MODUL BAHASA INGGERIS SPM 2020 SET A

KMPEEANMLDAEIYNDSTIIKEAARINAN
JABATAN PENDIDIKAN NEGERI SABAH

MODUL

BAHASA INGGERIS

SPM 2020

MCO VERSION
SET A

| Guru Bahasa Inggeris Negeri Sabah | 2020 |

SEKAPUR SIRIH SEULAS PINANG

Yang Berbahagia Dr. Mistirine Radin
Pengarah Pendidikan Negeri Sabah

Salam sejahtera kepada semua warga pendidikan dan
calon SPM di negeri Sabah.
Sabah Hebat!
Katakan Tidak Kepada Nombor 16.

Tahun 2020 merupakan tahun yang mencabar bagi warga pendidikan di Malaysia dan dunia amnya.
Wabak Pandemik Covid 19 telah membawa perubahan ketara dalam sistem pembelajaran negara. Sesi
persekolahan terpaksa ditangguhkan selama hampir 3 bulan. Oleh yang demikian, pihak Jabatan Pendidikan
Negeri Sabah telah mencadangkan penghasilan modul pembelajaran yang dapat membantu murid terutamanya
calon SPM 2020.

Bersyukur kita kepada Tuhan kerana dengan keizinan dan limpah-Nya, modul pembelajaran SPM berjaya
dihasilkan. Panel penulis modul ini adalah terdiri daripada Guru Cemerlang, Pemeriksa Kertas SPM, Pegawai JPN
Sabah, Sektor Pembelajaran, Pegawai SISC+ dan Ketua Bidang. Adalah diharapkan warga pendidik dan calon SPM
di negeri Sabah dapat memanfaatkan modul-modul tersebut dalam PdP dan mampu memberi impak kepada
murid untuk melakar keputusan cemerlang dalam SPM tahun ini.

Oleh itu, saya merakamkan sekalung penghargaan terima kasih dan tahniah kepada Sektor Pembelajaran,
Jabatan Pendidikan Negeri Sabah dan semua panel pembina modul SPM atas komitmen dan usaha jitu dalam
terhasilnya modul pembelajaran ini.

Akhir kata, saya mendoakan kesejahteraan buat semua warga pendidikan serta terus bersama-sama
menjayakan agenda pendidikan Negara demi melahirkan generasi masyarakat Malaysia yang cemerlang dan
gemilang.

Sekian. Selamat Maju Jaya.

1

SEULAS KATA SETINTA BICARA

Tuan Haji Abidin bin Marjan
Timbalan Pengarah,
Sektor Pembelajaran,
Jabatan Pendidikan Negeri Sabah

Assalammualaikum Warahmatullahi Wabaraktuh dan salam sejahtera.

Salam Sabah Hebat!
Katakan Tidak Kepada Nombor 16.

Bersyukur ke hadrat Ilahi kerana dengan izin-Nya, kita diberikan kekuatan dan kesihatan untuk
menggalas tanggungjawab hakiki dengan penuh dedikasi. Alhamdulilah modul pembelajaran SPM dapat
dizahirkan.

Ucapan setinggi-tinggi tahniah dan sekalung penghargaan kepada Jawatan kuasa Sektor Pembelajaran,
Jabatan Pendidikan Negeri Sabah dan semua pembina modul yang telah bertungkus lumus untuk menyiapkan
modul ini.

Besarlah harapan saya agar warga pendidik diamanahkan sebagai pembentuk bangsa dan agama.
Setiap guru perlu ada “jiwa pendidik atau roh guru”. Guru bukanlah hanya menghabiskan sukatan dan
rancangan mengajar semata-mata tetapi perlu mendidik dan membentuk jati diri murid tanpa rasa jemu .
Hal ini selaras dengan Pelan Pembangunan Pendidikan Malaysia (PPPM) dalam tahun akhir Gelombang Ke-
2(2016-2020) yang mengharapkan murid berupaya bersaing pada peringkat global melalui 6 aspirasi murid.

Seiring dengan itu, adalah diharapkan warga pendidik mempelbagaikan teknik mengajar agar PdP lebih
cemerlang dan berkesan serta memanfaatkan modul ini sebagai bahan latih tubi berfokus menjelang peperiksaan
SPM pada tahun ini.

Akhir bicara, syabas dan tahniah kepada seluruh warga kerja dan panel penulis modul atas kegigihan dan
kesungguhan sehingga terhasilnya buah tangan ini. Tiada yang lebih bermakna buat kita sebagai guru melihat
anak didik kita berjaya dalam semua aspek yang diceburi. Jangan biarkan air mata kegagalan dalam diri murid
kita tetapi siramilah mereka dengan air mata kejayaan.

Ayuh ! warga guru kita bangkit sederap, senada seirama melonjakkan prestasi murid dan mencapai kualiti
kecemerlangan SPM 2020 Negeri Sabah.

Sekian. Terima Kasih.

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Acknowledgements

The following individuals and their institutions have extended invaluable
support, help and contributions in the production of this module:

Patron

YBhg. Dr. Mistirine Radin : Director of Sabah State Education
Department

Advisors

Abidin bin Marjan : Deputy Director,

Learning Sector,

Sabah State Education Department.

Ajanah binti Mohamed : Senior Head Assist. Director,

Learning Sector,

Sabah State of Education Department.

Editors and Coordinators from the English Language Unit

Muarifin Sufianto bin Mohchoeri

Ikhbal Khan bin Ismail

Bellylyn Willie Abah @Belly

Panel of Writers

Lolin F. Molimbun : SM La Salle, Tanjung Aru, Kota Kinabalu.
Mohamed Ismail b. Abd Gaffoor : SMK Pekan, Kota Belud.
Precylla C. Trabucon : SMK Pengiran Omar, Sipitang
Nancy Liging : SM St Martin, Tambunan
Amy R. Henry Majunal : SMK Tansau, Penampang
Lyney Japiri : SMK Padang Berampah, Sipitang
Zubaidah Bt Mohamed Shaffee : SMK Gunsanad, Keningau
Ahmad Taufik b. Muhammad : SMK Agama Tun Datu Mustafa, Kinarut,
Tahir
Papar.

