OBJECTIVES:

To consolidate SPM candidates with

the format and analysis of papers 1 and 2 of SPM English Paper
answering techniques and strategies for Directed writing
answering techniques and strategies for Continuous writing
literature components: poems and novel
1119 ENGLISH FORMAT
PAPER
Paper 1
(1119/1)
1
hour
minutes

Paper 2
(1119/2)
2
hours
minutes

SECTION
Section A
- Directed Writing

QUESTION

MARK

1 question

35 marks

1 question

50 marks

45
Section B
- Continuous Writing (5
choices)
Total
Section A
-Graphic Materials,
-Short Texts,
15 -Sign and
-Notices/Phrases

85 marks
8 questions

8 marks

-Rational Cloze

7 questions

7 marks

Section B
-Information Transfer
-Structured Responses

10 questions

10 marks

Section C
-Comprehension
-Summary

5 questions
1 question

10 marks
15 marks

Section D
(Literature)
Poem
Novel

3 questions
1 question

5 marks
15 marks

Total

70 marks

ANSWERING TECHNIQUES AND STRATEGIES FOR DIRECTED WRITING

A

INTRODUCTION

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1119 ENGLISH SPM TECHNIQUES AND STRATEGIES

What do you know about DW?

a) Is this a must answer or mandatory question?
____________________
b) How long must you write?

____________________

c) How much time should you spend on this section? ____________________

B

READING THE QUESTION

Before you even start writing your essay, you should read the question thoroughly
first. Attempting to answer this section without a clear understanding of the
RUBRIC will mean disaster. You should spend some time reading the question and
highlighting the important information.
Understand the different parts of the question:
STIMULUS

TASK

SITUATION

Sample question:
You find that many of your friends are under a lot of pressure. They
spend most of their time studying and appear to suffer from stress. Write
an article for your school newsletter on how to cope with stress. Include the
following points.
- regular exercise
- hobbies
- plan a time-table
- work in groups
- balanced meals
- enough sleep
- study skills
- make a check-list
- seek advice
- games
- talk to your family
- listen to music

THE MARK SCHEME

Format

: 3 marks
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1119 ENGLISH SPM TECHNIQUES AND STRATEGIES

Content

: 12 marks

Language

: 20 marks

Total

: 35 marks

FORMAT
1. ARTICLE
- Title (F1)
- Writers Name (F2)
- Conclusion (F3)

2. TALK/SPEECH
- Greeting (F1)
- Purpose of talk/speech (F2)
- Closing Thank you (F3)

3. INFORMAL LETTER
- Senders address (F1)
- Date (F2)
- Salutation (F3)
- Sign off (F4)
- Signature (F5)

4. FORMAL LETTER
- Senders address (F1)
- Recipients address (F2)
- Date (F3)
- Title/Heading (F4)
- Salutation (F5)
- Sign off (F6)
- Signature (F7)

5. REPORT
- Address it to . (F1)
- Writers Name (F2)
- Title (F3)

TYPES OF QUESTIONS

Question 1

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1119 ENGLISH SPM TECHNIQUES AND STRATEGIES

You are very disappointed by the conditions and services provided by your school
library. You decide to write a report to inform your principal about the poor
conditions and services of the library.
These would include:

rude librarians

insufficient space to sit and read

old and uncomfortable furniture

old and torn books

media equipment not functioning

Write your report. You should use all the notes given above and elaborate on
each of the points given.
Question 2
You find that many of your friends are under a lot of pressure. They spend most of
their time, studying and appear to suffer from stress. Write an article for your
school newsletter on how to cope with stress. Include the following points:

regular exercise
hobbies
pelan a time-table
work in group
balanced meals
enough sleep
study skills
make a check-list
seek advice
games
talk to your family
listen to music

You should use all the points above and add two new points of your own.
Question 3
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1119 ENGLISH SPM TECHNIQUES AND STRATEGIES

You just returned from a three-day outdoor activity camp. You have decided to
write a letter to a friend about your experiences at the camp. Write your
letter based on 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
HOW IS YOUR ESSAY ASSESSED?
Assessment Objectives
To test candidates ability to:
read and comprehend the rubric
use the information given to display an
understanding of the task
generate ideas within the specific framework
provided
use clear and accurate Standard English in the
response
use a style and tone appropriate to the task

SPM 2012
Your younger sister is studying overseas. You have decided to write a letter to
advise her on how to spend her money wisely. Use the notes given below to
write your letter.
shopping list
- necessary items
compare prices
- cheaper brands
budget
- what you can afford
buy during sales
- discounts
own cooking
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1119 ENGLISH SPM TECHNIQUES AND STRATEGIES

