bengkel f5june
TRANSCRIPT
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Directed Writing
PAPER 1 of SPM English is largely a test of students writing skills.
It consists of two sections:
1. Directed Writing - 35 marks
2. Continuous Writing - 50 marks
Total 85 marks
Directed Writing - is directed or guided as points are provided.
Typical questions include:
a speech / talk,
a report,
an article
a letter - formal or informal
Allotment of marks:
Content - 15 marks
( including format )
Language - 20 marks
Total 35 marks
*** You can easily get the marks for content if you include all the
content points provided.
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ANALYSIS OF THE SPMPASTYEAR QUESTIONS
ENGLISH 1119
Year Text Type Purpose1997 Article To inform students about the nature club and to
persuade them to join in.
1998 Letter ( formal ) To request permission to visit a factory.
1999 Report To inform the principal about the poor
conditions and services of the library.
2000 Letter ( informal ) To inform your mother about your choice of
present for your brother and persuade her to
lend you money.
2001 Article To inform students on ways of coping withstress.
2002 Speech To inform students about road safety causes
of road accidents and suggestions to reduce
them.
2003 Letter ( formal ) To inform the class teacher about the choice of
class trip.
2004 Report To inform the school principal about the
conditions of the school canteen.
2005 Letter ( informal ) To inform a friend about a holiday camp.
2006 Letter ( informal ) To convince a friend to run for the post of Head
Prefect.
2007 Talk / Speech To inform the students about a reference book
useful for secondary students.
2008 Article To write for school magazine about the best
group leader in leadership camp.
2009 Report To inform the principal about a survey on
reasons why students lack of interest in sports
and how to overcome the problem.
2010 Letter ( Informal ) To tell a cousin about the benefit of NationalService Program and to encourage her to go.
2011 ? ???
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General Guidelines for Directed Writing
y Always read the question carefully and highlight what you are required to
do. Analyse the question by underlining the keywords in the question.
y Use the 45 minutes wisely:
10 minutes to plan your essay and organize your
thoughts (this includes what to write, how to elaborate
points, etc).
30 minutes to write.
5 minutes to edit.
y Remember to use all the content points.
It is advisable to cross out the points you have used so that no point is left
out. Good students have been known to make this mistake.
y Include your own pointsONLY IF you are asked to do so. Otherwise,
do not waste time doing this because you will not get extra marks.
y Do provide relevant details orelaborate the points given even if you
are not asked to do so.
( 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. Therefore, elaborate your points.)
y Vary your sentence structures so that your essay is not dull and
monotonous.
y Make sure you write an introduction and a conclusion.
y Do read through your written piece and rectify grammatical, spelling and
punctuation errors.
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y Use the correct format and tenses.
y Use suitable tone and style appropriately.
y Add in suitable and varied vocabulary and effective expressions
to make your essay interesting that can merit higher marks.
y Write a well organised essay of at least one full page of your test
pad.
Pitfalls to avoid
Do not spend more than 45 minutes on this question.
Remember the content points have been provided. All you have to do is
use these points and elaborate on them. Some linguistically competent
students make the mistake of spending too much time on this question and
end up having less time for Continuous Writing, which carries more marks.
Do not use slang words, contractions and informal language.
Do not write one paragraph for each point. If you do, your essay is going
to be lengthy. Combine the points given whenever possible.
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SPEECH
General guidelines to remember when writing a
speech.
Remember to:
Greet your audience.
State the purpose of your speech/talk.
Use the points given in a systematic manner use transition markers to enable
your audience to follow the flow of your thoughts.
Elaborate your points with examples or illustrations.
Conclude your speech by thanking your audience.
Maintain a formal, yet pleasant, tone.
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Talks/Speeches
You are the president of your schools Nature Club. You have been asked to give
a speech to the students in your school to inform them about the Nature Club and
to persuade them to join it. Write out your speech using the following points:
Membership
Open to all students from Form One to Five.