Mohd. Syaharil B. Madlan : SMK Pekan, Kota Belud.
Patricia Apin : SMK Bundu Tuhan, Ranau
Susan Agatha Graham : SM Maktab Sabah, Kota Kinabalu

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CONTENT 5
15
PAPER 1 19
Sec. A: Directed Writing (DW) 23
Informal Letter 30
Format Letter 33
Speech/Talk 38
Article 43
Report 48
Module Set A
Module Set B 53
Module Set C 64
Sec. B: Continuous Writing (CW) 125
Tips and Guidelines
Useful vocabulary for CW 144
Sample Essays 162
180
PAPER 2
SET A1
SET A2
SET A3

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PAPER 1 • Section B is the Continuous
Writing.
Paper 1 is the writing paper with 2 sections.
• Section A is the Directed

Writing

Section A: Directed Writing (DW)

In Directed Writing, students will be assessed on the
• Format (the format as required by the question);
• Content (all content points must be utilized to qualify for the full marks)
• and Elaboration (it should be constructive and imaginative).
• The students do not have to write too much but they are to look upon it as a

chance to give their writing an individual flavour.
• As for the Language, this will include language, tone, style, sentence

structures, vocabulary, punctuation, spelling and paragraphing.
• They should read their complete essays properly and make sure their ideas

flow smoothly.
• Students are given very clear instructions in order to complete a writing task.
• They are directed towards their writing in two ways as in they are guided very

clearly as to what they have to write or they are told just as clearly how to

set out the answer.

The types of functional writing students are likely to be asked for in the examination are

- Formal letters;

- Informal letters / Friendly letters;

- Articles;

- Speeches / Talks;

- Reports

• Spend about 45 minutes on this section.

• Read the question carefully and determine the format that they are required to write.

• Take note on all the content and bullet points or stimulus given and utilize all

the contents/bullet points or stimulus in any order as long as the order is

sensible.

• Elaborate on all the content points, by adding some details, giving

reasons, opinions or comments.

• It is suggested that students use the KISS principle – Keep It Simple and Short.

• Include an introduction and conclusion and make sure the paragraphs are

well organized.

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A good candidate will
- display very good linguistic ability
- be able to address the task accurately and clearly.
- have only few grammatical mistakes
- show a flair (stylistic) for the language.
- have precise and varied vocabulary.
- employ varied sentence types and structures to achieve an intended effect.
- make the writing coherent with appropriate use of punctuation and paragraphing.
- be able to use cohesive and logical connectors to link sentences.
- have no problems with the format.
- have well-developed ideas and very appropriate tone and style in the response.
Overall, the reader would be convinced that the response could be a real writing of the
said format.

The language used should be
• very figurative, descriptive and lots of language elements in it

sophisticated
using linkers beautifully
having only a few slips
punctuated with purposeful punctuations
well-structured with varied sentence structures (three types of sentence)
containing dialogues (direct & indirect but not overdo-purposeful)
Active & passive
Perfectly good with basic grammar (SVA, singular-plural, tenses)

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General Reminders

1. Read the question carefully and do EXACTLY what you are asked. If you are asked
to write a letter, do not write an article

2. Make sure your format is correct.
3. You must know your role and who is your audience
4. Include ALL the points given in the question. Remember every point is a mark.

Elaborate on the points given and add relevant details of your own to make it more
interesting.
5. Have an introduction and conclusion
6. Try and write a variety of sentences. Write simple sentences if you are not so
proficient in English. Make sure your sentences are accurate and grammatically
correct.
7. You must write in paragraphs – about 5 – 6 paragraphs
8. Punctuate accurately and purposefully.
9. Use suitable linking words e.g. first, then, next, however, moreover.
10. If your command of the language is good, learn and use impressive vocabulary
(remember the 6 layers of vocabulary) and expressions.
11. Avoid using informal language /slang.
12. Make sure the tone is appropriate. If you are writing a report it should not sound like
a story.
13. You do not have to count every word. An essay about 1 ½ - 2 pages is acceptable
14. Remember to spend only about 45 minutes in this section. Do NOT get carried
away with your essay and neglect Section B.

The most common problems faced by the students in answering this paper are:

1. Students’ incompetence in the English grammar especially the tenses and
subject-verb-agreement (if they write in the present tense).

2. Also, students lack of vocabulary in expressing their thoughts as they do not read
much

3. They failed to utilize all the points given, they also did not use the correct
format as required in the task.

4. Students did not elaborate on the points given, therefore, they lost marks in the
language.
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Recommendations for students
1. Read the instructions/rubric carefully before answering the question – be sure of
the format and the task.
2. Underline the key words or task so that you do not forget to complete the task as
you write the essay.
Use all the content points given in the rubric. Tick the content points you have used
to ensure that all the content points are in.
3. Use appropriate tone: be aware of the audience so that you know whether you
need to be formal or informal in your approach.
4. Use varied structures and precise vocabulary. For average students, do not write
long sentences because the tendency to make mistakes is higher.
5. Improve spelling – use a dictionary when necessary.
6. Do not take punctuation lightly. Punctuation errors can be serious errors.
7. Read widely to improve general knowledge and vocabulary.

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SECTION A: DIRECTED WRITING

1. HOW YOUR LANGUAGE WILL BE MARKED? (SIMPLIFIED MARKING CRITERIA
FOR LANGUAGE)

• ‘Band A’ students will be assessed based on their writing performance on the
following aspects

ASPECT DESCRIPTION
01. Language Error free, maybe a few slips

Accuracy Varied. Simple, compound and complex sentences
02. Sentence
Wide and precise
structures Accurate and helpful to readers
03. Vocabulary Accurate across the full range of vocabulary used
04. Punctuation Well-planned, have unity and are linked
05. Spelling is addressed with consistent relevance.
06. Paragraphs interest of the reader is aroused and sustained
07. Topic throughout writing
08. Interesting Appropriate - tone is according to the task required. If
the question is on writing an informal letter to a friend
09. Tone then the examiner, while reading it, should be
convinced that it could be a real letter to a friend

* HOW WELL YOU DO IN THIS QUESTION WILL DETERMINE YOUR MARKS FOR
CONTINUOUS WRITING

• Your language in this section will be referred to determine if your continuous
writing is original or not.

• Write using the best language you can for this section.

