OH, MY WRITING! We write in order to communicate socially, academically, professionally and for other purposes. Therefore, it is important to develop good writing skills. When you write, you must have something to say. You have to think of ideas and shape these ideas into a plan before you begin to write. Plan your storyline. You can use a tree map to do a basic story structure. When writing a story, the beginning of the story must set the scene and introduce the main characters. Then you must have a problem to build up the tension. Build tension gradually until the story reaches a climax, which should be full of excitement and suspense. This can then be followed by a solution to the problem. The solution can take things back to how they were at the beginning of the story. The experience of facing the problem and solving it may teach the main characters important lessons. One of the best ways for you to improve your writing skills and to make your writing more interesting is to use a wide range of vocabulary. In order to expand your vocabulary, you should read newspapers, books or any other reading materials. When you come across a word or phrase that you do not understand, look it up in the dictionary. It is good to have a book where you write down difficult words and their meanings. You could also have a synonym/antonym notebook and add to it regularly. For example, you could record adjectives of personality as opposites to help you remember the meaning: Another important thing to remember when writing is the use of tenses. For example, if you start off the essay using the simple past tense, then stick to the simple past tense throughout the essay. Sophia was walking home from school. She heard a kitten meowing pitifully. Sophia saw a kitten stuck in a drain. It could not get out. She decided to rescue the kitten. Sophia slowly climbed down the drain. She then took the cat out of the drain. Sophia brought the kitten home. She cleaned the kitten and gave it some milk. The kitten drank the milk happily. Sophia decided to keep the kitten. She named the kitten Tompok. Every evening, Sophia played with the kitten. Soon the kitten grew big and healthy. Sophia loves her kitten very much. 1 2 3 4 Hardworking Lazy Talkative Quiet Sociable Shy Generous Stingy Patient Impatient 5 6 GENERAL WRITING TIPS Example: W1
PART 1 SHORT COMMUNICATIVE MESSAGE 1 You are required to write a short communicative message. 2 It tests your ability to write a short reply. 3 You are given a short message to read. Then, you have to write a reply in about 60 words. 4 You are advised to spend 20 minutes on Part 1. 5 Part 1 carries 20 marks. Exam Requirements TIPS AND GUIDELINES 1 Part 1 of the Writing paper consists of a stimulus. 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 You will be provided with enough writing space for your essay. You should write your essay in about 60 words. 20 marks are allocated for this question and you should write within 20 minutes. First, read the instructions carefully in order to understand what you must do. If you misinterpret the question, you will end up losing marks. Once you understand the question, study the given stimulus. Only then should you start writing your essay. The stimulus will contain information that will help you to write your essay. You should now start to brainstorm for ideas. Then, make short notes of your ideas. After that, draft a simple essay. Choose the important ideas and arrange the ideas in the proper order. Since this is a very short essay, mention your points immediately. Give your advice, suggestions, reasons or opinions as required by the question. Do not repeat your ideas. Respond to the stimulus appropriately, and ensure you provide some details or elaboration to support your points. When writing, remember that the verb agrees with the subject. Furthermore, you must be consistent with your use of tenses throughout your essay. Check and edit your essay after you have written it. You may have to reorder and rephrase some sentences, as well as substitute some words. Finally, check for grammar, spelling and punctuation mistakes. W2
1 © Penerbitan Pelangi Sdn. Bhd. KSSM English Form 1 Test 1 Part 1 Short Communicative Message Practice 1 20 Read the message from your friend, Riyan. Hi, I have been volunteering my services at Heavenly Children’s Home. Well, the Director approached me and told me to take charge of an event for their Children’s Day. Should I organise a fashion show, a storytelling competition or a singing competition – or anything else? What is your suggestion? Riyan In about 60 words, write a message to Riyan to give him your suggestion. , Theme: Score 200 Date : 1 People and Culture Test
KSSM English Form 1 Test 1 © Penerbitan Pelangi Sdn. Bhd. 2 Test 1 Practice 2 20 Read the email from your friend, Hitomi. Hi, I still couldn’t believe my father has been transferred to Malaysia and our whole family will be here for the next five years. I realise the school holidays are just around the corner. I’m wondering how to fill my free time. Shall I enrol myself into a Language Academy, take up an extreme sport or join a Handicraft Club – or something else? What is your advice? Do tell. Hitomi In about 60 words, write an email to Hitomi to give him some advice. To: [email protected] From:
3 © Penerbitan Pelangi Sdn. Bhd. KSSM English Form 1 Test 1 Test 1 Practice 3 20 Read the message from your English-speaking friend, Brian. Hi, I feel lonely as I still cannot fully adapt to the new school. I am thinking of joining a sports club, a volunteer programme or the online social networking site – or maybe do any other activity? What should I do? I value your opinion! Brian In about 60 words, write a message to Brian to give him your opinions. ,
KSSM English Form 1 Test 1 © Penerbitan Pelangi Sdn. Bhd. 6 Test 1 Part 2 Note Expansion Practice 1 20 You and your classmates have been sharing experiences about weddings you have attended. In about 90 words, write an essay about a wedding you have attended. You must use the notes below to help you. When was the occasion What happened on that day Why is it memorable A wedding you attended Write your essay.
