bengkel f5june

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Massuhaimi/elpstar/c:bengkel f5june_2011

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Directed Writing

PAPER 1 of SPM English is largely a test of students writing skills.

It consists of two sections:

1. Directed Writing - 35 marks

2. Continuous Writing - 50 marks

Total 85 marks

Directed Writing - is directed or guided as points are provided.

Typical questions include:

a speech / talk,

a report,

an article

a letter - formal or informal

Allotment of marks:

Content - 15 marks

( including format )

Language - 20 marks

Total 35 marks

*** You can easily get the marks for content if you include all the

content points provided.


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ANALYSIS OF THE SPMPASTYEAR QUESTIONS

ENGLISH 1119

Year Text Type Purpose1997 Article To inform students about the nature club and to

persuade them to join in.

1998 Letter ( formal ) To request permission to visit a factory.

1999 Report To inform the principal about the poor

conditions and services of the library.

2000 Letter ( informal ) To inform your mother about your choice of

present for your brother and persuade her to

lend you money.

2001 Article To inform students on ways of coping withstress.

2002 Speech To inform students about road safety causes

of road accidents and suggestions to reduce

them.

2003 Letter ( formal ) To inform the class teacher about the choice of

class trip.

2004 Report To inform the school principal about the

conditions of the school canteen.

2005 Letter ( informal ) To inform a friend about a holiday camp.

2006 Letter ( informal ) To convince a friend to run for the post of Head

Prefect.

2007 Talk / Speech To inform the students about a reference book

useful for secondary students.

2008 Article To write for school magazine about the best

group leader in leadership camp.

2009 Report To inform the principal about a survey on

reasons why students lack of interest in sports

and how to overcome the problem.

2010 Letter ( Informal ) To tell a cousin about the benefit of NationalService Program and to encourage her to go.

2011 ? ???


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General Guidelines for Directed Writing

y Always read the question carefully and highlight what you are required to

do. Analyse the question by underlining the keywords in the question.

y Use the 45 minutes wisely:

10 minutes to plan your essay and organize your

thoughts (this includes what to write, how to elaborate

points, etc).

30 minutes to write.

5 minutes to edit.

y Remember to use all the content points.

It is advisable to cross out the points you have used so that no point is left

out. Good students have been known to make this mistake.

y Include your own pointsONLY IF you are asked to do so. Otherwise,

do not waste time doing this because you will not get extra marks.

y Do provide relevant details orelaborate the points given even if you

are not asked to do so.

( Remember: a crucial aspect of this paper is language and your ability to

write can only be tested if you provide sufficient language for the examiner

to gauge your linguistic ability. Therefore, elaborate your points.)

y Vary your sentence structures so that your essay is not dull and

monotonous.

y Make sure you write an introduction and a conclusion.

y Do read through your written piece and rectify grammatical, spelling and

punctuation errors.


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y Use the correct format and tenses.

y Use suitable tone and style appropriately.

y Add in suitable and varied vocabulary and effective expressions

to make your essay interesting that can merit higher marks.

y Write a well organised essay of at least one full page of your test

pad.

Pitfalls to avoid

Do not spend more than 45 minutes on this question.

Remember the content points have been provided. All you have to do is

use these points and elaborate on them. Some linguistically competent

students make the mistake of spending too much time on this question and

end up having less time for Continuous Writing, which carries more marks.

Do not use slang words, contractions and informal language.

Do not write one paragraph for each point. If you do, your essay is going

to be lengthy. Combine the points given whenever possible.


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SPEECH

General guidelines to remember when writing a

speech.

Remember to:

Greet your audience.

State the purpose of your speech/talk.

Use the points given in a systematic manner use transition markers to enable

your audience to follow the flow of your thoughts.

Elaborate your points with examples or illustrations.

Conclude your speech by thanking your audience.

Maintain a formal, yet pleasant, tone.


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Talks/Speeches

You are the president of your schools Nature Club. You have been asked to give

a speech to the students in your school to inform them about the Nature Club and

to persuade them to join it. Write out your speech using the following points:

Membership

Open to all students from Form One to Five.

An approved co-curricular activity.

Aims

To promote interest and knowledge about wildlife, forests and the environment among

students.

