MUET Teacher's Handbook

MALAYSIAN UNIVERSITY ENGLISH TEST (MUET): TEACHER’S HANDBOOK

Figure 1: Market Shares of Four Hypermarkets in Malaysia (2008 – 2014)

Market Share (%) 45% Prosper
40% Mighty
35% Premium
30% Super
25%
20% 2010 2012 2014
15%
10% Year
5%
0%

2008

Year 2008 2010 2012 2014
Hypermarket

Prosper 31% 30% 31% 40%

Mighty 28% 31% 31% 28%

Premium 25% 23% 21% 17%

Super 16% 16% 17% 15%

Table 1: Profile of Four Hypermarkets in Malaysia (2008 and 2014)

Hypermarket Prosper Mighty Premium Super
Profile 2008 2014 2008 2014 2008 2014 2008 2014
35 75 32 33 10 9
Number of stores 1000 2000 1000 1000 250 220 65
Number of workers 150 140

(MUET November 2016, Question 1)
Title: ____________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________

WRITING

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HOW TO WRITE THE INTRODUCTORY SENTENCE
• Refer to the headings of the visuals
• The introductory sentence should include the headings of all visuals and the time frame of

each visual (e.g. year, month)
Example

Study the visuals below. Using only the information provided, analyse the number of heart
attack cases among men and women. In your answer, you are to link the information presented
in both visuals. You should write 150 to 200 words.

[40 marks]
Figure 1: Number of Heart Attack Cases among Men and Women (2011-2015)

700

600 600
Number of Cases
500 WRITING500
450
Men
400 380 Women
300 320

200
150

100 100 100 100 80

0

2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

Year

Figure 2: Activities Performed by Men and Women (2011-2015)

Activity 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015
MW MW MW MW MW
Complete office work
Attend meetings √√ √√ √√ √√ √
Manage staff problems √ √ √ √
Meet clients √ √
Attend to children √ √ √ √ √√
√ √ √
√

Note: M = Men W = Women (MUET March 2016, Question 1)

Introductory sentence:

Figure 1 illustrates the number of heart attack cases among men and women from 2011 to 2015

while Figure 2 shows the activities performed by them during those years.

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Exercise 2

Write an introductory sentence for the report.

A study was carried out to compare the market shares of four hypermarkets from 2008 to 2014
in Malaysia. Write a report using only the information provided. In your answer, you are to link
the information presented in the visuals. You should write 150 to 200 words.

[40 marks]

Figure 1: Market Shares of Four Hypermarkets in Malaysia (2008 – 2014)

45%Market Share (%) Prosper
40% WRITINGMighty
35% Premium
30% Super
25%
20% 2010 2012 2014
15%
10% Year
5%
0%

2008

Year 2008 2010 2012 2014
Hypermarket

Prosper 31% 30% 31% 40%

Mighty 28% 31% 31% 28%

Premium 25% 23% 21% 17%

Super 16% 16% 17% 15%

Table 1: Profile of Four Hypermarkets in Malaysia (2008 and 2014)

Hypermarket Prosper Mighty Premium Super
Profile 2008 2014 2008 2014 2008 2014 2008 2014
35 75 32 33 10 9
Number of stores 1000 2000 1000 1000 250 220 65
Number of workers 150 140

(MUET November 2016, Question 1)

Introductory sentence:

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HOW TO WRITE THE OVERVIEW / OVERALL TREND

• The overview or overall trend should give a general idea of how the data of the key features

in Visual 1 is linked to the data of the features in Visual 2
• The link could be a cause-effect relationship / ‘influence’
• The ‘correct’ time frame (e.g. year, month) should be included in the overview or overall

trend to show the connection between the data in the two visuals

• The following words or phrases (where appropriate and applicable) are often used when

writing the overview or overall trend:

influenced (by) affected (by) correlated with

corresponded with / to effect on correlation between

when

Example (Refer to the visuals in MUET March 2016, Question 1)

The overview can be written in a number of ways:

• Generally, the number of heart attack cases among men and women from 2011 to 2015 was
influenced by the number of activities performed by them in those years.

• Overall, the type of activities performed by men and women from 2011 to 2015 influenced
the number of heart attack cases among them during the five-year period.

• There is a correlation between the number of heart attack cases among men and women from
2011 to 2015 and the number of activities performed by them in those years.

• As seen from 2011 to 2015, when men and women performed more activities, their number
of heart attack cases was mostly higher.

Exercise 3

Based on the visuals in MUET November 2016, Question 1, write an overview for the
report.

Overview:

_________________________________________________________________________ WRITING
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________

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HOW TO WRITE THE ANALYSIS

• A complete analysis is a sentence that has all the four elements:
(1) Key Feature (Correct subject reference – what is to be analysed)
(2) ‘Trend’ Word (Language of ‘movement’ / comparative / superlative)
(3) Data (e.g. Figure / Amount / Percentage)
(4) Time Frame (e.g. year, month, weak)

• Both the key feature (correct subject reference) and ‘trend’ word must be written in the
sentence. If either the data or time frame is omitted, then the sentence is an analysis which is
done with a little success (ALS). However, if both the data and time frame are omitted, then
the sentence is not considered as an analysis and neither is it an analysis which is done with
a little success (ALS).

• All the four elements must be accurate. If any of the elements is inaccurate, though all the
four elements are included, the sentence is not considered as an analysis.

• The analysis must be written in the Simple Past Tense form.

Examples of ‘trend’ words that show movement / trend

Movement ‘Trend’ Word (Verb) ‘Trend’ Word (Noun)

Increased (from … to …) An increase (from … to …)
Rose (from … to …) A rise (from … to …)
Went up (from … to …) Growth (from … to …)
An upward trend (from … to …)

Increased slightly (from … to …) A slight increase (from … to …)
Rose minimally (from … to …) A minimal rise (from … to …)

Increased tremendously (from … to A tremendous increase (from … to
…) …)
Rose significantly (from … to …)
Shot up (from … to …) A significant rise (from … to …)
Surged (from … to …)
Soared (from … to …) A boom (from … to …)
Escalated (from … to …)
Skyrocketed (from … to …) A surge (from … to …)

Increased gradually (from … to …) A gradual increase (from … to …) WRITING
Increased steadily (from … to …) A steady increase (from … to …)

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Rose constantly (from … to …) A constant rise (from … to …)

Fluctuated (from … to …) A fluctuation (from … to …)

Movement ‘Trend’ Word (Verb) ‘Trend’ Word (Noun)
No change (at)
Stayed constant (at)
Stayed the same (at)
Remained unchanged (at)
Remained steady (at)
Levelled out (at)

Peaked (at) A peak (at)

Decreased (from … to …) An decrease (from … to …)
Dropped (from … to …) A drop (from … to …)
Declined (from … to …) A decline (from … to …)
Dipped (from … to …) A dip (from … to …)
Fell (from … to …) A fall (from … to …)

Decreased slightly (from … to …) A slight decrease (from … to …)
A marginal drop (from … to …)
Dropped marginally (from … to
…)

Decreased sharply (from … to …) A sharp decrease (from … to …)
A significant drop (from … to …)
Dropped significantly (from … to A drastic fall (from … to …)
…) A plunge (from … to …)
A slump (from … to …)
Fell drastically (from … to …)

Plunged (from … to …)

Plummeted (from … to …)

Decreased gradually (from … to A gradual decrease (from … to …) WRITING
…) A steady decline (from … to …)
A constant drop (from … to …)
Declined steadily (from … to …)

Dropped constantly (from … to …)

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Examples of ‘trend’ words that show comparison

