SPM ESSAY - NARRATIVE ESSAY (Beginning)

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

( This is an actual SPM question for the year 2007 - If you are asked to begin with certain phrase / sentence then do begin your Introduction with the given phrase / sentence.)

Sample 1

Kim was nervous when the door opened. She was hoping that it would be the police. Kim prayed hard in her heart that it would be so.As she slowly lifted up her head to see, she could only see a dark figure standing at the entrance of her room door.It was the intruder who had broken into her parents house.She could see him still holding the knife in his hand. He was searching for her. The intruder stepped into the room.He moved slowly. He banged into few things in the room.The room was pitch dark. The electricity got cut off due to the heavy storm.


Sample 2

Kim was nervous when the door opened. Sweat drops trickled from her forehaed onto the carpeted floor. She bit her lips in agitation. In her heart, she prayed hard that it would be the police. Slowly but reluctantly she lifted up her head to see, she could only see a dark visage standing at the entrance of her room door.She could not see clearly who it was as the room was pitch dark.Then, to her horror, she saw his face, the face of one she prayed that she would not see again. A glimmer of light from the lightning outside gave his face away.It was the  intruder who had broken into her parents house.He was still clutching the Rambo knife in his hand.He moved slowly, breaking and shoving everything that blocked his path.He had only one thing in his mind, that is to find the girl who knows his true identity, and to finish her off.


Sample 3

Kim was nervous when the door opened. The door burst open with a deafening sound, breaking the silence that Kim was enjoying for almost fifteen minutes now. The sound startled her, she almost jumped out from her hiding place screaming her head off but fear not senses kept her glued to her spot. She held her breath,her heart beat faster than ever.Sweat drops trickled onto the carpeted floor like a running tap water. She edged cautiously further into a corner fearing for the worst. She clasped her hands hard and prayed like she had never prayed before, hoping in her heart that it was the police who had come to her rescue.A dark tall visage stood at the entrance of the room door. At the same time, a glimmer of light from the lightning outside burst through the room window giving away the identity of the figure.To her horror, it was the visage of the one who had made her life a living hell for the past one hour."I will get you, pretty one!",his cold and merciless words echoed in her ears sending shivers into her spine.



The introduction must be good and interesting enough to get your reader glued to your essay - use adjectives and adverbs to add some spice to your writing. 

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

IDIOMS IN ESSAY

 

What Is An Idom...?

 

An idiom is an expression consisting of a combination of words that have a figurative meaning. The figurative meaning is comprehended in regard to a common use of the expression that is separate from the literal meaning or definition of the words of which it is made.Idioms are numerous and they occur frequently in all languages. There are estimated to be at least 25,000 idiomatic expressions in the English language. (source : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Idiom) 

 

Can I Use Idioms In My Essay...? 

• Students are encouraged to  use idioms in PT3 and SPM examinations.Using relevant and suitable idioms in an essay will help students to get a better mark for their essay. 
• Don't simply use idioms just for the sake of getting better grades for your essay paper, this will backfire if the idioms you use are irrelevant or out of place. 
• You can use idioms in the beginning paragraph or in the body paragraph or in the closing paragraph. It all depends on the topic and suitability of the idioms used. 
• Be careful not to over do it.You might be impressed but it does not necessarily mean the examiner would be.
• Do not use idioms when writing formal letters or business letters.
• So, for a better grade use at least three idioms.If you can't write three at least write one idiom in the closing paragraph.
  
  

Sample Sentences With Idioms...
 

1. The suffering Adam went through in life was actually a blessing in disguise,for it has taught him to be prudent and thrifty with his finances. 
2. Many obese Malaysians are actually couch potatoes.They just like to sit and eat on a couch all day long watching movies without moving an inch.
3. Students who like to drag their feet will not be able to finish their school project on time.
4. Students need to widen their horizons in order to face the challenges of globalisation.
5. People who like to be mules for drug traffickers must learn to face the music if caught by the authorities.
6. Sam has a gut feeling that something bad is going to happen today.
7. Parents need to have a heart to heart talk with their teenage children often.This will help them to  understand the emotional turmoil their teenage children are going through better.
8. Reading helps a person to be knowledgeable about his surroundings and not be in the dark.
9. Parents need to keep an eye on their children's after school activities.
10. We packed our things and headed to the remote village in Manjala. The journey was quite challenging and dangerous but we managed to steer clear of danger and reached the village safe and sound. 

1. My father and mother are always at loggerheads, they never once agreed on anything, always pointing fingers at one another over silly matters.
2. Sandy was on cloud nine as she got through her SPM examination with flying colours.
3. After waiting for six long years, Pat and Mandy finally tied the knot. Their parents gave them an out of this world wedding reception as a wedding gift.
4. Henry is quite wrapped up with his construction work. He just can't afford to take a break or put up his feet even for a second.
5. Miranda has put on weight after giving birth to her baby girl. She plans to work out more to shed the extra pounds.
6. Starting from 2013, every student must pass their History paper. Students are worried that they might not be able to sail through it because History is all Greek to them. 
7. The old house opposite my house has a ghostly presence, it gives me goose bumps just looking at it.
8. The bank was robbed in broad daylight.The police are not leaving any stones unturned, they are working out a game plan to catch the mastermind.
9. People around the world must have an attitude of give and take in order to enjoy continuous peace.Insensitive words or religious undertones will only create ripples which can turn into a vicious cycle of unnecessary violence.
10. The two opposing political parties are hoping for a landslide victory this coming election. Working committes from both parties have rolled up their sleeves for some serious campaining.

SPM ENGLISH ESSAY FORMAT - CONTINUOUS WRITING

SPM Essay Writing Paper is divided into two, which are Section A and Section B.

 

Section A is called Directed Writing and it is mainly format type essays.

Section B is called Continuous Writing and you are given 5 choices to choose from.

Students are required to answer only one question from this section.Okay, today I will give some simple pointers on how to write the Continuous Writing type essay.

Section B

Time    : 1 hour (advised time)

Marks : 50 marks

Format : Non-Format Essays

* No details will be provided as a guide for students to write their essay. Students are required to use their knowledge or their own points to write the essay.

How To Write

1. Use the 7P technique (7 Paragraph)
2. 1 Paragraph for Introduction
3. 5 Paragraphs for Body
4. 1 Paragraph for Closing

How To Break The Paragraphs

• Introduction Paragraph

1. Use only general information to write your Introduction
2. Construct at least 5-7 sentences.
3. At least 40-50 words.
4. Use proper grammar,punctuation and spelling.

• Body Paragraph

1. Must have at least one Main Idea.
2. 2-4 supporting details.
3. One concluding sentence.
4. At least 40-50 words.
5. Use proper grammar,punctuation and spelling.

• Closing Paragraph

1. Restate all your main ideas in a nut shell.
2. Use synonyms to restate your ideas.
3. State a suggestion and a hope.  
4. At least 40-50 words.
5. Use proper grammar,punctuation and spelling.

 

* Use the 7P technique to write your Continuous Writing Essay. It is easy to remember and saves a lot of time. Make sure it is at least 350-400 words.I hope my two posts on SPM Essay Formats were able to help you to better understand how to write a proper essay.