7 © Penerbitan Pelangi Sdn. Bhd. KSSM English Form 1 Test 1 Test 1 Practice 2 20 You and your classmates have been sharing opinions on whether it is good to own a pet. In about 90 words, write an essay about a pet you would like to own. You must use the notes below to help you. What is it What are the benefits of having a pet What problems you may counter as a pet owner A pet you would like to own Write your essay.
KSSM English Form 1 Test 1 © Penerbitan Pelangi Sdn. Bhd. 8 Test 1 Practice 3 20 In your class, you have been talking about embarrassing experiences. In about 90 words, write an essay about your embarrassing experience. You must use the notes below to help you. When and where did it happen Why did it happen How did you deal with the situation An embarrassing experience Write your essay.
Part 1 Short Communicative Message Practice 1 20 Read the email from your friend, Christopher. Hi, Australian weather is terrible right now. It is summer and we are worried about heat strokes and forest fires. How is the weather in Malaysia? I heard the haze is back. During hazy weather, do you stay indoors, wear masks, hydrate yourself – or any other ways of coping? How do you cope with the haze? I’m looking forward to your reply. Christopher In about 60 words, write an email to Christopher giving him some suggestions. To: [email protected] From: KSSM English Form 1 Test 2 © Penerbitan Pelangi Sdn. Bhd. 12 Theme: Score 200 Date : 2 Health and Environment Test
Practice 2 20 Read the note from your cousin, Alicia. Hi, Many of the teenagers in our housing estate, Taman Anggerik have put on a lot of weight. We are thinking of starting a club for the youths to reduce their weight. I’m wondering whether we should start a Healthy Diet Club, Games Club or Hiking Club – or something else? Which club do you think will be beneficial? I look forward to your advice. Alicia In about 60 words, write a note to Alicia to give her some advice. 13 © Penerbitan Pelangi Sdn. Bhd. KSSM English Form 1 Test 2 Test 2
Practice 3 20 Read the email from your friend, Michael. Hi, The river near my house has become so dirty now as some irresponsible residents have been throwing rubbish into it. It has become an eyesore! Should I organise a clean-up programme, put up a notice or inform the Department of Environment – or maybe something else? What should I do to clean the river up? I’m looking forward to your reply! Michael In about 60 words, write an email to Michael to give him your suggestion. To: [email protected] From: KSSM English Form 1 Test 2 © Penerbitan Pelangi Sdn. Bhd. 14 Test 2
Part 2 Note Expansion Practice 1 20 You and your friends have been discussing the health benefits of exercise. In about 90 words, write an essay about the health benefits of exercise. You must use the notes below to help you. Health benefits of exercise How it helps control weight How it improves mental health and mood Why it reduces the risk of diseases Write your essay. 17 © Penerbitan Pelangi Sdn. Bhd. KSSM English Form 1 Test 2 Test 2
Practice 2 20 You and your classmates were sharing views on what would possibly happen if there is continuous rainfall for a month and how this extreme weather will affect your lives. In about 90 words, write an essay on the possible effects of a one-month continuous rainfall in your area. You must use the notes below to help you. One-Month Continuous Rainfall in Your Area How will your neighbourhood be How it will impact health condition What problem will occur Write your essay. KSSM English Form 1 Test 2 © Penerbitan Pelangi Sdn. Bhd. 18 Test 2
Practice 3 20 Your classmates and you have been sharing your experiences of dental appointments with each other. In about 90 words, write an essay about your experience of visiting a dentist. You must use the notes below to help you. Where is the dental clinic When was the dental appointment Why did you need to visit the dentist Dental appointment Write your essay. 19 © Penerbitan Pelangi Sdn. Bhd. KSSM English Form 1 Test 2 Test 2
Part 1 [20 marks] You should spend 20 minutes in this part. Read the email from your friend, Kashika. Hi, I’m taking part in a Cultural Extravaganza in my school. I have been asked to give a talk about a cultural celebration I participated with my family. Should I talk about an engagement, a wedding ceremony or my own cultural New Year celebration – or something else? What do you think? Do give me your suggestion. Kashika In about 60 words, write a message to Kashika to give her your suggestion. To: [email protected] From: [20 marks] Score 40 Date : 3 Test Ujian Pertengahan Sesi Akademik (UPSA) 23 © Penerbitan Pelangi Sdn. Bhd.