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2. HOW TO READ THE ‘DW’ QUESTION?
• Remember the F.A.C.T.S strategy

FORMAT
AUDIENCE (TONE)
CONTENTS/CARRYING OUT INSTRUCTIONS
TASKS/TENSE
SCENARIO/SITUATION

FORMAT
Frequent format asked in Directed Writing:

Format Aspects of Format

Formal Address of sender, Recipient, Address of Recipient, Date, Salutation,
Letter Title, Closing/Signature

Informal Address of sender, Date, Salutation and Closing/Signature
Letter

Speech/ Greetings, Title of speech/Purpose of Speech, Thanking the
Talk audience

Report To: (Recipient – Post)
From: (The reporter/Source)
Date:
Title: (Subject matter of report)

Article Title:
(Written by: Full name)

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AUDIENCE
• Your audience will tell you what appropriate tone and style to use.

CONTENTS/ CARRYING OUT INSTRUCTIONS
12 points given in the question

• Each content point must be written in separate complete sentence [12 marks]
• To fully secure the 15 marks for contents, read the question carefully and identify

where the 15 marks are for contents. (format 3, content 12)

TASK/TENSE
• Understanding task(s) and deciding tense(s)
• In every piece of writing, there would be a purpose or purposes of writing it.
• You must also decide what tense to use to avoid making tense errors which will
bring down your marks for language.

SCENARIO
• Certain information you cannot change. You have to follow the instruction and

direction given.

3. HOW TO SCORE MARKS FOR LANGUAGE

To score the 20 language marks, your writing needs to be firstly, almost errors-free; and
secondly, impressive.

3.1 Tenses
For example, article, speech, informal letter questions require you to use the present tense
(bold) most of the time, since it presumably occurs in the present time. However, past
tenses (italic) are also used when reference is made towards something which occurred in
the past. Other tenses may also be used whenever appropriate. Reports are usually in
past tense.

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3.2 Vocabulary
You may impress your readers by the use of precise vocabulary/expressions (remember
the types of vocabulary you should use: figurative language, idiomatic expressions,
similes, affixes, synonyms, rhyming pairs etc.)
3.3 Varied Sentence Structures
You may also impress your readers by the intelligent use of simple, compound and
complex sentence structures. All these three types of sentences have their exclusive
structure and are a treat to read when they are used correctly with the right punctuation
marks.
When you are using too many simple or complex or compound sentences in your content,
it can create monotony in the readers’ minds. Hence, the key is to use all these types in
the right density. Use simple sentences at the time of introduction, elaborate it further as
you proceed into your content using complex sentences and provide more stress by using
compound sentences, to make your content a pleasure to read.
“All being said, you have to be able to impress your readers with all these in addition to an
error-free writing. In short, language errors pull down marks.”

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NOW YOU TRY…

Write the format of each essay type stated in each of the boxes below. The first one
is done for you.

Informal Formal Letter
Letter
Sender’s
Greeting address
Dear ............ ,
Date
(Introduction)
How are you?................
Body of letter
(two or more paragraphs)
Conclusion

E
nding
Yours
sincerely,
(signature)

Speech Talk

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Report Article

14

INFORMAL LETTER 1
2
Guidelines
7
1. The following are the format elements of an informal letter. 8

133, Jalan Melor,
Taman Selat,
52000 Kuala Lumpur.

25 April 2012

3 Dear Mei Fong,
I was shocked to receive your letter two days ago.

4 My parents, too are sorry to hear about your brother’s
accident.
Well, how did it happen? You just mentioned that a

5 motorcyclist knocked him down. Was it a hit-run accident?
I hope your brother is now out of hospital and on the road
to recovery. I hope his injuries are just superficial. Anyway,

6 don’t worry. He will be soon up and about.
I am planning to visit you during the weekend. You

can tell me about the accident then.
See you in a few days.

Yours sincerely,
Swee Kee

1. The writer’s address to be on the 5. Body of letter containing all the main
top right-hand corner. points or whatever the writer wishes to
say.
2. The date is written below the 6. Closing remarks.
address.
7. Complimentary close.
3. The salutation/greeting is written
on the left-hand side of the page, 8. Signature.
on line below the date.

4. Opening remarks.

2. When we are writing a letter to a friend or a relative, it is written for specific social
purposes, like to offer congratulations or condolence. At other times, we may write letters
just to keep in touch with old friends, to ask for help or to give advice.

15

3. Most importantly, you have to understand the purpose of your letter. Make sure you
include all the points mentioned in the question.

4. Also, you must write in a style that is suitable for the situation. In the letter of
condolence, for example, you should not use a jovial tone. Note also the relationship
between the sender (writer) and the recipient (reader).
While-reading exercise:- Please identify and indicate the language features used in
the sample essay below:

FORMAT 1 No 2, Block A,
Sender Lorong 2, Jalan Kolam,
Address Universiti Apartment,
Sabah.
Date 24 April 2012

Dear Maya, Sentence

FORMAT 2 Patterns
Salutation/ I received your letter a week ago. It was a lovely surprise Simple
Greeting
to hear from you after such a long time. I know I lost a good Compound
Opening friend when you moved to another town but I understand you Complex
remarks
Proverb/ had no choice as your father had to take up the new posting.
Saying
In your letter you asked me for some advice on what you

should do to become a successful student. If you want to be Content 1
successful, you must set goals because when you fail to

plan, you plan to fail. People who set goals accomplish more

than those who do not. Write these goals on a piece of paper

and put it up on the wall near your study table. This way, you

will be reminded of your goals every day. Moreover, you

must be motivated. When you are motivated you will have a Content 2

strong desire to do well and to achieve your goals. I have put

up some inspiring motivational posters on the walls in my

room. In addition, you must pay attention in class. Listen Content 3

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actively and focus on what the teacher is teaching. If you

have disruptive classmates, sit in front of the classroom,

away from them. Always ask questions if you do not Content 4

understand. Seek clarifications from your teachers or your

Good friends if you are shy to approach the former.
linkers Another important tip to being a successful student is to Content 5

be organised. You can use a planner or notebook to write

down all your assignments when they are given. This way

you will not forget your homework, dates of tests or projects.

Remember, if you are organised, you will be well- prepared

and you will have less stress. You must also complete your Content 6

homework on time. Homework helps reinforce what you

have learnt. It helps you understand and remember the

information your teachers have conveyed in their lessons

because practice makes perfect.

