrectly used. There may be errors
of sentence separation and punctuation.
 The style and tone are unlikely to be appropriate or a report. It may
not show understanding o the detailed requirements o the task.

Prepared & Compiled by: NB 54


SPM 2018 MODULE

U(i)  Meaning is fairly clear but the incidence o errors is high and definitely
impedes the reading.
 A script at this level will have ew accurate structures.
 Vocabulary may not extend beyond a simple range of words that are
4–6 inadequate to express intened shades of meaning.
 There may be frequent spelling errors.
 Punctuation will sometimes be used correctly but sentence separation
errors may occur.
 Paragraphs may not be used, or if used, show a lack of planning.
 The style and tone are inappropriate for a talk.

 Sense will be decipherable but some of the errors will be multiple in


nature requiring the reader to re-read and reorganize beore meaning
becomes clear.
U (ii)
 Whole sections may mae little or no sense. They are unlikely to be
2-3 more than one or two accurate sentences. The content is
incromprehnsible but its style and tone are hidden by the density of
errors.

 Scripts in this category are most entirely impossible to recognize as


U (iii) pieces of English.
 Whole sections may make no sense at all or are copied rom the task.
0-1  Award ‘1’ mark I some sense can be obtained.
 The mark ‘0’should only be awarded if the talk makes no sense at all
from the beginning to the end.

Prepared & Compiled by: NB 55


SPM 2018 MODULE

SET 2

MARK SCHEME

PAPER 1

SECTION A – DIRECTED WRITING

Maximum Marks

Content 15 marks

Language 20 marks

___________

Total 35 marks

___________

Detailed Marking Instructions

FORMAT : 3 MARKS

CONTENT : 12 MARKS

LANGUAGE : 20 MARKS

____________________________________

TOTAL : 35 MARKS

Format :

F1 – Greeting

F2 - Purpose of talk

F3 - Appropriate ending

Content :

Prepared & Compiled by: NB 56


SPM 2018 MODULE

C1 an inexpensive entertainment

C2 transports one to another world

C3 develops your social brain

C4 builds better relationships

C5 improves leadership skills

C6 encourages understanding of people

C7 instills values such as tolerance

C8 encourages understanding of different cultures

C9 prepares one to face the world

C10 helps to see things from another’s perspective

C11 own point

C12 own point

Prepared & Compiled by: NB 57


SPM 2018 MODULE

Enrichment Exercises

Section A

Directed Writing

[ 35 marks]

[Time suggested: 45 minutes]

The English Language Society of your school has recently made a trip to a hill resort. The
teacher-advisor of the society has asked you to write a report on the trip for the school
magazine. As Secretary of the society, write out the report.
Write the report based on the information below.
 State the place
 Number of participants
 Objectives of the trip
- appreciate nature
- learn the importance of nature and environment
- get to know each other
 Places visited
- garden or park
- state another place
 Activities
- sightseeing
- nature walk
- activity 3
 Successful visit
 One good memory of the trip

When writing the report, you must :

- address the report to the principal


- provide a tittle
- include your name
- use all the notes given
- give your own ideas when needed

Note:
For your report, you will receive up to 15 marks for the format and content points, and up to 20
marks for the quality of your writing.

Prepared & Compiled by: NB 58


SPM 2018 MODULE

SECTION B
Continuous Writing
[50 marks]
[Time suggested : One hour)

SET 3

MARKING SCHEME FOR PAPER 1

Section A : Directed Writing

FORMAT : 3 marks
CONTENT : 12 marks
LANGUAGE : 20 marks
______________________
TOTAL : 35 marks
______________________
FORMAT ( 3 marks )

F1 : Addressing the report to the principal………………………….1 mark

F2 : Providing a tittle ………………………………………………..1 mark

F3 : Writer’s name …………………………………………………..1 mark

CONTENT POINTS ( 12 MARKS )

C1  State the place 1 mark

C2  Number of participants 1 mark

C3 - appreciate nature 1 mark

C4 - learn the importance of nature and 1 mark


environment

C5 - get to know each other 1 mark

C6 - garden or park 1 mark

C7 - state another place 1 mark

C8 - sightseeing 1 mark

C9 - nature walk 1 mark

C10 - activity 3 1 mark

C11  Successful visit 1 mark

C12  One good memory of the trip 1 mark

Prepared & Compiled by: NB 59


SPM 2018 MODULE

SET 7

Section A: Directed Writing

[35 marks]

[Time suggested: 45 minutes]

Your school has organised ‘The Patriotism Week’ in conjunction with the National Day
Celebration. As the secretary of English Language Society, your teacher has asked you to
write a report about the event to the principal.

Use the following points to write the report.

 Launching ceremony
 objective

Activities:

 class decoration
 poem recitation
 key-chain drawing and decorating
 essay writing
 drama
 public speaking
 Jalur Gemilang – paint
 singing competition

When writing your report, you must:

 Address your report to the Principal.


 Provide a title.
 Include your name.
 Use all the points given.
 Suggest two other ways to promote patriotism among students besides organizing the
event.

Note:

For your report, you will receive up to 15 marks for format and content points and up to 20
marks for the quality of your writing.

