SPM ESSAY - HOW TO WRITE A NARRATIVE ESSAY

To write a cool attention grabbing narrative essay needs the right spices, just like cooking a curry masala. The first thing about writing narrative essay is creative imagination. You need to be creative and different. Think out of the box and let loose your imagination. See it through like a movie plot before you write down on your paper.

Read The Question Carefully

In SPM public examination, the question for narrative type of essay either starts with " Write a story beginning with: " or " Write a story ending with: ". In the year 2010 it was "Beginning", so there is a big chance this year 2011 it would be "Ending".

For example, if the question says "Write a story beginning with: It had been raining all day", then you start your essay with the given phrase.The same goes for question which has "Ending with", you write the phrase at the ending of your essay. I prefer the "Beginning" type because it gives you more freedom to create your plot.

Draft Your Plot

For narrative essay use the [PLOT] technique instead of using the [Intro-Body-Conclusion] technique. Draft your plot carefully. Put in some twists and turns in your story. Have an element of surprise. Keep your readers glued to their seat. Build your story scene by scene like in a movie. Give a big impact in your climax scene and let the audience make the conclusion....that would surely cause them to have some sleepless nights itching to know the end......(surprise--surprise)

Literary Devices

Use Adjectives, Adverbs, Verbs, Idioms, Contrast, Flashback, Imagery etc to tell your story. This technique will help readers to have a vivid picture in their mind. Every character or scene you tell can come alive to the readers and help them flow along with the story.

Grammar And Punctuation

Take care of your grammar, make sure to use the correct English Grammar when writing your essay. A strong grammar will help you to relate your story to your readers. Readers need to know what you are telling them. This is only impossible if you are able to use proper grammar and punctuation. Use your tenses properly when dealing with story telling. A story can start in the PRESENT TENSE flashback into the PAST TENSE and zoom into the FUTURE TENSE. There are also the PRESENT PERFECT AND PAST PERFECT tenses which you might need to use.

Creativity And Imagination

Be creative and arrange your story line carefully. Imagine that you are a director directing a movie. As a director you have a responsibilty to make sure your movie is a Box Office Hit. The same goes with your story, make sure it is one of a kind story, totally different from the rest of your friends essays. Sorry to say this but most of the essays are stale and does not have the extra edge which screams for attention.

HOW TO WRITE IT....?

You can use the 7P Essay Structure Tehnique to write a story.

1. First Paragraph - Exposition (Beginning of your story) - 40-50 words
2. Second,Third and Forth Paragraph - Events - 40-50 words
3. Fifth Paragraph - Climax - 40-50 words
4. Sixth Paragraph - Anti-Climax - 40-50 words
5. Seventh Paragraph - Ending - 40-50 words

Tips

* Focus on one event / incident for every paragraph
* Don't write two or three events / incidences in one paragraph
* Try not to use the phrase "In conclusion" when you end your story.
* Make sure your Essay is more than 350 words, roughly 350-400 words
* Marks will be deducted if your essay is less than 350 words.

*Narrative - Beginning
*Narrative - Ending
*Narrative - Tips (1)

SPM ESSAY - NARRATIVE / STORY

Narrative essay involves story telling. You are actually telling a story in words. Telling a story by mouth is easy but telling it in a written form is totally a different story alltogether. In order to write a good narrative essay there are few things you need to know.So, in this post I have listed out some pointers for you on how you can write a better narrative essay for your school and public examinations.

We will use the 1+1=2 method. "1+1=2" MEANS "creative imagination + lietarary Devices = Originality". This is my own cooked up class room formula to help my weak and not so weak students to use their mind creatively. [ If by chance, anybody else out there is using the same method then please excuse me...for this is trully my own cooked up home recipe].

What You Need......