To be a successful student you must prepare well for Content 7

Proverb/ exams. A successful student is one who prepares for exams
Saying well in advance, and not at the eleventh hour. You must have

diverse interests if you want to be an outstanding student.
You should take part in co-curricular activities in order to Content 8

become a well-rounded person. These activities help develop

leadership skills and teamwork besides instilling values like

cooperation and tolerance. Discipline is an important aspect

Good Linkers of our lives. No matter where you go or what you do, you will
be subjected to rules and regulations. Hence, it is crucial Content 9
that you obey the school rules. Besides, you must Content 10

respect everyone. You must respect your parents, your

Good teachers, the school staff and also your friends. You must
Linkers respect other people’s feelings and opinions.

There are also several things you must avoid if you want
to be a successful student. You must avoid wasting time as Content 11
‘Time is Golden’. These days many teenagers spend hours

chatting online on social networks such as Facebook or

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Proverb/ playing computer games. These are a waste of time and will
Saying not benefit you in any way. Remember, ‘Time and tide
wait for no man’. Also, avoid skipping school. Some Content 12
Closing
remarks students feel that school is a waste of time as they can learn

better from their tuition teachers. This is not true. Your

teachers are experienced and well qualified. They are also

experienced examiners and they know how to impart

knowledge effectively

I have to stop here. I hope the above tips will come in handy.
Till I hear from you, take care.

FORMAT 3
Your friend,Closing remarks
Farah Natasya& signature

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FORMAL LETTER
Guidelines
When writing a formal letter, you must pay attention to the format/layout of the letter.
Besides, you must also keep it short and to the point.
Also, make sure your points or ideas are well-presented. Most importantly, pay attention
to the tone and language. A formal letter must be polite.
There is no need to be rude even if you are expressing your unhappiness or
dissatisfaction. Remember, you should not use informal language or contractions in a
letter of this nature.
These days there are several formats available for writing formal letters but we will only
look at the format which is used in Malaysian government departments and taught in the
Malaysian school system.
1. Your address

✓ Your address should appear on the left-hand corner.
2. A horizontal line across the page separates your address from the recipient’s
address.

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3. Address of the person to whom you are writing to
✓ The recipient’s address should be below your address.
✓ The postcode and name of the town should be underlined

4. Date
✓ The date is written on the right along the same line as the last line of the recipient’s
address.
✓ The month should be spelt out (i.e. it should be in words, not numbers). It must be
written in full (do not use abbreviations such as Sept) and in capital letters.

5. Salutation/Greeting
✓ If you know the name of the recipient, then do use his surname (Dear Mr Tan)
✓ If you do not know the name of the person to whom you are writing, then use Dear
Sir or Dear Madam

6. Subject heading
✓ The subject heading gives the reader an idea what the letter is about.
✓ Write the subject heading directly below the salutation and it should be underlined

7. The body of the letter
✓ The body of the letter refers to the contents of your letter.
✓ It should be divided into short and clear paragraphs.
✓ All paragraphs should be numbered except for the first and last paragraphs.
a. In the first paragraph, you should state the reason for writing (whether it is to
inform, to complain, to invite etc).
b. From the second paragraph onwards, you should include information that is deemed
necessary, depending on what you are writing about.
The number of paragraphs depends on what you are writing.
c. In the last paragraph, state what you expect from the recipient. This is usually in the
form of an action or response. It is a common practice to end a formal letter with
phrases such as I look forward to hearing from you or I hope prompt action will be
taken to solve this problem.
A note of thanks is usually included
✓ Remember to organise the information in a clear and logical manner.
✓ Also, do not write lengthy paragraphs.

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8. Ending
✓ You can end the letter by writing “Yours faithfully” or “Yours sincerely”.

9. Signature
✓ Do not forget to sign the letter and write your name below it in capital letters with in
brackets.

PAPER 1 (SPM 1119/1 YEAR 2013)
Section A: Directed Writing
[35 marks]
[ Time suggested: 45 minutes]

You have just returned from a visit to Indah Recreational Park. You find the park in poor
condition. Write a letter of complaint to the Town Council based on the notes you have
made.

• Not enough facilities
- no restaurants

• Rubbish everywhere
- not enough dustbins

• Dirty public toilets
- smelly

• Grass not cut
- snakes

• Information lacking
- so signposts

• Vandalism
- public telephones not working

When writing the letter, you should remember to:
➢ Lay out the letter correctly (addresses, date, salutation, title, closing)
➢ Use all the notes given

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Note:
For your letter, you will receive up to 15 marks for the format and content points, and up to
20 marks for the quality of your writing.

Sample Answer of Formal Letter
Joannes Baptist
46, Lorong Indah,
Taman Indah,
89657 Tambunan,
Sabah

Town Council, 17 JULY 2020
Jalan Pekan,
89657 Tambunan,
Sabah

Dear Sir,

Please Upgrade Indah Recreational Park

I am a resident of Taman Indah and I frequent the Indah Recreational Park with my family.
I am writing this letter of complaint to draw your attention to the poor condition of the park.

02. Indah Recreational Park is lacking in facilities. There are not any restaurants or cafes
at the moment. With the addition of eateries, visitors will have an enjoyable time with
family and friends. Besides the lack of comfortable places for visitors to gather at the park,
there is rubbish everywhere. There are not enough dustbins so the existing dustbins are
overflowing with disgusting rubbish. This makes the surroundings unsightly.

03. The public toilets are dirty and smelly too. No one uses them anymore. There is no
scheduled cleaning or maintenance of the toilet any more. The grass near the public
toilets is not cut regularly so it has grown too long. The fear of snakes lurking among the
grass keeps people away from the toilets too.

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04. The lack of information is also confusing for few visitors as there are no signposts in
the park. Signposts will help visitors find their way around the park or get to the facilities
they require easily. Sadly, one such public facility provided at the park, the public
telephones, are not working. This is because vandals have destroyed them.

O5. It saddens me to see my neighbourhood park deteriorate. I appeal to you to upgrade
Indah Recreational Park. Please clean it up and improve its facilities to help bring it back
to its former glory.

Thank you.

Yours faithfully,

………………………………
(JOANNES BAPTIST)

SPEECH/TALK

Speech and talk have the same format.