- cheaper
leisure time activities
- think about cost
When writing the letter, you must remember to:
lay out your letter correctly (address, greeting, closing)
use all the notes given
remember that your letter is to your younger sister
G1
0-0-4,

CONTENT
POINTS

[F1]
Jalan 8/760,
55700 Kuala Lumpur,
Ma
laysia.
27 Strong
introduction

November 2012
Dear Jane, [F2]

*standard/w
as

How do you fare in London? It has been one long year since your
merry departure from Kuala Lumpur International Airport where
father, mother and I bid you farewell and good fortune. I presume *wondering
that your studies are going well, for your academic standards were Good tone
never one to worry the family. On a side notes, the family is safe
and healthy.
Ancient
language
By now you are probably pondering the purpose of me sending such
a letter, for I as your elder brother am a man of few words. Thus, I
shall dispense with the ceremovy and go straight to the point. I am
writing this letter to advise you on your finances. In other words,
how to spend your money wisely. You were never very careful with *spend
your finances, and at the urging of our parents I have ventured to [C1]
send forth an advisory letter.
[C2]
Let us start with the basics. Although you have a monthly
allowance, which is part of your overseas scholarship programme,
your cash is limited and you have to dispense it wisely. So
whenever you pelan to go shopping, draw up a shopping list
before you go, so that you will purchase only the necessary items
and not indulge in impulsive spending. My dear younger sister, I can
still remember clearly where most of your spending goes to, which
is the matter referenced above.
rmj@smakj2015

*on/referred
[C3][C4]
*guarantee
*large
*in
preference
6

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1119 ENGLISH SPM TECHNIQUES AND STRATEGIES

for another
Secondly, compare prices. If possible buy the cheaper brands
and bear in mind that a well-known company logo is not a definite
sign of quality assurance. You would do well to remember how last
time you bought a branded dress for a handsome sum of money,
and it shrank in the wash. Therefore, I advise you to attempt a
balance between low prices and quality, and not sacrifice too much
of either in search of the other.

*celebration
* Im
arriving[C5]
[C6]
[C7]
According to my sources of information, London has officially come *buy/when
out of the recession. Doubtless that this is an occasion which is [C8]
joyous and perhaps worthy of cemmoration. However, I must
emphasise that it is not an excuse for you to go on a shopping *do[C9]
spree. I arrive at my third point, which is to draw up a budget. Buy *a
only what you can afford! It would not befit a government *of *where
scholar to overextend herself financially. If you must purchase, then *live/I went
I suggest that you buy during sales, where they have discount
for items that take for your fancy.
*have
[C10]
Another thing worthy of mention is that you should eat your own
cooking. It puzzles me to no end why someone with such fine
culinary expertise and ^ refined of palette like yours would deign to [C11]
eat at the diner two blocks away from ^ you ^which you frequently
tell us about. I have come to visit you before, and the last time I *perhaps
took a seat within its walls the food was in part, a gastronomical [C12]
disaster. Alas, I deviate, and back to the topic we must go. The main *undoubtedl
reason I ^ requested that you cook your own food is simple. Its y
cheaper, and more economical for a student when you compare it
to eating out for every meal of the day.
Closing is
Last of all are your leisure time activities. Yes, I am aware of the good
fact that you are a girl of business and few pleasures, your only
indulgence being in shopping. Nevertheless, perchance that you
may take up one, I strongly urge you to consider, and think about
cost. An activity which brings you leisure for a few gratifying
moments, but jeopardizes you financially afterwards, is indubitably
not worth conducting in the first place.
F3
C 12
My long-worded rant comes to an end, and reflecting back it seems L A19
that it is for the first time that I have written so many words. In
34
conclusion, I bid you again to bear all that I have said in mind, and
if you are reading this in the morning, I bid good day to you. This is
all, and farewell.
[F3] Yours sincerely,
rmj@smakj2015

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1119 ENGLISH SPM TECHNIQUES AND STRATEGIES

Ho Shao Yuan
Comments:
- Good use of language
- Quite ancient
- Wide range of vocabulary

SPM 2013
You have just returned from a visit to Indah Recreational Park. You found the park is
in poor condition. Write a letter of complaint to the Town Council based on the
notes you have made.

not enough facilities

- no restaurants
rubbish everywhere
- not enough dustbins
dirty public toilets
- smelly
grass not cut
- snakes
information lacking
- no signposts
vandalism
- public telephone not working