To encourage students to protect the fauna and flora. To provide opportunities for students to acquire values and skills needed to protect and

improve the natural environment.

Activities

Trekking

Rock climbing

Photography

Tree-planting

Facilities provided

Tents, sleeping bags and other equipment required for trekking purposes.

Digital cameras.

Write out the speech you would give. Remember to:

Address the audience.

Introduce the topic of your speech. Use all the notes given.

End the talk appropriately.


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Before you start writing, ask yourself these questions:

What am I required to do?

What is my role?

Who is my audience?

How many points have been provided? Do I need to include other points?

Analysis of the question

y write a speech

y You are the president of the schools Nature Club

y and the other students in school are your audience.y A total of 11 points have been provided (in bullet form in the sample

question given) and

y the 12th point is embedded in the stimulus, i.e., you have to persuade

the other students to join the Nature Club.

The marks for format are given for addressing your audience, introducing the

topic of your talk and ending appropriately. You are reminded to do all three in

the stimulus.

** Address the

audience

** Introduce the

topic of your speech

A very good morning to our beloved principal, teachers and

friends. As the president of the Nature Club, I stand here today to

inform you about the Nature Club with the hope that more of youwill join this club in its mission to create awareness about the need

to protect our environment.For your information, anyone can join the Nature Club as

membership is open to all students from Form 1 to Form 5. As of

this year, it is an approved co-curricular activity. This means that

your participation in the Nature Club will be duly recognized by theschool authorities.The Nature Club aims to promote interest and knowledge about

wildlife, forests and the environment among students besidesencouraging them to protect flora and fauna. The club also aspires

to provide opportunities for students to acquire values and skills

needed to protect and improve the natural environment . Do notworry if you have no experience whatsoever. The Nature Club, with

Point 1

Point 2

Point 3

Point 4

Point 5


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Give appropriateending.

guidance from the Malaysian Nature Society, will offer youopportunities to learn and to develop the skills required. It is our

mission to help the uninitiated learn how to care for nature in a funand enjoyable manner.

Among the activities we have carried out this year are jungle

trekking and rock climbing. You do not have to worry if you think youare physically unfit because we will provide the necessary training

before embarking on any such expedition. I can assure you that once

you try these activities, you will become enthusiastic about them.

This semester, we hope to go to the jungles of Endau-Rompin tostudy the array of wildlife and plant life there. Members will be

introduced to the art of photographing nature. Another interestingprogramme we have promised to undertake is tree planting. As you

are well aware, trees are crucial to the environment they areneeded to restore oxygen while utilizing carbon dioxide. We have

got a local nursery to donate fifty saplings of the neem tree for

us to plant in various places, including our school compound.Friends, let me dispel your fears. Becoming a member of the

Nature Club is inexpensive. We provide many facilities for our

members such as tents sleeping bags and other equipment

required for trekking purposes. Currently, we have in our

possession five digital cameras, which are loaned to members

during photography sessions. We hope to acquire more cameras asour club membership grows. You can show your love and concern for

Mother Nature by becoming a member of this club. You will not

regret joining the Nature Club because the skills, values andexperiences you gain will be for life. So, do not hesitate and sign up

today. We will open a special counter at the canteen during recessand after school.

My fellow students, it is our duty and moral obligation to

maintain and preserve nature just as nature has sustained us

over the centuries. Join us and explore unknown areas you might

never have the chance to otherwise. Before I end, let me remindyou not to let this golden opportunity out of your grasp. Thank you.

Point 6

Point 7

Point 8

Point 9

Point 10

Point 11

Point 12[Persuadesstudents

to join]


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SAMPLE 2

Question:

Your school has decided tolaunch a Say No to Smoking campaign toraise awareness among

students of the need to stop the bad habit ofsmoking. As a representative ofEnglish Club for

the public speaking competition, you have to prepare a speechon the topic.

