FORM 4 ENGLISH WRITING SKILLS

Dear Sir/ Madam,
I am a concerned resident and I am writing in response of your article
about the CEO's plans to build a modern shopping centre in Taman
Bunga Georgetown.
First of all, I do agree with the CEO that a shopping centre would be
very convenient for everybody. In addition to creating more job
opportunities, it would be more options for entetainment. Who would
say no to a cinema complex or food court with different cuisines, for
instance?
On the other hand, it is outrageous to even think of destroying the
Taman Bunga Georgetown. I am very disappointed that the CEO
shows such a lack of sensitivity for environmental issues. Air pollution is
a growing problem in Penang and as Mr Kumar points out, Taman
Bunga Georgetown must be saved at all costs. Surely a more suitable
location can be found for the shopping centre.
In conclusion, we do not need to destroy Taman Bunga Georgetown in
order to build the new shopping centre. If we consider the alternative
solutions more carefully, we can find one that is acceptable for everyone
in Penang.
Yours faithfully,

Serena Tan

CHECKLIST TIME!

Look back at the a letter (to the editor) plan.
Does the letter follow the plan correctly?
Do a checklist to see if she does.

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The following announcement was published in a local
magazine. Read it an underline the keywords.

WRITE AN ARTICLE FOR THE MALAYSIA'S FIRST TRAVEL AND
NATURE MAGAZINE!

Tell us about a nature reserve or place of natural beauty that you
know. Describe the place, say what attracts visitors to it and refer

to any other special features of the place. The most interesting
articles will be published in the next issue.

Your friend, Chan , wrote an article for the magazine e. Read the article she
wrote below:

Have you ever wondered where those cute, cuddly Orangutans you see in the
television or zoo come from? Earlier this year I went to Sabah and that is when I
found out about the Orangutans. I visited the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation
Centre. It was unforgettable experience.
Sepilok Orangutan Rehalibitation Centre is a rehabilitation centre for
orphanaged Orangutans and these Orangutans are today freely living in this
reserve. They are living in their natural habitat and there are nurseries for the
young orphaned Orangutans too. Recently rehabilitated individuals have their
diet supplemented by daily feedings. The additional food supplied by the centre
is purposefully designed to be monotonous and boring so as to encourage the
apes to start to forage for themselves.
Sepilok is considered by the Wildlife Department to be a useful educational tool
with which to educate both the locals and visitors alike, but they are adamant
that the education must not interfere with the rehabilitation process. Visitors are
restricted to walkways and are not allowed to approach or handle the apes.
Although I can only see the Oranguatans from afar, it felt satisfying just by
looking their happy faces.
Since the place is fully natured, a nature lover would love to come to this place.
The view is very breathtaking and getting prettier everyday. I bet that if don't
make your time to come here, you will regret it in your future.

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Do you think the article Chan wrote will
have a chance to be featured? Why/ Why

not?

What is important when you want to write an article?

1.Having a title that catches the reader's
attention.

2.Using descriptive language. eg: colourful
adjectives.

3.Adressing the reader personally.
4. Asking rhetorical questions.

TRY AND ERROR

Chan asked you to help and improve her article.
Help Chan using the important tips provided
before.
Test your knowledge of your understanding of
writing the article without looking at the format. 

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WRITE an article
describing a place

LET'S PLAN!

When writing AN ARTICLE DESCRIBING
A PLACE, follow the plan below

TITLE

Think of an interesting title.

INTRODUCTION

-Give general information about the place you
are going to describe.
-Refer to what makes the place interesting or
why you are going to write about it.

MAIN PART (1-2 PARAGRAPHS)

-Describe the place, the sights and any other
attractions.
-Give your impression of the place and/or
describe your feelings

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CONCLUSION

--Sum up your opinion by making a general
comment about the place or by expressing your
feelings.

WRITING TIME!

Now that you got a grasp of the
format and how to write an
article describing a place,

rewrite a better article for your
friend, Chan, to have a better
chance to be featured in the
magazine.

You may use a mind map for the
convenience to write the article.

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IT'S TIME FOR THE
ASSESMENT!

EXERCISE 1

CALLING FOR ALL READERS OF NATURALLY
NATURE MAGAZINE!

