PT3 Descriptive Essay-How I spent my holidays

PT3 READING & LISTENING TEST 2015

PT3 'READING ALOUD' and 'SPOKEN INTERACTION' tests will be held from 4-28 August 2015, whereas, your 'LISTENING TEST' will be held on 11 August 2015. It's just around the corner. I'm sure most of you out there would like to know the 'MARKING SCHEME' for these tests.

Keep reading and you will find the answer below....

ALL THE BEST IN YOUR 2015 

SPEAKING & LISTENING TEST..!

(A) Objective

• To encourage student to read the given text aloud using correct pronunciation, intonation and stress plus show an awareness of audience (teachers / examiners), purpose and context.

(B) Assessment For Reading Aloud-[ 10 marks ]

1. Students will be assessed on their accurate pronunciation and intonation.
2. Students will be assessed on the fluency of their text deliverance and their reading rhythm (stress).
3. Students will be assessed on their excellent awareness of audience, purpose and context.

(C)  Assessment For Spoken Interaction - [20 marks ]

1. Students will be assessed on their ability to take part in social interaction to express ideas, opinions and thoughts.
2. Students will be assessed on their well developed personal responses.
3. Students will be assessed on their fluent and excellent ability to sustain the conversation.
4. Students will be assessed on their usage of a wide range of vocabulary with a variety of sentence structures.
5. Students will be assessed on their usage of accurate grammar and accurate pronunciation.

(D) Marking Scheme

READING ALOUD	A EXCELLENT (9-10)	B GOOD (7-8)	C AVERAGE (5-6)	D WEAK (3-4)	E VERY WEAK (1-2)

*'0' mark will be given to student who is unable to read even a single word from the given text.

SPEAKING INTERACTION	A EXCELLENT (17-20)	B GOOD (13-16)	C AVERAGE (9-12)	D WEAK (5-8)	E VERY WEAK (1-4)

*'1' mark will be given to student who uses any other language predominantly.

*'0' mark will be given to student who is unable to give any response in English.

Kopitiam Tips For Reading Aloud

1. Sit with an upright body position (don't slouch or sit like an unta) - read the given text loud and clear (don't shout nor scream) as if your teacher is deaf or something.
2. Keep reading confidently even if you make grammar or pronunciation mistakes (which might occur).
3. Don't read too fast or too slow. Read accordingly with a proper tempo and timing. ( imagine your self as a graceful ballet dancer)
4. Make sure you use the proper stress and intonation when reading your text.

Kopitiam Tips For Spoken Interaction

1. Take a deep breath - relax and stay cool and calm even if you are sweating like crazy. 
2. Keep your English simple and nice - use proper tenses when you speak.
3. Make sure you speak or interact loud enough for your teacher to hear you - don't murmur or speak with a low pitch.
4. Don't worry too much about your grammar or your English - just talk and keep talking until your teacher asks you to stop.
5. Remember the more you talk the better chance you have to get better scores.
6. If you just keep quiet or talk less - the less mark you'll be awarded. 

*I hope my sharing will be of help to all the students who will be taking their oral and listening test this August.Finally, please get the latest info from your respective school teachers....ALL THE BEST!

(A) LISTENING TEXT - [ 20 MARKS ]

1.SECTION A - 10 Multiple Choice Questions (OBJECTIVE)

• Total of 10 marks

Students are given 4 choices of answers to choose from
eg:-
           Question 1
             
             How much does a plate of noodles cost?
              A   RM1.00
              B   RM2.00
              C   RM3.00
              D   RM3.50


    * Circle the correct answer.

2.SECTION B - 10 Limited Response Questions ( SUBJECTIVE)

• Total of 10 marks
• Students are not given any answers to choose from
• Students have to listen to the recording carefully and write down the answer in the space provided.
• The recording will be played twice (2 times )

      * Write down the correct answer.
Each student is given 30 minutes to answer the questions - 15 minutes for each section.