Similar to the other genres of writing, the marking scheme is as follows:

Format = 3 marks

Content = 12 marks

Language = 20 marks

1. Content
To fully secure the 15 marks for contents, read the question carefully and identify where
the 3 marks for format and 12 marks for contents. Below are a sample question and how
the marks for content are allocated.

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2. Organisation

Speeches, in general, must be organised as such:

Introduction Greet your listeners and state the topic or purpose of your talk

clearly

E.g. A very good morning to our beloved principal,
…………………….,

senior assistants, teachers and friends. On this glorious

morning,

I, ................................, am going to give a talk
on…………………

Sequence of Suggested points must be arranged in a logical order and

Ideas sequenced using linkers
E.g. Firstly, we should…………. Secondly, the............ Finally, …

Besides, you must be motivated. When you are………….
In addition, you must …………….

Conclusion Refer again to the purpose of your talk and thank the audience for

their attention

E.g. I hope you have found my talk helpful. Thank you for listening
attentively.

3. Language
To score the 20 language marks, your writing needs to be firstly, almost errors-free; and
secondly, impressive.

3.1 Tenses
For example, this question requires you to use the present tense (bold) most of the time,
since it presumably occurs in the present time. However, past tenses (italic) are also used
when reference is made towards something which occurred in the past. Other tenses may
also be used whenever appropriate.

24

3.2 Vocabulary
You may impress your readers by the use of precise vocabulary/expressions.
For example:
- the use of proverbs/idioms “where there is a will, there is a way”
-the use of figurative language “You must drop the don’t-care attitude”
- the use of simile “as white as snow”, “like a candle in the dark”, “like father like son”
- the use of synonyms… “important – vital, essential, significant, crucial, salient”
-the use of affixes…prefix – important vs Unimportant, significant vs INsignificant, agree
vs DISagree…
Suffix …friend – friendLY, manage – management, danger – dangerous, beauty-
beautiFUL
-the use rhyming pairs e.g.: I will love you through thick and thin, to get away from the
hustle and bustle of the city

3.3 Varied Sentence Structures
You may also impress your readers by the use of compound and complex sentence
structures.

TIPS AND GUIDELINES

• Read the question carefully. Identify your task, your role and your audience.
• Use the 45 minutes allocated for this question wisely.
• Plan your essay and organize your thoughts (this includes what to write and how to

elaborate on points)
• Include an introduction and a conclusion and make sure your paragraphs are well

organized.
• Use all content points given. It is advisable to cross out the points you have used, so

that no point is left out.
• Include points of your own only if you are asked to. Otherwise, do not waste precious

time doing so because you will not get any extra marks.
• Elaborate on the points given. Write 2-3 sentences to elaborate on each point.

Remember a crucial aspect of this paper is language and your ability to write can only
be tested if you provide sufficient language for the examiner to gauge your linguistic
ability.

25

• Use a variety of sentence structures so that your essay is not dull and monotonous.
• Always read through what you have written. Correct grammatical, spelling and

punctuation errors before handing in your script.

PAPER 1 (SPM 1119/1 YEAR 2016)
Section A: Directed Writing
[35 marks]
[ Time suggested: 45 minutes]

Your teacher is organising a study trip. She has suggested either a visit to a television
factory or a trip to a tea plantation. Using the information in the table below, write a talk to
persuade your classmates to choose one of the two trips.
In your talk, you should:

• describe all the details of the two trips (C1 – C10)
• state which trip you think is more suitable (C11)
• suggest one thing students will learn from the trip (C12)

How far? DM Television Factory SL Tea Plantation
How long? 2 kilometres 250 kilometres
Where to stay? One day Two days and one night
How much? Not needed Hotel
Transport? No cost RM100
No School bus

When writng the talk, you must:
• use an appropriate greeting (F1)
• state the purpose of the talk (F2)
• use all the notes given (C1 – C10)
• give your own ideas when needed (C11 & C12)
• use an appropriate closing (F3)

Note:
For your talk, you will receive up to 15 marks for the format and content points, and up to
20 marks for the quality of your writing.

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Task 1 Information
Aspect Format 1 = Greeting (Good morning ........ )
Format 2 = Purpose (. ..... to persuade my classmates to
Format
choose one of the two trips)
Audience Format 3 = Ending (Thank you)
Content(s) Teacher and classmates

Task • Given = 10 points
Situation • Added = 2 points (C11: which trip you think is more

suitable and C12: suggest one thing students will
learn from the trip)
Write a talk to persuade your classmates to choose one of
the two trips.
Your teacher is organising a study trip. She has suggested
either a visit to a television factory or a trip to a tea
plantation.

Task 2: Now You Try …

Essay guide

Opening

• A very good……. } Almost taken
• Our teacher, ................... } from the rubric of
• She has suggested ..................... } the question

• So, the purpose of my talk is persuading .............}

Body

• For your information the distance of DM Television Factory is ...........c1 .......... while
SL Tea Plantation is .......c6.......

• The television factory trip ........c2....... and therefore we ........c3......

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• However, the tea plantation will ..........c7....... and we .......c8........
• The DM Television Factory trip will ......c4.......and we will not .......c5.....
• Meanwhile the trip to SL Tea Plantation and will cost .......c9 .....and

will need .........c10 .......to take us there.
• Although the SL Tea Plantation .................. than the DM Television Factory and it

will cost us more, I feel we should visit .........c11..............instead of ..................
• I believe we can learn more ........................
• Furthermore, we can visit ......................... at any time and even on our own.
• If we visit the ...........c12......... we can learn the origin and history of ........
• We can also witness first-hand the daily operation of a working ....... farm and

manufacturing plant.
• In addition, we will learn how the leaves are ............ and processed into .........Does

it sound interesting that we will learn a lot if we visit .....................
Conclusion
• In conclusion, I would like to suggest that we will visit the.................as we can learn

a lot there. Also, we can visitat any time and even by ourselves.
• With this I shall end my talk. Thank you for listening

28

Suggested answer:

A very good morning to all my fellow classmates. Our teacher, Puan F1
Hayati has organised a study trip. She has suggested us to choose either to
visit the DM Television Factory or SL Tea Plantation. So, the purpose of my
talk is persuading my classmates to choose one of the two trips.