‘Trend’ Words ‘Trend’ Words

Comparative Superlative Comparative Superlative

higher than the highest lower than the lowest

more than the most less than the least

fewer than the fewest

the only Other ‘Trend’ Words
top spot except (for)

an all-time high record

Examples of Analysis:
Figure 1: Number of Heart Attack Cases among Men and Women (2011-2015)

700

600 600
Number of Cases
WRITING500500
450
Men
400 380 Women
300 320

200 150
100 100 100 100 80

0

2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

Year

1. Complete and accurate analysis (A) 

a. The number of heart attack cases among men increased from 320 cases in 2011
to 380 in 2012. (1 Analysis in one sentence – simple)

Key Feature (Subject Reference) - Number of heart attack cases among men
‘Trend’ Word - increased (language of ‘movement’)
Data - 320 and 380
Time Frame - 2011 and 2012

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b. The number of heart attack cases among men was the highest at 600 cases in
2014. (1 Analysis in one sentence – simple)

Key Feature (Subject Reference) - Number of heart attack cases among men
‘Trend’ Word - highest (language of comparison – superlative)
Data - 320 and 380
Time Frame - 2011 and 2012

c. The number of heart attack cases among men increased from 450 cases in 2013
to 600, which was the highest number, in 2014. (2 Analyses in one sentence)

Key Feature (Subject Reference) - Number of heart attack cases among men
‘Trend’ Word - increased (language of ‘movement’)
- highest (language of comparison – superlative)
Data - 450 and 600
Time Frame - 2013 and 2014

d. For women, their number of heart attack cases was the highest at 150 in 2011,

and the number fell to 100 cases in 2012 whereby it remained constant till 2014
before dropping to its lowest at 80 cases in 2015. (5 Analyses in one sentence –

complex)

Key Feature (Subject Reference) - Number of heart attack cases among women
‘Trend’ Word - highest (language of comparison – superlative)
- fell (language of ‘movement’)
- remained constant (language of ‘movement’)
- dropping (language of ‘movement’)
- lowest (language of comparison – superlative)

Data - 150, 100 and 80 (the highest number, the drop

& constant number and the lowest number)

Time Frame - 2011, 2012, 2014 and 2015 (decreased from

2011 to 2012, remained constant from 2012 to

2014, dropped from 2014 to 2015 and the

lowest in 2015) WRITING

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2. Incomplete analysis (ALS) – No data OR no time frame X

a. There was an increase in the number of heart attack cases among men from
2011 to 2012.
(1 ALS – No data)

Key Feature (Subject Reference) - Number of heart attack cases among men
‘Trend’ Word - increase (language of ‘movement’ – noun)
Data - None
Time Frame - 2011 and 2012

b. The number of heart attack cases among men was the highest at 600 cases.
(1 ALS – No year)

Key Feature (Subject Reference) - Number of heart attack cases among men
‘Trend’ Word - highest (language of comparison – superlative)
Data - 320 and 380
Time Frame - None

Note:
A - Analysis (Complete)
ALS - ‘Analyse information with a Little Success’ (Partial)

3. Not an analysis – No data AND no time frame X

a. The number of heart attack cases among men was higher than the number of
heart attack cases among women. (No data and no year)

Key Feature (Subject Reference) - Number of heart attack cases among men
- Number of heart attack cases among women
‘Trend’ Word - higher (compared to the number among women)
Data - None

WRITING

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4. Not an analysis – No ‘trend’ word X
a. In 2011, the number of heart attack cases among men was at 320 while the
number of heart attack cases among women was at 150. (No trend word)

Key Feature (Subject Reference) - Number of heart attack cases among men
- Number of heart attack cases among women
‘Trend’ Word - None
Data - 320 and 150
Time Frame - 2011

5. Inaccurate analysis – Inaccurate subject reference OR inaccurate ‘trend’ word OR
inaccurate data OR inaccurate time frame X

a. Men increased their number of heart attack cases from 320 in 2011 to 600 in
2014. (Inaccurate subject reference)

Key Feature (Subject Reference) - Men
(inaccurate subject reference – distortion)
‘Trend’ Word
Data - increased
Time Frame - 320 and 600
- 2014

b. There was a fluctuation in the number of heart attack cases among men from
2011 to 2015 as the men had 320 heart attack cases in 2011, 380 cases in 2012,
450 cases in 2013, 600 cases in 2014 and 500 cases.

Key Feature (Subject Reference) - Number of heart attack cases among men
‘Trend’ Word - fluctuation (inaccurate)
Data - 320, 380, 450, 600 and 500
Time Frame - 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015

c. The number of heart attack cases among men increased from 480 cases in 2013
to 600 in 2014. (Inaccurate data – 480)

WRITING

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Key Feature (Subject Reference) - Number of heart attack cases among men
‘Trend’ Word - increased (language of ‘movement’)
Data - 480 (Inaccurate) & 600
Time Frame - 2013 and 2014

d. For women, their number of heart attack cases was the lowest at 80 in 2014.
(Inaccurate year – 2014)

Key Feature (Subject Reference) - Number of heart attack cases among women
‘Trend’ Word - lowest (language of comparison – superlative)
Data - 80
Time Frame - 2014 (Inaccurate)

Exercise 4

Based on the visual below, write four sentences that have analysis of data. Try to write
more than one analysis in each sentence.

Figure 1: Market Shares of Four Hypermarkets in Malaysia (2008 – 2014)

45%Market Share (%) Prosper
40% WRITINGMighty
35% Premium
30% Super
25%
20% 2010 2012 2014
15%
10% Year
5%
0%

2008

Year 2008 2010 2012 2014
Hypermarket

Prosper 31% 30% 31% 40%

Mighty 28% 31% 31% 28%

Premium 25% 23% 21% 17%

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Analysis: 16% 16% 17% 15%

1.

2.
3.
4.

WRITING

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HOW TO WRITE THE SYNTHESIS

• A complete synthesis (S) is a sentence that has:
- a link between two complete analyses from two different visuals or
- a link between one complete analysis from one visual and a ‘description’ of the key feature
with data and time frame from another visual

• A partial synthesis (SLS) is a sentence that has:
- a link between two partial analyses (ALS) from two different visuals or
- a link between one partial analysis (ALS) from one visual and a ‘description’ of the key
feature with data and time frame from another visual

Note:

S - Synthesis (Complete)
SLS - ‘Synthesize information with a Little Success’ (Partial)

The synthesis of information is shown in the table below:

SYNTHESIS
Link between information in Visual 1 and Visual 2

Visual 1 Visual 2 Link (Synthesis)

A + A→ S

A + D→ S

D + A→ S

A + ALS → S

ALS + A→ S

ALS + ALS → SLS

ALS + D→ SLS

D + ALS → SLS

Note: Analysis (Complete) WRITING
A- Analysis done with a little success
ALS - Synthesis (Complete)
S- Synthesis done with a little success
SLS - Description of key feature (with data and time frame)
D-

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Examples of words used to synthesize / link information

probably because most likely due to may have resulted in enabled
as
so caused affected therefore
though
thus consequently hence

although even though when

Examples of Synthesis

Question 1

A study was carried out to compare the market shares of four hypermarkets from 2008 to 2014
in Malaysia. Write a report using only the information provided. In your answer, you are to link
the information presented in the visuals. You should write 150 to 200 words.