An approved co-curricular activity.
Aims
To promote interest and knowledge about wildlife, forests and the environment among
students.
To encourage students to protect the fauna and flora. To provide opportunities for students to acquire values and skills needed to protect and
improve the natural environment.
Activities
Trekking
Rock climbing
Photography
Tree-planting
Facilities provided
Tents, sleeping bags and other equipment required for trekking purposes.
Digital cameras.
Write out the speech you would give. Remember to:
Address the audience.
Introduce the topic of your speech. Use all the notes given.
End the talk appropriately.
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Before you start writing, ask yourself these questions:
What am I required to do?
What is my role?
Who is my audience?
How many points have been provided? Do I need to include other points?
Analysis of the question
y write a speech
y You are the president of the schools Nature Club
y and the other students in school are your audience.y A total of 11 points have been provided (in bullet form in the sample
question given) and
y the 12th point is embedded in the stimulus, i.e., you have to persuade
the other students to join the Nature Club.
The marks for format are given for addressing your audience, introducing the
topic of your talk and ending appropriately. You are reminded to do all three in
the stimulus.
** Address the
audience
** Introduce the
topic of your speech
A very good morning to our beloved principal, teachers and
friends. As the president of the Nature Club, I stand here today to
inform you about the Nature Club with the hope that more of youwill join this club in its mission to create awareness about the need
to protect our environment.For your information, anyone can join the Nature Club as
membership is open to all students from Form 1 to Form 5. As of
this year, it is an approved co-curricular activity. This means that
your participation in the Nature Club will be duly recognized by theschool authorities.The Nature Club aims to promote interest and knowledge about
wildlife, forests and the environment among students besidesencouraging them to protect flora and fauna. The club also aspires
to provide opportunities for students to acquire values and skills
needed to protect and improve the natural environment . Do notworry if you have no experience whatsoever. The Nature Club, with
Point 1
Point 2
Point 3
Point 4
Point 5
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Give appropriateending.
guidance from the Malaysian Nature Society, will offer youopportunities to learn and to develop the skills required. It is our
mission to help the uninitiated learn how to care for nature in a funand enjoyable manner.
Among the activities we have carried out this year are jungle
trekking and rock climbing. You do not have to worry if you think youare physically unfit because we will provide the necessary training
before embarking on any such expedition. I can assure you that once
you try these activities, you will become enthusiastic about them.
This semester, we hope to go to the jungles of Endau-Rompin tostudy the array of wildlife and plant life there. Members will be
introduced to the art of photographing nature. Another interestingprogramme we have promised to undertake is tree planting. As you
are well aware, trees are crucial to the environment they areneeded to restore oxygen while utilizing carbon dioxide. We have
got a local nursery to donate fifty saplings of the neem tree for
us to plant in various places, including our school compound.Friends, let me dispel your fears. Becoming a member of the
Nature Club is inexpensive. We provide many facilities for our
members such as tents sleeping bags and other equipment
required for trekking purposes. Currently, we have in our
possession five digital cameras, which are loaned to members
during photography sessions. We hope to acquire more cameras asour club membership grows. You can show your love and concern for
Mother Nature by becoming a member of this club. You will not
regret joining the Nature Club because the skills, values andexperiences you gain will be for life. So, do not hesitate and sign up
today. We will open a special counter at the canteen during recessand after school.
My fellow students, it is our duty and moral obligation to
maintain and preserve nature just as nature has sustained us
over the centuries. Join us and explore unknown areas you might
never have the chance to otherwise. Before I end, let me remindyou not to let this golden opportunity out of your grasp. Thank you.
Point 6
Point 7
Point 8
Point 9
Point 10
Point 11
Point 12[Persuadesstudents
to join]
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SAMPLE 2
Question:
Your school has decided tolaunch a Say No to Smoking campaign toraise awareness among
students of the need to stop the bad habit ofsmoking. As a representative ofEnglish Club for
the public speaking competition, you have to prepare a speechon the topic.