Below are some ofthe notes you have made:

Reasons

y Peer pressure

y Look trendy orglamorous

Dangers

y Cause life threatening diseases

y Affect the health ofthe non smokers

Prevention

y Never try smokingy Prohibit the sale oftobacco products to teenagers

Write out a speech that you would give. When writingout what you plan to say, you should

remember to:

- Address the audience

- Introduce the topic ofthe talk

- Use all the notes above

- Elaborate on all the notes given

- End the talk appropriately


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MARKING SCHEME

DIRECTED WRITING SPEECH

Format - 3 marksContent - 12 marks

Language - 20 marks

Total - 35 marks

A. Format

F1

F2F3

Greet the audience

Introduce the topicThank the audience

3 marks

1 m

1 m1 m

B. Content

C1

C2

C3

C4

C5

C6E1

E2

E3

E4

E5

E6

Peer pressure

Look trendy and glamorous

Cause life-threatening diseases

Affect the health ofthe non-smokers

Never try smoking

Prohibit the sale oftobacco products to teenagersElaborationofC1

ElaborationofC2

ElaborationofC3

ElaborationofC4

ElaborationofC5

ElaborationofC6

12 marks

1 m

1 m

1 m

1 m

1 m

1 m1 m

1 m

1 m

1 m

1 m

1 m

C. Language y Refer to the Criteria for markingLanguage 20 marks


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SAMPLE ANSWER

GOOD

Good morning to the PrincipalofMethodist Girls Secondary School,Pn Sofiah, panel judges,teachers and friends. First ofall I would like say a word ofthanks forgiving me the opportunity

togive speech on Say No to Smoking today. I think most ofus are aware that the numberof

smokers inour country are increasing as the day goes by. More and more people are takingup

smoking at their early age and it has since become a habit. This situation should be solved

before it is toolate as we often heard that there is nouse tryingover spilt milk.

Interviews have been done allover the world with smokers, and the results show that

most ofthe teenagers take up smoking due to peer pressure especially from friends. Teenagers

oftenfeel inferiororlackofconfidence ofthemselves when they donot join the populargang

at the school even though they realized that what their friends are doing is wrong. To them,

they think that if they cant beat them, they join them, which is a really big mistake. Besides

peer pressure, teenagers feelglamorous or trendy among theirfriends. Most ofthem feel that

by smoking they willlook more matured.

However in some cases, the pressure ofa broken home leads them to smoke so that

they could release their stress. Stress from exam and school work also contribute to the

increasing number of smokers each year. However this is not an excuse to take smoking

because it is not only endanger the smokers but also their surrounding people. Smoking can

cause life-threatening diseases such as bronchitis,lung cancer and many more. It is also proventhat family members or surrounding people of the smokers have a higher chance ofgetting

those diseases. This is due to the structure ofa cigarette. The end which have a built infilter to

filter smoke that is taken in by smokers. On the end ofthe cigarette, smoke is released without

beingfiltered which give the surrounding people a higherriskof infecting the disease than the

smokers themselves. Therefore it is always a wise thing tokeep away and say no to smoking.

Never ever try smoking as it is a kind of addiction. Once you are in it, you cannever

break the bond unless you have a high determination and discipline. Government should also

prohibit the sale oftobacco products to teenagers by enforcing strict law forunderage smokers.

Smoking does not bring any advantage and through smoking,one willunknowingly be lead to

drugs taking as well. By then, an even serious condition willoccur.

Therefore, in conclusion you should never attempt to try smoking. Keep away from the

conditionor situation that can cause temptation to you. Always remember a healthy life leads

to a happy life. Say No To Smoking. Thank you.


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Format: 3

Content: 12

Language: B Band

SAMPLE ANSWER

AVERAGE

A very good morning to all the honourable judges, guest of honour, ladies and

gentlemen and all my friends. I feel very proud to be given such opportunity torepresent the

English Club ofmy school to take part in this public speaking competition. The topic I am going

to talk about today is on smoking. Why do people smoke? I am sure that people who smoke

would definitely have theirownreason.

Nowadays, people who indulge in the smoking activities are mostly teenagers. In my

opinion,one reason they smoke is torelease tension and stress which they face in schoolor at

home with their parents and sibling. Maybe they cannot cope with all the pile ofhomework

teachergave in schoolor they cannot catch up with the lesson teacher thought in school. When

they were home, they have tolisten to all the parents order without complainingor they have

tolerate with their sibling in anything.

