99 Use the structure to write a review to answer this question. Identify how you are going to answer the questions given. Title: Paragraph 1 (Question 1) General information: Camp Climb – established, largest indoor climbing gym, inside a mall Paragraph 2 (Question 2) Description of the place: impressive floor, wall plan; two floors; walls for all types of climbers; high ceiling, ceiling to floor glass; clean, brightly lit, well-ventilated, fully air-conditioned Paragraph 3 (Question 3) What you like: training session; staff – great personality, skilled, good teacher; equipment – clean, good condition; safe – instructor, climbing wall What you don’t like: cost – entry fee, rent each piece of equipment Paragraph 4 Conclusion: go-to place, learn how to climb; recommend; wide variety of climbing walls, safety is a top priority Composing Write a draft of the review. Use the plan in Composing to complete it. Add your own words to write complete sentences. Choose a suitable title. Largest Indoor Gym Now Open Go to a Premier Climbing Gym Camp Climb: Lifts You Up Learn to Climb at Camp Climb Title: Beginning: Paragraph 1 Recently, I went to . The gym is located . Middle: Paragraphs 2 & 3 I was immediately impressed by . There were walls . Besides the high ceiling, . It was clean, . I signed up for a training session and . Crafting 4-SG to Essay Writing SPM Part 3 5th.indd 99 20-Jan-23 11:10:28 AM PENERBIT ILMU BAKTI SDN. BHD.
100 The equipment I rented . On the whole, I . The only downside was . Ending: Paragraph 4 Overall, Camp Climb is . I would strongly recommend this place to my friends because . Correcting errors Write the review and check for any spelling, grammar or punctuation errors. Write your review. 4-SG to Essay Writing SPM Part 3 5th.indd 100 20-Jan-23 11:10:28 AM PENERBIT ILMU BAKTI SDN. BHD.
101 SPM Practice 3 A Holiday of a Lifetime Write your answer in 200 – 250 words in an appropriate style. Your teacher has asked you to write a story for the school magazine. The story must begin with the following words: SPM Clone Last school holidays, my family and I went on a ... Your story should include: • a description of your holiday (Exposition and Action) • how it became a memorable holiday (Resolution) Study the format of the writing process. You can use the same process to answer SPM Paper 2, Part 3. Use the structure to write a story to answer this question. Identify how you are going to include the notes given in your storyline. Visualise your story. Exposition Action Action Action Action Resolution Composing Write a draft of the story. Use the pictures to help you complete it. Add your own words to write complete sentences. Beginning: Exposition Last month, my family and I Crafting 4-SG to Essay Writing SPM Part 3 5th.indd 101 20-Jan-23 11:10:30 AM PENERBIT ILMU BAKTI SDN. BHD.
102 Correcting errors Write the story and check for any spelling, grammar or punctuation errors. Middle: Action After canoeing for a while, We tried to row back to shore but . Then, I heard a voice, . When we got on the yacht, . After a short rest, he invited us . Ending: Resolution As we cruised leisurely back to the dock, I . I was extremely thankful . Write your story. 4-SG to Essay Writing SPM Part 3 5th.indd 102 20-Jan-23 11:10:30 AM PENERBIT ILMU BAKTI SDN. BHD.
103 ANSWERS PRE-WRITING Section A: Vocabulary Builder Practice 1 A 1 brush up on 2 crazy about 3 fed up with 4 catch up with 5 fond of 6 pleased with 7 nervous about 8 crack up 9 disappointed in 10 terrible at B 1 drop someone a line 2 get a hold of someone 3 out of touch 4 keep someone posted 5 spread like wildfire 6 word of mouth Practice 2 A family: close-knit, extended, immediate childhood: troubled, difficult, carefree parents: devoted, nurturing, adoptive relatives: boisterous, estranged, distant B 1 g 2 f 3 e 4 c 5 b 6 a 7 d 8 h C 1 be the spitting image of 2 bring someone up 3 get on 4 look up to someone Practice 3 A 1 called on her, drew a blank 2 to hit the books, to ace 3 racking your brain, figure it out 4 to cram, pass with flying colours 5 burnt the midnight oil, cover a lot of ground, to pull an all-nighter 6 goofing off, make the grade, learnt my lesson B Phrases used to write about ‘pros’: • One benefit • A good side • An upside • One point in support of • An advantage • An argument in favour of Phrases used to write about ‘cons’: • A drawback • One minus • A disadvantage • One criticism • One downside • An argument against Practice 4 A 1 A 2 A 3 B 4 B 5 A 6 B B 1 • newcomer • well acted • exceptional performance • warm-hearted • very convincing • does a good job 2 • funny • entertaining • boring • gripping • full of tension • confusing 3 • a smash hit • a box-office failure • brought me to tears • well-worth seeing • a great piece of film-making • a waste of time Practice 5 A a e n j o y a t h l e t e c o c t w o n d e r y s r h d e d i c a t e n e m e i e l s m o o r s p u o t e h e r o n g a t p o a i v n b t e e s i f a m e r e j r e f e r n o i e g e s o a p t o s p o n s o r i y t s m a n a g e s o t p o e s p o r t s m a n s 1 dedication 2 celebration 3 referee 4 trainee 5 athletic 6 heroic 7 sponsorship 8 sportsmanship 9 retirement 10 achievement 11 enjoyable 12 manageable 13 joyous 14 famous 15 wonderful 16 painful B 1 success (successful) 2 amaze (amazement) 3 history (historic) 4 educate (education) 5 friend (friendship) 6 value (valuable) Practice 6 A 1 A 2 B 3 B 4 A 5 A 6 B B Positive descriptive words: • alive • stunning • vibrant • bustling • cosmopolitan • peaceful • homey • picturesque Negative descriptive words: • boring • bleak • rundown • crowded • dull • touristy • deserted • polluted Practice 7 A 1 g 2 f 3 h 4 a 5 i 6 e 7 b 8 j 9 d 10 c B 1 cracked down on 2 walk the beat 3 get caught red-handed 4 have a run-in with the law 5 turn a blind eye to 6 face the music 7 made off with Practice 8 Across 3 contribution 5 humanitarian 8 endowment 9 handout 10 benefit 11 scholarship 13 charity Down 1 philanthropy 2 donation 4 grant 6 welfare 7 funding 12 relief Practice 9 A 1 mainstream, mass, news 2 national, foreign, international 3 electronic, online, digital 4 baron, tycoon, magnate 5-SG to Essay Writing SPM Ans 4th.indd 103 20-Jan-23 11:12:15 AM PENERBIT ILMU BAKTI SDN. BHD.