Below are some ofthe notes you have made:
Reasons
y Peer pressure
y Look trendy orglamorous
Dangers
y Cause life threatening diseases
y Affect the health ofthe non smokers
Prevention
y Never try smokingy Prohibit the sale oftobacco products to teenagers
Write out a speech that you would give. When writingout what you plan to say, you should
remember to:
- Address the audience
- Introduce the topic ofthe talk
- Use all the notes above
- Elaborate on all the notes given
- End the talk appropriately
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MARKING SCHEME
DIRECTED WRITING SPEECH
Format - 3 marksContent - 12 marks
Language - 20 marks
Total - 35 marks
A. Format
F1
F2F3
Greet the audience
Introduce the topicThank the audience
3 marks
1 m
1 m1 m
B. Content
C1
C2
C3
C4
C5
C6E1
E2
E3
E4
E5
E6
Peer pressure
Look trendy and glamorous
Cause life-threatening diseases
Affect the health ofthe non-smokers
Never try smoking
Prohibit the sale oftobacco products to teenagersElaborationofC1
ElaborationofC2
ElaborationofC3
ElaborationofC4
ElaborationofC5
ElaborationofC6
12 marks
1 m
1 m
1 m
1 m
1 m
1 m1 m
1 m
1 m
1 m
1 m
1 m
C. Language y Refer to the Criteria for markingLanguage 20 marks
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SAMPLE ANSWER
GOOD
Good morning to the PrincipalofMethodist Girls Secondary School,Pn Sofiah, panel judges,teachers and friends. First ofall I would like say a word ofthanks forgiving me the opportunity
togive speech on Say No to Smoking today. I think most ofus are aware that the numberof
smokers inour country are increasing as the day goes by. More and more people are takingup
smoking at their early age and it has since become a habit. This situation should be solved
before it is toolate as we often heard that there is nouse tryingover spilt milk.
Interviews have been done allover the world with smokers, and the results show that
most ofthe teenagers take up smoking due to peer pressure especially from friends. Teenagers
oftenfeel inferiororlackofconfidence ofthemselves when they donot join the populargang
at the school even though they realized that what their friends are doing is wrong. To them,
they think that if they cant beat them, they join them, which is a really big mistake. Besides
peer pressure, teenagers feelglamorous or trendy among theirfriends. Most ofthem feel that
by smoking they willlook more matured.
However in some cases, the pressure ofa broken home leads them to smoke so that
they could release their stress. Stress from exam and school work also contribute to the
increasing number of smokers each year. However this is not an excuse to take smoking
because it is not only endanger the smokers but also their surrounding people. Smoking can
cause life-threatening diseases such as bronchitis,lung cancer and many more. It is also proventhat family members or surrounding people of the smokers have a higher chance ofgetting
those diseases. This is due to the structure ofa cigarette. The end which have a built infilter to
filter smoke that is taken in by smokers. On the end ofthe cigarette, smoke is released without
beingfiltered which give the surrounding people a higherriskof infecting the disease than the
smokers themselves. Therefore it is always a wise thing tokeep away and say no to smoking.
Never ever try smoking as it is a kind of addiction. Once you are in it, you cannever
break the bond unless you have a high determination and discipline. Government should also
prohibit the sale oftobacco products to teenagers by enforcing strict law forunderage smokers.
Smoking does not bring any advantage and through smoking,one willunknowingly be lead to
drugs taking as well. By then, an even serious condition willoccur.
Therefore, in conclusion you should never attempt to try smoking. Keep away from the
conditionor situation that can cause temptation to you. Always remember a healthy life leads
to a happy life. Say No To Smoking. Thank you.