[40 marks]

Figure 1: Market Shares of Four Hypermarkets in Malaysia (2008 – 2014)

Market Share (%)45% Prosper
WRITING40%Mighty
35% Premium
30% Super
25%
20% 2010 2012 2014
15%
10% Year
5%
0%

2008

Year 2008 2010 2012 2014
Hypermarket

Prosper 31% 30% 31% 40%

Mighty 28% 31% 31% 28%

Premium 25% 23% 21% 17%

Super 16% 16% 17% 15%

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Table 1: Profile of Four Hypermarkets in Malaysia (2008 and 2014)

Hypermarket Prosper Mighty Premium Super
Profile 2008 2014 2008 2014 2008 2014 2008 2014
35 75 32 33 10 9
Number of stores 1000 2000 1000 1000 250 220 65
Number of workers 150 140

(MUET November 2016, Question 1)

1. Complete and accurate synthesis (S) 

a. The percentage of market share of Prosper Hypermarket rose from 31% in 2008
to its highest at 40% in 2014 probably because the number of stores and
workers increased from 35 to 75 stores and from 1000 to 2000 workers
respectively in the two years. (4 Analyses and 2 Syntheses in one sentence)

Key Feature (Subject Reference) - Percentage of market share of Prosper
‘Trend’ Word Hypermarket
Data
- number of stores of Prosper Hypermarket
Time Frame - number of workers of Proper Hypermarket
Linker (Synthesis) - rose
- highest
- increased (in the number of stores) WRITING
- increased (in the number of workers)
- 31% to 40% (the rise)
- 40% (the highest percentage of market share)
- 35 to 75 (the increase in the number of stores)
- 1000 to 2000 (the increase in the number of

workers)
- 2008 and 2014
- probably because

2 Syntheses:
(1) Link between the rise in percentage of

market share of Prosper Hypermarket and
the increase in the number of stores
(2) Link between the rise in percentage of
market share of Prosper Hypermarket and

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the increase in the number of workers
b. Although Mighty Hypermarket had more stores in 2014 (33) than in 2008 (32),

its percentage of market share was the same at 28% in the two years. (2 Analyses
and 1 Synthesis in one sentence)

Key Feature (Subject Reference) - Mighty Hypermarket’s number of stores
- percentage of market share of Mighty
‘Trend’ Word
Hypermarket
Data - more (in the number of stores)
Time Frame - same (percentage of market share of Mighty
Linker (Synthesis)
Hypermarket)
- 32 and 33
- 28% percentage of market share)
- 2008 and 2014
- Although

1 Synthesis:
‘Link’ (unexpected outcome – more number of
stores but same percentage of market share)

c. As Super’s number of stores and workers were the least among the four
hypermarkets in 2014 (5 stores and 140 workers), its market share was the
lowest at 15% in 2014. (3 Analyses and 2 Syntheses in one sentence)

Key Feature (Subject Reference) - Super’s number of stores WRITING
- Super’s number of workers
‘Trend’ Word - Super’s market share
- least (number of stores in 2014)
Data - least (number of workers in 2014)
- lowest (market share in 2014)
Time Frame - 5 stores
Linker (Synthesis) - 140 workers
- 15%
- 2014
- As

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2 Syntheses:
(1) Link between the least number of stores of

Super Hypermarket and the lowest
percentage of market share of Super
Hypermarket in 2014

(2) Link between the least number of workers
of Super Hypermarket and the lowest
percentage of market share of Super
Hypermarket in 2014

2. Incomplete synthesis (SLS) – No data OR no time frame X

a. Although Mighty Hypermarket had a slight increase in the number of stores
from 2008 to 2014, its percentage of market share was the same in the two years.
(2 ALS and 1 SLS in one sentence) – no data given

Key Feature (Subject Reference) - Number of stores of Mighty Hypermarket

- percentage of market share of Mighty

‘Trend’ Word Hypermarket
-- slight increase

same

Data - None

Time Frame - 2008 and 2014

Linker (Synthesis) - Although

1 SLS (ALS+ALS):
‘Link’ (unexpected outcome – increase in the

number of stores but same percentage of
market share) – no data given for both visuals

b. Although Mighty Hypermarket had a slight increase in the number of stores WRITING
from 32 to 33, its percentage of market share was the same at 28%. (2 ALS and 1
SLS in one sentence) – no year given

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Key Feature (Subject Reference) - Number of stores of Mighty Hypermarket

- percentage of market share of Mighty

‘Trend’ Word Hypermarket
-- slight increase

same

Data - 32 and 33 stores

- 28%

Time Frame - None

Linker (Synthesis) - Although

1 SLS (ALS+ALS):
‘Link’ (unexpected outcome – increase in the

number of stores but same percentage of
market share) – no year given

3. Not a synthesis – No data AND no time frame X

a. As Super’s number of stores and workers was the least among the four
hypermarkets, its market share was the lowest. (No Analysis and No Synthesis; it
is merely a description because there is no data and no year given for both
visuals)

Key Feature (Subject Reference) - Super’s number of stores
- Super’s number of workers
‘Trend’ Word - least
- lowest
Data - None
Time Frame - None
Linker (Synthesis) - As

(Not taken as a synthesis because there is no
data and no year given for both visuals)

4. Not a synthesis – No ‘trend’ word X WRITING

b. In 2008, market share of Premium Hypermarket was at 25%, but in 2014, the
market share was at 17% possibly because in 2008, Premium Hypermarket had
10 stores and 250 workers, but in 2014, it had 9 stores and 220 workers. (No

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‘trend’ word for both visuals – thus, it is a description)

Key Feature (Subject Reference) - Market share of Premium Hypermarket
‘Trend’ Word - Premium Hypermarket’s number of stores
- Premium Hypermarket’s number of workers

- None

Data - 25% and 17%

- 10 stores and 250 workers

- 9 stores and 220 workers

Time Frame - 2008 and 2014

Linker (Synthesis) - possibly because
(Not taken as a synthesis because there is no
‘trend’ word in the sentence)

5. Inaccurate synthesis – Inaccurate subject reference OR inaccurate ‘trend’ word OR
inaccurate data OR inaccurate time frame X

a. Prosper Hypermarket rose from 31% of the market share in 2008 to 40% of the
market share in 2014 most likely due to the increase in Prosper Hypermarket’s
number of stores from 35 in 2008 to 75 in 2014. (Inaccurate subject reference –
No synthesis, but there is 1 Analysis for the second visual)

Key Feature (Subject Reference) - Prosper Hypermarket (inaccurate)

‘Trend’ Word -- rose

increase

Data - 31% and 40%

Time Frame - 2008 and 2014

Linker (Synthesis) - most likely due to

(Not taken as a synthesis because of

inaccurate subject reference)

b. The percentage of market share of Mighty Hypermarket fluctuated from 2008 to WRITING
2014 with a record between 28% and 31% although the number of workers was
the same at 1000 in 2008 and 2014. (Inaccurate ‘trend’ word – No synthesis, but
there is 1 Analysis for the second visual)

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Key Feature (Subject Reference) - Percentage of market share of Mighty
Hypermarket
‘Trend’ Word
- Fluctuated (inaccurate)
Data - same
Time Frame - 28% and 31%
Linker (Synthesis) - 2008 and 2014
- although

(Not taken as a synthesis because of
inaccurate ‘trend’ word used for the first
visual)

c. When Premium’s number of workers dropped from 250 in 2008 to 220 in 2014,
its percentage of market share decreased from 25% in 2008 to 15% in 2014.
(Inaccurate data – No synthesis, but there is 1 Analysis for the second visual
stated in the first part of the sentence)

Key Feature (Subject Reference) - Premium’s number of workers
‘Trend’ Word - Premium’s percentage of market share
- dropped
Data - decreased
- 250 and 220
Time Frame - 25% and 15% (Inaccurate)
Linker (Synthesis) - 2008 and 2014
- When

(Not taken as a synthesis because of
inaccurate ‘trend’ data for the first visual
stated in the second part of the sentence)

WRITING

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d. Market share of Premium Hypermarket shows a downward trend in the four
years, from 2008 to 2014 (25%, 23%, 21% and 17%), probably because of the
decrease in the number of stores and workers from 2008 to 2014 (from 10 to 9,
and from 250 to 220 respectively). (No synthesis because the years 2010 and
2012 are not linked to the information provided in Table 1 in the question, and
Table 1 mentions only two years. However, the analyses are correct and there
are 3 Analyses)

Key Feature (Subject Reference) - Market share of Premium Hypermarket
‘Trend’ Word number of stores
Data number of workers
Time Frame
Linker (Synthesis) - downward
- decrease
- 25%, 23%, 21% and 17%
- 10 and 9
- 250 and 220
- Four years, from 2008 to 2014 (Inaccurate

time frame for the link / synthesis)
- 2008 and 2014
- probably because of

(Not taken as a synthesis because of
inaccurate years (four years, from 2008 to
2014) for the link / synthesis

WRITING

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Exercise 5
Based on the question below, write four sentences that have synthesis of data.