PT3 ESSAY- DESCRIPTIVE

SECTION D

(40 marks)

(Time suggested : 45 minutes)

Question 1

The picture below shows a snatch theft incident which you witnessed while walking to school. Based on the picture given, write about the incident for your school magazine.

When writing about the incident, you should:

• describe what happened
• express what you felt
• suggest ways to prevent snatch theft
• write between 120 to 150 words. (Follow the limit which is allowed by your school teacher)

Tips On How To write

1.  Read and understand the question carefully.
2.  Find the key words :-

o    For example     : snatch theft, incident, witnessed, walking back to     school, school magazine.

3.   In your essay you need to :-

o    how the snatch theft happened

o    your feelings about the incident

o    to prevent snatch theft

4.  Use the technique to arrange and to write your ideas/points.

5.   Introduction Paragraph – ( 30 – 50 words )

o    Last week – I – walking – to school

o    8.00am – football practice

o    saw – neighbour – Miss Siti – opposite road – waiting for bus

o    she – holding a big brown – handbag

Body - First Paragraph – ( Describe what you saw happen)

o    saw – a motorbike – two men

o    snatch Miss Siti’s handbag – fell down – screamed for help

o    shocked – gave chase – got away

Body - Second Paragraph – ( Describe what happened after )

o    checked on Miss Siti – hand and leg – bruises 

o    father came – took her home – made a police report

o    I – felt – angry and sad

Body - Third Paragraph – ( Suggest ways to prevent... )

o    People – more careful / alert  - alone

o    More street lights - bright roads / safe

o    Police patrol – in / around – housing areas


Sample Essay
          Cases of snatch thefts are reported almost daily in our local dailies. In some incidences innocent lives have been lost due this unspeakable act.I recently was an eye witness to this dastardly act. The horrifying incident unfolded right in front of my eyes as I was walking to school for my football practice last week.

          The football practice was scheduled at 8.00 in the morning.On that fateful morning, I decided to walk to school instead of taking the bus as I normally did. As I was striding along the brick pavement, my eyes caught Miss Siti, my neighbour, standing on the opposite site of the road waiting to catch a bus to work. She was gingerly holding a big brown handbag in her hand.I waved to her and she waved back to me with an angelic smile.I looked at my watch, it was 7.oo a.m.

          As I strode past her, I saw two men on a motorbike riding slowly towards her.Both were wearing full face helmets. I didn't give much thought about it and just moved on.Suddenly, without warning, they zoomed past her snatching her handbag in the process.Miss Siti fell down onto the pavement. She was shocked but managed to scream for help. It all happened so fast.I gave chase but the thieves managed to escape. They just sped off into the horizon.

          I quickly dashed to Miss Siti's aid. There was a look of bewilderment on her pained face. I helped to check on her.Fortunately, only her hand and leg were bruised but overall she was alright. I immediately called and informed her father about the incident.He drove there as fast as lightning and took her home. Later, they went to the police station to make a report.The barbaric action of the snatch thieves just made me angry. At the same time, sad when I thought about all the unfortunate victims who had fallen prey to them.
         In order to prevent from becoming a victim of snatch theft, people need to be more careful. For example, when they are alone at a bus stop or walking back home alone- alertness plays an important role in ensuring their safety.In addition, the government should put up more street lights so the streets and dark alleys can be bright and safe for the public.Lastly, I strongly believe police presence in and around housing areas would boost public confidence whereby their safety can be assured by the police.

PT3 EXAM FORMAT

This is my latest update on the "Pentaksiran Tingkatan 3 (PT3) examination.This information is directly from the "Kementerian Pelajaran Malaysia (moe.gov.my) website.