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Format: 3
Content: 12
Language: B Band
SAMPLE ANSWER
AVERAGE
A very good morning to all the honourable judges, guest of honour, ladies and
gentlemen and all my friends. I feel very proud to be given such opportunity torepresent the
English Club ofmy school to take part in this public speaking competition. The topic I am going
to talk about today is on smoking. Why do people smoke? I am sure that people who smoke
would definitely have theirownreason.
Nowadays, people who indulge in the smoking activities are mostly teenagers. In my
opinion,one reason they smoke is torelease tension and stress which they face in schoolor at
home with their parents and sibling. Maybe they cannot cope with all the pile ofhomework
teachergave in schoolor they cannot catch up with the lesson teacher thought in school. When
they were home, they have tolisten to all the parents order without complainingor they have
tolerate with their sibling in anything.
Besides that, some teenagers smoke because ofthe influence by theirfriends. They feel
that someone look trendy orglamorous when someone smokes. They donot know that they
will get addicted to cigarette. Some teenagers try on smoking because their parents do not
botheror even care about them. Teenagers willfeel that only cigarettes can help them to solve
these problems.
Everybody should know that smoking is bad for health.People who smoke forlong time
will most probably contract dangerous diseases which are uncurable such as lung cancer, high
blood pressure and even heart problems.
Smokingnot only affect smokers but will also affect the health of the non smokers.
They donot know that the smoke release will also affect the non smokers. Non smokers
might evenface the same diseases face by smokers.
Government should strictly prohibit the sale of tobacco products to teenagers. They
should fine the people who sale tobacco products to teenagers. Not only that, government
should increase the price oftobacco products so that teenagers cannot afford.
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Media should put more advertisement on the harmfulof smoking.Parents should pay
more attention to their children than their works. Non smokers should advise the people
around them never try smoking. Smoking might ruins a life of an individuals.Lastly, we must
always rememberourloves one. Say No to Smoking! Thank you.
Format: 3
Content: 10
Language: E Band
SAMPLE ANSWER
WEAK
Good morning toour principalPn. Hajah Sofiah, teachers and all my dearfriends. Today
I has decided to launch a Say No to Smoking ! Im Ling Chin Chianof English Club for the
public speaking competition.
Anywhere, today I wanna to talk about Say No to Smoking! . Smoking is not good. It is
because very dangerous is bad to we all. Say No to Smoking Campaign to raise awareness
among students of the need to stop the bad habit of smoking. From they all have exam PMR
and SP
M, it is very peer pressure. Thats why they like to smoke. It is very bad. And when theysmokinglooklike trendy or very glamerous.
Now I will talk why it is dangers about smoking. This is because by life threatening
diseases. When we smoke will feel like dont have any problem. This is will very bad forour
body and the lung we always positive become black and dark colour. This is affect the health of
the non-smokers. Wheather we life in anywhere, also dont touch it the smoke. Dont waste
money to buy cigarattes.
Cigarattes is bad to we all. When have any people smoking, we smell is alsonot good to
our body. Not health forus. We dont try smoking and touch cigarette. After 18 years old onlycan smoke, buy and touch cigarette. The prohibit the sales of tobacco products to teenagers,
we all should play to say, dont smoke. We must control toour self, dont go buy cigarettes and
touch it. Maybe this is very hard to change, but we all must go to try it try your best.You can do
it.
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People that breath the air must will some affect their health, because the body health.
When we cigarattes will cause by lung cancer. They always smoke with willget bad student and
smoking with them, willget very dangerous.
The environment prohibit the sale dont smoke cause of cant sale tobacco products
and touch the cigarattes.
Thank you.
Format: 3
Content: 3
Language: U(i) Band
Writing reports
There are various types of formal reports and the format of a report depends on its type,
purpose, and intended audience. For example, a report on an accident will be distinct from a
report on a school activity.
Bear in mind that all reports have one aim to communicate information toothers and it is
vital that youknow yourrole as a writer and what it is that you are required to convey in your
report.
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Take a look at the following question.