When writing the letter, you should remember to:

lay out the letter correctly (addresses, date, salutation, title, closing)
use all the notes given
COMMEN
TS

Bahagia Apartment,
1, Jalan Prima Pelangi 1,
Bukit Prima Pelangi,
51200 Kuala Lumpur.[F1]
Clearly on ___________________________________________________________
task
__

CONTENT
POINTS

Town Council,
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1119 ENGLISH SPM TECHNIQUES AND STRATEGIES

Indah Recreational Park,

Bukit Indah,
51200 Kuala Lumpur[F2]
November 2013[F3]
Argument
s move
nicely

Good
sentence
s
Compete
nt
writing!

*use

Well
elaborate
d and
good
sentence
s
*unwelco

Dear Sir,[F4]
Poor Condition of Indah Recreational Park[F5]
*dissatisfac
With reference to the matter noted above, I would like to tory
voice a complaint over the disatisfactory condition of the
Indah Recreational Park.
*visit to
*I realised
2. Upon my recent visitation of the aforementioned park, I [C1]
was brought into the realisation that there are not enough
facilities set up within it. Despite the fact that the park is [C2]
often used for exercise and sports, there are no
restaurants open where one can purchase food, nor are
there any drink stands available where one might quench *food
their thirst. This poses a problem for those who are hungry
or thirsty after their (strenuous) activities as they cannot [C3]
purchase any substance to fill their stomachs.
3. The park is also (teeming) with rubbish everywhere.
Waste products can be seen scattered messily on the
pathway and even carelessly floating in the lakes and
fountains. I believe that this situation is caused by the fact
that there are not enough dustbins provided around the
park. Although littering is by no means acceptable, the
lack of dustbins only contributes to the problem and I
would suggest placing waste disposal units less sparsely
around the park.

[C4]

[C5][C6]
*maintenan
ce

4. Indah Recreational Park also suffers from the evergrowing of dirty public toilets. The restrooms provided
on the site are extremely smelly and lack proper
maintainence. The stench emanating from the toilets is
almost unbearable and makes any usage of the restrooms [C7]
uncomfortable. The floors are also very dirty and wet, [C8]
which makes them slippery and dangerous to walk on.
Please hire a few people to clean the toilets regularly to
make them easier to use and more presentable.
5. Moreover, the grass in the park is not cut. These
greens have grown to an immeasurable length and
conceal snakes, making it impossible to walk through [C9]
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1119 ENGLISH SPM TECHNIQUES AND STRATEGIES

med

them. The presence of unwanted reptiles brought about

by the untrimmed grass poses a safety threat to all these
who elect to make use of the park. Once or twice during [C10]
my visit to the park, a snake slithered out of the long
grass and blocked the path ahead of me. It would be much
appreciated if the grass was cut to make the park safer for
visitors.
[C11]

*in/directi
on

6. There is also information lacking regarding the

park itself. As the
park consists of many twists and turns, it is often difficult [C12]
to find ones way to the restrooms, car park and entrance. *imposed
This is caused by the fact that there are no signposts
erected around the pathways, leading to much confusion
among visitors. A few arrows or signboards would suffice
to direct the people using the park and put them on the
right path.
*accommod
ating
7. Furthermore, vandalism is very much at large at *would be
the Indah
grateful
Recreational Park. Several benches and restrooms walls
have been scribbled on and the few trash cans provided
upturned and destroyed. This problem extends further to
the public telephones, which are currently not working
due to slashed wires and broken buttons. This poses a
hazard because all means of communication are cut off. A
fine should be placed on the parties responsible for the
vandalism and all damaged facilities should be fixed or
replaced immediately.
8. I would like to request that the Town Council be swift
in rectifying
these problems so as to make Indah Recreational Park
safer, cleaner, more accomadating and overall, better for
its visitors. All consideration given is extremely
appreciated, and I hope to see the quality and condition of
the park improve soon.

Good
concludin
g
paragrap
h

Yours
F-3
C - 12
(EUNICE
L A19

faithfully,[F6]

QUAH

YU

LI)
_

__34__
Comments:
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1119 ENGLISH SPM TECHNIQUES AND STRATEGIES

Excellent!!