For your information the distance of DM Television Factory is only 2 F2
kilometers while SL Tea Plantation is 250 kilometers away. The television
factory trip will only take a day and therefore we do not need to stay at a
hotel. However, the tea plantation will take us two days and one night and we
need to stay at a hotel.
The DM Television Factory trip will not cost us anything and we will not
even need to hire transportation to get there. Meanwhile the trip to SL Tea
Plantation will cost us RM100 and we will need to charter a school bus to
take us there.
Although the SL Tea Plantation is further than the DM Television Factory and it
will cost us more, I feel we should visit the tea plantation instead of the
television factory. I believe we can learn more at the tea plantation.
Furthermore, we can visit the television factory at any time and even on our
own. If we visit the tea plantation, we can learn the origin and history of
tea. We can also witness first-hand the daily operation of a working tea
farm and manufacturing plant. In addition, we will learn how the leaves are
harvested and processed into tea. Does it sound interesting that we will
learn a lot if we visit SL Tea Plantation.

In conclusion, I would like to suggest that we will visit the SL Tea
Plantation as we can learn a lot there. Also, we can visit DM Television Factory
at any time and even by ourselves.

With this I shall end my talk. Thank you for listening.

29

ARTICLE

Marking Scheme:

Contents (Format, Given notes, elaborations) = 15 marks

Language = 20 marks

To fully secure the 15 marks for contents, read the question carefully and identify

where the 15 marks are for contents. Below are a sample question and a sample

answer. Follow the arrows.

PAPER 1 (SPM 1119/1 YEAR 2019)
You took part in a ‘Go Green’ day in your local area. The aim was to help people learn
about the environment. You have decided to write an article about the ‘Go Green’ day for
your school magazine.

30

Use the notes below to write your article.

Information about the ‘Go Green’ day:
• Where it was
• When it was
• Who organised it
• Who was involved

Topics:
• Protecting animals
• Learning about plants
• Dealing with rubbish

‘Go Green’ day activities:
(give details for each activity)

• Talk by expert
• Making a garden
• Recycling
• [give one more activity]

Conclusion:
• Your best memory of the ‘Go Green’ day
• Why you think students should go to the ‘Go Green’ day next year

When writing the article, you must:
• use the appropriate format (provide a title and give your name as the writer)
• develop all the points given
• give your own ideas when needed

Note:
For your article, you will receive up to 15 marks for the format and content points, and up
to 20 marks for the quality of your writing.

31

Title: ‘Go Green’ Day
By: David Archie

It is alarming to see the world around us slowly die. Almost every day, social media
and newspapers warn us about the environmental crisis and urge us to take immediate
action. Nature cannot protect itself. The duty falls to us. If we all join forces, we could
surely make a difference.

As a small effort to help the Earth, SM St. Martin Secondary School organised ‘Go
Green’ day. A day meant to celebrate nature and cherish its beauty. It was held on 21
July 2019 and took place at Pisompuruan Square, Tambunan. I was amazed to see about
30 students from 4 different schools, 12 teachers and even a few parents at the event.

The main objective of this event was to shed some light on a few environmental
topics. We were exposed to ways to protect animals, especially the endangered ones,
learnt about plants and their various roles in the cycle of nature, and we were taught the
proper way to deal with rubbish. By taking part in this event, we increased our knowledge
of nature.

After the opening speech, the event began at about eight in the morning. Firstly,
there was a talk by an expert, Dr. Matthew. Dr. Matthew passionately explained to us
about the current issues faced by nature such as the use of plastic. After being inspired by
his talk, we proceeded to learn about recycling. We then collected rubbish in the park and
sorted them according to their material.

With bags of trash ready to be sent for recycling, it was then time for the most fun
activity; making a garden. At the park, everyone pitched in and planted their favourite
plants. I planted a few Hibiscus plants for a little pop of colour. After washing the dirt from
our hands, we enjoyed ourselves in a poster drawing competition. As the day drew to a
close, we ended the event by framing the posters.

To wrap this up, I would say my best memory from the ‘Go Green’ day was making
new friends who all love nature and want to prolong its lifespan. I hope more students will
participate in this event next year as it is great fun and educational. This world is a
beautiful one. Let us all fight to protect it!

32

REPORT
• Read the question carefully. Identify your task, your role and your audience.
• Use the 45 minutes allocated for this question wisely.
• Plan your essay and organize your thoughts (this includes what to write and how to

elaborate on points)
• Include an introduction and a conclusion and make sure your paragraphs are well

organized.
• Use all content points given. It is advisable to cross out the points you have used, so

that no point is left out.
• Include points of your own only if you are asked to. Otherwise, do not waste precious

time doing so because you will not get any extra marks.
• Elaborate on the points given. Write 2-3 sentences to elaborate on each point.

Remember a crucial aspect of this paper is language and your ability to write can only
be tested if you provide sufficient language for the examiner to gauge your linguistic
ability.
• Use a variety of sentence structures so that your essay is not dull and monotonous.
• Always read through what you have written. Correct grammatical, spelling and
punctuation errors before handing in your script.

33

PAPER 1 (SPM 1119/1 YEAR 2018)
Section A: Directed Writing
[35 marks]
[ Time suggested: 45 minutes]

During the last school holidays, your school hosted a week-long visit for international
students. As one of the students involved in organising the visit, you have been asked to
write a report to the Teacher Advisor.

In your report, include the following:

• International students • Activities
✓ number - cooking lesson
✓ nationality - traditional games
✓ age group - [give one more activity]

• Reasons for the visit • Opinions from international
✓ good for international relations students
✓ [give one more reason] - beautiful beaches
- [give one more opinion]
• Accommodation
✓ where? • Future international student visits
✓ [give one recommendation]

When writing the report, you must:

• use an appropriate format ( write to the Teacher Advisor, provide a title and give
your name as the writer)

• develop all the notes given
• give your own ideas when needed

Note:
For your talk, you will receive up to 15 marks for the format and content points, and up to
20 marks for the quality of your writing.

34

Task 1 Information
Aspect
Format 1 = To the Teacher Advisor
Format
Format 2 = provide a title
Audience
Content(s) Format 3 = give your name as the writer
Task
Situation Teacher Advisor

• Given = 8 points
• Added = 4 points
Write a report of a week-long visit by the international
students to the Teacher Advisor.
During the last school holidays, your school hosted a week-
long visit for international students. You are one of the
students who involved in organising the visit.