104 5 empire, giant, industry 6 frenzy, hype, hysteria 7 spotlight, speculation, glare 8 coverage, enquiry, probe 9 correspondent, pundit, specialist B 1 to take by storm 2 surf the web 3 media darling 4 put someone on the map 5 go viral 6 make the papers 7 hit the headlines Practice 10 A 1 delicious 2 big 3 bad 4 freezing 5 furious 6 filthy 7 funny 8 crowded 9 fascinating 10 hot 11 good 12 ancient 13 worn-out 14 tiny 15 starving 16 clean B 1 mouth-watering 2 tiny 3 thrilling 4 comfortable 5 friendly 6 famous 7 complimentary 8 bustling 9 beautiful 10 blue 11 stunning 12 uplifting 13 well-organised 14 challenging Practice 11 A 1 come up in the world 2 the whole world over 3 the world is her oyster 4 never set the world on fire 5 see the world 6 a man of the world B 1 go ahead 2 go along 3 go across 4 go about 5 go around 6 go back 7 go away 8 go down 9 go at 10 go on Practice 12 A 1 facial recognition 2 fifth generation 3 artificial intelligence 4 cloud computing 5 digital divide 6 wireless hotspot 7 web apps 8 Internet enabled B 1 c 2 e 3 h 4 b 5 g 6 a 7 d 8 f Section B: Sentence Construction Practice 1 1 B 2 A 3 A 4 B 5 B 6 A 7 A 8 B 9 A 10 B Practice 2 A 1 my aunt 2 teacher 3 patient 4 detailed explanation 5 doesn’t understand a topic 6 dedication 7 hours preparing teaching materials 8 conducting extra classes B Suggested answer: The person I admire the most is my father. He is a firefighter. My father is the most courageous person I know. For example, he puts his life in danger whenever he goes out to help people. Another quality that really stands out is his dedication to physical fitness. In fact, he works hard to be physically fit and strong so he can perform his demanding job well. Practice 3 1 (a) clear, sunny (b) a hot-air balloon ride (c) a basket (d) my friends (e) nervous (f) goosebumps (g) the grassy field (h) spectacular scenery 2 Suggested answer: It was a cool, breezy day when I went mountain biking. As we rode on our sturdy mountain bikes along a dusty path, my cousins zipped ahead of me. At first, I was cautious and felt my heart beat fast in my chest. As we cycled further along the narrow dirt route, I felt fearless and began to enjoy the dangerous ride. Practice 4 A 1 science-fiction 2 future when Earth is at war with giant sea monsters 3 Charlie Hunnan as Raleigh Becket 4 Idris Elba as Marshal Stacker Pentecost 5 fight the monsters 6 Guillermo del Toro 7 thrilling fight scenes with the monsters 8 spectacular special effects 9 interesting 10 special effects are very real B Suggested answer: Hobbs & Shaw is an action-comedy film. It is set after the events of the 2017 Fast & Furious film. The film stars are Dwayne Johnson as Luke Hobbs and Jason Statham as Deckard Shaw who work together to combat the threat of a deadly virus. It was directed by Davis Leitch. It has funny dialogue and exciting encounters with the cyborg. It’s a great film to watch if you’re a fan of action comedy because it has a dynamic leading pair. I recommend this film because the plot is entertaining and the fight scenes are very exciting. Practice 5 1 I consider myself to be responsible and dependable. 2 I am available for part-time work any day of the week. 3 I have 2 years’ experience working part-time at a large boutique in the city. 4 I am 18 years old and have just completed my secondary school education. 5 I believe I’m suitable for the position advertised because I have the necessary qualification and meet all the requirements. 6 I understand the importance of making every customer feel welcome so they will enjoy their shopping experience. Practice 6 1 In the first place, they spend many years training very hard to get to the top. Moreover, the sporting world is highly competitive, so they have to continuously train hard throughout their career. In addition, they risk serious injury each time they compete. 2 For example, firefighters and police officers earn very little and I think this isn’t fair. Furthermore, the earning power among top athletes isn’t equal either. In fact, professional athletes in popular sports earn higher salaries than athletes in less popular sports but they most probably work equally hard. 3 However, their salaries should be capped. In fact, the revenue generated from sports should not all go to professional athletes and team owners. All in all, I believe professional athletes should earn high salaries but some of the revenue from sports should be used to fund worthy causes. Practice 7 1 Between 60 and 80 wild orangutans spend their day either relaxing in the treetops in the forest reserve or feasting during mealtimes at the rehabilitation centre. 2 Besides young, orphaned orangutans, the centre cares for injured and displaced wild orangutans as well as other wildlife such as the Borneon Pygmy elephant, sun bears and gibbons. 3 The adorable baby orangutans that come to the 57-year-old centre receive loving care and attention like human babies for 24 hours each and every day. 4 The centre is a top tourist spot that attracts people eager for a closer look at the reddish-brown Great Apes. However, visitors are only permitted on special walkways only to observe them. Practice 8 1 people act out their negative feelings 2 it beautifies their neighbourhood 3 the owners aren’t at home 4 passengers wear seat belts 5 it is most often an unintentional act 6 they are alert of their surroundings 5-SG to Essay Writing SPM Ans 4th.indd 104 20-Jan-23 11:12:16 AM PENERBIT ILMU BAKTI SDN. BHD.