Besides that, some teenagers smoke because ofthe influence by theirfriends. They feel

that someone look trendy orglamorous when someone smokes. They donot know that they

will get addicted to cigarette. Some teenagers try on smoking because their parents do not

botheror even care about them. Teenagers willfeel that only cigarettes can help them to solve

these problems.

Everybody should know that smoking is bad for health.People who smoke forlong time

will most probably contract dangerous diseases which are uncurable such as lung cancer, high

blood pressure and even heart problems.

Smokingnot only affect smokers but will also affect the health of the non smokers.

They donot know that the smoke release will also affect the non smokers. Non smokers

might evenface the same diseases face by smokers.

Government should strictly prohibit the sale of tobacco products to teenagers. They

should fine the people who sale tobacco products to teenagers. Not only that, government

should increase the price oftobacco products so that teenagers cannot afford.


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Media should put more advertisement on the harmfulof smoking.Parents should pay

more attention to their children than their works. Non smokers should advise the people

around them never try smoking. Smoking might ruins a life of an individuals.Lastly, we must

always rememberourloves one. Say No to Smoking! Thank you.

Format: 3

Content: 10

Language: E Band

SAMPLE ANSWER

WEAK

Good morning toour principalPn. Hajah Sofiah, teachers and all my dearfriends. Today

I has decided to launch a Say No to Smoking ! Im Ling Chin Chianof English Club for the

public speaking competition.

Anywhere, today I wanna to talk about Say No to Smoking! . Smoking is not good. It is

because very dangerous is bad to we all. Say No to Smoking Campaign to raise awareness

among students of the need to stop the bad habit of smoking. From they all have exam PMR

and SP

M, it is very peer pressure. Thats why they like to smoke. It is very bad. And when theysmokinglooklike trendy or very glamerous.

Now I will talk why it is dangers about smoking. This is because by life threatening

diseases. When we smoke will feel like dont have any problem. This is will very bad forour

body and the lung we always positive become black and dark colour. This is affect the health of

the non-smokers. Wheather we life in anywhere, also dont touch it the smoke. Dont waste

money to buy cigarattes.

Cigarattes is bad to we all. When have any people smoking, we smell is alsonot good to

our body. Not health forus. We dont try smoking and touch cigarette. After 18 years old onlycan smoke, buy and touch cigarette. The prohibit the sales of tobacco products to teenagers,

we all should play to say, dont smoke. We must control toour self, dont go buy cigarettes and

touch it. Maybe this is very hard to change, but we all must go to try it try your best.You can do

it.


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People that breath the air must will some affect their health, because the body health.

When we cigarattes will cause by lung cancer. They always smoke with willget bad student and

smoking with them, willget very dangerous.

The environment prohibit the sale dont smoke cause of cant sale tobacco products

and touch the cigarattes.

Thank you.

Format: 3

Content: 3

Language: U(i) Band

Writing reports

There are various types of formal reports and the format of a report depends on its type,

purpose, and intended audience. For example, a report on an accident will be distinct from a

report on a school activity.

Bear in mind that all reports have one aim to communicate information toothers and it is

vital that youknow yourrole as a writer and what it is that you are required to convey in your

report.


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Take a look at the following question.

Your school recently organised a Leadership Camp for all presidents and secretaries of the

various clubs in your school. You are the Editor of the School Magazine. You, too, attended the

camp and you have been asked to write a report for the school magazine. In your report, include

the following information:

Place: Perimbun Resort, Cheras

Date: 27-29th July

Participants: Presidents and secretaries of various clubs in school

Organised by: Co-curricular Unit

Objectives of the camp:

- to instill leadership qualities

- to improve teamwork

Facilitators: Youth leaders from local university

Activities:

Day 1

Briefing by facilitators

Setting up tents

Group activities

Day 2

Morning exercise

Survival skills

Night hike

Day 3

Feedback session


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The above questionrequires you to write a report on a school activity. Below are two samples

based on the same question.

Sample 1

Integrated Leadership Camp

The Co-curricular UnitofSMK Setia recently organised an Integrated Leadership Camp

at Perimbun Resort, Cheras, from 27-29th July. The objectives of the camp were to instill

leadership qualities and improve teamwork among the 50 participants who attended this

camp. The activities at the camp were handled by severalyouth leaders from a local university.