Prepared & Compiled by: NB 60


SPM 2018 MODULE

SECTION A : DIRECTED WRITING

This question is assessed as follows :

FORMAT : 3 marks

CONTENT : 12 marks

LANGUAGE : 20 marks

----------

TOTAL 35 marks

======

2) FORMAT & CONTENT MARKS :

FORMAT MARKS

F1 = address to the principal 1

F2 = title 1

F3 = name 1

Sub-total 3

(All keywords must be mentioned or paraphrased before any content point can be

awarded. If any idea is incomplete, content point cannot be awarded)

C1 launching ceremony 1

C2 objective 1

C3 1
class decoration

Prepared & Compiled by: NB 61


SPM 2018 MODULE

C4 poem recitation 1

C5 1
key-chain drawing and decorating

C6 essay writing 1

C7 drama 1

C8 public speaking 1

C9 Jalur Gemilang - paint 1

C10 singing competition 1

C11 a way to promote patriotism among students 1

C12 another way to promote patriotism among students 1

Sub-total 12

Grand Total 15

Prepared & Compiled by: NB 62


SPM 2018 MODULE

SET 8

You have just returned from Sabah as an exchange student. You have been asked by your
teacher to give a talk about your experiences being an exchange student.
Write your talk based on all the notes below.

 Organizer
 Duration of the programme
 Accommodation
 Activities :
- visit places of interest
- study in a local school
- join community service
- participate in cultural show

 Benefits :
- gain knowledge
- get new friends
- be independent

When writing the talk, you should remember :

 to use an appropriate greeting and closing


 to state the purpose of the talk
 to use all the notes given
 to add two more benefits of the programme
 that the talk is for school students

______________________________________________________________

Prepared & Compiled by: NB 63


SPM 2018
MODULE

SET 9

Section A: Directed Writing


[35 minutes]
[Time suggested: 45 minutes]

CONTENT - 15 marks
** Do not award one mark for the mere mention of the main idea.

Format points:
F1 - writer and receiver addresses 1 mark
F1 - any appropriate salutation 1 mark
F3 - any appropriate closing 1 mark

Content points:

C1 many cases of burglary


C2 a few cases every night

C3 drug activities at night


C4 outsiders sold drugs

C5 wild parties at night


C6 very noisy

C7 illegal motorcycle races


C8 especially on weekends

C9 need for more police patrols


C10 Send mobile police vehicles to monitor the area

C11 Suggestion
C12 Elaboration

Prepared & Compiled by: NB 64


SPM 2018
MODULE

SET 11

Section A: Directed Writing

(35 marks)

(Time suggested : 45 minutes)

Your school is celebrating Reading Month and you have been asked to give a talk to
the students to encourage them to read novels.

Use the notes below to write your talk:

READING FICTION :

 an inexpensive entertainment
 transports one to another world
 develops your social brain
 builds better relationships
 improves leadership skills
 encourages understanding of people
 instills values such as tolerance
 encourages understanding of different cultures
 prepares one to face the world
 helps to see things from another’s perspective

When writing the talk, you must remember to:

- greet your audience


- mention the purpose of your talk
- include all the notes
- add in two additional points
- end your talk appropriately
- remember that your readers are students

Prepared & Compiled by: NB 65


SPM 2018
MODULE

Prepared & Compiled by: NB 66


SPM 2018
MODULE

Section B: Continuous Writing


(50 marks)

(Time suggested : One hour)

Write a composition of about 350 words on one of the following topics:

f) Describe an unforgettable incident that happened during a camp.

g) “The future of the world lies in educating the younger generation.” Discuss.

h) The benefits of recycling.

i) Write a story about an intelligent student ending with:


“…but it was all too late now”.

j) ‘Kindness is the most important quality a friend should have.’


Describe how a friend’s kindness helped you in a difficult time.

Prepared & Compiled by: NB 67


SPM 2018
MODULE

SET 12

Section A

Directed Writing

[ 35 marks]

[Time suggested: 45 minutes]

The English Language Society of your school has recently made a trip to a hill resort.
The teacher-advisor of the society has asked you to write a report on the trip for the
school magazine. As Secretary of the society, write out the report.
Write the report based on the information below.
 State the place
 Number of participants
 Objectives of the trip
- appreciate nature
- learn the importance of nature and environment
- get to know each other
 Places visited
- garden or park
- state another place
 Activities
- sightseeing
- nature walk
- activity 3
 Successful visit
 One good memory of the trip

When writing the report, you must :

- address the report to the principal


- provide a tittle
- include your name
- use all the notes given
- give your own ideas when needed

Note:
For your report, you will receive up to 15 marks for the format and content points,
and up to 20 marks for the quality of your writing.

Prepared & Compiled by: NB 68


SPM 2018
MODULE

SECTION B

Continuous Writing

[50 marks]

[Time suggested : One hour)

Write a composition of about 350 words on one of the following topics.

6. Describe your unforgettable holiday and explain why.


7. Money cannot buy happiness. How far do you agree?
8. Why is watching television important
9. Write a story about a competition that you never thought you would win.
End your story with: “I never thought it would happen, but I won!”
10. ‘Nothing ventured, nothing gained’. Describe how you achieved
something through persistent hard work.

Prepared & Compiled by: NB 69


SPM 2018
MODULE

Section A: Directed Writing


[35 marks]
[Time suggested: 45 minutes]

The dengue cases reported in your neighbourhood is on the rise. Write an article for the
school newsletter about the symptoms of dengue and advising the students on dengue
treatment and how to prevent it.

Use the notes below to write your article:

 Symptoms
- sudden high fever
- pain behind the eyes
- nausea – vomiting
- skin rash
 Treatments
- a lot of rest
- plenty of water
- clinic or hospital
 Precautions
- mosquito net and repellent
- long sleeved shirt when outdoor
- breeding areas

When writing your article, you should remember to :

 provide a title
 Include your name
 Use all the notes given
 recommend two effective programmes that your neighbourhood/school can organise
to raise public awareness on the danger of dengue.

Prepared & Compiled by: NB 70


SPM 2018
MODULE

SECTION B: CONTINUOUS WRITING

[50 marks]
[Time Suggested : One hour]

Write a composition of about 350 words on one of the following topics.

KERTAS SOALAN TAMAT

Prepared & Compiled by: NB 71

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