105 Practice 9 1 One thing we can do as residents is to organise gotong-royong on a regular basis so our neighbourhood will be clean and tidy. 2 In order to solve this problem, I hope the town council will grant our association’s request to install CCTVs at all road exits to monitor safety in our neighbourhood. 3 One solution is for the town council to offer free weekly shuttle service to take elderly residents to nearby supermarkets so they can get the groceries they need. Practice 10 1 (a) Social media can benefit users in many ways. (b) Finally, it is a platform that enables users to publish original content for entertainment. 2 (a) There are three main categories of print media which are also the oldest forms of media. (b) The second type is magazines which are usually published weekly, biweekly, monthly, bimonthly or quarterly. 3 (a) The Internet plays a vital role in the field of education. (b) Furthermore, students can get access not only to a lot of information but also the latest information on the Internet. 4 (a) An online school newsletter is a tool to connect the school and parents. (b) In addition, it helps parents stay up-to-date with any schoolrelated news. Practice 11 1 Cons (a) disadvantages (b) fast food restaurant (c) work in shifts (d) work the late shift (e) on your feet for hours (f) very tiring (g) demanding customers (h) an unpleasant experience 2 Pros (a) three advantages of working at a theme park (b) at a theme park (c) you can enjoy free admission to all the attractions (d) get cheaper tickets for your family and friends (e) you can get food and drinks either for free or at a discount so you can save money (f) you can enjoy an employee discount at the gift shops so you can buy merchandise at a low price 3 Pros (a) There are three advantages of working at a camp (b) at a camp is the valuable skills you can learn such as leadership and communication skills (c) get to be independent and responsible for not only yourself but also a group of children and this helps strengthen important life skills (d) you get to be outdoors doing exciting activities so you will certainly enjoy the long working hours Practice 12 1 (a) Backpacking (b) that it is good exercise for travellers (c) they do a great deal of walking (d) they can travel at their own pace (e) they can visit places leisurely (f) backpacking is neither comfortable (g) an easy way to travel (h) dangerous to travel alone (i) you will be in a foreign country (j) go backpacking but only in a group (k) you will be safe on your travels 2 (a) Camping is a fun outdoor activity that allows you to connect with nature (b) you can develop lifelong skills (c) you will learn communication and leadership skills at camp (d) you can learn to be more independent (e) you will have to do everything yourself (f) you may feel homesick (g) you will be away from your family for several weeks (h) you may have uncomfortable nights (i) there may be insects and bugs in your cabin (j) to go camping (k) you will have the opportunity to learn many useful skills Practice 13 A 1 prefer 2 to 3 most important reason 4 that 5 In addition B 1 I am a big fan of playing computer games on a gaming laptop. The main reason for my choice is that a gaming laptop is not only lightweight but also portable. Therefore, I can play my favourite computer games anywhere. 2 Traditional shopping appeals to me more than online shopping. I say this because I can check the quality of the product I want to buy as well as receive the product immediately after I pay for it at the cashier. 3 I like reading e-books better than reading printed books. For one thing, I can get access to thousands of books on just a single lightweight reader. Another reason is that the reader has a built-in light so I can read comfortably in the dark. Section C: Using Punctuation Practice 1 1 Launched as an iPhone app in October 2010, Instagram is a social networking app that allows users to share photos and videos using their smartphones. If there was any clue that Instagram would be an instant success, the fact that it was downloaded 25,000 times on the day it was launched was a clear indication. By the end of the first week, it had been downloaded 100,000 times. 2 In addition, the number of Instagram users reached a whopping one million by the end of mid-December of the same year. In comparison, it took Twitter two years to reach the same milestone. 3 With over 266 million followers, Cristiano Ronaldo is the mostfollowed person. Ariana Grande has over 244 million followers, therefore making her the second most-followed person as well as the most-followed woman. On the other hand, the most followed brand is National Geographic. This scientific and educational brand, which posts high-quality photos and tells stories, has over 50 million followers. 4 To date, there are over one billion Instagram users. The five countries with the greatest number of users are the United States, India, Brazil, Indonesia and Russia, with the top two countries having over 140 million users each. There are more female than male Instagram users. Though most users are aged between 25 and 34 years old, about 72% of global teenagers use it. Practice 2 1 Mistakes Explanation Id, Hes, Im used for contracted form brothers, Joes used to show possession If I were you, I’d turn your weekly chore into a part-time business. In the past, one of my brother’s chore was gardening. When he turned 16 last year, he started a part-time business called Joe’s Green Acres. He’s earning a lot of money now. I’m planning to work for him during the long school holidays. 2 Mistakes Explanation dont, isnt, cant, Ive used for contracted form I don’t know about you, but doing chores isn’t my favourite activity. However, I can’t escape it, can I? I’ve to do my share. Therefore, I do whatever chore I’ve to do first and reward myself with my favourite activity afterwards. 3 Mistakes Explanation fathers used to show possession brother’s-in-law, motorcycle’s, cousin’s not used for plural form Hes, Ive used for contracted form My father’s hobby is fixing vintage motorcycles. Sometimes, his brothers-in-law and cousins drop by to help him. I often help him when he’s tinkering with one of the motorcycles. As a result, I’ve learnt a lot about them. 5-SG to Essay Writing SPM Ans 4th.indd 105 20-Jan-23 11:12:16 AM PENERBIT ILMU BAKTI SDN. BHD.