Time/Date  For PT3 English Examination 


4-28 August 2015 - Speaking Test

11 August 2015  - Listening Test

12/13 & 15 October 2015 - Written Test

Actual link to View the 'Takwim Peperiksaan 2015'

Latest (PT3) English Exam Format

Section A           - 10 marks [ Error Identification]

Section B       (i) - 10 marks  [ short passage ]

                      (ii) - 10 marks [ short passage ]

                     (iii) - 10 marks [ short message - 50 words]

Section C      (i)   - 15 marks  [ Passage]

                     (ii)   -  5 marks   [Poem ]

Section D      (i)  - 30 marks [ Essay - 120-150 words ]

                     (ii)  - 10 marks [ Novel ]

                        -------------

Total                100 marks

                        -------------

Section A      - 15 minutes - [10marks]

Section B      - 40 minutes - [30marks]

Section C      - 20 minutes - [20marks]
Section D      - 45 minutes - [40marks]

Free sample paper -www.moe.gov.my/cms/upload_files/articlefile/2014/articlefile_file_003461.pdf                                       

*Check out my Informal Letter  : - http://kopitiamenglish.blogspot.com/2013/08/pmr-sample-essay-informal-letter.html
*Check out my Descriptive Essay - http://kopitiamenglish.blogspot.com/2015/03/pt3-sample-essay.html

SPM EXAM TIPS -2014

       First of all, I would like to wish all the best to students who will be sitting for their SPM Examination this year. In this post, I have listed some tips which might be helpful to you. 

     Be reminded that these are only tips and I do not guarantee that any of these tips would come out or be asked in the actual examination.

(1)Past Year Directed Writing Questions

1. 2005 - Informal Letter
2. 2006 - Informal Letter
3. 2007 - Talk
4. 2008 - Article
5. 2009 - Report
6. 2010 - Informal Letter
7. 2011 - Talk
8. 2012 - Informal Letter
9. 2013 - Formal Letter

(2) What might come out for Directed Writing- 2014

1. Report - to the school headmaster (highly possible)
2. Article
3. Talk / Speech
4. Formal Letter
5. Pie/Bar chart 

(3) Literature Component [ Poems ] 

1. Are You Still Playing Your Flute (highly possible)
2. He Had Such Quiet Eyes
3. Nature

(4) Literature Component [ Novel ]

1. Character [ Main Character / Supporting Character ]

     - One problem faced by the character and how he faced it..

     - Describe a character that you sympathise with....
     - Obstacles faced by the character....
     - How did strangers play a role in helping the character to escape....

If you want [400] more exercises to do - check out my e-book at this link -

http://www.scribd.com/doc/117896752/Decorus-Carmen-Poems

SPM DIRECTED WRITING - TALK / SPEECH

Question : Your school has received a group of exchange students from United Kingdom (UK). As the President of the English Language Society, you have been asked by your teacher advisor to give a talk to welcome the British students to your school and give information about your school and country.

Notes / Points :- 

• School
• background
• facilities 

• Country
• multiracial community
• diverse festivals 

• Attraction in town
• famous tourist places
• shopping malls 

• Souvenirs
• keychains
• handicrafts

When giving the talk, you must remember to:

• greet your audience
• mention the purpose of the talk
• include all the points given
• end your talk appropriately 

 __________________________________________________________________________________________

Pointers :-

1. Format   : Talk
2. Who [you]  - President of the English Language Club
3. Who [they] - exchange students from UK
4. Who [will attend the talk] - teacher advisor, exchange students, members of the English Language Club
5. What [Objective 1]: to welcome the British students to your school
6. What [Objective 2]: give information about your school -[One paragraph]
7. What [Objective 3]: give information about your country -[Two paragraph]
8. What [Hope] : conclusion.

___________________________________________________________________________________________

 [Introduction]

When writing your introduction, follow the format of a talk / speech. For this essay you must write an opening talk / speech which is greeting your audience. Not all talk / speeches are the same,so, you need to be careful when writing your intro. For this essay, the audience are:

• the school principal / vice principal
• the teacher advisor
• the exchange students
• the members of the English Language Club

Sample Intro : [ Simple Style ]

              I would like to wish a very good morning to our respected principal, Mr. Shukor Salleh bin Haji Abbas, vice principal Mr. Tan Han Seng,club's teacher advisor, Puan Ramlah and to all the exchange students from the UK and fellow club members.I am honoured to be given this opportunity to welcome our friends from the UK and to share a little about our school and our country with them.Before I begin, let us all put our hands together and give them a warm Malaysian welcome. [ 75 words ]

Sample Body 1 : [ Simple Style ]

           Let me begin by introducing our school. SMK Bukit Jambul was opened  on the 1st of January 2001. From only 14 teachers and 220 students in the beginning, now we have 68 dedicated teachers and 1050 students.We have 30 classes for form 1 to form 5 students. We also have a fully equipped computer lab and a science lab.