SPM 2014
Crime prevention is everyones responsibility. Your teacher has asked you to write
an article for your school magazine on how to ensure safety in the
neighbourhood. Using the information below, write your article.
Crime Prevention
Your Housing Estate
- neighbourhood patrol
- campaigns
Your Neighbours
- know them
- telephone numbers
You
- martial arts classes
- whistle
- pepper spray
Your House
- lock all doors and windows
- lights on at night
- alarm
Police
When writing your article, you must:
give your article a title
include the name of the write
use all the points given
suggest two other ways school children can stay safe on the way home

COMMEN
TS

-A good
introduct
ion.
Compete
nt.
-A script.

Safety, Our Duty [F1]

Written By: Henry [F2]

CONTENT
POINTS

Crime does not discriminate and you could be the next

target. The recent hike in ^ crime rate has not helped with *the
the situation as fear ripples through every level of society.
Hence, to both shield yourself from crime and give you the
ability to act should the situation arise, here are a few
crime prevention tips to ensure safety in your
neighbourhood.
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May 10,
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-Good
phrases
are used
Good
phrases
are used

Good
idiom!

Good
phrase is
used

Good
short
sentence
s
Good
ending
for the
paragrap
h

1119 ENGLISH SPM TECHNIQUES AND STRATEGIES

[C1]
Firstly, your housing estate can begin its battle against
crime
by
organizing
neighbourhood
patrols. [C2]
Neighbourhood patrols are (a strong deterrent) against *off
would-be-criminals and act as fast response teams should
the situation require it. Campaigns can also be held to
increase local awareness towards the (worsening crime
rates). Increased awareness serves to make residents more
inclined towards taking safety measures.
[C3]
Next, it is essential to know your neighbours, especially
those who live adjacent to your house. In times of [C7]
emergency, those closest to you in relation may not arrive
in time whereas the neighbours closest to you in reality are
ever-present (to lend a helping hand). To achieve this end, [C8]
you can also get their telephone numbers to contact
them quickly.
*waiting
*show
[C9]
Then, you should always remember to lock all doors and
windows at night before you turn in for the day. Crime is a [C10]
cowardly assassin, never seen but (ever-present), awaiting *sleep
you to lower your guard before striking viciously. Besides
that, statistics shows that criminals frequently carry out
their work when the house is empty. Leaving the lights
on at night serves to deter these petty thieves whom rob *the
on a whim. Needless to say, installing an alarm should be [C4]
prioritized to alert you should such an event occurs. Being [C5]
robbed while dozing is not a pleasant thought.
[C6]
The final piece the puzzle would be you, the individual.
When all else fails, you have a responsibility to make sure
you stand strong. (You need to be prepared). Arm yourself
with tools such as a whistle and pepper spray and
practice with them whenever available. You should consider
attending martial art classes, specifically those that train
unarmed combat. Crime is by nature unpredictable. I do not [C12]
ask you to expect the unexpected, merely prepare for it.
[C13]

With the neighbourhood secured, crime will rear its ugly

Well
head and turn its attention to easier prey school children.
elaborate It is no secret that most of these kidnappings occur when
d and
school children make their way home so this is where our Good idiom
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good
sentence
s

Good
concludin
g
paragrap
h.
Wide
vocabula
ry used.

1119 ENGLISH SPM TECHNIQUES AND STRATEGIES

efforts should be concentrated. For those who walk home, a

parent or guardian should always accompany them.
If the situation does not permit, having a few friends
along should do the job. For those that are fetched by
automobile, the child should always be clearly informed on
who is picking them up, shutting the window of opportunity
for kidnappers.
It is unfortunate that crime is the result of base human
nature. Making it impossible to fully (be stamped out).
Nevertheless, we should face these trials that life hurls our
way and carve our path through. So, my fellow
schoolmates, I beseech you to follow these steps to a life
where crime can find no opportunities to exploit.
Comments:
- Impressive piece of writing
- A feature!
F2
C - 12
L A20
34__

ANALYSIS OF PAST YEARS QUESTIONS

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1119 ENGLISH SPM TECHNIQUES AND STRATEGIES

YEA
RS

QUESTIONS

TASK

2005

Write a letter to a friend about a three-day activity camp

experience.

An informal
letter

2006

Write a letter to a friend giving reasons why he/she

would make a good Head Prefect

An informal
letter

2007

Write a talk on a Science Reference book that is useful

for secondary students

A talk

2008

Write an article for the school magazine about a friend who

was chosen as the best group leader at a camp

An article

2009

Write a report to the Principal on the lack of interest in

sports among the students in the school

A report

2010

Write a letter to a cousin encourage her/him to take part

in the National Service Programme

An informal
letter

2011

Write a talk to the Red Crescent Society members on how to

manage a sprained ankle

A talk

2012

Write a letter to advise younger brother, who is studying in

oversea, on how to spend money wisely

An informal
letter

Write a letter to complain to the Town Council about

2013
poor conditions of The Indah Recreational Park
Write an article for your school magazine on how to ensure
2014 safety in the neighbourhood.