Part 2 [20 marks] You should spend about 40 minutes in this part. You took part in your annual School Sports Day. In about 90 words, write an essay about the event. You must use the notes below to help you. When and where it is Why it is important to you What are the activities School Sports Day Write your essay. KSSM English Form 1 Test 3 – UPSA © Penerbitan Pelangi Sdn. Bhd. 24 Test 3
Part 1 [20 marks] You should spend 20 minutes in this part. Read the email from your friend, Lynda. Hi, Just want to share some sad news with you. My father and mother both have to take pay cuts as their companies are not doing so well. We are now finding the best ways to save money. I’m thinking that perhaps we could cook at home instead of buying food, use shopping lists to only buy essentials or reduce the utility bills – or something else? What is your suggestion? I value your views. Thanks. Lynda In about 60 words, write an email to Lynda to give her your suggestion. To: [email protected] From: , [20 marks] Score 40 Date : 6 Test Ujian Akhir Sesi Akademik (UASA) © Penerbitan Pelangi Sdn. Bhd. 50
Part 2 [20 marks] You should spend about 40 minutes in this part. You and your friends were talking about e-books in the class. In about 90 words, write an essay about the advantages of e-books You must use the notes below to help you. Why are they more convenient How it helps with environment How accessible are the reading materials Advantages of E-Books Write your essay. 51 © Penerbitan Pelangi Sdn. Bhd. KSSM English Form 1 Test 6 – UASA Test 6
Test 1 People & Culture Part 1 Short Communicative Message Practice 1 Hi Riyan, I think the kids will enjoy a singing competition. Everybody loves to listen to songs. A singing competition is easier to organise. They will choose a song, practise it whenever they could and present it on that day. I’m sure these kids will have fun to sing their favourite songs. A singing competition will definitely bring happiness and laughter. I hope my suggestion is helpful. Have fun! Kavin (67 words) Practice 2 To : [email protected] From : [email protected] Hi Hitomi, I think it will be good if you enrol into the Language Academy. You can learn Bahasa Malaysia. It is our national language and we all communicate and read in that language. Since you are going to live in Malaysia for 5 years, it will be good if you know Bahasa Malaysia. I hope my opinion is useful to you. Khadeejah (60 words) Practice 3 Hi Brian, How are you? In my opinion, I think it is a good idea to join a sports club. When you do sports, close friendship can develop quickly. Besides, joining a volunteer programme is also a good idea because you can meet new people. However, please do not meet any strangers from any social networking sites as it can be dangerous. I hope my opinions are helpful. Bye! From, Adriyan (67 words) Answers A1 © Penerbitan Pelangi Sdn. Bhd.
Practice 4 To : [email protected] From : [email protected] Hi Linda, I know the perfect present you can get for her. Since Cathy loves dresses, you should get her one. A dress that will suit her and that I know she will like is sold at Pretty Penny Clothes store. It’s a blue, knee-length dress. Not only is the dress gorgeous, it only costs RM40. Furthermore, it comes in Cathy’s size which is medium. Hope this helps. Bye! From, Sophia (67 words) Practice 5 To : [email protected] From : [email protected] Hi Arun, I think the best type of book you can get is an adventure storybook. I suggest you get that type of book because you like to go on adventures. An adventure book I can recommend to you is The Island at the End of Everything by Kiran Millwood Hargave. There is never a dull moment in the book. I am sure you will like this book. Have fun reading the book! From, Karthik (63 words) Part 2 Note Expansion Practice 1 Last month, on 12 December, my sister got married. The marriage took place at Dynasty Hotel. On the wedding day, my sister went to the wedding hall in a Mercedes, which was decorated with flowers and ribbons. She came in a beautiful red saree. The priest preceded over the whole wedding ceremony. Her husband, Gavin, tied the nuptial knot called ‘taali’ around my sister’s neck. That is the indication that my sister was married. The wedding was a memorable event for me because it was a very happy occasion and I now have an additional family member; my brother-in-law, Gavin. (100 words) KSSM English Form 1 Answers © Penerbitan Pelangi Sdn. Bhd. A2