Question 1
You are advised to spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Study the visuals below. Using only the information provided, analyse the number of investors
in the three types of investments and compare the reasons for investing. In your answer, you are
to link the information presented in both visuals. You should write between 150 and 200 words.

[40 marks]
Figure 1: Number of Investors and Types of Investments (1970 – 2010)

800,000 650,000 750,000
700,000 580,000
600,000 600,000 380,000
500,000Number of Investors 580,000
400,000 2010
300,000 WRITING480,000Investment
200,000
100,000 280,000 380,000 380,000 Bank Deposits
Shares
0 Properties

80,000 120,000

40,000

1970 1980 1990 2000

Year

Table 1: Reasons for Investing in 1970 and 2010

Year 1970 2010

Reason √ √
√ √
To keep the family together √ √
√
To start a business

To get married

To create wealth

To prepare for retirement

(MUET July 2016, Question 1)

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Synthesis:

1.

2.

3.

4.

WRITING

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HOW TO WRITE THE CONCLUSION

• The conclusion should be accurate and appropriate to the task
• There are a number of ways to write the conclusion. Candidates can:

- restate the overview
- give an overall trend of the key features
- link the information between the two visuals

Examples of Conclusion
Question 1

Figure 1: Number of Investors and Types of Investments (1970 – 2010)

800,000 650,000 750,000
700,000 580,000
600,000 600,000 380,000
500,000Number of Investors 580,000
400,000 2010
300,000 WRITING480,000Investment
200,000
100,000 280,000 380,000 380,000 Bank Deposits
Shares
0 Properties

80,000 120,000

40,000

1970 1980 1990 2000

Year

Table 1: Reasons for Investing in 1970 and 2010

Year 1970 2010

Reason √ √
√ √
To keep the family together √ √
√
To start a business

To get married

To create wealth

To prepare for retirement

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Conclusion:

• In conclusion, the number of reasons for investing in 1970 and 2010 influenced the number
of investors and the type of investments in the two years.

• Overall, the number of investors was generally higher in 2010 than in 1970 when there were
more reasons for investing in 2010.

• Generally, the number of reasons for investing in 1970 and 2010 had an effect on the number
of investors and the type of investments in the two years.

Exercise 6
Based on the question below, write an appropriate conclusion.
Question 1

Figure 1: Number of Heart Attack Cases among Men and Women (2011-2015)

700

600 600
Number of Cases
WRITING500500
450
Men
400 380 Women
300 320

200
150

100 100 100 100 80

0

2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

Year

Figure 2: Activities Performed by Men and Women (2011-2015)

Activity 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015
MW MW MW MW MW
Complete office work
Attend meetings √√ √√ √√ √√ √
Manage staff problems √ √ √ √
Meet clients √ √
Attend to children √ √ √ √ √√
√ √ √
√

Note: M = Men W = Women (MUET March 2016, Question 1)
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Conclusion:

SAMPLE ANSWERS FROM BAND 1 TO BAND 6

Question 1

Study the visuals below. Using only the information provided, analyse the number of heart
attack cases among men and women. In your answer, you are to link the information presented
in both visuals. You should write 150 to 200 words.

[40 marks]

Figure 1: Number of Heart Attack Cases among Men and Women (2011-2015)

700

600 600
Number of Cases
500 WRITING500
450
Men
400 380 Women
300 320

200
150

100 100 100 100 80

0

2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

Year

Figure 2: Activities Performed by Men and Women (2011-2015)

Activity 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015
MW MW MW MW MW
Complete office work
Attend meetings √√ √√ √√ √√ √
Manage staff problems √ √ √ √
Meet clients √ √
Attend to children √ √ √ √ √√
√ √ √
√

Note: M = Men W = Women

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(MUET March 2016, Question 1)

MUET (WRITING) MARCH 2016

QUESTION 1 - SAMPLE ANSWER (BAND 1)

This show about the number of heart attack cases among men and women (2011-2015)
and activities performed by men and women (2011-2015).

In Figure 1, 600 is higher number then 320, 380, 450 and 500 by men. 150 is higher
number then 100 and 80 by women. 600 is most high and 80 is most low. Women same number
heart attrack cases 100 in 2012, 2013 and 2014.

Next in Figure 2, activity complete office work is most high 7. Activity manage staff
problem is most low 1. 2014 activity men most high 4, 2015 activity women most low 1.

Conclution is, highest men heart attrack cases because highest activity is men.

(110 words)

Comments

The report is short
Meaning is often unclear or distorted
Lacks the ability to present information meaningfully
No clear overview, analysis and synthesis
Language is grossly inaccurate

WRITING

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MUET (WRITING) MARCH 2016

QUESTION 1 - SAMPLE ANSWER (BAND 2)

Figure 1: Number of heart attack cases among men and women (2011-2015). Figure 2:
Activities performed by men and women (2011-2015). Generally, number of heart attack cases
is by activities that perform by men and women.

Number of heart attack cases in 2011 among men more 320 increase 380 in 2012.
Number of heart attack cases by men increase from 450 to 600 from 2013 to 2014 effected
by activities performed. In 2015, heart attack cases by men decrease 500 cause activity men
decrease. 2011 heart attack cases by women is 150. 2012, 2013 and 2014 heart attack cases
by women same amount is 100. 2015 is decrease heart attack cases by women is 80. Activities
perform show complete office work is all men and women do from 2011 to 2015. Men do all 5
activity is complete office work, attend meeting, manage staff problem, meet client and
attend to children because they are husband and head in family. Women always doing one
activity attend to children because their mother to children.

Conclusion, men are more heart attack cases and more perform activity but women are
less heart attack cases and less perform activity from 2011 to 2015.

(196 words)

Comments
Limited response to the task
Very few analyses and no synthesis
Meaning is sometimes distorted and unclear
Language is largely inaccurate
Hardly any correct sentence structure

WRITING

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MUET (WRITING) MARCH 2016

QUESTION 1 - SAMPLE ANSWER (BAND 3)

Number of Heart Attack Cases among Men and Women (2011-2015)

Figure 1 shows number of heart attack cases among men and women (2011-2015) and
Figure 2 shows activities performed by men and women (2011-2015). Generally, number of
heart attack cases among men and women influence number of activities performed by men
and women (2011-2015).

Compare to women, men had more higher number of heart attack cases from 2011 to
2015. Number of heart attack cases among men increased from 320 (2011) to 380 (2012) to
450 (2013) to 500 (2014). Number of heart attack cases among men is most highest in 2014.
Number of heart attack cases among men decreased from 600 to 500 (2014 to 2015).
Number of activities performed by men is very high in 2014 but very low in 2011.