A formal
letter

An article

Note:
Students are taught to use the rubric to construct the opening paragraph.

1. Using Connectors

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1119 ENGLISH SPM TECHNIQUES AND STRATEGIES

To connect your supporting paragraphs, you should use special transition words.
Transition words link your paragraphs together and make your essay easier to
read. Use them at the beginning and end of your paragraphs
To show cause and effect
- therefore
- hence
- thus
- so that
- as a result of / as a result
- due to
- consequently
To add on ideas
- furthermore
- moreover
- related to
- in addition to
To show contrast
- however
- even though
- on the other hand
- nevertheless

- also
- another
- a part from that
- besides
- but
- yet
- while
- in contrary

To show process and procedures

- First / firstly
- next
- Second / secondly
- then
- After that
- finally
To make comparison
- Similarly
- Also
To cite examples
- for example
- for instance

- in the same way

- better than
- in other words

To show time sequence

- after
- before
- immediately
- until

- meantime
- today
- suddenly
- lastly

To summarize
- in short
- to sum up

- in conclusion
- finally
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1119 ENGLISH SPM TECHNIQUES AND STRATEGIES

ANSWERING TECHNIQUES AND STRATEGIES FOR CONTINUOUS WRITING

A

HOW MUCH DO YOU KNOW ABOUT CW?

a)

How many questions must you answer?

b)

How

c)

How long must you write?

______________

d)

How much time do you have for this section?

______________

e)

How many marks are allocated for this question?

______________

many options
______________

or

choices

of

______________
questions

do

you

have?

STRATEGIES FOR CW
Select Topic
Brainstorming / Mind-Map Ideas

( 5 minutes)

Draft Essay

(10 minutes)

Write Essay

(40 minutes)

Edit Essay

( 5 minutes)

TYPES OF TOPICS
Describe .
Write a story begin with / end with .
How .
Argument / Opinion
Proverb/Idioms/Description on feeling/event/

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ANALYSIS OF CONTINUOUS WRITING

Year

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

Questions
- (Descriptive) biggest challenge in life
- (Factual/Expository) ways to keep oneself healthy
- (Descriptive) who would you be if you were given a chance
to be anybody
- (Open essay) music
- (Narrative)
An unexpected visitor
- (Descriptive) an enjoyable weekend you had
- (Factual/Expository) ways television help students in studies
- (Descriptive) your life in the next ten years
- (Open essay) food
- (Narrative)
A story ending with: If only I had been more careful,
that wouldnt have happened.
- (Descriptive) an embarrassing experience
- (Factual/Expository) giving opinions whether teenagers
today are only interested in entertainment
- (Descriptive) my early years
- (Open essay) tomorrow
- (Narrative)
A story beginning with: Kim was nervous when the
door opened
- (Descriptive) a hard-working person who succeeded in life
- (Argumentative) examination - good or bad
- (Descriptive) perfect future husband or wife
- (Open essay) stars
- (Narrative)
A story ending with: Now I realise the value of a
true friend.
- (Descriptive) unforgettable incident seen on way home
- (Argumentative) school children should not have long
holidays
- (Descriptive) favourite day of the week
- (Open essay) beauty
- (Narrative)
A story ending with: We said our goodbyes and
went our separate ways.
- (Descriptive) most popular student in school
- (Argumentative) internet mostly a good thing - do you
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2011

2012

2013

2014

1119 ENGLISH SPM TECHNIQUES AND STRATEGIES

agree?
- (Factual/Expository) ways to save the environment
- (Open essay) home
(Narrative)
A story beginning with: It had been raining all day
- (Descriptive) A famous person you admire
- (Argumentative) Should school students have part-time
jobs?
- (Reflective) The best things in life are free
- (Open essay) Peace
- (Narrative)
A story ending with: They looked at each other and
smiled meaningfully.
- (Descriptive) An outing with friends
- (Argumentative) Should parents give children more
freedom?
- (Factual) Saving money for the future
- (Open essay) Cleanliness
- (Narrative)
A story beginning with: The teacher walked into the
classroom. It was the first period..
- (Descriptive) Truly Malaysian
- (Argumentative) Is tuition necessary?
- (Narrative) Being alone
- (Open essay) Reality shows
- (Narrative)
A story ending with: and so I became a better
person.
- Describe an important family celebration and how you felt
about it.
- There is a lack of freedom given to teenagers today. Do you
agree?
- Why are animals important to human beings?
- Write a story about a fisherman beginning with:
The wind blew strongly. Out at sea, .
- A friend in need is a friend indeed. (Proverb)
Describe how a friend helped you in a difficult time.
HOW IS YOUR ESSAY ASSESSED?

