ENGLISH LANGUAGE 1119/2 CONTINUOUS WRITING

Types of Compositions
1. Imaginative / Narrative 2. Descriptive 3. Argumentative 4. Expository / factual 5. One-word essays

1. Imaginative / Narrative
Tense : Past Introduction: Background information leading to event / incident. (Short /interesting/ attract readers attention) Body: Event / Incident 1 Development Event / Incident 2 Climax Event / Incident 3 Anti-climax Conclusion: Unexpected ending / surprise (happy / sad)

2. Descriptive
2.1 Place
Tense : Present Introduction: Location / History/ Significance Body: Paragraph development by sub-topics Conclusion: Views / Opinions/ Suggestions

2. Descriptive
2.2 Person
Tense : Present (living person) Past (dead person) Introduction: Identity of person/ importance/ prominence Body: 1. Physical / seen qualities 2. Inner qualities / habits/ character 3. Contributions to family/ society Conclusion: Views / Opinions

3. Argumentative
Tense : Present Introduction: State your stand/ support General strong statement Body: Reasoned argument under various demarcation of specific points/ headings (about 3 4 paragraphs). Conclusion: Reaffirm your stand

4. Expository / Factual
Tense : Present Introduction: Definition Benefits/ Causes/ Factors Body: Justify your facts/ quote sources/ right testimony Conclusion: Opinions/ suggestions

5. One-word Essays
The one-word essay allows you to decide which essay type you are going to write about. Take the topic Holidays a)You can write about the benefits of holidays b)You can narrate a story related to holidays c)You can focus on describing you holiday d)You can write about How to type of essay (Eg. How to Plan Your Holiday)

HOW TO WRITE A GOOD ESSAY?

Choose a topic Do a mind map Introduction Body/Content Conclusion

CHOOSE A TOPIC
Based on: What you like (subject interest)? What you know (familiar topic)? Have done some reading on the topic Ability to express ideas and use correct language Ability to write the chosen types of writing: narrative, descriptive, imaginative, expository

INTRODUCTION
Introduce subject to the reader Should be interesting to the readers Straight to the point Show the writer at his/her best

Eg: If you had a problem, to whom would you turn to for advice, and why?

BODY / CONTENT
Mind map think of the events and arrange them to form as essay/story Arrange points in different paragraphs Each paragraph should deal with ONE main point Each paragraph should start with a topic sentence Topic sentence + elaboration + examples + other details

CONCLUSION
Must be planned Should bring to a satisfactory ending Should be relevant to the topic Give your essay an air of finality eg:- bring the story to climax - repeat the theme - predict outcome based on the facts given - write summary of what you have already discussed in the body

WHAT MAKES A GOOD ESSAY

Accurate punctuation, language & spelling Well-organised & well-developed

Good handwriting

Good Essay
Shows maturity

Variety of sentence structure

Free from major errors

Numerous interesting expressions

EJW

PAST YEAR SPM QUESTIONS(2008)

Write a composition of about 350 words on one of the following topics. 1. Write about a person who has worked hard to succeed in life. 2. Examinations good or bad? 3. My perfect future husband or wife. 4. Write a story ending with: Now I realise the value of a true friend. 5. Stars