Your school recently organised a Leadership Camp for all presidents and secretaries of the
various clubs in your school. You are the Editor of the School Magazine. You, too, attended the
camp and you have been asked to write a report for the school magazine. In your report, include
the following information:
Place: Perimbun Resort, Cheras
Date: 27-29th July
Participants: Presidents and secretaries of various clubs in school
Organised by: Co-curricular Unit
Objectives of the camp:
- to instill leadership qualities
- to improve teamwork
Facilitators: Youth leaders from local university
Activities:
Day 1
Briefing by facilitators
Setting up tents
Group activities
Day 2
Morning exercise
Survival skills
Night hike
Day 3
Feedback session
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The above questionrequires you to write a report on a school activity. Below are two samples
based on the same question.
Sample 1
Integrated Leadership Camp
The Co-curricular UnitofSMK Setia recently organised an Integrated Leadership Camp
at Perimbun Resort, Cheras, from 27-29th July. The objectives of the camp were to instill
leadership qualities and improve teamwork among the 50 participants who attended this
camp. The activities at the camp were handled by severalyouth leaders from a local university.
All participants,presidents and secretaries of the various clubs in school, had gathered
at the school hall at 2pm. From there, they were taken to the campsite in two buses. They were
accompanied by five teachers, including the senior assistant of co-curricular affairs Puan Ng.
Upon arrival at the campsite, they were given a briefing by the facilitators. Then, they were put
into groups and asked to set up tents. By 7pm, most of them had accomplished this task
successfully. After dinner, the participants had to engage in theirfirst group activity. They were
required to come up with names and theme songs for theirgroups.
The second day of the camp was much more hectic. The participants had a rigorous
exercise session which involved aerobics and jogging around the campsite. Then, after
breakfast, they had to display their survival skills. In the afternoon, the participants had
anotherround ofphysical activities. They engaged in canoeing in the nearby lake.
The night programme was the most interesting.Participants had to take part in a night
hike.
There was only one activity on the third day of the camp the feedback session. The
participants rated the programme highly and hoped that it would be held annually.
Leadership camp was a huge success because all participants showed tremendous
support by actively participating in all the activities throughout the durationofthe camp.
Reported by,
Ly LyTAN LYLY
Editor
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Sample 2
Integrated Leadership Camp
The weekend of 27-29th July this year will forever be etched in the minds of the 50
participants who attended the Integrated Leadership Camp organised by the Co-curricular Unit
of SMK Setia. The two-day twonight camp, held at Perimbun Resort, Cheras, some 20 miles
away from the city centre, was a compulsory activity for allpresidents and secretaries of the
various clubs in school. The objectives of the camp were to instil leadership qualities and
improve teamwork among participants. Although the students were accompanied by several
teachers, all activities were conducted by youth leaders from a local university.
Most ofthe students, who are in Form Four this year, were very excited throughout the
45-minute journey to the campsite. Upon arrival, they were immediately whisked off to the
seminarroom where they were given a briefing on the rules and regulations at the campsite
by the facilitators. Then, they were put intogroups offive and asked toerect their own tents.
Luckily for my group, we had the President ofthe Scouts Club with us. Inno time, he had
instructed us on how to put up the tent. Unfortunately, some of the other groups were
struggling with their tents and seeing their dismal efforts some ofus decided to help them.
Apparently, this was the first test ofour teamwork skills and fortunately, many ofus passed
with flying colours. After dinner, we had a group dynamics activity, where we had to come up
with names, logos and jingles for our groups. Well, with names like the Flying Potters andForever Dumbledores, and jingles ranging from pop rock to jazz, the students of SMK Setia
proved that they are indeed a creative lot.
The second day of the camp started off with an early morning exercise session at
5.30am. The two energetic facilitators, Tim and Ashraf, took us through a rigorous exercise
routine. Many ofus who barely exercise knew what to expect over the next few days muscle
cramps. After the one-hour aerobic session, we jogged through Perimbun town, which was a
pale shadow of its daytime hustle and bustle. The early morning exercise was invigorating and
refreshing. We had enough time for a quick shower and breakfast, before we took part in more
group activities.