106 Practice 3 1 He’s an intelligent student; he’ll be able to get a solid grasp of new material easily. 2 Being courageous is second-nature to him; he’s a firefighter after all. 3 My aunt is my mentor; she has been a big influence on my choice of career. 4 I witnessed the paramedics in action at the scene of the accident; I was amazed by their ability to remain calm in a stressful situation. 5 Our teacher is very strict; however, her students aren’t afraid to approach her if they have a query because they know she is not only fair but also patient. 6 Form 4 Neptune was very quiet; everyone had their noses buried in their books all day. 7 My aunt quit her job to begin her once-in-a-lifetime trip around the world; life’s too short to put your dreams on hold. 8 I’ve been tossed about in my seat since the journey started; I was regretting my decision but there was no turning back now. Practice 4 1 All the students in the class agreed: doing laundry was their least favourite chore. 2 Strong proponents of green living prefer e-books to printed books: it saves millions of trees. 3 Children who grew up in the 90s are familiar with these dance moves: vogue, macarena, running man, hammer time and the electric slide. 4 She wanted to know why I enjoyed group work: I love being exposed to a wide range of perspectives. 5 I’m getting tuition for several subjects: Mathematics, Physics, English Literature and Bahasa Melayu. 6 Common household chores teenagers have to do at home are as follows: setting and clearing the dining table, doing the washing up, throwing the rubbish and keeping their rooms clean. Practice 5 1 Humans impact the environment in several ways; burning fossil fuels, deforestation, development and overpopulation. As a result, serious problems are triggered; climate change, global warming, poor air quality, lack of clean drinking water, soil erosion and rise in droughts, floods and wildfires. When these problems occur, the health and safety of humans and wildlife suffer. 2 In November 2019, the last Sumatran rhino in Malaysia died making this species extinct locally. Other species that became near or totally extinct in 2019 are as follows: the Chinese paddlefish and the Indochinese tiger. According to experts, about 50% of the world’s species may go extinct by the year 2100. The main reason for this decline is climate change. 3 E-waste is electrical or electronic products – computers, televisions, copiers or fax machines – that are near or at the end of their useful life. They include equipment that is still working, broken, thrown away or donated to second-hand shops. E-waste contain some type of toxic materials; posing serious environmental risks. When e-waste are buried at landfills, toxic materials and metals – cadmium, lead and mercury – leach into the ground, poisoning water and soil and making wildlife sick. Practice 6 Paragraph 1 If you want to help people in your community, helping the elderly is a great place to start. Loneliness, isolation, hunger and depression are serious problems faced by the elderly. Fortunately, there are programmes that allow young people to provide services such as grocery delivery, gardening work and teaching computer skills to seniors. In fact, building a long-term friendship with an elderly person can mean a lot to them – you can learn a thing or two as well. Paragraph 2 One way you can assist seniors is by offering to help with physical work around the house: washing their car, doing gardening work and cleaning their house. Grocery shopping can be physically demanding – offer to drive the elderly to the shop or do it for them. If you’re tech-savvy as well as patient, offer to teach an elderly friend or neighbour some computer skills. Getting seniors familiar with using the computer and navigating the Internet can help them connect with other like-minded people online. Practice 7 1 Word Error voluntering spelling and grammar Some of my interests are as follows: photography, volunteering and learning languages. My wide range of interests gives me the edge, I believe, so I can connect with children of all ages who came to the camp. 2 Word Error conducting grammar campers’ punctuation For the last three years, I was one of the student-leaders at my school’s annual camping trip. I helped the teachers-in-charge to conduct activities as well as guide the campers and ensure their safety. 3 Word Error Beside grammar : punctuation I’m the right person for the job; I’m reliable and able to build good relationships with children. Besides my love for outdoor activities – especially in rock-climbing, water-skiing and canoeing – I’m also patient and strict when I have to. Practice 8 A It was the second day of my island holiday. My chalitSP was surrounded by coconut trees’PN and strung between two treesPN with a view of the blue seaPN was a hammock. I missed lounging on it on the first day thereforeGR I wanted to spend that morning on it. After breakfast and with a hat and book in hand, I headed to the hammock. I studied it and pondered howGR to get on it. I looked around and there were a few people on the white –PN sand beach nearby. I pressed my hat firmly on my head and held the book under my chin. Then, I gently sat on it and lifted my legs. But to my utter shock: the hammock twisted and I flipped over. As I dusted myself ofSP, I looked around. RelieveSP washed over me when I thought no one had seen me: PN that is until I heard someone call out, “Miss! Miss! Are you allrightSP?” As one of the hotel staff came ranGR towards me, so did the guests on the beach. Obviously, she had witnessed my little acrobatic act. DueGR everyone gathered around me, I had no choice but to tell the other well – PN wishers what had happened. Then, things got worse; EveryonePN insisted on helping me get on the hammock. B It was the second day of my island holiday. My chalet was surrounded by coconut trees and strung between two trees – with a view of the blue sea – was a hammock. I missed lounging on it on the first day so I wanted to spend that morning on it. After breakfast and with a hat and book in hand, I headed to the hammock. I studied it and pondered on ways to get on it. I looked around and there were a few people on the white-sand beach nearby. I pressed my hat firmly on my head and held the book under my chin. Then, I gently sat on it and lifted my legs. But to my utter shock, the hammock twisted and I flipped over. As I dusted myself off, I looked around. Relief washed over me when I thought no one had seen me – that is until I heard someone call out, “Miss! Miss! Are you alright?” As one of the hotel staff came running towards me, so did the guests on the beach. Obviously, she had witnessed my little acrobatic act. As everyone gathered around me, I had no choice but to tell the other well-wishers what had happened. Then, things got worse; everyone insisted on helping me get on the hammock. 5-SG to Essay Writing SPM Ans 4th.indd 106 20-Jan-23 11:12:16 AM PENERBIT ILMU BAKTI SDN. BHD.