Suggested answers F1
To : Madam Pavithra Sugu, Teacher Advisor

Date : 14 November 2018

Report about the week-long visit for international students F2

During the last school holidays, SMK Maju Jaya, Kota Kinabalu C1, C2,
hosted a week-long visit for the international students. A total of 25 C3
students of British nationality within the age group of 14 to 17
years old participated in this visit.

The visit was held as it was good for the international C4
relations in particular between England and Malaysia. Besides, this C5
visit provided an opportunity for foreigners to understand more C6
about the culture of Malaysia’s multi-ethnic society. The
accommodation for the international students was at the Beethoven
Hotel, Kota Kinabalu.

Throughout the course of the visit, the international students

35

attended cooking lesson carried out by the members of our school’s C7
Living Skills Club. They had learned on how to cook a few Sabah
traditional dishes like ‘Hinava’, ‘Kelupis’ and ‘Pinasakan’. Several C8
members of our school’s traditional games club also taught the C9
international students various traditional games such as ‘arm
wrestling’, ‘blowpipe shooting’ and ‘top spinning’. Our students also
took them for a sight-tour to observe popular landmarks in the heart
of Kota Kinabalu at Signal Hill Observatory Platform, Atkinson Clock
Tower, Petagas War Memorial and finally they visited the Monsopiad
Cultural Village, Penampang.

Feedback from the group of international was very positive.
Many felt that our state had beautiful white sandy beaches such as C10
Manukan Island which offered the world’s best diving options. The

majority of them also expressed their amazement at the variety of C11
our local exquisite cuisine.

Based on this visit, I recommend that we explain our
country’s rich historical background during future international C12
student visits. I hope visits like this can be hosted more regularly to

allow our students to be exposed to numerous different nationalities.

Reported by,

CLARYSSA ANDREA CHARLES

Secretary of the Organising Committee

CRITERIA MARKS
Format 3
12
Content(s) 20
Language 35

TOTAL

36

Comment(s): ✓ Answer all questions.
Language is entirely

accurate apart from

occasional first draft slips
✓ Sentence structure is varied
✓ Vocabulary is used with precision
✓ Whole piece are well-organised
✓ Style and tone are appropriate

Tasks for students: In all the sample answers given above,

a) Identify the good expressions. e) Identify 5 compound sentences

b) Identify the good vocabulary. f) Identify 5 complex sentences.

c) List 5 simple sentences.

d) List 5 compound sentences.

37

MODULE SET A DW Questions

Practice 1: INFORMAL LETTER

Section A: Directed Writing
[35 marks]

[Time suggested: 45 minutes]

Your younger sister, who is studying in a boarding school, has written to complain
that she finds the compulsory co-curricular activities very tiring. Write a letter to her
to explain the benefits of co-curricular activities.
Use the notes given below to write your letter.

• [Give examples of co-curricular activities that are beneficial]
• help you become a better person
• instil discipline
• learn good values

- Value 1 [Give your own idea]
- Value 2 [Give your own idea]
• develop leadership skills
• learn to organise activities
• provide opportunities - to develop social skills
• to take part in competitions
• keep you healthy
• get a good testimonial [Give your own idea of how co-curricular
activities help you in your future application]

When writing your letter, remember to:
Include your address
• Give a proper salutation/greeting
• Provide a complimentary close
• Use all the notes given above
• Give your own ideas when needed Note:
For your letter, you will receive up to 15 marks for the format and content points and up to
20 marks for the quality of your writing.

38

Practice 2: FORMAL LETTER

Section A: Directed Writing
[35 marks]

[Time suggested: 45 minutes]
You are the Secretary of the Residents’ Association in your housing estate. Write a letter
to the director of the local municipal council to complain about the problems you and the
other residents are facing.
In your letter, include the details below:

■ rubbish not collected
• causes terrible stench
• stray cats and dogs scatter rubbish

■ clogged drains
• breeding ground for mosquitoes
• increase in cases of dengue fever

■ street lights not working
• consequence 1 [give your own idea]
• consequence 2 [give your own idea]

■ playground not well- maintained
• evidence 1 [give your own idea]
• evidence 2 [give your own idea]

When writing the letter, you must remember to:
➢ set out the correct format
➢ address the letter to the director of the local municipal council
➢ include all the points given
➢ give your own ideas when needed
Note:
For your letter, you will receive up to 15 marks for the format and content points and up to
20 marks for the quality of your writing.

39

Practice 3: ARTICLE

Section A: Directed Writing

[35 marks]

[Time suggested: 45 minutes]

You school has recently organized a fundraising carnival with the help of the Parent-
Teacher Association. You have decided to write an article about the event for your school
magazine.

Use the notes below to write your article:
Information about the carnival:
• When it was held
• Where it was held
• Who organised it
• Who can come
Objectives of the carnival:
• Buy reading materials
• Upgrade library
• Fund reading programmes
Activities:
[give details for each activity]
• Stalls
• Talk
• Second-hand book sale
• [give one more activity]
Response:
• How much was raised
• How visitors felt
____________________________________________________________

✓ When writing the article, you must:
✓ Use the appropriate format (provide a title and give your name as the writer)
✓ Develop all the points given
✓ Give your own ideas when needed
✓ Note: For your article, you will receive up to 15 marks for the format and

content points, and up to 20 marks for the quality of your writing

40

Practice 4: REPORT
Section A: Directed Writing
[35 marks]
[Time suggested: 45 minutes]

Your school had recently organised the English in Camp. As the secretary of the
English Language Society of your school, you have been asked to write a report to
your Principal on the aims of the camp, activities carried out and the success of the
programme.
Use the following points to write your report.

When writing the report, you must remember to:
➢ address your report to the principal
➢ provide a title
➢ include all the notes given
➢ give your own ideas when needed
➢ include your name as the writer
Note:
For your report, you will receive up to 15 marks for the format and content
points and up to 20 marks for the quality of your writing.

41

Practice 5: SPEECH/TALK

You have attended the National Health state level seminar and your teacher has
asked you to share the information that you have obtained on ways to create
awareness among the students about the negative effects of social media with the
rest of the school during the Health Awareness Week.