These activities were physically and mentally challenging. One ofthe activities was basic
survival skills. We had to start ourownfires with only two matchsticks and cook lunch for the
group members. Using waterfrom the slightly muddy stream nearby, we had to cooknot only
rice but alsofish and vegetables. As no soap was made available tous, we learnt to wash the
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cookingutensils using ash.Later in the afternoon, we had activities like flyingfox and abseiling.
Through these activities, we learnt to trust each other and togive moral support when it is
most needed.
The highlight ofthe camp was a night hike in the surrounding jungle. The facilitators led
us deep into the jungle and made us sit all by ourselves. The halfhour spent alone was aimed at
makingus brave and resilient. Though many ofus were initially hesitant and sceptical about this
activity, it was indeed an insightful experience.
On the final morning, we had a hearty breakfast, which was followed by a feedback
session. During this session, we were given the opportunity to voice ourfeelings and opinions
regarding the camp. Many of the participants gave constructive feedbackon what the camp
had taught them. We learnt about the importance of teamwork, consideration, tolerance and
understanding. Most importantly, we learnt that good leadership is responsible leadership.
Reported by,
Ly LyTAN LYLY
Editor
Comments on both samples
Both the above reports communicate what they are supposed to but one is more interesting
than the other.
Sample 1 is direct and to the point. Ideas have not been elaborated and the report is very
serious and impersonal.
Sample 2, on the other hand, is much more interesting because the writer has injected
emotions and feelings into the report besides givingus a clearer picture ofwhat happened at
the camp.
Some ofyou may ask: Isnt a report supposed to have a serious and formal tone? Well, it
depends on who your audience is. In this case, the report is to appear in the school magazine
and so the readers are the students. As such, it is all right to write a report like Sample 2.
However, do be forewarned. Some students get carried away and end up making theirreport a
narrative essay.
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General guidelines to remember when writing a report
When writing a report, pay attention to the following aspects:
Type ofreport different reports have different requirements and different formats.
Language used some reports are written in the past tense, some (such as science reports)
are written in the present tense and some require the use ofthe passive voice.
Also bear in mind that a report should:
Communicate its intention clearly (i.e. the purpose ofthe report).
Be clearly structured it should have an introduction, body and conclusion. The transition
from introduction to body to conclusion should be smooth.
Have a title and the name ofthe writer/reporter and his/her designation.
ARTICLE
You are the editor of the Newsletter of your EnglishLanguage Society in your school. The
newsletter was started at the beginningofthe year.
Write an article for the newsletter based on the informationgiven below. The article should
inform members of the importance of the newsletter and persuade them to contribute to the
newsletter.
Use the guidelines below to help you:
y Provide a title for the article
y Mention who may contribute to the newsletter
y How these articles can help to promote the newsletter
y How members / students can develop the knowledge and
proficiency in English
y The kind ofprojects / activities undertaken
y Opinionofthe principal and teachers regarding the newsletter
y Appealing awards end ofthe year
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When writing the article, you should remember to:
y Address the audience
y Introduce the issue at hand
y Use all the notes
y Provide a motivating ending
CONTRIBUTE TO OUR NEWSLETTER
The newsletter, started by our English language society in the beginning of year
progressing. But it could be better. That is why I am appealing toour member to make your
valuable contributions to the newsletter.
All members are encourage to contribute. The contribution can be form ofarticle,news
reports , cartoon strips or words ofwisdom , etc.
Your contribution will add more colour and zest to the contents ofournewsletter. As
youknow variety is the spice of life. So, please put on your thinking cap and send us your
creative masterpiece to enhance the quality ofournewsletter.