107 SPM Penulisan PART 1: SHORT COMMUNICATIVE MESSAGE Guided Practice 1 Suggested answer: To: [email protected] Subject: Activities for the sleepover Hello Wendy, I can’t wait for the sleepover! I think our friends would love indulging in some relaxing spa activities such as a manicure or a relaxing foot bath and making special foods or drinks together. Another activity I know everyone loves is watching movies. If I were you, I’d compile a few movies so we can have a movie marathon while we enjoy our homemade feast. Don’t worry, I think we’ll have a great time no matter what activity we do. See you soon! Mandy (80 words) Guided Practice 2 Suggested answer: To: [email protected] Subject: A challenging sport Hello, Azri! Doing a challenging sport is a great idea and I’m eager to join you. Yes, I think we should try water sports because it’s fun-filled and our friends love being in the water. What about white-water rafting? I’ve watched some videos and it’s really thrilling. A local tour agent can make arrangements for us to go on a one-day trip to Kampar River. There will be instructors to guide and keep us safe. I think, we’ll have an unforgettable adventure. That’s all for now! Fadli (80 words) Guided Practice 3 Suggested answer: To: [email protected] Subject: A new school Dear Janice, I’m really pleased that you’ll be in my school. It can be scary to be in a new environment for the first time. First, the school has fewer students and teachers than your former school. Therefore, the teachers know most of the students by name. The students in our form are friendly while our teachers are strict but patient and dedicated. The school is well-equipped and offers a safe and comfortable place to learn. Don’t worry as I’ll be there to help you. See you soon! Izzy (83 words) Guided Practice 4 Suggested answer: No. 45, Jalan Merpati, Jalan Merpati 1, 51200 Kuala Lumpur. 20 December 202_ Dear Berry, I agree that now is the best time to step into the working world. Let’s get a full-time job since we’ll have a lot of free time. I think working as ride monitors or ticket collectors at a theme park is suitable for us. To begin with, we’ll be outdoors where we can enjoy the sun and fresh air. Moreover, we can go on the rides and eat at a discount. Furthermore, we’ll learn about customer relations. Let me know what you think. Keep in touch! Mahesh (83 words) Guided Practice 5 Suggested answer: 88A, Sierra Peak, Jalan 227, 31200 Ipoh. 5 May 202_ Hello, Harris! I’m great, thanks! My school is organising some events to celebrate the day too. Why don’t you write for your school newsletter? I think you should consider writing an article about young people taking action to help the environment. For example, you can write about Ghislain Irakoze; a youth from Rwanda who founded a company that uses a mobile app to connect consumers with recycling industries. I believe your article will inspire your schoolmates to think about helping the environment. I hope I’ve been helpful. Good luck! Aida (84 words) SPM Practice 1 Suggested answer: To: [email protected] Subject: Voluntary activities Dear Anika, That’s good news! I know you’ll enjoy giving back to your community. I’ve participated in activities such as a neighbourhood clean-up and a donation drive for a food bank. I like both types of voluntary work because I get to help others. However, I prefer group work because I get to work alongside other volunteers. I’d recommend that you do a group voluntary activity first so you can meet like-minded people. I hope my advice will help you decide. Bye for now! Charlotte (79 words) SPM Practice 2 Suggested answer: To: [email protected] Subject: Applying for an internship Dear Amy, Hurrah! I’m happy that your exams are over and you’re going to apply for an internship. To begin with, you must write a formal letter. The most important information to include in it is the skills relevant to the job. Then, provide examples from your school, extra-curricular or past work experience. I recommend that you write about your best qualification or achievement first. This will help you stand out. I’m sure you’ll be able to write a good letter and resume. All the best! Aaron (81 words) 5-SG to Essay Writing SPM Ans 4th.indd 107 20-Jan-23 11:12:16 AM PENERBIT ILMU BAKTI SDN. BHD.