Assessment Objectives
To test candidates ability to:
Produce a piece of continuous prose in accurate Standard
English.
Respond relevantly and creatively to a task chosen from a
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1119 ENGLISH SPM TECHNIQUES AND STRATEGIES

number of alternatives.
Particular emphasis is placed upon the candidates ability to:
Write sentences of various lengths and types, using a variety of
sentence structures as an aid to meaning.
Use a wide range of vocabulary with precision.
Punctuate accurately and effectively.
Write in paragraphs which are appropriately linked and show
cohesion.
Spell accurately over the full range of vocabulary
Respond with relevance and precision to the chosen topic.
Engage and sustain the interest of the reader
ASSESSMENT CRITERIA FOR LANGUAGE
2. Accurate Language
Last week, we went to Frasers Hill. Our group was made up three guys and
three gals. All of us looked very cute and cool. We wanna fun becoz the SPM
exams were over.
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________

3. Accurate Spelling
(i) Correct the spelling errors in the following paragraph
One of the most importan choices you need to make in life is to choose your
family doctor. You should decide which doctor to go before the need to see
one arises. Your family doctor can keep a recod of your medical history. She
will cek your blood pressure, your weight and may ask if you are allergic to
any medicin. This information will help the doctor decise how best to treat

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you when you are ill or injured. It can save valueable time, especially in an
emergency.
________________________

_________________________

________________________

_________________________

________________________

_________________________

After school, I returned home. I had to cook my own meel. Once in the kitcen,
I was shoked. I saw foot on the table ready to be eaten. Somebody must
have preparred it for me. I was so hungry and the food looked delicios.
4. Accurate Punctuation
(ii) Put the correct punctuation
she looked at the cookie container in surprise the tarts were all gone how
could this have happened she had just baked them for her party aliyana
glared at her daughter why did you finish all the tarts she asked
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
5. Good Paragraphing
(ii) Rearrange the following sentences to make a good paragraph
In this way, I can find my things easily.
I like to have a clean and tidy room.
I feel an uncluttered room is warm and welcoming and is most pleasant to be
in.
It is also a more conducive environment to study in.
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I prefer a neat room anytime.

This is because I like my books and things to be arranged neatly.
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________

6. Using A Good Introduction

Read the passage below and write down the method you think the writer uses to
start his / her first paragraph.
General Statement
Question
Listing

Personal Experience
Monologue/Dialogue

Quotation
Opinion

Idiom/Proverb
1.

Anis, make sure youre wearing your sweater. Its cold out there. I could
hear my father even though I was already out of the gate.
( ________________________________ )

2.

Kind, caring, attentive and, not to forget, as handsome as a movie star

thats my father. His name is Encik Ismail. ( ______________________________ )

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3.

1119 ENGLISH SPM TECHNIQUES AND STRATEGIES

Whos the man in your life? The man in my life is about 42 years old. He
doesnt look it though. Hes very energetic. ( ________________________________
)

4.

I had been looking forward to Rihannas concert all month long. My best
friend, Faten Shah said she would get the tickets for us. Unfortunately, they
were sold out. I cried. Suddenly, my father smiled and took out two pieces of
paper

from

his

wallet.

They

were

tickets

to

Rihannas

concert.

( _________________________ )

5.

A father is like a tree that gives shelter to all his children. I read that once
in an old Readers Digest magazine. ( __________________________ )

6.

Every child in the world needs a father. Fathers are there to help and guide
us as we grow older and wiser each day. ( ________________________ )

7.

My father is the best father in the world. I say that not because he is my
father

but

because

of

what

he

has

done

for

my

family.

( __________________________ )

8.