Number of heart attack cases among women decreased from 150 to 100 (from 2011 to
2012) and is same from 2012 to 2014 (100 cases). Number of heart attack cases among
women is 80 in 2015. Number of activities performed by women is most highest in 2011 and
most lowest in 2015.

In conclusion, number of heart attack cases among men and women effect number of
activities performed by men and women (2011-2015).

(194 words)

Comments
Modest response to the task
Analyses information with a little success
Quite a number of grammatical errors but the writing is comprehensible
Similar sentence structures, lacks variety

WRITING

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MUET (WRITING) MARCH 2016

QUESTION 1 - SAMPLE ANSWER (BAND 4)

Number of Heart Attack Cases among Men and Women and Activities Performed by Men and
Women

Figure 1 shows number of heart attack cases among men and women and Figure 2 shows
activities performed by men and women (2011-2015). Generally, number of heart attack cases
among men and women is influenced by number of activities performed by men and women.

The number of heart attack cases among men was increased from 2011 to 2014 from
320 to 600 cases. In 2015, the number of heart attack cases among men drop to 500 cases.
The number of heart attack cases among men is high probably because activities performed by
men in 2014 is the most.

In 2011, the number of heart attack cases among women was higher at 150 probably
because of three activities performed by women. In 2012, the number of heart attack cases
among women drop to 100 cases, and is same number in 2013 and 2014 but in 2015 the number
drop to 80 cases because the women perform only one activity.

In conclusion, the number of activities performed by men and women influence the
number of heart attack cases among men and women from 2011 to 2015.

(182 words)

Comments
Ability to respond to the task quite satisfactorily
Simple analyses and syntheses
No mention of the type of activity
Language is fairly accurate with some grammatical errors
Simple structures

WRITING

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MUET (WRITING) MARCH 2016

QUESTION 1 - SAMPLE ANSWER (BAND 5)

Number of Heart Attack Cases among Men and Women (2011-2015) and Activities Performed
by Them (2011-2015)

Figure 1 depicts the number of heart attack cases among men and women from 2011 to
2015 while Figure 2 shows the activities performed by them from 2011 to 2015. Generally, the
number of activities performed by men and women influenced their number of heart attack
cases from 2011 to 2015.

From 2011 to 2012, the number of heart attack cases among men increased from 320 to
380. This is probably because of the increased number of activities from 2 to 3. Although the
number of activities performed by men was the same in 2012 and 2013, their number of heart
attack cases rose from 380 to 450 respectively. In 2014, their number of cases increased to
600. It is the highest most likely because their number of activities was the most (4).

On the other hand, the number of heart attack cases among women decreased from 150
in 2011 to 100 in 2012 and the number remained constant in 2013 and 2014. In 2015, their
number of cases decreased to 80 which is the lowest possibly because they performed only
one activity (attend to children).

Overall, men had more heart attack cases than women from 2011 to 2015.

(197 words)

Comments
Ability to analyse and synthesize significant information quite effectively
Only one type of activity is mentioned
Meaning comes across clearly
Language is largely accurate with few minor errors

WRITING

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MUET (WRITING) MARCH 2016

QUESTION 1 - SAMPLE ANSWER (BAND 6)

Number of Heart Attack Cases among Men and Women and the Activities Performed by Them
(2011-2015)

Figure 1 displays the number of heart attack cases among men and women from 2011 to
2015 while Figure 2 shows the activities performed by them in those years. Overall, the
number of heart attack cases among men and women was influenced by the number of
activities performed by them in the five years.

The number of heart attack cases among men was the highest at 600 in 2014 and the
lowest at 320 in 2011 while the women had the highest number of cases (150) in 2011 and the
lowest number (80) in 2015. This is probably because the men had the most number of
activities (4) in 2014 and the least number (2) in 2011 whereas the women had the most
number of activities (3) in 2011 and only one activity (attend to children) in 2015. From 2012
to 2014, the number of heart attack cases among women remained unchanged at 100 most
likely because they performed the same number (2) and same type of activities – ‘complete
office work’ and ‘attend to children’.

In conclusion, it can be seen that the number of heart attack cases among men was
higher than the number of heart attack cases among women in from 2011 to 2015.

(200 words)

Comments
Ability to analyse and synthesize information effectively and accurately
Appropriate and accurate language
Some varied vocabulary and sentence structure

WRITING

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Exercise 7

Question 1

You are advised to spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Study the visuals below. Using only the information provided, analyse the number of investors
in the three types of investments and compare the reasons for investing. In your answer, you
are to link the information presented in both visuals. You should write between 150 and 200
words.

[40 marks]
Figure 1: Number of Investors and Types of Investments (1970 – 2010)

800,000 650,000 750,000
700,000 580,000
600,000 600,000 380,000
500,000Number of Investors 580,000
400,000 2010
300,000 WRITING480,000Investment
200,000 Bank Deposits
100,000 280,000 380,000 380,000 Shares
Properties
0
80,000 120,000

40,000

1970 1980 1990 2000

Year

Table 1: Reasons for Investing in 1970 and 2010

Year 1970 2010

Reason √ √
√ √
To keep the family together √ √
√
To start a business

To get married

To create wealth

To prepare for retirement

(MUET July 2017, Question 1)

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Exercise 8

Question 1

You are advised to spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Based on the visuals below, write a suitable title for the report.

A study was carried out to compare the market shares of four hypermarkets from 2008 to 2014
in Malaysia. Write a report using only the information provided. In your answer, you are to link
the information presented in the visuals. You should write 150 to 200 words.

[40 marks]

Figure 1: Market Shares of Four Hypermarkets in Malaysia (2008 – 2014)

45%Market Share (%) Prosper
40% WRITINGMighty
35% Premium
30% Super
25%
20% 2010 2012 2014
15%
10% Year
5%
0%

2008

Year 2008 2010 2012 2014
Hypermarket

Prosper 31% 30% 31% 40%

Mighty 28% 31% 31% 28%

Premium 25% 23% 21% 17%

Super 16% 16% 17% 15%

Table 1: Profile of Four Hypermarkets in Malaysia (2008 and 2014)

Hypermarket Prosper Mighty Premium Super
Profile 2008 2014 2008 2014 2008 2014 2008 2014
35 75 32 33 10 9
Number of stores 1000 2000 1000 1000 250 220 65
Number of workers 150 140

(MUET November 2016, Question 1)

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SUGGESTED ANSWERS

(Note: Other suitable answers may be accepted)
Exercise 1
Title: Market Share of Four Hypermarkets in Malaysia (2008-2014) and their Profiles (2008

and 2014)

Exercise 2

Introductory sentence:
Figure 1 displays the market shares of four hypermarkets in Malaysia (2008-2014) while Table
1 shows their profiles (2008 and 2014).

Exercise 3

Overview:
• Overall, the market share of four hypermarkets in Malaysia for the years 2008 and 2014 is

influenced by their profiles in the two years.
• It can be seen that the profiles of the four hypermarkets in Malaysia had an effect on their

percentage of market shares in 2008 and 2014.
• Generally, there is a correlation between the percentage of market shares of the four

hypermarkets in Malaysia and their profiles in 2008 and 2014.
• In general, the percentage of market shares of the four hypermarkets in Malaysia

corresponded to their number of stores and workers in 2008 and 2014.