Furthermore , your creative contribution would also help promote knowledge and
proficiency among society members and readers ofournew newsletter.
The English society member had formed a committee to hold a workshop that may help
to inform our members about the genre used innewsletter. The workshop will hold activities in
writing articles and otherforms ofwriting as well.Professionalfacilitators would be invited to
run such workshop. So, a lot of activities are in store for members of the English language
society.
The principal and teachers are giving their blessing and support to our efforts. It is
hoped that in time, members of our society will make valuable contribution to our school.
Furthermore, best articles and contribution will win awards at the end ofthe year.
So, we need your assistance and support to make theirnewsletter business a success.
You would not know yourreal talent,until you try! So, dont hold back. Get going!!
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WRITINGA FORMALLETTER
When writing a formal letter, you must pay attention to the format/layout
of the letter.B
esides, 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.
Guidelines for Writing a Formal Letter
1. Your address
Your address should appear on the left-hand corner.
2. A horizontal line across the page separates your address from the
recipients address.
3. Address of the person to whom you are writing
The recipients 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
recipients address.
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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 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.
9.Signature
Do not forget to sign the letter and write your name below it in capital letters with
in brackets.
Above is a letter of job application. The numbers refer to the notes above.
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Read the sample question below
You are the Secretary ofthe Residents Association in your housing estate. Write a letter to the
directorofthe local municipal council to complain about the problems you and the other
residents are facing.
In yourletter, include the details below:
rubbish not collected
causes terrible stench
stray cats and dogs scatterrubbish
clogged drains
breedingground for mosquitoes
increase in cases ofdengue fever
street lights not working
cause accidents at night
increase in crime
playground not well- maintained
overgrowngrass
playground equipment damaged
When writing yourletter, you should remember to:
set it out in the correct format
include all the points given
address the letter to the directorofthe local municipal council
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Rajvind Gill,
10, Jalan Jujur,
Taman Jayadiri,
68000 Ampang,
Selangor
______________________________________________________________________________
The Director,
Ampang Jaya Municipal Council,
Bangunan Mentari,
Ampang Jaya,
68000 SELANGOR. 15 SEPTEMBER 2009
Dear Sir,
Poor Maintenance of Taman Jayadiri
I am writing this letteron behalfofthe residents ofTaman Jayadiri to complain about the
dismal conditions we have been puttingup with for the past three months.
2. One ofthe maingrouses ofthe residents concerns uncollected rubbish (point 1). Initially,
rubbish was collected three times a week. However, since June this year the garbage collectors
have only been comingonce a week. Ourlitter bins are always filled to the brim and we have
no choice but toleave our bags ofrubbish next to the bins. The rotting waste causes a terriblestench (point 2). Worse still, stray cats and dogs scatter the rubbish (point 3) while lookingfor
food. This is not only unpleasant but alsounhealthy.
3. Most ofthe drains in Taman Jayadiri are clogged (point 4) with rubbish resulting in the water
becoming stagnant. It is not uncommon to see plastic bags, bottles and dry leaves in these
drains. There is anurgent need to clear these drains as the stagnant water is an ideal breeding
ground for mosquitoes (point 5). The residents are worried as there has been a sharp increase
in dengue cases (point 6) in the last two months.
4. The street lights along severalroads are alsonot working(point 7). This has caused severalaccidents at night (point 8), mostly involving motorcyclists as they are unable to see in the dark.
Unfortunately, the dark streets have alsoled to another problem an increase in crime (point
9). Severalresidents, especially women, have fallen victim to snatch thieves.
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5. The one and only playground inour area is alsonot well-maintained (point 10). The grass is
overgrown(point 11) as it has not been cut for almost three months. Besides, the playground
equipment is damaged (point 12). Many ofthe see-saws and swings have been spoiled by
vandals.
I hope the council willlook intoour complaints and take prompt action to solve our problems.
Thank you.
Yours faithfully,
..
(RAJVIND GILL)