A friend in need is a friend indeed. My father is my best friend. I tell him all
my problems because he will always have a way out of the problem. Even
when he doesnt, he always knows how to make me feel better again. Thats
why hes my best friend.
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( _____________________________________ )

7. Using Wide and Precise Vocabulary

Good and Nice
I had a nice holiday in Hawaii. Initially, I had wanted to spend
only a week there but I had such a good time there that I decided to
extend my vacation for another week. The weather was so good
and I had a nice weekend on a nice stretch of beach. I also met a
nice young man. We became good friends. He took me to his house
in a nice sports car. It was a very nice house with a very nice
garden. He took me to a nice restaurant that served some really
nice dishes. He also bought for me a very nice dress. I looked nice

attractive
interesting
bright,
sunny
quaint but
cosy
spacious
posh
exotic,
mouthwatering
enjoyable
close
marvelous
charming
wonderful
sleek,
shiny
beautiful

in it. Then, we went to see a nice movie.

Lousy and Bad

Yesterday, I had a lousy dinner at a really lousy restaurant. The
service was so bad. We had to wait for more than an hour and
when the food finally arrived, it was lousy. When we complained
about the food to the waiter, he was so bad.
After the dinner, we went to see a movie in a lousy theatre. The
movie was so lousy. Moreover, we had some really bad seats.
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extremely
rude
unappetizin
g
boring
uncomforta
ble
shoddy
tasteless
slow
gloomy
badly
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When the movie was finally over, we came out and found that the

ventilated

weather was really bad.

8. Using Varied Sentence Structures

ii- Simple Sentence
- There is one main idea and one verb in a simple sentence.
- Example: He went to Kuala Lumpur yesterday.
iii- Compound Sentence
- Usually joined by a comma or conjunction and consists of two or more
simple sentences.
- Example: He went to the shop and bought some magazines.
Some examples:
-

The man and his wife drove to town.

Tina worked hard but she could hardly make ends meet.
Ashry tiptoed so that his father would not hear him.
Mother rushed out because she heard the newspaper vendor calling.
Aina heard the hawkers voice so she went out.
Farid did not go out even though he was out of supplies.

iv- Complex Sentence

- Contains a simple sentence and one or two subordinate clauses.
- Example: Arshad has an uncle who is a national footballer.
Some examples:
-

Fadhliah hid the pearl in the darkest corner of the hut.

The man who has three sons studying overseas, asked for some
information.
The mansion which had forty-nine rooms, belonged to the Syed
Arshad Putra.
The sweet-looking soft-spoken maiden lives across the street.

Some examples:
-

Swimming is a healthy sport.

(gerund)
Into the pot it went.
(prepositional phrase)
Later, they left.
(sequence connector)
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So, she relented.

Every day they work.
Quietly they crept.
He wept.
The man left.
Oh, how lovely!

(linker)
(frequency adverb)
(adverb)
(pronoun)
(noun phrase)
(exclamation)

Task 1: Look at the following sentences. Try to complete them.

1. We looked for the lost cat but _________________________________________________
2. We had to wash our hands before ______________________________________________
3. The girl walked down the dark garden path and
___________________________________
4. Syahkir and Shurabil are playing chess while
_______________________________________
5. Sajid wanted to ride his new motorcycle after
____________________________________
6. I got bored and fell asleep during ______________________________________________
7. The whole class was in big trouble because
______________________________________
8. Shahrizam was at school during _______________________________________________
9. Aliff watched television before ________________________________________________
10. Fahmi likes potatoes and ____________________________________________________
11. I fell asleep so _____________________________________________________________
12. Ellyeen was not well after ____________________________________________________
Task 2: Extend these sentences using: if, so, while, since, though
Examples:
The cat sat on the mat.
The cat sat on the mat so that he could curl up and go to sleep.
The cat sat on the mat while he was waiting for his tea.
If the weather was cold outside, the cat always sat on the mat in front of the fire.
The cat sat on the mat since it was the warmest place in the room.
Though the cat was hungry for its tea, it sat patiently on the mat.
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1. It was cold outside.

2. Jane was bored.
3. Jack went out to play.
4. Dad lit the fire.
5. We walked down the road.

Task 3: Use the following words to give more information about someone or
something:
who, whose, which, that
Examples:
The girl walked into the classroom.
The girl, who had long red hair, walked swiftly into the classroom.
The girl, whose red hair sparkled as the light caught it, walked slowly and
confidently into the classroom.
The girl walked into the classroom, which by now was filled with children.
The girl, who was now feeling extreme nervous, walked steadily into the classroom,
which by now was filled with people, who were busily getting ready for the start of
the day.
The girl walked into the classroom that had been allocated to her on arrival at the
school earlier this morning.
1. The house was in front of her.
2. Jake skipped down the road.
3. The cat sat on the mat.
4. There was a large field.
5. They could see fields.
9. Using Tables and Mind-Maps
Topic: Cleanliness Project of classroom / Gotong Royong
-