         We only had 6 form 1 classes. From 220 students, SMK Bukit Jambul has grown to 1050 students. We have 68 dedicated teachers to teach 30 classes ranging  from form 1 till form 5.Our mission is to bring out the hidden potential of each and every student of SMK Bukit Jambul through creative and innovative ways,thus producing students who are able to compete locally and globally.

Sample Body 2 : [ Simple Style ]

PT3 ESSAY - INFORMAL LETTER

Sample Question : Your brother spends too much time on the Internet and has done badly in his PT3 Trial Examination.Your mother has asked you to write a letter advising him how to divide his time wisely.

DON'Ts

• Stay Up Late - Chat -Internet
• Too Much - Time - Online games

DOs

• Have A Timetable - Study - Surf Internet
• Use Internet - Gain Knowledge

When writing your letter,

• You may use the words and phrases given above.
• Elaborate on your writing to make it more interesting.
• You may add other relevant information.
• Make sure it is not less than 120 words.

___________________________________________

How to answer this question

• Use the 6W 1H method
• Read the question carefully
• Use the information given in the question to write your opening.
• Use all the points given.
• Don't forget to add your own point(s).
• Write at least 200-250 words as time permits.

_______________________________________________________

[Simple Style Essay Sample]

322C,Taman Danau Maluri

53300 Kuala Lumpur.

20 August 2013. 

Dear Vince,

   How are you? I hope you are fine. Please send my regards to father and mother. I miss you all dearly. I heard that you did not do well in your recent PT3 Trial Examination. Mother phoned me a few days ago and told me about it. Father and mother are really worried about you spending too much time on the Internet. So, I am writing this letter to give you some tips on how to divide your time wisely.

   First of all, young man, don't stay up late.Don't burn your midnight oil chatting on the Internet. Go to bed early. Our body needs at least 8 to 10 hours of sleep everyday.Enough sleep will enable your mind to stay sharp and productive the next day.Therefore, instead of sleeping around 1 to 2 a.m. in the morning, call it a night around 10 p.m.

   Next, don't spend too much time playing online games. There is nothing wrong in playing online games but when it affects your studies then you should put a brake to it.My advice is leave all your online gaming activities until you have finished your PT3 Examination. Focus on your studies first, you can continue playing once you have finished your examination.

   Draft out a study timetable to help you manage your time wisely. On the timetable allocate one to two hours to surf the Internet. Now, remember, the Internet contains a lot of  useful information for everyone. It can be used to gain knowledge and to sift through  for information useful for your PT3 Examination. 

   Finally, join some outdoor physical activities rather than just being holed up in the house in front of your computer the whole day. Go cycling or walking around the park. Play football or badminton with your friends in the evenings. Physical activities help keep your body and mind healthy. You need a healthy body and mind to do well in your PT3 Examination.

   I wish I could write more but I have to stop here for now. I  have to prepare for my next week's final term semester examination. I hope you will take my advice and mend your ways. I wish you all the best in your PT3 Examination. Hugs and kisses.

Your loving sister,

 Bernice Gabriel.

______________________________________________________

(The sample essay above is roughly more than 350 words and I have used 5 idioms in the essay)

1. Burn Your Midnight Oil - doing something(working) for very long hours.
2. Call it a night - to end (stop) what one is doing at night.
3. Put a brake to it - to stop an activity.
4. Sift through - to remove something from something.
5. Holed up - hide and wait / just staying put in a place.

*Check out my Descriptive Essay - 

• Sample Essay - An Accident (Article)
• Sample Essay - Snatch Theft (Article)
• Sample Essay - Descriptive