All participants,presidents and secretaries of the various clubs in school, had gathered

at the school hall at 2pm. From there, they were taken to the campsite in two buses. They were

accompanied by five teachers, including the senior assistant of co-curricular affairs Puan Ng.

Upon arrival at the campsite, they were given a briefing by the facilitators. Then, they were put

into groups and asked to set up tents. By 7pm, most of them had accomplished this task

successfully. After dinner, the participants had to engage in theirfirst group activity. They were

required to come up with names and theme songs for theirgroups.

The second day of the camp was much more hectic. The participants had a rigorous

exercise session which involved aerobics and jogging around the campsite. Then, after

breakfast, they had to display their survival skills. In the afternoon, the participants had

anotherround ofphysical activities. They engaged in canoeing in the nearby lake.

The night programme was the most interesting.Participants had to take part in a night

hike.

There was only one activity on the third day of the camp the feedback session. The

participants rated the programme highly and hoped that it would be held annually.

Leadership camp was a huge success because all participants showed tremendous

support by actively participating in all the activities throughout the durationofthe camp.

Reported by,

Ly LyTAN LYLY

Editor


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Sample 2

Integrated Leadership Camp

The weekend of 27-29th July this year will forever be etched in the minds of the 50

participants who attended the Integrated Leadership Camp organised by the Co-curricular Unit

of SMK Setia. The two-day twonight camp, held at Perimbun Resort, Cheras, some 20 miles

away from the city centre, was a compulsory activity for allpresidents and secretaries of the

various clubs in school. The objectives of the camp were to instil leadership qualities and

improve teamwork among participants. Although the students were accompanied by several

teachers, all activities were conducted by youth leaders from a local university.

Most ofthe students, who are in Form Four this year, were very excited throughout the

45-minute journey to the campsite. Upon arrival, they were immediately whisked off to the

seminarroom where they were given a briefing on the rules and regulations at the campsite

by the facilitators. Then, they were put intogroups offive and asked toerect their own tents.

Luckily for my group, we had the President ofthe Scouts Club with us. Inno time, he had

instructed us on how to put up the tent. Unfortunately, some of the other groups were

struggling with their tents and seeing their dismal efforts some ofus decided to help them.

Apparently, this was the first test ofour teamwork skills and fortunately, many ofus passed

with flying colours. After dinner, we had a group dynamics activity, where we had to come up

with names, logos and jingles for our groups. Well, with names like the Flying Potters andForever Dumbledores, and jingles ranging from pop rock to jazz, the students of SMK Setia

proved that they are indeed a creative lot.

The second day of the camp started off with an early morning exercise session at

5.30am. The two energetic facilitators, Tim and Ashraf, took us through a rigorous exercise

routine. Many ofus who barely exercise knew what to expect over the next few days muscle

cramps. After the one-hour aerobic session, we jogged through Perimbun town, which was a

pale shadow of its daytime hustle and bustle. The early morning exercise was invigorating and

refreshing. We had enough time for a quick shower and breakfast, before we took part in more

group activities.

These activities were physically and mentally challenging. One ofthe activities was basic

survival skills. We had to start ourownfires with only two matchsticks and cook lunch for the

group members. Using waterfrom the slightly muddy stream nearby, we had to cooknot only

rice but alsofish and vegetables. As no soap was made available tous, we learnt to wash the


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cookingutensils using ash.Later in the afternoon, we had activities like flyingfox and abseiling.

Through these activities, we learnt to trust each other and togive moral support when it is

most needed.

The highlight ofthe camp was a night hike in the surrounding jungle. The facilitators led

us deep into the jungle and made us sit all by ourselves. The halfhour spent alone was aimed at

makingus brave and resilient. Though many ofus were initially hesitant and sceptical about this

activity, it was indeed an insightful experience.

On the final morning, we had a hearty breakfast, which was followed by a feedback

session. During this session, we were given the opportunity to voice ourfeelings and opinions

regarding the camp. Many of the participants gave constructive feedbackon what the camp

had taught them. We learnt about the importance of teamwork, consideration, tolerance and

understanding. Most importantly, we learnt that good leadership is responsible leadership.