In your talk, include the following:
Emotional effects
• increase level of depression and anxiety
• low self-esteem – unable to make decisions

Health effects
• fatigue – addicted online games
• poor sleeping quality – lead to a drop productivity
• [add other effect]

Social life effects
• Cyberbullying - attacks - betray - embarrass online
• fear of missing out (FOMO) - any experience others have
• [add other effect]

Ways to curb social media addiction:
• stay off any communication
• turn off your notification
• never sharing personal information
• [add other way]
•
When writing the talk, you must:
• use appropriate greeting
• state the purpose of the talk
• use appropriate ending
• develop all the points given
• give your own ideas when needed

42

MODULE SET B DW Questions

Answer all questions.
Practice 1: INFORMAL LETTER
Your cousin who has just finished his/her SPM examination is going for a job interview and
he/she is worried about it. He/she has asked for your advice. Using the information below,
write a letter to him/her and suggest how to prepare for a job interview.

In your letter, include the following:
• mention the job

➢ Preparation before the interview
• information about the company (give one information)
• prepare resume
• bring relevant documents

- suggest document one
- suggest document two
• goggle for directions to reach the place

➢ On the day of the interview
- appropriate attire
- be on time
- right state of mind

➢ During the interview
- greet the interviewer
- answer all the questions confidently
- ask if you are unsure

When writing the letter, you must remember to:
• lay out your letter correctly (address, salutation, closing)
• develop all the points given
• give your own ideas when needed
(Adapted from SPM Trial English Language Perak 2019)

43

Practice 2: FORMAL LETTER
The area you live in has a serious problem with traffic congestion due to housing
development. On behalf of the residents in your housing area, you have decided to write a
letter of complaint to the authorities to complain about this matter.

In your letter, include the following notes:
Causes:
• narrow roads
• new housing developments
• transport materials

Effects:
• terrible congestions
- peak hours
• rising number of accidents
- bottleneck road
• dirty neighbourhood
- muddy tyre tracks

Ways to overcome:
• build separate access road
• [ suggest one more idea]
• [ suggest one more idea]
•

When writing the letter, you must remember to:
• lay out your letter correctly (addresses, date, salutation, title, closing)
• state the purpose of the letter
• use all the notes given
• suggest two other ways to overcome the problem

44

Practice 3: ARTICLE

In conjunction with Science and Technology Week organised by your school, you have
been asked to write an article for the school bulletin on how technology affects our lives.
In your article, you should:

• develop all the points given
• state one disadvantage of technology
• suggest one way to solve the problem

Communication
• Cheaper
• Stay connected
• Save time

Transportation
• Comfortable
• Convenient
• [give one more idea]

Education
• Unlimited information
• Learning devices

Lifestyle
• Make life easier
• Entertainment
• [give one more idea]

When writing the article, you must:
• Use the appropriate format (provide a title and give your name as the writer)
• Develop all the points given
• Give your own ideas when needed

Note: For your article, you will receive up to 15 marks for the format and content points,
and up to 20 marks for the quality of your writing

45

Practice 4: REPORT

Section A: Directed Writing

[35 marks]

[Time suggested: 45 minutes]

The English Language Club organized a trip to Pulau Manukan. A few teachers
accompanied the students for the trip
As Secretary of the club, write a report to the Club Advisor. In your report, include
the following:

Details of the trip:

• Date and duration of the trip
• Number of students and teachers who joined
• Transport and accommodation

Objectives:

• Rest and relax after SPM
• (give your own idea)
Activities:
Day 1

• Watch sunset

Day 2

• Snorkelling trip
• Trekking
• (give your own idea)

Day 3

• Free and easy
• Try the local food

Feeling about the trip:

(give your own idea)
When writing the report, you must:

• Use the appropriate format (write to the Club Advisor, provide a title and give your
name as the writer)

• Develop all the points given
• Give your own ideas when needed

Note: For your report, you will receive up to 15 marks for the format and content points, and up to 20 marks
for the quality of your writing

46

Practice 5: SPEECH/ TALK
You are a member of the English Club of your school. You have attended a talk on how to
write well. Your teacher-adviser asks you to share the information with the other club
members.

Use the notes below to write your talk.

• plan before you write
• points clear – easy to understand
• contents flow smoothly
• take note – write accordingly
• use suitable language
• do not bore audience
• don’t copy other people’s work – plagiarising
• can use other people’s work – need acknowledge
• finish –check – errors – language – sentence structure
• ask someone read – comment
• [ add another one way]
• [ add another one way]

When writing your talk, you must remember to:

• greet your audience
• mention the purpose of the talk
• add another two ways on how to write well
• end your talk appropriately
• include all the points given

47

MODULE SET C DW Questions

Answer all questions.

Practice 1: INFORMAL LETTER
Your friend from Australia has heard about Visit Malaysia Year 2020 Campaign and
mentioned his/her plan to visit Malaysia in his/her previous letter. Write a letter giving
him/her important information about your country.
In your letter include the following:

• weather
- hot and humid

• suitable clothing
• language spoken

- [ Language 1]
- [Language 2]
• Food paradise
• Cultural activities
• Places of interest
• Popular festivals
- [Festival 1]
- [Festival 2]
• Accommodation
- Homestay
- Hotel
• Describe the people of Malaysia
When writing the letter, you must remember to:
• lay out your letter correctly (address, salutation, closing)
• develop all the points given
• give your own ideas when needed

(Adapted from SPM Trial English Language MPSM Kelantan 2019)

48

Practice 2: FORMAL LETTER

Your society would like to organise a ‘Love Thy Friends’ Day’ in the school. Write a letter
to your principal about the event you have planned and ask for permission to carry out the
event.

In your letter, include the following:
❖ When is the event will be held?
❖ reasons for the event
- appreciate friends
- [give another one reason]
❖ opening ceremony
- performance
❖ what activities are organised
- class open house
- exchange gifts
- [give one more activity]
❖ what competitions are planned
- Make ‘Forgive and Forget’ cards
- [ give one more idea]
❖ what prizes for the winners
❖ who are the sponsors

When writing the letter, you must remember to:
• lay out your letter correctly (addresses, date, salutation, title, closing)
• ask for permission
• develop all the points given
• give your own ideas when needed
• remember that your letter is to your principal

(Adapted from SPM Trial English Language Kedah 2018)

49