Exercise 4 WRITING

Analysis:
• The percentage of market share of Prosper Hypermarket decreased slightly from 31% in

2008 to 30% in 2010 and it bounced back to 31% in 2012 before rising to its highest at
40% in 2014. [4 Analyses]
• Market share of Mighty Hypermarket increased from 28% in 2008 to 31% in 2010 whereby it
remained unchanged at 31% in 2012 before dropping to the same amount as in 2008 at
28%. [4 Analyses]
• Premium Hypermarket was the only hypermarket that had a downward trend in the
percentage of market share from 25% in 2008 to 17% in 2014. [2 Analyses]
• In 2008 and 2010, the percentage of Super’s market share was the same at 16%, but in
2012, it rose marginally to 17%, and in 2014, it dipped to 15% which was the lowest
percentage among all the hypermarkets. [4 Analyses]

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Exercise 5

Synthesis:

• As there were fewer reasons for investing in 1970 (3) compared to 2010 (4), the number of
investors in shares and properties in 1970 was the lowest at 80000 for shares and 40000 for
properties.
[3 Analyses & 2 syntheses – the link between fewer reasons for investing and the lowest
number of investors for shares AND the link between fewer reasons for investing and the
lowest number of investors for properties]

• With more reasons to invest in 2010, 4 (except ‘to keep the family together’) compared to 3
in 1970, the number of investors in shares surged to 750000 (the highest of all), and in
properties, to 380000, which was the same number as in 1990 and 2000.
[5 Analyses & 2 syntheses – the link between more reasons to invest and the surge in the
number of investors in shares AND the link between more reasons to invest and the surge in
the number of investors in properties]

• Although fewer reasons for investing were cited in 1970, 3 compared to 4 in 2010, the
number of investors for bank deposits was the most at 600000.
[2 Analyses & 1 synthesis – the link between fewer reasons for investing and the most
number of investors for bank deposits]

• When there was an increase in the number of reasons to invest from 3 in 1970 to 4 in 2010,
the number of investors in shares and properties rose significantly from 80000 to 750000
and from 40000 to 380000 respectively from 1970 to 2010.
[3 Analyses & 2 syntheses – the link between the increase in the number of reasons to
invest and the significant rise in the number of investors in shares AND the link between the
increase in the number of reasons to invest and the significant rise in the number of
investors in properties]

Exercise 6

Conclusion:

• In conclusion, the number of heart attack cases among men and women in the five years
was mostly influenced by the number of activities performed by them.

• Overall, the men had higher number of heart attack cases compared to women from 2011 to
2015 although the type of activities performed by them may be the same.

• It can be seen that from 2011 to 2015, when men and women performed fewer activities, the
number of heart attack cases among them was mostly lower.

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Exercise 7 (MUET July 2016)

Suggested Answer:

Number of Investors and Types of Investments (1970-2010)
And Reasons for Investing in 1970 and 2010

Figure 1 illustrates the number of investors and types of investments from 1970 to 2010
while Table 1 shows the reasons for investing in 1970 and 2010. Generally, the number of
reasons for investing influenced the number of investors and types of investments in 1970 and
2010.

When there were fewer reasons for investing in 1970 (3) compared to 2010 (4), the
number of investors for shares and properties in 1970 was the least at 80000 and 40000
respectively. As the number of reasons to invest increased in 2010, the number of investors in
shares soared to its highest at 750000, and in properties, to 380000, the same number as in
1990 and 2000. Although there were fewer reasons cited in 1970, the number of investors for
bank deposits was the highest at 600000. In 1970 and 2010 the reasons for investing, namely
‘to get married’ and ‘to prepare for retirement’, were the same. From 1970 to 1990, the number
of investors in shares and properties surged from 80000 to 480000 and from 40000 to 380000
respectively, but the number of investors in bank deposits dipped from 600000 to 480000.

Overall, the number of investors increased from when there were more reasons for
investing.

(197 words)

WRITING

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Exercise 8 (MUET November 2016)

Suggested Answer:

Market Share of Four Hypermarkets in Malaysia (2008-2014)
and Their Profiles (2008 & 2014)

Figure 1 depicts the four hypermarkets’ market share in Malaysia (2008-2014) while
Table 1 shows their profiles in 2008 and 2014. Generally, the four hypermarkets’ profiles
influenced their market share in 2008 and 2014.

In 2008, Prosper Hypermarket had the largest market share at 31% possibly because it
had the highest number of stores (35). However, its market share dropped to the second
highest at 30% in 2010 and Mighty Hypermarket had the biggest share when its share rose
from 28% in 2008 to 31% in 2010. In 2012, both hypermarkets had the same percentage of
market share (the highest at 31%). Two years later, Prosper had the biggest share of 40%
probably because it had the most number of stores (75) and workers (2000).

As for Premium Hypermarket, its market share decreased from 25% in 2008 to 17% in
2014 when its number of workers dropped from 250 in 2008 to 220 in 2014. Market share of
Super Hypermarket was the lowest in 2008 (16%) and 2014 (15%) most likely because it had
the least number of stores (6 and 5) and workers (150 and 140) respectively.

In conclusion, the hypermarkets’ market share corresponded to their profiles in 2008
and 2014.

(200 words)

WRITING

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MUET (WRITING)
Question 2

WRITING

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REQUIREMENTS OF THE TASK

• Spend 50 minutes on this question.
• Read the question carefully and identify the key words to understand the focus of the

essay.
• The essays may be argumentative, discursive or opinion-based.
• State the stand/opinion clearly (agree, disagree or agree to a certain extent)
• Make sure that the points presented are consistent with the stand/opinion.
• Present the main points clearly (topic sentences) in the supporting paragraphs.
• Develop the ideas by giving reasons, explanations, justifications and examples.

EVALUATION CRITERIA

The essay will be assessed based on the following:-

a) Task Fulfilment
b) Language and Organization

Task Fulfilment

1) Response to the task should be appropriate, has a clear stand, a consistent tone and voice
of discussion.

2) The introduction should be accurate, complete and clear which includes an opinion/stand
and thesis statement.

3) The development of ideas should be clear and have convincing points that are well
supported with details and examples.

4) The presentation of viewpoints must have a smooth flow of ideas that are effectively
developed and linked.

5) The discussion or argument must display maturity of thoughts.

Language and Organization

1) Language should be accurate and clear.
2) Correct tenses, spelling and punctuation should be used.
3) There must be appropriate and varied vocabulary and sentence structures.
4) Ideas and paragraphs should be linked appropriately and effectively.
5) Paragraphs must be presented cohesively with coherent ideas in a convincing fashion.

WRITING

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PROCESS OF WRITING

Pre Writing

1) Understand the requirement of task
• Identify and underline the key words
• Understand the focus of the essay and establish the link between key words.

2) Brainstorm for ideas
• Mind mapping
Use i-Think Maps to organize ideas for example using Multi-Flow Map

Sample question:

Television is now widespread in all communities. However, the effects of
television are not always positive.
What are some of the negative effects of television and what can be done
to minimize these bad effects?

People waste time Control advertisement

Bad influence of Television Explain effects to people
advertising
Control TV content
Destroys family life
Encourage alternative
Expensive for the entertainment
community Limit broadcasting hours

Spreads western culture

Negative Effects Solutions

WRITING

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• Cubing (www.dailywritingtips.com/5-brainstorming-strategies-for-writers/)
A topic or idea is examined from 6 distinct view points :-
a) Describe the topic (what is it)
b) Compare it (what is it like/unlike)
c) Associate it (what does it make you think of)
d) Analyse it (what constituent parts is it made of)
e) Apply it (how can it be used)
f) Argue for and/or against it (how can you support/oppose it)

• Listing
Jot down a list of ideas consisting of opinions, arguments, facts, questions,
components or any combination of the above.

• Researching
Read about a current or past event, or a contemporary or historical issue and record
the ideas in list and map form.