108 SPM Practice 3 Suggested answer: 27, Jalan Peria, 42000 Pelabuhan Klang, Selangor, Malaysia. 7 May 202_ Dear Dani, I’m good, thanks. Wow, that’s fantastic news! I’d love to spend a day with you and your family. How about going to Langkawi? It has a lot to offer: boat tours, snorkelling, mangrove forests, a marine park and a pedestrian bridge on a hill top. I think you should stay in a resort near the beach so your family can enjoy the beautiful view as well as participate in water activities. I hope your holiday planning goes well. See you soon! Jamila (78 words) PART 2: GUIDED WRITING Guided Practice 1 Suggested answer: The person I admire the most is my Maths teacher, Mrs Rozelles. Every day, her actions inspire students to achieve great things and be good human beings. Mrs Rozelles is friendly and easy-going so students are not afraid to approach her. In fact, students whom she doesn’t teach go to her with their problems or just to chat. She is not only patient but also caring. She takes time out of her usual teaching schedule to give students extra coaching on difficult topics. In addition, her love for learning and passion for Maths has rubbed off on me. She has inspired me to approach problems without fear but with curiosity and enthusiasm. As a result, I have set higher goals for myself in all subjects. Mrs Rozelles creates a sense of community in the classroom so students know they can depend on her. I hope that I would be someone who others can count on too. (153 words) Guided Practice 2 Suggested answer: Students participate in sports at a young age. Many believe sports improve overall well-being but others think the disadvantages do not offer real benefits. Sports impact students’ well-being positively. First, students can stay fit because they need to train regularly. Sports boost selfesteem. For example, students learn about success, sportsmanship and teamwork which develop this character trait. Furthermore, sports help students sleep well and reduces stress which promote good health. However, participating in sports has its downside. Firstly, injuries happen. Aches and pains may go away, but serious injuries require lengthy treatments. Secondly, sports can be costly because parents have to pay for sports attire, equipment and training fees. Lastly, it is time-consuming, therefore students may have little time to do leisure activities. In conclusion, the advantages of participating in sports outweigh the disadvantages. I believe that students should participate in sports for a healthier body and mind. (149 words) Guided Practice 3 Suggested answer: Young athletes participate in sports for many reasons. However, I think it is more important for them to have fun because it brings more positive outcomes. The most important reason of playing for fun is it creates a less stressful environment. Young athletes do not feel the pressure from their coaches, who may give them strenuous training drills to win games. Moreover, they will not be at risk of serious injuries as they will not train for long periods. Besides that, young athletes learn more when they have fun. They will not be afraid of making mistakes or worry their mistakes will be pointed out by their coaches. They are more likely to learn new skills and not give up when the sport gets tough. All in all, it is more important to have fun than win in sports. When you enjoy what you do, giving your best comes naturally. (150 words) Guided Practice 4 Suggested answer: Taking Flight On the second day of our holiday in Turkey, my parents, brother and I woke up at 4 a.m. to go on a hot-air balloon ride. After we got ready, we got into a van to go to an open field. It was still dark when we arrived there. I was mesmerised by the sight of the hot-air balloon but felt nervous as I climbed into the basket. As we went up, the wind got stronger. Before me, the sky was a mix of colours. During the minutes that followed, my nervousness melted away. I captured the beautiful scenery on my camera. Then, I noticed my brother, motionless, gripping the edge of the basket. Immediately, I put my arm around him. Eventually, he relaxed. When we touched down much later, I was both relieved and disappointed. Though I felt a mixed bag of emotions, in the end I had an amazing experience. (152 words) Guided Practice 5 Suggested answer: A Monument to Behold My visit to Taj Mahal in Agra, India, many years ago, is still fresh in my mind. It is famous for its Mughal architecture as well as its beautiful artwork and calligraphy. It is a mausoleum of ivory-white marble built by the emperor Shah Jahan to house the tomb of his wife. It is the centrepiece of the Taj Mahal complex. Besides that, there are twin mosque buildings, a museum and a lovely garden in the complex. The 171-metre tomb stands on a square supporting structure. It is a symmetrical building with an arched doorway and a large dome. Other than that, there are four pillars with smaller domes around it. The actual tombs of the couple are inside. All in all, it is the most impressive place I have visited. I felt immersed in the country’s rich history and finest craftsmanship when I was there. I believe it is a must-visit because it is a monument to behold. (156 words) SPM Practice 1 Suggested answer: Online shopping has been growing in popularity in recent years. Although many people believe it offers fast and convenient shopping, there are just as many who think that online fraud is too serious to ignore. The main advantage of online shopping is the ease in which customers can shop. Firstly, there are more products to choose from at customers’ fingertips. Secondly, online stores offer better prices and allow customers to do price comparisons easily. Finally, customers can shop comfortably at home and avoid crowds. On the contrary, concerns about online fraud are a major disadvantage. To begin with, customers have to key in banking details to make online payments. Though popular online stores have secure websites, there are unscrupulous people ready to commit identity theft. In summary, the advantages of online shopping far outweigh the disadvantages. In my view, if customers are alert and exercise caution, they can shop safely. (149 words) SPM Practice 2 Suggested answer: Recycling is a process that collects and processes items thrown away as rubbish in order to make new products. Every year, billions of tons of rubbish end up in landfills because people don’t recycle. I think making recycling mandatory will make our environment cleaner and healthier. 5-SG to Essay Writing SPM Ans 4th.indd 108 20-Jan-23 11:12:17 AM PENERBIT ILMU BAKTI SDN. BHD.