1. Creative and an imaginative mind. You need to be bold to tell your story in the utmost creative and imaginative manner. Don't worry if people think that it's way too weird or it doesn't make sense. Just let your creative juice flow freely from your mind to your writing pad. Experiment and keep on experimenting until you find the right rhythm or your own style of writing.
2. Literary Devices. Use literary devices to give to your story.Literary devices have the capability to give depth to your charactes and your story. It can make the readers see,feel,smell,touch and taste your story. Therefore, learning how to use them effectively in your essay will give you an added advantage.
3. Story Plot. You need a plot to tell your story.So, draft your plot first before you write your essay. A plot starts with - [ Exposition - Conflict - Climax - Anti-Climax - Resolution ].

There you have it, simple and yet effective method to write a good narrative essay for your public examinations.Let me guess, your next question will be, "How to write it....?" right? I will tell you on my my next post when time permits...ALL THE BEST IN YOUR EXAMS!

*Narrative - Beginning

*Narrative - Ending

ESSAY WRITING - THE SECRET TO WRITING A GOOD ESSAY

Why I can't write good English Essay for my PMR or SPM or any kind of English Essay writing exams? This is a very famous question asked by many local and foreign students, especially those who take English as their Second Language Studies.Be at peace, nobody is a born writer. You need to put a lot of hard work and time if you want to be a good writer.

Do you want to know how you can improve your English Essay Writing? In this post, I would like to share some of the methods I teach my students on how to improve their essay writing.The methods mentioned below are age old methods which are being used around the world by many teachers.

Pointer 1- Read some good English Novels 
 

Read as many books as you can. Read some good English novels. Observe how the writer uses different techniques and styles to tell the story. Good novel writers usually like to use simple and straightforward language. They also like to use a variety of literary devices to make their novel come to life. 

 

Pointer 2- Read Newspaper Articles

 

Read newspaper articles in your local English Dailies. For students sitting for SPM, read articles or news on family issues, health, accidents, sports, teenagers etc. Reading these articles can help to improve your vocabulary list and your grammar.You can read articles from the 'STAR' newspaper ( for weak students ) or from the 'News Straits Time' ( for those who have a good command of English).

 

 

Pointer 3- Read Articles From Magazines

 

Read good English Magazines like the Newsweek, Times ,Readers Digest etc. This method I would only recommend to those who have a good command of English. Articles from the Readers Digest have been used in SPM examinations before.

 

 

Pointer 4- Copy Back Sample Essays

Find some short essay samples and copy them into a work book. Read slowly as you copy them. This method is very helpful for those who are weak in writing a simple English essay.

 

 

Pointer 5- Group Discussion

 

Form a group and discuss and exchange ideas on how you can write a good essay. It would be helpful if you can find an English teacher or your friend who is good in English to help with your writing. 

 

Pointer 6- Don't Memorize Essays For Exam

This is my secret to being a good writer. Never memorize an essay for your examaminations. Many students like to cram their head memorizing few essays for their PMR or SPM examinations and just simply write without giving thought to what is actually required. This method will not help you in the long run when later you are in the real world. In the real world you'll have problems to write even a simple letter if you keep on with this method.

The best way to write an essay is through the 5 methods which I have mentioned above and a lot of hard work goes with it.

Remember, you can't be a good writer in a day. You need to start from young to be able to write a good English Essay. It is never to late to start even if you are only in Form 4 or Form 5. Perseverance and hardwork will always bear fruit. It is better to get a 'CREDIT' for your own essay rather than getting a 'DISTINCTION' memorizing someone else's essay.

SPM DIRECTED WRITING - REPORT

2009 : Many of your schoolmates are not interested in sports. You have carried out a survey on the reasons for their lack of interest. Based on your findings, write a report to the Principal regarding the matter. In your report, give reasons for the lack of interest in sports and provide suggestions to overcome.