Reported by,

Ly LyTAN LYLY

Editor

Comments on both samples

Both the above reports communicate what they are supposed to but one is more interesting

than the other.

Sample 1 is direct and to the point. Ideas have not been elaborated and the report is very

serious and impersonal.

Sample 2, on the other hand, is much more interesting because the writer has injected

emotions and feelings into the report besides givingus a clearer picture ofwhat happened at

the camp.

Some ofyou may ask: Isnt a report supposed to have a serious and formal tone? Well, it

depends on who your audience is. In this case, the report is to appear in the school magazine

and so the readers are the students. As such, it is all right to write a report like Sample 2.

However, do be forewarned. Some students get carried away and end up making theirreport a

narrative essay.


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General guidelines to remember when writing a report

When writing a report, pay attention to the following aspects:

Type ofreport different reports have different requirements and different formats.

Language used some reports are written in the past tense, some (such as science reports)

are written in the present tense and some require the use ofthe passive voice.

Also bear in mind that a report should:

Communicate its intention clearly (i.e. the purpose ofthe report).

Be clearly structured it should have an introduction, body and conclusion. The transition

from introduction to body to conclusion should be smooth.

Have a title and the name ofthe writer/reporter and his/her designation.

ARTICLE

You are the editor of the Newsletter of your EnglishLanguage Society in your school. The

newsletter was started at the beginningofthe year.

Write an article for the newsletter based on the informationgiven below. The article should

inform members of the importance of the newsletter and persuade them to contribute to the

newsletter.

Use the guidelines below to help you:

y Provide a title for the article

y Mention who may contribute to the newsletter

y How these articles can help to promote the newsletter

y How members / students can develop the knowledge and

proficiency in English

y The kind ofprojects / activities undertaken

y Opinionofthe principal and teachers regarding the newsletter

y Appealing awards end ofthe year


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When writing the article, you should remember to:

y Address the audience

y Introduce the issue at hand

y Use all the notes

y Provide a motivating ending

CONTRIBUTE TO OUR NEWSLETTER

The newsletter, started by our English language society in the beginning of year

progressing. But it could be better. That is why I am appealing toour member to make your

valuable contributions to the newsletter.

All members are encourage to contribute. The contribution can be form ofarticle,news

reports , cartoon strips or words ofwisdom , etc.

Your contribution will add more colour and zest to the contents ofournewsletter. As

youknow variety is the spice of life. So, please put on your thinking cap and send us your

creative masterpiece to enhance the quality ofournewsletter.

Furthermore , your creative contribution would also help promote knowledge and

proficiency among society members and readers ofournew newsletter.

The English society member had formed a committee to hold a workshop that may help

to inform our members about the genre used innewsletter. The workshop will hold activities in

writing articles and otherforms ofwriting as well.Professionalfacilitators would be invited to

run such workshop. So, a lot of activities are in store for members of the English language

society.

The principal and teachers are giving their blessing and support to our efforts. It is

hoped that in time, members of our society will make valuable contribution to our school.

Furthermore, best articles and contribution will win awards at the end ofthe year.

So, we need your assistance and support to make theirnewsletter business a success.

You would not know yourreal talent,until you try! So, dont hold back. Get going!!


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WRITINGA FORMALLETTER

When writing a formal letter, you must pay attention to the format/layout

of the letter.B

esides, you must also keep it short and to the point.

Also, make sure your points or ideas are well-presented. Most importantly,

pay attention to the tone and language. A formal letter must be polite.

There is no need to be rude even if you are expressing your unhappiness or

dissatisfaction. Remember, you should not use informal language or contractions in

a letter of this nature.

These days there are several formats available for writing formal letters

but we will only look at the format which is used in Malaysian government

departments and taught in the Malaysian school system.

Guidelines for Writing a Formal Letter

1. Your address

Your address should appear on the left-hand corner.

2. A horizontal line across the page separates your address from the

recipients address.

3. Address of the person to whom you are writing

The recipients address should be below your address. The postcode and name of

the town should be underlined.

4. Date

The date is written on the right along the same line as the last line of the

recipients address.