109 In the first place, recycling saves energy. It takes more energy to extract and process raw materials to make new products than energy needed to recycle items. For example, every ton of recycled paper saves seventeen trees, two barrels of oil and 4,100 kW of energy. Moreover, recycling reduces the demand for raw materials and protects the ecosystem. When we recycle, we do not need resources such as timber, fossil fuels and minerals to make new products because plastic, glass, steel and aluminium can be recycled over and over again. In conclusion, I believe that recycling should be made mandatory. The future of our planet depends on it. (154 words) SPM Practice 3 Suggested answer: From: [email protected] To: [email protected] Subject: Development in a nature park Dear Sir/Madam, As a concerned resident, I am writing in response to your newspaper article about a condominium project in a nature park. To begin, I understand a condominium offers affordable homes to many people who want to live or work here. In addition, with more residents, retail shops here will enjoy robust business. However, it is heartbreaking that the project site is in a nature park. A nature park is a mini green lung; providing us with clean air. If we lose even a part of it, air pollution will be an even bigger problem. I am confident that there is an alternative site, for example, the large vacant lot near the river. In conclusion, please do not destroy nature’s forest in order to expand a concrete jungle. I believe that there is a better location for this development that will not only safeguard the environment but also benefit the residents. Yours faithfully, Martika Lin (150 words) PART 3: EXTENDED WRITING Guided Practice 1 Suggested answer: To: Puan Salmi, Principal of SMK Jalan Semangat From: Alicia Samad Subject: A School Newsletter Introduction The aim of the report is to present the features of a good school newsletter and assess its impact on students. I am writing as a recent participant of the School Newsletter Workshop and member of the school editorial team. Workshop Experience The workshop was divided into three sessions: content, editing and technology. I learnt a variety of skills required to produce an online school newsletter. A team of experts shared their expertise on reporting, editing, photography, posting and publishing. All in all, it was a real eye-opener. Features of a Good School Newsletter Firstly, knowing the target audience is important. A good school newsletter aims to inform parents, students and staff about school events. Another important feature is good content, for example articles about student and school achievements, future events, students’ stories about school life and a feedback column. Last but not least, good writing is a must to entertain readers. Therefore, the editorial team must consist of talented storytellers and meticulous editors. Value to Students A school newsletter benefits students in many ways. It inspires them with stories of their peers’ achievements. Moreover, it helps foster school spirit and builds a sense of community. Finally, it gives students a platform to showcase their talent in creative writing and photography by encouraging them to submit their stories, articles and photos. Conclusion To sum up, a school newsletter is a great way to keep parents connected with their children’s school life. Therefore, publishing an informative school newsletter every month is a challenge worth undertaking. (255 words) Guided Practice 2 Suggested answer: A Sound in the Night I woke up to the sound of scratching above me. I looked at the clock and it was after midnight. At first, I thought I was dreaming but then, I heard it again. I stayed in my bed not knowing what to do but when I heard it for the third time, I jumped out of bed and rushed to my sister’s room. My parents were away and it was just the two of us for the night. I knocked a few times before she opened it. “What time is it?” she asked. “Shh…,” I whispered. I told her what I heard and that may be an intruder trying to break in. She just stared at me. Clearly she did not believe me. “Maybe you were dreaming,” she said. I dragged her into my room and waited. Then, I heard it again. I immediately covered my mouth to stifle a scream but my sister was standing with her eyes closed. Had she fallen asleep? I shook her, irritated about her lack of fear. “What’s wrong with you?” I hissed. My sister opened her eyes lazily and said, “We live on the fifth floor. That’s probably Mrs Lee,” she said and turned to leave. I stood with my mouth open watching my sister return to her room. How had I forgotten that we live in an apartment. I felt foolish but as I went back to bed, I was thankful it was not an intruder. (249 words) Guided Practice 3 Suggested answer: An Ideal School Library For many students, the school library is where they were first introduced to books and their love for reading started. It is a place where students can gain knowledge and get exposed to different points of view. In order to achieve this, a school library of the future should meet certain standards. To begin with, a school library should be multi-functional. It should not only be a place to read but also a place to conduct a variety of educational activities. To do this, old, heavy furniture and builtin workstations should be replaced with light, comfortable furniture. Light tables and chairs can be rearranged easily so educational exhibitions and displays can be conducted. Another must-have of an ideal school library is an inviting atmosphere. Other than painting the walls a soothing colour, there should be sufficient lighting and plants inside as well as plenty of natural light. Moreover, incorporating bean bags, cushions and carpets to create individual reading nooks will entice students to visit and stay longer. In addition, the school library should be equipped with new learning tools. For example, interactive whiteboards and laptops are helpful to conduct group discussions, presentations and online seminars. This helps transform the library into a space that enhances and complements classroom learning. To conclude, an ideal school library can create interest in books and cultivate a long-lasting reading habit among students. I believe this can be achieved when a school library offers a welcoming atmosphere and has modern learning tools for students to use. (248 words) 5-SG to Essay Writing SPM Ans 4th.indd 109 20-Jan-23 11:12:17 AM PENERBIT ILMU BAKTI SDN. BHD.