[ Start your report ]
To          : The Principal, SMK Syed Abu Bakar,Kedah
Subject : School students not interested in sports
Date      : (date)

[ Introduction ]
State about your survey.
When it was carried out.
The target audience [ School mates ]
What did you find. [ 30-40 words ]

[ Body 1 ]
Main Idea - The reason for the lack of interest
Supporting Details(1) - Why - Reasons / Factors
Supporting Details(2) - Why
Supporting Details(3) - How-Suggestion [ 30-50 words ]

[ Body 2 ]
Main Idea - The reason for the lack of interest
Supporting Details(1) - Why - Reasons / Factors
Supporting Details(2) - Why
Supporting Details(3) - How-Suggestion [ 30 -50 words ]

[ Body 3 ]
Main Idea - The reason for the lack of interest
Supporting Details(1) - Why - Reasons / Factors
Supproting Details(2) - Why
Supporting Details(3) - How-Suggestion [ 30-50 words ]

[ Closing ]
What do you expect
What is your hope for the students and school [ 30-40 words ]


[ End your report ]
Prepared By,

[ Signature ]
Name
Title (if any)
SMK Syed Abu Bakar

SPM ESSAY - SAMPLE ESSAY CONCLUSIONS

In this post, I have posted some [sample  conclusions ] . Below are the  examples :-

Actual SPM examination question - Descriptive

2008  :  Write about a person who has worked hard to succeed in life.

Sample :

   In a nut shell, Mr.Adam cherished the saying 'No pain,no gain.' He always believed a man must be willing to endure hardship in order to enjoy success in life. Today, after 30 years of hardship he is the owner of a famous shopping comples in Penang. Mr.Adam is none other than my dear loving father.

Actual SPM examination question - Opinion / Arguementative

2009  : School children should nothave long holidays. Do you agree?

Sample :

In conclusion, school children definitely need long holidays. Long holidays will help them to unwind and relax from all the stress of school life.Long holidays will help rejuvenate their stressed out mind and be more receptive to studies when school reopens.

Actual SPM examination question - One Word

2009  : Beauty
Sample :

         Finally,beauty is an abstract matter which can’t be quantified by any measurement. How a person perceives beauty can differ from one person to the other. As the saying goes “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.”

* Remember, above are only simple sample conclusions to help those who are weak in English to get a rough idea on how to write a simple conclusion for their essay.

SPM DIRECTED WRITING - SPEECH / TALK

SPM Question 2007

Talk : You have been asked by your teacher to give a talk on a reference book that is useful for secondary students. You have decided to give a talk about a science book.

 

[ Introduction / Salutation ]

Good morning to the principal, teachers, and fellow students. I am honoured to stand here to give a speech / talk. My speech / talk  is entitled the usefulness of a reference book for secondary students. [ 30-40 words ]


[ Body 1 ]

Main Idea – What type of reference book you have choosen. [ Use Suitable Transitions]

Supporting Details(1)-What/Which [ Title Of The] Science Book

Supporting Details(2)-Why you choose this [ particular ] book

Closing Paragraph – Summarize your point. [ 40-50 words]



[ Body 2 ]

Main Idea – How it can be useful for secondary students.  [ Use Suitable Transitions]

Supporting Details(1)-Benefit 1- What/Why/How

Supporting Details(2)-Benefit 2 – What/Why/How

Closing Paragraph – Summarize your point. [ 40-50 words]



[ Body 3 ]

Main Idea – How it can be used for reference.  [ Use Suitable Transitions]

Supporting Details(1)-Benefit 1- What/Why/How

Supporting Details(2)-Benefit 2 – What/Why/How

Closing Paragraph – Summarize your point. [ 40-50 words]



[ Closing / Conclusion ] – sample conclusions.

1. let me conclude my speech / talk with - [ a/an proverb/idiom/quote]

2.In conclusion - [ give an advice / hope ]

3. I will end my speech / talk by reinstating that - [ summary of your points ]

 

End it with - Thank you. [ 30-40 words ]

SPM DIRECTED WRITING - INFORMAL LETTER

 2010  :  Your cousin has been chosen to take part in the National Service Programme and is worried about going. You have decided to write a letter to tell him/her about the benefits of this programme and to encourage your cousin to go. 

(Your Name & Address)

Ginny Han

5, Jalan Tun Perak,

50050 Kuala Lumpur. 

(Date)
10 OCTOBER 2010.