NOUNS
students
boys / girls
classroom
windows
pavement

VERBS
cleaning
picking up
painting
washing
planting
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hose
door
water
sack / gunny
rubbish
dustbin
flowers
pot
brushes
drain

gushing / sprinkling
brushing
holding
standing
walking
squatting
putting
flowing
pointing
bending

Good answers
N
o.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Subject

Verb

Object

A gaggle of female is co-operating

prefects
The class monitor
is brushing
his friend who
is standing
is gushing
Two girls who
are squatting, are
planting
Syed
Taha
and are painting
Amiruddin
is picking and putting
Hamzah
up
Akmalina
is putting

to clean the classroom

the drain while
near to him
some water using a hose.
a small plant together.
the wall while
a handful of rubbish into the
sack.
some rubbish into the
dustbin.

Average answers
No.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

The
The
Two
The
The

Subject
prefects
boy
girls who
boys
girl

Verb
are cleaning
is brushing
are planting
are painting
is putting

Object
the classroom
the drain.
a small plant.
the wall.
rubbish into the dustbin.

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WHAT?
WHERE?

OTHERS

GOTONG-ROYONG

WHY?

HOW?

WHO?

WHEN?

Using Senses and Expressions

Senses:
- Taste
- Touch
- Smell
- Sight
- Sound
- Size

Expressions:
- Idioms
- Proverbs
- Double words
- Adjectives
- Adverbs

Examples:
-

The cacophony of birds singing wakes me up every morning.

The slithering snake gave me a shiver.
The aromatic spaghetti made his mouth water.
They solemnly murmured a prayer.
The bittersweet coffee freshened him.
She cried her eyes out reading that novel.
He runs like a stallion.
They looked in every crook and cranny.
Some students burn the midnight oil in their effort to excel.
I hate people who like to add fuel to the fire.
The soft breeze whispered tender words of comfort as she looked up at the
full moon.

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I went into the room.

I went into the dark, cold room.

I went quietly into the dark, cold room.

My heart pounding, I went quietly into
the dark, cold room.

LITERATURE COMPONENT: POEMS AND NOVEL

1) Components
Question 32
- Poem
- 5 marks
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Question 33
- Novel
- 15 marks
2) Analysis
YE
AR

COMPONE
NTS

TOPIC

Poem

In The Midst of Hardship

Novel

Write about a part in the story you like the most.

Poem

Nature

Novel

Write about a part in the story that makes you angry

Poem

He Had Such Quiet Eyes

Novel

Write about an important decision made by one of the

characters and how it affects the other characters

Poem

In the Midst of Hardship

Novel

One has to struggle to improve ones life. With close

reference to the text, how far is this true of the novel you
have read? (Characters and Themes)

201
1

201
2

201
3

201
4

NOVELS:
STEP BY WICKED STEP

Anne Fine

CATCH US IF YOU CAN

Catherine MacPhail

THE CURSE

Lee Su Ann
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TYPES OF QUESTIONS
1. Choose any ONE of the novels above and answer the question below.
Using the details from the novel you have studied, write about a moral
value/lesson from the story. Support your answer with close reference to the
text.
2. Choose a character that you admire/ like/ look up to. Give reasons for your
answer and support your answer with close reference to the text.

3. Choose an event from the novel that you want to change. Give reasons to
support your answer.

4. Choose a theme from the novel you have studied. Show how the theme is
portrayed in the novel.

5. Write an event that is most memorable to you. Give reasons why you find it
most memorable.

6. Choose a character that you hate and give reasons why you hate him/her.
Support your answer with close reference to the text.

OUTLINE OF ANSWER
Paragraph 1 ( Introduction )
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Title Author Answer

Example:
Based on the novel I have learnt CATCH US IF YOU CAN by Catherine MacPhail, the
character I like most is
Paragraph 2
Reason 1
- Evidence from text
- Explanation
- Elaboration details from the novel
Paragraph 3
Reason 2
- Evidence from text
- Explanation
- Elaboration details from the novel
Paragraph 4
Reason 3
- Evidence from text
- Explanation
- Elaboration details from the novel
Paragraph 5 (Conclusion)
Conclude all 3 reasons / points Personel response / responses
Example:
In conclusion, we can see the main character, ( _________ ) shows the merits of
characteristic that make us take him / her as the exemplary. Therefore, I like
( _______________ ) the most.

The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.

NOTES:

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