Have you ever wanted to be featured in the one of these
sections inside of the magazine? We are searching for an
interesting article of the natures that you had experienced
before no matter how far or how close it is to you. The most

interesting article will be featured in our next month's
magazine. Good luck!

Based on the announcement above:
1. Create a mind map of your ideas of the place you want to

describe.
2. Write an article describing the place you had in mind. Use

the previous done mind map to help you.

REMEMBER!
USE THE IMPORTANT TIPS

AND DO A CHECKLIST OF
THE THINGS YOU HAVE
DONE OR NOT DONE TO
MAKE SURE EVERYTHING

IS THERE IN YOUR
ARTICLE.

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1. CREATE YOUR MIND MAP
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2. WRITE YOUR ARTICLE DESCRIBING A PLACE
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EXERCISE 2

Making Houses for Everyone

The government is planning to sell half of the  reserved forest for the
developers to build more houses and malls for the citizens. It is seen to

make it more comfortable for the citizens. 
However, many were opposed to this idea and demand the government to

stop the plan. One of the citizens, Ahmad, says " What is the use of the
forest was reserved in the first place if we don't save it for our future? How
many more trees are we going to lose just because we want to modernize

our country? I want fresh air and greenier country for my childrens in the
future. We must protect the forest no matter what happens.

Your mother read the article while she was hospitalized due to
her ilness. She was very concerned as she is one of the nature
lover and would love to write a letter to the editor to express
her opinions. Due to her being sick, you were asked to write it

for her instead. Write a letter to the editor and deliver your
concern mother's feelings .

REMEMBER!
USE THE IMPORTANT TIPS

AND DO A CHECKLIST OF
THE THINGS YOU HAVE
DONE OR NOT DONE TO
MAKE SURE EVERYTHING
IS THERE IN YOUR LETTER.

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WRITE YOUR LETTER TO THE EDITOR OF THE ARTICLE

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CHAPTER 4:
BEING A TEEN

Values
- Expressing opinions
- Advantages and disadvantages writings
- Exercises

At the end of this chapter, you will :

-Write a paragraph expressing opinions
-Learn to write an essay presenting advantages and

disadvantages

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1.EXPRESSING OPINIONS
WHAT IS AN OPINION ESSAY?

A common question among students is: “What is an Opinion Essay?” It is an
assignment which contains questions that allow students to share their point-of

view on a subject matter.
Students should express their thoughts in a precise manner while providing

opinions on the issue related to the field within reasonable logic. Some
assignments of this type require references to back the writer’s claims.
Opinion writing involves the use of a student’s point-of-view which is segregated

into a point. It is backed by examples and explanations.

1.A.DISCUSS

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1.B. EXAMPLES OF OPINIONS ESSAY
EXAMPLE 1

EXAMPLE 2

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EXAMPLE 3

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2.Discussing advantages and disadvantages

WHAT IS ADVANTAGE AND DISADVANTAGES
QUESTION ?

Tips !
1. INTRODUCTION – Introduce the subject of the essay and both sides of the topic

2. MAIN PART (2 PARAGRAPHS) – cover both sides of the topic equally
3. CONCLUSIONS- make a general statement

FOR REFERENCE

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Writing the Introduction and Conclusion:
• In the introduction, you should first make a general statement connected to
the topic.
• Then you should paraphrase the exam question in your own words.
• Finally, you need to say what you are going to do in the essay.
• In the conclusion, you need to say what the essay focused on.

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3. EXERCISES
EXERCISE 1: EXPRESSING OPINIONS

A. FILL IN THE BLANK WITH SUITABLE LINKING WORDS OR
PHRASES

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B. COMPLETE THE SENTENCES WITH THE APPROPRIATE
LINKERS

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EXERCISE 2: ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES
WRITING

A. Read the essays below and choose the most suitable topic sentence
for each advantage and disadvantages

ESSAY 1

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ESSAY 2:List the advantage and disadvantage of overpopulation

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ESSAY 3: List the advantages and disadvantages of credit card

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CHAPTER 5:
IMAGE

Values
- Helping others

- Thoughtful
- Appreciating the diversity of

arts

At the end of this chapter, you will :

- Learn to ask and give advice
-Learn to write a letter giving advice
- Learn to express regret and provide suggestions
- Learn how to write several types of report including giving suggestions
to improve something, book report and newspaper report.
- Learn how to use Passive Voice in report writing

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Giving
Advice
Letter

LET'S TALK ABOUT

·Have you ever read about the
advice column in the magazine,
newspaper or website?
Why or Why not?
 · Do you think it is helpful?
Why or Why not?