(Salutation)
Dear Sam,

 

 

(Introduction)

How are you? I hope you are in the pink of health. I was thrilled when I got your letter. I read your letter eagerly .To be honest, I had mixed feelings after reading your letter. One was of happiness while the other was of sadness. Happy that you got chosen to go for the National Service Programme. On the other hand, sad , seeing  how worried you are to join this programme. I have penned this letter  to encourage you to go for this programme.

(Body 1)

Benefit 1 - One main point
                 - Two / Three supporting details
                 - Close
 

(Body 2)

Benefit 2 - One main point

                 - Two / Three supporting details

                 - Close

(Body 3)

Benefit 3 - One main point

                 - Two / Three supporting details

                 - Close

(Closing)

I hope my reasoning will convince you to go for this National Service Programme. To be honest with you, I am a bit jealous that I was not chosen for the programme. I surely would trade places with you if I could. I will keep my fingers crossed that you will take my advice and join this programme. Bye and have fun.

Your Cousin,

(Your Signature)

* [Name] is optional in Infromal Letter. It means you can choose to write your name or ignore it.

PMR ESSAY - INFORMAL LETTER

SPM ENGLISH PAST YEAR QUESTIONS - SECTION B

Descriptive

2003  : A day you wished had never happened

2004  : Describe a festival celebrated in your area

2005  : Describe the biggest challenge in your life

2006 : Describe an enjoyable weekend you have experienced
2007 : Describe an embarrassing experience in your life

2008 :  Write about a person who has worked hard to succeed in life.

2009 : Describe an unforgettable incident that you saw on your way home from school.

2010 : Describe the most popular student in your school.
2011 : A famous person you admire.
2012 : Describe an outing with friends

Opinion / Argumentative

2003 : You have been given a chance to visit a country of your choice. Which country would you choose and why?
2004 : How can we help promote tourism in Malaysia?
2005 : If you were given a chance to be anybody, who would you want to be and why?
2006 : How can television help students in their studies?
2007 : ‘Teenagers today are only interested in entertainment.’ Do you agree?
2008 : Examinations – good or bad?
2009 : School children should not have long holidays. Do you agree?
2010 : “The Internet is mostly a good thing.” Do you agree? Support your opinion.
2011 : Should school students have part-time jobs? - Discuss
2012 : Should parents give children more freedom

Reflective

2003 : An invention you cannot live without

2004 : My ideal school

2005 : How to keep one self healthy
2006 : What changes would you like to see in your life in the next ten years?
2007 : My early years.

2008 :  My perfect future husband or wife

2009 : My favorite day of the week

2010 : What we can do to save the environment?
2011 : The best things in life are free
2012 : Saving money for future

Story Telling / Narrative

2003  : Write a story that ends with: If only I had listened to his/her advice
 
2004  : Write a story ending with: “We had never laughed so much in our lives.”

2005 : Write a story with the title: An Unexpected Visitor

2006 : Write a story ending with: “If only I had been more careful, that wouldn’t have happened.”

2007 : Write a story beginning with: Kim was nervous when the door opened

2008 : Write a story ending with: “Now I realize the value of a true friend.”

2009 : Write a story ending with: “...We said our goodbyes and went our separate ways.”

2010 : Write a story beginning with:“It had been raining all day...”

2011 : Write a story that ends with: "...They looked at each other and smiled meaningfully."

2012 : Write a story beginning with : "The teacher walked into the classroom. It was the first period...."

One Word

2003 : Friends

2004 : Clothes

2005 : Music

2006 : Food
2007 : Tomorrow
2008 : Stars
2009 : Beauty
2010 : Home
2011 : Peace
2012 : Cleanliness

 * I have arranged all the questions according to the style/type used to write them. Students are advised to master at least three styles of writing mentioned above.It will help you to write the essay you choose properly by using the correct style or technique. Remember, you can't simply use any style to write an essay. You must see the requirements of the question or title of the particular essay.