110 Guided Practice 4 Suggested answer: Neptune Cafe: Value for Money Neptune Cafe is located on Jalan Avenue and has grown in popularity from word-of-mouth recommendations of sandwich lovers. My first impression of the cafe was positive; small, clean and brightly lit. Then, I was hit by a pleasant aroma. As I joined the queue to order my sandwich, I found the source of the delectable smell. A wide selection of sandwich ingredients was displayed behind a long glass counter. When it was my turn to order, I was greeted warmly by staff who then proceeded to guide me through the ordering process. What I like the most about Neptune Cafe is, of course, the food. There was a wide variety of ingredients to put into, on and between your freshly-baked bread of choice. There were bread from different countries in the world; which was simply amazing. The ingredients were not only fresh but also good quality. I could taste the delicious savoury and spicy flavour in every bite of my ‘Smokey Pepper Chicken Panini’. I was pleasantly surprised by the price of the sandwiches too. The cheapest was RM9.90 and the priciest was RM15.90. At RM12.90, my sandwich was value for money. In contrast, I was disappointed by their drinks menu. There were only two options for cold drinks. All in all, I enjoyed my sandwich and experience at Neptune Cafe. I would recommend it to my friends because not only does it offer a wide variety of sandwiches, but also their prices won’t break your budget. (235 words) Guided Practice 5 Suggested answer: Why Keep Our Cities Clean? Keeping our cities clean is not the sole responsibility of local governments but also every citizen. The benefits of living in clean cities are just too great for us to leave it to the local authorities. First of all, clean cities promote good health. When we dispose of our rubbish properly, we prevent disease-carrying rodents and insects from breeding in waste. Clean surroundings reduce the risk of diseases spreading and people getting sick. Furthermore, clean cities help preserve the environment. With proper waste management, rubbish is not left in the open to pollute the soil, water or air. Our natural surroundings will not suffer degradation. We get to breathe cleaner air, have access to clean water and plantbased food that is free from contaminants. Likewise, animals get to live in pollutant-free habitats where they are not in danger of mistaking rubbish for food. Lastly, clean cities attract more people either to visit or to work. Tourists are more likely to visit cities where historical buildings are well-preserved and facilities and amenities are clean. Multinational companies are attracted to set up offices in clean cities too. This draws many people to work in cities that make cleanliness a top priority. Tourism and better employment opportunities are good for a city’s economy. To sum up, keeping our cities clean is crucial for the well-being of all living things. I believe when every citizen helps keep their city clean, the earth would be a better place to live in. (247 words) SPM Practice 1 Suggested answer: The Future of e-book Subscription Services E-book subscription services such as Scribd and Kindle Unlimited offer millions of titles of e-books to members who pay a monthly fee. And though they have been around for many years, they have never come close to achieving the success of video and music subscription services. Why is this? One important reason has to do with major book publishers. Publishers are not able to licence their titles to subscription services because they do not own the copyrights of the books; authors do. While some publishers licence a limited number to these services, others licence older titles. Therefore, the number of titles available on these services are nowhere what is available, for free, at libraries. Another reason is its audience size. Readers make up a smaller group than music and video lovers. The minuscule number of avid readers in the world means subscribers to e-book subscription services continue to remain low. There are some who argue that true lovers of books still prefer physical books. They will not forgo the experience of turning each page, getting a whiff of a crisp paper or displaying their book collection. Avid readers, who are likely the target audience, are more likely to stay away from these services because they value physical books more. To sum up, e-book subscription services not only have a small catalogue of titles to offer but also attract a smaller audience. I believe that as long as e-book subscription services fail to find ways to tackle these issues, their future remains bleak. (253 words) SPM Practice 2 Suggested answer: Camp Climb: Lifts You Up Recently, I went to Camp Climb, the country’s most established and largest indoor climbing gym, to fulfill my dream to learn to climb. The gym is located inside a mall in the heart of the city. I was immediately impressed by the gym’s impressive floor and wall plan. I had climbing areas spread over two floors. There were walls for all types of climbers and a training wall for a novice like me. Besides the high ceiling, one side of the gym had ceiling to floor glass which gave the feeling of being outdoors. It was clean, brightly lit, well-ventilated and fully air-conditioned. I signed up for a training session and the staff who taught me had a great personality which put me at ease immediately. He was not only skilled but a good teacher because I was able to catch on quickly. The equipment I rented was clean and in good condition. The tiny rocks to hold on to as I climbed were firmly attached to the climbing walls. On the whole, I felt safe in the hands of the instructor and on the climbing wall. The only downside was the cost. Besides a one-day entry fee, I had to rent each piece of equipment except the helmet. Overall, Camp Climb is the go-to place to learn how to climb and I enjoyed my experience there. I would strongly recommend this place to my friends because it offers a wide variety of climbing walls and safety is a top priority. (250 words) SPM Practice 3 Suggested answer: How My Worst Holiday Experience Had a Happy Ending Last school holidays, my family and I went on a holiday. On the second day, my father and I went canoeing while my mother and sister stayed on the beach. After canoeing for a while, we still were not any closer to the tiny island we had wanted to go to. I turned back but the beach was not in sight. I quickly alerted my father. He looked around silently and then said, “The current must have pushed us further out to sea.” At that moment, I wished I was back on that crowded beach with my mother and sister. We tried to row back to shore but the current was too strong. My arms began to ache and the sun continued blazing. Then, I heard a voice, “Are you alright?” We looked around and saw a large yacht nearby. After my father yelled back that we needed help, someone from the yacht rescued us. When we got on the yacht, we thanked the captain immediately. He asked about our ordeal and as my father talked, I realised we were in a luxury yacht. After a short rest, he invited us to join him for a buffet lunch. What a spread! Then, we toured the yacht. I was mesmerised by its elegance. As we cruised leisurely back to the dock, I thought about how scared I felt just a few hours ago. I was extremely thankful that my worst holiday experience had the best ending ever. (247 words) 5-SG to Essay Writing SPM Ans 4th.indd 110 20-Jan-23 11:12:17 AM PENERBIT ILMU BAKTI SDN. BHD.