3) Essay Organisation

The essay should have 5 paragraphs.

Paragraph 1 Introduction - Introduce the topic WRITING
Paragraph 2 Point 1 - Provide background information
Paragraph 3 Point 2 - Give interesting details to arouse interest in the topic
Paragraph 4 Point 3 - State opinion/stand/viewpoint(agree/disagree/partial
agreement) to convey the tone of the essay
- State thesis statement to convey the central idea of
the essay
- State main idea/topic sentence
- Give supporting details and provide an example
- State a concluding sentence (link details to the topic
sentence)
- Ideas must be well-linked and organised
- Must show good organisation
- State main idea/topic sentence
- Give supporting details and provide an example
- State a concluding sentence (link details to the topic

sentence)
- Ideas must be well-linked and organised
- Must show good organisation
- State main idea/topic sentence
- Give supporting details and provide an example
- State a concluding sentence (link details to the topic

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Paragraph 5 Conclusion sentence)
- Ideas must be well-linked and organised
- Must show good organisation
- Start with a concluding phrase (In conclusion, In
short, In summary, Last but not least, etc.)
- Summarise the main ideas in different words or
restate the thesis
- Provide a recommendation/advice
- Ask a thought-provoking question

While Writing

1. Writing an introduction

• Introduce the topic
- Define the key words
- Consists of a few general statements to attract the reader’s attention
- Rhetorical questions
- Comparison between past and present/Analogy
- Quotation/Proverbs
- Link between the issue and a recent event (or a news report)
- Controversial or thought provoking statement

• State your opinion/stand/viewpoint clearly (mandatory)
- In my opinion/I agree/disagree that/I believe that
- One can either agree with the topic, disagree or partially agree (neutral)
- The stand will help one to organise the essay.
- Based on the stand, the essay can be organised. For example:

Fully agree or disagree:
Intro
Point 1
Point 2
Point 3
Conclusion

WRITING

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Partially agree:

Sample 1 Sample 2 Sample 3
Intro Intro Intro
Point 1 -Agree Point 1 -Agree Point 1-Agree
Point 2- Agree Point 2 -Disagree Point 2-Agree
Point 3 -Disagree Point 3-Disagree Point 3-Disagree
Conclusion Conclusion Point 4-Disagree
Conclusion

• Include a strong thesis statement at the end of the paragraph.
- It’s the most important part of the essay as it gives an idea on what’s the writer’s
focus is
- It helps the examiner follow the train of thoughts of the writer
- Some examples of writing thesis statements:

a) It should convey the central idea of the essay

Example: As children, we were taught to never judge a book by its cover. Still,
more often than not, we tend to judge the people we meet based on their
appearance- the clothes they wear, the colour of their skin, their haircut etc. We
tend to stereotype people and associate certain qualities with certain physical
features. This is how first impressions are usually formed. However, we must
remember that what comes after this brief introduction is more important.
Appearance can often be deceiving. Just because someone looks good, it doesn’t
mean they are good. In my opinion, getting to know a person better involves
delving deeper into who they really are in order to learn more about them,
beyond outward appearances. (thesis statement, stand implied)

b) Must be consistent with the stand

Example: In this globalised world, tertiary education is believed to be a
prerequisite and ticket to a better future. Students and working adults alike have
always dreamed about graduating from a university and enjoying the privilege of
better returns and perks. This has caused many to pursue university education,
believing that it guarantees a more promising life. Nevertheless, I partially agree
that tertiary education determines a person’s success in life.(stand) This is
because although tertiary education contributes to success, our determination,
personal interest and goal in life also have irrefutable impact on our
achievement. (thesis statement)

c) It may preview ideas by stating the three main points WRITING

Example: Tourism is fast becoming a booming industry, especially in third world
countries. These countries offer a more natural and scenic environment that
developed countries cannot really present because of industrialization. Malaysia

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has benefitted much from tourism whereby many employment opportunities have
been created. It is indeed a boon to the economy of the country. This has
immensely improved the earnings and standard of living among those directly
involved in this activity. Tourism has indeed encouraged Malaysians to travel
far and wide. (stand) Tourism is more than just travelling as it can bring
economic and social benefits whereby it promotes racial unity and harmony,
creates higher level of health awareness and generates greater income to those
participating in the industry.(thesis statement).

d) It may indicate the pattern of organization of the essay

Examples: Our day to day conversations have much evolved on the quality of life
we have enjoyed until this present day. Although the public has generally
complained about the increase in the standard and cost of living, probably due to
their hard pressed lives, a large percentage of the middle of high income earners
can testify that the advancement of science and technology has significantly
improved the quality of their life. (stand implied). This essay will discuss the
areas affected by these improvements namely communication, healthcare
facilities and modern transportation system. (thesis statement)

e) It is normally the last sentence in the introductory paragraph

Example: The number of vehicles on freeways and streets is growing at an
alarming rate. This increase of motor vehicles is creating hazardous conditions.
Moreover, drivers are in such a rush to get to their destinations that may become
angry or impatient with other motorists who are too slow or who are in their way.
Aggressive drivers react foolishly toward others in several dangerous
ways.(thesis statement)

- Some simple ways of writing the thesis statement: WRITING
a) I agree with the given statement because there are many
advantages/benefits/pros/reasons/strategies (general)
b) In this essay I would like to discuss the benefits of healthy living which are
____________, ______________ and ______________. (specific)

2. Body Paragraph

• They are the supporting sentences in a paragraph (preferably 3 or 4 main ideas)
• They are the place to develop your topic and prove your points
• They should be organised according to some pattern, such as chronological order or

comparison/contrast.
• This is an outline of a body paragraph:

a) Topic Sentence (it states the main idea, usually on ‘why’ or ‘how’)

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b) Supporting Points (elaborate on the main idea, usually on ‘why’ or ‘how’)
i)) Explanations ( add more substance to the main idea)
ii) Details (to reinforce the main idea)
iii) Examples (of incidents and situations that are logically and convincingly
linked to the main idea)
iv) Causes & Effects/Consequences/Impact (Positive/Negative)
v) Concluding Sentence (tie up the points/link the points to the topic
sentence)

• In short a body paragraph should
- be linked to the paragraph before it (with a clear cohesive device)
- must have a clear topic sentence
- must have clear and logical justifications in its elaboration
- must contain good, sensible, logical examples that shows good general
knowledge on the issue discussed.
- must have a mini conclusion at the end

Cohesive Devices (Linkers)
• Used to link ideas and supporting details more effectively.
• Improve the flow of ideas and show writing organisation.

Here are some commonly used linkers :

Cohesive devices/Linkers Functions WRITING

• First, Firstly, First and foremost To show sequence or logical order
• Second, Secondly
• To begin with, To start off Example :
• Next, Then First, the API reading was only at 100 at 6
• Finally, Lastly a.m. Then, it rose to a hazardous level at
380 by 5 p.m
• Also, Similarly, Futhermore To link similar ideas together
• Likewise, Moreover
Example :
• Besides, In addition, Moreover …air pollution also effects human health
• Furthermore, Apart from that, As due to indiscriminate burning and the
discharge of dangerous chemicals into the
well as, Also environment.
• On top of that, Other than that To add new ideas or to give extra
information
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Example :

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Children are advised not to talk to

strangers. In addition, they are also told

not to walk alone.

• On the other hand, On the contrary To show a contrasting idea/a change in the

• However, Nevertheless direction of discussion

• In contrast, Otherwise

• But, Instead of, While Example :

• In spite of, whereas, On the contrary She is generous and kind-hearted while her
sister is calculative and wicked.