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LET'S REVIEW

Read the advice column, Siti’s To The Rescue. Identify the letter of
giving and asking advice. Evaluate whether the advise is helpful
or not.

SITI'S TO THE RESCUE

Dear Siti,
I haven’t been writing to you since the Movement Control Order started, I assume. I
hope you are in the pink of health despite the pandemic Covid-19. Speaking of
Movement Control Order, you knew how hectic it could be with the online classes
and homework. I am having trouble to catch up with the online classes. This is
because my father got fired during the MCO. To help my parents and earn some
money to buy data for the classes, I did business, which is doodling batik at tote bags.
I am so glad it went well. Unfortunately, I am having difficulties to complete the
order and my homework at the same time. Please advise me what to do, dear Rosie. I
am clueless right now. Thank you for your time
Troubled Mei Ling.

Dear Mei Ling,
Thank you for writing up to me. I am so glad to hear from you. I understand how you
are feeling right now, but it is such a sweet gesture for you doing business to earn more
pennies for the family. I can see that you are facing time management problem.
First thing, you need to plan your time well. Allocate the time for you to finish
homework, attend classes, doing business and exercise. I suggest you study and complete
your homework in the morning as I have read somewhere stating that it is the best time
to study.
Next, set the target for the orders in business. You must try to receive order based on
your abilities to finish it at the promised time. Well, we surely do not want to disappoint
our customers. Lastly, do not forget to exercise and spend quality time with your family.
After all, these could help to boost your day! All the best, my dear Mei Ling!
The one who cares, Siti.

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LET'S PLAN

Giving advice letter falls into the Informal Letter category.
Follow these steps to write this type of letter.

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LET'S WORK

A. Identify expressions or phrases that are appropriate for seeking advice
and giving advice. Complete the chart as many as you can.

A. Seeking for travel advice. Read the letter that you received from your friend,
asking you the travel advices as he/ she is going to visit the place that you know well.
You can give advice on things like climate, public transport, crime, shopping, food and
drink, places with nice view and more.(You are free to decide the place.)

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Write your reply over here.

A. Read both of seeking advice letter. Then, provide advice on why he/ she should
and should not do.

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TIPS !!

When writing a letter giving advice, you SHOULD

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REPORT

LET'S TALK ABOUT

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LET'S PLAN
Follow these steps below to write a report.

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TIPS !!

When writing report:

-Keep in mind whom you are writing report to and the purpose of writing it.
- If writing to the superior, use formal, appropriate way whereas if writing to peer group, use semi-formal
- Provide three to four points and organize them in separate paragraphs
- Headings can be used to highlight the main point on each paragraph
- Present the idea in an impersonal, formal way (e.g. Using Passive Voice)

LET'S WORK

A. Identify all three pictures on the Art Society Day Trip to Pusat Jagaan Anak
Yatim An-Nur. Describe each picture as if you are going to write it in the report.

Use the headline given.

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A. Determine the most appropriate headings for each paragraph.

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B. Describe the process in passive voice.

Poster making
in canva

Process of
playing gasing

How to label
Jalur Gemilang

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D. Describe the main points that should be included based on several different
types of report. You may use Passive Voice in your writing. Include the
subheadings too for each main point.

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Assessment

Giving Advice Letter

Amri had received his SPM result last two weeks. Now, he is currently choosing the
place and the field that he will pursue his study. However, he is having conflict with
his parents regarding this matter as he wanted to pursue in photography, the one

that he is good at whereas his parents wanted him to choose education. Amri is
feeling confused right now. Therefore, he wrote the letter to seek advice from you.

Write the advice letter to give advice and suggestions on what he should do, follow
his heart or his parents’ preferences. Your letter must contain:
· Express how you felt about Amri’s result
· Give suggestion on what he should do whether to follow his heart or his parents’
preferences..
*Do not forget to use the right expressions and phrases. Include the linking words

in tour writing.

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Assessment

Report

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Checklist

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