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The month should be spelt out (i.e. it should be in words, not numbers). It must be

written in full (do not use abbreviations such as Sept) and in capital letters.

5. Salutation/Greeting

If you know the name of the recipient, then do use his surname (Dear Mr Tan)

If you do not know the name of the person to whom you are writing, then use Dear

Sir or Madam

6. Subject heading

The subject heading gives the reader an idea what the letter is about. Write the

subject heading directly below the salutation and it should be underlined

7. The body of the letter

The body of the letter refers to the contents of your letter. It should be divided

into short and clear paragraphs. All paragraphs should be numbered except for the

first and last paragraphs.

a. In the first paragraph, you should state the reason for writing (whether it is to

inform, to complain, to invite etc).

b. From the second paragraph onwards, you should include information that is

deemed necessary, depending on what you are writing about. The number of

paragraphs depends on what you are writing.

c. In the last paragraph, state what you expect from the recipient. This is usually

in the form of an action or response. It is a common practice to end a formal letter

with phrases such as I look forward to hearing from you or I hope prompt action

will be taken to solve this problem.

A note of thanks is usually included. Remember to organise the information in a

clear and logical manner. Also, do not write lengthy paragraphs.


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8. Ending

You can end the letter by writing Yours faithfully.

9.Signature

Do not forget to sign the letter and write your name below it in capital letters with

in brackets.

Above is a letter of job application. The numbers refer to the notes above.


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Read the sample question below

You are the Secretary ofthe Residents Association in your housing estate. Write a letter to the

directorofthe local municipal council to complain about the problems you and the other

residents are facing.

In yourletter, include the details below:

rubbish not collected

causes terrible stench

stray cats and dogs scatterrubbish

clogged drains

breedingground for mosquitoes

increase in cases ofdengue fever

street lights not working

cause accidents at night

increase in crime

playground not well- maintained

overgrowngrass

playground equipment damaged

When writing yourletter, you should remember to:

set it out in the correct format

include all the points given

address the letter to the directorofthe local municipal council


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Rajvind Gill,

10, Jalan Jujur,

Taman Jayadiri,

68000 Ampang,

Selangor

______________________________________________________________________________

The Director,

Ampang Jaya Municipal Council,

Bangunan Mentari,

Ampang Jaya,

68000 SELANGOR. 15 SEPTEMBER 2009

Dear Sir,

Poor Maintenance of Taman Jayadiri

I am writing this letteron behalfofthe residents ofTaman Jayadiri to complain about the

dismal conditions we have been puttingup with for the past three months.

2. One ofthe maingrouses ofthe residents concerns uncollected rubbish (point 1). Initially,

rubbish was collected three times a week. However, since June this year the garbage collectors

have only been comingonce a week. Ourlitter bins are always filled to the brim and we have

no choice but toleave our bags ofrubbish next to the bins. The rotting waste causes a terriblestench (point 2). Worse still, stray cats and dogs scatter the rubbish (point 3) while lookingfor

food. This is not only unpleasant but alsounhealthy.

3. Most ofthe drains in Taman Jayadiri are clogged (point 4) with rubbish resulting in the water

becoming stagnant. It is not uncommon to see plastic bags, bottles and dry leaves in these

drains. There is anurgent need to clear these drains as the stagnant water is an ideal breeding

ground for mosquitoes (point 5). The residents are worried as there has been a sharp increase

in dengue cases (point 6) in the last two months.

4. The street lights along severalroads are alsonot working(point 7). This has caused severalaccidents at night (point 8), mostly involving motorcyclists as they are unable to see in the dark.

Unfortunately, the dark streets have alsoled to another problem an increase in crime (point

9). Severalresidents, especially women, have fallen victim to snatch thieves.


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5. The one and only playground inour area is alsonot well-maintained (point 10). The grass is

overgrown(point 11) as it has not been cut for almost three months. Besides, the playground

equipment is damaged (point 12). Many ofthe see-saws and swings have been spoiled by

vandals.

I hope the council willlook intoour complaints and take prompt action to solve our problems.

Thank you.

Yours faithfully,

..

(RAJVIND GILL)

bengkel f5june

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