• Therefore, Hence Thus To show cause and effect relationship/ to
• As a result, Consequently show that the following idea is a result of
the previous idea

Example :

The air pollution index has reached

hazardous level. As a result, all schools in

Perak are closed today.

• Though, Eventhough To show concession or situation

• Although, Even if

Example :

Eventhough he was sick, he still attended

the meeting.

• For instance, For example To provide an example or illustration to

• Such as, Like, Namely , Specifically support a statement or idea

• In the same way, Likewise Example :
• Similarly The Internet offers convenient and
• In the same manner inexpensive ways of communication, such
• In comparison as blogging, teleconferencing, email and
chatting.
To show comparison of two things that are
similar or alike

Example :
The doctor advised him to give up
smoking. Similarly he was told to eat
healthily.

• This is because, This is due to the To provide a reason to illustrate an idea
fact that provided before

• In conclusion, To conclude Example : WRITING
• To sum up, To summarise This is because the herbal tea promotes
weight loss to those who drink it.
KEMENTERIAN PENDIDIKAN MALAYSIA To indicate a conclusion to the idea
discussed or a conclusion to the essay

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• In summary, In short Example :
• In other words In conclusion, sleep deprivation can result
• All in all, Overall in serious and costly health consequences
such as increased blood pressure, diabetes
and obesity.

3. Conclusion

• Restate the opinion/affirm the stand
• Sum up the main points
• Give suggestions/solutions/advice (optional)
• End the essay with a quotation/proverb (optional)
• State the outlook or implication

SAMPLE ESSAYS

The world today is turning more towards electronic communications such as the e-mail,
Facebook and Short Message System (SMS). What is your opinion of this growing trend?
Discuss. You should write at least 350 words

Sample essay 1

Everywhere we turn today, the world is crowded with people busy typing Introduction WRITING
SMSes on their Nokias or iPhones or someone is staring unblinkingly at a
Facebook or Yahoo page on the computer screen. Whether you like it or Stand – Full
not, the age of Information Technology is upon us, and we can either learn agreement
new skills and adapt to this new technology, or be forever lost and stuck in Thesis
the older generation. In my opinion, I am fully convinced that this growing statement
trend is the way of the future, and it brings countless benefits to mankind. In Topic
this essay, I will discuss three positive effects of electronic communication, Sentence 1
namely its efficiency, enhances communication and creates a borderless
world community. Explanation

First and foremost, more and more people are relying on e-mail, Example
Facebook, Short Message System (SMS) and other types of electronic Ties up
communication tools because of its high efficiency. This is because in Topic
today’s age the globalisation, we need information at the tip of our fingers. Sentence 2
Moreover, with the use of these tools, we can increase the speed of getting
the necessary and relevant information within seconds and this will increase
our productivity. For example, gone are the days of using ‘snail mail’ or
regular letters using stamps and envelopes and many more examples of
‘old’ technology because it is simply too slow and inefficient. Therefore,
these e-communication tools increase the access to important information
which is why the new generation if fully accepting this growing trend.

Secondly, this form of technology enhances communication among
people today. This means when we use SMS, emails and websites like
Facebook, we are able to communicate clearly and directly to our target

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audience. Furthermore, people today find that they message is more Explanation
important than the form it comes in as an email in short but clear sentences
is just as good or even better than a long and formal letter. For instance, an Example
SMS can give clear instructions in just a few words and this communicates Ties up
what needs to be done quickly and directly. Thus, when the intended
message can be spread clearly using short and clear information like in Topic
SMSes and emails, communication can be enhanced and there will be less Sentence 3
problems of miscommunication. Explanation

Last but not least, e-communication creates a borderless community Example
in the world we live in today. This is due to the fact that the boundaries that Ties up
separate each country have become less relevant when information is Restates the
transferred without limitations. In addition, the world would be a better stand and
place because there is a sense of 1-World commitment, respect and thesis
tolerance for the global community through efficient and clear e- statement
communication. Take for example, we are able to connect with people on an
international basis using Facebook, Friendster, Tagged, Hotmail, Yahoo and
others. Hence, these tools will enhance global unity and create a more
peaceful world.

In a nutshell, this growing trend has many positive effects not just to
individuals but the global society in terms of efficiency, enhancing
communicative skills and shaping a borderless community. In my opinion, I
still firmly believe that this latest trend is the best way forward and if we do
not catch up, we will be left behind by the tide of development. Our
government can encourage the proper usage of electronic communications
by increasing communication amenities and broadband accessibility
especially in rural areas so that they can enjoy the same facilities as city-
folks therefore balancing the development of our country towards achieving
Vision 2020.

Comments:

a) Has an introduction, with a clear stand and a good thesis statement
b) Paragraphs are linked with good cohesive devices
c) Examples are given for each point
d) Paragraphs are tied up with a mini conclusion
e) Language is generally simple and there are no glaring grammatical errors
f) Better reinforcement of the points with more supporting details is needed.
g) A more varied vocabulary and sentence structures could also improve the

essay further.

WRITING

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Sample Essay 2

Ever since the advent of technology back in the 17th century with the Introduction
inventions such as the telescope by Hans Lippershey and the barometer
by Evangelista Torricelli right through the 18th Century with the Stand and Thesis
spinning jenny by James Hargreaves, the search for convenience and statement
comfort has never ceased. Currently, the outburst of advancement is in Topic Sentence 1
the realm of information namely, electronic communications. Back then,
mailing was seemingly one of the most vital ways of communication. In Elaboration with
contrast, nowadays people are more prone to communicate by sharing examples
through their electronic accounts or sending short messages from their
iPhones or Blackberries. Undeniably, this growing trend has given Concluding
countless dominance in today’s life, from helping people to save their sentence
time and money, creating borderless communication and making it easy
for people to gain prominent information. Topic Sentence 2

To begin with, the reason why today is turning more to Explanation and
electronic communications like email, Facebook and Short Message Examples
System (SMS) and other electronic communications is because time,
being a winged chariot is indeed more precious than gold. In the present WRITING
era of race-race in the chase for paper qualification, these electronic
means of communication help people to save their valuable time and
money from being unnecessarily wasted. Unlike the snail mail that
requires tiresome work of the quill; electronic communications entail
only the tip of our fingers to do the job. The odious and loathsome chore
of writing, editing and erasing and then mailing and waiting for the
response in anticipation now requires us to merely turn on our laptops,
open our accounts on the website and send a perfectly designed letter
through emails and receive the reply in an instant. The pigeon in the 12th
and 13th century took a month to deliver a message with reported cases
of many being lost along the way and the postal mail in the 17th and 18th
Century took at least 2 weeks, but the electronic communication enables
delivery of messages in a fragment of a second. In short, it is fast, easy,
convenient, economical and productive. Unequivocally, having these
kinds of communications will ease everyone’s burden especially on their
daily expenses and also by saving the unforgiving seconds from being
wasted.

Moving on, the growing trend of electronic communications is
making it possible for a borderless communication which is vital these
days. In the field of education, business and even daily activities, it has
become a must to be universally in touch. The world was flabbergasted
in amazement when the Yahoo developers launched Yahoo Messenger
in March 1998. It featured virtual cameras that could communicate in
words and vision. The features were further enhanced with the creation
of Skype by Niklas Zenstrom in 2003. These innovation tools brings
communication to a different level thus breaking through borders and
boundaries with limitless communication. Currently, when trading with
foreigners, it has become a norm to use Skype or Yahoo Messenger as
mediums to interact and be able to do the trade at a faster rated
compared to using regular letters. Moreover, parents with children who
are studying abroad find it consoling and encouraging to ‘see’ them

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